Archive: November 2023

Building Permits 11-15-23

25 November 2023
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Commercial

West Grand Retail Partners LLC/ Fabricon LLC, 1335 Golden Valley Cir, Com Addition, $88,000

Lordwith LLC/ Harley Construction, LLC, 427 Lordwith Dr, Com Addition, $13,000

Laighton D Jones Dental Proper/ Jones Construction, Inc, 502 Wicks Ln, Com New Other, $2,500,000

City Of Billings – Parks Dept/ Creekside Construction Of Montana LLC, 2005 6th Ave N, Com New Other, $210,710

Albertsons Companies/ Langlas & Assoc., Inc., 670 Main St, Com New Parking Lot/Non- Building Structure, $110,000

Step Inc/ Edgewater Construction LLC, 1437 Wyoming Ave, Com Remodel, $9,000

Miguel Murillo/ Jones Construction, Inc, 2212 Grant Rd, Com Remodel, $166,000

Shiloh Crossing Partners LLC/ Jones Construction, Inc, 820 Shiloh Crossing Blvd, Com Remodel, $280,000

Fischer And Erwin/ Dynamic Construction Solutions LLC, 2324 Rehberg Ln, Com Remodel, $214,400

Lordwith LLC /Dynamic Construction Solutions LLC, 421 Lordwith Dr, Com Remodel, $280,000

Olson, Grant A & Bethany J/ Miller Construction & Remodel LLC, 1826 Grand Ave, Com Remodel, $15,000

Better Billings Foundation/ Langlas & Assoc., Inc., 543 Aronson Ave, Com Addition, $1,000,000

Rocky Plaza Association/ Yellowstone Electric Co., 1400 Poly Dr, Com Addition, $80,000

City Of Billings (Airport)/ Monarch Limited Of Montana, 2543 Altimeter Dr, Com New Warehouse/Storage, $120,000

Caramel Cookie/ Jones Construction, Inc, 3465 A J Way, Com Remodel, $17,256

Beartooth Business LLC/ Jones Construction, Inc, 2940 Grand Ave, Com Remodel, $148,500

Broso Valley Lodging Investors, 3550 Ember Ln, Com Remodel, $490,604

Billings Mt 1 Fgf LLC/ Star Service, Inc., 2900 4th Ave N, Com Remodel, $240,000

Mark Weber, 2212 Grant Rd, Com Remodel, $250,000

Dibra Investment Holdings LLC/ Neumann Construction, 4120 King Ave W, Com Remodel, $150,000

Nelson, Andy & Bert, 2413 Montana Ave, Com Remodel, $3,000

Residential

Hartmann, Dexter A & Brenda, 1010 Harvard Ave, Res New Accessory Structure. $43,200

Simonson, Steven G & Rachel E/ Nygaard Builders LLC, 5342 Cabernet Ln, Res New Accessory Structure, $8,000

Brownell, Michael R & Mary S, 3910 Heritage Dr, Res New Accessory Structure $65,000

Billings Best Builders/ Billings Best Builders LLC, 5216 Grass Mountain Rd, Res New Single Family, $553,000

Leon Clause/ Green Jeans LLC, 1207 Cherry Island Dr, Res New Single Family, $310,000

 4 Mt Homes Inc/ 4 Mt Homes Inc, 2317 Entrada Rd, Res New Single Family, $213,528

4 Mt Homes Inc/ 4 Mt Homes Inc, 820 Hermosa St, Res New Single Family, $188,246

4 Mt Homes Inc/ 4 Mt Homes Inc, 821 Hermosa St, Res New Single Family, $188,246

Lorenz Construction LLC/ Double Duece Ventures LLC, 3543 Rachelle Cir, Res New Single Family, $375,000

Cdh, LLC/ Cdh, LLC, 5231 Rich Ln, Res New Single Family, $278,601

Christensen/ Michael Christensen Homes, 1240 Timbers Blvd S, Res New Single Family, $450,000

Christensen/ Michael Christensen Homes, 1246 Timbers Blvd S, Res New Single Family, $450,000

South Pine Design/ South Pine Design, 1757 E Thunder Mountain Rd, Res New Single Family, $450,000

Billings Leaders Going to Rapid City to Visit Jail

25 November 2023
Evelyn Pyburn
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By Evelyn Pyburn

A contingent of state legislators, Billings and other state leaders, in various capacities, will be making a trip to Rapid City, South Dakota to tour their detention facility, the Pennington County Jail, to find out how they operate and possibly learn new ideas about how to deal with some aspects of Yellowstone County’s crime issues.

