WILL LANGHORNE
The Western News
Recent Stories
Rosendale underscores opposition to earmarks during tour of Libby Dam
Montana’s sole representative to the U.S. House toured the Libby Dam during a visit to Lincoln County last weekend.
Beagle, Boltz and Gilliam-Smith shine at divisional meet
The Libby Logger track team came in seventh place at the divisional track meet in Columbia Falls earlier this month.
Vaccination promotion dropped after potentially running afoul of new state law
A push to boost vaccination numbers in Lincoln County backfired last week when officials determined the effort may violate a new state law meant to bar vaccine requirements.
Veterans serve on the front lines of suicide prevention
Rick Morrow knew time was limited when he got the call. A distraught woman had told his pastor that her husband, an Army veteran, was suffering a severe mental health crisis. While the pastor wasn’t sure if he could help, he said he knew someone who could.
Niemi takes over as KVCS administrator
Kootenai Valley Christian School is expecting a changing of the guard by the end of the month.
Peck announces plans for fiberboard factory
County Commissioner Mark Peck (D-1) announced plans to establish a medium-density fiberboard factory (MDF) near Libby that could employ upwards of 150 people.
Loggers win final game of Wood Bat Classic
The Loggers flipped a switch during last weekend’s Loggertown Wood Bat Classic.
Bethany Thomas signs letter of intent
Libby senior Bethany Thomas, a key infielder for the Lady Loggers, will continue her career in softball at Concordia University.
Troy officials mishandled health board appointment
Officials in Troy admitted last week to skipping steps when appointing a new city representative to the county health board amid questions from residents about the process.
Gianforte lauds Ski Dale project during Libby visit
Stressing the need for more jobs and increased forest management in Lincoln County, Gov. Greg Gianforte toured a forestry project and the site of what may become a wood processing plant last week.
School district surveys student interest on new sports offerings
Administrators with Libby Public Schools have sent out a survey to gauge student interest in new athletic activities.
Loggers prepare for Wood Bat Classic
Less than a month into their season, the Libby Loggers are gearing up for the Loggertown Wood Bat Classic.
Troy inks buy-sell agreement with ambulance service
Troy officials signed a buy-sell agreement last week officially handing over a piece of municipal property to the city’s volunteer ambulance service.
County commissioners seek more info on local USFS project
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners have sent a letter to U.S. Forest Service officials highlighting concerns about how a local forestry project would address wildfire risks near private properties.
Yaak WINGS Benefit raises more than $47k
After cutting back on fundraising efforts last year owing to pandemic restrictions, the organizers of the Yaak WINGS Benefit held one of its most successful annual charity drives last weekend.
Crisis intervention team in the works for Lincoln County
After years of dealing with people on the worst days of their lives, Vanessa Williamson started looking for ways to improve how local first responders intervened in crises.
Forest Service officials seek funds for deferred maintenance projects
U.S. Forest Service officials are seeking between $1.8 and $2.3 million to address deferred maintenance projects in the Kootenai National Forest next year.
Kitchen fire leaves Minnesota Avenue home uninhabitable
Firefighters with the Libby Volunteer Fire Department reined in an out-of-control kitchen fire in a Minnesota Avenue house on May 13 that left the home unlivable.
Public schools prepare to include private, homeschool students in extracurriculars
Libby Public Schools administrators are grappling with the practical implications of a new state law that allows private and homeschool students to participate in public school extracurriculars.
Library resumes pre-pandemic schedule
After more than a year of operating on restricted schedules, Lincoln County Library branches have expanded their hours back to pre-coronavirus levels.
Plans for graduation ceremonies revert back to normal
As concerns about the coronavirus pandemic wane, school officials in south Lincoln County are planning largely traditional graduation ceremonies.
Benson takes reins as school board chair; one vacancy remains
Libby Public Schools Board was left with one vacant seat following this year’s district election.
School officials secure grant to cleanup Asa Wood
For nearly two years, Libby Public School District administrators have struggled to redevelop the defunct Asa Wood Elementary School due to the high cost of mitigating toxic building materials on the property.
The Keep, a 'curiosity boutique,' opens on Mineral Avenue
Judging by the sign posted outside, passersby might mistake The Keep, one of Libby’s newest businesses, for a roadside gift shop.
