The Western News

The Western News is a newspaper published twice a week in Libby, Montana. It serves the southern part of Lincoln County, including the towns of Libby and Troy. Established in 1902, the newspaper is owned by Duane Hagadone and the Hagadone Newspaper Group. The Western News is released on Wednesdays and Fridays, but readers can find copies at local newsstands as early as Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Additionally, the online version of the newspaper launched in the spring of 1995.

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Steed takes over as FWP Region 1 supervisor

1 week ago | thewesternnews.com | Chris Peterson

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has a new Region 1 supervisor in Amber Steed, a longtime biologist with the agency. Steed, 45, is the first woman to take the helm of the region, which is one of the most unique in the state, with a full suite of predators and almost intact ecosystems. Steed is replacing Lee Anderson, who recently retired. As regional supervisor, Steed oversees regional implementation of department goals and priorities.
Libby Loggers tennis sweeps Bigfork

1 week ago | thewesternnews.com | Scott Shindledecker

The Libby girls and boys tennis teams each rolled to 6-1 wins over Bigfork Saturday, April 5, at the Libby Community Tennis Courts. For the girls varsity, Maggie Fantozzi rallied from a first-set loss to beat Bigfork’s Cassy Schlicht, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, at No. 1 singles. At No. 2, Libby’s Marissa Hollingsworth beat Amanda Leonard in straight sets, 6-2, 6-1. At No. 3, Isabella Meyer was also a straight-set winner over Tatum Holman, 6-1, 7-5, and Claire Fantozzi collected a forfeit win at No. 4.
Libby's event calendar filling up following council approvals

1 week ago | thewesternnews.com | Scott Shindledecker

Libby residents attending Monday’s city council meeting probably needed a calendar to keep track of all the events that were approved or discussed. The first is the Workforce Expo on Lincoln Boulevard and the Memorial Center. It will be held from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23. Lincoln Boulevard will be closed on the Memorial Center side.
What has happened to Northwest Montana's dwindling elk herd

1 week ago | thewesternnews.com | Hailey Smalley

A flick of an ear, the flash of a dark wet eye. A tawny hide, quivering with an impulse for movement. Researchers searched the dense underbrush for any sign of the newborn elk calf. It was important they find the young animal in the next 72 hours, before it gained full use of its gangly legs and the window for safe capture closed.
Libby Public Schools seek mill levy for maintenance costs

1 week ago | thewesternnews.com | Scott Shindledecker

Rising maintenance and insurance costs have led Libby Public School to seek a mill levy in the upcoming May 6 school election. School Superintendent Ron Goodman said the levy would be permanent and generate $250,000 annually. The money would primarily be used for roof replacement or repairs as well as parking lot maintenance at the high school. “Roofing is one of our major facilities maintenance expenses,” Goodman told The Western News during an interview Wednesday morning.
Libby man sentenced to state prison for burglary charge

1 week ago | thewesternnews.com | Scott Shindledecker

A Libby man recently was sentenced to prison following his conviction on a felony burglary charge in a jury trial. Clifford Scott Admire, 55, initially pleaded not guilty at his April 28, 2024, arraignment. A few days before his trial in late January, Admire sought a new public defender, but Lincoln County District Judge Matt Cuffe denied his request. Admire was found guilty on Jan. 27. On March 31, Cuffe sentenced him to 15 years in the Montana State Prison with 10 suspended.
Police chase suspect enters guilty plea

1 week ago | thewesternnews.com | Scott Shindledecker

A Troy man accused of leading law officers from two states and three counties on a wild chase last year has pleaded guilty. Caleb David Covey, 38, entered a plea of guilty, but mentally ill, Monday in Lincoln County District Court. Flathead County Judge Amy Eddy, who is hearing the case, accepted the plea and set sentencing for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 24. Covey pleaded to seven counts of felony criminal mischief and one felony count of criminal endangerment.
Suit alleges county officials violated open meeting, public participation laws

2 weeks ago | thewesternnews.com | Scott Shindledecker

A Libby resident and businessman is alleging the Lincoln County Port Authority has violated the Montana Constitution and state statues in violation of the right of public participation and open meeting laws. Libby attorney Amy Guth recently filed a lawsuit upon behalf of her client, Daniel Torgison, who most recently owned the Switchback Bar and Grill.
Convicted rapist sentenced to Montana State Prison

2 weeks ago | thewesternnews.com | Scott Shindledecker

A Deer Lodge man who pleaded guilty to felony rape will serve time in the Montana State Prison after being sentenced March 31 in Lincoln County District Court. Mark Douglas Brickey, 58, entered his plea to one felony count of sexual intercourse without consent on Jan. 7. He first pleaded not guilty in Lincoln County District Court on March 13, 20222.
Libby woman accused of kidnapping also faces drug charges

2 weeks ago | thewesternnews.com | Scott Shindledecker

A Lincoln County woman locked up following an accusation she kidnapped and assaulted another woman is also facing felony drug charges. Rusti Dawn Miller, 42, was charged with new offenses following her arrest in February as local law enforcement officers sought her for the alleged kidnap and assault cases. Miller pleaded not guilty Monday to three felony counts of drug possession and one count each of possession of drug paraphernalia and burglary tools.