Saturday, August 16, 2025
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SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER

The Western News

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

November 19, 2024 7 a.m.

Green Box sites affected in county deal to haul trash

Evergreen did agree to a two-year deal to take care of garbage pickup until the county is ready to take over.

New felony charge for Washington man convicted of indecent exposure
November 19, 2024 7 a.m.

New felony charge for Washington man convicted of indecent exposure

A Washington man hauled off an Amtrak train in Libby after...

November 19, 2024 7 a.m.

Libby man takes Alford plea in road rage incident

According to the alleged victim, Swartzenberger pulled on to U.S. 2 near...

Libby Elementary School students enjoy Red Ribbon festivities
November 19, 2024 7 a.m.

Libby Elementary School students enjoy Red Ribbon festivities

Children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t.

Libby's Johnston earns European Tour card for '25
November 19, 2024 7 a.m.

Libby's Johnston earns European Tour card for '25

The DP World Tour is known as the PGA European Tour and features the top pro golfers in Europe.

November 19, 2024 7 a.m.

Montana DEQ stops public review of Montanore Mine permits

According to a news release from DEQ, Public Notice No. MT-24-13 incorrectly indicated that the purpose...

Elderly Libby man accused of exposing himself
November 15, 2024 7 a.m.

Elderly Libby man accused of exposing himself

Paxson was taken into custody Oct. 13.

Libby man facing two felony charges following alleged drunken incident
November 15, 2024 7 a.m.

Libby man facing two felony charges following alleged drunken incident

The alleged victim said she got the formula...

Area youth learn about wildlife, nature at Libby Dam Youth Hunt
November 15, 2024 7 a.m.

Area youth learn about wildlife, nature at Libby Dam Youth Hunt

Two of the teachers included Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game wardens, Sawyer Johnson and Jacob Haberlock.

Finding a healthy balance between trappers and dogs
November 15, 2024 7 a.m.

Finding a healthy balance between trappers and dogs

Montana K9 Safety, based in Bigfork, has partnered with FWP and trappers in an effort to minimize the risk and educate dog owners...

November 12, 2024 7 a.m.

Libby woman charged with assault following police shooting

According to the charging document filed...

Hecla moving forward with efforts to operate Montanore mine
November 12, 2024 7 a.m.

Hecla moving forward with efforts to operate Montanore mine

According to a press release from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, it has drafted a new...

Libby’s Ron Adamson pens first book
November 12, 2024 7 a.m.

Libby’s Ron Adamson pens first book

Adamson will be at Cabinet Mountain Brewing Co. from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday night to sell and sign copies of the book.

Lincoln County honors its military veterans
November 12, 2024 7 a.m.

Lincoln County honors its military veterans

The presentation saw performances by the high school choir and band, a presentation of colors by members of the Harper Erdman...

Noel Duram claims county Commissioner seat
November 8, 2024 7 a.m.

Noel Duram claims county Commissioner seat

QQQDuram, a Republican, collected 66% of the votes...

Libby woman, toddler son escape home fire
November 8, 2024 7 a.m.

Libby woman, toddler son escape home fire

According to Libby Volunteer Fire Chief Steve Lauer, the woman suffered...

Yaak residents fundraising to fix community hall
November 8, 2024 7 a.m.

Yaak residents fundraising to fix community hall

The structure, built in 1925, will see its 100th year next July 4 and...

High-speed chase suspect back in jail following alleged violations
November 8, 2024 7 a.m.

High-speed chase suspect back in jail following alleged violations

Covey, who pleaded not guilty Feb. 26 to multiple felony charges following the...

New city park mural adds to Libby's beauty
November 8, 2024 7 a.m.

New city park mural adds to Libby's beauty

Twenty-one students played various roles in the mural...

Several events planned in county for Veterans Day
November 8, 2024 7 a.m.

Several events planned in county for Veterans Day

At 6:30 p.m. Friday, the Kootenai Valley Christian School will hold its annual program at the Libby Christian Church.

November 5, 2024 7 a.m.

Troy man jailed on two counts of felony arson

According to the probable cause statement by Troy Police Chief Travis Miller...

Northwest Montana man gets prison time for violating probation
November 5, 2024 7 a.m.

Northwest Montana man gets prison time for violating probation

Wilson sentenced him to a six-year deferred term on May 15, 2024, but court documents indicate Heil continued to struggle...

Libby man pleads not guilty to knife assault
November 1, 2024 7 a.m.

Libby man pleads not guilty to knife assault

According to charging documents, the incident occurred...

Libby's Farmer, Watson medal at state cross country championships
November 1, 2024 7 a.m.

Libby's Farmer, Watson medal at state cross country championships

The Loggers last had multiple medalists in...

November 1, 2024 7 a.m.

County residents prepare to cast their votes Nov. 5

Polls will close at 8 p.m. There are three polling locations in the county, including...

CASA of Lincoln County welcomes six new special advocates
November 1, 2024 7 a.m.

