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A Facebook Post from the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office letting residents know they will return to stage one in the area of south side of Hwy 43 from Alder Creek Road to MM62. You can see the full post below. Fire Update- 07/23/2021 The area located on the south side of Hwy 43 from Alder Creek Road to MM 62 is returning to STAGE ONE. This means residents will be able to return to their homes maintaining heightened awareness and knowing they may need to evacuate again if the situation changes. PLEASE NOTE: Homeowners from the highway into the Alder Creek community REMAIN in STAGE TWO. At this time, all other evacuations remain unchanged, and please know these areas are constantly being evaluated and updates will be released as soon as available. Keep informed. The success of this guideline requires the cooperation and assistance of informed residents. Stay tuned to the local media outlets for updates. Listen and ask questions when an emergency service representative contacts you.

Size: 7,262 Percent Completion: 48% Cause: Lightning Resources Assigned: • Total personnel: 252 • Engines: 18 • Helicopters: 2 • Hand crews: 1 type 2 initial attack crew and 2 type 2 crews. CURRENT STATUS: North of Otter Lake, crews conducted a small burn out operation to contain a section of concentrated heat. Crews will "mop-up" residual heat from the area today. Heavy machinery completed line construction today southwest of Hoodoo Pass and along Forest Service Trail 6410. The equipment will "walk out" of this section of the fire in the next couple of days. The remainder of the line into the West Fork Madison River will be completed by hand crews. These lines will serve as the basis for future burnout operations to contain the fire on the western flank. Crews are systematically conducting isolated burn-out operations in block sections within the Meridian Creek drainage. A helicopter has been assisting ground crews with bucket drops in this area where the fire has been active in heavy timber. Crews continue to "mop-up" residual heat along all flanks of the fire. WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: A RED FLAG WARNING is in effect today due to temperatures in the 80s with sunny conditions and relative humidity in the low teens. A drying trend begins today; low relative humidity readings are predicted to last several days. Overnight relative humidity recovery in the 40% range is expected , resulting in earlier and longer burn periods. Fuel moisture values are still unseasonably low, which may lead to burning in fuels (like sage, grass and younger lodgepole pine) that were unavailable to burn earlier in the week. With decreased cloud cover and higher temperatures, previously undetected pockets of heat will be exposed for crews to monitor and "mop-up." The fire is expected to grow in the drainage along Two Drink Springs; however, it will likely not move up the ridge in the next few days due to an avalanche chute in the area. Heavy fuels will continue to smolder, with crown runs unlikely. CLOSURES: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest official closure information can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices. The Forest will monitor and re-evaluate the closure area, shrinking the boundary as conditions become safe to do so. Fire-weakened trees are susceptible to winds and pose a threat to firefighters and the public. STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest will implement Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, effective at midnight tonight. All campfires and stove fires (including charcoal barbecues and grills) will be prohibited. These restrictions also affect smoking and the use of various internal combustion engines.

First Annual Territorial Rodeo Days in Dillon, MT. July 22nd – 25 th . Where the Legends meet the Rising Stars! Four days of rodeo including PSRA Sr. Pro Rodeos, Open Rodeos, Montana Junior Rough Stock Mini Broncs & Bulls and the Ramblin; Rose Drill Team Performances! The fun starts at 5 pm and the Rodeos at 6 pm. Sr. Pro all four days, Open Rodeo and Mini’s on Friday & Saturday. We will also feature the Ladies Triathlon… breakaway a calf, run the barrel pattern and tie a goat for ladies under 59, or strip the ribbon off the goat for 60 and over. And don’t miss the Buddy Barrel Race! One guy (or very brave gal) stands on a barrel in the middle of the arena… the “Buddy” runs in, picks them up and the fastest team across the finish line wins! Only in Dillon on Friday & Saturday night! And a “must see” is World’s First THE FLAMINGO RACE! Anyone can enter – no experience required! Enter to see if you have what it takes to be the World Champion Flamingo Racer! Anyone can enter the Open Rodeo, it’s Open to the World, no card needed, enter up. We will have some fun! You must be a card holder to enter the Senior Pro Rodeo. Sr. Pro contestants can enter the Open Rodeo but it will be chute drawn stock. PSRA contestants that draw up in the performance will have PSRA Stock. Now pay attention here – The PSRA Rodeos are qualifiers for the PSRA National Finals. You can get all five of the rodeos required to go to the Finals October 6 th – 9 th in Panguitch, Utah. Buy your card, rodeo in Dillon and go to the Finals! For more information and to enter, go to https://proseniorrodeoassoc.org/home . On Friday and Saturday night the Montana Junior Rough Stock Assn. will hold their State Finals right here at the Territorial Rodeo. The youngsters here will qualify for Junior Rough Stock World Finals 2021, December 1-6, in Las Vegas, Nevada. https://m.facebook.com/406Rodeo/?ref=bookmarks and https://juniorroughstockworld.com/ Dance, Dance, Dance on Saturday night after the rodeo as the Frontier Center is bringing in Sam Platts and the Plainsmen for a concert at the Frontier Center in downtown Dillon. This five-piece, honky tonk swing band is sure to get you out of your seats! https://www.samplatts.com/ In addition to the great Rodeo action there will be more attractions during the Dillon History Days; Mechanical Bull Riding Competition - Barbeque Cook Off - Dutch Oven Cook Off - Old Fashioned Baseball - Horseshoe Tournament - Cowboy Poetry - Tours of historic buildings and houses will be conducted throughout the area. For tickets contact: Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture at 406-683-5511, info@beaverheadchamber.org. Or Claudia Terrill at 406-660-1973, claudia@406red.com

