Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of August.
Good morning, Billings.
Firefighters battled a 1,200-acre blaze at Moser Dome north of Silesia and crews handled a salvage yard fire on I-90 near Lockwood—both sparked by a recent storm.
A car crashed into a home on Wicks Lane in Billings Heights with no injuries reported and vandals damaged Lake Elmo State Park by destroying a bathroom and 17 sprinkler heads—authorities are offering a $1,000 reward.
A fire broke out at Big Sky Steel and Salvage Yard this afternoon, igniting a pile of cars and metals and causing explosions — Lockwood Fire Chief Brenden Stevens said crews worked to control the blaze while RiverStone Health advised residents with heart or lung conditions to avoid the area.
The Rusty Closet opened in May at 1212 Grand Ave, offering handpicked vintage Western wear and graphic tees to Billings customers as owner Adam Harman curates unique finds after recovering from severe health setbacks—plans include monthly pop-up markets starting Saturday, Aug.
23 to feature local vendors and art.
Billings police are investigating a shooting near Lake Elmo and Killarney that occurred August 17th at 10:00 p.m.—no one was injured and the road between Killarney and Main Street has reopened.
Billings truck driver Sarbjeet Parmar, 39, was charged with negligent homicide after a December crash on I-90 killed 56-year-old Kevin Wilkerson of Laurel — investigators said data from his semi-truck and tire marks contradicted his claim that high winds caused the flip and revealed he had not taken the required rest.
Apogee Yellowstone, a new Billings private school, will welcome its first class of students this fall—marking Montana’s first campus in the growing network that offers a non-traditional approach to learning by balancing freedom with guidance.
Mallory Bunz, who sought an educational option beyond public school, said the program gives kids room to learn at their own pace while building a close-knit community.
Billings Public Schools board rejected a $14.9 million renovation budget for Daylis Stadium after costs rose nearly $2.5 million when a developer found the football field unlevel—trustees will revisit the funding plan next week while Superintendent Garcia seeks a $5 million loan and additional private donations. The decision delays the renovation of the century-old stadium and raises concerns about fiscal responsibility.
Montana officials are moving forward with plans to build a new behavioral health hospital near Billings after approving $26.5 million earlier this year—local leaders say they received few details and worry about rising costs and safety issues; a board meeting in Helena will decide the project later today.
Montana now offers digital driver’s licenses on smartphones after House Bill 519 passed, letting drivers add a secure version of their license to Apple or Google Wallet via the Motor Vehicle Division.
Drivers should keep their physical license until more places accept the digital version—businesses can verify age with the new Mobile ID Verifier app.
Montana State Auditor James Brown warned today that cryptocurrency ATM scams are costing residents millions and that recent fraud cases—with losses of $35,000 and $15,000—have led Billings Police Department to issue alerts urging users to remember that Bitcoin payments are final and that funds are often sent overseas to criminals.
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.
Line Dance Night at The High Horse
8:15 PM – 12:15 AM — The High Horse Saloon & Eatery — Cover charge varies — Enjoy country dance lessons followed by energetic dancing to both classic and modern country tunes.
Country Dance Lesson & Dancing Night
8:15 p.m. — The High Horse Saloon & Eatery — $10 cover — Kick up your boots for a night of country dancing with lessons and music from various country genres.
Kids Trail Trek
3:30-4:30 p.m. — 6790 Molt Rd, Billings, MT — Free entry — Enjoy a fun and active trail adventure designed especially for kids in the local community.
Jeff Crosby Live
8-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — $22.65 — Experience Americana music with Jeff Crosby as he shares his unique perspective and songs from his latest album.
Southall Concert Featuring The Ransom Brothers
7-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — GA and VIP options available — Experience a fusion of country, rock, and Red Dirt vibes with Southall and special guests.
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