Good morning, Great Falls.

Saturday, April 26, the Big Sky Reptile Show will take place at Great Falls High School from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.—the event is billed as Montana's largest reptile and amphibian expo and will feature monitor lizards, snakes, terrapins and more.

A hands-on educational kids show, James of the Jungle, will perform at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Community members and local groups gathered this week at the 2025 Housing Summit (held at the Great Falls Association of Realtors) to address the city’s housing crisis.

Officials said they will hold quarterly meetings (to update residents on plans for new rental and for-sale units) as they work to balance the supply of homes.

On Wednesday, the Historical Preservation Advisory Committee held a press conference and pledged to raise over $300,000 to stabilize and repair the Boston & Montana Barn on the Anaconda Hills Golf Course.

The barn, built in 1901 and once used during the mining era, may be restored to serve the community if funds are raised through private donations and grants.

On Thursday evening, Great Falls College hosted Holocaust survivor John Kunz — who shared his life story from a Nazi camp to his new start in America — in a two-hour talk that included the display of 40 rediscovered Holocaust posters from the Times Square building basement.

The presentation educated the audience about past atrocities and honored the memory of those who suffered.

Community organizations and local members gathered this week at the 2025 Housing Summit—hosted by the Great Falls Association of Realtors—to address a growing housing shortage and discuss plans for new rental and for-sale homes.

City officials and development groups said they will meet quarterly to update the public as more housing projects are planned.

The city has set street sweeping from April 28 to May 1 and asks residents to move vehicles from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the scheduled day—weather may alter the plan since about 300 miles of streets are cleaned each year for safety and appearance.

The House passed Senate Bill 535, creating a framework for licensed experimental medical treatments on April 24 with bipartisan support and opposition.

Rep. Ed Buttrey said the measure will let Montanans access innovative therapies sooner while Rep. Kathy Love raised ethical concerns—final approval now awaits a House decision before moving to the governor.

City officials in Great Falls began a project on April 21st using bicycles with digital cameras and laser technology to collect pavement condition data along the 20-mile River’s Edge Trail to guide future repairs and upgrades.

The study will last two weeks—sensor details will help them plan maintenance and secure funding for long-term improvements.

Students from Great Falls high schools formed the Bigfoot Archery Program that won state championships in March and qualified for the National Archery in Schools Tournament in Utah.

Coach Andrew Dodge said the team practices twice weekly + feels ready for the upcoming competition + community support is growing.

Great Falls High beat C.M.

Russell High 7 to 5 on Thursday evening at the Multi Sports Complex when junior Aletta Hagen drove in the game-winning run and reliever Harley Brown saved the win plus the team rallied from a mid-game deficit. The Bison now stand at 3 to 8 and will play a Saturday game in Billings at noon before facing Helena Capital and Helena High in a Tuesday doubleheader.

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.

Cirque Italia: Water Circus

7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. — Holiday Village Mall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a mesmerizing show featuring breathtaking water performances under the big top.

Kickin Assphault Half Marathon

7 AM - 12 PM — Elks Riverside Park — Participation fees apply — Run a half marathon or choose from other distances along the scenic River's Edge Trail in Great Falls.

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.