Good morning, Great Falls.

Great Falls businesses are making changes as Pizza Ranch will open on September 22 in the former Joann Fabrics site—featuring an arcade zone and themed party rooms—while Planet Earth is set to close its longtime location.

Other ventures including Town Pump Lounge/Casino, Great Falls Heroes Rise Coffee, Pomodoro Italian Restaurant, Big Sky Bungee, and more are planning updates, with Best Wok having re-opened and Chick-fil-A advancing its project through a submitted traffic study.

James Reynolds, 68, was charged after he locked a couple in a horse trailer and threatened them with a knife in downtown Great Falls on Sept.

6—police responded shortly before 9 a.m. following a call from the victims.

Alan Guerrero, 38, was charged with felony assault with a weapon, felony criminal endangerment and multiple misdemeanors after a car chase on Sept.

6 that began when dispatch reported he held a gun to his chest near the 700 block of 45th Street North—officers later spotted his truck on Central Avenue West and arrested him when he appeared intoxicated with alcohol in his vehicle.

Great Falls Park and Recreation installed a $46,000 metal moose sculpture donated by local artist Alex Smithson along the Rivers Edge Trail — it is located on River Drive near the Trailside Dog Park and is one of 15 artworks he has created.

Great Falls neighborhood councils meet regularly so residents can share questions and ideas about local projects and safety issues.

Each of the nine councils — with five elected members apiece — works with city leaders to address concerns and guide community improvements.

The Montana Air National Guard welcomed home more than 130 Airmen from the 120th Airlift Wing on September 6 from an overseas deployment with the 406th Air Expeditionary Wing at Great Falls International Airport—marking the final mission using the C-130H as the unit transitioned to the C-130J. Family, friends and colleagues gathered to honor their service and dedication, highlighting the support that made their deployment possible.

Two Native American voters in the Chippewa Cree Tribe filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Great Falls on September 8, alleging that Chouteau County's at large system dilutes Native votes and violates the Voting Rights Act—claiming a new majority Native American voting district is needed. The case is ongoing and may impact the next county election in 2026.

At its Tuesday, July 22nd meeting, the Great Falls Public Library Board of Trustees voted 4—1 to raise Library Director Susie McIntyre’s salary by $11,809 retroactive to July 1 in response to her resignation letter, and she will serve until December 27.

The raise, part of a nearly $17,000 increase since the levy passed in 2023, brings her annual pay to $127,020 and aims to keep the position competitive.

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.

Memory Cafe for October

12:30-2:00 p.m. — Great Falls Public Library — Free entry — Engage in fall crafts and connect with others concerned about memory loss.

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Newberry — Tickets available — Experience the energetic sounds of Red Jumpsuit Apparatus in a live performance.

Trevor Panczak Live Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets start at $230 — Experience an unforgettable evening with Trevor Panczak in 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