Search Results

Update : We have spoken with those on scene, they have confirmed the fire did not start from burning activity. They are working on finding the cause of the fire. Thursday afternoon, the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire on Riverside Drive. Multiple emergency agencies were called to the scene to assist with the incident. The fire involved a pile of old lumber and logs, and firefighters quickly worked to contain the blaze. Authorities reported that the fire was also spreading to a nearby field and several pieces of equipment situated nearby. Firefighters remain on scene, actively working to prevent the fire from spreading further and to contain it to the original pile of logs. This is an ongoing situation, and more updates will be provided as information becomes available. Residents are advised to stay clear of the area and follow any instructions from emergency officials.

Every spring, the Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) department reminds the community about the natural behavior of mother deer giving birth and leaving their fawns hidden while they forage. Recently, Wade Hansen, a local resident on Lakner Lane, shared his experience with this seasonal event. Earlier this week, Hansen noticed a traffic backup on his road caused by a mother deer on one side and her fawn resting on his property across the street. The mother was patiently waiting for cars to pass so she could return to her young, remaining nearby in her quiet vigilance. In the past, curious passersby have asked Hansen if he would open his gate to reunite the fawn with its mother. Out of respect for the natural process, he chose to leave things as they were this time. After the incident, Hansen contacted local game wardens for advice. They reassured him to let nature take its course, emphasizing that his well-maintained fence provides a safe refuge where mother deer often leave their young, knowing they are protected. Hansen has invested considerable time and money into fencing around his eight-acre property, originally to keep livestock safe and now to prevent his dog—who roams freely—from escaping or being harmed by passing vehicles. He urges residents to be patient and respectful in such situations, advising drivers to simply keep going so the mother deer can cross safely and rejoin her fawn. He also requests that people refrain from cutting holes in his fences or attempting to open gates to let the animals reunite. As always, when the fawns are old enough and the mother is ready, they will leave the area naturally. A fawn rest peacefully in Wade Hansen's field Wade's dog, whom they have spent a great deal of time dog-proofing the yard for, smiles for the camera. Repair work after someone cut a hole in the fence.

9-1-1/Communications Board Meeting         Monday, July 21, 2025 11:00 a.m. Courthouse, Commissioners’ Room Dillon, MT 59725 AGENDA     Ø Call to Order   Ø Roll Call   Ø Action on Previous Meeting Minutes   Ø Old Business o   Budget o   Update on recent projects o   Technical Advisory Committee Report   Ø New Business:   Ø Public Comment   Ø Next meeting date & time ~ October 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.   Ø Adjourn

SOLID WASTE BOARD MEETING Monday, July 21, 2025 3:00 PM COURTHOUSE, COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING ROOM AGENDA Establish a quorum Review and Action on April 21, 2025 meeting minutes Landfill Manager’s Report Discussion and Action- Septic Disposal and Procedure Discussion and Action- Annual Invoices Budget Discussion  Public Comment or other business Next Meeting date – October 20, 2025 Adjourn

