The hunting of female mountain lions in hunting districts 323, 324, 325, 327 will close at one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, Jan. 26.  The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the combined districts had been met. For more information, visit FWP's website at  fwp.mt.gov/hunt/by-species , to check the current quota status, or call the toll-free number at 1-800-385-7826.

Montana Campus Compact (MTCC) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021-22 George M. Dennison Scholarship Award, including University of Montana Western student, Morgan Duncan. According to Montana Campus Compact, “This year we received an exceptionally strong set of applications from our affiliated campuses across Montana. All our civically engaged college student applicants represent George M. Dennison’s vision of building strong, equitable, and just communities through volunteerism, civic engagement, and service. Each student’s application spoke to an impressive range of service activities to address unmet needs within their communities.” “It makes me incredibly hopeful for the future of our state, country, and world that today’s college students not only care so deeply but that they take action and work hard to address real issues, all while keeping up their studies,” said Josh Vanek, Executive Director with Montana Campus Compact. The following students will each be awarded this prestigious scholarship to support their studies in the spring of 2022. The Dennison family has generously donated the funds to award a total of thirteen $1000 scholarships. Morgan Gabrielle Duncan – University of Montana Western “While serving as the President of the Biology Club, I have learned how to be more confident and how to be a leader. I believe this has also allowed my peers to become more confident as they participate in the events that we host and come closer as a campus community. It has been so rewarding to watch people grow new friendships because of the activities and events our club has been able to put on.” Riawna Marie Gallineaux – Blackfeet Community College “I have a lot of visions for my community, I would love a homeless shelter to be set up for our people. I would love to help get their lives in order so that they can go to college, get a job or honestly, just get help with their addiction because they are people and they have families that love and care about them, but it’s hard when a loved one chooses their addiction.” Jennifer Hvizdak – Flathead Valley Community College “Almost every time I’m out picking up trash, talking with visitors, or pulling weeds, an individual will ask me what I’m doing or a question about the area. Being able to educate them on the specific task I’m doing and how this affects larger populations of wildlife/aquatic species/vegetation gives them a sense of responsibility.” Nickolas Robert Page – Fort Peck Community College “Inspiring the kids and getting them passionate about something is truly indescribable. I will continue to serve as long as there are people to help because helping just one person in need is a feeling you can’t ever get enough of. All these services, large or small, have taught me the importance of service and community.” Rhea Elizabeth Smoker – Fort Peck Community College “[I want to] help make a difference even if it’s just something small right now but hopefully it’ll grow and inspire others to start something good and prosperous for our youth and other generations to come. My goal is to finish school so I can help the native youth make reachable goals.” Katie Ann Maphies – Great Falls College MSU “My vision, not just for my community but for the world, is that we can all come together, get along and live in peace. Some will say this is impossible but to me nothing is impossible, I have dreams, goals, and aspirations and these include spreading love, light, and positivity in this world because all these things are contagious and who is to say that it can’t be done.” Elizabeth Hecker – Miles Community College “Kids can really struggle with feeling alone or persecuted. I choose to volunteer with youth to help them learn how to interact with one another through love and kindness. I also help them to reframe the negative experiences they have into finding a positive aspect and then focusing on that instead. Choosing to see the positive as we go through life is a powerful tool that will positively ripple through a whole community.” Laurel Renae Bartos – Miles Community College “We need to advocate for those who can not advocate for themselves. My current community engagement supports this vision by showing others that it doesn’t take much to show others that you are living the life that you advocate for. Working in Special Education classrooms, coaching Special Olympics, showing kindness and empathy, that’s all it really takes.” Gabrielle A. Bugnon – Montana State University “My vision for my community is to create a space where those who need support are fully accepted and helped to the best of anyone’s abilities. While my ultimate hope is that intimate partner violence will cease to exist, I understand that that is an impossible goal. Working with the VOICE Center and the Survivor’s Fund allows me to help survivors start healing and find the support they need within the community.” Jordyn Daw – Montana State University “My hope for my community and the world as a whole is that we, as a society, can start providing greater support for children and other communities in need such as minority communities, impoverished communities, and communities with survivors of sexual assault, violence, or anything else. Essentially, any group of people that needs just a little extra support and empowerment in order to succeed and thrive in their lives.” Meaghan Reed – Montana State University Billings “For our campus community, I’m striving to make this feel like a welcoming, secure and safe environment by using my position as Student Activities Board Chair to put on engaging activities where others can meet a safe group and/or hang out with no fear of judgment or unease.” Susan E. Brurud – Montana State University-Northern “My vision is to see all youth educated in community organization, policy work, and civic engagement that will help to shape them into future leaders who are engaged, confident, and informed. I would like to see a school curriculum that starts in grade school and empowers youth to lead and gives them the opportunity to serve their community, regardless of age, sex, race, or socio-economic indicators.” Samantha Massey – University of Montana “I was so excited to be a part of my community again after the last two years of lockdown prevented me from being as involved with the community as I would have liked. I believe in being part of the community, it’s important to understand the needs of others and have that desire to give back to your community.” MTCC is truly grateful for the donation in support of these scholarships from Jane Dennison and sons, Rick and Robert Dennison, and their families. For more information, please contact Pete Buchanan with Campus Compact at buchanan@mtcompact.org .

