Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What the new lawsuit over the Jesters Bar police shooting alleges

Also, don't miss Light a Life on the Helena Patch calendar

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Wednesday December 10th Patch AM
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Hello Helena! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What the new lawsuit over the Jesters Bar police shooting alleges
  • How one small Christmas tree fire devastated a Helena home
  • Why Helena troopers say rumble strips shouldn’t make you jerk the wheel

Also on today's calendar: 3rd Annual Breakfast with Santa and 4 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did the alien say to the puzzle? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Wednesday: Cloudy, a little rain; windy, with a high of 56 and low of 51 degrees.
  • Thursday: Breezy with rain, temps: high: 57, low: 31.
  • Friday: Snow and rain, 1-3", with a high of 44 and low of 29 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Estate of man shot and killed by police inside Jesters Bar sues city of Helena, officers (missoulian.com) — Helena officials are being sued by the estate of Paul Rolfes, who was fatally shot by city police inside Jesters Bar in November 2024, with the suit alleging officers failed to seek mental health help before using deadly force. Recent inquest testimony, protests, and community responses continue to shape how Helena handles mental health crises and police accountability.
   

2. No injuries in Helena house fire (December 8) (kxlh.com) — A Helena family was displaced but unhurt after a Christmas tree fire heavily damaged the upper floor of their Jerome Place home Monday evening. Firefighters knocked down the blaze in about 15 minutes, and officials say it started accidentally when a match fell among gifts under the tree, underscoring the need for extra home fire caution this winter.
   

3. Extra patrols in Montana crack down on drunk drivers (nbcmontana.com) — From Helena, state officials are warning that extra patrols are out across Montana this holiday season to catch drunk and drugged drivers, after 178 traffic deaths so far this year. Troopers urge residents to plan sober rides, avoid distractions, and follow specific winter driving tips like gentle corrections off rumble strips and preparing emergency supplies for long trips.
   

4. Knudsen elected to steer Republican AGs campaign organization ahead of 2026 cycle (missoulian.com) — Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, who recently highlighted the work of dispatchers at the Montana Highway Patrol dispatch center at Fort Harrison in Helena, has been chosen to lead the Republican Attorneys General Association heading into the 2026 elections. The story details his new national campaign role, ongoing legal and disciplinary scrutiny, and how Montana’s top lawyer is gaining influence beyond the state.
   

5. Mixed reactions in Montana to Trump's $12 billion aid for farmers (nbcmontana.com) — From a Helena-based perspective, Montana farm leaders are split over President Trump’s new $12 billion aid package, which aims to offset tariff-driven market disruptions. Some see it as vital short-term relief for wheat, barley, and lentil growers, while others argue it fails to repair export losses and long-term damage from ongoing trade policies.
   

📸 Around Helena

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Helena

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Thursday December 11
  • Light a Life
    Helena Civic Center, 340 Neill Ave, Helena
    4:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Helena Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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

  • ​I lost my daughter two years ago, and facing this second Christmas without her has been incredibly hard.
    The depression has been overwhelming, and I completely let my house go. For months, I felt so embarrassed and ashamed to call for help, even though I… (Nextdoor Upper Eastside)
  • I'm still adding new events and happenings to the listings in the 2025 Helena Holiday Events group.
    If you see any I've missed please let me know. I'm also looking for any tips on neighborhoods with great light displays since people still enjoy the… (Nextdoor Pebble Gardens)
  • myDermRecruiter posted a job opening for Montana - Dermatologist Needed in Helena for Growth Opportunity with a Leading Dermatology Group - Incredible Outdoor Recreation in the Rocky Mountains! in Helena. Apply here.
  • Helena School District posted a job opening for Evening Custodians 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 come in peace. You come in pieces.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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