Dillon, MT — The Dillon City Council convened Wednesday night for its regular monthly meeting, drawing a packed chamber and ongoing tensions that have characterized recent gatherings.   Over the past few weeks, community members—including homeowners and business owners—have voiced concerns and sought resolutions on various issues, particularly regarding livestock slaughter regulations. Last night’s meeting was no different, marked by heated debate over city policies and recent correspondence from the state.   Key among the issues was a letter sent by the Montana Department of Agriculture, instructing Beaverhead Meats to cease all livestock slaughter at their facility at 620 N. Montana Street. The department clarified that their license only permitted slaughter in the field, not at the facility. In response, the city’s director of operations and city attorney issued a letter to Beaverhead Meats, reiterating that keeping livestock at their location was also prohibited.   However, questions arose over the phrasing and recipients of this letter. During a previous special meeting, Councilwoman Orourke and Councilwoman Schultz requested the letter be amended to explicitly state “no slaughtering” and to include the owner, Mike McGinley, his son David, and the building owner—all of whom were not fully addressed in the original correspondence. The existing letter only named David McGinley, prompting further debate.   Adding to the controversy, three council members submitted a request to include an agenda item—to draft and send a cease-and-desist letter to halt animal slaughtering at the facility. The mayor argued that this matter was already addressed and should not be on the agenda. Councilwoman Orourke contended that, according to council rules, the request met the criteria to be included. A vote on the issue ended in a 4-4 tie, leaving the mayor to decide. Recognizing the oversight, the mayor admitted it was likely a mistake and allowed for discussion, emphasizing that Beaverhead Meats’ operations did not directly affect his personal life.   The meeting also covered the approval of minutes from July 2nd and a special session. Councilwoman Orourke expressed dissatisfaction with the minutes’ accuracy, claiming that previous records misrepresented the council’s stance on the kill floor. The council agreed to postpone approval pending corrected transcripts, citing concerns over proper documentation.   Adding to the complexity, discussions turned to the enforcement of city ordinances related to livestock slaughter. The director of operations explained that enforcement is limited without permits or complaints, and she was uninformed about certain issues until a Facebook post brought them to light. She criticized the city council for leaving her in the dark regarding complaints dating back four years. Many council members, however, cited historical laws dating back to 1982 that prohibit animal slaughter within city limits.   Debate also ensued over recent incidents involving animals being kept in trailers overnight to be slaughtered outside city boundaries. The director clarified that any citations for such activities would depend on specific violations. After nearly an hour of discussion, the city attorney announced he would send official cease-and-desist letters via certified mail to the involved parties. Between this letter, the states letter, and the owners stating they are pursuing other options many hope the kill floor in city limits is not going to happen and can be put to rest.   As the meeting concluded, questions about transparency and proper governance remain. The recent proceedings highlight serious procedural flaws, including the omission of agenda items, restrictions on public comment, and potential violations of open meeting laws. The takeaway from last night’s meeting raises additional concerns, particularly regarding adherence to open public meeting laws. Not allowing public comment might have broken these laws, and the mayor needs to pay closer attention to the requests made by the city council, ensuring that items they ask to be placed on the agenda are included. When items are omitted, it prevents meaningful discussion of those topics. Transcripts also need to be better documented and more accurately worded to truly reflect the meetings. Currently, the city hall appears to operate more like a frat house than a professional city government—characterized by a chummy atmosphere, past issues such as growing pot on city property, and a lack of accountability. This is your city, funded by your taxes. Proper governance can only be achieved if the city’s bylaws are followed, the council, the voice of the people—is allowed to discuss topics that are correctly placed on the agenda, and citizens are granted their right to participate. As questions about transparency and accountability continue, the community’s trust and the integrity of local government are at stake.

HELENA – Hoot-owl restrictions take effect Thursday at 2 p.m. on the following rivers:   Big Hole River on the entire river downstream of Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road. This restriction expands the hoot-owl to the entire length of the Big Hole.   East Gallatin River from Penwell Bridge Road to the confluence with the West Gallatin River at Nixon Bridge near Manhattan.  Gallatin River from Amsterdam Road to the confluence with the Missouri River.  Lower Shields River from Brackett Creek Road to the confluence with the Yellowstone River.  Hoot-owl restrictions prohibit fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight each day. These restrictions will stay in effect until conditions improve.      A full angling closure takes effect at 12 a.m. Thursday on the Madison River near West Yellowstone:  Madison River upstream of Hebgen Reservoir. This angling closure replaces an existing hoot-owl angling restriction to align with a similar closure on the Madison River within Yellowstone National Park due to exceptionally high water temperatures and low flows.   To check for other restrictions, click here .     FWP's drought policy provides for angling restrictions when flows drop below critical levels for fish, when water quality is diminished or when maximum daily water temperatures reach at least 73 degrees for three consecutive days. Water temperatures of 77 degrees or more can be lethal to trout.      These restrictions are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when water temperatures warm. Restricting angling to only cool morning hours can help reduce catch-and-release mortality.      Catch-and-release anglers can reduce stress on fish by getting them to the net or in hand quickly, keeping them in the water and reviving them prior to releasing them back into the river.       As the summer warms, Montana offers many other angling options with better conditions for fish, including larger lakes or reservoirs, or higher elevation lakes and streams.     Along with monitoring stream temperatures, FWP also monitors stream flows and in some streams holds instream flow water rights. FWP’s water program can issue a call on junior water users, when appropriate, to contribute to stream flows through the late summer and early fall. For more information on FWP water rights, click  here .

