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  • Beaverhead Little League All-Stars Head To Butte For Weekend Tournament

    The Beaverhead Little League all-star teams will be packing up their cleats and heading to Butte for a weekend tournament. We would like to thank Andy Bartlome for a quick write up and some statistics on the last game. If you are in Butte this weekend stop by and help cheer on the teams. Beaverhead Little League 9-11 All Star Team: Manager: Paul Lovaas Coaches: Jeff Feenstra and Joe Curnow Players: Noah Feenstra, Logan Fox, Godon Broeder, Phineas Fitch, Aiden Ferguson, Breyden Vrooman, Landen Lovaas, Brody Curnow, Gage Curnow, Jaxon Nagle, Colter Evans, Knox Peacock, Kolton Davis Beaverhead Little League All Star Team: Manager: Andy Bartlome Coaches: Donnie Engelhardt and Bert Paulsen Players: Andrew Bartlome, Ben Peacock, Brandt Nelson, Chase Hutchinson, Kyler Engelhardt, Cole Freitas, Garrett Tackett, Levi Stonebraker, Benjamin Plovanic, Steven Lubinski, Sawyer Mills, Parker Mills, Athan Olivier The 9-11 team played 2 games in Pool play for seeding for this weekend's district tournament in Butte. In game 1 they lost a close one 9-6 to Mt. Jumbo/Westside of Missoula and then took it to Mt. Sentinel of Missoula in the next game 15-0 to secure the #2 seed this week. Beaverhead will open the district 2 tournament against Mt. Jumbo/Westside at 6:00PM Friday night at Father Sheehan Park. All 3 teams in this weekend's tournament will advance to the State level since the top 3 advance. The winner of the District 2 tournament in Butte will host State with the top 3 District 1 teams from the Billings area beginning July 23rd. The 11-12 team played 4 games in Missoula and came out with a record of 1 win and 3 losses. The team played really well defensively and the pitchers really helped keep us in the games. They are hoping that their bats come around for Districts in Butte this week where they open up play Friday afternoon @ 1:30 against the host Mile High team which they lost to 5-2 last weekend. The top team from the tournament this weekend will host the top team fromDistrict 1 July 30th for the chance to continue on in San Bernardino, CA for a chance to represent in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. Beaverhead Little League would like to thank all of the parents, sponsors, and volunteers that have helped make this season happen for the boys and girls. Without everyone's support we would not be able to make this happen for them.

