$80 Million MetraPark plan with No Horse Racing
In presentations this past week to several groups of local officials, the master planner for Metra Park laid forth three different options of how to develop Metra Park in the future. read more
Author Archives: Evelyn Pyburn
Plan for 12 Days of Montana Fair
Plans are continuing for Montana Fair, despite coronavirus social distancing constraints. But rather than just nine days of fair, from August 7 through 15, there may be twelve days of fair with the addition of pre-fair dates, July 31 to August … read more
In Record Turnout, Voters Set Contests for General Election
In a record voter turnout, on Tuesday, for a primary election, Republicans and Democrats set up the contests for the general election in November. As of Wednesday morning, Bret Rutherford, Yellowstone County Elections Officer, reported having counted a total of … read more
Jail Has Outbreak of Virus
Despites efforts to prevent it, some inmates of the Yellowstone County Detention Facility have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Sheriff Mike Linder said that while it wasn’t realistic to expect that the jail would escape unscathed by the virus, … read more
Company Offers Possible Solution for Colstrip Waste
Could it be that a new technology that utilizes a waste material of Colstrip power plants — coal ash– can build the foundation (perhaps quite literally) of a new economy for Colstrip? read more
Primary Ballots Reveal Record Setting Voter Participation
Early returns of ballots indicate that this primary presidential election may be one of the biggest in terms of voter participation – and it may be a record setter, reported Bret Rutherford, Director of Elections for Yellowstone County on Wednesday. … read more
Governor Explains Phase 2 Reopening Rules
Beginning June 1, Montana can move into Phase Two of Governor Steve Bullock’s Reopening of businesses and activities after having been shutdown for over ten weeks. Gov. Bullock announced the parameters of the next phase of allowable activity of Montana … read more
MontanaFair Will Go On!
Montana Fair will go on despite the challenges of social distancing and keeping everything safe and clean as required in mitigating impacts of COVID-19-–that is the commitment of Metra Park and the county commissioners. read more
County Commissioners Return to Board Room
County Commissioners returned to the board room for their regular weekly meeting on Tuesday morning. The commissioners approved a Resolution for the National Day of Prayer for Thursday, May 7, which encouraged citizens to assemble on the Courthouse Lawn for a … read more
Request for Gravel Pit in Shepherd Re-Emerges
As was their option, with the issuance of a decision from Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) last July, that their plan had deficiencies, Riverside Contracting has submitted a response to the DEQ’s Deficiency Notice dated July 25, 2019. The company … read more
Governor Bullock Announces Reopening The Treasure State
Starting this Sunday, stay-at-home restrictions regarding COVID-19 will be lifted, announced Governor Steve Bullock, and churches may hold services with some social distancing requirements in place. He outlined three phases projected to reopen the state at a press conference on … read more
Montana Fair Green Lighted by Officials
Despite the need to slash budgets by 80 percent because of cancellations due to the COVID-19 crisis, Metra Park officials are fully intent on producing Montana Fair, August 7-15, this year. read more
Montana Gets Low Distancing Grade
As government entities are mandating that citizens remain home as much as possible as a means to reduce the spread of COVID-19, a number of different organizations have conducted studies about which states are complying the best. read more
COVID-19 Test Kits Available
Wondering if maybe you have had the COVID-19 virus? Thinking you may have antibodies that may make you immune from future infection? read more
Yellowstone County MVD Switches to Appointment Only Services for Now
During this COVID-19 precautionary interlude, there will be no waiting in line at the County Courthouse to renew vehicle licensing. In an effort to protect the health of county employees and patrons, the Motor Vehicle Department is only accepting scheduled … read more
Mail in Ballot Voting for Primary Elections in Yellowstone County
The primary election set for June 2, will be a mail ballot election in Yellowstone County, in order to minimize as much social interaction as possible to mitigate contagion of the CORVID-19 virus, announced Elections Officer Brett Rutherford. read more
Lockwood Fire Department Award Dinner
There was standing room only at the Lockwood Fire Department on Friday evening for its annual awards and recognition dinner The occasion recognizing promotions and distinguished service awards for members of the fire department. read more
City and County State of Emergency Declared
by Evelyn Pyburn The fallout from public concerns about the COVID-19 virus has prompted declarations of emergency by state and local officials and has resulted in health departments issuing demands that bars and restaurants be closed in several major counties. read more
State of Emergency Declared by local officials to collect reimbursements
UPDATE: City/County Director John Felton has announced that in a few hours, they will issue an order demanding of closure of all bars and restaurants. Local governments are declaring a state of emergency, today, not so much because of any … read more
Grant money to help update local election processes
In order to help make the ballot process as secure as possible, counties in Montana are receiving a grant through the Montana Secretary of State from the federal Election Assistance Administration. Yellowstone County will receive $176,700 over a five-year period. read more