MONTANA FIFTH JUDICAL DISTRICT BEAVERHEAD COUNTY JULY 15, 2025 COURT REPORT NAME CHARGE DISPOSITION Glen Rountree DUI Plea Not Guilty Initial Appearance Driving Violations Bond None posted Status Attorney to be Assigned Robert Sayler Elder Plea None Initial Appearance Exploitation Bond None Posted Status Attorney to be Assigned

BEAVERHEAD AMBULANCE SERVICES SPECIAL DISTRICT AGENDA Friday, July 18, 2025 10:00 AM Beaverhead County Courthouse - Commissioners’ Room A. Call to Order B. a. Review and approve minutes of April 18, 2025, meeting b. Review and approve Treasurer’s Report C. Announcements D. Old Business a. Report on Beaverhead EMS regarding renewing the ambulance district and the process for receiving future tax revenues E. New Business a. Next meeting will be October 17, 2025, at 10:00 in the Beaverhead County courthouse. b. Renewal of the Beaverhead Ambulance Services Special District process. c. Certificates of Election by Acclamation for Mike Mooney and Sue Hansen F. Public comment - Public comment on items of significant public interest not on the Agenda and within the jurisdiction of the Beaverhead Ambulance Services Special District Board.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana ORDINANCES & FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING ~ Agenda ~ Thursday, July 17th, 2025 5:00 P.M.   1.            Call Meeting to Order 2.            Discuss/Recommend Changes to Title 6.04 Vicious Animals 3.            Discuss/Recommend Rabies Quarantine Process 4.            Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 5.            Adjourn   Committee Members: Bill Shafer, Chair Joleen Schultz Mary Jo O’Rourke

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE   A.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA   B.        MINUTES 1.         Approve Minutes from July 2, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting 2.         Accept Transcript from July 2, 2025 Public Hearing on the Acceptance of North Street 3.         Approve Minutes from July 9, 2025 Special City Council Meeting   C.        PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS               1.         Department of Livestock’s Response to Beaverhead Meats and Letter from the Director of Operations. 2.         League Conference Registration 3.         Discuss Election   D.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Resolution #1489  Establishing Costs of the Proposed Schedule of Projects, Repairs, and Improvements of Street Maintenance District For FY 2025-2026   E.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         Planning Board - Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham 2.         Zoning Commission - Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley             a.         Accept the May 27 th , 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes             b.         Accept the June 24 th , 2025 Public Hearing Transcript  3.         Board of Adjustments - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz                         a.         Accept May 22 nd , 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes 4.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey 5.         Police Department – Police Chief Jeremy Alvarez                         a.         Accept Incident Report for June 2025 6.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose                         a.         Accept June, 2025 Activity Report                         b.         Approve City Clerk Report for Fire Hall for June, 2025                         c.         Approve Budget vs. Expenditures Report for Fire Hall for June, 2025 7.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox                         a.         Accept the Court Report for June 2025 8.         Library Board - Diane Armstrong, Council Member; Kim Denny, Library Director               F.        REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Ordinances & Facilities – Bill Shafer, Chair; Joleen Schultz, Mary Jo O’Rourke 2.         Finance Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Diane Armstrong, Mary Jo O’Rourke 3.         Public Services – Diane Armstrong, Chair; Bill Shafer, Don Deem 4.         Open Spaces – Raymond Graham, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Joleen Schultz                         a.         Approve the Minutes from July 9, 2025 Special Open Spaces Meeting                                                 i.  Approve Installation of Playground Grass in Jaycee Park 5.         Public Works – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Raymond Graham                         a.         Approve the Minutes from the July 9, 2025 Regular Committee Meeting                         b.         First Reading Ordinance #485 – Public Works   G.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE  AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY   H.        ADJOURNMENT   PLEASE NOTE: The City of Dillon understands that citizens have the right under the Montana Constitution to observe and participate in local governmental affairs by personally attending all public meetings of the Dillon City Council and other City boards and committees. This meeting is open to the public as normal. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528, allowing permission for microphone and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245. Please mute your microphone until you desire to comment. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana  59725 OPEN SPACES COMMITTEE MEETING Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 4:00 P.M.   AGENDA     1.                  Call To Order 2.         Discuss/Recommend Vigilante Park Old Pump House Removal and Cleanup 3.         Discuss/Recommend Changes to Title 11.02.040 4.         Public Comment on Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 5.         Adjournment   Committee Members: Raymond Graham, Chairperson Anneliese Ripley Joleen Schultz