  • Weekend Rundown

    The weekend is upon us and we have a busy weekend. Plenty going on across Southwestern Montana, please use caution if you are headed to the hills. Friday, July 16th 2nd Annual Madison Ultra Up/Down By definition, an Ultra is any race longer than 26.2 miles or 42 kilometers. Most Ultras are either nice round numbers such as 50K, 100K, 50 Miles, 100 Miles and even 24 hours, or they are a specific distance between two points, e.g. the Badwater Ultra is 135 miles which is the distance from the lowest point in Death Valley to the highest point (original route) at Mount Whitney in the contiguous United States. That's most Ultras - a nice round number or a specific distance between two unique and iconic spots on a map. Because Montana is so awesome and has so much fantastic public land (Thank you again, Teddy Roosevelt!), we are doubly blessed. We are doing both in one route and in two directions. One start/finish line is on the banks of the Madison River and one start/finish line is at Monument Ridge on top of the Gravelly Range. The Madison River is already famous among fly fishing aficionados. It's a blue ribbon trout stream. This means it's a fast flowing, cold water, not too deep, high elevation river with incredible rainbow, brown, and cut throat trout. People from around the world come to Southwest Montana for the sole purpose of casting a dry fly onto its waters. Monument Ridge is the highest point on the Gravelly Range Road. It is 9,587 feet above the oceans. When all the ups and downs are calculated, it's about 6,000 net vertical feet above the Madison River. Here's the cool part. The road distance between the banks of the Madison River and Monument Ridge? 50 kilometers. So you have a choice. A 50K uphill that starts on the cool, calming and tranquil waters of the Madison River and finishes at Monument Ridge, or a 50K downhill that starts at 9,587 feet and offers view sheds where you can see 100 miles on a clear day and finishes on the banks of the Madison River. How cool is that? Choose wisely. The route, obviously in either direction, is entirely on a decent quality gravel road. A regular car can travel on this road. In no way are these trail Ultras. There is basically no flat ground on the entire route. It's either leaning or crazily going uphill or downhill. If you're an Upper, there will be some downhill stretches, but not too many over the 50K. If you're a Downer the same thing holds in reverse. According to Garmin data collected from the Tour de Gravelly which covers the same route, the net gain/loss from the Madison River to Monument Ridge is 6,061 feet. That's a shitload of net gain/loss over 50K on a road. If you've never done an Ultra before, here's your chance. Sometimes you gotta say WTF. We've never been an RD for an Ultra and we’re saying WTF to two of 'em! Just those three words sound cool. They're even cooler sounding when you can add "and it had a 6,000 foot net loss on the route." Katabatic Brewery and Tim Rooney 5 Pm to 7 PM The Bale of Hay Saloon, Virginia City. Katabatic Brewery and Tim Rooney, pouring beers & playing music! LIVE MUSIC w/ Frank Keyes 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Willie's Distillery. We have tasty cocktails, a rustic atmosphere, and great music. What more can you ask for on a Friday night? Join us for live music by Frank Keyes. Willy James at Rocky's Roadhouse 6 to 9 PM Bring your family and friends on down to Rocky’s Roadhouse. Get some stellar food and listen to some Local Tunes Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts in the Ruby Valley 6 to 9 PM Join us for an outside show at the Star Bakery Restaurant. free Modern outlaw country from Denver, CO. Currently on tour promoting their album, Western Abyss. Nominated in the 2018 Ameripolitan Music Awards for “Best Outlaw Group.” Praised for their songwriting and known for their love of old country and blazing guitars. They’ve shared the stage with Dwight Yoakam, Blackberry Smoke, Shooter Jennings, The Marshall Tucker Band, Junior Brown and more Dalton Lemburg LIVE at The Peat Bar starts at 7 PM Check out The Peat Bar in Lima, MT for some live music and great food and drink at an awesome venue! Raptors of the Region starts at 8 Pm This presentation will cover general characteristics and behaviors of diurnal and nocturnal raptors of Montana. A closer examination of a few 'more common' species will be used to further one's observation and identification skills as well as your appreciation of birds of prey. Education materials from the Raptor Center will be used, and references for further study will be provided. This is the eighth 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. Speaker bio – Mary Maj: Montana State University provided my undergraduate and graduate education in Fish and Wildlife Management. The Forest Service provided 35 years of employment, serving as a district biologist, regional threatened, endangered and sensitive species biologist, and ending as a district ranger. Yellowstone National Park and the 6 National Forests of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem were the stage of my work, experiences and expertise. "I love birding, and the larger the bird, the more adept I was at identifying, surveying, monitoring and getting people to pay attention to them." Playing July 16th - 20th Silver Bow Drive In Side one: Space Jam: A New Legacy Rated PG Runtime 2 hr 0 min Side Two: Black Widow Rated PG-13 Runtime 2 hr 13 min Gates open at 8:30 pm. Shows start at dusk (about 9:30 pm) Tickets are $6 ages four and up. Ages three and under are free. Cash only Saturday, July 17th HORSE PRAIRIE FENCE PULL Join Montana BHA members for a boots-on-the-ground stewardship project to help improve pronghorn migration corridors and sage-grouse habitat in southwest Montana. We'll be removing a portion of a 3-mile stretch of woven fence along a BLM/private land boundary to allow for the construction of an entirely new, wildlife-friendly fence. This area is critical sage-grouse habitat and an important pronghorn migration corridor, meaning we'll be improving two huntable critters' habitat with these efforts. The project is a collaboration with private landowners, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Wildlife Federation and the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. Since BHA members are no strangers to getting away from roads, our task will be to focus on the more remote and difficult-to-access sections of the fence ranging from one to two miles from motorized routes. The West Cameahwait Group Use Area at Clark Canyon Reservoir (the meeting place) has been reserved for BHA volunteers to camp the nights of July 16th and 17th. Montana BHA will be providing dinner for folks Saturday night. Volunteers are welcome to arrive the morning of and not camp as well but need to be ready to go bright and early. All volunteers will meet at this campsite at 7:30am on the 17th. No running water is available. Volunteers will need to come prepared with at least 2 liters of drinking water for the workday, their own meals (besides dinner Saturday night), work gloves, sunglasses or safety glasses, and proper hiking boots. This is difficult work and mid July is likely to be hot and sunny out, so volunteers must be prepared. We'll be meeting at 7:30am to get an early start on the project with hopes of wrapping up in the early afternoon before the hottest part of the day. Due to the nature of the work, children and dogs are not allowed. Please RSVP or reach out to us with any questions: montana@backcountryhunters.org Choice Aviation Air Fair 2021 The Choice Aviation Air Fair is back! Come join us at the Ennis-Big Sky Airport for our free community event! Enjoy all things aviation including our FREE breakfast and FREE aircraft rides (ages 8-17)! See you July 17th at 7:00AM! Maverick Mountain 3-D Archery tournament Come join us for a fun filled weekend of 3-D archery at the Maverick Mountain Ski Area. See video below for more information. Bannack Days 2021 Bannack Days 2021 will be held at Bannack State Park, just minutes from Countryside, on July 17 & 18 this year. We still have a few spaces available if you want to join in on the fun! 26th Annual Madison River Run (a.k.a. Water to Whiskey 5K) The clock is ticking for a fantastic weekend of summer in Ennis, Montana. The 26th Annual Madison River Run, a.k.a. The Water to Whiskey 5K is on. We're good to go for Saturday, July 17 at 10:00 AM. Check in and race day signup is from 8:30 to 9:30 AM. Please signup online if you can to guarantee yourself a spot. For many years, the Madison River Run was a local fun run that generally attracted 50 to 60 runners from Madison County and the rest of Southwest Montana. It is still a local fun run and it still attracts runners from Southwest Montana, but this is just the beginning. We have a new cool tag line name - the Water to Whiskey 5K - to reflect the Greater Yellowstone Adventure Series (GYAS) collaboration with Willies Distillery. For this 26th running of the event, we will start on the waters of the Madison and finish as close as possible to the tasting room of Willies Distillery. We got runners from all across the country coming to this one. Here’s a chance to do a 5K, take part in a community event, and taste some of Montana’s finest spirits at Willies Distillery and also grab a burger at the G Bar in downtown Ennis. The rest of Main Street is open for business. After that, you can fly fish the Madison, one of the best blue ribbon trout streams in the USA or make a day trip to Yellowstone. Strollers, walkers, kids, and all are completely welcome. It’s a fantastic way to spend a weekend in Southwest Montana. Brewfest featuring Milton Menasco and the Big Fiasco The Brewfest starts at noon and goes until the kegs run dry! Milton Menasco and the Big Fiasco will play from 12:30 - 2:00 and from 3:30 - 5:00. Steve Rose & The Buffalo Nickel Band starts at 5 PM at The Star Bakery in Nevada city MT. Willy James at Pioneer Bar starts at 7 PM Come join the joy Willy will be performing from his 700+ originals and 6+ hours of renditions. Sunday, July 18th Maverick Mountain 3-D Archery tournament Come join us for a fun filled weekend of 3-D archery at the Maverick Mountain Ski Area. Bannack Days 2021 Bannack Days 2021 will be held at Bannack State Park, just minutes from Countryside, on July 17 & 18 this year. We still have a few spaces available if you want to join in on the fun! Afternoon Melodies @ The Star Restaurant with Willy James starts at 11 AM Bring the whole family and enjoy a afternoon of Music by yours truly! Fan Mountain Frog Dogs @ Burnt Tree Brewery This Sunday @ 5 pm at Burnt Tree Brewery, Main St Ennis. 5th Annual Tour de Gravelly Montana's newest and coolest gravel road cycling race. The net gain on this route is over 6,000 feet. That's one incredible uphill. The net drop is over 4,800 feet so after a huge uphill you get a white-knuckle downhill. Get ready for a cycling adventure of a lifetime. There are a choice of two routes for the Tour de Gravelly. These are ‘The Beast’ which is the original route of the first three years, and ‘The Animal’ which is about 20 miles shorter than the original but also goes up and over the Gravelly Range Road. Both races start at the same time and at the same place (6:30 AM at Lion’s Club Park in Ennis). Both races have the same finish line (Vigilante Station in the Ruby Valley). The routes are the same for the first 28 or so miles. The net elevation gain for The Beast is just over 6,000 feet. The net gain for The Animal is probably closer to 5,000 feet net gain though this has not yet been adequately measured nor has the total mileage – 35 miles is an estimate at this time. The Greater Yellowstone Adventure Series (GYAS) slogan lives up to its reputation with this race. It’s basically all uphill, and then there's one hell of a downhill. There will be water jugs at roughly five mile increments along the route. There will likely be huge gaps between yourself and other cyclists. There will be roving aid stations – volunteers in trucks – covering as much ground as possible, but we can’t be everywhere at the same time. If you’re the type of cyclists that needs a very defined and detailed agenda as well as support crews, this might not yet be the race for you. We’re just in year four and are still working things out. But if you want to join the fun and break some new ground with us, please do. The more, the merrier. Someone has to go first and you will be more than welcome to be part of the group. The race packets have the details as well as a route map. Suffice to say, this is a Bucket List kind of gravel road cycling race. Our vision is that it will be a national destination race. The route is just too damn beautiful and challenging for it not to be. Come see for yourself!

