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🌱 Patch AM: Why are more black bears roaming near Billings neighborhoods now?

Also check out 6th Annual Helena Septemberfest: Gulch Goes Galactic on the Billings Patch calendar

Wednesday September 2nd Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Morning Billings! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why are more black bears roaming near Billings neighborhoods now?
  • Why the Billings Senior High stabbing case still has no charges.
  • What Justin Walker's promotion means for Skyview's football season.

Also on today's calendar: 6th Annual Helena Septemberfest: Gulch Goes Galactic and 6 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the bartender say to the jumper cables when they walked in? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Billings Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Billings Patch AM possible.
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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 91 and low of 61 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: Mostly sunny, temps: high: 87, low: 58.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and hot, with a high of 92 and low of 58 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Black Bears Increasingly Seen in Billings (montanaoutdoor.com) — Black bears are being seen more often around Billings this year, especially near the Yellowstone River and on the town's outskirts, as poor natural food pushes them toward neighborhoods. Residents are urged to secure garbage, pet and livestock feed, and grills, and to skip bird feeders until mid-December. Bear sightings or conflicts can be reported to the local Billings FWP office.
   

2. As Billings Senior High reopens, a January stabbing case remains unresolved (ktvq.com) — As Billings Senior High students return to class, families are still waiting for answers about a January stabbing involving teacher Jason Rader and a student, with no charges filed eight months later. Billings police and the Yellowstone County Attorney's Office call the case complex, while Rader remains employed but out of the classroom and the district works with the teachers union on safety efforts.
   

3. Billings Public Schools names Justin Walker interim Skyview football coach (ktvq.com) — Billings football fans will see a new leader on the Skyview Falcons' sideline, as Billings Public Schools names teacher Justin Walker interim head coach for the rest of the season. He replaces John Simpson, who resigned after a tough 1–8 stretch and a season‑opening loss, leaving questions about the program's direction as Walker steps in.
   

4. Construction picks up at future AC Hotel by Marriott site in downtown Billings (ktvq.com) — Downtown Billings drivers and pedestrians can expect ongoing disruption near North 27th Street and Second Avenue North as construction ramps up on the new multi‑story AC Hotel by Marriott. A tower crane is now in place for the long haul, with Second Avenue impacted for months and 27th Street reopening soon, while developers still target a late 2027 or early 2028 opening.
   

5. MSGA announces Producer Profitability Initiative roadshow dates (bozemandailychronicle.com) — Billings ranchers and ag producers can join the Montana Stockgrowers Association's Producer Profitability Initiative roadshow when it stops at Public Auction Yards on October 1. The statewide tour will share progress since earlier listening sessions, gather new feedback, and offer an online viewing option for those who pre-register through MSGA's website.
   

📸 Around Billings

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday September 3
  • Welcome all Students
    Will James Middle School Billings, MT 59101
    8:00 am
  • PTA Meeting & Back to School Night
    Canyon Creek 7-8 Billings, MT 59101
    3:30 pm
  • Friday September 4
  • Picture Day-Freshman
    Billings Sr High School Billings, MT 59101
    7:00 am
  • VB @ Missoula Big Sky
    Billings Sr High School Big Sky High School, 3100 South Ave W, Missoula, MT 59804, USA
    7:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I'm looking for someone who would like to exchange boarding with me.
    I have a very small 9 year old dog that I board a few times a year. I usually board with my vet but he gets stressed in that environment. If you also… (Nextdoor Silverwood-Ramada)
  • I have taken all my dogs that I have had in the past to Paws And Claws.
    They're very good. Good care if needed dating if needed clipping if needed check them out. (Nextdoor Shiloh-Monad)
  • Premium Retail Services, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Merchandiser in Billings. Apply here.
  • Teleperformance USA posted a job opening for Payroll Tax Processor - Remote in Billings. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Billings here.

Ok Billings! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Don't you 2 start anything (Thank you Mary L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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