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Size: 6,258 (infrared flight) Percent Completion: 17% Resources Assigned: • Total personnel: 306 • Engines: 18 • Helicopters: 2 • Hand crews: 3 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 6,258 acres, showing areas of heat in the southwest corner and along the west/northwest flank. Ground crews, assisted by helicopters dropping water, successfully caught and secured several small spot fires burning in the sage and grass on the northern edge of the fire. To the northwest, crews will continue burn-out operations to eliminate unburned fuels between the established fire line and the fire's edge, progressing to the first switchback of Hoodoo Pass Road. Crews in the southwest will continue to secure spots and keep the fire north of Brimstone Trail, conducting burn out operations as necessary to stay in- line with the fire's movement to the west. In the east, crews will continue to mop-up and secure the line, cleaning up and removing residual heat. Extensive mop-up is needed in the areas with a dry, deep duff layer that is holding residual heat. A heavy equipment task force will relocate to the southwest corner of the fire via Landon Road, where they will construct line east of Snowshoe Pass, connecting to already established fireline along Brimstone Trail. WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Relative humidity will likely remain in the low teens today. High temperatures are expected in the high 80s and low 90s. Thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds are possible over the fire area this afternoon. The chance of thunderstorms increases early next week, with increasing clouds on Monday as moisture arrives from the Southwest and with potential for hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph on Tuesday. These warmer, drier conditions are likely to result in more active fire behavior and a longer burn period. Fire is expected to start carrying in the sagebrush as these fuels dry and cure out, but still with limited spread. Short crown runs, group torching, and short-range spotting are expected. The intensity and the rate of fire spread in the Meridian drainage will likely increase, as winds pick up and the fire moves into an area with thick pockets of continuous fuels. The fire is likely to continue spreading at a rate of around 1/2 to a mile per day in the most active areas of the fire, especially where winds and topography align with the fuels. CLOSURES: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest expanded the area closure around the fire area, extending the boundaries due to recent fire progression. Official closure information can be found here:

Alder Creek Current Size: 4,136 Acres Current Containment: 0% Location: 7 miles west of Wise River, MT Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 287 Engines: 13 Hand crews: 6 While there is little growth to the west, the fire continues to spread to the east and south. Protecting homes and structures remains the main priority. Crews will continue structural protection efforts today along Hwy 43 and the Pioneer Byway by manning pumps, patrolling with engines and posting lookouts to watch the fire throughout the day. As the fire approaches Hwy 43 and the Pioneer Byway, crews will utilize strategic firing operations as needed to eliminate unburned fuel between the main fire and resources at risk. The Sheriff’s Department will keep all evacuations in place through the weekend given the existing weather conditions Trail Creek Current Size: 19,848 Acres Current Containment: 0% Location: 20 miles west of Wisdom, MT Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 147 Engines: 4 Hand Crews: 2 The majority of fire growth continues to be towards the east and southeast. Crews on the east side of the fire are working to protect structures along the Hwy 43 corridor to the east, with emphasis around the Big Hole National Battlefield and private property south of Hwy 43. Crews on the west side of the fire are focused on preventing the fire from crossing the Continental Divide. Fire spread to the north is being slowed by the Rat Fire scar while growth to the south is being slowed by the Blackwall fire scar. WEATHER: Sunday will be another warm, dry and sunny day. Above normal temperatures, low relative humidity and afternoon winds may provide for growth of both the Alder Creek and Trail Creek fires. Temp: 82-87 Humidity: 10-13% Wind: WSW 5-10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph in the afternoon. MAJOR CLOSURES: • Hwy 43 has been intermittingly opening and closing 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. • Forest Closure orders are in effect for both fires. Visit the Closure Section on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest website for specific information.

