David Jay
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Articles by David Jay
Montana Millionaire sales draw early morning buyers looking for lucky tickets in Billings
BILLINGS — Nearly two weeks after technical problems derailed Montana Millionaire sales, the lines formed again on Thursday morning. Many lined up hours before sales started, hoping to buy their lottery tickets and win the big prize. Watch the Montana Millionaire lottery story here: Montana Millionaire sales draw early morning buyers looking for winning tickets in Billings After the Montana Millionaire lottery machines went down on Nov. 1, the lines once again formed early on Thursday morning.
Yellowstone County jail staff will continue overcoming crowding problems after bond and levy voted down
BILLINGS — The vote is over. The jail problem isn't. Voters rejected the $175 million bond that would have added 332 beds, along with a $20 million operating levy. Watch jail story here: Yellowstone County jail staff will continue overcoming crowding problems The Yellowstone County Detention Facility is holding about 670 inmates with a capacity of 434. The county has overcome some of the challenges, as shown by the jail innovation award in June from the National Institute of Jail Operations.
EPA to conduct more tests for vapors from Billings PCE Superfund site
BILLINGS — A decades-old contamination problem beneath Billings is getting a closer look, with crews drilling at businesses and other properties to prepare to test for chemical vapors connected to a Superfund site that dates back more than 30 years. Watch Billings EPA Superfund testing story here: EPA to conduct more tests for vapors from Billings PCE Superfund site KTVQ is among the properties being tested for vapor intrusion of PCE and TCE, chemicals once used in dry cleaning.
Billings physician relays health concerns about data centers to Yellowstone County commissioners
A Billings doctor told Yellowstone County commissioners about his concerns with a proposed data center and power plants in Broadview. Watch the full video below: Billings physician relays health concerns about data centers to Yellowstone County Commissioners Dr. Robert Merchant, a Billings Clinic pulmonologist, says the pollution could cause increased death, along with respiratory and cardiac issues for patients.
Billings roundabout construction special for worker at Monad Road and South 36th Street West
Monad Road at South 36th Street West is closed for the construction of a roundabout. A roundabout is a welcome safety measure at that intersection after a Billings woman was killed in a crash in June. Watch Monad and 36th roundabout construction story here: Billings roundabout construction special for worker at Monad Road & South 36th Street West The intersection is closed and some say there has been confusion with some ignoring the road closed signs.
Owners of old Laurel school building ask public for ideas on renovation
LAUREL, Mont. — The new owners of the old Laurel school building asked residents how the over 110-year-old structure constructed should be refurbished. In July, developers from Butte, purchased the building for $150,300 in an on-line auction. The building itself was first constructed back in 1910.
Where would weapons testing super range go in Montana? Trump announcement unclear Original
President Trump announced that the Department of War would be building a super range to test advanced weapons in Montana. Watch President Trump super range story here: President Trump announces Montana as site for weapons testing super range The federal government and the military have not commented, but some civilians say that if it happens, it could be east of Billings in the Powder River area.
Billings Police make 13-year-old killed in accident an honorary officer
The 13-year-old boy, Chase Lantz, who was hit and killed by a vehicle more than two weeks ago, had a dream of becoming a New York City police officer. On Monday night, his family had a chance to carry on his legacy with the Billings Police Department, making him an honorary officer. Watch Chase Lantz honorary officer ceremony here: Billings Police make 13-year old killed in accident an honorary officer “Well, buddy, you got your wish, you're one of Billings' finest,” said Interim Chief Shawn Mayo.
Cody photographer comes across 3 grizzly cubs hit by vehicle on North Fork Highway Original
On the way to Yellowstone National Park early Tuesday morning, a Cody photographer saw a dead grizzly bear cub that had been hit by a vehicle, and then he found two more. Watch grizzly cubs killed story here: Cody photographer comes across 3 grizzly cubs hit by vehicle on North Fork Highway Tim O'Leary has been taking wildlife pictures for about 15 years and owns a photography business in Cody. “Oh, I love it,” O’Leary said. “I do it all the time. It's a big stress reliever for sure.
Huntley's weekly newspaper celebrates 50 years
The Yellowstone County News is celebrating its 50th year and was first published in October of 1977. The owner says the key is staying what he calls hyper-local, and he says weekly papers are the heartbeat of the community. Watch Yellowstone County News story here: Huntley's weekly newspaper celebrates 50 years Yellowstone County News owner and publisher Jonathan McNiven looked at the front page picture for the Thursday paper. On Wednesday he took the picture to commemorate the milestone.
Community vigil supports family of Chase Lantz, 13-year old hit by vehicle
Family, friends of the community came out to honor Chase Lantz, the 13-year old boy hit by a vehicle last Thursday. They heard messages of hope, prayer, and also from Chase's mother from Denver. Watch vigil for Chase Lantz story here: Community vigil support family of Chase Lantz, 13-year old hit by vehicle “You guys are just amazing people,” Mariya Lantz said on the phone. “And I really appreciate you being there for all of us and being there for each other. Stay safe. Use the crosswalks. Be slow.
