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🌱 Patch AM: Why a Helena DUI homicide suspect is free on bond

You won't want to miss Live Music @ Safeway Helena — Dan Henry on the Helena Patch calendar

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Greetings Helena! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a Helena DUI homicide suspect is free on bond
  • How a Reeder’s Alley scheme siphoned public money for years
  • Why did Helena’s commission pick Alana Lake in a split vote?

Also on today's calendar: Christmas Eve worship and 3 more events.

Find out what's happening in Helenafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Helenafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Cloudy, with a high of 41 and low of 37 degrees.
  • Friday: Breezy with periods of rain, temps: high: 49, low: 29.
  • Saturday: Breezy and colder, with a high of 38 and low of 25 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Fatal East Helena high-speed chase suspect out on bond; trial set (ktvh.com) — A Helena man accused in a deadly high-speed crash into an East Helena home has pleaded not guilty in district court and is currently out on $500,000 bond, with trial set for May 18. The wreck killed 69-year-old Terry Lamping, critically injured her husband, and left the family with heavy medical and funeral costs as they seek community support.
   

2. One of two men involved in Montana Heritage Commission embezzlement scheme sentenced (wvnews.com) — A man tied to an embezzlement and money-laundering scheme involving the Montana Heritage Commission and Helena’s Reeder’s Alley has been sentenced to one year with the Department of Corrections and ordered to repay $100,000. Testimony in Lewis and Clark County District Court detailed how fraudulent invoices and kickbacks drained public funds, leaving the commission in financial trouble and prompting tighter scrutiny of concession contracts at historic sites.
   

3. Helena's next city manager is Alana Lake (montanafreepress.org) — Helena’s city commission has chosen Alana Lake as the next city manager in a narrow 3-2 vote, despite concerns from two commissioners and several residents about the hiring process and candidate choice. Lake, a military veteran and current executive director of the Montana Public Service Commission, is expected to start in the new year as the city navigates a history of turnover in this critical leadership role.
   

4. Montana DOC details prison water crisis response, tech overhaul at budget hearing (nbcmontana.com) — State corrections leaders in Helena detailed how they’re accelerating long-planned water and infrastructure upgrades at Montana State Prison after this year’s major water system failure. They also walked lawmakers through a costly new offender management system, expanded vocational training, and data-driven program evaluations, along with planned changes to parole guidelines that could affect how and when people are released.
   

5. Judge halts Forest Service fire prevention project north of Yellowstone, citing impacts to grizzlies, lynx (montanafreepress.org) — Helena residents have a new city manager: the City Commission voted 3-2 to appoint Alana Lake, with both the outgoing and incoming mayors backing her selection. The same news package also covers a major federal court ruling halting a large logging and fire-prevention project north of Yellowstone over concerns for grizzly bears and lynx, plus other statewide developments.
   

📸 Around Helena

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Helena

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events

📣 Helena Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Friday December 19
  • Wrestling @ Greatfalls
    Three Forks Public Schls Three Forks, MT 59752
  • HSBB vs Whitehall-3PM
    Townsend 7-8 Townsend, MT 59644
  • HSWR @ Great Falls-CMR
    Townsend 7-8 Townsend, MT 59644
  • BB&GB @ Boulder
    Three Forks Public Schls Three Forks, MT 59752
  • Lollipop gnome
    Marley's paint & party , 400 W Park St , Butte
    6:30 pm
  • Granite Boys Varsity Basketball @ Powell County
    Powell County High School , 709 Missouri Ave , Deer Lodge
    7:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Edited: 2:19pm
    Deborah , found your dog on Golden Eagle Rd. In Woodland Hills Subdivision. Had her caught for 30min but she jumped our fence and is gone again… (Nextdoor North Helena)
  • If you haven't taken a look at the Helena holiday events 2025 group you are really missing out.
    Lisa P. has done a wonderful job of posting all sorts of events that are going on for the holiday season on that group. (Nextdoor Leisure Village PLUR W's)
  • Helena School District posted a job opening for Substitute Custodians in Helena. Apply here.
  • Costco Wholesale Corporation posted a job opening for Stocker in Helena. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Helena here.

Ok Helena! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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