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The new West-central Lion Ecoregional Population Objective Committee is convening for the first time on Aug 15-16 to discuss the management of mountain lions in west-central Montana. The committee will meet in Anaconda at Pintler’s Portal (218 W. Park St, Anaconda MT) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. The meeting will also be live streamed and recorded. The public is invited to participate in the meeting in-person or online. To join online, see the meeting details online at: fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/wc-mountain-lion-workgroup . A time for public comments is scheduled for Aug 16 at noon, but the exact time may vary. This committee consists of 13 citizens representing a broad spectrum of mountain lion stakeholders who reside within or close to the west-central Montana ecoregion. The committee will meet this month and again in October to deliberate and make recommendations that Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks can carry forward to the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission. The committee will work with FWP to define a planning strategy to manage the west-central mountain lion ecoregional population for sustainability at a target level that maximizes public satisfaction related to lion hunter opportunity, lion conflict, and ungulate population trends. The committee will specifically focus on developing recommendations regarding: Target population trend (increase, decrease, stable) Degree of ecoregional population size change (% up or % down) Lion Management Unit (LMU) emphasis (e.g., older-age class harvest, conflict reduction, aid ungulates, more opportunity, or others) The committee is not charged with recommending season structures, license types, or specific allocation of quotas among Lion Management Units (LMUs). In 2019, the Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted the Montana Mountain Lion Monitoring and Management Strategy . This strategy outlines the scientific basis for conserving, monitoring, and managing harvest of mountain lions in Montana. An integral part of implementing this new strategy is the formulation of a committee in each of the three western ecoregions. For more information, visit https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/wc-mountain-lion-workgroup .

Lalove Hilton, community organizer for the Pickel Ball Courts in Chris Kraft County Park, in back of the Bike Park, will be the guest speaker at the Rotary meeting on Wednesday, August 9th at noon. She will be presenting the project's accomplishments and opportunities for the Pickel Ball Courts at the park. Visitors are welcome to attend, and anyone interested in learning more about the Rotary organization is invited to be a guest for lunch. The Rotary Club meets in the Guild Hall of St. James Episcopal Church, located at 203 East Glendale Street. For more information about the Rotary Club, contact Gary Lorenzen, 406-683-2552

An odd yet fascinating story in Dillon, MT history is that of the grave site of Pitt the Elephant. The grave is in the west parking area of the fairgrounds. Pitt was part of the Cole Brothers Circus and in August of 1943 they pulled into Dillon to host a couple shows. The elephants were lined up outside the big top when lightning struck. All the elephants and some of the trainers fell to the ground. They all got up but Pitt died on that spot. The next day they would come in with a bulldozer to dig her grave next to where she fell and push her into the hole. A funeral ceremony was held for her by the circus performers and some time later a marker was installed next to the grave. On Sunday, August 6th locals gathered in observance of the 80th anniversary of Pitts death. Sponsored by the Beaverhead County Museum, the observance included a talk by Jack Kirkley on the history of Pitt the Elephant. Debbie Sporich followed it up with a eulogy for Pitt. A wreath was placed on her grave and a few locals shared their story of what happened that fateful day.

Get ready for an extraordinary musical experience amidst the stunning landscapes of Montana’s historic Horse Prairie. Prairie Palooza, the first-ever music festival south of Dillon, takes center stage at the Historic Horse Prairie Stage Stop. This iconic venue, with over 150 years of rich history, will host a weekend-long celebration of music, camping, local culture, and more. Located at 11800 Hwy 324, Dillon, MT 59725, the Historic Horse Prairie Stage Stop holds great significance as the last stop on the line before embarking on the perilous mountain pass into Idaho. It served as a crucial telegraph stop, connecting communities and bridging communication gaps. Nestled in the remote and breathtaking Horse Prairie, surrounded by majestic mountains and pristine nature, this idyllic location is the perfect backdrop for a memorable musical experience. Prairie Palooza is set to take place on August 25th-27th and will feature an array of exciting attractions for attendees. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to enjoy free camping throughout the weekend, immersing themselves in the beauty of the Montana wilderness. Earlybird tickets are available for just $77, offering access to the festival's diverse lineup of over 12 acts from right out of Montana and across the nation. From rock to folk, country to blues, Prairie Palooza promises a vibrant and eclectic musical journey for all. For those seeking an elevated experience, VIP tickets are available, providing exclusive benefits and privileges. All attendees can indulge in local brews, savor mouthwatering BBQ, explore various vendor offerings, engage in exciting games, and much more. The festival aims to create an inclusive and joyful atmosphere, fostering connections and creating lasting memories for all who attend. In addition to the incredible music and festivities, Prairie Palooza coincides with a full moon, further enhancing the enchanting ambiance and promising unforgettable nights of camping, jam sessions, and camaraderie under the starlit sky. It's an opportunity to escape the daily grind and embrace the magic of live music surrounded by Montana's awe-inspiring natural beauty. Tickets for Prairie Palooza are available for purchase in advance, allowing attendees to take advantage of the early bird discount. For local residents, sponsorship tickets are also offered, providing not only festival access but also inclusion across various promotional platforms. For more information and ticket inquiries, please contact info@prairiepalooza.com or call the Horse Prairie Stage Stop at (406) 681-3144. About Prairie Palooza Music Festival: Prairie Palooza Music Festival is the first-ever music festival to grace the grounds of the Historic Horse Prairie Stage Stop south of Dillon, MT. With a rich history spanning over 150 years, this picturesque venue is an ideal setting for an immersive music experience. Prairie Palooza aims to bring together music lovers, nature enthusiasts, and community members for a weekend filled with incredible performances, camping, local flavors, and unforgettable memories. Media Contact: [Horse Prairie Stage Stop] [406-681-3144] [info@prairiepalooza.com] [ www.PrairiePalooza.com ]

