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Use caution when traveling southbound on I-15 a overturned semi is blocking southbound travel. We will update this as more information becomes available. As of 12 P.M. all lanes are clear and traffic was back to normal.

Weather Alerts -Dillon, MT High Wind Warning from WED 8:00 AM MST until WED 9:00 PM MST Great Falls - MT, US, National Weather Service Affected Area Beaverhead, Central and Southern Lewis and Clark, Madison, Jefferson, Broadwater, Meagher and Gallatin Description ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 9 PM MST WEDNESDAY... WHAT...West winds 30 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected. WHERE...Beaverhead, Central and Southern Lewis and Clark, Madison, Jefferson, Broadwater, Meagher and Gallatin. WHEN...From 8 AM to 9 PM MST Wednesday. IMPACTS...Strong winds may blow down trees and power lines. Some power outages are possible. Travel may become difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow and strong winds near and along the Continental Divide will cause dangerous backcountry conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced his nomination of Scott Osterman to lead the Montana Department of Commerce. “Getting our economy going again, getting Montana open for business, and getting Montanans back to work and thriving in good-paying jobs require a strong leader at the Department of Commerce. With his extensive experience in business development and management, Scott will be an outstanding leader for the department,” Governor Gianforte said. A north central Montana native, Osterman most recently served as senior director of business unit operations at Applied Materials in Kalispell. Osterman has served as a senior executive in Fortune 500 companies and venture start-ups, including in the semiconductor, automobile, and high-tech hardware and software industries. His broad experience in business includes strategic planning, rapid growth initiatives, operations, sales, market development, and turnaround execution. “I’m honored to accept this opportunity to market, promote, and serve our great state and its people, and I look forward to responsibly and sustainably developing the tremendous potential of Montana. We are at a unique inflection point to grow the Montana economy in new ways, as well as to build on our traditional industries,” said Scott Osterman, nominee to lead the Montana Department of Commerce.

Dillon Chief of Police has issued the following statement regarding the identity of the male suspect involved in the January 6th shooting. Jordan Scott Schryver 32 Year old Dillon male is Recovering from injuries sustained in an Officer involved shooting in a January 6, 2021 incident. Felony charges are forthcoming. Dillon Police Officer is on administrative leave per policy in the event of a shooting incident. The Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigations was contacted to investigate for transparency. Our thoughts are with all individuals involved and their families. The Officer is doing well and recovering from the obvious traumatic event. Please keep all officers who deal with these situations in your thoughts. Chief Don Guiberson

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced his support for SB 65, legislation sponsored by Senator Fitzpatrick designed to offer liability protections to businesses, health care providers, places of worship, and nonprofit organizations that follow public health guidelines to combat the spread of COVID-19. In a letter to the Senate Business and Labor Committee, Governor Gianforte emphasized the importance of protecting health care providers who are working to mitigate the threat of COVID-19 and care for their patients. Governor Gianforte writes, “I appreciate that SB 65 begins by offering protections to those who care for our residents during the pandemic, including by limiting the civil liability of health care providers and manufacturers of COVID-19-related products under certain circumstances. Such health care providers and manufacturers remain especially vital to the state’s ongoing pandemic response and current initiatives to protect the most vulnerable Montanans.” The governor also highlighted how this legislation provides incentives for businesses to follow public health guidelines, practice personal responsibility, and encourage others to do the same. “Montana’s economic comeback is largely dependent on the ability of all business sectors to operate without fear of being sued when following, and in compliance with, current public health guidance,” Governor Gianforte writes. “By offering protection from civil liability, SB 65 ultimately incentivizes our business owners to take personal responsibility and promote actions that advance public health.” SB 65 provides the liability protections that Governor Gianforte described earlier this week. At a Tuesday press conference, Governor Gianforte emphasized, “We need to protect businesses and schools from lawsuits if they make a good faith effort to protect individuals from the spread of coronavirus and follow clear public health guidelines. To combat the virus, I believe providing incentives and promoting personal responsibility are more effective than imposing impractical mandates.” To read the full letter click HERE .

