Good morning, Helena.

Helena’s The Union is named a finalist for the 2025 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant and is the only Montana restaurant to earn this honor, known for its farm-to-table menu.

The dining spot will compete with top restaurants from across the country with winners announced in Chicago in June—and it will celebrate its one-year anniversary next week.

Helena native Trenton Wright, a Capital High graduate with a Master of Science in Flight Test Engineering, is chasing his music dream on American Idol after driving 13 hours to audition in Nashville—he reached the top 64 of over 140,000 contestants and has strong support from local fans. He will compete next when the show airs Sunday, April 6.

Helena robotics teams Fusion, Protostars, and Nano have earned international recognition and will soon compete on global stages as they represent our community.

The teams will face international challenges in upcoming competitions—Fusion in Houston this April, Nano in Long Beach this May, and Protostars in Canada this July—while supporting local projects that helped Helena Airport become an innovation hub.

Ospreys are returning to Helena as they come from wintering in places such as Texas, Florida, and Central and South America to rebuild nests on man-made platforms and help gauge local fish populations—Montana Wild will host a cleanup near Spring Meadow Lake next Friday to remove fishing lines and twine.

Sheriff Dutton and the Montana High Patrol warned drivers that distractions such as cell phones, food, or paperwork can lead to dangerous driving—Senate Bill 359 passed the Montana Senate and is now awaiting a House hearing that could fine distracted drivers up to $250.

Historic Helena fire tower repairs are nearing completion—Christmas lights will be added next week and a new staircase installed by May to finish the project.

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.

Triple Crown Gala

6-11 p.m. — Helena Civic Center — $150 — Experience an evening of elegance and empowerment at this Kentucky Derby-themed charity event supporting adults with disabilities.

HYP Mingle at Ten Mile Creek Brewery

6-8 p.m. — Ten Mile Creek Brewery — Free microbrews for members — Unwind with friends while enjoying local brews at a great venue.