Sign up for the free Helena This Week newsletter and stay in the loop on Helena city government, public school meetings, business news and upcoming entertainment and events.
10/27/2025
Residents may notice changes in city water as infrastructure project gets underway
Helena residents should expect that the water coming out of their faucets may occasionally be light brown and smelly during a two-year city water project that began earlier this month.
Helena officials notified residents in a social media post earlier this month that the first phase of the four-phase Crosstown Connector Project, aimed at replacing infrastructure that is more than 60 years old, began this fall, impacting the city’s Ten Mile water treatment plant. During the work, the city will rely on the Missouri River treatment plant, which has in the past led to some changes in residential water quality.
“Whenever the Missouri River plant is turned on, it is common that some residents experience slight discoloration or odor in their water,” the post stated. “The changes should not be of concern and are typically resolved quickly.”
The city will use the Missouri River plant until the project is completed. However, while the project is set to last through the spring of 2027, construction will be paused throughout the summer to help meet irrigation needs, according to the city’s project website.
The approximately $3 million project, funded by a state loan, will focus on Helena’s west side during the first phase of work. The city developed a project map that allows residents to see the route that city workers will focus on this fall and winter.
Residents should also anticipate temporary street closures, while some properties may need to have water temporarily piped in from elsewhere in the system, according to the project details. City staff will contact the property owners affected by this issue.
Phases two, three and four are tentatively scheduled for the spring and fall over the next year and a half.
For additional details about the project, contact the city utility maintenance staff at (406) 457-8575.
Public Notice
Mail-in ballot update: The Lewis and Clark County Elections office mailed a notice to inform voters of a new law that requires them to add their four-digit birth year onto the affirmation envelope for the ballot to be accepted. Ballots are recommended to be mailed back by Tuesday, Oct. 28. Residents can also hand-deliver their ballots to the county elections office at the City-County Building. 316 N. Park Ave., until 8 p.m. on Nov. 4. For additional information or questions, contact the elections office at (406) 447-8339.
Speech and debate judges needed: Helena and Capital high schools are seeking judges for the upcoming speech and debate tournament Saturday, Nov 1. The meet will be held at Helena High, 1300 Billings Ave. Those interested in judging can sign up here or contact head coach Jennifer Hermanson at [email protected].
5 Things to Know in Helena
The city commission has announced its plans for gathering community input regarding the hiring of a new city manager. The commission is asking the public to weigh in on the priorities and qualities the next manager should possess to inform the commissioner’s understanding of community expectations. CMS, the consulting firm the city hired to assist with city manager recruitment, will conduct a listening session on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the City-County Building, 316 N. Park Ave. CMS has also launched a survey to gather input, which will remain open until Nov. 4. According to city officials, the commission will review applications on Nov. 5, and the position will remain open until filled.
Last week, the city commission unanimously approved an additional $92,813 for the city’s wastewater treatment plant scum pump project after a leak was discovered. The city initially approved a $1.22 million contract for the project in February with Helena-based company Hard Rock Road Building and Utilities. This is the second time the city has increased the project contract. In July, the city added $65,688 for unforeseen repairs. Both instances have increased the total contract amount to about $1.38 million.
The city commission took its first official step in adopting the 2025 Helena Land Use Plan and Land Use Map during a meeting last week. The city approved a resolution to repeal the 2019 growth policy and adopt a new plan, setting a public hearing for Nov. 17. City Community Development Director Chris Brink told the commission that this plan is a “living document” meant to guide city standards and budget as Helena grows.
Helena Public Schools shared photos on its Facebook page last week of work being done in preparation for the construction of the new Helena High and Kessler Elementary schools and renovations to Capital High. The post explained how the ground stability was being tested and included a response to questions about why the new Helena High was being constructed on the same land.
“For those questioning a HHS rebuild on the same swamp-like property, be assured that these necessary steps help us prepare and plan so we don’t have the same kind of problems,” the post said.
This is one of the first updates following the approval of $283 million in bonds by Helenans in September.
The Lewis & Clark Library will hold an unveiling celebration Saturday, Nov. 1, to showcase a new permanent display of Montana’s tribal flags in recognition of Native American Heritage Month. The celebration will include drumming, singing and refreshments beginning at 11 a.m., with the unveiling at noon.
Comings and Goings
Coming: Helena could see another McDonald’s at the former Hardee’s location at 320 Euclid Ave., according to city pre-planning documents. Kimley-Horn and Associates is proposing the development of a new 4,000-square-foot building with a two-lane drive-thru. The pre-application Zoom meeting to discuss the project will be Monday, Oct. 27, at 1:30 p.m.
Coming: Trident Development is proposing a senior housing development with 121 assisted, independent and memory care living units. The housing development would be constructed on a portion of the proposed Trinity subdivision. While the project location has not yet been assigned an address, it will be accessible from North Sanders Street, according to city documents. The project will also be discussed at a pre-planning meeting Monday, Oct. 27, at 1:30 p.m.
Might Be Fun
The Helena Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Little Tykes Trick-or-Treat event on Friday throughout downtown, between the Walking Mall and Great Northern Town Center. Families are invited to bring their kids in costume and trick-or-treat at local businesses from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Contact the chamber at [email protected] or at (406) 442-4120 for more details.
