Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks maintenance staff have completed repairs to the entrance road at Ennis Fishing Access Site, and the boat ramp and parking area are open to visitors. The campground at the site remains closed while more repairs are made, but it is expected to be open later this month. Ennis Fishing Access Site is on the Madison River, just south of Ennis. The site flooded in December, which required the site to be closed until the water and ice subsided and FWP could make repairs. As river flows rise this spring, recreationists should keep in mind that dangerous river conditions can arise suddenly, and access roads can also be impacted. Closures may still be in effect for some fishing access sites throughout Montana. To see where site closures and waterbody restrictions are, visit fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions . Campground remains closed for repairs

Hunter and Bowhunter Education instructors in southwest Montana were recently recognized for their years of dedicated service. Classes in Montana’s Hunter and Bowhunter Education programs are taught by volunteer instructors willing to share their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for hunting. Each in-person class is free, and students gain valuable hands-on experience that help them be safe and successful while hunting. The region’s 144 active volunteer instructors have nearly 1,600 years of combined experience teaching Hunter and Bowhunter Education, with an average service term of 11 years. This spring, the following instructors from the region were recognized for achieving milestones of service in Hunter Education: 5 years Austin Moody, Sheridan Emory Adams, Bozeman Kallie Hossack, Butte Artem Pechischev, Bozeman Kimberly Pechischev, Bozeman Glen Sparks, Belgrade 10 years Kelly Bockting, Dillon Hunter Foster, Butte Lynn Foster, Butte 15 years Vanna Boccadori, Butte Craig Boulton, Bozeman James Kelly, Bozeman Greg Vidmar, Bozeman 20 years Mark Kemp, Bozeman Krestin Sharp, Butte 25 years Walter Gordon III, Manhattan 35 years Melvin Kieninger, Butte 40 years Douglas Denson, Twin Bridges The following instructors from the region were recognized for achieving milestones of service in Bowhunter Education: 5 years Austin Moody, Sheridan 15 years Harry Grim, Sheridan 30 years Gary Dudden, Butte Hunter, Bowhunter and Trapper Education are personally rewarding for many volunteer instructors. They often feel they are making a difference in the lives of new hunters in ways that can last for generations. Many instructors also discover common interests and camaraderie with other program volunteers. Montana needs more volunteer instructors in its Hunter, Bowhunter and Trapper Education programs. Anyone with experience in these areas is encouraged to apply. To learn more, visit fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/volunteer-instructors . To find a class near you, visit fwp.mt.gov/education/hunter-education .

UMW Sports Press Release: Head Men’s Basketball Coach Patrick Jensen has announced the hiring of Dawson Henshaw as the new Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach. Henshaw joins the Bulldogs from Twin Falls, Idaho where he had previously served as the Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at the College of Southern Idaho. Henshaw joined the CSI staff in the fall of 2022. While at CSI, Henshaw helped lead the Golden Eagles to a perfect 29-0 regular season, the first undefeated regular season since 1978. CSI was the No. 1 ranked team in the NJCAA for eight weeks running and was the No. 2 overall seed in the NJCAA National Tournament. He served as the Defensive Coordinator, coached a first team NJCAA All-American, four all-conference players, and was responsible for 1/3 of all scouts, player development workouts, and academic management. "I have known Dawson through coaching with Select AAU and he brings great experience with him after coaching at College of Southern Idaho this past year. We are so excited to add Dawson to our staff and join our program. Dawson will hit the ground running and will bring great energy and enthusiasm to our program every day.” Head Coach Pat Jensen said. Before making the move to CSI, Henshaw was the assistant coach at Boise High School for five seasons (2016-2021), helping lead them to their first state tournament appearance and win in more than 20 years. Most recently Henshaw was the junior varsity coach at Rocky Mountain High School. Outside of high school, Henshaw coached two years with Select Basketball, which is one of the premier AAU programs in the Mountain West, covering Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Wyoming, Oregon and Washington. “I first want to thank Coach Jensen for this opportunity to join the Bulldog Family. I am incredibly excited to hit the ground running and help this program compete for a Frontier Conference championship.” Henshaw said. “I cannot wait to get to Dillon and meet all the people that make Montana Western such a great community. I will pour my heart and soul into this program and community every day!” A licensed Real Estate Agent and Property Manager, Henshaw graduated from Boise State University with a degree in International Business and Mandarin Chinese.

