Apr252017

Be counted: Census of Agriculture tallies US farms and ranches

Montana-Statewide • Yellowstone County • Custer • Huntley Project • Lockwood • Shepherd

Originally published in the print edition 4/21/17.  

WASHINGTON – America’s farmers and ranchers will soon have the opportunity to represent agriculture in their communities and industry by taking part in the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Conducted every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the census, to be mailed at the end of this year, is a complete count of all U.S. farms, ranches and those who operate them.

“The Census of Agriculture remains the only source of uniform, comprehensive, and impartial agriculture data for every county in the nation,” said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. “As such, census results are relied upon heavily by those who serve farmers and rural communities, including federal, state and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations, extension educators, researchers, and farmers and ranchers themselves.”

The Census of Agriculture highlights land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures, and other topics. The 2012 Census of Agriculture revealed read more

Apr222017

ASK THE JUDGE – by Judge Russell Fagg

Features • Billings

Originally published in the 4/14/17 print edition

What the heck are sanctuary cities?

I was recently asked about sanctuary cities — what they are and how they fit into America’s immigration policy and our criminal justice system? I thought it is an interesting topic worthy of an article.

The encyclopedia defines a sanctuary city as “cities in the United States that have policies designed to not persecute undocumented immigrants. These practices can be by law (de jure) or by habit (de facto).” Put another way, sanctuary cities do not enforce immigration laws. Sanctuary cites often do not allow their law enforcement personnel to inquire about immigration status. Furthermore, sanctuary cities will not inform immigration officers if an illegal immigrant has been convicted of breaking the law.

The most common situation that occurs in my courtroom is when an illegal immigrant (generally from Mexico) is charged read more

Apr222017

Robert Guenther resigns from Lockwood Fire Board

Local • Lockwood • Yellowstone County

Originally published in the Print edition on 4/14/17.

LOCKWOOD — The Lockwood Fire Board is looking for candidates to fill the position recently vacated by the resignation of Robert Guenther.

Applications may be acquired at the office of county commissioners at the Yellowstone County Courthouse.

A committee from the board will review the applications and make a recommendation to submit to Yellowstone County Commissioners, who will make the final decision as to the board replacement.

In discussing board membership at their April 5 meeting, it was noted that Frosty Erben has been reelected by acclamation to the board, because no other candidates filed for his term, which expired in March.

Board members also named a negotiation committee to meet with Lockwood firefighters on May 12 to negotiate a new contract.

Fire Chief John Staley announced that he had read more

Apr52017

SB 139 passes House on second reading, back in committee

Local • Lockwood • Politics • Yellowstone County

Rep. Sue Vinton, R-Lockwood, speaks in favor of Senate Bill 139 in the House on Monday. Vinton, who represents House District 56, is carrying the bill in the House. (Courtesy photo)

Originally published in the print edition of Yellowstone County News on 3/31/17 

HELENA — Lockwood and East Helena residents are still waiting to see whether they may consider building high schools as Senate Bill 139 advances through the Legislature.

The bill was concurred in the Montana House of Representatives on Monday on a 98-2 vote and re-referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

That committee had not scheduled any action on the bill as of presstime Wednesday. Sen. Duane Ankney, R-Colstrip, sponsored the bill, which is being carried in the House by Rep. Sue Vinton, R-Lockwood.

“I was thrilled by the support that this bill had upon second reading in the House!” said Vinton. ” A 98-2 vote is certainly indicative of the value of the good work that went into this bill by sponsor Sen. Ankney, stakeholders from East Helena, Helena and Lockwood and the groundwork that was set in motion last session by Sen. Taylor Brown.”

Vinton said a hearing in Appropriations will probably be scheduled next week.

“We all remain very hopeful that this will be the year that this bill will be passed and signed by Gov. Bullock,” she said.

The measure would allow elementary school districts with enrollment of at least 1,000 students to expand into high school districts. The communities of Lockwood and East Helena — and possibly the Hellgate community in the Missoula area — are the most likely districts for high school expansion.

No one opposed the bill through three readings in the Senate.

“Residents of each of the communities should be afforded an opportunity to decide for themselves,” Vinton said. Voters would be asked to approve building new high schools in each community.

