Good morning, Great Falls.

Today at the Montana State Fair, Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter said parents must keep close track of their children in the crowded fair—he advised setting a meeting spot if separation occurs.

Local families are encouraged to stay together and use their cell phones to maintain contact.

Overnight between July 29 and July 30, more than 20 vehicles were vandalized in Fox Farm west of the river between Second Avenue NW and Alpine Drive as police reported a smash and grab spree—where broken windows led to items being stolen from inside vehicles—with suspects possibly using a sharp-tipped tool.

Shakespeare In The Parks is returning to the region this August with free, two-hour performances and no intermission.

In Great Falls, Henry V will be shown at Gibson Park on August 8—donations are requested and attendees are advised to bring seating and picnic items.

Officials from Cascade County met on July 29 to review the jail’s revenue model and discuss funding shortfalls from fixed state and federal contracts.

Sheriff Jesse Slaughter said staff would examine potential contract and staffing changes next month – a step intended to stabilize the jail budget.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said that U.S. Army Pvt.

Leonard R. J. Jackson of Great Falls was identified on December 16 and that his family received a full briefing yesterday. Jackson, captured during World War II when Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Islands in December 1941 and who died on October 31, will be reburied in Arlington National Cemetery on a later date — his name will be honored on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery.

A two-year-old Great Falls boy born with Marfan syndrome will have open-heart surgery next week at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Denver to fix serious heart defects — doctors say his surgery will take several hours and more procedures may be needed.

His family has faced many hospital stays and relies on help from the community during his recovery.

Great Falls advocates are close to launching high school baseball as they are $8,000 short of a $101,000 goal to cover uniforms and equipment for both public high schools — if the goal is reached by today, teams will start playing in March 2026.

C.M. Russell High football will start practice on Aug.

15 and open its nine-game season at home on Aug. 29 against Helena Capital—defending state champs, with coach A.J. Wilson facing his old team for the first time in his new role. The schedule also includes back-to-back road games and a four-game midseason stretch against playoff teams, ending with a crosstown match against Great Falls High on Oct. 24.

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.

Great Falls Voyagers vs. Glacier Range Riders

7-8:30 p.m. — Centene Stadium — Check website for ticket info — Cheer on the local baseball team in an exciting matchup against the Glacier Range Riders.

Logan Michael Concert

6:30-8 p.m. — The Newberry — General admission — Enjoy an evening of live music at this outdoor concert in Downtown Great Falls.

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