🌱 Police Seeking Public Help + Property Tax Meeting In Helena

Good morning, everybody. It's Wednesday in Helena and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in the community.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and beautiful. High: 88 Low: 60.
• Thursday: Breezy in the afternoon. High: 85 Low: 56.

Here are the top three stories today in Helena:

1. According to U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich, Billings, Helena, and Great Falls are the top hotspots for fentanyl drug trafficking in Montana, with Missoula ranking fourth. Laslovich also highlighted that drug traffickers are targeting reservations, such as the Crow Tribe Indian Reservation and the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation near Billings, and the Blackfeet, Fort Belknap, and Rocky Boy's Indian Reservations near Great Falls. Fentanyl has become increasingly prevalent in Montana, causing numerous deaths, and Laslovich attributed its entry into the state to Mexican cartels and China, with the southern border being the main entry point. (KTVQ)
2. The Helena Police Department is seeking the public's help in an investigation where three individuals involved in an incident were acquaintances. Prior to the incident, one male threatened to kill the other male and female while traveling on Interstate 15. The male who was shot forcibly entered a residence after being left on the side of the road, resulting in an altercation and the shooting. Authorities are requesting anyone with information, particularly those who provided a ride to a male from Interstate 15 on the night of Jul. 8 between 10:15 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. to contact Detective Sean Schoenfelder at (406) 447-8475. (Montana Right Now)
3. The Montana Department of Revenue is organizing public meetings throughout the state to educate taxpayers about the property valuation process and how the department arrived at the new property tax values. The meetings will be held in various locations, including Helena, with both in-person and virtual options available. Further information about the town hall meetings can be found on the department's website. (Independent Record)

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Today and tomorrow in Helena:

Wednesday, July 12

• The Dead And Down Alive At Five Concert At Downtown Helena (5:30 PM)

Thursday, July 13

• Music By Katie Roberts At Mt Ascension Brewing Co. (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Helena Police Department will be hosting a Citizens Academy on Tuesdays from Aug. 22 through Oct. 10. The program is free and open to anyone over the age of 18. (Helena Montana Police Department via Facebook)
• This weekend in Helena, there are several exciting artistic events to enjoy. On Friday, take a leisurely walk downtown during the Summer Art Walk, and afterward, join the Park Avenue Block Party, which coincides with the Bray, Clay, and Brews event. On Saturday and Sunday, you have the opportunity to visit the homes and studios of local artists as part of the Montana Clay Tour. Finally, on Saturday evening, don't miss the Symphony Under the Stars, a wonderful musical experience to conclude the weekend. (Visit Helena Montana via Facebook)

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That's it for today!

— 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.