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The Montana Department of Commerce announced Tuesday that another 10 Montana businesses have been awarded Workforce Recovery grants to rehire workers laid off due to the impacts of COVID-19. The businesses will share a total of $310,000 to support rehiring 53 employees. “Through the temporary Workforce Recovery program at Commerce, Montana businesses that are ready to bring workers back can receive some additional support to sustain those jobs into the future,” said Wayne Johnston, Business Assistance Bureau Chief at Commerce. “Businesses can apply directly for these workforce recovery grant dollars to help refill jobs that were lost due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.” The Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF) Workforce Recovery program provides reimbursements to businesses for the wages of full-time, permanent jobs created and retained for at least six months, up to 25 jobs per business. Businesses are eligible for a reimbursement of up to $7,500 per job in high-poverty counties , with a $3,750 match per job from the business. A reimbursement of up to $5,000 per job, with a $5,000 match, is available for businesses in all other counties. The program has also assisted 31 other businesses in rehiring 183 workers. The following 10 businesses will receive funding from the temporary Workforce Recovery program to rehire 53 workers: Business Location Award The Sassy Biscuit Billings $15,000 TLC Lingerie of MT LLC Billings $15,000 Big T Three, Inc. Black Eagle $15,000 Equinox Theatre Company Bozeman $5,000 ELE, LLC Great Falls $97,500 Minneapolis House Inc. Great Falls $15,000 Oakwells Commuter Rail, LLC Great Falls $7,500 Slainte Mhath Livingston $110,000 B&K Balcer, Inc. Sidney $15,000 Glacier Raft Company West Glacier $15,000 The Workforce Recovery program was created to support businesses impacted by the pandemic. The ability to establish the temporary program was made possible by a governor’s directive that provides flexibility in the existing Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund program at Commerce. Funding for the temporary program comes from reverted BSTF Job Creation awards – it does not replace or pause the well-established business development program. Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are expended or until December 31, 2020. Businesses can apply directly to the program at MARKETMT.COM/BSTF/WorkforceRecovery .

The Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting originally scheduled for Dec 22 has been moved to Dec. 30 from 9 to 10 a.m. via Zoom. The only item on the agenda is to approve meeting minutes from the previous meetings. There will be no other subject matter. 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. Commission 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, visit FWP website Commission. FWP's website offers live streamed audio of each Fish & Wildlife Commission meeting.

Governor Steve Bullock today announced that the second week round of allocations of COVID-19 vaccines will target health care workers at rural hospitals and staff and residents of long-term care facilities. Additionally, Governor Bullock announced that the state’s anticipated allocation of vaccine doses through the end of the year has been reduced by the federal government by 20% from 60,000 down to 48,000 along with other states across the nation. “It’s disappointing news that our anticipated allocations of the vaccine have been reduced, but our priorities remain the same to protect those most vulnerable to severe disease or death from the virus and those who have been serving on the frontlines,” said Governor Bullock. “We are best utilizing the resources available to further reduce the strain on our hospitals and to save lives.” The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) allocated next week’s shipment of 6,825 Pfizer doses to what will be the first of ongoing allocations to long-term care facilities, which includes nearly 300 nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This is a reduction from 10,725 previously anticipated doses. The federal government is contracting with CVS, Walgreens, and Big Sky Managed Care Pharmacy to offer on-site COVID-19 vaccination services for nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The doses will be provided directly to the participating pharmacies to administer. Additionally, the state is expected to receive 18,300 doses of the Moderna vaccine next week. This is the same as previously anticipated, but the number will likely be reduced in coming weeks. The Moderna vaccine includes 100 doses per box and does not require ultra cold storage, making it more easily delivered to rural settings or small facilities. The Moderna vaccines will be shipped to Critical Access Hospitals and Community Health Centers for health care workers on the frontlines of the pandemic. The list of facilities where the vaccine will be sent will be finalized next week. As of today, the vaccine has been administered to more than 3,000 Montana health care workers since the vaccine first became available earlier this week to 10 Montana hospitals. The remaining doses will be administered in the coming days.

Groups or individuals interested in constructing or improving a community fishing pond have until Feb. 1 to apply for a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Community Pond Program grant. The objective of the Community Pond Program is to enhance public fishing opportunities in or near Montana communities by providing funding that may be used to construct or improve a public fishing pond. Applicants must provide at least 30 percent of the total project cost, which can include contributions such as heavy equipment time, construction materials, labor, engineering services and more. Anyone wishing to sponsor a project may apply. A total of $73,000 in grant funds is available for ponds with public fishing opportunities. Since 2003, the Community Pond Program has funded projects that benefit young anglers and their families by providing locations where individuals of all ages can learn angling skills. Additional information on the Community Pond Program, including a grant application form, is available on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov , then clicking on " Community Pond Program . " Applications, which are accepted each year, must be received on or before Feb. 1. Applicants are required to contact their local FWP fisheries biologist to obtain project support. For more information, contact Michelle McGree, FWP Program Officer, at 406-444-2432 or mmcgree@mt.gov .

