Good morning, Great Falls.

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park will host three community events in April.

The park will hold a full moon hike on April 12 starting at 7 p.m. with a $4 fee (25 spaces available) for a three-mile loop, a bear aware program on April 19 from 10:30 a.m. to noon, and a star gazing event on April 25 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the visitor center with help from the Great Falls Astronomy Club.

Last weekend, Great Falls Scouts held their annual Scouting for Food Drive at local grocery stores and collected nearly 8,000 pounds of non-perishable food to support the Great Falls Community Food Bank—each donation helping fill a need during slower months.

The food bank will next receive support through the USPS Letter Carrier Food Drive on May 10th.

Several local businesses are moving forward with new projects — McDonald’s filed for a restaurant permit at the east end Walmart complex at 5300 10th Ave s while Homegrown Dental seeks a permit for a new building at 911 7th Ave S and Benefis Health System plans a 15,000-square-foot senior outpatient facility on 10th Ave s. Upcoming events include a wellness celebration at 105 Smelter Ave N.E. on April 10 from 1-7 p.m., Kat Houseman’s belly dancing classes with sessions on April 9, 16 and 23 at Scheels Aim High Big Sky Aquatic and Recreation Center, a women’s disc golf tournament on May 17 at Warden Park and SilverThorn, along with Fastsigns moving to 2600 16th St. N.E., a Crumbl Cookie fundraiser and a Sunday Sampler popup by the Children’s Museum of Montana, and a United Way merger to expand community services.

During a March board meeting, the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation updated its teacher grant program after reviewing over 260 past applications and collecting 640 survey responses from educators.

The new system offers mini grants for easier access and divides larger awards into community collaboration and learning enhancement categories—changes that have already spurred teacher participation.

Today, Montana SkillsUSA students are competing in Great Falls & Tommy Lynch reports on the contest as local skills are showcased.

During a recent tour of the detention center, Sheriff Jesse Slaughter explained that the jail’s outdated booking area will be redesigned to include three holding tanks—an update meant to improve safety and efficiency during the temporary construction while keeping current booking policies intact. The project, prompted by concerns over cramped conditions, has involved local agencies to ensure a smooth transition.

The Cascade County City-County Health Department sent guidance letters in March to daycares and Great Falls Public Schools to promote measles vaccinations and prepare for potential cases amid outbreaks in other states.

The health board approved a resolution to support vaccines — it noted that unvaccinated students will be excluded for 21 days if exposed.

Great Falls native Kai Stewart defended his BKFC featherweight title on Saturday in Dubai by winning a unanimous decision over South African fighter Tommy Strydom (all three judges scored 50-43).

He headlined BKFC's first event in the Middle East (improving his record to 8-0).

Sturniolo Triplets Concert

8:30-10:00 PM — Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an engaging evening with the Sturniolo Triplets as they bring their unique performance to Great Falls.

Saint Joan Production

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Great Falls High School — Tickets required — Experience a powerful performance of Joan of Arc through the talented students of Great Falls High School.

2025 Spring Roundup

1-12 p.m. — Heritage Inn — Refunds up to 7 days before the event — Engage with AA and Al-Anon speakers, workshops, and panels for community fellowship.

Tomáš Kubínek Performance

3-5 p.m. — Belt Performing Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience a delightful one-man show filled with absurd stories and spontaneous hilarity.

Piano Man - Tribute to Elton John & Billy Joel

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket pricing varies — Celebrate the legendary hits of Elton John and Billy Joel in this exciting tribute show.

Direct Support Professional - Quality Life Concepts

Direct Support Professionals provides daily support for adults with developmental disabilities living in their own homes by providing quality support services that will assist them to maintain independence, provide opportunities for community integration, and create a nurturing, safe, and healthy environment. Full and part-time positions available with GREAT benefits. Call 406-452-9531 to inquire.