Beaverhead County Weed Board Meeting Tuesday, October 13, 2026 – 6:00 pm Tom Welch Room – Treasurer’s Building AGENDA: Public Comment: Items on the Agenda Approval of Minutes from August 10, 2026 meeting Financial Report Non-Compliance Weed Plan Review Proposed Action: Approve, Amend, or Reject: Rebich Lane Minor Subdivision Noxious Weed Management and Revegetation Plan 2026 Season Review Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Report Public Comment: Items not on the Agenda Adjourn

As a high school senior in Livingston, Montana, Erika Haines had toured six college campuses. Nearly every one was the same, and she had decided she was bound for a top-ranked private liberal arts college out of state to major in education. With a couple months left in her senior year, her mom convinced her to make one more campus visit: Tech Day at Montana Tech. The experience stood out after months of traditional college visits and ultimately led Haines to change her career trajectory entirely. “A lot of the other tours just focused on learning campus, going into dorms and talking about those aspects, but at Montana Tech you actually got to interact.” Haines said. “No other school was doing that… I got to see the atmosphere, the people, the professors and the hands-on opportunities, and I thought, ‘This is what I want to do.’” Tech Day offers prospective students a different kind of college visit. Rather than simply walking through campus and touring residence halls, students step into Montana Tech’s laboratories and classrooms to experience the programs they could one day study. Tech Day will take place on Friday, November 13, 2026. Registration is now open. For Haines, Tech Day consisted of detonating a blast with mining engineering, exploring a metallurgical and materials engineering laboratory and interacting with Spot, Montana Tech’s robotic dog that helps conduct mining research in the campus’s Underground Mine Education Center. “Seeing Spot, the robot dog, I thought, ‘Oh, Montana Tech is doing things. They’re making stuff happen,’” Haines said. She enrolled at Montana Tech in civil engineering before discovering environmental engineering through EGEN 194, a course that introduces students to different engineering disciplines. Growing up along the Yellowstone River in Livingston also influenced her decision. “I always saw the impacts of if the river wasn’t doing well, that community kind of struggled and the ecosystem struggled,” Haines said. Now a junior studying environmental engineering, Haines has embraced the hands-on opportunities that first caught her attention at Tech Day. As a sophomore, she worked as an undergraduate research assistant in Montana Tech’s underground greenhouse, experience she believes helped her land a paid internship at Spring Creek Mine near Decker, Montana, where she conducted environmental monitoring and sample testing. Next summer, she will intern with Phillips 66 in Billings. “This is probably what makes Tech so special,” Haines said. “I got to do research work as a sophomore. At bigger colleges, some people that don’t do that until their senior spring.” Haines says she’s confident Montana Tech has prepared her for the job market, and she’s focused on finding the right opportunities with companies that align with her interests and career goals. She highly recommends students sign up and see where Tech Day leads them. Students who attend Tech Day can choose to participate in a variety of breakout sessions to get a full day of hands-on activities. Sessions available include: Business & Information Technology: See how AI and data analytics come together to power modern businesses. You’ll experiment with Tableau to uncover insights from real-world data, then complete a mini-AI challenge where you use artificial intelligence to generate business ideas or solve a digital problem. Find out how Montana Tech’s Business & Information Technology program connects creativity, analytics, and technology for tomorrow’s business leaders. Cadaver Dissection Lab: Witness and interact with human cadavers and participate in a hands-on exploration of cadaveric organs and tissues. Students will be able to learn more about our Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Exercise & Health Science programs from current student ambassadors. Limited to 24 students. Computer Science/Software Engineering: Students will see how a classic game leads to discussion for more advanced games, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and the ethical and moral dilemmas that can come from the AI applications. Electrical Engineering: Put your skills to the test as you learn binary code and program a robot to follow a line on the floor. Students interested in electrical engineering, robotics, and computer science are encouraged to join! Environmental Engineering: Explore drone-based remote sensing data collection and analysis for environmental engineering projects. Exercise and Health Science Lab: Attendees will observe and participate during an exercise echocardiogram (EKG/ECG). The process will be led by current EHS students, with a discussion and Q&A after. Attendees will also be able meet and interact with current EHS students, and learn more about the Biological Sciences and Exercise & Health Science programs. Limited to 20 students. Experience SAP - How Global Businesses Run: Ever wonder how companies manage everything from purchasing and inventory to sales, accounting, and production? In this interactive session, you will get a hands-on introduction to SAP, one of the world's leading enterprise business systems. Using a realistic business scenario, you will explore how information moves across different areas of a company and see how technology connects business decisions in real time. No prior SAP or business experience is needed. Geological Engineering: Discover various activities needed to engineer the earth. This includes groundwater resources and contamination, rock strength for construction, tools used for mineral and oil exploration. Technology used in geological engineering such as drones will be showcased and discussed. Mathematical Sciences: Explore some of the connections between mathematics and music. Attendees will learn relationships between pitch, frequency, and string length, and how Fourier series can express a tone as the sum of a principal tone and all of its overtone frequencies. Math is also used in the development of different tuning systems, including the ancient Pythagorean tuning and the more recent equal temperament. Mechanical Engineering: Exciting activities and dramatic demonstrations in mechanical testing, fluid mechanics, and more! Metallurgical & Materials Engineering: Learn how the materials that make our daily lives possible are made and designed with hands-on demonstrations and info sessions led by M&ME students. Mining Engineering: Get to see what happens when chemical energy is released, and learn about the importance of safety in mining through a virtual reality (VR) experience. Mechanical Engineering: Exciting activities and dramatic demonstrations in mechanical testing, fluid mechanics, and more! Nursing Simulation: The Sherry Lesar School of Nursing welcomes you into their simulated hospital environment for a hands-on experience. Students will witness the benefits of simulation training by observing a nursing simulation scenario, then have the opportunity to interact with high-fidelity manikins by checking pulses, pushing fluids - even learning to take a blood pressure. Limited to 30 students. Petroleum Engineering: Join the Petroleum Department as they educate on the process of discovering and extracting the oil and natural gas resources that keep our world moving, through demonstrations in our state-of-the-art laboratories.

