Sonny Tapia

California, Helena

Education and Criminal Justice Reporter and Photographer at Helena Independent Record

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Articles

'Go be great': Helena High celebrates its 146th senior class urging graduates to be brave, bold

1 week ago | helenair.com | Sonny Tapia

Helena High School officials recognized the 146th graduating class Saturday at Nelson Stadium at Carroll College with a keynote speech from a familiar face. The class of 2025 comprised of 223 graduates heard from former principal Steve Thennis, who retired in 2024. Thennis touched on gratitude, time, community and excellence. "There's a lot of pollen in the air today, so bear with me," he said laughing. "...
Capital High sends off 290 graduates with pride

1 week ago | helenair.com | Sonny Tapia

Cheers filled Nelson Stadium Saturday as Capital High School celebrated the class of 2025, honoring 290 graduates who crossed the stage with tassels turned and futures wide open. Brett Zanto, principal said, there were 30 valedictorians, nine salutatorians, two national merit scholars and four presidential scholar candidates.
PAL graduates step into the unknown with smiles, strength, hope

1 week ago | helenair.com | Sonny Tapia

With cheers echoing and tassels turned, 30 Project for Alternative Learning graduates crossed the stage Friday, celebrating, resilience, growth and the promise of new beginnings beyond the edge of the map. PAL's graduating class endured, triumphed and overcame challenges throughout their young lives and looked forward to brighter futures within the great unknown. John Cech, retiring President of Carroll College, was the keynote speaker.
Helena Public Schools set to make decisions Tuesday regarding Hawthorne, budget

1 week ago | helenair.com | Sonny Tapia

The Helena Public Schools board is expected to make decisions that brewed for months within the community regarding a potential Hawthorne Elementary School closure and budget shortfalls at its June 10 board meeting. The meeting will be 5:30 p.m. at Lincoln Center, 1325 Poplar St. Hawthorne Elementary School, 430 Madison Ave., was seen on the chopping block for years, but now, decisions about its future remained on the table.
From dropout risk to diploma: Helena senior finds his way through PAL

1 week ago | helenair.com | Sonny Tapia

After nearly dropping out following the COVID-19 pandemic, Mason Robbins found support, purpose and a love for learning at Helena's Project for Alternative Learning -- now he's set to become his family's first graduate. Robbins, an 18-year-old senior, is set to graduate June 6 through Helena's Project for Alternative Learning after he lost his willingness to stay focused, complete assignments and continue school.
Time for remembrance: Memorial Day observance in Helena honors fallen solider from Butte

2 weeks ago | helenair.com | Sonny Tapia

When Robert Rule learned that a veteran from Butte jumped to his death from an interstate overpass in Helena in 2020, he said he fell to his knees and asked God for guidance. Nearly 4 1/2 years later, Rule, executive director of the Center for Warriors Foundation, stood in Memorial Park in Helena to honor the veteran and give family members first-ever pins and a scholarship to the man's niece.
Woman who died at Cruse Park in Helena identified

2 weeks ago | helenair.com | Sonny Tapia

A woman who collapsed and died at Cruse Park on May 28 was identified Friday as 61-year-old Lyla Hunt, whose death was ruled natural, stemming from cardiovascular disease, officials said. Hunt died of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a Lewis and Clark County Coroner's report states. The park at 551 N. Last Chance Gulch was the scene where Helena police responded to a report of four people engaged in illegal activity.
Second Helena man involved in 'Hulk heroin' case receives 9 years in prison

2 weeks ago | helenair.com | Sonny Tapia

One of the parties involved in a "Hulk heroin" case that caused nine overdoses in 2022 was sentenced Thursday and received nine years in prison. Jesse Al Belling, who was 41 at the time of his arrest, was sentenced in Lewis and Clark County District Court by Judge Michael McMahon, who wished him the best of luck in his sobriety journey. The defendant accepted a plea agreement in April 2025 that included his charge of felony conspiracy to distribute dangerous drugs.
Jesse Al Belling

2 weeks ago | helenair.com | Sonny Tapia

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Helena man charged with aggravated kidnapping after allegedly beating woman

2 weeks ago | helenair.com | Sonny Tapia

A Helena man who allegedly beat a woman he said lied to him and told police dispatchers "it felt really good" after was charged with felony aggravated kidnapping Wednesday, documents state. Helena police officers responded around 11 a.m. May 27 to the area of the 800 block of North Rodney Street for a domestic disturbance. The complainant told dispatch she was kicked in the head and was bleeding.