The University of Montana Western was recently ranked as one of the "Best Affordable Early Childhood Education Programs" in the nation by Universityhq.org. University Headquarters is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that offers an all-in-one source for information on colleges, entrance requirements and career paths. According to Univeristy HQ, “An early childhood education degree becomes affordable when the graduate is able to start a career in their chosen field and not spend too long under the burden of their college debt. In the case of ECE, graduates are sure to find an expanding array of opportunities in our current climate.” When seeking an affordable early childhood education college degree, there are more factors in play than just cost. Other factors can include the overall reputation and quality of education, whether the classes are online or in classrooms, and the academic focus of the program. When making this rankings list, University HQ considered retention rate, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, graduating salary, and cost of tuition. The University of Montana Western ranked 56th on the national list and was the only Montana university to be featured. UMW offers in-state tuition of $5,747 and an out-of-state tuition of $17,209, with tuition discount opportunities for Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) students. To view the full list, visit universityhq.org. The fields of academic study at Montana Western include Biology, Business and Technology, Environmental Sciences, Education, English, Equine Studies, Health and Human Performance, Fine Arts, Mathematics, and History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences. Students at the University of Montana Western enjoy a tight-knit community atmosphere and small class sizes where they work closely with peers and professors alike. Montana Western focuses on serving students, achieving academic excellence, and promoting experiential education. The 20-acre campus is an excellent choice for students to take advantage of the immersive learning opportunities offered by the Experience One program, where they can build on critical and creative thinking skills to prepare for real-world job and graduate school opportunities. For more information about Experience One and the University of Montana Western, or to schedule a visit, call 877-683-7331 or visit www.umwestern.edu.

Size: 946 Acres Incident Commander: Type 3 Team Planned Actions Prep the road from the Selway Creek drainage to the north. Scout for containment opportunities between Selway Creek and Skinner Meadows on the north end of the fire. Projected Incident Activity 12 hours: Moderate fire growth due to fire area precipitation; 24 hours: Minimal fire growth due to recent precipitation, 48 hours: May see fire growth to the north and east due to predicted strong winds. 72 hours: Continued fire growth to the north & east, potential for spotting as fuels dry out. Remarks Recent precipitation has slowed fire growth and lessened fire activity. Weather Concerns: Isolated showers and thunderstorms are likely over the fire area through Thursday 7/22. Fuels will then begin to dry out as clear skies and hot temperatures return.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021 COMMISSIONERS’ ROOM – COURTHOUSE DILLON, MT AGENDA **AS OF 12:00 A.M. SATURDAY, JULY 24, 2021 BEAVERHEAD COUNTY IS UNDER STAGE TWO FIRE RESTRICTIONS**

Beaverhead County is entering stage 2 fire restrictions on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 12 AM. Stage 2 restrictions are as follows: Stage II: No Fires ANYWHERE, This, includes no recreational campfires in your yards, no smoking unless within an enclosed vehicle, building, developed recreation site, or area 3 feet in diameter cleared of all flammable materials, no operating any internal combustion engine prohibited from 1 PM to 1 AM daily, no welding of operating acetylene or other torch with open flame prohibited from 1 PM to 1 AM daily, no operating motorized off designated roads and trails prohibited. *Land within city boundaries is exempt **a patrol is required for 2 hours following cessation of all activities as identified above. VIOLATIONS: You could be fined up to $5,000 individually or $10,000 for an organization and imprisonment up to 6 months for violating restrictions and closures. You can be held liable for all suppression and damages if you start a fire. STAGE II The following acts are prohibited until further notice: 1. Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire. 2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 3. The following acts are prohibited from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.: a. Operating any internal combustion engine. b. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame. c. Using an explosive. A one-hour foot patrol in the work area is required following cessation of all activities as identified in #3 above. 4. Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails. Exemptions: Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act. Persons using a device fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device. Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the generator. Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails. Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads as per attached conditions. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty. All land within a city boundary is exempted. Other exemptions unique to each agency/tribe. Violations: You could be fined up to $5,000 individually or $10,000 for an organization and imprisonment up to 6 months for violating restrictions and closures. You can be held liable for all suppression costs and damages if you start a fire.

