Muzzleloader season opens on Saturday, Dec. 10, and runs through Dec. 18. This season is for muzzleloaders only; no other means of taking game, such as archery, is allowed. Note that some areas have elk shoulder seasons through Feb. 15, where firearms and archery equipment may be allowed. Hunters should also note that many of Montana’s Block Management Areas (BMAs), even though they are open for upland bird or waterfowl through Jan. 1, are not allowing the harvest of deer or elk during the muzzleloader heritage season. Make sure to check BMA rules before you hunt. Find Block Management Program information here In addition, although all Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in Region 7 are open year-round, many other WMAs allowing hunting across the state are closed through May 14. If planning to hunt a WMA, see a list of WMAs and their seasonal closure dates here . Hunters should check the hunting regulations to make sure they are compliant with all rules and regulations for this season. Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted the following regulations, most of which are based on language from the statute: A person may take a deer or elk with a license or permit that is valid on the last day of the general hunting season. Any unused license-permit valid on the last day of the general season (i.e., Nov. 27) is valid during the muzzleloader heritage season. Any license that can still be purchased is valid. For example, if a person had not already purchased a general deer tag, they could purchase one for the muzzleloader heritage season. Hunters can use plain lead projectiles and a muzzleloading rifle that is charged with loose black powder, loose pyrodex or an equivalent loose black powder substitute and ignited by a flintlock, wheel lock, matchlock or percussion mechanism using a percussion or musket cap. The muzzleloading rifle must be a minimum of .45 caliber and may not have more than two barrels. During the muzzleloader heritage season, hunters may not use a muzzleloading rifle that requires insertion of a cap or primer into the open breech of the barrel (inline), is capable of being loaded from the breech, or is mounted with an optical magnification device. Use of pre-prepared paper or metallic cartridges, sabots, gas checks or other similar power and range-enhancing manufactured loads that enclose the projectile from the rifling or bore of the firearm is also prohibited. The nine-day season muzzleloader heritage hunting season was established when House Bill 242 was signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte last year. Keep vigilant with grizzly bear awareness With the mild weather, bears are still active. All bears are potentially dangerous. Hunters should be prepared to encounter a bear. Here are some tips to keep in mind: Stay alert and look for bear activity, especially where visibility or hearing is limited (woods, bushy areas, streams). Travel in a group and keep members together (especially kids). Make noise whenever possible to avoid surprising a bear, especially where visibility or hearing is limited. Carry bear spray close at hand and know how to use it. Avoid traveling at night, dawn or dusk. Avoid carcass sites and scavenger concentrations. For more information on hunting in Montana, visit fwp.mt.gov/hunt .

Fox Run Special District Meeting December 14, 2022 County Treasurer’s Building Tom Welch Room 11:00 am • The sole purpose of this project is to plan, implement, and oversee the hard surfacing of said road and administer the process and repayment of said bond kids • The purpose of this proposed district shall not include ongoing road maintenance 1. Call Meeting to Order 2. Secretary’s Report a. Approve minutes from 11/23/2022 3. Old Business a. Engineering Update -Estimate 4. New Business a. None 5. Other Items for Discussion a. Comments on Estimate b. Intercap Grant/ % Change c. Resolution to have an election 6. Public Comment 7. Set Next Meeting 8. Adjournment

The Dillon Flying Service had a very rare special visitor on Thursday afternoon. The airport was the landing place for a Howard 500. The Howard 500 only had 17 built to the full Howard 500 standards and as of today only two of them exist in flying condition. The plane was built as a high-end private plane before private jets took off. The plane can hold 10 to 14 passengers, has a bathroom in the rear and weighs 23,000lbs empty. It has a maximum speed of 410 mph at sea level and a cruising speed of 350mph. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-2800 -CB17 eighteen-cylinder two-row radial engines , that produce 2,500 hp each. The magnificent, rare plane was headed back to its new owner and the pilot Bernie White of White’s Aircraft restoration is good friends with Claire and Rand owners of Dillon Flying Service. Dillon was the perfect spot to make a stop for fuel as well as catch up with his friends. Watching this magnificent plane land at our local airport, I was inspired to do my own research and discovered many aviation enthusiasts track the tail numbers on these two existing planes, in hopes of catching sight of one up close. It was a great reminder that we live in a tight-knit community, and that we should treasure these rare moments. With the help of the Bailey’s, I was able to capture this aircraft in pictures and videos, a treat for the community to witness, and would love to express my gratitude to all involved. Keep on flying, folks!