From Katie Raffety: All instrumental entries received either Superior (I) or Excellent (II) scores. All band students received at least one superior score on something they performed in. I am so proud of our students and all of the hard work they put in to make festival great! We received many compliments on how professional and nice to work with our students were. They carried themselves well and were so prepared. A highlight of festival was getting to have BCHS alum, Jenny Hunt as our flute adjudicator! Special thanks to our accompanists Charlene Loge, Laurie Hagenbarth and Jan Mock for all of their hard work this semester- we had an exceptional number of soloists this year and we were so lucky to have such talented pianists be willing to support them. All of our large ensembles will perform on our May 23rd concert at 7:30 pm, I invite you to join us to see what they've put together! Instrumental Music Scores: Jazz Band: II Woodwind Ensemble: I Brass Choir: I Percussion Ensemble: I Saxophone Ensemble: II Saxophone Quartet: II Low Brass Trio: I Jesse Bojkovsky, Flute: I Kaycee Pilon, Flute: I Severen Meier, Flute: I Bojkovsky/Pilon Flute Duet: II Ryanne Hutchinson, Clarinet: I Quincee Anderson, Clarinet: I Aubrey Hawley and Ryanne Hutchinson Clarinet Duet: II Laura Martin, Alto Sax: II Izzy Regan, Alto Sax: II Alexy Navarrete, Alto Sax: II Cameron Longie, Tenor Sax: I Maddie Knight, Baritone Sax: I Sage McKnight, Trumpet: I Hank Hagenbarth, Trumpet: I Misael Jimenez and Sage McKnight Trumpet Duet: II Hunter Wigen, Trombone: II Henry Hawes, Euphonium: I Micaiah Kizzar, Euphonium: I Hailey Powell, Tuba: I Micaiah Kizzar and Hailey Powell Duet: I Jacob Harvey, Marimba: I Daniel Leonardson, Marimba: II Jacob Harvey and Ryanne Hutchinson Duet: I Hannah Carlisle, Piano: I Hannah Carlise and Laura Martin Piano Duet: I

From Carolyn Van Slyke I am extremely proud of our choir students. They have worked so hard to prepare and perfect their ensembles, solos, and duets. All our entries received Superior or Excellent ratings. They had a very successful festival. Teen Tones received perfect scores (35/35) for their performance of Sound the Trumpet by Henry Purcell and for their very fun Sweet Adelines performance, Wait ‘Til the Sun Shines Nellie. We are grateful to our accompanists, Susie Steadman and Laurie Hagenbarth for the many hours of accompanying and coaching. They are huge contributors to the students’ success. The Choirs and Ensembles will be performing at the Spring Choir Concert, Wednesday, May 17th at 7:30pm in the Auditorium. It will feature the Seniors with a showcase they planned. The theme is Decades, which will be a fun evening. I hope you will join us to celebrate their accomplishments. Superior Performances : Teen Tones-I Sweet Adelines-I Mixed Ensemble-I Duets: Jesse Bojkovsky/ Daniel Kadrmas-I Kyrah Mitchell/Audrey Zeren-I Olivia Kailey/ Emma Lovaas-I Emma Lovaas/Chris Valach-I Solos: Jesse Bojkovsky-I Daniel Kadrmas-I Chris Valach-I Olivia Kailey-I Kaycee Pilon-I Audrey Zeren-I Emma Lovaas-I Hannah Carlisle-Piano-I Excellent Performances: Men’s Ensemble-II Women’s Ensemble-II Duets: Athena Diaz/ Ronnie Porter-II Kyrah Mitchell/Lacey Pape-II Sheridan Ferguson/ Emma Lovaas-II Solos: Sheridan Ferguson-II Katie Johnson-II Dean Smith-II Wyatt Schipman-II Odin Carleton-II Mary Huxtable-II Hannah Carlisle-II

