🌱 Decrease In Fireworks Fire Dept. Calls + School Bus Driver Shortage

Hello all. I'm back with your fresh edition of the Bozeman Patch newsletter. Keep reading for everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: More clouds than sun. High: 76 Low: 47.
• Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 78 Low: 51.

Here are the top three stories today in Bozeman:

1. Bozeman experienced its first Independence Day with a ban on most fireworks, resulting in a decrease in calls to the Bozeman Fire Department leading up to Jul. 4. The ban, prompted by dry weather and concerns for noise and safety, saw the city responding to 56 fireworks-related calls on Tuesday. The fire department focused on education and encountered respectful individuals, with no reported fires or injuries related to fireworks. (Subscription: Bozeman Daily Chronicle)
2. Noah Coughlan, who is running across the United States, arrived in Bozeman on Tuesday afternoon with an American flag and a message of unity as part of his "Run for Revival" mission. Having previously raised awareness for rare diseases, this final run is dedicated to supporting American soldiers and the military. Coughlan was welcomed by the community and received positive responses as he pushed his trailer with the American flag to bring Americans together and expressed gratitude to veterans and active-duty military members. (KULR-TV)
3. The ongoing school bus driver shortage in Bozeman has been exacerbated by the pandemic, leading to open driver positions and a deficit of about five or six drivers in the Bozeman School District. The district partners with First Student, a nationwide bus company, to fulfill student transportation needs. Despite offering training and assurance of a controlled learning environment, the shortage persists due to people feeling intimidated by driving such large vehicles with students onboard. (Montana Right Now)

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Today and tomorrow in Bozeman:

Friday, July 7

• Free Lunch For Kids And Teens At Bozeman Public Library (12:00 PM)

Saturday, July 8

• Gallatin Valley Farmers' Market At Haynes Pavilion, Gallatin County Fairgrounds (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Transportation Advisory Board in Bozeman has approved a resolution recommending changes to the city's code that would lower speed limits on major and minor arterials. The initiative aims to provide consistency in speed limits across the city and improve street safety following recent accidents involving cyclists. The proposal will be presented to city commissioners for approval on Jul. 25, and additional measures focusing on "slow zones" around schools and parks are also planned. (Subscription: Bozeman Daily Chronicle)
• Don't miss the Belonging in Bozeman Community Chats taking place Aug. 7-13, where you can share your input on the Belonging in Bozeman Plan and contribute to the development of actions and recommendations in the plan. Click here for further information. (City of Bozeman via Facebook)
• Three candidates, Joey Morrison, John Meyer, and incumbent Mayor Cyndy Andrus, have filed to run for the Bozeman mayor's office as the election season approaches in November. The unique mayoral system in Bozeman involves serving as deputy mayor for two years before becoming mayor, providing newcomers time to understand the role. Affordable housing in Bozeman is a central focus for all three candidates' platforms. (Montana Right Now)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all 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.