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Southeast Montana News

Monday, May 20, 2024

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Local Government

Billings City announces public meetings on stormwater program changes

The City of Billings has announced plans to host public meetings regarding upcoming changes to the stormwater program, inviting residents to engage in meaningful discussions about the potential impact on their utility bills.

By Southeast Montana News | May 15, 2024

Local Government

Billings unveils 'Funky Frames' in celebration of public art

On Monday, May 20th, from 1:00 – 2:00pm, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at the triangular pocket park located just west of McKinley School in Billings. The event celebrates the unveiling of "Funky Frames," an artistic collaboration and the first creation by Terri Porta, Billings' inaugural Artist in Residence.

By Southeast Montana News | May 15, 2024

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Local Government

Billings Logan International Airport launches additional non-stop flights

By Southeast Montana News | May 14, 2024

Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) is set to commence several eagerly awaited non-stop flights this week. As previously announced, Alaska Airlines will reinstate its daily non-stop service to Portland, with departures scheduled for 12:50 p.m. Allegiant Airlines will also initiate non-stop flights to Los Angeles on Thursdays and Sundays throughout the summer, with departures at 9:55 p.m.

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Local Government

Medicaid cuts force RiverStone Health to reduce staff and budget

By Southeast Montana News | May 10, 2024

RiverStone Health, a leading healthcare organization, has been forced to implement budget cuts and staff reductions due to a loss of over $3 million in Medicaid revenue this fiscal year. The financial shortfall has led to the notification of 29 employees that they will be part of a workforce reduction set to take effect in mid-June.

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Local Government

Billings Public Library receives 2024 Excellent Library Services Award

By Southeast Montana News | May 10, 2024

The Billings Public Library has been honored with the 2024 Excellent Library Services Award (ELSA) in recognition of its exceptional service to the community. The award is presented by the Montana State Library Commission, which selects recipients based on a range of service criteria.

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Local Government

RiverStone Health partners with local farmers for WIC nutrition program

By Southeast Montana News | May 10, 2024

RiverStone Health has announced a partnership with local vegetable and fruit growers to increase the availability of fresh produce for families with young children. This initiative is part of the Farm Direct program of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program.

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Local Government

Billings Airport to hold live fire training on May 14 evening

By Southeast Montana News | May 10, 2024

On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) staff at Billings Logan International Airport will conduct an operational training exercise from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This exercise will produce visible smoke on the airport campus.

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Local Government

City of Billings Invites Community to Open House Events for Public Works Week

By Southeast Montana News | May 1, 2024

Billings Public Works has announced two exciting and free open house events in celebration of National Public Works Week. The events, scheduled for May 22nd and May 23rd, aim to showcase the essential work that keeps the city running smoothly and to engage the community in the behind-the-scenes operations.On Wednesday, May 22nd, from 4-7 pm, the Billings Water Treatment Plant will open its doors to the public. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the process of providing clean and safe drinking water, from the Yellowstone River to their tap. Highlights of...

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Local Government

Montana Department of Commerce Sponsors Small Community Air Service Development Grant for Billings

By Southeast Montana News | Apr 30, 2024

The Billings community is set to benefit from improved air service accessibility with a recent sponsorship from the Montana Department of Commerce. The Department has committed $50,000 to support the Billings Air Service Committee in meeting the local match goal for the Small Community Air Service Development Grant."Providing additional commercial flight access to Billings is essential to every rural and eastern Montana community," emphasized Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. Green highlighted the economic benefits of increased flights to...

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Local Government

Billings Fire Department Gives Assistant Chief of Operations Kevin Johnson Fiery Send Off

By Southeast Montana News | Apr 26, 2024

The Billings Fire Department bid farewell to Assistant Chief of Operations Kevin Johnson in a fiery send-off, expressing gratitude for his 22 years of dedicated service to the community.During the farewell event, Chief Johnson made a special request for attendees to "feel the heat of the department’s Flash Can," a unique training tool located at the live fire training facility at the airport. The Flash Can enables firefighters to experience the intensity of flames up close, allowing them to observe fire behavior and warning signs firsthand.Chief Johnson's contribution...

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Local Government

Billings Fire Department Collaborates with School District 2 to Launch Fire Safety Program

By Southeast Montana News | Apr 23, 2024

The Billings Fire Department has announced a new partnership with School District 2 to introduce a fire safety program aimed at elementary students. Deputy Fire Marshal Becky Biggins expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “After a year and half of planning and preparation, we are so excited to implement this program and get back into the schools to see Billings students in grades K-5 every year!”The program, known as the Billings Fire Safety Squad, is currently in its pilot stage and will be visiting eight schools within the district. If successful, it is...