  • Alder Creek Fire At 2478 Acres With Evacuations

    Current as of 7/15/2021, 9:12:56 AM Total Personnel: 167 Size: 2478 Acres Estimated Containment Date: Monday November 01st, 2021 approx. 12:00 AM Planned Actions: Structure protection/point protection around threatened primary structures. Continue construction on indirect line between fire and structures. Strategic burning out along primary control line and around adjacent primary structures. Projected Incident Activity: 12 hours: Fire spread will continue in all directions. Terrain driven runs with short range spotting, group torching and passive crown fires. 24 hours: Fire spread will continue to the East and North with majority of growth to the South. Terrain and wind driven runs with short spotting, group torching and passive crown fires. 48 hours: Terrain and wind driven runs with short spotting, group torching and passive crown fires. 72 hours: Fire will be threatening 52 primary structures along Hwy 43 and may be threatening the Pioneer Scenic Byway with additional structures. Anticipated after 72 hours: Fire will be threatening the 32 primary structures along Hwy 43, an additional 20 primary structures along Hwy 73, and may be threatening the Pioneer Scenic Byway with additional structures. Weather Concerns: Today will be hot and dry followed by abnormally warm overnight temps and strong thermal belts. Hot, dry, and breezy conditions will occur on Thursday, along with a moderate to high potential for thunderstorms to occur in the area. A Red Flag Warning has been issued. Breezy winds will exist. Beyond Thursday, even hotter and drier conditions will prevail, with another round of scattered storms across Southwest Montana Friday. There will be Public Meetings on Alder Creek and Trail Creek fires: Today, 7/15/2021 6pm at the Wise Creek Community Center -and- Friday, 7/16/2021 6pm at the Gibbonsvile Improvement Association (GIA) 30 Gibbonsville Rd, Gibbonsville, ID. Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office FIRE UPDATE- 07/15/2021 All of Alder Creek will be evacuated today - 17 houses in total Evacuation is necessary in order to protect the lives of area occupants and emergency personnel responding to the incident. Law Enforcement personnel is currently attempting to convey this order/request to citizens door to door.

