WILL LANGHORNE
The Western News
Recent Stories
County election center set to open ahead of November polls
After years of cramming their ballot counters and election judges into the Lincoln County courthouse, local officials will have a designated election center starting this November.
Residents have until Nov. 1 to register to vote
With just over a month left until this year’s municipal general election, Lincoln County poll officials are reminding residents to register to vote.
FWP issues reminder against collecting in state parks
State officials are reminding shed hunters that they are not allowed to collect antlers, horns, skulls and natural objects in Montana State Parks.
Vigil held for hospitalized sheriff's deputy
A prayer gathering for Ben Fisher, a Lincoln County Sheriff's Office deputy in critical condition with COVID-19, drew just over a dozen family members and friends to Troy Christian Fellowship.
FWP weighs changes to hunting regulations
After fielding complaints about the complexity of the state’s hunting regulations, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public input on plans to reduce the amount of hunting districts, license and permit types for the 2022-2023 season.
Care center execs worry federal mandates could exacerbate staffing shortage
Executives overseeing the Libby Care Center are concerned that an impending federal vaccine requirement could exacerbate the staffing shortage at the local nursing home.
Hammons named county administrator
Lincoln County has a new hand at the helm. Commissioners appointed Jim Hammons, a long-time local official, as county administrator during a Sept. 22 meeting.
Groundbreaking on Troy Town Pump planned for October
Town Pump anticipates breaking ground on its highly anticipated 8,000 square foot convenience store in Troy next month.
Pirates offer no quarter in win over Loggers
Faced with a blistering offense, Libby melted 49-14 to the Polson Pirates on Sept. 24.
City council election cancelled in Troy; voters will still decide mayor
Troy City Council voted to cancel this year’s general council election after too few candidates filed to run.
CPMC launches regular updates on virus status at medical center
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center began releasing updates on the number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 earlier this week after a group of more than 50 local health care providers and residents urged administrators to keep the community abreast of the state of the virus at the hospital.
IRS sees bump in scam complaints
The Internal Revenue Service has seen a record number of complaints related to Economic Impact Payment scams in recent months.
Troy reconsiders mask policy
With coronavirus outbreaks straining schools throughout the state, Troy Public School Board members reopened a divisive discussion on when or if the district should require face coverings on campuses.
Malyevac leads the pack at Polson Invitational
Libby sophomore Reece Malyevac led the Logger golf team — and the rest of the 120 player field at the Sept. 13 Polson Invitational — firing a 1 under 71 to take first place.
County commissioners approve budget amendments
Lincoln County commissioners approved 23 budget amendments last week, including almost $125,000 in expenses and just over $1.4 million in revenues.
City aid for sewer infrastructure project remains under discussion
Libby officials are exploring funding options to partially reimburse a property owner for the installation of a sewer main along U.S. Highway 2.
School officials catch flack for communication woes
Libby Public School Board members discussed ways of improving family outreach earlier this week after hearing from at least one parent who was frustrated with how the district handled a recent outbreak at the elementary school.
Recent Libby Care Center outbreak stretched staffing thin as it raced through facility
An outbreak at the Libby Care Center, which left at least 10 residents dead and infected 20 staff members last month, has worn the local nursing home thin.
Agreement struck to sell Asa Wood
Administrators with Libby Public Schools have entered into an agreement to sell the defunct Asa Wood Elementary School to a California-based health care company.
Health board has few answers for local providers exhausted by pandemic
With coronavirus cases testing the limits of the local health care system, exasperated primary care providers asked Lincoln County Health Board members if they had suggestions for slowing the virus’ spread through the community.
EPA delists operable unit covering roads between Libby and Troy
The continued restoration of the Libby Asbestos Superfund site reached another milestone earlier this week when federal officials removed a portion of the project from its National Priorities List.
Libby schools adjust policies after virus surge
Administrators with Libby Public Schools are strongly recommending that students and staff wear masks while on campus, pointing to a recent coronavirus outbreak at the elementary school that spread among first graders and left over 20 students and staff with positive test results.
Kootenai Harvest Festival set for this weekend
The 2021 Kootenai Harvest Festival will take place at the Riverfront Park Pavilion from noon until 6 p.m. on Sept. 18.
