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Beaverhead County Commissioners' Meeting 06/14/2021

There will be a rededication of the BCHS Class of 1969 Memorial Plaque on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at 6 P.M. at the B.W. Lodge Gym front lawn. This plaque is in memory of classmates Tom Mooney, Phil Hawkins, and Ray Rebich. The rededication is open to the public and will also be livestreamed by Southwestern Mt News on both YouTube and Facebook for those who cannot make it . Please come and support these families.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet June 24 via Zoom. Details on how to access the meeting will be posted on fwp.mt.gov closer to the meeting date. The meeting will also be audio streamed online at fwp.mt.gov . The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. If you get online prior to 8:30 or the start of the meeting, you may need to refresh your web browser when the meeting begins. The commission will make final decisions on the following: Madison River recreation committee appointees Extending implementation date of Madison commercial use cap 2021 fish removal projects Buffalo Creek fishing regulation change TNC recreational access agreements Avista recreational access agreements Stimson recreational access agreements North Shore WMA farming lease Calf Creek forestry habitat project Administrative rule repeal regarding classification of black bear Chronic wasting disease work plan Nonresident hound handler permits 2021 mountain lion quotas Elk guiding principles and timeline The commission will hear the following proposals: Kootenai Falls and Bull River WMAs blowdown salvage project Nongame check-off annual work plan Jordan urban wildlife plan 2021 muzzleloader deer and elk season 2021 furbearer season regulations and quotas 2021 wolf season regulations 2021 elk shoulder season 2021 HB 454 agreements The commission will look at endorsing: Stuart Mill Bay FAS partial sale Brown’s Lake FAS peninsula acquisition 26 Mile MDT FAS lease Montana Rail Link Clark Fork River temporary closure 2021 pheasant translocations – UGBEP and youth pheasant FWP ensures its meetings are fully accessible to those with special needs. To request arrangements, call FWP at 406-444-3186. For the full agenda and background on the scheduled topics, go to the FWP click “ Commission .” FWP's website offers live streamed audio of each Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting.

Michael Reid, Chancellor of The University of Montana Western, will speak to Rotarians and guests at noon Wednesday, June 9, 2021. He will provide information about the upcoming academic year for The University of Montana Western. 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 Mike Blando at mikeblando0717@gmail.com or Tina Giem at tgiem@barretthospital.org .

The Montana Film Office has a large production in July and they are having a hard time finding the perfect spot. If you know of a good spot that meets the requirements below feel free to reach out to them . We have a location request for a Feature Film- Budget- 1.5 million Family Christmas Theme- Hallmark Style Filming Christmas in July- Fake snow used everywhere- usually foam and flakes Need: Guest/Dude Ranch – does not have to be a real guest ranch, just look like one Lodge style building Cabin with fireplace Barn Horses- or have the ability for horses to be brought in Need: Small town for a Christmas Parade- Fake Snow again Need: Photogenic church for wedding scene Plot- man with children visiting ranch in the winter meets ranch employee woman, falls in love. LOGISTICS Lodging for 45- within 45 minutes of location or partially on site Location near some sort of mountain Prep end of June- Film for 16 days in July

The Stonecreek Raceway was host to the round 3 CMMX Montana Motocross Series on Sunday. Riders were able to practice on Saturday to get a feel for the course, then racing began Sunday at 9 A.M. With races going all day and a slight cool breeze in the air it was a fun and relaxing day for all those who came to watch and cheer on their favorite racer. Results can be found at https://app.iraceready.com/races/-cmmx/event/cmmx3 . If you are interested in future CMMX events they can be found here .

