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🌱 Patch AM: How Billings is rallying after a mass shooting devastates one family

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Friday August 28th Patch AM
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Hey hey Billings! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Billings is rallying after a mass shooting devastates one family
  • What relatives say they saw before the Billings family massacre
  • Billings West End neighbors turn one corner into a powerful memorial

Also on today's calendar: The story of The Montana Heritage Center and 7 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A stray t-storm; not as hot, with a high of 83 and low of 65 degrees.
  • Saturday: A stray afternoon t-shower, temps: high: 79, low: 58.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and nice, with a high of 72 and low of 52 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 8 Family Members Killed In Montana Mass Shooting & House Fire (americanliberty.news) — Eight members of one family, including four children, were killed in a shooting and house fire just outside Billings, with investigators saying the suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot and multiple fires were set inside the home. Billings-area schools, neighbors, and local agencies are rallying around surviving relatives with fundraisers, meal trains, and crisis support as authorities continue processing the scene and dispelling online rumors.
   

2. Alan Smith, Billings, Montana gunman had many red flags (scallywagandvagabond.com) — Billings residents are learning more about the man authorities say killed eight relatives and himself at a local family home, with friends and former in-laws describing years of troubling behavior and "red flags." The report highlights concerns about domestic violence and how relatives' warnings went unheeded, while placing the Billings tragedy in the context of mass killings nationwide.
   

3. Billings memorial growing as it honors 8 victims of mass shooting (ktvq.com) — Neighbors in Billings' West End have built a growing memorial to honor eight people killed in a recent house fire and shooting, drawing visitors from across the city. Residents describe a powerful mix of grief, support, and heavy traffic as people leave flowers, messages, and mementos, turning one corner of the neighborhood into a shared space for mourning and connection.
   

4. Fire Chief Matt Hoppel retires after more than 22 years with Billings (ktvq.com) — Billings' longtime fire chief, Matt Hoppel, has retired after more than 22 years serving the community, with a celebration at the fire station marking his sendoff. City leaders and colleagues praised his dedication, and Assistant Chief Kevin Bentz, a 32-year veteran, steps in as interim chief starting today, ensuring continuity for local fire and emergency services.
   

5. Long-awaited transformation complete with debut of Sam McDonald Stadium at Daylis (ktvq.com) — Billings Public Schools have unveiled the new $14.9 million Sam McDonald Stadium at Daylis on the Senior High campus, replacing the aging grandstand with a modern multi-use venue. With upgraded seating, lights, locker rooms, and a 10-lane track, the stadium will host football, soccer, and track for Billings Senior, West, and Skyview, with a grand opening parade and dedication planned Saturday.
   

📸 Around Billings

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Billings

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📣 Billings Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Friday August 28
  • Passport Fair Hosted by the Office of U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy
    Billings Sr High School Senior High Main Gym
    9:00 am
  • Summer Tour Hours
    Moss Mansion Museum 914 Division St, Billings, MT 59101
    10:00 am
  • FB vs Big Sky
    Billings Sr High School Billings, MT 59101
    7:00 pm
    • Monday August 31
  • Mini Meet and Greet and Supply Drop Off
    Alkali Creek School Billings, MT 59101
    4:00 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

  • Bill Jones, President of the Montana Historical Society, will present the history of the Montana Heritage Center and the journey resulting in the current new home of the Center.
    1:00 PM, Sunday, August 30th, UU Fellowship Hall, 2132 West Central Ave, Admission free All are welcome. (Nextdoor Pioneer McKinley Historic Districts)
  • FOUND DOG ALERT!
    is this your pet? Pet was found on August 26, 2026 near Billings, MT For more details about this pet or to contact the finder, click here: https:/… (Nextdoor North Park)
  • Planet Fitness, Inc. posted a job opening for Overnight Custodian in Billings. Apply here.
  • Montana State University Billings posted a job opening for Custodian I 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: What a re-leaf! (Thank you Flo G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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