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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

Don’t let an encounter with a harmful algal bloom (HAB) ruin one of the few days of Montana’s short summer. HABs can produce liver and neurotoxins that can sicken humans and even kill pets and livestock if contacted or ingested. Harmful algal blooms happen when cyanobacteria, also known as blue green algae, rapidly grow out of control. These organisms are native to Montana and are naturally found at low, safe densities in many freshwater systems. HABs can form under certain conditions, such as when too many nutrients are available, when winds are low and water is calm, when the sky is clear and sunny, and when the growing season is long or hot. Toxins do not always occur with a HAB, but it’s impossible to tell without taking water quality samples. When in doubt, it’s best to stay out. HABs most often occur in Montana’s reservoirs and lakes, although water users should also be cautious about water flowing immediately downstream of a HAB, or if mats of algae are noticed growing on river bottoms. Common characteristics of HABs include green, blue, or gold coloration and the appearance of grass clippings or paint spilled on the water’s surface. Montanans can submit reports of suspected HABs at: HAB.mt.gov The website also has a map of all other reports submitted, any health advisories or monitoring data associated with that report, and plenty of photos and information so you can educate yourself on what to look for. If you suspect a HAB, submit a report and the State HAB Team will work with the local jurisdiction to monitor the incident. These reports are important for the health and safety of recreators and water users in the state, and they also help state agencies track where nutrient pollution may be an issue. Last summer, 42 out of 64 citizen reports were confirmed to be harmful algal blooms. One of those reports was associated with a dog’s death and subsequent closure of a small subdivision pond in Bozeman. Waters that commonly experience HABs include but are not limited to: Clark Canyon Reservoir (Beaverhead County), Cooney Reservoir (Carbon County), Hebgen and Hyalite Reservoirs (Gallatin County), Beaver Creek Reservoir (Hill County), Canyon Ferry, Hauser Reservoir, and Lake Helena (Lewis and Clark County), Harrison Reservoir (Madison County), and Nevada Creek Reservoir (Powell County). Nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, fuel algae growth. Besides being aware of what HABs look like and the potential health risks, it is also important to understand actions you can take to reduce nutrient pollution in Montana’s waters. Reduce your use of lawn or crop fertilizer. Avoid trampling streamside vegetation when you’re recreating. If you’re lucky enough to live alongside a stream or lake—restore and protect native woody plants, flowers and grasses because they filter pollution and stabilize land. If your home relies on a septic system, have it regularly serviced—even if you don’t live right near a stream or lake. Improperly functioning septic systems can leach bacteria and pollution into groundwater. When in doubt, stay out. Do not drink, swallow, or swim in water that shows signs of a HAB and keep kids and pets or livestock out. Direct contact, ingestion or inhalation of cyanotoxins may irritate the skin, eyes, nose, throat and respiratory system, or cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache or liver and kidney damage. If you suspect a HAB-related illness in a person or animal, including livestock, call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222. Report a suspected HAB at www.hab.mt.gov , call 1-888-849-2938, or by email to HAB@mt.gov

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the launch of a website and call center for the state’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) program. The website, arpa.mt.gov, provides information on funding projects and grants under the purview of Montana’s four ARPA commissions: water and sewer, communications, economic stabilization and workforce development, and health and human services. The site also offers information about rental assistance and pandemic-related funding for K-12 education. The site will feature a chat portal and maintain a list of frequently asked questions and answers to help guide Montanans through the process. The State of Montana also launched a call center to ensure individuals are well served and can receive answers to their ARPA-related questions. Montanans may dial 1-844-406-ARPA (2772) to reach the call center. Mike Foster, ARPA program director, is working with commissions and state agencies to establish a smooth, efficient process to provide the governor with recommendations for how to allocate federal ARPA funds. The governor will consider their recommendations and decide how to distribute over $1.5 billion in federal funds in compliance with ARPA, House Bill 632, and Senate Bill 297. The eligible uses of the funds are subject to change based on federal regulations and guidance. Visit the website at arpa.mt.gov .

City of Dillon Planning Board to meet Thursday June 3rd, 2021 at 7 P.M.

