Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How much will Helena employers really save from 2026 UI tax cuts?

Also, don't miss Live Music @ Safeway Helena — Dan Henry on the Helena Patch calendar

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Tuesday December 16th Patch AM
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Greetings Helena! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How much will Helena employers really save from 2026 UI tax cuts?
  • How do Helena’s police dogs actually help defuse dangerous situations?
  • How a Helena forest picnic became Montana’s largest missing-child mystery

Also on today's calendar: Christmas Eve worship and 3 more events.

Find out what's happening in Helenafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Helena? Post it to Helena photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Helenafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Mostly cloudy and windy, with a high of 53 and low of 44 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Rain mixing with snow, temps: high: 50, low: 32.
  • Thursday: Cloudy, with a high of 40 and low of 34 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Montana businesses to save $23M with unemployment insurance tax cut (kulr8.com) — Businesses in Helena and across Montana are set to see lower unemployment insurance tax rates in 2026, with more than 32,000 employers saving a combined $23 million. State officials in Helena say a strong UI trust fund and a new automatic trigger law allow the cut without reducing worker benefits, and employers will receive their new rate notices next week.
   

2. How K-9s work to keep Helena safe (kxlh.com) — Helena residents get an inside look at how the city’s police K-9 unit helps resolve dangerous situations more safely and quickly. Officers describe the intensive training behind dogs like Billy, Copper, and Angus, and explain how these less-lethal tools support SWAT operations and everyday calls while prioritizing community and officer safety.
   

3. She Vanished From A Family Picnic, And Then A Man Sent A Letter Claiming He Abducted Her, And It Had Details Never Released To The Public (chipchick.com) — A long-unsolved child disappearance from a 1983 picnic in Helena National Forest still haunts families in the Helena area, with investigators believing 4‑year‑old Nyleen Marshall was likely abducted. Over four decades, massive searches, eerie letters from a self-proclaimed kidnapper, and scattered tips from Wisconsin to New Orleans have all failed to reveal what happened, and Jefferson County authorities still seek information today.
   

4. FWP Sees Cases of Well-Meaning People (hilinetoday.com) — In Helena Fish, Wildlife & Parks is warning residents not to pick up geese that land in yards or parking lots, even if they seem distressed. Officials say handling wild birds can spread disease, cause injuries, and is illegal, and animals brought to FWP may have to be returned or euthanized instead of rehabilitated.
   

5. Montana Pulse Crop Committee Seeking Proposals (northernag.net) — From Helena, the Montana Pulse Crop Committee is inviting proposals for projects that promote and expand the state’s pulse crop industry, with applications due Feb. 16, 2026. If you work in marketing, education, or research tied to peas, lentils, or chickpeas, you can apply through the state’s WebGrants system for potential funding next spring.
   

📸 Around Helena

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Helena

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📣 Helena Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Tuesday December 16
  • Lewis & Clarkade Pinball Open Play
    Lewis & Clark Tap Room , 1535 Dodge Ave , Helena
    5:00 pm
  • Boots and Beers
    Broadwater Hot Springs & Fitness , 4920 US-12 , Helena
    5:30 pm
    • Wednesday December 17
  • Brews & Blueprints
    Brothers Tapworks , 40 S Last Chance Gulch St , Helena
    5:30 pm
    • Friday December 19
  • HSBB vs Whitehall-3PM
    Townsend 7-8 Townsend, MT 59644
  • HSWR @ Great Falls-CMR
    Townsend 7-8 Townsend, MT 59644
    • Saturday December 20
  • S&D @ Choteau
    Townsend 7-8 Townsend, MT 59644

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

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Helena PatchAM possible:

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Older, muscluar yellow lab cross wondering around on Sail View, by the outhouse on Canyon Ferry Road.
    I tried to get him to come to me but no luck. Left some food out. Will try to get him/her on my ring camera. (Nextdoor Canyon Ferry)
  • Three bedroom duplex for rent in January;
    double car garage; Helena's lower eastside location. NO PETS. $1900 month. DM for more information. (Nextdoor Upper Eastside)
  • SAS Retail Services posted a job opening for Travel Retail Sales Merchandiser in Helena. Apply here.
  • Applebee's - Ryan Restaurant Corporation posted a job opening for Restaurant Manager / Assistant Manager 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: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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