Southeast Montana News

Census Bureau: 76.4% of people in Prairie County were old enough to vote in 2021

Of the 1,227 citizens living in Prairie County in 2021, 76.4% were old enough to vote, equating to 937 individuals, according to U.S. Census Bureau data obtained on Oct. 26.

By Southeast Montana News

Local Government

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

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...

Local Government

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

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...

By Southeast Montana News

Local Government

Art by Artist-In-Residence Terri Porta Being Installed

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...