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
Libby man dies of injuries from suspected suicide attempt in county jail
The investigation being conducted by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigations continues.
More theft charges filed against Libby man
Lincoln County Deputy Attorney Jeffrey Zwang is prosecuting the cases that allege Quimby took nearly $29,0000 from five county residents to either build or mend fences, but never did the work.
CARD Clinic files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
The Chapter 11 filing will allow the Center for Asbestos Related Disease to continue to operate and serve its patients, according to board Chair LeRoy Thom.
Fire crews jump on Libby area wild fires
Forest officials said all fires remained under one-half of an acre with the majority now contained and crews continuing with line construction and mopping up.
Crews get containment on Gravel Pit Fire
A public meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Fisher River Valley Fire Hall at Happy’s Inn.
Libby's Voss leads his last Raven Run
The Raven Run was born out of Voss’ desire to see the many classic vehicle that have homes in the area.
Lincoln Co. voters will decide on marijuana tax
At the July 26 commissioner’s meeting, the vote on a resolution for a 3% tax on retail sales of both categories of marijuana was unanimous. Registered voters will decide the matter in a special election on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Libby's Beagle wins two titles at Western Montana Open
Beagle recently won the singles and doubles championships in the 18-and-under classes at the Western Montana Open Junior in Missoula on the weekend of July 21-23.
Lincoln County Connections unveils resource van
Dorey Rowland, the local Collaboration Coordinator for Zero to Five Lincoln County, said one of the group’s goals is to reach every child in Lincoln County.
Transient man accused of setting Gravel Pit Fire
According to the probable cause statement by county Sheriff’s Office Deputy Anthony Jenson...
Fisher River Valley wildfire threatens residences
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office had given pre-evacuation notices to people who live in the area.
Lincoln County Attorney's office seeks competitive pay
County attorney Marcia Boris lobbied the county commissioners at the July 12 meeting to increase the pay for a new deputy attorney to make it better to attract and keep people in the position.
Months after arrest, Eureka man finally arraigned on drug charges
Shane Michael Coursey, 56, is accused of possessing fentanyl, methamphetamine and Xanax after his arrest on Jan. 24.
Fisher River Valley wildfire threatens residences
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office had given pre-evacuation notices to people who live in the area.
Libby man accused in Russian roulette death pleads not guilty
According to court documents, 30-year-old Shane Ellison died in the tragic shooting.
Firefighters tackle Rainy Creek blazes; fire danger at extreme
While the area falls within the Libby Asbestos Superfund Site, Kootenai National Forest Fire Manager Officer Dan Rose said only one of the three fires was in Operable Unit 3, which contains the former W.R. Grace vermiculite mine.
Libby ex-con pleads not guilty to drug, fleeing charges
Joshua David Hoffman, 47, faces five counts, including one felony, after he allegedly was involved in a police chase.
Libby man accused of child sex assault
Laurence Alton Haflich, 69, is charged with two felonies in relation to an alleged incident...
Grizzly kills woman near West Yellowstone; another bear euthanized in GNP
The fatal mauling occurred on July 22 on the Buttermilk Creek trail about eight miles west of West Yellowstone in Gallatin County.
Fire managers approve Stage 1 fire restrictions in northwest Montana
People can also be held liable for all suppression costs and damages for starting a fire.
Lady Loggers volleyball hopes summer work pays off
Last week, the team welcomed North Idaho College coaches Brittany Tilleman and Missy Fleshman and players Rachel Stacey and Jessie Stires for a two-day camp.
Officials seek info on Haul Road fires
People with any information on these fires are asked to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 406-293-4112.
Two men dead after shooting at Rexford Bench
Authorities said a verbal dispute between two men turned deadly when a Kalispell man shot another man from Oregon.
Troy man charged with DUI homicide in death of former Libby resident
Terren Craig Winebark, 21, is charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence, or in the alternative, negligent homicide.
Troy Dispatch no longer taking calls for service
Emergency and non-emergency dispatch services for the Troy Area District were transferred to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch on Monday, July 17.
