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News:
Kootenai River Bridge to receive structural repairs and minor bridge deck updates (posted 5/29/2025)
Montana Department of Transportation
TROY, MONTANA — The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is planning to complete repairs on the Kootenai River Bridge along US Highway 2 (US 2) approximately one-half mile northwest of Troy. Work is scheduled to begin late this summer and continue into spring/summer 2026.
A contractor has not yet been selected for this project. The contract will be available for bid on May 29, 2025, and awarded mid-July.
"The current bridge structure serves as an important connector for area residents, business owners, and recreationists, but it is aging and in need of repair to enhance safety for the traveling public and to extend the service life of the bridge," said Sam Baker, MDT Consultant Project Engineer.
Construction work will focus on replacing the existing expansion rocker bearings on pier 3 and pier 6 of the bridge. Minor repairs to the driving surface and under the bridge deck will also be included in this project.
A series of temporary night bridge closures are anticipated during construction. The duration of the night closures and disruptions will be minimized as much as possible during construction. Temporary closure dates and times will be announced closer to construction.
For questions related to the project, please contact Brittany Cremer with HDR Public Involvement at 406-384-9823 or brittany.cremer@hdrinc.com.
MDT is a workforce of over 2,000 people across Montana determined to do all we can so that you arrive at your destination safely. Our mission is to build, operate, and maintain a safe and resilient transportation system. For more information, visit mdt.mt.gov.
Anyone needing an alternative format of this document should contact MDT’s ADA Coordinator at mmaze@mt.gov, 406-444-5416 or Montana Relay Service at 711.
Sturgeon flow augmentation at Libby Dam begins May 27 (posted 5/29/2025)
USACE/Seattle District Seattle
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District water managers, along with regional federal, tribal, state and provincial fishery biologists and water managers determine spring run-off conditions in the Kootenai River Basin warrant starting the required flow augmentation at Libby Dam, Montana, for endangered Kootenai River white sturgeon downstream in Idaho and British Columbia.
The flow augmentation operation entails increasing outflows to provide river conditions to potentially increase sturgeon spawning success in the lower Kootenai River. Outflows increase May 27 and May 28 to 20,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) and will remain for about 18 days. After sturgeon flow augmentation is complete, Libby Dam discharge will gradually decrease to stable summer levels, no less than 7,000 cfs - the bull trout minimum flow associated with Koocanusa Reservoir’s inflow forecast.
The sturgeon flow augmentation operation is part of a collaborative, ongoing effort by regional biologists to enhance spawning conditions for sturgeon in the Kootenai River near Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Increased flows provide river conditions to potentially increase sturgeon migration to the reach of river upstream of Bonners Ferry in habitat known to be conducive to successful spawning, egg hatching and larval sturgeon survival, while providing river stage downstream of spawning areas to connect the river to off-channel habitats.
While the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho’s conservation aquaculture program has steadily increased the young sturgeon numbers in the river since 1992, federal, state, and tribal partners have collaborated for over a decade to build and enhance instream and off-channel habitat upstream and downstream of Bonners Ferry, to provide conditions that allow adult sturgeon, both wild and those released into the river through the conservation aquaculture program, to successfully reproduce on their own. The sturgeon operation requires a volume of water to be released from Libby Dam based on the May water supply forecast for Koocanusa Reservoir. The May water supply forecast for April-August inflow volume is 4.94 million-acre-feet or 81 percent of average, which sets this year’s sturgeon volume at 0.8 million-acre-feet.
The latest projections indicate a minimal chance of exceeding flood stage at Bonner Ferry, Idaho, which is 1,764 feet. The dam’s flow and stage projections are based on National Weather Service ensemble forecasts that are frequently updated during runoff season as weather and conditions change. Forecast modeling includes information on elevations, outflow, and Bonners Ferry seasonal elevation and peak height for the year. Check the latest projections here: https://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/nws/hh/www/pend_esp.html.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' primary consideration in operating Libby Dam is to minimize risk to human life, health, and safety, while meeting the dam’s multiple purposes and responsibilities. USACE closely monitors Kootenai River elevation in Bonners Ferry during the sturgeon flow augmentation and adjusts operations to stay below 1,764 feet, the local flood stage.
SSGT Arthur J. Rambo
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Bill passes to rename the Kootenai River bridge to the Staff Sergeant Arthur J Rambo Memorial Bridge (posted 1/19/2025)
LibbyMT.com
The Montana Legislature passed SB59, a bill that renames the Kootenai River bridge in Libby, Montana as the Staff Sergeant Arthur J. Rambo Memorial Bridge. The bill was passed on January 16, 2025 and signed by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte.
