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Articles written by Jeb Boettger


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  • XCELLing No More

    Jeb Boettger, Courier Reporter|Dec 19, 2024

    Cascade Public Schools' after-school program, formerly and commonly known as the XCELL program, has officially been terminated. The decision was finalized at the regular school board meeting on December 17, following ongoing funding challenges. The XCELL program had served as a vital resource for the community for many years, offering after-school academic support, snacks, and childcare for students until 6 p.m. For several years, the program was funded through the 21st Century Community...

  • Holiday Hours for Local Businesses

    Jeb Boettger, Courier Reporter|Dec 19, 2024

    The holidays are just around the corner! Plan ahead to visit local businesses and city offices before holiday closures take effect. Here’s the updated schedule: 468 Market: Open for regular business hours on December 24, closed on December 25, and open for regular business hours on December 26. Kitson’s Clothing & Gift: Open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on December 24, closed on December 25 and 26, and open for regular business hours on December 27. Trout Montana Fly Shop: Open for regular business hours on December 24, closed on December 25, and open for...

  • Cascade's New State Champ Banner

    Jeb Boettger, Courier Reporter|Dec 19, 2024

    Cascade Public School unvelied a new state championship banner at the Fall 2024 End-Of-Season Banquet held in the North Gym on December 16. Athletes from the football, volleyball, and track teams were honored and the banner was placed among the rest of the school's state champion banners in honor of the Boys' Badgers track team winning state this year. Congratulations Badgers!...

  • Fusion Fight League Ends Year with "Season's Beatings"

    Jeb Boettger, Courier Reporter|Dec 19, 2024

    Fusion Fight League brought Great Falls their final fights of the year with the "Season's Beatings" event on Saturday, December 14. Held at the Four Seasons Arena in the Great Falls ExpoPark, fight fans were treated to an exciting card of skilled fighters, headlined by a bout between Tommy "Gun" McMillen and Genier Penagos. McMillen, fighting out of Great Falls and representing Team WolfPack, secured a lightning-fast victory, winning via submission just 1:10 into Round 1. Another standout match...

  • Cascade Honors NHS Inductees

    Jeb Boettger, Courier Reporter|Dec 12, 2024

    Several students from Cascade Public Schools were inducted into the National Honor Society (NHS) during a ceremony held in the boardroom on December 9 at 7 p.m. The new inductees were given short speeches by fellow NHS members, explaining the four pillars of the society: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Following the ceremony, they enjoyed a brief recess with refreshments before being escorted to the stairs for a photo opportunity. Being inducted into the National Honor Society...

  • Baptist Church Hosts Thanksgiving Dinner

    Jeb Boettger, Courier Reporter|Dec 5, 2024

    The First Baptist Church of Cascade hosted its annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 28, at Wedsworth Hall. This local event provides a free Thanksgiving dinner to those who may not have one or to anyone who simply wishes to attend. The church also delivers meals to individuals who are unable to travel to the hall, including workers at the Great Falls Detention Center and elderly residents of Cascade who have difficulty leaving their homes. The Community Thanksgiving Dinner...

  • Donate to Toys for Tots at 468 Market

    Jeb Boettger, Courier Reporter|Dec 5, 2024

    Cascade’s grocery store, 468 Market, is hosting a Toys for Tots drop box near the fishing supplies at the front of the store. Sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps, the program collects toys, books, and games for children in need during the Christmas season. Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be made through the second week of December. The campaign, which began on October 1, aims to bring holiday cheer to kids in need....

  • Central Avenue Closed

    Jeb Boettger, Courier Reporter|Dec 5, 2024

    Central Avenue is closed from 2nd Street South to 3rd Street South. The closure began on Monday, December 2, and the road will remain inaccessible through Friday, December 13. to accomodate sewer updates that are taking place in Cascade. A detour has been provided for all through traffic via 1st Avenue North. This detour will accommodate vehicles of parents dropping off and picking up their children at Cascade Public Schools. School buses will also be required to use this route. For any further...

  • What's Next for XCELL?

