Nov52018

Obituary: Jerry Ramon Granning

Obituaries

Jerry Granning

Jerry Ramon Granning passed away from complication of   a  traumatic   brain   injury  on October 29, 2018.  He was born on May 12, 1948 to Phyllis and Royal Granning in Plentywood.  He had three sisters, Sharon (Mrs.  Jorgen Jensen), Louise (Mrs. Jim Nissen) and Linda (who preceded him in death).  Jerry had three children Ty Prentice, Brook Tenille   and Beau Houston.  He adopted two girls when he was married to Glena Bestland; Alanna and Billy Jo.  He was married to Norma (Norwood Norman) at the time of his death and loved Andra (her daughter) and her family as his own.  

     Jerry attended grade school at Rock Springs Country School, and Medicine Lake 7ththrough 10thgrades and Plentywood his junior and senior years.  Jerry attended MSU in Bozeman from 1966 to 1968 majoring in Agricultural Marketing. In 1968 in joined the Navy until 1972 where he received 3 letters of Commendation and was stationed in Puerto Rico. 

     He came back to Bozeman and attended college until 1975. He returned to the family farm in Redstone where he worked until 1989.  Farming was certainly one of the loves of his life.  He managed Greytak Farm from 1989 – 90.  He found another talent and was in sales until 1995.  In 1995 he started building Log Homes. He also had a Karaoke Business from1995-2004 and announced Rodeos and other events.  

     In 2009 Jerry built his last read more

Nov52018

Obituary: Jessie Melrose Speakerworth

Obituaries

Jessie Melrose Speakerworth

Jessie Melrose Speakerworth, 76, of Billings, passed away on Nov. 1, 2018, after a long struggle with health issues.

Jessie was born on Oct. 1, 1942, in West Calder, Scotland. After graduating high school, Jessie made her way to the United States to work as a nanny. Soon after arriving in Wyoming, she met Dean Speakerworth and they were married in August of 1964. Jessie and Dean had two children, Lisa, born in November 1965, and Lorne, born in January 1969. Jessie was a hard worker all her life, working as a guard for the county jail, doing custodial work and later working with special needs individuals in a group home. Jessie had a great love for her grandchildren Jacob, Jessica, Jared and Jaiden, and spent a great deal of time with them, and later being cared for by them. She also had a great affection for all of her animals, particularly her cats. Jessie suffered from many health issues in the past few years, and it was finally more than her body could bear.

Jessie is preceded in death by read more

Nov42018

Obituary: Ledena (Craig) Thatcher

Obituaries

After a lengthy illness Ledena (Craig) Thatcher died on October 21, 2018, at the age of  81 years.  Ledena was born in Hardin, MT. February  5, 1937,  joining 2 older brothers.  She and her husband  Wesley were married April 4, 1954 and lived west of Park  City for 64 years.  Not only was Ledena active in the agriculture business but also belonged to the Homemakers and Garden clubs in the Columbus and Park City area.  Her knowledge in gardening, both vegetable /flowers and her homemaking  activities made her an asset to the organizations with which she was a member. She was a figure at the Stillwater 4-H fair- as the cashier for the food venue there.  She was also an important voice with the Columbus Senior Citizens Center, attending Area 2 meetings and providing positive input to the center.  She enjoyed attending church and talked about the many friends she had made there. 

Ledena was read more

Nov42018

Obituary: Ledena (Craig) Thatcher

Obituaries

After a lengthy illness Ledena (Craig) Thatcher died on October 21, 2018, at the age of  81 years.  Ledena was born in Hardin, MT. February  5, 1937,  joining 2 older brothers.  She and her husband  Wesley were married April 4, 1954 and lived west of Park  City for 64 years.  Not only was Ledena active in the agriculture business but also belonged to the Homemakers and Garden clubs in the Columbus and Park City area.  Her knowledge in gardening, both vegetable /flowers and her homemaking  activities made her an asset to the organizations with which she was a member. She was a figure at the Stillwater 4-H fair- as the read more

Nov42018

I ask my fellow veterans to vote for Tom Pardy

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor:

I was really disappointed to learn that a number of well-known republicans are supporting Ms. Davies for judge!

