🌱 New Science Experience At The Library + Train Car Derails

Hello, everybody. It's Monday in Billings and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Cold with a little snow. High: 43 Low: 23.
• Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. High: 29 Low: 21

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Here are the top three stories in Billings today:

1. As of Apr. 1, the Billings Public Library offers an exciting new experience to people of all ages. Library members will be able to check out a Citizen Science Kit with all necessary tools included. All kits come with a scientific inquiry written by a professional scientist, and those using the kit will be guided through a variety of activities, from measuring light pollution to conducting other experiments in the local area. Kits are available behind the counter of the library. (KULR-TV)
2. A train derailed in Billings over the weekend, blocking Gabel Road. The Billings Police Department announced the incident on social media at about 1:30 p.m. The road was closed for several hours after the derailment. No one was injured, and no buildings or vehicles were struck; police are still investigating the cause of the accident. (Q2 News)
3. Billings School District 2 narrowed down its list of candidates to take the position of the district's new superintendent. The candidate chosen will take over for Greg Upham who will be leaving the position after this year. After four interviews last week, the board chose the following three finalists: Dr. Erwin Garcia, the area superintendent for the Houston Independent School District; Brenda Koch, executive director for K-12 education for the Billings public schools; and Tom Peck, superintendent in Lewistown. Public forums to meet the candidates will be held Tuesday and Wednesday this week at 6:00 p.m. in the Lincoln Center. (Q2 News)

Today and tomorrow in and around Billings:

Monday, Apr. 3

• Craft Night At The Front Porch, Laurel (6:30 PM)

Tuesday, Apr. 4

• Billings NEC Meet-Up And Social At Doc Harper's Tavern (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Due to overwhelming demand, the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter will be hosting another small, low-cost spay and neuter clinic on Apr. 22, and the sign-up process is now online! No more waiting in line; your animal's appointment can be made from the comfort of your own home. The sign-up link is active on the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter Facebook page and website. (Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter via Facebook)
• Think this March was colder than normal here in Billings? You weren't imagining it. This March clocked in as the 8th coldest on record with an average temperature of 28.6 degrees. This makes it the coldest March since 2002, although it is still steamy compared to March 1965, the coldest March on record. (US National Weather Service Billings Montana via Facebook)
• Vendors wanted! The region's largest arts and crafts festival, the 45th annual SummerFair, is coming up on Jun. 23-25. It's the perfect place to sell handmade goods, products, and treasures! Apply here today and be a part of a summertime tradition. (Yellowstone Art Museum via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday. I'll catch up with you bright and early 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.