Good morning, Helena.

Mackenzie River Pizza Co., law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes came together on Tuesday for Tip-A-Cop—donating police tips and a portion of Guardian pizza sales to Montana Special Olympics while over 20 athletes helped out.

The event raised funds split with 60% kept for local athletes and 40% for state programs, and Montana will send 46 athletes to compete in the 2026 games in Minneapolis.

Local law enforcement helped 60 children shop for back-to-school clothes on Tuesday during the Salvation Army's Shop with a Cop event at Old Navy—an effort to support families as they prepare for the new school year.

Helena Public Schools has proposed a $43,000,000 bond to replace Kessler Elementary near Spring Meadow Lake—aiming to improve safety, security, and accessibility.

If approved, the bond will increase taxes by about $40 a year for 20 years for homes valued at $300,000 and the new school is expected to be ready by fall 2028.

If voters pass a $240 million school bond, over $59 million will fund renovations at Capital High to address frequent power outages and aging facilities.

The bond’s approval will allow construction to start in August 2026 and finish by fall, while a no-bond outcome may force shared classes with Helena High if its boiler fails — a change raising concern among local taxpayers.

Braxton Hudson, a 30-year-old receptionist running for Helena mayor, said he is the least known candidate but brings an everyday worker’s view to boost affordable housing and improve public transportation.

He told voters at a recent meeting that he plans to work on city growth and service reliability—efforts aimed at easing living costs for residents.

BLM is asking the public to report details on dangerous welded spikes found on trails in the Spokane Hills near Canyon Ferry — officials say the spikes, likely placed last season, can harm people, pets, livestock, vehicles and wildlife.

Helena mayoral candidate Chris Riccardo, 57, said his top priority is the health and well being of downtown — a focus he will pursue throughout his campaign.

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.

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.

38 Special Concert

7-9 p.m. — Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds — Ticket information available — Enjoy a night of Southern rock with iconic hits from 38 Special.