Business Bites: Dairy Queen closing; NorthWestern Energy projects; Mighty Mo Volleyball; new downtown bookshop; upcoming FWP events; Municipal Band summer series; NWGF, Family Promise receive grants; Scouts raise money for programs; new CMR girls basketball coach and more
Dairy Queen
The Dairy Queen on Fox Farm Drive is closing.
The final day of business is June 13, after 39 years, according to owner Steven Galloway.
“We are incredibly thankful for the many customers, employees, families, and friends who supported Fox Farm Dairy Queen over the last 39 years,” Galloway said in a release. “It has truly been an honor to serve the Great Falls community and be part of so many memories through the years. We are grateful for the friendships we have built and for the loyalty our customers have shown us for nearly four decades.”
Yes, we’ve heard about the planned restaurant for the space. We’ll have more on that soon.
NorthWestern Energy projects
NorthWestern Energy will begin three natural gas infrastructure projects in Great Falls the week of June 1.
Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be detoured. Flaggers, temporary lane closures and limited access to alleys will be required for the safety of crews and the public.
5th Street North project
- Crews will upgrade an existing steel pipeline with a new plastic pipeline.
- All services connected to the line will also be updated.
- Work will occur in the alley between 2nd Avenue North and 1st Avenue North, from 6th Street North to the west side of 5th Street North.
- The project is expected to be completed by the first half of July.
10th Street main installation project
- Crews will install a new natural gas pipeline to support future capacity and growth.
- The project also begins relocating existing infrastructure currently located on 9th Street.
- Work will take place along 10th Street from 4th Avenue South to 2nd Avenue North.
- Construction will be completed in sections of approximately 500 feet at a time
3rd Avenue South / 4th Avenue South alley project
- This project is coordinated with the 10th Street work.
- Crews will replace the existing natural gas main pipeline and some associated service natural gas pipelines.
- Work will occur in the alley between 3rd Avenue South and 4th Avenue South, from 10th Street South to the west side of 9th Street South.
These projects help ensure a safe, reliable natural gas system for today while preparing for the future energy needs of the Great Falls community, according to NorthWestern.
City Commission approves $4.6 million downtown drainage project
FWP bowhunter class
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is hosting a free bowhunter education classroom course at the Trap Club in Ulm from 6-9 p.m. nightly on June 18, 19, 25 and 26.
Bowhunter education classes are taught by skilled volunteer instructors and offer hands-on learning experiences, mentoring opportunities, and the ability for students to ask questions of experienced bowhunters. Students must be at least 11 years old on the first day of class.
Find and register for a course here.
Students must be registered before the class begins.
More information about the class, location, and other details will be on the registration page. Make sure to print, read and sign any necessary paperwork ahead of the class.
For more information call the FWP Region 4 office at 454-5840.
Junior Ranger program
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park’s Junior Ranger Program will offer 10 free programs this summer on a variety of topics geared towards children from 6 to 12 years old, but all ages are welcome.
Programs will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursdays throughout the summer, ending on August 13 with a special Junior Ranger celebration.
Registration opens June 1, sign up here.
Search under “Find an Adventure” for First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, and look under the “Tour List” tab.
You may also call Reserve America at 855-922-6768 to register starting June 1.
Registration for July programs will begin the last week of June.
Register under the guardian’s name with the number of “tickets” matching the number of children that will attend. There are 25 spaces available each week, so please only register for classes you are sure to attend.
If the registration online reaches capacity, call the park to be added to a waiting list. Parents or guardians must accompany their children and remain during class.
June programs include:
- June 11: Weather, Wind and Kites – Great Falls National Weather Service
- June 18: Wild Cats and Dogs of Montana with FWP’s Katie Richter
- June 25: All About Snakes, presented by Jeremey from Montana Reptile Rescue
Visit First People Buffalo Jump State Park to celebrate National Trails Day 2026 and learn how to safely navigate the trails while hiking during the summer snake season.