Mar302017

Mark Wandle Announced as New Superintendent of HP School District

Top Stories • Yellowstone County • Huntley Project

Mark Wandle,

Worden, MT-Huntley Project’s High School Principal Mark Wandle has accepted the Superintendent position last night at the Huntley Project School Board meeting. He will be replacing retiring Superintendent Wes Coy, who announced he will be leaving at the end of the fiscal school year June 30, 2017. Mark Wandle has been the High School Principal at Huntley Project for the last 8 years. Interviews were conducted within the last week among 3 finalist Thom Peck, and Denise Chrest and the job was offered last night of which Wandle accepted immediately, according to sources familiar with the superintendent search committee.

Nine people applied to become the new superintendent of Huntley Project Schools of which the superintendent search committee met in haste the last couple read more

Mar162017

Breakfast Flakes return to the airwaves

Top Stories

Mark

Originally published in the print edition of Yellowstone County News.

BILLINGS — Cat Country’s morning crew returned back to work on Monday, March 13, 2017 after 3 weeks off the air since radio DJ Paul Mushaben was suspended after a blog post that he authored on the radio station’s blog that many said was racist.

Mushaben issued an apology upon his return this week.

“It suggested separation for Native American teams to play in their own tournament at separate facilities. I apologize and regret making those statements.”

Radio DJ Paul Mushaben, who returned to his job this week, speaks on air during the Breakfast Flakes’ morning show on Tuesday. (Jonathan McNiven photo)

Mushaben’s blog post not only received backlash from locals and Native Americans, it also sparked public and private conversations online and off about native schools and teams throughout the state who destroy property and facilities at tournaments.

Included in his apology statement, “My intent was to address the unruly behavior at these events and the disrespect of the facilities, and to convey that any team, and I mean any team, not willing to acknowledge and obey the rules should not be allowed to participate.”

The outspoken radio DJ also posted in his statement that he will “continue to Read full version of Yellowstone County News online by subscribing here.

 

Mar142017

Tax abatement program helps jump-start business projects

Local • Billings • Top Stories • Yellowstone County

Originally published in the print edition of Yellowstone County News.

BILLINGS — It’s not without its critics.

The tax abatement program that Yellowstone County and the City of Billings use to incentivize business growth, expansion and recruitment is often viewed as a “free pass” for some businesses, but it is anything but that according to city and county officials.

“It’s an incentive to succeed,” described County Commissioner Denis Pitman.

The program has served Yellowstone County well, according to County Commissioner John Ostlund.

“Yellowstone County has more new business growth than anyone,” said Ostlund, who attributes much of that growth to the impact of the program, which has been used by the county as its primary economic development incentive for more years than anyone can remember.

It helps the county “throw out the welcome mat for business,” said Ostlund, proud of the county’s positive business attitude.

The fact that the tax incentive has always been granted to all qualifying applicants speaks clearly about the value that local public officials see in the program.

“It’s a tool to attract businesses and to incentivize projects that increase tax revenues,” explains Patrick Klugman, Community Development Project manager at Big Sky Economic Development (BSED), the agency that administers the program on behalf of the city and the county. The dollars that are saved by the businesses is not profit that is pocketed, explains Klugman.

“It is used to cover operational costs, to help hire new employees, or other costs of running the business,” he said.

In 2014, businesses applying for the tax incentive invested $772,753,926 in capital improvements in Yellowstone County, for which taxes were abated a total of $1,432,146, while they increased read more

Mar142017

Breakfast Flakes back on the air

Top Stories

Cat Country’s morning crew returned back to work on Monday March 13, 2017 after 4 weeks of being off the air since radio DJ Paul Mushaben was suspended after a blog post that was posted on the radio station’s blog that many said was racist.

Mushaben issued an apology upon his return this week.  He wrote, “It suggested separation for Native American teams to play in their own tournament at separate facilities. I apologize and regret making those statements.

He continued in his statement, “My intent was to address the unruly behavior at these events and the disrespect of the facilities and to convey that any team, and I mean any team, not willing to acknowledge and obey the rules should not be allowed to participate.”

The outspoken conservative radio DJ also posted in his statement that he will  “continue to pressure the MHSA to stop the unconscionable behavior and destruction of property at our schools and local venues during all high school events by any and all parties. Disrespect and lawlessness should be dealt with swiftly and with consequences for everyone.”

The return of the “Breakfast Flakes” on air garnered more than 1,000 comments on Co-host Mark Wilson’s Facebook page
Again, I apologize to all who were offended and hurt by this. I also want to thank all of our Cat Country family for your loyal support.

 

 

I would like to apologize to those who were offended by my recent blog post. It suggested separation for Native American teams to play in their own tournament at separate facilities. I apologize and regret making those statements.

My intent was to address the unruly behavior at these events and the disrespect of the facilities and to convey that any team, and I mean any team, not willing to acknowledge and obey the rules should not be allowed to participate.