Montana’s unemployment rate hit a new record low in December, dropping another 0.3 percentage points to end the year at 2.5%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The number of unemployed Montanans is at its lowest level since BLS began the data series in 1976. “After just one year, our Montana Comeback Plan is working. Our unemployment rate is the lowest it’s ever been, and more Montanans are working than ever before in our state’s history,” Gov. Gianforte said. “With lower taxes and responsible, responsive government, our economy is going again, we’re open for business, and Montanans are back to work. Great work, Montana!” The number of unemployed Montanans also dropped to a record low of 13,689, falling by 1,719 from November. Montana’s total employment hit a record high in December at 531,040. Total employment, which includes payroll, agricultural, and self-employed workers, grew by 3,137 in December, the largest single month gain in 2021. Payroll employment also increased by 3,200 with strong job growth in retail. The State of Montana has not only recovered all jobs lost since the start of the pandemic, but also grown beyond that level, with 531,040 Montanans employed in December 2021 compared to 521,657 in March 2020. Since Governor Gianforte was sworn in, total employment has grown by 20,568 jobs. Montana’s labor force increased to 544,729 in December, the third highest level in the state’s history. The number of available workers in Montana’s labor force, a critical metric during the current labor shortage, increased by 1,418. The unemployment rate for the U.S. dropped to 3.9%. The rate of inflation, with the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased by 0.5% in December. Over the last 12 months, inflation has surged 7.0%, a 40-year high. Energy prices are up 29.3%, with fuel oil up 41% and gasoline up 49.6%. Grocery prices are up 6.5%, including baby food up 7.9%. Prices for new cars and trucks are up 11.8%, used cars and trucks up 37.3%, and motor vehicle parts and equipment up 11.3%. The index for all items less food and energy, referred to as core inflation and an important metric for future inflation expectations, increased 0.6% in December. 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.

The State of Montana announced today it has contracted with Lightbox for construction of the ConnectMT broadband map. “Lightbox is a proven national leader in cost effective and efficient detailed mapping for state level broadband programs,” stated Department of Administration Director Misty Ann Giles. “This platform will serve as a key component to help ConnectMT reach its goal of deploying broadband throughout Montana to bridge the digital divide." The ConnectMT program requested assistance from Montana’s internet service providers to help build the statewide broadband map. Providers who conduct business in the state submitted detailed mapping data to Lightbox to help the program start closing the digital divide, increase access to reliable broadband, and create greater long-term opportunities for Montanans. The completed map will provide a detailed analysis of current broadband service levels throughout Montana while protecting proprietary data and will be used for allocating $266 million to unserved and underserved communities throughout Montana. “We encourage the public to monitor the State of Montana’s ConnectMT website regarding broadband at arpa.mt.gov/Communications for future announcements and development of the ConnectMT Program,” said Broadband Program Manager, Chad Rupe. LightBox was established in 2019 and is a leading information and technology platform for location analytics.

House Bill 279, passed during the 67th Montana Legislative Session, increased the allowable tax credit for donations made to qualified education organizations. The Innovative Education Program (IEP) credit is for donations made to public schools. The Student Scholarship Organization (SSO) credit is for donations made to private school scholarship organizations. Taxpayers may take the IEP credit for donations made to a school district for the purpose of providing supplemental funding for innovative educational programs. These are advanced academic programs which are not part of the district’s regular curriculum; rather, they serve to enhance the existing academic program of an eligible public school. Likewise, a credit is available to taxpayers for donations made to a student scholarship organization to help offset the costs of attending a private school. SSOs are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities which receive donations from individuals and businesses to provide scholarships to eligible students for use at a qualified education provider (QEP). QEPs are private schools—not to include home schools—which qualify for compulsory enrollment. The previous credit for each type of donation was equal to the donation, up to $150; however, HB 279 increased the credit to equal donations up to $200,000. In addition, the bill capped the allowable credit to a total of $1 million for each credit for tax year 2022. The cap will double to $2 million each for tax year 2023 and, if 80% of the aggregate is met in subsequent years, the total available tax credit will increase by 20% for the succeeding tax years. The credit’s aggregate threshold is tracked on the department’s Education Donation Portal homepage at EducationDonations.mt.gov . The homepage displays how much of the credit has been reserved, how much is available, and how much is pending. The homepage also contains contact information for SSOs and PSDs, as well as a list of qualified education providers who have received scholarships from SSOs. The caps for both credits have been met for 2022. Taxpayers may make donations eligible to receive the credit in 2023. This bill is subject to the ARPA Savings Clause ; therefore, the credit can revert to the previous maximum of $150 if the savings clause is triggered. For 2022, however, the clause was not triggered, thereby assuring that the new maximum will be in effect for this year.