Governor Greg Gianforte today released his “Roadmap to the Montana Comeback,” his budget proposal for the 2023 biennium. Gianforte’s budget plan fulfills many of the policy priorities he outlined in his Montana Comeback Plan to get the economy going again, get Montana safely open for business, and get Montanans back to work in good-paying jobs. “This roadmap to the Montana comeback will help unlock our state’s full, outstanding potential,” Gianforte said. Gianforte’s budget provides $50 million in broad-based and targeted tax relief, including cutting the top marginal income tax rate to 6.75%. For 2019, Montanans who earned a taxable income of more than $18,400 paid the top marginal rate of 6.9%. The governor’s budget also relieves 4,000 small businesses from the burden of the business equipment tax by raising the exemption from $100,000 to $200,000. Gianforte’s budget boosts funding by 25 percent for programs providing property tax relief to low-income homeowners, including disabled veterans and seniors. To combat the drug epidemic, the Gianforte budget devotes marijuana tax revenue and part of the tobacco tax settlement to the HEART Fund, or the Healing and Ending Addiction through Recovery and Treatment Fund. It will fund a full continuum of substance abuse prevention and treatment programs for communities. With $7 million in new fund and a federal match, the governor’s budget invests an additional $23.5 million per year in substance abuse prevention and treatment programs. The governor proposes a $1 million investment in trades education by providing a credit for employee education and training. Gianforte’s budget also provides $2.5 million of incentives to raise the pay of Montana’s starting teachers. Montana ranks last in the country in starting teacher pay. Governor Gianforte highlighted his efforts to control state spending, saying, “I promised we would hold the line on new general fund spending. This budget does. After a decade of out-of-control spending, this budget brings fiscal responsibility back to state government while providing essential services.” He noted that, even with statutory required spending and investments in combating the drug epidemic, increasing starting teacher pay, and expanding trades education, total general fund spending increases less than one percent per year. The Governor’s Office has published additional materials on governor.mt.gov. Here’s “What To Know About” Governor Gianforte’s Budget: Bringing High-Paying Jobs to Montana Making Montana’s Income Tax Competitive Helping Small Businesses Thrive Investing in Education Combating the Drug Epidemic Providing Relief to Montana Homeowners Creating a Fiscally Conservative Budget

Beaverhead Search and Rescue News Submitted by: Mel Rice, Public Relations Officer The Beaverhead Search and Rescue held its January meeting on Wednesday the 6th. Commander Clint Rouse called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Several members participated in the meeting via zoom and 28 members attended in person while following Covid19 mandates of social distancing and wearing of masks. There were several items of business addressed: 2 donations from local businesses, the 2021 fish derby, member and rookie of the year, a presentation to a retiring member, and election of 2021 officers. The first order of business was a presentation to Larry Skiles, a dedicated member for the past 12 year. He served in many capacities within the organization. Larry was one that could be called upon to do whatever had to be done and participated in a majority of the searches and rescues performed during his tenure. If you see Larry out and about, thank him for his service to your Beaverhead S&R. Next were presentations to the organization’s “Outstanding Member and Outstanding Rookie Of The Year”. The 2020 Member of the Year went to Dusty Crowe. Dusty has served as Vice Commander for the past year and was just re-elected to that capacity. He has been very active and instrumental in numerous activities of the group. He is very unselfish with his time during fundraisers and searches/rescues. The 2020 Rookie of the Year was presented to Nathan Freeman. Nathan joined the S&R this past year and wasted no time getting involved. He has been very helpful in all aspects of the organization’s work and activities. He has been very willing to learn through trainings and from the seasoned members of the group. If you run into either of these fine gentlemen please thank them for their dedication and service to your Beaverhead Search and Rescue. Commander Clint Rouse presented donations to the S&R membership that he received from Vigilante Electric and Pioneer Federal Saving and Loan. Vigilante Electric’s General Manager, Rollie Miller, presented Clint with a check for $500.00 to be used for First Responder Wilderness Kits which the unit has put together for back country searches/rescues. Thank you Mr. Miller and Vigilante Electric for your support of BVHD S&R. The second donation was from President Phil Willett of Pioneer Savings and Loan. Mr. Willett presented a check for $2000.00 to Clint from their Foundation to be used to purchase necessary equipment for the unit. Thank you Phil Willet for your organization’s continued support of your Search and Rescue. The Beaverhead Search and Rescue would also like to let the public know we had a very busy 2020. Since September 1 there were 7 searches/rescues during the archery and general hunting season. In all of these incidents, all the victims were fine and required no medical attention. Prior to September there were 5 search/rescue incidents. Three of these involved deceased individuals and were considered recovery operations. The final order of business was the election of officers for the 2021 year. Results are as follow: Commander-Lawrence Morrisroe Vice Commander-Dusty Crowe Secretary-Kolby Malesich Treasurer-Brian Vinson Communications Officer-Brad Wagner Equipment Manager-Tommy Goins Training Officer-Nathan Freeman Public Relations-Mel Rice Board of Directors-Chuck Maddox, Cody Schnee, and Trent Cottom Congratulations to all of the newly elected officers. The meeting concluded with the passing of the gavel from Clint to Lawrence and a hardy thank you to Clint for his organizational skills, perseverance, dedication, and leadership during this trying Covid19 year.

