Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Yellowstone County is trying to regain power over data centers

Make time for Projectile Comedy at The Monte on the Billings Patch calendar

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Thursday September 24th Patch AM
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Hi there, Billings! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

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In today's newsletter:

  • How Yellowstone County is trying to regain power over data centers
  • How Billings is turning tragedy into a week of community healing
  • How could I-194 change Billings' jail bond and local campaigns?

Also on today's calendar: BRICK HAUS & AJA: Bricks in Space – (Ages 18+) and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Do you know what the two sides of a circle are? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Sunshine and very warm, with a high of 84 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Friday: Very warm with clouds and sun, temps: high: 84, low: 54.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 70 and low of 46 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Yellowstone County commissioners make move to gain more control over data centers (ktvq.com) — Yellowstone County commissioners in Billings are asking local legislators to revise Montana's Right to Compute Act so counties can again use zoning, permitting, and health rules to oversee new data centers. The move follows intense backlash over the Quantica data center in Broadview and could shape how future projects near Billings are reviewed and approved.
   

2. 'It's so beautiful': Family thanks community and finds ways to honor victims after Billings mass shooting (ktvq.com) — Billings families are leaning on community support one month after a deadly White Star Circle shooting and fire that killed eight relatives, as plans move forward to demolish the home and someday create a healing space there. Next week, more than 50 local businesses will host fundraisers, starting Sunday with bingo at the Rhoadside Event Center and continuing with gatherings at Hooligans, The Vig and Diamond X.
   

3. Debate over I-194 continues in Billings community as election draws near (ktvq.com) — Billings residents are weighing Initiative 194 as the local chamber of commerce campaigns against it, warning it could sideline businesses from supporting bonds and levies like the proposed jail expansion. Supporters, including some Billings business owners and a MSU-Billings professor, argue it would curb dark money and corporate influence in Montana elections, with similar efforts emerging in other states.
   

4. Report: Montana's Labor Force Reaches Record High, But Employment Dips for First Time Since 2020 (flatheadbeacon.com) — Montana's latest labor report shows record labor force participation but a small job loss, with layoffs at a mining facility west of Billings and growth tied partly to the Billings Clinic–Logan Health hospital network. While healthcare and wages are rising, sectors like mining, manufacturing, tourism, and government are shedding jobs, reshaping opportunities for workers across Billings and the rest of the state.
   

📸 Around Billings

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Edit #reunited Spooky was found!
    Thank you!!! Missing cat, Spooky 1 year old, Green collar, got out this morning. Please let me know if you find him! (Nextdoor 10-13 Avenue D)
  • Montana State University Billings posted a job opening for Temporary Custodian in Billings. Apply here.
  • SAS Retail Services posted a job opening for Retail Merchandiser Team Lead 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: The inside and the outside ! (Thank you James M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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