Update from THE COUNCIL

Laura Joseph PLACE 4

Last year, 2022, was the year of direction, your city’s leadership team aimed high and charted a solid path toward success. Among the most notable of these plans and preparations are: 1) adopting a proactive, fiscally responsible plan to manage the city’s road repairs, 2) passing a budget that addresses several deferred infrastructure maintenance issues, 3) approving a partnership with U.S. Steel to build a new town center and athletic complex, and 4) adopting a new comprehensive plan to guide our path. Now that we have rung in the new year, the city will begin working in earnest toward achieving the goals that we set in 2022.

Paving bids have been accepted and soon, repairs will commence according to the plan mentioned above. Up next will be new LED lighting to enhance visibility and safety at the tennis courts, the Jane B. Holmes Public Library and Lee Springs Park. And finally, the new EV charging station at the sports complex is expected to be operational by the end of this month. Work continues at Joe Tucker Park, as we wait for a critical part to arrive before completing the remaining repairs, pouring the sidewalk and finishing up the road work.

Soon, Helena will receive our portion of ad valorem tax revenue (around $1.3 million), and those tax revenues will help fund many of the projects mentioned above, as well as other budgeted projects this fiscal year. In the coming months, it will be important for Helena’s leadership team to remain focused on prioritizing the approved budget items, staying the course and achieving our goals. As we approach the kickoff dates for these exciting projects, I look forward to working with my colleagues on the city council as we strive to continue making smart, fiscally responsible decisions for our city.

I also want to point out that none of this could happen without you. As Helena’s citizens, you have placed your trust in us to speak for you, make decisions on your behalf, and represent your values. I can’t think of a more meaningful privilege. Gaining consensus among 20,000 residents is nearly impossible, but communication between citizens and your city’s leadership team is critical to ensure that Helena continues moving in the right direction. Your elected leaders must also do our part—because along with the privilege of service, comes a duty to value and follow the will of the people. Please continue to email your feedback and try to attend meetings and work sessions whenever possible. Our meetings are the second and fourth Mondays of the month, with work sessions starting at 5 p.m. and council meetings at 6 p.m. Help us do the best job that we can for you. Good communication between Helena’s citizens and elected leaders are essential to ensure that our city continues to grow even stronger and more connected. I hope to hear from you soon!

What drew you to being a baseball coach?

Honestly, I knew I wanted to coach when I was around 15-16 years old. I always thought I would be a head football coach even through college. But when I did my student teaching in the spring of 2005, I ended up helping with all the baseball teams at Prattville High School. During that time, my passion for coaching baseball started there. Trying to coach on the other side of the game made me fall in love with the game more than when I was a player. That experience let me know that coaching baseball is all I ever wanted to do.

How would you describe your style of coaching?

Well, that depends on who you’re asking. I think first, I have a passion for people. I love more than anything spending time with my players and being a part of a team. I’ve been a part of a team since I was 5. I think I would describe my style as “tough love.” I want more than anything to get the best out of each individual player in our program. And to do that, you have to push your players beyond what they think they can do. I want to help all our players grow as men when they are a part of the program.

What do you love about coaching at Helena?

First, the relationships I’ve had with all the players that have played here. I can’t explain how blessed I’ve been to coach the group of men I’ve had for the past 8 years. People don’t realize how much time we spend with each other and what we go through. I’ve been to a lot of weddings in the past two years for our former players. And, for a coach, that is the most fulfilling thing you can have—is watching them grow into men. Then just our support from the community. This place is packed with people on Friday nights for football, playoff baseball games, etc. I moved here 9 years ago and didn’t know anybody. And it’s been home to me and my family since day one. My children (Ellie Grace 5, Tripp, 3) know nothing else. Ellie Grace took her first steps on our baseball field after a playoff series when she was a baby. We love our town.

Are there any moments that stand out to you from your time coaching?

Winning the State Championship in 2017, obviously, is probably our greatest moment. The journey you take together to get to the State Championship is the most fulfilling. But it’s the relationships I’ve had with the players and coaches. I was so lucky to coach with two of my best friends, Bobby Cummings and Jody Colvin, here for more than 5 years. Coaching has never been a job for me. I get to do what I love doing every day, and I’m very grateful for that.

What is something you hope players learn from being a part of a team?

I hope they learn that being a part of a team is one of the greatest experiences they will ever have. You can’t get through life without a team. You need God, family and whatever else to help you go through life experiences. Everything in life is easier with a brother at your side. I hope once they leave Helena that they know that we loved them and always wanted what’s best for them. It’s always OUR program.