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is launching a new website that will improve customer service, make it easier to use, and to provide a more mobile-friendly experience. The completely re-designed website will have more intuitive navigation that will make finding information easier for customers, whether they click to buy a fishing license, reserve a campsite, or find information about hunting regulations. “We’re excited to share this new website with the public,” said FWP director Martha Williams. “At FWP we know people look to us for many of their outdoor recreation opportunities. Getting out timely, accurate and useful information is important to them and to us. The new website will be critical in providing better customer service.” The new site will be optimized for mobile devices, integrate FWP’s social media platforms, and be more friendly for traditional users like hunters, anglers and park visitors, as well as new customers who might be visiting the website for the first time. After the initial launch, FWP will continue to update and enhance the site to accommodate user concerns and preferences, and to expand available content. The new site will be found at the same web address: fwp.mt.gov . The new site will be available mid-day on Dec. 21.

University of Montana Western Head Football Coach Ryan Nourse announced the signing of 22 student-athletes on early signing day for the 2021 season. "We were able to reach our initial goals with this class, really strengthening our offensive line depth and our overall athleticism at defensive back. We secured talented run and hit guys who fit into multiple positions, whether it's linebacker, rush end or tight end. Overall, this is a high achieving group in the classroom as well as on the field. We are excited to see what the future holds for this crew." The Bulldogs recruited Montana very well in the early signing period, with 20 players hailing from the Treasure State. "This was a great year in Montana despite all the challenging circumstances faced. I'm happy for all of the kids in Montana who go to play high school football and for all the guys who found opportunities to play and further their education at Frontier Conference schools. Montana is the home base of our program and our staff did an outstanding job of creating great relationships and building the Bulldogs an excellent class." Thomas Beccari OL/DL 6-3 255 Kalispell, Mont. / Glacier HS Thomas is lineman from Kalispell, Mont. He is a two-time all-conference selection on the offensive and defensive line. In 2020 he was first-team all-state offensive lineman and second-team all-state defensive lineman. He also plays basketball, wrestling, track and lacrosse. The academic all-state student is the son of Chris and Shana Beccari and plans on majoring in environmental science. ChuckyBraverock OL 6-3 270 Browning, Mont. / Browning HS Chucky is an all-state offensive lineman from Browning, Mont. He was an all-conference selection on both sides of the ball. Chucky was the 2020 Western A Heavyweight Divisional Champion in wrestling. The 4.0 student is the son of Rick and Vivian Braverock and plans on majoring in mathematics and secondary education. John Brown OL/DL 6-2 250 Bozeman, Mont. / Bozeman HS John Brown is an offensive and defensive lineman from Bozeman, Mont. He is a two-time all-state and all-conference selection. He is the son of Kate Locke and plans of majoring in health and human performance. Gabriel Delgatty TE/DL 6-3 200 Manhattan, Mont. / Manhattan HS Gabriel is a force on both sides of the ball, leading the team in sacks and receptions. He helped lead the Tigers to two straight state championship games claiming the title in 2020. He is and all-sport athlete that also plays baseball. The academic all-state selection is the son of Jason and Amy Delgatty and plans on majoring in business. Tucker Foster DL 6-0 230 Camas Prairie, Mont. / Plains HS Tucker led the Horseman in tackles, sacks, and forced fumbles for two straight seasons. In 2019 he was named all-conference on the line and as a defensive end. In 2020 he was all-conference defensive end and tight end and received all-state honors. He has played basketball and track where he qualified for state in both sports. He is the son of Buzz and MaryAnn Foster and plans on majoring in elementary education. HIGHLIGHTS Tanner Huff DB 6-0 185 Butte, Mont. / Butte HS Tanner is a defensive back from Butte, Mont. HE is sixth all-time in total tackles in Butte High history. For his career, he as amassed 90 solo tackles, 141 total tackles for 6.7 tackles per game. He also has four interceptions, three pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. He was a member of the 2019 state runner-up team and in 2020 was named all-state and all-conference as a safety. He also played basketball, wrestling and track. In track, he placed second in the division and 12 th in state in the javelin. The academic all-state selection is the son of Pat Huff and Traci McArthur and plans on majoring in business. HIGHLIGHTS DJ Jackson OL 6-4 290 Butte, Mont. / Butte HS DJ is an offensive lineman from Butte, Mont. He is a two-time all-conference selection and was a member of the 2019 state runner-up team. He also qualified for divisional's in track and state in wrestling. DJ is the son of Douglas and Jenifer Jackson and plans on majoring in mathematics and secondary education. HIGHLIGHTS Aiden Jenkins DB 6-1 165 Clyde Park, Mont. / Shields Valley HS Aiden is a wide receiver and defensive back from Clyde Park, Mont. In his career, he totaled 1489 yards rushing, 2114 yards receiving, 70 touchdowns, 254 tackles and 13 interceptions. He is a three-time all-conference and two-time all-state selection. He helped led the Rebels to