The trip will serve a two-fold purpose, according to City Councilwoman Jennifer Owen.  Some of those going on the trip are members of the sub-committee appointed by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) to explore all aspects of the county’s justice system, including the possible expansion of the jail, and others will be focused on how they deal with their pre-arraignment process and diversion program.

Owen is part of the CJCC subcommittee, as is County Commissioner Mark Morse and state legislator, Barry Usher, who will also be going on the tour. There will be others going on the trip from city and county leadership, as well as a number of state legislators.

 About the subcommittee, Owen explained, “We are looking at every possible thing we can do to make it [the justice system] work better.”  A separate “overarching” project is to build a temporary holding facility. With that in mind, there will be some investigation by the tour group into a pre-arraignment facility.

The City is pushing for the temporary holding facility, hoping to get a contract with Yellowstone County to operate it, and that it will be operational in a matter of months – at least by the end of 2024. The City has included a half million dollars in its budget to pursue the project, and anticipate that there may be a need to appropriate more funds. By law, only the County can operate a jail or prison, which is why the City will negotiate a two or three year contract with the County to operate a facility to hold misdemeanor cases immediately after being arrested for up to 72 hours as they wait to see a judge.

In having to deal with an over-crowded jail, a scenario that currently occurs regularly, is that a law officer will charge someone who, for example, is drunk and disorderly, only to have to leave them “on the streets,” since they don’t have a place to hold them. Invariably they will encounter that same person again later in the same night perpetrating another crime. “They can end up having multiple outstanding warrants and multiple crimes in one evening,” said Owen. It is instances such as this that a temporary holding facility is expected to curb.

The idea is to fund short- term, temporary structures that are flexible, which will allow officials to evaluate, over a two or three year period, the holding facility’s impact on crime and whether the facility impacts the jail – the Yellowstone County Detention Facility — population. The data collected will be beneficial in knowing what is needed in expanding the jail. According to Owen there are a number of vendors that offer a variety of units that can be rented.

County Commissioner Morse commented that where the information they gather will lead is uncertain. It will help in determining whether a temporary holding facility is possible and how it might fit in with other strategies, as well as helping to clarify uncertainties about adding onto the jail.  No matter what they do, a temporary holding facility would have to be located in proximity to the jail in order to access support services such as medical care, kitchen, laundry, administration, etc.

Among other options that the subcommittee is looking at is information brought by Justice of the Peace David Carter regarding a management program that will unify the courts and improve the ability of the courts to get data out of the system, which means, for example, a judge will know if a defendant before him has other outstanding warrants, etc.

County Attorney Scott Twito, who heads the CJCC, is also overseeing the sub-committee, which is meeting on a weekly basis, and is comprised of city and county officials, law enforcement, judges, and a legislator.

Billings Community Foundation Grant Cycle Awards Over $110,000 to Local Organizations

25 November 2023
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The Billings Community Foundation has completed the 2023 grant cycle awarding regional non-profit projects in the Greater Yellowstone Region over $110,000. Non-profit organizations in a 9-county region were invited to apply for grants in the range of $2500 – $5000, with grants issued being issued at a celebration luncheon on October 17.

Grant categories include Capacity Building, Collaborative Projects, Community Impact, and Endowments. Now in its 15th year, the BCF annual grant cycle has provided more than $670,000 to charitable causes in our area. Funding for grants comes both from Billings Community Foundation BCF impact funds and from donor-based funds managed by the Foundation.

