(UMW Press release) The Montana Western Bulldogs (10-4, 1-2) fell to the Providence Argos (15-3, 2-1) in the first Frontier Conference game of 2022, 57-68. The Argos led the Bulldogs for over 90 percent of the game. In the first quarter, the Bulldogs only put nine points on the scoreboard; the Argos tallied 16. Montana Western played well in the second quarter, scoring 8-11 from the field, which left them down 26-30 at the half. The two teams matched points with 19 each during the third. The Bulldogs came within one of the Argos with 5:45 left to play, 50-51, but two 3-pointers and four layups between Providence's Brooklyn Harn and Parker Esary left the unable to recover. "We weren't hitting the shots we usually hit," assistant coach Tori Anderson said. "Providence did good with pressure and defended our offense really well." Inside the Box Score the Bulldogs shot 24 percent from the arc. The Argos outrebounded the Bulldogs 36-26. Brynley Fitzgerald tallied 19 points for the Bulldogs. Montana Western's Mesa King grabbed nine rebounds. Shainy Mack led the Bulldogs in assists and steals, with three and four, respectively. Emilee Maldonado led the Argos with 19 points; she played 40 minutes. Please check the website regularly for up-to-date schedules. All Bulldog Athletics home events can be streamed at www.bulldogsports.com/watch

Montana author and MSU Professor, Gretchen Minton will be signing copies of her award winning book "Shakespeare in Montana - Big Sky Country's Love Affair with the World's most Famous Writer from 12:30-1:30 at The Bookstore on Saturday, January 8th. This book is a fascinating and comprehensive survey of Shakespeare's role in the Big Sky Country's social history. Tracing more than two centuries of history Minton uncovers a vast array of different voices that capture the state’s love affair with the world’s most famous writer. From mountain men, pioneers, and itinerant acting companies in mining camps to women’s clubs at the turn of the twentieth century and the contemporary popularity of Shakespeare in the Parks throughout Montana. The book chronicles the stories of residents across this incredible western state who have been attracted to the words and works of Shakespeare. “Shakespeare in Montana” is Minton’s sixth book. The project initially began with her husband’s reading about mountain man Jim Bridger, who was illiterate and routinely hired someone to read Shakespeare to him by the campfire light. Additionally, she was also inspired by her work as the dramaturg, or literary adviser, with Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, a theater troupe based at MSU that travels thousands of miles each summer with a portable stage taking Shakespeare’s plays to scores of small communities in Montana and surrounding states. By revealing what Shakespeare has meant to the people of Montana, Minton offers us a better understanding of the state’s citizens and history while providing a key perspective on Shakespeare’s enduring global influence. The author will also be the guest of the Shakespeare Book club following the signing at The Bookstore. Please call 683-6807 if you have any questions or would like to reserve a copy of Shakespeare in Montana

On Wednesday, January 5th, the Montana Department of Livestock received notice that an animal from a Madison County ranch within Montana’s brucellosis Designated Surveillance Area (DSA) has been confirmed positive for brucellosis. The positive animal tested as a ‘suspect’ on a whole herd test conducted in December 2021. Pathologists at the Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory collected tissues and forwarded the samples to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa where infection was subsequently confirmed. The ranch has been placed under quarantine and an epidemiological investigation has begun. The positive animal was tested negative the prior year, which allows the Department to reduce the scope of the disease investigation Voluntary whole herd testing is an effective method for DSA producers to protect their herd. Early detection of infections allows producers to find the disease before disease spreads within the herd, minimizes the time needed to clean up a herd and thereby shortens duration of quarantine, and allows herd owners to control when testing happens, often by pairing with other ranch management activities. “A high rate of testing, much of it voluntary, is the primary reason we continue to find affected herds rapidly”, Zaluski said. “A robust testing program not only minimizes the impact to that operation but protects our state and our trading partners.” Zaluski further praised Montana DSA producers for their high rate of compliance with brucellosis testing regulations. Past cases of brucellosis in livestock were the result of transmission from infected wild elk as determined by an epidemiological investigation that included genetic fingerprinting (genotyping) of the cultured bacteria. The source of infection in the Madison County herd has not yet been determined. This is the 11th brucellosis affected herd found since the creation of the DSA in 2010. Prior to the creation of the DSA, if two or more affected herds were detected in a two-year period, the State would have lost brucellosis Class Free Status. Currently, if new cases of brucellosis are found within a DSA, affected herds are no longer subject to depopulation and states can maintain Class Status. For more information on the Montana Department of Livestock, visit www.liv.mt.gov .