Alder Creek Current Size: 6,298 Acres Current Containment: 3% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 303 Engines: 16 Hand crews: 6 Alder Creek Fire: The fire continued slow growth yesterday toward Hwy 43 and the Pioneer Scenic Byway corridors. Crews remain focused on stopping the main fire by using tactical fire to remove burnable fuels, but rain has slowed firing operations. Crews will continue to improve containment lines and protect structures today in preparation of dryer and warmer conditions arriving tomorrow. Trail Creek Current Size: 24,143 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 147 Engines: 4 Hand Crews: 4 Trail Creek Fire: The fire continued to push slowly east along the Hwy 43 corridor. Strategic firing at the Big Hole National Battlefield protected adjacent private structures and the Visitor Center. Firefighters will continue holding lines and working hotspots. South of Hwy 43, the plan is to hold the fire on Butler Creek where it intersects with Foothills Rd. Along the Continental Divide, crews are focusing suppression efforts to keep the fire out of the Salmon-Challis NF and protect the community of Gibbonsville, by improving existing fuel breaks along the western fire perimeter. Christensen Current Size: 214 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: 1 Total personnel: 1 Christensen Fire: Fire is backing into Toomey Creek drainage. No structures are threatened at this time. Firefighters are identifying control lines using old roads and natural features such as creeks and old fire scars. WEATHER: Isolated thunderstorms are possible today - mainly south and east of the Alder Creek fire. A drying trend begins later today with breezy westerly winds behind a cold front. This could lead to a brief period of critical fire weather conditions. Drier and breezy conditions are expected Friday with no chance of precipitation. A Fire Watch has been issued for Friday starting at noon. Temp: Max 80F; Humidity: 20-25% Wind: WNW 10-20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph in the afternoon. MAJOR CLOSURES: • Hwy 43 has been intermittently opened and closed depending on fire conditions. Please check the Montana DOT Road Report website: MDT.MT.gov/travinfomobile for current status. • Continental Divide Trail: Closed from Montana/Idaho border NW to Chief Joseph Pass and NE to Trail 3062. • Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. North and South Van Houten, Miner Lakes, Twin Lakes and May Creek Campgrounds are closed. • Forest Closure orders are in effect for all three fires. Visit the Closure Section on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF and Salmon-Challis NF websites for specifics. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest issued a revised closure order on July 19, 2021, to include additional campgrounds, trails, and recreation areas. Please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ for more details.

Size: 7,262 Percent Completion: 42% Cause: Lightning Resources Assigned: • Total personnel: 267 • Engines: 18 • Helicopters: 2 • Hand crews: 1 type 1 hot shot crews, 1 type 2 initial attack crew and 2 type 2 crews. CURRENT STATUS: North of Otter Lake, crews will prep line and conduct a small burn out operation (if fuels and weather conditions are right) along the rim to contain a section of concentrated heat. Heavy machinery plans to complete line construction today southwest of Hoodoo Pass and along Forest Service Trail 6410, northbound. The remainder of the line into the West Fork Madison River will be completed by hand crews. These lines will serve as the basis for future burnout operations to contain the fire on the western flank. Crews continue to "mop-up" residual heat along the north, east and south sides of the fire. Crews are systematically conducting isolated burn-out operations in block sections within the Meridian Creek drainage. A helicopter will assist ground crews with bucket drops in this area, where the fire has been active in heavy timber. WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: The fire received 0.2 inches of precipitation yesterday afternoon. Weather stations tracking additional amounts overnight were down for unknown reasons. A cold front will approach the fire area today, bringing stronger winds and afternoon thunderstorms. Erratic wind gusts could reach up to 50 mph. A Fire Weather Watch will be in effect tomorrow. Drier air will move in behind this front, with higher temperatures and relative humidity in the low teens. Although the fire received measurable precipitation last night, fuel moisture values are still unseasonably low. Minimal fire activity is expected today, with a burn period of 2-3 hours. Most activity will occur around noon with some torching in the heavy timber. With sunny skies and lower relative humidity starting Friday, grass and sage fuels may become more available to burn. Heavy fuels will continue to smolder, with isolated torching and short crown runs possible. CLOSURES: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest official closure information can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices. The Forest will monitor and re-evaluate the closure area, shrinking the boundary as conditions become safe to do so. Fire-weakened trees are susceptible to winds and pose a threat to firefighters and the public. STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is currently in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. These fire restrictions will tighten on Saturday morning, as the Forest implements Stage 2. All campfires and stove fires (including charcoal barbecues and grills) will be prohibited. These restrictions also affect smoking and the use of internal combustion engines.