Update best has been dated and removed by fish and game. DILLON, Mont. — Police and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are monitoring a black bear spotted Tuesday morning near the end of South Dakota Street, close to the University of Montana Western campus. The bear was reported in the area Tuesday morning, prompting a response from local law enforcement and FWP. Officials have been using a drone to help track and monitor the bear's location. According to initial reports from the scene, the bear is believed to be sleeping in a grove of willows. Officials may be preparing bear traps in an effort to safely capture the animal and remove it from the area. That plan remains preliminary as authorities continue monitoring the situation. Public Asked to Avoid the Area Residents, students and others are being asked to avoid the area around the end of South Dakota Street and give police and FWP personnel room to work. Anyone who encounters the bear should keep their distance and should not approach or attempt to photograph the animal at close range. This is a developing situation. Southwestern Montana News will update this story as additional information becomes available.

The University of Montana Western has named Matt Raffety as its Chief of Staff and Director of Communications, effective beginning October 6, 2026. The combined role will support the Chancellor’s Office and oversee accreditation, institutional research, marketing, and communications, while leading the establishment and ongoing coordination of the university’s first Staff Senate. The position brings together responsibilities that connect institutional strategic planning, data, and communication. Working closely with campus leadership, faculty, and staff, the Chief of Staff and Director of Communications will help coordinate university priorities and support informed decision-making. Once established, the Staff Senate will bring forward ideas and feedback through strengthened communication with university leadership. “This role brings together several areas that are essential to supporting our students, faculty, and staff and moving Montana Western forward,” said Montana Western Chancellor, Dr. Estee Aiken. “We’re pleased to welcome Matt to this combined position and look forward to the collaboration it will encourage across campus. Establishing a formalized Staff Senate will create a new communication conduit that is currently missing from our shared governance structure.” Raffety has served as Montana Western’s Director of Communications since 2018. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve Montana Western in this combined role and to work alongside colleagues who care so deeply about our students and this university,” said Raffety. “I’m especially excited to help create a Staff Senate that reflects the experience and ideas of employees across campus. There is so much we can accomplish when people are heard, informed, and connected to our shared goals.”

