Good morning, Billings.

Yellowstone County residents are turning a lot in Huntley into Veterans Park by first building an RC racetrack—set to be ready by next spring—and then adding spaces for fishing, camping and barbecuing.

Veteran Lance Brown said the group plans to host a benefit on Oct. 4 with a mud drag and car show while accepting donations of materials and manpower.

Fourteen employees were taken to hospital after smoke with meth from an FBI drug incineration filled the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter building Wednesday, forcing an emergency evacuation for staff and animals.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs removed 10 Northern Cheyenne Tribal Government members after an illegal council meeting aimed to oust President Gene Small — and tenants at Rose Park Plaza Apartments in Billings began forming a union over unsafe living conditions.

Yesterday, the Rockin’ Under the Big Sky fundraiser at ZooMontana hosted a 70s-themed dance for a 50-year celebration with $20 admission+ while raising money for local service.

Today, the Laurel Fall Festival brings live music and fall activities downtown and Sunday will feature the Rock the Run 5K with packet pickup starting at 8 a.m.+

A local school district is having its administrators and paraprofessionals drive students amid a bus driver shortage, with superintendent Mark Wandle behind the wheel this year.

The district lost three drivers in two years and combined routes, and transportation manager Candi Buck is seeking new candidates willing to complete required training + help ease longer wait times.

The Montana Department of Livestock confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza was found in domestic poultry in north central Montana, marking the state’s first case this fall and adding to 31 flocks linked to a national outbreak.

Poultry owners are told to keep birds indoors and report any sudden illness—officials stress strong biosecurity measures to protect workers and other animals.

Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter in Billings closed until further notice after smoke from the FBI burning meth in the on-site crematorium put animals and staff at risk—14 employees received medical care and animals were evacuated.

A restoration company is cleaning the building and experts will test its air quality before reopening.

Yellowstone Country Club will begin a $2M restoration of Robert Trent Jones’ course design that preserves the original design values—Hunter noted it as a strict restoration without redesign.

Amy Grant Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Alberta Bair Theater — Tickets available — Experience the iconic Amy Grant, a pioneer of Contemporary Christian Music, live in concert.

Chris Cagle Live Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying performance of country music star Chris Cagle in an intimate setting.

Chase Rice Concert with Special Guest McCoy Moore

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — General Admission Ticket Prices Apply — Experience the high-energy sounds of Chase Rice live in concert.

Sunny Day Real Estate with Cursive

8-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — $49.15 to $89.15 — Experience the influential Emo legends Sunny Day Real Estate alongside special guests Cursive for an unforgettable night.

Kelsey Waldon: Every Ghost Tour

1-4 p.m. — The Pub Station — Ticket info available — Kelsey Waldon showcases her new album with heartfelt reflections on healing and self-love.

Northwest Regional Fabry Patient Meeting

All day — Hilton Garden Inn Billings — Free entry — An informative gathering offering support and insights for the Fabry community in the Northwest.

Sleep Theory: The Afterglow Tour

7-8:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — $28.65 to $49.15 — Experience a powerful hard rock concert featuring Sleep Theory with special guests Nevertel, Oxymorrons, and Mourning Eve.

Allen Stone Live in Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful melodies of R&B star Allen Stone with special guest Buffalo Traffic Jam.

Blasts from the Past Concert

8:00–9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — Ticket information available online — Experience high-octane energy and a nostalgic trip through the music of the ’80s and ’90s with local favorites.

All Hallows Medieval Fantasy Faire

Step into a world of magic, music, and medieval mayhem at the All Hallows Medieval Fantasy Faire! Join us for a weekend of jousting, raptors, live entertainment across seven stages, over 140 unique vendors, and whimsical fun for the whole family in the heart of North Park, Billings.