Statement from the Beaverhead County Search and Rescue on the ice fishing derby. “Stan Shafer Memorial Ice Fishing Derby” Not Authorized The Beaverhead Search and Rescue and Tara Remely, the “Stan Shafer Memorial Ice Fishing Derby” chairperson, would like the public to know what has happened with the 2021 derby. Application was made before the 1st of July, 2020 for a January 17th, 2021 derby as required by the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks. For the next three months the FWP gave her the run around and would not confirm the date for the derby or even commit to the derby. When Tara called again in December she was told the derby had not been authorized because of Covid19. At that point it became a mute issue for the S&R membership. Within the past week a Dillon community member called the FWP and wanted to know why the derby had been canceled. He was informed by Fish Wildlife and Parks that the derby was a go and yet as of January 7, 2021, there has been no confirmation to that fact sent to or presented to the Search and Rescue. Even if the unit was to receive confirmation today, it is too late to get tickets printed and sold, permission from the Bureau of Reclamation and get everything else organized to put on this event. We apologize for not being able to have this great event as we have in the past. However, it was out of our hands from the very beginning. With any luck and cooperation we will be able to resume the Stan Shafer Memorial Ice Fishing Derby in 2022. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Dillon, you may have noticed a new business. Susie's , which is located at 120 N Montana St, serves up delicious meal replacement smoothies, as well as coffees and teas. I was able to stop by and talk with owner Emily Wilson on what makes her business unique and different from other ones in the area. First off was the naming of her business. Susie's is named after her mom, and they wanted to create a sort of smoothie bar\family and friends gathering spot that is different from anything Dillon has to offer. Susie's is a place designed for families to get together, sit down, and enjoy a healthy drink. Based off a membership you purchase each time you come in, this allows you to enjoy certain perks. · A bronze membership includes any tea or coffee with any aloe flavor. · A silver includes any smoothie or shake flavor. · A gold is a smoothie and tea. · A Platinum is a smoothie plus you can attend an event that is going on at the time. Events will include live music, fitness class with an instructor or one of the other classes they may be offering. The first live music event will be Friday January 22nd. To help make it easier for those with kids, they do have a section to keep the kids entertained with toys and games. Please note, they are not a daycare or child drop off service, but if you are a busy mom wanting to catch a fitness class, you can bring the kids along, knowing they will have a source of entertainment for your little ones. Susie's hours of operation are as follows: Mon - Fri 7:30 A.M. to 9 P.M. Saturday 7:30 A.M. to 9 P.M.