Pederson leaves $1.2 million in endowment for Lincoln County groups
A lifelong resident of Libby has left more than $1 million in estate gifts for Lincoln County.
Mariners take the wind out of Libby's sails
The Mission Valley Mariners sailed away from the Libby Loggers with a 25-2 win over the weekend. The May 7 defeat marked the Logger A team’s home field opener.
Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness seek volunteers
With summer approaching, Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness are looking for volunteers to help maintain trails and educate hikers.
Businesses struggle to find workers
Troy Douthit, manager of Venture Inn, has been feeling the pinch.
Second Knotty Pine project meeting held to dispel rumors, misinformation
U.S. Forest Service officials held a public meeting last week in hopes of dispelling persistent misinformation surrounding an upcoming forestry project.
Libby schools take first look at wood-fueled heating system
With oil and gas prices on the rise, Libby Public Schools officials are looking into replacing their diesel heaters with wood-burning boilers.
Commissioners separate treasurer, superintendent positions
Lincoln County Commissioners passed a resolution to separate the county’s treasurer and superintendent of schools positions. The action lets commissioners appoint an interim superintendent.
New election administrator focuses on created informed electorate
Taking office less than three months after the contentious 2020 election, Paula Buff, Lincoln’s new election administrator, has her work cut out for her.
School mask requirement lifted
Libby Public Schools officials lifted the district’s mask requirement on May 3.
Protecting the Flower Creek watershed
After months of site visits, meetings and drafting, officials have completed a much-needed protection plan for Libby’s water source.
Just over $1 million in infrastructure spending headed toward Lincoln County
Just over $1 million in state infrastructure funding is set to flow into the coffers of Lincoln County organizations and local governments. The funds would come from a set of nine bills in the final stages of consideration in Helena.
Panoramic View dust up enters 11th year
Dust coming off of Panoramic View Drive began coating the Elletsons’ property in 2010. Eleven years, countless meetings and a public health abatement order later, the Elletsons, and other residents who live beneath the road, are still seeking a permanent solution.
Vince Backen turns the page with latest venture
When Vince Backen lands in a foreign port, one of his first stops is almost always the local bookstore.
Troy poised to create cemetery committee
Troy City Councilors came to the informal conclusion that the best way to manage the municipality’s cemetery would be to form an advisory committee.
Misinformation fueled showdown at informational meeting for Knotty Pine project
U.S. Forest Service officials had to shut down a public meeting on a forestry project last week after it devolved into a shouting match.
Gianforte signs bills sponsored by local lawmakers
With just days left in the state legislative session, a series of bills sponsored by Lincoln County representatives received Gov. Greg Gianforte’s signature.
Chamber wants say over what groups use nearby parking lot areas
A burgeoning feud between two local outdoor markets bubbled over during a Libby City Council meeting last week.
Local lawmaker's invasive species bill gets governor's approval
Gov. Greg Gianforte signed off on a bill sponsored by a local lawmaker designed to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species last week.
Texas administrator selected as assistant principal of elementary school
Libby Public School Board members have settled on a candidate for the assistant principal position at the elementary school.
Golf cart ordinance passes muster
The third time’s the charm for an ordinance allowing golf carts on Libby streets under certain circumstances.
Hecla officials promote reclamation efforts at Troy mine site
In celebration of Earth Day, officials with Hecla Mining Co. last week touted their reclamation efforts at the Troy Mine.
Plans emerge to revamp Troy skate park
Zach McDougall has high hopes for the Troy skate park.
Emergency abatement launched after workers uncover contaminated mine tailings
Officials with the Lincoln County Asbestos Resource Program have launched an emergency abatement project after workers uncovered contaminated mine tailings on a Fifth Street property.
Lady Loggers rally late to beat Wildkats
Mounting a stunning late-game rally, the Lady Loggers beat the Columbia Falls Wildkats 13-12 on April 21.
School board plans to shop Asa Wood site around
Administrators with the Libby Public School District hope to put the defunct Asa Wood Elementary School on the market in May.
Voter ID bill becomes law
A push to revise voter identification requirements culminated earlier this week when Gov. Greg Gianforte signed Senate Bill 169.