Good morning, Helena.

On Saturday, Montanans gathered at the Capitol to honor Vietnam veterans in a 'Welcome Home' ceremony that featured wreath placement under the Freedom Tree + live music and speeches from community leaders.

This event recognized efforts to support those who served during the Vietnam War.

Helena Area Habitat for Humanity Restore expanded its recycling facility by adding a new barn and held a celebration on Saturday.

A grant provided extra space for building materials (windows, piping, and lumber), and the facility is open for donations and shopping Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A Helena bookkeeper changed her plea to guilty on March 25 to wire fraud—after embezzling nearly $200,000 from Parrish—and now faces up to 30 years in prison.

Trenton Wright, a 23-year-old flight engineer tester from Helena, auditioned for American Idol and impressed the judges with his voice while performing Rich Girl by Daryl Hall and John Oates.

He described his audition as a leap of faith that was both exciting and nerve-wracking.

Spring is here and more people are using Helena trails as the snow melts, so the parks department checked trails on Monday to plan repairs costing about $30,000 a year—Open Lands Manager Brad Langsather said hikers should use common sense to avoid further damage.

Scientists at Rocky Mountain Laboratories identified mosquito-borne viruses that can cause encephalitis in Montana—research from the Hamilton lab found infection rates in humans between 21% and 40%—as they work to understand these illnesses.

Deer, elk, and moose shed their antlers each year and many locals enjoy shed hunting this spring to find antlers for fun or sale— Greg Lemon with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks said public lands are open for this activity with specific rules in place.

Some wildlife management areas are closed to the public until May 15 and require a conservation license, so hunters must review site regulations and travel safely in bear country.

The Independent Record launched the new Last Chance Rundown today to deliver weekly updates on Helena area high school and college sports.

The newsletter covers key moments including Faith Howard's no-hitter in Helena High softball — along with track successes and a quarterback competition at Carroll.

HYP Improv Night!

6-8 p.m. — Lewis & Clark Library — Free entry — Engage in fun improv games focusing on team building and creativity.

Duende Libre

7:30 PM — The Myrna Loy — $30 — Celebrate the vibrant connections between jazz and music from Cuba, Brazil, and the Mediterranean.

2025 Gold Country Master Gardener Symposium

9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Carroll Campus Center — Registration fee includes lunch — Dive into horticultural education and network with garden enthusiasts while learning about sustainable practices.

Hotel California

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Helena Civic Center — Cost Info Unavailable — Experience the iconic sound of The Eagles performed live by HOTEL CALIFORNIA.

Lucky Stiff in Helena

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Grandstreet Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with a unique performance supporting local causes.

SFST/Intoxilyzer Training Course

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Montana Law Enforcement Academy — $400 — Gain practical skills in DUI processing with expert instructors from the MT Crime Lab and Montana Highway Patrol.

Lucky Stiff

7:30-9 p.m. — Grandstreet Theatre — Ticket purchase supports a cause — Enjoy a night of entertainment while giving back to the community.

Lucky Stiff Performance

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Grandstreet Theatre — Tickets vary — Enjoy a unique theatrical experience that supports charitable causes.

Montana Warrior Run

8:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Spring Meadow Lake State Park — Registration fee required — Celebrate community spirit while participating in this annual run to promote awareness and wellness.

2025 Fundraising Summit

9:30 AM – 5:00 PM — Delta Hotels Helena Colonial — $95 – $305 — A day exploring trends and strategies for building a strong fundraising foundation.