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Hey Helena, hope your week’s off to a good start!

In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Motor Vehicle Division text scams, wildfire response praised, and high school performers light up Night to Shine + lots of fun things to do for free.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Helena protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

New wave of impostor scams: Fake texts posing as the Motor Vehicle Division led to a Montana Department of Justice warning. Messages demand fines or personal data, sometimes from non US numbers hitting Helena — see what to watch for.

Proactive efforts show results: Montana’s 2025 wildfire response drew praise after DNRC kept 94 percent of fires it oversees to 10 acres or less and protected nearly $37 billion in property, reassuring Helena-area communities — get all the details.

Big stage for young artists: On February 17, hundreds packed the Helena Civic Center as high school performers lit up the 33rd annual Stockman Bank Night to Shine, showcasing local talent and community spirit — read the full story.

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.

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:

• Join GriefShare at Headwaters Covenant Church
• Sculpt your own clay Highland cow
• Create collages with fellow crafters
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🏆 Gold and silver are heating up

Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold

Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.

While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.

If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.

It’s free and worth reading before the next move.

🫶 We got your back

Fresh pasta night plans: At Lucca’s Fine Italian Restaurant, pasta night feels easy and special thanks to house-made pastas and rotating seasonal dishes in an intimate, unhurried room. It’s a place to linger over Shrimp Fra Diavolo or pillowy gnocchi, sip, chat, and call it self-care.

Closet nostalgia fix: Golden Girls Antiques Mall is a rabbit hole of retro finds, with vendors who keep racks rotating. Think denim classics, cozy knits, and the occasional showstopper you didn’t know you needed. When the “I have nothing to wear” mood hits, this place is a sustainable upgrade.

Cold plunge reset: Whether you’re chasing post-workout recovery or a mood reboot, Thrive Solutions blends infrared sauna, a true cold plunge, and float therapy for an easy reset. Breathing slows, shoulders loosen, and the week runs smoother… no overthinking required.

Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn more about my favorite online options here.

📆 Free events worth checking out

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.

🎤 Not All Art Hangs on a Wall: Poetry @ Holter Museum of Art | Wednesday (3/4) at 1:30 PM – Whether your last poem was a grocery-list haiku or you keep a sonnet stash, award-winning poet Donna Davis leads a workshop inspired by Carol Hartman’s paintings and other poet-artists in the High Gallery. Adult enrichment, no cost, suggested museum donation welcomed. Low pressure, high payoff.

🔦 Spotlight Series @ Helena Habitat ReStore | Friday (3/6) at 10:00 AM – Got a creation that’s too good for the garage? The Helena Habitat ReStore’s new Spotlight Series features one local artist or maker each Friday and Saturday, celebrating creativity, community, and upcycling. Free display space, limited spots, so contact Russ Hill at 406-204-5098 or [email protected].

💬 Collection Chat @ Holter Museum of Art | Saturday (3/7) at 2:00 PM – Skip the crampons and get your glacier fix at the Holter, where photographer Ian van Coller unpacks his process and two new acquisitions, Svínafellsjökull 1 and Chaney Glacier #2. Free, open to the public, and RSVP-free, think The Last Glacier with better seating.

🏔 Made in Montana Trade Show Public Day @ Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds | Saturday (3/14) at 9:00 AM – Nothing beats grazing your way through Montana-made goodies, then calling it “errands.” The big statewide showcase opens to the public for free, with real-deal makers, new foods and gifts, and plenty to sample at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds in Helena.

🎹 Piano Fundraiser with Johnny Moore @ Carroll College | Saturday (3/14) at 7:00 PM – If you’re ready to swap Netflix for piano magic, here’s your cue. Johnny Moore brings originals, Randy Newman tunes, and stories to St. Charles Hall at Carroll College, with a cash bar, free with a $15 suggested donation supporting the Art as Transformation project.

🛍 Ladies Night Spring Shopping Celebration @ The Base Camp | Thursday (3/19) at 4:00 PM – Ready for a girls’ night that counts as cardio and community support? Wander our Mid and West End, hitting The Base Camp, Sole Sisters, Ho+Ko, and Wild Child for sips, deals, and giveaways. Grab a passport, collect stamps, and enter to win a gift basket.

🏃 Blackfoot & Back 24k @ Blackfoot River Brewing | Saturday (3/21) at 10:00 AM – If you’ve been waiting to earn your pint, this is it. Run 24k of Helena’s hits up Mount Helena, across the ridge, Show Me The Horse, Grizzly Gulch, Goat Trail, and down Waterline, finishing at Blackfoot River Brewing for free, well earned libations.

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.

• Industry-leading home warranty protection ($150 off right now)
• 62+? See how much tax-free cash your home could unlock → free calculator
• 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

📻 Helena report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 59°F – Low: 34°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. South wind 2 to 7 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. South southwest wind around 7 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 53°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 74%

Rain likely after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. South southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Later: Rain likely before 11pm, then a chance of rain and snow. Cloudy, with a low around 35. West wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

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

On a large corner lot in Helena’s Upper East, this classic Mid-Century Modern gem pairs mountain views with period character. Expansive windows frame the Sleeping Giant and Mount Helena, while two fireplaces, original hardwoods, and preserved cabinetry keep the era alive. French doors open to a covered patio, hot tub, raised beds, mature trees, sprinklers, and a storage studio.

Take a peek inside →