Monday evening around 6:00 pm first responders were called out to a moose vs vehicle collision on I-15 northbound around mile marker 77. The chevy car was travelling northbound when they struck a moose that was crossing the highway. The animal was thrown into the windshield of the vehicle. The collision caused extensive damage to the Chevy car the occupant was taken to the hospital by ambulance to be treated.

Greetings Southwest Montana it’s with a bittersweet, but also honored feeling that, I delivered my farewell speech, from the Senate floor on the last day of the 2023 session, although I will continue serve in the capacity as your Senator until Dec 31, 2024 which only then, will complete my sixteen years of service. It’s a long tradition to deliver a farewell address, from the Senate Chamber, by The Members who are forced from returning, due to term limits. At this point, I'm one of only three current Senate members who have served all 16 years of service consecutively. Thank you for the opportunity, as I approach the end of my tenure. Some have asked me to consider once again running for the House, as I’m now eligible to do. I've also been encouraged to run for state wide office, or step into a role in in the natural resources or trade policy arena, time will tell, and I'm grateful for the options. I'm happy to be home in Dillon, where I can finally give my family, and my business the attention that both deserve, while I decide on what is next for me in the public policy arena. For now, I will continue to serve out my term as your Senator, and please know I’ve had a good run. Again, Many Thanks for the opportunity. Your Senator; Jeff Welborn - Montana’s 36th District

