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
Jan242023
Jan232023
State Legislative Processes
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
Erase History and You Erase Truth!
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
NorthWestern Energy Acquires
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
A Political Poem
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
Obituary: Barbara (Barb) Fox
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
Huntley Project Coach Stookey Named Among ‘Most Elite’ Coaches in U.S.
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
Your Yellowstone County Delegation Hard at Work
AriThe 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
Commissioners to Name Replacement for Legislative Resignation on Tuesday
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
Thanks for the Holiday Lights!
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
Jan182023
Can We Treat Military with Same Respect as Damar Hamlin ?
Dear Editor,
I’ve a fair question.
The entire nation witnessed a near tragedy on Monday night football with the event that took place with Damar Hamlin having his heart stop, being hauled off the field and seeing the affect it had on the players from both teams as well as the fans in the stands. Thank God, he now appears to be recovering very well. read more
Jan172023
U.S. is Beyond Comprehension
Dear Editor,
Out of control. Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, we have watched with complete disdain, disbelief and some degree of helplessness at how our elected representatives have spent us into debt beyond comprehension, 1.7 trillion just this week, with the nearly 31,000,000,000,000 in total debt and over 500 billion in interest annually, to be paid by you and future generations of taxpaying Americans. read more
Jan162023
Keep Up the Great Reporting
Dear Editor,
I just picked up a copy of Yellowstone County News at the store, and I wanted to write in and let you know I love your publication! read more
Jan152023
Great Job on Lives of Yellowstone County
Dear Editor,
Kudos for a job well done on the December 30 issue–Lives of Yellowstone County. You chose important people from a large area — both in space and time — and you chose well. I enjoyed reading the mini biographies of all these selfless people who made our community so much better. read more
Jan142023
Government’s Obligation to Spend is not Necessary
Dear Editor,
Regarding David Crisp’s article of January 6th on “Letting the Government Burn”. read more
Jan132023
Skyview Falcons Prevail in Close Game with Great Falls
The Skyview Falcons putting in work on the offense against the Great Falls Bison during a game held Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023 at the Great Falls High Gym. (Courtesy photo)
by Michael J. Marino
It was a basketball game that kept everyone on the edge of their seats Saturday afternoon, Jan. 7, at Great Falls High School when the Skyview Falcons beat the Great Falls Bison with a score of 48-41. read more
Jan132023
No Opposition to House Bill
Easing Access to Public Defenders
by Michael J. Marino
Testimony was given Monday, Jan. 9 to the House Judiciary Committee regarding House Bill (HB) 111, which would make it easier for people to get a public defender when involved in legal matters in state courts. In some cases, the financial eligibility forms would be cut out and the state would immediately assign a public defender. read more
Jan132023
“Lives” Edition of the YCN was Great
Dear Editor,
The “Lives” edition of the YCN was great. I would like you to please send me 2 copies of the paper to me in Arizona.
Mary Knapp,
Arizona
Jan132023
Bypass Corridor Study Envisions Heights Future
With the new road from the bridge across the Yellowstone River to Main Street/ Hwy. 312 proposed to be named Trailhead Road, the above is an engineer’s rendering of its intersection with Main Street as the road merges into Hwy. 87. The drawing depicts possible development along the corridor based upon what citizens during public hearings have said they would like to see developed in the area. Trailhead Road is on the right and intersects with Main Street and Hwy. 312 which runs from the bottom to the top of the picture.
by Evelyn Pyburn
The new road that will connect the new Yellowstone River Bridge to Main Street and Hwy. 312 is proposed to be called Trailhead Road.
The news comes with a report of what the roads will look like and what is likely to be developed around them. Called the Billings Bypass Corridor Study, it was presented to and approved by, the Yellowstone County Commissioners on Tuesday. Included in the report was a second portion which focused on traffic safety called the Billings Community Transportation Plan. The two studies will now go to the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC) on Jan. 17 for final approval, having been also presented to the Planning Board and the City Council. read more
Jan132023
California Firm Buys 54 Homes from Billings Housing Authority
Pictured here is 405 West Wicks Lane in the Billings Heights, which is one of the 54 properties recently purchased by Wedgewood Homes, a California-based real estate group. This two-story home will be completely remodeled by local construction company, W Thomas Construction of Lockwood, owned by Wade Thomas. (Michael Marino photo)
by Michael J. Marino
Wedgewood Homes, a real estate group based in Redondo Beach, California, recently bought 54 homes from HomeFront – formerly the Billings Housing Authority – in a single $13 million transaction. These include 51 single-family residences and three duplexes in various Billings neighborhoods, according to a press release from Sept. 2022.
“Of the 54 homes purchased,” wrote Wedgewood Publicist, Alicia Mistry, “20 homes were immediately put on the market as-is to provide purchase opportunities for buyers battling supply shortages.” Mistry said another 20 will be repaired and then sold. The release indicated Wedgewood would hire local contractors to perform the remodeling work. read more