The first Dillon City Council meeting of the year was held last night, and in true fashion it was a long one. As Council Members debated the purchase of a copier and who should pay for a City Road. The council started out with the mayor’s report and recommendation on continuing to be with the County Health Board. This was approved unanimously. Council person Don Hand stated this was a way to show how government could work, Council person Wassall disagreed with this and stated it was a complete waste of time. Especially during a pandemic that is on the rise. Council person O'Rourke also stated she was not clear on what his intentions where in doing these actions. The exchange starts at the 8 min mark of the video. At the 37 min 30 second mark the discussion to purchase a fax and copier machine for the City Attorney’s Office. The current equipment being used is old and outdated, they are unable to get parts to fix the machine there for it needs to be replaced. Council person Wassall had questions on if the machine they are purchasing was "used" or "used refurbished". The machine is one that was used at the state government and had roughly about 6,000 copies a year. To see the whole question and answer session you can go to the 37 min mark and runs for about 30 minutes. 1 Hr 5 min mark the motion to approve the infrastructure agreement between Eric Wendland and the city of Dillon. Council Person Wassall wanted to table the notion stating they needed more information and wanted more supporting documents, this was seconded by Council woman O'Rourke. The main problem is with the cost of the city's portion of the agreement. The section in question is 1200 ft of old road that is on the city's map as a road the city owns. This road has never been improved and was basically a dirt road running through cow pasture. The agreement as it stands in the documents is the city will pay for the engineering design and construction of Rife street, Kent Street, and Franklin Street up to a gravel overlay which includes all necessary storm water systems as per design. Owner agrees to grant easement on their land for a possible storm drain retention pond, as each site is built the sidewalks will be constructed in accordance to the Rife street plan provided by the city within one year before occupancy of each site. Once 70% of the platted properties utilizing Rife Street are complete the owner agrees to the creation of and execution of a SID created for the sole financing and construction of curb, gutter, and preparing of the streets of Kent, Rife, and Franklin for asphalting and completion of asphalting. The major problem with this agreement is that they do not have a cost or budget lined out on this project. Certain council members objected to the cost this would incur on the city, they believe that it is the developer’s responsibility to bring the road back to usable standards. The whole discussion can be seen on the last portion of the video provided below. Main road in question from last nights City Council Meeting along with the draft of agreement between the Wendlend's and the City of Dillon

On 01/06/21 at approximately 6:35 PM, the Dillon Police, and Beaverhead County Sheriffs Department responded to a complaint of a disorderly male. A male matching the suspect’s description was approached by police who observed a firearm in his waistband. The individual was directed to put his hands in the air and specifically not reach for the gun. The individual did not comply and grabbed the firearm. A shooting in sued. Officers were not physically injured. The male suspect was injured and transported by Beaverhead Emergency Medical Services. A Dillon Police Officer has been placed on administrative leave per policy in any shooting incident where injuries occur. The State of Montana Department of Criminal Investigation was contacted to investigate. Additional information will be disseminated when appropriate. Don Guiberson Chief of Police

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is asking trappers, researchers, and others in close contact with live felids (cats) and mustelids (weasels) to be conscious of the potential to transmit COVID into wild populations with unknown consequences.    COVID has been documented being transmitted from humans to cats and weasels in captivity and the consequences for wild populations is unknown.  Potential transmission would be most likely where researchers are live-capturing and releasing animals or in situations where a trapper might release an animal. Of particular note are lynx as they are designated as a federally threatened species.   The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FWP are asking trappers to carry with them and use gloves, a mask, and a catch-pole when releasing animals. Normal trapping regulations and procedures remain in place, but please take precautions to eliminate potential transmission. As always, FWP is available to assist in release when needed or in situations where the trapping regulations require notification of the department.  Regional FWP office phone numbers are available online at fwp.mt.gov .

Governor Gianforte held a press conference today 01/05/2021 laying out the new steps he will put in place to deal with the COVID pandemic. Rescinding the mask mandate in the following weeks was on top of his list. But he did stress that it is dependent on getting the vaccine to the most vulnerable and getting protections in place for businesses, nonprofits, and schools. Gianforte stated they want to publish clear guidelines on how to keep employees safe as well as the customers. This will also protect them from lawsuits related to Corona Virus restrictions and complications. Gianforte also discussed the changes to the way they will continue with the distribution of the vaccine. All Montanans over 70 and any Montana aged 16-69 with specific underlying health conditions will be eligible for the vaccine immediately. With Montana being 8th in the nation for distribution of the vaccine, he emphasized that we cannot have the vaccine sitting on shelves being unavailable to those who want it.

