Search Results

Filmed on-location in Montana, the true-life crime thriller “Ted K” recently premiered at Berlinale, one of the top film festivals in the world. The film was largely shot in and around Lincoln, Montana, where producers held a local casting call when filming began in 2018. Film production infused more than $150,000 in wages and another $63,000 in local lodging revenue to the community. “Filming movies, television shows and commercials in Montana elevates awareness about our state and brings outside dollars into our local businesses, hotels, and communities,” Montana Film Commissioner Allison Whitmer said. “Montana has been growing as a home for independent cinema thanks to our spectacular, unspoiled nature, charming and vibrant towns and rural areas of our state, which allow us to facilitate authenticity in productions with all that Montana has to offer as the ultimate filming location.” The film received funding from the Big Sky Film Grant through the Montana Film Office, which is part of the Montana Department of Commerce. The Big Sky Film Grant builds partnerships with filmmakers and production companies by providing seed funding to enable the creation of jobs and economic impact related to filmmaking production, enhance the marketing of Montana’s tourism regions, people, history, overall quality of life and support Montana’s filmmaking industry. “Ted K” tells the story of the infamous Ted Kaczynski, known to the world as “The Unabomber,” who built and sent bombs through the mail and evaded police for almost two decades until his arrest at his small cabin near Lincoln in 1996. In addition to being invited to premiere on the international stage, “Ted K” is also receiving positive reviews from Hollywood critics . “We were committed to making this film as authentic as possible, so we knew there was no other place to shoot it other than in Lincoln, Montana,” said “Ted K” producer Matt Flanders. “We simply could not have succeeded without the breathtaking landscape, the unique locations, and the warmth and openness of the people of Lincoln. Having grown up in Helena, I was always aware of the helpful nature of Montanans, but we were completely overwhelmed by the support we received in the making of this film.” The film will be distributed by NEON and Super LTD, the team behind last year’s Academy Award winning film "Parasite ." A release date for "Ted K" has not yet been selected. Learn more about the Montana Film Office at MONTANAFILM.COM .

Thursday, March 18th at 12 Noon at The Den – Annual Meeting and Lunch n Learn – Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture is calling all Chamber members to join us for the Annual Meeting as well as Lunch n Learn with featured speaker Justin Haring of H&R Block discussing Changes in the Tax Code. All Chamber Members are encouraged to join us for this once-a-year meeting to hear updates on the Chamber and plans for Summer 2021! See the Chamber’s Facebook page for the menu, closer to the date. Cost: $18/pp.

Bears are emerging from dens with the onset of spring, and people are reminded to “Be Bear Aware.” Bears can be found throughout Montana. In recent years, grizzly bear populations have expanded and bears are sometimes found in historic ranges beyond western Montana As bears begin foraging for food, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is asking residents to remove or secure food attractants such as garbage, bird feeders and pet food. The most common human-bear conflicts involve unsecured food attractants. People venturing into the outdoors should “Be Bear Aware” by following these precautionary steps: Carry and know how to use bear spray. Travel in groups whenever possible and plan to be out in the daylight hours. Stay on trails or rural roads. Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers. Watch for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses. Keep children and pets close. Make noise, especially near streams or in thick forest where hearing and visibility is impaired. This can be the key to avoiding encounters. Most bears will avoid humans when they know humans are present. Don't approach a bear. If you are camping in bear country, follow these guidelines: Camp away from areas where you see grizzly signs. Keep a clean camp at all times. Keep tents and sleeping bags free of food. Follow all food storage regulations. Contact the applicable land management agency to learn what food storage rules apply where you’re recreating. Hang all food, trash and other odorous items well away from camp and at least 10 feet above ground and 4 feet from any vertical support, or store in a bear-proof container. Livestock feed should be treated the same as human food. Anglers also need to practice safe behavior in bear country: Don't leave fish entrails on shorelines of lakes and streams. Sink entrails in deep water. If you don't properly dispose of entrails you increase danger to yourself and to the next person to use the area.

