WILL LANGHORNE
The Western News
Recent Stories
Motorist credited for quick thinking after trailer caught fire
Firefighters with the Libby Volunteer Fire Department responded to a pup trailer fire on Wolf Creek Road last week.
Loggers fell Riverdogs in doubleheader
The Libby Loggers collared the Clark Fork Valley Riverdogs during their July 2 doubleheader.
Hurdles remain in effort to bring manufacturing back to Libby
The next step in bringing a medium density fiberboard factory to Libby involves securing a line of credit for the Washington businessman local officials courted for the project, and are standing behind despite past legal troubles.
Lincoln County adopts fire restrictions
Citing very high fire danger, Lincoln County Commissioners issued fire restrictions for all private lands in the county last week.
Group advocates for fewer restrictions on guns in county
Members of a political advocacy group petitioned county commissioners last week to consider expanding areas where citizens may carry firearms. But a new state law, which significantly eased concealed and open carry restrictions, might render the point moot.
As previously banned pyrotechnics prove big sellers, local vendors urge caution
Following a decades-long ban, bottle rockets, Roman candles and sky rockets are back on shelves in Montana. Given warnings that the newly legalized pyrotechnics could increase the already high risk of fires, local vendors have taken a cautious approach to marketing the fireworks.
Troy's Fourth of July bash looms large
Troy’s Fourth of July bash is back this year and its fireworks display is set to be bigger than ever.
Fire restrictions to go into effect across region
Local officials have issued fire restrictions for state, federal and private lands that are set to go into effect this weekend.
Roby found guilty of misdemeanor, acquitted of two felony charges
A jury acquitted a Libby woman on two felony charges, but found her guilty of a misdemeanor after she assaulted her husband during a domestic dispute last year.
Loggers secure win against North Idaho, but struggle in Big Bucks Tourney
While the Loggers struggled to put the barrel to the ball for most of the Big Bucks Tournament last week, they capped the midsummer slugfest with an 8-4 victory over the North Idaho Lakers.
Library officials craft plans for resource center in Troy
The Lincoln County Library system is teaming up with local groups to launch a community resource center to Troy.
Libby school officials detail coronavirus spending
Administrators with Libby Public Schools last week clarified their spending plans for the more than $4.25 million in federal coronavirus aid the district has received.
Newcomers aplenty in Libby mayoral, city council races
Libby residents will have to choose from a slate of municipal candidates when casting their ballots this November. Three contenders have thrown their hats in the ring for the mayoral race. Seven residents have submitted paperwork for three seats on the city council.
Libby firefighters douse hay fire north of town
The Libby Volunteer Fire Department extinguished a hay fire near Rainy Creek on June 21.
Troy officials amend municipality's budget
Troy City councilors last week approved amendments to the municipality’s budget after an infusion of federal funds and other unanticipated revenues and expenditures threw the financial road map off-kilter.
Highway patrol responds to multiple crashes in county
Montana Highway Patrol officers responded to two crashes in south Lincoln County during the afternoon hours of June 21.
Carr, Ekstedt in rematch to serve as mayor of Troy
Incumbent Troy Mayor Dallas Carr will face off against City Councilor Chuck Ekstedt in this year’s general election.
Commissioners set cost of living increases for county employees, officials
Lincoln County commissioners passed a series of resolutions to set cost of living increases for county officials and employees during a June 23 meeting.
County commissioners approve cost of living increases
Lincoln County Commissioners have approved a 1.8 percent cost of living increase for county employee salaries for the coming year.
Stiger steps down as principal
Andrew Stiger has stepped down from his position as Libby Elementary School principal.
With help from Masters, Libby rallies against Eureka
The Kootenai Valley Rangers may have gotten the jump on the Loggers during their June 18 county rivalry matchup, but they didn’t stay ahead long. Thanks to a late game rally and a walk-off home run, Libby bested Eureka 8-5.
Martin appointed to school board in Libby
Libby Public School Board members landed on Kristan Martin as their top pick for an open seat on the panel.
Officials examine new rules governing local health boards
Legal experts are deciphering the implications of a pair of new state laws that could have wide-ranging and unintended consequences in how local officials manage public health issues.
Commissioners back Rabbit Tracts partnership
Lincoln County Commissioners approved a contract for a forestry project that would forge a partnership between private landowners and public officials.