Andrea Shurg, Project AWARE Coordinator at Dillon Elementary School District #10, will speak to Rotarians and guests at noon Wednesday, January 26, 2022. Project AWARE is the result of a 1.6-million dollar, five year grant awarded to Dillon in the fall of 2020. The goal of the grant is to increase collaboration between state, local, and school stakeholders to improve mental health awareness and response for kids. Andrea will provide additional information about the program. Visitors are welcome. Anyone interested in learning more about Rotary should come at noon to be a guest for lunch. The Club meets in the Guild Hall of St. James Episcopal Church, 203 East Glendale St. For more information, email John O’Brien at john@highpeaksfcu.com or Tina Giem at tgiem@barretthospital.org .

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public comment on proposed New Rule 1 that establishes the basic elements of an adaptive management program and will help guide DEQ and the nutrient work group in the development of a comprehensive rule package. The rule package is related to the implementation of narrative nutrient standards for Montana’s surface waters as required by Senate Bill 358. DEQ has been meeting with the nutrient work group since May 2021 to develop a rule package. The nutrient work group serves as an advisory group to DEQ and comprises representatives from various interest groups including municipalities, industry, agriculture, environmental organizations, conservation districts and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Proposed New Rule 1 is a step toward the eventual proposal of a comprehensive nutrient rule package. The comprehensive rule package is scheduled to be proposed later in 2022 and will be noticed for a separate public comment period at that time. A public hearing will be held on Feb. 8, 2022 to hear public comment and feedback on the proposed New Rule 1. What: A public hearing on proposed New Rule 1(framework) related to the narrative nutrient standards. When: Feb. 8 , 2022 at 2 p.m. Where: The hearing will be held both online via Zoom and in-person in Room 111 at the DEQ Metcalf Building (1520 E Sixth Ave., Helena). For the Zoom link and more information, please visit the following website and click on the MAR notice: https://deq.mt.gov/News/publiccomment-folder/news-article46 DEQ is accepting public comment on the proposed New Rule 1 (framework) until Feb. 8, 2022. Comments can be submitted via mail or email. To submit comment or view the document, please visit: https://deq.mt.gov/News/publiccomment-folder/news-article46

January is National Radon Action Month. Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas found in some Montana homes. Long-term exposure can lead to a risk of lung cancer so it’s important to have your home tested for radon and install a mitigation system if levels are elevated. The winter months are the best time to test your home because radon levels are typically at their highest due to doors and windows being closed. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) offers free radon test kits for Montanans to test radon levels in their homes. To obtain a free test kit simply fill out the form at: aelabs.com/mt Radon is measured in picocuries (pCi) per liter of air. There is no safe level of radon gas, but ​ installation of a mitigation system should be considered for levels at 4 pCi/L and above to reduce health risks. Mitigation can also occur for levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the radon level in the outside air is about 0.4 pCi/L, making it difficult to lower radon levels to zero. “Montana homes may have elevated radon levels due to the geology of the area. Knowing the radon level in your home is important to understand your risk,” said Dan Lloyd, DEQ energy bureau chief. “We encourage Montanans to take advantage of our free radon test kits and our staff is available to answer questions about radon and mitigation techniques.” Radon is caused by the breakdown, or decay, of uranium in soil, rock and water. The EPA estimates that homes throughout Montana have the potential for elevated levels due to the geology and soil in the region. Radon gas can enter homes through miniscule cracks in the floor or small spaces around utility pipes and can accumulate unless properly mitigated. If mitigation is needed, DEQ offers a list of mitigation professionals who are certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program or the National Radon Safety board. For more information visit: https://deq.mt.gov/energy/Programs/radon