The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that applications will now be accepted for Recovery Destination Event Grants. Available through the Tourism Grant Program, a total of $500,000 of funding is now available to support established and new destination events that will increase non-resident and resident visitor attendance and generate revenue to Montana communities. “Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, several major events have been either rescheduled or canceled across the state, causing a negative economic impact for many Montana communities,” said Commerce Director Scott Osterman. “ As the state’s economy continues to recover from the pandemic, these Destination Event grants will help Montana communities bounce back through the economic boost tied to these events,” Osterman added. Applications for the grant funding will be open to registered non-profit 501(c) organizations, tribal governments, city governments, and county governments based in Montana. Eligible event costs that can be supported with grant funds include: Advertising and marketing costs to increase non-resident and resident attendance, such as traditional advertisement, digital marketing campaigns, social media post boosts, social media ads, e-communications, and geo-fencing. Event infrastructure costs like portable restrooms, wash stations, and 25 percent of the rental costs for a permanent venue or facility where the recovery destination event will take place. Signage expenses including production, construction, and installation costs of non-permanent signage directing attendees to the event, direct mailers, and banners announcing the recovery destination event. Applications will be considered, reviewed, scored, and awarded on an on-going basis until all $500,000 of grant funding is awarded or until June 1, 2022; whichever occurs first. Learn more and apply for a Recovery Destination Event Grant at MARKETMT.COM . Recovery Destination Event grants are funded by the 4% Lodging Facility Use Tax , commonly known as the “Bed Tax.” Enacted by the 1987 Legislature, the Bed Tax is collected from guests of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, guest ranches, resorts, short-term vacation rentals, and campgrounds.

(UMW Press Release) The Montana Association for Career and Technical Education recently announced that Denise Holland, Professor of Business at the University of Montana Western, has been selected as the 2021 Montana Career and Technical Education Post-Secondary Teacher of the Year. The Montana Association for Career and Technical Education announced last week that Denise Holland, Professor of Business at the University of Montana Western, has been selected as the 2021 Montana Career and Technical Education (CTE) Post-Secondary Teacher of the Year. Holland, Ed.D, has taught at Montana Western since 2001. Before joining the UMW faculty, Holland taught public high school courses in business and marketing in Idaho and Montana and assisted elementary teachers in creating technology projects. Her primary teaching and research interests include business education, technology integration, computer applications and business communications. In her classes, students are working on practical skills needed for today’s workforce such as hard skills (computer skills) and soft skills (communications and team building). This award recognizes the finest career and technical education teachers at the postsecondary level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities. The Association for Career and Technical Education is the largest national education association dedicated to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for careers. Montana ACTE is a member state with a mission to provide leadership in developing an educated, prepared, and competitive workforce. The Montana Association for Career and Technical Education provides the career and technical education necessary to create the highly skilled workforce that supports the demands of the 21st century economy and promotes economic development in Montana’s communities.

The Dillon Volunteer Fire department was called out to a trailer fire Sunday night. Firefighters were able to put out the flames and keep nearby houses and structures safe from the fire. The trailer however was a complete loss. In the following days firefighters have been called back to the scene as the fire reignited due to debris on the property. On Tuesday the DVFD along with city employees brought in a backhoe and were able to dig through the debris and get water to the underlying hot spots. The fire is believed to be started by electrical failure of sorts but is still under investigation. The trailer had no electricity or running water to it. A power cord running from another trailer behind it was supplying power to those living inside. The property the trailer sits on is littered with old vehicles, and random items along with buckets of human waste on the outside. Earlier in the year the City Council began to tackle what to do with vehicles, and belongings sitting on a property that pose a hazard. For the most part the council members and some public argued over what would be classified as a junk vehicle or a family heirloom. The ordinance has seemed to stall in council with no further advancement. But looking at the scene of this fire and the constant worry from neighbors, along with the man hours from the Volunteer Fire Department it is clear that this topic needs to be revived in the City Council along with code enforcement and ways to clean up problem properties that pose both a health hazard and fire hazard.

