🌱 I-90 Construction + 4th MT GOP Lawmaker Sent Suspicious Letter

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

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Cloudy, a couple of t-showers. High: 79 Low: 55.
• Thursday: Clouds and breaks of sun. High: 80 Low: 58.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Billings today:

1. Travelers planning to journey between Billings and Laurel during the Fourth of July holiday should account for delays as I-90 will be reduced to one lane in both directions. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Knife River will be undertaking construction and upgrades along I-90, specifically from the west bridge ends of the Mossmain Interchange to the east bridge ends of the West Billings Interchange. DOWL, an engineering consultant company in Billings, has issued several travel advisories, including caution around narrow bridge crossings, the closure of 56th Street West, on-ramp etiquette, a width restriction, and the implementation of safety enhancements, such as rumble strips, guardrails, and improved signage. (KULR-TV)
2. A car versus motorcycle collision occurred at the intersection of Shiloh Road and Olympic Boulevard, prompting a response from Billings police at around 5:45 p.m. on Monday evening, Jun. 26. The motorcyclist, a 30-year-old man, sustained critical injuries and was transported to a hospital, while the car driver, an 18-year-old woman, was detained at the scene. As a result, Shiloh Road was closed from north of King Avenue W. to Monad Road. (KULR-TV)
3. Another Montana legislator, House Majority Leader Sue Vinton of Billings, has reported receiving an envelope with white powder, joining three other GOP lawmakers who received similar letters over the weekend. Vinton immediately turned the unopened envelope over to the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office, while tests conducted by the sheriff's office and the Billings Fire Department's hazmat team revealed that the powder was harmless flour. Investigations led by the FBI and the U.S. Postal Service are underway to determine the extent of the incidents, the responsible parties, and the motive behind these targeted letters. (Subscription: Billings Gazette)

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Today and tomorrow in Billings:

Wednesday, June 28

• Career Night At Keller Williams Yellowstone Properties (5:30 PM)

Thursday, June 29

• Alive After 5: El Wencho At Montana Brewing Co. (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Partial closures have been enforced by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at Manuel Lisa, General Custer, Grant Marsh, and Arapooish fishing access sites due to flooding caused by heavy precipitation in the Bighorn Basin. Walk-in access is permitted as long as visitors park responsibly and avoid obstructing roadways or access points. Visitors should exercise caution due to the rapidly changing river conditions, and the sites will reopen for vehicle access once conditions improve. (KULR-TV)
• The Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter is organizing a small, affordable spay and neuter clinic on Jul. 29, and they have introduced an online sign-up process to eliminate the need for waiting in line. (Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter via Facebook)
• St. John's United has announced the lineup for its 25th annual Summer Concert Series! The series will begin on Thursday, Jun. 29, with Tammy Bradley Staples opening for The Band of Drifters at St. John's United The Crossings in nearby Laurel, followed by a series of free concerts at various locations. The concerts will begin at 6:00 p.m., with featured artists starting at 7:00 p.m., and attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic dinner or enjoy food trucks available at the venues. (Billings 365)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right. 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.