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Fair board meeting to be held in the Commissioner's Room at the Beaverhead County Courthouse Meeting Agenda Call to order Introduction of guests Amendments or changes to the agenda Financial report Old business Fair Planning Event Schedule New business Improvements Adjournment

Community Affairs Committee Meeting City Council Chambers Wednesday, May 12, 2021 12 P.M. AGENDA Call to Order Continue plan for duck race Continue plans for Dillon History Days Discuss setting up a 501(c)(3) Public comment on items of significant public interest not on the agenda within jurisdiction of the city. Adjournment Committee Members: Stan Smith, Chair, Stacey Roundy, Vice Chair, Bill Shafer, Debbie Sporich, Brenda Womack, Rebecca Jones, Mitch Staley, Raymond Graham, Michelle Cohen, Cory Birkenbuel

Volunteers and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff recently completed a major revitalization project at Bannack State Park. The 23-person volunteer crew participated through A Year to Volunteer . This project brings together people who travel in their recreational vehicles to perform service in communities around the country. With help from FWP staff, volunteers donated 1,011 hours of service over the course of nine days. Their work accomplished several projects benefiting the park: 500 feet of boardwalk reconstructed New steps and stringers installed on the Hotel Meade front porch 253 windows cleaned 35 buildings deep cleaned Porch roof and floor replaced at the Mabel Ovitt House Graffiti removed in 10 buildings This project was also supported by AmeriCorps, as well as donations from the Bannack Association and The Home Depot. About 20 miles west of Dillon, Bannack State Park is a National Historic Landmark and the site of Montana’s first major gold discovery in 1862. More than 50 historic buildings line Bannack’s Main Street. The park holds events throughout the year to commemorate Bannack’s significant role in Montana history. Park staff work continuously to preserve this large array of historic infrastructure while keeping it open to visitors year-round. FWP relies heavily on partnerships with nonprofit organizations, businesses and other supporters to accomplish this work. “People around the country recognize Bannack State Park as a historical treasure of the West,” said park manager Dale Carlson. “We greatly appreciate all those who donated time, labor and materials this season to improve the experience for visitors at Bannack, while preserving its historical integrity. Their service will benefit the park and its visitors for many years to come.” For more information about Bannack State Park, visit fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/bannack .

On Wednesday May 5th, the Beaverhead Search and Rescue held its monthly meeting at the S&R building. Commander Lawrence Morrisroe called the meeting to order at 7:05. There were 28 members in attendance with some of them attending via zoom. It was a very short general meeting so there was time to do equipment inventory of all the unit’s equipment trailers. The first order of business was to recap the search that took place in the Crystal Park area. There were four members that participated in the search: Mel Rice, Tara Remely, Alex Dunn, and Lawrence Morrisroe. Each year BVHS S&R is invited to cook for an Elk’s Club stag night. April was the unit’s month. We prepared steak, French fries, scones, vegie, and salad. Preparing the meal were members: Tater and Jennifer McKay, Tara Remely, Brian Demars, Alan Holt, Trent Cottom, Lawrence Morrisroe, and Kolby Malesich. Nathan Freeman, training officer, informed the members of several training opportunities forthcoming. Thursday night Life Flight was down to teach about packaging patients, safety operations around a helicopter, landing zones, and procedures for getting them involved in a search/rescue. Toward the middle of June there will be First Aid and CPR training. It is a requirement of the Unit that every member must have current certifications in CPR and First Aid. Then on July 10th, there will be a joint training with the Forest Service in the Gravelly Range on how to perform duties and work safely in Grizzly Bear country. On the 3rd of October we will be participating in a multi-agency training exercise at Maverick Mountain. It is called Mass Casualty. Commander Morrisroe informed the membership that the storage units which were going to be auctioned off in lieu of the BVHD S&R auction, had been sold during a storage war type auction sponsored by “The Storage Place”. Thank you to Jim Harvey for his support of Beaverhead Search and Rescue and for letting us piggy back on his auction event. There will not be an auction at this time but will resume in the future. With any luck the Search and Rescue sign out on Hwy 41 North will be hanging again by the end of the week. A 70 mph gust of wind snapped the sign in half. With a little tender loving care it was salvaged. The last order of business was the recognition of Luke Lenski and Steve Scott who have turned in letters of resignation. Luke was a member for a short time helping out where ever and whenever he could. Steve Scott on the other hand has been an exemplary member for 47 years. Steve is one of the original members of the unit which started around 1974. He has served as commander 2 years, vice commander 2 years, Auction chairman 6 years, Fish Derby chairman 8 years, on the board of directors multiple years and many other committees over the years. He was elected member of the year by his peers 2 different times. Steve could be counted on anytime there was a search/rescue, a work party, and for any other official business related to the S&R. His knowledge of operations, training experiences, field experiences, and ground knowledge of Beaverhead County will be greatly missed. Thank you, Steve Scott, for your 47 years of dedicated service to the Beaverhead Search and Rescue. The meeting adjourned at 7:40. On behalf of your Search and Rescue I would like to remind everyone to have wonderful times enjoying the great outdoors of Beaverhead County. However, please be prepared for different situations that might arise during your adventures. Weather this time of year can change in a heartbeat so don’t take anything for granted. Whether you are in your car, hiking the great mountains, or on the water, be safe, be prepared, and take care of yourselves. “In The Business of Saving Lives”, your Beaverhead Search and Rescue. Submitted by Mel Rice: Public Relations Officer

