WILL LANGHORNE
The Western News
Recent Stories
Libby sees bump in new, out-of-state students
With schools across the country committing to remote learning, Libby administrators have seen a rise in out-of-state enrollment from families looking for an in-person education.
Callahan Fire grows to 1,660 acres
Officials with the interagency fire group managing the Callahan Fire estimated the size of the blaze at 1,660 acres on Sept. 17.
Libby boys take fifth in Cabinet View Invitational
Libby High School Golf teed off the Cabinet View Invitational, their only home tournament, on Sept. 11.
Loggers rack up another win in Ronan
The Libby Loggers felled the Ronan Chiefs 30-14 on the road Sept. 11.
Chainsaw carving competition draws global crowd
Enveloped in a haze of wood dust and the roar of her chainsaw, Griffon Ramsey was in her element.
Titans hammer Trojans in 76-0 victory
“We’re not mentally tough,” said senior Jace Fisher. “A lot of the guys are young and that’s just going to happen.”
Officials brief residents on growing Callahan Fire
As the Callahan Fire swelled to 1,200 acres, U.S. Forest Service and local government officials briefed residents on their efforts to battle the blaze during a Sept. 13 public meeting.
Ballots set to go out by mail next month
With November fast approaching, general election ballots will soon be available to Lincoln County voters.
Callahan fire grows to 400 acres
U.S. Forest Service officials say the Callahan Fire has grown to 400 acres as of Sept. 12.
Feds hope to secure $8 million for Kootenai National Forest
U.S. Forest Service officials hope to receive up to $8 million in federal funding for projects within the Kootenai National Forest.
Two Libby Students test positive for the coronavirus
Less than two weeks after Libby Schools opened their doors, two students have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Allegations of unsanitary, unsafe living conditions emerge at local trailer parks
The owner of two Libby trailer parks is facing charges for unsanitary living conditions at one of his properties.
Wildcats claw Lady Loggers
The Lady Loggers fell in four games to the Columbia Falls Wildcats on Sept. 8.
Commissioners review Election Day plan
After receiving state approval to conduct mail-in voting, Lincoln County officials are reviewing plans for the November election.
Cancer fundraiser to hit the ground walking
Supporters of the annual Yaak Wings Walk are preparing to take to the roads on Sept. 12 to raise funds for cancer patients.
Judge rules against attempt to dismiss PNT lawsuit
A U.S. District Court judge has ruled against an attempt made by U.S. Forest Service officials to dismiss a lawsuit claiming that the agency has mismanaged the Pacific Northwest Trail.
Officials tell fans to mask up
Libby School District officials reiterated the importance of wearing face coverings at sporting events after announcing the district may be punished if spectators fail to do so.
Lady Loggers tame Bulldogs
Over five nail-biting games, the Lady Loggers varsity volleyball team pulled off a win against Whitefish on Sept. 3.
Loggers drub Indians in senior night game
The Libby Loggers marked senior night with panache, routing the Browning Indians 54-14.
In a reversal, county officials now plan on a mail-in ballot election
Newly appointed Election Administrator Chris Nelson announced the change on Sept. 4. Nelson said he submitted his plan for a mail-in ballot election to the Office of the Montana Secretary of State that day. State officials signed off on the plan by 3 p.m.
Suspected arsonist arrested
After recording an unusually high number of human-started fires this year, Lincoln County law enforcement officials have arrested a suspected firebug with a fixation on the end of the world.
Logger soccer kicks off
The Libby High School boys and girls soccer teams started off their seasons with loses to Corvallis on Aug. 29.
Trojans fall in season opener
After battling a series of injuries, the Trojans fell 70-16 to Arlee in their Aug. 28 season opener. Luke Haggerty, Troy head coach, said his eight-man team ran the ball well, but fell victim to cramps in the second half.
Libby City Council approves budget
Libby City Council unanimously approved a $5.8 million budget for fiscal year 2021 on Aug. 31. The approval followed a hearing in which members of the public were welcomed to City Hall to comment on the financial road map. No residents provided comments on the budget.
Funding still uncertain for Asbestos Resource Program
Two months after the Libby Superfund site was transferred from federal to state oversight, much needed funding for the Lincoln County Asbestos Resource Program remains in flux.
