🌱 Yellowstone River Bridge Collapses + 14 Candidates In Council Races

Hello all. Lauren Kubiak here with your fresh copy of the Billings Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's going on locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: A morning thundershower. High: 79 Low: 58.
• Tuesday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m.. High: 73 Low: 56.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories today in Billings:

1. Early Saturday, a bridge over Montana's Yellowstone River by Billings collapsed, causing portions of a freight train carrying hazardous materials to fall into the flooded river. The train was transporting asphalt and sulfur, raising concerns about potential environmental risks. Drinking water intakes downstream were temporarily closed as authorities assessed the situation, although officials stated that the hazardous material was being diluted by the swollen river and posed no immediate danger. (USA TODAY)
2. This year's Billings City Council races are highly competitive, with challengers running against incumbents and vying for open positions. Ward 3 sees intense competition, with five opponents running against Councilman Danny Choriki. Other wards also have contested races, including Ward 1, Ward 2, and Ward 5. A primary election will be held for Ward 3 due to the number of candidates, while the general election will take place for the rest of the city. Despite the crowded field, previous city council primaries in 2019 had a low turnout. (Subscription: Billings Gazette)
3. Cody Lawrence Big Hair, a 32-year-old felon from Billings, has been sentenced to 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release for unlawfully possessing a firearm. Big Hair pleaded guilty to the charge in February, admitting to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The incident occurred in April 2022 when a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer discovered Big Hair in a pickup truck stopped in the middle of the road near Hardin, Big Horn County, and found him in possession of a .22-caliber rifle, knives, and brass knuckles, despite his prior felony conviction and firearm prohibition. (KULR-TV)

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Today and tomorrow in Billings:

Monday, June 26

• Pint Night At Meadowlark Brewing (5:00 PM)

Tuesday, June 27

• Summer Sippers At City Vineyard Wine (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• New homes have been listed for sale in the Billings area! Get all the property details at the link. (Billings Patch)
• The Fieldhouse, a beloved venue in Billings, will have its final brunch service on Jun. 25, leaving behind a legacy of hosting various events and creating cherished moments for the community. (Subscription: Billings Gazette)
• During the Montana Association of Chiefs of Police banquet last week, Officer Foster received the Officer of the Year award, Detective Jones was honored with a life-saving award, and Travis Salter was presented with the Citizens Life Saving Award. The department expressed pride in having dedicated officers like Foster and Jones, as well as appreciating the willingness of citizens like Salter to assist. Congratulations! (Billings Police Department via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! See you soon for your next 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.