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Hello Billings! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. 

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: VR training for probation officers, summer concerts with Mumford & Sons, and St Patrick’s Day parade + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Billings protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

High-tech approach to readiness: The Montana Department of Corrections has introduced virtual reality training for probation and parole officers, with de-escalation, cell searches, and armed encounters for safer, more cost-effective, hands-on preparation — see what’s in the training.

Big names take the stage: From Missoula to Billings, six can’t-miss summer concerts are coming, including Mumford & Sons, Chris Stapleton on July 19, the Zootown Festival, and the Red Clay Strays’ event in Rexford — check out the full lineup.

Acquisition financing in Montana: Axia Realty Partners secured a $38 million loan to buy Golden Meadows, a 520-pad manufactured housing community in Billings, with Western and Southern Life Insurance Co. lending and JLL advising — see terms and key players.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Sip and paint cherry blossoms
• Solve a Clue mystery at Moss Mansion
• Celebrate Spring Equinox at a metaphysical expo
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home

💎 Local business spotlight

Pie night, solved: Montana Pie Company makes take-and-bake beauties you can snag around town, slide into the oven, then take the credit. Flavors rotate, and you’ll find them at local grocers like Poly Food Basket and Town & Country Foods. Minimal effort, maximum pie joy.

Send some joy: When a text won’t cut it, Gainan’s Flowers delivers thoughtfully arranged blooms, easy add-ons, and sturdy plants. Keep it simple with a cheerful bouquet, or ask for something custom… either way, it’s a fast lift for a midweek slump.

Chalk up this week: Whether you’re chasing a new grade or just need a stress-busting scramble, STEEPWORLD Climbing and Fitness packs 40-foot Walltopia rope walls, two bouldering zones, and a fitness mezzanine. Beginner-friendly intro classes help you get moving, and the low-key vibe makes after-work laps feel like a win.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

What doctors wish every 65+ adult had at home: Physicians call it “long-lie,” and it’s the real reason falls are so dangerous for older adults. It’s not a broken bone… it’s lying on the floor for hours waiting for someone to notice. We dug into the options that actually solve this problem, and one stood out. See which one →

Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Check out my favorite online options →

📆 Fun for the whole fam

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🏀 State AA Combined Basketball Tournament @ MetraPark | Wednesday (3/11) at 11:00 AM – Grab a bleacher seat for Montana’s State AA hoops showdown, where the top boys and girls teams battle for bragging rights, pride, and probably your voice. Expect pep bands, bracket drama, booster club nachos, and neighbors yelling like it’s their cardio.

🃏 Cribbage @ Casual Space | Thursday (3/12) at 6:00 PM – Cribbage is shuffling into Casual Space with boards, cards, and that satisfying click of pegs your inner grandparent would applaud. All ages welcome, newbies taught or refreshed, and yes, you can bring your lucky board. Five bucks gets you bragging rights, laughs, and low-stakes competition.

🍲 Food for the Soul @ Billings First Congregational Church | Friday (3/13) at 12:00 PM – Whether you’re between paydays or craving company, grab a free lunch in the Fellowship Hall every Friday at noon this winter. Slip through the rainbow doors at 3rd and 27th, no fuss, just lunch. Want to sponsor a meal? Ask Stephanie or Heather.

⚾ 9/10 Majors Player Assessments (Baseball & Softball) @ D-BAT Billings | Friday (3/13) at 6:00 PM – Tryout night for the 9/10 Majors, with softball 6 to 7 pm, and baseball 7 to 8 pm. Expect the annual dance of clipboards, hopeful swings, and proud parents pretending not to scout. Bring water, patience, and your inside voice.

☘ St Patrick’s Day Parade @ Skypoint | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Tutu or not, roll with the Dames in the Billings St. Paddy’s parade, bikes decked out, spirits up. Then swing by the Celtic Fair for a meet and greet, guessing games, a 50/50 raffle, and a Montana-proof way to keep shenanigans going with the Dames.

🧮 Math Happens @ Wise Wonders Science & Discovery Museum | Saturday (3/14) at 11:00 AM – Nothing beats watching kids discover that math is more than worksheets, it is puzzles, patterns, and ‘aha’ moments. The Math Room at Wise Wonders pops up every Saturday and first Fridays, included with memberships and regular entry, and it makes numbers fun, no flashcards required.

🎳 Bunny Hop Youth/Adult Scotch Doubles @ Fireside Lanes | Sunday (3/15) at 10:00 AM – Grab a partner, lace up, and hop into Bunny Hop Youth/Adult Scotch Doubles at the lanes. Pick the 10am or 1pm shift, register at any of the three centers, and feel smug knowing your strikes fund GYV Youth Bowling. Cheap thrills, worthy cause.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Billings report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 50°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 6%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. West southwest wind 9 to 18 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy. Low around 36, with temperatures rising to around 41 overnight. West southwest wind 13 to 17 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 61°F – Low: 32°F – Precip: 42%

A chance of rain showers after noon. Mostly cloudy. High near 61, with temperatures falling to around 53 in the afternoon. West wind 20 to 45 mph, with gusts as high as 61 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Later: Rain and snow showers before 9pm, then rain and snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around 32. North northeast wind 7 to 33 mph, with gusts as high as 47 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

This house is wild

This updated 5-bed plus office, 4.5-bath estate on 1.1 acres blends sophistication, comfort, and privacy. A grand entry leads to elegant living spaces and a gourmet kitchen with a butcher block island, high-end appliances, under cabinet lighting, a breakfast bar, and a pantry. The spa-like primary suite impresses, and outdoor entertaining shines with a heated pool, gazebo, and multiple patios.

Take a peek inside →