Mild weather during the first quarter of 2021 contributed to a record number of visitors for Montana State Parks. MSP recorded 393,175 park visitors in the first quarter, a 20.2% increase over 2020 and a 78% increase over the same period in 2019. Of the 40 state parks that were seasonally open during this period, 80% experienced an increase in estimated visitation compared with last year. Day use and camping occupancy are projected to rise across the state during the spring and summer months. “As our parks prepare to welcome people from across our state, the country and the world, we continue to prioritize unparalleled customer service and public safety for our guests and staff,” said Beth Shumate, parks division administrator with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. “Our 55 parks, including seven National Historic Landmarks, truly tell the story of the Treasure State. We look forward to a successful season and hope that our parks create lasting memories for all our visitors.” The top five most visited state parks in Q1 2021 were: 1. Giant Springs State Park Great Falls - 81,979 visits (up 7.8%) 2. Spring Meadow Lake State Park, Helena - 33,606 visits (up 18.2%) 3. Flathead Lake State Park (All Units), Flathead Lake - 28,921 visits (down 2.4% ) 4. Cooney Reservoir State Park, Roberts - 28,820 visits (up 50.3%) 5. Lake Elmo State Park, Billings - 27,316 visits (up 13.4%) Visitation snapshot for the first quarter of 2021: Below is a list of the most highly visited state parks in each of FWP's administrative regions: Northwest Montana (Kalispell): Flathead Lake State Park (all units) had the highest visitation in the region with an estimated 28,921 visits, a decrease of 2.4% over the same time period last year. West Montana (Missoula): Milltown State Park had the highest visitation in the region with an estimated 17,358 visits, an increase of 116.1% over the same time period last year. Southwest Montana (Bozeman): Missouri Headwaters State Park had the highest visitation in the region with an estimated 9,200 visits, a decrease of 11% over the same time period last year. North-central Montana (Great Falls): Giant Springs State Park had the highest visitation in the region, with an estimated 81,979 visits, an increase of 7.8% over the same time period last year. South-central Montana (Billings): Cooney Reservoir State Park had the highest visitation in the region with an estimated 28,820 visits, an increase of 50.3% over the same time period last year. Eastern Montana (Miles City): Makoshika State Park had the highest visitation in the region with an estimated 20,248 visits, an increase of 32.3% over the same time period last year.

Dillon Volunteer Fire Department responded to 10 calls during the month of May 2021. 05-04 MVA Sawmill Rd 05-05 Fire Alarm S. Montana St 05-08 Bomb Threat Helena St 05-17 Smoke Alarm W. Center St 05-18 Child Stuck in playground apparatus 05-19 Structure Fire Pioneer Drive 05-24 Power pole on fire Lincoln Dr 05-29 MVA Argenta Rd 05-31 Landfill Fire 05-31 MVA Birch Ck Rd This month our first training was on transitional fire attack at our training center & 2 nd story search. On 05-25 we had the privilege of having the Chief & the Training office of Laramie County Fire District #2 from Cheyenne Wyoming here to go over fire department culture & expectations as well as training on piercing nozzles & the benefits of using them. We are very thankful for their time & knowledge that they shared with us.

The University of Montana Western and Stockman Bank recognized the 2021 Outstanding Teacher Candidates at Commencement earlier this spring. These inspiring UMW graduating seniors will be teaching and enriching their communities this fall. Outstanding Teacher Candidates: Tia Ware Daniel Connelly McKenna Fink Lexi Higareda Kennedy Grubich Cameron Fuentez Lindsey Buckley Alyssa Owen Molly Huber Kacin Bolinger-Perret Alex Rouse Destiny Wallace Gennifer Sauter Stockman Bank also sponsors a special award and scholarship to support UMW education students, the Stock Your Classroom Award and the Take Stock in Education Scholarship . Stock Your Classroom Award The Stock your Classroom award is a cash award for a new teacher to purchase much-needed items for their classroom. This award was the idea of V.P. Branch Manager Shane Puyear of Dillon’s Stockman Bank. Shane and his wife Lacie (Scott) are both alumni of UMW and Lacie is a 5th grade teacher at Parkview Elementary School. Shane has seen firsthand how teachers often need to purchase additional supplies for their classroom and thought this would be a meaningful award for a new teacher. This year’s Stock Your Classroom Award recipient is Kennedy Grubich. Grubich is an Elementary Education major and will be in charge of her first classroom this fall. She has been hired as a kindergarten teacher in Sidney, Mont., and comes from a long line of educators. She is looking forward to being a part of her students’ lives and helping them grow and achieve their goals Take Stock in Education Scholarship The Take Stock in Education Scholarship is awarded to a Montana Western education student to assist them with their cost of attendance. This year’s Take Stock in Education Scholarship recipient is UMW junior, Hayden Mosness. Mosness is a Physical Education and Health K-12 major from Big Timber, Mont. He is inspired to become an educator to help his future students become their best selves by supporting their physical and mental health. While unable to host the Night of Stars Education Hall of Fame event this spring, the following individuals will be honored in the spring of 2022 on the Montana Western campus. Education Hall of Fame Inductees: Jim Keef Kent Paulson Christina Sieminski­ Anke Davis Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Earl Barlow Stockman Bank continues to partner with the UMW Education Department and Alumni Office in support of this event that recognizes outstanding educators. “We are grateful for their continued support in recognizing our educators. Generations of teachers in Montana and around the region began their journey at Montana Western. The Night of Stars Education Hall of Fame event celebrates teachers past, present and future who have made or are certain to make a difference in the lives of our youth,” said Alumni Office and Foundation Director, Roxanne Engellant. For more information about the Night of Stars, contact the University of Montana Western Foundation at 406-683-7305 or visit the Foundation website .