The coveted rank of Eagle Scout was obtained yesterday as Ryleigh Plovanic finished up his Eagle Scout project by rejuvenating the Dillon Beaver signs you see as you come into town. Ryleigh placed signs on each entrance of town that have the Welcome to Dillon Home of the Beavers. The new signs include the years the Beavers have claimed state titles in sports and other activities. Ryleigh raised the funds for these signs by hosting a bingo night and silent auction at the Elks lodge. Big Time Sportswear and Design helped contribute to the design of the sign and sold the materials at their cost. The Beaver Booster Club also contributed to the sign. Another feature of the new signs is that they have space for future state titles, and as Ryleigh said it would be nice to place this year’s title on the sign for Beaver Football. Ryleigh is a senior. He's a lineman on the football team, throws disc in track and is also the president of the Beaverhead FFA chapter. He works at Papa Ts and 2H outdoors outfitting. He was the youth course director of this year's National Youth Leadership Training course for scouts. We are excited for Ryleigh and cannot wait to hear about his future endeavors.

Block Management Area (BMA) Program information for 2023 will be available to hunters beginning Aug. 10. Hunters can request their BMA Access Guide online and can print individual BMA property maps and rules at fwp.mt.gov/hunt/access/blockmanagement . The Block Management webpage allows hunters to download the Access Guide, up-to-date BMA maps and rules for every individual BMA enrolled in the program. These individual BMA property maps and rules are important for hunters to know and understand for each property they plan on hunting. Not all rules or instructions for obtaining landowner permission are listed in the overview guide and are unique to each BMA. The website will also feature a list of BMAs that are restricted or initially closed due to fire danger. Hunters need to use extreme caution when afield due to dry conditions at this time. Individual BMA property maps and rules are also available at self-serve sign-in boxes, or by calling or visiting FWP regional offices. Also, as in previous years, some BMAs may have varying dates they are taking hunter reservations. While reservations cannot start before Aug. 22, some BMA reservation start dates will be scattered throughout the season to better accommodate hunter demands. Hunters should check their BMA Access Guide or view the individual BMA map and rules to determine when or if a given BMA will start taking reservations. And as you’re in the field this hunting season taking advantage of the access provided by landowners through the Block Management Program, don’t forget to say thank you to Montana landowners who collaborate on access opportunities that benefit wildlife and public hunters. The Block Management Program, through partnerships with private landowners, government agencies and conservation organizations will provide access to over 7 million acres of private and isolated public lands for the 2023 hunting season.

The upland game bird season is less than one month away, and hunters will soon be able to refer to the Projects Access Guide, published annually by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program (UGBEP). Beginning Aug. 10, hunters can view and download the new guide and maps online. Click UGBEP Projects Access Guide . The guide contains all active projects administered through the UGBEP including Open Fields, habitat management leases, food and cover plots, CRP enhancements, shelterbelts and grazing systems. These project types are located in all FWP regions and designed to enhance upland game bird habitats on lands open to free upland game bird hunting when permission to hunt is secured. The guide includes tables listing all habitat projects and maps that depict locations of private and public land projects enrolled in the UGBEP. Tables provide hunters with project-specific information such as project location, acres and the method to contact landowners for permission. FWP reminds hunters to obtain landowner permission before hunting private lands. Printed access guides will be available at FWP headquarters and regional offices in late August. Hunters can also request a copy of the access guide via FWP's website . FWP will begin mailing guides to hunters late August. The program anticipates additional enrollments this fall. Several CRP projects were on hold pending enrollment in the federal CRP program. Hunters should check the program webpage this September for additional projects. Due to current dry conditions and high fire danger throughout Montana, hunters may encounter UGBEP project closures or restrictions. Hunters can check the Projects Access Guide online for current information. Through partnerships formed with private landowners, government agencies and conservation organizations, UGBEP has a current enrollment of over 460 active projects, enhancing nearly 350,000 acres of game bird habitat while providing almost 800,000 acres of access for upland game bird hunting. For more information, contact Debbie Hohler, UGBEP coordinator, at: 406-444-5674, or by e-mail: dhohler@mt.gov .