three-straight playoff appearances including a trip the semifinals in 2020. The three-time academic all-state selection is the son of Aaron and Tara Jenkins and plans on majoring in business. Trevor Lake OL 6-5 220 Polson, Mont. / Polson HS Trevor is a multi-sport athlete from Polson, Mont. He anchored the offensive line for the Pirates and also plays basketball and baseball. He is the son to Tim and Chanel Lake and plans on majoring in mathematics and secondary education. RykerMcElmurry LB 6-0 185 Libby, Mont. / Libby HS Ryker is linebacker from Libby, Mont. In 2020 he led the state in total tackles in all classes and received all-state honors. He is a three-time all-conference selection and was named team MVP. The multi-sport athlete also lettered in basketball and tennis. The Honor Roll student is the son of Joe and Jen McElmurry and plans on majoring in elementary education. Brady Mounts WR/KR 5-9 165 Bozeman, Mont. / Bozeman HS Brady is a wide receiver and return specialist from Bozeman, Mont. In 18 career games he has 620 yards on 31 returns, 113 receiving yards and averaged 3.4 yards per carry. He is a two-time all-conference kick returner and also runs track. He is the son of Carey Mounts and Karena Askeland and plans on majoring in health and human performance. Seth Norslien DB 6-0 210 Lewiston, Mont. / Lewiston HS Seth is a is defensive back and wide receiver from Lewiston, Mont. He is a two-time team captain and two-time all-conference selection as a safety. He helped led the Golden Eagles to three-straight playoff appearances. Seth is the son of Erik and Andrea Norslien and plans on majoring in physical education & health K-12. James Ochs LB 6-0 210 Laurel, Mont. / Laurel HS James is an all-state linebacker and helped lead the Locomotives to two straight state championship games winning the title in 2020. He is also named second-team all-conference as a running back. The academic all-state athlete is the son of Christopher and Wendy Ochs and plans on majoring in business at Montana Western. HIGHLIGHTS David Patterson LB 6-2 205 Libby, Mont. / Libby HS David is a four-year starter at linebacker and three-year starter at tight end for the Libby Loggers. He is a three-time all-state selection at linebacker. He also played tennis, track and basketball. He is the son of Josh and Bobbie Patterson and plans on majoring in business. Ryan Rieckmann WR/K 6-4 200 Cheney, Wash. / Cheney HS Ryan is dual position athlete from Cheney, Wash. He is an all-league honorable mention his junior year. His senior season was canceled due to Covid. He is a two-time all-league MVP in track. He is a member of the Spokane speed academy and placed 6 th at nationals in the javelin at age 16. He is the son of Randy and Denise Rieckmann and plans on majoring in business. HIGHLIGHTS Flint Smith DB 6-2 190 Whitehall, Mont. / Whitehall HS Flint Smith is defensive back and wide receiver from Whitehall, Mont. He is an All-state selection at receiver and second-team all-conference selection at safety. The three-sport athlete is the son of Trent and Joy Smith and plans on majoring in biology at Montana Western. Camren Spencer DL 6-0 245 Bozeman, Mont. / Bozeman HS Camren anchored the D-line on the Hawks 2019 state championship team. He was a part of three-straight state semi-final appearances. He is an all-state and all-conference selection lineman on both sides of the ball. He also placed at state in wrestling. He is the son of Cody and Danica Spencer and plans on majoring in ecology. Reese Stanish DB 5-11 200 Bozeman, Mont. / Bozeman HS Resse is a defensive back from Bozeman High School. In 20 games played he recorded 90 tackles and five interceptions. He is a two-time all-conference selection and was named to the all-state team in 2020. He also plays basketball, baseball and wrestling. He is the son of Josh and Moira Stanish and plans on majoring in physical education & Health K-12. Toby Veltkamp LB 5-11 170 Manhattan, Mont. / Manhattan Toby is a linebacker from Manhattan, Mont. He is a three-time all-conference selection and all-state in selection in 2020. He helped lead the Tigers to two straight state championship games claiming the title in 2020 The academic all-state student is the son of Amy and Phil Veltkamp and plans on majoring in business. Cole Warnaca QB 6-3 210 Leavenworth, Wash. / Cascade HS Cole is a quarterback from Leavenworth, Wash. He is third all-time for passing yards in school history without playing a senior season. He also holds the record for longest complete pass. He is a two-time team MVP in basketball and also played baseball. The Honor Roll student is the son of Rob and Kelly Coulter and plans on majoring in business. HIGHLIGHTS Nicholas Widhalm WR 6-0 150 Power, Mont. / Power HS Nicholas threw for over 1500 yards and 40 touchdowns while running for seven more. The team captain is a two time all-state and all-conference selection. He was also named all-state and all conference in track and basketball. The academic all-state selection and Honor Roll student is the son of Willie and Cristin Widhalm and plans on majoring in business administration. HIGHLIGHTS Austin Wilson ATH 5-10 175 Wolf Point, Mont. / Wolf Point HS Austin was selected as Wolf Point's MVP in 2020, rushing for 532 yards and scored five rushing touchdowns. Wilson caught seven passes for 52 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Wilson led the Wolves with 86 tackles. He accounted for three forced fumble, one fumble recovery and four tackles for loss, He earned all-conference honors on both sides of the ball as well as being named to the all-state team. He was named academic all-state in three sports. Austin is the son of Ryan and Jenny Wilson and plans on majoring in elementary education. HIGHLIGHTS