After proclaiming January as Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Montana, Governor Greg Gianforte today teamed up with Attorney General Austin Knudsen to encourage Montanans to join the fight to end human trafficking. “Generating an estimated $150 billion worldwide per year, human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery whereby traffickers, which are often organized criminal enterprises, profit at the expense of adults or children by compelling them to perform labor or engage in commercial sex,” the governor and attorney general wrote in a letter to Montanans. “During the month of January, we encourage you to be a part of the solution to end human trafficking by learning to identify signs and committing to report suspected human trafficking activity to law enforcement,” the governor and attorney general continued. “An informed, engaged citizenry is one of the best tools we have to put an end to these despicable crimes.” The Montana Department of Justice (DOJ) tracked a 485 percent increase in human trafficking cases from 2015 to 2021. In 2015, DOJ tracked seven human trafficking cases, compared to 41 in 2021. The governor’s proclamation can be found here , and the governor and attorney general’s letter to Montanans can be found here .

Dillon Volunteer Fire Department responded to 14 calls during the month of December. 12-2 MVA I-15 MM80 12-9 Structure fire (False Alarm) Hwy 278 12-11 Furnace fire Kentucky Ave 12-11 Smoke alarm (False Alarm) S. Montana St 12-13 CO call 250 S Montana St 12-13 MVA Sweetwater & Mountain View Dr 12-14 MVA Hwy 41 MM 12 12-14 Gas line strike N Chestnut 12-16 MVA I-15 MM 62 12-16 CO call N. Washington St. 12-19 Vehicle Fire I-15 Jackson exit 12-21 Gas leak Cottom Dr. 12-26 Gas odor Hwy 41 12-26 Grass fire (False Alarm) The first training of December we trained on a new paging & mapping tool that we will be using to help us be more efficient when responding to incidents & also be more precise in the mapping locations of incidents. For the second training of the month we worked on communications via blind instruction.

