Good morning. JoVonne here with your dose of Helena This Week.
Welcome back! To be honest, I didn’t spend last week in Helena because I was out in eastern Montana reporting for a story regarding major repatriation events on the Fort Peck Reservation. The community welcomed home the remains of three of their relatives who died at the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania more than a century ago. My story will be published later this week.
In this edition, we have some upcoming events featuring opportunities to learn about ballot initiatives and how to register to vote, as well as a new shelter’s grand opening. Additionally, I checked out some news about a school safety threat, and, of course, who can forget the Helena quilt show?
We also looked into Carroll College’s latest announcement about lowering its tuition.
But first, a weather preview ☀️
This week, we will see some cooler-than-average temperatures, with highs at the beginning of the week hovering in the 60s and lows dropping down to the 30s and 40s, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Ray Greely. The second half of the week will warm back up.
Carroll says lower costs will improve access, appeal
So here is some news you don’t see very often, especially in the education sphere: Carroll College, a private, Catholic school, is planning to decrease its tuition by 40% beginning in the fall of 2027.
Specifically, its undergraduate tuition and fees will drop from $44,712 to $26,800, according to a college announcement last week.
The shift in pricing is intended to improve the school’s accessibility, making it a more appealing option for prospective students as they weigh their higher-education options.
“Families are increasingly discerning as they consider their investment in a college education, and price plays a significant role in which colleges they explore,” the Carroll press release said. “Carroll’s research found that its high published tuition was causing some families to rule out the college before applying, visiting campus, or learning about available financial aid.”
This change comes just after the college’s new president, Jennifer Glowienka, began her solo run this fall, after co-leading the college with Bishop Austin Vetter last year, making her the first woman president in the school’s history.
For Glowienka, cheaper tuition and accessibility are just a part of the college’s Catholic mission.
“When we tell students they belong at Carroll, we must also provide a clear and realistic path to joining this community,” Glowienka said in the release. “This new tuition model allows more families to consider Carroll from the start.”
While Carroll had seen a slight increase in enrollment in recent years, undergraduate enrollment had begun to slow between 2015 and 2023, according to data collected from the college.
You can read more about Carroll’s announcement here.
Photo Op 📸
Have a cool Helena photo and want it in the newsletter? Send them in to [email protected]!
Public notice 🧐
Security scare at schools
ℹ️ Last week, the Helena Police Department issued a shelter-in-place for Bryant Elementary, Helena Middle School and Helena High School while investigating a threat, according to a press release. The HPD received a report of possible gunshots around North Montana Avenue but determined the report was unfounded. The shelter–in-place was lifted after 10 minutes, according to the school district.
🗓️ Thursday, Sept. 10
⏰ About 9:30 a.m.
📍 1400 block of North Montana Avenue
National Voter Registration Day
ℹ️Not registered to vote or unsure how to? Swing by the Lewis & Clark library during the national day to register for a quick and easy way to check and sign up.
🗓️Tuesday, Sept. 15
⏰10 a.m.
📍Lewis & Clark Library
🔗Check to see what your registration status here.
LWV to host election forum
ℹ️ The League of Women Voters of the Helena Area will host a forum about the upcoming 2026 ballot initiatives CI-132, CI-133 and CI-194. The forum will feature speakers Lauren Caldwell, SK Rossi and Jeff Mangan, with former Montana Supreme Court Justice Patricia Cotter as moderator.
🗓️ Wednesday, Sept. 30
⏰ 6 p.m.
📍 Lewis & Clark Library
🔗 Visit the secretary of state’s website to read more about the initiatives.
New family shelter grand opening
ℹ️ Local nonprofit Family Promise will hold a grand opening of its new 16-room shelter. The new facility is intended to provide a space for families experiencing homelessness, while also offering other resources, including case management.
“This milestone represents months of hard work, partnership, and dedication from our staff, donors, volunteers and community partners who believe in dignity and opportunity for every child and parent we serve,” Family Promise executive director Madison Ragsdale said in a press release.
🗓️ Tuesday, Sept. 22.
⏰ 10 a.m.
📍 2814 N. Cooke St.
Following Up ↩️
Last Tuesday, the Helena Public School District announced the official termination of Helena para-educator James Michael Huber following an investigation. Huber, who worked at C.R. Anderson Middle School, was arrested earlier this year on seven felony charges for allegedly assaulting a student.
Huber has remained in the county jail pending his trial, which is set for next March.
Helena Happenings 🗓️
Arts & Culture: Helena’s 27th annual Last Chance Pow Wow is scheduled for Sept. 25-27 at the Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds. The event is free and open to the public. To learn more, visit the powwow’s website here.
Arts & Culture: With winter approaching, we all need something to stay warm, perfect timing for the upcoming 2026 Stars Shine Bright Quilt Show. From Friday, Sept. 18, through Saturday, Sept. 19, the Helena Quilter’s Guild will feature more than 150 quilts, along with other vendors, demonstrations and door prizes. Admission is $5.