The Dillon City Council meeting started off with the approval of the minutes from previous councils meeting. Next up on the agenda was the waiver to make it legal to sell fireworks on New years eve. This was passed with all Yes and one No from Council Person Schwandt. This starts at the 12 min 30 sec mark. Next discussion of note was the new marijuana laws that are coming into effect the first of 2021. City Attorney Dolan mentioned that he took a moment to look at the citizens initiative, that includes a code to regulate the citizens health and welfare and suggested the zoning board may need to investigate it. On a positive note, Mr. Dolan reported that the Beaverhead Development Corporation received a check for $4750.00 to replace the sign on Swenson way that was damaged by a drunk driver. This and the Marijuana discussion can be seen at the 20 min mark of the video. 26 min 30 sec mark Chief Guiberson explains the police chase that went through town on Tuesday the 15th. This case will be handled by the Montana Highway Patrol. 32-minute mark Judge Minor gives the city court report. During the discussion one part that stood out among the City Council was the number of DUI’s that have been issued in Oct and Nov. at 21 total. She stressed if you are going to go out to use the community resources to get a ride home and do not drink and drive. 43 Minute mark the treasures report during this report Mayor Klakken discusses why the 2190 is at a negative balance and when taxes come in it will go back to the positive. Council Person Kenworthy brought up a question with the way things have been going are they banking on tax money collected that may or may not come in do to the current economic situations. The mayor explained that he was hoping to get more money through the Cares Act. During this discussion Council Person O’Rourke stated that most businesses in Beaverhead County are essential businesses and have not been affected. Mayor Klakken brought up that most major employers in Beaverhead County are government agencies that get money from taxes and use this as a budget. Council person Hand brought up the fact that one major industry is tourism and that has been greatly affected by the pandemic. 57-minute mark the discussion of providing the police department and officers city provided cell phones. As of now our police officers use their personal cell phones for work purposes. The problem with this is if they use a phone during a case or investigation those records can be requested for the investigation. This means any calls texts history and use of their personal phone will be turned over to the attorneys in the case. Council person O’Rourke asked if this was in the budget. "This was not in the budget and they are looking at using CARES ACT funding to purchase these phones." Stated Mayor Klakken. The long-term problem with this would be after CARES ACT money runs out, they would have to budget for this cost in the future. The chief stated that Verizon has offered to provide the first batch of phones for free then unlimited calling, text, and data at $39.99 per month. One of the main concerns would be the coverage of damaged phones in the future. Chief Guiberson brought up how he hates to spend money but the police department is working with very outdated equipment and they need to catch up technology that could aid them in the way they do their jobs. The meeting flowed smoothly after this with two council people asking if it is ok for them to leave the state for more than 10 days, both where approved unanimously. The vote on allowing the Mayor to leave the health board was brought up and they had a brief discussion on this. All this can be viewed on the video below.

Press Release from Chief of Police Donny Guiberson: On December 15, 2020 at approximately 3:50 PM a Montana Highway Patrolman attempted to initiate a traffic stop in Dillon. The out of state resident driver refused to stop and alluded the officer through Dillon at a high rate of speed. A Beaverhead County Deputy observed the chase and attempted to block the suspect vehicle. The suspect hit the counties patrol vehicle and continued refusing to stop. The Dillon Police Department, Beaverhead County Sheriffs Department, and the Highway Patrol continued the high speed pursuit until the vehicle was disabled 40 miles north of Dillon on I 15. Luckily, no injuries occurred and the suspect is in the custody of Highway Patrol.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many Montanans stress, burnout, and anxiety. While many COVID precautions emphasize physical health protection, there is a marked increase in many people feeling overwhelmed. “It’s just as important to protect your mental health,” according to Beaverhead County Mental Health Local Advisory Council chairperson, Heidi Peterson. There are a number of different coping resources available, she said. “Sometimes you need help to deal with feelings of isolation, loss, fear, uncertainty, depression, and anxiety. We want to be sure folks are aware of what’s available during this ongoing period of uncertainty.” Area residents, struggling with the pandemic’s broad impact, can call the Montana Crisis Recovery hotline at 1-877-503-0833. It provides free and confidential counseling services from trained crisis counselors from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. This new service is meant to help health care workers, school officials, farmers, ranchers, veterans, and all area residents struggling with the impact of the ongoing pandemic. The Montana Warm Line provides non-emergency mental health support. It offers anonymity, which can greatly ease any fear of stigma associated with seeking help. The Warm Line (1-877-688-3377) is a non-crisis peer support line. There is also an informational website ( http://www.montanawarmline.org ), weekly Open Chat line, call-in support groups and call-in FYI sessions. The Crisis Text Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by texting MT to 741 741. The Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-273-TALK (8255). Thrive by Waypoint Health, an online cognitive behavioral therapy for those actively working to manage anxiety and stress, is available at https://thriveformontana.com/ .