  • Trail Creek Fire At 9544 Acres

    Trail Creek Fire Current as of 7/15/2021, 10:02:36 AM Current Situation Total Personnel: 66 Size: 9,544 Acres Estimated Containment Date: Monday November 01st, 2021 approx. 12:00 AM Activity: Fire on the north side Of the Trail creek fire is spotting into the rat creek burn of 2007 and actively burning. Significant Events Fire remains very active with extremely dry fuels and heavy dead and down. Single and group tree torching, with short range spotting is expected. Planned Actions: Continue with point source protection on existing FS cabins and the NPS Big Hole Battlefield. Confine and contain the fire where there are opportunities with the highest degree of success. Projected Incident Activity: 12 hours: Fire will continue to grow in all directions due to the heavy fuel loading and Beetle kill trees. Fire will continue to impact the Hwy 43 corridor and Pioneer Scenic Byway. Terrain driven runs with short range spotting, group torching and passive crown fires are anticipated. 24 hours: The fire will threaten several private residences and continue to impact the Hwy 43 corridor. The fire will continue to spot and move in all directions. Terrain and wind driven runs with short range spotting, group torching, and passive crown fires are anticipated. 48 hours: The fire will threaten several private residences and continue to threaten and impact the Hwy 43 corridor. The fire will continue to spot and move in all directions. Terrain driven runs with short range spotting, group torching and passive crown fires are anticipated. 72 hours: The fire will threaten 9 private residences and continue to impact the Hwy 43 corridor. The fire will continue to spot and move in all directions. Anticipated after 72 hours: The fire will be a long term event and will burn through the fire season until a season ending event produces moisture. If fire receives moisture, it will slow the growth but maintain its presence.

  • Goose Fire Update 07/15/2021

    CURRENT STATUS: Fire progression has slowed to the north in the grassy fuels resistant to burning. Crews will continue securing the handline from Hidden Lake Bench to Cliff Lake. Crews will assess the campgrounds near Cliff and Wade Lake and Wilderness Edge Lodge. To the east, crews will continue to clean-up unburned fuel pockets in the timber, securing that edge. In the southwest, crews will utilize the road and trail system north of Elk Lake Resort to establish containment lines, as well as assess protection needs around the lodge itself. Heavy equipment will continue to prep line from Jackpine Gulch Road west into Meridian Creek drainage to West Fork Cow Camp. Helicopters will continue assisting the ground crews with water bucket drops to cool areas of heat and with aerial reconnaissance to monitor fire movement. Additional crew and engine resources arrived last night. WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: A RED FLAG WARNING is in effect from 2pm to 9pm due to a chance of thunderstorms that could bring lightning and erratic winds. Winds will be 10-15 mph from the south/southwest. If thunderstorms develop in the area, outflow winds of 30-50 mph are possible. Temperatures are forecast to reach 85 degrees, with relative humidity in the teens. Little to no precipitation is expected. The fire is expected to be active in the Brimstone Creek area and toward Hoodoo Pass, given the large areas of heavy, continuous fuels. Short crown runs and spotting are expected. Fire is just beginning to carry in the sagebrush, as fuel moistures continue to decrease with the hot and dry conditions. Fire progression continues to be held up on the north end by constructed control lines and lighter fuels. Heavy downed fuels in the southeast portion of the fire will continue to smolder; the fire will continue to consume unburned pockets of timber in this area. Torching and short-range spotting are possible. CLOSURES: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest announced extended area closures to include the Antelope Prong boat launch and the Wade Lake, Hilltop, and Cliff Point campgrounds. Refunds for reservations will be processed by recreation.gov. The current closure boundary is likely to expand, given recent fire movement. Official closure information can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices. STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest moved into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions yesterday. Campfires and stove fires (including charcoal barbecues and grills) are prohibited in the area unless using permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed recreation sites. Smoking, unless in a vehicle, a building, or an area 3 feet in diameter cleared of vegetation, is also restricted.

  • Beaverhead County Transportation Committee Meeting 07/21/2021

    MEETING AGENDA BEAVERHEAD COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE COMMISSIONERS’ ROOM, BEAVERHEAD COUNTY COURTHOUSE July 21, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. Call to Order Roll Call and Introduction of New Members and Guests Approval of September 2, 2020 Meeting Minutes Items for Discussion A. MCA & ARM Laws regarding the County Transportation Committee Membership - MCA 20-10-131 Duties – MCA 20-10-132 Meeting Requirements – MCA 20-10-131(3) & ARM 10.7.101(2)(c) Reminders for submission of forms are attached – please share with District Clerk or Transportation Manager. B. Safety Concerns Continued Precautions due to CoVid 19 Other C. Road Maintenance, which may affect transportation/bus routes for 2021-2022 Highway 43 Project in Wisdom and Wise River Areas should not impact travel Other . Items for Action A. Approval/Disapproval of Bus Routes – maps and route changes/additions 1. BCHS – Review 2021-2022 routes & agreements for Bus Route #1 Agreement with Butte School District for Melrose Post Office Stop inside Butte’s Transportation Area, if needed. Agreement with Melrose Elementary to allow Dillon Elementary students to ride BCHS bus, if needed Motion 2. Reichle – Review 2021-2022 Route - Motion needed 3. Lima – Review of 2021-2022 Routes 21-1, 21-2, 21-3, 21-4, - Motion needed B. Individual & Isolation Contracts - approval/disapproval/adjustments 1. BCHS – 1 Isolation – Motion needed 2. Grant – 1 and 2 Isolation – Motion needed 3. Jackson – 3 – Motion needed 4. Lima – 2 – Motion needed 5. Polaris – 4 – Motion needed 6. Wisdom – None Submitted 7. Wise River – 4– Motion needed 8. Additional Regular Individual Contracts during 2021-2022 school year - Motion needed Items for August Meeting, if needed A. Set date and time Public Comment Adjourn

