12/10/2025
After 11 years of serving as a Municipal Court Judge for Great Falls, Judge Steven Bolstad will retire on January 1, 2026.
Judge Bolstad has given back to the community for decades, spending time as a public school teacher, a firefighter, and as a prosecutor for Cascade County before he was appointed to the Court.
Judge Bolstad has also been a fierce advocate for the strengthening the Court's ability to serve Great Falls. His efforts helped lead to a change in the City Charter in 2022, which allowed for an additional elected Municipal Court Judge. Judge Bolstad recently reached another of his goals when Municipal Court moved from the basement of the Civic Center to a more secure, efficient, and dignified space on the second floor.
Judge Bolstad commented on his time spent on the bench, saying, “It has been a privilege and my honor to serve the people and the City of Great Falls. It was always a life goal to pay back the education provided me and the many opportunities from being born and educated in Great Falls.”
After Judge Bolstad’s retirement, the City Commission will appoint a qualified judge to fill the remainder of the term, which lasts until December 31, 2027. The next municipal general election in 2027 will offer the opportunity for interested candidates to run for the judge position.
The City is deeply grateful for Judge Bolstad’s many years of exemplary public service and for the countless ways that he regularly surpassed what was required of his role. He will be greatly missed, and the City wishes him all the best in his retirement.💛