MEETING NOTICE Beaverhead Conservation District NRCS Office 420 Barrett St December 8, 2022, 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. • Call meeting to order • Approval of October 20, 2022, minutes • Financial report • NRCS Report • Range Committee Report • Old 310 business • New 310 Business BCD 2212 Double C Ranch Holdings, Winslow Creek, New Channel and Reservoir for Artic Grayling BCD 2220 Angela Howell, Concrete sump box, Beaverhead River BCD 2221 Red Rock Springs Ranch, Channel Restoration, Unnamed Tributary of Buck Creek BCD 2222 Big Hole Watershed Committee – Ben LaPorte, Beaver Dam flooding mitigation, Remnant channel of the Big Hole River • Administrator’s Report • Beaverhead Watershed Committee Grant Reports • Old Business • New Business • Upcoming Events Next meeting date – January 19th, 2023 • 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, etc. If you have questions, please call 683-3802.

Dillon Volunteer Fire Department responded to 21 calls for service during the month of November 2022. 11-01 Gasline strike Selway Dr 11-01 Gas Leak S Atlantic St 11-01 MVA I-15 MM 77 11-02 Smoke Alarm Southside Blvd 11-04 Smoke Alarm Cottom Dr 11-04 Gas Odor Kentucky Ave 11-05 CO Alarm Meadowlark Ln 11-07 MVA Hwy 41 MM 8 11-07 Smoke Alarm W. Center St 11-11 Garage Fire Antelope Ln 11-12 Smoke Alarm Southside Blvd 11-14 CO Alarm E Dillon St 11-14 Dumpster Fire Glen 11-15 CO Alarm Sunrise St 11-16 Controlled Burn N Rife St 11-23 Semi Fire I-15 MM 44 11-25 Vehicle VS Deer Hwy 278 MM 2 11-26 Structure Fire Vine St 11-26 Vehicle VS Deer I-15 MM 58 11-30 Gas Leak Skihi St November had many different training opportunities for our members. We had members train on Naloxone & its administration on 11-09. On the 25th we trained the 2 firefighters who were deployed on our new SCBA’s. The final training of the month was on scene size up & initial report of an incident. We also had members participate in a suicide awareness &prevention class through the Headwaters RC&D.

A heavy black cloud of smoke could be seen filling the skies of Dillon on Tuesday afternoon. The cause of the smoke was a detached building on Lakner Lane. The building was completely engulfed in flames when first responders arrived. Firefighters are working on keeping the fire contained to the one building. Traffic on Lakner is being diverted down Webster Lane please avoid the area. This is a developing story and we will have more information when it becomes available. Update: The main cause of the fire has not been determined, the building was a complete loss.

Speridian Technologies, parent of Helix Business Solutions, is renewing its paid accelerator program, New Wave. The program is designed for current students and recent graduates from the University of Montana Western interested in pursuing a career in technology. After a successful pilot program in 2022, Speridian is renewing New Wave for another cohort slated to start in January 2023. As a global business and technology solutions provider, Speridian Technologies and its 1,500+ business and technology experts help clients modernize their businesses through digital transformation. The New Wave program was founded to provide technology-focused career opportunities in southwest Montana. Designed to give participants an immersive experience in several technology and business-related disciplines, including Project Management, Business Analysis, and Account Management, participants learn these disciplines through assignment-based learning, job shadowing, client-facing projects, and certifications. Cory Creighton, UMW alumnus and Director of the New Wave program said, “The University of Montana Western is a great place to recruit talent because the university is producing high-quality graduates just a few blocks away from our Dillon office. We’re excited to continue the strong partnership we have with Montana Western by offering this innovative program.” New Wave participants work closely with members of the Speridian leadership team from functions across the company. This allows Speridian’s leaders to meet and observe the participants through shadowing or other training activities. Upon successful completion of the program, New Wave participants may be offered job opportunities. UMW student participant, Tori Anderson, reflected on her time in the program. “I liked the opportunity to grow quickly within Speridian. There is a lot of potential to build a career while doing the things I love to do.” “UMW is grateful to partner with Speridian to offer experiential learning opportunities that give our students real-world insight into business and technology that they can carry forward into their future careers,” said Kevin Engellant, Professor of Business at Montana Western. Kate Ferris was raised in Dillon, Montana, and graduated from the University of Montana Western with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Web and Digital Media. “Joining the New Wave program completely changed the trajectory of my future. The learning opportunities have given me experience that I would not have received anywhere else. I have learned new skills in business processes, software, collaboration, and so much more. I feel this program has greatly elevated my future career potential.” For many graduates, New Wave is an opportunity to enter a completely new domain of work. UMW student, Coy Sands, heard about the New Wave program from a friend on the football team and had this advice for those thinking of applying. “People interested in a program like New Wave should not be afraid to try something new. I had no experience in the tech industry but at Speridian, the people were always willing to help and provide guidance.” Montana Western students interested in applying for the 2023 New Wave program are invited to send a resume to Program Director, Cory Creighton: cory.creighton@speridian.com . UMW Press Release