Mental Health Awareness Month – Week of May 8-12th MONDAY – FRIDAY - MAY 8-12 o Dillon Middle School students celebrate HOPE week with students who are tapped as part of the HOPE SQUAD. o The HOPE SQUAD has a special “theme” for each day of this week and will host an event for all DMS students on Friday, May 12th . o They are a peer to peer suicide prevention program. They focus on the importance of good mental health and substance abuse prevention for youth.  TUESDAY – MAY 9 TH o Do you have questions about Fentanyl, what it is, why it’s causing such controversy, and why it seems to be all over the news? o FREE VIRTUAL Fentanyl Series on May 9th REGISTER @: https://www.fentanylawarenessday.org/speaker-series o There are five 60- minute sessions with a different focus for each presentation: 1. What Parents Need to Know About Fentanyl Poisonings and Overdoses - 10 am MST 2. Fentanyl in Party Drugs: Harm Reduction Strategies – 11:30 am MST 3. The Illicit Fentanyl Crisis: Different Paths to Common Ground – 1 pm MST 4. How Fentanyl Really Shows Up in Our Communities: Who, Why, When, Where & Now- 2:30 pm MST 5. Predictable Patterns of Drug Overdose Deaths: Does Fentanyl Follow the Rules? – 4 pm MST REGISTER @: https://www.fentanylawarenessday.org/speaker-series  WEDNESDAY – MAY 10th o Debbie from “The Bookstore” reads BRAVE EVERY DAY by Trudy Ludwig during her weekly “Debbie Reads” series on Southwestern Montana News. o It’s a story about managing anxiety and finding the courage to stand up for yourself and others. AGES 4-8 years old. o Most kids love hide-and-seek, but Camila just wants to hide. Hiding is what she does best when she worries, and she worries a LOT. What if... I can’t... I’m scared! A class trip to the aquarium causes her worries to pile up like never before. But when an anxious classmate asks for help, Camila discovers her heart is bigger than her fears.  THURSDAY, - MAY 11 th o 10 a.m. Chief of Police Jeremy Alvarez is a guest on “What’s On Your Mind” on KDBM/KBEV to talk about the level of substance use and abuse in Beaverhead County and the very real threat of fentanyl poisoning. o 7 p.m. COMMUNITY ROUND TABLE at the Sweetwater Coffee Shop for a discussion about fentanyl, marijuana, and other substances our youth encounter and the potential for addiction and death with Chief of Police Jeremy Alvarez. Police Jared Ramsey provides training on the administration of NARCAN, a nasal spray, used in suspected cases of fentanyl overdose. FREE “VIRTUAL” FENTANYL SERIES - May 9 , 2023 REGISTER @: https://www.fentanylawarenessday.org/speaker-series 1. What Parents Need to Know About Fentanyl Poisonings and Overdoses - 10 am MST National Fentanyl Awareness Day is pleased to present a conversation between two pediatricians and a psychologist, about substance use, mental health, and the impact of illicit fentanyl on teens. Learn the fundamentals about fentanyl, how to talk to young people in your life about it, and steps you can take to support their mental health and wellbeing. REGISTER @: https:// www.fentanylawarenessday.org/speaker-series 2. Fentanyl in Party Drugs: Harm Reduction Strategies – 11:30 am MST A discussion for young adults to share tips for preventing, recognizing and responding to an overdose. Hear from two harm reduction experts and a community organizer about Narcan, test strips, and how Good Samaritan laws work to best prepare yourself and your friends when partying. REGISTER @: https://www.fentanylawarenessday.org/speaker-series 3. The Illicit Fentanyl Crisis: Different Paths to Common Ground – 1 pm MST A conversation between three people who experienced the evolution of the fentanyl crisis firsthand, from distinctly different vantage points. A person in recovery, an impacted parent, and a retired DEA agent will share how their lived experience informs their current community work and advocacy. Hear how each speaker sees the need for "both and" solutions and interventions: adequate support for those in need, reimagined youth drug education, and recognition of the mental health challenges that underlie substance use. REGISTER @: https://www.fentanylawarenessday.org/speaker-series 4. How Fentanyl Really Shows Up in Our Communities: Who, Why, When, Where & Now- 2:30 pm MST An inclusive overview by two experts with lived experience about the varying ways the illicit fentanyl crisis is showing up in U.S. communities. Take a close look at the data across age, race, and gender over time, learn about who is using drugs in America and why, and hear reflections about how this complex moment is an opportunity for unification. REGISTER @: https://www.fentanylawarenessday.org/speaker-series 5. Predictable Patterns of Drug Overdose Deaths: Does Fentanyl Follow the Rules? – 4 pm MST Deep dive with two epidemiologists and a policy expert to understand drug overdose trends and patterns over the past 40 years. Explore what we know about the long-term, predictable trends of drug overdose deaths, how fentanyl fits in, and key considerations for policy solutions. REGISTER @: https://www.fentanylawarenessday.org/speaker-series Join us for the Community Round Table on Fentanyl - MAY 11 @ 7 p.m. – SWEETWATER COFFEE

