Good morning, Billings.

Billings police advise parents to carefully review back to school photos before posting them online.

They warn that including school signs with children’s names, ages, or grades can allow strangers to access personal details and stress checking social media privacy settings for added safety.

Billings Public Library is celebrating its library card sign-up month with prizes for new members as it aims to enroll 700 users this month after over 630 new cards were issued last September.

Frae Collective, a downtown Billings shop (supporting local makers), earned Small Business of the Year from the Billings Chamber of Commerce and Existing Business of the Year from the Downtown Billings Association this year.

The owner said the shop fosters small business growth by sharing retail space.

The Madison Buffalo Jump Kite Festival will take place from 10 to 3 on Saturday, Sept.

5 at the park—featuring Native American art kites, a drum circle, flint-nappers, and a food truck for a day of history and fun.

Montana’s state report card shows reading scores have dropped six points since 2017 as chronic absenteeism rises; OPI held summer literacy sessions for over 700 educators and will release full data in November.

Billings parents are sending their children to school today while expressing worry over nurse shortages that may delay emergency care for students with disabilities.

Advocates note that a low nurse-to-student ratio means families should secure 504 plans (essential safety measures) to protect their kids.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is asking locals to provide feedback on its updated Statewide Fisheries Management Plan for 2027-2030 before finalizing changes, and comments are accepted until Monday, Sept.

14.

At a virtual open house, the Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization presented a $1.6 million plan to add curb extensions, high-visibility crosswalks, and buffered bike lanes along Colton Boulevard near local schools.

Neighbors opposed the changes and urged increased police patrols, citing parking, traffic flow, and neighborhood character concerns.

Gov. Gianforte reviewed licensing recommendations from a state task force aimed at easing barriers for qualified workers in public health, safety and welfare fields—proposals shaped by 37 task force suggestions and 200 public comments will be sent to the Legislature for review.

The Montana Board of Investments revised its environmental assessment for the proposed Laurel forensic mental health facility and set a public hearing for Sept.

8 at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center. Opponents want the hearing moved to Laurel and the comment period extended (Laurel C.A.R.E.D.).

Construction crews are active today at the future AC Hotel by Marriott site in downtown Billings near North 27th and Second Avenue North, using a tower crane as street closures on 27th and Second continue — 27th will reopen tomorrow; developers project the hotel opening late 2027 or early 2028.

Head Start Back to School Golf Tournament

Join us Friday, September 11, 2026, at Lake Hills Golf Course for a day of golf, great company, and supporting 200 local children and families. Registration is $650 per team and includes green fees, cart, range balls, dinner, and one drink ticket per player; check-in begins at 11:00 AM with a 1:00 PM shotgun start.