The Virginia City Car Show has become a beloved tradition, drawing car enthusiasts from across the region. This year’s record turnout is a testament to the growing popularity of the event and the community’s passion for preserving automotive history. With cars coming from all around participants got to participate in the show by helping pick the peoples choice award. People's Choice- 1952 Buick Roadmaster Chevy Division- 1950 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery Ford Division- 1957 Ford Fairlane Dodge Division- 1957 Dodge Truck

Tuesday July 15, 2025 - 1 p.m. - Magician Kyle Groves will perform his Colorful Magic at the Museum's Depot Theatre on Montana street. The theatre can only hold 119 people so it will be first come, first serve. TEEN Tuesday July 15, 2025 - 6 p.m. Bullseye Bash at Badger Archery - Teens aged 13 to 18 will get a chance to learn some archery skills from the staff of Badger Archery (right across the street from the library on Glendale street). All teens attending will receive a $5.00 Dairy Queen gift card and one teen will win a $25.00 gift card from Badger Archery. Waivers available at the library and must be signed by parent/guardian. Wednesday's FREE movie is MOANA 2 - July 16 th  - 3 p.m. at the Museum's Depot Theatre on Montana street. NO food is allowed in the theatre. Thursday's Theme: Colorful Nature - July 17th - 10 a.m. to Noon at the Museum's Depot Theatre on Montana street. Nao's Farewell party! Open House on July 17 th  -2 p.m. to 4 p.m.-Nao will be returning to Japan after 2 years of bringing Japanese Culture to Dillon and many other places. Please stop by to visit and say good bye to Nao Fukumoto. Then at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Nao will have Japanese Culture program as her final goodbye to the community. Upcoming: July 19-20 - Librarians will be at Bannack Days July 21 last day to turn your reading times in July 24 Summer Reading Program's FINALE 10 a.m. to Noon August 2 nd  - Computer class at 11:30 September 17 - Women's Financial Literacy at 5:30 p.m.