Agenda for Beaverhead County Commissioners Meeting

The weekend is upon us and events are happening again. Don't forget this weekend is Mother's Day. We have some great businesses that advertise with us. You are sure to find something special for mom shopping local with one of them. You can find them here : Friday 05/07/2021 Tai Chi - 9:30 AM MDT – 10:20 AM MDT Free Tai Chi classes continue. Please practice social distancing. Opening for the 2021 Season Cousin's Candy Shop Old-Fashion Candy Experience! Hand dipped chocolates and Fresh Fudge Open May through Sept! Reopening May 9th 2020 Live Music at Willies Distillery 5:30 PM MDT – 7:30 PM MDT We will be back playing at Willies on Friday May 7th from 5:30 to 7:30. Hope to see you there. One of the last places we played prior to the Covid Shutdown. Come on out, order up some Honey Moonshine, grab hold of the saddle horn and hang on for some great fun.. Of course we don't want you to miss our show but if you get a chance, drop by Willie's anytime. Willie's has great décor and of course it's always fun to sample their moonshine and other spirits! Dan Henry at Rocky's Roadhouse 6 PM MDT – 9 PM MDT Back in the Montana town of Sheridan Mr. Dan Henry will be taking the stage at Rocky's Roadhouse May 7th from 6-9pm. With a mix of original music spanning genres from blues and rock to Country and folk along with a healthy list of covers from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond! The food with be hot, the drinks cold, and the music with rock all night long. With a new album on the way make sure to check Dan's merch table as it could be release any day now! And grab yourself a few official Dan Henry sticker's to show your support for this talented young musician and add some color to your bumper, cooler, or wherever you like to represent your love for live music. Hardwood Heart at the Golden Bar (Dillon MT) 8 PM MDT Silver Bow Drive In Playing May 7th, 8th, and 9th: Side one: Tom and Jerry Rated PG Runtime 1 hr 41 min Side two: Godzilla Vs. Kong Rated PG-13 Runtime 1 hr 53 min Gates open at 7:30 pm. Shows start at dusk (about 8:45 pm) Tickets are $6 ages four and up. Ages three and under are free. Cash only. Big Sky Cinema Showing Godzilla VS Kong 4 P.M. & 6:45 P.M. also showing Raya and the Last Dragon 4:15 P.M. & 7 P.M. Live Music at the Long Branch Saloon 8 PM MDT – 10 PM MDT 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 a an ale or a spirit of your choice. Dillon Tap House Starts at 7. Doors open @5. Live Music Friday May 7th!!! Moosejaw Roach in the house!! Saturday 05/08/2021 High School Rodeo May 8 at 9 AM MDT – May 9 at 6:30 PM MDT High School Rodeo Wildflower Walk 11 AM MDT In celebration of National Wildflower Week, Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park will be hosting a $4 guided wildflower hike on May 8th. As the weather continues to warm and things begin to look a bit greener, early flowers will begin to emerge. Learn about and make friends with the plants of the Greer