Beaverhead County Health Public Health deeply regrets to report that a woman in her 80s died from COVID-19 on December 11 th after being hospitalized in a Beaverhead County facility. Public Health is saddened by the loss of several community members in the last few weeks due to COVID-19 and our hearts and prayers go out to all of the family and friends of these individuals. Public Health continues to strongly emphasize the importance of doing everything you can to help decrease the spread of COVID infection in our communities. Reconsider any gatherings over 10 people. The risk of spread increases as the number of people in a group increase. Celebrate the Holidays and enjoy the season, but please be extra vigilant through mask-wearing, social distancing, reduced group size, and frequent hand-washing.

Managing Montana’s population of grizzly bears is front and center for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks as the agency looks to build on the momentum generated from the findings and recommendations of Gov. Steve Bullock’s Grizzly Bear Advisory Council. The GBAC’s recommendations and findings were delivered to Gov. Bullock, FWP leadership, and the interim legislative Environmental Quality Council in September. These findings and recommendations focus on grizzly bear distribution, conflict prevention and reduction, public outreach and education, and the importance of continuing the public dialogue on grizzly bear management across a wide swath of Montanans. “The Council’s report really helps inform how to approach managing grizzly bears across their habitat in Montana,” said FWP director Martha Williams. Developing a statewide grizzly bear management plan builds not only on work from the Council, including the vast amount of public input it received, but also on existing conservation strategies and a recently completely public survey done in partnership with the University of Montana. “We’ve got a tremendous amount of information and public input about grizzly bears in Montana,” Williams said. “We’re better positioned now than ever before to tackle a statewide grizzly bear plan. However, we know continued public outreach and involvement will be critical to our planning efforts moving forward.” The Council’s recommendations and the public survey results make clear that the long-term viability of grizzly bears in Montana is important to citizens. Managing these bears in a way that recognizes and respects various values present across the landscape is also important. Grizzly bears in the lower 48 are listed as threatened on the endangered species list. Montana is home to part or all of four recovery zones, delineated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. However, grizzly bear numbers in many areas are expanding and they’re moving into areas they haven’t occupied in decades. These areas are more populated by people and create more challenges and need for bear management and living with the animals as incidents of conflict increase. Both the Council’s findings and the survey results point to an interest in managing bears within these areas, which are clearly outside of the delineated recovery zones. “There’s no doubt that figuring out how to craft a grizzly bear management plan that adequately addresses the challenges we are facing will be a tall order,” Williams said. The Council’s work has really provided us a boost in the effort. Now we will build on their strong work in developing a plan.” To see the Council’s complete recommendations, please click here . To read the announcement on the public survey FWP completed with the University of Montana, please click here .

It’s time for landowners with CRP to enroll in the state-sponsored Open Fields for Game Bird Hunters, a voluntary incentive program designed to benefit landowners while also providing habitat for upland game birds and giving bird hunters more places to hunt. The program is for all landowners who have land enrolled in the federal Conservation Reserve Program. Open Fields is offered through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program and is available to private landowners with existing CRP with at least two years remaining on the contract. Landowners applying for enrollment in the 2021 general CRP sign-up are encouraged to apply for Open Fields. Up to 320 CRP acres per landowner may be enrolled. In cases where landowners have CRP on different properties separated by more than a quarter mile, they may be able enroll up to 320 acres of CRP on each property. Participants receive a one-time payment based on $5 per CRP-acre each year the CRP is enrolled in the federal program. In addition to rental payments, landowners may also qualify for financial incentives to conduct specific mid-contract management activities, such as light disking, with prior approval through the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Landowners who elect to participate in Open Fields and conduct those specified mid-contract management activities on up to 320 CRP acres may receive an additional one-year bonus of $20 per acre, up to 320 acres. All enrollments must be on private land that is legally accessible. Landowners must agree to allow free walk-in game bird hunting without further permission. Open Fields leases allow for haying or grazing once in five years when pre-approved by the USDA Farm Services Agency. Enrolled lands will be clearly signed to allow for walk-in game bird hunting. Because this program is intended to expand areas open to the public for game bird hunting, lands that are already enrolled in FWP's Block Management Program or the Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program do not qualify. Landowners already enrolled in those programs are encouraged to contact FWP for other CRP-related habitat improvement and incentive options, including Habitat Management Leases and CRP Seed Cost-shares. Applications for enrollment in Open Fields for Game Bird Hunters may be submitted through April 16, 2021. For more information and an application, visit FWP online at fwp.mt.gov ; and then click " Open Fields Application ."

