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Rise and shine, Helena! Kessler Elementary construction advances, a new train tracker launches, Grandstreet Theatre School triumphs, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Elementary project moves ahead: Earlier this month, the Helena school board unanimously chose the Golden Eagle and Swank team to lead bond-backed construction of the new Kessler Elementary, including a firm based in Helena — learn more about the decision.
Fuel tax backs aviation infrastructure: Montana Aeronautics Board awarded over $3 million to 46 airports for safety upgrades like fencing, lighting, and asphalt. Helena Regional Airport received $235,600 for pavement work on the crosswind runway — get all the details.
Young performers earn acclaim: Helena’s Grandstreet Theatre School earned major honors at the 2026 Junior Theater Festival West, taking the Excellence in Acting award as teacher Retta Leaphart and conservatory students were recognized — get all the details.
More choices for your money: Independence Bank plans to open its first Helena retail branch in a new building at 2120 Skyway Drive, bringing full retail banking services to local customers — get all the 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 precious metals are 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 per 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.
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.
*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
Commute planning made easier: Helena TrainTracker is now live to help you time trips around the 10 rail crossings. The free site shows a map and whether each crossing is blocked or clear. Creator Keara Fairclough says updates are coming, and 200 to 300 people use it daily. Read the full story.
Statewide enrollment update: Helena homeowners have until March 1 to lock in Montana’s new homestead property tax rate. It can lower taxes on your primary home or long-term rental. If you received last year’s $400 rebate, you should be auto-enrolled unless you sold or changed addresses. Otherwise, many could pay more. See how and when to apply.
Time for real BBQ: Bad Betty’s Barbecue is Helena’s go-to for tender brisket, pulled pork, and sides that taste like grandma kept them secret. No overthinking required; let the plate speak… your future self will forgive any sauce-on-shirt evidence and probably start plotting the next visit.
Fresh cut, zero fuss: Plotting a spring refresh or wrangling winter hat hair? Sugar Salon channels downtown Helena vibes with stylists who actually listen, inventive color, and cuts that grow out gracefully. Expect new-you energy this week, and leave lighter, shinier, and a little weirdly confident.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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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.
🌷 Delft inspired Flower Bricks @ Holter Museum of Art | Tuesday (2/24) at 6:00 PM – Get your hands dirty and make a Delft-inspired flower brick, the charming, cat-resistant cousin of a vase, perfect for spring blooms. Artist Rebecca Harvey leads this adult class at the Holter, ages 14+ welcome. $142, members $124, register: https://holtermuseum.org/education/delft-inspired-flower-bricks/
🍺 Brews & Blueprints @ Brothers Tapworks | Wednesday (2/25) at 5:30 PM – Whether you cheered the school bonds or just enjoyed the beer, the Chamber’s new monthly Brews & Blueprints keeps the momentum going with pint-in-hand updates on Helena’s next builds. Real talk, local brews, and sneak peeks before the rumor mill revs, parking questions welcome.
🍷 Wine’d Down: Creative Prose @ Holter Museum of Art | Wednesday (2/25) at 6:00 PM – Trade your phone for a vintage typewriter and let the clack do the thinking. After a quick primer, you’ll get guided prompts and gallery setups to help you type the evening away, spark creative prose, and maybe remember when delete was white-out.
👜 Hobo Clutch @ Creative Stitches | Thursday (2/26) at 10:30 AM – Channel your stitch wizard self and make a Hobo Clutch in the embroidery hoop, three sizes, no fuss. Julie Hanrahan keeps it friendly while you bring downloaded Sweet Pea design, the supply list, printed instructions, and leave with a purse no one at brunch has.
🤝 Evolve Customer Appreciation Day @ Evolve Nutrition | Friday (2/27) at 6:30 AM – Think you’re too seasoned for swag? Swing by Evolve on Last Chance Gulch for giveaways, samples, scratch-and-win prizes, and VIP punch cards, plus shake, Energy Bomb, and protein ball kits. Nab a free koozie if you’re early, or get delivery with a six-drink squad.
🏠 Spotlight Series @ Helena Habitat ReStore | Friday (2/27) at 10:00 AM – Helena Habitat ReStore is rolling out a Spotlight Series, featuring one local maker Friday and Saturday, aisle-side. Art between the paint cans, very Helena. Show your work, meet neighbors, and give upcycling its moment, free artist space, spots limited, contact Russ at 406-204-5098 or [email protected].
🎷 Jazz and Just Desserts @ Holter Museum of Art | Friday (2/27) at 7:00 PM – Ready to trade dinner for dessert and call it culture? The beloved Helena bash is back, pairing The Wilbur Rehmann Quintet with rising local players, a Bite Flight from neighborhood bakeries, and silent auction and bucket raffles, so snag tickets and save room.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Helena report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 52°F – Low: 34°F – Precip: 51%
A chance of rain after 1pm. Partly sunny. High near 52, with temperatures falling to around 49 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 7 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Later: A chance of rain before 11pm, then a chance of rain and snow between 11pm and 2am, then a chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. West southwest wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
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Tomorrow – High: 48°F – Low: 32°F – Precip: 70%
Rain and snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. West wind 6 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Later: Rain likely before 8pm, then rain and snow likely between 8pm and 11pm, then rain and snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. West southwest wind 7 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 46 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
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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 think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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