Gulch Trail as you take the scenic route through one of the most biodiverse areas of the park! The group will meet at the main (lower) visitor center before driving to the trailhead. The hike will last approximately 1.5-2 hours and traverse 2 miles worth of trail- including some steep inclines, sunny slopes, and plenty of flora. Participants should bring sturdy hiking shoes, long pants, clothes for a variety of weather/shade conditions, sunscreen, water, and a light snack. Up to 15 people will be able to attend this guided hike, so sign up today! Admission costs $4 per person and will need to be paid for ahead of time. To reserve your spot or for more information, call the park at (406) 287-3541. Please email Emily at Emily.Dickerson@mt.gov if you have any questions. There are no refunds available after purchase. (Note that if the quick info at the top of the event page says "Price: Free" this is due to a Facebook policy dealing with Eventbrite and is a setting we cannot change, the event is NOT free.) What: Wildflower Walk When: May 8th, 11:00 AM Where: Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park Main Visitor Center (25 Lewis & Clark Caverns Road, Whitehall, MT 59759 Sportsperson's Banquet - Dillon 4:30 PM MDT – 10 PM MDT Join us for an evening of fun and fellowship as the Montana Trappers Association along with Furbearers Unlimited sponsors a fundraising sportsperson's banquet. A no-host bar and dinner will be served along with games, raffles, silent auction and a live auction during the banquet. All proceeds will be used for Furbearers Unlimited education programs and the MTA's Sportsperson's Rights Protection Fund. To find out more and to purchase banquet tickets: t.ly/vaYu Travis Yost Live! 6 PM MDT Travis Yost once again makes the trip down from Northwest Montana to play some acoustic jams! The fun starts at 6:00 pm on May 8th! The Road Agents - The Gallatin Underground Show 7 PM MDT Join us on another episode of The Gallatin Underground Show featuring The Road Agents. Sunday 05/09/2021 Mother's Day Brunch 10 AM MDT – 2 PM MDT One free mimosa or drink for the Moms $10 Adult $6 Children 6-10 years 5 years & under free MENU: French Toast with Topping Bar Scrambled Eggs, Ham, Bacon & Sausage Biscuits & Sausage Gravy Vegetable Quiche Muffins & Donuts Coffee, Tea, & Juice Chocolate Fountain Full Bar (cash only) includes Mimosas and Bloody Marys Reservations suggested. Please call 683-5552 Mother's Day Buffet 11 AM MDT – 3 PM MDT Join us for our Mother's Day buffet on Sunday, May 9th. Reservations strongly encouraged! The Den Steakhouse & Bar Mother's Day Brunch and Dinner 9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. The weekend is looking like a busy one, and we could not be more excited. If you have an upcoming event and would like it added to our events calendar please email us at southwesternmtnews@gmail.com and we will add it to our events page . This is a free service we offer, take advantage of it, and get your event out to the public.

