Wondering if maybe you have had the COVID-19 virus? Thinking you may have antibodies that may make you immune from future infection? read more
Apr102020
Apr102020
Construction Begins on Billings Bypass
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) has notified the public of, what are expected to be, brief traffic disruptions on Highway 312 between Shepherd and Billings Heights. Construction began on the intersection of Five Mile Road and Highway 312 on April 8. Two-way traffic will be maintained during peak commute hours of 7 to 9am and 4 to 6pm. read more
Apr32020
Yellowstone County MVD Switches to Appointment Only Services for Now
During this COVID-19 precautionary interlude, there will be no waiting in line at the County Courthouse to renew vehicle licensing. In an effort to protect the health of county employees and patrons, the Motor Vehicle Department is only accepting scheduled appointments for walk-in service, announced County Treasurer Sherry Long, early this week. read more
Apr32020
Mail in Ballot Voting for Primary Elections in Yellowstone County
The primary election set for June 2, will be a mail ballot election in Yellowstone County, in order to minimize as much social interaction as possible to mitigate contagion of the CORVID-19 virus, announced Elections Officer Brett Rutherford. read more
Apr32020
3D Re-usable ‘Montana Masks’ Capturing Worldwide Interest
Registered Nurses, (back left to right) Jeremiah Fisher, Sierra Linde, and Lillian Arrants along with CNA Gloria Meyers (front), sport their newly donated 3D re-usable “Montana Masks” at Billings Clinic Tuesday Afternoon. They work on the Inpatient Medical Unit and are trialing the Montana Masks as a re-usable option for a standard surgical mask. A total of 340 differently colored masks were donated to the Billings Clinic as a result of Dr. Spencer Zaugg, Colton Zaugg and Billings Clinic Neurosurgeon Dr. Dusty Richardson’s efforts in creating a prototype from scratch due to the corona virus pandemic. 60 Montana Masks are currently being trialed and the rest will be distributed soon. (Photo courtesy of Billings Clinic)
The designers of the re-usable “Montana Masks” have taken their product to the next level in testing their product to be CDC compliant as well as making the re-usable masks freely available for the masses on their free website www.makethemasks.com. As the coronavirus is projected to peak in Montana in the next two weeks or so, Billings dentist Dr. Spencer Zaugg and his son Colton Zaugg along with Billings Clinic Neurosurgeon Dusty Richardson continue to do extensive tests and research on their 3D reusable masks. read more
Mar272020
“Unprecedented” Comment Period Raises Concerns in Local Judge Case
A misconduct complaint that was filed with the Montana Supreme Court against Yellowstone County District Court Judge Ashley Harada on January 31, 2020, has now reached an “unusual” and “unprecedented” stage where a normal recommendation to Montana’s highest court is being questioned and encouraged to be overturned. read more
Mar272020
Montana Unemployment Copes with Overload in Aftermath of COVID-19 Related Layoffs
From March 15 to March 22, 13,406 new unemployment claims were filed in the State of Montana. This unprecedented number of new claims is the result of the order closing restaurants and bars to the public for the purpose of social distancing during the current COVID-19 epidemic. It is yet undetermined when effected businesses will be able to reopen their doors, but, for now, they are limited to take out order service only, and the majority have advised their employees to file for emergency unemployment funding. read more
Mar272020
Obituary: Susan Holman Young
Susan Young
Susan Holman Young, better known as Grandma Susie, was born to Gerald and Pat Holman on June 2, 1954, in Chinook, MT, and passed away unexpectedly March 21, 2020, in Billings, MT. Susie was raised on the family ranch north of Chinook where she loved working outside with her dad and gardening with her mom. read more
Mar252020
Billings Trio invents 3D reusable masks to combat Corona Virus, “Do you have a 3D printer? We need your help!”
Colten Zaugg, center, with the new 3D masks he developed is being tested for oxygenation saturation levels at Billings Clinic while his dad, Spencer Zaugg, to his left, and Billings Clinic Neurosurgeon Dr. Dusty Richardson, right, look at Colton’s cell phone watching the amount of downloads to their dental website. A newer and better website called www.makethemasks.com was launched Wednesday for all to view and download the 3D files worldwide for free to help combat the corona virus. (Jonathan McNiven Photo)
Billings, MT – A new local website has been launched Wednesday for anyone wanting to help print 3-D masks for their own communities worldwide. Spencer Zaugg, a Billings dentist and former Stake President for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints told the Yellowstone County News on Wednesday about a new free website they have just launched for 3-D masks for anyone who has a 3-D printer in their house or office. The free files and information can be downloaded online at www.makethemasks.com.