DILLON, Mont. — Bicentennial Incorporated is now accepting applications for its 2026 grant cycle from nonprofit organizations that provide services benefiting senior citizens in Beaverhead County and the Ruby Valley in Madison County. Bicentennial Incorporated’s mission is to support services that improve the lives of senior citizens throughout the two-county service area. The organization grew out of Bicentennial Apartments Inc., which was formed in 1976 to provide safe, affordable housing for area seniors. After the apartment project was sold in 2022, proceeds from the sale were dedicated to continuing that mission through charitable grant funding. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to review the application requirements carefully, as funding is limited and submission of an application does not guarantee an award. The deadline to apply is October 30, 2026. A physical copy of the completed grant application must be delivered or postmarked by that date. Approved grants will be awarded in December 2026. Organizations selected for funding will be notified, and grant checks will be presented at the Bicentennial Incorporated Annual Banquet on December 9, 2026. A representative from each recipient organization must attend the banquet as a condition of receiving grant funding. Organizations interested in applying or requesting an application in PDF format should contact Fred Morganthaler, Vice President of Bicentennial Incorporated, at 406-670-1586 or bicentennialinc@gmail.com. Bicentennial Incorporated remains committed to supporting programs and services that improve the lives of senior citizens in Beaverhead County and the Ruby Valley.

DILLON, Mont. — The Dillon Public Library has several activities planned for October, including Banned Books Week, the return of Books & Babies and a free cybersecurity class for the community. Banned Books Week: October 4–10 The library is recognizing Banned Books Week from October 4 through October 10 with the theme: “Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read.” Banned Books Week highlights the freedom to read and brings attention to efforts to challenge or restrict access to books. Books & Babies — Wednesday, October 7 Books & Babies will be held Wednesday, October 7, at 10 a.m. at the Dillon Public Library. This week's theme is “Imagination.” Library Closed October 10–12 The Dillon Public Library will be closed October 10 through October 12 for Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day. Patrons should plan accordingly for library services during the closure. Free Cybersecurity Class October 30 The library will wrap up the month with a free community computer class focused on staying safer online. Cybersecurity for Citizens will be held Friday, October 30, at 11 a.m. at the Dillon Public Library. The class is free and open to the community and will be taught by Tara Stevens of Computer Rescue Service. The program will provide an opportunity for community members to learn more about cybersecurity and protecting themselves while using computers and the internet.

DILLON, Mont. — The Dillon City Council will meet Wednesday, October 7, with the proposed Downtown Urban Renewal District returning to the council for a second reading. The regular City Council meeting begins at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers. According to the first two pages of the meeting packet, the council's primary action under the mayor's report will be the second reading of Ordinance #493, Establishing Downtown Urban Renewal District. Downtown Urban Renewal District Returns to Council The proposed downtown district has been working its way through the city's approval process, and Wednesday's agenda calls specifically for the second reading of Ordinance #493. Council to Consider Meeting Minutes Council members are also scheduled to consider approval of minutes from two previous meetings: September 16, 2026 regular meeting September 29, 2026 special meeting The agenda also includes a section for petitions and communications and other action items. City Departments and Boards to Report Several city officers, departments and boards are scheduled to report during Wednesday's meeting, including the city attorney, Planning Board, Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustments, Police Department, Fire Department, City Court, Library Board, Tree Board and city treasurer. The council will also hear reports from its standing committees, including Ordinances & Facilities, Finance, Public Services, Open Spaces and Public Works. Public Comment Included on Agenda The meeting includes an opportunity for members of the public to comment on items of significant public interest that are not on the agenda and are within the jurisdiction of the City of Dillon.