Read More: Paul Mushaben Issues Apology Upon Return | http://catcountry1029.com/paul-mushaben-issues-apology-upon-return/?trackback=tsmclip

Mar122017

Rimrock Productions is MetraPark’s first $1 million promoter

Top Stories • Yellowstone County • Billings

MetraPark manager Bill Dutcher presents a symbolic check to the Hedin family of Rimrock Promotions, reflecting the milestone of being the first non-ticketed event to generate over a million dollars in rental payments for MetraPark. Rimrock Productions presents the home improvement show twice yearly. Pictured are Beau Hedin, Bill Dutcher, Rhonda Hedin, Mark Hedin and Devon Hedin. (Evelyn Pyburn photo)

Originally published in the print edition of Yellowstone County News.

BILLINGS — As business at MetraPark continues to grow, milestones are being reached and surpassed.

This past week, as one of the venue’s top event promoters, Rimrock Promotions, made their rent payment for the Spring Home Improvement Show, they reached a total of $1 million in rent payments to MetraPark – the first non-ticketed event at MetraPark to ever reach that level.

It was also noted by Ray Massie, MetraPark’s marketing director, during the meeting last week of the MetraPark Advisory Board, that the prospects are high that MetraPark will for the first time exceed selling more than a million tickets for ticketed events this year – another milestone.

About Rimrock Promotions, Massie said they are “the biggest single promoter in the history of read more

Mar102017

THE OUTDOORS-by Carl Wolf (NMP)

Features • Local • Custer • Huntley Project • Shepherd

Carl Wolf, The Outdoors Section

Magic bullet for the outdoors? The U.S. Army looking for a biodegradable bullet to cut down on current rounds that can corrode and pollute soil and water. Stipulation is new ammo contain seeds that produce food for animals without any ill effects. Army already has embedded seeds into biodegradable material that flowers months later.

Some 46.7 million people participated in bird watching (birding) in our nation recently. It looks like next to pets, we spend a lot of time and money on critters, including wild ones. My memory recalls a time when as a tall person I would stand at the back of a birdwatching group trying to see and hear the leader explain how to identify a bird. At home in my frustration I complained to wife Jeanette who simply said, “why don’t you just be an expert?” I did that and next time out as “the expert” in front of the group I would point out a bird and ask folks to call out what they saw.

As information was uttered from under everyone’s upheld binoculars, I would quickly and secretly consult my bird field guide and soon had the bird identified. With a confident voice the identity of the bird was stated, and I was now considered an read more

Mar102017

Lockwood Sidewalk bids come in under estimate

Top Stories • Yellowstone County • Lockwood

LOCKWOOD — The rest of the sidewalk along Highway 87 in Lockwood, up to Old Hardin Road, will soon be completed.

The Lockwood Pedestrian Safety Committee awarded the bid to CMG for $98,340, which is under the engineer’s estimated cost of about $112,000.

Woody Woods, who serves on the committee, said they were pleased that they received six bids, all of which were close to the estimated cost – a reversal of the high bids they received in building the first part of the sidewalk. The earlier bids were so high over the cost estimate that they postponed doing about 500 feet of the sidewalk until this year.

Construction will begin as soon read more

Mar102017

Rob Quist, Greg Gianforte chosen for U.S. House race

Montana-Statewide • Politics • Top Stories

Republican nominee Greg Gianforte addresses attendees on Monday Mar. 6th in Helena. (Brad Molnar photo)

Democrat nominee Rob Quist addresses attendees on Sunday March 5th in Helena. (Brad Molnar photo)

HELENA — Republicans and Democrats meeting in nominating conventions in Helena have selected their candidates to replace Ryan Zinke in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Democrat Rob Quist of Creston and Republican Greg Gianforte of Bozeman will appear on the ballot in the May 25 special election. Both are political newcomers who have not held a statewide elected office. Libertarians are scheduled to select a candidate this weekend.

In the final round of voting on Sunday, Quist defeated state Sen. Amanda Curtis of Butte.

Gianforte won sufficient votes in the first round of voting on Monday. Ken Miller of Laurel came read more

Mar92017

Huntley Project superintendent vacancy draws 9 applicants

Top Stories • Huntley Project

WORDEN — Nine people have applied to become the new superintendent of Huntley Project Schools.

A superintendent search committee was to meet Wednesday night to begin the screening process and form a timeline to select a replacement for Wes Coy, whose retirement is effective June 30.

