Wilhelm Ruff
Wilhelm (Bill) Richard Ruff, age 77, passed away peacefully in his home on January 4, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. read more
Jan122021
Obituary: Wilhelm Richard Ruff
Jan112021
Obituary: Judith Rae (Dougherty) Hammersmark
Judith Rae (Dougherty) Hammersmark was born January 21, 1942, in Baker City, Oregon. Judy was the second of two daughters born to Baker City mailman Elmer Dougherty and elementary school teacher Ethel (Ebell) Dougherty. Along with her older sister Lee Ann, they comprised the neighborhood duo known affectionately by all as the Dougherty girls. The Dougherty girls were infamous for their sweet smiles, intelligent banter and love of stray cats. Baker City was a very safe playground with grandparents, uncles and friends around every corner. Judy was known as a strong swimmer, allowing her to become a lifeguard at Radium Hot Springs, a job she remembered and treasured for years.
In 1963 Judy met and married the love of her life, Marvin Hammersmark. Together they loved and raised three kids. Marvin’s career with the Bureau of Land Management led them to live in Ely, Nevada; Lakeview, Oregon; and Rawlins, Wyoming, before retiring to a small farm outside Ballantine, Montana. Judy made lifelong friends wherever she went.
Jan82021
THE FINANCIAL FOCUS: Time for New Year’s Financial Resolutions
Many of us probably felt that 2020 lasted a very long time. But now that 2021 is upon us, we can make a fresh start – and one way to do that is to make some New Year’s resolutions. Of course, you can make these resolutions for all parts of your life – physical, emotional, intellectual – but have you ever considered some financial resolutions? read more
Jan72021
Local COVID Mandates Rescinded
Local COVID health mandates have been rescinded by Yellowstone County Health Officer John Felton.
Felton announced the change in a press conference on Thursday, saying the change is effective immediately.
The rescinding of local orders does not affect those of the state, imposed in mid-November, which means the restrictions that former Governor Steve Bullock put into place requiring masks and for some businesses to operate at 50 percent capacity and to close at 10 pm, will remain in place for the time being.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Governor Gianforte said that changes under his new administration would not be made to state mandates until two things happen: vaccinations have been given to the most vulnerable in the state and a bill on his desk from the state legislature that provides protection from COVID-19 lawsuits for businesses, schools and non-profits.
In place of the mandates, Felton said read more
Jan12021
Number of COVID Cases Continues Average Daily Decline
Despite the lack of press conferences announcing as much, the number of positive COVID cases has been declining in Montana since early November. The number of cases daily is back down to the level at which they hovered at the end of summer. read more
Jan12021
Obituary: Dorothy Jean Redding Demaree
Dorothy Jean Redding Demaree
Dorothy Jean Redding Demaree, 88, died in Lovell, Wyoming, Christmas Day, December 25, 2020 of natural causes. Dorothy was born in Hardin, Montana August 29, 1932 to Coil Austin Redding and Florence Irene Hoffman of Sarpy, Montana, the 6th of 12 children. read more
Jan12021
Obituary: Darwin D. Paffrath
Darwin D. Paffrath
Darwin D. Paffrath, 82, of Worden, MT, died December 22, 2020 from Covid 19 and other health ailments. Darwin was born August 25, 1938 in Clinton, MN to Ambrose and Ann Paffrath. read more
Jan12021
Obituary: Douglas Lynn Dunker
Douglas “Doug” Lynn Dunker
After a hard-fought battle against an aggressive cancer, Douglas “Doug” Lynn Dunker died on Dec. 24, 2020, at the age of 52. read more
Jan12021
Obituary: James Ray Roan
James Ray Roan
James Ray Roan born May 5, 1934, has succumbed to his battle with cancer. Jim was many things, including a man of his word, and he passed away on Christmas morning after promising his family he would stay until Christmas. read more
Jan12021
Obituary: Darwin D. Paffrath
Darwin D. Paffrath
Darwin D. Paffrath was born Aug. 25, 1938, and passed away of covid on Dec. 22, 2020, after a hard fight. read more
Dec252020
Obituary: Jack J Alles
Jack J Alles
Jack J Alles, 89, formerly of Worden, MT, passed away on December 14, 2020. Jack was born June 5, 1931, in Forsyth, MT, to Emanuel and Margaret Alles. He grew up on a farm near Pompeys Pillar. He graduated from Huntley Project High School in 1950. He was active in football, basketball and FFA. read more
Dec182020
Information Sought in Homicide
Manuel Martinez
The Billings Police Department is seeking any information which the public may have regarding the homicide of Manuel Martinez. Martinez was shot and killed on November 30, 2020, at approximately 8:20 PM near the intersection of 4thStreet West and Broadwater Avenue. Martinez was known to frequently attend the church near this location. read more
Dec182020
Arrow Creek Gravel Pit Moves Forward Despite Residents’ Concerns
According to Colleen Moullett, the DEQ has granted the permit to Riverside Contracting to move forward with their plans for the Arrow Creek Gravel Pit in spite of concerns raised by landowners in the area. read more
Dec182020
City Council Adopts Project Recode, Makes Changes, but not for Casinos
After making a number of changes to Project Recode, the Billings City Council passed the new zoning regulations in First Reading by a wide margin on Monday evening. Next Monday, the City Council will take up Project Recode in Second Reading at which time more changes are possible. read more
Dec182020
Obituary: Maxine Marie Turley
Maxine Turley
Maxine Marie (Polsak) Turley was born June 19, 1941, and passed away December 11, 2020, due to severe Covid-19 complications. read more
Dec152020
Obituary: John Richard Daubert
John Richard Daubert
John Richard Daubert, 74, of Billings, passed away on Dec. 8, 2020. He was born in Billings on June 12, 1946, to Mary (Brown) Daubert and John Daubert. read more
Dec112020
THE FINANCIAL FOCUS: Consider These Year-end Financial Moves
We’re nearing the end of 2020 – and for many of us, it will be a relief to turn the calendar page on this challenging year. However, we’ve still got a few weeks left, which means you have time to make some year-end financial moves that may work in your favor. read more
Dec112020
Donation Tax Deductions Done Right
Dear Editor,
As we approach the end of 2020 you may be thinking about donating to one of Montana’s charities. Your donation helps these organizations provide critical services, and this year many need your help. read more
Dec102020
Montana Joins Texas Suit Challenging Elections
On Wednesday, Montana joined 16 other states in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the case State of Texas v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, State of Georgia, State of Michigan and State of Wisconsin. Supporting Texas, Montana is urging the court to accept the case against the four states. read more
Dec42020
Hacking Brick is Harder Than It Looks
Dear Editor,
It seems that almost anybody watching someone work believes they can do the job as well or better than the person who is actually doing it, especially if the person watching has never done it before. When I hired on at the brickyard in Lewistown in 1974, the boss pointed to a group of workmen taking wet brick off a conveyer belt and stacking them on small railcars which were then pushed into the kiln for firing. This was called “hacking brick.” read more