The University of Montana Western has named Roxanne Engellant as Interim Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance and Stacie Watkins as Interim Executive Director of the Montana Western Foundation beginning October 19, 2026. In the Interim Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance role, Engellant will provide leadership for the university’s administrative and financial operations, working closely with the Chancellor and campus colleagues to support responsible resource management, institutional planning, and student success. “Roxanne has shown over her many years of service to UMW that she is more than capable of thoughtfully overseeing the stewardship of resources to ensure that our faculty and staff have the support they need to provide our students with the opportunity to thrive,” said Montana Western Chancellor Estee Aiken. “I look forward to working together as we advance Montana Western’s priorities and plan for the future.” As a member of the university’s executive leadership team, Engellant will help align financial and operational decisions with Montana Western’s mission and strategic goals. The interim appointment will support continuity across administrative and financial functions while encouraging collaboration and clear communication throughout campus. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve Montana Western and work alongside colleagues who care deeply about this university and its students,” said Engellant. “My priority will be to listen, build strong working relationships, and help our campus make informed decisions that support both our immediate needs and our long-term goals.” Previously, Engellant has served as the Executive Director of the Montana Western Foundation and the Alumni Office for over 15 years. To ensure a smooth transition between roles, the university and the Montana Western Foundation have named Stacie Watkins as Interim Executive Director, beginning October 19, 2026. In this role, Watkins will lead the Foundation’s work to strengthen philanthropic support for the University of Montana Western, continue to build relationships with alumni and donors, and connect supporters with opportunities to make a meaningful difference for students. “We are pleased to welcome Stacie into her new role at the Montana Western Foundation,” said current Executive Director, Roxanne Engellant. “Our supporters share a deep belief in our students and the opportunities a Montana Western education can provide. It’s exciting to look toward the future as she continues to build on the relationships that make our work possible.” Working with the Foundation’s board, staff, and university leadership, Watkins will help advance priorities that support scholarships, academic programs, and the student experience. “I’m excited for the opportunity to serve the Montana Western Foundation in this new role,” said Watkins. “I look forward to engaging with our alumni, donors, and campus partners, hearing what inspires their connection to Montana Western, and working together to create opportunities for students.”

TREGO, Mont. — A Trego-area landowner shot and killed a male grizzly bear Wednesday morning after encountering the animal at close range on his property. According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the incident occurred on the morning of October 1 after the landowner went outside to investigate noises coming from his property. The landowner encountered the grizzly at close range and shot and killed the bear. The landowner was not injured. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Montana FWP responded to the scene following the encounter. “We are thankful to know the landowner was unharmed in this incident,” FWP Director Christy Clark said. “We understand that an encounter like this can be unsettling.” Clark said fall is an especially active time for bears as they move in search of food, increasing the potential for conflicts between bears and people. Bears Feeding Heavily Ahead of Winter FWP said bears are currently entering hyperphagia, a period of intense feeding when bears consume large amounts of calories to build fat reserves before winter denning. Wildlife officials say securing food and other attractants around homes is one of the most effective ways to prevent conflicts. Residents in bear country are encouraged to keep garbage and recycling secured, put trash out only on collection day and avoid leaving pet food outside. Barbecues should be thoroughly cleaned after use, and bird feeding should be avoided during active bear season. Fruit should be picked as soon as it ripens, while livestock feed should be stored in a secure building. Electric fencing can also be used to protect gardens, fruit trees and vulnerable livestock. Additional information about reducing conflicts around homes is available through Montana FWP's Living in Bear Country

DILLON, Mont. — The Beaverhead County Commissioners will meet Monday, October 5, with the appointment of a trustee to BVFD #4 among the scheduled items requiring discussion and action. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the Commissioners Room at the Beaverhead County Courthouse in Dillon. The agenda opens with the Pledge of Allegiance, an update on county projects, public comment and the commissioners’ report. BVFD #4 Trustee Appointment At 9:30 a.m., commissioners are scheduled to hold a discussion and take possible action regarding the appointment of a trustee to BVFD #4. An opportunity for public comment will follow. The agenda does not identify a proposed appointee or provide additional information about the trustee position. Public Comment and County Business At 10 a.m., commissioners will hear public comments on matters under county jurisdiction that are not otherwise listed on the agenda. Other business scheduled for Monday includes new business and other topics of discussion, payment of invoices and action on minutes from the previous commissioners’ meeting. Several opportunities for public comment are included throughout the meeting. Commissioners are scheduled to recess for lunch at noon, with the meeting scheduled to adjourn at 4 p.m.

