WILL LANGHORNE
The Western News
Recent Stories
Wrestlers return from Miles City with medals in tow
The Greenchain capped off a winning season last week with several medals at the state tournament in Miles City.
New asbestos regs let health officials penalize offenders
Local public health officials have brought into effect another regulation to protect residents from residual asbestos.
Red Dog could revive its pizza menu as takeout only
Local flatbread-lovers rejoice: The Red Dog Saloon may soon begin serving its famed pizza again.
Loggers reflect on season after falling in divisionals
After a hard-fought season, the Libby Loggers ended their year at the Western A Divisional tournament in Butte.
School levies set to decrease in Libby
Libby Public Schools is expecting a significant change in its levies next year. But breaking with recent history the shift will result in a slump, rather than a bump, in taxes.
A story of the plague year
Sara Whitehouse first saw her roommate go into the COVID ward. She never came out. Then it was Whitehouse's turn
When Sara Whitehouse tested positive for the coronavirus she feared the worst.
Local schools consider ending mask mandates
With vaccine rollouts for staff on the horizon and pressure mounting from local activists, schools in southern Lincoln County are considering lifting mask requirements in the coming months.
Firefighters quench Woodway Avenue blaze
The Libby Volunteer Fire Department responded to a Woodway Avenue house fire on the afternoon of March 1.
Despite trying times, Trojans saw improvement
Trojan head coach Justin Young described this year’s boys basketball season as one the craziest of his career.
School officials prepare for mass vaccination of staff
School employees will soon have access to vaccines thanks to a recent federal push to protect educators from the coronavirus.
Cuffe deems voter ID bill as one of the most important of his career
State Sen. Mike Cuffe (R-Eureka) never thought he would carry legislation like Senate Bill 169. But when presenting the act, which would revise voter identification laws, the six-term congressman said it might be the most important bill he will sponsor in his career.
Bill would give hunters a mulligan for CWD-infected animals
Dallas Carr had one thought running through his mind when he put his crosshairs on the bull moose.
Fourth of July bash returns to Troy
After a one-year hiatus, Troy is set to host its old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration this summer.
Vaccine eligibility expands next week
In an effort to further protect residents most vulnerable to the coronavirus, Gov. Greg Gianforte this week expanded the list of people eligible for a vaccine.
Students launch anti-mask campaign; school officials encourage civic engagement
Hoping to end masks requirements at Libby Public Schools, a group of students are circulating a petition among community members.
EPA signs off on selenium standards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has given its stamp of approval to new selenium standards for Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai River.
Greenchain takes third in divisionals
After a weekend of hard-fought battles, the Greenchain came in third-place overall at the Western Class A Divisional wrestling tournament.
Troy schools looking to remove gymnasium flooring
Troy Public Schools is seeking a contractor to remove old flooring in the high school gym.
Deputy involved in shooting back on the job
The deputy who shot and injured a man during a domestic disturbance call has returned to work after taking paid administrative leave, officials said last week.
Rabbit Tracts partnership possibly in line for DNRC grant
Montana officials are reviewing a proposal for a local forest management project that promises to forge a partnership between private landowners and county, state and federal entities.
Board narrowly approves school calendars
In a narrow vote, Libby Public School Board members approved academic calendars for the next two years with alternating spring breaks.
Libby school board considers reiterating face mask policy
When Gov. Greg Gianforte lifted the statewide face covering mandate earlier this month, he made sure legislation was in place to protect business owners who chose not to require masks.
Libby boys best Browning for tourney bid
Faced with a physical and fast-paced battle for a spot in the Western A divisional tournament, Libby bested Browning 59-39.
Greenchain wrestlers look forward to hosting divisionals
For the first time in nearly two decades, Libby is set to host the Western Class A divisional wrestling tournament. Athletes and fans from 11 other schools will converge on Ralph Tate Gymnasium from Feb. 26 to 27.
Troy City Council returns to its regular digs
After nearly two and a half months, Troy City Council has returned to its usual chambers in the Troy City Courtroom.