The Montana Department of Commerce today announced more than $1 million in grant funding was awarded through its Tourism Grant Program to strengthen local economies in 21 communities. “These grants will serve 22 tourism and recreation projects across Montana, including unincorporated small towns, rural communities, and areas of known attractions to non-resident visitors,” Commerce Director Scott Osterman said. “Not only will these funds help boost tourism locally, they will support good-paying jobs, another added benefit of increased visitor activity,” Osterman added. Tourism Grant Program funding recipients : Blaine County will receive $34,303 to expand the Blaine County Wildlife Museum. The Carter County Geological Society will receive $109,187 to install track lighting, spotlights, and motion sensor fixtures illuminating the heritage of the exhibits in the museum. The Darby Rodeo Association will receive $113,809 to purchase and install two pre-formed bleacher sets, including one that is handicap accessible. The Deer Lodge Development Group will receive $32,700 to renovate the front area of the 502 Main Street Building into a visitor center. Dillon Main Street LLC and the City of Dillon will receive $13,393.50 to construct and install a permanent shade and event structure within Jaycee Park. The Evelyn Cameron Heritage will receive $3,229 to purchase and install picture rails for a display. Fallon County will receive $8,219 to design and install enhancement features to the façade of the primary museum building. The Frontier Gateway Museum will receive $10,000 to generate talking trail points for the Talking Trail app. The City of Glasgow and the Valley County Historical Society will receive $32,500 to rehabilitate the T-33 aircraft static outdoor exhibit in front of the Valley County Museum. The Libby Chamber of Commerce will receive $45,000 to develop video content and create a channel platform for the greater Libby area. Madison County will receive $200,000 to construct an all-season arena at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Twin Bridges. The Musselshell Valley Community Foundation/Roundup Community Partners will receive $40,000 to construct a community branded welcome plaza and visitor information kiosk. The Myrna Loy will receive $61,000 to design, construct, and install a street archway, a series of wayfinding signage, and pageantry banners. Our Lady of the Rockies will receive $60,000 to construct an ADA compliant restroom. The Paradise Elementary School Preservation Committee will receive $31,058 to construct a five-bay mini-roundhouse for exhibits highlighting the railroad heritage of the community. The Ravalli County Museum will receive $13,750 to fabricate and install panels for the Nez Perce history and culture exterior exhibit. The Red Lodge Area Community Foundation will receive $47,336 to design and install signage, exterior improvements to the sculpture garden, and enhancements to the entryway of the Roosevelt Center. The City of Shelby will receive $12,325 to renovate the exterior of the historic Shelby Town Hall building. The Stanford Open will receive $80,000 to construct an elevated covered grandstand for the Judith Basin County fairgrounds arena. The West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation will receive $13,393.50 to increase accessibility to the biathlon range by extending the shooting range area. The Wibaux Chamber of Commerce will receive $1,000 to design and produce a map of points of interest and businesses in the Wibaux area. The Yellowstone Historic Center will receive $78,900 to design and install trailhead and interpretive signage for and along the Yellowstone Shortline Trail. "Roundup Community Partners is so grateful to the Office of Tourism for their support of Roundup's first Welcome Plaza and Visitor Information Kiosk,” said Theresa Doumitt, Roundup Community Partners Co-Chair . “Their partnership will enable an important step forward in the revitalization of our Main Street and recovery of our economy. This project will create an anchor development for Main Street and serve as a gateway to welcome visitors into the community," Doumitt added. "On behalf of the Darby Rodeo Association, we would like to thank the Montana Department of Commerce for this award, the Town of Darby for the use of the facility, our partners that provided letters of support, and all of our fans for attending our events,” said Amy Robbins, Darby Rodeo Association supporter. “With the addition of two sets of permanent bleachers, including handicap accessible seating, we will be able to provide our fans an upgraded seating experience and increase our capacity,” Robbins added. “The Yellowstone Shortline Trail Committee and Yellowstone Historic Center are thrilled to have the Montana Department of Commerce's support for the Yellowstone Shortline Trail through the Tourism Grant Program,” said Ellen Butler, Yellowstone Historic Center Interim Executive Director . “Funds from the Tourism Grant Program will enable us to create a rolling, strolling museum along the rail trail through the development of professional interpretive signage that explores the unique history of the area, both natural and cultural,” Butler added. The Tourism Grant Program is funded by the 4% Lodging Facility Use Tax , commonly known as the “Bed Tax.” Enacted by the 1987 Legislature, the Bed Tax is collected from guests of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, guest ranches, resorts, short-term vacation rentals, and campgrounds. Eligible entities that may apply for tourism grants include cities, counties, non-profit organizations, and tribal entities based in Montana. For more information about the Tourism Grant Program, visit MARKETMT.COM .