Billings man explains his patrolling with gun across from Broadwater school Original
BILLINGS — The view of Broadwater Elementary School is blocked, and cyclone fencing is in place for the children. This is after the school administration spotted Gabriel Metcalf with his gun outside his home last Friday. Watch Gabriel Metcalf story here: Billings man explains his patrolling with gun across from Broadwater school Parents and students are seeing a big change to the campus with visual barriers all around the school.
New owners of old Laurel school building open to renovation ideas
LAUREL — The new owners of the old Laurel school building say that while they're still deciding what to do, they do see themselves as stewards preserving a part of Laurel. “We feel like our job here really is to just bring this building into its next 100 years of use,” said Jeff Riggs.
Shepherd roads and bridges in good shape after early morning Sunday storm
CA Road, north of Shepherd, was one of the worst spots damaged from the storm early Sunday morning. Watch the full video below: Shepherd roads and bridges in good shape after early morning Sunday storm According to the Yellowstone County Road and Bridge Department, while some had property damage, road and bridge damage was minimal. A rancher north of the Shepherd Ah Nei recreaction area, reported about three to four inches of rain.
Salas Makes It Back To Petco Park
Ethan Salas announced himself in spring training this year, setting up a remarkable run to the big league club. (Photo: Jerry Espinoza) SAN DIEGO — The first time Ethan Salas appeared at Petco Park, he was fresh off signing for the largest bonus since hard limits were introduced to international free agency. Just 44 months later, he is back. This time, he expects to make the stay permanent.
Ethan Salas to Debut with the Padres
The day many in the organization treated as a foregone conclusion in January, 2023, but which seemed wildly uncertain as recently as this February, has arrived. Ethan Salas will be called up to join the San Diego Padres in Cincinnati as big league rosters expand today.
Park City residents looking for source of basements flooding
Park City residents have been dealing water getting into their homes and flooding the basements and water overflowing the septic systems, putting raw sewage on the streets. Watch Park City flooding story here: Park City residents looking for source of water flooding basements and septic tanks “I would say that's probably coming out of the septic tanks up there,” Duane Reiland, Park City resident, said about raw sewage draining in his neighborhood. Reiland contacted MTN on Tuesday.
Laurel High School strengthens cell phone restrictions during classes Original
Classes start in less than two weeks, and the Laurel High School administration says it's going to be different this year with the cell phone policy that will be more strictly enforced. Watch Laurel High School cell phone story here: Laurel High School strengthens cell phone restrictions during classes Matt Torix, Laurel superintendent, says the district has had a cell phone policy in place for several years, but not every teacher enforced the rules.
Data-center opponents tell Yellowstone County commissioners they were harassed while gathering signatures Original
Opponents of data centers say volunteers have been harassed collecting signatures for a petition at MontanaFair, including by law enforcement, while interim Yellowstone County Sheriff Kent O'Donnell defended his deputies.
Citizen group argues to halt state mental hospital in Laurel
A judge heard Monday from lawyers for the state and for citizens in Laurel concerned about the state mental hospital. The group Laurel C.A.R.E.D. was hoping for a temporary restraining order from Yellowstone County District Judge Ed Zink to block the facility, but no decision was made.
Developers say Stillwater County renewable energy farms can help ranchers Original
The Montana landscape is changing with two new solar farms coming to Stillwater County. There's concern land to ranch and farm is disappearing but work is underway to make this a win - win situation. Watch Battle Butte Solar Farm project story here: Stillwater County renewable energy farms can help ranchers The Puget Sound Energy (PSE) Battle Butte Solar Farm will have solar panels covering about 1,200 of its 8,000 acres in Stillwater County. There may actually be an opportunity for ranchers.
Two companies plan to build solar farms in Stillwater County Original
Stillwater County will soon be the site of two more renewable energy farms. County officials confirmed Puget Sound Energy and NextEra Energy are both building solar farms covering thousands of acres. Watch Stillwater County solar projects here: Two companies plan to build solar farms in Stillwater County Puget Sound Energy plans to build its Battle Butte Solar project at the intersection of Battle Butte Road and Highway 306 or Rapelje Road.
Molt property owner sues Stillwater County commissioners over sheep feedlot decision
A sheep feedlot coming into the town of Molt is a huge economic boon, expected to bring in $7 million dollars a year to the local economy. Now a lawsuit has been filed to stop the 63,000-square-foot facility from being built. Watch suit against Stillwater County commissioners here: Molt property owner sues Stillwater County Commissioners over sheep feed lot decision MTN was made aware on Wednesday of this lawsuit filed by Molt property owners.
Crow member asks tribe and Big Horn County to clean up dump in Pryor
A letter sent to the Crow Tribe and Big Horn County commissioners has prompted inquiries into the fire hazards and nuisance of a dump on Edgar Road in Pryor. Samuel Boggess is very concerned about the debris coming onto the road and across the road, and he wrote: “This is an embarrassment to the entire Crow Nation.” “And as I drove past the landfill, I got sick to my stomach,” Boggess said.
Yellowstone County data center ballot initiative will not be on November ballot Original
People in places such as at the Billings Public Library, have asking for signatures to determine the future of data centers and putting that up to a vote of the people. After weeks of collecting about 10,000 signatures, the group Yellowstone County Voices found out those signatures may not count.
