🌱 Man Died In Crash That Injured 7-Year-Old + UM Welcomes 2023 Grads

Hello all. Sean Peek here with your fresh copy of the Missoula Patch newsletter, full of all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 79 Low: 54.
• Wednesday: An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 76 Low: 51.

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Here are the top three stories in Missoula today:

1. A man died in a crash that injured a seven-year-old on Cole Mine Road Sunday, May 14, in Missoula. According to Montana Highway Patrol, the motorist didn't complete a curve in the roadway and his car slid off and overturned. The driver, 49, was ejected from the vehicle in the crash. The seven-year-old is currently hospitalized at St. Patrick's Hospital. (Montana Right Now)
2. The University of Montana held two graduation ceremonies on Saturday, May 13, to welcome over 2,000 graduates into the university's alumni. In the ceremonies, UM alumna Mandy Smoker Broaddus received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, and famed set designer John Shaffner received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts. Shaffner is considered one of the most influential television set designers in history, and graduated from the University of Montana in 1974. (KPAX News)
3. Jim Elliott wrote in the Missoula Current on the expulsion of former governor Marc Racicot, who was - according to Elliott - labeled a RINO (Republican In Name Only), and formally removed from the Montana Republican Party. This decision came despite Racicot's history as the former chair of the National Republican Party and his role in supporting the election of President George W. Bush. Elliott made the argument that no single person within a political party will embody all of that party's platforms and stances. He ultimately concludes, "My point is this; if a political party wants to govern it has to accept people who do not agree with the party philosophy one hundred percent ... If I have offended anyone's political sensibilities by saying accepting impurity is important, good. Their beliefs need to be challenged so they can examine them critically." (Missoula Current)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Missoula:

Tuesday, May 16

• Role Playing Games At North Valley Public Library (4:00 PM)
• Inhabitants: Indigenous Perspectives on Restoring Our World At Zootown Arts Community Center (5:30 PM)
• Acting Improv At The Missoula Public Library (6:00 PM)

Wednesday, May 17

• Hump Day Missoula Mountain Bike League Races At Marshall Mountain Park (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The University of Montana posted some scenes from its graduation ceremonies to give a big Grizzly welcome to the Class of 2023! (University of Montana via Facebook)
• The City of Missoula Police Department will be observing National Police Week this month. The week is a time of solemn remembrance of the sacrifices made by police officers in a line of duty. (City of Missoula Police Department via Facebook)
• The National Forest Foundation wants to remind you to give your mom a call and thank her for taking you into the great outdoors and making memories in the forest! (National Forest Foundation via Facebook)

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That's it for today. I'll be back in your inbox soon with 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.