Those interested in entering a lottery for a guided trophy bison hunt on the Blackfeet Reservation will have two opportunities to enter the drawing. The first lottery drawing will be held Jan. 17; the deadline to enter is midnight on Jan. 16. The second lottery drawing will be held Feb. 24; the deadline to enter is midnight on Feb. 23. The hunts will be held in March. Chances are $10 each, and hunters can purchase up to 20 chances. The lottery is open to all hunters – tribal members, nonmembers, Montana residents and nonresidents. Winners must pay the Blackfeet Tribe $2,500 within one week of successful draw to secure the hunt. Successful hunters can keep the bison’s head, hide and meat. To enter the drawing, go to: fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply . For more information, contact the Blackfeet Fish and Game office at 406-338-7207.

405 N. IDAHO STREET DILLON, MT MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY December 20, 2022 5:00 PM AGENDA: I. Call to order II. Approval of Minutes from 11-15-22 meeting Public Comment III. Approval of Warrants Public Comment IV. Old Business Public Comment V. New Business Discuss policy for billing MVA’s for out of district drivers. Public Comment VI. Chiefs Report VII. Public Comment VIII. Public comment on subjects under the jurisdiction of Beaverhead Fire District #2 that is not on the agenda IX. Adjournment

Groups or individuals interested in constructing or improving a community fishing pond have until Feb. 1 to apply for a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Community Pond Program grant. The objective of the Community Pond Program is to enhance public fishing opportunities in or near Montana communities by providing funding that may be used to construct or improve a public fishing pond. Applicants must provide at least 30 percent of the total project cost, which can include contributions such as heavy equipment time, construction materials, labor, engineering services and more. Anyone wishing to sponsor a project may apply. A total of $100,000 in grant funds is available for projects on ponds that offer public fishing opportunities. Past projects include building habitat structures, dock installations, pond dredging, ADA-accessible angling amenities and the purchase of aerators. Since 2003, the Community Pond Program has funded projects that benefit young anglers and their families by providing locations where individuals of all ages can learn angling skills. Additional information on the Community Pond Program, including a grant application form, is available on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/grant-programs/community-pond . Applications, which are accepted each year, must be received on or before Feb. 1. Applicants are required to contact their local FWP fisheries biologist to obtain project support. For more information, contact Michelle McGree, FWP program officer, at 406-444-2432 or mmcgree@mt.gov .

Ruby Valley Brew will host pints for pups on December 29th from 5 to 8 P.M. One dollar per purchased pint will go to the Beaverhead Animal Shelter. Come out and enjoy some amazing locally brewed beer and help contribute to this good cause.

Press Release: On December 14, 2022, the 2006 Gray Toyota 4Runner from the Michael Fontz missing person case was located. Michael was not located with his vehicle. Beaverhead County Search and Rescue was activated and they have begun a search for Mr. Fontz. We appreciate the community outreach and assistance with this matter. This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be released when it is possible. Thank you to all agencies that have helped with this case. If you have any further information regarding this case, please call (406)683-3701, Joel Stewart Asst. Chief of Police

The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) released the 2022 AFCA NAIA Coaches' All-America Teams today. Montana Western senior offensive lineman Noah Danielson was named First Team All-American. Danielson, a 6'4, 275lb offensive lineman from Vaughn, Mont., was also named to the First Team All-Conference Offense this season after his offense totaled 425 yards of offense per game and led the conference with 4675 total offensive yards. The Bulldogs also led the conference in rushing yards as they totaled 2104 yards this season. He has been a five-year team captain for the Bulldogs, a four-year starter, two time all-conference player, and has been named to the Dean's List four times. The AFCA has selected an All-America team since 1945 and currently selects teams in all five of its divisions. What makes these teams so special is that they are the only ones chosen exclusively by the men who know the players the best — the coaches themselves. For the complete list of All-American nominees, click here.