Beaverhead County Sheriff's Resident Deputy David Wendt announced today that he is running to succeed retiring Beaverhead County Sheriff Paul Craft. Beaverhead County native David Wendt, graduated from Lima High School in 1992, attended University of Montana Western and then started his law enforcement career in Beaverhead County in 1997, working as a Reserve Deputy. In 2007 he moved to Meagher County and worked for the Sheriff's Department serving as Deputy, Deputy Coroner and later on as Undersheriff. In 2019, the opportunity came to move back to his home of Beaverhead County and serve as a resident deputy in Lima. David grew up on his family ranch helping in the many aspects of ranch life teaching him very valuable life lessons of hard work, dependability and commitment. Growing up in Beaverhead County has provided him with the knowledge and experience of the land, people and way of life here. David has been married to his wife Keri for 25 years and have 5 children. His family has been a great blessing to him in his life and he wants to do all he can to continue to make Beaverhead County a safe place for individuals and families to live. Over the years, David has worked and gained experience in many jobs in the Sheriff's Department from Patrol Deputy, Detention, Criminal Investigations, Coroner duties and everything involving Fire/Ambulance and Search and Rescue. He has worked under 5 different Sheriffs in his career and has learned from each of them what it takes to have a successful department. It is David’s desire to continue the well functioning department that Sheriff Paul Craft maintains. He has the utmost respect and gratitude to Sheriff Craft and will continue to utilize Craft’s example of service. Upon learning of Sheriff Craft’s plan to not seek another term, David felt strongly it was time to step up to the challenge and give back to the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Department and to the community that he loves. In this upcoming Beaverhead County Sheriff’s election; David, his wife Keri and his family humbly ask to have your support. It is with this support that David pledges to do all he can to honorably serve this county and its citizens.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers January 5, 2022 5:55 PM SWARE IN NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS Ward 1 – Diane Armstrong Ward 2 – Russ Schwandt Ward 3 – Joe Brandon Ward 4 – Mary Jo O’Rourke Ward 4 – George Johnston 6:00 PM Public Hearing To Obtain Comment On Approval Of Final Plat Of Phase 2 Beaver Pride Subdivision 6:30PMPublic Hearing To Annex and Zone Wholly Surrounded Property Owned By John Grant At 40 Fairway Drive 6:45PM Public Hearing To Annex and Zone Wholly Surrounded Property Owned By Shannon and Krista Maness Near The North End Of Noble Avenue 7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE A. MINUTES 1. Approve December 15, 2021 Public Hearing Rezone 10 East Reeder Hearing Minutes 2. Approve December 15, 2021 Public Hearing Zone Potato Cellar Area Hearing Minutes 3. Approve December 15, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes B. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 1. Status of Beaverhead River Crossing Project by Kevin Johnson of DOWL C. MAYOR’S REPORT 1. Appoint and Confirm City Officers City Clerk – Kami Hoerning City Attorney – None Yet Director of Operations – Todd Hazelbaker Fire Chief – BJ Klose Police Chief – Don Guiberson City Treasurer – Karen Kipp 2. City Council Appoints Council President (two year term) 3. Appoint John McGinley to the City-County Health Board 4. Resolution of Intent of the City Council of the City of Dillon to Set a Hearing Date for Affirming and/or Establishing City Fees and Setting Date for Final Action 5. Resolution of the City Council of the City of Dillon to Adopt a Change in the Official Zoning Map on the Property Located at 10 East Reeder Street From a R-2, Medium Density Residential Zone to a C-3, Central Business District Zone 6. Resolution of the City Council of the City of Dillon to Adopt a Change in the Official Zoning Map on the Potato Cellar Area Properties From an Un-Zoned Area to a C-2, Community Business District Zone D. REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1. Library Board – VACANT, Council Member; Lori Canady, Library Director a. Accept October 26, 2021 Meeting Minutes b. Accept November 23, 2021 Meeting Minutes 2. Attorney – 3. Planning Board- Don Hand; VACANT 4. Zoning Commission – Raymond Graham; Russ Schwandt a. Accept November 9, 2021 Meeting Minutes b. Accept November 14, 2021 Meeting Minutes i. Accept Findings of Fact and Staff Report for Dillon Implement Company, Inc. Property ii. Accept Findings of Fact and Staff Report for Hinojosa Property c. Accept November 16, 2021 Public Hearing Minutes 5. Director of Operations - Todd Hazelbaker 6. Police Department – Chief Don Guiberson 7. Fire Department - Fire Chief, BJ Klose 8. City Court – Judge Kaylan Minor 9. Treasurer – Karen Kipp a. Approve Cash Summary Report for November 2021 b. Approve Cash Bank Reconciliation Report for November 2021 c. Approve Collateral Report – Stockman Bank 10. Tree Board – Mary Jo O’Rourke E. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1. Judiciary Committee – Dan Nye, Chair; Mary Jo O’Rourke, Raymond Graham 2. Finance Committee – Don Hand, Chair; Russ Schwandt; Dan Nye a. Approve December 30, 2021 Committee Meeting Minutes i. Approve Line Item Budget Report for December 2021 ii. Approve Fund Summary for Claims for December 2021 iii. Approve Claims by Vendor Report for December 2021 iv. Approve Budget vs Actual Report for December 2021 v. Approve Claim for approximately $885 to City Court 3. Fire and Order Committee – VACANT, Chair; Russ Schwandt; Raymond Graham 4. Health and Welfare – VACANT, Chair; Mary Jo O’Rourke; Diane Armstrong 5. Cemetery Committee - Diane Armstrong, Chair; VACANT; Don Hand 6. Parks Committee – Mary Jo O’Rourke, Chair; VACANT; VACANT 7. City Hall Committee – Raymond Graham, Chair; Dan Nye, VACANT a. Approval of December 16, 2021 Committee Meeting Minutes i. Approve Purchase of 10 Microsoft Surfaces 8. Street and Alley Committee – Dan Nye, Chair; Don Hand, Russ Schwandt a. Approval of December 6, 2021 Committee Meeting Minutes i. Approval of 1st Reading of Ordinance #468 Amending Title 10 Vehicles and Traffic 9. Water and Sewer Committee – Don Hand, Chair; Russ Schwandt, Raymond Graham a. Approval of December 14, 2021 Committee Meeting Minutes i. Approval of Water Bill Adjustments for Specific Water Users Affected by Waterline Crossing Project ii. Approval of Water Bill Sewer Average Calculation for Dillon Rentals 10. ARPA Committee – Russ Schwandt F. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY G. ADJOURNMENT PLEASE NOTE: The City of Dillon understands that citizens have the right under the Montana Constitution to observe and participate in local governmental affairs by personally attending all public meetings of the Dillon City Council and other City boards and committees. This meeting is open to the public as normal (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. Please mute your mic until you desireto comment. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245.