CASA of Lincoln County welcomes six new special advocates

The volunteers completed 30 hours of pre-service training and took an oath to...

Eureka man accused of magic mushroom grow operation
October 29, 2024 7 a.m.

Eureka man accused of magic mushroom grow operation

Davis was arrested at his home Oct. 9 on Therriault Creek Road...

October 29, 2024 7 a.m.

County seeks to increase landfill while debating haul costs

The proposed expansion includes approximately 17.4 acres of property located...

Libby's Bailey a straight shooter at Montana Skeet Championships
October 25, 2024 7 a.m.

Libby's Bailey a straight shooter at Montana Skeet Championships

The titles were firsts for Bailey, a registered skeet shooter for 15 years.

County inks deal with Forest Service to increase WUI work
October 25, 2024 7 a.m.

County inks deal with Forest Service to increase WUI work

In a nutshell, the Master Stewardship Agreement opens the door for the county to thin stands of trees on national forest lands adjacent to developed private properties.

October 25, 2024 7 a.m.

Meth left behind in room leads to drug charge

The next morning, an employee saw...

Troy seeks new mayor after Ekstedt resigns
October 25, 2024 7 a.m.

Troy seeks new mayor after Ekstedt resigns

Current Mayor Chuck Ekstedt resigned at...

Libby Logger harriers show major improvements heading to state
October 22, 2024 7 a.m.

Libby Logger harriers show major improvements heading to state

The Loggers were led by their standout trio which includes sophomore Cody Watson, senior Rowen Sherbo and freshman Capri Farmer.

Affordable housing project breaks ground in Libby
October 22, 2024 7 a.m.

Affordable housing project breaks ground in Libby

When finished, the development would boast 10 two-bedroom (825 square feet) and 14 one-bedroom units (675 square feet).

Troy woman accused of driving drunk with infant in car
October 22, 2024 7 a.m.

Troy woman accused of driving drunk with infant in car

Fisher then reported the Impala failed to safely negotiate the 90-degree turn where Silver Tip Way turns on to...

Washington man accused of cocaine dealing in county
October 22, 2024 7 a.m.

Washington man accused of cocaine dealing in county

Maxim got out of the truck first.

Troy woman accused in baseball bat incident
October 18, 2024 7 a.m.

Troy woman accused in baseball bat incident

The alleged victim, who said he attempted to retreat...

Libby hosting Western A Cross Country Championships
October 18, 2024 7 a.m.

Libby hosting Western A Cross Country Championships

The top seven finishers in the varsity boys and girls races will qualify for...

Libby’s CARD Clinic faces new lawsuit alleging wrongful death
October 18, 2024 7 a.m.

Libby’s CARD Clinic faces new lawsuit alleging wrongful death

The civil suit, filed Thursday, Oct. 10 in Lincoln County District Court...

Troy residents sentenced for roles in related incidents
October 15, 2024 7 a.m.

Troy residents sentenced for roles in related incidents

They were previously in a long-term relationship, but addiction ruined it.

Libby boys soccer team headed to state tournament
October 15, 2024 7 a.m.

Libby boys soccer team headed to state tournament

The Loggers claimed the third spot in the North and will play at No. 1 South finisher Stevensville at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Columbia Falls shuts out Loggers in gridiron action, 49-0
October 15, 2024 7 a.m.

Columbia Falls shuts out Loggers in gridiron action, 49-0

Libby, 2-5 overall, travels to Browning Friday for a 7 p.m. game.

Log truck driver rescued following Highway 56 wreck
October 11, 2024 7 a.m.

Log truck driver rescued following Highway 56 wreck

Numerous first responders and others worked to get the man out...

Libby to consider ordinance targeted at distracted driving
October 11, 2024 7 a.m.

Libby to consider ordinance targeted at distracted driving

One of those September distracted driving crashes included an injury.

40 years and counting: RMEF still going strong
October 11, 2024 7 a.m.

40 years and counting: RMEF still going strong

Decker, a Libby native, is one of the founding fathers of the hunter-based conservation group...

Troy volleyball falls to Superior in five sets
October 8, 2024 7 a.m.

Troy volleyball falls to Superior in five sets

Troy rolled to a 25-13 win in the opening set with good serving while...

County commissioner candidates share views at forum
October 8, 2024 7 a.m.

County commissioner candidates share views at forum

Democratic candidate Doug Davies announced Thursday evening at a candidate forum in Libby that he is withdrawing his candidacy.

Libby man accused of rape returned to county jail
October 8, 2024 7 a.m.

Libby man accused of rape returned to county jail

According to court documents, Brickey was released from...

October 4, 2024 7 a.m.

Libby man accused of threatening women with large knife

One of the alleged victims said Switzer went into the kitchen, grabbed a large curved knife...

Libby man facing new charges returned to jail
October 4, 2024 7 a.m.

Libby man facing new charges returned to jail

While Ercanbrack made his way to the scene, he spoke with Sheasby’s probation officer...