🌱 Cadaver Dogs Search Cemetery From 1800s + Helena Fire DP New Drone

Hey, everybody! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Keep reading for everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: A p.m. t-storm in spots. High: 75 Low: 53.
• Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 71 Low: 56.

Here are the top three stories today in Helena:

1. An unmarked graveyard in Helena believed to be the final resting place for over 300 people was recently searched using trained cadaver dogs. The old Poor Farm cemetery, located between homes in a subdivision, housed the elderly, disabled individuals, and orphaned children in the late 1800s. Ground-penetrating radar had previously indicated anomalies, prompting the use of cadaver dogs, who showed interest in certain spots, suggesting the presence of scent in the gravesite. The cemetery's historical significance is being highlighted, with efforts to install a marker and remember the forgotten individuals buried there. (KTVH)
2. In case you missed it, the Helena Fire Department has acquired a new drone through a grant awarded to Montana's six largest cities. The drone will be utilized for various public safety purposes. Since April, seven members of the Fire Department have obtained FAA training and licensing. The drone, manufactured by Steel City Drones, LLC, is equipped with a thermal imager, camera, and gas-radiation meter, and will be used for tasks such as responding to hazardous materials incidents, searching for stranded individuals in the city's open lands, and assessing buildings during fires. (City of Helena Gov)
3. Roman Catholic Bishop George Thomas, former bishop of the Helena Diocese, has been appointed as the first metropolitan archbishop of Las Vegas. Pope Francis announced the creation of a new ecclesiastical province, with Las Vegas elevated to a metropolitan archdiocese. During his tenure as Bishop of the Helena Diocese, Thomas addressed allegations of sexual abuse, encouraging victims to come forward and establishing a compensation fund for victims as the diocese faced 362 claims. (KTVQ)

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Today and tomorrow in Helena:

Wednesday, May 31

• Helena High School Dance Fundraiser At Buffalo Wild Wings (4:00 PM)
• Women's Journey Group-HeartSpa At First Baptist Church Of Montana (7:00 PM)

Thursday, June 1

• Live Music: Johnny & Jane At On Broadway (6:00 PM)
• Live Music: Intermission Band 1990's and 2000's Hits! At Lewis & Clark Tap Room (8:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Due to the potential for rain in the upcoming days, the street maintenance project scheduled for National Avenue has been delayed. The project will be rescheduled for a later date. To stay informed about future street closures during the summer, click here. (City of Helena Gov via Facebook)
• Saturday, Jun. 3 is National Trails Day! Check out these various opportunities to enjoy the outdoors via hike or volunteering. (Wild Montana via Facebook)
• The Benton Avenue Cemetery, which serves as the burial ground for 52 veterans, recently marked the final resting place of Albert E. Haskell, a Civil War veteran. With the help of community contributions and donations, Haskell's previously unmarked grave now bears a white granite headstone, honoring his service. (KTVH)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be back in your inbox soon with a new update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.