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on open water fishing contests proposed for the 2021 season. Participants must comply with state fishing regulations, including daily and possession limits. Applications for fishing contests may be approved, approved with conditions or denied by the FWP Fisheries Division in Helena. Conditions placed on contests may help to minimize fish mortality, regulate harvest, reduce user conflicts and/or require additional access site maintenance when needed. Information on the proposed fishing contests can be found on the FWP fishing contest webpage,  http://fwp.mt.gov/fishing/whereToFish/contests/ , or by calling 406-444-2449. All comments must be received on or before Jan. 9, 2021. Comments may be mailed to FWP Fisheries Division, Attn: Fishing Contests, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701, or emailed to  fwpfsh@mt.gov .

Montana Western Student Counseling Services wants to remind you that there are counseling services and mental health resources available during the winter break. We understand this can be an isolating and stressful time, and we invite you to please reach out if you need to talk to someone. Below you will find information on our Student Counseling Services and a new statewide Crisis Counseling Hotline currently available to all faculty, students, and staff. Student Counseling Services (both in person and online): Student Counseling Services consist of two-master’s level, fully licensed, clinical mental health counselors, Jerry Girard and Heidi Peterson. Heidi and Jerry offer both in-office and remote eCounseling services to both on campus and distance learning students. Student Counseling Services is located in the Dean of Students Center at 528 Poindexter Street, across from the Student Union Building. They are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., year-round. To schedule an appointment: Call Student Affairs Associate Cecelia Kuskie at (406) 683-7388, or email cecelia.kuskie@umwestern.edu Call Counselor Jerry Girard at (406) 683-7181, or email jerry.girard@umwestern.edu Call Counselor Heidi Peterson at (406) 683-7180, or email heidi.peterson@umwestern.edu You may ask to meet with Jerry or Heidi specifically, and emergencies will be seen upon walk-in. For an after-hours emergency, please call 911 or go to the Barrett Hospital emergency room located at 600 State Hwy 91 S., Dillon, Mont. All counseling sessions follow the campus COVID-19 safety protocols. New Crisis Counseling Hotline: In addition to Student Counseling Services, all students, faculty, and staff in need of crisis counseling can call 1-877-503-0833 to receive free and confidential counseling services from trained crisis counselors Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. through the state-wide Crisis Counseling Hotline. Other mental health resources that are available include: Montana Crisis Text Line: available 24/7 by texting MT to 741 741 Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline: available 24/7 at 800-273-TALK (8255) Montana Warmline: available Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday noon to 9 p.m. at 877-688-3377 Thrive by Waypoint Health: an online cognitive behavioral therapy for those actively working to manage anxiety and stress, is available at https://thriveformontana.com/. For more information about Montana Western Student Counseling Services, please visit the UMW website. Click here for more information about the Crisis Counseling Hotline.

Functionality to remain the same Hunters, recreators, and anglers who purchase licenses online will notice a new look to the sales system starting on Dec. 9. This change is targeted at improving customer experience with the current licensing website by making it more intuitive. The coming changes include a new look for online customers and several options for printing carcass tags: a one-time link to print at home, an option to have FWP licensing staff print and mail the carcass tag, and carcass tags will be mailed out automatically if the one-time link is not redeemed within five days. The updates also include more thorough instructions on how to purchase a license online. FWP staff are continuing work toward launching ExploreMT in 2022. This will be an entirely new automated licensing system. The changes customers will see Dec. 9 will help the current system operate more efficiently. Additionally, FWP is modernizing their current website, which is slated to go live later this month. For more information on the upcoming changes to the online licensing system, please contact FWP’s licensing office at 406-444-2950.