The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) released the 2022 AFCA NAIA Coaches' All-America Teams today. Montana Western senior quarterback Jon Jund was named All American Honorable Mention. Jund, a 6'1 senior quarterback from Spring Creek, Nev., was named First Team All-Conference Offense and was named Offensive Player of the Year for the second year in a row after this season. This is also his third all-conference selection in his career. Jund led the conference in passing yards per game (218.3) and passing touchdowns (22). He was tied for first overall in rushing touchdowns with nine total. Jund also had the most passing yards with 2401, the most completions with 189 total, and had the second highest completion percentage (60.4). Jund was eighth in the conference in rushing yards (502) and rushed for 45.6 yards per game. The AFCA's NAIA All-America Selection Committee is made up of two head coaches from each of the AFCA's seven districts, one of whom serves as a district chairman, along with another head coach who serves as the chairman of the selection committee. The coaches in each district are responsible for ranking the top players in their respective districts prior to a conference call between the district chairmen and the committee chairman on which the team is chosen. For the complete list of All-American nominees, click here.

CITY HALL COMMITTEE MEETING City Council Chambers December 15th , 2022 4:00 PM ~ AGENDA ~ 1. Call to Order 2. Discussion/Recommendation of Disposal/Donation of City Council Tablets 3. Discussion/Recommendation of iPhones vs Laptops for City Council Use 4. Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 5. Adjournment

Bicentennial Incorporated hosted the senior appreciation dinner on Friday, December 9th at the Frontier Events Center. The dinner was a way of saying thank you to the area’s senior citizens. The meal was a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings and a dessert to follow. The dinner started out with the song God Bless America followed by the invocation. Marlene Stonelake gave a presentation on the history of the Bicentennial apartments. People were able to enjoy their meals while Jim McIsaac introduced the Board of Directors. After the meal was wrapped up, they gave a presentation on the Grant Awards, the money given was raised by the interest that was collected on the loan from the sale of the Bicentennial Apartments back on June 6th. The committee looked to give the money to 501C organizations and organizations that help the seniors in our community, all together the grand total was $125,000. The award recipients are as follows: American Legion $3,000 to replace a Hot Water Heater and New tables Youth Challenge Foundation $3000 Scholarships Dillon Friends of the Library $2,000 Large print books BVHD County Museum $10,000 BVHD Wood Bank $18,00 Skid steer and wood BVHD Senior Center $3,000 Assistance providing food Dillon Tree Board $1,500 Pavers United Way of Beaverhead County $3,000 Rent Dillon Concert Association $10,000 Concerts Dillon Fire Department $28,000 Outfit new engine and signage Twin Food Bank $3,000 Assistance providing food Dillon Elks $1,000 Christmas Dinner SWMT Family YMCA $8,100 Exercise Equipment, Scholarships for senior memberships BVHD Food Pantry $20,000 Purchase food, pave lot, power generator, refinish floor, outdoor heating, refrigerated trailer Grasshopper Fire Dept $1,000 Equipment Twin Bridges FD $1,000 Equipment Twin Bridges Library $1,000 Large Print Books Lima Fire Dept $1,000 Equipment Sheridan Fire Department $1,000 Equipment/building fund Lima Community Pool $1,000 Seating/shade Ruby Valley Food Bank $1,000 Assistance providing food Sheridan Senior Center $1,000 Senior meal program Sheridan Public Library $1,000 Large print books Sheridan Swimming Pool $1,000 Shade and seating Community Thanksgiving Dinner $400 Twin Bridges Senior Center $1,000

