🌱 Helena Murder Trial Jury Selection + School Receives Fitness Center

Hi there, Helena! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Cooler with a stray t-storm. High: 60 Low: 52.
• Saturday: Rain and a thunderstorm. High: 65 Low: 53.

Here are the top three stories today in Helena:

1. Jury selection in the trial of Leon Michael Ford, a subject in the 2011 murder of John “Mike” Crites, began earlier this week. Ford was originally arrested and charged with deliberate homicide and tampering with evidence back in August 2020, and his trial has been delayed multiple times after initially being set for 2021. (KTVH)
2. C.R. Anderson Middle School was recently selected by the NFGFC DON’T QUIT! campaign as one of three schools in the state to receive fully equipped fitness centers in recognition of its efforts towards fitness, healthy living, and nutrition. The fitness centers are set to be unveiled in the fall of 2023. (Montana.Gov)
3. Helena's Alive at Five summer concert series will return for its 26th season on Wednesday, Jun. 7. The annual series will feature rotating live music, food trucks, and games each Wednesday at various spots in downtown Helena. View the full Alive at Five schedules here. (Independent Record)

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Today and tomorrow in Helena:

Friday, Jun. 2

• Open Studios At The Bray (5:00 PM)
• Live Jazz At Benny's Bistro (6:30 PM)
• Honky Tonk To Support Prickly Pear Land Trust At The Windsor Ballroom (7:30 PM)

Saturday, Jun. 3

• Rooftop Yoga At Mt Ascension Brewing (1o:30 AM)
• Makers Night Market At The Railyard (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Helena Senators won Game two of the Montana-Alberta Class AA conference doubleheader against Bozeman on Wednesday, May 31 — the team's 20th win this season. The local baseball team will play Great Falls at Kindrick Legion Field on Tuesday, Jun. 6 at 7:00 p.m. (406 Mt Sports)
• A new outdoor recreation space is opening up down the road in East Helena. An official grand opening for "The Grove," an 80-acre site featuring a trail for walking, biking, running, wheelchairs, and more near JFK Park will take place on the morning of Saturday, Jun. 3. (KXLH)
• Wildfire season is fast approaching, and the Helena Fire Department is offering tips and precautions to help residents as they continue to prepare. View this short video for tips like stowing away furniture cushions and sealing pet doors, and find more safety resources here. (City of Helena, Local Government via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.