I ask my fellow veterans to vote for Tom Pardy for judge. I flew in combat in Vietnam and subsequently retired from the military. I believe that those Republicans who are supporting Ms. Davies for judge are what we call “non combatants.” That is, read more

Nov32018

Doug Kary showed no backbone

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor:

Once again, Senate District 22 incumbent Doug Kary showed no backbone when he left the 2017 Montana legislative session without balancing the state budget. This breaks Montana constitutional law. When balancing the state budget came to a floor vote, he voted against! Kary is a fake fiscal conservative; and upon further review of his voting record it seems he’s given up any pretense of caring about budget deficits and the taxpayers.

As Doug seeks his reelection, Kary claims to be a fiscal conservative watching out for the taxpayers’ money. His voting record shows this isn’t true and that he’s read more

Nov22018

I am writing in support of Janna Lind

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor:

I am writing in support of Janna Lind for House District 56. Over the past five years, I have been fortunate to work as a colleague of Janna’s at Billings West High. I am confident that her eleven years of experience as an educator make her uniquely qualified to represent the constituents of Lockwood.

Inside Janna’s classroom one can find a reflection of the values, skills, and many talents that she would bring to the deserving community of Lockwood. Janna is a passionate educator committed to helping her students achieve excellence. She is a tireless advocate for a diverse student body with varied struggles and needs. Janna works daily to build community within her classroom by helping students to overcome the obstacles that divide them and to assist them in finding the common ground necessary to create meaningful and productive dialogue.

As a public high school government teacher, she read more

Nov22018

Yellowstone County election turnout may set record

Top Stories

Originally published in the 11/2/18 print edition of Yellowstone County News. 

BILLINGS — With only a few days remaining before the general election, absentee ballots are flowing into the county elections office at a record pace.

“I’m pretty sure we’re going to have a record turnout,” said Bret Rutherford, Yellowstone Count elections administrator, on Wednesday morning. He noted that in 2006, the county received just shy of 60,000 total ballots.

“We’ll probably hit 60,000 in read more

Nov12018

TEDD expansion advances, school says they were misled

Yellowstone County • Lockwood

Published for the 11/2/18 print edition of Yellowstone County News. 

LOCKWOOD — A proposal to expand the TEDD (Targeted Economic Development District) in Lockwood passed first reading at a public hearing on Tuesday, with an amendment that would direct 25 percent of its future revenue back to other taxing jurisdictions.

All three Yellowstone County Commissioners supported the proposal that will more than double the size of the TEDD, after Commissioner Denis Pitman moved to add the amendment. A second public hearing, where the commissioners will make a final decision, will be held at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 13 in the County Commissioners’ conference room in the Stillwater Building.

Pitman’s amendment was offered to mitigate the impact of the TEDD on the Lockwood School District, whose board of trustees stand opposed to the expansion.

Pitman said that he “struggled” with the issue because he understands the value of TEDDs, but also understands the dilemma faced by the School District. 

“I think there has to be some discretion in the distribution of revenues,” he said. 

Lockwood School Superintendent Tobin Novasio spoke on behalf of the school board, saying that at the formation for the TEDD the board decided to remain neutral, so long as the TEDD was not expanded beyond the boundaries, which were finally settled upon at its creation two years ago. The TEDD, which is essentially a tax increment finance district, was created under the auspices of Big Sky Economic Development as a means of funding a “ready-to-go industrial space,” to attract “value adding economic development” – i.e. manufacturing businesses. The proposed expansion, now being considered, brings the TEDD back to near the size that was originally proposed at the very beginning of discussions about creating a TEDD. 

At that time school board members objected to its size, even while split about the benefits of the concept. Novasio reminded that the School Board sent a letter to the County Commissioners, on Nov. 14, 2016, stating their position of remaining neutral on its creation as long as the size remained as was finally settled upon.

