As grizzly bears emerge from their dens across the state the potential for conflicts with farmers, ranchers and other producers is increasing. In the past few years, bears have been spotted in areas where they haven’t been for more than a century, and the possibility of encountering a grizzly exists anywhere in the western part Montana. Black bears are also widely distributed across the state. Bears are always on the lookout for an easy food source, including unsecured garbage, spilled grain and livestock carcasses, all of which can bring them into proximity of homeowners and agricultural producers. Grizzly bears are still a federally protected species. Landowners can haze grizzly bears off their property but must do so without harming the bear; this typically means using loud noises and hard-sided vehicles. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service guidelines for hazing grizzly bears can be found here . Producers can reduce the risk of depredation by installing electric fencing around small calving pastures, pens and corrals. Be cautious around brushy cover including shelterbelts and creeks that bears may use as travel routes or resting areas. Additionally, putting salt, mineral and creep feeders out in the open, away from brush and water, can help deter bears. Removing or putting electric fences around bone piles can prevent bears from receiving food rewards and being drawn in near homes and herds. In several areas around the state, local efforts have implemented the removal of livestock carcasses to avoid attracting bears near livestock operations. For more information about carcass collection efforts that might be in your area, please contact the nearest FWP specialist. You can find a list of specialists here . In and around towns, attractants can include other things such as pet food, garbage, barbecue grills and bird feeders. Homeowners should secure these sorts of items to prevent attracting wandering bears. FWP specialists work diligently to help landowners, homeowners and communities avoid bear conflicts. To report a grizzly bear sighting or conflict, or for assistance securing attractants, contact the FWP bear specialist nearest to you. For livestock conflicts, contact USDA Wildlife Services . Given grizzly bears are a federally protected species, conflict response is primarily conducted by FWP, tribal fish and wildlife agencies, and USDA Wildlife Services under the authority of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. It is illegal to harm, harass or kill grizzly bears, except in cases of self-defense or the defense of others. Landowners can take measures to prevent bears from being drawn near homes and livestock. Here are some general tips to help prevent bears causing problems in agricultural areas: Place tarps under loaders when transferring grain to prevent spills. Dispose of old grain through sanitation services, burning or dumping away from people, buildings and livestock. Dispose of carcasses and afterbirth through sanitation services, inside an electrified boneyard or by distributing away from people, buildings and livestock. Electric fences can be placed around fresh carcasses and bone piles until they can be permanently removed. If possible, secure domestic animals within an electric fence when unattended by people or at night. This includes poultry, goats, sheep or rabbits. Place creep feeders, molasses and mineral blocks in open areas where humans and livestock can easily view the area before entering. Grizzly bears can be deterred from areas near homes using USFWS guidelines for hazing grizzly bears, found here. This helps reinforce bears’ fear of people. Don’t let grizzly bears linger in your yard or in close proximity to home or other structures because this can lead to habituation. Call an FWP specialist to help deter bears if you are not comfortable or able to do so. Notify your neighbors if you do observe a grizzly bear in the area to help make others aware. You can find more information on living and working in bear country, here .

This past week the Beaverhead Search and Rescue held its monthly meeting under the direction of commander, Lawrence Morrisroe. Roll call was completed and the introduction of guests, Dan Wyatt and James Matthews. Both are very interested in becoming members. James has already submitted an application. Once both applications have been received and approved, they will become probationary members for a period of one year. Nathan Freeman, training officer, explained the training opportunities coming up in the following months. Swift water training will take place in May and is in conjunction with Madison County S&R. Search manager training is still on the agenda for the next month or so. During our next meeting training will be provided by Dillon Martial Arts, in order for members to be trained in self-defense. We will be holding our summer training camp out in June. Gayle Rawson, Lawrence, and Nathan will be coordinating that event. Each member of the organization is required to have 15 hours of training per year. Since the meeting, Nathan Freeman has asked to be relieved of his training officer duties due to changes in his very active life. Nathan has done an outstanding job in this position. Thank you Nate for all your hard work and efforts in keeping the membership trained and active. Nate will remain as an active member of the unit. Once again there have been no searches or rescues during the last month. It is nice to have this continued reprieve but at the same time we cannot become complaisant. With the number of individuals using Beaverhead County as their recreation grounds, it is only a matter of time before we are activated. It is also with regret that we have to postpone the annual S&R auction for another year. For the good of the order, Dan Cahill, Alex Dunn, and Tyler Grover have all been voted to permanent membership status after completing their probationary year. Congratulations to these three fine new members. They have already been very active and an integral part of BVHD S&R unit. Brian DeMars has turned in his letter of resignation. Brian has been a very active member and a past commander along with other positions. He has been an active member since January 1990. Brian was one individual no one ever wanted to ground search with, especially in deep snow, because of his long legs. He could go forever, maybe he still can… Thank you Brian for 32 years of service to the group. It is quite apparent that spring is not here yet. Please be careful out there and make sure you are prepared for the worst whenever venturing out in the great outdoors. Whether hiking , 4 wheeling, fishing or any other number of activities, be safe. I’m sure there are lots of drifts out there, avalanches are still a great concern, and thin ice is very scary. Take Care, “In the Business of Saving Lives” your Beaverhead Search and Rescue. Submitted by: Mel Rice-Public Relations

