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🌱 Patch AM: Why a Helena standoff suspect is headed to the state hospital

You won't want to miss FREE WEBINAR | "The Golden Age of Florence" 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:

  • Why a Helena standoff suspect is headed to the state hospital
  • How Helena neighbors can keep local families warm this winter
  • What investigators say happened in the fatal I-15 crash

Also on today's calendar: FREE WEBINAR | “The Golden Age of Florence” and 7 more events.

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

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Much colder with snow, 1-3", with a high of 36 and low of 21 degrees.
  • Saturday: Low clouds, temps: high: 39, low: 26.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high of 41 and low of 26 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Suspect in Montana standoff 'mentally unfit' to proceed to trial (kpax.com) — A Helena man accused of pointing a gun at law enforcement during a standoff near York has been ruled mentally unfit to stand trial and ordered to the Montana State Hospital. Court proceedings are paused while doctors develop a treatment plan, with a status report due in late January and a February hearing already scheduled.
   

2. Helena organizations holding winter clothing drives (ktvh.com) — Helena residents are being asked to help neighbors stay warm this winter as YWCA Helena and Florence Crittenton continue collecting boots, snowpants, hats, and gloves. YWCA has enough coats for its residents but still needs other gear, while Florence Crittenton is seeking new winter items for young children in the 200 families it serves each year.
   

3. Man killed in December 4 crash near Helena identified (montanarightnow.com) — A 43-year-old Helena man has been identified as the driver killed in a single-vehicle rollover crash on I-15 near Cascade on December 3. Authorities say his pickup hit a guardrail, crossed the northbound lanes, rolled into the median, and came to rest in the southbound lanes, where he was ejected and died at the scene.
   

4. Montana National Guard welcomes new officers from MSU's Army ROTC program (kbzk.com) — Two Helena natives, Tamara O’Leary and Ryan DuVall, have just been commissioned as new officers in the Montana Army National Guard after completing MSU’s Army ROTC program in Bozeman. Their commissioning highlights local Helena talent stepping into key state service roles at a time when the Guard faces growing domestic and global demands.
   

5. Bright Lights, Heavy Hearts: grief during the holidays (kxlh.com) — Helena families navigating grief this holiday season are finding support through St. Peter’s Health Hospice and the long-running Light a Life remembrance event for local hospice patients. Staff share practical ideas like new traditions, open seats at the table, and helping others to ease the season’s weight. Residents are also invited to honor loved ones while supporting Helena Area Hospice.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update- We found her!!
    Lost Pug! Our beloved family pet- lost near Waukesha and Cleveland on 12/10/25. Her name is Cookie, Please message me if you've seen her! We are… (Nextdoor Westside/Euclid Ave North)
  • Help, lost pug!!
    Her name is Cookie. Lost 12/10/25 near Waukesha and Henderson. This is our beloved family pet. Please let me know if you have seen her! (Nextdoor Westside/Euclid Ave North)
  • Brink's Incorporated posted a job opening for Cash Processor - Warehouse in Helena. Apply here.
  • Hobby Lobby posted a job opening for Retail Associates 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 couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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