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The Western News
Libby man dies in motorcycle-deer collision
A Libby man died Thursday, July 4, after the motorcycle he was driving collided with a deer on Bull Lake Road.According to a report from Montana Highway Patrol, the man was driving a Honda CBR 1000 south near mile marker 33.5 at about 2:55 p.m. when it collided with a deer. The motorcycle slid and the man fell off the vehicle.The man, who was wearing a helmet, was taken to Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.Alcohol, drugs or speed were not suspected factors in the crash.A multiple vehicle accident Thursday morning on Bull Lake Road caused injuries, but no other details were available.There was also a vehicle crash at about 5:34 a.m. Friday, July 5, on U.S. 2 east of Libby that resulted in an injury. No other details were available.
Region 1 cow elk B tags cut following spring survey
HELENA — Biologists conducting spring deer and elk surveys found some areas with improved herd growth and some areas with lower recruitment due to poor habitat conditions and disease.During the spring season, state wildlife staff get a pulse on deer and elk numbers by conducting aerial spring trend surveys or green-up flights across the state. These flights occur in the same areas year after year so biologist can understand population trends. During the flights, staff count the total number of deer and elk they see and classify fawns/calves and adults to determine recruitment rates. Fawns/calves counted during spring surveys have survived their...
Robert Lynn “Dancing Bob” Gray
Robert Lynn “Dancing Bob” Gray, 75, of Troy, Montana, passed away at his home on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Bob was born in Temple, Texas on Nov. 3, 1948, to Juanita Inez Smart Gray and Jack Thomas Gray. He grew up in Killeen, Texas and attended school there. After graduation, a few years later, he joined the United States Navy and served three years, 11 months and 29 days, before his Honorable Discharge. Around 1994-95, Bob decided to come to Montana to become a "Mountain Man." He always said it was one of the best things he had done. Bob’s biggest regret was...
O’Brien will bring a wealth of experience as Superintendent of Schools
I support Dr. Shannon O'Brien as the next Superintendent of Schools. Shannon's exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication to education, ability to listen and her deep understanding of the needs of our children make her the ideal candidate.In a time where the future of our education system is at a critical juncture, it is imperative that we have a leader who prioritizes the well-being and success of our students above all else. Shannon embodies this commitment, consistently putting the best interests of our children and grandchildren ahead of politics.As the mother of a high-schooler, Shannon understands firsthand the importance of safe and secure schools...
Time to take precautions against bears
HELENA – Bears can be found throughout Montana. In recent years, grizzly bear populations have expanded. As you make plans for the July Fourth holiday, be sure to review these precautionary steps to “Be Bear Aware”.- Carry bear spray close at hand and know how to use it. - Travel in groups whenever possible and plan to be out in the daylight hours. - Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers. - Watch for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses. - Make noise, especially near streams or in...
A flood of misinformation
In Moldova, a false video implied that a pro-Western president actually favored Russia. In Bangladesh, a conservative Muslim country, a female lawmaker was portrayed wearing a bikini. In Slovakia, a doctored audio tape made it seem that an anti-Moscow candidate wanted to double the price of beer.No fabricated videos have surfaced — yet — of Joe Biden boasting a bikini bod or boosting beer prices. But this year’s presidential contest is already drenched in a flood of disinformation, and the problem is likely to get much worse.As those foreign examples illustrate, “deepfakes” pose a serious threat. These are false ideas...
Catherine (Caty) Marie Dhaenens Youso
Catherine (Caty) Marie Dhaenens Youso, born Aug. 8, 1950, in Spokane, Washington, passed away June 23, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. She was an amazingly unique spirit and her indelible mark on those around her will never be forgotten.Known for her spunky and sassy personality, she had a way of marching through the crowd, leaving laughs and love in her wake. She was particularly fond of her multitude of grand and great-grandchildren, showering them all with smiles, hugs, sage advice, (and the occasional piece of candy when mom wasn’t looking!). Caty was a consummate cleaner, often taking cleaning tasks over from...
Libby youth lands big one at Halfway House's Pike Strike
There are several dozen fewer northern pike swimming Bull Lake after the Halfway House Bar and Grill's Pike Strike tournament.Held the weekend of June 22-23, the tourney saw 49 anglers enter. They boated 74 fish that weighed a combined 346.4 pounds, an average of 4.68 pounds.Libby's Kory Peltier caught the largest pike, an 18.6-pound wall-hanger. Wallace Kiele's No. 2 fish was 16 pounds while Duane Condit Jr. landed one that weighed 12.7 pounds.For combined weight, Anthony Green's fish weighed a total of 34.9 pounds. Peltier's pike weighed 31 pounds and Ben McCann's were 30.4 pounds.
Heat wave coming, officials urge careful recreation
Mother Nature did south Lincoln County a favor in terms of wildfire risk as rain has fallen on several days in the last few weeks.But things are expected to change rapidly as temperatures are expected to rise into the The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat watch next Tuesday and Wednesday in the Kootenai/Cabinet and Lower Clark Fork regions.It calls for dangerously hot conditions with major risk of heat effects possible. The level of heat affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Impacts likely in some health systems, heat-sensitive industries and infrastructure.Officials recommend drinking plenty of fluids, stay in...
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The Western News, a twice weekly newspaper located in Libby, was one of the first Montana newspapers to go online - the first among smaller publications. The first online issue appeared in early Spring 1995 with our Spring and Summer Visitors Guide. The Western News reaches roughly 3,000 households with every edition and is the largest paid-circulation newspaper in our region. We cover southern Lincoln County, including Libby and Troy.
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