The Billings Community Foundation manages over $8 million dollars in assets that support donor wishes in support of local non-profit efforts. In addition, BCF hosts non-profit projects through Fiscal Sponsorship “The community foundation is a central point of contact between donors who have desire to support their local community and our organizations who can move the needle on some of our most valuable challenges and continue important work in the region” said Zack Terakedis, the Foundation’s new Executive Director. “Our grant program has grown from around $10,000 in the first few years to now more than $100,000 given out each year. Our board of directors is committed to growing lasting resources for the non-profits who are creating positive impact in their local communities.” Eligible organizations are 501c3 non-profits with an impact in Big Horn, Carbon, Custer, Fergus, Musselshell, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, and Yellowstone Counties. Grant Recipients include: St. Vincent de Paul, Riverstone Health Foundation, Billings Depot, Code Girls United, Our Montana, Veteran’s Navigation Network, Montana Legal Services, Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, Western Heritage Center, CASA of Yellowstone County, Montana Health Professionals for Healthy Climate, Billings First Congregational Church, Marketplace of Ideas, United Way, Boys and Girls Club, Family Service, United Campus Ministries, Friendship House, Special K Ranch, Great Plains Youth Programs, YWCA, and Family Promise

Billings & Portugal Students to Collaborate on Business Plan

25 November 2023
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The MSUB College of Business and ISPGAYA University in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal have partnered for the Spring 2024 semester to facilitate collaboration between faculty and students. Working in cross-cultural teams, students will work with Owen Haacke, Owner of Empress Brokers International to create an international business plan for the company. 

In February, students from both countries will work together remotely on the initial phases of the plan. In March, MSUB students will meet with their teams in Portugal for a week. To conclude the collaboration, the ISPGAYA students will travel to Montana in April to give their final presentations. 

Dr. Jessie Perius, Assistant Professor and instructor for the course says, “This collaboration will help our students further develop their digital and soft skills as they work in multicultural cross-disciplinary teams. Plus, the opportunity to experience a new culture and make professional connections will provide them with valuable life experience I can’t give them in a classroom.”

Airport: More to Come!

25 November 2023
Evelyn Pyburn
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By Evelyn Pyburn

While many aspects of updating and expanding the Billings airport have been completed, there are more to come. Most of them are essential to attracting and retaining airline companies in the Billings market, according to Jeff Roach, Airport Director at Logan International Field in Billings.

Roach was one of several speakers at a special event featuring the Billings Air Service Committee hosted by the Billings Chamber of Commerce. Also presenting was Trina Froehlch of Mead & Hunt, of Eugene, Oregon. She gave one reason for the question that is commonly asked by people in Billings, which is why does Bozeman have more and less expensive flights than Billings? She explained that following COVID, business travel did not bounce back the way leisure travel has, which has encouraged airlines to invest more in leisure travel than business travel. Given that Bozeman has far more leisure travelers while Billings has always had a stronger business community, Bozeman has been more attractive for airline investment.

She added, “Billings and Bozeman are very different markets.”

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities for Billings to expand its service. One way is to use Billings’ air service, even if it is a bit more expensive, advised Billings Chamber CEO John Brewer. The more travelers there are using Billings’ service the more attractive it appears as a good market to the airline carriers. The difference in cost per ticket isn’t that great – currently on average 13 percent per ticket. While that can amount to a lot for a family, Brewer is just saying….

The number of potential passengers is paramount for airlines in making their decision about where to bring service. Increasingly, they are operating larger aircraft with more seating because operating smaller planes is too expensive. They need to fill seats – typically from 60-70 – in each airplane.

Froehlch identified four areas of costs that are plaguing airline companies – high fuel costs, labor shortages, a decline in demand, and a shortage of aircraft. But their Number 1 problem is a shortage of pilots.  “It is really acute.”

There are a number of things that Billings airport has to do in order to bring in new carriers and expand service – “things that weren’t priorities before.” Some $60 million in upgrades have been identified.

Airline companies do not want to unload passengers on the ground. Billings Airport is doubling their number of gates. They have completed four and planning to add four more by April 1. They have only one ground loading area.

This spring they will begin building access roads to business centers within Logan Field.

They are going to realign the road on the west end of the airport which will allow for the expansion of a ramp that allows for a fifth air cargo pad.