Many Montanans can find a plan for $10 or less per month. November 1 marked the official open enrollment season for Montanans to shop for affordable health coverage plans on the Marketplace. With changes in federal laws, the average cost of a health care plan in Montana is $142 a month. However, a third of Montanans can get coverage for less than $10 per month, and more than 86% qualify for a tax credit to make their monthly premiums more affordable. “Rural communities face challenges that contribute to persistent health disparities compared to urban areas, and part of that is the higher numbers of people without health insurance,” said Olivia Riutta, Director of Population Health with the Montana Primary Care Association. “Getting quality affordable health insurance is critical, and since finding the right plan can be confusing, the Navigator team at the Montana Primary Care Association is ready to help.” Of the more than 50,000 Montanans who get their health insurance on the marketplace, more than 37,000 are from rural Montana. Enrollees come from every part of the workforce, but in the Montana Marketplace, one-fourth of working-age enrollees are either small business owners or self-employed. Medicaid is also essential in rural Montana. In Beaverhead County, 2,131 residents, which is 23%, have Medicaid, Medicaid expansion, or Healthy Montana Kids as their health insurance. Statewide, 65% of Medicaid recipients in Montana live in rural Montana. “For the cost of lunch, many Montanans can buy health insurance and the peace of mind knowing they can see the doctor without getting a huge medical bill,” said Cindy Stergar, CEO of the Montana Primary Care Association. The Montana Primary Care Association is a Navigator grantee serving the state of Montana. Through Cover Montana, Montanans can learn health insurance basics, fill out a calculator to see what they qualify for, and connect to an enrollment assister who can walk them through the application and enrollment process. Cover Montana Navigators can provide phone and virtual assistance statewide and in-person enrollment assistance in the following areas: Billings, Bozeman, Helena, Great Falls, Browning, Kalispell, and Missoula. To find the Navigator closest to you, visit covermt.org/find-local-help/ or call the Cover Montana Help Line: (406) 634-3105 or (844) 682-6837. Open Enrollment begins November 1 and runs through January 15. If Montanans need coverage on January 1, they must enroll by December 15. “Cover Montana Navigators can answer questions about health insurance options and help Montanans find and enroll in a plan that meets their health needs and fits their budget. We can even help families enroll their children in Montana Medicaid and Healthy Montana Kids,” said Tierney Strandberg, Cover Montana Health Insurance Navigator. To reach Tierney Strandberg, the local Cover Montana Health Insurance Navigator, email tstrandberg@mtpca.org or go to www.covermt.org. There is also an upcoming event at the Beaverhead Resource Assistance Center (RAC), 205 E. Center St., Dillon, on December 14th, from 10 am – 4 pm. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments are available. The Montana Primary Care Association is the professional association of Montana health centers, including Federally Qualified Community Health Centers and Urban Indian Health Centers. The mission of the Montana Primary Care Association is to promote integrated primary healthcare to achieve health and well-being for Montana’s most vulnerable populations. This press release is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1.15M with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government. Cover Montana is a project of the Montana Primary Care Association.

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS December 8th, 2022 City Council Chambers 7:00 P.M. AGENDA 1. Call Meeting to Order 2. Approval of Minutes from October 10th, 2021 Meeting 3. Introduction/Review of Zoning Application 2022-027 Requesting Variance and Establishment of Public Hearing Date 4. Review of Board of Adjustment By-Laws 5. Review of Board of Adjustment Codes 17.36.030; 17.96.160 and 17.96.170 6. Review Proposed Board of Adjustment Variance Request Form 7. MSU Local Government Training December 14 th , 2022 at 1:00 in Dillon 8. Public Comment on items of significant public interest not on the agenda and within the jurisdiction of the Board of Adjustments. 9. Adjourn

The City of Dillon would like everyone know that there will be a house moving project taking place Saturday morning December 10 th at the corner of Kentucky Avenue and Walnut Street. Please be careful when driving in this area. There may be times when the streets and intersection may be blocked to traffic during the project. Thank you for your cooperation.

