Take a serious look at County Auditor Scott Turner
Dear Editor: John Ostlund, Bill Kennedy and I were the commissioners on duty when a tornado rained havoc on our MetraPark Arena. During this gut-retching time, we called upon the community to help us rebuild this vital venue. Nine months later, Bill Dutcher and his crews were able to host a state basketball tournament. The […]
County commissioners approve TEDD proposal
Published originally in the print edition of the Yellowstone County News. LOCKWOOD — A proposed Targeted Economic Development District (TEDD) in Lockwood was finally approved just before Thanksgiving, by Yellowstone County Commissioners, following two years of research, study and planning. The TEDD — a tax increment financing district — will help finance infrastructure for […]
Bill Kennedy praised at last commissioner meeting
by Evelyn Pyburn-Originally published in the Yellowstone County News 7/29/16 print edition. BILLINGS — Tuesday’s regular County Commissioners’ meeting was the last for Commissioner Bill Kennedy, who is retiring to take a position as head of the MSU Billings Foundation. Two other long-time county employees who are retiring were also recognized during the meeting — […]
Special Primary Election Edition
The 2016 Montana primary election is peaking and all campaigns are or should be in full swing. The absentee ballots in Yellowstone County will be going out in the mail on Friday May 13th. Bret Rutherford, Yellowstone County Election Administrator, stated on Tuesday that they receive back about 1/3 of the absentee ballots within 7-10 […]
Billings Flying Service wins zoning change from county commissioners
Originally published in the Yellowstone County News print edition of 4/1/16. BILLINGS — In a split vote, Yellowstone County Commissioners have approved a highly controversial zone change request – one that will allow a 50-year old family-owned helicopter business in Yellowstone County to continue to grow next to the Billings Airport. The decision came after almost […]
Tempers flare over county’s Riverside Cemetery actions
Originally published in the Yellowstone County News print edition on 4/1/16. BILLINGS — A relatively simply action to approve a $3,000 change order erupted into a heated discussion among Yellowstone County Commissioners on Tuesday. Commissioner Bill Kennedy was opposed to approving the change order for a utility shed that is being built at Riverside Cemetery, which […]
Pat Goggins remembered as business pioneer, generous friend
SHEPHERD — People across Yellowstone County this week remembered Pat Goggins as a shrewd businessman, livestock auction pioneer and friend who was always generous, especially to people who needed it most. Goggins, who owned PAYS and Billings Livestock auction companies and the Western Ag Reporter as well as several ranches and a real estate company, […]
Error leaves Pedestrian Safety District off Lockwood tax bills
LOCKWOOD — If Lockwood taxpayers closely examined their tax bills in November, they would have noticed that one tax was not included. Because it was new tax district, a snafu in the bookkeeping process resulted in the 10-mill levy for the Lockwood Pedestrian Safety District not being assessed. It simply wasn’t listed in the taxing […]
County officials sworn into office on Tuesday
BILLINGS — The common theme of elected county officials sworn into office on Tuesday morning is that they all have years of public service under their belts. Even the only newly elected treasurer, Sherry Long, has worked many years in several different positions as a public employee. In opening the swearing-in ceremony, County Commissioner Jim […]