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Thursday, August 21st, 2025

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Good morning, Billings. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of August.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • United Way of Yellowstone County held its second annual backpack distribution on Tuesday and Wednesday in Billings, donating 30,000 school supplies to over 500 students to help ease rising back-to-school costs—Family Service contributed $7,000 and Walmart gave $500, while any unclaimed items will later be donated to local schools.  KTVQ

CRIME NEWS

  • Billings police are asking for help finding Tarek Standingrock, a missing 12-year-old boy reported around 2 a.m. Wednesday who was last seen wearing a dark blue shirt, black shorts and red, black and gray Jordan shoes (4'8" and 90 lbs) and ask anyone with information to call dispatch at (406-657-8200).  KTVQ

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Students at MSUB and local counselors say many scholarships and grants go unclaimed because the FAFSA process is confusing; experts advise using online resources and finishing the FAFSA before December 1 to help pay for college.  KULR8
  • Billings students have time to claim available funding as a report shows over $100 million in scholarships and $4.4 billion in Pell Grants remain unclaimed because many do not complete the FAFSA — a confusing yet critical application. Montana State University Billings' Julie Pettitt-Booth said local experts are ready to help guide students through the process.  KULR8
  • MSU Billings will display a donated grand piano in the corridor connecting the library and liberal arts building for the upcoming school year—local resident Casey Page gave the instrument to support music education and honor its history from Sandpoint. The piano will offer a unique musical experience for students, professors, and visitors as they move between buildings.  KTVQ

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Billings leaders said a state mental hospital on Skyway Drive was put on hold because local feedback, zoning rules, and infrastructure costs raised concerns — DPHHS is expected to provide guidance so the project may resume after more review. Council members and senators noted that slowing the process could help address community issues while keeping the possibility of the hospital open.  KTVQ
  • The City of Billings is forming a seven-person committee to manage public art installations on city property. The City Council discussed the proposal on Monday — local artist Elyssa Leninger hopes the move will give residents more say in choosing which artworks are displayed.  KTVQ
  • Gov. Gianforte announced Wednesday that planning for the new state mental health hospital took a different direction after he asked the State Board of Investments to step aside so another agency could lead the project—local leaders have raised concerns over the proposed site in Yellowstone County.  KTVQ
  • A second committee called Montanans for Nonpartisan Courts has turned in two versions of a proposed constitutional change to keep judicial elections nonpartisan on the 2026 ballot—one simply states that elections shall remain nonpartisan and the other adds a rule for new courts—while another group has submitted its own measure and both proposals will need 60,241 voter signatures if approved. Supporters say these moves aim to protect the long tradition of nonpartisan courts in Montana.  KTVQ

HEALTH NEWS

  • The Trauma Fortin Tower was named Monday during a downtown ceremony in Billings after a $7 million donation from the Fortin Foundation—Billings Clinic built the $32 million project to add a surgical intensive care unit, regional operation center and med flight equipment—and it now gives local patients access to top care within a 500-mile radius.  KULR8

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Dungeons & Dragons for Teens

    12-2 p.m. — Billings Public Library — Free entry — Embark on a fantasy adventure battling monsters and solving mysteries.

    Sat, 8/23/25

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  • 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.

    Sun, 8/24/25

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  • 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.

    Mon, 8/25/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Wed, 8/27/25

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  • 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.

    Thu, 8/28/25

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  • 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.

    Fri, 8/29/25

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  • 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.

    Fri, 9/5/25

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  • 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.

    Sat, 9/6/25

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  • 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.

    Wed, 9/10/25

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  • 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.

    Thu, 9/11/25

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REAL ESTATE

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JOB BOARD

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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