Governor Requests more BLM Hearings
Again, Governor Greg Gianforte called on the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to provide Montanans with sufficient opportunity for in-person, public comment on the BLM’s Environmental Assessment of the American Prairie Reserve’s (APR) bison grazing proposal.
Chronic High Offenders Need Targeted Program
Just 93 people are responsible for imposing an estimated $10.3 million in costs of public services in Billings annually. They represent a population that disproportionately requires attention from law enforcement, medical care providers and who impose negative economic impacts on downtown businesses. They are a group called the “Chronic High Utilizers” in a recent report […]
City Invokes Stage 1 Water Restrictions Starting August 1st
The City of Billings has issued Stage 1, Water Restrictions in response to the record high temperatures and high water demands. The primary restriction is for properties that use the City’s treated water to water lawns. They are being asked, beginning August 2, not to water lawns on Mondays until further notice.
Drought, Fires Put Montana in State of Emergency
A state of emergency exists in Montana because of the drought, and officials are taking action to provide resources to assist those impacted and dealing with it.
Voters May Vote Again on Legalizing Marijuana in Yellowstone County
Yellowstone County might be asked to vote once again on the issue of allowing businesses to sell marijuana in the county or whether to tax marijuana sales at 3 percent.
Missing for 54 Years
Honor Ride for Returning Soldier A soldier who has been missing in action for the past 54 years has been found and will pass through Billings on his way home to Worland, Wyoming. Veterans and patriots throughout the region are arranging to give him an honor ride from Billings through Big Horn County to Bryant […]
Billings City Council Votes Yes to Public Safety Mill Levy Increase
The Billings City Council has approved placing a $7.1 million mill levy on the November 2 ballot for public safety. A study has found that public safety is a high priority of citizens, concerned about the increase in crime in Billings.
Where Have All the Workers Gone?
An empty grocery store shelf is a novel new thing in this post-COVID era. One can ponder about why. Is it because the product is not available, or because the store management lacks the manpower needed to keep shelves stocked?
WBYC Breathes in $2.8 Million Sigh of Relief
The Worden Ballantine Yellowstone County Water and Sewer District will most likely be the beneficiary of $2.8 million to help fund a $9.5 million water system improvement project. Yellowstone County Commissioners approved, on Tuesday, a letter to the Montana Infrastructure Advisory Commission, committing the county’s portion of Minimum Allocation Grant Funds to the WBYC District. […]
Elected Officials to Get 3% Pay Boost
Roughly speaking, Yellowstone County’s elected officials will get a three percent increase in wages for the next fiscal year, 2021-22. County Commissioners approved, on Tuesday, the recommendation for the increase submitted by the Elected Officials Compensation Board.