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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.

Twin Bridges Road bridge is in imminent danger of collapse into the water BILLINGS – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks closed a 200-yard stretch of the Yellowstone River east of Reed Point Monday because an old highway bridge is in imminent danger of collapsing into the water. The Montana Department of Transportation informed FWP this week that the Twin Bridges Road bridge over the Yellowstone River is subject to imminent failure. The closure for 100 yards upstream and downstream of the bridge will remain in effect until FWP determines that the river is safe for boaters and water users. Timing will depend on when the bridge either fails or is demolished and removed by the Department of Transportation. Signs on the site informing people of the closure will be removed when the river is ready to reopen to public use. The old highway bridge is immediately upstream from the I-90 bridge across the Yellowstone River between Reed Point and Columbus. It parallels an active railroad bridge, hence the Twin Bridges or Two Bridges name. While it is not an official public access to the river, boaters use a sandbar beneath the bridge to launch and retrieve their boats. The closest public places to launch boats are upstream at Indian Fort Fishing Access Site at Reed Point and downstream at the Holmgren Ranch Fishing Access Site west of Columbus.

Inspired by their commitment to higher education, Steve and Gretchen Burke have provided a generous gift to the University of Montana Western in support of the Fund for Experience One. This fund was established in 2015 by Chancellor Beth Weatherby and her husband, Dr. Steve Kramer, in celebration of Montana Western’s ten-year anniversary of the implementation of Experience One. This recent gift from the Burkes in the amount of $250,000, along with additional gifts that have been received since 2015, will be utilized to endow the fund into perpetuity and provide current use funding. Montana Western transitioned to Experience One over fifteen years ago and the results have been extraordinary. The Fund for Experience One supports faculty in strengthening curricular and co-curricular offerings by providing funding for authentic student experiences. Montana Western is the only U.S. public four-year university offering Experience One, a program where students take a single course at a time and learn by doing. “We are deeply grateful for Steve and Gretchen’s investment in our university and Experience One,” says UMW Chancellor Beth Weatherby. “The Burkes have made an impact on our campus that will be felt by our faculty and students for many years. Their investment in innovative experiential education will give our students an advantage as they move into the work-force or continue to graduate school.” This gift was announced to campus at the onset of the academic year in order to distribute funds for the fall 2020 semester. Three awards were provided in the fall and faculty are preparing to submit proposals for the spring semester. The Burkes have been life-long proponents of higher education and feel fortunate to be able to show their support of Chancellor Weatherby and Montana Western. “We were inspired to provide a gift in support of Experience One. We are true believers that education makes opportunities possible. Support of an innovative educational model such as Experience One is an exciting investment,” said Gretchen Burke. Students will be the clear beneficiaries of this philanthropic support. In addition to providing student-centered experiential learning opportunities, the Fund for Experience One will augment departmental funding and help hold student course fees to a minimum. Read more about the unique opportunities of Experience One at umwestern.edu/stories/ .

