Hi Helena! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Women's Healing & Connection Circle and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Gov. Gianforte Concludes Annual 56 County Tour in Broadwater and Lewis and Clark Counties (mt.gov) — Helena is getting a new draw for families and students with the Montana WILD Avian Walkway, where permanently injured raptors will be viewable for free and used in conservation education. During his 56 County Tour stop, Gov. Gianforte joined FWP leaders in touring the Helena facility, which is expected to host tens of thousands of visitors and schoolchildren each year.
2. Gianforte honors final 2025 Montana Veteran Commendation Award recipients (ktvh.com) — Helena residents just hosted one of the final ceremonies for the 2025 Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation at the State Capitol, where local Army veteran David Poole was among 13 honorees. The program recognizes veterans' military service and ongoing community contributions, and nominations for the 2026 awards are now open through October 28, 2026.
3. Montana Drought Conditions Tale of Two Realities (hilinetoday.com) — Helena residents can directly weigh in on Montana's ongoing drought challenges at an October 6 Governor's Drought and Water Supply Advisory Committee meeting, held at the DNRC Water Resources building in town and online. Officials will review this year's volatile water conditions, discuss forecasts, and explore new ways to spot emerging droughts, with the public encouraged to attend or tune in virtually.
4. FWP conducting paddlefish surveys (mt.gov) — If you hold a 2026 paddlefish tag, you may soon get a call or email from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Helena asking about your season. The quick survey helps biologists manage paddlefish on the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers, and phone contacts will come from a Helena FWP number, so locals should pick up or respond if selected.
5. Montana DOJ uncovers record $2.4M Medicaid fraud (nbcmontana.com) — Announced from Helena, state investigators have uncovered nearly $2.4 million in fraudulent Medicaid billing by a former Bozeman mental health provider, resulting in a court order for full repayment. The case highlights the work of Montana's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, based under the Department of Justice in Helena, and reminds residents how to report suspected fraud or patient abuse.
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Ok Helena! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
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