Good morning, Great Falls.

Great Falls Park and Rec is hosting a Pollinator’s Blitz on Sept 10 at Gibson Park Flower Garden from 4—5 p.m. with a city horticulturist teaching pollinator garden tips and handing out cuttings and seeds.

It will also host Nerf Wars on Sept 13 at Scheels Aim High Aquatic and Rec Facility for eight and older at $15 per person with pizza provided and a youth triathlon on Oct 4 for children aged 2—13 with three challenge options and post-race fuel at Lions Park.

The man involved in a stand-off near Great Falls on August 30 was identified as 51-year-old Justin Cody Paul from Sand Coulee — he died from a self-inflicted gunshot during an armed home invasion after occupants escaped safely.

Initial unemployment benefit filings in Montana dropped to 383 from 418 for the week ending August 30, the U.S. Department of Labor said—nationwide, claims increased by 8,000 to 237,000.

MTN News visited Cascade County Detention Center to learn about corrections officers' daily work—detailing how they manage duties and maintain security—and shared insights from their routine challenges.

The city approved a $423,888 contract on Sept.

2 for a downtown streetscape project that will begin on Sept. 8 and limit lanes on 7th Street South between Central and 1st Avenue South, with east-side parking closed during construction. The project will repair sidewalks, install ADA-compliant curb ramps, and match the east side to the west side as it runs through January.

The City of Great Falls moved forward with selling its former Community Recreation Center at 801 2nd Ave. N after City Manager Greg Doyon explained the sale process during the Sept.

2 work session and secured a $4,200 appraisal that set the minimum bid at $800,000. Staff will soon draft a request for bids on the property—currently leased by Community Early Education Center—as the city attorney’s office reviews the code for clarity.

A Montana mother warned that her son died last year from kratom— a natural supplement marketed as safe but unregulated—after he used it for his pain from psoriatic arthritis.

Health experts say kratom can be as addictive as opioids and that its unpredictable strength puts users at risk.

A Montana mother said her son died on September 12th, 2024 from kratom—a natural supplement used for pain relief that can be as addictive as opioids—after using it as an alternative treatment for his arthritis.

Public health experts warned that the unregulated plant can cause severe health risks and even fatal overdoses.

Great Falls high school football teams are competing in Week 2 games as scores are updated live—coverage shows each matchup's progress in real time—ensuring fans receive current updates.

14th Annual Arts on Fire Festival

10 AM – 4 PM — Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art — Free entry — Celebrate creativity with art activities, music, food trucks, and more fun for the whole family.

Chris Cagle Live

7-9 p.m. — The Newberry — Tickets required — Experience an electrifying night of high-energy country rock with Chris Cagle.

KISS Method Wound Care Conference 2025

7 AM - 5:30 PM — University of Providence — Free entry — Explore the latest evidence-based practices in wound management and enjoy networking with healthcare professionals.

Talk Like a Pirate Day Party

8 AM – 12 PM — Great Falls Public Library — Free entry — Experience a fun family day with pirate-themed crafts and language learning.

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