UMW Sports Press Release: Western Bulldog and Dillon Beaver football player M.J. Simkins, whose life was tragically cut short prior to the start of his senior year, wore the number 18 with pride. The number had tremendous significance because it showed his love for Dillon and Beaverhead County, which is Montana county number 18. MJ wore the no. 18 for three seasons 2014 to 2016. His brother Nathan carried forward the tradition and values of the no. 18 throughout his epic Bulldog career (2017-2021). Last season, the number 18 became a legacy number for the Bulldog Football team. The number was and will be given to a senior student-athlete who represents the spirit and values of M.J. and what Bulldog Football is all about. Reese Neville was first honored with wearing the No. 18 jersey following Nate. Now, for the 2023 season, it has been awarded to senior linebacker Kameron Rauser. "I am honored to be chosen to wear the legacy number 18 for the 2023 season. The number 18 is much more than a number. It represents leadership, character, courage, heart, and respect. All of which embody the man MJ was. I have always strived to be a leader on and off the field. Getting the opportunity to wear the number 18 has made my duties as a student-athlete, teammate, and friend that much more symbolic." Kameron Rauser commented. Rauser, an upcoming senior on the 2023 football team, started his career at Montana Western in 2019 and started as a true freshman. He was a 2019 graduate of Broadwater High School and is from Townsend, Mont. Throughout his time as a Bulldog, Rauser has totaled 174 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, and has six interceptions. He will continue to be a tremendous field presence for the Bulldog defense throughout his senior season, leading as a captain for the second season in a row. "Kameron Rauser is an excellent choice to represent Bulldog Football and to wear no. 18 for the 2023 season. Kameron has demonstrated upper-level commitment, a positive attitude, and selfless investment into the program." Head Coach Ryan Nourse stated. "He has served his teammates as an exceptional leader in his time with the program. He's been chosen captain twice and displays the character on and off the field that all Bulldogs aspire to." "The significance of wearing the number 18 not only represents me, but also represents the Simkins family, the community of Dillon, and the entirety of the Dawg football team. It is known, MJ Simkins loved football. What he loved even more than football was Dillon, Montana, and the support of the community. MJ's quote, "Leave it better than you found it" has stuck with me." Rauser added. "No matter the relationship, situation, organization, or job, it has become my goal and the team as a whole to live by MJ's wise words. The number 18 will continue to remind the team, community, and myself to never forget the value of making a difference that positively impacts the world around us. The number 18 brings us together. 18, and MJ's legacy as a Beaver and Bulldog will continue to leave its mark as it is a constant reminder to play hard for our teammates, coaches, and community. I, just as MJ did, have a plan to wear the number 18 with pride."

In my final wrap up, first I'll address why we voted to adjourn Sine Die in the Senate, prior to the House being finished with their business. To start with the session didn't end as a result, but it did stop any further amendments from being attached to bills that were still alive, the House either could pass them out in their most recent form, where once in Free Conference, literally any measure that was previously dead, can also be added back at last minute, by a select committee, which members are selected at discretion of Majority leadership, but often times this takes away the people's voice, resulting from little to no public input. Let me be clear, when done properly, the Free Conference route is a valuable tool to put finishing touches on complicated legislation, but it also very problematic, when things aren't done in a measured, thoughtful and transparent manner. Myself, and several other Senators, both Republican and Democrats alike, shared our collective concerns that it wasn't being done in a way that benefits everyday people. All of our concerns were nevertheless dismissed, at the hands of a top down leadership style, of the Senate President and Majority Leader. Montana tax payers, are the ones who really lose, in this instance, as I've seen happen in recent sessions. It's also how short sighted laws get passed, again our Senate Leaders chose to take this path on several instances, and therefore Sine Die become the best option in the minds of a simple majority. It only takes a simple a majority vote to Sine Die, and in the Senate, with All Democrats, 5 Ultra Conservative, and 5 Moderate Republicans making up the 26-24 vote. I also recognize that some good bills also died in the process, which is the downside to our action. Now lets shift gears, with recent actions on the House Side, making national headlines, and the Senate introducing and passing numerous controversial medical choice, personal freedom, and cultural divide policy proposals, together have over shadowed so much of the good work we've done this session. From addressing the mental health crisis, and more adequate nursing home reimbursement rates, to the aging infrastructure at our State Hospitals, and Correctional facilities, to a whole slew of things that were approached with a once in a lifetime opportunity, due to budget surpluses. We took up the task of increasing the budget on provider rate for nursing homes. Medicaid reimbursements, although still barely adequate, as several elder care facilities have closed in recent months, however we were able to fill most of that gap, which is a big step forward for our aging population, and hiring specialized staff to do the work that matters to so many families. I'm also happy with the $300 million investment, in long overdue mental health funding, we passed in the Senate, with all Republican and Democrat, budget members voting unanimously for, and with House concurrence, should more adequately address the mental health crisis in Montana. This will help everything from crisis intervention, to long term solutions, to better treatment options. We were also able to address road and public infrastructure maintenance for County and Local Governments. On a more local basis we were able to pass funding for several, over due construction projects at UM-Western, add back in full inflation adjustments for Youth Challenge, and many other local endeavors, its all now in Governor's hands, so hopefully politics don't get in the way of sound fiscal policy for rural SW Montana. I do feel that we also missed other good opportunities, for saving a much bigger part of the surplus money for a rainy day, by leaving too much discretionary spending authority for the executive branch, over the next twenty months, until we meet again, but the votes were, what they were, and I also respect that. I will also go on record as saying, many of the social, and personal choice bills that were passed mostly, but not entirely along party lines, and signed by the Governor, will most likely be challenged in the courts, both state and federal, and if deemed unconstitutional, or run afoul of federal laws, could cost Montana upwards of 7.5 billion dollars, or half of our entire budget, that comes from federal dollars flowing into our State, by way of human service, education, transportation, and wildlife habitat funding, all hanging in the balance. I can only hope I'm wrong. This would also make a special session unavoidable should federal funding evaporate from our budget, by throwing it out of structural balance. We have two duties as elected Senators, as do the House Members, one is to uphold the constitution, the second is pass a balanced budget. Thanks for reading and following along over the past four months, with what we did in the the people’s branch of government.