Troy yanks Seifert off of health board
Troy city officials have removed Jim Seifert from the Lincoln County Health Board.
Loggers split doubleheader with Bitterroot Red Sox
Libby locked down the Bitterroot Red Sox in the first game of their June 15 doubleheader, but slipped in the nightcap.
Libby school officials draw parents' ire for promoting vaccine drawing
Parents pressed Libby school officials this week about the role of district staff in promoting a prize-drawing contest aimed at boosting local vaccination rates.
County chip seals portion of Panoramic View Drive
After over a decade of dealing with dust coming off of Panoramic View Drive, homeowners living near the roadway can expect to receive some long-term relief.
Libby schools consider spending plans for over $4 million in federal funds
Administrators with Libby Public Schools are finalizing plans for how best to spend over $4.25 million in federal coronavirus relief funds.
Troy to consider applicants for health board seat
Troy City Council is opening up the municipality’s seat on the Lincoln County Health Board for applications after coming under fire for an administrative error that led to a faulty appointment to the panel last year.
Loggers split doubleheader with Whitefish
While the Loggers took the first game of their doubleheader against Whitefish on June 11 with a come-from-behind victory, the Glacier Twins built an early lead in the nightcap that Libby wasn’t able to overcome.
Ziply Fiber expands in Troy and Libby
Ziply Fiber has expanded its services to hundreds of locations in Troy and Libby in recent months as part of a push to increase access to fiber-optic internet.
Bernhard departs county health board
After a four-month stint on the Lincoln County Health Board, Scott Bernhard has tendered his resignation.
Candidates interviewed for open school board seat
Libby Public School Board members interviewed a slate of five candidates this week in hopes of filling an open seat on the panel.
Commissioners ponder pay increases for county officials
Lincoln County authorities voiced their support for a 1.8 percent boost in salaries for elected and appointed officials for the coming year.
Troy hosts meet to fundraise for new track and field facilities
Troy School District administrators and parents organized an elementary school track meet as part of their latest push to raise funds for much-needed repairs to the district’s track and field facilities.
Loggers enjoy success at state track meet
The Libby Loggers saw success at last week’s Class A state track meet, securing multiple top-10 finishes along with some hardware.
Officials close to hiring a superintendent of schools for county
Commissioners approved June 2 a resolution to appoint an interim county superintendent of schools.
Tennis squads end season with winning records
In a break with recent history, the Loggers’ tennis squads came away from their seasons with winning dual records and two bids for the state championship.
Lady Loggers season ends at state tourney
After a strong season, the 9-13 Libby softball team fell short at the state tournament against Billings Central Catholic and Corvallis. The trip to Butte marked the first state championship the Lady Loggers have participated in since 2018.
School officials in Troy consider budget amendment
Administrators with Troy Public Schools are considering amendments to the district’s budget to account for unforeseen expenses related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Farmers to Families program wraps up in county
Lincoln County Food Box Distribution Program volunteers wrapped up their final meal giveaway last week after a year of helping locals weather the pandemic and the associated economic crisis.
Breathing apparatuses need replacing, fire chief says
Officials with the Libby Volunteer Fire Department hope to secure federal funds to assist in the replacement of aging breathing apparatuses.
Soaring material prices dampen museum's success in securing grant funds
Efforts to refurbish the roof of the Libby Heritage Museum have fallen short due to a spike in building materials.
Lady Trojans hope to build on tough season
After a shaky start, the Troy softball team rounded a corner and closed out their season with a 4-19 record.
Ripley Project gets USFS go-ahead
U.S. Forest Service officials gave the go-ahead last week for a project that will treat over 12,000 acres of timberlands in south Lincoln County.
ARP wraps up two abatement projects
Contractors have completed two emergency abatement projects launched after workers discovered contaminated mine tailings buried in a pair of Libby properties.
Troy secures state grants for campground, trailhead
Troy City Council recently received two state grants totaling $36,000 in an effort to boost the municipality’s tourist attractions.
State gives green light to vaccine incentives
When state Rep. Jennifer Carlson (R-Manhattan) presented House Bill 702 to her fellow lawmakers, she touted it as a straightforward piece of legislation.
Loggers show signs of improvement in loss to Lakers
After keeping Kalispell in check for five innings, the Loggers floundered late in their May 26 game against the Lakers, eventually falling 14-4.