    Jeb Boettger, Courier Reporter|Dec 5, 2024

    Cascade Public Schools' after-school program, commonly known as the XCELL program, is set to be terminated at the end of the calendar year. Cascade’s superintendent, Levi Collins, issued a notice regarding the program's termination on Monday, December 2, at approximately 12 p.m. The notice, posted publicly on the school district’s Facebook page, states that the program is ending due to a lack of funding. “Unless alternative funding is secured or an outside organization steps in to take over...

  • The Future of Cascade's After-School Program: A Critical Decision

    Jeb Boettger, The Cascade Courier|Nov 28, 2024

    Cascade Public Schools has long offered an after-school program (formerly known as the XCELL program) to provide students with a safe, engaging space to learn and socialize until their guardians pick them up. This program has served the community for years in various forms, becoming a valued resource for both students and parents. However, the program now faces an uncertain future due to funding challenges. Historically, the program was supported by Montana’s Office of Public Instruction (OPI) through the STEM 21st Century Grant. This f...

  • School Board Meeting Covers Policies, Programs, and Funding

    Jeb Boettger, The Cascade Courier|Nov 28, 2024

    The regular board meeting of Cascade Public Schools was held on Tuesday, November 19, at 6:00 p.m. Several significant topics were discussed, including the following: Booster Club Funds The board concluded old business with a motion to approve the recommendation to transfer the remaining Booster Club funds into the Pep Club account. Approximately $2,000 remained from the now-dissolved Booster Club, and it was proposed that these funds be moved to the Pep Club account for effective use. During the discussion, some concerns were raised about...

  • Town of Cascade to Consider Sewer Rate Increase

    Jeb Boettger, The Cascade Courier|Nov 21, 2024

    On November 14, 2024, the Cascade Town Council adopted a resolution to raise sewer rates for local residents. The proposed increase is intended to ensure the town can cover the costs of operating and maintaining the sewer system, meet obligations tied to sewer system revenue bonds, and establish necessary financial reserves. Currently, sewer system users are charged a monthly base rate of $31.78 per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU). The council has determined that a rate adjustment is essential...

  • Cascade Public School Holds Board Meeting

    Jeb Boettger, The Cascade Courier|Nov 21, 2024

    Cascade Public Schools’ regular board meeting was held on Tuesday, November 19, at 6:00 p.m. Old Business: The board concluded old business with a motion to approve the recommendation to deposit the remaining Booster Club funds into the Pep Club account. The motion was seconded and passed, with one board member opposing. New Business: The first item of new business involved reviewing the behavior matrix. After some discussion, a motion was made to refer the issue to the policy committee. The motion was seconded and passed. The second order o...

  • He's Back

    Jeb Boettger|Nov 14, 2024

    In a closely watched election, Donald J. Trump has secured his second term as President of the United States. The 2024 election was called on November 6 around 2 a.m. Here are some of the key initiatives the president-elect has stated he plans to pursue in his second term. Please note that this reporter is not making any assumptions about Donald Trump's plans for his second term, and is basing this article only on what the president-elect has actually said. During his campaign, Trump promised...

  • Handmade Holiday Shopping Delight at the Cascade Women's Club Craft Show

    Jeb Boettger|Nov 14, 2024

    The Cascade Women's Club held its annual craft show on Saturday, November 9, from 9 AM to 3 PM. This event helps Cascadians find unique, handmade gifts for their holiday shopping, and it certainly delivered this year. With so many vendors, the sale had to be divided across two locations: Wedsworth Hall (also known as the "Opera House") and the Cascade Senior and Community Center. Conveniently located next to each other on Front Street, the two venues made for a seamless shopping experience....

  • Cascade's 468 Market Shifts to Winter Hours

    Jeb Boettger, The Cascade Courier|Nov 7, 2024

    Cascade's general store, 468 Market, has returned to its winter hours as of Sunday, November 3. The hours are now 6 AM - 8 PM, seven days a week. This schedule change coincides with the end of daylight saving time at 2 AM on the same day and reflects both lower traffic in Cascade during the winter months and fewer daylight hours. 468 Market is a valued part of our community, offering products to help Cascadians prepare for the winter season, such as firewood, propane, and coats and sweaters...