  • 9-1-1/Communications Board Meeting 07/19/2021

    9-1-1/Communications Board Meeting Monday, July 19, 2021 11:00 a.m. Courthouse, Commissioners’ Room Dillon, MT 59725 AGENDA ► Call to Order ► Roll Call ► Action on Previous Meeting Minutes • Board Meeting April 19, 2021 ► Old Business • Review of Budget/Discussion • Technical Advisory Committee Report • Update on Recent Projects ▪ Wise River Communications • Repeater/Wise River Link Progress ▪ 911 Grant for Dispatch • Progress Report ▪ Homeland Security Grant for Dispatch • Progress Report ► New Business ► Public Comment ► Set next meeting date and time: Tentatively October 18, 2021 ► Adjourn

  • 17 Homes In Alder Creek Being Evacuated

    We have received a text from the NIXLE system stating The Beaverhead County Sherriff are evacuating all homes in Alder Creek. The message reads: As of 7/14/2021 the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office have evacuated 8 houses from Alder Creek road to MM 62. Currently all of Alder Creek will be evacuated today. The Deputy is notifying residents of the 17 homes located in the area. Instructions: For any questions or concerns, contact BCSO at 406-683-3700 Alert Details Severity: Moderate - Possible threat to life or property Urgency: Immediate - Responsive action SHOULD be taken immediately Certainty: Likely (p > ~50%) Category: FIRE: Fire suppression and rescue Event Description: Forest Fire

  • DNA Confirms Euthanized Bear Responsible For Ovando Attack

    DNA results received Wednesday confirmed the bear killed by wildlife officials last Friday was the same bear who fatally attacked a camper in Ovando early on the morning of July 6. The DNA samples from the bear, saliva sample at the scene of the attack and samples from two chicken coops that were raided in the area all match up. Montana is bear country and recreationists can be bear aware by following some simple guidelines: Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it Avoid surprise encounters by traveling in groups, making noise and being aware of surroundings, particularly in areas with limited sight lines and recent bear sign (tracks, scat and turned over rocks and logs) Keeping a clean camp by securing attractants, keeping food securely stored Find a list of bear-resistant containers on the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee's website www.IGBCOnline.org For more information on bear aware guidelines, go online to FWP’s Bear Aware webpage.

  • 8 Homes Located From Alder Creek RD To MM 62 Evacuated

    Facebook post from the Beaverhead County Sheriffs office. Today the Beaverhead County Sheriff Office EVACUATED homes located from Alder Creek Road to MM 62- 8 in total. Occupants will be allowed to return as soon as it is safe. 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. Plan ahead. Preplanning can help you avoid last-minute frustrations. Plan where you will go and WHAT YOU WILL TAKE when you evacuate. Please sign up for text alerts for fire updates and share this info with friends: https://urldefense.com/.../7075__;!!GaaboA

  • Governor Gianforte Declares A State Wide Wildland Emergency In MT

    Montana Governor Greg Gianforte declared Montana as a statewide wildland fire emergency in a Facebook Post. The post reads: Facing critical fire conditions that threaten our communities, first responders, and way of life, I today declared a statewide wildland fire emergency in Montana to ensure our first responders have the tools they need to safely and aggressively respond to wildfires. To Montanans and visitors to our beautiful state - please follow local fire restrictions, prepare your homes and communities for wildfire, and recreate and work safely. Our dedicated, courageous first responders are depending on us all. You can see the declaration below