A small plane crashed at the Dillon Airport early in the morning. This is a breaking story, and we will have more information as it becomes available, as it appears now a small single engine plane crashed in the field at the end of the long runway. We will update this story as more information becomes available. (Update 01:36 P.M. on 12/08/2020) On December 8, 2020, at approximately 9:02 am. A single engine Cessna was attempting a landing at the Dillon Airport. The pilot aborted the landing and was attempting a fly around when he crashed approximately 200 yards east of the runway. The pilot was the only occupant of the plane. Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office, Dillon Police Department, Beaverhead Ambulance and Beaverhead Fire Department responded to the scene. Personnel from Dillon Flying Service and other individuals were on scene and assisting the pilot that was transported to Barrett Hospital for treatment. His condition is unknown and the investigation into the crash will be conducted by the FAA. (PILOT WAS FROM OUT OF THE AREA)

CDC currently recommends a quarantine period of fourteen days, however two new options to shorten quarantine are now acceptable alternatives. CDC made it official on December 2nd. Quarantines are determined to start after last exposure to a positive COVID case. OPTION 1: Quarantine can end after Day 10 without testing and if no symptoms have been reported during daily monitoring. Transmission risk with this option is estimated to be about 1-10%. OPTION 2: Quarantine can end after Day 7 if a specimen tests negative and if no symptoms were reported during daily monitoring. The test cannot be performed before day 5. The person must remain in quarantine until they receive a negative test result. Remember this could take up to 5 days. Transmission risk with this option is 5-12%. Persons can discontinue quarantine at these time points only if the following criteria are also met: 1. NO CLINCAL EVIDENCE OF COVID through daily symptom monitoring during the entire quarantine period. 2. DAILY symptom monitoring continues through day 14. People may also use the 14-day quarantine period as this maximally reduces risk of post-quarantine transmission risk. Quarantine is used to separate someone who might have been exposed to COVID and may develop illness away from other people and is intended to reduce the risk that infected persons might unknowingly transmit infection to others. It helps prevent the spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they have the virus. The recommendation for a 14-day quarantine was based on estimates of the upper bounds of the COVID incubation period. The importance of quarantine was evident when it was found that people could transmit the virus before symptoms developed and that 20-40% of infected people never develop symptoms but could transmit the virus. In reducing the number of quarantine days, it is our hope that there will be more compliance and decrease some of the financial and social burden to the community. We ask that cases please be honest with the contact tracers regarding naming their close contacts. Those people have the right to know that they were exposed so they can take the appropriate actions to reduce the spread to their families, co-workers, and the community. We ask that you review the full updated "OPTIONS TO REDUCE QUARNTINE FOR CONTACTS OF PERSONS WITH SARS-CoV-2INFECTION" on the CDC website. CDC.gov

The rules regulating recreation use on the Madison River will be official on Dec. 24, even though nearly all of the rules, as adopted by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission, won’t be implemented until 2022. The rules are a culmination of nearly three years of work among interest groups, the public, the Commission and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff. This effort involved many hours of public meetings, much public comment and significant collaboration between groups interested in seeing a plan put forth for recreation on the Montana’s most popular river. “This really is something that was wrought out of many hours of work by people both at FWP and citizens dedicated to seeing a collaborative process come to fruition,” said Fish and Wildlife Commission Chair Shane Colton. “It is a landmark step for the Madison River and for the people and businesses who depend on it for their livelihood and enjoyment.” The rules approved by the commission in November began, essentially, as two different rulemaking petitions to the commission earlier in the summer. One petition was from a group of sporting groups including the George Grant Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Skyline Sportsman Association and Anaconda Sportsman Club’s. The other petition was from the Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana. Though the petitions had some similarities, they conflicted in other areas which would have required the commission to craft a solution to resolve the differences. However, at the last minute, the petitioners got together and came forward with a compromise. The commission took more public comment at their November meeting and made a few more changes to the proposal before approving new rules. “The rules adopted represent what ultimately was a huge collaboration and is a result of not only interest groups and stakeholders coming to the table, but also some very detailed public comment,” said FWP fisheries division administrator Eileen Ryce. “There were many different issues at play in these petitions—including commercial versus noncommercial use, boat versus wade fishing, access site acquisition and maintenance—and what resulted was a true compromise where all parties gave a little and got a little. We hope the collaborative efforts to manage recreation on the river will continue with the soon-to-be formed work group.” The new rules The new rules for managing recreation on the Madison River include the following A cap on commercial use starting in 2022. The total number of guide trips per outfitter and guide will be capped at the number of trips reported in either 2019 or 2020, whichever number is higher. A rest and rotation system implemented in 2022. This means that guided trips will be prohibited between June 15 and Sept. 30 on Sundays between Lyons Bridge Fishing Access Site and the Palisades Day Use Area, and on Saturdays guided trips will be prohibited between Raynolds Bridge FAS and the Lyons Bridge FAS. This will be a trial effort and reviewed by the Fish and Wildlife Commission in 2023. Changes to the walk and wade sections on the river that will be implemented in 2022. Fishing from a boat will continue to be prohibited from the Ennis FAS to Ennis Lake and from Quake Lake to the Raynolds Bridge FAS The new rule will allow fishing from a boat on Saturdays and Sunday ONLY from June 15 to Sept. 30 from Raynolds Bridge FAS to Lyons Bridge FAS. The new rules also call for the appointment of a Madison River Work Group by the commission The work group will have diverse membership including but not limited to commercial and non-commercial users, Madison Valley business people not associated with outfitting, a member of both the Commission and the Bureau of Land Management and an at large member. The group may develop recommendations concerning the allocation of commercial use trips to outfitters, a process to permit new outfitters, rule language to address recreational use on the Madison River, including future proposals to change the rules relating to the walk/wade and rest/rotation rules, and consequences of permit violations. The rules do immediately call for mandatory reporting by all recreational users on the Madison River. The department is working to develop a way for this to happen. The information gained will help inform future decisions by the work group and Commission. The rules will be posted on the Montana Secretary of State website on Dec. 24.

