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

Libby man facing new charges returned to jail
While Ercanbrack made his way to the scene, he spoke with Sheasby’s probation officer...

Oregon man accused of spitting on, biting jail guard
Huff watched video that reportedly showed Hendrix...
Troy councilors name Travis Miller new police chief
Miller joined the force at the same time Davis was named chief.

Trojans nearly rally past Arlee in homecoming game
The Trojans trailed 16-14 with a little more than two minutes left when...
County victim/witness program works to raise awareness about domestic violence
Program officials are asking county residents to wear purple on Thursday, Oct. 17...

Libby man returned to custody after violating release terms
According to court documents, Erik Lynn McQueen...
Nasty storm wipes out power to thousands in NW Montana
The storm rolled through Troy at about 6:30 p.m. while...

Adventure aplenty for Libby youth in outdoor program
More than 40 youth in Libby Middle School teacher Bill Moe’s program...

Burger tabbed as new Libby city councilor
Burger was appointed to the seat following the recent resignation of...

Libby woman returned to jail after probation violations
Hammers was in front of Cuffe Aug. 27, 2024, for a revocation hearing because...

Loggers football drops third straight to Bigfork, 41-9
Against Bigfork, the Loggers trailed 14-7 at halftime.

Russian roulette convict returned to county jail
In the recent traffic cases, Ball was stopped by county deputy...

Libby man pleads guilty to drug offenses
There, the officer reported finding Jungst completely nude...
Troy Library hosting Sept. 26 meeting about Opportunity Center
Congressman Ryan Zinke made the official request to the U.S. House Appropriations Committee in May for fiscal year 2025.

Euthanized griz was well-traveled bear across northwest Montana
The bear, its sibling, a female cub, and the sow grizzly were captured and GPS tracking collars were placed on them.
Troy Trojans fall to Valley Christian Eagles
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Golfers endure soggy conditions at Kootenai Invite
Easton Peterson led the Loggers with...

Loggers suffer tough loss to Ronan Chiefs, 22-19
The Loggers host Bigfork at 7 p.m. Friday.

Jury finds Troy man guilty of harassing 911 dispatchers
A jury decided Dan J. Savage Jr., 47, was...

Accused stabbing assailant returned to jail
David Kenneth Reid, 38, pleaded...

Troy man receives Governor’s Veteran Commendation
Sp-4 Erickson distinguished himself while serving with the 3rd Battalion of Company E while under massive mortar and ground attack in a defensive position.

Libby shooting incident investigated by Flathead Co.
According to Sheriff Darren Short...

Fire crews, Mother Nature douse KNF's largest fire of 2024
The China Mountain Fire, listed at 213 acres after aircraft with infrared...
Federal money, big department cuts help county balance budget
For homes valued at $100,000, their property taxes will increase $100.01. For a home worth $300,000, the increase is $300.02 and for a home valued at $600,000, it is $600.05.
Butte man faces accusations of probation violations
According to court documents alleging his probation...

Butte contractor sentenced in local fraud case
Joseph Anthony Tobiness, 52, was accused of...
State announces changes in CWD reporting in Lincoln County
There are a few changes, such as mandatory reporting, all hunters should be aware of, particularly in regards to Chronic Wasting Disease.
Libby boys soccer squad opens with win over Frenchtown
Senior Dylan Warner found the back of the net next to make it 2-1 and...
Libby's Watson sets new cross country record
Sophomore Cody Watson placed ninth overall...
Changing weather sparks wildfire in Lower Yaak
Three Rivers Ranger District Fire Management Officer Beau Macy said he was somewhat surprised...
Loggers football squad opens Hannah era with big win
But the win was tempered by a number of injuries to Loggers players.
Libby VFW launches effort to honor Army vet Rambo
Staff Sgt. Rambo was killed in action at the age of 23 on Thanksgiving day 1969 in the Vietnam War.

Troy man pleads guilty to pointing rifle at neighbor
According to the narrative by Troy police officer Travis Miller...

A memorable county fair for south Lincoln Co. 4-H clubs
Members of the South 40 and Troy’s Kootenai Kids and Kritters clubs collected dozens of ribbons and showed animals that helped raise nearly...
Clash of the Carvers returns to Libby
2024’s event features 20 of the world’s best carvers who will compete for $15,000 in prizes.

Area man accused of drug trafficking, endangerment
Dunsing is accused of four offenses, including three felonies.

Libby man pleads guilty to criminal child endangerment
Steven Wayne Kelley, 52, initially pleaded not guilty in June in...
Fall sports kick off this weekend in Lincoln County
The Libby Loggers cross country teams will host an invitational Friday at 10 a.m. at Cabinet View Golf Course.
Spots still available on Libby, Troy government study commissions
Some local officials have said that there was confusion of what the government study commissions were meant to do.
Big Sky Memorial Ride brings endurance equine event to Lincoln County
Trail riders from several states and Canada competed in the sport of endurance horse riding...

Troy contractor accused of large-scale theft
According to court documents, Hubbard operated a business under the names of MAV Built Better or MAV Construction LLC.

Beach resigns from Libby Council; city seeks applicants for vacant seat
Beach’s resignation was announced by Mayor Peggy Williams during...

Libby man headed to prison after new drug charges, probation violations
Ty Reed Orsborn, 36, was originally charged and pleaded...

Troy woman pleads guilty to running over man
Palmer said during a June 6 court hearing...
Troy appoints trio to police commission as it narrows chief search
Veteran chief Katie Davis worked her last day with the department on July 5.

New-look Cedar Creek forest project seeks public comment
But a new part of the current proposal would allow for the construction of a new trailhead and parking area for horse trailers as well as an increase in the time FS roads 4727 and 402 are open.

At 80, Smokey Bear's message is timeless
His story is not a new one, but it bears repeating.
Washington man pleads guilty to drug possession
A Washington man accused of illegal drug possession after he thought he suffering from an overdose...
Libby man jailed on accusations of assaulting girlfriend
According to a probable cause statement...

County won't split elections from clerk and recorder
Election Administrator Melanie Howell was hopeful her department could work better with the Clerk and Recorder’s Office, led by Corinna Brown.