Over 60 members of the Solberg family united in Billings, Montana, during the Fourth of July weekend for a memorable family reunion.

 

Family traveled from near and far, eager to reconnect and celebrate their rich history.

 

A poignant highlight was their group visit to The Wall That Heals, a traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica stationed at Will James Middle School.

 

For Carl Solberg, a Vietnam veteran and lifelong Billings resident, the event held special meaning.

 

Carl had spent years curating a treasure trove of family records tracing their journey from Norway to Montana, dating back to the 1850s.

 

Organized by Karen Allery of Glendive, the gathering brought together four generations, introducing cousins and fostering deep connections.

 

The reunion also served as an opportunity to honor local heroes commemorated on the memorial, ensuring family stories and sacrifices endure for the next generation.

This summer in Billings, families can enjoy a diverse lineup of programs inviting kids to learn and play. Rec2U, run by the Billings Parks and Recreation Department, delivers free daily activities like sports, crafts, and games at parks across the city from June 1 to August 14, pausing for July 3.

 

The Billings Public Library is partnering with the Brooklyn Public Library to present the Freadom Book Club for teens ages 12 to 18. Monthly meetings offer engaging book discussions, guest speakers, and free meals, with students able to borrow books for free.

 

Young children can join Adventures in Story Time at the library to experience interactive reading, songs, and crafts every Tuesday and Thursday, fostering early literacy skills.

 

To support local youth, Lunch at the Library provides free meals twice weekly for children and teens through August 5.

 

Billings’ summer programs aim to inspire learning, connection, and well-being for all ages.

A treasured Little Free Library in a Billings neighborhood was damaged late Tuesday night, likely by a firework, but residents quickly rallied to support the popular book-sharing spot.

 

The small library, located at Alderson Avenue and Fifth Street West, suffered burn marks and lost several books to fire.

 

Yet neighbors wasted no time replacing the damaged books and offering help to repair the kiosk, demonstrating the neighborhood’s strong sense of community.

 

Locals describe the kiosk as a hub for connection where new friendships form and children regularly exchange books.

 

For many, the library offers a comforting sense of safety and a cherished space for sharing stories and poetry.

 

The library remains open, with residents emphasizing their preference for physical books and the simple joy of reading together.

 

The Billings police report no further little library vandalism, and most owners say damage is rare.

Eric Calmand, a French cyclist and prostate cancer survivor, rode through Billings, Montana, during his inspiring global fundraising journey for cancer research.

 

After his diagnosis in February 2023 and a difficult recovery from surgery and radiation, Calmand envisioned a worldwide cycling tour to support others battling the disease.

 

Since setting off in April 2026, he’s pedaled more than 3,200 miles, striving to visit the Seven Wonders of the World while maintaining a daily pace of 50 to 60 miles and prioritizing rest as needed.

 

Highlights of his journey across the U.S. include Niagara Falls, Mount Rushmore, and the Little Bighorn Battlefield.

 

Drawn to Montana’s beauty, Calmand eagerly anticipates Yellowstone and Grand Teton before heading to Bozeman to reunite with his wife.

 

He credits community support for fueling his determination and urges others to join his mission against cancer through awareness and contributions.

A persistent mouse problem at Billings West End Target has heightened concerns over rodent infestations in local stores.

 

Inspections by RiverStone Health began in May after customer complaints surfaced.

 

Records show pest control teams have tracked rodent activity since March, identifying gaps beneath doors and a roller door that weren’t sealing properly.

 

Evidence included mouse traps with caught rodents, spilled food, and droppings in food aisles.

 

Although no live mice were seen during inspections, a dead mouse was discovered in the bread aisle.

 

The case remains open as the store addresses food safety risks.

 

Experts such as Jacob Haslam from Kodiak Pest Control say this spike in mouse activity is linked to Montana’s mild winter, urging residents and businesses to seal openings and maintain cleanliness.

 

Similar rodent issues have closed other stores in the region, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance.

The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, is coming to Billings, Montana from July 2 to July 5, 2026.