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics revealed the 2022 Daktronics NAIA Football scholar-athlete teams, with 11 football representatives making the list. This Fall, the Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete programs recognizes football players from 89 institutions. In order to be nominated by an institution's head coach or sports information director, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, must appear on the eligibility certificate for the sport and have attended one full year at said institution. The following individuals from the Bulldog Football team earned this distinction for the 2022 season: Austin Wilson (Wolf Point, Mont.) Ben Howerton (Horseshoe, Idaho) Chucky Braverock (Browning, Mont.) Danny Bradbury (Newport, Wash.) Gus Hanson (Helena, Mont.) John Mears (Belgrade, Mont.) Latrell McCutcheon (Bozeman, Mont.) Luke Nichols (Newport, Wash.) Noah Rimmer (Saratoga, Wyo.) Reese Artz (Battle Mountain, Nev.) Tanner Harrell (Shepherd, Mont.) To view the full list of Football Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes, click here. (PDF)

Effective immediately, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is opening wolf trapping season in specific areas of occupied grizzly bear habitat in west, northwest and southcentral Montana due to reduced grizzly bear activity. The areas of occupied grizzly bear habitat now open include areas in FWP Region 1, elk and deer hunting districts 100, 101, 103, 104 120, 121, 122, 123, and 124. In Region 2, occupied grizzly bear habitat south of Interstate 90, or HDs 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, and 217. The occupied grizzly bear habitat in FWP Region 5 is also open. This includes areas northeast of Yellowstone National Park ( See map ). The rest of the occupied grizzly bear habitat in Montana remains closed to wolf trapping due to grizzly bear activity. In August, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved wolf hunting and trapping regulations for the 2022 season, which ends March 15, 2023. The regulations include a floating start date for wolf trapping in occupied grizzly bear habitat. The intent of the floating start date is to avoid conflict with grizzly bears that have yet to den for the winter. Wolf trapping in these areas opens Dec. 31 unless FWP opens it early due to a decline in grizzly bear activity. FWP makes a decision opening trapping in occupied bear habitat each Monday in December with input from field staff on bear activity. Wolf trapping is open in all other areas of the state. Hunters and trappers should note that wolf harvest quotas exist in each FWP trapping district and wolf management unit 313. Those harvest quotas can be viewed and followed on the FWP Wolf Dashboard . Wolf hunters and trappers should make sure to be familiar with the 2022 Furbearer, Wolf and Trapping Regulations, which include maps of occupied grizzly bear habitat. Attachments: Chart: Grizzly Bear Activity week of Dec. 12, 2022, and FWP’s weekly wolf trapping assessment (PDF)

Pioneer Furniture hosted a ribbon cutting today in conjunction with the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. The ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the opening of their new location on 4 North Idaho St. With about thirty people attending the ceremony the ribbon was cut. Pioneer furniture is located in the old KCI building that previously was known as Eliel’s department store and the former location of Womack’s Printing. Congratulations to Dan and his crew on your new location.

The BCHS Auditorium was the place to be Sunday night as churches across Dillon, along with a few brave individuals took to the stage to belt out a variety of Christmas and Seasonal tunes. The Community Christmas Sing took place Sunday night. The event was hosted by the Southwest Montana Arts Council and Erin Hughes. After having to cancel this annual tradition due to COVID the last couple years, last night's performance was a big hit for the crowd that filled the auditorium. With a variety of churches, individuals, and the Teen Tones performing many musical numbers there was a little something for everyone. Those partaking in last night's concert are as follows: BCHS Teen Tones performing II Est Ne, Le Divine Enfant and Winter Wonderland Kelly Weinacht: I Wonder as I Wander Ruth Weinacht along with Kelly Weinacht on harp: Suo Gan (Welsh Christmas Lullaby) The Church of jesus Christ of Later Day Saints: Shine for Me Again Star of Bethlehem and Goin to Bethlehem Kenneth Field, Rafaela Acevedo-Field, and Damiean Guillen: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Grace United Methodist Church: Hymn of Thanks and Christmas Grace Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir Gloria in Excelsis Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir and God’s Kids: Hallelujah God’s Kids also performed Go Tell it on the Mountain Francis Schisler and Molly Graeber performed a Christmas Medley The Lark Quartet: Les Anges Dans Nos Compagnes and the Chanukah Song After all the acts performed their songs, it was wrapped up with the community joining in and singing Joy to the World and Silent Night. After all was done those in attendance left for the night with a warm feeling of community and the spirit of the season. You can find the performance below.

