SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER
Scott Shindledecker is the editor of The Western News. He covers public safety, city, county, sports and outdoors news. He is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a degree in journalism. He has been the sports and outdoors editor for the Courier-Express newspaper in DuBois, Pa., and worked for Hagadone Montana newspapers in Northwest Montana. He can be reached at 406-293-4124 or sshindledecker@thewesternnews.com.
Recent Stories
Lincoln Co. resident dies in structure fire
Fire crews from Lincoln County Rural Fire District 1 responded to a small home off MK Road a little before 4:30 p.m.
Libby softball endures three-game losing streak
Libby owns wins against Eureka, Ronan (19-18) and Browning (27-0) on April 13.
Lincoln Co. participating in annual drug take back day
Locally, prescription drugs may be dropped off at the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office on California Avenue in Libby or at the Law Enforcement Center in Eureka.
Tester's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act brings $4 million to Lincoln Co.
Funding for the Secure Rural Schools program comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and will be delivered...
Beagle, Andersen win titles at Libby Tennis Invitational
More than 100 players from Troy, Ronan, Whitefish, Cut Bank, Bigfork, Loyola, Stevensville, Columbia Falls joined the Loggers at the Community Courts April 19-20.
Eureka man accused of burglary, theft spree pleads not guilty
According to charging documents filed in the case, Lee is facing three felony counts of burglary, three felony counts of theft of a light vehicle...
Man found guilty of trying to kill state trooper
Miller is facing the potential of serving the rest...
Jurors hear trial testimony of state trooper run over by Eureka man
Tpr. Lewis Johnson suffered life-threatening injuries in the incident near Rexford and is still recovering after returning home to Chester, Montana in October 2023.
Construction company owner charged with defrauding Libby firm enters plea
Lincoln County authorities allege Tobiness failed to pay a local contractor more than $200,000 in invoices for work it had done through the end of October 2023.
Deferred sentence for Yaak man accused of kidnapping, assault with weapon
Cuffe said probation officers indicated O'Day was a low risk of offending.
City officials back down on water, sewer rate increase
City Administrator Sam Sikes, Mayor Peggy Williams and city councilors have caught a lot of flak for the rate increase plan it put forth at a March 4 council meeting.
Time running out for Montana legislators to override pot tax veto
Only a few days remain before legislators must submit their mail poll by 5 p.m. Thursday, April 18.
Andersen paces Libby Loggers at track and field invitational
Andersen won the javelin with a throw of...
No support for sewer, water rate increase in Libby
Business owners, landlords and renters shared their concerns passionately with city councilors, Mayor Peggy Williams and City Administrator Sam Sikes.
County commissioners OK cost of living pay increases
The county received a total of $12 million in federal money from the Local Consistency and Tribal Fund in fiscal years 2022 and 2023. Some of the money from it was used to help balance this year’s budget. Hammons said the hope for the rest of the money is to invest it.
Libby man pleads guilty to meth possession; woman faces trial
Sheasby initially pleaded not guilty, but on March 18, he pleaded guilty to possession of meth. The other charges were dropped as part of a plea deal between Sheasby's attorney S. Charles Sprinkle and county Attorney Marcia Boris.
Eureka man gets suspended sentence on drug charge
Shane Michael Coursey, 56, was first accused of possessing fentanyl, methamphetamine and Xanax after...
Eureka man accused of burglary, theft spree in north Lincoln Co.
According to charging documents filed in the case, Lee is facing three felony counts of burglary and three felony counts of theft.
Man jailed after pointing AR-15 at Troy residents
According to charging documents, Frederick blamed his wife for being unfaithful to him as the reason for his actions.
Libby man accused of fraud pleads not guilty
Benjamin R. Swanson, 38, is accused of three felonies, including two counts of exploitation of an incapacitated person or vulnerable adult, and theft by embezzlement.
City officials feel justified in seeking water, sewer rate increase
City officials will hold a public hearing in council chambers at the city building at 7 p.m. Monday, April 8. The hearing will give Libby utility customers to hear the city’s recommended changes.
Local, federal crews prevent pile fire from destroying local homes
The fire spread behind and around one side of the man’s house, which had an attached garage. The fire climbed a pine tree next to the garage and lit some pine needles on the metal roof.
Highway projects planned in south Lincoln Co.
According to information from the agency, it and construction partner Thompson Contracting will be clearing rock from the recent rockslide on a portion of Highway 37 in the Libby Dam area.
