Jun112021
While receiving $32 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) may be considered something of a windfall for Yellowstone County, there’s a lot of needs in the county and it goes quickly, according to Yellowstone County Commissioners.
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Jun112021
Sherry Essman
In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, Yellowstone County Commissioners selected Sherry Essman to assume the Republican House Seat (Dist. 52) vacated with the resignation of Rep. Jimmy Patelis.
Last Thursday commissioners interviewed Essman and Nelly Nicol who were among three candidates put forward by the Yellowstone County Republican Central Committee for consideration. One of the candidates withdrew before the interviews were held. read more
Jun112021
Early Friday morning crews moved into place an iron statue of a lion that is the mascot for Lockwood High School. Three times larger than the real thing the figure was fabricated at Montana Iron Works. It weighs 3500 pounds. read more
Jun112021
An arial drone image of the construction progress being made on the Billings Bypass bridge crossing the Yellowstone River on Wednesday June 9, 2021. Here, the girders have all been installed along the bridge. Rebar will eventually be prepared for the next process of construction. Completion of the Billing Bypass Bridge over the Yellowstone River is predominately scheduled for the end of 2021, pending weather conditions in the fall. (Drone Image by Jonathan McNiven)
Here, another angle looking North along the Billings Bypass bridge before it crosses the Yellowstone River. Girders have all been installed and construction is starting on the next phase. (Drone image by Jonathan McNiven)
Jun102021
Dear Editor,
Recent trips to Mt. Rushmore and the Oregon coast, as well as observing Memorial Day this last weekend has me appreciating our land of the free, and home of the brave. I realize that I have been guilty of taking our freedoms for granted. read more
Jun42021
June is Effective Communications Month. And it’s a good idea to recognize the importance of good communications, because it plays a role in almost every aspect of living – including your finances. You’ll want to clearly communicate your financial goals to your loved ones – and you’ll want to hear theirs, too. read more
Jun12021
Sherry Holderith
Sherry was a fun-loving person with the warmest heart and a huge smile. She loved talking to people and discussing what was going on in their lives. She loved pets, dogs, cats, goats… it did not matter, she loved them all.
Sherry passed away on May 21st, 2021 at the age of 58. She was Born on April 23rd, 1963 to Charlotte & Hollis Gilmore. Sherry has a twin sister Susan. Sherry and Susan did everything together growing up. Sherry and Susan’s mom has hundreds of read more
May292021
A section of the Billings Bench Water Association (BBWA) Canal between North 14th and 15th Streets, close to where it flows under the Rims, has slipped about a foot. Residents within a block area have been notified of the situation, according to County Emergency Services Coordinator, KC Williams.
Williams said that he was informed on Thursday by the BBWA that a crack had been noticed in the slope below the canal, which is a city park. The shift has caused the road below the canal to “heave,” according to the notice sent out by the City of Billings Public Works. City and county officials were notified, and a geotechnical firm has been read more
May282021
Ever wonder how the salaries are set for the county’s elected officials? read more
May282021
Water and sewer rates were increased by the City of Billings by the city council during their meeting Monday evening. They created a special rate tier for businesses which re-sell water to customers living outside the city limits. read more
May282021
Dig It Days @ MontanaFair 2021 will feature a huge dump trump from Westmoreland Mining Company as seen in this picture. The wheels are so huge that kids can play in them. More announcements coming soon for Yellowstone Dig It Days 2021.
(courtesy photo)
Dig It Days has some really big news for this year’s event, after having to cancel last year because of COVID restrictions.
The second annual Dig It Days will be a two-day special event at MontanaFair, on Thursday and Friday, August 19 and 20 – and it will feature a monster, monster truck sponsored by Westmoreland Coal Company.
The first Dig It Days was held in 2019 in Lockwood.
Of course, there will be lots and lots of other trucks and construction equipment, and emergency service vehicles, for kids to check out, inspect and “test drive.” There will also be the very popular Sand Mountain and other fun displays. Kids (big ones as well as younger ones) will also be able to operate a backhoe, for real! read more
May242021
John “Jack” Adam Witzel
John “Jack” Adam Witzel, 88, left this earth on May 17, 2021. He was born on August 14, 1932, to Earl and Katherine (Bohl) Witzel in Pompeys Pillar, Montana. Jack graduated from Huntley Project High School in 1950. He was a trained cook in the United States Army, and served from 1954 to 1956.
Jack married Margaret “Betty” Witzel on June 2, 1957. They had four children and moved to the Huntley Project area in approximately 1967. He and Betty separated in 1982, later divorcing but remaining very good friends. Jack worked for the Yellowstone County Clerk and Recorder’s Office for nearly 30 years before his retirement. He then was self-employed as a right-of-way agent that gave him the opportunity to travel. read more
May212021
Denis Pitman said he is excited to run for re-election as Yellowstone County Commissioner. His four-year term ends at the end of next year and the position is up for election in November 2022. read more
May212021
Dear Editor,
Congratulations of a successful open house and customer appreciation day to kick off your new offices. read more
May212021
Rocky Vista University (RVU), the proposed medical college for Billings, has received approval from the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) to move to the next phase of development. read more
May212021
County residents who purchase water from bulk water re-sellers may find themselves greatly impacted by a proposed change in rates that will be considered by the Billings City Council during their meeting on Monday. read more
May192021
Mary Cossitt, 89 of Shepherd passed away May 16, 2021. A celebration of life will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Shepherd on May 23rd at 1:00 PM. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Charles (Brick) Cossitt. She is survived by her four children, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Mary was a woman of many talents, great strength, and generosity for family and community. read more
May182021
Late last Wednesday afternoon, a piece of paper was posted on the door of the Heights Water District stating that the regular monthly meeting of the board was cancelled.
The Heights Water District will hold their second meeting with newly elected board members on Wednesday, May 19, 6 pm at the Oasis Waterpark, 543 Aronson Avenue. Their first meeting was held in the parking lot of the Heights Water District offices.
Continued conflict and uncertainty among former and new board members and administrators regarding disagreements about legalities has resulted in the district office’s doors being locked, preventing the new board from meeting there. read more
May182021
For those who might be wanting to see the upcoming agenda for the Heights Water District upcoming meeting and agenda, here is the pdf that one can open and view.
May162021
Dear Editor,
Many heartfelt thanks for all those in the community that offered food, money, help and anything else I needed from the fire at my house on April 19th in Shepherd. A special thank you to all those volunteer firefighters from the Shepherd and Worden Fire Departments that came to help put out my fire and risk their lives to help support their community members. Also, the Sheriff’s deputies that also responded quickly. It’s truly a great community we live in, and I appreciate everyone’s support, love and concern.
Rich Obie
Shepherd, MT
