Jan302023
Dear Editor,
Today Senator Tester responded to my recent inquiry about DC statehood stating, “I believe it is wrong that thousands of active-duty service members and veterans don’t have real representation in Congress.” I believe it is important to put Senator Tester’s response in perspective. read more
Jan282023
Dear Editor,
I guess our favorite editor had to hire a liberal to write an opinion column so the YCN wouldn’t look biased. This Crisp fella with the funny hat is so far left, he is at risk of falling off the edge of the earth. It was amusing how sick he got after his full series of stroke pokes and boosters just as Dr. Kerns had been preaching all this time. read more
Jan272023
Barbara Ann Graf
Our beloved mother, Barbara Ann Graf, 84, of Billings, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Jan. 7, 2023 while residing at The Springs at Butte. Mom was born in the spring of 1938 in Billings, the second of three daughters of Arnold Henry Graf and Evelyn Lewis Graf. She attended Billings schools, graduating from Billings High School in 1956 and Eastern Montana University in 1963 and 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling respectively. Mom was credentialed as a National Certified Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor in Montana, and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.
Mom’s child-rearing days took her from Billings to Big Piney, WY; Pocatello, ID; Great Falls, MT; Kalispell, MT, and even Newhall, CA before eventually moving back to her hometown of Billings. Throughout her lifetime, mom participated in many service-oriented activities, including doing volunteer work for the Montana Council on Problem Gambling, American Red Cross, and prison ministry. read more
Jan272023
Leland Bernard Blee
On December 30, 2022, Leland Bernard Blee passed away from an accident in his home in Roundup, Montana, at the age of 79. He was born to Carroll and Elsie (Lindell) Blee on February 14, 1943.
In June of 1961 he graduated from Senior High School in Billings, after which he attended Eastern Montana College for one year in Liberal Arts.
He served in the National Guard from 1964 to 1970 and resided in Montana, California and Florida.
His love was working on and driving dragsters.
Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard and niece Aiyana.
He is survived by his brother Ralph (Helen), nieces: Stacey, Brenda and Renee (Darryl), nephew Brian; sister-in-law Juanita: nephews Kris (Ellen) and Kirk (Catherine) and many cousins and good friends Andy Gugler and Chuck Haynes.
Jan262023
by Evelyn Pyburn
Former Yellowstone County Commissioner and lifelong Billings businessman, James A. “Ziggy” Ziegler, died on Jan. 19 at age 89, following a battle with cancer.
Mention the name “Ziggy” in Billings and everyone knows who you are talking about – Ziggy left an enduring impression on the whole community.
He and his wife, Stella, were noted as restaurateurs and bakers. Ziggy died on their anniversary. Their most famed enterprise was Stella’s Kitchen and Bakery, which after 41 years they sold in 2019.
The Zieglers came to Billings in 1977 after purchasing the KOA campground. They had previously owned a KOA campground in Santa Margarite.
Ziggy was elected in 1990 as Yellowstone County commissioner and served for 12 years. Prior to that in 1986 he had been elected Yellowstone County Auditor.
The Zieglers started the Great Harvest Bakery in 1978, and later purchased the former Spaghetti Depot and Dinner Theatre, which became an Italian restaurant, they named Stella’s Place. In 1991 they decided to close the restaurant and focus on the bakery. In 1993 they left Great Harvest and founded Stella’s Kitchen & Bakery, which has become a fixture in Billings. read more
Jan262023
by Evelyn Pyburn
The issue of paying an attorney who was not engaged by the board at a public meeting was again a primary topic of concern at the monthly meeting of the Heights County Water Board last Wednesday. read more
Jan262023
Dear Editor,
The picture on the cover of the YCN tells a story. There are twenty-five people in the Yellowstone County delegation. How many people represent the counties of Carter, Fallon, Wibaux, McCone, Garfield and Prairie counties? I have my doubts there are twenty altogether. Do the rural people really have a voice in our state?
Lauris Byxbe
Pompey’s Pillar
Jan262023
by Evelyn Pyburn
Naarah N. Hastings was sworn in by Judge Ashley Harada. (Courtesy photo)
Small business owner, Naarah Hastings, was selected by Yellowstone County Commissioners on Tuesday to represent House District 50 in the Montana Legislature, replacing Mallerie Stromwold (R) who resigned the position a couple of weeks ago.
The commissioners interviewed Hastings and two other candidates recommended to them by the Yellowstone County Republican Central Committee on Monday. The committee received ten applications for the position. They interviewed the applicants and then forwarded the names of their nominations of Hastings, Anthony Nicastro and Denis Pitman, to the commissioners.
