Dear Editor,
Worden Fire Dept. would like to give a big THANK YOU to the community for their support at the Street Dance, and the continued support the community gives to the Worden Fire Dept. read more
Jun102022
Jun102022
Community Garage Sales this Weekend
CommuuJun102022
Obituary: Hunter James McCaulou and Olivia Scarlett McCaulou
Hunter and Olivia McCaulou
Hunter James (born June 8, 2016) and Olivia Scarlett (born October 18, 2017) McCaulou tragically left this world to be with God on Friday, June 3, 2022. The two siblings and Best Friends passed away in each other’s embrace. Hunter, the protective older brother lived his life ensuring his little sister was always safe and included. Although younger, Olivia (“Lala” the nickname given at birth by Hunter) was small in stature but Large and In Charge in spirit. With her very particular nature, she was sure to let all those around her know exactly how everything “needed” to be done.
Hunter James loved his family so much, always trying to shield pain and/or punishment away from those around him. A recent Shepherd Elementary School Kindergarten graduate, he loved school, coming in as an underdog but came out with flying colors! He adored faculty and friends at school and cherished the bonds made amongst his classmates. Hunter took his given name to heart and loved nothing more than Bow Hunting Elk with his Daddy and had a sharp eye for spotting elk even before anyone else would see them. read more
Jun102022
Background Checks Stir Up Debate at Worden Fire Meeting
by Michael J. Marino
President Leif Olsen announced that over $2,500 had been raised at the Street Dance at Worden Fire Department’s (WFD) business meeting on June 6. Olsen also thanked everyone who helped make the event go off with great success. read more
Jun102022
Big Upset in Local Election Results
Celebrating his victory as county commissioner, Mark Morse joined friends and supporters at Gusick’s Restaurant election night. Pictured are (L-R) Teresa Morse, Mark Morse, Corky Staudinger, Bill Mercer and Kent O’Donnell.
On Tuesday, 44,605 voters in Yellowstone County cast ballots in the county and state Primary Election with some surprising results.
The biggest news in Yellowstone County was an upset in the County Commissioners’ race in which newcomer Mark Morse ousted incumbent Denis Pitman in the only Republican challenged primary in county government. Since Morse has no Democrat challenger, he will assume the office next January. Morse had 14,713 votes and Pitman had 12,406. read more
Jun92022
Obituary: Ruth A. Lechner
Ruth A. Lechner
Ruth Lechner passed away on April 8, 2022, in Billings, MT, at the age of 86, surrounded by her children. She was born on August 19, 1935, to Harold and Esther House in Ballantine, MT, the middle child of five siblings: Bryson House, Helen (Jensen), Joan (Green), and Mary Jean (Kern). She graduated from Huntley Project High School where she met Charles Lechner. They married on August 8, 1953, and moved to Billings where Charles became a police officer. They had three children. Ruth worked in banking and also as a para-legal. They were married for 66 years, until Charles passed away in September 2019.
Throughout high school and later in life, Ruth had great artistic talent. Her children treasure the paintings that she has left them. She also enjoyed singing and was a member of her church choir for decades. She and Charles, along with her parents, Esther and Harold built a cabin outside of Red Lodge in 1955, and they had many wonderful memories there. Ruth stayed connected to her family and friends in the Huntley Project area and maintained lifelong friendships. She and Charles also loved to travel and visited Germany, France, Switzerland, China and much of the United States. read more
Jun72022
Billings Outlaws Owner, Keith Russ, Sells Team Amid Financial Concerns …
Businesses, Players, Coach, Staff and Media Production Companies among growing list of complaints
by Michael Marino
& Jonathan McNiven
Keith Russ, owner of the Billings Outlaws and Pick Six Entertainment, announced at their May 30 game that he sold the indoor football team to Steve Titus who also owns the Wyoming Mustangs team. Russ revealed the news to the players in the locker room at the Memorial Day game.
Russ stated his desire to eventually move to Texas in an interview with YCN, regarding selling the team.
However, sources confirmed that there is more to it than that, including unpaid bills and bounced checks, with the team’s coach Brian Schmidt stating, “Keith is a bold-faced liar.” Several local businesses told YCN that they had contracts with the Billings Outlaws that have not been completely fulfilled – some not at all. These allegations started after a South Dakota news outlet, Rapid City Journal, reported the Rapid City Marshals (also a Pick Six-owned team) got kicked out of their hotel due to several weeks of unpaid charges and no contact from owner Keith Russ. Former co-owner Tel Koan resigned from his position in early May.
Jun72022
Dig It Days to Return to MontanaFair 2022
Staff Report
Local industry equipment dealers from Yellowstone County participated in the 2021 Yellowstone Dig It Days at MontanaFair. Sponsors for this equipment included RDO Equipment Company, Modern Machinery, Tri-State Truck & Equipment and Tractor & Equipment. (Photo by Jonathan McNiven)
Yellowstone Family, the nonprofit organization that started Dig it Days as its only fund-raiser, announced this week that Dig It Days will return to MontanaFair for a second time.