The Dillon City Council will hold a hearing on June 2, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers at the City Hall, 125 N. Idaho, Dillon, Montana to take public comment on the proposed increase in water rates described below. The proposed water rate increase is to pay for improvements to the City’s water system, including the replacement of two existing cast-iron transmission mains with 5,500 linear feet of new water transmission main that crosses below the Beaverhead River and replacing approximately 7,000 linear feet of existing water mains in the City (the “Project”). On May 5, 2021, the City Council passed its Resolution No. 1384 of Intention to Increase Water Rates to pay the City’s $3,776,000 Series 2021 Water Revenue Bond to help fund the Project. The City proposes to increase water rates by $12.00 per month for each Equivalent Dwelling Unit (“EDU”) times the EDU multiplier based on water service size as described below. The proposed effective date of the new rates is July 1, 2021. Proposed Water Rate Increase to pay for the Series 2021 Water Revenue Bond: Water Service Size EDU Multiplier Monthly Increase 1/2, 5/8 and 3/4 inch 1.0 $12.00 1 inch 1.79 $21.48 1 1/2 inch 4.00 $48.00 2 inch 7.14 $85.68 3 inch 16.00 $192.00 4 inch 28.57 $342.84 Any person desiring to comment on the proposed rate increase may make their comments in writing and file them with the City Clerk at or prior to the date of the hearing, or appear at the meeting in person or by representative, and be heard for or against the proposed rate increase. At the hearing, and at the times to which the hearing may be adjourned, the Council will consider the propose rate increase and may correct, revise, raise, lower, change or modify the proposed rate increase or any part thereof. For further information regarding the hearing or to review Resolution No. 1384, contact Jani Olsen, City Clerk at City Hall, 125 N. Idaho Street, Dillon, Montana, or by telephone (406) 683-4245. __________________________________ Jani Olsen, City Clerk

Last night’s Dillon City Council meeting started off with Mayor Klakken bringing up a problem with what he described as the Board of Regents wanting to sell Vigilante field for 1.4 million. This property was sold to the city of Dillon in 1940 by the Gilmore and Pittsburg Railroad Company with the intentions of it never being anything other than a park or recreation field. In May of 1999, the City of Dillon sold the property to the Board of Regents and University of MT Western for $1. The Mayor believes they should sell the deed to the High School for what they paid for the property or for a couple dollars more not the 1.4 million. The documents from the original deal and the Mayor’s letter can be found here. Editor's note: SWMT News talked with Roxanne Engellant and Matt Raffety with the University of Montana Western. They discussed with us how they are not looking at selling Vigilante field. This was a step they had to take with the Board of Regents to get other things moving. They stated Vigilante field will be around for a very long time. Val Neeley spoke next in public comments. Val is a huge supporter of the parks system in Dillon. She came in to discuss a major problem the parks are facing, which is people not cleaning up after their pets. Val brought forth a list of problems, along with a list of suggestions on what needs to be done. A simple way to solve it would be to have either no pets allowed with heavy fines or people who own pets to clean up after them. Next up on the agenda was the appointment of the Ward 4 council seat left vacant by Rich Wassell. The two vying for this position were Elaine Spicer and John McGinley. The winning candidate needed five votes from the seating Council Persons. Mr. McGinley was able to garner the five votes needed. Mr. McGinley is your new ward 4 council person. Next was acceptance by Dowl Engineering recommendation to award the bid to Mungus Company for the Idaho Street water line and street repair. The city cannot accept the bid intel May 11th when they are approved for the environmental assessment, but the mayor wanted the council to approve it today, as the cost can increase if they wait too long. The Mayor’s stance on freedom of speech, was discussed next. Regarding a certain building in town with paintings on the building. Mayor Klakken stated, "I am not going to make them paint the building. I am not going to make them take down flags; it is freedom of speech. I am not asking the City Council to get involved in this." Council person O’Rourke asked if people had the right to park a vehicle on city property with a derogatory sign on them. This was responded to with a yes. This exchange takes place at the 1 hour 30-minute mark. The rest of the meeting consisted of reports by board members and directors. You can watch the whole meeting on the video below.