Wednesday August 2 Governor Gianforte along with members of the Big Hole Watershed Committee, Fish Wildlife and Parks, Trout Unlimited, Biologist, and the angling community gathered in Wise River to host a roundtable discussion on the declining fish populations in the Big Hole River, Beaverhead, and Ruby. Trout populations have been declining steadily in these rivers since 2011. This has raised concerns with the anglers as well as other outdoor enthusiasts. The roundtable discussion was held to introduce those who will be working on the problem as well as those who need to have a voice in this as fingers have been pointed on social media. Wednesday’s discussion started off with Dr. Al Zale, giving a quick introduction of his background and what studies they are looking at doing that could cause the declining fish populations in these waters. “We have a lot to learn and find out. That’s what my students and I will be doing, we’ve been doing that in collaboration with other faculty there at MSU, and then also working closely with FWP,” Dr. Zale said. Next was Big Hole Lodge founder’s Craig and Wade Fellin discussing their concerns on the number of steps they have taken with themselves and how a collaboration is needed to get to the bottom of the problem. Wade Fellin talked about the catching of fish they described as zombie trout. These fish are in the process of dying and have developed strange burns and or discoloration on them. They are asked to keep these fish and turn them over to be tested and studied but the fish are shipped back to Pennsylvania, and this takes time to get the results back. The Big Hole Watershed Committee spoke of the research they have been doing for twenty plus years. The data they have presented in the past seemed to fall on deaf ears on a federal level. But they have also looked at ways to help conserve water when the snowpack is around as well as ways to help with the monitoring of the river and helping fix issues with water loss. Jim Hagenbarth, rancher and founding member of the committee gave a brief history of his family who helped settle the valley. He stated, “We know a lot about this river, it is our life.” He also went on to talk about ways other areas have improved water quality along with water preservation. “It is not about preserving the land. It is about making it better.” The meeting saw a large turnout with well over 100 people from ag producers, anglers, and irrigators present to voice their concerns.

Three women were injured by an otter Wednesday evening while floating on the Jefferson River. About 8:15 p.m., the three women were floating on inner tubes about 3 miles upstream from Sappington Bridge when they observed one or two otters. An otter approached and attacked them. The women got out of the water, and the otter swam away. The women then called 911, and several agencies responded, including Montana Highway Patrol, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Valley Ambulance, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Life Flight and a local landowner. All three women were injured during the encounter and received medical treatment in Bozeman. One of them, whose injuries were more serious, was taken to the hospital in a helicopter. FWP staff have posted signs at several fishing access sites in the area advising recreationists of otter activity. No further management action is planned at this time. While attacks from otters are rare, otters can be protective of themselves and their young, especially at close distances. They give birth to their young in April and can later be seen with their young in the water during the summer. They may also be protective of food resources, especially when those resources are scarce. Otters are members of the weasel family. FWP advises recreationists to keep a wide distance, giving all wildlife plenty of space. In drought conditions, low water levels can bring recreationists closer to water-dwelling wildlife. Being aware and keeping your distance can help avoid dangerous encounters, reduce stress for wildlife, and promote healthy animal behavior. If you are attacked by an otter, fight back, get away and out of the water, and seek medical attention.

