🌱 Helena Man Drowns + MT Conservation License Required For Recreation

Hey, everybody. Sean Peek here with your Friday edition of the Helena Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Times of clouds and sun. High: 83 Low: 53.
• Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 86 Low: 56.

Here are the top three stories today in Helena:

1. Wayne Harris, a 58-year-old man from Helena, has been identified as the individual who tragically died at Hauser Lake on Jul. 2. Harris and his girlfriend were test-driving a jet ski without life jackets when an incident occurred near the Causeway area. Harris turned the jet ski sharply, causing his girlfriend to fall into the water, and as he tried to help her back onto the jet ski, he fell in as well. Despite rescue efforts, Harris could not be reached in time, and his cause of death has been determined as drowning. A toxicology report is still pending. (KTVH)
2. Support for Alayna Hutchings, who was diagnosed with a tumor on her brain stem, has poured in from across Montana and various companies nationwide. Amidst the donations, brand deals, and opportunities to showcase Hutchings, her parents find it challenging to keep track of everything. Hutchings aims to use part of the funds to assist children with tumors and cancer, planning to visit one children's hospital in each state within three years. Her parents are immensely proud of her strength and determination, and a Facebook page has been created to provide updates on her journey. (KTVH)
3. As of Jul. 1, a Montana Conservation License is required for accessing most state lands for recreation, including fishing access sites, wildlife management areas, and wildlife habitat protection areas. Previously, only hunters, anglers, and trappers needed a Conservation License, but now all outdoor recreation users must have one. The license costs range from $4 to $10 and can be obtained online or at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks offices. Failure to possess a Conservation License may result in warnings or citations starting on Mar. 1, 2024. (KXLH)

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Today and tomorrow in Helena:

Friday, July 7

• 60th Annual East Helena Rodeo At East Helena Rodeo Arena (5:00 PM)

Saturday, July 8

• Helena Farmers Market At Fuller Avenue (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Helena Police Department discussed how the Fourth of July celebrations and the preceding weekend went for the City of Helena. Throughout the holiday period, there were 30 firework complaints within the city limits, resulting in one citation for a juvenile throwing fireworks from a motor vehicle and one incident causing damage to a window. (KTVH)
• The Last Chance Splash Pool will have limited hours this weekend to accommodate the Helena Lions Swim Meet. Click the link for details. (Helena Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
• REMINDER: Helena's City Transfer Station will be closed on Monday, Jul. 10, for facility maintenance. The station will reopen on Jul. 11 at 8:00 a.m. (City of Helena, Local Government via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.

— 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.