News

Stillwater Billings Clinic at capacity

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Recent surges of COVID-19 cases locally and across the state have Billings hospitals and the Stillwater Billings Clinic (SBC) in Columbus at capacity, with concerns about the rising trend of new cases

First Meadowlark COVID-19 related death, 36 active cases

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The first COVID-19 related death from the outbreak at the Caslen Meadowlark Assisted Living Facility in Columbus was reported today, Oct. 5.

OUTBREAK AT MEADOWLARK

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At least 10 residents and staff members of the Meadowlark Assisted Living facility in Columbus have tested positive for COVID-19.

Three residents are hospitalized — one in Stillwater County and two outside the county.

The announcement was first made at a Stillwater County Commission meeting Tuesday morning, which was followed by a press release from public health officials.

Positive cases were first confirmed at the facility on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Caslen Living Centers owns the Meadowlark facility.

Wildland fire season

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Wildland fire season kicked into gear last Friday with the LE Peterson blaze in the Park City area that drew crews from Columbus Fire Rescue, Park City, Molt, Laurel, Red Lodge, DNRC, BLM, USFS, two helicopters and one dozer. The fire burned a little more than 200 acres, said CFR Chief Rich Cowger. Later that day, crews scrambled east towards Reed Point to battle the Svenson Road Fire. Columbus Fire Rescue, Red Lodge and Sweet Grass crews provided assistance. On Saturday morning, a blown tire on I-90 near Pine Crest sparked a 1.5 acre fire.

 

Shelter-in-Place order given by governor

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Montana’s first COVID-19 death was announced Thursday night by Governor Steve Bullock, just hours after he imposed a shelter-in-place order for 1 million Montanans.

Social Distancing

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EDITOR'S NOTE: The COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation. The information that is printed in the SCN is accurate at the time of deadline. We will update information as often as possible.

The coronavirus — technically called Covid-19 — officially arrived in Montana Friday, March 13, with now four cases reported in Yellowstone, Gallatin, Silverbow and Lewis & Clark counties.

So far this week, seven more have been added, bringing to a total 11 positive tests.

Big day in Rapelje

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RAPELJE — A presentation by RDO Equipment in drone flight and data analysis was the winning prize of three Rapelje students for their innovative idea in the 2021 Prospects business competition.

“Pipeline Tech” was the brainchild of Jacki Keating’s business students Lily Herzog, Kylee Bryant and Matthew Brubaker for the Montana Chamber Foundation’s business competition, which had 93 entries including 171 students. The pitch focused on utilizing drones to fly over pipelines for pressure monitoring and leak detection.

Child porn suspect loses bid for a bond reduction

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A convicted violent felon now charged with child porn has lost his bid for a lower bond amount.

David Pilcher, 52, appeared in 22nd Judicial District Court from the Gallatin County jail via video last Thursday, April 15, and requested to have the $100,000 bond amount lowered to $20,000.

His defense attorney argued that Pilcher has a place to live, “employment possibilities” and would be willing to wear a GPS unit for the duration of the case.

Man admits agg assault of sister

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A man has admitted to pushing his sister to the ground and kicking her in the face, causing serious injuries.

William Jacob Nevius, 36, appeared in 22nd Judicial District Court last Thursday and pleaded guilty to one felony count of aggravated assault and one misdemeanor count of Partner/Family Member Assault (PFMA), in connection with a September 2020 incident.

The PFMA charge involves Nevious’s wife, who he admitted to causing fear of serious bodily injury to during the incident.

Meth sentence makes woman 2-time felon

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A young woman whose involvement in the criminal justice system started when she was a young teenager will spend the next five years on probation for methamphetamine possession.

Te’Amo Staudinger, 24, appeared in 22nd Judicial District Court last Thursday via video from the True North treatment program after having previously pleaded guilty to one felony count of possessing methamphetamine.

Under the terms of a plea agreement with the Stillwater County Attorney’s Office, charges of felony criminal endangerment and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia were dismissed.