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
Search continues for missing Libby man
According to the county Sheriff's Office, Johnnie Lee Hantz was last seen leaving Libby on Tuesday, Nov. 28.
County gets debriefing report from election administrator
District 1 Commissioner Brent Teske said the commissioners wanted to hold the session after he said he received quite a few questions from voters about ballot problems and other issues.
Eureka probationer faces new felony charge
According to the affidavit of probable cause, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Cody DeWitt was dispatched to the intersection of Purdy Drive and Sinclair Creek Road, east of Eureka, for a crashed and abandoned vehicle in a private field.
Idaho man charged with burglary, assault after Yaak incident
Tom Dana Upshaw, 50, of Rathdrum, Idaho is charged with felony burglary...
Several Christmas-themed events on tab in south Lincoln Co.
For the next few weeks, there are plenty of events ready to get even Scrooge into the holiday spirit.
Winter weather advisory issued for Kootenai Cabinet region
Mountain passes west of Lincoln County could see significant snowfall through Sunday morning. Forecasters say there is a 90% chance for more than 30 inches at Stevens Pass and a 60% chance of more than 18 inches at Lookout Pass. Hazardous travel is expected on mountain passes from Friday through Sunday.
Troy woman pleads not guilty to animal cruelty
The owner’s concern was that Reid had allegedly abandoned a dog at the property.
Troy man guilty of DUI homicide returned to jail before release
Winebark was arrested at about 6:10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22 at the Troy Bowling Alley after District Judge Matt Cuffe signed a bench warrant on Nov. 20 for his arrest following a motion by county Attorney Marcia Boris.
Lincoln Co. Election Office moves operations to courthouse
The only public notification that has been made is a note taped to the door of the elections office that says, “We are currently working in the Clerk and Recorders Office in the Courthouse. If immediate assistance is needed, please call us at 406-283-2302 or 406-283-2304.”
Man admits to stealing from Libby resident
Henry Mareman Yeadon entered his plea during a hearing on Nov. 6
County jail drug smuggler gets prison time
Gibson was part of a group of county inmates accused of being involved in a drug smuggling case.
City OKs new school safety zone; lists parking restrictions for snow plowing
City Streets Supervisor Justin Williams and Chief of Police Cody Ercanbrack did a site visit and came up with a plan for the area.
Trial date pushed back in homicide case involving Eureka man
That was the general thought following a hearing on Nov. 13 in Lincoln County District Court for twenty-five-year-old Joshua Joseph Sauls.
Libby community leaders host symposium on homeless issues
Orellano said homeless people in the area were typically transients. But things have changed.
Eureka man accused of several probation violations
He is also accused of using methamphetamine.
County office move to Asa Wood could cost $15 million
Arnold provided figures and an estimate of the costs if the county selected the Asa Wood property.
Libby man admits guilt to striking person with truck
According to a probable cause statement by Libby Police Sgt. Ron Buckner, officers responded to the parking lot late in the morning of June 10 after a 911 call reported a man in a blue Toyota pickup struck another man.
Yaak man pleads guilty to assaulting wife following pet’s death
The second woman said Manheim took the dog to a shipping container and placed it on a love seat.
Wintry conditions hamper travel in Libby area
There were multiple accidents on U.S. 2.
End of an era for Loggers football as Coach Fuller retires
Fuller has coached scholastic sports since 1985, but the bulk of his time has been in Libby with the Loggers.
Election concerns still exist, but county OK with process
For county Election Administrator Melanie Howell and her assistant, Sierra Gustin, it was their first time running an election.
Libby woman in standoff pleads guilty to witness tampering
Her sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 8.
Water, sewer rates going up in Troy
The increases were approved by city council members at a special meeting on Monday, Nov. 6.
Rexford man sentenced in assault of step father
The defendant thanked Cuffe and smiled broadly as he left the courtroom.
Montana man pleads not guilty to slew of charges
The drug possession charge is a felony while the others are misdemeanors.
