🌱 Patch AM: How DNA finally cracked Billings’ 47-year-old teen murder case

Hey hey Billings! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How DNA finally cracked Billings' 47-year-old teen murder case
• How could new data centers reshape Billings' water, environment, and safety?
• Why state officials say Downtown Billings is a model for Montana

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Who's in favor of bringing back Roman Numerals? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Friday: Very warm with clouds and sun, with a high of 85 and low of 54 degrees.
• Saturday: Partly sunny and not as warm, temps: high: 72, low: 46.
• Sunday: Clouds and breaks of sun, with a high of 65 and low of 47 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Cold case solved after 47 years in Billings murder of teen Corina Contreraz (ktvq.com) — Investigators have finally solved the 1978 murder of 16-year-old Corina Lydia Contreraz, whose body was found east of Billings, bringing long-awaited answers to her family. Using modern DNA and forensic genealogy, Yellowstone County authorities identified the now-deceased Angelo James Stallsmith Sr. as the killer, offering some closure after nearly five decades of uncertainty and grief.
   

• The fight is not over for a local fight against data centers (ktvq.com) — Billings residents are seeing a renewed push to scrutinize proposed data centers, as Yellowstone Valley Voices files an amended initiative seeking both a public vote and an independent expert review of water, environmental, and social impacts. The group's earlier petition was struck down in court, but organizers say they're broadening their effort and demanding outside specialists with no industry ties before any projects move forward.
   

• Montana Department of Commerce Praises Billings for Downtown Revitalization Success (matr.net) — Downtown Billings is earning statewide recognition for its revitalization work, with the Montana Department of Commerce calling it a model for preservation-based economic development. After a recent site visit, officials praised strong local partnerships and momentum, and Billings is now slated to host the national Main Street America Coordinators conference in October 2025, spotlighting the city's approach to historic downtown growth.
   

📸 Around Billings

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Billings

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Saturday September 26
• PMP® Certification Training in Billings, MT | Intensive 4-Day Bootcamp →
  208 N 29th St suite 201, Billings

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Saturday September 26
• Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market →
  Billings MT
  6:00 am
• Fall Fest at Roots Garden Center →
  Roots Garden Center, 2147 Poly Dr., Billings
  7:00 am
• 2nd Annual Craft & Art Supplies Swap Meet! Shopping for Everyone →
  Billings Public Library, 510 North Broadway, Billings
  9:00 am
• upLIFTT Billings Thrift Saturday →
  UpLIFTT Thrift, 1201 Grand Avenue, Billings
  10:00 am
• A Royal Princess Tea Party →
  Captain Scurvy's Black Dragon Den, Billings
  11:00 am
• Matrimony, Mutiny & Murder – The Crimson Wedding →
  The Pirate's Port at Captain Scurvy's Black Dragon Den, Billings
  6:00 pm
• Lethal Aid / Requiem Tree / Sorrow Months →
  Kirks' Grocery, 2920 Minnesota Ave., Billings
  8:00 pm
Sunday September 27
• 4th Wednesday of September Wine at Yellowstone Cellars & Winery →
  Billings MT
Monday September 28
• Brain Health Day →
  Eagle Seeker Community Center, 1125 Broadwater Avenue, Billings
• Defensive Tactics Instructor →
  Martial Arts Academy of Billings, 528 Lake Elmo Drive, Billings
  8:00 am
Thursday October 15
• Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness →
  Dillard's, 320 S 24th St W, Billings
  10:00 am

📣 Billings Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

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

• There was a couple who advertised their business here that specialized in downsizing homes as well as getting rid of unwated household items.
  My sis has dementia and needing to move to an assisted care facility. I can't find their listing. (Nextdoor Green Briar)
• Is there any places to work that have paper applications?
  It seems they all do it on line. I'm inquiring this for my son. (Nextdoor Colbert)

• HUB International Limited posted a job opening for Account Manager - Transportation Insurance in Billings. Apply here.
• Simpson Strong Tie Co., Inc. posted a job opening for Shipper/Receiver in Billings. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Billings here.

🗞 Nearby News

Laurel

• New owners of old Laurel school building open to renovation ideas (ktvq.com)
• Havre High golfers begin the postseason (blainecountyjournal.com)

Columbus

• Columbus relies on three ADs to replace one (stillwatercountynews.com)
• On the line: One miner's view of Stillwater's prolonged strike (stillwatercountynews.com)
• Skid Row's first talent show puts local voices in the spotlight, in photos (kulr8.com)

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: I for 1. (Thank you Bill L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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