The weekend is upon us and well there are a lot of things happening around Southwestern Montana. History days, rodeos, art walks, and concerts. There is a little something for everyone, enjoy your weekend. Thursday, July 22 1st Annual Dillon Territorial Rodeo Four days of rodeo including PSRA Sr. Pro Rodeos, Open Rodeos, Montana Junior Rough Stock Mini Broncs & Bulls and the Ramblin' Rose Drill Team Performances! The fun starts at 5 pm and the Rodeos at 6 pm. Sr. Pro all four days, Open Rodeo and Mini’s on Friday & Saturday. KITCHEN CLEANUP Volunteers are needed from 2pm-5pm to clean the kitchen at the Dillon Elks Lodge. Dinner will be provided for the kitchen cleanup crew after 5 p.m. Please contact the Lodge at 683-5552 to sign up. Thanks Sheridan Street Bazaar The Sheridan Street Bazaar is held every Thursday in the summer, in fabulous small town-downtown Sheridan, Montana. The Street Bazaar celebrates in conjunction with the Ruby Valley Brew's Cruise-in events. Boasting genuine Montanan summer fun! Vending Music on Main - Butte We will be hanging out every Thursday at the 5518 booth one block up from the store on main Street. Come get our custom Long Live the M&M design, (100% of proceeds going to M&M rebuild effort) new releases and other goodies while listening to some great music with your buddies. See you there Butte! Friday, July 23 Dillon History Days 2nd Annual Dillon History Days "The Changing West" 1900 to 1930 July 23-25, 2021 You are invited to be apart of this fun community event! If your business or group would like to organize and run an event during any or all of the three days, let us know what and when so we can help promote your activity. We are also accepting donated items for door prizes and raffles. Cash donations help cover expenses are appreciated as well. Please make check payable to the City of Dillon, memo line DHD. Sidewalk Sales Craft/Vendors Silent Movie Book Signing Teddy Bear Picnic Live Music Car Show BBQ Cook-Off Community Worship Service Hosted by City Of Dillon Community Affairs Committee Teddy Bear Picnic A Teddy Bear Picnic, hosted by Marie Habener, with help from the Girl Scouts will be held in conjunction with Dillon's 2nd annual History Days. This will be a fun event. The first Teddy Bear was created in the early 1900's and named for President Theodore Roosevelt. There will be stories and light Teddy Bear themed refreshments. This program is sponsored by The Bookstore. Beaverhead Little League State Championships. First game is Friday at 3:30 PM come down to vigilante park and cheer on the Little League Team as they compete to take home the state championships. We will Livestream Fridays game. Down Town Dillon Art Walk starts at 5 PM list of businesses are as follows: Birkenbuel Brands Emporium 406 Southwest Montana News The Andrus Hotel Tendoy Fine Arts The Bookstore Rattlesnake Creek Alpacas High Country Glass The Daily Yarn Britt's Bake Shop Atomic 79 3D Pioneer Furniture Susie's Sweetwater Coffee The Gallery (NEEDS ARTIST) Wildwood Floral VIRGINIA CITY ART SHOW AND QUICK DRAW Welcome to the 45th Annual Virgiinia City Art Show and Quick Draw Event! Stroll along the boardwalks and enjoy fine art of artists from all over Montana and the Pacific Northwest. Artists will be on the boardwalk and in the Community Center Building on the corner of Idaho & Van Buren Streets on Friday from 10am-6pm, Saturday from 10am-7pm, Sunday from 10am-4pm. If you're an artist who is interested in being in the art show, please submit photos of your work to vcartshow@gmail.com. This is a juried show. You may download the 2021 application from the website and mail in with your check - you may also send an email with a link to your website for the jurors to review. Quick Draw event will be happening again this year, Saturday, July 24th at 7pm Elk's Lodge. Start Time - 10:00 AM End Time - 6:00 AM 2021 TBCA Floating Floatilla starts at 5 PM TBCA and sponsors are back with our fun filled weekend! 1st Annual Dillon Territorial Rodeo Four days of rodeo including PSRA Sr. Pro Rodeos, Open Rodeos, Montana Junior Rough Stock Mini Broncs & Bulls and the Ramblin' Rose Drill Team Performances! The fun starts at 5 pm and the Rodeos at 6 pm. Sr. Pro all four days, Open Rodeo and Mini’s on Friday & Saturday. Dalton Lemburg Live @ The Den 6 PM Enjoy music on the Patio at the Den with Dalton Lemburg! Dusk at disco! Come down for some music!! Sam Platts and the Plainsmen. Forager's Dilemma This talk will cover plant identification techniques to help beginners and experts alike to distinguish between different plant species. We will discuss habitat and foraging ethics. Whether it’s foraging with a gun or a basket, we will cover meat, vegetables, fruits and berries as well as mushroom foraging. Wild edible plants can be a get way to augment your dietary intake with free range organic delicacy. Some of these treats are not found in most grocery stores, and the ones that can be are often healthier than store bought varieties. This is the ninth presentation in Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park’s annual Friday Summer Speakers Series, which introduces a new speaker each Friday at 8 p.m. throughout the summer. About the speaker: Sam Zeller was born in Helena Montana and went to the University of Montana for parks, tourism and recreation management. He is a tour guide at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. Sam enjoys exploring and eating his way through our plants beautiful habitats. Levi Blom In Concert Live music in front of Macs Last Cast from 9 PM to Midnight. Saturday, July 24 Dillon History Days 2nd Annual Dillon History Days "The Changing West" 1900 to 1930 July 23-25, 2021 You are invited to be apart of this fun community event! If your business or group would like to organize and run an event during any or all of the three days, let us know what and when so we can help promote your activity. We are also accepting donated items for door prizes and raffles. Cash donations help cover expenses are appreciated as well. Please make check payable to the City of Dillon, memo line DHD. Sidewalk Sales Craft/Vendors Silent Movie Book Signing Teddy Bear Picnic Live Music Car Show BBQ Cook-Off Community Worship Service Hosted by City Of Dillon Community Affairs Committee Dillon History days car show Bring your vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles out and join us for a car show Saturday July 24th, registration starts at 10am in the Wells Fargo parking lot across the street from 20 N. Montana st. Contact Stacy at the city of Dillon 1-406-683-4245 or John at 1-406-683-3681 (these are day numbers) Montana Murders -- Brian D'Ambrosio Book Signing 11 AM Author's Brian D'Ambrosio and Steve Morehouse will be featured at the Bookstore during Dillon's 2nd Annual History days. Brian will be signing copies of his books, Montana Murders, Warrior in the Ring, Montana Entertainers and Shot in Montana. Steve will be signing copies of his book, Images of America Beaverhead County. He will also be doing a Lewis and Clark living history presentation throughout the day. Dan Henry at The Bale of Hay Saloon Dan Henry takes the stage at the Bale of Hay Saloon in Historic Virginia City, Montana July 24th from 4-8pm. Hit the open road and make your way to this small town with a whole lot of fun times and memories to offer. Eat some good food, stop at the candy store, then settle in at the Bale of Hay Saloon for a few ice cold beer and the live music of Dan Henry and his One Man Band Summer Street Party Starts at 5 PM Music - Food - Cornhole Tournament Come have some fun and enjoy the great weather with us!! STREET DANCE - DILLON HISTORY DAYS 7p.m. to Close Street Dance in front of the Elks Lodge to celebrate Dillon History Days. Territorial Open & Sr. Rodeo - Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night Four days of rodeo including PSRA Sr. Pro Rodeos, Open Rodeos, Montana Junior Rough Stock Mini Broncs & Bulls and the Ramblin' Rose Drill Team Performances! The fun starts at 5 pm and the Rodeos at 6 pm. Sr. Pro all four days, Open Rodeo, and Mini’s on Friday & Saturday. The Benny Reynolds Memorial Buckle will be presented to the High Point Cowgirl and Cowboy for the five Sr. Pro Rodeos. Participation in these five rodeos qualifies contestants for the PSRA National Finals in October! PSRA Entry Fees: $50.00 plus PSRA charge of $23.00. PSRA CARD REQUIRED prior to entry. Or you can enter three rodeo's on a permit of $25 per day. Contact Angela Bowden - PSRA Secretary for Membership Information. (208) 296-0985 PSRA Entries open July 6th & July 7th PSRA Central Entry: Jessica Miller phone 801-380-4565 Online entry link: https://forms.gle/jjzMScupBWMAaw5S7 Secretary: Lacie DeMers 406-490-7767 See Guidelines for late entries and membership requirements. Open Rodeo Entry Fees: $65.00 (30% Stock Charge) NO CARD REQUIRED. Entries will be on: July 6th & July 7th OPEN Central Entry: Call Lacie DeMers 406-490-7767 Call Backs: July 8th, 2021 4 PM - 8 PM Slack will be held at 11 am, if needed, on the 23rd and 24th. Jr Rough Stock Entries: Contact Lacie DeMers 406-490-7767 Flamingo Racers - Nightly prizes & Trophy Buckle to Overall Champion $30 entry fee. Call the Chamber to enter at 406-683-5511. ADDED MONEY 7/23 & 7/24 only. PSRA Bareback, Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc & Steer Wrestling - $100.00 each event plus $50.00 per each contestant (max $300/event). Open is $100.00 Added, No ground money. Tie Down (Open, 40-50, 50-60, 60+, 68+) $50.00 each division Team Roping (Open, 40-50, 50-60, 60+) $100.00 each division Ribbon Roping (40-50, 50-60, 60+) $100.00 per age group Ladies Barrels (Open, 40-50, 50-60, 60+, 68+) $50.00 each age group PSRA Ladies Breakaway $50.00 Open Ladies Breakaway $50.00 PSRA Mens Breakaway $50.00 Ladies Rodeo Triathlon $50 Buddy Barrel Pickup $50 Flamingo Race - Nightly prizes & Trophy Buckle to Overall Champion $30 entry fee. Call the Chamber to enter at 406-683-5511. Sunday, July 25 Josh Scott AZ @ The Bale of Hay Saloon Starts at 7 PM Country music by Josh Scott AZ Dillon History Days 2nd Annual Dillon History Days "The Changing West" 1900 to 1930 July 23-25, 2021 You are invited to be apart of this fun community event! If your business or group would like to organize and run an event during any or all of the three days, let us know what and when so we can help promote your activity. We are also accepting donated items for door prizes and raffles. Cash donations help cover expenses are appreciated as well. Please make check payable to the City of Dillon, memo line DHD. Sidewalk Sales Craft/Vendors Silent Movie Book Signing Teddy Bear Picnic Live Music Car Show BBQ Cook-Off Community Worship Service Hosted by City Of Dillon Community Affairs Committee