Novasio said that was a mistake. 

“We should have opposed it from the get-go,” he said. “We feel like we were sold a different bill of goods.”

Novasio said that he served read more

Nov12018

Illegal mailer prompts Libertarian to endorse Matt Rosendale

Politics • Top Stories

Rick Breckenridge, center, Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate, withdrew from the race Wednesday and endorsed Republican candidate Matt Rosendale, left. His move was prompted by a campaign mailer, seen above, that was apparently illegally mailed to voters in Montana. (Courtesy images)

Originally published for the 11/2/18 print edition of Yellowstone County News.  

HUNTLEY — Libertarian U.S. Senate candidate Rick Breckenridge ended his campaign and endorsed Republican Matt Rosendale on Wednesday, citing an illegal campaign mailer that promoted his “conservative” values. 

In a telephone conference call with Montana reporters, Breckenridge said he may receive only 3 to 4 percent of the vote next week, and leaving the race may allow his voters to support Rosendale instead. He said Rosendale could fight illegal campaign contributions and help preserve Montanans’ liberties. 

In Yellowstone County, elections administrator Bret Rutherford said anyone who has already voted would not be able to submit a new ballot, even if one candidate had left the Senate race. 

“If we have your ballot and it’s checked in, its just the same as it being in the ballot box,” he said Wednesday afternoon. 

The Wednesday morning call was originally announced as a discussion of “illegal campaigning by unnamed parties that are trying to influence voters in Montana.” 

The speakers did not read more

Oct302018

Obituary: Jerry “Grandpa Grump” Hinz

Obituaries • Huntley Project

Jerry “Grandpa Grump” Hinz

Jerry “Grandpa Grump” Hinz

Born July 10 1937 Delano Heights MT – son of Herb & Opal Hinz

Passed October 26 2018 Billings MT

Jerry was affectionately known as Grandpa Grump to most who knew him. He embraced the moniker & even named his truck GGrump. We knew him as Pops, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa & friend.  

Jerry had a long career as a volunteer for Worden Fire & Ambulance. In fact when he moved to Worden in 1963 it was his employer Bill Teeters of the Worden Creamery who suggested that he join the Fire Department. He gladly did just that & proudly served for over read more

Oct302018

Obituary: Charles (Chuck) William Roberts

Obituaries

Charles (Chuck) William Roberts

A great man, Charles (Chuck) William Roberts, 69, passed away the morning of October 25 in Billings, MT. Chuck was born Dec 8, 1948 to Charles (Bob) and Jeannette Roberts in Baker, MT. Chuck had lived many places throughout his life, and moved to Worden, MT just 5 years ago.

Chuck was a hard-working and talented man. He had been in construction for almost 50 years. Then moved into sales of building materials for a short time before retiring about 1 year ago.  He had been working at the Worden school and construction-related side jobs to keep busy.

Hunting, fishing, reading, and horses were among Chuck’s favorite hobbies. His passion, however, was read more

Oct292018

Jon Tester lied to get elected in the first place.

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor:

Jon Tester lied to get elected in the first place. He said Conrad Burns was affiliated with Abramoff when he was not. He waited until right after the election to tell the truth and by that time it was too late. Jon keeps telling everyone how much he has done for the veterans. Most of the good things that have come about after he got elected were things that Conrad had already done the groundwork for. Mr. Tester has been very happy to take the credit for it though.

When Jon took office it only took about two weeks to see your Primary Care Physician and be referred to a specialist. Get VA approval and see the specialist. 

Now it takes a week to see the Primary Care Physician. At least two months to get all the VA approval. And then about a month to get scheduled and see the specialist. read more

Oct282018

Voting for the Democratic Party?

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Voting for the Democratic Party? Anybody know who these people and party stand for? This party was formed by Andrew Jackson. Since then and now this party has persecuted Jews, Christians, African Americans (slaves in the early times) and Native Americans. (Indians in early times.)