  • Alder Creek and Trail Creek Fire Updates

    Alder Creek Fire: CURRENT SIZE: 1,380 acres CONTAINMENT: 0% LOCATION: 7 miles west of Wise River, SW of HW-43 JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest COOPERATING AGENCIES: US Forest Service, Beaverhead County The Alder Creek fire experienced significant growth yesterday, with isolated and group torching visible from Wise River. The fire crossed over Meadow Ridge into upper Harriet Lou Creek. Today’s weather shows cooler temperatures, light wind, and a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Crews will continue implementing structure protection and constructing indirect and direct fireline. The Southern Area Blue Team, a Type 1 Incident Management Team, assumed command of the Alder Creek and Trail Creek fires this morning. The Blue Team is based in the southern United States, however they have operated on numerous large fires throughout the country. In 2007, the Blue Team managed the Pettengill fire outside of Wise River. The team brings community based approaches to working and cooperating with local fire departments, law enforcement, local and state governments, as well as agency fire experts. Planned Actions: Structure protection/point protection around threatened primary structures. Continue construction on indirect line between fire and structures as overhead allow. Strategic burning out along primary control line to around adjacent primary structures. Projected Incident Activity: 12 hours: Fire spread could continue to the East and North. 24 hours: Fire spread could continue to the East and North. 48 hours: Fire spread could increase dramatically due to expected high winds and poor RH recovery. This would cause evacuations for all residences in the Hwy 43 corridor. 72 hours: Fire will be threatening 60 primary structures along Hwy 43 and may be threatening the Pioneer scenic by-way with additional structures. Anticipated after 72 hours: Fire will be threatening the 40 primary structures along Hwy 43, an additional 20 primary structures along Hwy 73, and may be threatening the Pioneer scenic byway with additional structures. Trail Creek Fire CURRENT SIZE: 8,542 Acres CONTAINMENT: 0% LOCATION SW of Hwy 43 in Meadow Creek Area JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest COOPERATING AGENCIES: US Forest Service, Beaverhead County, Bureau of Land Management PERSONNEL AND RESOURCE ASSIGNED: 4 engines, 2 Type 2 Initial Attack (IA) crew, 1 helicopter 1 dozer, 2 Heavy Equipment Task Force, 1 Wild Fire Management Module and miscellaneous support under a Type 1 Incident Management Team. NARRATIVE: The fire grew to 5383 yesterday. Due to the continued hot and dry weather with gusty winds, the fire actively burned with numerous spot fires. The Southern Area Blue, Type I Incident Management Team will assume management of the Alder Creek and Trail Creek Fires on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest at 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 13. The team is based in the southern United States, but like all other Type 1 teams in the country, they are similarly qualified and have operated on numerous large fires throughout the country, including Montana. The Blue Team brings community-based approaches to working and cooperating with local fire departments, law enforcement, local and state governments, as well as agency fire experts. Their logistical expertise is required to build a base camp that will give firefighters the support needed for meals, health and safety, rest, and tools and equipment. They also bring technical capabilities with advanced community outreach and information sharing, mapping, aviation resources, heavy equipment, and strategies to contain and suppress the fires. TODAY’S PLAN: Limit fire spread to the east utilizing indirect suppressions tactics and existing natural barriers. Protect May Creek and Hogan Cabins. Assess at risk external values with neighboring forests. Limit hazard exposure to personnel and public. WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Today’s winds will be from the northwest 7-12 mph, with gusts up to 18 this afternoon. There will be a slight chance for afternoon thunderstorms in the area that will be capable of producing gusty erratic winds up to 25-30 mph. Fire fuels are heavy with lots of dead and down surface fuels. Standing dead timber with low fuel moistures are available for torching and crown runs. Spotting distances will be up to ½ mile. SPECIAL CONCERNS & CLOSURES: Public and firefighters safety is always the primary concern. There is currently an area and trail closure in effect. This order closes a portion of the Continental Divide Trail. A new closure order, expanding the area, will be finalized and posted within the next 24-48 hours. Closure orders and maps are located on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge Forest web page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices. Hwy 43 is closed at Wisdom, MT, west to the junction of Hwy 93.

  • City Of Dillon Splash Pad Reopens

    The City was able to get the UV system up and running and the splash pad is now open. Thank you Jim Valach, Austin Hoerning, and City crew for getting this back open.

  • Goose Fire Update For 07/14/2021

    CURRENT STATUS: An overnight infrared mapping flight more accurately mapped the fire at 3,790 acres. The fire moved along FS Trail 8388 to the west/southwest, approximately a 1/2 mile north of Elk Lake. The prescribed fire north of Elk Lake from earlier this year and last year's fire to the east of the lake are helping to slow the forward progression of the fire to the south. In addition, the road and the lake itself will assist as barriers that lack vegetation. The fire has not crossed the handline constructed on the southeast side of the fire west of Elk Lake Road. To the north, crews will continue securing areas of concentrated heat on the northeastern flank by digging handline and "plumbing" the area with hoses and water-handling equipment. Aerial resources will be assisting ground crews with bucket drops and with monitoring fire movement. Engine crews are patrolling and monitoring around area structures, including around the lakes and along the road system north of Elk Lake Resort. Heavy equipment resources along Jackpine Road continue to make 1/4-1/2 mile of progress a day on establishing a wide fuel break, connecting the road to the West Fork, to use for potential future burn operations. WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Today's forecast calls for smoky and mostly sunny skies. High temperatures should reach the low 80s. North winds 8-12 mph, with gusts to 15 mph, are predicted. Relative humidity will fall below 20%, resulting in drier conditions. The fire will likely continue to smolder in heavy, dead fuels in the southeast area of the fire. Fire progression to the south is expected in the timber on the northwest side of Elk Lake, in the Brimstone Creek area. The fire is expected to continue moving at a rate of 1/4 to 1/2 mile per day when fuels, wind, and topography align. Single and group tree torching and short crown runs are expected. Spotting distances up to 1/2 mile are possible. CLOSURES: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest announced extended area closures to include the Antelope Prong boat launch and the Wade Lake, Hilltop, and Cliff Point campgrounds. Refunds for reservations will be processed by recreation.gov. The current closure boundary is likely to expand, given recent fire movement. Official closure information can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices. STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest moved into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions yesterday. Campfires and stove fires (including charcoal barbecues and grills) are prohibited in the area unless using permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed recreation sites. Smoking, unless in a vehicle, a building, or an area 3 feet in diameter cleared of vegetation, is also restricted.