 

Set up at Will James Middle School, the exhibit offers locals a moving way to honor Vietnam War heroes.

 

The memorial, open to the public around the clock and free to visit, features over 58,000 names, letting visitors reflect on each life lost.

 

A mobile education center will join the wall, sharing photos, artifacts, and personal stories from the Vietnam era, giving a richer sense of veterans’ experiences.

 

Thanks to the Yellowstone Veterans Committee and community partners, the exhibit gives access to those unable to journey to D.C.

 

Volunteers are still needed to support the event, and community members can reach out for more details or visit the memorial’s website.

Billings, Montana is buzzing with the Rocky Mountain Chapter Tree Climbing Competition at Pioneer Park, uniting professional arborists from several states.

 

Forty competitors and around 60 volunteers have gathered for this annual event, organized by the International Society of Arboriculture's Rocky Mountain Chapter.

 

Participants from Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico demonstrate a regional passion for tree care.

 

Ashley Fox from Colorado praises the competition for its unique blend of practical skill challenges and valuable networking, mirroring real-life pressures arborists face.

 

Deacon Maloney values both the focus on safety and reconnecting with industry peers, noting the strong sense of community.

 

Locals are invited to watch the competition through Saturday, celebrating arborists' expertise and dedication at Pioneer Park.

Lem Robinson, a Billings father, has received city approval to create a permanent memorial for his daughter, Savanah Robinson, in Swords Park.

 

Savanah tragically died in a motorcycle crash on May 26, 2025, and her father’s tireless advocacy led him through a long approval process.

 

After initial attempts to honor her at the crash site on Highway 3 were halted due to land regulations, Robinson turned to the city’s new public art program, becoming the first applicant.

 

He chose Swords Park, overlooking Billings—a place that held deep meaning for Savanah.

 

The memorial, featuring a bench and angel sculpture perched on the rims, is set to be completed around Labor Day.

 

Robinson hopes this heartfelt tribute not only celebrates his daughter’s memory but also reminds the community about motorcycle safety and the dangers of impaired driving.

Each spring, Billings, Montana bursts with color as the Tina and Daughters Iris Garden celebrates over three decades as a beloved local treasure.

 

This family-owned oasis began with just 300 iris types and now dazzles visitors with more than 3,700 varieties.

 

Tina Muller, inspired by her neighbors and supported by her family, turned a simple plot into a vibrant sanctuary for iris lovers.

 

Today, generations of Mullers—children and grandchildren—continue the tradition, their stories woven into every row of blooms.

 

Standout irises such as the 'Ruffled Velvet' Siberian iris and native Western Blue Flag Iris showcase both elegance and Montana’s natural beauty.

 

The Mullers' resilience, despite weather challenges, has nurtured a community gathering place where locals celebrate heritage and discover the wonder of gardening.

 

As irises flourish, so too does appreciation for this living legacy, welcoming visitors to experience nature’s simple joy.

The Billings Fun Con returned to the MetraPark Expo Center this weekend, inviting fans of all genres to a lively celebration of pop culture and creativity.

 

Visitors from Montana and neighboring states gathered to browse vendor booths, meet artists, and snap photos with celebrity guests such as Brett Wagner, best known as Leatherface from “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”

 

The convention offers something for everyone — from trading card battles and role-playing games to flash tattoos and a popular cosplay contest.

 

Admission remains budget-friendly, with free entry for kids 12 and under and $15 for others.

 

Owner Fred Moormeier emphasizes the event’s inclusive spirit, highlighting its fusion of comic, anime, and gaming cultures under one roof.

 

The festive atmosphere encourages all visitors to connect, discover new fandoms, and enjoy the creative passion of the local community.

Downtown Billings is buzzing with the arrival of two creative hubs, opening new doors for local artists, entrepreneurs, and content creators.

 

Billings Launchpad, founded by Philip Agyeman-Budu and John Biddle, offers a professional studio at 14 S. 27th St. complete with facilities for photography, podcasting, and video production.