MEETING NOTICE Beaverhead Conservation District NRCS Office 420 Barrett St July 17th, 2025, 6:00 pm   The meeting will be in-person, but we can open a conference call line if anyone is interested, please let us know by noon the day of the meeting, if you would like to call into the meeting. If you would like to submit written comment, please do so by noon the day of the meeting to BeaverheadCD@gmail.com or in person at 420 Barrett St. • Public Hearing: Permissive Mill Levy Health Insurance Benefits • Call meeting to order • Approval of June 19th, 2025 minutes • Financial report • Partner Reports: NRCS, SMSP, Extension, Range Committee • Education and Outreach Report • Old 310 business o BCD 2418 Red Rock Springs Ranch, Kidd Creek/Borrow Ditch, Finish Inspection • New 310 Business o BCD 2541 Violation, Boat Ramp, Big Hole River o BCD 2542 Violation, Irrigation Pipe buried in the road, Alder Creek Administrator’s Report o BCD 2543 Southern Montana Telephone, Lime Gulch, Utilities Boring o BCD 2544 Southern Montana Telephone, Farlin Gulch 1, Utilities Boring o BCD 2545 Southern Montana Telephone, Farlin Gulch 2, Utilities Boring o BCD 2546 Southern Montana Telephone, Birch Creek 1, Utilities Boring o BCD 2547 Southern Montana Telephone, Birch Creek 2, Utilities Boring o BCD 2548 Southern Montana Telephone, Meyers Gulch, Utilities Boring o BCD 2549 Southern Montana Telephone, Birch Creek 3, Utilities Boring o BCD 2550 Joe Hartley Water Commissioner, Rattlesnake Creek, cleanout • Beaverhead Watershed Committee Grant Reports • Old Business • New Business o DNRC report- Catey Bauer • Upcoming Events o Next meeting date – August 21st 6pm • Public Comment • Adjournment **Please note the deadline for 310 permits is the 2nd Thursday of the month. Permits will be reviewed at the meeting on the third Thursday. Any work in streams or on streambanks requires a 310 permit per Montana Law. This includes emergency work for flood control, CLEANING OUT HEADGATES THAT ARE FED BY STREAMS, etc. If you have questions, please call 683-3802.

July 12  – The Helena Reps proved too much for the Dillon Cubs on Saturday, sweeping the doubleheader with victories of 6-2 and 14-8. The Reps showcased their offensive firepower and strong pitching across both games, while the Cubs struggled to keep pace despite some standout individual performances. Game 1: Helena Reps Take Control Early, Win 6-2 In the first game of the day, the Helena Reps set the tone early, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning. Brady Perlinski singled to right field, and Macrae Mongoven walked, each driving in a run to give the Reps a quick lead. The Reps extended their advantage in the third inning with a series of clutch hits. Matthew Feller doubled, Grant Bahnmiller singled, and Tyler Kaiser doubled, helping Helena build a comfortable lead. Pitching Dominance River Evans was the star on the mound for Helena Reps, earning the win with a stellar performance. Evans allowed eight hits and two runs (one earned) over six innings, striking out eight batters and walking none. His ability to keep the Dillon lineup in check was key to the Reps’ victory. Ben Peacock took the loss for the Dillon Cubs, surrendering six runs on eight hits over six innings while striking out three and walking three. Bright Spots for Dillon Trenton Moreni and Cohen Hartman provided some highlights for the Cubs, each collecting two hits and driving in a run. The duo was particularly effective hitting back-to-back in the lineup, but the Cubs couldn’t generate enough offense to mount a comeback. Helena’s Offensive Leaders Matthew Feller, batting ninth for Helena Reps, was a standout performer, going 3-for-3 and driving in two runs. Brady Perlinski and Grant Bahnmiller also contributed with multiple hits, showcasing the depth of the Reps’ lineup. Game 2: Helena Reps Explode for 14 Runs in High-Scoring Affair The second game saw the Helena Reps continue their offensive onslaught, scoring early and often in a 14-8 victory. Despite a heroic performance from Cohen Hartman, who went 4-for-4 at the plate, the Cubs couldn’t keep up with the Reps’ relentless attack. Helena’s Early Offensive Surge The Reps scored three runs in the first inning, with Brayden Spurzem doubling down the right field line, Deagan Solan singling to center field, and Kash Walker grounding out, each driving in a run. They added five more runs in the second inning, highlighted by Spurzem’s two-run double and RBI singles from Pierce Sublette and Solan. The Reps continued to pile on in the third inning, scoring four more runs on a fielder’s choice by Spurzem and RBI singles from Sublette and Walker. Cohen Hartman’s Heroics Cohen Hartman was a bright spot for the Dillon Cubs, collecting four hits in four at-bats. Hartman tripled in the fourth inning, doubled in the sixth, and singled in both the first and third innings. Jase Alvarez also contributed with three hits in four at-bats, but the Cubs’ offense couldn’t match the Reps’ firepower. Pitching Struggles Cooper Clarke started on the mound for the Dillon Cubs but struggled to contain the Reps’ offense. Clarke surrendered six hits and 10 runs over two innings, walking six batters and striking out one. Aiden Ferguson came on in relief and pitched five innings, allowing seven hits and four runs while striking out one and walking one. For Helena Reps, Jake Willcut started and went the distance, pitching seven innings and giving up 10 hits and eight runs (four earned). Despite the Cubs’ offensive efforts, Willcut managed to strike out two and walk four, earning the win. Helena’s Offensive Leaders Helena’s offense was led by Brayden Spurzem, Deagan Solan, and Pierce Sublette, each of whom collected three hits. Spurzem and Kash Walker were particularly impactful, each driving in four runs. The Reps also showed patience at the plate, drawing seven walks as a team, with Grant Bahnmiller leading the way with three free passes. Despite the tough losses, the Dillon Cubs showed flashes of potential, particularly from their top hitters like Cohen Hartman, Trenton Moreni, and Jase Alvarez. However, they’ll need to tighten up their pitching and capitalize on scoring opportunities if they hope to turn things around in their next game.