“In addition to heavy equipment operation, educational activities for kids, teenagers and adults, it’s our hope we will have even more fun and exciting activities for the masses at MontanaFair this year,” said Chairman and event planner Jonathan McNiven who started the nonprofit and event in 2019. With this being the third year of Dig It Days, we’re trying to provide family fun that is educational, constructive and family oriented within a frame work that helps support industry professionals, careers, and needed employees for jobs in Montana and Yellowstone County.
The Third Annual Dig It Days will be a two-day special event at MontanaFair on Friday and Saturday, August 19 and 20 from noon to 6 pm each day. We will feature industry professionals, machines of all kinds as well as it’s the hope to have new additional equipment and activities related to digging in the ground. “We have a lot of the same activities, event contests and locations as last year so a lot of the ground work is already done,” said Jonathan McNiven.
Jun32022
Obituary: Velva Celia Black
Velva Celia Black
Velva Celia Black, 88, was called home to be with The Lord Sunday morning, Dec. 12, 2021, while residing at St. Johns Nursing home in Billings, Montana.
She was born Velva Celia Reynolds October 2, 1933, in Livingston, Montana, the daughter of Valen C. and Nellie L. (Skillman) Reynolds.
She married Bennie Rhea Black on July 7, 1951, in Livingston, Montana. Velva and Bennie lived in Powell, Wyoming, where he maintained the family home. After the death of her husband, Velva moved back to Livingston, Montana to be near her family, working at the hospital until she retired. read more
Jun32022
Obituary: Neil Logan
Neil Logan
Neil Logan, 94, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Friday, May 27, 2022.
Neil was born on November 23, 1927, to Claude and Lillie Logan on the family homestead on Cottonwood Creek below the Byrd Hill, the highest point in Yellowstone County. Neil attended rural Montana schools, Battle Creek School and Blue Creek School.
Neil married Lois McFarland in Red Lodge, Montana, in 1950. He entered the US Army in February, 1951. He completed four months basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He shipped over to Korea from Fort Lawton, Washington, on July 4, 1951, and he arrived in Yokohama, Japan on July 18, 1951. He served with the Third Armored Division, Company B, Tenth Combat Engineer Corp. Neil was the recipient of several medals for his service, most notably the Bronze Star, which is awarded to individuals who have distinguished themselves by heroism and outstanding achievement while serving in combat theater. Neil returned stateside May 1952. read more
May272022
Could Nuclear Energy be in Montana’s Future?
by Michael J. Marino
An interim study on the feasibility of nuclear power, approved by the 2021 legislative session, took a group of Montana lawmakers to Idaho National Laboratory (INL) on a tour of their facilities in Idaho Falls recently. read more
May272022
California Management of MetraPark Insulting
Dear Editor,
This is my second letter on the subject of MetraPark. I am still without hesitation solid in my believe that the Attorney General of the State of Montana really needs to look at the management and mismanagement of this facility. All I know is what I have read with some discussion of stories that I have been told about events that have occurred at this venue. A question I asked in my last letter was DID ANYONE FIND THE BAG OF MONEY THAT DISAPPEARED from the MetraPark? read more
May272022
One Dead after High-Speed Chase, Standoff in Billings
by Michael J. Marino
Billings Police Chief Rich St. John answers questions during a press conference about the officer-involved shooting that occurred on May 23. (Photo courtesy Billings Police Department via Facebook)
A 36-year-old Billings man is dead after he led police on a chase through the city that ultimately cost him his life.
Billings Police Department (BPD) responded to a location near the Ledgestone Hotel off King Ave. East at about 11:19 PM on May 23 after receiving a report of an assault. According to Police Chief Rich St. John, the caller stated a male had pistol-whipped and visibly injured a female victim, and was holding her against her will. The caller further described the suspect as a male in his 30s, and advised that he was leaving the area in a red passenger car. read more
May272022
Morse, Pitman Answer Voter Questions at Forum
by Michael J. Marino
A forum held ahead of the June 7 election allowed voters to ask this year’s candidates for Yellowstone County Commissioner – incumbent Denis Pitman and his opponent Mark Morse – questions regarding the issues facing the area. read more
May272022
Obituary: Ernest Troutman
Ernest Troutman
Ernest (Ernie) F. Troutman, 59, of Deaver, passed away nine days after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. He was grateful to be home, and he knew how much he was loved by his family and friends.
Ernie was born in Billings, on May 7th, 1963, along with his twin and partner in crime, Ed, to George and Shirley Troutman. Ernie grew up in Worden beside the Yellowstone River, with his three older sisters and brother. He helped the family with the dairy farm. He graduated from Huntley Project and was known for causing havoc and being a good friend.