We just received news of a new closure due to the Trail Creek Fire Closed Area: All NFS lands in the North Fork Ranger District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest in the area bounded at the junction of U.S. Route 93 and MT-43, then following south along National Forest System Road (NFSR) #081 Anderson Mountain Road, then continuing east/southeast/south along the Continental Divide to Pyramid Peak at 45.45534, -113.78534, then continuing west to the junction of National Forest System Trail (NFST) #6129 South Fork of Sheep Creek Trail and NFST # 6111 Continental Divide Trail, then continuing west following NFST #6129 South Fork of Sheep Creek Trail, NFSR #256 South Fork of Sheep Creek Road, NFSR #071 Fourth of July Creek Road, and NFST #6132 Stein Mountain Trail to the junction of NFST #6136 Big Silverleads Trail, then south along NFST #6136 Big Silverleads Trail to the junction of NFST #6130 Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, then following NFST #6130 Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail to U.S. Route 93, then following U.S. Route 93 north to the point of beginning at the junction of U.S. Route 93 and MT-43. The full closure order can be seen here:

Beaverhead Archers are holding their annual Maverick Mountain 3D shoot today July 17th and tomorrow the 18th. With over 40 targets to keep both the beginner as well as the polished bowhunter happy. Archers will start at the bottom of the mountain and work around two different courses. The courses are staked out respectively for the class you are shooting in. Archers also have the chance to test their skills with an apple shoot as well as a long distance shot at a black bear target. Sign up for the last day will be from 8 to 10 am tomorrow, if you want, they have free camping in the parking lot at Maverick. you could head up tonight get an early start and beat the heat. We will have a full list of winners after the shoot is over.

Want to get out of the house and enjoy the great outdoors? Well Bannack Days is back, after having to take last year off due to the pandemic. Bannack Days happens every third weekend in July. The streets come to life as period reenactors take to the street to give you a taste of what days gone by where like. Vendors line the streets to offer you a snow cone to beat the heat, period clothing you can rent, as well as many different foods from hot dogs, hamburgers, to popcorn. Bring cash as most cannot accept credit cards due to limited cell service. If you missed it today don't worry it will be going on tomorrow from 9AM to 4:30 PM. Bannack Days does have a special admission fee of $5 per a person. For more information check out the page here.

Alder Creek Current Size: 3,560 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 250 Engines: 13 Hand crews: 6 An infrared flight occurred on the fire last night that recorded very little movement yesterday, mostly creeping and smoldering occurring. The fire is currently being held in the Harriet Lou drainage. Crews will continue structural protection efforts today along Hwy 43 and the Pioneer Byway working on containment lines behind structures. The Sheriff’s Department will keep all evacuations in place through the weekend given the existing weather conditions. Trail Creek Current Size: 15,050 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 105 Engines: 4 Hand Crews: 2 Last night an infrared flight was flown to assess fire growth. The majority of growth occurred along the Hwy 43 corridor burning well into the old Blackwall fire scar. Structure protection continues along the corridor today with emphasis around the Big Hole National Battlefield and assessment of private property south of Hwy 43. Crews will continue to work the shaded fuel break along the Anderson Road. A community meeting was held in Gibbonsville, ID last night and structural protection efforts will continue there today. MAJOR CLOSURES: • Hwy 43 has been intermittingly opening and closing 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. • Forest Closure orders are in effect for both fires. Visit the Closure Section on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest website for specific information. STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National 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. Smoking, unless in a vehicle, a building, or an area three feet in diameter cleared of vegetation, is also restricted.

Size: 5,551 (infrared flight) Percent Completion: 10% Cause: Lightning Resources Assigned: • Total personnel: 293 • Engines: 17 • Helicopters: 2 • Hand crews: 3 type 1 hot shot crews, 1 type 2 initial attack crew and 2 type 2 crews CURRENT STATUS: Crews secured a spot fire near Meridian Creek last night. The fire has been most active in the Brimstone Creek area. Resources will improve FS Road 6019 along Meridian Creek into West Fork Madison River, establishing a fuel break. Crews will coordinate with local Forest officials to assess structures at West Fork Cow Camp. Handline construction will continue to link the Cliff Lake Bench toward HooDoo Pass on the western edge of the fire. Crews will continue to secure and mop-up on the eastern edge of the fire and monitor around structures and along the constructed lines throughout the fire area. Resources assisted the Madison District with initial attack response to a new fire reported in the Greenhorn Range, northwest of the Goose Fire last night. Clearer skies should allow helicopters to be available to assist ground crews with bucket drops and with monitoring fire progression today. WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: There was no measurable precipitation received in the fire area last night. Temperatures are forecast to reach 90 degrees in the fire area, as we enter a period of warming and drying across the region. Relative humidity is expected to be in the 10-15% range, which is lower than the last several days. Southwest winds at 7-10 mph are expected. There is a slight chance for thunderstorms this afternoon, which could bring gusty winds to the fire area if they materialize. Winds can impact the fire from storms that are many miles away. No precipitation is expected. These warmer, drier conditions are likely to increase fire behavior and the duration of the active burn period. Short crown runs, group torching, and short-range spotting are expected. The intensity and the rate of fire spread in the Meridian drainage will likely increase as winds pick up and the fire spreads into an area with more continuous fuels. The fire is likely to continue spreading at a rate of around 1/2 to a mile per day in the most active areas of the fire. CLOSURES: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest expanded the area closure around the fire area, extending the boundaries due to recent fire progression. 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 is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. 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.