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced a new process for Montana employers to notify the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) if an unemployment insurance (UI) claimant fails to appear for a scheduled interview. “We’ve recently heard from employers across the state with a common complaint: candidates for open positions submit applications and schedule interviews, only to skip out on it,” Governor Gianforte said. “This new process established by Commissioner Esau will cut down on wasted time for Montana small businesses and ensure UI claimants are adhering to program rules.” Montana law requires UI claimants to make an active, good-faith effort to secure employment every week benefits are claimed. Scheduling an interview to complete a weekly work search requirement, but then failing to appear for that interview, may violate UI program rules. DLI Commissioner Laurie Esau added, “Some restaurants have said they scheduled half a dozen interviews or more on a given day, and had only a single applicant actually show up – if any at all. To be sure, there are plenty of legitimate reasons why an applicant misses an interview. Many of the individuals who skip out on an interview may not even be UI claimants at all. But if a UI claimant is scheduling an interview to complete his or her work search requirements, and then fails to make a good-faith effort to appear and obtain a job offer, that may impact his or her eligibility for UI benefits going forward.” Employers who submit information about declined or missed interviews may be contacted by fraud investigators for more information. However, the outcome of the audit will remain between the claimant and the department. UI claimants are encouraged to consult the Claimant Handbook to ensure they remain in compliance with work search requirements. If an individual is receiving UI benefits and then refuses an official offer of work, it may impact their ability to continue receiving benefits. In these cases, employers are encouraged to notify UI and complete the Refusal of Work Report form and return it to uieservices@mt.gov or log on to UI eServices for Employers and attach it to a secure web message.