CARD Clinic ordered to pay $6 million in fraud case
BNSF Railway, upon behalf of the United States government, brought the suit in 2019 under the False Claims Act. The act allows private parties to sue on behalf of the federal government.
Parade kicks off Lincoln County Junior Fair
Students got to show off their abilities in raising stock animals, art, including paintings, photography and handmade creations in the 69th annual event.
Libby man gets suspended sentence in drug case
Simmons, through his public defender Ben Kolter, agreed to plead guilty on May 22 to possession of dangerous drugs in exchange for the dismissal of misdemeanor charges related to driving offenses and resisting arrest.
County OKs elimination of five green box trash sites
While some residents aren’t happy about the new plan, other proposals would have cut green box sites to either six or three locations. Hooper warned of the possibility at a May 10 commission meeting.
Bear attacks tree planter in B.C.; griz euthanized near Hungry Horse
A bear believed to be a grizzly attacked and seriously injured a 21-year-old woman who was planting trees in an area southwest of Bearhole Lake Provincial Park/Protected Area near Tumbler Ridge
Kootenai Outdoor Adventure Club making memorable connections
Libby Middle School teacher Bill Moe runs the program that educators have offered for nearly 20 years.
Libby man sentenced and ordered to treatment court
Priebe was ordered to attend and complete the county’s treatment program. He was given credit for serving 159 days in the county jail.
Missing man found dead in Koocanusa Reservoir
According to a press release from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, 47-year-old Johnathan Orr, had jumped...
Jennings Haul Road fires were human-caused
Jeresek said northwest Montana is not under current fire restrictions, but he added, "It's dry out there and on more south facing aspects, the grass is curing quickly. It's only a matter of time before we have a large fire."
Police say Troy woman struck man with whiskey bottle
A conviction for assault with a weapon may result in a 20-year sentence.
Man faces federal gun charge after local investigation
Matthew Cory Glen Robocker, 27, appeared in Missoula on June 29 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto
Libby woman accused of assaulting partner with metal bucket
The person who called 911 said a man had been hit in the face with a beer bottle.
State revenue department hears property tax concerns
Libby was one of many communities across Montana that has or will host local meetings where state officials attempted to allay those fears.
Libby man accused of burglary, witness tampering
Daniel James Marozzo, 39, is facing three felony charges.
Libby ex-con faces more criminal charges
Joshua David Hoffman, 47, faces five counts, including one felony, after he allegedly was involved in a police chase.
Libby man jailed after Russian roulette turns deadly
Keigan I. Ball, 22, is in the Lincoln County Detention Center facing charges of negligent homicide and criminal endangerment after a May 27 incident south of Libby.
Missing mushroom hunter found alive in Canada
According to a press release from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Clifford Persons was picking mushrooms with a friend in an area about 11 1/2 miles east of Eureka.
Libby resident arrested after allegedly striking man with truck
Vanhoose was released from the Lincoln County Detention Center after posting $100,000 bail.
Health officials issue measles alert in wake of increasing cases
While no measles cases have been found in Montana since 1990, officials in Seattle and King County investigated a confirmed case involving a child in May.
Chamber's rubber duck race returns to Libby
Chamber Board President Bruce Vincent was decked out in various forms of personal flotation devices when he dove into the shallow pool.
Michigan murder suspect captured in Plains
According to the Sanders County Sheriff's Office, Chadwick Shane Mobley was arrested Monday evening after citizens saw him and called authorities. He was found on River Road West.
Michigan murder suspect escapes in Plains
According to information from the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office, Mobley escaped custody at the Town Pump in Plains at about 9:58 a.m.
Fortine man accused of arson
Justin D. Huggins, 35, pleaded not guilty to one felony count of arson and one count of criminal endangerment.
Libby man pleads guilty to assaulting woman, officer
Samuel Ryan Sutherland, 39, was charged with felony assault of a peace officer and misdemeanor partner or family member assault.
Fire officials increase danger level as conditions worsen
Despite very green vegetation, fire officials are reminding people that rapidly changing conditions have led them to increase the fire danger level to very high and Preparedness Level 3 on Thursday.