The Dillon Police Department is working with the local school districts concerning a dangerous Tik Tok “challenge” that is supposed to take place tomorrow, Friday, December 17, 2021. The “challenge” is not specific to our community, but is reportedly nationwide. The challenge allegedly encourages people/ students to call threats in to schools or to bring weapons into school. We are concerned with the potential dangers and disruptions any of this behavior could bring to our communities. Anyone who has a desire for “15-seconds of fame” are choosing to put themselves and others in danger. Participates may be committing a felony crime and risk tarnishing their future. It is simply not worth the consequences. Any participation in any such threatening or violent behavior will be not taken lightly and there will be swift response by law enforcement and school officials. This is a nation wide issue and not specific to Dillon. We are thoroughly investigating anything that remotely hints at a possible issue as always. We will have extra officers in the schools and will be monitoring all activity throughout the day. Parents, talk to your children. If anyone has direct information regarding this challenge or any threat at all. Please call 911 now. So not wait to notify law enforcement. We do not see a credible threat at this time and schools will run as normal on December 17, 2021. All schools in the country are dealing with this same issue, please trust that we are doing all that we can to protect your family and community. I am confident that the school staff, police, parents, and most importantly the students of Dillon will do the right thing and it will be a normal school day with a bit more police presence. Don Guiberson Dillon Chief of Police

Link to Bchs Choir https://youtu.be/xKFk2FHHgGA

BEAVERHEAD FIRE DIST. #2 405 N. IDAHO STREET DILLON, MT MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY December 21, 2021 5:00 PM AGENDA: I. Call to order II. Approval of Minutes from 11-16-21 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

Affected Area Beaverhead, Broadwater, Gallatin, Jefferson and Madison Counties Description WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 10 AM MST FRIDAY... WHAT... Snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. WHERE... Beaverhead, Broadwater, Gallatin, Jefferson and Madison Counties. WHEN... From Midnight tonight to 10 AM MST Friday. IMPACTS... Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning commute. ADDITIONAL DETAILS... Areas of blowing snow will reduce visibility at times. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 511 or visiting the MDT Road Report website

(Press release Wally Feldt, Frontier Conference and NAIA Communications In the third regular season edition of the 2021-22 NAIA Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll, Carroll College (2-0, 11-2) held steady at No. 5 while Montana Western (1-1, 7-2) moved up three places to No. 21. Rocky Mountain College (2-0, 8-1) received votes in the coaches' balloting but not enough to move into the top-25. Poll Methodology The poll was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the conferences, Independents and Unaffiliated Groups. The Top 25 is determined by a points system based on how each voter ranks the best teams. A team receives 30 points for each first-place vote, 29 for second place and so on through the list. The highest and lowest ranking for each team (a non-rating is considered low ratings) is removed and the team’s ranking will be recalculated with an additional point added to each team for every ballot (including discounted ballots) that the team appears on. Teams that receive only one point in the ballot are not considered “receiving votes.”

DPHHS has fulfilled 75 applications for 200+ schools serving nearly 80,000 students Together with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Governor Greg Gianforte announced today that the state distributed $2.7 million in federal funding to public and private schools this fall to help them remain open during the ongoing pandemic. “We prioritized getting this funding out the door as quickly as possible to ensure staff and students were safe at schools this fall,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Since we first began distributing funding for rapid testing in the late summer, DPHHS has distributed $2.7 million to help minimize the spread of COVID in schools.” The funding is part of a federal school reopening program to provide all the resources necessary to operate a successful screening testing program. The program is designed to test students and staff to identify potential cases of COVID-19, prevent outbreaks, and allow schools to remain open. The program covers expenses related to the prevention and detection of COVID-19 in the school setting, including staffing support. To date, funding has been awarded to 75 total public and private school districts. This includes a total of 223 schools with an enrollment of more than 78,000 students. “Testing offers an additional layer of prevention, helping schools to provide in-person learning for their students with confidence,” DPHHS Director Adam Meier said. The program uses BinaxNOW rapid antigen tests to support screening/testing of staff and potentially select groups of students routinely to detect asymptomatic cases. In some cases, symptomatic testing, for those who come to school feeling well but develop symptoms during the school day, may also be performed. The program covers other allowable expenses such as paying temporary staff, personal protective equipment, hygiene and cleaning supplies, and more. All Montana K-12 public school districts and private schools are eligible for this funding. To participate in the COVID-19 Screening Testing Program, public school districts and private schools can complete a brief online application to receive up to $45,000. The average award amount thus far is $36,394 per school. Additional funding is available to schools to support this effort throughout the 2021-2022 school year. School systems participating in this program are encouraged to design their own unique testing programs that work best for their students and staff on the local level. Regardless of participation, any K-12 public or private school can obtain COVID-19 BinaxNOW rapid antigen test kits to utilize as part of their school testing and screening programs. “Test kits can be ordered free of charge directly from DPHHS,” Meier said. He added the BinaxNOW COVID-19 tests do not require a medical professional to collect or conduct the tests. While a school district or school-based nurse is preferable, any staff member can easily be trained to conduct the tests. For more information on how to order test kits, please contact Dana Fejes at dfejes@mt.gov 406-444-5520. For detailed information about this funding opportunity and access to the online application, please visit dphhs.mt.gov/schoolhealth/ELCschoolreopening . Questions can also be emailed to schoolhealth@mt.gov .

