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Hello Butte! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. 

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Proposed data center stirs water debate, marijuana and microgreens talk, and Cinderella ballet sparkles + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

Educating teens about alcohol risks: Butte-Silver Bow County Sheriff Ed Lester and a local nonprofit are warning about underage drinking in remote areas, citing CDC survey, firearm risks, poor cell service, and slow emergency response — read the full story.

Officials address capacity questions: With Sabey’s proposed data center stirring worry, Butte-Silver Bow’s water superintendent says the Silver Lake system is underused and robust, already serving Montana Resources and business park industries — read the full story.

Science meets local gardening: Butte Garden Club has marijuana and microgreens on its upcoming agenda. John Metesh of Montana Tech, director of Critical Materials, will discuss how to grow marijuana at an upcoming meeting — 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 they’re 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/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.

Highlights this week:

• Tackle tougher dishes with Chef’s Secrets
• Shop local at Butte Winter Market
• Free Marie Antoinette screening with popcorn
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Mediterranean night, anyone? When midweek dinner needs a twist, Saffron Mediterranean Restaurant & Catering delivers shareable falafel, dolma, and hummus, plus cozy mains from Turkish kabobs to Moroccan chicken couscous, and a sweet baklava finale. Your no-cook fallback that still feels like going somewhere special.

Where to gear up: Need new bugs or waders? At The StoneFly Fly Shop you’ll find Orvis, Sage, Scott, Simms, and more, along with fresh local reports and guided trips for when you’d rather learn than guess. The crew keeps tabs on what’s working before your next after-work session.

Small-town big screen: When you want a no-fuss movie night close to home, Star Theatre delivers big-screen feels with current flicks, cozy small-town charm, and the kind of community energy that has you debriefing on the sidewalk afterward.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Fun for the whole fam

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.

♟ Butte Chess Club @ Butte-Silver Bow Public Library | Wednesday (3/4) at 5:00 PM – Consider this your local brain gym, Butte style. Butte Chess Club is low-pressure and open to all ages and abilities, where seasoned players trade openings with rookies, there is friendly banter between pawns, and nobody judges your coffee intake, your blunders, or your reading glasses.

🧒 Mini Wednesdays | Wednesday (3/4) at 6:00 PM – Consider this your midweek excuse to crawl rocks without blowing out a knee. Bring your remote-control rigs, big, small, and everything in between, and put them through a 1/10 indoor rock course and a 1/18-1/24 mini course. Every Wednesday, same satisfying crunch.

🎬 Barbie (2023) @ Covellite Theatre | Wednesday (3/4) at 7:00 PM – Women’s History Month calls for something iconic, so The Covellite is hosting a donation-based screening of Barbie, with free popcorn you can season like a pro. Grab a seat upstairs on the big screen or settle into the Lounge, all ages welcome, parental discretion advised.

🥕 Cooking the Books @ Butte-Silver Bow Public Library | Thursday (3/5) at 12:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to turn Montana produce into dinner, Butte Public Library’s Harvest of the Month classes are your best bet. Family friendly, hands on, and focused on what grows here, it’s cooking without pretension, and the price is right, free.

🕺 Dance Bingo Night @ East Side Athletic Club | Friday (3/6) at 5:30 PM – Feel like flexing your dabber hand and doing some good? UGrooves Dance hosts Bingo Night at East Side Athletic Club, with cards at the door, prizes throughout, and a fundraiser where shouting BINGO counts as cardio, all supporting dancers. Bring friends, bring your lucky charm.

👠 Cinderella @ Mother Lode Theatre | Friday (3/6) at 7:00 PM – Cinderella glides into town courtesy of World Ballet Company, with 40 international dancers, 150 hand-sewn costumes, and all the sparkle you secretly love. Expect mischievous stepsisters, swoony ballroom scenes, and zero pumpkins in the parking lot. Just mind the midnight curfew, and your shoes.

🎵 Music for Minis @ The Local | Wednesday (3/11) at 3:00 PM – If your leprechaun has wiggles to spare, The Local cafe in Uptown Butte hosts a St. Paddy’s music and movement pop-up with Heide Brandin. Kids seven and under sing, clap, and dance while you sip coffee. Suggested donation $5 per child, green encouraged.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 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.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 Butte report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 49°F – Low: 32°F – Precip: 92%

Rain after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. South wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Rain before 8pm, then rain and snow. Cloudy, with a low around 32. West southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 40°F – Low: 25°F – Precip: 61%

Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Northwest wind 7 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

This refreshed five-bedroom home in the esteemed Country Club neighborhood pairs timeless architecture with contemporary style. Sunlit living spaces frame leafy views through large windows, and a well-appointed kitchen connects effortlessly to gathering areas. Multiple baths and flexible rooms suit guests, offices, or multigenerational needs. Mature landscaping, quiet streets, and nearby amenities elevate everyday ease.

Take a peek inside →