  • Beaverhead Search & Rescue Participate In A Multi-Agency Simulated Rescue Mission

    Beaverhead Search and Rescue News Submitted by Mel Rice: Public Relations Officer On Saturday July 10, 4 members of the Beaverhead Search and Rescue participated in a multi-agency simulated rescue mission. The four members participating in this training experience were Nathan Freeman, Lawrence Morrisroe, Tara Remely, and Mark Smith. The training exercise was sponsored by the Madison Valley SAR and included B-D National Forest Service personnel, Ruby Valley SAR, Beaverhead SAR, Butte 1590 SAR, local game wardens, forest LEOs, Madison County law enforcement, Life Flight helicopter, Civil Air Patrol, and EMS from the Madison Valley and Ruby Valley. The training scenario was set up from a past incident where three archery hunters in the Gravelly Range were attacked and badly injured by grizzly bears. The extent of their injuries prevented them from walking back to their camp. Other members of the hunting party walked out, called for help at 3:00 AM and the mission was on. The exercise was set up exactly like the original rescue mission; three injured hunters in the same location, party members calling for help, rescue parties going into basically a grizzly bear infested area to rescue injured individuals. Even though this was a simulated rescue, the threat of bears being in the area was a real concern. Each rescue group had an armed game warden with them the entire time. As the rescue parties went in to recover the injured hunters, the game wardens would explain what to be aware of and how to minimize further bear encounters. When the rescue teams reached the simulated injured hunters, they assessed and treated injuries. After preparing the injured hunters, they were packaged and transported to waiting EMS personnel and a waiting Life Flight helicopter. The personnel on the helicopter were mostly new crew members. Therefore multiple landings, takeoffs, and transfers between ground crews and Life Flight crews were practiced. After all it was a training exercise. Those participating said the training was a very worthwhile exercise. Not only did the participants get experience and gain knowledge of how to work in bear country, how to assess injuries and package injured patients, but also gained valuable experience in working with multiple agencies and coordinating a rescue effort on a very large scale. Beaverhead County Search and Rescue would like to thank the Ruby Valley SAR and Madison Valley SAR for sponsoring this large scale training opportunity and coordinating all the different agencies that participated. What a large undertaking. A job well done ladies and gentlemen. Hopefully we will have other opportunities to work together. Thank You!!!!!!

  • Beaverhead Fire District #2 Meeting 07/20/2021

    BEAVERHEAD FIRE DIST. #2 405 N. IDAHO STREET DILLON, MT TUESDAY July 20, 2021 5:00 PM AGENDA: GENERAL BUSINESS PAYMENT OF INVOICES ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE AGENDA

  • Great Day Of Fishing Leads To Missing Person Report Search & Rescue Called Out

    Press release from Mel Rice Search and Rescue P.R.O. Sunday evening at 6:10 PM, the Beaverhead Search and Rescue managers were paged out to determine a plan of attack for a missing 54 year old Butte man. The neighbor of the missing individual noticed he had not returned from a morning fishing trip to Agnes Lake. The lost individual had apparently made reference to being home around noon that day. When the neighbor confirmed the gentleman was not home he called the missing individual’s sister in Billings. She in turn called the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s office and reported him overdue. The sheriff’s office dispatched Deputy Wyrick to Browns Lake to confirm the presence of the individual’s vehicle. Managers Mel Rice, Park Scott and Lawrence Morrisroe, decided to wait for deputy Wyrick’s findings. At 7:00 PM Wyrick confirmed that the missing individual’s vehicle was at Browns Lake at the Agnes Lake trailhead. Deputy Wyrick began the hike into Agnes Lake. The general membership was paged and hasty teams were deployed to search for the missing individual. The first hasty team was sent to the quarry road at the west end of Browns Lake. Other hasty teams were sent to search around the perimeter of Browns Lake, hike the trail up to Agnes Lake, and to the Rainbow Lake trailhead in case he took the wrong trail and was trying to get out in one of those directions. At 8:35 PM team one had reached Agnes Lake by motorcycles and had located the missing individual. He was in good health and enjoying a great day of fishing. By 9:30 all Search and Rescue members, Deputy Wyrick, and the missing individual were off the mountain back to vehicles and heading home. Exactly why the reporting parties thought he would be home by noon is unclear. When searchers found him he was quite surprised and had no idea why anyone would have believed him to be home by early afternoon. Just a great reminder for all to communicate with someone what your intentions are as far as where you are going and when you plan to be back home. S&R members participating in the search were: Cole Cottom, Dusty Crowe, Alan Holt, Kolby Malesich, Shane Puyear, Clint Rouse, Cody Schnee, Mark Smith, Brian Vinson, Dan Cahil, Nathan Freeman, and Alex Dunn… Thanks to the dedicated members of your Beaverhead Search and Rescue, another mission was successful. Remember, we are “In the Business of Saving Lives”!!!!

