Monthly Archives: May 2017

Lockwood Water & Sewer may delay sewer rate increases

LOCKWOOD — Lockwood water and sewer customers in Phase 2 of the sewer district will probably get a one or two year reprieve in the system development fee (SDF) increase that is being proposed by the Lockwood Water and Sewer District (LWSD) board. Following a public hearing on the proposed rates and SDF increases, members of the board decided to wait until their next meeting on June 14, to further discuss a possible amendment that emerged from the public comments Tuesday evening.

It was primarily the system development fee increases about which most of the 40 some people who attended the hearing seemed most concerned. It was pointed out that property owners in Phase 2 have had very little time to connect to the sewer and it seemed unfair to already increase the cost that is associated with doing so. SDFs are charged when a new property connects to the system.

It was also pointed out that it would perhaps be a detriment to the district to do something that would discourage and delay hookups, since having as many hook ups as soon as possible, is important to the financial success of Phase 2.

Over the past year, Raftelis Financial Consultants has been conducting a rate study for LWSD. Andrew Rheem of Raftelis presented the read more

Record flows produce record weights in Yellowstone Challenge

Originally published in the 5/19/17 YCN newspaper- by Brady Flaten HUNTLEY — The 11th annual Yellowstone Challenge Catfish Tournament once again threw the top catfish anglers in Montana a curve ball. With erratic spring weather, this tourney consistently provides inconsistent … read more

Economic group mulls move to former Battin Building

Originally published in the print edition 5/12/17 of YCN.  BILLINGS — It’s a “wild idea,” admits Billings’ economic development leader Steve Arveschoug, but to consider locating Big Sky Economic Development (BSED) on the ground floor of the former federal Battin … read more

City awards legal ad contract to Yellowstone County News

Billings- The City of Billings awarded Yellowstone County News in Monday night’s City Council meeting the legal advertising contract for the next contract period. In an extensive consent agenda and debate, discussion revolved around long standing tradition of where Billings’ … read more

Garth Brooks adds fifth Billings concert, ticket go on sale today

BILLINGS — Garth Brooks will perform five concerts at MetraPark next month after selling almost 40,000 tickets in half an hour. Brooks originally announced one show, for Saturday, June 10. When tickets sales began, four concerts were on sale. A … read more

Broadview places third in high school Challenge Bowl

Originally published in the print 5/5/17 edition of Yellowstone County News. BILLINGS — The Montana Chamber Foundation has announced the winners of its inaugural Montana High School Business “Challenge Bowl.” A team from Broadview High School placed third. The “Challenge … read more

County reaps $2 million savings on jail addition

Originally published in the Yellowstone County News 5/5/17 print edition. BILLINGS — A report that the bids for the new jail came in $2 million under estimates had Yellowstone County Commissioners smiling last week. The project could hardly be turning … read more