News

COVER GIRL

Chantal McCrorie is more than just a beautiful face.

While the Columbus High School graduate has been a model and actress for several years, her cover shot on last month’s issue of Harley Davidson’s in-house magazine had more to do with her brain than her beauty.

McCrorie, 31, is one of the relatively few female service advisors within the entire Harley Davidson motorcycle company — having been recognized as one of the top service advisors in the country in Powersports magazine and earning more than 100 perfect reviews at Red Rock Harley Davidson in Las Vegas, Nev.

Fishtail man denies strangulation attack

A Fishtail man has denied beating and strangling his wife during a drunken domestic disturbance last month.

Russell Joseph Demers, 56, appeared in custody last week in 22nd Judicial District Court and denied one felony count of Partner/ Family Member Assault, Strangulation.

Stillwater County Attorney Nancy Rohde requested his bond be lowered from $50,000 to $25,000, telling Judge Matt Wald that Demers was “highly intoxicated” at the time of the alleged crime and that he has a violent history of assaults and DUI.

Stillwater County to Use CodeRED mobile alert app to deliver emergency notifications

Stillwater County, through an existing contract with OnSolve LLC, will begin delivering public safety alerts through the company’s public safety app of choice, the CodeRED Mobile Alert.

The app, which is a free download on the App Store and Google Play, will allow residents and visitors to receive free emergency, missing person and community alerts via push notifications directly to their iPhone and Android devices.

Fundraiser set for beloved Absarokee area postman

A fundraiser benefitting U.S. postal carrier Phil Adams has been set for Feb. 10 at the Anipro Arena.

While still being organized, the event has been tabbed “Phil and Jill. With a little help from their friends” variety show and chili feed. The doors will open at 3 p.m., with the variety show getting underway at 4 p.m. A live and silent auction will follow and raffle prizes will be given out throughout the afternoon.

Low cost spay/neuter vouchers available

The Beartooth Humane Alliance (BHA) is providing vouchers to qualified Stillwater County residents for low-cost spay-neuter services for dogs and cats.

The program aims to help reduce pet overpopulation by providing pet sterilization services to county residents who cannot afford the procedure for their pets, such as families with limited incomes, senior citizens on fixed incomes and those in hardship situations, according to a BHA press release.

Snow plow loan payoff, financial resolutions and contracts fill commission agenda

The following business was conducted at this week’s Stillwater County Commissioners’ regularly scheduled agenda meeting:

SNOW PLOW LOAN PAYOFF

During the Dec. 31, 2018, agenda meeting, unanimous approval was given to pay off the INTERCAP loans for two snowplows with money from the county’s payment in lieu of taxes (PILT) fund. At this week’s meeting, the payment was re-appropriated from the PILT fund to the Road and Bridge Department capital improvement fund.

Hospital CEO to shed light on local impacts of healthcare dollars, policy

HEALTHCARE SNAPSHOT

Healthcare. It’s a hot-button issue that generates passionate emotions and entrenched opinions.

But healthcare is also a complicated issue that begs better understanding.

To help shed light on the local impacts of healthcare dollars and policy, Stillwater Billings Clinic CEO Dave Ryerse will present “Healthcare: a local snapshot” at noon, Tuesday, Jan. 29, at the Fellowship Hall of the Columbus Congregational Church.

Billings man denies multiple sex offenses against young teen

A Billings man has denied multiple sexual assault charges involving a young teenage girl, whom he allegedly threatened to shoot if she did not comply.

James Robert Patterson, 20, appeared in custody last Thursday in 22nd Judicial District Court and pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of sexual intercourse without consent, one felony count of sexual assault, one felony count of intimidation and one misdemeanor count of unlawful restraint.

Chinese man pleads guilty to possessing 70 pounds of marijuana on Interstate 90

A Chinese man who lives in New York was in Stillwater County district court last week and admitted to his role in possessing 70 pounds of marijuana in a vehicle on I-90 in January 2018.

Bing Yuan Liang, 46, appeared in 22nd Judicial District Court last Thursday and pleaded guilty to one felony count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs with the intent to distribute.

Under the terms of a plea agreement, the Stillwater County Attorney’s Office will recommend a deferred sentence. Sentencing was set for Feb. 21.

Columbus man facing felony meth charges jailed for continued drug use

A Columbus man facing felony methamphetamine charges has been jailed for continued drug use.

Christopher Allen Day, 44, appeared in custody last Thursday in 22nd Judicial District Court and through his attorney, acknowledged that he had been using methamphetamine. Stillwater County Attorney Nancy Rohde said drug tests had been positive for several weeks, but her office was being notified at an email address that is no longer functioning. When she learned of the positive tests, Rohde filed a motion to revoke Day’s bond.