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8/31/2026
Good Monday morning. Matt here, your local Great Falls reporter. A lawsuit involving a small independent bank in our region may affect its future ownership. Let’s delve into the details.
But first… heads up, Great Falls
County travelers should consider an alternative route from Evans Riceville Road near Sluice Boxes State Park. A landslide has closed a major road section just past the upper park trailhead. Repair could take months, according to the county.
Minnesota investor seeks controlling interest in Belt bank
A stakeholder dispute over Belt Valley Bank has surfaced in Belt Valley. A federal court case, initiated by Minnesota investor Brian Solsrud, has been ongoing. Solsrud, who began buying shares in 2020, holds a 45% stake in Belt Valley Bank.
Solsrud claims the bank’s board changed bylaws to prevent out-of-state directors after he acquired shares. In 2025, the board issued 160 shares to bank officers, which Solsrud argues diluted his voting power. CEO Bruce Hoyer noted Solsrud’s unprecedented stock purchase pace, saying he wanted to prevent a controlling stake.
Solsrud is part of a family business with a chain of 13 banks called Unity Bank, mainly in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Unity Bank, expanding west, acquired First Citizens Bank in Polson in 2020. However, it’s selling some Minnesota branches.
The ongoing case is in the U.S. District Court, but attorneys and CEO Hoyer have not commented.
Photo Op 📸
The Sacagawea Island trailhead parking area lies unused after access was blocked by large stones. This public access to the River’s Edge Trail was closed due to BNSF’s rail spur expansion serving the Calumet refinery.
Read more about the access closure here.
Public notice 🧐
The Great Falls City Commission will meet Tuesday with new times. The work session starts at 4:30 p.m., and the regular meeting at 6 p.m. The agenda includes a final plat review for Meadowview Village development.
The Cascade County Board of Commissioners will hold a special budget meeting on Sept. 3 at 10:30 a.m. Discussions will include resolutions on elected officials’ salaries and property tax levies. Proposed property taxes will lower tax bills by $22.75 on a $300,000 home and $98.93 on a $600,000 home.
Extension services, like the 4-H program, remain in the proposed 2027 budget, despite calls for funding cuts by Commissioner Joe Briggs.
Great Falls in Brief ⏱️
The City-County Health Department reported Cascade County’s first human West Nile Virus case. The virus is transmitted through mosquito bites, and officials advise precautions.
Attorneys are urging a federal judge to allow a class-action immigration lawsuit in Great Falls. A law firm that has secured detainee releases is seeking due process for detainees facing warrantless arrests. Read more about the lawsuit here.
The Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings decided to close St. Patrick’s Academy high school just before the school year, citing staff recruitment issues. Many questions remain, and the Diocese declined interviews. For insights, please contact at [email protected].
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