The Beaverhead All-Stars played Billings this morning at 10 AM. Billings started off strong and Beaverhead was just not able to keep up with them. In the end the score was 11-2 Billings. Beaverhead came back this afternoon against Missoula Mt Jumbo. Beaverhead was able to win this game with a final score of 14 to 11. They will play Billings tomorrow at 10 AM. Both of todays games can be watched here

Alder Creek Current Size: 6,831 Acres Current Containment: 7% Location: 7 miles west of Wise River, MT Start Date: July 8, 2021 Cause: Unknown Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 312 Engines: 16 Hand crews: 6 Alder Creek Fire: Fire activity picked up Friday due to high winds and low humidity. Fire was active in the upper Alder Creek and Deno Creek drainages and crews will be working in those areas today. Today, crews are focused on improving containment lines and protecting structures. Today has the potential for increased fire activity due to the higher temperature and lower humidity. Increased smoke is expected to be visible today. Trail Creek Current Size: 26,539 Acres Current Containment: 0% Location: 20 miles west of Wisdom, MT Start Date: July 8, 2021 Cause: Lightning Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 147 Engines: 4 Hand Crews: 4 Trail Creek Fire: On Friday there was increased fire activity in several areas including Battle Mountain and Foothills Road area. Firefighters completed a shaded fuel break 300 feet wide along 5 miles of the Anderson Road. Crews are camped out and working along the Continental Divide to keep the fire on Montana side of state border. Firefighters are also in the community of Gibbonsville continuing to enhance structure protection. Christensen Current Size: 382 Acres Current Containment: 0% Location: 12 miles west of Wise River, MT Start Date: July 16, 2021 Cause: Unknown Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 7 Engines: 2 Hand Crews: Christensen Fire: Fire activity picked up on Friday expanding the fire size. The fire will continue to burn to the south and east backing towards Toomey drainage. There is potential for the fire to spot across Toomey creek. Firefighters are identifying control lines using old roads and natural features such as creeks and old fire scars. Engines assigned to fire will continue structure contingency planning for homes along Hwy. 43 corridor. WEATHER: Drier and warmer conditions are expected across southwest Montana today. Winds are expected to be terrain driven with a few gusts in the afternoon and evening. Minimum relative humidity values will dip to 10 percent or less. Westerly daytime winds will likely develop and may gust to around 15-20 mph in the afternoon. Precipitation is not likely through the weekend. Temp: Max 85 F; Humidity: 8-17% Wind: West 5-10 mph with gusts up to 15-20 mph in the afternoon. MAJOR CLOSURES: • Hwy 43 has been intermittently opened and closed depending on fire conditions. Please check the Montana DOT Road Report website: MDT.MT.gov/travinfomobile for current status. • Continental Divide Trail: Closed from Lemhi Pass north to Schultz Saddle (north of Chief Joseph Pass). • Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. North and South Van Houten, Miner Lakes, Twin Lakes and May Creek Campgrounds are closed. • Forest Closure orders are in effect for all three fires. Visit the Closure Section on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF and Salmon-Challis NF websites for specifics. STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Interagency fire management officials in southwestern Montana enacted Stage II fire restrictions at midnight, Friday, July 23, 2021. Up to date fire restriction information and a web-based map can be found at: https://www.mtfireinfo.org .

Downtown Dillon is hustling and bustling as Vendors have taken to the streets to showcase their goods. Many stores are also having the good old fashion Crazy Days sales from years past. You still have plenty of time to come down and enjoy one of the many offerings going on today. The Blowin Smoke BBQ cookoff is going on, The Bookstore has Brian D'Ambrosio, author of Montana Murders, tours of the Beaverhead County museum. The Territory Days Rodeo will kick off at 6 PM tonight and at 9 PM Macs last cast will have a street concert featuring Levi Blom. Sunday's festivities include: 9 AM & 1 PM professional Senior Rodeo Association rodeo events 10 AM Community worship service at Jaycee Park 11 AM Blowin Smoke BBQ cook off judging at Jaycee Park 12 PM Community picnic with old fashioned gamets at Jaycee Park 1 PM Awards ceremony and recognition of the founders at Jaycee Park

