No Opposition to House Bill
Easing Access to Public Defenders by Michael J. Marino Testimony was given Monday, Jan. 9 to the House Judiciary Committee regarding House Bill (HB) 111, which would make it easier for people to get a public defender when involved in legal matters in state courts. In some cases, the financial eligibility forms would be cut […]
California Firm Buys 54 Homes from Billings Housing Authority
by Michael J. Marino Wedgewood Homes, a real estate group based in Redondo Beach, California, recently bought 54 homes from HomeFront – formerly the Billings Housing Authority – in a single $13 million transaction. These include 51 single-family residences and three duplexes in various Billings neighborhoods, according to a press release from Sept. 2022. “Of […]
Lawmakers Sworn In, Set Hearings for Over 4,000 Pending Bills
by Michael J. Marino Elected officials from across the state gathered in Helena on Monday, Jan. 2 and were sworn in for the 2023 Regular Session of Montana Legislature.
Parties in Rimrock Park Apartments Lawsuit Agree to Mediation
by Michael J. Marino The parties involved in a negligence lawsuit against Rimrock Park Apartments and BP Asset Management (BPAM) have agreed to engage in mediation “in light of the unique circumstances of this case,” according to recent court filings.
Billings Citizens Urged to Voice Ideas Ahead of Charter Review
by Michael J. Marino Looking ahead to a citizen-led review of the Billings City Charter, City Council Member Jennifer Owen said, “There are some questions people should be wrestling with.”
GOP Hints at 38 Constitutional Amendment Proposals in 2023
by Michael J. Marino After being selected President of the Montana State Senate, Sen. Jason Ellsworth (R-Hamilton) gave a speech in which he said, “We›re going to have an opportunity next session, because we›re going to have a supermajority, to potentially pass constitutional initiatives, and give those votes to the people.” A “supermajority” is whenever […]
“Overrun by Roaches,” Rimrock Park Apartments Face Negligence Lawsuit
by Michael J. Marino A complaint filed earlier this year alleges the Rimrock Park Apartments off Burnstead Drive in Billings have been “severely neglected” since August 2019, when the buildings were sold to Rimrock Holdings LLC, and BP Asset Management (BPAM) took over the role of landlord. Failing plumbing, moldy ceilings and an “acute infestation […]
State of Montana Petitions to End Vaccine Mandate for Healthcare Workers
by Michael J. Marino A coalition of 22 states, led by Montana Attorney General (AG) Austin Knudsen, called on the federal executive branch to withdraw its vaccine mandate for healthcare workers on Thursday, Nov. 17.
History Made… Thrice! Shepherd, Huntley Volleyball Clash at State Tournament
by Michael J. Marino History was made as both Shepherd and Huntley Project’s volleyball teams advanced from the Divisional round to the State Class B Championship Tournaments held on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Brick Breeden Fieldhouse in Bozeman, Montana.
Disrupting the Cycle: State Prison Launches New Tech Training Program
by Michael J. Marino Montana State Prison (MSP) recently launched a new workforce training program that helps incarcerated individuals prepare for reentry into society by teaching them in-demand job skills and offering post-release support. Provided by non-profit organization, The Last Mile (TLM), the program touts a zero percent recidivism rate among its graduates.