The University of Montana Western Head Men's & Women's Rodeo Coach Kody Lahaye announced today that he will resign as head rodeo coach after the College National Finals Rodeo Later this June. Lahaye, who just completed his third season as head coach of the Bulldogs, will be stepping away from coaching to support his wife, former Bulldogs Rodeo athlete Justinn (Marshall), as she continues to pursue her career as a medical doctor. Kody's wife will be doing a critical care fellowship at the University of Nebraska. "It has been a very difficult decision to step down as the head coach," Lahaye said. "My wife and I would like to thank the Western family and the community of Dillon as a whole for giving us a second home. I will be moving with my wife to Omaha, Neb., where she will be specializing in the ICU unit at the University of Nebraska. My wife and I have been apart for most of our marriage, and as hard as the decision has been to step away from such a wonderful place, we have decided it is time to spend our lives together. I want to thank all of the amazing student-athletes that I have had the pleasure of working with and getting the opportunity to be a part of their lives. The friends and memories that we have made here will last forever. Thank you again for all of the support from the university, families, and community over the years. Montana Western will always hold a special part in our hearts." This season Lahaye guided both the men's and women's team to second-place finishes in the Big Sky Region and a trip to the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR). He had four regional champions this season. Overall, Lahaye had 16 CNFR qualifiers during his tenure at Montana Western. "Kody has done a tremendous job as the Montana Western rodeo coach," Director of Athletics Bill Wilson said. "Kody and Justinn have had to make a lot of sacrifices over the last three years. Family always comes first. We wish Kody and Justinn the very best." The University of Montana Western will conduct a national search to find its next head rodeo coach.

Chamber Board of Directors Meeting *** New Location*** The Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture will be holding its June Board meeting Thursday, June 10th at 9:30am at The Crossing at Fetty’s in Wisdom. Emails have been sent to Chamber Members in the Big Hole and surrounding area. Please join us to learn more about updates in the Big Hole. Chamber Lunch n’ Learn: Legislative Update with Tom Welch and Jeff Welborn , Thursday, June 17th at 12 Noon at The Den. Join us to learn updates from Helena from our area Representative and Senator. Cost: $18/pp, email: info@beaverheadchamber.org to make your reservation today! Territory Days | June 18-20 in Dillon Montana! Friday, June 18th – After Hours Mixer at Mac’s Last Cast and Henry Plummer Ransom Karaoke at Mac’s Last Cast Saturday, June 19th – Truck n’ Learn and Guns & Hoses Pie Eating Contest – Come celebrate our First Responders and bring the kids to get close to a fire engine, police car, helicopter and Smokey The Bear! Cheer your favorite local hero in the pie eating contest between fire fighters and public safety officers! Territory Days Parade featuring Ramblin’ Rose Drill Team, Robert’s Alpacas, and the Ugly Truck Contests: 1st Prizes for the Dirtiest Truck, Most Dented Truck, and the Ugliest Truck! Enjoy a Street Dance on Center Street from 7pm-11pm, featuring DJ, Adam Hooten! Sunday, June 20th – Sporting Clays/Trap Shootout at Beaverhead Gun Club on Whites Lane south of Dillon. This event is fun for everyone! Happy Father’s Day, now send Dad packing to the Sporting Clays/Trap Shootout! 2-6pm. Beaverhead Treasure Hunt | From Memorial Day to Labor Day , hunt for solid glass cowboy hat paper weights in Beaverhead County Businesses! Once found, its yours to keep, just bring it to the Chamber office at 10 W. Reeder St., Dillon to receive another prize to Shop Local! Sponsored by University of Montana Western Glass Art Program and Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture!

The Dillon Rotarians will conduct their business meeting on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. 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 Dillon American Legion Post 20 held their Memorial Day ceremony at Mountain View Cemetery today. Reflecting on how Memorial Day started and the true meaning of what this day represents. Followed by the laying of a wreath on the memorial and a gun salute to those who gave all. The full ceremony can be seen below.

Here is the link to our livestream of the BCHS Class of 2021 graduation ceremonies.

First responders were called out tonight for a single vehicle wreck just outside of Argenta. As of now, Montana Highway Patrol is reporting a single vehicle accident with injuries. As more information becomes available, we will update this story.

Virginia City Montana officially opens over the Memorial Day weekend. The streets of Virginia City came alive this weekend. With Memorial Day considered the unofficial start of summer, the folks of Virginia City know how to get the party started. With events being held throughout the weekend, you have no excuse to say you are bored. After spending a year stuck in your home with everything cancelled or postponed, now is the time to get out and enjoy Southwestern Montana. Check out the weekends events in the gallery below.

