Municipal Court Judge Set to Retire

CITY OF GREAT FALLS, MONTANA  

PRESS RELEASE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

DATE: December 9, 2025 

CONTACT: Morgan Medvec, Municipal Court Supervisor – 406-771-1380

MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE SET TO RETIRE

Great Falls, Montana – The City of Great Falls would like to announce the retirement of Municipal Court Judge Steven Bolstad, who will end his distinguished service on January 1, 2026, after 11 years on the bench.  

Judge Bolstad was born and raised in Great Falls. He graduated from the Great Falls Public School system, from Montana State University with an undergraduate degree in education, and from the University of Montana with a law degree. Before his time at Great Falls Municipal Court, Judge Bolstad spent seven years teaching in the Montana public school system, was a firefighter with the United States Department of Agriculture, practiced Indian Law, and worked as a prosecutor for Cascade County.  

Judge Bolstad was appointed to the Great Falls Municipal Court in 2014 by the City Commission after Judge Nancy Luth retired. Since taking office in 2014, Judge Bolstad has been reaffirmed by Great Falls voters in three separate elections, allowing him to continue his judicial service to the community for more than a decade. He has been a central figure within the Great Falls Municipal Court, presiding over thousands of cases as the only judge for the Court for nine years. Judge Bolstad was a fierce advocate for strengthening the Court’s ability to best serve the community. He achieved one of his goals in 2022 with an amendment to the City Charter, approved by voters and the City Commission, which allowed for an additional elected Municipal Court judge. Another of his goals became a reality this year, when the Municipal Court relocated from the basement to the second floor of the Civic Center, providing a space that is more secure, efficient, and dignified.  

During his tenure, Judge Bolstad went above and beyond the duties required of him as a Municipal Court Judge. He was an advocate for mental health within Great Falls, and he created a Mental Health Court that served the community until funding constraints required its suspension. Judge Bolstad was a member of the Montana Magistrates Association (MMA), a member of the MMA Legislative Committee, and a Training Judge for newly appointed/elected Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Judges. In addition, Judge Bolstad provided training to clerks at their conferences each year. He was also appointed by the Montana Supreme Court to serve as the Municipal Court representative and the Vice Chair on the Commission on Courts of Limited Jurisdiction. Judge Bolstad was adamant that the Great Falls Municipal Court operated under state statute and code, always retained its integrity, and ran as efficiently as possible. In his free time, Judge Bolstad could often be found serving the veterans in the community.  

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.” 

Great Falls Mayor Cory Reeves says, “The City of Great Falls and Cascade County have been fortunate to have Judge Bolstad serve our community as a prosecutor, and later, as a judge. His work on the bench brought real, lasting change to City Court, and we will certainly miss his steady leadership. Judge Bolstad’s dedication and service to our community have been remarkable.” 

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. Additional information will be provided by the City as it becomes available. 

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.  

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