Bats were blistered on Saturday, but the Dillon Lady Beavs couldn't quite get the job done against the Hamilton Broncs and lost 18-7. The Lady Beavs struggled to contain the high-powered offense of Hamilton Broncs, giving up 18 runs. The Lady Beavs captured the lead in the first inning. An error scored one run for the Beavers. The Hamilton Broncs took the lead for good with four runs in the third inning. In the third Cierra Cole singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run, Adyson Creighton induced Thea Jackson to hit into a fielder's choice, but one run scored, and Brynne Johnson grounded out, scoring one run. The Lady Beavers put up three runs in the fifth inning. The rally was led by a single by Creighton and an error on a ball put in play by Katey Vezina. The Hamilton Broncs scored ten runs in the fourth inning. Mariah Johnson, Addison Flynn, Cole, Johnson, Madisen Fischer, and Casey Kennedy all drove in runs in the frame. Johnson got the win for the Hamilton Broncos. Johnson allowed six hits and seven runs over seven innings, striking out 11. Creighton led things off in the pitcher's circle for the Lady Beavers. The pitcher lasted six and two-thirds innings, allowing seven hits and 12 runs while striking out 12. Tymber Barnes threw one-third of an inning out of the bullpen. Tyler Gibson, Patsea Farrow, Creighton, Kinzy Creighton, Bridget Lovaas, and Emily Brevig all had one hit to lead the Beavers. The Hamilton Broncs totaled ten hits in the game. Cole, Jackson, and Fischer each had multiple hits. Cole went 3-for-5 at the plate to lead Hamilton Broncs in hits. Stats provided by Game Changer