Committee members are Clint Johannes, school board vice chairman; junior high principal Frank Hollowell; teacher Chris Geck; elementary secretary Karen Simpson; activities clerk Marlene Krum; and two community members, Shane Lile and Jim Samson.

Mar92017

GE leaves Billings, pays lease until 2021

Local • Billings • Yellowstone County

Originally published in the print edition of Yellowstone County News. 

BILLINGS — Preliminary approval was given for an agreement with GE regarding the termination of its lease with Big Sky Economic Development (BSED) by BSED’s joint boards at a special meeting on Wednesday.

The lump sum of the settlement totals $3.8 million, which allows BSED to cover the debt service for 37 months, continue maintenance and insurance, as well as provide potential for incentives for a future tenant or purchaser of the building at 3333 Hesper Road.

GE has been very accommodating in the process of working out an agreement that will put the community “in a strong position as we look to attract new prospects,” BSED Director Steve Arveschoug told members of the sister organizations, Big Sky Economic Development and Big Sky Economic Corporation, as they reviewed the proposed terms. The approval will be confirmed at the regular meeting of the boards on March 9.

BSED recruited GE Capital to Billings in 2008 and part of the incentive package included custom building a facility for the company to lease. GE’s lease on the building expires in January 2021.

In 2015, GE announced that it is divesting itself of all GE Capital business, which included the Center of Excellence in Billings. A portion of its assets was sold to Wells Fargo and another portion to the Bank of Montreal, retaining some 100 jobs in Billings. The transaction also resulted in the Bank of Montreal establishing an office in Billings. About 60 employees remain working read more

Mar82017

Second rally for local DJ draws both supporters and opponents

Local • Billings • Montana-Statewide • Top Stories

A group of 100 people marched downtown to support KCTR radio DJ Paul Mushaben, approaching from the left, meet a group of about 35 anti-Mushaben marchers Saturday on First Avenue North outside the DoubleTree Hotel, where the radio station offices are located. (Jonathan McNiven photo)

Supporters of Cat Country radio DJ Paul Mushaben start their march from KTVQ2 past Billings Gazette to the Double Tree Hotel in their 2nd rally in a week. (Jonathan McNiven Photo)

BILLINGS — Two groups of demonstrators supporting and opposing local DJ Paul Mushaben met Saturday in front of the downtown building that houses radio station KCTR.

Radio station officials suspended Mushaben indefinitely last month after he posted what some call controversial comments on the station’s website. Mushaben, one-half of the popular morning team “The Breakfast Flakes,” suggested in his post that teams of Native Americans should participate in separate basketball tournaments.

Supporters say the suspension violates Mushaben’s free speech rights. Opponents say his comments were racist and should not be acceptable for online radio station content.

Mark Wilson, Mushaben’s broadcasting partner, was not suspended but has read more

Feb282017

Conservative radio DJ suspended, listeners take to rally to support his return

Politics • Top Stories • Yellowstone County • Billings

A group of about 40 supporters took to the Billings streets tonight in support to bring back Paul Mushaben who was suspended . Radio Co-host Mark Wilson attended the rally to support his co-worker. (Jonathan McNiven photo)

Conservative radio DJ Paul Mushaben of Cat Country Radio Station was suspended last week when he authored a blog post on the Cat Country website blog on Tuesday Feb. 21 that some say was racist.

This evening, a group of supporters rallied downtown Billings streets in support to bring him back on air.

Co-host radio DJ Mark Wilson of Cat Country showed up to the rally in read more

Feb232017

Ed Walker of Billings seeks Zinke’s vacant House seat

Politics • Top Stories • Billings

Ed Walker

Originally published in the Yellowstone County News print edition and on newsstands today 2/23/17.

BILLINGS — Ed Walker, 46, of Billings, a former Montana state legislator, is throwing his hat in the ring for the election to fill the U.S. House of Representatives seat which will be vacated with the resignation of Republican Ryan Zinke, if and when he is confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Secretary of the Interior.

Walker, who was elected to the state Senate in 2010 in Senate District 29, said that he recently toured the state and visited with Republican delegates who will potentially select their party’s candidate. Those conversations leave him confident that he can win the seat, he said.

“They are looking for someone who believes in the core principles of all Montanans. . . someone who is genuine. . . and for someone who can win,” he said. Walker believes that he has the record of a winner and has the experience to raise the funding necessary to run a successful campaign.

He is also very confident he holds the core values that all of the delegates said they wanted to see in a candidate. There are differences in issues the delegates are concerned about, from one part of the state to another, said Walker, but fundamentally they share the same values.