Head out on the trails with the park’s volunteer snake expert Dan “The Snake Man” Waitt on June 6 at 1 p.m. for this informative program to learn about the slithery reptiles that make their home within the park.
This is a great event to calm your fears and help dispel some of the myths about snakes in Montana.
Pre-registration is required, and space is limited to 20 hikers.
Registration opens at 1 p.m. on May 30, following Waitt’s scheduled snake talk at the park.
To register, call the visitor center at 406-866-2217.
Family Fishing Day
Families can kick off their summer of outdoor activities by attending the Great Falls Family Fishing Day scheduled for June 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at Wadsworth Pond Park in Great Falls.
The event is typically the largest fishing clinic in the state and features a series of short educational stations on fish identification, knot tying, casting, and a fly-tying demonstration, followed by open fishing in Wadsworth Pond for all who attend.
Youth who take part and complete all education stations are eligible for free fishing tackle donated by the Great Falls Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited (limited supplies).
After the event ends at noon, youth and adults may stay at the pond and continue to fish until sunset on June 6 without a fishing license, as a condition of the educational license exemption provided for the event by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
City Commission approves archery club lease for Wadsworth Park
Family Fishing Day is a cooperative effort to teach basic fishing skills and encourage family and community participation in the outdoors. It relies on volunteers and support from Montana Walleyes Unlimited, Montana Trout Unlimited, Sun River Watershed Group, City of Great Falls Park and Recreation Department, Republic Services of Great Falls, and Montana FWP.
The event may be cancelled or scaled back in the event of inclement weather. Check the FWP Region 4 Facebook page for any updates.
Contact the Great Falls FWP Region 4 Office at 406-454-5840 for more information.
Great Falls Municipal Band
The Great Falls Municipal Band’s 2026 season starts June 17 at the Gibson Park band shell.
Concerts are at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.
The summer schedule is:
- June 17
- June 24, Great Falls Community Jazz Band
- July 1, Summer Celebration
- July 8
- July 15
- July 22
- July 29
- Aug. 5
- Aug. 12
NeighborWorks Great Falls
NeighborWorks Great Falls received $145,938 from 1st Liberty Federal Credit Union, Bravera Bank, First Interstate Bank, Montana Credit Union, Opportunity Bank, Stockman Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des. The funding was made possible through the Member Impact Fund, a matching grant program designed to amplify the community engagement of FHLB Des Moines member institutions that support local housing, business, and economic needs.
In Montana, 287 applications received funding through partnerships with 41 member institutions.
FHLB Des Moines matched more than $2.40 for every $1 contributed by a member institution,
resulting in $1.6 million from members and $4 million awarded by FHLB Des Moines.
Since its launch in 2023, the Member Impact Fund has provided more than $86 million in grants
from FHLB Des Moines, generating over $119 million in combined support for affordable housing and community development. Notably, every eligible application submitted to the program has received funding, reflecting the bank’s commitment to partnership and impact.
NWGF also received a $20,000 grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation.
The grant will be used to support Home: The NeighborWorks Way, the organization’s wealth-building program, which provides homebuyer education, one-on-one financial coaching, credit-building strategies, budgeting support, and individualized homeownership readiness plans for individuals and families across Central Montana.
NWGF provides homebuyer education, financial counseling, neighborhood revitalization and housing development programs.
In the last year, NWGF supported 101 new homeowners, graduated 498 individuals from homebuyer education courses, and provided counseling services to hundreds of households working toward financial stability and successful homeownership.
Family Promise
Family Promise of Great Falls recently received an $8,600 grant through Citizens Alliance Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, which will support FPGF’s Stabilization Program, one of five programs designed to meet the needs of families with children facing homelessness.
In 2025, FPGF expanded the program to include the Journey curriculum, which provides structured training and measurable benchmarks that help families track their progress and celebrate milestones on the path to long-term stability.
Family Promise of Great Falls is dedicated to ending childhood homelessness, one family at a time. Its mission is to help families experiencing homelessness and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a coordinated, community-based response.