The Montana Youth Challenge Academy, in partnership with the Montana National Guard 1-189th (General Support Aviation Battalion) and the University of Montana Western, will host a statewide Educator Airlift on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. This unique event brings together high school administrators, counselors, and staff from across Montana to experience the MYCA program firsthand. Attendees will gain insight into the Youth Challenge model of development, explore student success and graduation pathways, and learn more about UMW’s Experience One program. Meanwhile, National Guard crews will complete essential aviation training. Participants will fly in from areas across the state, including Missoula, Helena, and Billings. The event is designed to strengthen connections and awareness and help MYCA better serve Montana’s youth. As part of the day’s activities, military helicopters are scheduled to land around noon on the south end of campus in the tailgating/parking area. This will be an exciting opportunity to see aircraft land on campus, but it also requires some important safety measures: The south tailgating/parking lot and the adjacent parking lot near the BARC will be closed during the event. Please plan ahead to park in a different lot on October 21 and move any of your parked vehicles from this area by 5:00 p.m. on October 20. These areas must remain clear of all vehicles and individuals to ensure public safety, provide safe landing space, and to account for rotor wash from the helicopters as they land and take off throughout the afternoon on October 21. The Emerick parking lot usually has spaces available as an alternative parking location. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping these spaces clear and safe for this special event. For more information, please contact the Montana Youth Challenge Academy at 406-960-4424.

DILLON, Mont. — Several criminal cases were addressed Tuesday, September 29, in Montana’s Fifth Judicial District Court in Beaverhead County, with proceedings involving a negligent homicide charge, probation violations, DUI-related charges and other pending criminal matters. The following information comes from the September 29 Beaverhead County Court Report. Charges are allegations unless a defendant has pleaded guilty, admitted a violation or been convicted. Christopher Cox appeared for a status hearing on charges listed in the court report as negligent homicide and endangering the welfare of a child. The report lists no plea and indicates no bond was posted. Pretrial and trial proceedings are scheduled in the case. Hunter Bulltail appeared for an evidentiary hearing involving alleged probation violations. According to the court report, Bulltail admitted the probation violations. A pre-sentencing investigation was ordered, and sentencing remains pending. James White appeared for a status hearing on charges listed as DUI, drug paraphernalia and obstruction. No plea is listed in the report, and no bond was posted. White's status hearing was reset. Jonnathan Dubois was listed for a status hearing involving allegations identified in the report under Montana Code 45-5-625, Sexual Abuse of Children, and 45-5-629, Grooming of a Child for a Sexual Offense. The report lists no plea and indicates bond was posted. It also states “No Hearing,” indicating the scheduled proceeding did not take place. Justin Cline was listed for an evidentiary hearing involving an alleged probation violation. The court report lists no plea and no bond posted. It also states “No Hearing.” The September 29 proceedings correspond with the Fifth Judicial District's previously published calendar, which scheduled status and evidentiary hearings in these cases Tuesday morning. Editor’s Note: Criminal charges are allegations. Defendants facing unresolved charges are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — A driver was transported to the hospital Tuesday afternoon following a single-vehicle crash on Highway 43 near mile marker 58. The crash occurred after the vehicle left the roadway and traveled into a canal. According to information reported by law enforcement, the driver sustained minor injuries in the crash. A-1 Ambulance responded to the scene, and the driver was transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure for further evaluation. No additional information was immediately available regarding what caused the vehicle to leave the highway. Southwestern Montana News will provide additional information if it becomes available.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — The Pioneer Mountains National Scenic Byway has reopened to the public after being closed for weeks due to the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires. Beaverhead County lifted the closure on the Pioneer Mountains National Scenic Byway (FSR #73), restoring public access to the popular route through the Pioneer Mountains. Effective at 6 a.m. Tuesday, September 29, the U.S. Forest Service also rescinded its area closure associated with the fires. The Bureau of Land Management has also lifted its related area closure. The reopening comes as firefighters continue making significant progress on both fires. The Bobcat Lakes Fire is now estimated at 10,896 acres and 91% contained, while the Sand Creek Fire is estimated at 35,520 acres and 83% contained. Only 64 personnel remain assigned to the fires. Both were caused by lightning and began July 31 and August 1. Steel-Fox Road Remains Closed While the Scenic Byway and other fire-related area closures have been lifted, Steel-Fox Road (FSR #2420) remains closed to the public. Firefighters and heavy equipment continue working in the area, making the road unsafe for public access. On the Sand Creek Fire, crews are finishing chipping and groundwork along Steel-Fox Road and in the Steel Creek area in preparation for road grading. Excavators continue repairing indirect dozer lines within the burned area, while heavy equipment operators and graders work to restore damaged roads. Personnel are also removing hazard trees and clearing debris. On the Bobcat Lakes Fire, crews continue patrolling and monitoring the perimeter while rehabilitating fire control lines. Visitors Warned of Hazards in Burned Areas Although the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway has reopened, officials are warning visitors that numerous hazards remain throughout the burned areas. Those traveling through the fire area should watch for unstable dead trees, falling logs, loose rocks and hidden burned-out stump holes. Ash and fallen needles can also make roads slippery. Burned areas can be particularly susceptible to flash flooding and debris flows, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. Smoke May Still Be Visible Partly sunny skies and warmer temperatures in the 50s and 60s are expected over the next several days. Northwest winds of 5 to 8 mph are forecast, with gusts reaching approximately 20 mph. The warmer weather could result in visible smoke from inside the existing fire lines. Fire officials say smoke from within the burned areas is expected and does not need to be reported. All area closures associated with the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires have now been lifted except for Steel-Fox Road (FSR #2420). Current National Forest road, trail and area information is available through the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — An injured hunter was airlifted from the Trapper Creek area of Horse Prairie after an overnight rescue that sent crews through steep terrain and kept them in the field until early Saturday morning. Beaverhead Search and Rescue was dispatched at 8:25 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, after the hunter sustained a leg wound while field dressing an elk, according to a report from public affairs liaison Jack Bazemore. Two rapid-response teams headed into the area while a Beaverhead Ambulance crew staged near the rescue vehicles. Rescuers initially traveled by side-by-side and four-wheeler. When the trail became too narrow for the vehicles, both teams continued on foot. After locating the hunter, two rescuers assessed and stabilized him while other team members cleared fallen trees and identified a helicopter landing zone. Crews then moved the hunter through rough, steep terrain to a waiting LifeFlight Bozeman helicopter, which transported him for further medical care. Rescuers accompanied the hunter’s partner back to the vehicles and returned the partner to the pair’s vehicle before heading to Dillon. Crews arrived back at approximately 6 a.m. Saturday. The incident command team included Brian Vinson, Lance Hopman and Jason Erickson. Field teams included Josh Yedon, Trevor Nyland, Jack Bazemore, Charles Weidow and Jaden Dennis. As big-game hunting seasons continue, Beaverhead Search and Rescue encourages hunters to make a plan, tell someone where they are going and when they expect to return, carry an inReach or another means of communication, and take a partner.