Carnan Davis named quilter of the year
Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild members have named Carnan Davis their quilter of the year.
Cuffe steps down from leadership position at international economic group
State Sen. Mike Cuffe (R-Eureka) is stepping down from his post as president of Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) after two years of leading the U.S.-Canadian collaborative.
Badgers claw their way to 7-0 victory over Loggers
Caught in a defensive slog, the Loggers gave up their first game of the season to Bonners Ferry last week.
Latest COVID surge in care center leaves at least 10 dead
At least 10 Libby Care Center residents died due to complications related to COVID-19 after the coronavirus spread through the local nursing home last month.
Commissioners put the final touches on county budget
Lincoln County Commissioners approved a balanced budget comprised of $11.4 million in non-tax resources and property tax revenues last week.
County crisis response team comes to fruition
A new breed of first responders will soon hit the streets in Lincoln County.
Jump in coronavirus cases among students as school year gets underway
Within days of opening classrooms, Libby Elementary School saw nearly 20 students and staff members test positive for the coronavirus — almost half the total number of positive test results the school saw last year.
Libby finalizes $9.7 million budget
Libby City Council approved a roughly $9.7 million final budget for this fiscal year during a Sept. 7 meeting.
Flint Creek Titans hammer Troy Trojans
The Trojan football squad fell 84-6 to Flint Creek during their Sept. 3 away game.
Spike in ivermectin use locally has health care providers worried
Local health care providers and public health officials are urging residents to avoid using a controversial anti-parasite medication to treat COVID-19, citing a lack of supporting research.
Troy weighs $3.39 million budget
Troy City Councilors gave their approval to a $3.39 million final budget earlier this week.
FWP issues reminder on proper courtesies as hunting season looms
With hunting seasons fast approaching, officials with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks are reminding hunters to get permission before venturing onto private property.
Health officials recommend following CDC guidance for quarantining
Lincoln County Health Department officials still recommend that residents exposed to the coronavirus follow isolation guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Bonners Ferry outlasts Libby for win on the volleyball court
The Lady Logger volleyball squad lost their first home match against Bonners Ferry over five games on Sept. 2.
Kapan building a well-rounded girls soccer squad
A young, but athletic girls soccer squad will be representing Libby on the pitch this year.
With win over Ronan, Libby undefeated to start the season
Two games into their season, the Loggers have given up only one touchdown.
$12 million budget unveiled for Lincoln County
County commissioners unanimously approved a balanced, preliminary budget representing nearly $12 million in appropriations on Sept. 1.
Libby set to vote on $9.7 million budget
City councilors in Libby plan to vote on the municipality’s proposed $9.7 million budget at its Sept. 7 meeting.
Daines endorses fiberboard plant, forest management in Libby trip
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines voiced support for local forest management projects and endorsed plans to bring a wood processing plant to Libby during a visit earlier this week.
Wildfire declaration of emergency lifted
Lincoln County commissioners rescinded a declaration of emergency earlier this week following a reduction in local wildfire activity.
Treatment court celebrates first graduates
Three women graduated from Lincoln County Treatment Court last week, marking the program’s inaugural class.
Cats claw Trojans at season opener
Despite a promising preseason, the Troy Trojans failed to tame the Clark Fork Wampus Cats during their home opener.
Libby High School Educational Trust bestows scholarships
Two members of Libby’s class of 2021 have received scholarships from the Libby High School Educational Trust.
Work at Libby schools beset by problems, shortages
Libby Public Schools administrators have faced more than a couple of setbacks in recent construction and maintenance projects.
Hartley tapped to fill outstanding school board vacancy
Libby Public School Board trustees rounded out their ranks earlier this week, appointing a new member to fill a final vacancy on their panel.
Fire restrictions lifted for northwest Montana
Officials lifted fire restrictions in Lincoln County and throughout northwest Montana earlier this week following a spell of cool and rainy weather.
Libby school officials approve $11.3 million budget
Local property owners can expect significant savings in their property taxes next year owing to the end of a five-year Libby Public Schools levy.