 

Driven by the needs of small businesses for compelling media, Launchpad allows clients to rent space for their own projects or seek expert guidance from its founders.

 

The team plans to add an infinity wall for seamless backdrops, expanding its commercial capabilities.

 

Just blocks away, Billings Open Studio at 2814 2nd Ave N, managed by Eileen Bobinski, provides an airy, light-filled photo studio for all kinds of creative projects.

 

With top-tier equipment and a supportive environment, these venues champion authentic creativity, underscoring the unique value of original human expression.

Cancer survivors and their care teams came together at ZooMontana in Billings for a warm, outdoor barbecue, stepping away from the clinic to celebrate strength and resilience.

 

Among those present was Christina Schy, who has bravely beaten breast cancer twice, and Dennis Henderson, a lung cancer survivor still vigilant about his health since his 2020 diagnosis.

 

Both credited the compassionate support from the Billings Clinic for helping them through their journeys, emphasizing the encouraging relationships built with their care providers.

 

The event, filled with food and friendly conversation, fostered strong bonds between survivors and the teams that guided them, highlighting the importance of community beyond medical treatment.

 

For Schy, who now works at the cancer center herself, the gathering was especially meaningful, offering a relaxed chance to connect and support one another in a new way.

A vibrant new eatery, Curry Bar & Grill, has opened its doors at 119 N. Broadway in downtown Billings, infusing the area with a blend of Nepalese and Indian cuisine.

 

The menu features beloved classics like butter chicken and fresh naan, while also introducing locals to momo, flavorful dumplings cherished in Nepal.

 

Owner Hemant Bhandari, with years of restaurant expertise across the U.S., previously co-owned Mt. Everest Nepalese and Indian Bistro in Wyoming, fine-tuning his craft before launching this new venture.

 

Bhandari chose Billings for its growing food scene and the limited Indian dining options, aiming to deliver genuine flavors to an eager community.

 

Dishes are prepared with spices like cardamom and cinnamon, while naan is baked to order in a tandoor oven for true authenticity.

 

Curry Bar & Grill is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., serving beer, wine, and plans for more drink options soon.

Relentless weekend rain left Billings neighborhoods underwater, with familiar roads turned into swift streams and floodwaters pressing up against homes.

 

Residents like Stuart Shay on 17th Street described the unsettling experience of his home surrounded by water, saying he did what he could before simply documenting the astonishing scene.

 

Key routes, including 24th Street, faced heavy flooding, causing stalled cars and unsafe travel. Hardin resident Anna Bellrock, visiting during the storm, likened the street to a flowing river and expressed disbelief at the rainfall’s intensity.

 

Despite the chaos, some saw hope in the much-needed moisture after a lengthy dry spell, though many wished the rain had come more slowly.

 

The National Weather Service had warned of flash flooding, and now local officials stress preparedness as the community recovers from the deluge.

 

This event highlights the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and ongoing readiness in the face of unpredictable weather.

Billings, Mont. — The Bridging Montana Expo at the Billings Public Library united dozens of organizations to serve as a one-stop hub for vital community resources, including housing aid and transportation.

 

Locals connected directly with service providers, making it easier to access help without navigating multiple offices around the city.

 

Calli Bangs from Montana Employment Training Services stressed that these gatherings boost accessibility and support by bringing agencies together under one roof, fostering a spirit of collaboration and unity in Billings.

 

Many attendees learned about support programs for the first time, highlighting the expo’s role in closing local information gaps.

 

Sonya Latray noted the expo not only links residents with services but also empowers them with scripts and encouragement to seek out help, assuring neighbors they are not alone.

 

This biannual event continues to grow, strengthening connections and putting essential assistance within reach for all Billings residents.

Rimrock Mall in Billings was evacuated on Friday, May 29, 2026, after a bomb threat disrupted shoppers and workers.

 

Law enforcement swiftly responded, conducting a thorough search before declaring the threat a hoax.

 

Police thanked the community for their patience as the mall resumed regular activity, highlighting the importance of cooperation during emergencies.