The University of Montana Western Rodeo Team will be holding a send-off party Tuesday, June 8 at The Den starting at 5 p.m. Join the Bulldog rodeo team and wish them well on their way to the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) There will be a meet and greet with the team, silent auction, games, and prizes. 20 percent of all bar sales will be donated to the team to help cover CNFR expenses.

The USS Liberty Incident occurred on June 8th, 1967, during the six-day war. The American ship was in international waters off the Sinai Peninsula, when a combined sea attack of both Israeli fighter jets, and torpedo boats killed 34 crew members aboard the ship and wounded 171 others, the ship was left severely damaged. Israel apologized for the attack on the ship stating they thought it was an Egyptian ship. Both the US Government and the Israeli conducted inquiries and issued reports saying the attack was a mistake due to confusion of the ship’s identity. Many people including the survivors of the attack reject these ideas, and to this day maintain the attack was deliberate. Today (06/04/2021) at the SWMT Veteran’s Park Ted Arens presented a plaque to be placed in the park. The plaque has a picture of the ship with a description of what happened that day. The plaque will be permanently placed in the park at a later date.

SW Counties Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee awarded two scholarships to local students, the $750 Scholarship Recipients are: Kassidy Broere from Dell, MT. Kassidy is the daughter of Shanda and Clint Broere. She is a member of the Montana Army National Guard. Kassidy will attend Idaho State University to pursue a degree in Nursing. Madi Ruegsegger from Dillon, MT. Madi is the daughter of Marti Laknar Shields and Phil Shields, and Justin Ruegsegger and Melissa Utley. Madi will attend Montana Tech and pursue a degree in Biology.

