Christopher Spillman was sentenced for criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony, during a hearing in district court on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Spillman received a fiveyear deferred sentence and was fined $1,000. Credit for time served will go against the fine. “It’s a very bad thing if you sit in that chair during the next five years,” District Judge David Cybulski said. Spillman

The process for an upcoming jury trial in Wolf Point was discussed during a district court hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 13. Richard Lamar Rutledge, 46, of Culbertson is facing two counts of sexual intercourse without consent and two counts of incest. The trial is scheduled to start on March 15. District Judge David Cybulski noted on Wednesday that jury questionnaires need to be sent out. There

The 2021 Omnibus and COVID Relief Package will help farmers and ranchers hurt by the continuing economic harm caused by the ongoing pandemic, says Montana Farm Bureau. Of the $900 billion in the stimulus package, the bill provides $13 billion directly benefits agriculture, including $11.2 billion provided to the Office of the Agriculture Secretary to supports ag producers, processors and contract

A 72-year-old Rexford man died Saturday, Jan. 16, after the UTV he was in fell through the ice near Crooked Creek on Fort Peck Lake. The Petroleum County Sheriff’s Office reported that four fisherman were involved in an incident on the ice at Fort Peck lake near Crooked Creek Marina north of Winnett. The report came in around 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16. Monday, Jan. 18, Petroleum County Coroner

The Montana Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill on Monday, Jan. 18, that is aimed to prevent lawsuits against businesses regarding COVID-19 cases. Senate Bill 65 passed by a 37-13 vote and now heads to the Montana House. The bill notes that businesses, health care professionals and manufacturers of products created to control the Covid pandemic can’t be held liable for virus related damages

Poplar’s boys’ basketball squad dropped league games against Malta and Glasgow during the weekend. The Indians lost to Malta by a 66-43 final Friday, Jan. 15. Poplar stayed close early as the Indians trailed by only a 21-15 margin at the end of the first quarter and 37-27 halftime score. Malta outscored Poplar 17-4 in the final quarter. The Indians lost to Glasgow by a 70-50 final