UMW Sports Press Release Montana Western Head Rodeo Coach JT Robbins has announced the signing of 19 student-athletes for the 2023-2024 men's and women's rodeo season. "We are excited for this year. We have a great group returning and this class will add a lot of depth to the talent pool; it should be a fun year." Head Coach JT Robbins said. Racin Allen | Team Roping, Tie Down Roping | Richfield, Idaho / Richard McKenna Mountain Home High School Allen is a team and tie down roper who joins the Bulldogs this fall from Richfield, Idaho. Allen was the district All-Around Cowboy last year while placing first in cutting, reining cow horse, and second place in tie down and team roping. In 2022, Allen placed fifth at the Idaho High School Rodeo Association (IHSRA) state rodeo in tie down roping. In 2019, Allen was the Silver State International Rodeo breakaway champion. Outside of rodeo, Allen competed in basketball while in high school, making it to state in 2021. He is the son of John Allen and Romy Allen and plans to pursue a degree in business while at Montana Western. Morgan Buckingham | Bareback | Miles City, Mont. / Custer County District High School Buckingham is a bareback rider who joins the Bulldogs from Miles City, Mont. He was a reserve champion bareback rider last year while also competing in wrestling in high school. He was a two-time state qualifier in wrestling and placed fifth at divisional. Buckingham is the son of Marty and Vandie Buckingham and plans to pursue a degree in business. Desi Coombs | Breakaway Roping, Barrel Racing, Team Roping | Battle Mountain, Nev. / North Dakota Center for Distance Education Coombs joins the Bulldogs from Battle Mountain, Nev. Coombs was a three-time qualifier to the National Junior High Finals Rodeo, four-time qualifier to the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR), the 2022 Nevada State Champion breakaway roper, and was the 2023 Nevada High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) Teskey’s Top Hand winner. Coombs also competed for the Battle Mountain Rodeo Club where she was a seven-time national qualifier. She is the daughter of Duane and Heather Coombs and plans to pursue a degree in psychology while at Montana Western. Cade Costello | Saddle Bronc, Tie Down Roping. Team Roping | Newel, S.D. / Harding County High School Costello joins the Bulldogs from Newell, S.D. Prior to signing with the Bulldog, Costello was the 2022 South Dakota High School Rodeo Association (SDHSRA) reserve champion saddle bronc rider. This past year, he was the SDHSRA third place rider and was the Back When They Bucked high school saddle bronc champion. He was also the 2022 NRCA Dupree Bronc Match Champion. He earned academic All-State in football and wrestling, was the FFA president, student council president, class vice president, and earned Gold Honor Roll at Harding County High School. He will be continuing on with the family tradition this fall, competing in saddle bronc, tie down roping, and team roping. Costello is the son of Jake and Holly Costello and will be the tenth member of his family to attend Montana Western. He plans to major in Business while at Montana Western. Carson Daniels | Team Roping, Tie Down Roping | Elma, Wash. / Montesano High School Daniels is a team and tie down roper who joins the Bulldogs out of Elma, Wash. He was a top six team roper twice in high school and won the average heading in Coeur D’Alene. Daniels also earned a high school rodeo scholarship. He is the son of Corey and Kellie Daniels and plans to pursue a degree in business. Jake Deveraux | Team Roping, Tie Down Roping | Newcastle, Wyo. / Newcastle High School / Gillette College Deveraux is a team roper and tie down roper who joins the Bulldogs from Newcastle, Wyo. Deveraux was a 2020 graduate of Newcastle High School where he was a two-time high school state champion tie down roper. He was also a three-time national high school finals rodeo (NHSFR) qualifier. Deveraux competed for Gillette College the last two years, placing 11th in tie down roping last season. Deveraux is the son of Craig and Jolene Deveraux and plans to continue to pursue his business degree at Montana Western. Cole Gunter | Team Roping | McCammon, Idaho / Isuccee Virtual High School Gunter is a team roper who joins the Bulldogs from McCammon, Idaho. Gunter was district champion heeler in back to back years. His junior and senior year, he placed seventh at the Idaho High School Finals Rodeo (IHSFR) and recorded the state arena record with a 4.9. He also recorded the district record last year with a 4.1. Gunter is the son of Matt and Erika Gunter and plans to pursue a degree in environmental science while at Montana Western. Laura Haight | Barrel Racing / Team Roping | Blackfoot, Idaho / Firth High School Haight is a barrel racer and team roper who joins the Bulldogs from Blackfoot, Idaho. She earned all-around cowgirl twice in her high school career, earning rookie of the year her freshman year. Her junior season, she was third in team roping and fourth in barrel racing. She placed second in barrel racing her senior year while also graduating ninth in her class. During her time at Firth High School, Haight competed in track and field and earned her FFA chapter degree. She is the daughter of Robin and Mike Haight and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Coby King | Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, Tie Down | Dillon, Mont. / Beaverhead County High School King joins the Bulldogs from Dillon, Mont. and is a 2018 graduate of Beaverhead County High School. King was a state champion heeler in high school and also competed for the Beavers in football and basketball, earning All-State honors in football as a linebacker. King is the son of Race and Shelly King and plans to compete in team roping, steer wrestling, and tie down roping at Montana Western. Grace Lerwill | Barrel Racing | Rigby, Idaho / Rigby High School Lerwill is a barrel racer who joins the Bulldogs from Rigby, Idaho. She was a three-time Idaho High School Rodeo Association (IHSRA) state qualifier in barrel racing, ISHRA rodeo queen two years, and was the third attendant queen in 2022. Lerwill also participated in the Golden Valley Girls Rodeo Association (GVGRA) for five years out of Rexburg, Idaho where she earned 2020 GVGRA champion barrel racer. Lerwill also competed in basketball while in high school and was named to the honor roll all four years. She is the daughter of Laura and Brandon Lerwill and plans to major in business while at Montana Western. Erin McGinley | Breakaway, Barrel Racing | Bozeman, Mont. / Belgrade High School / Gillette Community College McGinley is a breakaway roper who joins the Bulldogs as a transfer from Gillette Community College and a 2021 graduate of Belgrade High School. She was a member of the Pronghorns’ 2023 regional championship team last year in the Central Rocky Mountain Region of the NIRA, finishing 11th individually in barrel racing. McGinley is the daughter of Shawn and Kami McGinley and plans to continue to pursue a degree while at Montana Western. Tynell Mclnenly | Breakaway, Goat Tying | Vulcan, Alberta / County Central High School Mclnenly joins the Bulldogs from Vulcan, Alberta. She competed in breakaway and goat tying in high school, becoming a four-time Alberta high school rodeo provincial finalist, twice earning Alberta high school district one reserve season leading breakaway roper, two-time Canadian Finals Breakaway (CFB) qualifier and twice earned rodeo athlete of the year at County Central High School. Mclnenly also competed in basketball in high school while also earning honor roll recognition. She is the daughter of Stacey Mclnenly and plans to pursue a degree in biology. Breyana Miller | Goat Tying / Breakaway Roping | Eureka, Nev. / Eureka County High School / Feather River Community College / Cochise Community College Miller joins the Bulldogs from Eureka, Nev. and as a transfer from Feather River Community College. She is a 2020 graduate of Eureka County High School where she was a National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) qualifier, 2018 member of the Idaho Cinch team, district champion in goat tying, reserve all-around cowgirl, and earned multiple buckles in goat tying, breakaway roping, and cutting. Miller also was a regional champion in basketball while in high school, earning all-division honorable mention and was a 2020 Down Under Sports basketball representative for Idaho. Miller was named an NIRA Scholar-American last season while at Feather River Community College out of the NIRA West Coast Region. Miller is the daughter of Carrie Eddy and plans to continue to pursue a degree in kinesiology. Jake Miller | Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Tie Down Roping | St. Anthony, Idaho / South Fremont High School Miller joins the Bulldogs from St. Anthony, Idaho. He was a four-time state qualifier in steer wrestling and team roping, a three-time district champion in steer wrestling, and four-time event director at districts in steer wrestling, and state director in steer wrestling. Miller also competed in football in high school, earned honor roll recognition, was in the national honors society, and was a student body captain. Miller is the son of Rob and Caprice Miller and plans to major in business while at Montana Western. Abi Petersen | Goat Tying, Breakaway Roping | Three Forks, Mont. / Three Forks High School Peterson joins the Bulldogs from Three Forks, Mont.. She was a three-time state qualifier in goat tying before graduating this spring from Three Forks High School. She also competed in basketball and volleyball. Peterson is the daughter of Joe and Jessica Peterson and plans to major in business administration while at Montana Western. Charlie Resch | Goat Tying, Breakaway Roping | Stettler, Alberta / WM.E.Hay Stettler High School Resch joins the Bulldogs from Stettler, Alberta. She was a three-time Alberta Junior High Finals qualifier, three-time National Junior High Finals qualifier, and the Canadian goat tying champion in her junior year. She was a three-time qualifier for the Alberta High School Rodeo Finals and a two-time qualifier for the National High School Finals Rodeo. She was the Alberta High School Rodeo Association (AHSRA) secretary for two year and her senior year became the AHSRA president. She also competed in basketball, volleyball, and track in high school. In 2022, she was named MVP in basketball for her team. Resch is the daughter of Jason Resch and Carrie Resch and plans to pursue a degree in elementary education. Cole Trexler | Team Roping, Tie Down Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding | Corvallis, Mont. / Corvallis High School / Miles Community College Trexler joins the Bulldogs as a transfer from Miles Community College and was a 2021 graduate of Corvallis High School. In 2022, Trexler took third in the Big Sky Region in saddle bronc riding and qualifying him to compete at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR). Last season, Trexler finished ninth in the region in tie down roping. In high school, Trexler was a state champion team roper in 2021. He also competed in basketball where he earned Academic All-State honors for three seasons. Trexler is the son of Reed and Kari Trexler and plans to continue to pursue his degree in business. Konnor Ward | Team Roping | Frederick, Colo. / Holy Family High School Ward is a team roper who joins the Bulldogs out of Frederick, Colo. He was a three-time Colorado State High School Rodeo Association (CHSRA) qualifier with numerous top placings in light rifle, trap shooting, and boys cutting. He qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) two years where he competed in light rifle, trap shooting, and boys cutting. Ward was named to the president’s honor list his freshman through senior year of high school and earned the high school rodeo college scholarship. He also competed in baseball while in high school. Ward is the son of David and Jodi Ward and plans to pursue a degree in business while at Montana Western. Waylon White | Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc, Team Roping, Calf Roping | Tremonton, Utah / Bear River High School White joins the Bulldogs out of Tremonton, Utah. He was a four-time state qualifier and reserve champion in bull riding, two-time state qualifier in saddle bronc and a two-time district champion the past two years. During his high school career, White won six buckles and won the highest mark ride in bull riding and saddle bronc his senior year. White qualified for state in team roping his junior season, placing fifth to qualify. White also competed in wrestling while at Bear River High School. He is the son of Wayne and Aspen White and plans to pursue a degree in business.