Hunting, fishing licenses to go on sale next week
Hunting and fishing licenses for the 2021 season will go on sale starting March 1, according to a press release from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Faster Internet coming to Troy
Light speed internet is coming to Troy courtesy of MontanaSky Networks.
County, city and school district endorse tennis court deal
Libby Public School officials approved an upkeep agreement that involves several local governments for area tennis and pickleball courts.
Gunderson tackles CWD, e-bikes and oversight committees among other issues at state Legislature
State Rep. Steve Gunderson (R-Libby) likened his experience at this year’s legislative session to juggling running chainsaws. “I’ve got so many irons in the fire,” said the third-term representative during a Feb. 17 interview.
Petition seeks to lift mask requirements at local public schools
Urging community members to stand against a vaguely defined dictatorship, Lincoln County residents began circulating an online petition last week to repeal mask requirements at local schools.
Winter weather delays vaccine shipments
With winter storms battering much of the U.S., Lincoln County — along with thousands of other localities — did not receive COVID-19 vaccine doses last week.
Learning how to play safely in the snow
Less than halfway through the snow season, western states have already surpassed the national annual avalanche death average.
Lady Bulldogs run over Lady Loggers
Raining shots from the perimeter and the key without abandon, the high-ranked Lady Bulldogs fetched a 68-28 win from Libby Feb. 18.
Victim in fatal car wreck identified
Authorities have identified the Libby man found dead after a car accident last week.
Records reconciliation uncovered additional COVID-19 deaths, officials say
State officials say a reexamination of records led to the discovery of three additional coronavirus-related deaths in Lincoln County.
Sheriff's office brings back reserve deputy program
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office wants you for its reserve deputy program.
End of mask mandate leaves area businesses to come up with individual policies
When Gov. Greg Gianforte rescinded the statewide mask mandate last week, Lincoln County business owners were left to decide whether or not to require face coverings.
Avalanche safety training scheduled for Feb. 20
David Thompson Search and Rescue will hold their annual avalanche safety course on Feb. 20.
Fisher sees bright future at Tech
Milliseconds after the snap, Thompson Falls’ left guard found himself lying on his back. Lining up against Jace Fisher, Troy’s 6-foot-6-inches, 310-pound defensive tackle, the guard might as well have been trying to hold back a bulldozer.
Troy City Council agrees to deal with ambulance service
To accommodate their expanding operation, Troy Volunteer Ambulance is en-route to a new home base.
Polson Pirates plunder Loggers
A second-quarter push from high-ranked Polson cost Libby dearly. After taking the wind of the Loggers sails, the Pirates came away with a 55-44 victory.
Spring break proposal divides school board
A plan to transition to school calendars with spring breaks every other year has sparked division among Libby Public School officials. After debating the issue during a Feb. 8 meeting, school board members decided to table the proposal.
Lady Lions victorious
The Eureka Lady Lions emerged victorious from this year’s Battle of the Kootenai after defeating the Lady Loggers 60-22.
'I want to help them get back on top'
Six years after walking through the doors of OrthoRehab as a patient, Jared Winslow has returned to the center as a doctoral student in physical therapy.
Middle school wrestling expects boost this year
Libby Public School administrators are ramping up their middle school wrestling program to provide students with a chance to compete this year.
School board faces increasingly complex decision to sell Asa Wood
After continued negotiations, Libby Public School officials are still not content with a plan to raze Asa Wood Elementary School and erect an assisted living facility in its place.
Greenchain splits dual against Ronan, Frenchtown
The Greenchain split their Feb. 5 dual against Ronan and top ranked Frenchtown. Libby pinned the Chiefs 45-27, but fell 45-21 to the Broncs.
Mistrial declared in Hartman case
District Judge Matthew Cuffe has declared a mistrial in the case of the Bonners Ferry man accused of financial and elder exploitation crimes.
Library adopts Beanstack app
The Lincoln County Library is going digital with a new program for readers.
Federal food distribution resumes in county
After halting their operation for three months, volunteers with the Lincoln County Food Box Distribution Program announced they are set to resume their meal giveaways for those in need.