Brynley Fitzgerald was selected to the CoSIDA College Division Academic All-District Team, district four for the 2020-21 season. She is the only member of the team selected from the Frontier Conference. District four is made up of schools from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and Canada. Players are selected for both their athletic and academic prowess. Fitzgerald, a 5-11 junior from Dillon Mont., earned NAIA Third-Team All-American and first-team all-conference honors this season. She led the Bulldogs in scoring with 387 points (30th in the nation) averaging 16.8 points per game. She scored a career-high 37 points in a game vs. Carroll in January which was the most points scored in a single game by anyone in the conference this season. She shot 43.8 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from the 3-point range. She averaged 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.9 assists per game. She is now eligible for the prestigious CoSIDA Academic All-America Team, which will be announced May 25th. Fitzgerald is the first woman's basketball player selected from Montana Western since Britt Cooper was selected in back-to-back seasons in 2017-18 and 18-19. FULL RELEASE (PDF)

A driver was ejected from their vehicle on sawmill road (05/04/2021). The driver was headed North bound when they lost control of the vehicle and was ejected from it. The driverless Monte Carlo, then proceeded off sawmill road through the fence across both lanes of I-15, and over Hwy 91 coming to rest a few feet before the train tracks. The driver sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital via ambulance. This is developing story and as we receive info, we will update it.

Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture will be holding another RED RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY | SATURDAY, MAY 15 @ 12 NOON – 2:00 pm at BADGER ARCHERY It has been one year since the doors opened in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. Badger Archery never celebrated a grand opening as expected. So here it is! Also, get a free burger or hotdog - Limited supply, on a first come first serve basis! Downstairs, from 12-2pm, there will be free music by the extremely talented Holly Rumsey. Also, sales reps will be on-hand for many of our products, including PSE, Bear, Rinehart, Rip Cord, Tight Spot, and Black Gold. The reps will have demo product available and are always fun to chat with. The sales specials will continue all day, we will be celebrating by offering all of our in stock archery targets at 15% off and any new bow purchases of $500 and above include a free Badger Archery tumbler. Come on down, celebrate and socialize! We look forward to seeing you.

Board Meeting Agenda | May 13, 2021 9:30am – Jan’s Café in Lima MT 9:30am - Welcome and Introductions of Guests John 9:35am – Approval of the Agenda John 9:40am - Approval of April Meeting Minutes John 9:45am – Approval of Financial Report Bob 10:05am – Executive Director Report Rebecca · Black Tie & Boots Gala Update · Beaverhead Treasure Hunt · Territory Days · Sr. Pro Rodeo Update 10:15am – CVB Report: Rebecca · FY22 Marketing Plan Submitted · FY21 Marketing Plan Expenditures Report on June14-15 · Tbid (Tax Business Increment District) Discussion – Follow-up Plan 10:25am – New Business All 10:30am – Adjournment John Upcoming Board Events: 1. May Board Meeting: May 13 @ 8:30am – Jan’s Café in Lima 2. May Lunch n Learn: U.S. Forest Service – May 20 @ Noon at The Den 3. Black Tie & Boots Gala – May 22 @ The Elks 4. June Board Meeting: June 10 @ 8:30am 5. June Lunch n Learn: Tom Welch & Jeff Welborn – Legislative Update 6. Territory Days – June 18-20! 7. Sr. Pro Rodeo – July 23-25 w/ Dillon History Days

These are the unofficial results from elections held on 05/04/2021. We will update them when they become certified.