Current Size: 946 Acres (Infrared flight on 7/20/21) Current Containment: 0% Location: 13 miles south of Jackson, MT Start Date: July 17, 2021 Cause: Lightning Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 33 Engines: 2 Hand crews: 1 Heavy equipment: 1 CURRENT STATUS: The fire increased by 81 acres since Sunday to a total of 946. Rain and cooler temperatures over the fire area on Monday and Tuesday slowed its growth. Fire activity consisted of smoking and smoldering in larger fuels. Warmer weather is expected to return later this week resulting in increased fire activity. PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR TODAY Heavy equipment (masticator) will begin removing smaller trees along the Selway Creek road to improve holding lines. Engine personnel and firefighters will begin removing trees along the Skinner Meadows road to improve holding lines.

Alder Creek Fire Current Size: 5,676 Acres Current Containment: 3% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 308 Engines: 16 Hand crews: 6 Alder Creek Fire: The fire experienced minimal growth yesterday, slowly moving towards the Hwy 43 and Pioneer Scenic Byway corridors. Crews focused on stopping the main fire by using tactical fire to remove burnable fuels, but rain has slowed firing operations. Fire engines and hand crews continue to hold and improve containment lines and protect structures today. Fire growth is expected to be slower today, however potential high winds accompanying thunderstorms may increase fire spread. Trail Creek Fire Current Size: 23,875 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 126 Engines: 4 Hand Crews: 3 Trail Creek Fire: The fire grew minimally yesterday, continuing to push slowly east along the Hwy 43 corridor. Strategic firing at the Big Hole National Battlefield protected adjacent private structures and the Visitor Center. Firefighters will continue holding lines and working hotspots. South of Hwy 43, the plan is to hold the fire on Butler Creek where it intersects with Foothills Rd. Firefighters are working to stop the fire from spreading to the Continental Divide. Fire growth is expected to be slower today, however potential high winds accompanying thunderstorms may increase fire spread. Christensen Fire Current Size: 210 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: 1 Total personnel: 1 Engines: Hand Crews: Christensen Fire: Currently the fire is at 210 acres and is located approximately six miles west of the Alder Creek Fire. No structures are threatened at this time. A Branch Director has been assigned and is identifying primary and alternative control lines. WEATHER: All three fires received rain yesterday. The potential for thunderstorms and high winds are possible again this afternoon and evening and should hold moisture. Temp: Max 80F; Humidity: 20-25% Wind: SW 10-20 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph in the afternoon. MAJOR CLOSURES: • Hwy 43 has been intermittently opened and closed depending on fire conditions. Please check the Montana DOT Road Report website: MDT.MT.gov/travinfomobile for current status. • Continental Divide Trail: Closed from Montana/Idaho border NW to Chief Joseph Pass and NE to Trail 3062. • Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. North and South Van Houten, Miner Lakes, Twin Lakes and May Creek Campgrounds are closed. • Forest Closure orders are in effect for all three fires. Visit the Closure Section on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF and Salmon-Challis NF websites for specifics. STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The Forest ordered Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Campfires, stove fires, charcoal barbecues and grills are prohibited unless using permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed recreation sites.

