WILL LANGHORNE

Wildkats pummel Lady Loggers

The top-ranked Wildkats slashed the Lady Loggers 61-12, but the Libby squad never threw in the towel.

Lady Loggers dig deep to beat Polson

In the last minute of the fourth quarter, it was anyone’s game.

Greenchain shrugs off Corvallis, Browning

The Greenchain dominated the mat in their second home dual of the year, beating Corvallis 51-24 and Browning 47-23.

Former clients detail Hartman's financial dealings

When Kathleen Peden took the witness stand during the trial of Kip Hartman, a Bonners Ferry man accused of financial and elder exploitation crimes, she was straightforward.

Planning underway for wrestling tournament

Libby Public School officials are considering hosting a wrestling tournament, which could draw hundreds of participants and spectators from around the state.

Lady Loggers top Troy in cross-county matchup

The Lady Loggers proved themselves the reigning basketball queens of the lower Kootenai by defeating the Lady Trojans 51-29 last week.

Former clients were unaware Hartman lacked a Montana license

During the opening week of the trial of a Bonners Ferry man accused of financial crimes, prosecutors called on witnesses ranging from allegedly exploited elderly clients to investigators from the state auditor’s office.

Loggers foil Indians for a second time

From the tip-off, Libby dominated the court against Browning, locking down the Indians 72-47.

When it rains, it pours at Libby Elementary School

While administrators have come a long way in renovating Libby Elementary School’s roofing system, they still have a few leaks to plug.

Police investigate possible illegal traps in Libby

Officials with the Libby Police Department and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks have launched a joint investigation into potential illegal trapping operations in or near the city.

Hartman trial underway in Libby

Opening arguments were heard this week in the trial of a Bonners Ferry man accused of exploiting elderly clients in connection with the sale of annuities in Libby and Troy.

Firefighters douse job site trailer

The Libby Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire near the intersection of Second Street and Montana Avenue in Libby on Jan. 23.

Loggers take the Bulldogs to the pound

After duking it out for the first half, the 2-4 Libby Loggers chained the Whitefish Bulldogs 52-39 on Jan. 22.

Seifert drops grading system proposal

After sparking public outcry, health board member Jim Seifert said he has abandoned an idea to grade area businesses based on their adherence to pandemic restrictions.

Ronan Maidens school Lady Loggers

The Lady Loggers fell to the Ronan Maidens 60-24 on Jan. 23.

Mobile home blaze likely caused by electrical failure

Libby Volunteer Fire Department crews responded to a mobile home fire possibly sparked by an electrical failure Jan. 21.

Golf cart proposal hits dead end -- again

Libby City Council took the wheels off of a proposal that would allow golf carts within the city.

School board approves Goodman's contract

After nearly 11 months at the helm, Libby Superintendent Ron Goodman is set to continue his service for another two years.

Crismore signals exit from health board

Citing a busy schedule and a perceived interest in a more diverse membership on the Lincoln County Board of Health, Laura Crismore has announced her departure from the panel.

Libby administrators eye new remote learning program

For months, Libby educators have struggled to manage students on remote learning schedules. School administrators think they have a solution.

Outfitters see benefits to tighter selenium standards

New heavy metal standards for local waterways have left elected officials concerned about impacts on the area’s fishing industry. Local guides, however, celebrated the measures.

Greenchain trumps Pirates, falls to Wildcats

The Greenchain split their first home dual of the season. The mixed Libby and Troy varsity boys wrestling squad pinned Polson 42-12, but fell to Columbia Falls 48-27 in their Jan. 15 matchup.

Eureka boys top young Troy squad

The Eureka Lions tore through the Troy Trojans 68-27 in their first inter-county skirmish of the year.

Man charged in connection to shooting

A man shot by a Lincoln County Sheriff's Office deputy last week is facing assault and criminal tampering charges.

Chiefs axe shorthanded Loggers squad

Despite coming out swinging, the Loggers weren’t able to keep up with the Ronan Chiefs, falling 54-43 in their fourth game of the year.

Wicked winter storm leaves thousands in dark

Gary Neff’s morning took a turn when a tree crashed into his master bedroom around 9 a.m. While Neff and his wife were in their living room at the time, they saw the adjoining wall bow in and debris come flooding through the roof.

