Montana

Montana Morning Headlines: Thursday, May 15, 2025

Published

1 year ago

May 15, 2025

MISSOULA — Here’s a look at Western Montana’s top news stories for Thursday.

A South African family labeled as refugees by the U.S. Department of State arrived in Missoula on Monday, aided by the International Rescue Committee and Soft Landing Missoula. The family’s arrival follows an expedited immigration process stemming from an executive order that claims Afrikaners face violence and property seizures in South Africa. (Read the full story)

Therma Wood Technologies in Polson offers an eco-friendly heat and pressure process to treat wood, eliminating harmful chemicals while enhancing durability. This method provides treated wood with a lifespan of about 20 years, significantly exceeding the typical seven to eight years of chemically-treated wood. (Read the full story)

Polson wood treatment company provides eco-friendly option

Flathead High School students showcased their heavy equipment skills on Wednesday through a hands-on program in partnership with the Montana Contractors Association. The Build Montana Initiative allows students to gain practical experience operating machinery, preparing them for future careers in construction while reinforcing the importance of a skilled workforce in Kalispell. (Read the full story)

Kalispell students showcase heavy machinery skills

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Montana

Escobar on Camp East Montana

Published

10 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Press Room

While jobs are not on the line at the Ysleta Independent School District, the school district faces another budget year with a deficit for its ongoing operations.

District officials are recommending an operating budget with a deficit that may be up to $15 million, mainly driven by falling school enrollment and funding from the State of Texas. SISD anticipates collecting $379 million in revenue for the 2026-2027 year.

Superintendent Xavier De La Torre said the district plans on selling properties, offering incentives to teachers and administrators interested in retirement and consolidating the Cesar Chavez Academy with the Thrive Academy to address YISD’s financial challenges.

https://www.ktsm.com/news/ysleta-isd-counting-on-school-consolidation-attrition-property-sales-to-deal-with-budget-crunch/

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Montana

Spring runoff on Montana rivers poses serious safety risks

Published

20 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Press Room

Spring runoff on Montana rivers poses serious safety risks

BOZEMAN — Montana’s rivers are still running high and cold this spring — and while that’s good news for fish, it poses serious risks for recreators.

Even with a lighter-than-average snowpack, river conditions across the state remain hazardous. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is urging anyone planning to get on the water to prepare carefully, know current conditions, and understand every hazard along the full length of their route before launching.

WATCH: Montana’s rivers are still running high and cold this spring — even with lighter snowpack. Before you hit the water, FWP says preparation could save your life

Spring runoff on Montana rivers poses serious safety risks

Morgan Jacobsen of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks pointed to specific locations as examples of the dangers that can catch people off guard.

“The Highway 89 Bridge has some, you know, particular dangers at that site with the pylons of the bridge, and that’s caused problems for people before, so knowing your trip and knowing what hazards exist as best you can, doing that research is always a good idea,” Jacobsen said.

Spring runoff serves an important ecological function for Montana’s fisheries, acting as a kind of seasonal reset for rivers and streams.

“Flooding plays an important ecological function. It washes out sediment and provides new, clean gravels that are important for fish spawning. Creates new habitat for a variety of species, and it’s a good thing, but when it comes to recreation, it’s something you’ve got to be careful with,” Jacobsen said.

FWP is not discouraging people from getting on the water, but the agency is emphasizing that safety planning must come first — especially during high water.

“We’re not saying people can’t come on the water by any means, and you know, especially in high flooding conditions, and because of those dangers, it’s not recommended, but if you are going to recreate, you know, you’re doing it at your own risk. Make sure that you take precautions so that you can make it home safely,” Jacobsen said.

Anyone heading out on Montana’s rivers this spring should check current conditions, know their route, carry and wear a personal flotation device, and be prepared for water that was snow just minutes before entering the river.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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