The weekend is here, the first weekend of August can it already be August? The summer is flying by and we have everything happening this weekend in one convenient place your Weekend Rundown. Friday, August 4 Tai Chi - free classes Tai Chi (tie chee) meets on Tuesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. It is a gentle form of ancient Chinese exercise that was originally developed for self-defense (with rapid moves), but has evolved into what some call "meditation in motion." If you want to reduce stress and anxiety, while increasing flexibility and balance, come join this class. No charge. Smeltermens Day 2023 Bus Tickets: https://anacondacommunityfoundation.networkforgood.com/... Smeltermens Day Weekend is coming! Three days of packed fun for all! FRIDAY AUGUST 4th: Sidewalk Sales - 9am-4pm Artwalk - 5-7pm SATURDAY AUGUST 5TH: Smelter City Scamper - 5k, 10k Half Marathon, Kids fun run Sign up here: https://www.smeltercityrc.org/thescamper Common Brewfest- 11am-3pm Breweries from across the state will be pouring beer! Food trucks and live music all at Kennedy Common. Bus Tours - August 5th and 6th 9:00am, 11:00am, 2:00pm & 5:00pm ticket cost is $15.00 SUNDAY AUGUST 6TH: Bus Tours- 9am, 11am, 2:30pm See the Stack up close! Parade - 1pm Watch or Partake in the Smeltermens Day Parade! It will go down Main Street, take a left on Park Street and another left on Hickory Street and will end on Third Street. ACI's Kid's Fair Family Fun at the Common! Many children's activities, food and live music! Brawls And Kickstart Day's Start Time 5:00 P.M Doors Open 6:00 P.M Friday Lineup: 7:00 P.M Bareknuckle Boxing "Get ready for the most intense and brutal event of the year!” The Baddest Men on the Planet face off in the ring, with no gloves on for one of the most brutal sports in the world Bareknuckle Boxing. Friday Night will night will close out with Smells Like Nirvana Super Excited about this band coming to Montana they been selling out venues all over the world! Saturday Lineup: Doors Open 6:00 P.M 7:00 P.M Flase Fiction 8:30 P.M The show will be closed out by none other then ‘Everclear’ one of the best Rock bands of the 90’s. Jamming to your favorite hits like ‘Santa Monica’, ‘Father of Mine’, ‘Wonderul’, and MORE! Saturday, August 5 4th Annual Pronghorn Pursuit Trail Race Beaverhead Trails Coalition (BTC) teamed up with the Beaverhead County High School (BCHS) Cross Country team in 2019 to bring the first Pronghorn Pursuit Trail Run to the Dillon Community. This is the 4th annual event where a 5K and 15K trail run located on the BTC’s High Trails just outside of Dillon takes place. In 2023 we are hoping to get our name along with other top races in the state. Plan a weekend in Dillon, MT to attend this race and enjoy our trails. The Pronghorn Pursuit, exclusively off-pavement, meanders through the gorgeous sagebrush hills of the High Trails System, with spectacular views of the Beaverhead River Valley below. The 15k course is challenging and will put your summer fitness to the test with 90% single-track and 2400’ of climbing. The course is a great mix of steep climbs and technical descents interspersed with sections of fast, flowing single-track. The 5K course offers a similar technical mix and the same great views, but at a more manageable scale for many runners. You can still expect to be challenged by this course, with some steeper sections climbing over 500’, but can look forward to the last kilometer being all downhill and smiles. We invite you to visit our community, because we are a fun loving and hard working people. Dillon is located in Beaverhead County, which is home to a truly diverse group of Montanans, and totals close to three and half million acres. With room to roam, outdoor recreation abounds. Dillon is unique, it is a thriving small town that supports literally every type of small business from our local beloved flower shops, to bookstores, and eccentric coffee shops. We can't wait to see your smiling faces the weekend of August 5th! For more information about the Beaverhead Trails Coalition please visit: https://www.beaverheadtrails.org/ To Sign-Up for the race please visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/MT/Dillon/PronghornPursuit Early Race Packet pick-up will be the day before the race from 3pm to 6pm. This will be located at the Patagonia Outlet store and please feel free show up early to shop! Race Day Registration= 7:00 am 15k starts at 8:00 am 5k starts at 8:45 am Dillon Farmers Market Join us every Saturday from June 24 through September 16 on Washington Street by Jaycee Park! Serb Fest 2023! Join us for a celebration of Serbian food, music, beverages and dance! Admission to the festival is FREE, festival goes just have to pay for their food and drinks. During the day Father Radoicich conducts tours of the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church sharing history and the beautiful meaning of the frescoes gracing the walls and ceilings of the inside of the church. Summer Speaker Series - Waap'h qah qun Drum (Nez Perce Nation Drum) Waap'h qah qun Drum (Nez Perce Nation Drum) will perform at 1:30PM on Saturday 8/5, and 11AM and 1:30PM on Sunday 8/6. These performances will either be in the visitor center or outdoors (weather dependent). They will also be giving a campfire program on Saturday evening at 7PM, at May Creek Campground. The drum beat in many cultures is likened to a human heartbeat. Just as the heart is the lifeline of the body, in many cases the drum is the lifeline of many songs. The Nez Perce drum is an important part of their ceremonies and is often considered a sacred object. Drum music often accompanies specific songs whether they are prayers, dances, or celebrations. Alpaca Baby Affair 10 to 4, Kid friendly, free admission Sunday, August 6 Pitt The Elephant Observance of the 80 Anniversary of her death. Talk by Jack Kirkley Eulogy by Debbie Sporich wreath placement for more information call 406-683-5027.