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced his nomination of Henry “Hank” Worsech to lead the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP). “Protecting our public lands and conserving wildlife is a shared priority of landowners, hunters, anglers, and all Montanans who cherish our outdoor heritage. It’s part of what defines our Montana way of life,” Governor Gianforte said. “With nearly two decades of experience with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Hank understands the importance of this tradition and is committed to strengthening it.” A public servant for nearly three decades, Worsech most recently served as a license bureau chief for the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Over his 17 years with the department, Worsech helped foster landowner and sportsmen relations, worked closely with department management over two administrations, and oversaw department licensing to advance FWP’s mission. “It’s a true honor to be selected as the Director of Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, and I look forward to working alongside the great employees once again. I am excited to work with such a proven leader as Governor Gianforte and his team to provide improved citizen services, expand access opportunities, and build strong landowner-sportsmen relationships. We’ll deliver on the governor’s call to reach our full potential by providing the citizens of Montana unsurpassed outdoor experiences,” said Hank Worsech, Gianforte’s nominee to lead the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. A Marine Corps veteran, Worsech settled in Montana over 30 years ago after being discharged from his duties as an administrative and legal chief for the service. Gianforte’s appointment of Worsech received widespread support among stakeholders. Rob Arnaud, president of the Montana Hunting Company: “I have known Hank for many years and have always been impressed with his ability to think beyond the obvious. He is quick-on-his-feet and easy to like. He has the ability to reason with anyone. These are talents of true leaders. I truly believe Hank can make the necessary decisions to usher FWP into a new era.” Ed Beall, owner of Capital Sports & Western; bowhunter ed instructor: “I am excited to know that Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks will be led by a person with a very broad understanding of the many challenges we face with our incredible wildlife, habitats and relationships. Importantly, Hank Worsech has shown the fortitude to gather the information and the partners together to bring positive results. I have worked with Hank on licensing, funding, legislative, hunter access and landowner relations and I can tell you he is very dedicated to our wildlife and the people of our great state who cherish our hunting, fishing, working lands and conservation heritage. He knows the mission, the history and the people. I know Hank will listen to all his customers and do his best on our behalf.” Matt Lumley, vice president of the National Trappers Association: “I’m very excited about the appointment of Hank Worsech as the director of Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Hank will bring a dirt under the fingernails, man of the people sound wildlife management philosophy, as well as a culture of customer service that has been missing at the department.” Noah Marion, state director of the Montana Wilderness Association: “We’re pleased that Gov. Gianforte has nominated Hank Worsech to lead the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Hank has deep knowledge of the department and the issues facing landowners, recreationists, and wildlife in Montana. We’re confident that he will bring diverse interests to the table and work to build lasting solutions that will safeguard our parks, trails, and access to wildlife and wild places for all Montanans. We look forward to working with him in this new position.” Glenn Marx, executive director of Montana Association of Land Trusts: “It’s good to see the governor selected someone who fully understands the importance of fish and wildlife management, and understands the importance of land and wildlife conservation. Hank knows FWP issues, the department’s constituency, Montana and Montanans, and is a FWP veteran. FWP and its mission are essential to Montana’s economy and outdoor recreational experiences, and we in the land trust community look forward to working with Hank and FWP on projects and efforts that benefit conservation and outdoor recreation.” Jim Steinbeisser, president of Montana Stockgrowers Association: “Hank Worsech brings an array of experience and skills needed to lead FWP. He has a strong background of working with landowners, which will allow for a balanced approach in wildlife management moving into the future.” Kyle Weaver, president and CEO of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation: “The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation congratulates Hank Worsech on his selection to be the next director of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. RMEF has had the pleasure of successfully working with Hank in the past, particularly around the issues of elk and hunter access. Hank fills a position vitally important to RMEF members in Montana and we look forward to continuing our close working relationship.”

Wally is back with his video series Did You Know Dillon, MT. But this time we have changed it to Did You Know Southwestern Mt. With a longer format and an in studio setting Wally and Jeremy will pick a topic, then discuss the history of said topic. This week they have chosen Henry Plumer, along with his past and what lead him to Bannack and the night that will fore ever be in history. We will release a new video every other week. Not only will this be in video format, but it will also be in a podcast format as well. We hope you enjoy the show.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 5 AM MST FRIDAY... WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 2 inches at lower elevations, and 2 to 4 inches in the mountains. WHERE...Beaverhead. WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 5 AM MST Friday. IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. This snowfall will affect the evening commute today. 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 511.

PHASE 1B COVID-19 VACCINATIONS BEAVERHEAD COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH IS NOW TAKING APPOINTMENTS FOR THE FOLLOWING CLINICS: 12:00pm - 5:00pm FRIDAY, JANUARY 29TH FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH Please Call: 406-683-3203 Should have voicemail soon, please be patient. PHASE 1B RECIPIENTS INCLUDE: ● 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 ) Rural clinics will be scheduled at a later date in Lima, Wisdom, and Wise River. More details to follow.

