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🌱 Patch AM: How Helena became home to Montana’s newest major history book prize

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Good morning Helena! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Helena became home to Montana's newest major history book prize
  • How Capital High's $59 million overhaul will affect Helena students
  • Why smoke is hanging over Helena and what it means for you

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

Today's riddle: What day of the year is trucker's day? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A heavy thunderstorm, with a high of 71 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Saturday: Periods of rain, temps: high: 63, low: 47.
  • Sunday: Warmer with a shower or two, with a high of 75 and low of 46 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Inaugural Headwaters Book Prize launched (bozemandailychronicle.com) — Helena's Montana Historical Society is launching the new Montana Headwaters Book Prize and is now inviting 2026 nonfiction history titles to compete. Winners will be honored at the 2027 Montana History Conference at the Great Northern Hotel in Helena, with cash awards, travel support, and conference attendance required or strongly encouraged for recognized authors.
   

2. Helena community breaks ground on Capital High renovations (ktvh.com) — Capital High School in Helena has officially broken ground on a $59 million renovation, funded through last year's $240 million high school bond that voters approved. Work is already underway, including asbestos abatement and major systems upgrades, while students continue classes in the building. The project, slated for completion in fall 2028, also ties into district plans for Helena High's rebuild and a new shared stadium.
   

3. Prescribed Burn Causes Smoke Cloud Over Helena, Montana (news-usa.today) — If you're seeing a big smoke cloud over Helena today, it's from a planned U.S. Forest Service prescribed burn in the Grizzly Gulch area, not an out-of-control wildfire. Officials say the operation reduces dangerous fuel buildup to help prevent severe future fires, though residents—especially those with breathing issues—may notice temporarily poorer air quality. Authorities are monitoring conditions and sharing ongoing updates.
   

4. Why are health insurance costs for Montana's state employees spiking? (montanafreepress.org) — State employees in Helena and across Montana face steep health insurance hikes in 2027, with deductibles tripling and out-of-pocket maximums doubling unless new funding is found. Union negotiators meeting at a Helena hotel are scrambling before October's open enrollment to soften the blow, while local workers like a Helena DOT mechanic brace for higher monthly premiums.
   

5. Helena Man Pleads Guilty to Assault and Partner Charges (news-usa.today) — A Helena man has pleaded guilty in Lewis and Clark County District Court to felony assault with a weapon and partner or family member assault, moving a serious domestic violence case into the sentencing phase. The article explains how such charges are handled under Montana law and what comes next as judges review pre-sentence reports. It also notes how these outcomes factor into local crime and safety concerns.
   

📸 Around Helena

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Helena

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📣 Helena Shout Outs!

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🪧 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

  • My friends and I had an awesome time today.
    We were able to pet the 12 year old Clydesdale named Diesel. I love Clydesdales. (Nextdoor North Valley Dave's)
  • Pumpkin cookies are hitting the Crash Cart Bakery fall menu!
    $30 per dozen! DM me if interested or if you'd like to see my full menu! (Nextdoor Westside/Euclid Ave North)
  • Chipotle posted a job opening for Kitchen Leader in Helena. Apply here.
  • Brinker International posted a job opening for QA/Expeditor - Helena Chili's 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: 10-4, good buddy! (Thank you Jean H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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