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
Troy man faces prison time after alleged probation violations
In the 2020 case, authorities said they uncovered more than one-half pound of methamphetamine during a search of a Wapiti Lane property in Troy.
Libby standoff ends with man in custody
When deputies arrived, they learned that several individuals had been threatened by a man, identified as 36-year-old Chase Butala, with a weapon and a female had been assaulted.
Libby woman dies in traffic crash on Bull Lake Road
The driver and the passenger, the 32-year-old woman, were ejected from the Wrangler. She was taken by air transport to Logan Health in Kalispell where she died of her injuries.
Canada wildfire smoke generating unhealthy local conditions
National Weather Service predictions for Troy and Libby say haze and hot weather through Sunday afternoon. Areas of smoke will persist on Thursday and Friday with high temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s from Friday through Sunday.
Libby 7th grade female runners set several new records
Capri Farmer set three new individual records this season.
Libby man gets suspended sentence for DUI conviction
Lincoln County Attorney Marcia Boris and Ague’s defense attorney, Sean Hinchey, made a deal that called for a 5-year suspended sentence and that’s what Lincoln County District Judge Matt Cuffe delivered.
Former Libby man accused of drug trafficking
The traffic stop allegedly turned up nearly one pound of methamphetamine in a vehicle Rosenlund was driving on Nov. 14, 2022.
Libby man pleads not guilty in gun incident
A woman was making accusations against a man, saying he had inappropriately touched her granddaughter.
Libby tennis battles Ronan, Polson
Libby will host the divisional tournament Thursday and Friday with qualifiers headed to the state tournament May 25-26 in Missoula.
Libby contractor accused of stealing thousands from local couple
Steven Austin Quimby, 25, appeared in Lincoln County District Court on May 1 and pleaded not guilty to three charges, including two felonies for theft and check forgery.
Libby woman gets prison time for child endangerment
Tonya Lynn Deloach, 47, was first charged with two felonies, including possession of dangerous drugs and child endangerment.
Ryggs Johnston is PAC-12 Scholar Athlete of Year
Johnston is also still in the running for a berth at the U.S. Open next month at the Los Angeles Country Club.
Libby track and field squad has multiple top 10s at Roe Invite
Rylee Boltz had the best performances for Libby. She ran the 200-meter dash in 28.21 seconds to place fourth. In the high jump, her 5-foot leap placed her second.
Woman's body found in Flower Creek
Circumstances of the death are not being released currently pending further investigation.
Two northwest Montana residents enter guilty pleas in drug case
Amber Patterson Martin, 38, of Libby, and Christopher Wayne Martin, 34, of Marion, were each charged with two felony counts of possession of dangerous drugs with the intent to distribute. They are also charged with use or possession of property subject to criminal forfeiture.
State says no speed limit change needed in Happy's Inn area
Concerns from residents prompted county officials to ask the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) to conduct speed studies on Montana 37 and U.S. 2 in the Happy’s Inn area.
Troy Police, school officials investigate threat by student
Troy Schools Superintendent Jake Francom said officials do not believe the threat to be credible but did say a junior high student was trespassed from school property.
Troy School Trustees approve Schertel as next superintendent
At Monday night’s meeting, the trustees were unanimous in their vote to make her the next Superintendent of Schools.
Libby students treated to Native American culture presentation
Bill Moe, a social studies teacher at the elementary school said he was networking with other teacher at a conference when he found out Hockaday’s show.
Libby celebrates 30 years as Tree City USA
Libby Mayor Peggy Williams led the ceremony and shared some of the history of Libby becoming a Tree City USA member.
Troy Lady Trojans lose close contest against Eureka
The Lady Trojans are scheduled to host a doubleheader Tuesday against Loyola. The first game begins at 3 p.m.
Officials issue flood watch alert for Yaak River
The National Weather Service is predicting the Yaak River will crest at about 8.28 feet around 11 a.m. Sunday.
Logger boys win county invitational
Libby sophomore Kasen Day won the 100 and 200 dashes and teammate Tristan Andersen won the long jump and high jump.
Yaak resident pleads guilty to assaulting wife
According to his public defender, Ben Kolter, and Deputy County Attorney Jeffrey Zwang, the negotiated plea deal calls for a 3-year suspended sentence.
