Local Updates: Street Closure, Candidate Withdrawals, and Mural Event

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8/17/2026

The break from last week’s smoke and sun was a relief, but rising temperatures return as downtown mural artists begin their work. This beloved local event promises vibrant new artwork. Find more details below about this artistic celebration.

Tuesday’s city commission meeting features 11 public hearings, coinciding with budget season.

Important update for Great Falls residents

Starting today, 67th Street North will close for 30 days between Giant Springs Road and 18th Avenue North. The road sits above the Rainbow Dam overlook parking and the South Shore trailhead. This closure also impacts the Lewis and Clark Conservation Easement trail entrance.

Local candidates withdraw

Rina Fontana Moore recently exited the Cascade County clerk and recorder race due to pressing family medical issues, which she feared could impede her dedication to the role. “Given my family’s current circumstances, I do not believe I could make that commitment if elected,” she stated in a press release.

Fontana Moore, a former 16-year county clerk and recorder, was the Democratic candidate until she withdrew. The Cascade County Democratic Central Committee, led by Matt Pipinich, plans a vote on Aug. 17 to discuss fielding a replacement. He indicated consensus sways towards not opposing Republican candidate Lynn DeRoche, citing her extensive experience.

DeRoche, who worked over a decade as the election manager under Fontana Moore, emerged victorious in the Republican primary. Should Democrats opt out of running a candidate, DeRoche will stand unopposed in the upcoming election.

In additional election updates, attorney Cayle Halberg withdrew from the justice of the peace race against incumbent Steven Fagenstrom. The ballot will now ask voters about retaining Fagenstrom.

Photo Op 📸

This isn’t a scene from “Apocalypse Now” but a smoky Missouri River sunset from last week. Fortunately, changing weather brought cooler temperatures and rain, improving air quality. To understand more about wildfire smoke impacts, see this explainer by Ellis Juhlin.

Public Notice 🏛️

Great Falls City Commission

What: Votes on property tax and special assessments

Details: The commission will vote on a property tax levy, increasing about $27 on a $300,000 home or $57 on a $600,000 home. Budget details are available here. Public hearings will address citywide park assessments and street maintenance increases.

The city commission agenda is available here.

Where and when: Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., Civic Center, second floor.

Following Up ↩️

Last month, issues surrounding the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center were highlighted. The center, losing its three full-time staff including the director, faces an uncertain future with no staffing plans from the U.S. Forest Service. Public affairs officer Chiara Cipriano stated, “there will be Forest Service personnel on site,” though specifics on staffing remain unclear.

Great Falls in Brief ⏱️

Great Falls College MSU opens a child-care center on Sept. 14 for student parents. An open house is on Sept. 11. Tuition discounts are available for students. More details are in the college’s press release.

The Great Walls Great Falls mural event began Aug. 16. Downtown Great Falls showcases artists and their work online. Public is invited to observe mural creations. An artist reception and block party will occur on Aug. 20.

The History Museum hosts an exhibition opening on Aug. 21 for “Voices of Our Ancestors.” The exhibit displays records from St. Peter’s Mission Boarding School for Indigenous children, preserved by the Ursuline Sisters. The reception starts at 6 p.m.

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