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
MHP trooper struck by vehicle during police chase
The trooper is reported to be in stable condition at a Kalispell hospital after being run over by the suspect vehicle during a police chase Thursday afternoon.
Whitefish sweeps Libby basketball teams
The Libby Loggers boys basketball team battled, but lost 42-40.
Libby's DeShazer wins second straight championship
That dominating run led DeShazer to be named the Outstanding Wrestler.
Accused killer returned to Lincoln County
According to booking information from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, Sauls was arrested on June 28.
Navy pilot with Libby ties will be part of Super Bowl flyover
Anna Schauer’s stepdaughter, Caitie Perkowski, is a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and she is scheduled to be part of the jet flyover.
Libby trio charged with child endangerment after search of filthy home
James William Deloach, Tonya Lynn Deloach and Matthew Manfred Priebe are lodged in the Lincoln County Detention Center on various charges.
Convicted felon gets suspended sentence in assault case
William Timothy Teeple, 43, pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of assault with a bodily fluid.
Libby's DeShazer leads 11 Loggers to state tournament
For the fourth time in two months, DeShazer beat Saltzman to claim the 205-pound title at the Western A Divisional Saturday in Polson.
Libby man pleads guilty to stealing from sister-in-law
According to court documents, Kevin Paul Burke, 45, pleaded guilty to one felony count of theft.
Logger student athletes sign letters of intent
Libby Loggers Greenchain member Matthew Niemi will also compete at the collegiate level.
David Thompson SAR hosts winter safety training event
The training session included a classroom portion on Friday evening and outdoors training on Saturday on Keeler Mountain.
Local treatment court's future dependent on state support
Federal grant money helped launch treatment courts in a number of Montana counties, including Lincoln, a few years ago. But with the federal grant set to expire in September 2023, state lawmakers are considering a proposal by Gov. Greg Gianforte to fund treatment courts.
Fisher River Fire Rescue ice fishing derby set for Feb. 18-19
Advance sale tickets are available at Happy’s Inn, Libby Sports Center, Snappy Sport Senter and Chancy and Dave’s Fish Camp. Tickets will also be sold at the event.
Libby's new robotics team headed to state
Friday morning, Eureka and Libby students in grades 7-12 will be among several teams competing in the First Tech Challenge at Montana State University’s Shroyer Gym.
Council OKs deal with county Sheriff for police protection
The proposal calls for the agreement to begin Wednesday, Feb. 1 and end June 30, unless the city notifies county Sheriff Darren Short that his department’s services are no longer needed.
Dirty Shame RV park plan draws ire of Yaak locals
The plan calls for 18 recreational vehicle sites, 10 cabins and six tent sites on the 5-acre chunk of land located just north of Yaak River Road.
Kalispell man with arrest warrants jailed in Lincoln Co.
David Wayne Anderson, 51, is lodged in the Lincoln County Detention Center on $15,000 bail and facing one felony for allegedly possessing methamphetamine.
Eureka man accused of fentanyl possession
Shane Michael Coursey, 56, is accused of possessing methamphetamine, Xanex and fentanyl after his arrest on Jan. 24.
Troy Lady Trojans struggle out of gate, lose to Plains
But Plains held the Lady Trojans to just one point in the second quarter and took a 24-9 lead to halftime.
Orr leads Trojans to easy win over Plains
Orr was dialed in from long distance in the first half and the Trojans built a 20-point halftime lead over the Horsemen, 32-12.
City considers deal with county sheriff for protection
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in council chambers at the city building at 952 E. Spruce St.
Troy man facing assault charge is accused of DUI
Joshua Michael Glaese, 39, was charged with felony DUI, fourth offense, and booked into the Lincoln County Detention Center after the Dec. 24, 2022, incident.
City OKs paying Lincoln County Sheriff's Office for police protection
Controversy has swirled around city officials since word of the resignations reached the public in a Dec. 3 post on social media.
Done deal: New owner takes keys of former Asa Wood School
Goodman also presented two framed posters that were signed by students and staff of the first class in 1954 at Asa Wood and the last, dated June 1, 2011.
Greenchain hammers Polson on Senior Night
Members of the Greenchain who were recognized included wrestlers Colby Booker, Matthew Niemi, Chase Rayome, Sam Rosling, Cael Schwindt, Tyler Smith, Mauro Vazquez-Otero, James Warner along with team managers Genevi Reatz and Maicy Svendsbye.
