Good morning, Great Falls.

Great Falls Park and Recreation Department will release waterfowl from Honker Hilton at Gibson Park on April 18th at 10:30 a.m. The free event will see ducks—along with swans and geese—take a short trailer ride and be set free into Gibson Pond.

Community organizations in Cascade County are conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment to gather residents' opinions on key issues such as access to healthcare, substance abuse, child abuse and neglect, and maintaining a healthy weight.

The Healthy Loves Vibrant Futures Coalition will use the survey responses to update the Community Health Improvement Plan and guide local health efforts.

Great Falls is seeing a mix of new openings and redevelopment as Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom opens today in the former Boston’s Pizza space on Seventh Street South and Soda Station starts at 7:30 a.m. in the old Starbucks, while Leslie’s Hallmark holds a closing sale ahead of a mid-May shutdown—furthermore, a new car wash, tire store, expanded Kellergeist, Pizza Ranch buffet with an arcade, a Chick-fil-A traffic study, and a net-zero-energy conversion by Clearwater Credit Union are also underway.

The History Museum in Great Falls hosted a workshop on Saturday where residents learned how to use the museum’s research center to trace the history of their homes.

The archives are open to the public and participants must make an appointment — the museum plans to offer more workshops soon — to explore local records.

The Children's Museum of Montana hosted the 2025 Sunday Sampler event at the Great Falls Public Library and unveiled its new name Spark after closing its old location in November.

The pop-up featured art activities, contests, and play areas — and promised more events as the museum plans to move into a permanent home.

Great Falls business owner Joshua Rosales said his shop, Phone Ninjas, has experienced slow stateside distribution after U.S. tariffs on China took effect on April 11th.

He said rising import costs could push prices 30%-50%—prompting him to consider an exit strategy if global trade uncertainty continues.

City staff reviewed water, sewer — and stormwater systems with commissioners at their April 1 work session and reported that rising costs and deferred investments may require future rate increases.

Commissioners delayed setting new utility rates and will schedule further discussion to explore sustainable funding for needed infrastructure improvements.

Legislators debated multiple bills this week on cutting teacher penalties for not using a student’s chosen name, defining sex as binary, extending Healthy Montana Kids eligibility for young children, amending personhood to start at conception, setting written requirements for tribal consultation, banning indoor vaping, and tightening voter residency rules; some bills passed with close votes and are now headed to the governor’s desk while others await further debate. The session featured close votes—such as a 31—18 Senate vote on SB 437, a 55—44 House vote on HB 400, and a 64—35 House vote on SB 390—and raised concerns on issues from free speech to health care.

A draft state budget for the next two years with about $16.6 billion in spending is moving to its final debate on the Senate floor this week.

Lawmakers will discuss the risks of federal funding and may adjust programs like health and education—steps meant to keep the budget balanced.

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.

Matt Braunger Live Show

9:00 – 10:30 PM — The Newberry — Tickets from $55 — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Matt Braunger in a cozy venue.

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.