The University of Montana Western’s Fine Arts Department and Bank of Commerce Performing Arts Series is pleased to announce its spring performance festival, Mythfest 2022, from April 21 - May 4. This online and live festival is a collection of performances of classic theater including works by playwright Federico García Lorca, voices from history, singing cowboys, songs of the sea, and original music as part of the 2021-22 Bank of Commerce Performing Arts Series. The online presentation of Mythfest 2022 will be available to view free of charge from April 21 – May 4 by visiting www.umwestern.edu . A special live workshop performance with Montana Western students and guests from Arizona State University will be held on April 29 at 7:30 p.m. in UMW’s Small Auditorium, located on the third floor of Main Hall (room 314). The festival is a collaboration between the University of Montana Western and Arizona State University. Directed by Miranda Zent, the festival features work from students, faculty, and guest artist Oscar Giner. Giner is a dramatic poet who has been working in the American Southwest and in his native Caribbean for over four decades. He recently translated, acted and directed Summer, Summer by Myrna Casas, at the Off-Broadway Cherry Lane Theatre in New York. Admission is free and donations will be accepted at the door and online. Mythfest is part of the UMW Fine Arts Department and Bank of Commerce Performing Arts series, with additional support provided by ASUMW/Student Senate. For more information, please contact Director Miranda Zent: miranda.zent@umwestern.edu . Cast: Phoenix, Arizona: Oscar Giner Emily Adams Hugo Crick-Furman Dillon, Montana: Miranda Zent A’Lora Giono Samantha Gregg Tatum Higginbotham Adrianna Irvine Jeshua Stradley

https://youtu.be/7SAybur4AmQ

After deer and elk permits were drawn Thursday, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks uncovered an error in the drawing process affecting less than three percent of applications across the state in 10 hunting districts. This year the Fish and Wildlife Commission changed several elk hunting districts to “first and only choice” for applications, meaning if hunters want to hunt any of these districts, they forfeit the option to list a second or third choice on their application. Due to an error in the current licensing system regarding “first and only choice” hunting districts, hunters who applied for these districts were able to submit second and third choices. Hunters who did submit second and third choices on their applications for a “first and only choice” district were removed during the draw. The mistake affected 10 hunting districts and 2,482 applications out of the 83,017 total statewide. FWP is moving away from the current licensing system as part of the administration's effort to modernize state government. “As soon as FWP became aware of the technical glitch, our licensing staff worked around-the-clock to fix it and make it right with hunters who were inadvertently removed from the draw,” said FWP Director Hank Worsech. Impacted applicants initially didn’t see results for the elk draw in their MyFWP account. Until the situation is resolved, those individuals will see temporarily that they were unsuccessful in the draw. Any hunter who drew a permit in yesterday’s draw will not lose it. Here’s what FWP is doing to address the problem: Hunters who submitted applications and are eligible for districts 411-21, 447-21, and 595-21 and entered second and third choices will receive a permit because the number of permits unallocated after the draw is greater than the number of applicants who were removed from the draw. Similarly, the 270-45 permit is unlimited, so applicants will all receive a permit. Hunters who submitted applications for districts 411-20, 417-20, 417-21, 426-20, 799-20, and 799-21 and were removed from the draw will be entered into a random drawing next week. Those who are unsuccessful in this second drawing will receive bonus points. Under administrative rule, Director Worsech has the discretion to issue permits up to 10 percent above the quota. This 10 percent will be allocated in these second drawings. “The fairest solution to this error is to use my discretion to give all impacted hunters the shot at a permit they’re owed,” Director Worsech said.