Size: 7,247 (IR mapping) Percent Completion: 34% Resources Assigned: • Total personnel: 261 • Engines: 18 • Helicopters: 2 • Hand crews: 2 type 1 hot shot crews, 1 type 2 initial attack crew and 2 type 2 crews CURRENT STATUS: An overnight infrared flight mapped the fire at 7,247 acres. In the northeast, crews constructed additional line for a potential burn-out operation today that aims to contain a small section of concentrated heat. Crews continue to look for additional opportunities for line construction southwest of Hoodoo Pass and along Forest Service Trail 6410 north into the West Fork Madison River. These lines will serve as the basis for future burnout operations to contain the fire on the western flank. Crews "mopped-up" residual heat along the north, east and south sides of the fire, increasing completion of objectives to 34% yesterday. Helicopters assisted with bucket drops in the north, where the fire was active in heavy timber. Crews also searched for spot fires, "gridding" (systematically covering an area) in unburned fuels in the north and found no heat in the areas outside of the fire perimeter. Crews will continue the mop-up operation today, aiming to increase the depth of the "cold black" inward from the constructed lines. Extensive mop-up is necessary in areas with thick duff and ground fuels that tend to hold residual heat over time. WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: The fire received minimal precipitation from yesterday's thunderstorms. Lightning ground strikes were spotted near the fire area. Early morning conditions at the fire area included fog and heavy dew. Today's temperatures are expected in the high 70s with clear skies this morning and a slight chance of scattered showers in the afternoon. Wind gusts could reach up to 25 mph, and relative humidity is expected to remain in the mid 20s. Tomorrow will bring unsettled weather as a cold front, with winds gusting 30+ mph and minimum relative humidity in the low teens, approaches the area. Good overnight recovery of relative humidity levels will delay more active fire behavior until the afternoon hours. With sunny skies and lower relative humidity in the coming days, grass and sage fuels may become more available to burn. Heavy fuels will continue to smolder, with isolated torching and short crown runs possible. CLOSURES: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest official closure information can be found here: STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is currently in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. These fire restrictions will tighten on Saturday morning, as the Forest implements Stage 2. All campfires and stove fires (including charcoal barbecues and grills) will be prohibited. These restrictions also affect smoking and the use of internal combustion engines. Current restrictions information can be found at www.mtfireinfo.org. SAFETY & NOTIFICATIONS: There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire, in effect from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily. Wildfires are a NO DRONE ZONE. If you fly, we can't. Flying a drone near a wildfire can shut down all air operations.

Several angling restrictions on rivers in southwest, north-central and south-central Montana go into effect today due to warming temperatures and low flows. The restrictions include what are commonly known as “hoot owl” restrictions, which means fishing is closed from 2 p.m. to midnight each day. Some waters are under full fishing closures, which prohibit fishing at all times of day. These closures and restrictions will stay in effect until conditions improve. The following closure went into effect today: A full fishing closure for portions of the Shields River from the confluence with Yellowstone River to USFS Crandal Creek Bridge. These closures go into effect, Wednesday, July 21, at 12:01 a.m.: A full fishing closure for portions of the Big Hole River from the confluence with the Beaverhead River to Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site. A full fishing closure for portions of the Gallatin River from the mouth to Hwy 84 Crossing. A full fishing closure for the entire Jefferson River. These restrictions go into effect, Wednesday, July 21, at 2 p.m.: Hoot owl restrictions for the entire reach of the Madison River from the mouth to the boundary with Yellowstone National Park. Hoot owl restrictions for portions of the Beaverhead River from the mouth to State Highway 91 South. Hoot owl restrictions for portions of the Missouri River from Town of Cascade Boat Ramp to Holter Dam. Hoot owl restrictions for portions of the Stillwater River from the confluence with Yellowstone River to Absaroka Fishing Access Site. Hoot owl restrictions for portions of the Yellowstone River Hwy 212 Bridge in Laurel to Yellowstone National Park boundary. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ drought policy provides for angling closures when flows drop below critical levels for fish, when water quality is diminished, or when maximum daily water temperatures reach at least 73 degrees for three consecutive days. Warm and dry conditions are expected to continue during the coming weeks. Angling restrictions are implemented based on several considerations: stream flow, water temperatures, angling pressure and other angling restrictions in the area that may divert use to waterways where circumstances are increasing stress on the fishery. When conditions are stressful for fish, disease outbreaks and fish kills are to be expected. The public should report any unusual sightings of dead or diseased fish to their local FWP office. Under normal conditions, fish can fight off infections. However, under the stress of high temperatures and low flows, they are more susceptible to these diseases. Anglers can help reduce stress for fish by following these practices when catching and releasing fish, though fish mortality may still occur: Fish during the coolest times of day, where permitted. Land the fish quickly. Keep the fish in water as much as possible. Remove the hook gently. Using artificial lures with single and barbless hooks can make hook removal faster and easier. Let the fish recover before releasing it. Before you go fishing, please be aware of the conditions. Numerous other rivers in Montana are also under fishing restrictions. For a full list, visit FWP’s website: https://fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions. If you’re looking for angling opportunities, many ponds, lakes and reservoirs in Montana provide good mid-summer angling options. For more information go online to fwp.mt.gov. Streams at higher elevations that don’t experience higher temperatures are another good option.

