A local police officer highlights mental health protections for emergency workers. The city will close for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and a chess tournament hits the calendar next weekend.
Weather Preview 🌤️
This week starts cooler than normal, with highs in the 40s on Monday, says National Weather Service meteorologist Jim Brusda. Temperatures will rise to the mid-50s Tuesday and Wednesday. Nighttime temperatures will dip below freezing, ranging from 25 to 30 degrees.
How should Helena’s public transit change?
Helena has proposed alternatives for its public transit system, including a potential “ambitious” fixed-route bus service. Establishing a bus system with schedules and fixed stops will require about $1 million annually, a figure cited in a draft transit plan. This proposal is part of the city’s long-range transportation plan by the Greater Helena Metropolitan Planning Organization. The bus option is the costliest among five alternatives presented, with costs and benefits detailed for each.
Improving the current curbside pickup, a demand-response system, could cost $140,000 to $160,000 annually. Enhancements include extended services in East Helena and the valley area. Another option proposes limited bus services alongside the current system, costing $370,000 to $500,000. A separate alternative improves demand-response for those unable to use fixed routes, costing $500,000 to $800,000.
Changing current transit fees, such as reducing fares or offering free rides, is another consideration. Current fare is $3, and reducing it to $1 or $2 would decrease revenue by about $55,000. Free services would require the city to find alternative funding sources.
Public transit is a hot topic, especially for the disabled community. Capital Transit faces a $200,000 deficit, and discussions on sustaining the program have been ongoing. Among transit users, 65% prioritize availability and frequency of services. The city seeks public comment on transit options until Nov. 1.
Eye on Helena 👁️
Check out this photo taken on Oct. 6 last year through the window of the City-County Building.
Want to share a picture with readers? Send them to JoVonne Wagner!
Public Notice 🧐
City Closure
ℹ️ Helena city offices will close for Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Garbage pickup will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Bill Roberts Golf Course and Muni’s Restaurant remain open.
🗓️ Monday, Oct. 12
⏰ All day
📍 City administrative offices, Civic Center, municipal court, and transfer station
Smelter Clean-Up Open House
ℹ️ The EPA and Montana Environmental Trust Group will hold an open house for East Helena community on the smelter site cleanup progress.
🗓️ Tuesday, Oct. 13
⏰ 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
📍 METG office, East Helena City Hall, 306 E. Main St., Room 202
🔗 Visit the METG website for more about the cleanup.
HCC Connectivity Open House
ℹ️ The Helena Citizens’ Council will present results from public comments on transportation, walkability, biking, recreation, and school routes.
🗓️ Wednesday, Oct. 14
⏰ 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
📍 Lewis & Clark Library
Helena Happenings 🗓️
Arts & Culture: Pianist Sheng Cai and oboist Beverly Wang perform at Myrna Loy Thursday, Oct. 15. Concert at 7:30. Tickets are $20. Visit the Myrna’s website for tickets.
Games & Stuff: Test your chess skills. The Helena Chess Club hosts a Fall Colors Rapid Chess Tournament, Saturday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Rocky Mountain Development Council. Registration: $15 adults, $10 youth. Contact chess club.
Outdoors: Join the Just for the Helena of It race on Sunday, Oct. 18, featuring 5K, 10K, and half-marathon races. Organized by Treasure State Runners, proceeds benefit local nonprofits. Visit the event’s website to sign up.
Glad You Asked 🙋🏻
A reader asked how police manage mental health. The Helena Police Department highlights available resources for first responders.
The city offers a free employee assistance program (EAP) for first responders, including six annual support sessions. Police are compensated for time used in EAP services, covering mental health, anxiety, family issues, and more, says HPD Lieutenant Joshua Ray.
Ray mentions a stigma around seeking mental health in law enforcement is fading. Peer-support officers and critical incident stress debriefs are available after major incidents.
“It’s not about what they should have done,” Ray said. “It’s to talk about the incident and feelings.” Officers often help those in crisis but forget about themselves, driving a push for mental health support.
Got a question about Helena? Submit them here for future issues.
—
Read More Montana News
