🌱 Kyiyo Pow Wow Returns + Montana Schools Need Long-Term Funding

Welcome back, Missoula. I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Showers of rain and snow. High: 43 Low: 26.
• Wednesday: A passing afternoon shower. High: 49 Low: 26.

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Here are the top three stories in Missoula today:

1. The Kyiyo Pow Wow is set to return this weekend at the University of Montana. One of the nation’s oldest student-run powwows will be held inside the Adams Center on Apr. 21 and 22. The organizers say that this event helps preserve the rich heritage and culture of the native communities and helps to renew old traditions. This will be Pow Wow's 54th year. (UMT News)
2. Missoula County teachers say Montana needs long-term funding for students, teachers, and their schools amid budget challenges. Post-COVID, educators from Target Range School say they "are doing more with less to meet the academic, emotional, and social needs of students whose needs are more complex and diverse than just five years ago. Despite the fact that our certified staff agreed to a 0/0 percent increase during 2021 negotiations, teaching positions were still reduced due to budget cuts." These reductions have caused fewer offerings in subjects like music, PE, and Special Education and have decreased the number of teachers in the school system, while enrollment numbers have simultaneously grown. (Missoulian)
3. Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority is requesting an annual contribution of $4,000 and a letter of support from the city of Helena for the southern Montana passenger line. As federal decisions loom on which passenger rail lines will be recommended for restoration in July, the Rail Authority looks to Lewis and Clark County to join the other 20 Montana counties, including Missoula and many other cities, towns, Tribes, and businesses offering support. Missoula County Commissioner Dave Strohmaier said the excitement over the potential for additional passenger rail service along the former North Coast Hiawatha Amtrak line in Montana is growing not only locally, but nationally. (Montana Right Now)

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Today and tomorrow in Missoula:

Tuesday, April 18

• Saunter with a Naturalist, At Montana Natural History Center (5:00 PM)

Wednesday, April 19

• Blood Drive, At Big Sky High School (8:00 AM)
• Saving Mountain Caribou, One of North America's Most Endangered Species, At Montana Natural History Center (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Montana State University posted some of its favorite photos from the Spring Rodeo. This year's event took place in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse at the University on Apr. 13-16. Check out these awesome photos on their Instagram! (Montana State University via Instagram)
• Around 3:45 a.m. on Sunday, Apr. 16, the East Missoula Rural Fire Department responded to a residence with smoke and flames coming from the chimney. When the fire department arrived on the scene, they saw smoke and fire coming from the chimney. All residents had been evacuated from the house, and the fire was extinguished. The fire did not spread to any of the interiors of the home. (East Missoula Rural Fire Department via Facebook)
• The Missoula Parks and Recreation is holding Missoula Movers Coffee Walks, where residents can make new friends while taking guided walks through Missoula’s conservation lands, parks, and trails. After the walk, you will be able to enjoy a hot drink with fellow hikers! The next walk will take place on Apr. 24 and registration is $8. (Missoula Parks and Recreation via Instagram)

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you back in your inbox soon with a new update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.