Good morning, Helena.

A Texas man faces several felony federal charges for allegedly buying feathers and parts from eagles that were poached in Montana and elsewhere—poaching is linked to the death of 3,600 birds.

The carousel in Helena has run for 24 years with regular care from its original builder who inspects and tweaks it every two years or less—its painted horses and bison receive frequent touch-ups to stay bright and safe.

The ride is receiving a fresh coat of paint on the outside, and the National Carousel Association will visit September 22 to showcase its history.

The Holter Museum in Helena is displaying over 25 art pieces by Montana veterans from 13 categories— the exhibit honors the creative work of local heroes.

The Helena Education Foundation is hosting its annual Carnival Classic—an event focused on public education in Helena—this Sunday.

Rachel Robison resigned from the Helena Public Schools board this week—leaving a vacancy for an elementary and high school trustee.

The board must fill the position within 60 days with applications open until October 31 and the new trustee will serve until May 5.

Helena Public Schools received a $30,000 grant from the News Literacy Project — one of 14 districts accepted into its fellowship program — to promote news literacy.

The Montana Department of Transportation is asking Helena residents for comments on a proposal to resurface and update about 1.5 miles of 11th Avenue and Prospect Ave.—the project will move forward after public input is collected.

Helena officials asked the state how it calculated new taxable value for the city’s budget since the Department of Revenue reported much less new value than expected from recent construction.

Finance director Sheila Danielson said the final budget cut tax revenue by $200,000 and the city will ask for more data—so all new building work is properly counted.

On Sept. 9, Helena voters turned out at an unprecedented 59.71% for a municipal and school bond ballot featuring $283 million in measures to fund school improvements—well above typical off-year rates.

Local experts said the high turnout reflected strong community engagement and could signal future shifts in voter behavior.

At the Montana Capitol today, members of the Montana Highway Patrol honor guard and the Montana State Firefighter’s Association presented the colors—tolling an honor bell to remember those lost on 9/11.

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.)

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.

HYP Networking Lunch

1-2 p.m. — Staggering Ox — Open to all — Enjoy a casual networking lunch featuring unique can-shaped sandwiches and great conversation.

Introduction to Pickleball

12-2 p.m. — Barney Park — Free for HYP members, $5 for non-members — Enjoy a fun introduction to the game of pickleball with friends and equipment provided.

Buffalo Fluffalo author Bess Kalb

Meet Bess Kalb, author of Buffalo, Fluffalo - a Helena Education Foundation First’s First book selection - and now Buffalo, Fluffalo and Puffalo! Kalb will read and present her new title then meet attendees and sign books!

Beverages with Ben

Join Ben Rigby, candidate for Helena City Commission, for a relaxed conversation over coffee at Scenic Brew on October 2nd, 9-10:30am. No agenda, just an open space to share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns about Helena.

Helena Sun Run

10:00 – 11:30 AM — Smith Elementary School — Registration required — Participate in a timed 5K run or an untimed 1-mile fun run to support clean energy efforts.

The Rat Pack in Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Helena Civic Center — Tickets required — Step back into the glam of 1960's Las Vegas with the iconic sounds of Frank, Sammy, and Dean.