“Every year into the future we have projects planned,” said Roach. The projects are prioritized and set forth in a master plan, but Roach noted that their existing master plan is 12 years old and needs to be updated. They updating could take up to two years.

Developing a 20- year master plan will take “robust public involvement,” said Roach.

Parking is one of the critical issues. “Do we stay on the ground or do we go vertical?” questioned Roach. Security improvements is another issue. “Our baggage claim no longer meets security requirements,” he said. There are other security issues to be addressed. Changes are also necessary in the area of bag screening and ticket counters.

Roach hinted that another fixed based operator is coming to Billings, a business similar to Edwards Jet Center.

There has been expansion in Billings’ air service.

The City of Billings, in partnership with the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID), the Billings Chamber of Commerce, and Big Sky Economic Development has been awarded a $1,000,000 Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASD) grant by the United States Department of Transportation to recruit, initiate, and support new air service between Billings and one of two California hubs—San Francisco or Los Angeles.

Brewer pointed out that Southern California was identified as one of the top destinations in the country and Billings has no direct service to California. The Billings community must fulfill a match commitment to get the grant, which they are working on doing, according to Ashley Kavanagh, Senior Director of Recruitment and Community Development at Big Sky Economic Development. Local citizens and businesses were urged to contribute.

Another new “low-cost carrier”,  Sun Country Airlines, has been announced to begin service in Billings on June 19, 2024, with nonstop flights to Minneapolis-St. Paul. A seasonal service, the flights will be run every Wednesday and Saturday, until Aug. 24, 2024.

Billing has the second most flights, but is third in seat capacity.

Companies offering air service in Billings are Alaska, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Jet Blue and Southwest.

White House Bets $7B on Hydrogen Hubs

7 November 2023
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By Christen Smith, The Center Square

The Biden administration cut a $7 billion check to launch its vision for a hydrogen-fueled future.

The money augments $40 billion in private investment to build seven hydrogen hubs across the nation that will decarbonize transportation and industrial manufacturing, slashing 25 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

The amount “roughly” equates to removing 5.5 million gasoline-powered vehicles from the road, or just under 2% of the estimated 286 million operational cars in the United States.

After calling climate change “the only existential threat to humanity” during a news conference in Philadelphia, President Joe Biden touted federal infrastructure spending as the key to reigning in greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning away from fossil fuel reliance.

“Today’s announcement is all part of a bigger vision to do just that,” he said.

The hubs expand across seven regions and 16 states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, California, Texas, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Washington, Oregon, and Montana.

Together, the network of pipelines, storage facilities and refueling stations will use natural gas to produce energy and capture the resulting carbon emissions underground, creating 3 million metric tons of hydrogen annually – or about 30% of the federal government’s “clean hydrogen” goal for 2030.

“I found that when the government invests in the needs of the American people, guess what? The private sector jumps on real quick,” Biden said.

Hydrogen can be produced in three ways – referred to as gray, blue or green. Gray hydrogen is produced with natural gas and steam; blue is produced the same way, but its carbon gets captured and stored underground; and green is produced with renewable energy, such as wind or nuclear.

Others warn that relying on federal subsidies may waste taxpayer money, especially since the promised benefits of carbon capture, in particular, haven’t panned out.

Despite this, the administration said two-thirds of the projects will work with green hydrogen, in some capacity, and has publicized a four-year timeline to complete construction on the hubs.

Want to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion? Embrace meritocracy.

7 November 2023
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By Jack Miller

In 2020, many American corporations and academic institutions adopted new policies to promote “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI). Among these, Boston University decided to build an “anti-racist” research center around activist Ibram X. Kendi. Now, however, Kendi and his center are under fire for mismanaging resources and failing to deliver on the racial reconciliation they promised.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are all laudable virtues– unfortunately, though, Kendi’s ideology fails to live up to these high ideals. In his book “How to be An Anti-Racist,” for instance, Kendi offers the nonsensical statement that, “The only remedy to past discrimination is present discrimination.” That is not what America is about.

