Good morning, Great Falls.

At the Montana State Fair, a family-run lemonade stand (serving freshly-squeezed lemonade since 1937) returns to offer its time-honored treat to fairgoers.

The U.S. Forest Service is moving forward with a plan to double the acreage for prescribed burns in Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest to reduce excess brush and tree debris.

Forest Supervisor Emily Platt said crews will start burning roughly 40,000 acres annually through 2045 later this fall in the Elkhorn Mountains and on the middle fork of the Judith River — excluding designated wilderness and research areas.

At a July 24 meeting, county residents asked officials to stop new ICE cooperation as discussions continued on federal contracts that already allow ICE detention at $115 per inmate per day and include talks with the U.S.+Marshals Service.

County leaders warned that ending these agreements could force layoffs and create a $5 million funding gap while opponents stated the contracts undermined community trust.

A new manufactured home park proposal at 4600 Seventh Avenue North in Great Falls sparked local concerns over taxation, safety, traffic and homebuyer equity at a Neighborhood Council 4 meeting that drew over 100 residents.

Developer Nine Blessings plans to break ground in spring if the annexation is approved—and the council will revisit the motion on August 28 with a public hearing scheduled for 3 p.m. on September 9—while neighbors remain divided.

On July 8, county commissioners approved a five-year contract with Thomas Carnival (covering rides, sideshows, carnival games and food concessions) that will run through the 2029 state fair.

On July 24, they approved additional deals including a new rodeo contract with Sankey Rodeo (with planned rate increases) and a night concert agreement with the Fran Romeo Agency featuring acts such as Jo Dee Messina and Smash Mouth.

The Cascade County Weed — Mosquito Division found a West Nile Virus-positive adult Culex tarsalis mosquito 2.5 miles southwest of Vaughn on July 22, confirmed by Montana DPHHS in Helena on July 25.

Treatment was made in the area and monitoring will continue as no human infections have been reported.

Tucker Wetmore Live Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Montana ExpoPark — Tickets available — Experience an unforgettable show with Tucker Wetmore's high-energy country hits and southern charm.

Big Sky Pro Rodeo

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Montana ExpoPark — Check website for ticket prices — Experience high-energy rodeo action with top-tier athletes and daring stunts under the summer skies.

Bashin' Trash River Cleanup

9 AM – 12:30 PM — Oddfellows Park — Free entry — Help beautify your favorite park, trail, or river access in the Great Falls area.

Great Falls Voyagers vs. Idaho Falls Chukars

7-8:30 p.m. — Centene Stadium — Tickets available — Enjoy an exciting baseball game as the Voyagers face off against the Chukars.

Idaho Falls Chukars at Great Falls Voyagers

3:30-6:30 a.m. — Centene Stadium — Ticket details available — Enjoy a thrilling baseball game between the Voyagers and Chukars with classic ballpark snacks.

Silent Book Club for August

10 AM - 12 PM — Luna Coffee Bar — Free entry — Engage in book discussions while enjoying your favorite coffee.

Great Falls Voyagers vs. Billings Mustangs

7-8:30 p.m. — Centene Stadium — Tickets available — Get ready for some baseball as the Voyagers take on the Billings Mustangs!

Great Falls Voyagers vs. Billings Mustangs

7-8:30 p.m. — Centene Stadium — Tickets available — Enjoy an exciting baseball game as the Voyagers face off against the Mustangs.

Beltstock

4:30 p.m. — Belt PRCA Rodeo — Ticket info available — Experience a weekend of music and vibes under the Montana sky.

QLC Day at the Voyagers Game

Join us for QLC Day at the Voyagers Game on Sunday, August 24th at 11:30 AM! Sundays are Kids Eat Free days at the park, and $5 from each $13 ticket purchased through QLC supports our programs—plus, the first 200 visitors to our booth will receive a free pair of sunglasses. For tickets, stop by 215 Smelter Ave NE, Suite 1 or give us a call at 406-452-9531.

Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professionals provides daily support for adults with developmental disabilities 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 AND SIGN ON BONUSES. Call 406-452-9531 to inquire