Issued By Great Falls - MT, US, National Weather Service Affected Area Beaverhead, Broadwater, Gallatin, Jefferson and Madison Counties Description ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 11 AM MST TUESDAY... WHAT.. .Snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to 3 inches for most lower elevation locations, with 2-4 inches possible for the Bozeman area and 3 to 6 inches over the higher terrain of southwest Montana. Winds may gust as high as 40 mph. WHERE ...Beaverhead, Broadwater, Gallatin, Jefferson and Madison Counties. WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 11 AM MST Tuesday. IMPACTS. ..Plan on slippery road conditions and reduced visibility due to falling and blowing snow. These conditions could effect the peak travel time for Tuesday morning. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website

Wind Chill Advisory from FRI 5:00 PM MST until SAT 11:00 AM MST Action Recommended Make preparations per the instructions Issued By Great Falls - MT, US, National Weather Service Affected Area Portions of central and southwest Montana Description ...WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 11 AM MST SATURDAY... WHAT...Very cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low as 25 below zero. WHERE...Portions of central and southwest Montana. WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 AM MST Saturday. IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY PLANNING BOARD THURSDAY January 13 th , 2022 COMMISSIONER’S ROOM, COUNTY COURTHOUSE 1:00 PM REGULAR MEETING AGENDA **All times are approximate** 1:00 P.M. Minutes and Reports  Minutes of November 10th meeting  Planning Board Member Reports  Planner’s Report  Public Comments & Questions 1:30 P.M. Election of Board Chairman, Co-Chairman 2:00 P.M. Discussion on County Growth Policy 3:30 P.M. Public Comments & Questions of Non-Agenda Items Adjourn

The hunting of female mountain lions in hunting districts 322, 326, and 330 closes end of the day Thursday, Dec. 30.  The hunting of all mountain lions in hunting districts 350 and 370 closes end of the day Thursday, Dec. 30.  The orders halting the hunts 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.

Together with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Governor Greg Gianforte today announced that the State of Montana reached its goal to more than double the number of forested acres put under management in 2021. Under the leadership of Director Amanda Kaster, the DNRC placed a collective 25,000 forested acres under management. In 2020, the state treated approximately 11,000 acres. “We set an ambitious forestry target for the year to match the urgency of the forest health crisis we face. Thanks to the leadership of Director Kaster and the hard work of the DNRC team, we were able to reach it and more than double the number of acres treated by the state this year,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Forest health issues jeopardize our communities, infrastructure, jobs, and way of life, and we’ll continue to address them with the urgency they require.” Earlier this year, Governor Gianforte tasked the DNRC with increasing the pace and scale of active management across the state. By utilizing all available programs and authorities, including Trust Lands Management, Good Neighbor Authority, the Montana Forest Action Plan, and state and private forestry funding, the DNRC was able to able to improve and expand forest management across Montana. The forested acres under management include forest restoration and management projects that are ongoing, under contract, or recently completed. “Nearly 9 million acres of forested land in Montana are considered to have elevated wildfire risk and degraded forest health conditions,” DNRC Director Amanda Kaster said. “Active forest management remains a top priority for the DNRC and our partners. We look forward to continuing this important work statewide.” Cross-boundary agreements across federal, state, and private land continue to drive treatment to protect Montana communities and natural resources, including mechanical treatments, such as thinning or logging, prescribed fire, and various service restoration projects.