Billings Schools on Borrowed Time to Use COVID Funding
School District 2 must use or lose its COVID relief funding by September of 2024, but the district’s Chief Financial Officer is confident that they have a solid plan to put the money to work in an efficient, mindful manner. CFO Craig Van Nice stated that of the $50 million in funding that is being […]
City Ordered to Notify Residents in Bills of Class Action Suit on Franchise Fee
Utility customers of the City of Billings will receive a notice in their bills sometime in the next few weeks informing them that they may be part of a class action suit against the city regarding the imposition of “franchise fees”, which the Montana District Court has since declared to have been an illegal sales […]
Zero Democrats File for County Offices
With the 2022 Election filing deadline having ended on Monday, it appears that the only contested primary election race in Yellowstone County is that for county commissioner. And none will be contested in the general election, since no Democrat candidates filed for any county office.
Editor’s Meanderings: Newspaper Industry Changing
Well, Folks, I’d like to write a little about the newspaper industry in today’s market. Just like other businesses in the free market, we all have to be flexible and adjust to the market in ways that help increase our product for the masses, for our readers and advertisers. However, some newspapers have been hit […]
Taxes, Schools, Jail, Morality Top Discussions by Local Civic Leaders
Last week a meeting of local governmental entities held a joint meet to compare notes and keep everyone informed about what each is doing. The county commissioners, some Billings city council members and some school board members, as well as staff people for each, attended the luncheon meeting at Lincoln Center, School District 2’s administration […]
Billings School District Ends Mask Mandate
Montana and Billings were among many school districts that lifted their mask mandates over the past week. After two years of having to wear masks in school – in the classroom and on the playground– the happy, jubilant faces of children were visible this week going to school and playing on playgrounds.
Are Dogs Being Poisoned?
Yellowstone County Sheriff, Mike Linder is recommending citizens come forward if their pet has passed under suspicious circumstances.
Double Homicide Investigation Continues
Billings Police sent an update Friday, January 28th, releasing additional public criminal justice information to clarify developments in the double homicide investigation.
Commissioners May Extend Response Time for MetraPark Management RFQ
Two of the companies that are likely to submit proposals to manage MetraPark have asked for more time to prepare their proposals – a request that the county commissioners put on the agenda for next week. indicating a willingness to extend it by two weeks. The deadline is currently Feb. 4.
Governor Listens to Problems by Local Crime Fighters
With the next state legislative session looming on the horizon, one of the biggest issues before it will surely be the issue of crime, which is especially true for Yellowstone County and Billings where crime has been escalating at a faster pace than the rest of the state.