One Big Sky District: our local $2.5 Billion Project
by Evelyn Pyburn BILLINGS – The boards of Big Sky Economic Development (BSED) approved committing up to $300,000 for the next step of funding needed for One Big Sky District (OBSD), last week. It will be part of $578,000 being requested from the community by Bob Dunn of Landmark, the private company that is spearheading […]
New Chamber of Commerce formed (based in Billings)
Originally published for the 1/4/19 print edition of the Yellowstone County News. A group of local business owners have announced the formation of the Yellowstone Area Chamber of Commerce. The group was formed in response to a growing belief among business owners that common-sense, pro-business solutions are often secondary policy goals of other business organizations, […]
Second water depot coming to Lockwood
The Lockwood Water and Sewer District (LWSD) is finalizing plans to build a second bulk water service site. The site will be at the corner of Johnson Lane and Prairie Drive. The LWSD board has agreed to purchase the property — about 1.2 acres for $11,400. It was appraised by S. M. Repac for $9,500 […]
TEDD expansion advances, school says they were misled
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 […]
U.S. Attorney: Arrests, drug seizures show Project Safe Neighborhoods is working
Originally published in the 10/19/18 print edition of Yellowstone County News. BILLINGS — In the past six months, law enforcement officers have charged 105 persons in federal and state court, seized 160 pounds of methamphetamine and confiscated 52 firearms from the Yellowstone County community as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal program to […]
U.S. Attorney: Arrest, drug seizures show Project Safe Neighborhood is working
BILLINGS — In the past six months, law enforcement officers have charged 105 persons in federal and state court, seized 160 pounds of methamphetamine and confiscated 52 firearms from the Yellowstone County community as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal program to reduce violent crime through a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement effort. On Tuesday, the […]
New ladder truck on the horizon for Lockwood Fire
Originally published in the 10/12/18 print edition of Yellowstone County News. LOCKWOOD — Sometime during the next two to three years the Lockwood Fire District Board must consider replacing its ladder fire truck, an expenditure that could reach almost a million dollars, said Lockwood Fire Chief John Staley during the October meeting of the board […]
TEDD directors seek more time to repay $81,000 loan
Originally published in the 10/5/18 print edition of Yellowstone County News. LOCKWOOD — An update on what’s happening with the Lockwood TEDD includes changes in repaying a loan and a proposal to expand its boundaries. The Lockwood TEDD is a tax increment district that was created to help fund the development of an industrial […]
Rutherford: Counting ballots will take 2 days
Originally published in the 10/5/18 print edition of Yellowstone County News. BILLINGS — Because the ballot is two pages long for the general election on Nov. 6, it will take two days for the Election Office in Yellowstone County to count the ballots, reported County Elections Administrator Bret Rutherford to County Commissioners, last Thursday. Most […]
Guest Editorial: You didn’t build that!
Originally published in the 9/21/18 print edition of Yellowstone County News. “You didn’t build that.” When President Obama said this, I found it breathtaking in its unexpected revelation of what the progressive movement is all about. It was probably the single most important statement he said during his entire presidency. Whether or not he meant […]