Who is the author of the "Harry Potter" series??

Resolutions, Schmesolutions

Well, here we are at the end of January, and if you're anything like me, those New Year's resolutions have already gone the way of my good intentions to keep the junk drawer organized.

By now, the gym membership is collecting dust, the salads have been replaced by comfort food, and that daily journaling habit lasted about as long as a snowflake on a warm windshield.

But here's what I've been thinking about lately. Maybe we've been going about this all wrong. Instead of making a list of rigid rules that make us feel like failures by Valentine's Day, what if we just set some gentle intentions instead?

Not "I will lose twenty pounds" but more like "I'd like to move my body in ways that feel good." Not "I will never eat another cookie" but "I'll try to notice when I'm eating my feelings and maybe pour a cup of tea instead." 

It's less about perfection and more about paying attention. Less about the finish line and more about the general direction we're heading. So if your resolutions have already crashed and burned, give yourself some grace. You're not a failure—you're just human. And that's more than enough.

Katie Meier of the Billings Career Center has been honored by the One Class at a Time program for her outstanding efforts in preparing students for careers in healthcare.

With more than 18 years of experience, Meier has helped guide young people into fields spanning nursing, pharmacy, and veterinary science.

Her commitment reaches beyond the classroom, serving as State Director for Montana HOSA and working to address the growing demand for medical professionals in Montana

Randall Siding

Is Your Home Ready for What Montana Throws at It?

After 30 years in Billings, Randall Siding has seen it all—wind, hail, brutal cold, and blazing summer sun. That's why hundreds of your neighbors have trusted them to protect their homes with quality siding that holds up year after year.

They carry all the major brands and styles, so whether you want low-maintenance vinyl, classic wood, or modern fiber cement, they've got you covered. And with three decades of installations under their belt, you're not getting guesswork—you're getting craftsmen who do it right the first time.

Here's the thing: their spring schedule is already filling up. If you've been putting off that siding project, now's the time to get your free estimate and lock in your spot.

Call Randall Siding today at 406-855-7825. No pressure, no obligation—just honest advice from folks who've been doing this longer than most.

Doodle Your Way to Calm

Remember those "draw a bird from the number 2" tricks we learned as kids?

Turns out those simple exercises aren't just for entertaining grandchildren on the back of a placemat.

Drawing—even the most basic kind—can help quiet a busy mind, give your hands something to do besides scroll your phone, and tap into a creative side you might have forgotten you had.

You don't need talent or fancy supplies. Just a pen, some paper, and a willingness to feel a little silly. Give this short video a watch and see if it doesn't make you want to doodle.

Billings’ West End is welcoming an exciting wave of new chain restaurants, expanding the city’s dining options for locals and visitors.

Cupbop, a Korean barbecue eatery now open for a soft launch at 2564 King Ave W, brings bold build-your-own bowls and signature sauces to the neighborhood, with a grand opening set for January 29.

📅 The National Dude Ranchers’ Association Centennial Convention

• 📅 Date: Tue Jan 27 – Fri Jan 30, 2026

• 🕒 Time: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM (varies daily)

• 📍 Location: The Northern Hotel, Billings, MT

• 🎟️ Admission: Registration likely required

• 📄 Details: Celebrate 100 years of American dude ranch culture at this centennial convention featuring discussions, exhibits, networking, and more.

📅 Professional Development Series: Confidence by Design (Billings Chamber Event)

• 📅 Date: Tue Jan 27 2026

• 🕒 Time: Check Billings Chamber calendar

• 📍 Location: Billings Chamber of Commerce calendar listing

• 🎟️ Admission: Likely registration required

• 📄 Details: A professional development session focused on building confidence in design and presentation.

📅 AI Advantage Workshop Series: Smart Prompting for ChatGPT

• 📅 Date: Wed Jan 28 2026

• 🕒 Time: See Billings Chamber listing

• 📍 Location: Billings Chamber event calendar

• 🎟️ Admission: Registration may be required

• 📄 Details: Educational workshop on effective prompting techniques for ChatGPT and AI tools as part of an AI Advantage series.

🎶 Kitchen Dwellers with Special Guest, Magoo – Live Music at Pub Station

• 📅 Date: Thu Jan 29 2026

• 🕒 Doors: 7 PM • Show: 8 PM

• 📍 Location: The Pub Station

• 🎟️ Admission: Tickets (~$40‑$70)

• 📄 Details: Enjoy an evening of live music with Kitchen Dwellers and guest Magoo in a lively concert setting.

Billings Symphony Presents The Magic of Sleeping Beauty

• 📅 Fri Jan 23, 2026 – Sat Jan 24, 2026

• 🕒 Fri 7:00 PM • Sat 7:30 PM

• 🎟️ Tickets required

• 📄 A beloved symphonic performance featuring selections from The Sleeping Beauty with principal dancers and orchestral accompaniment.

