🌱 Runner Passes Through Helena + CDT Detour + MLEA Graduates

Hey, Helena! Like many of you, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Fourth of July. I’ll be back in your inbox after the holiday, but until then, here’s what’s happening in town today.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: An afternoon shower; cooler. High: 75 Low: 53.
• Tuesday: A thundershower in spots. High: 65 Low: 50.
• Wednesday: Warmer with lots of sun. High: 79 Low: 50.

Here are the top three stories in and around Helena today:

1. Noah Coughlan, running his fourth and planned-to-be final solo run across America, arrived in Helena earlier this past week. Coughlan's 3,500-mile "Run for Revival" in honor of American servicemen and women is meant to bring a United States Air Force flag flown in Saudi Arabia across the country to commemorate the sacrifices of those in the armed forces. Coughlan began in Blaine, Washington on Memorial Day, arrived in Helena on Jun. 30, and aims to end his run in Miami on Veteran's Day. If he completes the trip, he will be the fifth person to have crossed America on foot four separate times. (KTVH)
2. A portion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) is being rerouted in order to allow contractors to reduce fuels and deadfall along the trail, with the detour set to begin on Jul. 5. Because the work will involve the use of heavy equipment and the removal of the limbs of large trees along the path, the project set to bring the trail into compliance with the Forest Plan requires that hikers follow posted detours and stay clear of the work area. (ABC Fox Montana Helena)
   
3. On Friday, Jun. 30, 58 new law enforcement officers set to enter 37 different state agencies graduated from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) in Helena. Montana State Attorney General Austin Knudsen congratulated the graduates in an address: "Today's graduates have stepped up to protect our communities, but they need the continued support of Montanans." (KULR)

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Coming up in Helena:

Monday, July 3

• 3rd of July Beach Bash At Lakeside on Hauser (2:00 PM)

Tuesday, July 4

• Helena Old Glory Flag July 4th Celebration At Centennial Park (12:00 PM)

Wednesday, July 5

• One Team Scavenger Hunt Helena At 105 Reeders Alley (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Helena-born Amanda Haab is the first Montana State University student to be a recipient of a new scholarship held in partnership with the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Haab, 20, and a junior biochemistry student, has been named a 2023 Astronaut Scholar. (Independent Record)
• Property taxes in Montana are set to increase by 40 percent in 2023, and homeowners have received notification this June of the beginning of the cycle where the state Department of Revenue sets the valuation rates for residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial properties. While interim appraisals have been made, it will be some time before the dust settles and it's known how much property owners owe. (KXLH)

Thanks for reading! I'll see you again soon after the holiday.

— 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.