Vietnam veteran Bill Lafrance leads program in Troy
Last Friday, the highly decorated soldier who still has a bullet lodged in his back from the war shared some of those stories with students at the Troy Junior Senior High School during its annual Veterans Day ceremony.
Fisher River Valley Fire seeks county’s help with truck loan
At the time of the purchase the adjustable interest rate was 1.65% In February 2022, the rate was decreased to 1.55%
Libby voters say yes to former police officer Ian Smith
Incumbents Brian Zimmerman and Hugh Taylor were also re-elected. Zimmerman had the highest vote total with 568 while Taylor collected 515.
Several area Veterans Day events planned in Libby, Troy
There will be an informal ceremony recognizing U.S. military veterans past and present at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Lincoln County Veterans Memorial in Riverfront Park in Libby.
Two-vehicle accident on U.S. 2
MHP's incident log indicated the accident that occurred shortly before 5 p.m. involved an injury.
Search for missing Troy woman has tragic ending
At about 11:10 a.m., Two Bear notified the Sheriff’s Office that a vehicle had been located submerged in Savage Lake, about 82 feet offshore from the boat ramp.
Marion man accused of using stolen credit card
Deuel was arraigned on the charges Monday in District Court where he pleaded not guilty.
FWP hosting meetings on possible hunting reg changes
There are a number of proposed season and quota changes involving elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer in Region 1.
City considers plan to improve its image; leaf collection continues
Council voted at the Oct. 16 meeting to work with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry on a program to develop posters and banners for placement in the city.
Libby Elementary School celebrates Red Ribbon Week
Children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t.
Montana man pleads guilty to possessing meth
He has been locked up in the Lincoln County Detention Center since June 1.
Another miscue in Lincoln County’s election process
On the county’s Elections home page, a note titled, “Attention Town of Eureka Voters” was posted alerting those receiving absentee ballots that it was incorrect.
Troy man pleads guilty to DUI homicide in death of friend
Winebark, who appeared with his attorney Sean Hinchey, pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide while under the influence.
Tuesday is Election Day for county voters
At the county level, registered voters will decide if the county will be able to collect a 3% tax on sales of recreational and medicinal marijuana.
Defendant in Libby standoff pleads guilty
Butala, originally from California, according to a court filing, is scheduled to appear for sentencing on Dec. 18.
Man convicted of drug crime in Lincoln Co. faces time in state facility
Alexandr Shestak, 54, was originally charged with two felony counts of possession of dangerous drugs and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop in the Eureka area in the summer of 2022.
Troy man gets suspended sentence in stabbing case
The case began late on the night of June 5 when Troy Police Officer Travis Miller learned a man had been stabbed on a residence on Missoula Avenue.
Libby man pleads guilty to stealing nearly $29,000
But on Oct. 23, Quimby appeared in court to plead to felony theft and check forgery.
Libby man sentenced in gun disturbance case
But a victim in the case made a written statement that was part of the case file.
County efforts continue in wake of Troy Dispatch dissolution
At Wednesday's county commissioners meeting, they learned they're stuck with a $58,000 tab that resulted, in part, from TAD paying overtime in a futile attempt to keep its dispatch open this year.
Libby cross country caps record-setting season at state championship
Freshman Cody Watson’s season-best time was 17:12 at the Western A Fall Classic on Oct. 14. Junior Rowen Sherbo’s top time in 2023 was 17:14 at the Whitefish Invitational on Sept. 26.
Libby ex-con gets prison time for drug offense
Hoffman was involved in a police chase on the afternoon of Saturday, July 8, on Farm to Market Road.
Fortine man pleads guilty to setting dad's home on fire
Huggins, who was freed after posting $100,000 bail, will have to pay restitution.
Local law enforcement determines school threat wasn't credible
After speaking with the suspect about the information received from the Bonner County deputy, it was determined there was no threat to the schools or the public.
Ballot box for Troy area voters will remain in former dispatch center
But with word that a video camera would be installed in the former dispatch center, it was decided to maintain the drop box at its current location.