🌱 BPD Offering $100K For Info In Unsolved Death + Bite Of Bozeman

Welcome back, Bozeman. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Mainly cloudy. High: 67 Low: 47.
• Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 67 Low: 49.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories today in Bozeman:

1. Tyler Hefty, a 32-year-old man from Bozeman, was arrested on charges of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl. The victim's mother discovered evidence in her daughter's diary and phone messages that detailed the illicit relationship. Despite Hefty's denial during an interview with law enforcement, he allegedly made a recorded phone call to his father confessing to the sexual encounter with the underage victim. Hefty appeared in court, where his bond was set at $250,000, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jun. 30. (KBZK News)
2. Steven Kilwein's death, which occurred in his Bozeman home on Jun. 13, 2021, remains a mystery two years later. Despite initial reports of accidental electrocution, an autopsy revealed that his death was not accidental. The Bozeman Police Department, along with Kilwein's family, are continuing their search for answers, offering a $100,000 reward for any information related to the case. (KBZK News)
3. The Bite of Bozeman, a food-focused event that was canceled last year due to a lack of vendors, is set to make a comeback this year. Organizers of the Sweet Pea Festival, which hosts the event, are revamping it and requiring vendors to offer bite-sized items under $5. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite food stand, and winners will receive a year's worth of ads in Distinctly Montana magazine. The Sweet Pea Festival takes place on Aug. 4-6, and you can find more information here. (Subscription: Bozeman Daily Chronicle)

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Today and tomorrow in Bozeman:

Friday, June 16

• Teen Summer Learning: Friday Survival Skills At Bozeman Public Library Teen Corner (1:00 PM)

Saturday, June 17

• Gallatin Valley Farmers' Market At Haynes Pavilion At The Gallatin County Fairgrounds (9:00 AM)
• Missy's Mixtape At Last Best Comedy (9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Montana Shakespeare in the Parks began their performances in Bozeman on Jun. 14! They will stage "The Three Musketeers" from Jun. 21-24 at the Montana State University Grove. These productions are free and open to the public, and the full tour schedule can be accessed here. (KBZK News)
• Thinking of dipping your toes into the housing market? Check out the list of open houses happening this week in the Bozeman area at the link. (Bozeman Patch)
• During the early morning hours of Jun. 5, a robbery took place at the Plaza Bar in nearby Three Forks where a suspect entered, used bear spray on the patrons, stole money, and escaped in a light-colored hatchback SUV or van. Eight individuals were treated for exposure to bear spray, and the investigation is currently underway. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office. (Three Forks Voice)

You're all caught up for today! See you soon for 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.