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana entrepreneurs have a new tool to grow their businesses. Approved by the governor in December, the Montana Down Payment Assistance Program is a public-private partnership between the State of Montana and Montana’s banks, credit unions, and economic development agencies. “Montana entrepreneurs and job creators now have another tool in their toolbox to invest and grow their business, create more good-paying jobs, and meet increasing consumer demands,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I appreciate the private sector leaders who are partnering with the state in this first of its kind program.” The Montana Down Payment Assistance Program will help finance the acquisition of equipment, purchase of real estate or buildings with improvements, and new construction for existing Montana businesses. Loans have a low fixed interest rate for ten years and range in size from $250,000 to $3,000,000. The Governor’s Office of Budget and Program Planning and the Montana Board of Investments developed the program and presented the proposal to the ARPA Economic Transformation and Stabilization and Workforce Development Advisory Commission in December. With the commission’s unanimous, bipartisan recommendation, Gov. Gianforte allocated $37 million for the program to the Montana Board of Investments. “This program is a first of its kind partnership between Montana lenders and leaders. By working together in this unprecedented way, limited one-time resources can be leveraged to help businesses grow and prosper long into the future,” said Budget Director Ryan Osmundson, who helped develop the program. Program details, eligibility, and applications are available online at https://investmentmt.com/Loan-Programs/Programs-and-Applications or by calling Doug Hill, Director of In-State Loan Programs at the Board of Investments at (406) 444-1217.

With almost two months remaining, this season’s wolf harvest is on par with past seasons in the state of Montana. As of today, 166 wolves have been harvested during the current hunting and trapping seasons, a number similar to that of previous years. The general hunting and trapping seasons are open until March 15. "I know we’ve had many people watching Montana’s wolf hunting and trapping season this year,” said Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Hank Worsech. “However, harvest numbers in the state are very similar to years past. We’ll continue to monitor these numbers closely as the hunting and trapping season continues.” After the 2021 Legislature passed legislation requiring FWP to make efforts to reduce Montana’s wolf population to sustainable levels, the Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted several changes to the 2021/2022 wolf regulations. These changes included eliminating quotas, increasing the number of wolf trapping and hunting licenses allowed per hunter, extending wolf trapping seasons, and allowing snares for trapping wolves. While there are no quotas, the commission established harvest thresholds in each of FWP’s administrative regions, which total 450 statewide. If harvest meets any of these thresholds, the commission will convene to revisit the regulations and season structure. Those interested in up-to-date information on the status of Montana’s wolf harvest can view FWP’s wolf dashboard , which is an interactive map that shows the number of wolves harvested by region and wolf management unit (WMU). The dashboard is updated multiple times per day.  For all wolf hunting and trapping regulations and information, visit  FWP's wolf webpage .

DILLON, Mont., Jan. 20, 2022 – The University of Montana Western named 563 students to the 2021 fall semester Dean’s List. To achieve this honor, students must be enrolled full-time or for 12 semester credits and carry a minimum 3.33 grade point average. An asterisk after a name indicates a student received Dean’s List high honors. The listing below is divided into In-state and Out-of-State/International students, alphabetically by city and state.

Kids learn differently, give them choices. That's the message Montana families and educators are bringing to their celebrations of National School Choice Week 2022. Montana schools, organizations, and individuals are planning 59 celebrations for the Week, which will feature more than 26,000 activities nationwide. One of the biggest events in Montana will be a courthouse rally on Friday, Jan. 28 in Billings. Across the country, more than two dozen U.S. landmarks and notable buildings will light up in special colors to mark the Week. "Over the past several years, Montana has taken several noteworthy steps towards enhancing school choice options for families," said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. "Within the past year, the state took steps to expand public school open enrollment programs and increase funding for private school scholarships." The Week's celebrations focus on community building, sharing student and teacher successes, and raising awareness about how to put kids first when it comes to education. The goal? Supporting families and highlighting schools so more kids can find learning fits where they thrive. Here in Montana, there are a variety of educational options to attend including: traditional public schools with open enrollment at the discretion of each district, online learning, private schools, and homeschooling. Montana also offers a tax credit scholarship program with universal eligibility for students. To download a guide to Montana school choice, use the school finder tool to search schools in your area, or see celebration photos and proclamation updates, visit schoolchoiceweek.com/montana . Local celebrants are available to discuss their plans with reporters upon request. For more information, preview a sampling of Montana events at schoolchoiceweek.com/montana . National School Choice Week shines a spotlight on effective K-12 education options for children, focusing equally on traditional public, charter, magnet, online, private, and home education options. Every January, participants plan tens of thousands of celebrations –– such as school fairs and open houses–– to raise awareness about school choice across all 50 states. School Choice Week also develops resources and guides to K-12 education for families. As a not-for-profit effort, the Week is nonpolitical and nonpartisan and does not advocate for legislation. For more information visit schoolchoiceweek.com . SOURCE National School Choice Week

Want to help support the Beaver Booster Club? Big Tyme Sportswear and Design has made it easier than ever to get your Beaver Gear. From now till January 29th you can order your Beaver Gear by clicking here. Orders will be ready in time for the District Basketball Tournament in Dillon on February 17th.