With general big game season over in Montana, the primary surveillance effort for chronic wasting disease is complete, although results are still coming in. From July 1 through Dec. 3, testing has detected 134 positive cases so far. Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks employees have processed more than 7,000 samples. Since 2017, FWP has sampled 17,960 deer, elk and moose combined statewide, with 316 positives. This season, CWD-positive animals were newly detected in hunting districts 309, 314, 326, 320, and 622. The average testing turn-around time was seven days this year, as opposed to 19 days last year. Moose samples took significantly longer to test than deer and elk, both because samples had to be shipped to Colorado State University and because the test for moose is a bit different and is more labor and time intensive. “This year, with the COVID pandemic, we had more logistical challenges than normal, but overall the sampling went well,” said Ken McDonald, FWP wildlife division administrator. “We were able to get hunters their sample results quicker by utilizing the new testing capabilities of the Montana Department of Livestock’s diagnostic lab in Bozeman. We have really appreciated their help, as have hunters. We had some new areas with detections as well, which does reinforce the assumption that the disease is widespread across the state.” This season, FWP focused on three CWD surveillance areas – northwest Montana, southwest Montana and eastern Montana. A map of those areas can be found here . In southwest Montana, FWP is looking to both get more hunter-submitted samples from whitetail deer and reduce whitetail deer numbers. The department is asking the Fish and Wildlife Commission at their December 10 meeting to extend whitetail deer harvest opportunities in several hunting districts: 320—Those portions within the Jefferson River watershed. Portions within the Madison River watershed would be excluded. 322 324 325—Those portions within the Blacktail Deer Creek watershed and north of Clark Canyon Creek. Portions within the Beaverhead River watershed south of Clark Canyon Creek would be excluded. 326 329 330—Those portions within the Ruby River watershed. Portions within the Madison River watershed would be excluded. 331 340 During this season extension, both general deer and deer B licenses 003-00, 331-01, and 399-00 will remain valid in these hunting districts. Hunters will be encouraged to submit samples according to guidelines found here . The focus of further sampling in these hunting districts will allow for a broader understanding of CWD distribution in the area, reduce deer densities, particularly within river bottom areas, and provide a better understanding of disease prevalence. This year, FWP has collected about 335 samples from whitetail deer in HD 322, which is in the lower Ruby Valley near Sheridan. To date 78 of those were found positive for CWD. Background Hunters ca tap into an excellent resource about CWD in Montana on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov/CWD. Here hunters can access interactive maps, information on how or where to submit samples, and to check their test results. CWD is a 100 percent fatal disease that infects members of the deer family, including elk, moose, mule and white-tailed deer. CWD is not a virus, bacteria, or fungus. It is caused by infectious, mis-folded proteins, called prions, that spread throughout the animal and result in organ damage and eventual death. The disease is slow acting, degenerative, and always fatal. The name comes from the appearance of symptomatic animals, which get very skinny and sick-looking before they die. There is no vaccine or cure for CWD. There is no known transmission of CWD to humans. However, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that hunters harvesting a deer, elk, or moose from an area where CWD is known to be present have their animal tested for CWD prior to consuming the meat, and to not consume the meat if the animal tests positive. Some simple precautions should be taken when field dressing harvested animals: Wear rubber gloves and eye protection. Minimize the handling of brain and spinal tissues. Wash hands and instruments thoroughly after field dressing is completed. Instruments should be washed in a 40% bleach solution for 5 minutes. Avoid processing and consuming brain, spinal cord, eyes, spleen, tonsils and lymph nodes of harvested animals.

Beaverhead County Health Public Health deeply regrets to report that 2 more Beaverhead County residents died from COVID-19 on December 4, 2020. Both were men, one in his 80s and the other in his 90s. They were hospitalized in a Beaverhead County facility at the time of their deaths. Public Health emphasizes the importance of doing everything you can to help decrease the spread of COVID infection in our communities. Reconsider any gatherings over 10 people. The risk of spread increases as the number of people in a group increase. Celebrate the Holidays and enjoy the season, but please be extra vigilant through mask-wearing, social distancing, reduced group size, and frequent hand-washing.