🌱 Billings Clinic Confirms Layoffs + Chamber Auctions Historic Art

Hi all. It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's what you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Cloudy, a shower and t-storm. High: 68 Low: 53.
• Saturday: A t-storm; breezy in the a.m.. High: 66 Low: 50.

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Here are the top three stories today in Billings:

1. Billings Clinic has confirmed layoffs as part of a restructuring effort aimed at addressing financial and operational challenges in the health care industry. Approximately 25-30 positions are expected to be affected, but the clinic hopes to minimize this number and assist impacted employees in finding alternative positions within the organization. They emphasize their commitment to supporting affected individuals through paid administrative leave, health insurance benefits, and severance packages based on years of service. (KULR-TV)
2. The Billings Chamber of Commerce is facing criticism for its decision to auction off a historic painting titled "The Young Chief" by Joseph Henry Sharp, depicting a Crow settlement. The chamber, which has previously attempted to sell the painting, defends its choice citing member support and a mission to address community issues with the proceeds. However, community members expressed disappointment and called for the painting's preservation, highlighting its significance and historical value to Montana and Billings. (Q2 News)
3. Due to a shortage of approximately 78,000 drivers in the trucking industry last year, 160 Driving Academy in Billings Heights opened its doors to train new drivers, including a growing number of women entering the field. However, there are still challenges to overcome, such as retiring drivers and the impact of the pandemic on transportation. Rising salaries and increased demand for drivers are positive signs amidst the need for new drivers to join the industry. (Q2 News)

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Today and tomorrow in Billings:

Friday, June 23

• Yellowstone Art Museum's SummerFair At South Park (4:00 PM)

Saturday, June 24

• Billings Pride Festival 2023 At Skypoint (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The United Way of Yellowstone County held its 28th annual Day of Action on Jun. 21 and brought together volunteers from the community and corporations to enhance John H. Dover Park in Billings Heights through landscape restoration. The event mobilized a large group of volunteers, enabling significant progress in a short time. The volunteers worked on trail restoration, invasive tree removal, and rock spreading around benches and shelter areas. (KULR-TV)
• Uberbrew in Billings is known for serving the best French fries in town, according to Magic City's Best, a food competition created during the pandemic to support local restaurants. The competition, now open to the public, includes four main events where people can try and vote for their favorite food categories, such as tacos, burgers, wings, and pizza. Participate in the first Tacos and Tequila event at the Billings Depot today, Jun. 23, at 6:00 p.m. (Q2 News)
• Rimrock Mall is hosting a job fair on Saturday, Jun. 24, where job seekers can connect with employers, explore job opportunities, and network with participating businesses. The event will take place at the Rimrock Mall Center Court from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to dress professionally and bring copies of their resumes. (KULR-TV)

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That's it for today! I'll catch up with you soon with your next update.

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.