Dillon Volunteer Fire Dept responded to 11 calls during the month of December. Members trained on chimney fires on their training night via zoom & on their drill night also went over chimney fires & basic chimney construction. 27 of 32 members were present for the monthly business meeting. 12/1 Smoke alarm 12/4 Smoke alarm 12/5 Gas odor 12/8 Aircraft accident 12/11 Fire alarm 12/14 Gas leak 12/19 MVA 12/18 Smoke alarm 12/22 Vehicle fire 12/28 MVA 12/29 Garage fire

Beaverhead County Public Health, Barrett Hospital and HealthCare, and the Community Health Center (CHC) received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine last week and have begun vaccinating people in Phase 1A. On December 18, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Another vaccine, Pfizer/Biotech, was issued an EUA and other Montana locations received that vaccine earlier in this December. Information about mRNA COVID19 vaccines can be found at CDC.gov. They state that mRNA vaccines are a new type of vaccine to protect against infectious diseases. To trigger an immune response, many vaccines put a weakened or inactivated germ into our bodies. Not mRNA vaccines. Instead, they teach our cells how to make a protein-or even just a piece of protein-that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies. The efficacy (protective ability) of the vaccine is very high after receiving the two doses. The Moderna vaccine is 94.1% and the Pfizer-BioNTech is 95%. There is limited data available regarding the efficacy of a single dose so completing both doses is very important for optimize protection. mRNA vaccines do not use the live virus that causes COVID-19 and so cannot give someone COVID-19. They also do not affect or interact with our DNA in any way. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are rigorously evaluated for safety just like other vaccines. Researchers have been studying and working with mRNA vaccines for decades and it is not a new technology. These types of vaccines can be developed in a laboratory using readily available materials which means the process can be standardized and scaled up, making vaccine development faster than traditional methods of making vaccines. The process to administer the COVID19 vaccine is more complicated then with other vaccines and requires preplanning and contacting agencies and personnel that fall into Phase 1A. The vaccine is frozen and requires thawing. Once the vaccine is thawed and the 10-dose vial is punctured, the vaccine must be administered within 6 hours. The vaccine will not be wasted so the vaccine staff must work to find 10 people to receive the vaccine within that 6-hour time frame. Because of this issue, public health is contacting agencies to get numbers of people who are committed to receiving the vaccine. This helps us to determine the amount of vaccine we need to order. At this time, the state health department is indicating we can order vaccine weekly based on our needs. If you or your agency fits into Phase 1A and you haven’t been called by January 11th, please call public health at 683-4771. We anticipate doing small clinics with scheduled appointments for Phase 1A. The COVID-19 vaccines require a second dose and this is accounted for so all persons receiving the first shot will receive the second shot. Because the supply of COVID-19 is expected to be limited at first, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has released recommendations for the allocation of COVID-19 vaccines for different populations. These recommendations were made with the goals of decreasing death and serious disease as much as possible; preserve the functioning of society; and reduce the extra burden the pandemic is having on people already facing disparities. Although we don’t know exactly when we will move from one phase to another, Beaverhead County Public Health hopes to begin Phase 1B sometime in January. The vaccination's are free of charge. Phase 1A: Healthcare Personnel such as (not inclusive): Hospital and Clinics Pharmacies EMS Personal Care Assistants Optometrists and Dentists Mental Health Providers Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence Counselors Physical Therapists Long-term Care and Assisted Living Facilities Pioneer Care has received their vaccine from another contracted entity and The Legacy, and the Renaissance facilities will be provided vaccine by contracted pharmacies (Walgreen). Phase 1B: First Responders Education and Childcare Persons aged 75 years and older Individuals in Congregate care and correctional facilities Critical Infrastructure Phase 1C: Persons aged 65 years and older Persons 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions (Moderna vaccine is only for people 18 years and older) Essential Workers Phase 2: Everyone else, aged 16 and older

