'Biggest little rodeo' hosted for 59th year

The whispers of "Heads up, something special is going to happen at the beginning of the rodeo," floated around the grandstands, building suspense for the opening of the 59th Helmville Rodeo.

Following the presentation of the Montana and Armed Forces flags, Bonnie Weaver, rodeo club secretary and Bill Baker, Rodeo Club president carried the American Flag to the center of the freshly groomed arena.

Lily Boyd, a Seeley-Swan High School student from Condon climbed onto a barrel and prepared to interpret the National Anthem by sign language.

Then a helicopter from Deer Lodge Heli-Works appeared, ci...