True Grit

We've all heard motivational quotes around grit, but what does it really mean to have "grit"? Let's talk.

Billings Depot Seeks Interns for Paddles & Wheels Summer Rental Shop

The Depot is seeking six interns to run the Paddles & Wheels summer rental shop. This paid internship is best suited for students in Marketing, Communications, Business Management, Retail, Hospitality...

Taste the World During the 18th Annual International Food Fair at MSUB

The public is invited to attend the 18th annual International Food Fair and enjoy international cuisine in a diverse atmosphere, as well as experience the world beyond Billings by engaging with MSUB’s...

Autistic Stand Up Comedian Michael McCreary Visits MSUB

Twenty-six-year-old Michael McCreary is an autistic comedian, actor, author, and TEDx speaker who’s been performing standup comedy since age 13. He’ll perform in Petro Theater of the MSUB Student Unio...

2023 Easter Egg Hunts & Happenings

This year, Easter is on April 9, 2023, so bookmark this page and check back often for the scoop on Easter Egg Hunts and Happenings in and around Billings!

Solving Problems for NASA

Did you have any idea that students, right here in Billings and across our region, are designing and engineering things to solve problems for NASA? NASA HUNCH, showcases some of the best and brightest...

2023 Vacation Bible School Directory

Get your kiddos signed up for VBS in and around Billings!

Major Enrollment Boosts Reported at MSU Billings for Spring 2023

As the 2023 spring semester gets underway, MSU Billings reports major boosts in Native American and veteran and military affiliated student enrollment. The dual enrollment program skyrocketed reportin...

Outdo One Another in Kindness

As you go about living your best life here, we hope that Simply Local helps you in your quest to do just that. The content in our pages is purposefully chosen to align with our mission to equip commun...

Good Neighbors- Difference Makers

Have you ever stopped and wondered: What kind of neighbor am I? What exactly is a good neighbor? Of course, we could probably all agree that we want to be good neighbors, but what that looks and sound...

Ask the Author: DeAnn Carpenter

In her debut book, DeAnn uses life stories to show how words can either tear down or build up. Read on to learn why DeAnn wrote Throwing Confetti.

Finding the Value in Corporate Events

There are many ways a company can make its employees feel valued, let’s look at a few ideas to help foster community, boost morale, and build connections.

Hands of Hope: Warrior Wishes Montana

"They teach us how to go to war, but they don't teach us how to come home." -Miguel Gonzalez

Camping for Every Type of Adventurer in Southeast Montana

Southeast Montana has a camping adventure for everyone’s level of comfort. Some people prefer to camp off-grid for the solitude. Others love to stay in luxury campgrounds and enjoy Wi-Fi. It does not...

Your Great Outdoors Gear Guide

Your guide for all your outdoor needs!

TV Personality Captain Sandy Yawn to Keynote 2023 Billings Chamber Breakfast

The Billings Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to have Captain Sandra Yawn (“Captain Sandy”) - renowned superyacht captain made famous by the television show Below Deck Mediterranean - as the keynote sp...

Summer Camp: Life Lessons & S’more

Summer camp is more than just a way to send the kids off into the wilderness for a few weeks. This story features three couples who describe the tremendous impact summer camp had on their lives, not o...

2023 Summer Camps & Activities Guide

It's time to start planning for your Best Summer Ever!

Bullying: Empowering our Kids to Step Up and Step In

Is it bullying or is it just a fight? Should you get help for your child or let them sort it out themselves? Knowing when to get involved with your child’s disagreements can be hard, but local expert...

The Evolution of Weather Forecasting

Weather prediction has changed dramatically over the years, and the past few decades have seen unprecedented technological acceleration. Today, with supercomputers, artificial intelligence, and global...

It's Not You; It's Me - How to Create a Healthy Relationship with Food

“A moment on the lips, forever on the hips.”
Is it any wonder why so many of us have an unhealthy relationship with food? Phrases like this from often well-meaning people can cause us to stress and w...

Meet the Chef: Jason Haagenson of Diamond X Beer Co.

Community-minded Chef Jason Haagenson of Diamond X Beer Co. aims to throw the biggest party in the state, every single day.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese, Pumpkin Seeds, & Honey-Balsamic Glaze

No more mushy, boring Brussels sprouts! Take these tiny cabbages to a new level with a delicious recipe from Chef Jason Haagenson of Diamond X Beer Co. 

Less of Trends, More of YOU!

January is when you can find article after article featuring the latest trend predictions for the new year; some articles are repetitious, while others offer bold predictions! The designers at @davids...

Panoramic Views at Legacy West

Classic Design Homes has been featured in the Billings Parade of Homes over a dozen times and they continue to dazzle and delight prospective homeowners in the process. Their 2022 Parade Home on a qui...

Montana Modern: A Ranch House in the City

This couple’s journey with Helgeson Homes was as much of a dream as their house itself. As retirees with two young grandsons, The Pavlick’s wanted a home they could love, enjoy, and, most of all—share...