 

Similar threats occurred at Gallatin Valley Mall in Bozeman, prompting another evacuation and police sweep.

 

Again, the threat proved unfounded, with no dangerous items discovered.

 

Authorities are investigating possible links between these incidents, concerned about the impact of false alarms on public safety and emergency resources.

 

Community members are urged to stay alert, report suspicious activity, and follow updates from local officials.

 

These hoax threats underscore the ongoing need for vigilance and preparedness throughout Montana’s shopping centers.

Memorial Day 2026 in Billings was marked by intense heat, sending locals in search of ways to cool down.

 

Lake Elmo State Park drew huge crowds, causing packed parking and a bustling beach as residents flocked to the water.

 

For those wanting to avoid the crowds, Billings offers five free splash pads scattered across the city, each open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

South Park features the city’s largest and most advanced splash pad, with 55 programmable jets and shaded picnic areas perfect for families.

 

Nearby, North Park and Terry Park offer lively water play alongside playgrounds, while Highland Park is ideal for those seeking a quieter spot.

 

In the Heights, Castle Rock Park provides a spacious option for splash pad fun and outdoor gatherings.

 

Billings’ splash pads deliver refreshing, accessible fun for all ages, making them essential for summer relief.

Billings, Mont. — A vibrant women’s fitness group is making its long-awaited return to Billings, energizing local women to connect, get active, and forge meaningful friendships.

 

Originating in Bozeman in 2017, the initiative now spans over 20 cities nationwide, including communities across Montana.

 

After a hiatus during the pandemic, the Billings chapter is back, led by Megan Gibson and Megan Franken, known as "Megan Squared," both of whom previously participated in chapters elsewhere.

 

Founded by Cassidy Van Orden, the group welcomes women of all backgrounds and fitness levels.

 

Activities range from hikes and workouts to book exchanges and craft nights, united by the goal of building lasting relationships.

 

The group’s inclusive spirit embraces women ages 18 to 65+, encouraging newcomers to step outside their comfort zones and discover lifelong friendships.

 

Upcoming adventures include mountain biking, brewery meetups, and more, creating new chances to learn and grow together in Billings.

Yellowstone County is set to strengthen its power grid as plans move forward for the McFarland Energy Storage Project, a modern battery energy facility proposed near the NorthWestern Energy substation on Shorey Road, northwest of Billings.

 

NextEra Energy aims to boost electric grid reliability with this 10-acre project, responding to rising demand fueled by local growth.

 

Commissioner Mark Morse emphasized that plans are still early, with no immediate construction and operations expected around 2030.

 

The facility would store excess power using lithium-ion batteries, then release it during peak demand—helping stabilize supply and create economic opportunities.

 

CEO Justice Graham of YellowBall Roofing and Solar highlights improved safety features in today’s battery systems, though land use remains a concern.

 

Montana’s ongoing shift toward energy storage, marked by projects like Glacier Battery System, positions the state for reliable, future-ready power.

Justin Fuson, a standout pitcher for the Billings Mustangs, has advanced to the Chicago White Sox organization after two impressive seasons.

 

Fuson’s call-up was an emotional moment shared with his mother, as both have long dreamed of this opportunity.

 

He is now training in the Arizona Complex League, preparing for assignment to a minor league team within the White Sox system.

 

Originally set to pitch at the Mustangs’ home opener, Fuson’s promotion instead brought pride and tearful goodbyes from his host family, the Wollenburgs, who have supported him and eight other players during their hosting tenure.

 

Manager Craig Maddox praised Fuson’s off-season dedication and noted he is the seventh Mustang to move up to a major league club.

 

Fuson’s journey is a testament to hard work and the supportive community in Billings, which now looks forward to his continued success.

The Fishtail Coffee Cabin in Fishtail, Montana, has suddenly found itself at the center of global interest after a simple thank-you post about Starlink internet went viral.

 

Starlink and Elon Musk reshared the post, shining an unexpected spotlight on this cozy rural coffee shop and its close-knit community.

 

Owners Amanda and Mike Wiles took over the Cabin in January, reimagining it as a nonprofit gathering space for locals and travelers alike.

