Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What will Helena’s new Avian Walkway let you see up close?

And on the Helena Patch calendar - Helena Mental Health Community Lunch & Networking

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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 will Helena's new Avian Walkway let you see up close?
  • Which Helena veteran just received the Governor's 2025 commendation?
  • Want a say on drought planning? Here's your Helena meeting.

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!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Plenty of sun, with a high of 66 and low of 43 degrees.
  • Friday: Pleasant with some sun, temps: high: 74, low: 44.
  • Saturday: Pleasant with plenty of sun, with a high of 71 and low of 42 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

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.
   

📸 Around Helena

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Helena

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📣 Helena Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Sunflower has the best sourdough bread for miles around.
    Wonderful soups and other goodies too, and the folks are always friendly! (Nextdoor Hawthorne)
  • Kathey is passionate about her creations.
    It's not a job to her, it's her heart. She custom makes her designs with love. (Nextdoor Helena 406)
  • Cinemark USA, Inc. posted a job opening for Theatre Team Member in Helena. Apply here.
  • Phenom People posted a job opening for Cashier Part Time 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 waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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