He met the love of his life, Alicia, in 1985, when he and his gang of friends danced the “Gator” and it impressed her so much she decided to marry him. They married on August 22nd, 1987, and had two children. He loved being a dad to Chelsie and Thomas. He was proud of the adults they became. His granddaughter, Dakota, was the sparkle in his eye. He enjoyed sharing his love of camping, traveling, and classic rock. He loved the song “Renegade” by Styx, and he might have just been heard singing, “The jig is up! The news is out! They finally found me!” read more
May202022
Saint Vincent Nurses Claim the Right to Give Communion Sacrament…?
Dear Editor,
Earlier this year on a Sunday, my priest wished to take Communion and give extreme unction to a parishioner who was in St. Vincent’s Hospital here in Billings. My priest has been in multiple hospitals throughout the state without a problem all during the COVID lockdown. But when we called to find out if there would be any problems, we were told that their nurses could give him the communion. read more
May202022
Two Water Board Members Resign
Two members of the Heights County Water District Board have submitted resignations.
Jeff Engel, the City of Billings’ appointed representative to the board, submitted his resignation to the City, according to City of Billings Administrator Chris Kukulski. read more
May202022
Fire Council Warns of Impending Ambulance Crisis
by Michael J. Marino
At the May 10 meeting of the Yellowstone County Rural Fire Council (YCRFC), Lockwood Fire Chief John Staley stated, “In a year or two, Yellowstone County could find themselves without [ambulance] transport,” and that, “…we’re really in a crisis here.” read more
May202022
Obituary: Phyllis Catherine Fourman Speidel
Phyllis Catherine Fourman Speidel
On Wednesday, May 11th Phyllis Catherine (Kate) Fourman Speidel passed away at the age of 95 years old. Kate was born in Twin Township, Darke County, Ohio on November 5th, 1926, to Ray Fourman and Claudine (Weaver) Fourman. She was an avid roller-skater and loved to skate in her teenage years. In 1944, Kate married the love of her life, Clarence (Clancy) Speidel while stationed in Pratt, Kansas during World War II. During World War II, she heeded the call to assist her country through building gliders and firing pins. She was a checker at Van Dykes and at the Butterys store when it opened in the 60’s.
Phyllis Catherine Fourman Speidel
In 1952 the two made the decision to move to Billings, Montana, where Clarence was from, bringing along their young daughter Marilyn and soon to be born baby boy Gene. Family, friends, and faith were Kate’s most beloved values. Most summer vacations included a trek back home to Ohio for family visits. Kate enjoyed many winters on adventures with Clancy to Arizona, to visit family and go camping. She loved to be outdoors, family get-togethers, camping, fishing, and gardening were her favorite hobbies, enjoying everything with Clancy and family. She will be dearly missed, Kate was loved by everyone who knew her, she loved telling a good story and reminiscing about her stories of love and grandkids. read more
May202022
Obituary: Fern Jordan Stene
Fern Jordan Stene
Fern Jordan Stene was born in Miles City, Montana, in May 1934. She was the daughter of William Carl and Helen Neuhardt Jordan. Fern was raised on the family ranch at Brockway, Montana. After graduating from Circle High School in 1951, she moved to Billings to attend cosmetology school. In 1953, she married Andrew Stene, Jr. in Miles City. They lived in Billings, where they raised their family. After many years of marriage, they divorced.
Fern worked as a cosmetologist, owning several beauty salons in Billings. She finished her career working at First Interstate Bank.
Fern is survived by her younger sister, Lydia Johansson of DeKalb, Illinois; her daughter, Marleen Stene-Trout (Robert Trout) of Aurora, Colorado, and their children and spouses, Jordan Elizabeth Trout (Mark Frandsen) of Denver, and Jackson Trout (Danielle Runck) of Bozeman; son Bill Stene (Sabra Stene) and their children, Andrew, Amanda, Alex, Sam, Jon and Will, all in the Billings area; son Jason Stene and his children Alayna, and Jase, and great-grandson, Darius, all of Billings. Fern is survived by her former husband, Andrew Stene; numerous nieces and nephews, Karen Lange, Jeri Sorenson, Bobbie Ann Lobsen Gutcher, Billie Jo Henry, Blaine Gutcher, Caryle Jenrich, Cheryle Lallatin, Angela Johansson, Tina Johansson, Karen Jordan, Karl Jordan and Bob Chambers. She is preceded in death by her parents; older brother LeRoy Jordan; and sister-in-law, Janet Jordan.
Fern was a great mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, and a great cook. She enjoyed entertaining, crocheting, doing hardanger and embroidery, painting with watercolors, completing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and reading. read more