Montanans have just a few more weeks to report the number of each type of livestock they own in order to pay the per capita fees set yearly by the Montana Board of Livestock. Livestock reports are due March 1. Owners can report online through the department's TransAction Portal at https://tap.dor.mt.gov . Livestock owners must report what they owned as of February 1. If you reported last year but no longer own livestock, you still need to submit a reporting form to let us know your livestock count is zero. Owners preferring a paper reporting form can download one at MTRevenue.gov , or call (406) 444-6900 for assistance. Per capita payments are due May 31.

The University of Montana Western is pleased to present “The Emperor’s New Clothes” by the Missoula Children’s Theatre as part of the 2021-22 Bank of Commerce Performing Arts Series. Join the Emperor, his friends and subjects, and the busy Silkworms this Saturday, January 22nd when the Missoula Children’s Theatre and more than 50 local students present an original musical adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen classic, “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Playing the title character of the Emperor is local student Eli Freeman. Other featured performers include Grace Corona as ManyPenny, Landri Hartman as Royal Scholar Roxy, and Eliza Kenealey as Royal Scholar Red. The Kings will be Finn Fitch, Aliyah Riener, Amelie Copple, Logan Fox, and Ean Field and the Queens will be Salem Parker, Lily Rhodes, and Avon Pflijeje. Gem will be played by Ryanne Hutchinson, Boots will be played by Sheridan Ferguson, Stitch will be played by Daisy Rhodes, and Lid will be played by Kaycee Pilot. “The Emperor’s New Clothes” will be presented at 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the Beier Auditorium on the University of Montana Western campus. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for youth, and free for UMW Students. The Missoula Children’s Theatre residency in Dillon, Montana is brought to our community by the Bank of Commerce with support from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation. For more information, call UMW Assistant Professor of Theatre & Technical Director, Stephen Seder, at 406-683-7038

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff are seeking public comments on an environmental assessment for FWP to accept the donation of a parcel of land adjoining the Poindexter Slough Fishing Access Site. The .693-acre parcel is adjacent to the fishing access site along Interstate 15, about 3 miles southwest of Dillon. The donated property is isolated by the interstate and of no reasonable value to the current landowner. Under this proposal, the parcel would be incorporated into the fishing access site. To view the environmental assessment, please visit go.usa.gov/xtTKx . The deadline for comments is 5 p.m. on Feb. 3. Comments can be emailed to jpape@mt.gov or sent by mail to: Jay Pape, FAS manager 1400 S. 19th Ave. Bozeman, MT 59718

Planning Board Meeting AGENDA Thursday January 20th, 2022 7:00 P.M. 1. Call Meeting to Order 2. Review and Approval of Minutes from the December 16th, 2021 Meeting; and January 6 th , 2022 Public Hearings (Montana Street Intersection and CIP) 3. Organization/Election of Officers of the Planning Board 4. Review and Discussion of Montana Street Intersection Concept Design 5. Review and Discussion of Capital Improvement Plan 6. Update/Discussion Planning Board By-Laws 7. Update/Review of Subdivision Application 8. Public Comment on items of significant public interest not on the agenda and within the jurisdiction of the Planning Board. 9. Adjournment 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 (pre-virus). Any who would like to physically attend, are asked to please wear a face covering and practice 6-ft social distancing at the meeting. For those who are cautious about physically attending, 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. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245. Planning Board Members: Don Hand, Bill Shafer, Seamus Manley, Vicki Brastrup

The White House website that allows a person to order free COVID-19 test kits directly to your home is operational today 01/18/2022, a day ahead of it's scheduled date of 01/19/2022. Visitors to COVIDtests.gov on Tuesday were able to click through to a USPS website and order four free rapid antigen test kits per household. The USPS website said the kits would ship in "late January." According to a fact sheet released by the White House Friday, everyone in the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories will be able to place an order through COVIDtests.gov beginning Wednesday. The White House said that tests would ship in between seven to 12 days. Packages will be sent through USPS First Class mail in the continental U.S. and through Priority Mail in Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories. Orders will be sent first to "households experiencing the highest social vulnerability and in communities that have experienced a disproportionate share of COVID-19 cases and deaths, particularly during this omicron surge."