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🌱 Patch AM: Who will be picked as Helena’s next city manager tonight?

Make time for Live Music @ Safeway Helena — Dan Henry on the Helena Patch calendar

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What's up Helena! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Who will be picked as Helena’s next city manager tonight?
  • How a high-speed East Helena crash is unfolding in court
  • How Helena’s Jewish community is responding after the Australia Hanukkah tragedy

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: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Rain mixing with snow, with a high of 49 and low of 30 degrees.
  • Thursday: Cloudy, temps: high: 40, low: 36.
  • Friday: Breezy with periods of rain, with a high of 49 and low of 29 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Special meeting set for decision on Helena city manager (kxlh.com) — Helena’s city commissioners are set to choose a new city manager at a special meeting Wednesday evening at the City-County Building, with Zoom access available. Finalists include a current Montana state executive, a Colorado town manager, and a veteran city manager from California, each pitching long-term leadership and investment in Helena’s future.
   

2. Suspect in East Helena DUI homicide makes court appearance (kxlh.com) — A Helena man accused in a deadly East Helena DUI crash has pleaded not guilty in district court and is currently free on $500,000 bond, with trial set for May 18. The November crash killed one East Helena resident, critically injured another, and left the family facing steep medical and funeral costs, prompting a local fundraiser and legal support from a Helena law firm.
   

3. Helena Jewish community reacts to Bondi Beach Australia shooting (ktvh.com) — Helena’s Jewish community is processing grief and fear after a deadly Hanukkah celebration shooting in Australia, while still gathering for their own holiday events. Members describe the emotional toll, recall Montana’s history of antisemitic incidents, and emphasize education and solidarity. Residents are invited to support local Jewish neighbors at the upcoming Capitol Menorah lighting and through the Montana Jewish Project.
   

4. Public Service Commission approves settlement with North Star (kpvi.com) — Hundreds of residents in the North Star subdivision just outside Helena are finally seeing action on their long-running water problems, after state regulators approved a settlement with the private utility. The deal reduces a previously proposed fine but requires new reserve funds, system upgrades, stricter reporting, and enforcement of watering rules, all aimed at improving reliability before the 2026 irrigation season.
   

5. Frustrations mount after sudden closure of Helena wine store (ktvh.com) — Martin’s Wines on Helena’s walking mall has abruptly closed, leaving an empty storefront while some wine club members say they’re still being charged and can’t use accumulated credits. Frustrated customers are now being urged to contact the state Office of Consumer Protection, which can investigate patterns of complaints and potentially help recover money.
   

📸 Around Helena

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • LOST CAT ALERT!
    Mooch got out last night around Saddle and Southridge Drive. Usually he stays right near home, but he didn't come home and we've driven around the… (Nextdoor Nob Hill)
  • My sweet Zamboni is MIA.
    Neutered gray male Maine Coon with green eyes. About 11 years old. Very sweet and lovable. Last seen near Clarke St. and Harrison on December 14… (Nextdoor Hawthorne)
  • Oracle posted a job opening for Delivery Manager (Individual Contributor) - NetSuite ACS (Products Team) in Helena. Apply here.
  • Humana posted a job opening for Anaplan Model Builder 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. I can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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