The Montana Center for Horsemanship, in partnership with the University of Montana Western and Equus International Film Festival, are pleased to announce the theme and dates for next year’s international equine education conference, co-hosted by MCH and UMW. “The Trail Forward in Horsemanship Education” will be held at the Montana Center for Horsemanship in Dillon, Montana, September 7-9, 2023. Leading trainers, educators, equestrians, ranchers, clinicians, filmmakers, equine scientists, and researchers will be among the presenters. The annual conference is open to all interested in attending, including members of the public and students of all ages. Equus International Film Festival, featured during the conference, has opened the Call for Entries on FilmFreeway.com . Award-winning films will be featured at MCH and in the state-of-the-art Beier Auditorium on the historic campus of Montana Western during the three-day gathering. In keeping with the MCH mission, a new film entry category has been added titled “Western Way of Life and Horsemanship,” which reflects the traditions, culture, and lifestyle of the American West built around horses and horsemanship, ranching, and the agriculture industry. Janet Rose, MCH Coordinator of the annual conference says, “the Western way of life is recognized around the world as a cultural icon, just as horses are an American icon. Horses helped to build our country and our Montana economy, and this conference and film festival highlights and celebrates this continuing legacy.” The Equine Studies Department at the University of Montana Western offers the nation’s only Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Horsemanship with options in management, psychology, science and instruction, and was ranked among the “Best Equestrian Colleges” by ThoughtCo.com. The Montana Center for Horsemanship is the first and only equine center in the United States that is devoted expressly to promoting ‘Natural Horsemanship.’ With its stables, arenas, riding areas, and instructors, the center serves as the primary facility and progressive teaching resource for Montana Western’s Natural Horsemanship BS curriculum. The MCH teaches the ‘La Cense Method,’ which was developed under William Kriegel, owner of Haras de la Cense in France. Mr. Kriegel is also co-founder of MCH, and he has been involved in Natural Horsemanship for many years. The La Cense Method is a progressive, step-by-step process that blends the best of traditional horsemanship training with the art of training and riding horses—all in a manner that works with a horse’s behavior, instincts, and personality. Taking a positive and respectful approach, the La Cense Method gradually builds trust, and frees the horses to be confident in all they are asked to perform. For more information on conference participation and sponsorship, please contact the Montana Center for Horsemanship at 406-925-3270 or email janet.rose@williamkriegelfoundation.org . To learn more about the University of Montana Western and degree options in Equine Studies and Natural Horsemanship , please call 877-683-7331 or visit www.umwestern.edu .