The University of Montana Western Football team has released the 2021 schedule - a 11 game slate featuring ten Frontier Conference games and a non-conference contest. FULL SCHEDULE The Bulldogs will open the season Aug 28 at home against the 2020-21 Frontier Conference Co-Champion Carroll College, It will be the Bulldogs first game in 651 days as they opted out of the 2020-21 season. Their next two games will be on the road against Eastern Oregon and Dickinson State. The Bulldogs haven't won in La Grande since 2015 and last played the DSU Bluehawks in 2016. UMW will return home briefly to host MSU-Northern for homecoming (Sept.18) before heading back on the road for four of the next five games. The Bulldogs will then close the season at home against Montana Tech (Nov. 6) and Rocky Mountain College (Nov. 13) The Bulldogs will play Carroll College, MSU-Northern, Southern Oregon, Montana Tech and Rocky Mountain College at Vigilante Field and will travel to Eastern Oregon, Dickinson State, Montana Tech, Rocky Mountain College, The College of Idaho, and MSU-Northern. Montana Western reports for fall camp in early August with a fall scrimmage set for Aug 21 at Vigilante Field. All home games will be broadcast on the Bulldogs Sports Network For the latest on Montana Western Athletics, follow the Bulldogs on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced two measures to address the state’s severe workforce shortage and incentivize Montanans to reenter the labor force. The State of Montana will launch a return-to-work bonus program, utilizing federal funds authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act. Return-to-work bonuses will be paid to unemployed individuals who rejoin the labor force and accept and maintain steady employment for at least one month. The governor also announced the State of Montana will end its participation in federal pandemic-related unemployment benefit programs and transition to pre-pandemic unemployment insurance (UI) eligibility and benefits by the end of June. “Montana is open for business again, but I hear from too many employers throughout our state who can’t find workers. Nearly every sector in our economy faces a labor shortage,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Incentives matter,” Gov. Gianforte continued, “and the vast expansion of federal unemployment benefits is now doing more harm than good. We need to incentivize Montanans to reenter the workforce. Our return-to-work bonus and the return to pre-pandemic unemployment programs will help get more Montanans back to work.” Across Montana, employers struggle to find workers, particularly in the health care, construction, manufacturing, and hospitality and leisure industries. Returning to pre-pandemic unemployment eligibility and offering return-to-work incentives will encourage workers to reenter the workforce and help ease a critical labor shortage across Montana. “Montana’s unemployment rate is at just 3.8% – near pre-pandemic lows – and statewide there are record numbers of new job postings each week. But today, despite an influx of new residents into Montana over the last year, our labor force is some 10,000 workers smaller than it was before the pandemic,” Commissioner of Labor and Industry Laurie Esau said. “Our labor shortage doesn’t just affect employers and business owners. Employees who are forced to work longer shifts, serve more customers or clients, and take on more duties have been paying the price.” Montana will be the first state in the nation to fully opt out of the federal unemployment benefit programs enacted since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Requirements that unemployment insurance claimants actively seek work and be “able and available” for work will be reinstated effective June 27, as well. Specifically, Montana’s Department of Labor & Industry announced the following changes to the unemployment insurance (UI) program: Starting June 27, 2021, claimants who have exhausted their traditional UI benefits but had continued to receive them through the federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program will no longer be eligible for UI payments. Beginning June 27, 2021 Montana will no longer be issuing supplemental $300 weekly payments to claimants under the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program. Beginning June 27, 2021, Montana will no longer participate in the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. PUA presently provides benefits to the self-employed, the underemployed, independent contractors, and individuals who have been unable to work due to health or COVID-19 affected reasons. Starting June 27, 2021, Montana will no longer participate in the Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) program, which offers supplemental payments to individuals who had both traditional W-2 income as well as self-employment income. Requirements that claimants be able to work, available for work, and actively seeking work in order to be considered eligible for benefits will be reinstated effective June 27, 2021. These requirements had previously been suspended under emergency rule-making authority in March of last year. More information about work-search and “able & available” requirements is available in the UI Claimants handbook. Unemployment insurance claimants will be receiving information soon about how these changes affect them individually. Until then, claimants with questions about their future eligibility are encouraged to visit MontanaWorks.gov or contact the Department of Labor & Industry at 406-444-2545. Claimants receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) should contact 406-444-3382. The Return-to-Work Bonus initiative will offer $1,200 payments to individuals receiving unemployment benefits as of May 4, 2021, who subsequently accept employment and complete at least four paid weeks of work. Individuals eligible for the bonus will be contacted by the Department of Labor and Industry and informed of their eligibility, as well as more information about how to ensure they receive the payment after they complete four weeks of employment. For More Information: A summary of the changes to be implemented to Montana’s Unemployment Insurance program can be viewed here . More information about Montana’s labor shortage is available here . More information about the governor’s proposed Return-to-Work Bonuses can be found here.