 

Thanks to their tech expertise, the Wileses installed Starlink, providing fast, reliable internet—even during power outages—in a town of fewer than 70 residents.

 

The praise for Starlink’s role in local safety and connection underscored the Cabin’s value as much more than a coffee spot.

 

Despite their newfound fame, the Wileses remain dedicated to building community and celebrating the quiet beauty of Montana’s mountains.

Residents in Billings Heights are expressing mounting frustration as an affordable housing project on Sioux Lane sits idle, nearly two years after modular homes arrived on site.

 

Planned to offer 102 units, the development—using repurposed structures from the Bakken oil fields—remains largely undeveloped and now stands as a source of local concern.

 

Neighbors like Michael Gonzalez and Wendy Saunders have voiced worries about neighborhood safety and the site’s ongoing disarray, with some feeling the delay has changed the area’s character.

 

HomeFront, the agency behind the project, cited vandalism and doubled costs, which have risen to $36 million, as key reasons for the hold-up.

 

Despite setbacks, HomeFront and its partner Homeword remain optimistic, reporting new investor interest and aiming to begin construction by late summer.

 

The community remains eager to see the promise of new housing finally realized.

Kendra Langford Shaw, a devoted Billings City Council member representing Ward 1, will debut her first novel, The Pillagers' Guide to Arctic Pianos, on May 12.

 

Shaw, who spent over a decade discreetly shaping her story, has already received acclaim, earning a Kirkus Star and attention in major publications.

 

The novel, influenced by Shaw's Alaskan roots and Montana upbringing, follows the Spahr family as they uncover a centuries-old piano in a melting Arctic fjord, igniting unexpected chaos.

 

Her father’s work delivering musical instruments to remote communities directly inspired key details in the narrative.

 

The book weaves themes of home, identity, and what truly binds a community, mirroring Shaw’s own journey in local government.

 

Locals are invited to a free launch event on May 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Art House Cinema and Pub for readings and a book signing.

Gardening in USDA Hardiness Zone 5 demands plant selection and smart techniques due to frigid winters that plunge as low as -20°F.

 

Mulching with pine bark improves soil structure, retains moisture, slowly releases nutrients, and helps deter pests for a healthier environment.

 

Choose hardy perennials such as daylilies, hostas, and coneflowers for vibrant, low-maintenance color that persists through cold seasons.

 

Cold-tolerant vegetables like kale and spinach extend harvests well into autumn, enduring even light frosts.

 

Protect tender plants using row covers, which create a warmer microclimate and shield from sudden chills while letting in sunlight.

 

Integrate organic compost for richer soil and robust plant growth, and consider native shrubs such as boxwood to boost local biodiversity.

 

Prune in late winter to shape plants and remove unhealthy branches, and start seeds indoors six weeks before the last frost for earlier, stronger crops.

 

Raised beds and reflective mulch further enhance growth by improving drainage, boosting soil warmth, and maximizing sunlight.

 

By understanding Zone 5’s climate and adopting these strategies, gardeners can enjoy thriving landscapes all season long.

Billings’ South Park transformed into a lively center of Hispanic pride on May 2, 2026, as student-led group Raza Unida hosted its vibrant second annual Cinco de Mayo celebration.

 

Local students organized the festivities to unite Hispanic youth and share their rich heritage, while also raising funds for a cultural and educational trip to Denver.

 

Traditional music, dance performances, and authentic Mexican dishes drew a diverse crowd, eager to experience and support Latino traditions firsthand.

 

Growing Hispanic influence was apparent, with attendees expressing excitement about the community’s increasing visibility and new Latino businesses enhancing the city’s cultural scene.

 

Raza Unida continues to champion cultural awareness through events like Día de los Muertos and outreach efforts that foster unity and understanding in Billings.

 

Celebrations like these play a vital role in building a more inclusive community as Billings’ population becomes ever more diverse.

The Western Heritage Center in Billings has launched “Having a Beer in Billings,” inviting locals to explore the city’s history with beer through an immersive exhibit running until December 2026.