Dillon Volunteer Fire Department, along with Beaverhead County Sheriff’s office, responded to a roadside fire one mile north of Clark Canyon Dam. The fire was started by a State Highway Department brush mower clearing ditches. The fire was contained and extinguished with minimal damage to the area.

After careful consideration, Montana Western has decided to postpone our in-person spring community rodeo banquet event scheduled for spring 2021. Although we are anxious to thank our supporters in person and share the success of the fall rodeo season, we also feel this is the best decision based on the current recommendations for hosting large events. Our priority is keeping our students, campus, and community safe and healthy. However, we are planning to host a special “ THANK YOU BBQ ” event in September during the fall UMW Rodeo to thank everyone for supporting us during these difficult times. Community and alumni support has made an incredible difference for our team for over 50 years, and we are grateful for this continued support. The Montana Western Community Rodeo Banquet provides the vital resources to support the team annually. It is an exciting event that draws about 700 people to the UMW campus each spring for the much-anticipated prime rib dinner, silent and live auctions and live music and dancing. Last spring marked the 52nd annual banquet and we regrettably had to postpone the event due to the pandemic. On the docket this month is a mailing and phone campaign to assist our fundraising efforts this spring driven by our student-athletes. Our rodeo team members are looking forward to talking with all of our generous donors later this month and we are all excited to gather together again this fall. The Montana Western Rodeo team will begin their spring season April 8-11 at Montana State University. This year’s event will be held in the Bob Miller Pavilion west of the MSU campus. The entire rodeo will be televised and livestream information will be sent out closer to the event and posted on www.umwbulldogs.com . For more information, please contact UMW Foundation Director, Roxanne Engellant, ( roxanne.engellant@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7305) or UMW Head Rodeo Coach Kody Lahaye ( kody.lahaye@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7001).

Tammi Myer, owner of 406, will speak to Rotarians and guests at noon Wednesday, March 17, 2021. 406 is a new business in Dillon selling designs and goods. She will provide information on opening a new business and a preview of items she has for sale. 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 .

American agriculture is the foundation of our country. It’s the backbone of a healthy and prosperous nation that’s made possible by the hard work of America’s farms and farm families. The Agriculture Council of America is proud to celebrate the nutritious and plentiful contributions of our country’s farms on National Agriculture Day. You’re invited to join the celebration. Join us for Ag Day 2021. Thanks to American agriculture—Food Brings Everyone to the Table! Find out more about high-profile sponsorship opportunities from jennyp@nama.org. Ag Day Virtual event can be found here

Update from today's incident: A 2007 Chevrolet Suburban entered the southbound lane of MT Highway 91 S and hit a 1994 Toyota truck head-on. The two vehicles came to rest on opposite sides of the road. The sole occupant of the Toyota, a 25-year-old Dillon resident Chloe Lynn Worl, was pronounced dead on arrival. (updated 03/13/2021) The driver of the Suburban, a 33-year-old from Dillon, was transferred to a hospital and their condition is unknown. The suburban was also carrying a four year old and a one year old. As of now, their condition is unknown.

Firefighters responded to reports of a grass fire in a field off Webster Lane just pass Amber Lane at around 11:50 A.M. on Saturday, March 13. The start of the fire was started from burning ditches in preparation for the spring irrigation to start.

Montana Western opened the 2021 NAIA women's basketball tournament with a 81-36 rout of Benedictine University at Mesa, with four lady Dawgs scoring in double figures. Montana Western will be playing Westmont college at 1P.M.

