Montana’s new COVID-19 cases remains low at 471, up 10 from Tuesday, May 12, while North Dakota’s case count increased by 423 to 1,994 in the past week. At presstime Tuesday, May 12, there were 471 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Montana. Of those cases, 437 are listed as recovered and only 18 active cases. There have been 65 total hospitalizations, with five hospitalizations listed as active.

Governor Steve Bullock announced May 19 that Montana will enter into Phase 2 of the reopening plan two weeks from now on June 1. Groups larger than 50 will be allowed if people can social distance themselves. Restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries and casinos can run at 75 percent of capacity. Gyms, indoor fitness classes, pools and hot tubs can operate at 75 percent of capacity. Bowling

Chickens and bees were the topics of the most commented items during the Froid Town Council meeting held Monday, May 11. The council discussed changing an ordinance that doesn't permit livestock in town after resident Joey Martensen purchased chickens without realizing that the ordinance prohibits raising chickens in town limits. “I really don't care to have animals in town,”

On April 22, Montana Governor Steve Bullock released a phased re-opening of Montana that began on April 26. Phase one and two state that all vulnerable individuals should continue to follow stay-at-home guidelines. Phase three states vulnerable populations can resume public interactions, but should continue to practice social distancing and take precautionary measures. Roosevelt County Senior

By James Walling Luke Anderson and Eric Bergum have been reelected to the Culbertson School board of trustees, according to Laura Finnicum. Anderson received 199 votes and Bergum received 185. Total voter turnout was 35 percent, with 258 votes cast. D Jay Hauge received 57 votes and Ian Walker received 50 votes.

More than 100,000 Montanans had a special reason to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the Montana Tobacco Quit Line on May 10, each received assistance from the Montana Tobacco Quit Line to quit tobacco for good. The quit success rate for Montanans who utilize the Montana Tobacco Quit Line is 36 percent, which is significantly higher than people who try quitting alone, 4-7 percent. While we