  • Trail Creek Fire and Alder Creek Fire Now over 6700 Acres Total

    Alder Creek Fire CURRENT SIZE: 1,380 acres CONTAINMENT: 0% LOCATION: 7 miles west of Wise River, SW of HW-43 JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest COOPERATING AGENCIES: US Forest Service, Beaverhead County The Alder Creek fire experienced significant growth yesterday, with isolated and group torching visible from Wise River. The fire crossed over Meadow Ridge into upper Harriet Lou Creek. Today’s weather shows cooler temperatures, light wind, and a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Crews will continue implementing structure protection and constructing indirect and direct fireline. The Southern Area Blue Team, a Type 1 Incident Management Team, assumed command of the Alder Creek and Trail Creek fires this morning. The Blue Team is based in the southern United States, however they have operated on numerous large fires throughout the country. In 2007, the Blue Team managed the Pettengill fire outside of Wise River. The team brings community based approaches to working and cooperating with local fire departments, law enforcement, local and state governments, as well as agency fire experts. Facebook Message from Beaverhead County Sheriff WISE RIVER RESIDENTS (west of the scenic byway and south of hwy 43 are under Pre-Evacuation NOTICE! Please sign up for text alerts for fire updates and share this info with friends: https://local.nixle.com/signup/widget/i/7075 (Beaverhead County Sheriffs facebook will hopefully be fixed soon to help everyone with current info also) EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN THREE STAGES OF EVACUATION STAGE 1-ALERT & WARNING There is a high probability of the need for evacuation. Law Enforcement personnel/representatives will attempt to make personal visits to each residence and business in the threatened area. Some residents, primarily those with special health needs or other concerns, should relocate during this stage of evacuation. STAGE 2-REQUEST/ORDER AND SECURITY Evacuation is necessary in order to protect the lives of area occupants and emergency personnel responding to the incident. Law Enforcement personnel shall attempt to convey this order/request to citizens door to door, however, if this is not practical or possible this information may be delivered via a public address system from a patrol vehicle. Should the latter method be employed the personnel will activate emergency lights and sirens before and after the notification. Roadblocks and 24-hour patrols by Law Enforcement will be instituted to protect property within the evacuation area. STAGE 3- RETURN Occupants are allowed to return as soon as it is safe. 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. Plan ahead. Preplanning can help you avoid last-minute frustrations. Plan where you will go and WHAT YOU WILL TAKE when you evacuate. Trail Creek Fire CURRENT SIZE: 5383 acre CONTAINMENT: 0% LOCATION 45°46.790 x 113°03.630 SW of Hwy 43 in Meadow Creek Area JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest COOPERATING AGENCIES: US Forest Service, Beaverhead County, Bureau of Land Management PERSONNEL AND RESOURCE ASSIGNED: 4 engines, 2 Type 2 Initial Attack (IA) crew, 1 helicopter 1 dozer, 2 Heavy Equipment Task Force, 1 Wild Fire Management Module and miscellaneous supportunder Type 1 Incident Management Team. NARRATIVE: The fire grew to 5383 yesterday. Due to the continued hot and dry weather with gusty winds, the fire actively burned with numerous spot fires. The Southern Area Blue, Type I Incident Management Team will assume management of the Alder Creek and Trail Creek Fires on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest at 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 13. The team is based in the southern United States, but like all other Type 1 teams in the country, they are similarly qualified and have operated on numerous large fires throughout the country, including Montana. The Blue Team brings community-based approaches to working and cooperating with local fire departments, law enforcement, local and state governments, as well as agency fire experts. Their logistical expertise is required to build a base camp that will give firefighters the support needed for meals, health and safety, rest, and tools and equipment. They also bring technical capabilities with advanced community outreach and information sharing, mapping, aviation resources, heavy equipment, and strategies to contain and suppress the fires. TODAY’S PLAN: Limit fire spread to the east utilizing indirect suppressions tactics and existing natural barriers. Protect May Creek and Hogan Cabins. Asses at risk external values with neighboring forests. Limit hazard exposure to personnel and public. WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Today’s winds will be from the northwest 7-12 mph, with gusts up to 18 this afternoon. There will be a slight chance for afternoon thunderstorms in the area that will be capable of producing gusty erratic winds up to 25-30 mph. Fire fuels are heavy with lots of dead and down surfact fuels. Standing dead timber with low fuel moistures are available for torching and crown runs. Spotting distances will be up to ½ mile. SPECIAL CONCERNS & CLOSURES: Public and firefighters safety is always the primary concern. There is currently an area and trail closure in effect. This order closes a portion of the Continental Divide Trail. A new closure order, expanding the area, will be finalized and posted within the next 24-48 hours. Closure orders and maps are located on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge Forest web page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices. Hwy 43 is closed at Wisdom, MT, west to the junction of Hwy 93.

  • City of Dillon Finance Committee Meeting 07/15/2021

    FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING ~ AGENDA ~ Thursday, July 15, 2021 3:00 P.M. 1. Discuss/Recommend FY2021-2022 Budget Items a. Benefits (Comp Liab, PERS, Health, Permissive Med) b. Disaster c. Police Debt General Obligation Bond d. Lighting District e. Library f. SIDs (#34, 35,36, 37, SAD 2012, 3540 Idaho) g. Streets and Alleys (Street Maint, Gas Tax, New Gas Tax, etc) 2. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction of The City 3. Adjournment Committee Members: Don Hand, Chairperson Dan Nye Russ Schwandt PLEASE NOTE: The City of Dillon understands that citizens have the right under the Montana Constitution to observe and participate in local governmental affairs by personally attending all public meetings of the Dillon City Council and other City boards and committees. This meeting is open to the public as normal (pre-virus). Any who would like to physically attend, are asked to please wear a face covering and practice 6-ft social distancing at the meeting. For those who are cautious about physically attending, a Zoom link is available. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528, allowing permission for mic and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528) and use Passcode 4245. Please mute your mic until you desire to comment. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245. Thank you, Michael L. Klakken, Mayor

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