Using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Montana Arts Council is offering a one-time grant to nonprofit arts organizations within the state. The ARPA Organization grant will help support the day-to-day operating costs of Montana arts nonprofits as they continue to endure disruptions related to the COVID-19 epidemic. Funds for these grants have been awarded to the Montana Arts Council by the National Endowment for the Arts. Eligible expenses for these grant funds are limited to any or all of the following: Salary support, full or partial, for one or more staff positions Fees and stipends for artists &/or contractual personnel to support the services they provide to organizations for specific activities Facility costs such as rent and utilities Costs associated with health and safety supplies for staff &/or visitors/audiences (e.g., personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, etc) Marketing and promotional costs The application deadline for ARPA Organization grants is Thursday, May 5th, with a maximum award amount of $5,000. To learn more about the grant, and for application instructions, visit art.mt.gov/arpa.

Montana’s unemployment rate fell to a new record low in March to 2.3%, the fourth lowest rate in the nation. Montana’s labor force and total employment are at record highs. Inflation, however, has reached a 41-year high, undermining Montanans’ wage growth and threatening Montana job creation and economic growth. “Because of Montanans’ hard work, we’re at our lowest unemployment rate ever, and more Montanans are working than ever before,” Governor Greg Gianforte said. “While Montana’s rapid economic growth has lowered our unemployment rate and driven wage growth, a well-skilled workforce has never been more important. We’ll keep working with Montana’s employers to bring new people into the workforce and make sure they get the training and skills they need to succeed, thrive, and prosper.” Since Gov. Gianforte was elected, Montana’s unemployment rate has dropped from 4.2% to 2.3%. Four of the 5 months with the lowest unemployment rate in Montana history have been on Gov. Gianforte’s watch – March 2022, February 2022, January 2022, and November 2021. The unemployment rate for the U.S. was at 3.6% for March. Nearly 26,000 jobs have been created in Montana since Gov. Gianforte was elected in November 2020. Montana’s total employment is at its highest level ever recorded with 545,360 Montanans working. Montana’s total employment, which includes payroll, agricultural, and self-employed workers, continued to experience rapid growth, posting gains of 3,267 in March. Montana’s labor force is also at its highest level ever recorded at 558,466. In March, roughly 2,105 new workers entered Montana’s labor force. Also in March, 1,162 fewer Montanans were unemployed than in February, and since Gov. Gianforte was elected, the number of unemployed Montanans has fallen by more than 42 percent, from 21,764 to 13,106. On Tuesday, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported inflation has increased 8.5 percent in the last 12 months, marking the highest annual increase since 1981. “At a 41-year high, inflation is robbing Montanans of their hard-earned money and erasing gains they’re getting with their take-home pay,” Gov. Gianforte said. “It’s far past time for the Biden administration to stop passing the buck and get inflation under control.” According to BLS, an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor, over the past 12 months, Grocery prices are up 10.0% Meats, including beef, pork, and chicken, up 14.8% Eggs, up 11.2% Milk, up 13.3% Coffee, up 11.2% Fresh fruits, up 10.1% Baby food, up 10.8% Gas prices are up 48.0% Used car and truck prices are up 35.3% Energy service prices, including electricity and piped gas service, are up 13.5% Fuel oil prices are up 70.1% Rent prices are up 4.4% Clothing prices are up 6.8% Airfare prices are up 23.6% ### ** Unemployment figures are seasonally-adjusted. Seasonally-adjusted numbers remove the effects of events that follow a more or less regular month-to-month pattern each year. These adjustments make non-seasonal patterns easier to identify. The margin of error for the unemployment rate is plus or minus 0.6 percentage points at the 90 percent confidence level. All questions relating to the calculation of unemployment rates should be directed to the Montana Department of Labor & Industry’s Research and Analysis Bureau at 406-444-4100.

A semi truck carrying a load of hay is blocking the 91 South highway right before the Blacktail Road. If you need to head this way be aware and plan an alternate route. A semi was making a turn onto 91 South today when the trailer came loose. The driver was making a turn when he heard a pop noise. The trailer became disconnected and came to rest on the southbound lane of highway 91. First responders are on scene working to get the road cleared and open. No injuries are reported.