CITY HALL COMMITTEE MEETING City Council Chambers December 16, 2021 4:00 PM ~ AGENDA ~ 1. Call to Order 2. Discuss/Recommend Purchase of 10 Microsoft Surfaces to Replace Old Tablets 3. Discuss/Recommend Roof Repairs on Bus Barn, Pump House #3, Shop Buildings 4. Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 5. Adjournment Committee Members: Raymond Graham - Chairperson Dan Nye John McGinley 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. Joi n 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 desire to comment. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245. Thank you, Michael L. Klakken, Mayor

First responders were called out Monday, December 13 to a single vehicle accident on Sweetwater Road. A SUV was traveling towards town when the vehicle lost control and rolled. Minor injuries were reported. We will update this story if more information becomes available.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Planning Board AGENDA Thursday December 16th, 2021 7:00 P.M. *The City of Dillon recording of this meeting is the official recording* 1. Call Meeting to Order 2. Review and Approval of Minutes from the November 9th Meeting 3. Review and Discussion of Capital Improvement Plan and Setting Public Hearing Date 4. Review and Discussion of Montana Street Intersection Concept Designs 5. Public Comment on items of significant public interest not on the agenda and within the jurisdiction of the Planning Board. 6. Adjournment Planning Board Members: Don Hand, Bill Shafer, Seamus Manley, Vicki Brastrup 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.

An overturned pup trailer is causing traffic to slow down on highway 41 southbound lane at mile marker 12. A semi carrying a load of hot tar moved over to allow a vehicle to pass. The pup trailer got too close to the edge of the road and overturned. The semi truck was able to pull into the Beaverhead Rock Historic turnoff and is not blocking the road. First responders are on scene working to recover the trailer please use caution.

WATER - SEWER COMMITTEE MEETING City Council Chambers Tuesday, December 14, 2021 4:00 P.M. ~ AGENDA ~ 1. Discuss/Recommend Patty Kehrer Water Bill Reimbursement 2. Discuss/Recommend Adjustments to Water Mainline Project Water Users 3. Discuss/Recommend Dillon Rentals Water Bill Adjustment 4. Discuss/Recommend Adjustment for Scofield Water Bill 5. Discuss/Recommend Adjusting Water Sewer Bill Database 6. Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 7. Adjournment COMMITTEE MEMBERS Don Hand, Chairperson Russ Schwandt 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. 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 desire to comment. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245. Thank you, Michael L. Klakken, Mayor

Zoning Commission Packet

The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that more than $170,000 of grant funding has been awarded to two Montana communities to support vital public development projects in coal-impacted areas . The funding was allocated to these communities by the Montana Coal Board. “The Montana Department of Commerce is proud to work with the Coal Board in supporting crucial community development projects for Montana’s coal-impacted communities," Commerce Director Scott Osterman said. “The two projects just selected by Coal Board members will help support the safety of Hardin-area residents as well as enhance the learning environment of Colstrip’s public school students,” Osterman added. During yesterday’s public meeting in Billings, Coal Board members listened intently to grant applicants and the details of their proposals to determine which would be allocated with the available funding. The following communities and projects will receive Coal Board grant funding: City of Hardin: $42,950 to purchase a K-9 equipped police vehicle. Colstrip Public Schools: $127,112 to replace fluorescent lighting with LED lighting at Colstrip High School. A total of seven project applications were submitted by four Montana communities requesting more than $1.7 million of funding. The Montana Coal Board was created by the Legislature in 1975 to provide public services incurred by large-scale development of coal mines. The Board considers applications and awards Coal Board Impact grants to counties, communities, school districts, tribal governments, or other governmental units and is administratively attached to the Montana Department of Commerce. For more information, visit COMDEV.MT.GOV .