July 10, 2025  – The Lima Volunteer Fire Department sprang into action Thursday evening after receiving a call about a fire caused by an arcing transformer. The witness, saw flames spread from the transformer pole to a nearby structure, prompting concerns about a large propane tank in the vicinity. First responders arrived swiftly and managed to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading further. Thanks to their quick actions, the fire was limited to the pole and the adjacent structure, avoiding potential disaster. PC Beaverhead County Sheriff PC Beaverhead County Sheriff PC Beaverhead County Sheriff

DVFD responded to 20  calls for service during the month of June 2025.      6-01                 S Pacific St                             Burning odor 6-02                 Hwy 91 S                                Smoke Investigation 6-04                 I-15 MM 70                            MVA 6-06                 Hwy 91 S                                Gas Odor 6-09                 Freeman Ln                             Gas Line Broke 6-14                 Orr & Rife                              Electrical burn 6-14                 Swenson Way                         Grass Fire 6-15                 Hwy 91 N                               Grass Fire 6-16                 I-15 MM 80                            MVA 6-16                 I-15 MM 83                            MVA 6-20                 Highland St                             Gas Line Cut 6-20                 Anderson Ln & Hwy 41         MVA 6-20                 N Interchange                         Hydro-Spill 6-21                 I-15 MM 85                            Motorcycle Acc 6-23                 Hwy 91 N                               MVA 6-24                 I-15 MM 61                            MVA 6-26                 Dakota St                                Gas Odor 6-26                 I-15 MM 59                            MVA 6-29                 Hwy 91 & Burma Rd             Gras fire 6-30                 2 S Pacific                               Explosive detonation-standby     June monthly training included continued FF-1 training. Members trained with the Grasshopper Valley Fire Department on progressive hose lay. Assist with the Demolition Derby, Several members attended classes at Montana DNRC Wildland Firefighting Training Academy here in Dillon at UMW. We tested and interviewed new DVFD FF applicants.   Please be extra careful when you are out & about as it is wildfire season & the fuels are extremely dry.

Beaverhead Fire Dist. 405 N. Idaho St Dillon MTMEETING NOTICE TUESDAY July 15th, 2025 5:00 PM   AGENDA:   I.                   Call to order II.                Approval of Minutes from 6-17-2025 meeting         Public Comment III.              Approval of Warrants         Public Comment IV.             Old Business Discuss/ Recommend Volunteer Handbook                      Public Comment V.                New Business          Public Comment VI.             Chiefs Report                      Public Comment VII.          Public comment on subjects under the jurisdiction of Beaverhead Fire District #2 that is not on the agenda. VIII.       Adjournment