Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Wondering why Helena’s Capitol dome looks so different right now?
Coming up on the Helena Patch calendar: 6th Annual Helena Septemberfest: Gulch Goes Galactic
Hey there, Helena! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Wondering why Helena's Capitol dome looks so different right now?
- Two Helena women charged after downtown parking garage assault and chase
- How are Helena's new fire drones changing emergency response?
Also on today's calendar: 6th Annual Helena Septemberfest: Gulch Goes Galactic and 1 more event.
Today's riddle: What did the bartender say to the jumper cables when they walked in? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: Rain and a thunderstorm, with a high of 74 and low of 49 degrees.
- Thursday: Rather cloudy, temps: high: 74, low: 48.
- Friday: A passing shower or two, with a high of 74 and low of 45 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. What to know about the Montana Capitol's major makeover (nbcmontana.com) — If you've noticed the Capitol dome and statue missing from Helena's skyline, it's because a $32.3 million first phase of long-planned roof and exterior renovations is underway and will continue for about two years. Lawmakers have funded the initial work on the dome, statue, and skylights, while future phases for the facade and interior still need legislative approval. 
2. Two women face charges after alleged assault in Helena parking garage (ktvh.com) — Helena residents are learning more about an early-morning incident in a downtown parking garage where a woman was allegedly assaulted and her car damaged before a police chase through town. Two women now face multiple felony and misdemeanor charges in Lewis and Clark County, with bond set at $50,000 each and arraignments scheduled later this month.
3. Eye in the Sky: Helena firefighters train with drones to improve fire and rescue operations (ktvh.com) — Helena firefighters are expanding their use of drones to get faster, safer views of fires, crashes, and search-and-rescue scenes around the community. With six FAA-certified pilots and regular training, the department says thermal and video-equipped drones are already helping at incidents like Lake Helena searches and will play a growing role in protecting residents.
4. 1 week left to comment: Proposed Changes to Recreation Fees on Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest (montanaoutdoor.com) — Helena-area residents have one week left to weigh in on proposed new and increased recreation fees at several Helena–Lewis and Clark National Forest campgrounds and cabins. Comments are due by Sept. 7 and can be mailed to the Helena forest office or submitted online, with feedback helping shape final decisions on campground, cabin, and group site pricing.
5. Canyon Ferry Fishing Update by Jonathan Miller with Capital Sports in Helena 8.31.26 (montanaoutdoor.com) — Helena anglers heading to Canyon Ferry this week can expect solid late-summer action for walleye and rainbow trout as nights cool down. A Capital Sports expert from Helena breaks down which lake sections are producing, the best crankbait and bottom-bouncer setups, and the colors and depths to target for both walleye and rainbows.
📸 Around Helena
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Helena
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- 6th Annual Helena Septemberfest: Gulch Goes Galactic →
Helena Walking Mall, Helena
4:00 pm
Friday September 11
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- 2026 Mullan Road Conference →
618 Helena Ave, Helena
6:00 pm - Finding Freedom Women's Retreat →
The Blacktail Ranch, 4440 S Fork Trail, Wolf Creek
3:00 pm - Babes In Canyon (ft. Anna Smyrk & Shelby Natasha) →
Lewis & Clark Tap Room, 1535 Dodge Ave, Helena
7:30 pm
Friday September 4
Sunday September 13
Thursday September 24
📣 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!
🗓 Events Nearby
- 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 - 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 - VB vs Lone Peak 1-00
Jefferson High School Boulder, MT 59632
6:00 pm - PPE Picture Day!
EAST HELENA K-12 SCHOOL DISTRICT East Helena, MT 59635
8:00 am - VB vs Broadwater 4-00
Jefferson High School Boulder, MT 59632
6:00 pm
Wednesday September 2
Thursday September 3
Friday September 4
Wednesday September 9
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
- Miss Goldie has determinedly had two batches of chicks.
She's decided a third batch is in order. September 19th if the eggs make it. She has a total of 9. Will keep everyone posted. 🪺 (Nextdoor York Road) - Hi, is anyone missing a cat?
This one came around this afternoon, seems very friendly and is wanting to come inside, doesn't seem to be moving on. I'm near gold rush and saddle… (Nextdoor Nob Hill)
- State of Montana posted a job opening for Judicial Admin Assistant I in Helena. Apply here.
- Delta by Marriott Hotel posted a job opening for Laundry Attendant- Delta Hotels HELENA 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: Don't you 2 start anything (Thank you Mary L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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