Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 13th of August.
Good morning, Billings.
🏘️ Community
Today, visitors at the Montana Fair saw MetraPark's former Sandstone and Heritage Building—repurposed for community use—turned into the People’s Garden that teaches locals about growing food.
Tim Goodridge said the garden will donate its harvest, including tomatoes, pears, and kale, to food banks and schools as it invites residents to adopt plots.
Billings Head Start will soon upgrade its playground with new equipment funded by a $50K grant from Lowe's under its Hometown Projects initiative—Lowe's also sent a crew of volunteers to help with building sandboxes, a shed, and a greenhouse before classes begin after Labor Day.
This grant helps the center prepare for its upcoming school session.
Candy Town USA in Billings is collecting school supplies and food for at-risk youth served by Tumbleweed from Aug.
1 to Aug. 31. Customers dropping off donations at 1025 Shiloh Crossing Blvd. receive a 5 percent discount and a raffle entry for a $150 prize basket — all proceeds support Tumbleweed.
For six decades, Babe Goggins and her family have worked in ranching and on Tuesday, sixteen of her great great grandchildren showed cattle at the MontanaFair four H Market Steer and Heifer Show in Billings.
The event brought the family together and taught the young ones hard work and responsibility — lessons passed down through generations.
🏛️ Government
The Rimrock Foundation’s homeless outreach program gives 40 to 50 people monthly the choice of voluntary treatment even as an executive order may allow forced care.
State leaders are considering a new mental hospital site on Skyway Drive in Billings Heights with construction set to start by June and Parks and Rec will end pool operations on Aug. 15—only South and Rose Park pools will stay open with reduced hours.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed an executive order appointing SWIB to lead the 406 JOBS initiative in Helena — a plan to improve the state’s workforce system by focusing on health care, construction, and advanced manufacturing.
The order directs DLI to expand AI training and support career readiness in K-12 programs to create clear pathways for Montanans.
A city official said plans for a new state mental hospital may be finalized by the end of this month while state leaders have not yet confirmed the proposal.
The $26.5 million project is set to start in 2026 and Billings is one of five sites under review—officials are urging a detailed written analysis to show the community impact.
On Tuesday, state leaders met in Billings at an opioid overdose prevention summit to address a surge in fentanyl deaths, with 258 deaths from 2021 to 2024 and a peak of 80 in 2023—officials said tougher enforcement lowered deaths to 55 in 2024.
Kim Edinger, founder of Overdose Awareness Montana, shared her painful loss after her son died from a fentanyl overdose in 2017 and urged further action to combat the crisis.
🎉 Billings Events
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Glacier Range Riders vs. Billings Mustangs
6:35-8:05 p.m. — Dehler Park — Tickets required — Enjoy an exciting baseball matchup between the Glacier Range Riders and Billings Mustangs.
Rodeo Billings
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Montana Fair — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling rodeo action at the PRCA Pro Rodeo High School Showcase.
Outdoor Country Dance Party
6-8 p.m. — Meadowlark Brewing — Free entry — Dance the evening away with line dancing and a fun country atmosphere on the patio.
Race for the Minds
8 AM – 12 PM — Medicine Crow Middle School — Supportive run — A fun run aimed at raising awareness and supporting those affected by Dementia and Alzheimer's.
Comedy Night with Colum Tyrrell
8-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — $22.65 — Enjoy a night of laughter with rising star comedian Colum Tyrrell in an intimate setting.
Dungeons & Dragons for Teens
12-2 p.m. — Billings Public Library — Free entry — Embark on a fantasy adventure battling monsters and solving mysteries.
Billings Night of Worship 2025
4:30-8:30 p.m. — Pioneer Park — Free entry — A city-wide worship event featuring local leaders and a Ministry Fair showcasing local non-profits.
49 Winchester Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — $33.65 to $59.15 — Enjoy a night of alt-country music with 49 Winchester and special guest Marfa.
Ogden Raptors vs. Billings Mustangs
12:35-8:05 p.m. — Dehler Park — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling matchup between the Ogden Raptors and Billings Mustangs at Dehler Park.
Ogden Raptors vs. Billings Mustangs
12:35-8:05 p.m. — Dehler Park — Check local listings for ticket prices — Enjoy an exciting day of baseball in the heart of Billings.
🏠 Billings Real Estate
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