The whole idea and concept was initiated by Billings Clinic neurosurgeon Dr. Dusty Richardson who then called his friend Spencer Zaugg asking if he could make a 3D masks at his Dental office in which Spencer’s son Colten Zaugg started immediately with a design from scratch. It’s not even been a week old in the concept and they have made some revisions to make it work even easier for anyone putting it all together for their communities and anyone wanting to make one.
All the files, details, and design info along with revisions were originally uploaded on Zaugg’s dental office website at www.loveliveyoursmile.com that has received over 15,000 downloads for anyone trying to print around the world. The masks take about 3 hours to produce but the files are free to download. With so much need and request for the website, they teamed up with a Silicon Valley tech company and just launched the www.makethemasks.com website that is now live. The new website is expected to run faster but with so many people requesting the free file download, it’s taking time. The Billings Clinic website is also allowing individuals to download the file as it takes time and that time is slowing down the amount of people that can get onto the website.
On the new website front page, here’s what it says.
“COVID-19 has created a crisis-level shortage of protective medical masks in hospitals across the US, from New York to California. We have a solution! But we need your help to get these protective N95 masks produced and donated to front line medical workers across America as they fight this pandemic. The purpose of this initiative is to put real solutions into the hands of the public.
Do you have a 3D printer? We need your help! Do you have medical knowledge or contacts in manufacturing? Even if you don’t – take a look at these needs and pick a project to work on.”
As of press time, Wednesday marks the 2nd study that is being completed by the trio as Colten Zaugg, the developer of the 3D downloadable program, sits in the Billings Clinic Pulmonary Lab with Dr. Richardson who is trying to test the oxygenation saturation on the 3D reusable masks. The data will be available to anyone wanting it as soon as they are able to get it.
In short, Dr. Richardsons wants people around the world to be able to use the file to produce masks for their local communities during this trying time around the world whether it is a business or local resident. All you have to have is a 3D printer. “Go to www.makethemasks.com and help your local community with your 3D printer,” he says.
Mar242020
Obituary: Donald Mittlestadt
Donald Mittlestadt
Donald ”Don” Duane Mittlestadt , age 67 passed away peacefully on March 20, 2020 surrounded by family. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place. read more
Mar212020
None of the Above
Dear Editor,
I have to agree with Edward Hoem. The NDC seems to want Trump to have a second term as they gave him his first. read more
Mar202020
Lockwood Fire Department Award Dinner
Three years ago the Lockwood Fire Department initiated the Vince Larson Community Service Award. It’s not an award to be awarded every year, explained Chief John Staley, noting that this is only the second time the award has been given. The American Medical Response (AMR) is this year’s recipient for the company’s strong and consistent support of the Lockwood Fire Department. Staley explained that AMR helped Lockwood get two medical monitors that usually cost $35,000 each at a great savings to Lockwood and then offered Lockwood the opportunity to purchase all their supplies through AMR at the discounted prices that their company gets, saving Lockwood District even more money. In addition whenever AMR is called upon to provide backup, they are always there, said Staley. And, even more importantly, all of Lockwood’s ambulance attendants “pre-set” with AMR which is a training period that gives them hands-on experience. Brain Hanson from AMR accepted the award. He is pictured here with Chief John Staley.
There was standing room only at the Lockwood Fire Department on Friday evening for its annual awards and recognition dinner The occasion recognizing promotions and distinguished service awards for members of the fire department. read more
Mar202020
YCN – Love at First Sight
Dear Editor,
Just finished my first Yellowstone County News…got it at the airport Friday…what a great newspaper…it has the Gazette beat. read more
Mar202020
We’re going to keep looking out for you
Well, Folks, we’re all in this together. I understand all of us are going to be affected in one way or another as this coronavirus pandemic will affect our pocketbooks, schools, livelihoods, normal routines, mental capacity, restaurants, airlines, etc. However, I’m optimistic that Montanans are well equipped to take on something like this compared to other big cities in the US. read more
Mar202020
City and County State of Emergency Declared
With the exception of a sole driver’s ed car, the parking lot at Billings West High was deserted this Tuesday, March 17.
by Evelyn Pyburn
The fallout from public concerns about the COVID-19 virus has prompted declarations of emergency by state and local officials and has resulted in health departments issuing demands that bars and restaurants be closed in several major counties. read more
Mar182020
Senator Daines Doubles Down on Push For REAL ID Extension During Coronavirus Outbreak
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced a bipartisan bill that directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to delay enforcement of REAL ID for at least one year in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Daines has been proactively working with the Trump administration on a delay of REAL ID for Montana.
“Montanans need to put their health and safety priorities first. Delaying the REAL ID requirements for one year will remove any additional burdens on Montanans while we work to overcome the coronavirus outbreak,” Daines said.
Currently, over 90% of Montana ID’s issued are not yet compliant according to the Montana Department of Justice.
Earlier this month, Daines urged President Trump asking the administration to delay requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005 for Montanans.