  • Cascade Parents Express Safety Concerns at School Board Meeting

    Jeb Boettger, The Cascade Courier|Oct 24, 2024

    The regular board meeting for Cascade Public Schools was held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, October 15. The atmosphere was tense, as several parents addressed concerns regarding alleged threats made by one student toward others. Parents also expressed frustration at not being fully informed about any disciplinary actions taken against the student. Some even claimed that their children were being disciplined for speaking out about the disruptions. During the public comment period of the meeting,...

  • Cascade Resident's Home Severely Damaged by Wind Storm

    Jeb Boettger|Oct 10, 2024

    Last week, on Friday, October 4, Cascade was hit by a major windstorm. The gusts, reaching over 70 miles per hour, caused significant property damage to Mark Nelsen, a Cascade resident and pastor of Canyon Life Church. The roof of Mark's house was partially blown off by the strong winds. Members of his church hurried to help, and progress is being made to repair it. This incident serves as a reminder to stay safe and remain indoors during windstorms....

  • Pumpkins For A Cause

    Jeb Boettger|Oct 3, 2024

    The annual Pumpkins for a Cause event was held on September 28 in Vaughn, marking another successful year for this community tradition. This year, the event welcomed over 1,400 visitors, all eager to pick out their pumpkins to take home just in time for Halloween. In addition to selecting pumpkins, attendees were treated to the scenic hayrides, which offered families a tour of the pumpkin patch and surrounding farm areas. For hungry visitors, freshly popped popcorn was available, adding a...

  • Local Blood Drive

    Jeb Boettger|Sep 26, 2024

    American Red Cross held a blood drive at the cascade United Methodist Church Ed building on Monday, September 23. Community members were encouraged to donate blood for medical use: A small sacrifice for a great cause!...

  • KO's & Comebacks

    Jeb Boettger|Sep 26, 2024

    Montanans love a good fight, and that's exactly what was delivered at the Fusion Fight League event at the Four Seasons Arena on Saturday, September 21. Fighters from across the United States came together and gave it their all in an 8-fight card that had fans on the edge of their seats. The main event was a highly anticipated bout between Spokane, Washington's Daeri Alderman and Shea "Man of Steel" O'Neill from Butte, Montana, making his return to MMA after an 8-year layoff. Notably, co-main ev...

  • Student Discipline and Mobile Device Use Discussed in Cascade School Board Meeting

    Jeb Boettger, The Cascade Courier|Sep 26, 2024

    On Tuesday, September 17, at 6:00 PM, the Cascade School Board got together for its regular meeting in the conference room of Cascade Public School. Board members, school staff, and community members gathered to discuss several important topics. Twelve new items were addressed during the meeting, including a recommendation for the expulsion of a student and the use of cell phones on campus. Principal Wilson covered several topics in his report, including promoting the school’s new podcast, t...

  • Cascade Cools

    Jeb Boettger|Aug 8, 2024

    Cascade is finally cooling down! For the past two weeks, Cascadians have been doing their best to beat the heat. The town has experienced a streak of nearly unbroken 90-100 degree days with the sun beating down. The unyielding heat wave had everyone seeking any possible way to stay cool, from swimming in Atkinson Pool or Missouri River to cranking up the air conditioning. Fortunately, this week brought a much-needed respite from the sweltering conditions. Mother Nature decided to give us a...

  • Biden Drops Out Of Race, Endorses Harris

    Jeb Boettger|Jul 25, 2024

    President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race on Sunday, June 21, following a challenging debate with Donald Trump. This unexpected move, just four months before the election, was influenced by a poor debate performance that raised concerns about his fitness for office. Biden’s decision comes after significant pressure from Democratic allies post-debate, where his performance was marked by trailing off, giving nonsensical answers, and not challenging Trump’s fal...

  • Three Deaths At Cascade County Jail In Two Weeks

    Jeb Boettger|Jul 18, 2024

    July 16, 2024 - Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter announced on Monday, July 15, 2024, that the detention center had experienced the tragic loss of three inmates in the past two weeks. The incidents, which occurred separately, involved two suicides and one drug overdose, though the specific dates of each event have not yet been disclosed. According to Lewis & Clark County Sheriff/Coroner Leo Dutton, who conducted the autopsies, the deceased individuals are Leon Laverdure, a 51-year-old male...

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