🌱 Billings Construction Projects + Family Opens Home For Senior Dogs

Hey, everybody. It's Wednesday in Billings and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: A few afternoon showers. High: 69 Low: 53.
• Thursday: Cloudy, a little rain; cooler. High: 61 Low: 49.

Business owners and marketers in Billings: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Billings:

1. Billings native Chelsea Jovanovich, who was born without a fully formed uterus, received a donated uterus from Cheryl Urban and has since given birth to two sons. The journey to parenthood was emotional and exciting for Jovanovich and her husband Jake, who moved to Pennsylvania for a uterus transplant. Around 40 uterus transplants have been performed in the United States, resulting in 28 babies being born to those mothers, according to Dr. Kathleen O'Neill at Penn Medicine. (KULR-TV)
2. Billings is set to receive two new signal lights this summer, including one at Grand Avenue and 32nd Street West, which is considered a high-crash intersection. The development projects in the area have helped fund the signal light installation. Another signal light is planned for Grand Avenue and 48th Street West, near Grace Montessori Academy, and is a joint project between the City of Billings and Yellowstone County. In addition to the signal lights, road improvement projects such as chip sealing and a new storm drain on Bitterroot Drive are scheduled for the summer. The Public Works Department is also offering opportunities for the community to tour the landfill and the Water Reclamation Facility to get a behind-the-scenes look at their work. (KULR-TV)
3. Pooch'z B&B in Billings provides a loving home for senior dogs to live out their remaining years. Marge and Bill Hall founded the nonprofit organization in 2020, offering a safe and open environment for senior dogs in need. With 17 dogs currently in their care, the Halls provide exercise, quality food, and medical care, which costs around $208 per dog per month. They rely on donations and sponsors to support the expenses of running Pooch'z. The couple is dedicated to giving these dogs the best life possible and believes that senior dogs are truly special companions. (Q2 News)

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Today and tomorrow in Billings:

Wednesday, May 10

• Yoga At Yellowstone Art Museum (10:30 AM)

Thursday, May 11

• Magic City Market At 406 Events Lawn (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Voting is now open for the annual War of the Walls mural competition in Billings and Laurel, where students from each high school are selected to paint a mural on a MasterLube store. The public can vote for their favorite mural, with the winner receiving a traveling trophy and bragging rights. Voting closes on Wednesday, May 12, and the winner will be announced on Friday, May 12, coinciding with the Grad Day fundraising event held at various MasterLube locations to support the high schools' drug and alcohol-free graduation celebrations. (KULR-TV)
• Full- and part-time job opportunities are available in the Billings area. Available positions include account manager, deli associate, insurance coordinator, and more. More details about companies hiring in the area are available at the link. (Billings Patch)
• Stevie Robinson, a yoga instructor in Billings, found solace and purpose in yoga after an injury and as a means of maintaining sobriety. As the volunteer success coordinator for Montana's largest Phoenix group, she helps others overcome addiction through activities like yoga and kickboxing, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness and mindfulness in recovery. Supported by the Gianforte Family Foundation, The Phoenix offers free sober events and outings, providing a supportive community for individuals seeking recovery. (Q2 News)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox soon with a new 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.