The weekend is upon us and the weather is going to be beautiful. Many events are planned for Southwestern Montana and this is place to find them and plan out your weekend. Friday 06/04/2021 Tai Chi 9:30 AM MDT – 10:20 AM Free Tai Chi classes continue. Please practice social distancing. Live with Chandler Huntley 5 PM MDT – 8 PM MDT at the Star Restaurant Nevada City, MT Dan Henry at The Den 6 PM MDT – 9 PM MDT The Den Steakhouse and Bar in Dillon, Montana will be hosting a night of live music with Dan Henry and his One Man Band June 4th from 6-9pm. Come take part in an evening of delicious food, cold drinks, and the musical stylings of Dan "The Harp Man" Henry as he takes the stage with his original Montana music and countless unique covers from the 60s and 70's up to today Rocky's Roadhouse One Year Anniversary 7 PM MDT – 10 PM MDT Bluebelly is road tripping through the ruby valley to raise the roof at Rockys Roadhouse. One year anniversary that will surely consist of drinking, dancing, debauchery, and red meat! Playing June 4th, 5th, & 6th: Silver Bow Drive In Playing June 4th, 5th, & 6th Side one: Spirit: Untamed Rated PG Runtime 1 hr 27 min Side two: Cruella Rated PG-13 Runtime 2 hr 14 min Gates open at 8:00 pm. Shows start at dusk (about 9:15 pm) Tickets are $6 ages four and up. Ages three and under are free. Cash only Big Sky Cinema Cruella 4P.M. & 6:45 P.M. A Quiet Pale II 4:15 P.M. & 7 P.M. How Does a Flower Save Your Life? "Flower power" is more than just a catchy phrase. From the dawn of time, humans have been using plants to their benefit in a multitude of ways. But how do you know which ones you can make medicine from? What about a basket or a tool? How can you tell a poisonous plant from an edible one? In this campground talk, you will explore overlooked natural knowledge and expand your plant identification skills! This is the third presentation in Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park’s annual Friday Summer Speakers Series, which introduces a new speaker each Friday at 8:00 PM throughout the summer. About the speaker: Emily Dickerson is an AmeriCorps member serving at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. She grew up going on walkabouts with her grandfather, learning which plants were edible, dangerous, and useful in the Texas panhandle prairie, a seemingly barren land. While receiving her degree in anthropology, she got interested in green spaces, and focused her research on the ways in which humans interact with the plant life around them. When: June 4th at 8:00 PM Where: The campground amphitheater at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park Saturday 06/05/2021 Stone Creek Raceway - Dillon MT Jun 5 at 9 AM MDT – Jun 6 at 4 PM MDT Here we go! Round 3 at Stone Creek Raceway! We are extremely excited to have them back on the circuit!! Practice on Saturday, with racing Sunday! Details to follow.. Garage-A-Rama 9 AM MDT – 1 PM MDT Community Garage-A-Rama - Free to attendees, $25 booth fee for vendors. Silent Auction. All proceeds benefit the Twin Bridges Robotics Team. If interested in a booth, send an email to nmales@tbschools.org or DM here on FB. Sports-A-Rama 12 AM MDT – 1 PM MDT All things sporting goods for sale- Hand n Hand Preschool is hosting their ONLY fundraiser for all classroom items needed to make our school so much FUN! Hand n Hand Preschool is a non-profit organization. National Trails Day - Birds Eye View Hike 10 AM MDT Enjoy the views and wildflowers with a guided hike along the Bird’s Eye View Trail. This hike is approximately 3 miles and moderately difficult. Tap into Ennis Festival 12 PM MDT – 6 PM 2 Fat Guys Spirits will be participating in this fantastic event. Come spend the day sampling Montana made spirits and brews in the beautiful Madison River valley town of Ennis. Hope to see you there! Dan Henry Live 5 PM MDT – 9 PM Summer is in full swing and Dan Henry will be taking to the highway to play some new and exciting venues across the great state of Montana. This time he'll be making his was to Nevada City to set up on the outdoor stage at The Star Restaurant to rock the evening away from 5-8pm. Come check out a amazing little town of historic building with some ice cold beverages and some hot live music Dillon Jaycees Summer Kickoff Concert featuring Logan Mize 7:30 PM MDT – 11:30 PM Summer Kickoff Afterparty 9 PM MDT – 12 AM Willy James at The Office Bar Karaoke at Mac's! 9 PM Are you ready for some Karaoke? Join us for Boots Country Karaoke Saturday, June 5th! Stargazing Event at The Andrus Hotel 9:45 PM MDT – 12 AM We are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting family-friendly stargazing events in our Donna Jones Rooftop Garden at The Andrus Hotel. These events are hosted by Joe Witherspoon who is a renowned local astronomer and Vice President of the Southwest Montana Astronomical Society. Our Rooftop Garden allows for unobstructed 360° views of the expansive Southwest Montana night sky. We hope you'll join us as Joe shares details about the constellations and stargazing tips for beginners. These events will be magical! All dates are *weather permitting*. Please be sure to follow us on Social Media for updates about the events. A few details: • All events are weather permitting - follow us on Social Media to stay up to date. • Please bring a light jacket or sweater (even in the summer months). • Bring a beverage and snack if you wish. Please bring your questions! Joe loves questions. • 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱. (𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱) • $20 for adults 18+ / $10 for children Sunday 06/06/2021 Stone Creek Raceway - Dillon MT Jun 5 at 9 AM MDT – Jun 6 at 4 PM MDT Here we go! Round 3 at Stone Creek Raceway! We are extremely excited to have them back on the circuit!! Practice on Saturday, with racing Sunday! Details to follow..

Updates to Beaverhead County’s flood insurance rate maps are nearing completion. The new maps will provide Beaverhead County, Dillon, and Lima with more accurate flood risk information that can help local officials and residents make informed decisions about reducing flood risks and purchasing flood insurance. The mapping project was initiated in 2015 as a joint effort involving Beaverhead County, Dillon, Lima, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), and FEMA. It is part of a nationwide effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce those risks. Before new flood insurance rate maps can become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period during which local residents and business owners can provide additional data for consideration before the maps are final. This appeal period starts on June 9, 2021, and ends September 7, 2021. Officials encourage residents and business owners to review the proposed flood insurance rate maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements, and any concerns or questions about the information provided. The proposed maps can be viewed online at www.floodplain.mt.gov/beaverhead , or at the Beaverhead County Courthouse, Dillon City Hall, or Lima Town Hall. The maps also can be viewed on FEMA’s Map Service Center by visiting https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload/ . Appeal packages may be submitted during the 90-day appeal period. The sole basis of the appeal must include the possession of knowledge or information indicating that the proposed flood hazard determinations are scientifically and/or technically incorrect. For further details on this process, visit www.floodplain.mt.gov/beaverhead or contact Rob Macioroski, Beaverhead County Floodplain Administrator, at 406-683-3768 or Tiffany Lyden, DNRC Floodplain Outreach Specialist, at 406-444-0599 or tlyden@mt.gov .

Water and Sewer Packet files can be found here:

Beaverhead County Commissioners' Meeting 06/07/2021