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the scores and ranking of the second round of applications for critical water and sewer investments by the state. Rankings also include the state’s first round of investments in irrigation improvements. “Safe, clean drinking water, effective wastewater systems, and reliable irrigation infrastructure are critical to our communities,” Gov. Gianforte said. “With these strategic, long-term investments, we’re modernizing Montana’s infrastructure for our kids and grandkids.” The state received applications for 179 water and sewer projects in the second round of funding, with $262 million requested. The state also received 39 applications for irrigation infrastructure improvements, totaling $10.9 million. A team of technical experts in drinking water, wastewater, engineering, and project management at the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) conducted the review and ranking. “Thanks to the hardworking staff at DNRC, DEQ, Department of Commerce, and Department of Administration, as well as the Infrastructure Advisory Committee, Montana is leading the nation in investing funds to improve our infrastructure. These projects will not only improve the lives of Montanans, but they’ll also creating more good-paying jobs in construction and engineering,” the governor added. The scores and ranking of the applications will be submitted to the ARPA Infrastructure Advisory Commission which will make the final recommendation to the governor on which projects will be awarded funding. The commission will next meet on April 20 to review rankings and submit recommendations to the governor who approves final projects for funding. Funds for approved projects, however, cannot be released until the State of Montana receives funds from the U.S. Treasury. “We need the Biden administration to move quickly to release ARPA funds so we can get to work,” Gov. Gianforte said. Agencies administering and assisting with the ARPA water and sewer grants include DNRC, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Department of Commerce. Applicants for competitive water and sewer grants can visit arpa.mt.gov to log in to see their final score. The full list of ranked projects can be found here . Public comments or letters of support regarding a specific project application can be emailed to dnrarpa@mt.gov prior to the Infrastructure Advisory Commission’s next meeting on April 20.

Public Service Announcement The City of Dillon will be holding a Town Hall meeting Thursday, April 21st, 2022 at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall to explain the Waterline Project on Idaho and Washington Streets this summer as well as answer any questions that the community and businesses may have concerning the project. Representatives from Mungus Construction and the City of Dillon will be available to answer your questions. If you have any questions please contact Todd Hazelbaker, Director of Operations, at 683-4245. Thank You

Judiciary Committee Meeting ~ Agenda ~ Tuesday, April 19, 2022 4:00 p.m. 1. Call Meeting to Order 2. Discuss/Recommend Recreational Marijuana in City of Dillon 3. Discuss/Recommend Amending Title 12 4. Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 5. Adjourn Committee Members: Dan Nye, Chairperson Mary Jo O’Rourke Raymond Graham 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. For anyone that is cautious about physically attending, a Zoom link will be available so you can stay home while attending the meeting. To use Zoom just join meeting with id: 770-316-6528 allowing permission for mic and camera (or if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and using Passcode 4245. For courtesy, please mute until you want to talk. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245. om.us/j/7703166528 ) and usingPasscode 4245. For courtesy, please mute until you want to talk. Any problems or questions,call City Hall at 683-4245.

BEAVERHEAD FIRE DIST. #2 405 N. IDAHO STREET DILLON, MT MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY April 19, 2022 5:00 PM AGENDA: I. Call to order II. Approval of Minutes from 03-15-22 meeting Public Comment III. Approval of Warrants Public Comment IV. Old Business Public Comment V. New Business 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