Submitted by: Mel Rice-Public Relations The Beaverhead Search and Rescue held it monthly meeting last week. The meeting was called to order by Commander Lawrence Morriroe at 7:02 Wednesday evening. There were 29 members present. Guests attending this month were Eric Rush and Weston Helle. The first item of business was a report on the up and coming trainings and a couple trainings that may take place if enough members commit to them. Tara Remely and Steve Mock attended a training exercise that presented different scenarios that teams had to evaluate and work through. This training was put on by Madison County S&R. A course that the Beaverhead unit is looking to put on is “Managing Lost Person Incident. This course is approximately 40 hours in length. There will have to be 8 to 10 individuals commit to this in order to make it cost effective both for the instructors and the unit. Each year we try to have a summer campout which includes 2 ½ days of training. This year’s campout is scheduled for June 10-11. It’s a great time to bring a number of our families together. There was one rescue during the past month. It occurred in the upper reaches of the Horse Prairie. Two gentlemen from Great Falls had slid off the road into a snow drift and could not get out. The SOS call was received around mid-morning. Russ Sigman was the IC of the incident. Trent and Cole Cottom were in the area hunting so after communicating with Russ, they were dispatched to the coordinates. A tow truck had been dispatched as well but took a wrong road and never did arrive. Therefore, the Cottom men were able to winch the vehicle back on the road and sent the two gentlemen on their way. Other members who were on hand were: Adam Norlander, Tyler Grover, and Jason Ericksen. It turned out to be a simple and quick fix. On the membership side of things, BVHD S&R brought on board 5 new probationary members. They will have to serve for a period of 1 year on probation. At the end of the year it will be determined whether to grant each of them full membership. During their probation they will be expected to participate in all activities of the unit but without voting rights. New probationary members are: Trevor Hyland, Joe Reyes, Jaime Rawson, Jaime Trevette, and Charles Weidow. Congratulations and welcome aboard. The unit had one member resign. Tom McKnight has indicated his desire to step down due to an abundance of other commitments. Tom appreciated his time with the organization and likewise the group appreciated Tom’s commitment. Thank you Tom for all that you did for Beaverhead SAR. The Stan Shafer Memorial Ice Fishing Derby is on again to start off the new year. The date for the next derby is January 15, 2023. That may sound like a long ways away but it is actually next month. Get those augers out and sharpened up. Don’t think ice is going to be a problem this year. Everything is the same as in the past. The derby is at Clark Canyon Reservoir starting at 7:00 AM and ends at 4:00 PM that afternoon. There are two tagged fish, one worth $5000 and a second one worth $8500. We will be splitting $750 four ways on the largest trout and $750 four ways on the largest ling by weight. The kids’ contest is back as well. On trout we pay kids $75 for 1st place, $50 for 2nd place, and $25 for 3rd place by weight. The same is true for the top 3 ling caught by kids… The last order of business for the evening was the nomination of officers for the year 2023. Nominations remain open until the January meeting. At the January meeting other nominations will be accepted and voting will take place. After conclusion of the business portion of the meeting, Alex Dunn completed a short training on “What should be in your winter packs.” Each member should have special items in their packs not only for aiding someone else but for their own safety as well. He discussed a number of item that are light weight, easy to pack, but could very easily make the difference between survival and not. Thank you, Alex. At this time the Beaverhead Search and Rescue would like to thank our community members and businesses for your continued support. Without you we would not be able to do the things we do and take care of business at hand the way we do. Thank you so very much. Your BVHD S&R “In the Business of Saving Lives”.

Tuesday December 13th, 2022 at 7:00 P.M. City Council Chambers ZONING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Agenda a. Call To Order b. Review and Approval of Minutes of the October 25 th , 2022; November 1 st , 2022; and November 9 th , 2022 Meetings c. Director of Operations Report *Public Comment will be taken after discussion of items d through h by the Zoning Commission; followed by final discussion by the zoning commission; and final vote by the commission if necessary. d. Applications for Zoning Compliance Certificates for Review: 2022-025 Swenson Single Family TBD North Rife St. 2022-028 Swenson Single Family TBD North Rife St. e. Discussion of Tully Springs Zoning Amendment Application and the Setting of Public Hearing Date f. Review/Discussion of Zoning Commission By-Laws g. Review/Discussion of Fees h. MSU Local Government Workshop at the University December 14 th , 2022 i. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the Zoning Commission. j. Adjournment PLEASE NOTE: A Zoom link is available. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528, allowing permission for mic and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245. Zoning Commission Members: Tim Stoker, Raymond Graham, Jackie Erfle, Russ Schwandt; Mike Watson, Justin Rooley

Beaverhead County Tax Appeal Board Meeting Tuesday, December 13, 2022 2 P.M. Commissioner’s Room Beaverhead County Courthouse Agenda 2:00 P.M. Action on November 15, 2022 Boyles Appeal Minutes 2022-03 Scott & Nancy Tillotson, (Calame, LLC) Tax Appeal Deliberation Action ~ Tax Appeal Board Decision Adjourn