Good morning, Great Falls.

Western Art Week 2025 will showcase art events in Great Falls as organizer Steve Tilleraas previewed the schedule in an interview with Shiskha Mahtani and Erik Johnson — the discussion highlighted plans to celebrate regional art throughout the week.

Barley farmers say tariffs and falling beer consumption are hurting export markets and raising costs, and they worry many may not be able to stay in business.

Farmer Mitch Konen and other growers say rising fertilizer prices and potential Mexican tariffs on barley will force brewers to pass on higher prices — experts warn these challenges could further cut exports.

The Great Falls Public Schools board budget committee met March 18 and unanimously voted to recommend forgoing a levy this year to manage a nearly $2.5 million shortfall—district officials will use COVID relief and reserve funds plus budget cuts, and the full board will decide on March 24. Officials will also review funding options in the fall as teacher negotiations and legislative decisions remain pending.

City officials explained that under Great Falls zoning, chickens count as livestock and are allowed only in the R-1 zone—applications and inspections help manage public health concerns like odor and waste.

City Commissioner Susan Wolff noted that residents may attend commission meetings to express support for revisiting the rules—addressing issues such as noise and potential bird flu risks.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Great Falls native Kurt G.

Alme as interim U.S. attorney for the District of Montana. He was sworn in on March 17th by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian Morris and will serve 120 days or until a presidential nominee is confirmed.

SLIPA funding is helping Montana towns renovate essential facilities.

In Great Falls, planned projects include updating Mansfield Center seats, a new parking lot for the Park & Recreation Department, upgrades to the animal shelter, a new Civic Center elevator—and improvements at the police station front counter.

City officials clarified that the Great Falls zoning ordinance allows chickens and other fowl only in R-1 areas—rules put in place to manage odor and waste for public health.

They said any urban chicken program must go through an application process with inspections, and residents remain divided on the issue.

The Cascade County Sheriff’s Office will receive $1.2 million from a Crisis Diversion Grant to boost mental health services for inmates amid rising treatment needs at the jail—this funding will support a mobile crisis team to help stabilize those in detention, while officials say the current lack of community crisis resources has turned the jail into a de facto psychiatric facility.

The Russell Art in Action

Watch renowned artists create artwork live while engaging with guests and supporting the museum through a live auction at the Meadowlark Country Club.

Counting Coup Concert in Great Falls

Counting Coup will perform at The Newberry, showcasing their unique sound characterized by soulful melodies and poignant lyrics.

LOCASH Concert

Enjoy a live performance by LOCASH at The Newberry in Great Falls.

Memory Cafe for April

12:30 – 2:00 p.m. — Great Falls Public Library — No cost — A relaxed gathering for those concerned with memory loss to connect and participate in activities.

Casey Donahew Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. | The Newberry | Ticket prices vary | Dance and sing along to Texas country tunes with Casey Donahew in Great Falls.

Spring Loaded Music Festival

5 PM – 2 AM — The Do Bar — Check the event for ticket prices — A jam-packed day of metal, hip-hop, rock, and EDM performances by a diverse lineup of artists.

Direct Support Professional - Quality Life Concepts

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