Good morning, Great Falls.

On Tuesday afternoon, a vehicle crashed into Toby’s House Crisis Nursery in Great Falls after an unsafe lane change forced another car off the road—staff evacuated all children safely, no one was injured, and repairs are underway as the nonprofit partners with Peace Place and fundraises for a new facility on Seventh Avenue South.

Great Falls is set to welcome a range of new business ventures as Pomodoro Italian Restaurant opens late October in a space that once housed Mrs. Wright’s Pasties and other projects like Great Falls Northern Lounge, Xóchitl, and Panera Bread await opening dates.

Established outlets such as Coffee Republic and Elevation 3330 are already operating — while redevelopment plans are underway for sites including Town Pump Lounge/Casino and a WinCo Foods project to reshape the local business scene.

The Great Falls Symphony and Miss Linda’s School of Dance will perform a free Halloween concert at Mansfield Theatre on Saturday, October 31 at 5 p.m. The show features 23 dancers and 40 professional musicians performing Halloween classics such as The Addams Family and Ghostbusters — promising a fun, family-friendly experience.

Calumet Montana Refining and the Department of Revenue finalized a property tax agreement for its Great Falls refinery covering 2022—2025 on September 15th, resulting in an estimated $1.4 million refund for 2023 and 2024 while taxes increased in 2022; Cascade County will set the final refund after revised valuations. Local officials and Great Falls Public Schools remain alert—preparing for any changes in funding as the final valuation may lead to a special levy.

State officials announced that federal food stamp payments will stop in November because the government shutdown has exhausted necessary funds.

Local food banks expect increased demand as families who rely on SNAP will face higher grocery costs—some have already seen prices slowly rise since the pandemic.

Powering Savings: Energy Tools & Financial Opportunities for Montana Businesses

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — SpringHill Suites by Marriott Great Falls — Free entry — Explore tools for energy efficiency and financial support to enhance sustainability for businesses and organizations.

Broadway in Love

7:30-9 p.m. — Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a romantic evening with Broadway stars Libby Servais and Stephan Stubbins as they perform their heartfelt show.

World Ballet Company - The Great Gatsby

6-7:30 p.m. — Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts — Check the website for ticket pricing — Experience the Roaring Twenties with dazzling ballet and a tale of love and scandal.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

7-9:30 p.m. — Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets available — Experience the magic of the season with acrobatics, puppets, and stunning performances.

November Wine Pairing Dinner

6-9 p.m. — Enbar Craft Cocktail Lounge — $95 per person — Enjoy a delightful full-course dinner paired with five exquisite wines from Del Rio Vineyards.

Cat vs. Griz Cycle Fundraiser

5-7 a.m. — Peak Health and Wellness Center — Free for members — Ride for a cause during this fun rivalry event while enjoying pancakes and pieing instructors.