The Montana Department of Commerce announced today a $240,000 grant funding award for the Blackfeet Tribe and the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana to economically benefit the people, businesses and communities within those tribes. The grant funding was allocated by Commerce’s Office of Indian Country Economic Development (OICED) through its Tribal Business Development Grant (TBDG) program. “It is crucial that Montana’s tribes have a strong and resilient economy to help foster good-paying jobs,” said Scott Osterman, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “The new TBDG grant funding will provide the necessary resources to advance shovel-ready projects to create a measurable, beneficial economic impact for these tribal communities.” The TBDG is a new competitive grant program that can allocate a total of $240,000 of funding per fiscal year to eligible applicants. TBDG funds were awarded to: The Blackfeet Tribe will receive $140,000 of TBDG grant funding to replace a roof, repair floor joists, replace lighting, and to purchase furniture, fixtures, equipment, signage and log siding for the tribally owned mini mall located in East Glacier. The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana will receive$100,000 of TBDG grant funding for the construction of a commercial building located in Belgrade. One tenant of the building will be Blue Ribbon Nets, a business owned by Little Shell Tribal Enterprises, LLC, the economic development arm of the Little Shell Tribe. “This grant opportunity will help the Tribe with our long-term goals and development of economic prosperity,” said Marvin Weatherwax, Blackfeet Tribal Council member. “We are thankful for this grant, which will continue to help us expand economic development for our tribe and spread opportunity to the region,” said Gerald Gray, Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana Tribal Council Chair. Eligible applicants for TBDG grant funding include Montana’s eight tribal governments or tribally owned businesses that have shovel-ready commercial projects where planning is mostly complete, approval permits are in place and laborers can get to work once sufficient funding is secured. For more information, visit business.mt.gov .