Hey Dillon Peeple! It’s Peeps Diorama time! This year, we invite interested diorama artists to take their inspiration from: What is your “Ideal Peepcation” Your diorama could depict a possible happening or be a spoof or imagined event. Come visit us and we will be happy to help light the spark of creativity! Each diorama will be displayed on Southwestern Montana News and Dillon Public Library Facebook for the public to vote. At the end of the display time, the diorama that has collected the most votes will be awarded the coveted “Peeple’s Choice” award. RULES FOR ALL DIORAMAS 1. The most important rules are these: All main characters must be played by Peeps. All dioramas must be original. 2. It must be able to be carried by one person. Think of the space we would have available to display it. 3. Pay attention to: Details….the more you include, the better your diorama will be! Workmanship…….make it as neat as possible! 4. Give your diorama a title. This should be a play on words using the word “Peep.” (Example: “Peepza Hut” instead of “Pizza Hut.”) Have your title neatly and prominently displayed. Be creative! 5. Dioramas may be done by a single person or a group; there are no age restrictions or limits to the number of contributing artists. Please have the names of all who helped neatly displayed. All dioramas must be brought to the Southwestern Montana News (34 N. Idaho) by 7:30pm, Tuesday, March23rd to be photographed… The “Peeple’s Choice” winners will be announced Friday, April 2nd. Please call the library with any questions you may have. 683-4544

The Frontier Events Center along with the Party Palace of Butte will be hosting Blistered Earth and Tim Montana this St Patrick's Day. We sat down and talked with Tim about growing up in Butte and the experiences he has had since he left Butte to chase his dreams in music. You can listen to the interview on our SWMT News Podcast .

SWMT News has just been informed by Councilman Rich Wassall that he has turned in his resignation. Wassell's last day representing Ward 4 will be effective March 24, 2021. This seat has seen many changes in the last few years. SWMT News encourages any person in Ward 4 that would like to make a difference in their community to toss their hat in the ring to help fill this upcoming vacant seat.

Do you know the difference between a license and a permit or a general license and an Elk B license? You will after this class! We will also go over how to read the hunting regulations and where to find resources to help you navigate the license process! This will be a free virtual webinar series through Zoom. After you register a Zoom link will be sent to you by email the week of the class, and this link will be used for each presentation. Attend one or all, it’s up to you! If you already registered, you do not need to register again! Each presentation will be from 7pm-8pm. Dates below, so mark your calendars! Tuesday, March 16-Licenses, Permits, and Regulations Tuesday, April 13-Gear and Equipment Tuesday, May 11-The Hunt Tuesday, June 15-After the Hunt Click here to register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XHFLLQ9 If you have any questions contact Sara at sarsmith@mt.gov

2021 registration is open for the Beaverhead Little League. They are wanting to have the teams and practices beginning in mid April. Programs are available for both boys and girls ages 4 through 16. Sign up here . Tee Ball (co-ed) - $35 Pony, Minors, Majors - $50 Junior/Senior - $65 Family Max - $125 If you have any questions please contact them at: beaverheadlittleleague@gmail.com (406) 660-0512 Beaverhead Little League apparel can be purchased here

Breaking News Traffic is being diverted on highway 91 South before Grandview Ranch Lane. A traffic accident with multiple firetrucks and ambulances has been reported. We will update this story as more information becomes available. Update as of 12 P.M. 03/10/2021 Accident was a head on collision involving two vehicles, one fatality being reported.

The film, set in western Montana, portrays a grieving college professor who confronts two hunters she catches trespassing on her property and is drawn into an escalating battle of wills with catastrophic consequences. Filming at UMW will take place March 29-April 2. Faculty, staff, students, and community members who are interested in being an extra or potentially having a speaking role (the casting need for these scenes are primarily for background actors that will be students between 18-25 years of age and faculty who are between 40-70) can audition by emailing godscountrycasting@gmail.com the following as soon as possible: union status (if in an acting union) phone number two recent photos: a medium shot (from the chest or shoulders up) and a full body shot. Selfies will work for this purpose, professional photos are not required. any scheduling conflicts between March 26th and April 2nd If they are open to doing background work If they would like to be considered for speaking roles, and if so, to include additional material they might have such as an acting resume or reels. Please email godscountrycasting@gmail.com if you have any questions about the audition materials. Screenwriter Shaye Ogbonna and director Julian Higgins adapted the script from James Lee Burke’s short story Winter Light . Burke is The New York Times bestselling author of the Dave Robicheaux detective series and numerous other novels. He has received two Edgar Awards and the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America, as well as a Guggenheim Fellowship for Creative Arts in Fiction and a nomination for the Pulitzer Prize according to deadline.com. The film will headline Emmy-winning actress Thandie Newton. Newton is an English actress known for starring in HBO’s science fiction western series Westworld , for which she has earned a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Filming for God’s Country began in spring 2020 before production was halted due to COVID-19. Production company Cold Iron Pictures has also filmed several scenes in the Livingston, Mont. area, but will be arriving in Dillon, Mont., in late March to film several scenes on the University of Montana Western campus and will be following both the UMW and Screen Actors Guild COVID-19 health protocols. This will be the first time the UMW campus will be highlighted in a feature-length film. Once complete, the film will be submitted to festivals next year. For questions, please contact Montana Western Director of Communications, Matt Raffety, by email: matt.raffety@umwestern.edu .