A lightning strike fire call came in around 5:30 PM today, July 16, 2021. The fire was reported burning in grass and small trees on the southwest side of Clark Canyon Dam. Update 10:30 PM 07/16/2021: This fire is know being refereed to as the Armstead Fire, they are showing it at 1 acre with forward progression being halted. Fire was contained and is out. As firefighters were in the process of responding to this fire, another call came in of a lightning strike caused fire up Birch Creek just past the old Plutt Homestead. Update: Fire is out With multiple fires in the area, these two strikes have added pressure to the already overrun firefighters. A helicopter was being called in to be used on the Birch Creek fire, as ground crews attacked the Clark Canyon fire. This is a developing story and we will update as more information becomes available.

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks will be holding a free performance of Shakespeare’s tragicomedy “Cymbeline” on Monday, July 26, at 6:00 p.m. on the University of Montana Western Legacy Plaza. Touring for its 49th year, the Montana Shakespeare in the Parks company will travel nearly 7,000 miles putting on productions throughout Montana and neighboring states. All performances are offered free to audiences in local parks and public spaces. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks relies on grants, corporate sponsorships, and thousands of individual donors to support the free performances. In Shakespeare’s “Cymbeline,” Britain is divided and on the brink of disaster! When the only living heir to the throne, Innogen, marries a lowborn gentleman, Posthumus, in secret against her stepmother’s wishes, the queen exiles Posthumus, where he is tricked into believing his new wife was unfaithful. In an act of misguided jealous rage, Posthumus sends orders to have Innogen murdered. Warned of the danger, Innogen disguises herself and escapes and begins a perilous journey full of fighting, betrayal, long-lost heirs, and reconciliation. This production, which incorporates modern stewardship themes, is also part of an international project called “Cymbeline in the Anthropocene.” Each production will seek to uncover past and present ecological values in the play’s vibrant range of stories, emotions, and terrains, and to relate them creatively to local settings. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is one of seven companies across the world participating. More details on the project can be found at www.cymbeline-anthropocene.com. Montana Western’s School of Outreach has brought Montana Shakespeare in the Parks to the Dillon community since 1986. For more information, please contact Bethanie Wharton by calling 406-683-7308 or email bethanie.wharton@umwestern.edu.

Alder Creek Fire Size: 3,463 Acres Total Personnel: 226 Significant Events Fire behavior: Active fire behavior, with short range spotting, wind driven runs and group torching. Fire spread is terrain and wind driven. 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. Due to dry fuel conditions, fire spread will continue throughout the night. 24 hours: Fire spread will continue to the East and North with majority of growth to the South. Fire will remain very active as RH values drop, potentially, into the high teens. Expect fire movement up and across slope with the predicted weather. High Haines can create large fire growth. 48 hours: Terrain and wind driven runs with short spotting, group torching and passive crown fires. Fire will actively burn in receptive fuels after the morning inversion lifts. 72 hours: Fire will be threatening 146 primary structures along Hwy 43 and may be threatening the Pioneer Scenic Byway with additional structures. Anticipated after 72 hours: Fire will be threatening an additional 28 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 Size: 9,544 Acres Total Personnel: 105 Significant Events: Active fire behavior, with short range spotting, wind driven runs and group torching. Fire spread is terrain and wind driven. Weather Concerns: Another hot and dry day with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms across Southwest Montana. Thunderstorms are again expected to generate lightning and erratic/gusty winds up to 40 mph but little to no rain is expected. Current fire weather seems to be a month earlier than in previous years. Current conditions are above the 97th percentile. Planned Actions: Continue with point source protection on values at risk. 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. Likely actively burning through the night. 24 hours: Fire will remain very active as RH values drop, potentially, into the high teens. Expect fire movement up and across slope with the predicted weather. High Haines can facilitate large fire growth. 48 hours: The fire will continue to threaten several private residences 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. Fire will actively burn in receptive fuels after the morning inversion lifts. 72 hours: The fire will continue to impact and threaten the Hwy 43 corridor. The fire will continue to spot and move in all directions. Anticipated after 72 hours: Fire will be a long term event and will burn through the fire season until a season ending event produces moisture. FACEBOOK Post From Beaverhead County Sheriff Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office FIRE UPDATE: 07/16/2021 Yesterday evening there was an Emergency Evacuation on the west side of the Scenic Byway from the Airport to Harriet Lou MM39- Approx. 38 homes were evacuated. Also, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) at this time has reopened Hwy 43 from Wisdom to MM0. Please note that SPEEDS ARE REDUCED and additional closures may be necessary. Expect delays https://roadreport.mdt.mt.gov/travinfomobile/

