Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How ready is Helena Regional Airport for a real crash?

Happening soon: Chronic Conditions | Collective Care Meeting on the Helena Patch calendar

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Saturday September 19th Patch AM
Saturday September 19th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hello Helena! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How ready is Helena Regional Airport for a real crash?
  • Felony charge filed after gun pulled in York Road road rage.
  • How a federal AI ruling could reshape Helena's campaign mailers

Also on today's calendar: Steak Fry Fundraiser and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call cows dancing in the dark 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Cooler with periods of rain, with a high of 62 and low of 46 degrees.
  • Sunday: Warmer with a shower or two, temps: high: 71, low: 46.
  • Monday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 76 and low of 47 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Helena airport puts emergency response to the test in full-scale crash simulation (ktvh.com) — Emergency crews from across Helena just completed a full-scale crash simulation at Helena Regional Airport, testing everything from communications to rescue operations. Using Carroll College student volunteers and realistic fire scenarios, agencies practiced working together so they're better prepared if a real aviation emergency ever happens. Officials say the training helps keep local air travel among the safest options.
   

2. 66-year-old charged with felony assault in York Road road rage incident (ktvh.com) — A 66-year-old man has been charged with felony assault with a weapon after allegedly pointing a gun during a road rage confrontation near York Road and Tizer Drive, east of Helena. Deputies say a driver reported the suspect racked an unloaded pistol and aimed it at his vehicle, leaving the victim fearing he would be shot as the dispute escalated.
   

3. Federal court blocks Montana AI campaign law (montanafreepress.org) — A federal judge has temporarily blocked Montana from enforcing its new law restricting AI-generated campaign ads, clearing the way for a political committee to resume hard-hitting mailers targeting candidates including Helena Democrat Mary Ann Dunwell. The ruling raises big First Amendment questions and could shape how future campaigns across Montana, including those affecting Helena voters, use AI-driven imagery and messages.
   

4. Audit makes recommendations for improving state government procurement policies (ktvh.com) — From hearings in Helena, state auditors say Montana's standard competitive bidding generally protects public money, but they flagged weak documentation and oversight when agencies skip full bids for sole-source or emergency contracts. Lawmakers and state officials based in Helena are now weighing tighter guidelines and more centralized procurement to ensure big deals, like the Montana Lottery contract, get better scrutiny and save taxpayers millions.
   

📸 Around Helena

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Helena

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Helena Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • 1974 BMW R90/6 motorcycle
    Collector model. Runs good. Call  406-202-4460 in Helena (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Please help.
    Our lil chihuahua Arlo got out last night. We need him back we are all so upset. He's an older black n white chihuahua. He's super sweet. Please help… (Nextdoor Helena High Area)
  • Please help get our boy Arlo home.
    He's a black white older chihuahua. He's super sweet. He was lost from the area of Billings Ave and N Hannaford. (Nextdoor Helena High Area)
  • Helena Public Schools posted a job opening for Evening Float Custodian in Helena. Apply here.
  • ServiceMaster posted a job opening for Custodian in Helena. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Helena here.

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: Night Moo-s (Thank you John S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Helena