Cabinet Peaks announces first baby of 2021 in Libby

Gabriel Isaiah James Scalf was the first baby born in Libby in 2021.

Loggers squeak out a win over Indians

Breaking with recent history, the Loggers defeated the Browning Indians in a 48-45 nail-biter on the road.

Libby school officials could keep district mask mandate in place

While state and local officials may rescind their mask mandates in a matter of weeks, Libby Public School administrators plan to maintain their face covering policy until the threat of the coronavirus abates.

Golf cart ordinance proposal revived

After stalling out last year, a proposal that would allow Libby residents to drive golf carts on certain streets is roaring back to life.

Commissioners assume direct oversight over asbestos program

In a move aimed at trimming local bureaucracy, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners assumed oversight of the Asbestos Resource Program.

Wildcats pounce on Loggers' mistakes

Despite mounting aggressive half-court traps and full-court presses, Libby couldn’t stop the offensive onslaught mounted by Columbia Falls.

Browning Indians tower over Lady Loggers

Giving no quarter up or down the court, the Browning Indians vanquished the Lady Loggers 61-19.

Warrant issued for missing Eureka man

A Lincoln County judge issued a felony warrant last month for a Eureka man missing since summer.

Greenchain ready for the mat

After a month of honing in their technique and conditioning, Greenchain wrestlers are getting ready to grapple in their Jan. 8 season-opening dual.

School officials tepid on plan to demolish Asa Wood

A plan to demolish the Asa Wood Elementary School building to make way for an assisted living facility is losing favor with the Libby Public School Board.

Year in Review, Part IV

Join The Western News in taking a look at the biggest stories of the second half of 2020, an unforgettable year.

Gianforte: Public health directives will change in coming weeks

Black's local health order will expire when statewide mandates are lifted

Gov. Greg Gianforte said he would not immediately repeal the statewide mask mandate despite leveling criticism at the directive while on the campaign trail.

Cougars cut into Trojans

The Stillwater Cougars slashed the Trojan varsity 76-29 during their Jan. 5 matchup. While Troy managed to hold on for the opening minutes of the game, they fell behind starting at the end of the first quarter.

Year in Review, Part III

Join The Western News in taking a look a the biggest stories of the first half of 2020, an unforgettable year.

Lady Loggers head into season with deep bench

Thanks to a strong showing from the freshman class, the Lady Loggers took to the courts against Frenchtown with three teams this year.

Lady Trojans show spirit after Dickensian preseason

The Lady Trojans head coach turned to Charles Dickens to sum up the team’s preseason.

Despite late rally, Loggers fall to Broncs

After a sluggish first half, Libby upped the pressure in the fourth quarter of their season opener against Frenchtown. The push landed them just short of the mark. The Broncs bucked the Loggers 50-47 on Jan. 2.

Trojans get learning experience courtesy of Blue Hawks

From the tip-off, the Blue Hawks sunk their talons into the Trojan varsity squad. By the time the buzzer sounded, Thompson Falls had secured a 76-13 victory in the Jan. 2 season opener in Troy.

An energized Loggers squad prepares for the court

Although their season might have been delayed by a month, the Libby Loggers were ready to hit the courts dribbling on Jan. 2 in their first game against Frenchtown.

Delayed start to winter athletics as administrators work on COVID measures

Better late than never, high school winter sports seasons are set to kick off on Jan. 2, nearly a month behind the usual schedule. School administrators are taking extra precautions this year to reduce the risk of the coronavirus spreading within indoor arenas.

Year in Review, Part II

Here is the second installment of The Western News' look back on 2020, an unforgettable year.

Troy Schools' Haggerty earns statewide recognition

In recognition of his exemplary service to his community and school district, Keith Haggerty will represent Montana as the state’s nominee for the U.S. Department of Education’s Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) award.

Data suggests schools aren't superspreaders

As the number of active coronavirus cases in Lincoln County ebbs and flows, Libby Superintendent Ron Goodman is seeking to dispel what he sees as a misconception of how the virus has spread locally.

Local lawmakers question new selenium standards

Local elected officials want more information about new regulations for a heavy metal that is leaching into Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai River from upstream Canadian mines.