Good morning, Helena. In this issue, we dove into some gun statistics within the city, and the results … may not surprise you. We also highlight some potential business developments, and Helena Citizens’ Council chair Ben Kuiper steps down from his role. Additionally, we share the news of a Helena entrepreneur’s passing.
But first, a weather preview ☀️
We are settling into the cool autumn weather, starting the week off with highs in the upper 40s and low 50s Monday, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Amanda Wilson. Tuesday will remain in the high 40s and bring some precipitation, with a chance of a rain-and-snow mix at lower elevations. Wednesday will be slightly cooler with a high in the low 40s. Overnight lows are expected to hover in the upper 20s.
HPD says no ‘cause for alarm’ regarding downtown gun incidents
About two weeks ago, a man was charged with a felony after he pointed a gun at another man. The incident, originally reported by the Helena IR, occurred in the early hours of Saturday, Oct. 13.
While no shots were fired, the arrests marked another gun-involved incident in Helena, specifically downtown.
In total, the downtown area has had six gun-related incidents this year, which may sound like a lot, but compared to numbers from previous years, it’s pretty typical, according to the Helena Police Department.
Montana Free Press reviewed the data from gun-involved incidents in Helena from 2020 through Oct. 13 of this year.
The data that HPD provided us with included calls for incidents involving criminal activity, suicides and accidental discharges. The data does not include incidents involving fake guns, BB guns or airsoft guns.
Since 2020, there have been 118 reports, of which 22 came from the downtown area, according to the data.
So far this year, there have been 17 occurrences involving a gun, compared to last year, which had 20 over 12 months, with seven of them happening downtown.
The map above shows the locations of the total gun-involved incidents within city limits from 2020 to October 2026.
Over the last several years, the annual total has typically ranged from 14 to 18, but peaked at 20 in both 2023 and last year.
These calls for service have spanned across city limits, reaching as far as the Helena Regional Airport, Hauser Boulevard and I-15.
But these statistics shouldn’t be a cause for concern, according to the HPD.
“I don’t think there is any kind of specific uptick that would cause alarm in the city,” HPD Captain Adam Shanks told MTFP last week. “Obviously, this is a Second Amendment state. People need to recognize that there are a lot of people who own guns.”
Additionally, Shanks advocated for stronger gun safety, encouraging the public and gun owners to be vigilant and lock up and secure their firearms.
Public Notice 🧐
November Community Listening Session
ℹ️ The city’s November listening session will focus on city housing, land use and zoning. The session will include a brief presentation by city staff, followed by time for participants to ask questions or share comments.
🗓️ Monday, Nov. 16
⏰ 5 p.m.
📍 Lewis & Clark Library, 120 S. Last Chance Gulch
🔗 The public can submit questions ahead of time on the Be Heard Helena website.
Last chance to comment on public transportation
ℹ️ Time is running out to comment on the Greater Helena Area’s draft long-range transportation plans. Once finalized, these documents will guide local municipalities and the county on developing and implementing transportation priorities as the area grows.
🗓️ Sunday, Nov. 1
🔗 Visit the Greater Helena MPO website to access the plans and to comment.
A Dutch Bros Coffee and a second Valvoline on the horizon?
ℹ️ A new coffee shop and car maintenance business may be coming to town, according to planning documents from the city of Helena. Representatives of Dutch Bros Coffee and Valvoline Instant Oil Change have proposed the new businesses, and a pre-application meeting with city officials is scheduled for this week. Dutch Bros Coffee has been proposed in the general area of 3101 N. Montana Ave. Valvoline is proposed for 2195 Custer Ave.
🗓️ Monday, Oct. 26
⏰ 1:30 p.m.
🔗 You can access the details of the proposals and the meeting Zoom link here.
Potential new housing complex coming to Helena
ℹ️ During a meeting last week, the Helena City Commission approved a preliminary plat for development off of McHugh Drive. The plans call for the development of the Crystal Springs Village subdivision, which aims to include 138 housing units. The project is in early development, and the commission still needs to approve zoning and annexation.
📍Proposed for a 23-acre plat north of Road Runner Street and west of McHugh Drive
🔗 Read a Helena IR article here to learn more about the project.
Departed 🥀
Long-time Helenan Alan Nicholson died Oct. 18 at the age of 86. Nicholson was known for his work in community development and housing, and for advocating for education at both the city and state levels.
Nicholson played key roles in the significant changes that shaped the city we see today. To name just a few, Nicholson was responsible for several housing and apartment complexes and helped improve Helena’s downtown, according to his obituary.
He supported the preservation of Last Chance Gulch’s iconic Power Block, created the Great Northern Town Center and helped build the area’s carousel and children’s science museum, ExplorationWorks.
Additionally, Nicholson had a passion for education, chairing the Montana Board of Public Education and serving as the math and science supervisor at the Montana Office of Public Instruction.
Nicholson’s family will celebrate his life Sunday, Nov. 15, at 2 p.m. at the Helena Civic Center ballroom.
By The Numbers 🔢
The number of students experiencing homelessness in the Helena School District, according to the district.
“Although high, the numbers have remained consistent,” HPSD communications specialist Taylor Lassiter told Montana Free Press earlier this month.
At the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, there were 329 students in Helena experiencing homelessness, according to the district.
Helena Happenings 📅
Lectures & Learning: The Lewis & Clark Library will host a free public screening of “Anomalous,” a documentary that explores UFOs throughout history. The showing is Monday, Oct. 26, beginning at 5:30 p.m., featuring the documentary’s filmmaker Jeremy Sadowski.
Fun For The Family: Capstone Church will host a free Candy Jam party at the Lewis & Clark Fairgrounds this Friday, Oct. 30, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will feature 800 pounds of candy, bounce houses, games and hot dogs, and kids are encouraged to wear their costumes.
Queen City History 🏛️
Last Thursday, Helena Public Schools celebrated Central Elementary’s 150th birthday. The original building opened in 1876, making it Helena’s first permanent schoolhouse and the first public school in the Montana Territory, according to the Montana Historical Society. The building was demolished in 2017, and Helena’s new Central school opened for students in 2019.
In Case You Missed It ↩️
Ben Kuiper, chair of the Helena Citizens’ Council, announced last week that he is stepping down from the position and resigning from the HCC after six years.
“I worked with two mayors, I think four commissions, three city managers, one city clerk and plenty of department heads, so I just want to say that it’s been a pleasure working with all of you,” Kuiper told the city commission.
Kuiper has spent the last three years chairing the HCC, a committee of residents representing Helena neighborhoods that makes recommendations to the commission. Kuiper said he could no longer devote so much time to the volunteer committee.
“Personally, I really have a drive to serve in public service, but I’ve come to a point economically where I need to take a step back and get paid for my time,” Kuiper said.
HCC Vice Chair Anne Hausrath will serve as chair until the next election in January.