Achieving true diversity, equity, and inclusion starts with recognizing we are all individuals first. Instead of assigning collective guilt or praise to arbitrary groups, we need to recognize the promise of the Declaration of Independence. We are all, as that document says, “created equal,” not in some physical or other attributes way, but with “certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

America is a very diverse nation. Every age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, and socio-economic background is represented in this country. This contributes to a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences. Genuine diversity means celebrating these differences, not trying to homogenize individuals into group identities that claim a special “oppressed” status.

We are also a nation striving for equity for all, which means focusing on the principles of fairness and justice for all. America is built not on the false promise of equal outcomes, but on the notion that everyone is owed an equal opportunity to succeed. We haven’t fully achieved this goal, but we are getting ever closer.

And the same applies to “inclusion,” the concept that we have a society where “all individuals, regardless of their background, characteristics or differences are treated with respect, fairness and equity and are provided with equal opportunities.”

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are virtues that should spark a powerful movement to unify Americans. We should insist that we, as a nation, live up to those rights that we are guaranteed. DEI should not be a movement that tears us apart, but rather a movement that unites us as Americans.

Our Declaration goes on to state that since we are all equal, we all are guaranteed our life and our liberty. But what about that last guarantee, the guarantee of, “the pursuit of happiness?” Notice that it does not guarantee happiness – only the “pursuit” of happiness.

In America it is up to each individual, based on their own abilities and their own efforts, to achieve their own happiness. This is what is meant by meritocracy, the notion that we can each rise into success according to our abilities and hard work. To make all this a reality, everyone should have as equal a place at the starting line as possible. And the best way of assuring that is by giving everyone the best education possible. So, where do we start?

Since over two thirds of high school graduates do not go to college, and many who do go drop out, the obvious place to start is in the K-12 system. Everyone should receive a great education in reading, math and other basics. Everyone should also learn what has made America “the land of the free” where living “the American Dream” is possible for all in their “pursuit of happiness” so they are prepared to help achieve that vision for themselves.

To make this happen, we need the best teachers possible. Teaching is a noble profession and teachers should be well paid, with the best receiving more and the worst being fired. We should look to promote competition in other parts of our school system, as well. One policy we should consider is voucher programs, in which parents can choose the best schools for their children, whether public, religious, charter or private. That kind of competition is what has made our economy the strongest in the world. It would also work in education.

We also need to devote more resources to improving higher education for those who do go to college. And for that vast majority who do not go onto college, the educational opportunities should not stop on graduating from high school. There is a wide array of internships, trade schools and junior colleges available that will help young people find good, well-paying careers. There should be more such post high school training opportunities and young people should be encouraged to attend them.

What unites all Americans is a shared belief in the power of opportunity. We are a vast, diverse nation, with a multitude of identities and social groups. And yet all Americans should be able to affirm the individualism at the heart of our experiment. As an Orthodox rabbi recently asked me, “Are you an American first or a Jew first?” Without a pause, I said, “I am me first, an individual, and I am also a very proud American and a very proud Jew. In America that is possible.”

In America the belief in diversity, equity and inclusion combined with my own hard work, meritocracy, has led to a great life for me and my family. This should be possible for all. Instead of tearing down what we have already achieved, we must build on it to make it a reality for all.

Jack Miller is the founder and chairman of the Jack Miller Center, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to reinvigorating education in America’s founding principles and history, from K-12 through college.

Taiwan & Montana Forge Agreement

7 November 2023
Dennis Pyburn
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Meeting with representatives from Taiwanese trade associations and importer groups, Gov. Greg Gianforte promoted Montana’s high quality commodities and growing industries to expand economic opportunities for Montanans in Taiwan.

“Taiwan is home to some of the most quality-driven buyers in the world, and Montana delivers – whether our superior grains and beef or world-class semiconductor machinery,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Montana is also seeing rapid growth in industries like photonics and bioscience, creating new opportunities to strengthen our partnership with Taiwan as a global powerhouse for technological innovation.”

Promoting Montana agriculture, Gov. Gianforte met with the U.S. Wheat Associates and the Taiwan Flour Miller Association, the main importer of Montana wheat. Wheat is Montana’s largest export to Taiwan, totaling $32 million in sales.

