🌱 City Approves $500K For Sinkhole Repair + Summer Lunch Program

Good morning, neighbors! I'm here with your Wednesday edition of the Billings Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Turning cloudy. High: 77 Low: 50.
• Thursday: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 74 Low: 50.

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Here are the top three stories in Billings today:

1. The City of Billings is still grappling with issues arising from the recent flash flooding, including a sinkhole on Gabel Road. In response, the Billings City Council passed an emergency resolution granting the city administrator authority to allocate around $500,000 for faster repairs. While temporary fixes are expected to reopen Gabel Road within a week, a complete closure will be necessary later on to replace the damaged pipe. (Q2 News)
2. Billings School District Two's summer lunch program kicked off on Monday, Jun. 12, which serves 1,200 kids daily, addressing food insecurity in the community. The program started with a celebration at Central Park, where families gathered to enjoy free meals. The program aims to provide nutritious breakfast and lunch throughout the week at multiple park locations, welcoming anyone in need, including adults who can join for a small fee. The district has seen a 30 percent increase in participation in food insecurity programs since November. (Q2 News)
3. Montana State University Billings' City College has received a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand and diversify the nursing workforce in the state's rural areas over the next five years. The funding will enable City College to increase enrollment in its registered nurse and licensed practical nurse programs, address shortages in rural health care, and strengthen relationships with rural hospitals. The program will serve 300 participants from rural and low-income backgrounds in eastern and south-central Montana, with a focus on improving the nation's healthcare system by training individuals from historically marginalized and underrepresented groups. (Subscription: Billings Gazette)

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Today and tomorrow in Billings:

Wednesday, June 14

• Business After Hours At Hilton Garden Inn (5:00 PM)

Thursday, June 15

• Alive After 5: Counting Coup At Uberbrew (5:00 PM)
• Tech N9ne At Pub Station Ballroom (8:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The 31st annual Helping Hand Poker Run took place on Sunday at the Caboose Saloon in Laurel to support two Billings families facing medical challenges. Proceeds from the event went to the Williams family, whose daughter Anna is battling lymphoma, and the Bell family, whose daughter Maylin has a rare brain tumor. Despite the difficulties, both families are amazed by the strength and resilience shown by their daughters in facing their illnesses. (Q2 News)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Billings area! Get all the property details at the link. (Billings Patch)
• Since its inception in 1978, Summerfair has become a prominent summer event in Billings, featuring arts, crafts, and community participation. The 45th annual festival will be held at South Park on Jun. 23-25; more information can be found here. (KBUL)

That's it for today. I'll see you around!

— 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.