McNiven Meanderings
Well, folks, can you believe that we have surpassed four years in owning and operating this fiscal rag (as Carl claims)? Yep, October 1 was our anniversary of taking over the helm. In fact, I have been so busy trying … read more
Author Archives: Jonathan McNiven
We are fortunate to have such a well-qualified candidate
Dear Editor: We are fortunate to have such a well-qualified candidate in Don Jones running for County Commissioner. I served with Don on the Billings City Council and although we didn’t always agree, I was impressed with his experience and integrity. He … read more
2018 “YCN Snap Shot” – Photo Contest
The Yellowstone County News started the “YCN Snap Shot” photo contest to help encourage creativity and expertise with capturing moments and memories that last forever. Click here to view pictures that made it to the final round! Let us … read more
Meet the Candidates – 2018 Special Election Edition
The 2018 general election is peaking and all campaigns are or should be in full swing at this point. The absentee ballots in Yellowstone County will be going out in the mail on Friday, October 12th. Bret Rutherford, Yellowstone County Election … read more
US Congressman Greg Gianforte visits small business owner at MontanaFair
US Congressman Greg Gianforte stopped by the MontanaFair to visit with locals and small business owners. Here, Congressman Gianforte visited with small business owner Anna Meeks, who owns Sticke Beans craft and stationary material in Billings at the MontanFair, briefly … read more
Last call for Last Best News
Originally published in the 6/29/17 print edition of Yellowstone County News. BILLINGS — Veteran reporter Ed Kemmick is retiring from reporting because he wants to write better. It’s a paradox the veteran newspaperman wants to explore — if he has … read more
Obituary: Joyce JoAnn Balzer Krieger
Joyce JoAnn Balzer Krieger, age 83 of Billings, passed away due to complications from heart surgery on June 25th, 2018. She was born in Huntley, MT, Yellowstone County on July 9th, 1934 to Jake and Elsie Balzer. On August 18th, … read more
Meanderings 6-29-18 – Zinke &Trump Jr. to Last Best News
Wow, folks, what a week! I can’t believe all that has happened since we went to press last week. Since then, YCN landed an exclusive interview with Donald Trump Jr. on Friday, June 22, and I visited personally with United States … read more
Trump Jr. headlines Montana Republican Party Convention in Billings with Exclusive Interview
Originally published in the 6/29/18 print edition of Yellowstone County News . BILLINGS — In an exclusive interview, Donald Trump Jr. offered Yellowstone County News one of only two interviews as he arrived in Billings to headline the Montana Republican … read more
McNiven Meanderings – Best Breaking News Story Award goes to our staff
Well Folks, last week was the Montana Newspaper Association’s annual convention (In Billings this year). This was the first time I’ve attended the annual convention since purchasing the Yellowstone County News, your hyper-local, weekly newspaper in the Yellowstone County area. … read more
Ag research could make better beer, bread and pasta
Originally published in the 6/22/18 print and online edition of Yellowstone County News. HUNTLEY — Want a beer? How about a sandwich on really good bread? How about some sugar for your coffee or to bake a cake? Plant research … read more
YELLOWSTONE COUNTY DECLARES LOCAL FLOODING EMERGENCY
UPDATED: This Emergency Flood declaration was just issued by Yellowstone County Disaster and Emergency Services spokesman Brad Shoemaker at 4:35pm on Thursday May 24, 2018. The National Weather Service has issued a forecast for the Yellowstone River and Clarks Fork … read more
Flood warnings, watches issued for Yellowstone County
Originally published in the 2/25/18 print edition of Yellowstone County News HUNTLEY — The Yellowstone River flowed over its banks at Huntley on Wednesday as officials in Laurel declared a flood emergency. The National Weather Service, meanwhile, issued a flood … read more
Flooding restricts fishing access sites to walk-in only
BILLINGS – High water in south central Montana’s major rivers has prompted Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to restrict 11 fishing access sites to walk-in only. Sites that have restricted access along the Yellowstone River include Grey Bear west of … read more
Billings group files class action lawsuit against City of Billings
BILLINGS — Six Billings residents have filed a class action lawsuit against the City of Billings, claiming officials are illegally collecting franchise fees on city utility bills. At issue is a practice used by City of Billings officials since 1993 … read more
McNiven’s Meanderings: Post debate reflections and current happenings
Well, folks, I sigh a sense of relief now that the MT GOP Senate Primary Debate/forum is over that Yellowstone County News co-sponsored last night at the Elks Club in Billings. I learned a lot about each candidate and thought … read more
McNiven Meanderings – Obituaries and the Billings Gazette
Well, folks, I’m writing to inform the masses and especially our valued, loyal readers and residents of Yellowstone County of our options for obituaries due to some of the comments, concerns and feedback we’ve gotten from funeral homes and the … read more
National Ag day celebrated on 1st day of Spring?
Dear Editor: It’s National Agriculture Day (March 20), a day designated each year by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA) to celebrate the accomplishments of agriculture. Montana Farm Service Agency (FSA) joins the council in recognizing farmers, ranchers and foresters … read more
We are looking out for you!
These images were captured near the Yellowstone County News office in Huntley, MT today February 28, 2018. It’s taken Jonathan 3 1/2 years to get in a position to get some pictures like this since owning the newspaper. As other … read more
Great memories from Huntley Project
Dear Editor: A letter to Jodi Jones, music teacher at Huntley Project Schools: Jodi, So many GREAT memories of this entire experience! You are a ROCK STAR in my world!! From the moment you said, “Yes, let’s do that” to our final … read more
