Feb202025
Dear Editor,
The responsibility of board members in the County Water District of Billings Heights (CWDBH) is to work with the staff to provide clean, reliable water cost effectively.
CWDBH contracted with Interstate Engineering to write two Preliminary Engineering Reports (PER) totaling $830,000. By comparison, the City of Laurel spent $54,000 and Lockwood $100,000. The initial CWDBH report did not provide an read more
NorthWestern Energy has announced plans to build an additional 230 kV transmission line that will serve customers in Yellowstone County and the region that will provide “critical” additional electric transmission capacity. The 21-mile long line – expected to cost between … read more
With less than five emergency medical technicians (EMT) to respond to medical calls, Worden Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) is considering proposals for third party EMT services for the Huntley Project area. On Thursday, February 6, WVFD held a special meeting … read more
Montana House and Senate Republicans have elected their leadership for the 69th Legislative Session with Senator Matt Regier of Kalispell to serve as the next President of the Senate and Representative Brandon Ler of Savage to serve as the Speaker … read more
Because they are having trouble filling the positions needed on Election Day to monitor and process the voting process, Ginger Aldrich, who heads the Yellowstone County’s Election Department, has received approval of Yellowstone County Commissioners to request funding from the … read more
Dear Editor, Support the Crow Revenue Act and Bull Mtns Act I am writing in support of federal legislation introduced to ensure the continued operation of the Bull Mountains Underground Mine. Governor Gianforte and the State of Montana have done … read more
Derek Yeager has been named as Yellowstone County’s new Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) Director, following the resignation of “KC” Williams, who served as director for the past five and a half years. KC Williams has taken a position with read more
Given the extreme heat of the past couple weeks, the country side is drying out, creating a tinder box of dry vegetation that can leap into flames at the slightest spark. The conditions are such that Yellowstone County Commissioners urge … read more
In advancing the agreement between the city and the county in the building of a short-term holding facility (STHF), the County Commissioners responded this week to the Billings City Council’s offer in February to contribute a total of $2 million … read more
Signal Peak Coal Mine near Roundup is “in jeopardy”, President and CEO of Signal Peak, Parker Phipps, told Yellowstone County Commissioners last week. And, if it is in jeopardy, so are the jobs of its 260 workers – two thirds … read more
Following a closed session of the County Water District board, last Wednesday, Board President Doug Kary announced that the board had unanimously agreed to accept a settlement offer from Pam Ellis and Yellowstone County. The County Water District accepted the … read more
Lockwood business, Rocky Mountain Compost (RMC), announced recently the purchase of a volumetric concrete mixing truck which they predict will make fresh concrete more available and less expensive in the Billings area. The “CemenTech,” as it’s called, can mix fresh … read more
Dear Editor, Signal Peak Energy Shafted? I am writing in response to the article claiming Bull Mountain landowners were somehow “shafting” the corrupt coal mining operation south of Roundup. To claim that Signal Peak is “getting shafted” is wildly inaccurate. … read more
Following something of an impasse at a court hearing on October 23, District Court Judge Colette B. Davies said she would allow the County’s appointee to the County Water District Board, Pam Ellis, to file a counter suit against the … read more
At every corner one can hear people in Yellowstone County claim that more jail space is needed to combat the rising crime rate. But many county officials are dubious that that would solve the problem. They point to other aspects … read more
Yellowstone County will adopt fire restrictions that will go into effect on July 1, even though the county has received seven inches of rain since the beginning of May and the countryside has never looked so green. But all that … read more
Concerns regarding the coronavirus (or COVID-19 as it has been officially termed) has activated the Unified Health Command (UHC) in Yellowstone County, to coordinate any needed emergency actions and to keep the public informed. The UHC is made up of … read more
The Federation of Public Employees (FPE) has dropped its lawsuit against Yellowstone County in exchange for an agreement of Yellowstone County commissioners to enter into contract negotiations. read more
Originally published in the 3/23/18 print edition of Yellowstone County News. BILLINGS — Tax abatements awarded by the City of Billings and the County of Yellowstone over the past few years will generate an $8 billion direct and indirect economic … read more
Originally published in the Yellowstone County News 9/22/17 print edition. Assault * James Joey Hill, 31, Busby, was arrested Sept. 16 on a warrant from Park County alleging felony assault with a weapon, partner or family member assault, third or … read more
