🌱 Local Organizations Awarded + Free Concert At MSUB's Cisel Hall

Hello all. It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Billings Patch newsletter — here to explain all the most important things happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Mostly cloudy. High: 81 Low: 58.
• Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 82 Low: 59.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Billings today:

1. The Otto Bremer Trust recently awarded grants totaling over $1.1 million in Montana during April and May 2023. These grants were given to organizations that assist individuals, families, and communities in overcoming various challenges. The recipients in Eastern Montana included Big Brothers Big Sisters Yellowstone County, Boys & Girls Club of Yellowstone County, and Family Tree Center, with each organization receiving funding for general operations to support their respective programs and services. (Subscription: Billings Gazette)
2. Jozef Luptak and Boris Lenko, world-class musicians from Slovakia, will be returning to Billings for a highly anticipated concert at Montana State University Billings' Cisel Hall on Friday, Jun. 9. The concert is free and open to the public. This special performance will be dedicated to the families and refugees affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with a repertoire that includes the duo's own compositions and selected pieces honoring their Ukrainian neighbors. (Subscription: Laurel Outlook)
3. The annual Magic City Blues Festival is making its return to Billings at MetraPark! Taking place on Aug. 4-5, the festival attracts a large number of music fans from across the country and is considered a signature event for the city and the state. Tickets start at $87 and can be found here. (Magic City Blues)

Calling Billings business owners: reach local readers, attract a crowd, and make a splash with your events this summer! We have a limited number of sponsorships available to amplify your events and increase attendance among your target audience. Click here to learn more about our sponsorships..

Today and tomorrow in Billings:

Wednesday, June 7

• Yoga At Pioneer Park (10:00 AM)

Thursday, June 8

• Hinder At Pub Station Ballroom (8:30 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know a Billings dad whose texts make you smile? This Father’s Day, celebrate him with a shoutout on Patch. Just fill out this simple form and we’ll do the rest!

From my notebook:

• An empty storefront in the Rimrock Mall will soon be occupied by a locally-owned store called Hot Mess Cookies, offering fresh cookies. Further details about the store can be found on their website when available. (KBUL NEWS TALK)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Billings area! Get all the property details at the link. (Billings Patch)
• The Yellowstone River reached 9.85 feet on Monday after weekend rainfall. You can see a photo of the river at the link. (Subscription: Billings Gazette)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early 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.