Story by Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information Montana Western Senior Mesa King, a Forward on the Women’s Basketball team, has been named a 2022 Montana Athletes in Service award winner. This is the second time that King has earned this award during her collegiate career. Mesa, a senior majoring in Physical Education and Elementary Education, has been involved as a volunteer for a fifth and sixth grade youth travel basketball team in Dillon as a coach and is the president of the UMW Association of Student-Athletes (ASA). Mesa is also currently a student teacher at Parkview Elementary School in Dillon and serves as the Frontier Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Social Media Coordinator. King has also helped to coordinate events such as the Bulldog statue campaign, the COVID Meal Train during the 2020-21 school years, the annual ASA sponsored Canned Food Drive, and the upcoming Holidays with the Bulldogs event. She has also been a part of planning the annual end of the year athlete banquet, volunteered in elementary & middle schools during the 2019 National Championship season, and volunteers regularly at on campus athletic events. Along with other student-athletes from Montana colleges and universities, King was honored during the 121st Brawl of the Wild game in Bozeman, Mont. on November 19 for her dedication to serving those in her community. “I am honored to be recognized for this award for the second time in my athletic career. As a member of the small community of Dillon and the Montana Western family, we pride ourselves in holding each other to high standards to achieve a common goal. I have genuinely enjoyed giving back to the community that has truly supported me during my six years as a Bulldog.” Mesa King said.

Beaverhead Chamber's PARADE OF LIGHTS WINNERS: First Place $75 in Chamber Bucks: R.E. Miller & Sons HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS Second Place $50 in Chamber Bucks: Rocky Mountain Supply 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS Third Place (tie) $25 in Chamber Bucks: Mule Deer Foundation A CHRISTMAS STORY & Beaverhead Maze & Pumpkin Patch NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION Photo Courtesy of Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce

The University of Montana Western Fine Arts Gallery will be hosting a Holiday Student Art Sale from December 5-9. Students from across campus will be exhibiting and selling their original works of photography, painting, drawing, 3-D, calligraphy, glass, textiles, cards, crafts, and more. All proceeds from the sale will go directly to the students. Items will be on sale in the UMW Fine Arts Gallery located in Main Hall from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. An opening reception will be held on December 5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Payments will be accepted by cash or check only. For more information, please contact Montana Western Fine Arts Gallery Coordinator, Nathaniel Freeman: nathaniel.freeman@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7059.

The University of Montana Western is pleased to announce the appointment of Rebecca Knotts as Director of Campus Events and Conference Services. Knotts completed a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, including language immersion classes at the University of College Cork in Ireland, and a bachelor’s degree in English from Boise State University. Knotts is the owner and designer at Wildwood Floral Creations, a floral and gift shop located in downtown Dillon, Montana. With a passion for artistic expression, Knotts has served Southwest Montana for ten years with planning and hosting private and public events, creative product design, training a dynamic staff and teaching floral workshops statewide. She returns to the University of Montana Western having served as a Visiting Assistant Professor of English from 2004-2013 and looks forward to supporting and showcasing the campus and local community through event planning and conference services. “I am very excited that Rebecca Knotts is joining the Montana Western team. Her relationship building and talent will serve our campus well,” said Mike Piazzola, Senior Director of Auxiliary Services. “I also want to take this opportunity to thank Kathy Simkins for her many years of service to Montana Western and the Dillon community and we wish her the very best in her retirement.” Knotts will begin her duties at the University of Montana Western on January 2, 2023.

Montana’s 2022 wolf regulations passed by the Fish and Wildlife Commission in August will go back in effect immediately after a court ruling in a lawsuit against Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks denied the plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction and lifted a temporary restraining order. The lawsuit challenges Montana’s wolf management. Two weeks ago the judge in the case issued a temporary restraining order reverting wolf regulations back to the 2020 wolf hunting and trapping season. That temporary restraining order expired Tuesday. Though the court denied the plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction, the lawsuit is still ongoing. Wolf hunting season is open across Montana, as defined in the 2022 wolf regulations. This includes wolf management unit 313, which borders the area north of Yellowstone National Park. The quota in this WMU 313 is six wolves. Trapping for wolves remains closed in areas with occupied grizzly bear habitat. Bear activity is still high in many areas as bears prepare to enter their winter dens. Trapping season in occupied grizzly bear habitat will be closed until bear activity decreases or Dec. 31, whichever comes first. FWP staff will assess bear activity on a weekly basis and may open areas to trapping if bear activity decreases. Wolf hunters and trappers can find many resources about wolves online, including: Regulations Current Harvest Information Management