Loggers collar Whitefish Bulldogs
The Libby Loggers kicked off their season with a 21-10 home victory against the Whitefish Bulldogs on Aug. 28.
Libby hosts cross country invitational
Libby men's varsity placed fifth and women's varsity went unranked at the Libby Invitational Cross Country meet held on Aug. 29 at the Cabinet View Golf Course.
Lincoln County officials confirm they intend to hold a poll election
Lincoln County officials now intend to hold a traditional election where residents can only vote either at the polls or via absentee ballots despite receiving a previous recommendation to conduct an all-mail election.
Troy and Libby administrators report smooth back to school transitions
After planning all summer, school officials in Troy and Libby put reopening guidelines to the test on Aug. 26 when they welcomed students back into classrooms.
Attendance limited at Loggers’ season opener
Attendance at the opening game for Libby High School football will be limited to 50 percent capacity according to an Aug. 24 announcement posted on the district’s website.
New digs eyed for Troy Ambulance
As Troy Volunteer Ambulance expands, the group is seeking to move its operation into a larger building.
Work finished on structure needed to renovate Grace impoundment dam
W.R. Grace is one step closer to addressing structural deficiencies at an impoundment dam that holds asbestos-laden tailings near Rainy Creek.
Wildfires under control, officials say
U.S. Forest Service crews have contained the roughly 30-acre wildfire in the Williams Gulch and Swede Mountain area while Department of Natural Resources and Conservation firefighters have the 14-acre blaze near Lighting Peak under control.
Health experts turn to Troy for support
Troy Mayor Dallas Carr offered the city council’s help to health care professionals building a local public awareness campaign aimed at curbing the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Lincoln County student athletes take to fields
After spending the summer unsure if their fall seasons would materialize, local high school athletes took to fields and courts last week with high hopes.
Libby schools to require students wear masks
Libby Public School District administrators will take a firm stance on face coverings when schools reopen.
Libby Public School District employee tests positive for COVID-19
A Libby Public School District staff member has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Restaurants bear brunt of mask ire
It started a couple weeks ago with occasional insults from tourists. By Aug. 4, the abuse from customers refusing to wear masks had reached such a horrifying level that Kyle and Mindy James, joint owners of Rosita’s Mexican Restaurant on 9th Street, decided to suspend dine-in service.
Oldest living Libby fireman donates his uniform to the department
It’s been more than 70 years since Marshall Warrington, 91, started putting out blazes for the Libby Volunteer Fire Department.
Loggers fall to Lakers in tourney
In a heartbreaking battle for the district tournament quarterfinals, the Libby Loggers lost to the Kalispell Lakers by a single run.
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center updates COVID-19 plan
With cases of the novel coronavirus increasing in Lincoln County, Cabinet Peaks Medical Center has outlined its plans for dealing with a potential surge in patients.
The grit beneath the glitter
At first glance, nothing distinguished the trailer from the dozens of others parked around the rodeo camp.
School officials review plans after parent survey
With only weeks to go before the fall semester begins, Libby Public School District officials updated reopening plans to address new guidelines for sports and mounting concerns regarding masks and busing.
Welcoming the stampede
Fans already had packed the bleachers when the speakers crackled to life.
Loggers chop Mariners in final home stand
The Libby Loggers sent off their departing players right with back-to-back victories against the Mission Valley B Mariners in the final home games of the season on July 23.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office searches for body of drowning victim
Deputies with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a suspected drowning in Lake Koocanusa, according to a July 27 press release.
Competitors go medieval at the Kootenai Highland Gathering
In front of him lay a 56-pound kettlebell weight. Above him, a horizontal pole hung suspended 12 feet off the ground. His goal: to generate enough momentum by swinging the weight between his legs to lob it clear over the bar.
Businesses adjust to mask directive
Along Mineral Avenue, signs have appeared on storefronts urging customers to comply with a new state directive by wearing masks in indoor public spaces.
Gianforte touts economic plan during Libby event
Republican gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte clarified the central issue of his platform during a campaign stop in Libby on July 14.
Masks required in Lincoln County public spaces
Masks are now required in Lincoln County in all businesses, government offices and other indoor public spaces according to a July 15 directive issued by Gov. Steve Bullock. Face coverings also will be required at outdoor gatherings drawing 50 or more people where social distancing is impossible or being ignored.