Commissioner Mark Morse was not present for the commissioners’ weekly meeting when they voted, but he left a proxy in support of Hastings. Commissioner Don Jones first nominated Anthony Nicastro, a Billings attorney, but with no second, John Ostlund nominated Hastings, who then received all three commissioners’ votes. read more
Jan262023
Robert George Wittman
Robert George Wittman, 71, of Billings, Montana, passed away peacefully in his home, January 9, 2023. He was born November 9,h 1951, to Harold and Lillian Wittman in Billings, Montana. He grew up on the family farm in Worden, Montana, graduating from Huntley Project High School. He was actively involved in FFA and shop projects where he was known for his mechanical skills and abilities. He attended DeVry School of Technology in Phoenix Arizona, where he studied electronics and computer sciences, graduating 2nd in his class. After graduation he was employed by Sun Electronics.
He then moved back to Billings where he continued to work in the electronics field and helped on the family farm. Robert worked at Pierce Packing as the maintenance supervisor until the plant closed. He then worked for Phoenix Industries Trucking. Robert started his own Electronic Technical Company called Double E Systems and continued until retirement. read more
Jan252023
Dear Editor,
Larry Brewster, Representative for Heights HD 44 introduced HB 35 to eliminate the city and/or county appointees in three districts: the County Water and Sewer District of Billings Heights (CWDBH), Big Sky Water and Sewer District and Evergreen Water and Sewer District. Of the 800+ districts in the state of Montana, the CWDBH is the only district that does not produce water and does not have sewer. read more
Jan242023
Dear Editor,
So now we’ve had another major wreck on Main Street in the Billings Heights. Where was the Billings Police Department (BPD)? read more
Jan232023
With week two in the books the legislative session is well under way and heating up. We heard several bills under various topics from housing to human trafficking. Another bill would establish a state cemetery for veterans in Columbia Falls. While yet another bill focuses on a beloved pastime in Montana, huckleberry picking. The common thread throughout is ways that we can improve the lives of all Montanans and protect our way of life. read more
Jan232023
Dear Editor,
During Christmas time 50 years ago in December of 1972, I was reviewing the de novo synthesis of the non-essential amino acids and reviewing the cranial nerves. read more
Jan232023
Additional Colstrip Supply at “No Price”
by Evelyn Pyburn
NorthWestern Energy has acquired Avista’s share of Colstrip Units 3 & 4, with no purchase price.
NorthWestern Energy and Avista announced the agreement, which NorthWestern Energy proclaimed will enable it to provide it’s Montana customers with needed on-demand power generation capacity and allow Avista to exit ownership of the Colstrip plant in accordance with the state of Washington laws. read more
Jan222023
Dear Editor,
And so 2022 has come and gone; 2023 is here and January can be long; It was a year full of ups and downs; Putin, Biden, Pelosi and other assorted clowns. read more
Jan202023
Barbara (Barb) Fox, 72, passed away surrounded by her family on January 11th. Barbara Lee Whitbeck was born December 26, 1951, in Miles City, MT, to Warren and Leontina (Smitty) Whitbeck. She graduated from West High in 1970. She married her best friend Tom Fox December 28, 1974. She is survived by Tom, her daughter Kacey and her husband Brock Isakson and grandchildren Quinn and Clint; her son Jarrod (JR), his wife Loni and grandchildren Jaidyn, Asa and Emry. She is so proud of all of them and loves them very much. She is also survived by her sister Jewel, brother Jim, his wife Colleen and family. Be an organ donor! Thank you to UCHealth, especially Lana, Dr. Zins and the great nurses in Endoscopy at Billings Clinic, Dr. Jodi and the great nurses at St. Vincent’s Lockwood and the wonderful and caring people at Compassus. No services will be held. Donations can be made to Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, PO Box 20920, 59104. Let’s Go Brandon.
Jan202023
by Michael J. Marino
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) selected Huntley Project Head Volleyball Coach, Iona Stookey, among 22 other coaches across the U.S. for the 2021-22 National Coach of the Year award on Jan. 16. Prior to this, Stookey had been named Volleyball Coach of the Year for the fall 2022 season by the Montana High School Association (MHSA). read more
Jan202023
The Yellowstone County delegation poses for a picture in the Montana House of Representatives Chambers Monday afternoon. Included in the group photo are four legislators not in the group picture. Can you recognize and identify your State Representative and State Senator from Yellowstone County that represents your legislative Senate and Representative districts? (Photo by Jonathan McNiven)
Jan202023
by Evelyn Pyburn
Yellowstone County Commissioners will conduct interviews of candidates, on Monday morning at 10 am, to replace Rep. Mallerie Stromswold (R), Billings. Stromswold resigned her seat in the Montana State Legislature House District 50, just weeks after assuming office. She cited as reasons: “logistical challenges” and “significant backlash” for sometimes voting contrary to her party. read more
Jan202023
Dear Editor,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the communities of Shepherd and Huntley for the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations. It certainly brightened my Christmas! Thank you for your efforts to make the season brighter!
Neala Rausch
Shepherd
Ari