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Local Government

Local Government Review on June Election Ballot Explained

By Southeast Montana News | Apr 17, 2024

On the upcoming June primary ballot, voters in Billings will have the opportunity to decide on whether to conduct a local government review. This review, as outlined in the 1972 constitution, occurs every 10 years and encompasses the structure, form, and powers of the local government.According to the Billings City Council, if the majority of voters approve the review, a 7-member commission will be elected in November to examine and submit recommendations to the public. The commission will commence its work in 2025, and in 2026, voters will accept or reject the...

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Local Government

Free Lead Testing Event for Yard & Garden Soil Announced by RiverStone Health

By Southeast Montana News | Apr 17, 2024

RiverStone Health has announced a partnership with Gainan’s Heights Flowers and Garden to provide free lead soil testing at their Heights location on April 27. The event will take place from 9 a.m. till noon, offering an opportunity for the community to ensure the safety of their yard and garden soil.The collaboration between RiverStone Health and Gainan’s Heights Flowers and Garden aims to address the concerns surrounding lead poisoning. As highlighted by RiverStone Health, lead poisoning poses a significant threat to children's health and development, making it a...

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Local Government

Art by Artist-In-Residence Terri Porta Being Installed

By Southeast Montana News | Apr 17, 2024

Art sculptures by Billings’ first artist-in-residence, Terri Porta, are set to be installed soon as part of the Mobilize the MAGIC City project. The first two sculptures will be installed on new bulb outs at the intersection of 10th Ave. N and Ave. C on Friday, April 19, with the third installation date currently being scheduled.Porta, selected through a competitive process in late 2022, focused on engaging the community and creating creative placemaking hubs along Billings’ first neighborhood bikeway. Her inspiration came from working with children in the community, with...

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Local Government

Code Enforcement Officers Clean Up Abandoned Encampment

By Southeast Montana News | Apr 10, 2024

Code Enforcement Officers in action, responding to a call regarding an abandoned encampment along the BBWA Canal, exemplified their dedication to duty. The officers worked diligently on Tuesday, spending two hours cleaning up the area from Lewis Avenue to King Avenue West.The efforts of the officers were evident as they loaded up their trucks with the collected trash and promptly transported it to the landfill. The proactive approach taken by the Code Enforcement Division highlights their commitment to maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of the community.In line...

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Local Government

Billings Public Library Drive-thru Book Drop Closed Temporarily for Safety Reasons

By Southeast Montana News | Apr 9, 2024

The Billings Public Library has announced the temporary closure of its drive-thru book drop area from Sunday, April 7 through Thursday, April 11. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of patrons during the ongoing scrim installation project. The book drop located by the south doors will remain open during this period. The library anticipates that the drive-thru book drop will reopen on Friday, April 12.In a statement, the library urged patrons to contact Jamie Bratlie at 657-8391 with any questions regarding the closure.

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Local Government

Billings Fire Prevention Bureau issues warning after investigating two deadly medical oxygen fires

By Southeast Montana News | Apr 8, 2024

The Billings Fire Prevention Bureau has issued a warning following the investigation of two deadly medical oxygen-related fires that occurred within a short timeframe. Deputy Fire Marshal Andrew McLain emphasized the severity of these incidents, stating, "These fires are rare. We did have two in the last month. People can do this all their life and it never happens. But once it does, it’s catastrophic."In one tragic event, a lit cigarette near an oxygen tank led to a fire that claimed the life of a Billings resident on March 15, 2024. Another fire on April 2, 2024,...

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Local Government

Amount of taxpayer-funded subsidies plummet in cities associated with Big Horn County in 2021

By Southeast Montana News | Mar 8, 2024

Farms throughout cities in Big Horn County received $4.4 million less in subsidies in 2021 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture compared to the year before.

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Local Government

The state of taxpayer-funded farm subsidies in cities associated with Carter County in 2021

By Southeast Montana News | Mar 7, 2024

Farms throughout cities in Carter County received $2.3 million less in subsidies in 2021 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture compared to the year before.

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Local Government

Did farm subsidies in cities associated with Custer County rise or fall in 2021?

By Southeast Montana News | Mar 6, 2024

Farms throughout cities in Custer County received $5.2 million less in subsidies in 2021 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture compared to the year before.