🌱 Homicide POI Is 14 Years Old + BIL Upgrades + Major Drug Bust

Hello all. It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Billings Patch newsletter. Let's get this Wednesday started off right, with a quick guide to everything you need to know about what's going on these days in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: A stray afternoon t-shower. High: 83 Low: 50.
• Thursday: Very warm; breezy in the p.m.. High: 82 Low: 52.

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 in Billings today:

1. The North Star Amusement carnival in Billings has reopened two days after a 20-year-old man was shot and killed outside in an incident involving a group of teenagers. Police have identified a person of interest who is only 14 years old, but it is still unclear who pulled the trigger. Police are cautioning people to be careful about the events they attend and the crowds they draw until more information is available, and they are still looking for more individuals involved and witnesses to speak to. (Q2 News)
2. The Billings Logan International Airport has introduced autonomous robots to serve drinks in the recently opened Skyward Brews and Mountain Mudd coffee stand. The robots are part of the airport's $55 million terminal expansion project, which also includes new dining and shopping options, extra charging spots for electronic devices, and the construction of the B concourse, set to open in 2024. Furthermore, the expansion will allow for more flights and make room for United, American, Delta, Alaska, and Allegiant to operate out of separate gates. (Subscription: Billings Gazette)
3. Montana Highway Patrol seized around 25 pounds of methamphetamine during a routine traffic stop in Yellowstone County. Col. Steve Lavin stated that the crisis at the southern border has resulted in more routine traffic stops ending in major drug busts and praised the troopers for their instincts in getting drugs off the streets and keeping them out of Montana communities. The drugs were being transported from southern California to an unknown location. (yourbigsky.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Billings:

Wednesday, May 3

• Council Legislative Committee Meeting At City Hall Conference Room (4:00 PM)

Thursday, May 4

• Arbor Day 2023 At Centennial Park (9:30 AM)
• Yellowstone County Community Health Improvement Plan Community Planning Meeting At Billings Public Library (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• A two-car crash occurred at an uncontrolled intersection of 10th Street West and Terry Avenue in Billings on Sunday, which ended up on the front lawn of a home. Neighbors are concerned about the safety of the intersection and have witnessed several accidents happening there recently. Residents are considering creating a petition to add safety features to the area. (Q2 News)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Billings area! Get all the property details at the link. (Billings Patch)
• Full- and part-time job opportunities are available in the Billings area. Available positions include claims property specialist, project engineer, bookkeeper, remote travel specialist, and more. More details about companies hiring in the area are available at the link. (Billings Patch)

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• Taxes in Retirement Webinar on May 9th and 11th (May 9)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday! I'll see you soon.

— 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.