The Dillon Rotarians will conduct their business meeting on Wednesday, May 5, 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 .

Press release from University of MT Western: Michael Reid has been selected as the new Chancellor for the University of Montana Western and brings with him over 30 years of experience in higher education administration. Reid currently serves as the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance at the University of Montana Western and as the Chief Fiscal Officer for Helena College. “The search advisory committee and the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education are pleased to announce the hiring of Michael Reid for the Chancellor position at Montana Western,” said Search Advisory Committee Chair and OCHE Deputy Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Tyler Trevor. “We feel that Mike will continue to move the university forward and that his wealth of administrative and financial experience, combined with a focus on data-driven decision making, will further support the students, faculty and staff at UMW and continue to build upon the success of the university’s Experience One program.” Reid started with the Montana University System in March 2013 and has been at the University of Montana Western since July 2018. His educational background includes both an MBA and a BA in Finance from Utah State University. Over his 30 years of administrative experience, he has served for 20 of them as a Vice President/Chancellor for Administration and Finance at institutions including Pueblo Community College, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Angelo State University, The University of Montana, and Sierra Nevada College. Although his background in higher education administration has often been centered on university operations and finances, Reid also has significant experience in facility master planning, capital construction, strategic planning, institutional forecasting and modeling, auxiliary operations and events management. “I’m excited, and humbled, to be entrusted with this responsibility at the University of Montana Western. Over the past few years, both Montana Western and the welcoming town of Dillon have been incredible places to call home with inspiring students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community support. I am enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead of us and look forward to working with everyone in continuing the legacy that is UMW and building on the solid foundation that has already been established,” said Reid. Reid and his wife, Shauna, are passionate about the outdoors and take frequent advantage of the incredible surroundings and activities available in the Dillon area. Effective as of May 3, 2021, Reid’s appointment will be brought before the Montana Board of Regents for approval at its regularly scheduled meeting later in May. He succeeds Beth Weatherby, who is retiring after leading the university for the past 6.5 years.

City of Dillon will hold a public hearing on budget amendments for fiscal year 2020-2021. This will be Wednesday May 5, at 6:45 P.M. at City Hall. Regular City Council will be held after this at 7 P.M. An agenda of the meeting can be seen below.

