Judge Halts Signal Peak Mine Expansion in Bull Mountains
by Michael J. Marino U.S. Judge Donald Molloy ordered Signal Peak Energy (SPE) on Feb. 10 to cease mining activity at their Bull Mountains underground coal mine, in five sections of land leased from the federal government, until a new “Environmental Impact Statement” (EIS) is submitted – which could take up to 20 months.
Taxation of Renewable Energy Production in Montana Proposed
by Michael J. Marino Rep. Gary Parry (R-Colstrip) introduced House Bill 454, which would impose a tax on the production of renewable resource electricity in Montana, to the House Taxation Committee on Feb. 17.
Obituary: Eugene Henry Keil
Eugene Henry Keil, a life-long farmer, passed away comfortably on his farm, the 12th of February 2023, surrounded by family. Gene was born on February 25, 1936, to John and Elsie Keil in their home located in Worden, Montana, during a winter storm with temperatures reaching 25 degrees below zero. He graduated from Huntley Project High […]
Huntley Project Wins Back-to-Back State Wrestling Titles
by Michael J. Marino Finishing with 201 total points, Huntley Project’s (HP) Boys’ Wrestling Team earned a back-to-back State Class B/C Championship title on Saturday, Feb. 11 to go with their championship title from last year.
Legislative Update Week 6
by Rep Katie Zolnikov and Sen Jason Small It’s no secret that Montana has been facing a housing crisis for some time now. That’s one of our top priorities at the legislature this session. We’ve already heard several bills that are designed to address the growing housing problem, and hopefully give us more tools to […]
‘Justice for Beau’ Protest Held after Murder at Billings Nightclub
by Michael J. Marino Protesters gathered in front of America’s Wild West Nightclub in Billings on Monday, Feb. 13 to demand justice after a fatal shooting last weekend in the club’s parking lot that took the life of 21-year-old Beau “Harlan” Beaumont.
Best Selling Author, Billings Native to Share Story at TEDX this Fall
by Michael J. Marino In 2015, Adam Gunton was found unresponsive by Laurel police from an overdose; he was not breathing and had no pulse. He survived, but he said, “I continued to suffer in my addiction for two more years,” ending up homeless in Billings and banned from the Montana Rescue Mission shelter. Fast forward […]
YWCA First to Reap Benefits of Local Pot Tax
by Michael J. Marino The City of Billings allocated the first $200,000 in local marijuana taxes to the YWCA Women’s Shelter, according to Finance Director Andy Zoeller.
CHINESE SPY BALLOON
Timeline of Events, From Sighting to Shoot Down by Michael J. Marino The President of the United States was aware of the Chinese spy balloon for several days prior to Billings media spotting it traversing the sky in Montana. The Associated Press (AP) reports the White House did not notify the public about the balloon […]
Transgender Healthcare Bill Draws Over 100 Speakers to Helena
by Michael J. Marino Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee heard over five hours of testimony on Jan. 27 regarding Senate Bill 99, a bill sponsored by Sen. John Fuller (R-Kalispell), which would restrict Montana children from receiving gender affirming medical care. A total of 137 people came either to support or oppose the bill, […]