Daines is working to include this bill in Congress’ response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Background:
Daines has been leading the efforts in Congress to respond to the coronavirus outbreak impacting the country.
Three weeks ago, Daines brought his proposal and ideas to President Trump at a meeting in the White House.
On March 17th, 2020, Daines unveiled three more major proposals that will help protect Montana’s workers, families, first responders and small businesses during the coronavirus outbreak.
On March 16th, 2020, Daines announced that the Senate passed his bipartisan bill that protects veterans and their dependents from losing GI Bill education benefits during the Coronavirus outbreak while they take part in online classes.
On March 16th, 2020, Daines announced $4.5 million awarded to Montana to help support the coronavirus response and protect public health.
On March 16th, 2020, Daines urged President Trump to ensure Montana tribal communities have access to federal assistance during coronavirus outbreak.
On March 14th, 2020, Daines urged Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Azar and the Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Gaynor to ensure Indian Health Service (IHS) has the resources needed to provide coronavirus testing for tribal communities.
On March 13th, 2020, Daines issued a statement yesterday on President Trump declaring a national emergency for coronavirus.
On March 12th, 2020, Daines introduced bipartisan legislation to provide disaster unemployment assistance to people who are unable to work due to the current coronavirus outbreak. Assistance would be available to individuals, including self-employed individuals and independent contractors, who are sick, quarantined, furloughed, or whose family circumstances keep them from working or reduce their pay as a result of the coronavirus outbreak or government containment efforts.
On March 9th, 2020, Daines unveiled a slate of proposals and priorities he’s working to advance that will help protect Montana families and their finances during the Coronavirus outbreak including paid leave, temporarily waiving payroll taxes, providing relief from tariffs, and ensuring access to affordable testing.
On March 9th, 2020, Daines sent a letter urging the Trump administration to take swift action to make testing for the Coronavirus affordable.
The following day the IRS immediately announced it would adopt Daines’ proposal to remove financial barriers to testing and treatment for the Coronavirus by allowing high deductible health plans to cover Coronavirus-related testing and treatment before a patient has met their deductible.
Congress passed the Coronavirus emergency supplemental earlier this month which included $8.3 billion to combat this crisis, including nearly $1 billion for state and local preparedness and response.
Mar182020
Message from Montana Governor Bullock
This week, I announced a set of directives and guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect vulnerable Montanans, including closing our public K-12 schools, adhering to social distancing, and limiting visitation at nursing home facilities.
I have directed Montana’s public K-12 schools to close starting March 16 until March 27. During this time, schools will engage in planning to provide arrangements to provide free meals to students who need them, pursuant to a waiver obtained from the United States Department of Agriculture, and to provide for all other matters and services that students need in the event of future or ongoing closure.
I recognize that our schools often serve as a lifeline for families and that this decision is going to have disruption on Montanans over the coming weeks. I’m committed to working with schools, communities and public health to minimize the impact. I encourage businesses to do everything they can to support families as well.
I am strongly recommending that the public limits all gatherings, especially no more than 50 people, in every community across the state. I am also recommending that individuals over the age of 60 or who are immunocompromised or with chronic health conditions do not participate in gatherings of more than 20 people. I also recommend that parents should avoid, if possible, placing children for childcare with grandparents or individuals over the age of 60 or immunocompromised persons.
I have suspended visitation in Montana’s nursing homes except for certain compassionate care situations. People who meet the exception for visitation will undergo a screening to determine whether they have traveled in the last two weeks, are residing where community spread is occurring, or if they have symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
As governor, it is my top priority to protect the health and safety of Montanans, particularly our most vulnerable, at a time when we face the potential for extraordinary health risks from coronavirus in our state. Social distancing is one of the most important primary protective measures to flatten the curve of this virus. I cannot underscore the seriousness of following these measures to help our neighbors, friends, and families.
If you have any symptoms, pick up the phone and call your doctor or local public health provider for consultation, instead of driving to the doctor’s office or emergency room.
You can contact your local county or tribal health departments by finding their contact information through the online map HERE.
The coronavirus Task Force has launched an informational phone line at 1-888-333-0461 and Montanans can also email questions to covid19info@mt.gov.
A website has also been set up to keep Montanans apprised of Task Force actions at COVID19.mt.gov. You can also visit the DPHHS website at www.dphhs.mt.gov for the most up to date and timely health information related to the coronavirus.
Remember the simple steps you can take:
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into your sleeve
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your face
- Stay home if you have cold or flu-like symptoms and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Thank you for making the tough, but correct decisions each and everyday. It’s going to take all of us working together to overcome these challenges and dynamic times. But as Montanans, I have no doubt that’s what we’ll do.
Sincerely,
STEVE BULLOCK
Montana Governor
Mar182020
School board meeting update from Sup Mark Wandle
Thanks for all you do.