Size: 7,262 Percent Completion: 49% Cause: Lightning Resources Assigned: • Total personnel: 194 • Engines: 10 • Helicopters: 2 • Hand crews: 2 type 2 crews. CURRENT STATUS: A suppression module of ten firefighters accessed the Meridian Creek drainage by way of Forest Service Trail #8395 to spread out and lessen fuels where the fire is progressing. This will help to slow the fire's intensity and growth in the area. A helicopter assisted with bucket drops yesterday and will do so again today. Crews continue to systematically conduct isolated burn-out operations in block sections in this drainage. Crews will likely complete handline to the West Fork Madison River from Forest Service Trail #6410 today, connecting the section of line started southwest of Hoodoo Pass. This line will serve as the basis for future burnout operations to contain the fire on the western flank. Crews continue to monitor the fire's activity and "mop-up" residual heat along all flanks of the fire. Demobilization of excess resources will occur over the next few days; some resources are being reassigned to assist with other incidents in the region. WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Overnight relative humidity recovery in the 40% range will likely result in an earlier and longer burn period today. Wind speeds and relative humidity are both expected to be in the low teens today. Critically dry conditions are expected to persist through the weekend. Wind speeds will be less, but dry air remains. Thunderstorms are expected early next week. Abundant drift smoke from the Dixie Fire in California provided a shading effect for the Goose Fire yesterday, dampening fire activity. That smoke has drifted to the north; more radiant solar heat will be present today. Fuel moisture values are still unseasonably low, which may lead to burning in fuels (like sage, grass and younger lodgepole pine) that were unavailable to burn earlier in the week. The fire is expected to grow in the drainage along Two Drink Springs; however, it will likely not move up the ridge in the next few days due to an avalanche chute in the area. Heavy fuels will continue to smolder, with crown runs unlikely. Spotting distance of less than 1/4 mile is predicted. The duff layers and stump holes will continue to hold heat, requiring extensive mop-up. CLOSURES: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest official closure information can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices. The Forest will monitor and re-evaluate the closure area, shrinking the boundary as conditions become safe to do so. Fire-weakened trees are susceptible to winds and pose a threat to firefighters and the public. STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. All campfires and stove fires (including charcoal barbecues and grills) will be prohibited. These restrictions also affect smoking and the use of various internal combustion engines.

The Beaverhead Little League pulled out a 6 to 2 win today over Mount Sentinel. The first couple innings went by with no scores, halfway through the game things started coming together for the Beaverhead crew. At the bottom of the 5th they were 5-0 with Sentinel being able to score two runs and Beaverhead one to finish the game with a win. You can watch the full game here .

A single vehicle wreck is causing traffic on Highway 41 just before the Beaverhead Rock historic turn out. This is a developing story and we will update it as or when information becomes available.

Alder Creek Current Size: 6,522 Acres Current Containment: 3% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 322 Engines: 16 Hand crews: 6 Alder Creek Fire: Today has the potential for increased fire activity due to the higher temperature and lower humidity. Increased smoke is expected to be visible today. Crews remain focused on improving containment lines and protecting structures. Trail Creek Current Size: 24,435 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 147 Engines: 4 Hand Crews: 4 Trail Creek Fire: The fire is holding on Montana side of state border. Firefighters will continue holding lines and working hotspots by improving existing fuel breaks along the western fire perimeter. A high area of focus is continued work creating a shaded fuel break along Anderson Road. Along the Continental Divide, crews are focusing suppression efforts to keep the fire out of the Salmon-Challis NF and protect the community of Gibbonsville. Firefighters will continue preparing Foothills Rd on the southeast fire perimeter. Christensen Current Size: 229 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: 1 Total personnel: 1 Engines: Hand Crews: Christensen Fire: Fire is backing into Toomey Creek drainage. No structures are threatened at this time. Firefighters are identifying control lines using old roads and natural features such as creeks and old fire scars. WEATHER: Red Flag warning to take effect today at 12:00 PM. Drier and warmer conditions expected across southwest Montana today. Winds are expected to shift to the western/northwestern direction and could gust to 25 mph. Hot, dry, and windy conditions are expected across southwest Montana with westerly wind gusting to 25 mph. Mostly sunny skies with smoke and haze around the area. Temp: Max 82-88 F; Humidity: 13-17% Wind: WNW 10-15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph in the afternoon. MAJOR CLOSURES: • Hwy 43 has been intermittently opened and closed depending on fire conditions. Please check the Montana DOT Road Report website: MDT.MT.gov/travinfomobile for current status. • Continental Divide Trail: Closed from Montana/Idaho border NW to Chief Joseph Pass and NE to Trail 3062. • Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. North and South Van Houten, Miner Lakes, Twin Lakes and May Creek Campgrounds are closed. • Forest Closure orders are in effect for all three fires. Visit the Closure Section on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF and Salmon-Challis NF websites for specifics. STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PUT IN PLACE 12:00 AM TONIGHT: Interagency fire management officials in southwestern Montana will enact Stage II fire restrictions effective midnight, Friday, July 23, 2021. Up to date fire restriction information and a web-based map can be found at https://www.mtfireinfo.org.