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced his nomination of Adam Meier to lead the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. “As Montana continues to confront the pandemic and the epidemic of addiction and drug use, an innovative, solutions-oriented Department of Public Health and Human Services has never been more important,” Governor Gianforte said. “With his strong background as an effective leader and change agent, Adam will bring greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency to DPHHS as it serves Montanans.” As a partner and senior policy consultant with Connecting the Dots Policy Solutions, LLC, Adam Meier assisted clients in health, human services, education, and workforce policy, focusing on breaking down operational siloes to maximize program outcomes. From May 2018 through December 2019, Meier led the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) as secretary. Under his leadership, CHFS undertook significant cross-cabinet reforms in the areas of health policy, child welfare, substance use disorder response, and public benefits delivery. He was responsible for strategic planning and daily operational oversight of a cabinet with more than 8,000 employees and an annual budget of over $14 billion. “I am humbled and honored to join the outstanding team Governor Gianforte has assembled, along with the dedicated and talented DPHHS workforce. Together, along with other key stakeholders, we will work to build a more cohesive and effective health and human services ecosystem and improve outcomes for Montana’s most vulnerable citizens,” said Adam Meier, Gianforte’s nominee to lead the Department of Public Health and Human Services. Meier also served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Matt Bevin in Kentucky, responsible for oversight and coordination for all policy matters. In addition, Adam has experience at the federal level, having served at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a contracting officer, and at the elected local government level, where he served on the Fort Thomas City Council. Leaders from Montana and Kentucky offered support of Meier’s nomination. Kurt Alme, budget director at the Governor’s Office of Budget and Program Planning: “With his broad experience in health and human services, including serving as the director of that agency in Kentucky, Adam brings the experience and skills needed to ensure our safety net for those most in need is secure and that taxpayer funds are efficiently spent.” Marilynn Bartlett, CPA, senior policy fellow with the National Academy of State Healthy Policy: “Adam Meier has a strong background in health and human services programs, policy and funding. His leadership experience in the operations of public health programs, Medicaid, safety-net programs, behavioral health, family and child services, and substance abuse are directly applicable to the Montana DPHHS.” The Honorable Kimberly Moser, Health and Family Services Committee Chair in the Kentucky House of Representatives: “As the Heath and Family Services Committee Chair in the Kentucky House of Representatives, I worked closely with Adam on a number of issues. He demonstrated great organizational leadership, policy innovation and fiscal discipline navigating a very challenging budget during his time as cabinet secretary. He is someone whose opinion on such matters I always valued, and he cares deeply about the mission and the populations being served. Adam will be a great asset to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.”

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced that Montana is moving into Phase 1B of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan. In Phase 1B, COVID-19 vaccines are available to Montanans 70 years of age and older, 16 to 69 years of age with a high-risk medical condition, and Native Americans and other persons of color who may be at elevated risk for COVID-19 complications. “Focusing on the most vulnerable Montanans in our vaccine distribution will save lives. Thanks to the hard work of our local health jurisdictions and health care workers, Montana’s most vulnerable now have access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines,” Governor Gianforte said. On his second full day in office, Governor Gianforte changed the state’s vaccine distribution plan to prioritize and protect Montanans most at-risk of complications from COVID-19. Montana health care and seniors groups praised Gianforte’s improvement of the state’s vaccine distribution plan. About a week after the governor’s changes, the federal government recommended similar modifications. National data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) continues to show Montana among states leading the nation in distributing the COVID-19 vaccine. To date, 57,221 doses have been administered in Montana, and 9,408 Montanans have been fully immunized. Montana’s COVID-19 vaccine supply continues to depend on federal supply and allocations. Individuals in Phase 1B are encouraged to contact their local county or tribal health departments to check on vaccination availability and scheduling. More information can be found at dphhs.mt.gov .

WHITEFISH, Mont., Jan. 19, 2021 – The Saturday, Jan. 23 and Sunday, Jan. 24 Frontier Conference men’s basketball games between the University of Providence and Montana Western have been cancelled due to Covid issues. The women’s conference games between Providence and Montana Western will be played as scheduled on both days. The Saturday game will tipoff at 5 p.m. and the Sunday game will tipoff at 2 p.m. from the Straugh Gymnasium on the Montana Western campus in Dillon, Mont.

