"Dog cleanup rules favored by Yellowstone County Commissioners," the headline in today's Billings Gazette says. It's a story about a proposal to make dog owners clean up after their dogs when visiting city parks. "Not so much as a yelp of opposition was heard during a public hearing Tuesday," the story continues, allowing a Gazette staff reporter to work in a witty dog-related quip. "Commissioners approved the ordinance on first reading and will consider it for a second time in two weeks."

I, for one, am glad our County Commissioners are taking bold stands, and showing a strong front of unanimity on this contentious topic. Think about it: can you believe no one spoke in favor of making city parks open rest areas for our canine friends? Evidently, the powerful Dog Excrement Lobby has little influence on the steely resolve of our county commissioners.