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Hi Helena, hope you’re having a great weekend!

In today’s in-case-you-missed-it edition: A massive housing project clears a key hurdle, Chick-fil-A gets the green light, and a property tax deadline extension + the top stories from this week & a sneak peek at next week.

From today’s sponsor, FinanceBuzz: Many Montana drivers end up paying higher auto insurance premiums because they don’t shop around enough. The same driver with the same car can get wildly different quotes from different insurers, so it truly pays to compare. Their free tool makes it easy.*

📰 Most-clicked stories this week

Major housing project progresses: Designs for Artisan Grove Apartments have cleared Helena city inspection, moving the 288-unit housing project forward. The approval was reported March 3, with construction timelines to be shared next — read the full story.

Popular chicken chain expands: Helena has approved plans for a Chick-fil-A on North Washington Street in the Skyway Regional Shopping Center, with permit fees pending. The restaurant is slated to open in early 2027 — get location and timeline details.

What homeowners and renters need: Montana extended property tax relief deadline to March 20 after portal issues and rush, and nearly 80% of homes will see cuts. Applications are required for Homestead and Long-Term Rental — get all the details.

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.*

Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.*

All the crowd favorites:

• Learn line and swing dance steps
• Ages 55+ explore self-portrait printmaking
• Create paper collages with Kate Huston

💎 This week’s top finds

Hot dog glow-up: When cravings strike, Copper Dog keeps it simple with classic dogs and playful combos that never feel fussy. Perfect for an easy weeknight, a kid-approved weekend, or a post-errand reward. You’ll leave happy and already planning your next combo.

Weekend pie run: Seasonally inspired pies (from lemon-lavender to peppermint hot chocolate) and flaky pastries baked in a cozy Reeder’s Alley cabin make Cotton-Top Pastries a sweet Helena ritual. The case tends to clear quickly with fellow early birds, so favorites vanish fast.

Refill the stash: When you need fresh prints, color pep talks, and a nudge to finally start that quilt, Prickly Pear Quilts brings friendly guidance, inspiring classes, and a deep wall of yardage, plus machine know-how, so your next project actually escapes tote-bag purgatory.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements — they’re the local spots your fellow readers clicked on most this week.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Paying full price is officially optional: Blu Dot just marked down dozens of their best sofas, beds, dining tables, outdoor pieces, and lighting by as much as 60%. Not because something’s wrong with them, but because every great design eventually has to make room for the next one. The deals change daily, so it’s always a new adventure. *See what’s on sale today →

Most people have no idea what’s happening inside their body: Not because the data doesn’t exist, but because no one’s collecting it. Routine annual checkups miss things like body composition, biological age, and the biomarkers that can help predict long-term patterns. The good news? HumeHealth offers tools to help you track all of that at home for less than the cost of a specialist visit. *Use code NEW20 to save 20% →

Something in your house is about to break: It might be your AC, your water heater, your fridge… doesn’t matter. Every major appliance has an expiration date, and when it goes, you’ll be staring down a repair bill that can climb into the thousands fast. An AHS home warranty covers these types of surprises + *select plans are $150 off right now →

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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.

🎨 Creative Aging: The Art of the Self-Portrait @ Holter Museum of Art | Monday (3/16) at 10:00 AM – If your camera roll is full of everyone but you, the Holter’s 8-week Creative Aging workshop swaps perfect likeness for curiosity, printmaking, and play. Ages 55+, tiny class, first come, first served, free for members, $20 otherwise, expect commitment and a final exhibit.

🏠 Windbag Cares @ Windbag Saloon | Monday (3/16) at 5:00 PM – Windbag Saloon’s making your good deed an easy dinner plan: order a burger and 20% heads to Life Houses, which mentors and houses local 18 to 25-year-olds. It’s charity with fries, friends, and zero dishwashing.

🍀 St. Patty’s Day Party @ Lakeside on Hauser | Tuesday (3/17) at 3:00 PM – Lakeside on Hauser is leaning into St. Patty’s with corned beef and cabbage, green drinks, car bombs, and DJ Paully B Delightful on deck. You’ll bump into old neighbors, toast to questionable choices, and remember why the lake still feels like home.

🧠 Caregiver Workshop: Dementia Education & Support @ Neighborhood Center and Helena Senior Center | Thursday (3/19) at 10:00 AM – If you are ready to swap late night Googling for real tools, this caregiver workshop has your back. Hosted by Rocky with Carroll College sophomore nursing students, get practical strategies, clear education, and real support for anyone caring for a loved one with dementia.

🛠 Resin Workshop @ Hammer & Stain Helena | Friday (3/20) at 6:00 PM – BeyondMom and Hammer & Stain are giving Helena moms a night out with a DIY resin tray you might actually want on the coffee table, plus optional pressed flowers. Adults only, no snack packs, just good company, sticky creativity, and limited spots, so pre-register now.

🏡 Home and Garden Show @ Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds | Saturday (3/21) at 12:00 AM – Helena fairgrounds Home and Garden show means three things: coffee, cinnamon rolls, and you pretending you only came for the fences. Evergreen Fencing is setting up shop, supplies are limited, so be an early bird, grab a cup, and snoop their display.

📸 Easter Mini Sessions @ Desiree Marie Photography | Saturday (3/21) at 10:00 AM – Skip the mall bunny chaos. Book Easter mini sessions instead, a quick 20 minutes, kid-focused, with five high-res photos, an online gallery where you pick your favorites, a print release, and parents can hop in for one cameo at the end.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Helena report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 33°F – Low: 24°F – Precip: 1%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 33. West northwest wind 1 to 7 mph. Later: A chance of snow after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

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Tomorrow – High: 49°F – Low: 43°F – Precip: 59%

Snow likely before noon, then a chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 49. West southwest wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: A chance of rain before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. West southwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Most popular house this week

This 4,249 sqft custom 5-bed, 3-bath in Helena’s Upper Westside blends timeless design with outdoor access, two blocks from 33 miles of Mount Helena trails. White columns lead to a tile-floored foyer, then an upgraded kitchen and living area. The main level features a primary suite with five-piece bath. Downstairs adds a guest suite, library, craft room, and flex space.

Take a peek inside →