🌱 Rental Plane Makes Emergency Landing + Helena Sidewalk Repair

Morning, everybody. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Helena Patch newsletter — here to impart everything you need to know about what's happening in our community.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 77 Low: 51.
• Tuesday: A stray afternoon t-shower. High: 77 Low: 53.

Here are the top three stories today in Helena:

1. A rental plane owned by the Sleeping Giant Flying Club made an emergency landing in an empty field near Sperry Drive and Interstate 15 after running low on fuel between Helena and Gates of the Mountain. The single male occupant was not injured, and there was no damage to the aircraft. Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton worked in tandem with the Montana Aeronautics Division to assist the pilot in obtaining more fuel and getting the plane airborne again within the uncontrolled airspace. (Montana Right Now)
2. Helena robotics team Fusion 4133 won first place in the design category of the Edison division at the FIRST Championship in Houston, Texas, marking the team’s first win at the international competition. The team's homemade 3D-printed belts set them apart from other competitors and gave them the freedom to be more creative in their robot design. Co-captains Zach Heller and Miranda Sheafor are proud to have left a legacy on the team, and coach Jamie Dushin is proud of his team's representation of Helena and Montana. (KTVH)
3. Helena residents who have damaged sidewalks or are interested in adding sidewalks to their property can seek assistance from the City's Sidewalk Improvement Loan Program. Applications for the program's Spring/Summer 2023 season will be open starting tomorrow, May 16. For further information on the program, click here. (City of Helena MT)

Today and tomorrow in Helena:

Monday, May 15

• Monday Game Night, At Headwaters Crafthouse (5:30 PM)

Tuesday, May 16

• Community Craft Night, At Cottonwood ALC (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has ordered all flags in the state to be flown at half-staff today (May 15) in commemoration of Peace Officers Memorial Day. This decision was made to pay tribute to law enforcement officers who lost their lives while performing their duties. (Montana Right Now)
• Montana has a new state fruit — Huckleberry — thanks to the efforts of a group of fourth graders. Click the link to see a video of the class who made it happen. (Montana Right Now)
• There are some newly constructed houses on the market in Helena. Click the link to view all the available houses in the area, including a four-bedroom home in East Helena for $699,900. (Independent Record)

You're officially in the loop for today! See you soon for your next 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.