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY DISASTER AND EMERGENCY SERVICES Beaverhead County LEPC Agenda Monday, August 7, 2023 at 9:30am Commissioners’ Room-County Courthouse ** All times are approximate** 9:30 A.M. Meeting Call to Order Approval of Minutes- May 1, 2023 Meeting Introductions 9:35 A.M. Discussion & Action- Continuity of Government Annex 9:50 A.M. Discussion- Assisted Living Emergency Action Plans 10:15 A.M Discussion & Action - Reverse 911 upgrades & Other Communications 10:25 A.M. Public Comments & Questions of Non-Agenda Items 10:30 A.M. Adjourn NOTE: LEPC Meetings are subject to cancellation on short notice if an incident requires management attention. Any cancellation notices will be sent via email.

The week of August 7, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. are continuing milling and paving operations on Interstate 15 (I 15), weather permitting. Traffic control is in place. Drivers should expect single-lane closures and reduced speeds throughout the project area. The northern I 15 interchange is expected to be closed August 10 through 16. Drivers will be routed to the southern interchange. Be prepared for delays before you leave, download MDT’s mobile app “MDT 511” or visit 511mt.net [511mt.net] and check your route. If you're driving and want to check in, pull safely off the road and dial 511. Tune in to local radio stations and watch for variable message signs along the route.

