🌱 Mobile Home Residents Evicted + Fatal Accident + Freedom Event

Hi, Billings. Like many of you, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Fourth of July. I’ll be back in your inbox after the holiday, but until then, here’s what’s happening in town today.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Cooler; a stray p.m. t-storm. High: 75 Low: 55.
• Tuesday: Periods of sun with a t-storm. High: 62 Low: 48.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and warmer. High: 75 Low: 50.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Billings today:

1. Fifteen mobile home park residents in Billings have received eviction notices after the park's owner sold the property. With a shortage of affordable housing in the state, mobile home parks have become attractive investments, leading to increased rent and displacement of longtime residents. The lack of affordable rentals and limited prospects for relief poses challenges for low-income households in Montana, exacerbating the housing crisis. (Subscription: Billings Gazette)
2. A fatal accident occurred near Billings on Friday afternoon, resulting in the death of a 39-year-old woman from Pryor. The accident involved a Chevrolet truck that was traveling at a high speed on Pryor Road. The truck veered to the left, slid down an embankment, and overturned, ultimately coming to a stop on its top. The driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene. Montana Highway Patrol suspects that alcohol and speed played a role in the crash. (KULR-TV)
3. Harvest Church is hosting its annual Celebrate Freedom event on Jul. 4 at MetraPark, featuring a fireworks show choreographed to music, live entertainment by The Brickhouse Band, and various activities for kids and families. This year, there will be more free activities such as lawn games, face painting, and a rock wall, along with giveaways of water, glow gear, and other goodies. Admission is free, parking is available in MetraPark lots, and outside food and drink are allowed. (KULR-TV)

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Coming up in and around Billings:

Monday, July 3

• Arbour Season At Rail Line Coffee (4:00 PM)

Tuesday, July 4

• Pancake Breakfast At Fireman's Park, Laurel (5:00 AM)

Wednesday, July 5

• Veteran Job Fair Hosted By JobFairX (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Officers Figg, Chandley, and Longabaugh have successfully graduated from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and will be returning to Billings to begin their 17-week field training program. The Billings Police Department gave the officers a warm welcome and is eager for their future contributions. (Billings Police Department via Facebook)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Billings area! Get all the property details at the link. (Billings Patch)
• Despite the wet weather in Billings during June, residents are excited for Fourth of July celebrations, including fireworks, although the city's Fire Department urges caution and responsibility due to potential fire hazards. The wet conditions have reduced the fire danger, but firefighters are concerned that people may become overly confident and take unnecessary risks. (Q2 News)

You're all caught up 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.