DOJ's $300 million Model Cities Initiative rejected by Billings City Council
The Billings City Council has decided not to apply for a federal Department of Justice grant that could have brought up to millions in federal funding to the city for public safety initiatives. Watch DOJ Model Cities Initiative story here: DOJ's $300 million Model Cities Initiative rejected by Billings City Council over federal oversight concerns The DOJ's Model Cities Initiative would fund everything from new police personnel and mental health services to crime-fighting technology.
Pryor residents concerned with trash issue, overflowing in town
A viewer alerted MTN to dumpsters in Pryor getting overloaded next to the old school. Also this week, another viewer emailed about the problem with the dump on Edgar Road. Watch Pryor dumpster story here: Pryor residents concerned with trash issue, overflowing in town Nearby residents say the dumpsters near the old school have not been emptied for weeks. This was supposed to be a solution, but neighbors say it's raising many concerns.
Crow member asks tribe and Big Horn County to clean up dump in Pryor
A letter sent to the Crow Tribe and Big Horn County commissioners has prompted inquiries into the fire hazards and nuisance of a dump on Edgar Road in Pryor. Watch Pryor dump story here: Crow member asks tribe and Big Horn County to clean up dump in Pryor Samuel Boggess is very concerned about the debris coming onto the road and across the road, and he wrote: "This is an embarrassment to the entire Crow Nation." "And as I drove past the landfill, I got sick to my stomach," Boggess said.
Yellowstone County commissioners table vote on political activity in and near county buildings
Yellowstone County commissioners tabled a new policy extending restrictions on signature gathering to all county building after heavy opposition spoke out at a Tuesday morning meeting. Citizens said the policy would potentially limit political activity, although commissioners stated the policy aims to ensure the public has safe access to county facilities.
Rental scam in Billings sounds warning about online housing offers
Scam victims are advising more due diligence after a young couple lost money in a Billings housing rental scam. It happened on Monday, on what was assumed to be move-in day at Josephine Crossing. Watch rental scam story here: Rental scam in Billings sounds warning for diligence with on-line housing offers The nice cottages there can be challenging enough to rent, but some advertised prices may be too good to be true. June Rovero's home in Josephine Crossing is as nice as a picture.
Billings firefighters prepare for potential railroad emergencies with BNSF
The Billings Fire Department has received some hands-on training this week on responding to railroad emergencies. It’s the first time in about 10 years that the firefighters have been able to work with BNSF Rail. Watch firefighter railroad training story here: Billings firefighters prepare for potential railroad emergencies with BNSF Billings firefighters had an up-close look at a tanker car and a locomotive. Learning how to handle emergencies with big equipment takes special training.
City weighs fixes of up to $30M for Billings underpass too low for fire trucks
The 21st Street underpass in downtown Billings is too low for fire trucks and too risky for many ambulances and other large vehicles, and city leaders are now weighing four options to address the problem, ranging from free to $30 million. The underpass has been struck by vehicles at least 26 times in recent years.
Butte developer submits winning bid of $150,300 for original Laurel High School building
The original Laurel High School, which was built in 1910, sold for $150,300 in an online auction with the winning bid coming in just after noon on Thursday. Watch Laurel High School sale here: Butte developer submits winning bid of $150,300 for old Laurel High School building Now the big question is what happens with this old school campus at 410 Colorado Ave. The seconds ticked down with a final bidder for the combined 60,000 square feet of the school and gym, which have been unused for years.
Montana environmental group wants suspended PSC commissioner to participate in merger discussion Original
A Missoula-based environmental group has raised concerns about a replacement Montana Public Service Commissioner voting on a potential Northwestern Energy - Black Hills Corporation merger. Watch 350 Montana lawsuit story here: Montana environmental group wants suspended PSC commissioner to participate in Black Hills NorthWestern merger discussion A replacement is needed because Gov.
Air conditioner repair crews in Billings pushed as extreme heat grips Montana
Billings-area HVAC companies are fielding hundreds of calls and running 12-hour shifts as temperatures push past 110 degrees across the state. White Heating and Air Conditioning lead technician Kaleb Simcox has been on the job since Friday afternoon, part of a crew of 33 technicians working through the weekend.
Teen assault claim at Billings golf course draws conflicting witness accounts
A 15-year-old boy says he was assaulted by an employee at Lake Hills Golf Course in Billings Heights on the 4th of July, but witnesses are offering differing accounts of what happened near the third tee. Watch Lake Hills Golf Course incident update here: Teen assault claim at Billings golf course draws conflicting witness accounts The teen's family says a Lake Hills employee purposely rammed the boy with a golf cart.
Broadview citizens still pursuing to have voters approve data centers, even with Yellowstone County challenge Original
An activist group, Yellowstone County Citizens, let commissioners know on Thursday morning what they think about the lawsuit that could keep a citizens' initiative regulating data centers off the November ballot. “I am being sued by the Yellowstone County Commissioners using Yellowstone County residents' taxpayer dollars,” said Kassi Solberg, who is leading this grassroots movement to place data centers on the ballot, including the one proposed near Broadview.
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