The wait is over as the deer and elk permit drawing is complete, just two weeks after the deadline. With the new online application process, FWP can complete the drawing much faster than in years past. “You can now start the fun planning process with your family and friends,” said Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Hank Worsech. There are a few ways to get your drawing results. Visit fwp.mt.gov , click on MyFWP Login in the upper righthand corner, then click on Lookup Draw Results, Register for Lists tab on the left-hand menu, or login to your MyFWP account. You may also sign up for an account at myfwp.mt.gov . Applicants may also call any FWP Regional office or the licensing office at 406-444-2950. Deadline reminders: The deadline to apply for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and bison is Sunday, May 1; the deadline to apply for elk B, deer B, and antelope is Wednesday, June 1. All applications must be completed online or at an FWP office. Most FWP offices with license sales are open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The University of Montana Western’s 125th Annual Commencement Ceremony, to be held on Saturday, May 7, will honor J.P. Gallagher with the University’s Alumni Distinguished Service Award. Gallagher graduated from Montana Western in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Health and a minor in history. He went on to receive a Master’s in Education in 2008 from Graceland University focused on quality schools and a Master’s in Education from Montana State University in 2011. Gallagher served in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1986. Three years later, he started at Montana Western when the university was rebuilding their football program under the direction of Coach Mick Dennehy. A gifted leader, Gallagher was the team captain for three years, academic all-conference and a four-year all-conference safety. He was inducted into the Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002 for his leadership and performance on the field and his efforts in assisting Coach Dennehy in rebuilding the program. After graduation, Gallagher taught and coached football at Choteau High School and Flathead High School before heading to Butte High in 2003 where he taught physical education and history over the next seven years and served as the head golf coach. He then spent five years as principal at Whittier Elementary School before he was named Butte-Silver Bow Parks and Recreation Director in 2015. As Director, he was responsible for the design and development of over 20 million dollars in park and trail improvements in the City of Butte. In 2020, Gallagher ran for Chief Executive Officer of Butte-Silver Bow and was elected on November 3, 2020. “Montana Western is proud to honor J.P. Gallagher with the Alumni Distinguished Service Award. His impact as an educator, public servant and supportive alumnus make him the perfect candidate for this award and we are grateful for the opportunity to recognize him,” said Montana Western Foundation and Alumni Director, Roxanne Engellant. “His commitment to his students, community and alma mater are unparalleled.” The Montana Western Alumni Office will host a luncheon in the Lewis and Clark Room in Mathews Hall on Friday, May 6, at 11:30 a.m. to honor Gallagher and the Montana Western classes of 1997 and 1972. Tickets are $15 and available by calling 406-683-7306. The commencement ceremony will begin the following day at 10 a.m. in the Straugh Gymnasium on the University of Montana Western campus. For more information, please contact Montana Western Foundation and Alumni Director, Roxanne Engellant: 406-683-7305 or roxanne.engellant@umwestern.edu.

Montana: A History of Our Home is the new Montana Historical Society fourth-grade student textbook, which is available with a detailed and activity-filled teacher’s guide. The 96-page textbook offers a quick tour through 13,000 years of Montana history. Students will learn about Montana’s 12 tribal nations and seven reservations; the immigrants who moved to Montana in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries; and the trapping, mining, logging, farming, and ranching industries that drew them to the Treasure State. The book also introduces students to amazing Montanans from Northern Cheyenne Chief Dull Knife and photographer Evelyn Cameron to virologist Maurice Hilleman and nurse Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail. The sturdy, hardback textbook with library binding will retail for $35. Schools receive a 30 percent discount on classroom sets, which they can pre-order in advance from Farcountry Press, 1-800-821-3874 or sales@farcountrypress.com . Books will be available starting May 23. MHS is donating the accompanying 320-page teacher’s guide to classrooms that purchase the books. The teacher’s guides are $49.95 for classrooms that only use the textbook online. The teacher’s guide features engaging, interdisciplinary lessons on Montana history, geography, civics and government, and economics. The activity-based lessons provide students the opportunity to explore the past as they create and analyze maps, examine primary sources, read informational text, write poems, stories, and essays, produce works of art, conduct interviews, and use math skills to better understand Montana and their own place in the state’s rich history. MHS Outreach and Interpretation Program Manager Martha Kohl, who is also the author of the textbook and curriculum, said the materials fill a pressing need. “The State of Montana just adopted new standards for social studies that emphasize Montana history in fourth grade,” Kohl said. Material was available, including MHS’s Hands-on History footlockers, but nothing comprehensive. “Fourth-grade teachers are busy generalists; they need a single, comprehensive curriculum that will engage their students as the meet state standards. Montana: A History of Our Home is it.” Helena fourth-fifth grade teacher Jodi Delaney agrees. “I tested many of the lesson plans before Montana: A History of Our Home was published,” Delaney said. “Having this curriculum will make a huge difference in my classroom.” Delaney particularly praised the lessons’ interdisciplinary nature. “Because of testing, we face a lot of pressure to focus on English Language Arts (ELA) and math in fourth grade,” she added. “These lessons give students tons of opportunities to practice ELA skills while learning about Montana history.” Bainville teacher April Wills is also excited for the new curriculum. “It’s going to be a fantastic way for teachers across the state to jump into curriculum standards that they may feel under-prepared to teach confidently,” Wills said. Publication of Montana: A History of Our Home was supported by the Bill and Rosemary Gallagher Foundation, the Montana Professional Teaching Foundation, and many individual donors.