🌱 Man Charged With Kidnapping Woman + Zoo Installs Sensory Guides

Hello there, Billings. I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Hope you all have a great day.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 81 Low: 58.
• Saturday: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 70 Low: 56.

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Here are the top three stories today in Billings:

1. Adolfo Vargas Lepe, from Roberts, Montana, appeared in federal court in Billings on a felony kidnapping charge for allegedly holding a woman captive at his residence after kidnapping her from Wyoming until she managed to escape. If convicted, Lepe could face up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. The victim reported experiencing repeated physical and emotional abuse during her captivity before escaping and seeking help. (Q2 News)
2. ZooMontana has implemented sensory guides throughout the park to enhance autism accessibility. These guides use a rating system to inform visitors about the sensory experiences they can expect in different areas of the zoo, helping them plan their visit accordingly. The zoo has also established a quiet zone and introduced sensory bags containing fidgets, ear protection, and sunglasses for guests to borrow, all in line with their goal of providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, regardless of their background. (Subscription: Billings Gazette)
3. The Montana Department of Transportation and Riverside Contracting have initiated the Underpass Avenue-Billings project, focusing on enhancing the intersections at Underpass Avenue/State Avenue and 6th Street West/Central Avenue. The project aims to improve traffic flow, implement safety measures, and enhance pedestrian and bicycle accessibility. Travelers are advised to stay updated on traffic closures, follow project signage, and consider alternative routes for a safe journey through the construction zone. Additional information and construction updates can be accessed through the project website. (Subscription: Billings Gazette)

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Today and tomorrow in Billings:

Friday, June 9

• UFO Comedy At Thirsty Street Brewing Co. (8:00 PM)

Saturday, June 10

• Whose Live Anyway? At Alberta Bair Theater (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Thinking of dipping your toes into the housing market? Check out the list of open houses happening this week in the Billings area at the link. (Billings Patch)
• Billings Clinic in the Magic City recently unveiled two new operating rooms, made possible by generous donations of $2 million to the Billings Clinic Foundation. These new facilities will enhance the clinic's capacity to provide care for a wide range of medical needs, from traumas to everyday surgical procedures. With the addition of these rooms, Billings Clinic will soon have a total of 22 operating rooms, a significant step towards achieving the status of Montana's first Level 1 Trauma Center. (KULR-TV)
• Are you looking for a new family member with four paws? Check out the list of adoption-ready pets in the Billings area at the link! (Billings Patch)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox soon with another 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.