Tango After Dark

• 📅 Wed Feb 4, 2026

• 🕒 7:30 PM

• 🎟️ Tickets required

• 📄 A theatrical tango experience straight from Argentina — ideal if you’re planning for later in the week.

Buzz Brass – Famous Inspirations

• 📅 Sat Feb 7, 2026

• 🕒 7:30 PM

• 🎟️ Tickets required

• 📄 A concert blending brass performance with familiar musical inspirations.

🎶 Known Local Spots With Music & Vibes

• Event listings for family and kid events in January 2026 are limited online, but community centers, library programs, and indoor play venues are solid options for weekday and weekend outings.

• The Pub Station – Concert hall & taproom hosting live music. A Kitchen Dwellers + Magoo show is scheduled Thu Jan 29, 2026 (doors ~7 PM, show ~8 PM).

• Thirsty Street Brewing – Brewery & music venue with regular live local bands and events most weekends; check their calendar for specific January/early February sets.

• Craft Local – Bar & casual music venue that sometimes hosts local musicians or small group sets (check their socials for details).

• Last Chance | Pub & Cider Mill – Pub with a lively atmosphere; live music often happens here, especially weekend evenings (local playlists vary).

• Tiny's Tavern – Classic Billings tavern with frequent jukebox nights and occasional live acts.

• The High Horse Saloon & Eatery – Sports bar that includes live music and dancing nights some weekends.

• Levity Bar and Casino – Neighborhood bar with events and music theme nights (check event page).

👶 Scheduled Kids & Family Events (Free / Community)

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

1. 📖 Daycare Story Time @ Billings Public Library

   • 📅 Date: Tue Jan 27

   • 🕒 Time: ~4:15 PM

   • 📍 Location: Billings Public Library

   • 🎟️ Admission: Free

   • 📄 Details: A themed story time for little ones with books, rhymes, and interactive fun — great for preschool‑age kids.

2. 📚 Adventures in Story Time – Preschool @ Billings Public Library

   • 📅 Date: Tue Jan 27

   • 🕒 Time: ~5:00 PM

   • 📍 Location: Billings Public Library

   • 🎟️ Admission: Free

   • 📄 Details: Story time with crafts and activities geared toward preschoolers and early readers.

3. 🐱 Cat Tales @ Billings Public Library

   • 📅 Date: Tue Jan 27

   • 🕒 Time: ~11:00 AM (check local schedule)

   • 📍 Location: Billings Public Library

   • 🎟️ Admission: Free

   • 📄 Details: Practice reading skills with friendly shelter cats — a fun, relaxed experience for kids who love animals.

🏙️ Year‑Round Kid‑Friendly Places (Great for Drop‑In Fun)

Play & Learning Venues

• Lava Island – Indoor playground with slides and soft‑play areas — perfect for burning energy on cooler days.

• Wise Wonders Science and Discovery Museum – Hands‑on science exhibits and discovery‑driven fun for curious kids.

• STEAMworld – Creative STEAM activities and educational programs for kids.

• All Fun & Games – Family‑friendly amusement center with games and activities.

• Get Air Trampoline Park – Big indoor trampoline area that’s great for active kids.

Other Fun Spots

• Chuck E. Cheese – Classic kid‑oriented play center with games and pizza.

• Splat Attack Battle Arena- Billings, Montana – Paint battle fun for older kids and families.

• After Rage – Play‑focused recreation center.

• Oasis – Arcade and fun spot for kids and families.

• ZooMontana – Great place for animal lovers (weather permitting).

• Lillis Park‑kids play area and Pioneer Park – Outdoor playgrounds and open space if the weather’s nice.

• Riverfront Park – Scenic trails and play areas for active exploration.

🧠 Tips for Planning

• The Billings Public Library typically offers regular children’s programming like story times, crafts, and family‑friendly activities — check their weekly calendar for the latest.

This one stings. Eagle Mount Billings does incredible work helping people with disabilities get out and experience skiing, horseback riding, and so much more. They run on donations, volunteers, and a whole lot of heart. So when someone drilled a hole in their gas tank—yes, you read that right—it wasn't just senseless vandalism. It was a blow to the folks who count on that van to get them where they need to go.

Eagle Mount Billings, a local nonprofit serving people with disabilities, suffered about $3,000 in damages after their specially-equipped van was vandalized.

Early Wednesday, an employee discovered fuel leaking while en route to a ski event, and a local garage determined someone had drilled into the gas tank overnight.

📝 Wrapping Things Up

Looks like Billings is cookin’ up a little something for everyone this week! You’ve got toe-tappin’ live music at The Pub Station, story time snuggles at the library for the kiddos, and even a big ol’ gathering of cowboy spirit at the Dude Ranchers’ Convention. Toss in some craft brews, a little trampoline jumping, and a dash of winter sunshine (hopefully), and you've got yourself a fine week ahead. So dust off your boots, grab the kids or your best pals, and get out there — Billings isn’t gonna explore itself!

J.K. Rowling