 

This interactive experience traces Billings’ brewing story from early 1900s beginnings to its present-day craft boom, featuring artifacts, photos, and personal stories that reveal beer’s lasting influence on local life.

 

Highlights include a recreated neon sign from the historic Billings Brewing Company and a lovingly restored Ford Model T “beer mobile,” which bridges past and present.

 

Coinciding with the exhibit, Billings Craft Beer Week unfolds May 10–16, 2026, with brewery tours, tastings, trivia, and the Last Best Beer Run—a lively 5K through downtown breweries ending at Dehler Park.

 

Locals can dive deeper by using the Billings Brew Pass for rewards and brew-off voting, making this celebration a true toast to community spirit.

The Billings community gathered on May 3, 2026, to honor Shawna Hart, a beloved mother lost to domestic violence.

 

People dressed in purple filled the Yellowstone County Courthouse lawn, embracing one another in shared grief and remembering Hart’s generous spirit.

 

Dominica Parsons, Shawna’s sister, recalled her as endlessly supportive and caring.

 

The vigil, organized by survivor Lily Aimone, called for breaking the silence around abuse, highlighting the power of community advocacy.

 

Organizations like the Billings Area Family Violence Task Force and the City of Billings Domestic Violence Unit are expanding support, offering legal help and protective services for victims.

 

Upcoming events, such as the Billings Rotary Memorial Parade, further unite residents to remember victims and champion lasting change.

 

The community’s united response signals hope for a safer future, focused on support and prevention.

Montana gardeners are spotting more praying mantis oothecae, the distinctive egg cases clinging to twigs and stems throughout the region.

 

These foamy cases safeguard mantis eggs through winter, ultimately releasing hatchlings come spring.

 

The European mantis (Mantis religiosa), originally from Eurasia, has become increasingly common in local gardens, often introduced for pest control.

 

Mantises help reduce pests like mosquitoes, flies, and mites, but they’re also known to eat beneficial bugs such as bees and butterflies—sometimes even small frogs or minnows.

 

Residents are encouraged to leave oothecae intact, as mantises offer natural pest management without chemicals.

 

Bites to humans are extremely rare, non-venomous, and virtually harmless if handled gently.

 

The rise in sightings marks their growing adaptation to Montana’s landscape, creating new wildlife encounters for locals and benefiting the garden ecosystem.

Three Billings community service officers recently rescued a kitten trapped inside a parked car on First Avenue, drawing heartfelt praise from locals.

 

Officers Santiago, Newell, and Mitchell responded quickly, carefully freeing the frightened feline and ensuring its safety.

 

Now in the care of animal control, the kitten awaits either a joyful reunion with its owner or placement in a new, caring home.

 

This event serves as a reminder for vehicle owners to stay vigilant, especially as cats often hide in car engines or wheel wells for warmth and safety—risks that increase during summer months.

 

Billings residents looking to help can consider adopting through groups like Savage Cat Rescue, which provides safe havens for feral and stray cats across the city.

 

The officers' quick response highlights the community’s ongoing commitment to animal welfare and encourages everyone to report pets in danger.

Billings residents are gearing up for the Great American Cleanup on April 25, 2026, a city-wide event led by Bright n' Beautiful to tackle litter and beautify local spaces.

 

Volunteers will meet at the Billings Community Center and Operation Center starting at 8:30 a.m. for check-in and supplies, before fanning out to spruce up neighborhoods and parks.

 

Last year, more than 400 participants gathered over 20 tons of trash, showing the community’s strong commitment to environmental care.

 

The city continues to battle litter with the “Bag It, Tie It, Bin It” campaign, urging residents to securely bag their garbage and help prevent waste from escaping during pickup.

 

Improved habits could help cut the $100,000 the city spends fighting preventable litter each year.

 

Meanwhile, yard waste collection resumes April 6—residents should set out green bins early, keeping lids closed and limbs bundled for easy pickup.

 

These efforts underscore the importance of community action in keeping Billings clean and inviting.