July 16, 2021 - 8:30 a.m. Size: 4,916 (infrared flight) Percent Completion: 10% Cause: Lightning Resources Assigned: • Total personnel: 261 • Engines: 13 • Hand crews: 3 type 1 hot shot crews, 1 type 2 initial attack crew and 2 type 2 crews CURRENT STATUS: Crews will "mop-up" areas of residual heat following the burnout along the northeastern edge of the fire, securing that portion of the line. Crews are scouting areas to extend existing handline west into Jackpine Road and will begin work to connect constructed line between Jackpine Road and the Meridian Creek area into the West Fork UTV trail. On the southwestern flank, crews will work to keep the fire north of Trail #8388 by removing pockets of unburned fuel with isolated burning operations and mopping up hotspots. Three additional crews arrived to the incident yesterday evening and will join forces on the ground this morning. Engine crews are patrolling and monitoring around structures and along the constructed lines, completing small burnout operations as needed to hold and secure the line and keep pace with the fire's movement. With the clearer skies, helicopters will be available to assist ground crews with bucket drops and with monitoring fire progression. WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Gusty winds predicted with yesterday's warning did not materialize; however, a thunderstorm, with gusty outflow winds, passed over the fire in the evening hours. Smoke should move out of the area today. Sunnier skies and higher temperatures will begin a drying trend expected to last through the weekend. Temperatures could reach 85 degrees in the fire area. Relative humidity is expected to dip down to around 12%. Winds are forecast to be 8-15 mph from the southwest. There is a slight chance for afternoon thunderstorms. The drier, warmer conditions are expected to bring more active fire behavior than we saw yesterday, with short crown runs, group torching, and short-range spotting in areas with heavy concentrations of fuels. 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 is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. 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.

Dillon City Mayor Mike Klakken has issues a proclamation for Dillon History days. Dillon History Days will be July 23 thru the 25th with a car show, senior pro rodeo, vendors, BBQ cookoff and so much more.

The Beaverhead Little League received a donation from the Road Runners Bike Club Thursday evening. The check was presented to The Little League to go towards the improvements of the baseball fields by Ray Lynch Park. The Road Runners hold a poker run fund raiser each year. This year they choose three nonprofits to receive the money raised. They were Veterans Navigation Network, Beaverhead Little League, and Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond. Many people have noticed heavy machinery has been out clearing the old fields and getting them level. The little league has recently began installing the fences that will separate the two fields, as well as provide a stopping net for fly balls. They are hoping to get the sprinkler system in shortly so they can begin laying the sod with the goal of using the fields for the spring season. Beaverhead Little League wants to give a thank you to all those who have donated time, equipment, and money to help get these fields back into shape and ready for the Little League players.

Public Service Announcement Street Closure Downtown Surveying Project The City of Dillon and WWC Engineering will be surveying Montana Street between Helena Street and Reeder Street, Thursday July 22nd, 2021 from 4:00 am to until the project is completed. The street needs to be clear of all cars so that an accurate survey can be completed. If you have a vehicle that is parked in this area during this time you will be notified immediately to move your vehicle. We apologize for the inconvenience that this will cause the businesses along Montana Street. We will work as fast as we can to get the street open. If you have any questions please contact Todd Hazelbaker, Director of Operations, at 683-4245.

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.

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!

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 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.

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.

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