Great Falls' Independent News Source
A decision on the proposed Wheat Ridge Estates has been delayed to March 5. Spencer Woith, one of the developers, wrote to city staff on Jan. 2 asking that the decision be postponed. In a follow-up email on Jan. 8, Woith said it the additional time was needed to address storm water and emergency access plans in the proposal. Wheat
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Debate over storm water, public safety and compatibility with Malmstrom Air Force Base delayed a decision on the proposed Wheat Ridge Estates housing development from September to the Jan. 15 City Commission meeting. But, at the request of the developer, it will likely be delayed again. Spencer Woith, one of the developers, wrote to the city in early January asking
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What started as a ticket for using a cell phone while driving is now a constitutional challenge to a city ordinance, which is likely to renew debate over the legality and effectiveness of such rules. Stacie Azure was stopped on July 29, 2018 by a Great Falls Police Department officer because she had a cell phone in her right hand,
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Cascade County officials were sworn in this week in two different ceremonies. On Wednesday, the following took their oath of office: Rina Fontana Moore, re-elected as clerk and recorder Jane Weber, re-elected as county commissioner Gerald Boland, re-elected as public administrator Diane Heikkila, newly elected county treasurer/superintendent of schools Heikkila worked in the treasurer’s office for about 3 years and
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Have fun this New Year’s Eve, but don’t forget the city rules on fireworks. Per City Code fireworks may be discharged on Dec. 31, from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 1. Fireworks may not be sold within the incorporated city limits. Stick rockets, bottle rockets and roman candles are not allowed in Montana per state law. Cascade County
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Some county officials are working to develop a pre-trial monitoring program with hopes of getting it into the next budget cycle. Commissioner Jane Weber, County Attorney Josh Racki and Undersheriff Dave Phillips, among others, have been working on developing a program that would fall under the commission office and use the risk assessment tool program currently made available by the
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Recently, the Cascade County Auditor noted irregularities with regard to some purchases by members of the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, according to a release from County Attorney Josh Racki. The auditor reported the matter to the County Commission, which consulted the Cascade County Attorney’s Office who referred the matter to the Division of Criminal Investigation of the Montana Department of
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Calumet Montana Refining is performing maintenance activities, which are expected to be completed Friday, at the refinery. There may be increased flaring during this time and the flame will be visible and may also be heard, according to a Calumet release. The gas that is being flared is primarily hydrogen. Refinery flares are essential safety devices in refinery operations, and they
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The Great Falls Police Department is facing a staffing shortage and Monday morning, Chief Dave Bowen briefed City Commissioners on changes they’re making to address those shortages in the near-term. Currently, the GFPD is short 11 sworn officers and four civilians due to retirements, other job opportunities, unable to make probation, being elected sheriff/undersheriff, modified duty/injuries and military deployments. City
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On Tuesday, City Commissioners will consider awarding a $7,569 contract to Falls Mechanical Services for the evaluation of the sanitary sewer system at all four city fire stations. The contract will also include a storm sewer investigation at Fire Station 1 downtown. Sewer collapses were discovered at two fire stations earlier this year. During a July meeting, Great Falls Fire Rescue
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