Christmas is getting closer and time to get those last minute gifts. Also some great things are going on this weekend and we have them here in one convenient place. Friday, December 10 Virginia City Brewery Follies The Virginia City Brewery Follies will be performing Live at the Butte Elks Lodge on Friday December 10 and Saturday December 11, 2021. It is sure to be a "TWISTMAS in December" show you don't want to miss. They bring politically incorrect humor to The Butte Elks Lodge for a night of laughter that will be talked about for months to come! Great Harvest Says Thank You! Great Harvest is hosting the annual Thank You Bake Day! The community support of our fundraising events this past year has been amazing. In appreciation, every family that comes through the door will receive a free loaf of bread. We’ll also have cookies, hot cider, hot chocolate, or coffee for you to enjoy. Nothing is for sale – everything is a gift! Thank you Dillon for raising over $66,000 to support the following charitable organizations: Beaverhead Food Pantry Beaverhead Humane Society Montana Western Foundation American Legion Great Harvest BCHS Scholarships Montana Western Scholarship Beaverhead EMS Dillon Tree Board https://www.greatharvest.com/ THANK YOU! Saturday, December 11 Virginia City Christmas Stroll Virginia City Christmas Stroll, crafts, art, cookie exchange 21st Annual Butte Ice Carving Contest 2021 ICE CARVING CONTEST RULES Carvers must check in by text message or phone call to Corey Gransbery at 529-4795 from 7:30 – 9:00 am. Ice Carving begins at 9:00 am. Sponsors can have more than one entry Entries can be either single or multiple ice blocks. Carving teams can be of one or two carvers, no more than two. Groups with more than two carvers will not be judged for prizes. Carvers are competing in the following categories: - Master Class: (All previous Grand Prize Winners) - Adult Expert: (Ice only, No Props) - Adult Beginner: (1st or 2nd year carving) Sponsors are competing for traveling trophy and bragging rights. Judging of carvings will be based on a point system in the following areas: originality and complexity of design, proportion, artistic merit. Carving must be in good taste. This is a family event and carvings can be disqualified for nudity, vulgarity or profanity. Carving cannot begin before 9 a.m. and must be finished before 3 p.m. Organizers will prepare signage and post the name of the sponsor and names of the carver (s) in each location. Carvers will provide their own tools. Suggested tools include: hand drills, saws, hatchets, ice chippers, chisels and mallets. No mechanical or electrical tools are permitted. Torches can be used. Torches help carvers with final touches and to make the ice look crystal clear. Beware, however, direct heat can also cause the ice to crack. Using a torch has little effect on judging criteria it only helps with curb appeal. Sponsors will provide a stand for the ice block(s). This can be a table, a stack of pallets, concrete blocks, or other sturdy stand material of choice. If you are in a sunny location, you should provide some type of shade for your ice carving. The competition will take place regardless of weather conditions or number of entries. Award winners will be notified and announced after the event. If you have questions, send email to coreygrans@gmail.com or call Corey Gransbery @ 406-529-4795 Kids cookie decorating! Come join us! The VC Cafe will host kids cookie decorating during the Virginia City Christmas Stroll! Cookies, frosting, and all the sprinkles you could use will be provided. Just bring your creative little selves! Live Music at the Long Branch Saloon We have been rescheduled to Saturday the 11th. Join us at the Long Branch Saloon for beers, spirits, food and live music. Left For Dead is a fiddle and banjo duo that plays an exciting array of Old Time, Folk, and Country Genres. Together they take you on an exciting journey of familiar and some not so familiar tunes with roots reaching back as far as the 1700’s and up to the present. Come out and sing along with some old favorites while you enjoy an ale, a spirit of your choice, and/or a delicious meal. Ugly Sweater Party Time to bring those awesomely hideous sweaters out and have some fun!! Prizes for ugliest get up. Judging will happen at 10pm That is all we could find for this weekend. Have a safe and fun weekend Southwestern Montana.