News

Jury selection underway in Absarokee negligent homicide case

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Jury selection is underway in the trial of a former Absarokee man charged with the negligent homicide a 27-year-old man in 2013.

9-time convicted felon gets 10 years probation for Nye burglary​

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A woman with nine felony convictions will be under the state’s watch for a total of 20 years, in part for burglarizing a home in Nye.​

Pamela Jean Wagner, 53, appeared in 22nd Judicial District Court last Thursday and was given a 10-year suspended sentence to the Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) for one felony count of burglary and misdemeanor counts of possessing burglary tools and theft in connection with the 2018 crime.​​

Wagner was also ordered to pay $3,650 in restitution to the victims, $1,085 in fines and fees and to follow 26 court-imposed conditions.​

Law Enforcement Blotter

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The Columbus Police Department, Stillwater County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol responded to 109 calls for service during the four days listed below. The following is a representation of some of those calls:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

 

MONDAY – JAN. 6​

•At 4:03 a.m., Billings dispatch advised Stillwater County dispatch of a man who called them saying he was “doing meth and is a confidential informant.” The man is no longer a confidential informant.​

Columbus man denies cop assault

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A Columbus man accused of injuring a Columbus police officer following a traffic stop incident has denied all criminal charges filed against him.

Zane Robert Burch, 38, appeared in custody last Thursday in 22nd Judicial District Court and pleaded not guilty to one felony count of assault on a peace officer and misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest and obstructing a peace officer.

County talk dirt, bridges and money

The following matters were handled at the regular Stillwater County Commission agenda meeting on Tuesday morning:

DIRT WORK

Commissioners approved the Dowl Service Agreement Soil Compaction Testing for the old hospital site. The soil testing is being done to make sure the back-fill is done properly to avoid sinkhole issues in the future.

BRIDGES

County Road Superintendent Mark Schreiner said work on the Ingersoll Bridge continues, with “dirt work” underway and crews waiting on a break in weather.

Hardin woman gets probation for I-90 cocaine case

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A Hardin woman will spend the next three years on probation for having cocaine in her vehicle during a traffic stop on I-90 in May 2019.​

Dionte Grant, 23, appeared in 22nd Judicial District Court last week and was given a 3-year deferred sentence for one felony count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs. Under the terms of a plea agreement, a second felony charge of possessing drugs with the intent to distribute and a misdemeanor charge possession of drug paraphernalia were dismissed.

Body found behind PC post office ID’d

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The body of a man found partially concealed behind the Park City Post Office early Wednesday morning, Jan. 8, has been determined to be that of a 52-year-old Park City resident Steven Ronald Thompson, who committed suicide.

An autopsy performed Thursday, Jan. 9,  along with evidence collected at the scene, led investigators to that conclusion.

Stillwater County Sheriff Chip Kem said the death was initially considered suspicious because the man was partially concealed.

Columbus resident Samantha Trehal joins American Angus Association

Columbus resident Samantha Trehal is a new member of the American Angus Association.

The American Angus Association, with more than 25,000 active adult and junior members, is the largest beef breed association in the world. Its computerized records include detailed information on over 19 million registered Angus.

Board members sought for Stillwater Community Health Care Foundation

Stillwater Community Health Care Foundation is seeking additional board members to help serve our local healthcare community.

Meetings are held the first Monday of every month at 5 p.m. at the Stillwater Billings Clinic board room. Be a part of a team that works to better serve the healthcare needs of our community. For more information or to apply please call 406-322-1001.

100 and Counting

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Beartooth Manor resident Arlene Eckstein turns 100 years young this Saturday.

Although small in stature, Arlene is approaching the century mark in remarkable health.

She does not wear glasses.

Or hearing aids.

Or use a walker.

She moves slowly. But she moves.  Family and friends will gather together this Saturday to celebrate Arlene’s birthday with her. The public is welcome to stop by as well. With the help of family and Beartooth Manor employee Crissy Shaughnessy and other’s at the Manor, a glimpse of Arlene’s story is told below.