Friday, July 23rd there will be a Teddy Bear Picnic at 2:00 pm in Jaycee Park. This event is free and will by hosted by retired Dillon Librarian, Marie Habener, with help from the Girl Scouts. The picnic will be held in conjunction with Dillon's 2nd annual History Days. This will be a fun event. The first Teddy Bear was created in the early 1900's and named for President Theodore Roosevelt. There will be stories and light Teddy Bear themed refreshments. This program is sponsored by The Bookstore. Please call 683-6807 if you have questions.

Following requests from Governor Greg Gianforte, U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester, and U.S. Representative Matt Rosendale, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) authorized the use of some Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres for emergency haying and grazing. “With extremely dry conditions persisting across the state, Montana ranchers are in dire need of forage for their herds,” Gov. Gianforte said. “USDA’s decision to allow for emergency haying and grazing on some CRP acres will greatly benefit our farmers and ranchers, and I urge them to go a step further and open up all of Montana’s participating CRP acreage to Montana ag producers.” Following his disaster declaration on July 1, Gov. Gianforte urged USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to declare all counties throughout the state of Montana as primary natural disaster areas and allow for emergency haying and grazing on all of Montana’s participating CRP acreage. In the last month, Sens. Daines and Tester and Rep. Rosendale also called on USDA to open CRP for emergency haying and grazing. Sen. Daines and Rep. Rosendale also joined the governor in requesting drought relief for all Montana counties.

The fire is currently at 141 acres and burning six miles west of the Alder Creek Fire. No structures are threatened at this time. They have assigned a Branch Chief to this fire. We will update you with more information on this fire as it becomes available.

Alder Creek Current Size: 5,674 Acres Current Containment: 3% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 296 Engines: 16 Hand crews: 2 Alder Creek Fire: The fire experienced minimal growth yesterday, slowly moving towards the Hwy 43 and Pioneer Scenic Byway corridors. Crews focused on stopping the main fire by using tactical fire to remove burnable fuels, but rain has slowed firing operations. Fire engines and hand crews continue to hold and improve containment lines and protect structures today. Fire growth today is expected to be slower due to wetting rain. See Update Below Trail Creek Current Size: 23,090 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 147 Engines: 4 Hand Crews: 3 Trail Creek Fire: The fire grew minimally yesterday, continuing to push slowly east along the Hwy 43 corridor. Thanks to strategic firing in past days, the Big Hole National Battlefield and adjacent private structures suffered no damage. The plan is to continue with holding lines and working hotspots. South of Hwy 43, the plan is to hold the fire on Butler Creek where it intersects with Foothills Rd. A Hotshot crew is working to arrest the fire spread before it reaches the Continental Divide. Fire growth is expected to be slow today due to wetting rain. WEATHER: Both fires received rain yesterday. The potential for thunderstorms and high winds are possible this afternoon and evening, and should hold moisture. Temp: Max 78F; Humidity: 30‐50% Wind: SW 10‐15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph in the afternoon. MAJOR CLOSURES: • Hwy 43 has been intermittently opened and closed depending on fire conditions. Please check the Montana DOT website: Road Report MDT.MT.gov/travinfomobile for current status. • Continental Divide Trail: Closed from Montana/Idaho Boarder NW to Chief Joseph Pass and NE to Trail 3062. • Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. North and South Van Houten, Miner Lakes, Twin Lakes and May Creek Campgrounds are closed. • Forest Closure orders are in effect for all three fires. Visit the Closure Section on the Beaverhead‐Deerlodge NF and Salmon‐Challis NF websites for specifics. STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The Forest moved into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Campfires, stove fires, charcoal barbecues and grills are prohibited unless using permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed recreation sites.