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.

Local

English

Newspaper

Outlet metrics

Domain Authority

Ranking

Global

#1099669

United States

#259379

News and Media

#7820

Traffic sources

Monthly visitors

Articles

Libby's Farmer, Andersen win medals at state track and field championships

1 week ago | thewesternnews.com | Scott Shindledecker

Two Libby High School athletes brought home three medals from last weekend’s Montana High School Association Class A Track and Field Championships. Held at Legends Stadium in Kalispell, freshman Capri Farmer claimed two medals, including a silver, while junior Tristan Andersen grabbed the third precious medal. Farmer was fourth in the 1,600-meter run Friday and was second in the 3,200-meter run Saturday afternoon.
No mountain too tall: Libby’s Beagle repeats as state tennis champ

1 week ago | thewesternnews.com | Scott Shindledecker

If last year was about getting over the hump for Libby star tennis player Ryan Beagle, 2025 was a tour de force for the Loggers senior. Beagle, Libby’s first boys state champion, won back-to-back Montana High School Association Class A singles titles Friday in Billings, crushing the competition along the way. Beagle was undefeated in 2025 and was dominant while winning all eight sets at the state tournament.
Libby man pleads; authorities seek trafficking suspect

1 week ago | thewesternnews.com | Scott Shindledecker

A Libby man recently pleaded guilty to cocaine possession while his source has a warrant for his arrest after missing multiple court hearings. In Lincoln County District Court, May 19, 67-year-old Rodney Earle (Hank) Maxim pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine. His plea deal calls for him to serve a five-year suspended sentence and forfeit $6,600 in cash that he was carrying at the time of his arrest. District Judge Matt Cuffe ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set sentencing for June 30.
Libby’s Rambo honored for sacrifice in Vietnam

1 week ago | thewesternnews.com | Scott Shindledecker

Sunday’s dedication of the Staff Sgt. Arthur J Rambo Memorial Bridge in Libby brought together people from two countries and multiple generations. That was the impact of a man who died serving his country 56 years ago in the Vietnam War in 1969. Rambo was warmly remembered as an intelligent, talented athlete and singer. He had more than one opportunity to not take up arms in defense of his country, but that was not the kind of man he was.
Libby man jailed on negligent homicide charge in toddler's death

1 week ago | thewesternnews.com | Scott Shindledecker

A Libby man has been arrested and charged in the shooting death of his 3-year-old son. Timothy Frederick Allen Moore, 24, is charged with one felony count of negligent homicide and is being held in the Lincoln County Detention Center on $500,000 bail. Moore appeared on video from the jail in front of Lincoln County Justice of the Peace Jay Sheffield Wednesday morning. He said he needed an attorney and Sheffield instructed him how to begin the process for representation.
In the eyes of the beholder: Troy students are talented artists

1 week ago | thewesternnews.com | Scott Shindledecker

Troy High School’s annual art show last week highlighted the talents of the many artists who have been crafting their work for several years. Seniors Christina Hammer and Bella O’Day showcased four years of work in the high school gym. Hammer, who is her graduating class’s Valedictorian, is seeking to develop a career in art. She enjoys political cartoons and will begin her schooling at Flathead Valley Community College.
Battle over Port Authority's business dealings continues in court filings

1 week ago | thewesternnews.com | Scott Shindledecker

Attorneys for the Lincoln County Port Authority and a Libby businessman questioning how it has conducted business have recently filed briefs arguing their respective positions. Daniel Torgison, through his attorney, Amy Guth, filed the application April 10 seeking a restraining order and an order for the defendants to appear before District Judge John Larson. He also filed an affidavit for a preliminary injunction.
Libby officials approve Community Development Fund policy

2 weeks ago | thewesternnews.com | Scott Shindledecker

After more than a year of vocal debate about the deployment of money in the Libby Community Development Fund, a new policy was quietly approved at the May 19 city council meeting. Councilor Gail Burger made a motion to approve the new policy, Kristin Smith seconded it and the vote was unanimous. Councilor Melissa Berke and Mayor Peggy Williams were absent from the meeting. The Community Development Fund balance currently sits at nearly $1.6 million.
In the eyes of the beholder: Troy students are talented artists

2 weeks ago | thewesternnews.com | Scott Shindledecker

Troy High School senior Christina Hammer shows off some of her art work created in four years at the school's annual student art show Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News) Troy High School senior Bella O'Day considers four years of creations at the school's annual student art show Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
Deer ticks have arrived in Montana

2 weeks ago | thewesternnews.com | Scott Shindledecker

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPPHS) officials are alerting the public about the recent identification of a tick new to Montana known as Ixodes scapularis, commonly referred to as a “deer tick” or “blacklegged tick”. State health officials report that in the past year three blacklegged ticks were identified in the state for the first time through active surveillance conducted by researchers and public health officials. The ticks were found in Dawson and Sheridan counties.