Isaac Steve Sturgeon was arrested at the John F. Kennedy Airport on March 6. Sturgeon was in Africa and was ordered to leave Africa on March 5th by Kenyan Authorities. New court documents say Sturgeon was captured on D.C. Police body cameras during the January 6th siege, wearing a green jacket, green scarf, grey knit hat, and a black backpack. Sturgeon is charged with obstructing an official proceeding, assaulting a federal officer, civil disorder, entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct in a restricted building, two counts of physical violence in a restricted building, and obstructing passage through the grounds of the Capitol. Prosecutors say law enforcement was able to identify Sturgeon through several of his social media accounts, including post on Instagram with photos and descriptions of the events on January 6.

Call meeting to order ~ Establish Quorum Public Health Update Covid-19 Vaccination Update Discussion & Action ~ Jaycee Activities Discussion & Action ~ St. Patrick’s Day Event Public Comment DISCUSSION and/or ACTION ITEMS Old Business ~ Approval of February 17, 2021 Minutes Public Discussion/Comments on Subjects Under BOH Jurisdiction Not on Agenda Meeting Schedule ~ Next meeting Tentatively April 16, 2021 New business Adjourn the meeting MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES, EVEN WHEN SPEAKING If you cannot attend in person, the information for zoom is below: Cindy Decker is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/94976514261?pwd=ZG1UenlHNkk5bW1wT0NHcE00UnV2QT09 Meeting ID: 949 7651 4261 Passcode: fm60Gf Meeting ID: 949 7651 4261 Passcode: 729254 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abitTz7YPG And as always this will be livestreamed through SWMT News Facebook and YouTube Channels.

Invasive zebra mussels found another avenue for potential infestation of Montana waters. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks was notified Wednesday that zebra mussels were detected in aquarium moss balls sold at a pet store in Washington state. FWP immediately checked pet stores around Montana and found invasive mussels in moss balls at multiple locations. It appears these moss balls were imported from Ukraine to a distributor in California and were shipped to pet stores nationwide. The facility that imports the moss balls has been quarantined and all shipments of moss balls have been stopped. A moss ball is a species of green algae that is formed into a ball and is 2 to 5 inches in diameter. Moss balls are purchased for home aquariums to help absorb harmful nutrients in the water and limit the growth of undesirable algae. All of the mussels detected in Montana so far have been dead shells. However, live mussels were found on moss balls in Oregon and Idaho. FWP is working closely with other states and Federal agencies to address this nation-wide issue. If you have recently purchased moss balls, remove them from the water, place them in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer overnight. Additional guidance for addressing potential mussels in aquariums and how to treat tank water will be available soon. Please don’t dispose of your aquarium tank water in your household drain. This is another reminder to never dump aquarium tank pets, plants, or water into Montana’s waterways. It is illegal to release fish and other aquarium pets into natural waterways. If you can’t keep your pet, find someone else who can adopt it, turn it in to a pet store or humane society, or euthanize it. Aquarium plants can impact native aquatic plant and animal species. Let unwanted plants dry and then dispose in the garbage. Aquarium water can harbor pathogens and diseases. Dispose of tank water on the ground away from waterways. Visit Don’t Let It Loose https://www.dontletitloose.com/ If you have any questions call the Aquatic Invasive species hotline: 406-444-2440. P.C. Sean Cross Facebook post