Good morning, Helena.

Today, the Helena IR is giving the community free access to all digital content on its website until September 2—this offer is made possible with support from Town Pump.

Carroll College is back in session today and local businesses like The Bagel Company are seeing more college students, teachers, and regular customers.

Coffee manager Bryan Wood said the rising foot traffic has led to busier mornings and parking challenges—clear signs that the school season has brought extra energy to the area.

Helena’s campaign treasurer, Abbey Lee Cook, was charged on Aug.

20 with federal wire fraud for allegedly stealing over $253,000 by collecting deposits for events at her venue on Last Chance Gulch after being evicted—resulting in canceled events like the East Helena school prom.

Helena Indian Alliance is returning artifacts held for nearly 25 years to the Quapaw Nation in Arkansas—pieces that include ceramics from before European settlers arrived.

Administration manager Katelyn Griepp worked with Arkansas archaeologist Juliet Morrow to trace the items’ origins and prepare them for repatriation.

Holter Museum of Art in Helena will host its first annual Rock the Block Art Fair Saturday—featuring local artists and community activities to close the summer season.

The Helena Indian Alliance is set to return donated ceramics to the Quapaw Nation in Arkansas after nearly 25 years of holding the items—administration manager Katelyn Griepp said that historical records and expert guidance from archaeologist Juliet Morrow confirmed their origins.

Helena’s St. Andrew Catholic School feels the shock from a recent tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis and has strict safety measures—cameras, window grating, and active shooter training—to protect its 253 students and 40 staff.

The school community holds those affected in its prayers and remains focused on keeping everyone safe.

Montana received a FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant to cover 75% of the state’s eligible firefighting costs for the Windy Rock Fire in Powell County, which Governor Gianforte announced on Thursday.

The fire burned more than 3,890 acres and led to evacuations while over 600 firefighters work to control it — the funding alleviates the state’s financial burden.

The Montana Department of Transportation plans a new roundabout at the Lincoln Road and Applegate Drive intersection in Helena Valley as part of efforts to reduce crashes and address rising local residents; the public may visit an open house at Jim Darcy Elementary School next Wednesday from 4 p.m.—6:30 p.m. Construction is expected to begin in spring if funding is approved.

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.)

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.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux Automation with Ansible Training

Sep 15-18 — The Training Den Helena — $2735 — A comprehensive four-day course for system administrators to master Ansible automation skills.

Mount Helena Run

10 AM – 12 PM — Birds & Beasleys — $30 entry fee — Experience a challenging 5.6-mile trail run with stunning views in Helena, Montana.

Linux Fundamentals GL120 Training

Monday, Sep 22nd — The Training Den Helena — Price varies — Gain hands-on experience in Linux fundamentals through a comprehensive training program.