The picnic area at Ryan Island will open for public use for the season on June 1. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, according to NorthWestern Energy. Users should observe social distancing protocols when visiting Ryan Island to limit the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus, according to NorthWestern. Follow NorthWestern Energy on Facebook or on Twitter (@NWEinfo) for
Read more
The Business Improvement District in cooperation with the Downtown Development Partnership and the City of Great Falls, is moving forward with their efforts to create a wayfinding plan for the city and are seeking public comment. The Explore Great Falls Wayfinding Plan plan will draw and direct residents and visitors passing through the area to explore amenities, attractions and businesses
Read more
The picnic area and clubhouse at Ryan Island will remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic for the safety and security of the community and NorthWestern Energy employees. NorthWestern Energy will open the popular recreation area to the public when it is determined that the area can be used safely without risk of visitors spreading the COVID-19 virus, according to
Read more
Cascade County Commissioners voted unanimously during their April 28 meeting to draft a letter to the Montana Department of Natural Resources expressing their interest and willingness to obtain an easement for about 80 acres of school trust land of Fox Farm Road. Commissioners discussed the issue at the behest of Missouri River Open Lands group, a group of locals attempting
Read more
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks released an update on April 24 regarding their operations in light of Gov. Steve Bullock’s phased reopening plan. Most of FWP’s sites typically open and operational at this time of year remain so, including all FWP fishing access sites, most state parks and those wildlife management areas that don’t have seasonal closures. 14th COVID-19 case
Read more
According to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services there are now 21 cases of COVID-19 across the state, none in Cascade County. One of those cases is counted in Montana though the woman was tested and remains in Maryland. A state tracking map shows the confirmed cases are as follows by county: Madison County: 1 case Flathead
Read more
The North American 3 Hockey League announced March 12 that effective immediately all regularly scheduled 2020 NA3HL Fraser Cup Playoff games have been paused until further notice due to the COVID-19 virus and outbreak. The Great Falls Americans were scheduled to play Friday and Saturday in Sheridan, Wyo. The Americans won their first game against Sheridan on home ice March
Read more
Beginning this year, successful Smith River applicants will no longer receive their permit and floater information packet via the United States Postal Service. Instead, successful applicants will be notified via email shortly after the lottery drawing is conducted on March 2, according to Montana State Parks. Links within the email will allow permit holders to download and print their float
Read more
The Island Range Chapter of the Montana Wilderness Association is hosting the 15th annual Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcounty Film Festival and fundraiser Feb. 27 at teh University of Providence’s University Center. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. and the films begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Bighorn Outdoor Specialists, online and at the door. The film festival is produced
Read more
The city has been awarded a $237,400 Missouri-Madison River Fund Grant for repairs to the trail west of Giant Springs Road. Other contributions for the project include $16,300 from Northwestern Energy and $30,000 from the River’s Edge Trail Foundation. Section of River’s Edge Trail closed to fix drainage issues Over the summer, a sinkhole developed on a section of the trail
Read more