Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What the Capitol dome makeover means for Helena over the next decade

Spotted on the Helena calendar: Babes In Canyon (ft. Anna Smyrk & Shelby Natasha)

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Sunday August 30th Patch AM
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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:

  • What the Capitol dome makeover means for Helena over the next decade
  • How will Helena High handle Gallatin's explosive offense next week?
  • Could new passenger trains soon roll through Montana's southern route?

Also on today's calendar: 2026 Mullan Road Conference and 1 more event.

Today's riddle: What gets bigger the more you take away? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: A gusty t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 69 and low of 45 degrees.
  • Monday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 79, low: 50.
  • Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 83 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Capitol dome restoration underway (mtpr.org) — Major restoration work is underway on the Montana Capitol's copper dome and roof in Helena, a $32 million first phase of a multi-year overhaul. Crews are replacing heavily weathered copper and repairing brick-and-mortar issues, with this phase expected to wrap up in spring 2028. Residents will see scaffolding around the building for years as exterior and interior phases follow.
   

2. Tyson Scheel scores 3 touchdowns, defense forces 3 turnovers in Gallatin's season-opening win against Butte High (bozemandailychronicle.com) — Gallatin's football team rolled to a 39-10 win over Butte High, powered by three rushing touchdowns from Tyson Scheel and a defense that forced three interceptions. The Raptors lost quarterback Luke Vigen to a broken collarbone but still piled up 373 yards of offense. Gallatin now turns its attention to a Sept. 4 road matchup at Helena High, giving local fans an early-season home test.
   

3. Sheehy pushes federal support for passenger rail plans in Montana (dailyinterlake.com) — From a Helena-hosted rail summit, Sen. Tim Sheehy is backing federal legislation to cover early planning costs for long-distance passenger rail, which could restore a southern route across Montana. He argues expanded rail would ease crowded airports, boost tourism, and help residents travel between cities for medical care, shopping, and work, potentially affecting Helena's future connectivity.
   

4. State Auditor James Brown Permanently Revokes License of Kalispell Bail Bondsman Accused of Using Position to Exploit Montanans, Including for Sexual Favors (mt.gov) — From his Helena office, State Auditor James Brown has permanently revoked the license of Kalispell bail bondsman Laine Kendall Callahan after an investigation found serious abuses of power, including exploiting clients and mishandling collateral. Brown says the move is part of a broader crackdown on misconduct in Montana's bail bond industry and urges potential fraud victims statewide to contact his agency for help.
   

5. First step corridor identification and development of passenger rail service almost complete (inforum.com) — Work to restore passenger rail between Chicago and Seattle is inching forward, and key planning updates were just shared at a regional rail summit held in Helena. Project leaders say the first federal review step is 95% complete, though policy delays in Washington, D.C., are slowing things down. The proposed Big Sky North Coast Corridor would bring new passenger service through southern Montana and other rural communities.
   

📸 Around Helena

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Helena

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Helena Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Sunday August 30
  • JVFB vs Loyola 4-30
    Jefferson High School Boulder, MT 59632
    6:00 pm
    • Tuesday September 1
  • EVMS & EHHS Picture Day!
    EAST HELENA K-12 SCHOOL DISTRICT East Helena, MT 59635
    8:00 am
    • Wednesday September 2
  • Radley Picture Day!
    EAST HELENA K-12 SCHOOL DISTRICT East Helena, MT 59635
    8:00 am
  • VB @ Ennis 4-00
    Jefferson High School Boulder, MT 59632
    6:00 pm
  • VB vs Ennis 4-00
    Jefferson High School Boulder, MT 59632
    6:00 pm
    • Thursday September 3
  • FFB vs Helena High 6-00
    Jefferson High School Boulder, MT 59632
    4:00 pm
  • FB vs. Conrad 7pm
    Jefferson High School Boulder, MT 59632
    6:00 pm
  • XC @ @ Manhattan
    Jefferson High School Boulder, MT 59632
    6:00 pm

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

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Taken on our 8.
    24.26 Le Grande evening stroll. Was inspired to find the spot where esteemed 1930's era Helena photographer L.H. Jorud took a similar shot of Mt… (Nextdoor Westside/Euclid Ave North)
  • Come see student school fashions from the early 1950s!
    at your Lewis and Clark County History Center at 618 Helena Ave. ( in the Steamboat Block) The History Center is open today (Saturday) from 10 am… (Nextdoor Upper Eastside)
  • Helena School District posted a job opening for Evening Float Custodian in Helena. Apply here.
  • Walgreen Company posted a job opening for Photo Specialist 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: A hole (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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