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Welcome everyone to the first full month of school traffic. I hope that your trips have lightened up with everyone getting the hang of it. In the last two issues of my letter, I have focused on “LOCAL” and I will continue to do so. Without local support and local growth, Helena would become a city of ruins.

Last month, I spoke about the 25 years of local business of Native Beach Tan, and this month I will focus on our local anchor of Oh My Sole in Old Town. In addition to our wonderful events, I want to take a moment to recognize and congratulate one of Helena’s cherished small businesses: “Oh My Sole.” This year marks their 10th anniversary in our community, and I couldn’t be prouder to celebrate this milestone with them.

For the past decade, “Oh My Sole” has provided exceptional service, quality products and a friendly atmosphere that keeps customers coming back. Small businesses like this are the backbone of our local economy, and their success is a testament to the dedication and hard work of their owners and employees. On behalf of the entire Helena community, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to “Oh My Sole” for their commitment to our town. Here’s to many more years of success!

Kickoff is underway, supporting our local teams brings that small town cultural feel. I invite everyone to come out and show your support for our Helena High School football team as they kick off their season with the first home game on Friday, Sept. 13. There’s nothing like the excitement and energy of a Friday night football game, and it’s a great way to bring the community together to cheer on our young athletes.

Football season in Helena is always a special time, filled with school spirit, camaraderie and the joy of watching our students shine on the field. Let’s pack the stands, wear our team colors and make this first game one to remember. Go Huskies!

There are two local events on the horizon that you are sure to not want to miss out on. On Saturday, Sept. 21 for the first time ever the City of Helena will host Oktoberfest at Amphitheater Park. We are kicking off the season with a celebration that brings together the best of our community spirit: Helena’s Oktoberfest on September 21. This annual event has become a beloved tradition in our town, offering a unique blend of fun, food and festivity for all ages. Whether you’re a fan of traditional German fare, enjoy live music or simply want to spend a delightful day with family and friends, Oktoberfest has something for everyone.

Then a few weeks after Oktoberfest, we will gather again for one of Helena’s signature events: the Buck Creek Festival on October 11-12, 2024. This festival is more than just a celebration; it’s a showcase of our community’s heart and soul. From the Duck Race to the fantastic live performances and delicious food, the Buck Creek Festival is a time-honored tradition that draws people from all over to experience what makes Helena so special.

This year’s festival promises to be one of the best yet, with a variety of activities designed to entertain and engage everyone in the family. Whether you’re an artist, a food lover, a music enthusiast or someone who just enjoys a good time, Buck Creek Festival is the place to be. Mark your calendars, invite your friends and family, and join us in celebrating the vibrant spirit of Helena.

On to the bad news for everyone. Republic Trash Services. I also want to inform you of an important update regarding our waste management services. Republic Services, our trash collection provider, will be increasing their rates by $1.17 per month. This adjustment will ensure that we continue to receive reliable and efficient service that meets the needs of our growing community. While no one likes to see rates go up, this small increase is necessary to maintain the high standard of service we expect. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as this change takes effect.

In closing, I want to thank each of you for your continued support and participation in our community events. Helena is more than just a place to live; it’s a place where we come together, celebrate together and grow together. I look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events and continuing to make Helena the wonderful town we all love.

Together As One,

Brian