Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How MSU Billings’ record retention could shape the city’s future.

Be sure to catch Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness on the Billings Patch calendar

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

In today's newsletter:

  • How MSU Billings' record retention could shape the city's future.
  • How soon Will James Middle School could get a new school zone
  • Why December's Stockgrowers convention will bring ranchers flocking to Billings

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 10 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the hospital? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Very warm, with a high of 90 and low of 54 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Cooler; afternoon rain, temps: high: 59, low: 31.
  • Sunday: Rain mixing with snow; colder, with a high of 35 and low of 28 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Enrollment rates hold steady and retention rates rise at MSUB (easternprogress.com) — Montana State University Billings is reporting record-high freshman retention and steady overall enrollment, signaling stability for students and local employers who rely on its graduates. With more new students arriving and many returning, both the main campus and City College remain key education and workforce hubs for Billings residents.
   

2. Billings City Council and grieving mother get safer school zone plans in motion (ktvq.com) — Billings City Council is fast-tracking a new school zone at Will James Middle School, targeting the busy Grand Avenue and Rehberg Lane intersection and reviewing other secondary schools for similar protections. City engineers are coordinating with the state transportation department and considering stricter rules like no right-on-red in school zones, following the death of 13-year-old student Chase Lantz.
   

3. Montana Stockgrowers convention set for December 3-5 in Billings (tsln.com) — Billings will host the Montana Stockgrowers Association's 142nd Annual Convention and Trade Show December 3–5, bringing ranchers and ag leaders from across the state into town. Attendees can register now for policy meetings, a water symposium, educational sessions, and social events, all focused on the future of Montana's cattle industry and offering a significant economic boost for local hotels and businesses.
   

4. New downtown mural brings Montana cowboy portrait to First Avenue North (billingsgazette.com) — A new cowboy-themed mural now wraps the west wall of the former Angry Hank's Microbrewery building at 2405 First Avenue North in downtown Billings, brightening a key corner. Funded partly by a Space2Place grant, the artwork honors stuntman Robert Majerus and showcases local talent, including Billings hat maker D. James Hats, while supporting the Downtown Billings BID Street Team's home base.
   

5. South Billings hotels' rebrand as Midland Road sees wave of new development (ktvq.com) — South Billings' Midland Road corridor is seeing a major refresh, with two former Motel 6 properties under new ownership, one reopening as Signature Inn and another planned as a Cambria Hotel. Nearby businesses like High Tide Casino and the former Billings Convention Center site are watching closely as new retail and hospitality investment promises to change the feel and safety of the area.
   

📸 Around Billings

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Billings

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📣 Billings Shout Outs!

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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

  • If anyone is looking for homemade biscuits and sausage gravy, check out a
    place downtown called ROLLHOUSE BAKERY! I haven't tried it myself yet, but a couple of my friends went this morning and said the biscuits and sausage… (Nextdoor Lewis Ave)
  • There was a lady on this site many months ago who was asking about trailers being donated.
    She fixes them up and sells. Would like to touch base with her, if possible. Thank you. (Nextdoor Lewis Ave)
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate in Billings. Apply here.
  • Domino's Pizza posted a job opening for Assistant Manager(07006)851 Shiloh Crossing Blvd., Suites 1 & 2 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: "Why did the cookie go to the hospital?" — Because he felt crummy. (Thank you Sanda J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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