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09/11/2026
Hello, Billings readers! This is Phoebe Tollefson, your new Billings reporter from Montana Free Press. Welcome to Billings This Week.
Special thanks to Steve Prosinski, former Billings Gazette Editor, for the stunning Rims photo in our banner.
This edition covers the city’s interim police chief, local events, a volunteer river cleanup, and the city ending its cardboard recycling program while enforcing bin rules.
City College will host a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at 8:30 a.m. honoring the lives lost 25 years ago.
Weather Preview ☀️
Expect pleasant weather this weekend. The forecast predicts lows in the 40s with highs in the 60s. Saturday may be cloudy, with a 50% chance of rain on Sunday.
City Halts Cardboard Recycling Program
Billings is ending its cardboard pickup program due to low participation and rising costs. The final collection is on Sept. 24.
Introduced in 2023, the program aimed to reduce landfill consumption by collecting residential cardboard for recycling. Despite landfill longevity concerns, only 10% of households participated.
The City Council voted 10-1 to cease the service, citing cost factors such as fuel and labor. Ending the program will save $312,000 annually.
The city will also begin enforcing bin capacity rules. Overfilled bins will be marked and not collected. However, as Solid Waste Supervisor Jake Barnhart shared in a public service announcement, “we are going to dump it” if the trash is bagged and not overfilled.
For cardboard recycling, Earth First Aid accepts it for free at 458 Charles St.
Residents can report trash bin issues or other non-emergency complaints using the Problem Citizen Reporter tool.
New Interim Police Chief Appointed
The Billings Police Department announced Assistant Chief Shawn Mayo as interim chief, effective Oct. 1. Chief Rich St. John retires on Sept. 30.
Mayo, with 25 years of service, is lauded for leadership and dedication. His appointment promises stability during this transition.
The city will search for a permanent chief this fall, according to Interim City Administrator Kevin Iffland. The position is open to all candidates, not just internal applicants.
In Case You Missed It ↩️
Residents urged Yellowstone County to apply interim zoning to manage a major data center project near Broadview, though officials claim legal changes prevent this. Read more here.
About Town 🚶
- Team Jigsaw Championships at Billings Public Library, Friday at 5:30 p.m. Teams of up to six compete, with registration required. More details on the library’s website.
- Volunteers removed over 87,000 pounds of trash last year during the Yellowstone River cleanup, which starts Saturday. Pre-registration via email is required. More info at the Yellowstone River Research Center.
Public Notice 🧐
Council to Deliberate Babcock Theater Renovations
🗓️ Monday, Sept. 14
⏰ 5:30 p.m.
📍 316 N. 26th St., on the fifth floor.
ℹ️ Billings City Council will vote on approving up to $553,000 for Babcock Theater renovations, which include asbestos removal and structural upgrades.
Game of the Week 🏆
West High Bears aim to maintain their undefeated season against Great Falls High at Sam McDonald Stadium on Friday at 7 p.m.
Glad You Asked, Billings 🙋
Got questions about Billings? Submit them here, and we’ll find answers about infrastructure, government, events, or local curiosities.
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