DILLON, Mont. — Criminal status hearings, evidentiary proceedings and civil matters are scheduled in Beaverhead County District Court during the week of Sept. 28 through Oct. 2. The Montana Fifth Judicial District’s law and motion calendar lists hearings Tuesday, Sept. 29, and Thursday, Oct. 1. Tuesday, Sept. 29 Proceedings begin at 9 a.m. with a status hearing in State v. Cox, followed by an evidentiary hearing in State v. Bulltail at 9:10 a.m. Status hearings are scheduled in State v. J. White at 9:20 a.m. and State v. DuBois at 9:30 a.m. An evidentiary hearing in State v. Cline follows at 9:40 a.m. At 11:30 a.m., the court will consider a petition to reinstate a driver’s license in In re Anderson. A pretrial conference in White v. Walsh is scheduled for 1 p.m. before Judge Robert Olson. Tuesday’s proceedings conclude with a hearing on default judgment in Gravier v. Killian at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1 The court will hold a hearing concerning business partnership and marital property assets in Anderson v. Ross at 9 a.m. No Beaverhead County proceedings are listed for Monday, Wednesday or Friday. The calendar notes that Judge Berger will be away Monday and in Boulder on Wednesday. Public access The calendar is subject to change and does not identify the underlying charges in the criminal cases. Information about viewing proceedings through Zoom is available on the Beaverhead County Clerk of District Court website. Viewers must sign in using their first and last names.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — The Skull Fire has reached full containment, while firefighters continue repairing fire lines and removing equipment from the Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek fires, according to the latest incident update. The Bobcat Lakes Fire is 91% contained at 10,896 acres. The Sand Creek Fire is 83% contained at 35,520 acres. The 68-acre Skull Fire, located eight miles southeast of Wisdom and one mile east of Odell Lake, is now 100% contained. Officials said this will be the final update for that incident. A total of 105 personnel remain assigned to the Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek fires under Incident Commander Paul Diaz and trainee Rusty Butler. Equipment removal and repair continue Aircraft helped crews remove hoses and other equipment from the Sand Creek Fire on Thursday. Excavators will continue repairing dozer lines, while graders and chippers work along Steel Fox Road and other areas on the fire’s western edge. At the Bobcat Lakes Fire, crews are making progress on suppression repair and removing woody debris along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. Firefighters continue patrolling and monitoring unsecured portions of the fire line. Additional work to repair handlines and dozer lines is planned through the weekend. Aircraft remain available for water and retardant drops, reconnaissance flights and personnel transportation. The Bobcat Lakes Fire began July 31 and is located approximately 13 miles southwest of Wise River. The Sand Creek Fire began Aug. 1 and is located about 7.5 miles southeast of Wisdom. Scenic Byway remains closed The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway remains closed. Visitors should consult the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest website for details about remaining closures affecting National Forest System lands, roads and trails. Information about Bureau of Land Management closures is available through the Western Montana District Office. The temporary flight restriction over the incident area has been lifted. Sunny, warm and dry conditions are expected, with highs in the lower to mid-70s. Winds are forecast to increase in the evening, with precipitation possible.

