🌱 Patch AM: See why this Sandstone Elementary teacher just earned a surprise grant.

Cheers Billings! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• See why this Sandstone Elementary teacher just earned a surprise grant.
• How you can help rehome 16 seized Shepherd dogs in Billings
• Which Billings ranchers just gained key seats on Montana’s stockgrower board?

Today's riddle: How many sheep does it take to make a sweater? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Saturday: Colder with snow at times, with a high of 39 and low of 9 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
• Sunday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 31, low: 17.
• Monday: Intervals of clouds and sun, with a high of 41 and low of 32 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 'One Class at a Time' honors teacher at Sandstone Elementary (ktvq.com) — A longtime Sandstone Elementary first grade teacher in Billings has been honored through the local “One Class at a Time” program for her 15 years of relationship-focused teaching and commitment to students and families. She received a $500 classroom grant plus gifts from local sponsors, and residents are invited to nominate other standout teachers for future recognition.
   

2. Sixteen of 42 dogs seized in Shepherd still need homes (ktvq.com) — Sixteen dogs seized from a Shepherd property are still being housed at the former Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter building in Billings, and county officials hope to place them in homes within about three weeks. The city has allowed continued use of the Monad Road facility while adoptions continue, and residents can meet the remaining Newfoundlands and Australian Shepherds by contacting the listed rescue group.
   

3. MSGA names 2026 Board of Directors to Lead Montana Ranching Industry (falloncountytimes.com) — Two Billings ranchers, Turk Stovall and Cory Schultz, will help lead Montana’s cattle industry on the Montana Stockgrowers Association’s 2026 board of directors. The volunteer board, representing ranching families statewide, includes 13 members who travel across Montana to advocate for ranchers and guide policy priorities over the next year.
   

4. A 10-year-old with a 10-year plan (wyomingnews.com) — A Sheridan family credits a transfer to Billings Clinic with helping save their son Camren after a life-threatening diabetic crisis, and he’s now raising money for a diabetic alert dog. The 13-year-old runs a small craft business, manages his Type 1 diabetes with impressive discipline, and uses his story to educate others and support local foster families.
   

5. Steven Lee Stoltz (scledger.net) — Billings readers are remembering Steven Lee Stoltz, who was born in Billings and trained at Billings Vo-Tech before building a life of business, faith, and family across Montana. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, children, granddaughter, and extended family, with a remembrance service planned in Trout Creek in early April 2026.
   

📸 Around Billings

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Billings

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Wednesday December 31

• HomeFront Housing Authority Meeting
  Billings Calendar Billings, MT 59101
  12:00 pm

Thursday January 1

• Interim Planning Commission
  Billings Calendar , 316 N. 26th St Council Chambers, 5th Floor , Billings
  4:30 pm

📣 Billings Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Billings PatchAM possible:

• Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
  Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Goooood morning Billings peeps!
  Merry Christmas or happy holidays to all! Hope Santa was good to all of you! If not, there's always next year! (Nextdoor Bitterroot Heights)
• Merry Christmas neighbors!
  We are hoping our beloved bobtail minx, Kiki, may have joined someone’s family for Christmas. She’s been m.i.a since last night around 9pm (when she… (Nextdoor Rimrock-Laredo)

• Archie Cochrane Motors, Inc posted a job opening for Fleet and Commercial Manager in Billings. Apply here.
• Circle K Stores, Inc. posted a job opening for Team Member in Billings. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Billings here.

Ok Billings! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I have no idea. I didn’t even know sheep could knit.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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