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 Volunteer Fire Department gets big lift from community support
The generosity came from various businesses and individuals, including the Halfway House Bar & Grill, which provided a licensed full bar service for the event donating all profits to the fundraiser.
Troy man sent back to prison on repeated probation violations
Williams admitted to the offenses in court and District Judge Matt Cuffe sentenced him to...
Former Minnesota convict accused of animal cruelty in Eureka
When Pitman examined the cat it appeared to have a broken...
Dinner on the Diamond a Libby specialty
First held in 2014, the annual event on the perfectly manicured grass at the Lumberyard saw Logger supporters...
Deadline nears for candidates to file for elected offices
Those interested in running for open seats for mayor or city council in Libby, Troy, Eureka and Rexford have until 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, to indicate their interest.
Hearing set June 12 in CARD Clinic seizure; sheriff's sale set for July 2
The hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 12, in the Russell Smith Federal Courthouse. Judge Dana L. Christensen will hear the case.
Troy man sentenced on negligent arson conviction
May 5, District Judge Matt Cuffe sentenced Nelson to a...
Libby swim pond nearing completion
Builders have been working on the feature for a number of months and hope to have it...
Libby man pleads; authorities seek trafficking suspect
Meanwhile, Maxim’s associate, Tucero Antonio Knippling...
Libby High School Class of 2025 graduates
Lincoln County District Judge Matt Cuffe delivered the commencement speech...
Commissioners to consider large subdivision plan south of Libby
The two proposed subdivisions are located next to Schrieber Lake, off U.S. 2, about 23 miles south of Libby.
No mountain too tall: Libby’s Beagle repeats as state tennis champ
Beagle, Libby’s first boys state champion, won back-to-back Montana High School Association Class A singles titles...
Libby's Farmer, Andersen win medals at state track and field championships
Held at Legends Stadium in Kalispell, freshman Capri Farmer claimed two medals, including a silver, while junior Tristan Andersen grabbed the third precious medal.
Libby’s Rambo honored for sacrifice in Vietnam
Rambo was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and...
Libby man jailed on negligent homicide charge in toddler's death
When law officers and Libby Volunteer Ambulance members arrived the scene they were told...
Battle over Port Authority's business dealings continues in court filings
The attorney also wrote that of the five current Port Authority Board members, Chair Jerry Bennett, county Commissioner Brent Teske, Tony Petrusha, Chris Bache and Kevin Peck, several were not on the board at the time transactions were made involving Noble Industries and Thompson Contracting.
In the eyes of the beholder: Troy students are talented artists
Seniors Christina Hammer and Bella O’Day showcased four years of work in the high school gym.
Libby officials approve Community Development Fund policy
The Community Development Fund balance currently sits at nearly...
In the eyes of the beholder: Troy students are talented artists
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Deer ticks have arrived in Montana
State health officials are asking the public's help this spring with tick surveillance...
Libby's Beagle wins fourth divisional; eyes second state title
Beagle is also seeking a fourth medal. He was third in his freshman and sophomore seasons.
Troy Library expansion project on hold
Launched in 2019, the TLOC project was designed to expand access to community programs, modernize facilities and foster a community spirit in Troy. Thanks to the dedication of staff, community stakeholders and partners, the project has...
Eureka man guilty of running magic mushroom grow operation
A conviction for criminal production or manufacture of dangerous drugs may result in a maximum...
Local’s Eagle Scout project in honor of those who served
After getting the unanimous support of councilors at the April 21 Libby City Council meeting...
Howell returns to work as county elections seek stability
Howell spoke to The Western News on Election Night, Tuesday, May 6, about the situation and her return to the job she was hired to do in May 2023.
CARD, feds fight back against BNSF's effort to collect on lawsuit
The federal government joined CARD’s effort to keep its doors open, serving the patients who have grown to rely on its treatment and support for 25 years.
Dozens battle large wildfire in Lincoln Co.
Fire officials said dry and windy conditions apparently allowed a slow simmering fire to grow quickly Friday and Saturday.
Title III money buoys county first responders
Retiring county Forester Jennifer Nelson began squirreling away...
Libby Loggers celebrate Senior Night with big wins
Libby honored Peyton Waggoner, Madison Vincent and Rachel Kosters...
Libby woman sentenced for selling meth, prescription drugs
Rowe, who entered and left the courtroom with the aid of a...
Pied-in-the-face principals highlight Libby Spirit Assembly
Capping the school week Friday, sixth-grade students in the Libby Educational...
Lincoln County voters pick school trustees; dump Libby levy
Libby School District voters defeated the request by a more than two to one margin.
Libby's CARD Clinic closed following court ruling
BNSF’s involvement relates to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite in the rail yard that a 2024 federal jury said was a considerable factor in the negligent deaths of former Libby residents...
Chain of Lakes coalition appeals RV park ruling to state Supreme Court
The Board of Commissioners voted to approve a preliminary plat for the proposed RV park in September 2022.
Troy Trojans baseball honors its seniors
Cooper Carsley, Preston Norder, Lucas Peterson, Trapper Savage, Kempton Sloan and Cody Todd were recognized along with their family members.
Deferred sentence for Libby man accused of gun assault
According to police reports, Lincoln County Sheriff's deputies responded to a call from a woman who said that Toczek...
Libby Logger softball unveils new field with big win
The Loggers will host two more games on their new field, Tuesday against Browning. Senior Night festivities will also be held.
Troy softball runs record to 13-3 with two comeback wins
It was the second time in three days that Troy (13-3) shrugged off a five-run deficit to score a win.
State will consider Bull River restrictions at June 19 meeting
Most petition signers were from nearby Heron, Noxon, Trout Creek, Troy and Libby, but he also had signers from Montana locales as far away as Belgrade and Billings.
Community effort helps bring youth baseball tourneys to Libby
In preparation to host the tournaments, Libby resident Derek...
Libby school trustee candidates share views at forum
For voters, their ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, May 6.
Puppy abandoner gets suspended sentence
She pleaded not guilty Feb. 18 in...
Libby man sentenced for assaulting girlfriend
Cuffe remarked during the hearing that the victim was in support of the plea deal, but some of her family members were not in agreement.
Bids sought for Libby area timber sale following state approval
The location of the planned sale is adjacent to timber thinning operations on private land just off the Haul Road outside of Libby.
Beagle tops teammate Martineau at Libby Invitational
In boys doubles 1s and 2s, Blaise Erickson and Isaac Lamere teamed up to place fourth.
Libby gifted students' project benefits those in need
The growing concerns of area homeless and food insecurity led the group to put on a food drive and donate the collection.
Libby Volunteer Fire crews douse structure fire
The call came in after 3 p.m. at a residence on Cherry Creek Drive.
Area fire crews battle wild fire near Happy's Inn
The West Camp Fire was called in at about...
Libby firefighters extinguish Kootenai River Road blaze
Twenty-one firefighters were on the scene along with...
Lady Trojans run record to 9-0 with wins over Plains, TFalls
A day later, Troy won a big game over the Lady Blue Hawks...