The bill dedicates the bridge on Highway 37 in Libby, over the Kootenai River, to honor Army Staff Sergeant Arthur J. Rambo. He was a Montana native who heroically served and was killed in action in 1969 in Vietnam, just short of his 24th birthday. He was awarded the Silver Star after working courageously to save his crew members during an attack in November, 1969. Three fellow soldiers were also killed in the attack. By naming this bridge after Rambo, the Libby community wishes for the legislation and bridge to permanently recognize his sacrifice and service to the country. The bill also directs the Montana Department of Transportation to design and install commemorative signs on the bridge and to create a memorial plaque near the bridge.
SSGT Rambo served in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the legendary Blackhorse Regiment) near the Cambodian border. He was the Section Chief of an M-109 Self Propelled Howitzer. For the bravery he displayed in the firefight on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1969, he was awarded the Silver Star posthumously. The Silver Star is the third highest medal awarded in the military. SSGT Rambo left behind a wife and two infant daughters. He is buried in the Libby Cemetery.
SILVER STAR – POSTHUMOUS - SERGEANT ARTHUR JOHN RAMBO
26 NOVEMBER 1969
HOWITZER BATTERY, 3rd SQUADRON
11TH ARMORED CAVALRY REGIMENT
Sergeant Rambo distinguished himself by gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 26 November 1969 while serving as an artilleryman with the Howitzer Battery, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date he was located at the squadron command post when it suddenly came under an intense mortar and ground attack from a North Vietnamese Army force. In the initial moments of the firefight, a rocket propelled grenade slammed into a cargo vehicle next to him, and the vehicle erupted in explosions and fire. Sergeant Rambo immediately began alerting the personnel in the area and directing them away from the area. He then crawled to the fiercely burning vehicle and attempted to drive it out of the area. Suddenly another grenade hit the vehicle and he was thrown to the ground. Undaunted, he crawled to a self-propelled howitzer and started the engine. As he began driving out of the area, the vehicle was hit by yet another rocket propelled grenade and he was fatally injured in the ensuing fire and explosions. Sergeant Rambo’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 4896 (23 December 1969)
This bill originated through a conversation between Libby High School alumnus Mark Fennessy (1965) and Libby VFW Harper Erdman Post 1548 Vice Commander Keith Kidwell. The renaming is in response to a request from the Libby community, many of SSGT Rambo’s friends, the Rambo family, and Libby’s VFW Post, to honor this soldier’s memory.
The Rambo family said in a media release, "The Staff Sergeant Arthur J Rambo Memorial Bridge will be a testament of Arthur’s service and duty to his country but it will also be a reminder to remember and honor ALL Vietnam soldiers. Art’s family and friends hope this will be healing for those who lost loved ones and those who came home to an ungrateful nation."
The family expressed their appreciation to Senator Mike Cuffe of Eureka, representing Lincoln County, for presenting this bill and orchestrating the stages it took to pass through both houses of the Legislature, smoothly and in record time. They also expressed appreciation to Representative Neal Duram, also of Eureka, for his role presenting and moving SB59 through the House of Representatives. Governor Greg Gianforte stated he felt honored to sign the bill - the first bill to be presented and passed in the 2025 Montana Legislative session.
Plans are now being formulated to create the plaques by the MT Department of Transportation. The plaque will be mounted on each end of the bridge. There will be a formal dedication celebration at a later date.
Related Links:
Blackhorse Memorial
Libby bridge to be named after fallen soldier By Sean Wells, 8KPAX, Jan. 12, 2025
Effort to rename Libby bridge after fallen soldier headed to Legislature By Scott Shindledecker, The Western News, Jan. 3, 2025
Lincoln County real estate news (posted 11/22/2024)
Guest Post by Alice Hayes, Team Hayes Realtors
January 1, 2024 through November 9, 2024:
Residential Sales (144):
Libby – 102
Troy – 40
Yaak - 2
Land Sales (46):
Libby – 22
Troy – 21
Yaak - 3
Commercial/Multi-Family Sales (7):
Libby – 5
Troy – 2
____________________
Residential Pending (18):
Libby – 11
Troy - 7
Land Pending (18):
Libby – 13
Troy - 5
Commercial/Multi-Family Pending (4):
Libby – 3
Troy - 1
____________________
Residential Actives (117):
Libby – 79
Troy – 38
Yaak - 2
Land Actives (105):
Libby – 67
Troy – 25
Yaak - 13
Commercial/Multi-Family Actives (19):
Libby – 15
Troy – 4
____________________
Interest rates are troubling!