The Montana Department of Commerce announced Thursday that 15 Montana communities will share $511,000 in federal grant funding through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. These grants will support planning activities for critical infrastructure and community development projects across Montana. “Planning lays the foundation to build vibrant, healthy and prosperous communities,” said Jennifer Olson, Community Development Administrator at Commerce. “These grants will support Montana counties, cities and towns as they plan for community infrastructure projects, develop and preserve affordable homes and create and retain jobs.” CDBG Planning Grants will be awarded to: Beaverhead County: $30,000 for a Growth Policy Update City of Boulder: $37,500 for a Preliminary Engineering Report for the City’s water system City-County of Butte-Silver Bow: $50,000 for an Uptown Central Business District Master Plan Update. City of Choteau: $22,500 for a Growth Policy and Zoning Code Update Town of Circle: $22,500 for the preparation of a Growth Policy City of Columbus: $30,000 for a Parks and Sidewalk Master Plan Fergus County: $30,000 for the preparation of a Growth Policy City of Hamilton: $35,000 for a Growth Policy Update City of Helena: $40,000 for an Affordable Housing Site Development Plan Lewis & Clark County: $50,000 for a Preliminary Architectural Report for Aspen Village Apartments and Queen City Estates City of Libby: $37,500 for a Growth Policy Update Madison County: $25,000 for a Preliminary Architectural Report for the Tobacco Root Mountains Care Center Missoula County: $30,000 for a Missoula County Trails Plan Petroleum County: $35,000 for a Preliminary Architectural Report for the County Courthouse Town of Philipsburg: $36,000 for the preparation of a Growth Policy CDBG planning grants are available to eligible counties, cities, towns and local governments. Local governments may apply on behalf of special districts, unincorporated areas and non-profit organizations. Counties may also apply for planning grants on behalf of tribal utility authorities. For more information about CDBG Planning Grants, visit COMDEV.MT.GOV .

Its Not Too Late to Get Your Flu Shot! CDC and local health officials are strongly recommending the flu vaccine this year. If you have not received one, please call Beaverhead County Public Health at 683-4771. Most insurances pay for flu vaccine, please bring your card. For those adults (19 and older) that do not have insurance, we have FREE vaccine. We also carry the hi-dose vaccine for those 65years and older. This vaccine is not free. Masks are required

A list of what we could find happening around Southwestern Montana this New Years Eve and Day. New Year's Eve Bingo Come join us at the Dillon Elks Lodge for NYE bingo!! Must be over age 18 to play. Social hour 5:30-6:30 p.m. Bingo 6:30-9:30 p.m. $25 buy-in for 2 cards, 12 games. 80% cash payout. First Day Tour Its January 1st, the party is over, and you want to get out of the house, but what is there to do. Go to Bannack and take a tour of the town and mill. Our interpreter is full of stories with some you may have never heard before. Fun for all ages. Remember Bannack can be cold so dress appropriately. Please call the park to make sure plans have not changed at 406-834-3413. New Year's Eve at Candlelight Cafe and Gifts New Year's Eve Chinese dinner, Reservations required, please New Years Day outdoor fun Hosted by Judith Mountain Lodge , Mimosa, Bloody Mary’s wings, Burger sliders, flatbread pizzas, chicken strips and fries. Susie's NEW Year's Eve Soft Opening Join us as we celebrate our launch into 2021! The smoothie bar will be running - we appreciate your support as our team takes this first night to work out the kinks a little bit We'll have children's crafts, our play area will be open, lots of board games available, and great conversation! Come see what Susie's is all about. We'll do a New Year's countdown at 8pm so that families can get to bed at a reasonable time NYE party 🥂NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION 🥂 Come help us say goodbye👋 to this CRAZY 🤪 year we call 2020! Party starts at 5 PM! Black tie is optional!

The Bulldogs will open the Frontier Conference portion of the 2020-21 season when they host Montana Technological University Dec. 30. The game is a make-up from the Dec 12 game that was postponed due to Covid precautions. Opening tip from the Straugh Gymnasium is set for 6 p.m. NO FANS TO START THE SEASON : Due to Frontier Conference COVID-19 protocols, spectators will not be permitted in the Straugh Gymnasium until further notice. WATCH LIVE: The games can be viewed online via the Bulldog Sports Network . LIVE STATS: Live stats will be available on Dakstats live stats portal . LISTEN: The games can be heard on the air on KDBM AM 1490 in Dillon or worldwide online . Justin Fox will be on the call providing the play-by-play for all home games this season.

