Stillwater County News

07/24/2025

This week's Stillwater County News takes you on extraordinay adventures - from ghost towns in the mountains to champions conquering epic challenges.

INTO THE BEARTOOTHS: A JOURNEY THROUGH MINING LEGACY
Join our expedition on the mine tour, all the way to Lake Camp, the remote mining village at 7,000 feet where 92 families once lived during WWII chrome mining operations. Watch childhood friends Rosie Reynolds and Denise Pollack return home to trace the phantom streets of their mountain childhood - a deeply moving story of community, memory, and the ghosts that shaped them.

INAUGURAL FLAT TOP THROWDOWN SUCCESS
The Stillwater County 4-H Fair's first-ever grilling competition was a hit! Nine teams served over 1,000 samples to fairgoers, with BBT Outlaw Grillers (youth division) and "I Welded, It Helded" (adult division) taking home the gold spatula trophies.

PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS ARRIVE
Locals are seeing property assessments - but not necessarily tax bills - on the rise. Property owners have until late August to appeal, and the new three-tiered tax rate structure may tell a different story than initial valuations suggest.

COMMUNITY RALLIES BEHIND COLUMBUS POOL
The "Friends of the Pool" group is working hard to ensure Heritage Park's nearly century-old swimming facility stays open. Strong local support is building behind this beloved community resource.

CHAMPIONS REUNITE FOR EPIC CHALLENGE
The "Flab-U-Less Five" - Columbus High School's historic cross country team - reunited to dominate the Elk Basin 24-hour endurance race, covering 127.6 miles and bringing home gold!

ALSO INSIDE:

• RockSanity celebrates one year of bringing Earth's treasures to Reed Point
• Celebrating the life of Benny Yates Jr. - a Fishtail community gathering
• Sandstone School project put on hold due to legal concerns
• Public broadcasting faces steep federal funding cuts
• And our entertaining law enforcement blotter featuring the mysterious case of abandoned laundry and confused sheep!

From mountain ghost towns to community celebrations, from property assessments to epic endurance challenges - Stillwater County's stories run deep.
Read every adventure at stillwatercountynews.com
Subscribe today: (888) 232-923

07/22/2025

Behind the scenes on our journey into Stillwater County's hidden mining legacy! Following the same rugged paths carved by miners decades ago. Coming soon: the full story of our expedition to Lake Camp, the Benbow Mine and the geological wonders of the Stillwater Complex.

07/21/2025

07/21/2025

The Stillwater County News would like to recognize one of our most valued contributors, Peggy Ennenga, who shares her health and wellness expertise with our readers each month as part of Stillwater Community Solutions.

Even while navigating profound personal loss, Peggy continues to offer practical wisdom about the connections between our physical and emotional well-being. Her latest column explores how stress impacts gut health—sharing both the science and her own personal experience with remarkable vulnerability and strength.

In this month's piece, Peggy opens up about managing acute stress while offering readers actionable steps for supporting their digestive health through nutrition, hydration, and self-care. Her ability to turn personal challenges into learning opportunities for others truly sets her apart.

Check out Peggy's latest column to discover the surprising ways stress affects your gut—and practical tips for healing and thriving even during life's most difficult moments:

https://www.stillwatercountynews.com/news/listen-to-your-gut-managing-stress-through-mindful-self-care/article_fdee6c9f-4b9d-4f4c-9d13-3678d01561a8.html

Thank you, Peggy, for your dedication to our community and for sharing your journey with such grace and wisdom.

Our health and lifestyle habits have a direct impact on the quality of our lives. I say this often. We’ll make the connection on stress and the gut today.

07/21/2025

Here's a look at the agenda for tomorrow's Columbus City Council meeting, which takes place at 7 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.

07/21/2025

Congrats to Ryan Cunningham!

07/21/2025

Here's a look at this week's meeting schedule for the Stillwater County Commissioners:

07/18/2025

07/17/2025

07/17/2025

This week's Stillwater County News captures the spirit of summer in Stillwater County - from roaring motorcycles to beloved community traditions.

NYE GOES NUTS CELEBRATES 25 YEARS!
The beloved community festival happened July 12th, featuring the famous chicken chase, BBQ, live music by Crow Country Band, and 25 years of incredible fundraising. From one scholarship in 2000 to helping countless students and community projects - "not bad for a town of a little over 200 people!"

FAITH ON TWO WHEELS
Over 200 Christian motorcyclists descended on Columbus July 24-27 for the CMA Super State Rally. From bike blessings at Railroad Park to scenic rides through the Beartooths and Yellowstone, this unique gathering combined Montana's spectacular landscapes with spiritual fellowship.

WOODBINE FALLS ACCESSIBLE AGAIN
Great news for hikers! The Custer Gallatin National Forest installed a new bridge replacing the original structure damaged in the 2022 floods. The $380,000 replacement spans Woodbine Creek, providing safe passage to one of Montana's highest waterfalls.

ALSO INSIDE:

• Stillwater River death ruled accidental following autopsy
• Former McDonald's building set for demolition after 30 years
• County invites residents to wildfire protection planning meeting July 21
• Authors bring literary flavor to Columbus with book signings and readings
• Big Horn Tire works to build community through grit and service
• And, of course, our always-entertaining law enforcement blotter (including a guitar-wielding highway performer!)

From community celebrations to outdoor adventures, from faith gatherings to literary events - Stillwater County's summer spirit is in full swing.

Read every story at stillwatercountynews.com

Subscribe today: (888) 232-9231

07/16/2025

In Case You Missed It:

Our own Gail Cushman served up a delicious story in the Stillwater County News about the food truck phenomenon that's taken our community by storm!

From the Palladium's beer-and-burger pairings to the entrepreneurial spirit of 8 local food truck owners, Gail dug into what makes Columbus a "food truck haven" - and why we can't get enough of these rolling restaurants.

Ever wonder about the licensing behind the wheels? Curious about Professor Cheese's gourmet grilled cheese journey? Want to know why these mobile kitchens are booked solid for 6 weeks out?

Gail's got the scoop on everything from Doo Rite's legendary smashburgers to Montana Outlaw BBQ's quest to create a signature Montana BBQ style. Plus, she answers all those burning questions about permits, cleanliness standards, and what it really takes to run a food truck business.

"Columbus is a great place... the food trucks are a part of why I enjoy it so much. They are quick, convenient and a little lower priced." - Local diner Caleb Bailey

Check out the full story and celebrate the flavor and community spirit these hardworking food truck families bring to Stillwater County! 🎉

https://www.stillwatercountynews.com/news/food-trucks-bring-flavor-and-community-spirit-to-stillwater-county/article_aedd5b7b-9a63-4e73-abcb-864637102a0a.html

07/14/2025

Here's a look at this week's Stillwater County Commissioner meeting schedule: