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🌱 Patch AM: Why a once-praised Helena cancer doctor just lost his license

Coming up: 2026 Business Days at the Capitol on the Helena Patch calendar

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Friday December 26th Patch AM
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Cheers Helena! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a once-praised Helena cancer doctor just lost his license
  • How a Helena-based fund is brightening life for sick Montana kids
  • Which Helena standouts made the 2026 Montana Shrine Game rosters?

Also on today's calendar: Celebrate & Release 2025! .

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

Today's riddle: What did the clock say when it ran out of batteries? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 48 and low of 26 degrees.
  • Saturday: Colder with a little snow, temps: high: 32, low: 6. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Sunday: Times of sun and clouds, with a high of 27 and low of 19 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. This Helena Doctor Treated Patients For Years. Now He's Done (xlcountry.com) — A longtime Helena cancer doctor has had his Montana medical license revoked, meaning he can no longer practice in the state. The decision follows years of controversy over alleged unnecessary treatments at St. Peter’s Health in Helena and comes as some families of affected patients say the move offers at least some sense of justice.
   

2. Chrome for Kids Wish Fund Awards Funds (hilinetoday.com) — From Helena, state officials have awarded $26,500 from the Chrome for Kids Wish Fund to two nonprofits supporting seriously ill Montana children. The Montana Hope Project will receive $17,600 to grant wishes, while Cancer Support Community Montana gets $8,900 to provide counseling and support services for families facing cancer statewide.
   

3. Rosters announced for Montana East-West Shrine Game (kxlh.com) — Helena Capital, Helena High, and East Helena football standouts have been picked for the 2026 Montana East-West Shrine Game, giving local fans plenty to watch when the all-star matchup kicks off June 20 in Butte. The long-running charity game, which benefits Shriners Children’s Hospital in Spokane, features top seniors from across Montana and has raised over $1 million in the last decade.
   

4. Help available for veterans struggling with mental health around the holidays (ktvh.com) — Helena-area veterans struggling with mental health this holiday season can turn to local support at Fort Harrison VA and the nonprofit Check A Vet. Founder and Helena native Michael Carmichael urges veterans to stay connected with friends, family, and fellow service members, emphasizing that reaching out could help save a life. The story highlights specific local resources and links for immediate help.
   

5. NORAD helps Montanans follow Santa's journey (ktvh.com) — Kids and families in Helena can use NORAD’s Santa Tracker each Christmas Eve to follow his route in real time, powered by the same defense systems that protect North America. The story highlights how nearby Malmstrom Air Force Base and its missile fields tie Montana directly into NORAD’s high-tech operations, connecting local skies to a global holiday tradition.
   

📸 Around Helena

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • In honor of my parents this year, we are doing traditional Polish Christmas dinner (minus the pickled herring because the family voted that away)-borscht and pierogi with piernik and favorki for dessert!
    I think mom would be proud. After all this work today, I sure appreciate the work she put in every year. (Nextdoor Westside/Euclid Ave North)
  • In about 2 hours my dog will be missing for 24 hours.
    Any help looking or keeping a key out is a great help!! (Nextdoor North East)
  • Old Navy, Inc. posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate - North City Center in Helena. Apply here.
  • O'Reilly Auto Parts posted a job opening for Merchandising Specialist 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 guess I’m out of time.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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