Last year, FPGF served 110 families, including 235 children, and provided more than 5,400 meals. Behind those numbers are children who slept safely, parents who regained stability, and families who began rebuilding their futures. Grants such as this one from Citizens Alliance Bank help ensure these services continue.
Mighty Mo Volleyball
Mighty Mo Volleyball broke ground on its new facility at 49th Street Southwest.
“This facility will create such an amazing opportunity for young volleyball players in our community, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone to the future home of the Mighty Mo Volleyball Training Facility,” according to the facility.
County upholds permit decision for Gore Hill sporting facility [2025]
Bound to be Good Books
Bound to be Good Books is coming to 413 Central Ave., Suite A.
The romance-centered, independent bookstore is hoping to open the first week of July.
Raise a Pint for Montana Bookstore Trail
Cassiopeia Books is hosting a Raise A Pint Night fundraiser for the Montana Bookstore Trail at Mighty Mo Brew Pub on June 15 at 5 p.m. They’ll have raffle baskets, a 50/50, and live music by Rob Kohler.
Holy Cow Coffee
Holy Cow Coffee is soft opening May 30 at 10 a.m. in Town Square Market at 715 13th Ave. S., downstairs in the cafe space.
Follow them on social to find their weekend schedule.
The Lewis and Clark District of the Montana Council, Scouting America recently raised $6,800 during its annual Invest in Character and Leadership Luncheon in Great Falls. The event brought together community leaders, businesses, and supporters to invest in local youth programs that build character, leadership, citizenship, and life skills through scouting. Funds raised will directly support local scouting programs and help ensure youth in our community have access to meaningful experiences and opportunities.
The district is currently welcoming boys and girls in kindergarten through 12th grade who are interested in joining scouting, with additional opportunities for young adults up to age 21 through the Venturing program.
Adults interested in volunteering and community members interested in supporting local Scouting through donations are also encouraged to reach out to the Great Falls Scout Office. In support of military families, Scouting America waives youth registration fees for eligible children of active duty, Guard, and Reserve military families.
For more information about joining, volunteering, or supporting scouting locally, contact the Great Falls Scout Office at 406-761-6000.
Malmstrom contracts
Officials from the 341st Contracting Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base awarded a $883,281 contract to James Talcott Construction for a roof repair project.
The period of performance for this award is 245 calendar days after issuance of the notice to proceed.
CMR girls basketball coach
Pending school board approval, the Great Falls Public Schools Athletic Department is recommending Cramer Caouette as the next head girls’ basketball coach for C.M. Russell High School.
Caouette replaces Haley Vining, who resigned this spring after leading the program for four seasons.
Caouette is a CMR alum and was the lone senior on the 2008 Rustler boys team that finished third at the state tournament.
He’s been on the Rustler boys basketball coaching staff for the last 13 seasons and coached CMR football for many years.
GFPS establishes accounts for girls’ flag football, approved for grant funding
Caouette teaches Earth and Space Science and Astronomy at CMR.
Previously, he worked in environmental education and STARBASE for GFPS.
“C.M. Russell High School and the GFPS Athletic Department are excited to provide the opportunity for Cramer to lead the Lady Rustler Basketball program. He is passionate about coaching and teaching the game of basketball. He is a well-respected member of the athletic department and coaching staff and has spent years preparing for the opportunity to lead a program,” Mike Henneberg, GFPS athletic director, said in a release.
His grandfather, Don Cramer, was head coach for CMR girls’ basketball for much of the 1970s and led the Lady Rustlers to their first state title in 1975 and again in 1977, when they finished the season undefeated and captured the state crown.
Sweetgrass Development meeting
The Sweetgrass Development board is hosting their annual meeting June 11 at the American Legion in Choteau, 33 1st St. N.W.
Dinner will be at 5:30 p.m., with the meeting beginning at 6 p.m.
An overview of the past year’s activities, updates to the policies and procedures, election of officers, and local area discussions are on the agenda.