Taiwan is also an important market for Montana cattle producers, with $16 million of Montana beef exported to Taiwan last year.

The governor then addressed bio and defense firms at a roundtable luncheon, spotlighting Montana’s photonics and bioscience industries. Montana ranks sixth among states for bioscience industry growth, and has one of the highest per capita concentration of optics, photonics, and quantum companies in the United States.

Later, the governor met with representatives from the Taiwan External Trade Association and the Taiwan Trade Office, and he joined his delegation to network with over 80 business members of the Taiwan-USA Industrial Cooperation Promotion Office (TUSA).

TUSA focuses on smart machinery, biomedicine, green energy, and the semiconductor industry. Industrial machinery, largely for semiconductor applications, is Montana’s second largest export to Taiwan.

There, the governor oversaw the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on advanced manufacturing between the Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance and TUSA.

Sun Country Airlines to Serve Billings/ Minneapolis, St. Paul

7 November 2023
Dennis Pyburn
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Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) is welcoming Sun Country Airlines with new seasonal air service connecting Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) and Billings. The service is scheduled to begin June 19 and run through to August 28, 2024 with flights operating twice weekly.

 Sun Country Airlines is a Minneapolis-based airline that provides convenient and affordable air travel options. Beginning June 2024, passengers will have the opportunity to book Sun Country between Billings and Minneapolis-Saint Paul on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The anticipated departure times are 11:00 am on Wednesdays and 7:00 am on Saturdays, providing flexibility for both business and leisure travelers. Jeff Roach, the Director of Aviation and Transit for Billings Logan International Airport, states, “Billings Logan International Airport is very excited that Sun Country Airlines is announcing new air service between Billings and the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport during the summer of 2024. The BIL Airport Team looks forward to partnering with the airline as they begin scheduled flights to Billings.” Roach added, “This is another win for the community’s air service development effort.”

The new service brings forth opportunities for travelers in Billings and the surrounding region to enjoy access to the Twin Cities .

PSC Approves Rate Increase, Pushed Up by Taxes and High Priced Power Purchases

7 November 2023
Dennis Pyburn
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The Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved a rate increase of 28 percent over a year ago for NorthWestern Energy customers. It will become effective next month, however much of the approved increase has already been incorporated into customer bills, because of an interim rate increase granted by the PSC in September 2022.

The increase amounts to $100 million in increased revenues for NorthWestern Energy — $82 million in electricity revenues and $18 million in natural gas revenue. A portion of the rate increase is due to NorthWestern Energy’s increased property taxes, which the PSC cannot alter.

According to PSC legal counsel, 40% of the rate increase can be attributed to “flow-through” costs, including property taxes and market power purchases, which the company is forced to purchase when peak use exceeds the available production from its own power plants.

The escalating increase in costs of generation is, in part, attributable to the utility company’s federal mandate to shift to alternative energy sources and away from lower cost carbon based production.

A couple dozen people testified before the PSC saying the rate increase is unfair, especially for people on fixed incomes. Some of the utilities largest commercial customers opposed the increases, claiming that the commercial rates subsidize residential customers. Among those speaking in opposition to the proposed rate increase were representatives of organizations like the Montana Environmental Information Center (MEIC), which in the past has strongly advocated for more expensive alternative energy sources to reduce carbon emmissions.

In testimony before the PSC, MEIC and others, who have opposed it, were critical of NorthWestern Energy’s natural gas plant under construction at Laurel, however, none of the cost of building that plant is included in calculating this rate increase. NorthWestern Energy claims the plant is necessary to enable them to meet peak energy demand and avoid having to purchase high priced energy on the market, previous costs for which are included in this rate increase.

The last electrical rate increase NorthWestern Energy received was 2018, following a rate increase for natural gas in 2016.

Since their last rate increases, NorthWestern reported that it has invested $835 million into its electricity infrastructure and $257 million in its natural gas infrastructure.

Taking into account the inclusion of the interim rate in the bills, an average residential customers using 750-kilowatt hours per month will see an increase in their bill of about $8 or 7.6%.