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Good morning.
This week, a local pulmonologist has raised concerns about the medical expenses linked to a hyperscale data center development north of town. Additionally, the appointment of an interim county attorney, the school district’s new medical charter school, and several local events, including inquiries about the proposed jail expansion, are also in the spotlight.
But first, a weather preview ☀️
The weekend forecast indicates daytime highs reaching 69 on Friday with overnight lows dipping to 30 by Saturday night. Showers are likely Friday night, potentially transitioning to snow.
Billings doctor shares stark projections on data center health impacts
A pulmonary doctor advised Yellowstone County commissioners that the proposed Big Sky Digital Infrastructure data center in Broadview will incur $19 to $33 million in health costs and cause 1.2 to 2.2 deaths annually.
Robert Merchant, a semi-retired Billings Clinic doctor, shared this during a Thursday meeting. He used projections for the center’s 100% and 70% capacities, with the latter predicting the mentioned numbers. Nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, methane, and other gas particles are linked to asthma, heart attacks, cancer, low birthweight, and cognitive decline.
Merchant employed the Environmental Protection Agency’s Co-Benefits Risk Assessment Tool. Gathering input values was challenging due to a lack of transparency from Quantica Infrastructure and NorthWestern Energy. Merchant and a fellow researcher sourced information from the Department of Environmental Quality and Quantica’s request for power connection, among others.
Merchant warned that the data center’s environmental effects could spread beyond Yellowstone County to northern Texas. “I don’t see how this is not a compelling government interest,” he said, referencing the 2025 Right to Compute Act, which limits government actions against data centers unless they address a compelling government interest. Billings attorney Elizabeth Halverson assured commissioners, “This is absolutely within your authority to do.”
“Inaction will result in health and economic damage to the public,” Merchant stated, thanking commissioners for their diligence. His presentation received applause, with a full room, though less heated than some past meetings. Sixteen people, including a mother with a sleeping baby, voiced opposition to the data center project, urging action.
Billings native Arielle Dean named interim county attorney
Arielle Dean, chief deputy at the Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office, has been chosen to fill the top legal position vacancy in the county.
The Yellowstone County Board of County Commissioners endorsed Dean on Thursday, scheduling her official nomination for next week’s vote. Dean is one of two top deputy attorneys in the criminal division, according to Chief In-House Counsel Steve Williams, who announced her nomination.
“She knows the office, its caseload and its obligations,” Williams told commissioners. Outgoing County Attorney Scott Twito, chosen to lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Montana, recommended Dean.
Dean focuses on domestic and sexual violence cases, as featured in Yellowstone Valley Woman. Born and raised in Billings, Dean obtained her undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University and a law degree from the University of Denver, before serving in Denver’s district attorney’s office, then returning to Yellowstone County as a prosecutor.
Dean will fill the vacancy left by Twito’s departure until Dec. 31, the remainder of his term, being up for reelection in November. After the election results, likely reaffirming Twito’s role, a second appointment will be made to replace him until the 2028 general election. “The Board has not yet determined the process for that second appointment,” Chair Mark Morse stated, inviting public comments.
All three commissioners voiced support for Dean. “I’ve been impressed,” Commissioner Mike Waters said. “She’s very capable.”
Photo Op 📸
City runs free bus shuttle for Election Day
Billings is offering a free Election Day voter shuttle from the downtown transfer station to MetraPark.
Operating from 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. on Nov. 3, the shuttle departs twice hourly from 220 N. 25th St., at :15 and :45. Rusty Logan, Met Transit general manager, noted federal funding requires transit authorities to aid voting access.
Without the shuttle, bus riders would face heavy traffic near Metra, Logan explained. Most Yellowstone County voting, 85%, is absentee, Elections Administrator Dayna Causby mentioned, stating 83,000 ballots were mailed for the general election. Billings voters have polling places at Metra Park, while those outside Billings primarily vote at schools.
A new charter school would serve students in the medical field
Billings Public Schools are expanding their charter school offerings, now permitted in Montana.
The board of trustees authorized a proposal for the Billings Health Science Academy charter school to the Office of Public Instruction. Opening in August 2027, it will serve 11th and 12th graders focusing on medical careers, offering certifications, dual credit coursework, and clinical learning.
Existing Billings Public Schools offer similar opportunities, but the charter will consolidate them under centralized leadership, partnerships, and advising. The school plans to host 90 part-time students initially, likely at Lincoln Center.
Other district charter schools include the Billings Early College School with 131 students and an 88% passing rate, the Billings Opportunity School with 123 students and a 70% passing rate, and the Billings Multilingual Academy with 72 students, though no comparable passing rate was reported.
Public Notice 🧐
Council to consider infrastructure projects
🗓️ Monday, Oct. 26
⏰ 5:30 p.m.
📍 316 N. 26th St., 5th floor.
ℹ️ The City Council will review infrastructure recommendations, including a new playground at Veterans Park, water treatment plant repairs, and requested TIF funds for a downtown building entrance expansion.
Game of the Week 🏆
The West High Lady Bears volleyball team is thriving with 11 wins and four losses. Support them Friday night at West High’s main gym at 7 p.m. as they face the Great Falls Bison. Go, Bears.
About Town 🚶
Looking to engage in volunteer work? Visit Amend Recreation Campus at 4911 King Ave. E. on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Make a Difference Day Volunteer Fair. Discover a volunteer role that fits your interests. Ask not what your community can do for you…
Yellowstone County will host an open house on Wednesday, Oct. 28, sharing details about the two jail expansion measures on the ballot. The event is 5:30-7 p.m. at The Front Porch, 109 W. First St. in Laurel. Public questions about the proposal are encouraged.
On Saturday and Sunday, MetraPark presents Billings Horror Con, a convention celebrating horror movies, TV, books, and more. A one-day pass is $15 for adults. On Saturday at 6 p.m., attend a “vampire ball” for ages 21+ featuring a costume contest with cash prizes. The ball ticket is $25. Tickets are available online.
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