🌱 Police Search For Missing Girl + Airport Adds Robot To Dining Staff

Morning, everybody. It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Billings Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Times of sun and clouds. High: 82 Low: 55.
• Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 83 Low: 57.

Here are the top three stories in Billings today:

1. Breanna Williams, a standout basketball player at Skyview High School, has committed to the University of Maryland after an impressive junior season, where she averaged a 22-point double-double. Maryland felt like a second home to Williams, and she will join a team that reached the Elite Eight in the previous NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. Despite her accomplishments, Williams remains focused on continuous improvement, both on and off the court, and she aspires to become an orthopedic surgeon with the support of Maryland's strong medical academic program. She is set to begin her collegiate career with the Maryland Terps in the 2024 season. (NBC Montana)
2. The Billings Police Department is asking for assistance in locating a 12-year-old girl, Jesennia Chavez, who was last seen with her non-custodial mother, Stephanie Nava, on Jul. 2. The pair failed to appear for a scheduled child exchange on Jul. 3. If you have any information about their location, please contact dispatch at (406) 657-8200. (Q2 News)
3. Sky Dine, the company that manages food services at the Billings airport, has hired a robot named Rosy to assist with delivering food to customers at the busy Skyward Brews Bar, ensuring faster service. Rosy makes about 30 trips per day, carrying multiple meals at a time between the kitchen and the bar, helping to save steps for the human employees. She has become a reliable and popular addition to the team, impressing customers with her efficiency and punctuality. (Q2 News)

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Coming up in Billings:

Friday, July 7

• Billings Mustangs Vs. Glacier Range Riders At Dehler Park (6:35 PM)

Saturday, July 8

• Strawberry Festival At Skypoint (9:00 AM)
• Crown Of Thorns Festival At Pioneer Park (4:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Hitts The Spot Cafe, a beloved mom-and-pop shop in Billings, will be closing its doors at the end of July. (Cat Country 102.9)
• The 22nd annual Celebrate Freedom firework show took place at MetraPark on Tuesday as part of the Fourth of July celebration. The event featured live music, food trucks, and free activities for families to enjoy, with the aim of providing a memorable and enjoyable experience. Rachel Woosley, the Local Outreach Director of Harvest Church, expressed the church's desire to allow families to create lasting memories without the need to worry about expenses. (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)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be back 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.