Good morning, Great Falls.

Craig Madsen, founder of Montana River Outfitters who started the company 48 years ago after falling in love with rafting, will retire and plans to sell the business to someone who shares his passion for Montana's rivers—marking a new chapter for a local staple in outdoor adventures. His retirement will shift leadership to a new owner as the community looks to continue enjoying the tradition of river outings.

Pamela Jo Polejewski, 67, was sentenced to 10 years in state prison with seven years suspended after a jury found her guilty on March 4 for tampering with evidence and solicitation of evidence tampering in a shoot-out that killed Michael Lee Hanson and injured a deputy—she must also pay $2,782.13 in restitution and is barred from owning animals given her history of four felonies for animal cruelty.

The award-winning documentary Bring Them Home, which won the Big Sky Award at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, screened Wednesday night at the Lewis * Clark Interpretive Center as it told the story of Blackfeet people working to restore wild bison populations.

Randi Rains at North Middle School was named Montana’s Special Education Teacher of the Year on Wednesday after being nominated by peers and principal Brian Miller; she will be formally honored at the School Administrators of Montana’s Evening of Excellence ceremony in June — an award selected by the Montana Council of Administrators of Special Education.

The Great Falls International Airport reminds travelers that from May 7 they must show a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative to board domestic flights—Montana residents should check their ID status early to avoid delays.

Montana lawmakers reached a bipartisan deal to restructure property tax rates that will lower bills for homeowners and small businesses by giving a $400 rebate for primary residences.

The measure will shift higher taxes—targeting big companies, second homes, and agricultural land—and be phased in over the next two years as it awaits another vote before going to the governor.

Great Falls International Airport is expanding seating at Terminal Gates One and Two (widening hallways, adding restrooms, and extra waiting space) to ease crowding and long lines.

The $5.8 million project, funded mainly by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will begin this summer and is expected to finish by December 2026 with only minor travel delays during construction.

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.