Troy man pleads guilty to drug possession
Jesse David Rebo, 42, was charged with felony...
Fraud schemes target older Montanans
The victims of fraud fall into no particular category, age or educational background, but those over the age of 60 are most vulnerable.
Libby Loggers softball enjoys home-opening win over Eureka
In the circle, Paislee MacDonald struck out nine Lady Lions, walked just one and allowed only two runs on three hits.
Libby man facing federal charges for alleged drug dealing
Scott Gilbert Apgar, 41, was arraigned on...
Troy woman sentenced on animal cruelty charge
She was ordered to pay a total of $1,085 in fines and fees and she is prohibited from owning or possessing any animals.
Young and old performers bring musical "Annie" to Libby
Director Brooke Williams shared her thoughts in the musical’s program about how the production came together...
Dog set afire in Troy now battling cancer
The Pet Connection Rescue Sanctuary in Libby launched a fundraiser on March 17 to help pay for his treatments.
Butte construction company owner charged with defrauding Libby firm
Lincoln County authorities allege Tobiness failed to pay a local contractor more than $200,000 in invoices for work it had done through the end of October 2023.
Registration open for RMEF World Elk Calling Championships in Big Sky
The competition, presented by Sportsman’s Warehouse, takes place on Saturday, June 15 in Big Sky, Montana, with more than $45,000 in cash and prizes going to top finishers.
Deferred sentence for Yaak man who assaulted woman
Cuffe said statements by Manheim’s family members indicated concerns and worry that the defendant didn’t understand the gravity of the situation.
Libby man pleads guilty to assaulting girlfriend
She said Eroh grabbed her hair and pushed her face into a pillow on the bed she was sitting on. She said he held her down for a couple seconds, blocking the airflow into her nose and mouth.
Trial will go forward for man accused of running over Montana trooper
Tpr. Lewis Johnson suffered life-threatening injuries in the incident near Rexford and is still recovering after returning home to Chester, Montana in October 2023.
Application deadline for deer and elk permits is April 1
Some changes to regulations in effect; new license year began March 1.
Spring sports begin for south Lincoln Co. squads
The Libby boys and girls tennis squads are scheduled to be in Polson at 9 a.m. Friday to take on the Pirates. Matches with Hamilton will follow at about 11 a.m.
New deadline to enroll kids in Libby Public pre-school
Due to changes at the state level, open enrollment begins April 1 and must be completed by June 30.
Winter weather expected to return to region
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory across northwest Montana with snow and cold temperatures expected to possibly affect road conditions.
Libby man accused of cheating elderly Troy woman out of thousands
According to court documents, Swanson made hundreds of transactions totaling $87,620.89 in a span of 2 1/2-years between Nov. 1, 2019 and May 17, 2022.
State officials sound alarm on tax season, investor scams
The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance is hosting 16 investor protection events in western Montana this month, including one in Libby at the Senior Center from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday, March 28.
Libby officials propose water, sewage rate increases
City officials will hold a public hearing in council chambers at the city building at 7 p.m. Monday, April 8. The hearing will give Libby utility customers to hear the city’s recommended changes.
Family of Troy residents killed in DUI homicide oppose plea deal
Local attorney Amy Guth said the family of the men will oppose the terms of the deal between Polan Wright and Lincoln County Attorney Marcia Boris. It calls for a six-year suspended sentence.
Dist. 3 commissioner, clerk and recorder seats up for grabs
There are four candidates seeking the District 3 county Commissioner seat. Two Republicans, one Democrat and one Independent filed to run for the six-year term.
Love selected as Libby Schools Employee of Year
Love, who announced his retirement from the school at the March 4 board meeting, came to Libby Schools in 2012, according to Superintendent Ron Goodman.
Lincoln Co. voters will decide fate of county library system
The county library system was formed nearly 104 years ago and supported by county property owners.
City rejects developers' money requests; debate continues over spending
Councilor Hugh Taylor made the initial motion to deny the requests and Ian Smith seconded it. Councilors Melissa Berke and Gary Beach joined Taylor and Smith in voting against giving the developers the money.
Libby man accused in police chase sentenced
Izack Thomas Howe, 18, was charged with two felony counts of criminal endangerment...
Libby woman sentenced on drug charge; enters treatment court
Salli Suzanne Bosma, 39, received a 10-year suspended sentence from Judge Matt Cuffe after pleading guilty...
Libby man accused of strangling woman
Silas C. Behee, 36, is charged with felony strangulation of a partner or family member.