The meeting had many things so this will be a long update. I will do my best to keep it brief.
Reports were covered- thanks that were doubled were to our staff verbally. All of you. The effort and stress of this time are noticed but we are fortunate to have great staff. Special thanks from Croy and Bruner to the local Masonic Lodge for the donation to the school in support of STEM activities, the Arts, and Music.
COVID 19 Update- It is an ever-evolving plan. Gave current status of cleaning plan for the building, our work staff plan for across the board and most importantly our meal delivery plan and the importance of using the huntley.k12.mt.us to fill out the survey to help collect data for our students and families support. We have a great staff that is volunteering to help clean, deliver meals, and other items as needed in addition to the planning for classes. The information I had shared on Friday to the community is still there. That is old news but I did not change it as I want to keep a correct historical timeline in case of any concerns or legal items. I will try to update the past due information on the previous items on the webpage and will begin to change the title with a date stamp to ensure I do not miscommunicate.
All Tenured staff rehired. They have 20 days to sign their contract. Congratulations and welcome back for 2020-2021!
Marlene Krum (Activity/Lunch Clerk) Scott Gierke (Maintenance and Facilities Manager) Ginger Buchanan (Food Service Manager) Tim Bastian (Activity and Transportation Director) were hired.
The permissive levy projection is attached. We need to notify our community of these amounts so these must be advertised in the YCN.
We had a discussion on mill levy votes. I had posted, last Friday that I was going to recommend that we run a general mill levy and a safety mill levy for approximately $98,9352.24 combined. This would have been an economic tax increase of approximately $23.56 for a household of $200,000 value. I changed my recommendation at the meeting and went against my own plan due to the economic stresses and uncertainty due to our current situation. After some great questions, concerns and thoughts we decided not to run the general mill levy. We have needs but we can use a budget amendment to get us through this difficult situation. This will not be able to be sustained and without some type of funding resolution in the future, we will have to make cuts.
Outcome: We will not run a general mill levy.
We did approve my recommendation that the HP Schools run a building reserve safety mill to hire a School Resource Officer who will help support safety on campus and build positive relationships with students on campus. If this does not pass we will be able to pay for the SRO but it will limit our plan for a much-needed air filtration system in the CTE Industrial Arts Building.
Outcome: We will run a building safety mill for $35,000.00 Projected 2020-2021 Safety mill levy: Amount per year– For a $100,000 home/land the mill increase is $4.20 Amount per year– For a $200,000 home/land the mill increase is $8.40.
We approved to use the contracts for support of The Student Data Privacy Consortium for approved these apps, extensions, and websites for use by schools. This was imperative for approval to align the Huntley Project School District with the requirements in house bill 745.
We rescinded our Montana Office of Public Instruction variance to standards as we are fully accredited now.
We approved 2 new additions to our substitute list. We had a concern about the age of substitutes with certain age students but that was addressed as we will ensure the appropriateness of age-related substitutes. The board understood and approved both substitutes added to the list.
SNAP 2020 was approved to use a bus and our insurance for the SNAP 2020 evening at the Billings YMCA.
We are approved to post a job for the part-time 5-8 counselor and keyboarding position. The value of this position will be offset by the combining of several other positions that included the AD/Transportation and other staff adjustments.
We extended FMLA leave for a valued staff member.
We had no bids on the obsolete equipment and it will be sent to scrap.
The June board meeting date has not been changed as some of the meetings that the clerk and superintendent were to attend may not take place due to the current situation.
Have a great day. Connections Matter!
Mark Wandle
Superintendent
Huntley Project School District #24
Mar162020
State of Emergency Declared by local officials to collect reimbursements
UPDATE: City/County Director John Felton has announced that in a few hours, they will issue an order demanding of closure of all bars and restaurants.
Local governments are declaring a state of emergency, today, not so much because of any heightened threat from COVID-19, but to assure that cities and counties will be able to collect reimbursement for costs in dealing with the virus from the federal government.
Yellowstone County Commissioners approved the emergency resolution this morning and the cities of Billings and Laurel are expected to follow suit.
KC Williams, Yellowstone County’s Disaster and Emergency Services Director, spoke to city and county department heads Monday morning, recommending courses of action in running their departments, how to deal with the public and to take appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. The meeting was held in the County Commissioners’ board room where attendees sat in chairs spaced about six feet apart, which is in keeping with the social distancing being recommended by officials.
Williams explained that the city and county government are being asked to declare a state of emergency “so we can tap read more
Mar132020
Grant money to help update local election processes
In order to help make the ballot process as secure as possible, counties in Montana are receiving a grant through the Montana Secretary of State from the federal Election Assistance Administration. Yellowstone County will receive $176,700 over a five-year period. read more