Meeting has been canceled DILLON, Mont. — The Dillon City Council will hold a special meeting Wednesday, Sept. 23, to discuss and consider approval of the North Rife Street Improvement Project, identified on the agenda as SID No. 38. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers and is open to the public. The street improvement project is the only business item listed on the agenda. The notice does not include project costs, construction details or a timeline. Following discussion of the project, the council will take public comment on matters of significant public interest that are not on the agenda and fall within the city’s jurisdiction. Residents may attend in person or join through Zoom using meeting ID 770-316-6528 and passcode 4245

DILLON, Mont. — Anthony Marin pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a child, according to the Sept. 22 report from Montana’s Fifth Judicial District Court in Beaverhead County. The court ordered a presentence investigation, and sentencing remains pending. The report lists no bond posted. In a separate case, William Muise pleaded not guilty to allegations of sexual abuse of a child and endangering the welfare of a child during an initial appearance. A bond modification is pending, and a trial has been scheduled. Suspended sentences reported Lacie Widerburg received a suspended sentence in a case involving drug possession and obstruction. The report lists a guilty plea and indicates that her bond was released. No fines or fees were imposed. Stephen Martin pleaded guilty in a case involving assault, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. He received a suspended sentence, and restitution was ordered. His bond was released, and the report lists no fines or fees. The report does not specify the lengths of either suspended sentence or the amount of restitution ordered in Martin’s case. Other court proceedings Keagan Burwell pleaded not guilty during an initial appearance involving allegations of theft, criminal mischief, drug possession, drug paraphernalia and trespass. Bond was posted with conditions. Christopher Riddle pleaded not guilty to burglary, forgery and theft allegations. The report lists release on his own recognizance and a scheduled trial. Felicia Tresham’s status hearing in a case involving drug distribution, drug possession and drug paraphernalia was reset. The report lists bond as posted and no plea recorded for the proceeding. Gary Rundle’s DUI case is scheduled for trial following a status hearing. The report lists no plea and no bond posted. Trial and sentencing dates were not provided in the report. Defendants facing unresolved charges are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

DILLON, Mont. — Pie, coffee and conversation will fill the Dillon Public Library on Friday, Sept. 25, during a Dolly Parton-themed “9 to 5” pie sale supporting library programming. Organized by Friends of the Library and Dillon Public Library, the event is planned for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., although organizers expect it could end earlier if pies sell out. Pie will cost $5 per slice or $25 for a whole pie, with coffee or bottled water included. Community members are invited to donate pies, which will be entered in a pie contest. Visitors can purchase a slice, vote for their favorite and spend time visiting at the library. Organizers are also calling Sept. 25 “Give Like Dolly Day,” recognizing Dolly Parton and the impact of her Imagination Library on families. Proceeds will go to Friends of the Library to support library programming. For questions about the sale or donating a pie, call Dillon Public Library at 406-683-4544.