Randy Diefel
Nov 10, 2026
Trivia Question❓What railroad, whose construction crews established a camp there in 1882, is directly responsible for the founding of Billings, Montana? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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🐝 What's Buzzing Around Billings This Week? |
Well, Billings certainly isn't giving us any shortage of things to talk about this week!
We've got a local woman sharing her Jeopardy! experience (we'll take "Hometown Bragging Rights" for $1,000, Alex!), a former Billings country club executive making headlines for all the wrong reasons, and a look at food as medicine. Turns out, what you put on your plate might be just as important as what's in your medicine cabinet.
And if you're looking for something to do around town, you're in luck!
The holiday season is kicking into gear with craft fairs and shopping opportunities, the Alberta Bair Theater is bringing entertainment to the stage, and there's hockey, music, and plenty of reasons to get out of the house. Your couch will just have to learn to live without you for a while.
Of course, Wednesday is Veterans Day, and we'll take a moment to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Their sacrifices deserve more than just one day of recognition.
We've also got a little trivia to exercise those brain cells, because apparently remembering where you left your car keys doesn't count as mental gymnastics.
So pour yourself another cup of coffee, get comfortable, and enjoy this week's edition of The Trailhead Buzz. A little news, a little fun, and a whole lot of Billings. That's what we're buzzing about! 🐝 |
Erica Doornek, a Billings federal employee with roots in Glasgow, Montana, turned heads nationwide with an impressive run on Jeopardy.
Her winning streak launched on Halloween, and she never looked back — dominating early rounds with the kind of focused precision that left competitors trailing.
A University of Montana journalism graduate, Doornek studied relentlessly before making the deliberate choice to stop cramming and simply trust her instincts.
That calculated calm proved to be her sharpest weapon.
She secured four consecutive wins and banked over $72,000 in total earnings — even surviving a Final Jeopardy stumble in game four thanks to a commanding lead.
The milestone put her in strong contention for a Tournament of Champions berth before a tough competitor finally ended her run in game five.
For Montana, Doornek's performance was a proud reminder that brilliance doesn't need a big-city zip code. Read More... |
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Two former Yellowstone Country Club employees are facing serious embezzlement charges in Yellowstone County District Court.
Jeffrie Ward Hunter, the club's former general manager, and Michelle Whitney Polak, a longtime financial overseer, are both accused of using club-issued credit cards for personal expenses.
The case surfaced in January when a board member reported over forty thousand dollars missing from club accounts.
Polak, who managed tax filings and expense reimbursements, allegedly began diverting funds after feeling undervalued despite taking on greater financial responsibilities. Investigators determined she embezzled just over fifty-eight thousand dollars.
Hunter allegedly charged artwork, women's clothing, and expensive wines to the club's account. Roughly twenty-one thousand dollars in theft was attributed to him.
If convicted, both could face at least one year in prison and fines up to fifty thousand dollars. Read More... |
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Honoring Our Heroes This Veterans Day |
This Wednesday, November 11, Billings joins communities across America in honoring the brave men and women who have worn our nation's uniform. Here in Billings, VFW Post 1634 at 4242 State Avenue will host a Veterans Day gathering from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., including lunch for veterans. On Friday, November 13, the Billings Community & Senior Center will present a special tribute at 11 a.m., highlighting the history and significance of Yellowstone National Cemetery. Whether you attend a local gathering, shake a veteran's hand, or simply take a moment to reflect, remember that freedom isn't free. Someone paid the price. To all our veterans, from everyone at The Trailhead Buzz, thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your courage. |
Dance lesson & Dancing @ 105 Brewing |
Thursday, November 12 · 6-8 p.m. · 815 Yellowstone River Road - Every other Thursday night we dance at 105 brewing, 6-8pm! 6-6:30pm will feature a country dance lesson. This week will feature a line dance lesson! 6:30pm to 8pm will be music for line dancing and partner dancing. $5/ person and open to ALL ages and skill level(s) |
A Celtic Christmas |
Saturday–Sunday, November 14–15: More than 200 vendors, unique gifts, specialty foods, entertainment, and Santa. This is an especially good fit for your story about supporting small vendors. |
Reel Rock 20 Film Festival |
Join us for a night full of stoke and adventure as the Southern Montana Climbers Coalition hosts Reel Rock 20 at Steepworld Climbing & Fitness. Reel Rock returns to theaters this fall with an incredible lineup of four world-premiere films featuring Janja Garnbret, Michaela Kiersch, Ben Mayforth, and Colin Haley. 1230 S 31st St W, Billings |
40th Annual Holiday Food & Gift Festival |
Saturday–Sunday, November 14–15 More than 200 vendors, unique gifts, specialty foods, entertainment and Santa. This is an especially good fit for your story about supporting small vendors. |
Billings Cattle Punchers Hockey |
Saturday November 14th | 6:05 PM · Signal Peak Energy Arena The Cattle Punchers take on the Pueblo Peppers. An option for sports fans looking for a Saturday night outing. |
For a Better World |
Saturday–Sunday, November 14–15 - The Billings Symphony Chorale presents uplifting music celebrating hope, gratitude and love. |
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For independent artisans across Montana and Wyoming, a single weekend market in Billings can carry the weight of an entire year.
At a recent event hosted at the Billings Public Library, regional vendors filled the space with hand-painted canvases, handmade ornaments, engraved woodwork, floral arrangements, and one-of-a-kind pottery.
For many creators, holiday markets are not a side hustle — they are the financial backbone of their craft.
A veteran painter estimates these events account for more than half of her annual income, logging hours on the road each way just to connect with customers who truly value handmade work.
Even first-time vendors made the cross-border trip, including a Wyoming woodworking business attending its first Montana market — a sign that Billings is earning a real reputation as a regional destination for artisan commerce.
When shoppers choose a makers market over a big-box store, they are not simply buying a gift — they are keeping someone's dream alive. Read More... |
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Well, Billings certainly isn't giving us any shortage of things to talk about this week!
We've got a local woman sharing her Jeopardy! experience (we'll take "Hometown Bragging Rights" for $1,000, Alex!), a former Billings country club executive making headlines for all the wrong reasons, and a look at food as medicine. Turns out, what you put on your plate might be just as important as what's in your medicine cabinet.
And if you're looking for something to do around town, you're in luck!
The holiday season is kicking into gear with craft fairs and shopping opportunities; the Alberta Bair Theater is bringing entertainment to the stage, and there's hockey, music, and plenty of reasons to get out of the house. Your couch will just have to learn to live without you for a while.
Of course, Wednesday is Veterans Day, and we'll take a moment to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Their sacrifices deserve more than just one day of recognition.
We've also got a little trivia to exercise those brain cells, because apparently remembering where you left your car keys doesn't count as mental gymnastics.
So pour yourself another cup of coffee, get comfortable, and enjoy this week's edition of The Trailhead Buzz. A little news, a little fun, and a whole lot of Billings. That's what we're buzzing about! 🐝 |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The Northern Pacific Railroad |