The May meeting of the Beaverhead Search and Rescue was held Wednesday May 3, 2023. The meeting was called to order at 7:10 by commander Lawrence Morrisroe. Roll call was taken with 24 members in attendance. The treasurer’s report was given and then it was announced that Lance Hopman had turned in an application to the unit. The first order of business was a training report given by training officer Alex Dunn. First training will be a combined training put on by the Ruby Valley S&R on May 12. This will be swift water training and could prove to be a very necessary training with the potential of high water and flooding in our rivers and creeks. Our equipment officer, Evan Helle, will be working with a team of BVHD members to prepare our two GARCs for a training session on Clark Canyon and then on the river. Date for that training has not yet been set. The unit will hold its annual campout training at Boy Scout Flats in Willow Creek on the 9th, 10th and 11th of June. The types of training this weekend will include: use of radios, GARMIN GPS , portable repeaters, and other form of communication equipment, patient packaging, use of medical equipment, and low angle rope rescue. After spending time discussing the equipment and the use, members will go out in the field and participate in preset scenarios where we can put learned knowledge to practical experience. Members are required to have 15 hours of training per year. This provides a great opportunity for them to complete this time. This campout is designed for complete family participation so gives spouses of members a good chance to meet each other and make new friends. Next, it was reported that Phillips Concrete, with the help of RE Miller & Sons, prepared the area in front of the command post storage bay and poured a cement pad which has been needed for some time now. This is a wonderful addition to the unit’s storage building. RE Miller graciously donated their time and materials to the S&R while Phillips Concrete donated a portion of their cost as well. Thank you to both of these businesses for their donations and continued support of Beaverhead Search and Rescue. The meeting concluded with good of the order. Lawrence announced that the Sheriff’s department recently acquired a very good snow cat from the Wolf Point Sheriff’s department. It is an item that will be available to the Search and Rescue when the occasions arise. What a great piece of equipment to have on hand. Thank you David Wendt and Beaverhead County Sheriff’s department. Your Beaverhead County Search and Rescue will present the “Hug a Tree” program to our Dillon 5th graders on May 26. Please be careful out there. Rivers are rising and running rampant. Chances of survival if you dump a boat in any of these waters right now are greatly diminished. The water is cold and hypothermia will take over in a short period of time. There is still a lot of snow in the high country and will more than likely prevent you from getting to those favorite places at this time. Be prepared with proper equipment in your vehicles and proper clothing. Even though it is warm during the day, night time temps can take their toll on unprepared individuals. Have fun but be safe. “In the Business of Saving Lives”, your Beaverhead Search and Rescue. Submitted by: Mel Rice, Public Relations Officer

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), Helena Sand and Gravel, and Riverside Contracting anticipate working on the following, weather dependent: Week of May 8: Work occurring around and below the bridge over the railroad. Travelers can expect single-lane bridge closures with temporary traffic lights. Concrete work continues as crews work on sidewalk and curb removal and replacement along the north side of East Helena Avenue and the west side of Atlantic Street between Reeder Street and Cornell Street. Final concrete work wraps up between Center and Sebree Street. Travelers can expect daytime single-lane closures along East Helena Avenue and Atlantic Street. Both lanes will be open at night. Side street intersections closed at the north side of East Helena Avenue and the west side of Atlantic Street. For Helena Avenue, businesses along side streets will have access from East Virginia Street. For Atlantic Street, businesses along the side streets will have access from Pacific Street. Pedestrians can expect partial sidewalk closures day and night while concrete cures. Interstate 15 (I 15): Riverside Contracting is preparing to access materials to make asphalt. Pedestrians can expect partial sidewalk closures day and night while concrete cures. Week of May 15: Work occurring around and below the bridge over the railroad. Travelers can expect single-lane bridge closures with temporary traffic lights. Temporary traffic lights may be removed by the weekend. Concrete work continues on Atlantic Street between Reeder and Cornell Street and should be complete by the end of the week. Side street intersections closed to through traffic at Atlantic Street. Businesses along side streets will have access from Pacific Street or South Dakota Street.

It was a pitching game Friday afternoon at Ray Lynch Park as the Dillon Beavers won the contest against the Yellowjackets, 5-1 The Beavers got on the board in the first inning when Tyler Lagunas singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run. Damon Skradski led things off on the mound for the Beavers. The righty surrendered one run on one hit over seven innings, striking out 12 and walking one. Evan Montague started the game for Stevensville Yellowjackets. The southpaw went six innings, allowing five runs on seven hits and striking out four. Trenton Moreni led the Beavers with two hits in three at bats. Kellan Beller went 1-for-3 at the plate to lead the Yellowjackets in hits. At the end of the game the three senior players were recognized as it was senior night for Beaver Baseball the seniors are Jessie Hughes, Tyler Lagunas, and Damon Skradski.