Life Runs on Hope

Together we are going to delve into the ways that hope and fitness go hand in hand! The truth is, fitness is a very tangible way for us to experience and internalize HOPE.

Part 2: 8th Grade Students from Lewis and Clark are Changing the Billings Community

In October '22, we told you about LCMS students participating in the Two Roads Project, today we're seeing those projects come to fruition. Come along and allow your heart to grow three sizes at the c...

Part 1: 8th Grade Students from Lewis and Clark are Changing the Billings Community

In October '22, we told you about LCMS students participating in the Two Roads Project, today we're seeing those projects come to fruition. Come along and allow your heart to grow three sizes at the c...

Kids in Motion Keeps Kids in School

When a broken bicycle means the difference between getting to school or not, Kids in Motion helps to fill that gap with biannual bicycle tune-up clinics.

BSOC Announces Auditions for Tenured Musicians

The Billings Symphony announces auditions for a variety of tenured positions, occurring on multiple dates in April 2023. Application deadline is March 25 for April 1 auditions and April 15 for April...

ZooMontana Red Panda Assumes Mantle of Super Bowl Predictor

Finding the job of Super Bowl predictor too stressful, ZooMontana Wolverine, Sid, has officially passed the baton to Pabu, one of the Zoo's Red Pandas.

Get Your Goals: Setting Achievable Goals and Teaching Kids to Do It, too

Want to help your kids set and achieve their own goals? Whether it’s bringing up a grade, getting off screens, or simply getting them to brush their teeth without fighting, we’ve got some tips and tri...

Heart Matters

In this issue, love is at the forefront, with the theme woven throughout the pages. We cover the important (yet often overlooked) topic of organ donation, some uncomplicated ways to share love every d...

A Heart to Heart: About Organ Donation

No one wants to think about the worst that can happen, but so often in life, we plan for the worst and hope for the best. With that in mind, let's have a heart-to-heart about organ donation, shall we?

Connecting Care Across the Treasure State Connecting Care Across the Treasure State

Though telehealth became more prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic, Montana had already been leading the charge since the early 1990s. With federal funding, the Montana Telehealth Alliance was launc...

Love Made Simple: Everyday Ways to Share the Love

Here we are in the ‘Love Month’ of February, but love shouldn’t be contained to just one day of the year. Instead, what if we decide this month to be more intentional every day to show our love to tho...

Gentle Parenting: Raising Our Children with Love & Respect

Have you stumbled upon any gentle parenting posts on social media lately?  While the term might be new, experts agree the techniques are not. But is the #gentleparenting movement a passing TikTok tren...

2023 Early Education Guide

Simply Local's 2023 Early Education Childhood Directory.

Teaching the Whole Child Through Social-Emotional Education

Developing skills to advocate for themselves, students benefit from Whole Child Skill Development. Teachers and schools create common language and expectations to work together toward a common mission...

MSUB MINUTE: Registration for MSUB’s '23 Summer Classes Opens February 21st

With registration opening on February 21st, now is the time to get a jump start on college or put plans in motion to continue learning year-round at MSU Billings!

Date Night Done Right: Staying In

While going out on a date night is always a great option, consider staying in. During this season for sweethearts, make plans today for a romantic night in with a recipe for “love”! 

Viddie’s Bakery: A Family Recipe for Success

Produced and distributed right here in Billings, Montana, Viddie’s Bakery boasts a line of high-quality, gluten-free baking mixes. Customers can count on traditional favorites like brownies and chocol...

A Dream in the Making: Carverss Brazilian Steakhouse

This Valentine’s Day, take your beloved to Carverss Brazilian Steakhouse for a date night filled with the flavors, colors, and rhythms of Brazil.

Profiteroles with Raspberry Sorbet

Impress your Valentine’s Day date with a dessert classic! Melt-in-your-mouth cream puffs and juicy raspberries come together to create a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

The Science Behind Our Love of Chocolate

For thousands of years, humans have devoured chocolate; the average American eats roughly 10 pounds per year. It’s long been associated with Valentine’s Day, but why? Read this month’s issue to learn...

The Dwelling Place: Finding Your Style

How neat is it to walk into someone’s home and feel like you know them a little bit better because of the items they have chosen to display? It is such a beautiful expression of one’s personality.

Williams Homes: The New Builders on the Block

Williams Homes may be new to Billings but they’ve been building a wide variety of homes across the West since 1996.  Take a peek at their first entry into last year’s Parade of Homes. This Copper Ridg...

Real Estate with Relationship: Doing Business the Montana Way

PureWest Christie’s International Real Estate gives Montana buyers and sellers access to real estate excellence. Through intentional relationship building and attention to exceptional detail. PureWest...

Three Students React to the Documentary 'Screenagers'

Recently, Will James Middle School hosted a free community screening of the documentary 'Screenagers,' check out the reactions of three pre-teens.