County to Launch Search for MetraPark Manager
Having dropped the process of finding a company to manage MetraPark, Yellowstone County Commissioners are taking up the search for a manager for the county-owned facility. The need to replace the former manager, retiring Bill Dutcher, was put on hold, a year ago, as the commissioners explored the possibility of hiring a private company to […]
Election Results Fortify Red Wall in Montana
Given the polls and chronic predictions, the outcome of elections in Montana were probably not much of a surprise for most people. Voter turnout was probably lower than anticipated given all the hype prior to Election Day. Statewide the voter turnout was 55 percent – 425,637 voters.
Update: Commissioners vs Jarussi Case
Billings Attorney Gene Jarussi’s case against Yellowstone County regarding the privatization of management of Metra Park is awaiting a decision by Judge Rod Souza of the 13th District Court of Yellowstone County as to whether the case will be dismissed. Oak View Group (OVG), a private management company, was also named as a defendant in […]
Voters to Decide on Two Ballot Measures
by Evelyn Pyburn Two issues on the General Election ballot, November 8, are asking for voter input.
Defendants Respond to Water District Suit
by Evelyn Pyburn Both defendants of the suit filed by the County Water District of Billings Heights — the County Commissioners and Pam Ellis — have responded to the complaint and both essentially deny the basic charges made and continue their contention that Pam Ellis remains a member of the board.
Candidates Line Up for General Election
by Evelyn Pyburn Mark Morse running for County Commissioner is the only challenged Yellowstone County candidate in the coming election, on November 8. Candidates for all other open elected county offices are Republicans standing unchallenged by any Democrat contenders. And, even Morse is being challenged by another Republican who failed to defeat him in the […]
Temporary Marijuana
Regulations Extended by Evelyn Pyburn The marijuana business in Yellowstone County is operating under temporary zoning regulations put into place prior to the election last spring in which voters gave approval to make legal the growing, production and sale of marijuana in the county. Last week, the county commissioners said that they would extend those […]
ICE Agents Build New Facility; Construction Activity Stirs Rumors
by Evelyn Pyburn Rumors have been rampant around Billings the last couple of weeks about the federal government building a processing center in Billings to deal with illegal aliens. Some aspects of the rumors began almost two years ago, and nailing the rumors down has been a challenge, but indeed ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) […]
Statewide Commissioners, Governor Wrangle Issues
A wide range of issues were discussed and debated by several hundred county commissioners from throughout Montana who were in Billings this week for the annual conference of the Montana Association of Counties (MACO). On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Gianforte spoke to the commissioners, who he recognized as being those most fundamentally involved in government. Having […]
Heights Water District Chlorination Plant Completed
by Evelyn Pyburn The Heights Water District’s new chlorination plant will be completed by the end of the week, announced District Manager Peyton Brookshire, and staff will begin training on how to operate it.