Francom stepping down as Troy Schools Superintendent
Troy Public Schools may not have to look far for its next superintendent because Christina Schertel was on the agenda for consideration for the position at the Monday, May 1 school board meeting.
Troy Rural Volunteer Fire Department battles brush fire
Temperatures had warmed from the 30s in the morning to about 80 degrees Saturday afternoon, helping create very dry conditions in many areas across the region.
Beagle claims singles championship at Libby Invitational
Ashley Freese and Maggie Fantozzi won the consolation bracket of 1s and 2s doubles.
Troy man gets prison time for strangling girlfriend
Monday he was sentenced to five years with three suspended. Watters also received credit for serving 86 days in the county jail.
Libby man sentenced for dealing methamphetaine
On March 13, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of dangerous drugs. Other charges were dropped as part of the deal.
Eureka teens charged for shooting at bicyclist
Caleb S. Utter, 18, and Tyson Brouillette are each charged with one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.
Libby Lady Loggers celebrate Senior Night with win
Before the game, Kinzee Boehmler, Mackenzie Foss and Destinee Crawford were honored.
Kalispell man admits threatening to murder U.S. Sen. Jon Tester
Kevin Patrick Smith, 46, pleaded guilty to threats to murder a United States Senator. Smith faces a maximum of 10 years in prison.
Wilson's hit lifts Lady Loggers to walkoff win over Ronan
Wilson's hit scored Mackenzie Foss for the game winner in a back-and-forth affair.
Eureka man gets jail time for police chase conviction
Lemmon received a one-year suspended sentence, but must serve 30 days in the county jail.
Troy man accused of attacking police chief faces more charges
Peterson faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in the Montana State Prison if convicted of the burglary charge.
Northwest Montana man sentenced for meth possession
At his Feb. 13 hearing, Shestak said he thought the pills he had in possession were oxycodone, but they were in fact, fentanyl. He was sentenced to three years, deferred.
Vigil planned April 26 for Lincoln Co. victims of crime
Attendees are asked to bring a flashlight to shine during the event. There will be a limited number of tealights available for use.
Eureka man sentenced on criminal endangerment conviction
Fitzgerald initially appeared in court on Sept. 12 and pleaded not guilty to criminal endangerment and DUI, fourth offense, both felonies.
Libby man sentenced for meth possession
Abrahamson was arrested after he was allegedly found with meth and a loaded syringe during a traffic stop in March.
Libby boys track wins own invitational
The Logger boys piled up 170 points to easily outdistance runner-up Thompson Falls’ 107.5.
Man accused of pointing rifle at woman
When the officer spoke to the woman she said her ex-boyfriend pointed a rifle at her and chambered a round.
Libby City Council still talking turkey
But more than three years later, it has yet to develop a management plan which is necessary before any decisions can be made.
State wants to begin rule-making process on grizzly management
The bill was passed 73-27 in the third reading in the Montana House of Representatives on April 13.
Lincoln Co. felons facing drug smuggling charges
Jason Allen Miller, 41, is accused of illegal transfer to an incarcerated person, a felony. He pleaded not guilty to the charge on Monday, April 10, in Lincoln County District Court.
Kootenai Habitat for Humanity gets grant; breaks ground on new home
It was an emotional time for Missy as she expressed her thanks to the many volunteers, neighbors and local businesses that will help make a home a reality for her and her family.
Libby boys tennis edges defending state champ Whitefish
The Loggers are 3-1 and winners of three straight matches. The Lady Loggers nearly pulled out a win, too, dropping a 4-3 match to the Lady Bulldogs. It was their first loss of the season after three straight wins.
Fortine man takes plea deal in DUI case
The plea deal between the county and Fitzgerald call for a 5-year suspended sentence to a state Department of Corrections facility. His sentencing hearing is set for April 17.
Authorities issue arrest warrant for accused drug dealer
Redl appeared in court on Feb. 27 for a hearing to determine how long a possible trial may take. But at Monday's pre-trial hearing, public defender Ben Kolter said he didn't know where Redl was.
Lincoln Co. commissioners will vote on two Yaak subdivisions
At the March 29 commission meeting, the meeting room was filled with folks who primarily oppose the South Yaak Subdivision.
Stolen vehicle at Kootenai Falls leads to felony arrest
The charges against him include felony theft, criminal possession of methamphetamine and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia.