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Dillon Volunteer Fire Department responded to 5 calls during the month of January 2021. Members trained on incident command, conducted a walk through at UMW, attended a pipeline safety training via zoom with the Montana Liquid & Gas Pipeline Assn & participated with the Beaverhead EMS in a training with a helicopter from Air Idaho out of Salmon. 01-06-21 Gas leak Idaho St 01-06-21 Gas leas Pacific St 01-13-21 MVA I-15 01-24-21 False Alarm W Center St 01-30-21 Fire Alarm S Montana St

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission will hold a special meeting Monday Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. to discuss extending the elk shoulder season in hunting district 580 to Feb. 15. The meeting is in response to landowner concerns expressed to FWP that shoulder season harvest is down this season due to mild winter weather. The meeting will be held 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 streamed online at fwp.mt.gov . 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 website at fwp.mt.gov ; under “About Us” click “ Commission .”

This summer Wally did a piece on on the founding of the first radio station in Dillon. SWMT News recently heard of Burt's passing. Burt was one of those visionaries who brought something to Dillon that was lacking. His story is one that would inspire anyone on the fence wanting to do something new and revolutionary. We have included his obituary as well as a link to the Did You Know Dillon MT. BURT HIATT OLIPHANT. December 13, 1926—January 26, 2021. Burt Hiatt Oliphant, 94, of Joliet, Montana passed away peacefully January 26, 2021 at a Billings Hospice surrounded by family. He was born December 13, 1926 in Salt Lake City to faithful parents, Martha Gertrude Hiatt, and Clare Howe Oliphant. He was the sixth of eight children. The Depression, hard times and his mother’s health led his family to many areas of the country—homesteading in central Utah, southern California, Missouri, and Washington State. While in Washington, his mother died on his 16th birthday; he dropped out of high school to help pay for the funeral. He was drafted into the Army in 1945, received Signal Corps training in 1946 and was shipped overseas. He served as an entertainment specialist and worked at the Armed Forces Radio Station in Pusan, Korea where he entertained the troops over the radio waves until 1948. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central States mission from 1949-1950. He left his mission early to serve his country in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1951. He returned home to Washington State where he met his wife Peggy Smith. They were married in the Idaho Falls temple in 1953. He graduated from Washington State University in communication, and the couple moved to Dillon, Montana to follow Burt’s lifelong passion of radio. With a deep radio voice, hard work and people who believed in the power of radio, they started KDBM radio on January 1, 1957. Their success in Dillon led to the purchase of KANA-AM station in Anaconda, Montana in 1965. Burt was active in his church and always served in many callings, including high counselor, branch president and Stake President of the Butte Stake in 1968. With a beautiful baritone voice, Burt sang in the church choir and always sang to each child and grandchild on their birthdays. Burt and Peggy purchased KATN-AM & KBBK-FM in Boise, Idaho in 1972. They sold KDBM AM-FM radio in 1979 and moved to Boise. In 1985, they sold their Boise station and in 1986, they started KDZN radio in Glendive, Montana. While there, Burt served as a County Commissioner in Dawson County. They sold that station in 1995. Burt and Peggy moved to Red Lodge, Montana and helped start KMXE-FM99, The Mountain radio station. With their extensive media experience, Burt and Peggy served a Public Affairs mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Palmyra, NY from 1995-1997. After their mission, they bought a motor home and traveled the country for six years, visiting family and friends. They settled in St. George, Utah and lived there for fourteen years, returning to Montana for the summer months. They enjoyed the warmer weather and wonderful friendships they formed in St. George. In 2018, they moved to Joliet, Montana to be closer to their children. Burt is survived by his wife, Peggy, and three children: Jill (Randall), Brent (Teresa) and Jeff (Annette), eleven grandchildren plus spouses, eight step-grandchildren plus spouses, twenty-one great grandchildren, and three great step-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, four stepsiblings plus spouses and his half-brother’s widow. Burt was predeceased by his parents, 5 siblings; 1 sister-in-law; 3 brothers-in-law and a half-brother. Funeral services will be Friday February 5, 2021 at 11 am at the Red Lodge ward chapel on West Fork Rd. A viewing at the chapel for friends and family will be from 10-11 am on Friday. Services will be streamed at https://zoom.us/j/99573309353. Interment will be the next day, Saturday February 6, 2021 at 11 am in Mountain View cemetery, Pocatello, Idaho with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints General Missionary Fund or Humanitarian Fund.

The Beaverhead Search and Rescue held its monthly meeting on Wednesday February 3, 2021. The meeting was called to order by the new commander, Lawrence Morrisroe at 7:00 PM. There were 18 individuals attending in the building and another 12 in attendance via zoom. There wasn’t much business to attend to. Apparently, since the unit couldn’t have their annual fish derby, a group of local residents went out to Clark Canyon and held their own fish derby. It not clear how the money was raised but the group made a donation to the SAR unit in the amount of $115. We graciously accepted the donation and asked no questions. The next order of business was a report by Nathan Freeman, the unit’s training officer. He is working on scheduling an avalanche training which will be in the near future. The unit has been invited to participate in Civil Air Patrol operations with the Ruby Valley S&R April 1st. The Ruby Valley group will also engage in ice rescue training on the 5th and 6th of March. It was also noted there are numerous training opportunities online and most of these will be accepted upon completion for unit training requirements. Next was the introduction and welcoming of two new probationary members. These new members are Dan Cahill and Tyler Grover. Dan has been around Dillon for about 4 years and is a retired law enforcement officer out of California. Tyler is a local guy, a born and raised Montanan and has always wanted to participate in Search and Rescue. If you see either of these men on the street, congratulate them on their new membership. Sheriff’s deputy Croff was also introduced to the unit. He will be working closely with the Beaverhead Search and Rescue in the future. Your SAR unit would like to remind everyone about the dangers of venturing out during the winter months. First, the avalanche danger is extremely high out there. If snowmobiling or cross country skiing/snowshoeing, know the snow conditions in the area before going out. Avalanches can happen anytime and anywhere. Never go without a peep, probe, and shovel. Second, ice fishing is a great way to enjoy time in the outdoors but with the varying temperatures one needs to be aware of changing ice conditions. It is a great practice to never drive your vehicles on frozen lakes, reservoirs, or ponds. And last but not least, if you drive off the beaten path, even though there isn’t much snow out there yet, drifts and changing conditions can present problems when not really expected. Make sure you have proper clothing and equipment with you. Enjoy our great outdoors and the many opportunities we have but be careful and take all the proper precautions to be safe.

Board Meeting Agenda February 11, 2021 8:30am – 4B’s Restaurant, 660 N. Montana St., Dillon 406-683-0055 8:30am - Welcome and Introductions of Guests John 8:35am – Approval of the Agenda John 8:40am - Approval of Minutes John 8:45am – Approval of Financial Report Bob 8:55am – Executive Director Report Rebecca 9:05am – CVB Report: Rebecca  IRS Designation for CVB – Exploring 501©3 status  Tbid (Tax Business Increment District) Discussion – Speaker for April Lunch n Learn secured: Steve Wahrlich, John Brewer, Alex Tyson from Billings Chamber of Commerce 9:15am – New Business John 9:30am – Adjournment John Upcoming Board Events: Lunch n Learn, Feb. 18 th & Board Meeting, Mar. 11 th

Brynley Fitzgerald of Montana Western, is the Frontier Conference’s Women’s Basketball Player of the Week. Fitzgerald is a 5-foot-11 junior guard from Dillon, Mont. (RV) Montana Western went 2-0 for the week. The Bulldogs swept their weekend series at Montana Tech winning Saturday 74-52 and Sunday 61-52. Fitzgerald averaged 24 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals. She was 17 of 32 from the field and 11 of 12 from the free throw line. She has scored 20-plus points in her last three league games and leads the conference in scoring.

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced he received federal approval to redirect 19,500 unused COVID-19 vaccine doses to vulnerable Montanans. “Every dose Montana receives is critical, which is why I promised you in my first week in office that we wouldn’t let vaccines sit on shelves. Today, we’re following through on that promise,” Governor Gianforte said. “By working together, we can protect more Montanans and save more lives.” The 19,500 doses identified by the state were originally provided to CVS and Walgreens under contract by the federal government to vaccinate residents and staff in long-term care facilities and assisted living facilities. With the redirection of the unused doses, nearly 10,000 more Montanans in Phase 1B will be fully vaccinated. Governor Gianforte announced that doses will be released to hospitals across Montana in the coming days. DPHHS will coordinate with local partners and hospitals to help set up community clinics to serve as many Montanans as possible. As information becomes available about the time and place of these clinics, updates will be provided. On January 19, Montana moved into Phase 1B of the state’s vaccine distribution plan to protect the most vulnerable. In Phase 1B, Montanans 70 years of age and older, 16 years of age and older with a high-risk underlying medical condition, and Native Americans and other persons of color who may be at elevated risk for COVID-19 complications are eligible to receive the vaccine.

dART along with Susie’s is pleased to announce “ The Red Thread "exhibit. Exhibit Dates: February 1, thru March 12th, 2021 *Meet the Artist Reception: Friday, February 12, 2021 6-8pm* “One of the many reasons for opening Susie’s was to unite community and form stronger connections with the people who live here” says owner Emily Wilson. Her vision of a place for people to gather, celebrate positive habits, and enjoy healthy snacks, teas and smoothies is being realized. People are gathering for exercise classes, live music and art exhibits in the spacious multi roomed setting. With Emily’s goals in mind, former gallery owner and dART curator Clare Bailey approached her about an exhibit idea inspired by an old saying. “An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break.” The exhibit will feature a red thread or band of red color running throughout to symbolize our connection to one another. Faye Maddox, one of the exhibiting artists summed up the feeling around this show perfectly. “I love that we are all tucked in our different walks of life creating something that unites us together!” Dillon, join us for a Valentines inspired art opening February 12th from 6-8. Come meet the Red Thread Artists as well as the crew at Susie’s. Let’s get connected this year regardless of time, place or circumstance. Who knows where a little red thread may lead… Featured Artist are: Carmela Anderson, Clare Bailey, Katie Barba, Cory Birkenbuel, Jaime Rae Chapman, Paige Christensen, Jeremy Church, H.A. Clemmer, Kayla Coleman, Steve Cook, Caitlyn Feldt, M Gilli, Goodman, Haley, Dave Hayes, Timber Helle, Kristy Hughes, Klaire Kramer, Averi Maddox, Faye Maddox, Paige Maddox, Marc Manning, K McClanahan, Judith Monroe, Cheryl Power, Gayleen Reynolds, Christina Romeo, Rory Shea, Christy Stauffenberg, Madi Stewart, Kari Towery, Kelly Wiggins

ENNIS – A hiker was injured during a surprise close encounter with a bull moose while hiking east of Ennis on Wednesday, Jan. 27. Two men in their 70s were hiking on U.S. Forest Service Trail 6317, commonly called the Jack Creek Trail, about 10 miles east of Ennis. Two miles up the trail, the men encountered a bull moose standing about 10 yards off one side of the trail. The moose charged at the hikers. One of the men stood behind a standing tree while the other took cover under a fallen tree. The moose continued its approach and kicked at the man under the fallen tree until the other hiker was successful in driving the moose away. The man who was kicked while under the tree was treated at Madison Valley Medical Center for injuries that were not life threatening. The other man did not require medical treatment. Moose can be defensive and dangerous in surprise close encounters with people. FWP staff have posted signs at the entrance to this trail advising recreationists of the encounter. No further management action is planned at this time. Moose can be found throughout most of Montana. Keep these precautions in mind to avoid negative encounters with moose: • Be aware of your surroundings and be especially careful around creeks and in areas with dense brush. • Travel in groups whenever possible and make casual noise to alert animals to your presence. • If you encounter a moose, give it lots of space and don’t approach it. Keep dogs under control at all times. • If a moose charges or chases you, take cover behind something solid, such as a tree.

Beaverhead County Health held their first 1B COVID-19 vaccine clinic today. In cooperation with The University of Montana Western, at the Keltz Arena. Today they will be administering 200 first doses, as well as 30 follow up doses for those who have received their first dose. A reminder the following clinics to be held on 02/05/2021 and 02/12/2021 have been filled. Beaverhead County Health will be hosting more clinics along with rural clinics in the near future. Guidelines for the 1B group are: ● Persons aged 70 years old and older ● American Indians & other people of color who may be at elevated risk for COVID-19 complications ● Persons 18-69 with certain high-risk medical conditions (specific conditions found at https://dphhs.mt.gov/.../cdepi/diseases/coronavirusvaccine )

The University of Montana Western Volleyball team is set to finally start the 2020-21 season. 442 days ago, the 2019 Bulldogs season came to an end in the conference quarterfinals and Head Coach Katie Lovett and the Bulldogs entered what then seemed to be a normal offseason. Then COVID hit and the state of the 2020 volleyball season was unknown. Now, nearly 15 months later, the Bulldogs are ready to hit the court. "We are so happy that we have an opportunity to compete this year," head coach Kaite Lovett said. "With everything going on and how many conferences/schools have opted out, we are just grateful we get to play at all." In 2019 the Bulldog volleyball team saw improvement from the year before winning three more matches, and recording over 200 team blocks, which was the most for the team since the 2013 season. The Bulldogs are eager to get back to work and compete in a very tough Frontier Conference. "This team is eager to get better day in and day out," Lovett said. "They are continuing to grow and make strides in the right direction. It's fun being around a team that supports each other like they do." The Bulldogs return 13 players from 2019 and welcome three fresh faces onto this year's squad. The Bulldogs will open the 2020-21 season on the road in Havre, Mont. for a pair of matches. Jan. 29 at 7 P.M. and Jan. 30 at 1 p.m. Montana Western's first home matches of the season will be Feb. 5 and 6 against Carroll College. Due to Frontier Conference COVID-19 protocols, spectators will not be permitted in the Straugh Gymnasium until further notice. All Bulldog Athletics home events can be streamed at www.bulldogsports.com/watch Please check the website regularly for up-to-date schedules​. For the latest on Montana Western Athletics, follow the Bulldogs on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Landowners have until March 15 to submit applications to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for enrollment in the Unlocking Public Lands (UPL) Program or the Public Access Land Agreement (PALA) Program. These programs are designed to provide recreational public access to state (Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation) or federal (Bureau of Land Management or United States Forest Service) land where no or limited legal public access currently exists. For enrollment in UPL, landowners will receive a tax credit in the amount of $750 per agreement and up to a maximum of $3,000 tax credits in exchange for allowing access across the private lands, roads or trails to reach inaccessible public land. Landowners decide how the public may cross their private property and may limit access to foot traffic only. For enrollment in PALA, landowners will receive monetary compensation, including possible reimbursements to facilitate public access to inaccessible public lands based on the location, duration and opportunity provided. Compensation amounts vary based on a variety of factors. The governor-appointed Private Land/Public Wildlife (PL/PW) Advisory Committee will review complete applications at an upcoming meeting and make a recommendation to the FWP director whether to extend an agreement. “Offering a tax credit or a reimbursement for access to public land is a unique and innovative way to respect private property rights, build hunter/landowner relations and increase public access,” said Jason Kool, FWP hunting access bureau chief. “We hope these opportunities and incentives may appeal to landowners throughout the state.” While Montana contains millions of acres of public land, much of this land is inaccessible and requires landowner permission to cross private land to reach the adjoining state or federal land. More information about these two programs, including enrollment criteria, application forms, and fact-sheets describing these and other FWP public access programs can be found at: fwp.mt.gov/hunt/landownerprograms .

The Montana Department of Transportation has closed Interstate 15 southbound from Barretts Exit at mm 56 to the State Line due to severe road conditions and poor visibility. The pass is closed on the Idaho side due to a semi-truck accident. Northbound lane is still open at this time. Update at 12:51 A.M. Road is open

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet Feb. 4 using the video conferencing platform 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 9 a.m. The commission will hear the following proposal: Fishing Access Site Annual Rule The commission will make final decisions on the following: Intake Fishing Access Site Land Transfer from BLM, R7 Annual Rule Approved Commercial Bait Seining Waters Future Fisheries Improvement Program Winter Funding Panel Recommendations ​ WMA public use rules 2021 Deer Season Structure in HD 400, 401, 403, 406 2021 Quota Range Adjustment for Mule Deer in HD 652 Commission Rule Regulating Carcass disposal of Cervids Harvested in Montana Commission Rule Regulating the Use of Glandular Scents Amendment to Close Moose in Hunting District 250 for 2021 2021 Black Bear Quota Adjustments 2021 Turkey Quota Adjustments 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 website at fwp.mt.gov; under “Quick Links” click “ Commission .” FWP's website offers live streamed audio of each Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting.

Montana State Parks recorded more than 3.4 million visitors in 2020, a 29.5 percent increase over 2019. Visitation increased every month in 2020 over 2019, despite temporary closures at a small handful of parks and the absence or sharp decline in school field trips, events and other group activities. “These record-setting visitation numbers should not come as a surprise to anyone who visited any of our parks in 2020,” said Beth Shumate, Parks Division Administrator at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. “The increased amount of people outdoors was evident, and our staff went above and beyond the call of duty to keep our parks safe and accessible. “Montana State Parks provided immediate physical and mental health relief throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.” Park visitation was up all around the state as people flocked to the outdoors in 2020. Here are some key visitation numbers. The top five most visited state parks in 2020 were: 1- Flathead Lake State Park (all units), Flathead Lake – 471,690 visits (up 32.9%) 2- Giant Springs State Park, Great Falls - 384,309 visits (up .1%) 3- Cooney Reservoir State Park, Roberts - 359,607 visits (up 104.5%) 4- Lake Elmo State Park, Billings - 231,388 visits (up 27.1%) 5- Spring Meadow Lake State Park, Helena - 178,156 visits (up 32%) State Park Visitation Snapshot for 2020: Below is a list of the most highly visited state parks around the state: Northwest Montana: Flathead Lake State Park (all units) had the highest visitation in the region with an estimated 471,690 visits, an increase of 32.9% over the same time period last year. Western Montana: Placid Lake State Park had the highest visitation in the region with an estimated 90,179 visits, an increase of 33.2% over the same time period last year. Southwest Montana: Missouri Headwaters State Park had the highest visitation in the region with an estimated 70,917 visits, an increase of 36.6% over the same time period last year. Central Montana: Giant Springs State Park had the highest visitation in the region, with an estimated 384,309 visits, an increase of 0.1% over the same time period last year. South central Montana: Cooney Reservoir State Park had the highest visitation in the region with an estimated 359,607 visits, an increase of 104.5% over the same time period last year. Eastern Montana: Makoshika State Park had the highest visitation in the region with an estimated 128,288 visits, an increase of 50.4% over the same time period last year. Though the increased visitation in 2020 was remarkable and unique, it does continue a trend over the past decade. State park visitation has increased 83 percent over the last 10 years. “While we don’t know what 2021 has in store for us, we will continue to manage Montana's state park system with public safety and the safety of our staff as our highest priority,” said FWP director Hank Worsech. “We know how much people value all the amenities we offer and we look forward to another year of welcoming visitors to enjoy Montana’s outdoor opportunities.” To view the complete report visit: https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/about-state-parks and click on ‘Parks Planning & Reports.’

Last year as the COVID pandemic started to show up, it forced schools and other public gathering places to rethink the way they held events. For Seniors finishing up their final semesters many missed out on what would be the final year of their Highschool sports season. Many schools chose to go with virtual graduations to avoid public gatherings, as experts tried to get a hold of the situation and figure out what was the COVID virus. Nearly a year later many things have seemed to flatline and confusion still runs rampant when it comes to hosting a public event. Some states seem to just let it run its course, allowing clubs, bars, and other venues to hold gatherings but with certain restrictions in place. Some states have chosen to go to a full lockdown and not allow any type of event. What has been difficult on the adult population has been even more difficult for our youth population. Kids have had to adjust to learning either remotely or with on and off school days, going to school one day then doing it remotely the next. While the people around them try to figure out what’s best and how to approach it with safety in mind for all. One aspect of this that has been addressed is school sports and extracurricular activities. BCHS has implemented a plan to allow the sports to go on and allow a select few tickets for those wanting to watch their child participate in these events. To help stay in line with the Governor’s directives the school started a ticket system. The guidelines for tickets can be found here . It clearly states that students in the band are allowed two tickets to give out to family members. On January 23 Kimberly Hawley, wanting to watch her son perform his solo part in the national anthem went to attend the game with her husband and children. She was told at the gate she did not have any tickets and they could not enter. When she demanded to talk to John English, Asst/ Principle and Athletic Director. It led up to an exchange of words. Both sides of the story can be seen below. Feeling hurt and humiliated, she took her problem to social media to vent her concerns and frustration on the way the band kids have been treated. What followed next was an outpouring of support but also many people voicing negativity towards the athletes as well. Hawley later posted that she has no ill will towards the athletic department or those playing. Her main concern was the treatment of the band students, as well as the parents. The kids are supposed to receive two tickets for their parents to be able to attend the game. They have not received any tickets throughout the year. This was the main problem she was having, Many kids playing sports got four tickets and if they didn’t use them, they were given to friends of the family. People commenting online, felt as if those tickets should have gone to band members families and not people who had no vested interest in the game other than to spectate. This brought into question the practices that have been put into place and whether they have been followed, as stated in the school’s own rules. Many people feel that they have not been followed and those participating on the sports side of the events have been getting extra tickets for families and friends, while those who just want to see their kid’s performance have been left to the wayside. To make matters worse, both the winter band and choir concerts were held, where no person could attend the event in person. If the parents wanted to watch, it was done through the Livestream SWMT News provided as a service to the community. But due to the worry of copywrite, we could not publish these concerts or have them on an open feed to the public. This incident has brought to light many of the problems our school administrators face in dealing with the pandemic, but it is also pointing out the inadequacies that some students are receiving while others are getting more “perks” in the matter. After a year of facing this pandemic and many drastic changes being implemented, there is hope as a vaccine is being distributed, and hopefully as more are vaccinated and public gatherings begin to open, we can learn from these past mistakes and approach this in a different manner that would allow a fair and level playing field. We will have better data to come to conclusions on how we hold these public gatherings instead of what seems like a few people making the rules and follow blindly. The current policies point out the need to have more than one person enforcing the rules so all can get their fair share. We have provided the comments from both parties involved in this matter, we hope in the future the band parents will be allowed the two tickets per a student they should have been getting all along and some good can come out of the incident when the school begins to make changes to their COVID plans. Assistant Principal John English comments on the event are as follows: “An unfortunate incident took place at the BW Lodge gymnasium this weekend during the boys’ basketball game. I regret this incident took e place and would like to reassure our community that we value all our school activity programs and their associated parent groups. The incident was a result of an error in planning that will not take place again. The policy has been and will remain that all student groups performing will receive tickets for their families.” Kimberly Hawley mother who was escorted from the gym. I would like to address a serious issue we have currently at our high school. Saturday, 23, 2021, there were Beaver boys’ basketball games going on at B.W. Lodge. I have two children in the pep band that was playing for the Varsity Game. My son plays a solo part for the National Anthem. For those not aware, all students’ athletes get four tickets every game for family to come and watch them. Managers and cheerleaders get two tickets every game. Guess how many tickets the band kids get for family’s members to attend? ZERO! I tried to go watch and support our children, we were told sorry but there were no tickets for pep band families, and we were not allowed in. So, I went to speak to the Athletic Director, Mr. John English and said, “I am having a hard time getting my husband, daughter, and I in to watch our two children play in the pep band. “My son has a solo for the National Anthem.” He told me there were not tickets for band supporters for the game and so no we could not be there. I questioned why some sports families had many friends and other family members there to watch their kids? At this point he yelled “We are in the middle of a worldwide pandemic! Those with multiple people watching got tickets from those who weren’t using them!” Leftover tickets can be given out to anyone with the right connections, but not to parents of kids performing at the game? I was told that band is only a support. My kids enjoy playing for the games. They are happy to support their team and classmates. All students are an important part of the activities at this school, or so I thought. He condescendingly said, “You want me to take all these basketball players off so we can have a band concert?” I said, “Sure, I wasn’t allowed to come watch my kids’ band concert in December.” I pointed out there was room up high where no one was sitting where we could sit with our mask on to watch our children. I was told no.

Here is your chance to have a say on how you feel the city needs to allocate funds, and what services need more or less attention. Take this survey to let your voice be heard. Thank you for taking a few minutes to answer this survey. Your answers will help the City Council and Planning Board better understand how you feel about the future of our community. The City has decided to revise and update its Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) to plan for capital projects over the next 5 to 10 years. Community input is a key component to developing the CIP and your answers will help in forming a CIP that meets the goals of the community. Please complete the survey by February 26, 2021. Upon completion of the survey the City will conduct the 1st public meeting and a notice will be published when the public meeting will be held. Call Jeremy Fadness at (406) 443-3962 if you have any questions, and please, only one response per adult. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/833LGRH

Montana’s unemployment rate declined to 4.4% in December, down from 4.6% in November. Montana’s rate remains lower than the national rate of 6.7% in December. “While we’re encouraged that Montana’s unemployment rate remains lower than the national rate, we have work to do to get our economy going again, get Montana open for business, and get Montanans back to work in good-paying jobs,” Governor Greg Gianforte said. Payroll employment added 400 jobs over the last month, with job gains in construction, retail trade, and healthcare. Total employment, which includes payroll, agricultural, and self-employed workers, fell by 1,180 jobs in December, the first contraction since April. Total employment gains for the 4th quarter remained strong, adding roughly 4,800 jobs. The labor force contracted by 2,382 in December. The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased by 0.4% in December, led by a large increase in gasoline prices. The index for all items less food and energy, referred to as core inflation, increased by 0.1%. ### ** Unemployment figures are seasonally-adjusted. Seasonally-adjusted numbers remove the effects of events that follow a more or less regular month-to-month pattern each year. These adjustments make non-seasonal patterns easier to identify. The margin of error for the unemployment rate is plus or minus 0.6 percentage points at the 90 percent confidence level. All questions relating to the calculation of unemployment rates should be directed to the Montana Department of Labor & Industry’s Research and Analysis Bureau at 406-444-4100. Due to the annual benchmarking process, the next Labor Situation Report for the month of January will not be released until Monday, March 15. The Labor Situation Report for February will then be released on March 26. The normal data release schedule of the third Friday of the month will resume in April. The annual benchmarking process re-estimates and smooths the labor market data with updated population estimates and additional data, improving data accuracy. **** INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET **** Visit our website at www.lmi.mt.gov for additional information and analysis, including industry employment levels, background on the unemployment rate, and wage rates by occupation. Visit www.lmi.mt.gov/home/job-tracking for Montana unemployment claims and economic data on the current recession ****** COUNTY UNEMPLOYMENT RATES ****** The unemployment rate and ranking for each of Montana’s 56 counties is provided below for your convenience. County unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted and should be compared to the unadjusted statewide unemployment rate of 4.5%. ****** RESERVATION UNEMPLOYMENT RATES ****** The unemployment rate and ranking for each of Montana’s seven reservations is provided below. Reservation unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted and should be compared to the unadjusted statewide unemployment rate of 4.5%. Reservation areas overlap with county areas, meaning that unemployed individuals living on a reservation will be included in both the reservation and county totals.

Skip Accessibility Dillon, 26Today Hourly 10 Weather Alerts -Dillon, MT Winter Weather Advisory from WED 5:00 AM MST until THU 5:00 PM MST Affected Area The southern portions of Beaverhead, Madison and Gallatin counties Description ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM WEDNESDAY TO 5 PM MST THURSDAY... WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches at lower elevations. Snowfall in excess of 12 inches at ridge tops. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. WHERE...The southern portions of Beaverhead, Madison and Gallatin counties. WHEN...From 5 AM Wednesday to 5 PM MST Thursday. IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The heaviest snowfall will be along the Montana Idaho border. Additional snowfall is likely Thursday night through Saturday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Dillon’s new store in town, Unwanted Treasures, has opened at 24 E. Bannack St., offering secondhand merchandise for those shopping on a budget. Owners Darrin Harris and Sandy Berthelson have opened the store and are ready to serve the Dillon community. With a little bit of everything, a person is sure to find what they will need. Looking for a prom or formal dress for an upcoming occasion? They have a formal room full of dresses that are available to purchase or rent. Unwanted Treasures will be having a grand opening January 29th thru the 30th. In a way to give back to the community, this February they are selling paper hearts at a $1 each. All proceeds will be donated to the community food bank. Anyone who donates school supplies will also receive 10% off their total bill.