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Hey Helena, hope your week’s off to a good start! Sweetheart polar plunge, adults-only pottery, first 2026 bird flu case, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Court venue decision shifts case: A judge dismissed Virginia City business owners’ petition, saying the contract fight belongs in Lewis and Clark District Court, shifting the dispute over state contracts to Lewis and Clark County — read the full story.
Help shape local decisions: The City of Helena is accepting applications for vacancies on boards and committees, with a deadline at 4 p.m. on Feb. 12. Several commissions have openings — see how and when to apply.
Easing entry into professions: Gov. Greg Gianforte launched a task force in Helena to streamline Montana’s occupational licensing. The group will meet in February and aims to deliver recommendations by September 2026 — get the details and timeline.
What flock owners should know: Montana’s first 2026 bird flu case was confirmed Jan. 21 in a Carbon County backyard flock. Officials cite migratory waterfowl and advise poultry owners to keep birds indoors — see what officials recommend.
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.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade.
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.
*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
Main Street efforts advance statewide: On January 29, Montana Department of Commerce announced $600,000 for 11 communities to revitalize downtowns and local businesses. Boulder was awarded $78,515 for Jefferson High School sound and lighting, Broadus more than $45,000 for seasonal parklets, and Fort Benton $67,000 for Levee Trail upgrades. Funding comes from Senate Bill 540. Get all the details.
Your neighbors are Googling you: It’s uncomfortable but true — employers, new friends, even other parents at school pickup search names all the time. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up first, it can shape opinions before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so your first impression actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s someone you care about, you can help them too.
Investing in student success: Montana City School recently received $20,000 from Ash Grove Cement Company through the Innovative Educational Program tax credit. The funds will support programs and equipment for students with disabilities. Ash Grove has long aided the school, including work on the middle school wing and track facilities. Get all the details.
Gold is having a moment: Between inflation headlines, market swings, and growing global uncertainty, precious metals are (again) in the spotlight. American Hartford is currently offering up to $25,000 in free silver when you open a qualified account. They’ll also help you set up a penalty-free gold IRA with a lowest price guarantee, no buyback fees, and 7-day price protection.
Give your guitar a glow‑up: From crackly pots to finicky fretwork, Rock’n R Guitars LLC brings 35+ years of bench-tested skill to repairs, setups, and custom wiring. Revive your daily driver, or breathe life into that long-ignored project… so your guitar finally plays and sounds the way you imagined.
A second opinion never hurts: Not every financial advisor is the right fit, and it’s okay to explore your options. Unbiased matches you with an advisor based on your personal situation, giving you a chance to ask questions in a free, no-pressure conversation to see if the fit makes sense. No obligation — just helpful advice.
Game on, Helena: Hunter’s Alley Sports Bar & Grill in Elliston serves a full food menu, including their signature Poacher Burger, plus cold drinks and plenty of big-screen sports without couch crumbs. After the final whistle, slots, poker, keno, and bingo keep the streak going.
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📆 Around town this 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.
This week
🌷 Delft inspired Flower Bricks @ Holter Museum of Art | Tuesday (2/10) at 6:00 PM – Prep for spring by crafting a Delft-inspired flower brick with artist Rebecca Harvey. It makes a little bouquet look grand, sits neatly on small shelves, and is gloriously harder for cats to topple. Adult class, ages 14+, $142, members $124, register: https://holtermuseum.org/education/delft-inspired-flower-bricks/
🐉 Helena Dragon Boat Club Fundraiser Dinner @ St Paul’s United Methodist Church | Wednesday (2/11) at 5:30 PM – Helena’s dragon boat crew is trading paddles for ladles at Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church, dishing up chili, chowder, and chocolate desserts to keep the fleet afloat. Come eat well, rib your neighbors, and fund boat maintenance and gear, because paddles don’t buy themselves.
🎁 Day of giving celebration @ Helena Pointe Senior Living | Thursday (2/12) at 3:00 PM – Consider this your excuse to mingle for a good cause, snack on crumble cookies, and sip something civilized with neighbors you actually like. Browse the online auction, place a bid you can brag about, and leave with a sugar buzz, and a clear conscience.
This weekend
❄ Sweetheart Polar Plunge @ Town Pump-East Helena | Saturday (2/14) at 12:00 PM – Valentine’s Day at Town Pump in East Helena means one thing: the Sweetheart Polar Plunge. Brave the icy dip with your crew, support Special Olympics Montana, and earn bragging rights hotter than a gas station coffee. Costumes optional, camaraderie mandatory.
🎨 Paint Your Valentine! @ Brothers Tapworks | Saturday (2/14) at 2:00 PM – Whether you’ve been together since dial-up or just matched last week, come let your favorite person paint your portrait, while you sip bubbly and pretend you’re muses. This afternoon includes supplies, step-by-step help, and a $40-per-pair excuse for gloriously frameable hilarity, but spots are limited.
🧘 Poses and Pints @ Mt Ascension Gastropub | Sunday (2/15) at 10:00 AM – Poses and Pints is pairing Gentle Healing Yoga with Mt Ascension Gastropub every first and third Saturday, so you can earn your pint with a proper stretch. Start your day like a saint, then drink like a local, all for $18.
⛸ Learn to Skate Lessons @ Steed Arena | Sunday (2/15) at 12:10 PM – Trade your winter shuffle for actual gliding at Learn to Skate lessons with the Helena Figure Skating Club. Sessions start every four weeks, so you can wobble, improve, and then show off at open skate with fewer bruises. Register here: http://www.helenafigureskating.club/registration.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Helena report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 40°F – Low: 23°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. South southeast wind around 5 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. South southeast wind around 2 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 42°F – Low: 21°F – Precip: 13%
Partly sunny, with a high near 42. East northeast wind around 2 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 21. West southwest wind around 5 mph.
This house is wild
This 5-bed, 3-bath South Helena home spans 3,154 sq ft with a main-floor primary suite for easy living. Generous living spaces, a fenced yard, and a back deck support gatherings and outdoor living. A 2-car attached garage, large storage room, and new refrigerator and stove add practicality. Near the hospital, Capitol Building, public trails, and a folf course.
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 genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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