As of November 9, 2024 – Conforming & FHA Loans:
20-Year Fixed: 6.92%
15-Year Fixed: 6.26%
2024 has been an interesting year… and the market seems to have slowed considerably. The fact the Federal Reserve has made two cuts to their rates has had little to no impact on the interest rates charged to buy homes. In fact, that rate has continued to rise. We have a new President now. Will that have an impact on home interest rates? Time will tell.
Contact:
Team Hayes Realtors, LLC
Alice and Jim Hayes
417 Mineral Ave, Suite 1 (in the Mineral Plaza)
Libby, Montana
406-293-2725
Alice: 406-293-8364
alice@alicehayes.com
jim@alicehayes.com
Jim: 406-293-1926
www.teamhayesrealtors.com
Libby Dam 50th Commemoration begins with logo contest (posted 11/6/2024)
Ceremony to be held August 23, 2025 at Libby Dam
US Army Corps of Engineers - Libby Dam
LIBBY, MONTANA --U.S. Army Corps of Engineers launched a logo contest to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of Libby Dam.
Libby Dam 50th Commemoration Logo Contest officials invite high school and college students, and adults to submit their logo designs to celebrate 50 years of operations.
The contest is a lead-up event to the 50th Commemoration ceremony (e-invitation) August 23, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - noon at Libby Dam Visitor Center. A reception will follow the ceremony.
Open to all ages, there is no cost to submit logo designs for the contest. Entries must be submitted to LibbyDamLegacy@usace.army.mil before January 1, 2025, 11:59 p.m. MT.
Libby Dam provides protection from floods, produces hydroelectric power, and manages natural and cultural resources and recreation, while contributing to irrigation and navigation operations downstream.
"We’re looking for a logo, designed by the public, that highlights Libby Dam’s many uses today," said Park Ranger Susan James. "We’ll feature the chosen logo on our commemoration materials, so we’re inviting everyone to submit their ideas for consideration."
The chosen entry will also be showcased on official commemorative products, official public website and social media.
"We hope the students who’ve joined us on our previous educational tours, will take advantage of their holiday breaks, get creative and inspired to send us their ideas," said James.
Contest entries will be displayed on the Libby Dam 50th Commemoration webpage.
For contest requirements, guidelines and rules for high school and college students and adults, click here. Kindergarten through 8th grade students can also participate in the celebrations.
For more information on the contest, contact Susan James at 406-293-5577.
Libby
lies in the northwest corner of Montana and is nestled in a valley carved by the
Kootenai River on the flank of the majestic Cabinet Mountain Range and Wilderness
Area. Today
about 2,800 people live within Libby proper. The main industries are lumber and
wood products, mining, tourism and recreation. The movies "The River Wild" and
"Always" were filmed here. Contact the Libby
Chamber of Commerce for brochures, info on lodging and events, general area
information, and contact information for local businesses and services.
SUMMER
When the weather warms and the mountain
snows melt away, the Kootenai National Forest comes alive with over 2.2
million acres of public land as a playground. Mountain trails and lakes
open up, beautiful wildflowers come in bloom, and wildlife have their young.
Libby is the basecamp for the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness Area, 90-mile
long Lake Koocanusa, the Northwest Peaks Scenic Area, and the Ten Lakes
Scenic Area. There is good access to most of the Forest and plenty of room
to get away from it all!
WINTER
Winter in Montana means snow, and lots
of it! For those who love to play in the deep powder, the Libby area offers tremendous
winter fun. Turner Mountain Ski Area, located
just 22 miles from Libby, offers challenging downhill skiing with a beautiful
view. Their slogan is "steep, deep and cheap", and Turner definitely
lives up to that. It's still fairly undiscovered, so you can escape the crowds
and get the cheapest lift tickets around. For those who love snowmobiling,
there are hundreds of miles of backcountry roads to sled on in the Kootenai National
Forest. Cross-country skiers and ice fishermen also can find solitude on a lake
and miles of quiet forest trails to enjoy the outdoors. Those who are a bit on
the wild and crazy side will love the antics of the Libby Polar Bear Club.
Members take winter-time "swims" in frigid Libby Creek every Sunday
from October to April. Plungers have ranged in age from 3 to 61. As long as the
ice can be broken on the creek, if it has formed, the group will take their plunge,
no matter the temperature.
These people must be
craaaazzzzzy!
Libby
Polar Bear Club
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