Libby man denies stealing unemployment benefits
Austin Joel Zugg, 46, is charged with two felonies, including making false claims to public agencies and theft.
Libby man pleads guilty to assaulting jail guard
Yakovenko's sentencing is scheduled for March 13.
Forest Service seeks comment on Cedar Creek project
According to Matt Bienkowski, the operations supervisor for the Libby Ranger District, there are nearly 1,000 structures within 1.5 miles of the project area and nearly 3,000 within three miles.
Troy man accused of attacking officers deemed fit to stand trial
Jonathan Joseph Peterson, 33, faces charges of assault on a peace officer, disorderly conduct, intimidation, resisting arrest and obstructing a peace officer following a Jan. 2, 2022, police pursuit.
New wrestling club hopes to add opportunity for youth
The Cabinet Mountain Elite Wrestling Club started last summer and according to its organizers, RJ Masters and Kirby Couvillion, is meant to give area youth the chance to wrestle year-round.
City to hold special meeting tonight on paying county for police protection
The situation began after three of the force’s officers - Chris Pape, Ian Smith and Cody DeWitt - gave their resignations on Nov. 21, 2022.
Police situation continues to rankle Libby City residents
In terms of an agreement between the city and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office to provide law enforcement coverage while the city works to rebuild its police force, council opted to table paying an invoice for $11,784.88.
Plea deal proposed for man accused of assaulting officer
Yakovenko is scheduled to appear in District Court at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23.
Greenchain wrestling falls to Columbia Falls
The MatCats have eight grapplers ranked in the Jan. 17 Class A coaches poll.
Columbia Falls man accused of fentanyl possession
Alexandr Shestak, 53, was charged with two felony counts of possession of dangerous drugs and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Passions still run high in debate over Troy Dispatch
While the sentiment is not new, Troy folks are feeling more confident they can maintain their location after hiring some new dispatchers since last summer.
Eureka man headed to trial on strangulation charge
William Timothy Teeple, 43, appeared with his public defender, Scott B. Johnson, on Dec. 19 for a hearing to determine if his case would go to trial.
Libby man charged with drug crimes
Kevin J. Michael Simmons is facing felony charges of possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Libby Police Commission elapsed; second investigation underway
According to the Jan. 7 press releases, Williams wrote that, “It has been determined that the police commission currently has no members."
Loggers dump Eureka to help win Battle of the Kootenai
Sophomore Ryan Beagle led Libby with 17 points, including five 3-pointers.
Greenchain celebrate first home meet with win over Eureka
The Greenchain didn’t disappoint the home faithful, beating the Eureka Lions, 46-21, to secure the Highway 37 Battle of the Kootenai trophy.
Greenchain log plenty of mat time in Mission Valley
Libby places fourth in dual and invitational tournaments.
Libby basketball teams swept by CFalls, Browning
Tyler Andersen led the Loggers in scoring in both contests, totaling 48 points.
Nomad GCS ready to put stakes down in Libby
Mike Hahn, marketing director for Nomad, said the company's initial goal is to hire 20 to 50 people with a goal of 100 to 200 in the future.
Libby man pleads guilty in shooting incident
Charles Fernley Woods Jr., 67, entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of felony criminal endangerment in Lincoln County District Court on Jan. 3.
Libby woman sentenced for meth possession
According to court documents, Quinn had five previous felony drug charges, four of which were dismissed. A fifth resulted in a 2-year deferred sentence.
Residents voice displeasure with Libby police situation
Three of the force’s officers - Chris Pape, Ian Smith and Cody DeWitt - gave their resignations on Nov. 21, 2022.
Libby man found not guilty of DUI
After two hours of deliberation, the jury found Miller not guilty of driving under the influence.
Investigators arrest Idaho man for alleged drug dealing
Redl was arraigned on Dec. 5 in Lincoln County District Court and pleaded not guilty to possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute, use of property subject to criminal forfeiture and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Libby, Troy scholastic sports team return to action
On the mats, the Greenchain will wrestle a quad in Polson Thursday. In addition to the host Pirates, Stevensville and Bigfork will take part. The grapplers will then compete in the Ronan Tournament on Friday and Saturday.