Most Big Sky Country major waterways flowing at normal to above-normal levels
As we enter the homestretch of summer most of Big Sky Country’s major waterways are flowing at normal to above-normal levels. A handful of key streams are significantly below their typical summer volume however. As of early August data from 49 U.S. Geological Survey monitoring stations across the state reveal a mixed hydrological picture.
Montana Nears Top for Least Affordable Homes in U.S.
Property Shark has compiled a list of how much it costs to purchase a home in each state using medium home sale prices for 2025. According to their numbers the median home price for a home in Montana is $495,000 making it one of the top 10 most expensive states. That is more than all of our neighboring states.
City county concerned with USFS restructuring loss of Region 1
The Trump administration plans to restructure the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the branches within it including the U.S. Forest Service and the loss of the Region 1 U.S. Forest Service Office in Missoula where the Forest Service began when it was dedicated in 1908. The 10 regional offices across the country will be consolidated into five hubs in Utah Colorado Indiana North Carolina and Missouri.
Montana’s 406 Jobs initiative launched to boost workforce
In an effort to strengthen Montana’s workforce Governor Greg Gianforte has signed an executive order launching the “406 Jobs” initiative. The program led by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s State Workforce Innovation Board aims to enhance career opportunities across the state by engaging both public and private sectors promoting pathways in careers college military and entrepreneurship.
Montana Inflation Still Outpaces Big Cities at Mid-Year
Montana and the Western Region as a whole continue to outpace the inflation rate of many of the major metropolitan areas across the country. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the Consumer Price Index for the West Region jumped another 0.2% of a percent in July. That is already outpacing the 2.8% estimate the Montana Legislature used to calculate the mill levies for Fiscal Year ’25.
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Ahead of the new academic year Helena and East Helena school boards have approved their budgets. the East Helena Public Schools budget was approved at just over $20.5 million. The Helena Public Schools board OK’d a nearly $111.8 million districtwide budget. Both districts will kick off their years August 27th.
Development Services Director Jarod Nygren will serve as Kalispell’s interim city manager after Doug Russell departs later this month after 13 years directing the municipality’s daily operations. The City Council will look for a new city manager over the next four to six months.
While there isn’t specific mention of the Make America Healthy school food program plans directly from Montana reports indicate schools nationally are bracing for potential changes under a Trump administration initiative. The general expectation is for a shift towards emphasizing freshly cooked meals and less reliance on ultra- processed foods.
Butte-Silver Bow officials weren’t sure Wednesday evening how long an order against consuming city water south of Front Street would last after water Montana Resources uses to wash its facilities got into the city’s system. Until the order is lifted people south of Front Street should not drink city water brush their teeth with it or cook with it but it is OK to shower with it.
Downtown Bozeman is getting a new hotel after the city commission voted to approve the project. Plans include a 6-story boutique hotel with a ground-level lobby a restaurant and an event stage. It will share a parking garage with the Bozeman Hote. The property is adjacent to Bozeman Creek requiring a 35-foot setback on both sides under city regulations.
