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
Wildfire season arrives in northwest Montana
The Pine Creek Fire, caused when a tree fell on a powerline, is located on the Three Rivers Ranger District, northwest of Troy in the Yaak Hill area.
Birds of prey enthrall local nature lovers
Janie Veltkamp opened Birds of Prey Northwest and celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023.
Woman pleads, man still faces felony theft charge
Eryn Christine Jenkins, 45, was charged with one...
Injuries reported in two-vehicle wreck on U.S. 2
One injured person was flown...
Troy woman pleads not guilty to attempted homicide
Helen Katherine Palmer faces four charges, including...
Last day horse ride to school
Can a ride on a horse really be beat?
Libby Community Thrift store in search of a new home
Libby Community Thrift’s giving is not insignificant. Since 2003, when they moved to their current location on Utah Avenue behind Rosita’s Mexican Food, the donations total about $174,000.
County library district initiative fails; voters pick Duram over Letcher
Duram will be opposed in the general election by Democrat Doug Davies and Independent Brian Phillips.
Miller gets life in prison for running over Trooper Johnson
Johnson’s wife, Kate, also an MHP officer, gave heart-wrenching testimony about her husband’s injuries and their effects that left many in the courtroom sobbing in anguish during a victim impact statement.
Eureka man sentenced on drug possession charge
Pearson, 54, initially faced several charges, including felony possession with the intent to distribute...
Greenchain wrestler Erickson signs with MSU Northern
Erickson had a stellar 2023-24 season in which he won 40 matches and claimed a state medal after placing sixth in the 138-pound weight class.
Libby man charged after being found nude on highway
The substance field tested positive for meth and fentanyl, according to the officer.
Isotex executives charged with running Ponzi scheme, fraud
Today, four of the men involved in Isotex Health, including two practicing attorneys, stand accused of running a Ponzi scheme and defrauding investors, farmers and the State of Montana of more than $6 million.
Libby Loggers have three medalists at state track and field
Sophomore Tristan Andersen was a double medalist. He was second in the high jump with a top leap of six feet and fifth in the javelin with a personal-best throw of 167 feet.
Libby band instructor Boone headed home to Kentucky
Boone has led the music program since 2020. Only a new opportunity in his hometown in Kentucky is luring he and his young family back to the East Coast.
Libby remembers its fallen vets at Memorial Day ceremony
It was the 10th anniversary of the dedication of the Veterans Memorial.
Voters will make their choice on library district
Voters may drop off their ballot at a secure drop location on Election Day, including at Troy Dispatch, Eureka Dispatch, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Lobby or at the Election Center in Libby.
Libby's Ryan Beagle is good as gold
Beagle placed third at state in his freshman and sophomore years, but he was determined to reach the top this season.
Libby educator’s welding students a memorable group
Working with the welding professionals at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell for the last decade has been a major boon.
County library officials make last pitch for new district
If voters approve an independent district, the previously voter-approved 3.49 mills would cease to exist.
Trooper's family accuses of county commissioner of improper actions
Tpr. Lewis Johnson was struck by a pickup truck driven by 42-year-old Jason Allen Miller on Feb. 16, 2023, on a forest road in north Lincoln County near Koocanusa Dam.
Beagle wins divisional tennis title; seeks state gold
Beagle, a junior, will get another crack at the gold beginning Thursday in Kalispell at Flathead Valley Community College where the state tournament is being held this year.
Troy woman accused of running over man with kids present
Dispatch said a female driver allegedly hit the man and was standing over him.
Libby's Heritage Museum celebrates opening day 2024
The museum is open for the season through Sept. 30 on Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Admission is by donation.
Power outage no match for Troy softball, baseball teams
When the first inning was over, Troy led 12-7 and never looked back...
Former Libby man faces hefty restitution bill in theft cases
The first alleged incident occurred on March 4, 2023, when a woman called to report a theft from...
Eureka man admits guilt in shooting death of father
According to court documents and testimony in Monday’s hearing, the argument began when the younger Sauls confronted John over rumors he heard about his dad being “sexually inappropriate with my sister.”
Libby tennis ends regular season with Ronan sweep
Divisional play began at Flathead Valley Community College on Monday and wraps up Wednesday.
Libby approves water, sewer rate increases
City officials have argued for the increases to maintain and replace old and aging infrastructure, including water lines and at the sewage treatment plant.
Libby man headed to Deer Lodge on sex assault conviction
Robert William Emerick, 34, formerly of Anaconda...
Troy's Nolan Morris wins twice at 7B District Meet
Morris had wins of more than three seconds in each of the...
Zimmerman, Delmas and Benjamin claim Libby School trustee seats
In Troy, incumbent Carol Parsons grabbed one of two seats with 490 votes. Mark Radzwion won the other seat with 358 votes.
LOR hosting volunteer drive Saturday at Memorial Center
Prospective volunteers will be able to meet with local non-profit and community groups in an effort to match their skills with similar opportunities.
Two Flathead residents accused of fentanyl trafficking
Cheryl Esther Eslami, 44, of Kalispell, and Daniel Scott Broesel, 42, of Kalispell, each face felony charges following...
Johnston leads Sun Devils to PAC-12 golf team title
Johnston had a slow start with a plus-5 in the first five holes, but...
Libby Care Center hosts 102nd birthday party for Montana WW II veteran
Engel was a career military man who rose to the rank of Major before retiring from the U.S. Air Force.
Libby man accused of burglary
According to the charging document, Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputy...
Libby Logger softball celebrates Senior Night
The group included Paislee MacDonald, Lyndee McElmurry, Mylie Rayome, Jossalyn White, Aleesha Bradeen and Jaycee Wilson.
Deferred sentence for Libby man accused of drug offense
Sheasby pleaded guilty on March 18 to possession of methamphetamine. The other charges were dropped.
Antler hunter kills griz near Wolf Creek; officials preach bear awareness
After seeing a fresh grizzly bear track in a snow patch, he continued along his path and a few minutes later he first saw the bear standing near the top of the ridge about 20 yards away.
Libby Loggers tennis stays busy in Western A action
Most recently, Libby hosted Columbia Falls at home. The girls won 5-2 while the boys tied 3-3.
Library officials hosting informational meetings on district formation
Library officials are encouraging the public to attend and learn more about library districts, standards and other essential things that allow the library to operate.
Troy man gets suspended sentence for drug possession
Rebo, who received credit for spending 119 days in the Lincoln County Detention Center...
Libby man gets prison time for assaulting woman
After first pleading not guilty to the offenses on Jan. 29, Eroh pleaded guilty to...
Libby boys track and field team wins county meet
In the boys meet, Libby’s Tristan Andersen had another dominant day...
Libby remembers former police chief who gave his life in line of duty
Bockman was the Chief of Police in Libby at the time and he was called out after a worker with the Great Northern Railway...
Curry no longer part of group seeking to redevelop old Libby High School
The collapsed section of the roof and bowed-out wall on the Memorial Center side of the building are also scheduled for repair this year.
School trustee ballots due in county election office May 7
The elections are mail-in only. Ballots must be returned to the county Election Office by 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 7.
More fur flies in Lower Yaak Zoning District discussion
Many are concerned about the precedence that could be set if a zoning district is established.
Incident at park lands Washington man in jail
County dispatch told Brabo that a drunk and disorderly man was yelling profanities...