With his announcement, Walker joins a growing list of about six Republicans who have announced their candidacy, and a few who have only indicated an interest in doing so. The Republican list of candidates is only slightly longer than the Democrat’s list of four. Added to that will be at least one Libertarian candidate, if not more.

President Donald Trump named Zinke as his pick for the Department of the Interior, but the confirmation process has been stalled by Democrats, far beyond expectations. At latest report, with Congress taking a recess, Zinke’s confirmation is expected to be taken up no sooner than the end of February or even possibly to mid March, at which time Zinke is expected to resign his seat in the House of Representatives.

Once Zinke has resigned, each political party in Montana will select a candidate for a run off.

“The message that a candidate needs to make in order to win the election, is one of limited government and a belief in individual freedom,” said Walker, who has held to such principles since his youth, growing up in Colstrip, in a family that was very supportive of President Ronald Reagan. Walker attributes his lifelong interest in politics to his family, who often discussed political events and issues.

“I believe in individual freedom, freedom of speech and of religion, and the right to bear arms. These are fundamental constitutional freedoms everyone believes in,” said Walker, adding that he believes “the states should be free to read more

Feb232017

Weekly Ramblings – Digital Thermometers

Features • Politics

Originally published in the print edition of Yellowstone County News in the 2/17/17 issue.

Krayton Kerns, Ramblings of a Conservative Cow Doctor. publishes a weekly column in the Yellowstone County News print edition.

If there was a vet school lecture on assessing health by nasal palpations, I slept through it. When a client informs me their dog, cow, cat or horse can or cannot be running a fever because “his nose is wet,” or “his nose is dry,” I quickly steer my examination to the rear end of the critter. The true indicator of body temperature lies under the tail. The rectal thermometer is a great diagnostic tool applicable to all animal species as well as politics, which is why I mention it here.

With all major news outlets mostly promoting fake news, social media has become society’s rectal thermometer. Facebook and Twitter may not be pretty, but they reflect the health of our American culture to those discerning enough to sort fictitious posts from reality. Last week, I read a truthful meme which progressive cyber-monitors immediately scrubbed. The anonymous author summed up today’s boisterous political scene in a single sentence and here it is:

“The Democrats haven’t been this mad since the Republicans freed their slaves.” Read that again. Republicans both freed the slaves and later battled the Democrats, who resisted civil rights legislation, yet today’s hate-filled progressives hysterically scream that Republicans are racist. If you lift the tail of Facebook and take a reading, it is obvious progressives are spiking a huge fever.

For example, Dawn is an ex-teacher and friend who read more

Feb232017

Lockwood high school bill sails easily to the House

Yellowstone County • Lockwood

HELENA — The Senate bill that would give the Lockwood community a chance to build a high school is awaiting action in the Montana House of Representatives.

The Senate passed the bill 49-0 on third and final reading on Thursday, Feb. 16. The House heard it on first reading on Saturday, Feb. 18, when it was referred to the House Education Committee. That committee includes Billings Republican representatives Jeff Essmann, vice chairman, and Peggy Webb, and Rep. Sue Vinton, R-Lockwood, who will carry the measure in the House.

The measure, sponsored in the Senate by Sen. read more

Feb232017

Out of service: Broken pipe shuts down water depot, again

Local • Huntley Project • Top Stories • Yellowstone County

Originally published in the Yellowstone County News print edition

HUNTLEY — The Huntley water depot was out of order again this week, leaving customers without water and Huntley water and sewer district employees frustrated.

District manager T.J. Mueller said Wednesday that he thinks the most recent outage at the coin-operated depot on North Canal Drive in Huntley was caused by a vehicle hitting the downspout, and breaking the supply pipe, probably at night, since the security camera didn’t catch it.

Mueller said he replaced the pipe with a brand-new one on Sunday afternoon, but it was torn off again Monday night.

“It’s kind of aggravating,” Mueller said. Whoever broke the newly installed pipe took it with them, he said, so he has to install another one, work he was hoping to complete on Wednesday.

He said received an angry text from Andrea McClenning, who got sprayed with water Monday night when she went to fill her tank, but said she is “not as mad as me.”

In fact, McClenning said Wednesday that she’s not angry at Mueller but she hopes that the water district can fix the depot so it works reliably.

“It’s really inefficient,” McClenning said. “They just need to fix it properly.”

She said the depot “goes in spurts, for a while it works great,” then it works about half the time. Since she gets water about three times a week, it would be nice to depend on it, she said.

“I just wish that they’d do a read more