Commissioners appoint Osland chair; new commissioner Mark Morris welcomed and deputy sworn in

The Board of County Commissioners opened its Jan. 3 meeting by appointing Commissioner Osland as the board chair for 2023–24 and welcoming newly seated Commissioner Mark Morris.

Unidentified Speaker 2 moved to appoint Commissioner Osland as chair for the next two years; Unidentified Speaker 3 seconded the motion and it was approved. Shortly afterward, Unidentified Speaker 1 introduced Mark Morris as attending his first official meeting.

The meeting was turned over to the sheriff, who introduced and formally swore in a newly hired deputy identified in the meeting transcript as "Dakota Bridal." The sheriff noted the deputy’s prior service in the Army National Guard and said he was a Montana native who enjoys hunting and fishing and is a parent. The deputy took the oath of office, and photo opportunities followed.

The sheriff later presented an appreciation to Mark Morris for his years of service with the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Reserve; the transcript records the reserve service dates as "2009 to 02/2022." Morris accepted the presentation and thanked the sheriff.

The meeting then proceeded to regular business.