Wisdom Community Center - 105 Years Old and Counting… Serena Stevenson & Dennis Havig, May 1st In the early 1900s Wisdom residents had a dream of a civic center. To that end, William Montgomery donated land that was later traded for the land that the Community Center is located on today. In fact, William Montgomery was called the father of the community building in a 1917 article in the Big Hole Basin News. Montgomery was quoted as saying. “I want this town to have a place where cattlemen and buyers can meet and talk over market conditions without interruptions. And I want to see a place where good and pure entertainment can be given the young folks. I will give the lots upon which the building may be erected and will do everything in my power to see such a place in Wisdom.” Just so you know, in 1916 the only place to meet was a bar or someone’s home. In January of 1916 members of the Big Hole Basin Stockman’s Association including President Shaw, Ben Stevenson, and Wm Montgomery and others joined forces with RA Hathaway from the Big Hole Basin News to develop a community building facility. The Wisdom Masons, Odd Fellows, the Excelsior Club or Women's Club also joined in the effort. The Montgomery property was traded with JP Lossl for the current site of the community building. The original name was the Wisdom Library Association formed in 1916. Hathaway was on the school board and knew that with the construction of the new brick Wisdom School house the old school building would be for sale. On March 2, 1916 the Wisdom Library Association purchased the “old Wisdom School” for $500 and quickly moved it to the current location to take advantage of ice and snow so the building could be skidded into place with teams of horses. CW Francis charged $76 to move the school to its current location, with the help of numerous locals who supplied horse teams. Kathy Wise our Big Hole Breezes Historical contributor went to kindergarten there. The records are incomplete, but it appears from unsigned notes in the community building that the first Wisdom School from 1882 was in the river bottom below the Wisdom airport. The south half of the Wisdom Community Center building that we use today is likely the second school building from 1886 to 1915. The third school building was the old brick school opened in 1915 which closed and was torn down in 1988. The current school which opened in 1989 is the fourth. In 1951 the Wisdom Community Center built two rooms and leased them to the American Legion and the Women’s club. Between 1916 and today the name has changed 4 times, the board chose to stick with the 1950 name “the Wisdom Community Center”. The Wisdom Community Center is now a non-profit corporation. And just like in 1916, we still need a community building. Over the last year efforts have been made to update the center. The WCC board and volunteers have been busy trying to keep the physical building usable. With the help of the Beaverhead Foundation, the buildings foundation under the west wall has been repaired, and the support columns under the north half of the building were also fixed. The bathrooms were remodeled, and the floors upgraded. United Way of Beaverhead county paid to replace the rug in the Women's club. The two north rooms were also repainted. This was all accomplished in part by grant money from the Federal Cares Act of 2020 to non-profits. That grant got them through the last year and they have asked our local representatives in the Montana house and senate if they could help us in 2021. David & Janice Scott scored a paint donation from the Sherwin Williams paint store in Butte for the Legion Room and the Women’s Club Room / Library. The wood floors in the Legion Room, and the new carpet in the Women’s club Room are truly beautiful and show a dedication to work very well done. David Scott caulked all the seams on the walls before painting and the walls are now restored to their original beauty. David went to Sherwin Williams and they were able to exactly match the trim stain. New chimney covers were ordered from Amazon and painted to match the original ones that had worn out. Janice Scott beamed as she told me how happy she felt in being a part of this project. She stated that what everyone seemed to enjoy most was the rebirth of the old place, you take something old and worn out, you work together, and you make it new again. It is like putting new life back into the old place, and the community. Clearly the Covid pandemic has reduced usage of the building thus revenues are near zero except for a few meetings and memorials from generous people in the community. But we still need a place to meet, a place to vote, a place pray, a place to celebrate and a place to morn. Anna Stevenson, President of the WCC along with other board members are looking for new ways to use the community center. It seems that as our community shrinks so does the need for the building. In early August there is a plan to have a flea market in Wisdom and maybe use part of the community building for that event. The hope is that government and private entities start holding in person meetings again and will consider the WCC for these events. There are other suggestions like an art show, community potlucks and the return of the gun show. The Board will keep working to keep the WCC building alive and stable, but they need your help to do so. So, if you are planning a get together, meeting, family reunion, funeral, party, or dance consider the Wisdom Community Center. There are three separate rooms of various sizes, a fully stocked kitchen, tables and chairs, a stage, sound system and projector, and a piano. Also included in the Women’s Club Room is a library containing original printed editions of the Big Hole Breezes and other area papers, along with many historical books. The Library can be accessed, and the building can be booked, by calling Anna Stevenson at 689-3260 or 689-3418. Catering is also available for your event from local businesses in the area. Donations can be sent to - Wisdom Community Center or WCC, PO Box 66, Wisdom, MT 59761. The Wisdom Community Center has been a fixture in Wisdom for over a 100 years thanks to the vision and hard work of generations of people in this valley. With a little luck and continued hard work it will serve another 100 years of future generations in the Big Hole Valley. Lastly, we need to say thank you so much to the many people who built and have kept this building available for all of us to use. Thank you, Tom Healy, Dusty Hosko, David & Janice Scott, Anna Stevenson, Diane & Dennis Havig, Kathy & Dean Wise, Melody Mitchel, and all board members and volunteers past and present. We appreciate you!