Start 2021 off on the right foot with a First Day Hike at a state park near you. On Jan. 1, Montana State Parks will host First Day Hikes at Lone Pine State Park, Flathead Lake State Park (Wayfarers, West Shore or Big Arm units) Makoshika State Park, First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, Cooney Reservoir State Park, Travelers’ Rest State Park and Bannack State Park. Being immersed in nature has never been more important for mental health and physical wellbeing. These fun and informative hikes are open to all ages and are family friendly.  Montana State Parks First Day Hikes are available at: Cooney Reservoir State Park – 1 p.m. (Roberts) Join Park Ranger Emily Tyler on a free guided hike on the newly rebuilt North Shore Trail at Cooney State Park. This approximately 1-mile, out-and-back hike is in the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains. It crosses several different biomes and goes through ravines with chokecherries and uphill to a stunning sagebrush steppe. Views from the top include the Beartooth Mountains, Cooney Reservoir and Red Lodge Creek. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, this hike is limited to 10 participants, so please register to reserve a place. For more information and to register for this event, please call 406-252 1289 or email Ranger Emily Tyler at emily.tyler@mt.gov Bannack State Park – 1 p.m. (Dillon) Join Bannack State Park interpretive staff on a unique tour of the streets of Bannack State Park, Montana’s first territorial capitol. Additionally, participants will tour the historic Hendrix Mill. As part of the hike, state park staff will be sharing stories about the significant history of the town and its impact on Montana and the region. For more information, please call the park visitor center at 406-834-3413. ​ Lone Pine State Park & Flathead Lake State Park (Wayfarers, West Shore or Big Arm units) – Jan. 1 -Jan. 31 Lead your park to victory while you work on your New Year’s resolutions during the Battle of the Boots: Lone Pine State Park vs. Flathead Lake State Park! In lieu of First Day hikes this year, state park staff invite you to hike the trails at Lone Pine State Park and Flathead Lake State Park’s Wayfarers, West Shore and Big Arm units. Every time you hike, log your miles at the trail head and help lead your park to victory. At the end of the month, the participant with the most miles from each park will receive a prize. The competition will kick-off on Jan. 1 and conclude on Jan. 31. For more information, please call 406- 755-2706 ext. 3 Makoshika State Park – 11 a.m. (Glendive) Makoshika State Park will be offering a guided hike on the Bluebird trail allows participants to see Makoshika State Park's unique badland topography. The hike is limited to fifteen participants. Participants can register by calling the park visitor center at (406) 377-6256. First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park – 1 to 4 p.m. (Ulm) The gates at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. on New Year’s Day for people to come out and enjoy the park's 3-mile, self-guided trail. A ranger will be patrolling the trail between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. and can answer questions on the trail. For more information, please call 406-866-2217 Travelers’ Rest State Park – 10 a.m. to noon (Lolo/Missoula) The annual First Day Hike at Travelers' Rest State Park will be self-guided in 2021. On Jan. 1, stop by Travelers' Rest State Park between 10 a.m. and noon to take part in a self-guided walk along the main Lewis and Clark loop trail to discover winter animal adaptations. Along the way, interpretive signs will guide you and your family to look for special clues along the park trail. Take photographs of your family participating in the event and share one interesting thing you found along the park trails and email them to maci.macpherson@mt.gov . For more information, please call 406-273-4253. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park - 12:30 p.m. (Whitehall/Three Forks) Join Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park staff to experience "The Off-Switch": A moderate guided hike to observe our most quiet season. When it seems, all life has been turned off in the park, a few animals not only persevere but thrive during the harsh winter months. This hike is available to a maximum of 10 participants. Attendees must call ahead to register. The details of the hike may change due to inclement weather. Please call 406-287-3541 to register or for more information. Hikers should wear weather-appropriate clothing, bring a water bottle and ice cleats or snowshoes if the trail conditions are snowy or icy. First Day Hike participants are encouraged to share their adventures on social media with #FirstDayHikes. For more information on these or other Montana State Parks, visit: stateparks.mt.gov . Visitors to these events must keep in mind social distancing directives – stay 6 feet apart from all non-family members, and if that isn’t feasible or possible, please wear a mask or face covering. Additionally, if you’re feeling ill, please do not attend this event. For more information on COVID-19 in Montana, please visit: covid19.mt.gov. "First Day Hikes" is an annual, nationwide special event co-sponsored by America's State Parks , which originated more than 25 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation – a state park in Milton, Mass. Last year, more than 33,000 people participated on guided hikes that covered more than 70,500 miles on 1,100 hikes across the country. All 50 states will be participating in the ninth annual national event that encourages everyone to celebrate the New Year with guided outdoor exploration.