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

Washington woman arraigned on local child custody case
According to the Dec. 10 county jail roster, Canavan remains locked up in the...

Eureka teen enters not guilty plea to felony rape charges
Springer was freed in Butte-Silver Bow County earlier this year following accusations he raped a 4-year-old child there.
Proposed skate park in Libby needs a home
The first Libby Skate Park opened in 1993 at the corner of Larch Street and Utah Avenue.

Heritage Museum volunteers seek grant for Shay engine work
The Museum is going after a $2 million grant that would fund restoration work on the 118-year-old No. 4 engine...
Effort to rename Libby bridge after fallen soldier headed to Legislature
When the state Legislature convenes its 69th session next Monday in Helena, Sen. Mike Cuffe will introduce a bill to have the Montana 37 bridge over the Kootenai River as it exits Libby named in memory of former resident Arthur J. Rambo.

Canadian man pleads not guilty to Yaak assault
Romanuik appeared on video for his arraignment Dec. 2 in Lincoln County District Court...
State officials headed to Libby to talk natural resource work
The state of Montana and the bankrupt company agreed to an $18.5 million settlement for cleanup of the mine site and for natural resource damage claims in 2023.
City workers place new stop signs on Mineral Avenue
The stop signs mean both intersections are four-way stops.
Greenchain wrestlers 11th at Wild Memorial Tournament
Libby returns to the mat Jan. 3-4 at the Ronan Tournament.

Libby's Miner celebrates 100th birthday with family, friends
He attributes his longevity to his Christian faith and God.

Troy woman pleads guilty to driving drunk with infant in car
The plea deal calls for a five-year suspended sentence on the endangerment charge and a...

Loggers girls basketball rolls to first win over Stevensville
There wasn’t much drama against the Yellowjackets after Stevensville led...

Logger boys basketball improves to 3-1
Ryan Beagle banked in a 3-pointer at the buzzer to increase the Libby lead to four points, 15-11.

Libby Public Schools educator charged with assaulting minor
In the charging document, Libby Police Chief Cody Ercanbrack attended a regular, weekly meeting Dec. 10 of the Student at Risk Counsel at Libby High School.
Eureka Lady Lions hold off Libby, secure Battle of Kootenai
Libby (0-3) trailed by 11 after one quarter, 12 at the half and 14 after three quarters.
Greenchain grab dual meet triumph over Eureka
103-pounder Levi Nick opened the action with a pin in 4:27 of Eureka’s Trent Shay.
Superb free throw shooting carries Loggers past Eureka
Led by three seniors, the Loggers hit 19 of 22 from the stripe.

Troy boys basketball enjoys best start since 2008
A records check indicates the 2008-09 season was when a Tony Smith-coached Troy team began the season 4-0.
Libby High School band shares Christmas spirit
In addition to performances by the jazz and concert bands as well as the percussion ensemble, several solo ensembles treated the hundreds in attendance to sounds of the season.

Bull Lake Road residents seek lower speed limit
Some residents of the Savage Lake community in south Lincoln County want to see a decrease in the speed limit on Highway 56.

Troy girls basketball shows improvement in 1-1 start
Friday, Dec. 13, Troy rolled to a 76-40 win over Alberton.

Greenchain claim second at Kinney Classic
The Greenchain had one champion in 110-pounder Tristin Rogers and five other placewinners.
Thieves steal Troy man's buck, hunting gear
Bob Swiden, 74, was hunting about three miles up the Yaak River Road when he bagged the big buck.
Two people taken to hospital following U.S. 2 wreck
Libby Volunteer Ambulance transported two people to Cabinet Peaks Medical Center for treatment...

Criminal charges stacking up for Libby man
The alleged probation violation includes charges from Wheatland County where federal and local authorities are investigating Devine.
Accused rapist charged again following release from custody
According to the charging document filed by County Attorney Marcia Boris, Springer was charged with...

Greenchain wrestlers claim second at Owen Invitational
Greenchain wrestlers enjoyed top six placewinner performances by nine wrestlers while...
Libby man faces animal cruelty charges
The charges include three felony counts of animal cruelty and three misdemeanors...

Schnackenberg stepping down as county coroner
Schnackenberg has served as the deputy coroner and coroner for the last...

Donations pave way for Turner Mountain's new snowmobile
Rounding out the fundraising were several generous donations by private parties, totaling $4,450.

Libby man faces another assault charge
McQueen is being held in the detention center on $75,000 bail.

Libby woman gets prison time after failed drug tests
She will be screened for possible admission to Passages Women’s Center, an addiction treatment facility in Billings.
Libby Councilors OKs stop signs on Mineral Avenue
Libby City councilors approved a number of new traffic restrictions during Monday’s meeting aimed at making Mineral Avenue a safer place for pedestrians and motorists.

Eureka man pleads guilty to felony drug charge
Dunsing first appeared in Lincoln County District Court and pleaded...

Rexford man pleads to assaulting girlfriend
The victim, who has a 2-year-old child with...

Libby man hospitalized following house fire
Fire crews, Libby Volunteer Ambulance, Libby Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Flathead Electric were on the scene...

Ryggs Johnston storms to Australian Open title
The 24-year-old carded a closing 68 at Kingston Heath to finish 18 under par while taking home the Stonehaven Cup.

Boswell Jr. takes over as new Troy mayor
Councilor Tyler Roland Boswell Jr. was sworn in Monday, Nov. 18.
State OKs $ for natural resource work in county
Locally, state officials held a meeting in Libby earlier this summer and accepted written comments suggesting how the money should be spent.
Former Libby man accused of custodial interference
The grandmother then had to obtain a court order to...
Warrant issued for Troy man accused of partner assault
But Kelso missed a pre-trial conference on...

LHS choir members named All-Northwest performers
Long-time music teacher Lorraine Braun lauded senior Keyera Haischer, Caleb Hart and freshman Vivian Cole for...
Mineral Avenue business owners seek safety changes
Also talked about were the failure of motorists to stop at the crosswalks...
Gehring Memorial Field cameras lead to burglary arrest
The coach had security video of the incident and believed items were stolen.
One man dead in Frazey Loop incident
Based on statements from the victim, witnesses and...
Libby's government study commission ready for work
D.C. Orr, Karen Dinkins and Vince Backen will spend the next...
Two jailed after alleged separate police chases
Allen is facing several misdemeanor charges, including...

Answering the call: Six new EMTs join Libby Volunteer Ambulance
To become an EMT, individuals must be certified by...
County announces new info on Green Box sites
The new hours of operation begin Monday, Nov. 25 and the schedule, provided by county...
LOR hosting second volunteer drive Saturday at Memorial Center
Pastries from the Amish Farm to Market, Tiffany's, Coffee from Camp Creek Roasters and an assortment...