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Hi Helena, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Heritage grants spark new exhibits, the Montana Club’s revival channels Gatsby glamour, Cinderella in ballet enchants, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
New projects honor heritage: Montana’s 250th Commission awarded nearly $420,000 to 32 groups statewide, funding Indigenous history exhibits, veterans memorials, oral histories, and education programs that must be public by Dec. 31, 2026 — get all the details.
Architectural gem’s new chapter: Helena’s storied Montana Club is getting fresh energy as new owner Ajitpal “Sunny” Pannu revives its Gatsby glamour. Since opening in April, the Rathskeller has outpaced early revenue projections — read the full story.
State-backed bond underpins growth: East Helena City Council voted to seek financing for Habitat’s Rose Hills, funding infrastructure for 1,500 homes, while water concerns persist after the state denied the former ASARCO water rights — get details on funding and water.
A quiet natural treasure: Spring Meadow Lake State Park in Helena is a 61-acre escape with a clear spring-fed lake, a family swimming area, and wildlife like herons and ospreys many locals overlook — read the full story.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Keeping local sales alive: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks launched a License Ambassador program in January to keep in-person license sales available through partner businesses. Transactions now run on an online system because old equipment cannot be repaired or replaced. The regular licensing system still serves people managing their own purchases and applications. Get details on the program.
Make your voice count: Montana Transportation Commission meets today at 8 30 a.m. at the Montana Department of Transportation Headquarters. Public comment on transportation issues is invited during the meeting, offering a chance for voices from Helena and nearby communities to be heard. Get all the details.
Dinner grown nearby: When you crave a weeknight meal that tastes like home, Benny’s Bistro keeps it simple and fresh, serving Montana-raised proteins and peak produce from local farmers they know by name, all cooked with care in a cozy downtown spot you can slip into after work.
Stock your home base: Fed up with dull knives and warped pans? Yes, Chef! Artisan Kitchenware keeps Helena kitchens humming with well-made cookware, cutlery, and gadgets you’ll actually use. When inspiration strikes, their shelves nudge dinner from meh to nailed it.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🤝 Evolve Customer Appreciation Day @ Evolve Nutrition | Friday (2/27) at 6:30 AM – Think you’re too seasoned for swag? Swing by Evolve on Last Chance Gulch for giveaways, samples, scratch-and-win prizes, and VIP punch cards, plus shake, Energy Bomb, and protein ball kits. Nab a free koozie if you’re early, or get delivery with a six-drink squad.
🏠 Spotlight Series @ Helena Habitat ReStore | Friday (2/27) at 10:00 AM – Helena Habitat ReStore is rolling out a Spotlight Series, featuring one local maker Friday and Saturday, aisle-side. Art between the paint cans, very Helena. Show your work, meet neighbors, and give upcycling its moment, free artist space, spots limited, contact Russ at 406-204-5098 or [email protected].
🤼 Grappling Industries Montana @ Helena Civic Center | Saturday (2/28) at 9:00 AM – Helena Civic Center is turning into a sea of mats as Grappling Industries brings a full day of jiu-jitsu, takedowns, and surprisingly affectionate chokeholds. It’s real-deal competition, family-friendly, and weirdly calming to watch. Bring coffee, cheer a neighbor, stay for the finals.
🌽 Corndog Day! @ Mt Ascension Gastropub | Saturday (2/28) at 12:00 PM – Mt. Ascension is celebrating Corndog Day, a once-a-month tribute to America’s finest stick-based cuisine. Go classic with mustard, or flirt with experimental toppings, then pretend the stroll between bites counts as cross-training. No carnival rides, just views, laughs, and crispy nostalgia.
❄ Winter Outdoor Skills Workshop @ Local Labor Union Hall | Saturday (2/28) at 5:00 PM – Think you can out-stubborn February? Pretty Good Outfitters hosts a hands-on winter skills workshop that makes the cold useful, with practical tips for staying warm, moving smart, and keeping it safe. Saturday sessions, small groups, and no ego, just smart locals upgrading their snow game.
🎸 Outlaw Soul and more @ Algeria Shrine Temple | Saturday (2/28) at 6:30 PM – Outlaw Soul is rolling in with gritty originals that lean rock, country, and blues, plus a stubborn streak of artistic freedom. AM I OK? fires back with straight-up original rock, tight and loud. No covers, no gimmicks, just toe-tapping, head-nodding, post-bedtime rebellion.
📝 Process the Process @ Holter Museum of Art | Sunday (3/1) at 4:00 PM – Skip the scroll and settle into Process the Process, a writing workshop that slows you down, sharpens your attention, and uses the current exhibits as prompts. Expect thoughtful questions, quiet aha moments, and the pleasant realization you still like learning as a grown-up.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Helena report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 48°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 2%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Southwest wind 14 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 35. West southwest wind 21 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 50°F – Low: 31°F – Precip: 13%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. West southwest wind 18 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 52 mph. Later: A slight chance of snow after 11pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. West wind 6 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 47 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
This house is wild
This newly remodeled 4-bed on Pirate Point sits on nearly an acre with nearly 200 feet of Canyon Ferry Lake beachfront and a private dock. Low vaulted ceilings anchor a living and dining area and a modern kitchen with new appliances. Decks and patio survey irrigated landscaping and sweeping views. Garage, shop, carport, and two powered RV pads handle projects.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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