The University of Montana Western is excited to announce the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony for the highly anticipated Sports & Activities Complex project. The ceremony will mark a significant milestone in the development of a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a hub for athletics, recreational activities, and community gatherings. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled to take place on August 16, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the construction site of the Complex, located on the UMW football practice field. This momentous event will bring together community members, project stakeholders, and special guests. “We believe that the Sports & Activities Complex will be transformative for the campus, our students, and the community,” said Montana Western Chancellor, Michael Reid. “The University extends its gratitude to all the individuals, organizations, and community members who have shown unwavering support throughout this journey. We invite everyone to join us to share in this exciting event.” For more information about the Groundbreaking Ceremony, please contact Jolene Robbins at 406-683-7303. For more information about the Sports & Activities Complex project, please contact Roxanne Engellant at 406-683-7305 or visit https://tinyurl.com/SAComplex .

From the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest Facebook Page : FIRE UPDATE for the Doherty Mountain fire east of Whitehall. At 7:30 p.m., a helicopter flying over the fire mapped it at approximately 110 acres. Earlier today, Air Tankers dropped several loads of retardant along the fire's edges, slowing its forward progression. Helicopters dropped water from buckets to cool the fire, assisting the firefighting resources on the ground. Engines from the Forest Service and Montana DNRC are working on the southern edge of the fire, while three Type 2 firefighting crews are working along the northern edge. Engines from local fire departments also responded, highlighting the importance of our inter-agency partners and local resources. As a result of the response and suppression efforts, the outer edges of the fire have mostly cooled; but areas of the interior continue to burn actively, producing smoke visible to many locations including the I-90 corridor. Motorists and interested public should be aware of firefighting apparatus accessing the area. Initially reported around 1:00 p.m., this was a fast-moving incident. Fuels are drying out quickly with our recent hot and dry conditions, increasing their susceptibility to burn. The fire was terrain-driven, given its location in steeper country and slopes present. These fuels and weather conditions, especially when aligned with slope and topography, often result in active fire behavior. We will provide additional updates as they become available. This is a good reminder that we are in the middle of "fire season" here in the Northern Rockies. Please #RecreateResponsibly and help our firefighting forces by not being the reason for additional fire starts.

Joining guides, anglers, irrigators, biologists, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) Director Dustin Temple in Wise River, Governor Greg Gianforte tomorrow will hold a roundtable discussion on declining trout populations in the Jefferson Basin. Trout populations in several areas of the Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Ruby rivers have steadily declined since 2011 and are at or near historical lows, according to data collected by FWP. In response to population declines, FWP, in partnership with Montana State University, launched several research efforts to study fish mortality, juvenile fish, and fish health and is working to better understand the causes of these declines, which are linked to flows, water temperature, disease, and other factors. WHAT : Governor Gianforte to hold roundtable discussion on declining trout populations in the Jefferson Basin WHEN : TOMORROW – Wednesday, August 2 at 3:30 p.m. WHERE : Wise River Community Foundation, 65240 MT 43, Wise River, MT 59762

UMW Sports Press Release: Head Women's Basketball Coach Britt Cooper has announced the hiring of UMW alumni Alexa Welch as the new Assistant Women's Basketball Coach. Welch joins the Bulldogs from Helena, Mont. Welch previously served under Coach Lindsay Woolley and Coach Tony Nakashima as a student-coach during the NAIA National Championship run in 2018-19. “I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to work alongside Coach Cooper and give back to the program that did so much for me.” Welch said. “The times spent as a Lady Bulldog are some of my best memories, and I want to play a part in making sure these student-athletes get that and more out of their experience here. There is something amazing about the culture at UMW that sticks with you, and I cannot wait to be back.” Welch was a member of the Montana Western women’s basketball program from 2014-2018, though playing only two seasons due to a redshirt season and an injury. In two seasons, Welch averaged 11.1 minutes per game, totaled 93 points and shot 32.3 percent from the field during her senior campaign. She was a member of the 2016-17 and 2017-18 Bulldog teams that saw deep runs in the NAIA National Tournament. “I have known Coach Welch since my freshman year of college and was fortunate enough to be able to play with her for two seasons.” Head Coach Britt Cooper said. “I am excited to have a former Bulldog join our staff and program. She knows what it takes to win and understands the culture that we want to continue to instill in our program.” Originally from Helena, Mont., Welch was a 2014 graduate of Capital High School where she averaged nine points, two steals, and 3.4 rebounds per game her senior year.