They simply want to be in control of your life. Also, it is a known fact that Hitler took all of his ideas from the Democratic Party to form his agenda to try and rule the world.

One of his first things on his agenda was to read more

Oct282018

Parties seek mediation to resolve city franchise fee lawsuit

Top Stories

Originally published in the 10/26/18 print edition of the Yellowstone County News.  

BILLINGS — A lawsuit filed against the City of Billings by six residents who say utility franchise fees are illegal may be resolved through mediation or negotiation.

But first, city officials and the plaintiffs have to reach a “good faith” agreement from which to reach a settlement, an attorney for the defendants said in a letter to the city.

At issue is whether franchisee fees charged on bills for city services including water, sewer and trash collection were actually illegal sales taxes. A group of six plaintiffs filed a civil suit against the city in May seeking an end to the fee collection and refunds for city residents who had paid them. The plaintiffs seek “class action” status for the lawsuit, which is being heard by a Great Falls judge after all  Yellowstone County District judges either recused themselves or were removed by request of parties to the lawsuit.

In a letter send this week to the city, plaintiff’s attorney Matthew Monforton said the city’s actions have read more

Oct272018

Sue exemplifies honesty and fairness.

Letters to the Editor

Dear editor:

Re-elect Vinton to HD 56.

With proud enthusiasm, we encourage voters to re-elect our current representative, Sue Vinton, to House District 56.

Having known Sue in our community professionally and personally for many years, we can attest to her strong work ethic and absolute integrity. Sue has lived in Lockwood for over 20 years raising her family alongside her husband Mike.

Sue’s credentials as a dedicated public servant, local business owner, supporter of our military, and advocate for education are well documented. She served on the Lockwood School Board for 12 years and also served as the board chair for over five years. She worked as a litigation paralegal for 15 years. Sue’s tireless involvement in the community demonstrates that she is read more

Oct272018

I first joined the Libertarian Party in 1980.

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor:

I first joined the Libertarian Party in 1980. I am urging voters to vote Republican in the federal races. However, I urge everyone to vote for Roger Roots for Montana Supreme Court clerk. He not only has a law degree, but also has a Ph.D. All of his degrees are from fully accredited universities. I have known him for some time.

It is unfortunate that there was not a public debate involving the candidates for this office. This is also a statewide race. Dr. Roots has also run as a Libertarian for several different offices in past years. read more

Oct262018

It’s time for common sense

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor:

I don’t understand how anyone can vote for a candidate running in today’s Democratic Party after the shameful antics during Judge Kavanaugh’s hearings. 

The left-supported protesters that were screaming, hollering and bullying people, shameful. No due process.

This week they lashed out at horribly at Kanye West, why? Because he’s black and he sat down with the president to discuss issues in the black community, the nastiness is terrible. The left thinks they own blacks. Didn’t they do that once before? They attack the first lady relentlessly. They chase people out of restaurants; scream at them in the halls of Congress and in airports. All of this is accepted and even pushed by leadership in the Democrat Party. They have become the party of incivility.

There should be no workers, union or not, in heavy industry that should ever consider voting for a Democrat. The Democrats and their lobbyist and environmental groups have done nothing but work against the oil, gas, coal, logging, mining, rail, farm, and ranch and trucking industries.

To say nothing of the fact that they despise our military, law enforcement and border patrol agents.They opposed the tax cuts for American workers; not one Democrat voted for the tax cuts that are keeping peoples own money in their own pocket read more

Oct262018

Obituary: Bruce Duane Harris

Obituaries

Bruce Duane Harris

Bruce Duane Harris was born to Owen Harris and Amy Hebert Harris on May 22, 1947, in Sidney.

He grew up a rambunctious youth, playing football and riding motorcycles with his brothers. Later in life, he discovered the joy to be had hunting and fishing. His “Happy Place” was along the Stillwater River.

Bruce retired a Major in 2007, after a long career in the United States Army and then the read more