Memorial Day weekend is upon us, that means it's the unofficial start of the summer and things are happening. Because it is a 3 day weekend we will also include Monday's happenings as well. Friday, May 28th Great Harvest is Raising Dough! Swing by the Great Harvest in Dillon, MT, May 26 - 28 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.! The sales will benefit the Great Harvest Scholarship Recipients. Come by and meet our new bakery owners here for training. We are featuring our Bacon Cheddar Beer Bread & Buns (Made with beer from the Beaverhead Brewing Co.), Red White & Blueberry Bread, Rhubarb Streusel Teacakes & Muffins, Frosted Sugar Cookies, Biscuits, Toffee Bars, and all your favorites! We will be offering our full sandwich lineup. This months special is the Turkey Chile Cheddar Melt sandwich. You can now order the full menu online. https://www.opendining.net/menu/5e18f65e4f5ee963157b23e4 ... CURBSIDE PICKUP IS AVAILABLE Tai Chi Elks Lodge Dillon, MT 9:30 AM MDT – 10:20 AM MDT Free Tai Chi classes continue. Please practice social distancing. Spring Art Walk @ Montana Hair Co. w/ LAC & Vibrant Lives 5 PM MDT – 7 PM MDT We are so excited to share a new kind of art this art walk...Healing!!!! Come out and bring the whole family to get FREE snow cones and meet some amazing people we have in our community!! We are back in action and bringing a whole new year of fun events to Dillon!!!! See you all there!!! Dan Henry at Ruby Valley Brew 5 PM MDT – 8 PM MDT Summer is finally settling in and the Ruby Valley area is alive with summer fun and that includes live music at Ruby Valley Brew in Sheridan, Montana. The Brewery will be welcoming back Dan Henry at his One Man Dan Band May 28th from 5-8pm for an evening of rocking live music, cold local brewed beer, hot pizza, and plenty of good time to be had. "Hiking Jefferson County" On Friday, May 28th, Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park will host the free talk entitled “Hiking Jefferson County” at 8:00 PM in the park’s campground amphitheater. It will be presented by Vaia Errett, a local volunteer and hiking enthusiast. This talk will lead you through Jefferson County - into the hideaways of the Elkhorn Mountains, the granite knuckles of the Boulder Mountains, the southern sagebrush hills, two state parks (Lewis & Clark Caverns and Elkhorn) - and the overlooked routes and trailheads in-between. Follow from rambling creek to high peak, from wooded gulch to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. There is a favorite for everyone. This is the first 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. Vaia Errett will hatch any pretext to hike a trail. Always eager to roam beyond familiar turf, she has recently found herself drawn to the detail closer to home. For the past 3 years, Vaia has served as one of 7 volunteers on the Jefferson County Parks, Trails, and Recreation Commission. She lives in Whitehall. What: "Hiking Jefferson County" with Vaia Errett When: May, 28th at 8:00 PM Where: Campground amphitheater at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park Fool's Gold at the Gravel Bar!!! Live music is back in Ennis! Come on out a listen to some new tunes and some old ones. Get great food, beer and drinks at both the Burnt Tree Brewery and the Gravel Bar. We are playing at the outside stage.... Dalton Lemburg Live at Mac’s Last Cast 9 P.M. Come to Mac’s Last Cast to check out some live music and enjoy some drinks! Max Hay Live in Dillon 6 PM MDT Fine food, warm music, a thoughtful wine selection, and nationally recognized regional beers on tap, make The Den a must see destination this Friday. Arrive early if you're particular about your table. Music starts at 6! Please, no rattlesnakes. Silver Bow Drive In Playing May 28th, 29th, & 30th: Playing May 28th, 29th, & 30th Side one: Cruella Rated PG-13 Runtime 2 hr 15 min Side two: Mortal Kombat Rated R Runtime 1 hr 50 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 4 & 6:45 P.M. A Quiet Place II 4:15 & 7 P.M. Saturday, May 29th THE TRADITION CONTINUES: The Virginia City, MT KICKOFF parade is Saturday May 29th 2021 at HIGH NOON... The famous duck race is after the parade at the VC Depot parking lot with prizes given to the winners and to those walking the famous historic boardwalks. Come have fun with your family and come support the businesses that keep Montana’s Heritage buildings standing!!! Music by Joel Corda The Bale of Hay Saloon Virginia City, MT Join us for music by Joel Corda and enjoy some of our delicious food & drinks while you listen to this fantastic musician! Sunday, May 30th Beaverhead County Highschool Graduation We will be livestreaming this on both our Facebook Page as well as our YouTube page . If you have a graduate in your life, we will be recording the messages in our studio at 34 N Idaho then we will put them together in an opener we will play before the graduation. Cost would be $15 for a 30 to 45 second video in front of our green screens we will then put a picture of BCHS in behind you. We will need to do this on Friday we will be open tell 8 P.M. so we can get as many done as possible. call 406-660-7041 for more information. Monday, May 31st American Legion Post 20 Memorial Day event will be held at the Mountain View Cemetary starting at 11 a.m. White Hat Coalition Parade will begin lining up at noon in front of the Beaverhead County High School Parade begins at 12:30. 18th Annual veterans Memorial Flag Rising, dedication of the new flag poles will begin at approximately 1 p.m. at the Kiwianis Memorial Park. Have a safe Memorial Day, a huge thank you to all who have served this country and for those who paid the ultimate price. We will try to cover as many of these events as possible. As always if you have an event you would like on our calendar feel free to email us at southwesternmtnews@gmail.com or swing by our office and drop off a poster.