News

23 cases, 3 active

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As of Wednesday, Aug. 5, there had been 183,124 COVID-19 tests administered in Montana, with 4,429 positive cases. That is a 2.41 percent positivity rate on those tested.

There were 115 new cases reported for Monday and 1,888 tests administered on Monday as well.

The death count is now 65. That marks a 1.46 percent fatality rate with confirmed cases.

During the previous 39 days, 44,512 tests have been administered, with an average of 87.4 new cases per day.

Columbus super ready to recommend reopening plan

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Columbus School District Superintendent Jeff Bermes is ready to recommend a reopening plan to the school board, based on the results of a parental and community survey, as well as feedback from parents at a meeting earlier this week.

Bermes, the Columbus School Board and a handful of parents gathered Monday to read the results of the community survey, which was was open to parents, students and Columbus residents to gauge community outlook on returning to school during the coronavirus pandemic.

Picnic in the Park with Baroque Music Montana set for Aug. 17

The Columbus Community Foundation will host an evening of music at Heritage Park on Monday, Aug. 17.

The event starts at 6 p.m. and at this time, face masks are required. For event updates, check the CCF website at www. columbuscommunityfoundation.org.

The event will serve as a fundraiser for the CCF, with admission being on a donation basis. Bring a lawn chair if desired.

Falling Star Fire now 80 percent contained

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The Falling Star Fire in the Park City area is now 80 percent contained.

STILLWATER STATS

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As of Wednesday, July 29, there had been 165,355 COVID-19 tests administered in Montana, with 3,676 positive cases. That is a 2.2 percent positivity rate.

There were 201 new cases reported Tuesday and 3,947 tests administered Monday. That is the second highest single-day new case total so far.

The death count is now 54 — up four from the previous day. That marks a 1.46 percent fatality rate. During the previous 32 days, 28,097 tests have been administered, with an average of 86.5 new cases per day.

M*A*S*H-ing It Up golf event wraps up first event

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There were some fine looking golfers on the Stillwater Golf Course last week.

A total of 11 4-man teams took to the links in the first ever M*A*S*H-ing It Up Community Golf scramble hosted by the Stillwater Community Healthcare Foundation.

Participants were encouraged to dress as a M*A*S*H character, which many did. In order to ensure social distancing, each team played on one of five days.

MHSA announces fall sports are a go

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Stillwater athletes will be howling and growling for sports this fall, although it may be through a facemask and plenty of hand sanitizer.

The Montana High School Association (MHSA) announced that fall sports will continue as scheduled, but with several directives, requirements and recommendations.

“The MHSA Executive Board believes the resumption of sports and other activities is crucial to the growth, development, and mental and emotional wellness of our Montana youth,” Executive Director, Mark Beckman said in a press release.

Council talks park use permits, welcome sign, poster

The following business was discussed at the regularly held Columbus City Council meeting last week:

CITY CLERK

City Clerk Kisha Miller announced that applications for special use permits were submitted for the Musicians Rendezvous and Baroque in the Park.

The Rendezvous anticipates upwards of 50 trailers, motor homes and campers at Itch-kep-pe Park. Baroque in the Park may see anywhere from 60 to 100 attendees in Heritage Park.

Lightning, exploding targets and fireworks spark wildfires

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Mother Nature, along with exploding targets and fireworks, sparked at least three fires recently in Stillwater County.

On Monday, July 20, a brush fire started by fireworks was reported on the south side of the railroad tracks in Park City.

The 911 call came into the Stillwater County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 6:57 p.m. Park City fire crews were able to get the flames out and canceled Laurel fire crews and Columbus Fire Rescue (CFR), which were en route. It involved less than one-tenth of an acre.

Law Enforcement Blotter

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The Columbus Police Department, Stillwater County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol and the state livestock inspector responded to 22 calls for service during the seven days listed below. The following is a representation of some of those calls:​

MONDAY – JULY 20

•A 911 brush fire started by fireworks was reported at 6:57 p.m. on the southside of the railroad tracks in Park City.