Good morning, Helena.

The Montana Club in Helena reopened its second floor as a private space for members after renovations updated its plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems—launching mid-July with roughly 100 members who dine locally every Wednesday and Sunday.

The club will open a garden room for high tea next month while the cigar lounge and sixth-floor restaurant will follow after permits and renovations are completed.

State Superintendent Susie Hedalen, Missoula Superintendent Micah Hill, and Lolo Superintendent Dale Olinger discussed challenges due to federal funding cuts at a panel held at the Missoula Public Library, explaining that staffing and budget issues + inflation pressures mean school districts face tough decisions. The panel said state officials plan to simplify the funding formula to help schools manage these changes.

Over the weekend, law enforcement officers in Helena competed in the Governor’s 20 pistol shooting competition—an event that tests shooting skills with timed drills and movement challenges while offering training and networking opportunities.

The competition also featured an FBI-led terminal ballistics course—raising funds for local law enforcement equipment upgrades.

The Lewis and Clark County detention center is operating with a shortage of staff as it has only 30 employees — far below the authorized 59 — to care for over 100 inmates, and Sheriff Leo Dutton says long 12-hour shifts raise safety concerns while extra deputies cover shifts.

City officials issued a proclamation to show support for immigrants after federal immigration enforcement detained a Helena man—an effort meant to reassure residents.

The proclamation also affirms Helena's backing for Hands on Global.

Today, the Lewis and Clark County Detention Center is facing a staffing shortage as it is authorized for 59 employees but is operating with only 30—staff work 12-hour shifts and deputies cover extra shifts to help manage over 100 inmates.

Sheriff Leo Dutton said the shortage raises safety concerns and increases the workload for everyone.

The Helena Public Schools board of trustees voted in June to ask voters for $283 million in bonds to repair aging facilities at Helena High, Capital High and Kessler Elementary.

Ballots will be mailed on Aug. 22 and must be returned by 8 p.m. Sept. 9—voters will face modest tax increases if the bonds pass.

Governor Gianforte signed an order launching the 406 Jobs initiative to boost Montana's workforce by reducing employment barriers in high-demand sectors like healthcare, construction, and advanced computing.

The State Workforce Innovation Board will visit 16 communities to gather feedback — an implementation plan will be delivered within 90 days.

Helena's Spring Art Walk

Helena's Spring Art Walk: Visit 100+ artists in-person, on display at more than 40 business hosts from 4 - 8pm. Start by picking up your map at Omerta Arts to win prizes, see two great new exhibitions, real artist studios, live music, BBQ + ice cream, then shuttle to the library and wander back (800 Front St.)

The Augúst - 57th Annual Montana Footrace

7 PM — Spring Meadow Resources Pavilion — $10 entry fee for youth — Experience the thrill of Montana's second oldest footrace with a flat and fast 5k trail run.

Beyond the Big Sky Stargazing Event

9 p.m. – 12 a.m. — Montana Learning Center — $25 adults, $15 youth — Explore the cosmos with expert astronomers and amazing telescopes in one of America's darkest skies.

Queen City Ballet Company presents: The Bang Group (NYC); A Night of Classical and Contemporary Dance

This special, not-to-be-missed performance at the Myrna Loy includes a collaborative work featuring dancers from both Queen City Ballet Company and The Bang Group, who come to Helena from New York City and include Helena native and Queen City alum Louise Benkelman.

Rock the Block Art Fair

5-10 p.m. — Holter Museum of Art — Free entry — Celebrate the end of summer with art booths and community fun in Helena.

LINUX Shell Scripting Training

Sep 3-4 — The Training Den Helena — $990 — Dive into the world of shell scripting and automate tasks effectively.

The Wonder of Elvis Tribute Show

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Helena Civic Center — Tickets required — Experience the electrifying tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll performed by Donny Edwards.

Certified Nursing Assistant Course

4-8 p.m. — Online Lecture via TEAMS & In-Person Skills Lab — Cost varies — Train to become a certified nursing assistant with both online and hands-on training.

Best-Selling Author Sy Montgomery

Western Montana book stores and Montana Book Company welcomes Sy Montgomery—National Book Award finalist of The Soul of an Octopus—and acclaimed wildlife artist Matt Patterson to celebrate the publication of The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle. The bestselling and Sibert Honor–winning creators of The Book of Turtles bring us the true story of a snapping turtle’s extraordinary journey—and the amazing conservationists who helped give him a second chance. This feel-good, gorgeously illustrated story about beating the odds is the true story of a very lucky turtle.

Helena Septemberfest

4-8 p.m. — The Gulch: Downtown Helena — Free entry — Experience a dinosaur-themed weekend of family fun with soapbox derby racing and balloon sculptures.