R J Harrison of Dillon will be the featured author at The Bookstore during the Art Walk on Friday, May 5th. The third book in the Eavesdropper series, The Sorcerer's Wife will be the featured title during the event. The other two books, A Shooting in Bannack and Death of a Polygamist will also be available. Harrison a 1964 graduate of BCHS has always been a lover of words and history. Telling stories comes naturally to him. In his history mysteries he combines history with a touch of the paranormal and healthy dose of romance creating stories that are intriguing and engrossing. He deftly weaves history into a contemporary story. After high school Rob continued his education graduating from MSU with a degree in architecture which took him away from his dreams of being an author. Upon retirement the Pioneer Mountains called him home. In the newest book, Laura finds herself alone, searching for her lost people. She is in a strange world surrounded by ancient influences. Faced with threats from outsiders that don't understand and refuse to believe she has to trust her instincts and find the strength to keep going. As always Harrison has crafted a book filled with intrigue, adventure, romance, mystery and magic. He will be signing books for 5:00-7:00 with a reading starting at 5:30. If you have any questions please call The Bookstore at 683-6807.

Wednesday afternoon the Kiwanis of Dillon met at the Beaverhead Brewing Company for a special occasion. They where giving the Hats Off Award to two deserving officers. Officers Rumsey and Aguirre responded to an apartment fire on the night of March 11, 2023 the building still had occupants inside and the fire department had not arrived on the scene. The two officers made the quick decision to enter the building and get the occupants to safety. The two officers where treated for smoke inhalation afterwards. Kiwanis president Mike Miller stated "he couldn't think of two people more deserving of the award". Officer Rumsey also mentioned that "officer Aguirre was in the early stages of his training and did not hesitate for a moment to follow him into the building".

Beaverhead County Junior Varsity Beavers defeated East Helena Junior Varsity Vigilantes 3-2 on Wednesday thanks to a walk-off. The pitching was strong on both sides. Jerry Haro-Mora struck out three, while East Helena Junior Varsity Vigilantes pitchers sat down nine. Beaverhead County Junior Varsity Beavers evened things up at two in the bottom of the fifth inning when Kanin Engelhardt grounded out, scoring one run. Haro-Mora was on the mound for Beaverhead County Junior Varsity Beavers. The righty allowed three hits and two runs over six innings, striking out three and walking one. Xavier Nunn was on the hill for East Helena Junior Varsity Vigilantes. The righthander allowed two hits and two runs over four and a third innings, striking out seven. Tucker Petty threw one and one-third innings out of the bullpen. Spencer Sitton led Beaverhead County Junior Varsity Beavers with two hits in three at bats. Nunn went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead East Helena Junior Varsity Vigilantes in hits.

Beaverhead County Beavers seized victory in dramatic walk-off fashion, thanks to a walk-off single at the end of the game to topple the East Helena Vigilantes. The game was tied at six with Beavers batting in the bottom of the seventh when Trenton Moreni singled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run. A four-run lead in the fifth inning was just enough for Beavers to hold off the Vigilantes for the victory. The Vigilantes scored four runs in the failed comeback on a double by Eli Fox in the sixth, a single by Kai Richey in the sixth, and a double by Colby Weaver in the seventh. The Beavers got things started in the first inning. The Beavers scored one run when Damon Skradski singled. Tyler Lagunas led things off on the hill for the Beavers. The righthander lasted six and a third innings, allowing 12 hits and six runs while striking out seven. The Beavers totaled 11 hits in the game. Jesse Hughes, Lagunas, and Cohen Hartman all had multiple hits for the Beavers. Hughes led with three hits in four at bats. The Vigilantes scored three runs in the sixth inning. The Vigilante's big inning was driven by a single by Richey and a double by Fox. Jacob Spencer led things off on the mound for the Vigilantes. The righty surrendered six runs on eight hits over four and a third innings, striking out six. Richey threw two innings out of the bullpen. East Helena tallied 13 hits on the day. Richey, Spencer, Colter DeYoung, and Fox all collected multiple hits for the Vigilantes. Richey went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead the Vigilantes in hits.