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Hello Helena! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning.
In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Gold and silver rally, wages beating inflation, and Cinderella ballet magic + 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.
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📰 In the news
Overhaul spans schools and sports: Helena residents got a first look in February at plans for Helena High’s campus, with groundbreaking set for this summer, a $147.1 million budget, and the existing gym retained — get all the project details.
Paychecks pack more punch: Montana ranks top three for consumer purchasing power gains, with wages up from $48,400 to $60,000. Montana is one of two states where wage growth has beaten inflation since 2020 — read the full story.
Artistic tributes to public service: Montana’s 2026 Law Enforcement Appreciation Poster Contest is open to elementary students statewide. Students submit art thanking law enforcement. Winning poster will be displayed in Department of Justice offices statewide — get all the entry details.
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:
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🐾 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.
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🫶 We got your back
Tapas vibes, local edition: Whether you’re meeting a friend after work or plotting a low-key date, The Hawthorn lines up by-the-glass pours and playful flights with cheese and charcuterie, house-made crackers, dips, and spiced nuts. Consider it your local, tapas-adjacent hangout… for this week and the next.
Trail-tested gear fix: From backcountry layers to tents and ski rentals, The Base Camp keeps Helena adventures rolling, whether it’s a lunch-hour snowshoe or a weekend wander. Expect friendly local know-how and reliable gear that stands up to Montana weather, so you’re ready when the mountains call.
Indie flick night, anyone? When you want something smarter than explosions, The Myrna Loy serves Helena with thoughtfully curated films and a cozy, artsy vibe. Midweek visits mean sinking into a seat and leaving feeling like you’ve uncovered a favorite secret… again.
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.
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📆 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.
💝 Helena Village Collective Fundraiser @ Mt Ascension Gastropub | Thursday (3/5) at 6:00 PM – Helena Village Collective is throwing a feel-good fundraiser to support local families from bump to baby, and the pros who care for them. Swing by for community, conversation, and a good deed that pairs nicely with date night. Can’t make it? Donate here: https://www.helenavillagecollective.org/donate.html
👠 Cinderella @ Helena Civic Center | Thursday (3/5) at 7:00 PM – World Ballet Company’s Cinderella is gliding into town with 40 international dancers, 150 hand-sewn costumes, and hand-crafted sets. It’s the fairy tale you know, funnier, more romantic, and danced with real polish. Bring the kids, or say you did, and savor unapologetic magic.
🍺 Pints & Pottery @ Ten Mile Creek Brewery | Saturday (3/7) at 1:00 PM – Trade scrolling for glazing and head to Ten Mile Creek Brewery, where The Painted Pot sets you up with mugs, plates, bowls, steins, and pieces, with pints on hand to steady brushes. All ages welcome, no sign-up, just show up and call it quality time.
👸 Princess Tea Party @ Helena Civic Center | Sunday (3/8) at 2:00 PM – If your little monarch needs an outing, Helena Civic Center hosts a Princess Tea. Expect meet-and-greets, dancing, crafts, tiny manicures, and keepsake glass. $50 general, or $150 Princess of the Day with early entry, a gift bag, the parade, and yes, adults need tickets too.
🎲 Bingo @ Brothers Tapworks | Sunday (3/8) at 4:00 PM – Grab a pint and your lucky dauber at Brothers for Sunday bingo that does some good. Play for prizes, toss bucks to LCHS, and pick up tips on adopting, fostering, and supporting local cats, all while pretending you’re here for the beer.
🐮 Clay Highland Cow @ The Painted Pot | Monday (3/9) at 5:30 PM – Skip the scroll and sculpt a shaggy Highland cow with actual horns and attitude. They supply everything, walk you through it, and fire your muddy masterpiece so it’s paint-ready in about a week. Bring a friend, embrace the mess, earn bragging rights.
🐄 4-H Livestock Fundraiser @ Chipotle Mexican Grill | Wednesday (3/11) at 4:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to eat a burrito for a good cause, this is it. Hit Chipotle, order pickup with code 67HYRNC or show the flyer, and 25% goes to Lewis and Clark 4-H Livestock. Feed yourself, fund the fair-bound kids’ critters.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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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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📻 Helena report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 54°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 86%
Rain after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. South southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Later: Rain before 11pm, then rain and snow. Cloudy, with a low around 35. West southwest wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
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Tomorrow – High: 43°F – Low: 30°F – Precip: 63%
Rain and snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. West northwest wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Later: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. West northwest wind 6 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
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 brand-new 4-bed, 2-bath by Gebhardt Development, HBIA 2024 Builder of the Year and perennial Parade of Homes favorite, spans 2,000 square feet of modern elegance. Sunlit rooms, contemporary finishes, and a custom-built feel set the tone. The open flow suits gatherings and quiet nights alike, balancing style and everyday functionality with effortless ease.
Take a peek inside →
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