The meeting is open to the public. RSVP to 406-899-7959 or via email sweetgrassdevelopment@gmail.com.
Leadership Great Falls project
The 2026 Leadership Great Falls class has selected the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cascade County community garden as its project.
Throughout the project, class members will build planting boxes, restore the existing greenhouse, and clean and prepare the property for upcoming summer youth programs. The revitalized space will provide local children with opportunities to learn, grow, and connect through hands-on outdoor experiences.
The Boys and Girls Club leases the garden property from Great Falls Park and Recreation.
Missouri Breaks events
The Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center and Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument released their June events lineup.
- June 6, 1-2 p.m.: Celebrate National Trails Day. Meet at the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center, 701 7th St. in Fort Benton, to enjoy a virtual float along the Missouri River and learn more about recreation opportunities on your public lands.
- June 12 and June 19, 1-2 p.m.: “Birding in Montana and along the Missouri River.” Wear your walking shoes, as this interpretive program includes a short, guided tour along scenic trails near the center. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. Learn about the local species and how to get started with this wonderful hobby.
- June 16, 23 and 30, 10:30 a.m. to noon: Unearth a story from Montana with UMRBNM ranger-led programs at the Great Falls Public Library, 301 2nd Ave. N. Use your imagination and hands-on craft activities to learn about Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery, how rock art (pictographs) was created throughout Montana, and which dinosaur species once roamed within the monument. Recommended for kids, ages 5-12, and their families/caregivers. Groups are welcome. Contact the GFPL Youth Services staff for more info: 406-453-0349, ext. 215, kaltizer@greatfallslibrary.org, or visit the library’s online events calendar.
- June 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Stop by the Great Falls Lewis and Clark Festival, 4201 Giant Springs Road, and say, “hi,” to the BLM monument staff and U.S. Forest Service staff at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, as they share the history about the Lewis & Clark Expedition as it traveled through Montana.
- June 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Visit with monument staff and teammates from the BLM North Central Montana District at their downtown warehouse, 1718 Front St., during the Fort Benton Summer Celebration. They’ll have fun ranger-led activities for the kids, and you’ll see them in the downtown parade.
The interpretive center is open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including holidays, all summer long. Admission is free for all ages.
Planning a Trip? Call the MBIC for help with planning your visit at 406-622-4000 and review their trip planning information.
Blewett wrestling scholarships
For the 20th year, Alexander (Zander) Blewett, III, a trial lawyer from the personal injury law firm of Hoyt and Blewett PLLC in Great Falls, has offered three $1,000 scholarships to the top student/wrestlers around the state of Montana for Classes “AA,” “A,” and “B/C.”
The scholarships are awarded to the top wrestler from each school classification who has displayed the best combined qualities of wrestling and academic achievement.
This year’s recipients are:
- Taylor Lay of Capital High School, Class AA. Lay is a three-time state champion (2023, 2025, 2026) and a 2024 state runner-up. She has competed in premier events, including Rocky Mountain Nationals and Reno Worlds, and contributes to the sport by coaching and officiating youth wrestling. Lay maintains a 3.8 GPA and earned Academic All-State honors. She plans to study business administration/accounting at Western Colorado University, where she will continue her wrestling career.
- Aramis Rivera of Billings Central Catholic High School, Class A. Rivera holds a 3.6 GPA and is a four-time state qualifier. He won a state championship his junior year and placed third as a senior. Rivera plans to attend Concordia College and study multimedia journalism.
- Gavin Schmele of Broadwater High School, Class B/C. Schmele earned a 3.4 GPA and is a two-time state placer, placing fourth during both his junior and senior seasons. He plans to study mechanical engineering at Montana Tech.
Blewett also offers $500 scholarships to the top student/wrestlers at 4 high schools in North-Central Montana.
More information is available here and here.
Got a business bite? Email it to jenn@theelectricgf.com with ‘business bite’ in the subject line and the details in text form in the body of the email.