The music of the Road Agents has always had a rustic feel, and the Montana band embraced that aesthetic while crafting their fourth release. Exile on Moose Creek was recorded entirely in the Forest Service cabin at Moose Creek west of Helena over three days in Sept. 2020, and mixed and mastered later that month at Vigilante Cabin on the Ruby River. The band released the final product earlier this month on iTunes, Spotify and Bandcamp. “Most of our songs are set in the lonelier parts of the state, in the places we grew up,” said songwriter, singer and guitarist Jeff Peterson. “Doing an album in a Forest Service cabin fits right in with what we want this band to be.” After more than 40 gigs across the state in 2019, the Road Agents, like musicians around the country, were forced to cancel everything and stay off the road in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were a little down this summer,” said mandolinist Justin Ringsak. “We had just finished our second record, and we were looking forward to playing around and sharing it, but then the pandemic hit and put the brakes on live music.” The band played a few shows in outdoor venues over the summer before winding down in the fall. Peterson had crafted a new batch of songs they decided to record at Moose Creek. Usually a straightforward guitar, mandolin and vocal duo, part-time member and Michigan blueberry farmer Joe Corrado, after a negative COVID-19 test, was imported to fill out the sound. Three snowy days at Moose Creek led to eight finished tracks. Having another musician on board encouraged the group to add more variety to their sound, incorporating shaker, cajón, handclaps, and layered singing along with Corrado’s guitar embellishments. “We try to get an authentic roots-folk sound when we record,” Ringsak said. “We track most parts live all at once in only a couple of takes, so what you hear on our records is what you would hear if we were playing live at the brewery or in your kitchen. This album was a bit different. We recorded the main parts with all three of us together around the wood stove, then the next day we’d move the mics around and one or two of us would sing harmonies or slip in some percussion while the other guy was in the kitchen making coffee and cooking bacon.” The album’s title, Exile on Moose Creek , is a nod to the Rolling Stones’ classic, Exile on Main Street . “We’re definitely not the Stones,” said Peterson. “But, with all that happened last year, we did kind of feel like exiles. We’re lucky that Montana is full of hidden treasures like the Moose Creek cabin. If you’re going to be exiled, might as well be hiding out in the mountains, making music with your friends.”

Phase 1B COVID-vaccine Community Clinics Coming Soon! Public Health and its partners are planning for 3 community clinics to vaccinate people who fall within 1B. These groups include: a) Everyone 70 years and older. b) American Indians and other people of color who may be at elevated risk for COVID-19 complications. c) People 18 and older with high-risk medical conditions. Those qualifying conditions are: 1. Cancer 2. Chronic kidney disease 3. COPD 4. Down Syndrome 5. Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies 6. Immunocompromised state from solid organ transplant 7. Severe Obesity (BMI >40) 8. Sickle cell disease 9. Type 1 & 2 Diabetes mellitus 10. Case by case basis with consultation with a medical provider The clinics are scheduled for January 29, February 5, and February 12 from 12-5 at UMW arena. There will be slots for 200 people for the first clinic as we will be fitting in second doses for 1A recipients. We may increase the number of appointments at subsequent clinics after reviewing the flow of the first clinic. Public health IS NOT keeping a list of names. We are working on getting a dedicated phone line for people to call to make appointments. We will let everyone know when this is available. Clinics are being planned to provide the second doses to those who received their vaccines during these first clinics. Do keep in mind that Barrett Hospital clinic and the CHC are providing some vaccines to their patients once they receive their 1B vaccine allocation.

Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture is holding the January Lunch n Learn Jan. 21st at Noon at The Den. Featured speaker is County Commissioner, Tom Rice. Come learn about how the county is doing and the 2021 Outlook for the County! Menu: Homemade Beef Stroganoff...Yum! Cost: $18/pp. Please RSVP with Rebecca Jones at 406-683-5511 or info@beaverheadchamber.org .

A huge thank you from The Festival of Trees Committee to the Dillon Community and surrounding areas for their generous donations and support of the 2020 event. Two organizations will benefit from this years proceeds. Business Builders of Dillon awarded $9,000.00 and The Beaverhead Food Pantry awarded $1,500.00. Festival of Tress has awarded over $319,000 to our community nonprofit agencies since 2001. Thanks again for your continued support.

During a press conference, Governor Gianforte announced they will be repealing and amending the current 25-page directive to a more simplified 3-page directive. Starting Friday, January 15th, 2021, they will be lifting the current mandates that force bars, restaurants, breweries, and other businesses to close at 10 P.M. Gianforte stated: "We can reduce the burden on our small business owners while simultaneously protecting the health of Montana workers and customers. These two are not mutually exclusive." In the press conference Gianforte stated that 42,000 Montanans have received the first dose of the COVID vaccine, and communities are preparing for phase 1B to begin the week of January 18th. When asked about the age of 70 and older for the 1B phase, he stated it was to protect those most vulnerable, as 75% of COVID deaths in Montana have been from people in the 70 plus age range.