Washington state tax
changes to affect
Montana shoppers
According to the Washington Department of Revenue, starting July 1, 2019, the retail sales tax exemption for certain nonresidents of Washington state, on purchases of personal property, digital goods, and digital codes, will no longer be available at the point of sale. In other words, Montana residents will no longer be able to show a drivers license in Washington to receive tax exemption.
As an alternative, they may request a refund from the Washington Department of Revenue for the state portion of sales taxes paid. However, refunds are only available once per year.
Nonresidents can request refunds from Washington beginning Jan. 1, 2020 for purchases made between July 1, 2019 and Dec. 31, 2019.
The refund request must include copies of receipts, as proof of the transaction and proof that the purchaser is a qualified nonresident.
Requests must also total $25 or more in state sales tax paid. Requests for amounts less than $25 will be denied.
For more information, visit dor.wa.gov
By Dawn Manchester
FWP makes
decision on
conservation easement near Libby
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is recommending the Fish and Wildlife Commission approve the purchase of a conservation easement on the Kootenai Forestlands Conservation Project in Lincoln County.
As proposed in Alternative A of an environmental assessment (EA), the recommendation would protect approximately 22,295 acres of highly productive timberland and important fisheries and wildlife habitat in northwestern Montana around the City of Libby.
FWP released a draft EA for public comment from May 30 to June 29, 2019, and held a public hearing in Libby on June 12. FWP received 12 public comments. All comments are addressed in the decision notice.
The Kootenai Forestlands Conservation Project is a proposal by FWP and The Trust for Public Land (TPL) to owned by the Stimson Lumber Company. This conservation project is a collaborative effort involving Stimson, TPL, and FWP. The proposed conservation easement, to be held by FWP, would allow Stimson to retain ownership of these timberlands, preclude development, protect important wildlife habitat and key landscape connectivity, and provide permanent public access and associated recreational opportunities.
Hunting opportunities would continue to exist on this property for elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, moose, black bear, mountain lion, wolf, turkeys, and forest grouse. The property provides high quality winter range for moose, elk, white-tailed deer, and mule deer; habitat for 43 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (2015 State Wildlife Action Plan), and includes federally designated critical habitat for ESA-listed Canada lynx, grizzly bear, and bull trout. Completion of this project would permanently secure free public access for hunting, hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and other outdoor activities.
The scattered parcels of this project share 133 miles of border with the Kootenai National Forest. An increasing number of homes and developments in Lincoln County have occurred in the Wildland-Urban Interface and completion of this project could reduce taxpayer-funded costs of firefighting by 50-95% and prescribed fire by 43%. It would also reduce human-wildlife conflicts that come with residential development of properties within wildlife habitat, especially those with grizzly bears, black bears, and mountain lions.
“This collaborative project will maintain traditional uses and public access while protecting valuable fish and wildlife habitat at the same time,” said Jim Williams, Regional Supervisor for FWP in Kalispell.
Copies of the decision notice are available at the FWP office, 490 N. Meridian Rd., Kalispell; Montana State Library, 1515 E. 6th Ave., Helena; FWP State Headquarters, 1420 E. 6th Ave., Helena; the FWP website at http://fwp.mt.gov/news/publicNotices/decisionNotices/; and available for viewing at local libraries.
For more information, contact Kris Tempel (406-751-4573; ktempel@mt.gov).
Submitted by Dillon Tabish
City Judge
position now open to
applicants
As of Monday, July 1 the position of city judge is open to applicants as the current incumbent is undecided on whether she wants to be reappointed.
Due to the current City judge, Lucille Briggs’ indecision, a council meeting was held and a vote was cast. A job announcement for the position was submitted to Libby Job Service.
To allow the next applicant to attend judge school to learn responsibilities of the City Judge, the selection must be made and complete by August.
By Dawn Manchester
Free Pioneer Day event
July 20 at Fireman’s Park
The first Pioneer Day, now observed worldwide, celebrated the honorable individuals that settled Utah. But today, it honors the spirit, the sacrifice, and the heart of Pioneers everywhere.
Many Pioneers have sacrificed all of their possessions and even their own lives to make a better place for generations to come. In this spirit, Pioneer Day will be celebrated in Libby, Mont. on Saturday, July 20 at 4 p.m. at Fireman’s Park (across from the Venture Inn, near the splash pad).
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will provide a meal and games appropriate for children between the ages four and 11. Bring lawn chairs, your family, and friends.
All are welcome.
Submitted by Chuck Braun
Men’s golf league
standings
Week: #8 Match & Medal
Date: June 25th, 2019
Advantage vs. Roy’s – 9/7 *Advantage
Annie’s vs. Pastime- 9/7 *Pastime
Elks vs. Payne West- 10/6 *Elks
Timberline vs. Ortho rehab- 6/6 tie
Individual Low Gross:
Jay Adams- 39
Individual Low Net:
Corey Vinion- 31.5
Longest Putt #6
Tony Rebo
Closest to the Pin #7:
Jay Adams
Current Standings:
1st Pastime Bar and Grill – 87
2nd Timberline Auto- 80
3rd Roy’s- 70
4th Annie’s Cleaning Service- 68
5th Payne West insurance- 63
6th Advantage- 62
7th Ortho Rehab- 60
8th Elks Lodge- 53
9th Libby’s Closet- 51
10th Northwest Motor Sports- 38
Submitted by Jeff Dooley