A Facebook Post from the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office letting residents know they will return to stage one in the area of south side of Hwy 43 from Alder Creek Road to MM62. You can see the full post below. Fire Update- 07/23/2021 The area located on the south side of Hwy 43 from Alder Creek Road to MM 62 is returning to STAGE ONE. This means residents will be able to return to their homes maintaining heightened awareness and knowing they may need to evacuate again if the situation changes. PLEASE NOTE: Homeowners from the highway into the Alder Creek community REMAIN in STAGE TWO. At this time, all other evacuations remain unchanged, and please know these areas are constantly being evaluated and updates will be released as soon as available. Keep informed. The success of this guideline requires the cooperation and assistance of informed residents. Stay tuned to the local media outlets for updates. Listen and ask questions when an emergency service representative contacts you.

Size: 7,262 Percent Completion: 48% Cause: Lightning Resources Assigned: • Total personnel: 252 • Engines: 18 • Helicopters: 2 • Hand crews: 1 type 2 initial attack crew and 2 type 2 crews. CURRENT STATUS: North of Otter Lake, crews conducted a small burn out operation to contain a section of concentrated heat. Crews will "mop-up" residual heat from the area today. Heavy machinery completed line construction today southwest of Hoodoo Pass and along Forest Service Trail 6410. The equipment will "walk out" of this section of the fire in the next couple of days. The remainder of the line into the West Fork Madison River will be completed by hand crews. These lines will serve as the basis for future burnout operations to contain the fire on the western flank. Crews are systematically conducting isolated burn-out operations in block sections within the Meridian Creek drainage. A helicopter has been assisting ground crews with bucket drops in this area where the fire has been active in heavy timber. Crews continue to "mop-up" residual heat along all flanks of the fire. WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: A RED FLAG WARNING is in effect today due to temperatures in the 80s with sunny conditions and relative humidity in the low teens. A drying trend begins today; low relative humidity readings are predicted to last several days. Overnight relative humidity recovery in the 40% range is expected , resulting in earlier and longer burn periods. Fuel moisture values are still unseasonably low, which may lead to burning in fuels (like sage, grass and younger lodgepole pine) that were unavailable to burn earlier in the week. With decreased cloud cover and higher temperatures, previously undetected pockets of heat will be exposed for crews to monitor and "mop-up." The fire is expected to grow in the drainage along Two Drink Springs; however, it will likely not move up the ridge in the next few days due to an avalanche chute in the area. Heavy fuels will continue to smolder, with crown runs unlikely. CLOSURES: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest official closure information can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices . The Forest will monitor and re-evaluate the closure area, shrinking the boundary as conditions become safe to do so. Fire-weakened trees are susceptible to winds and pose a threat to firefighters and the public. STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest will implement Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, effective at midnight tonight. All campfires and stove fires (including charcoal barbecues and grills) will be prohibited. These restrictions also affect smoking and the use of various internal combustion engines.

First Annual Territorial Rodeo Days in Dillon, MT. July 22nd – 25 th . Where the Legends meet the Rising Stars! Four days of rodeo including PSRA Sr. Pro Rodeos, Open Rodeos, Montana Junior Rough Stock Mini Broncs & Bulls and the Ramblin; Rose Drill Team Performances! The fun starts at 5 pm and the Rodeos at 6 pm. Sr. Pro all four days, Open Rodeo and Mini’s on Friday & Saturday. We will also feature the Ladies Triathlon… breakaway a calf, run the barrel pattern and tie a goat for ladies under 59, or strip the ribbon off the goat for 60 and over. And don’t miss the Buddy Barrel Race! One guy (or very brave gal) stands on a barrel in the middle of the arena… the “Buddy” runs in, picks them up and the fastest team across the finish line wins! Only in Dillon on Friday & Saturday night! And a “must see” is World’s First THE FLAMINGO RACE! Anyone can enter – no experience required! Enter to see if you have what it takes to be the World Champion Flamingo Racer! Anyone can enter the Open Rodeo, it’s Open to the World, no card needed, enter up. We will have some fun! You must be a card holder to enter the Senior Pro Rodeo. Sr. Pro contestants can enter the Open Rodeo but it will be chute drawn stock. PSRA contestants that draw up in the performance will have PSRA Stock. Now pay attention here – The PSRA Rodeos are qualifiers for the PSRA National Finals. You can get all five of the rodeos required to go to the Finals October 6 th – 9 th in Panguitch, Utah. Buy your card, rodeo in Dillon and go to the Finals! For more information and to enter, go to https://proseniorrodeoassoc.org/home . On Friday and Saturday night the Montana Junior Rough Stock Assn. will hold their State Finals right here at the Territorial Rodeo. The youngsters here will qualify for Junior Rough Stock World Finals 2021, December 1-6, in Las Vegas, Nevada. https://m.facebook.com/406Rodeo/?ref=bookmarks and https://juniorroughstockworld.com/ Dance, Dance, Dance on Saturday night after the rodeo as the Frontier Center is bringing in Sam Platts and the Plainsmen for a concert at the Frontier Center in downtown Dillon. This five-piece, honky tonk swing band is sure to get you out of your seats! https://www.samplatts.com/ In addition to the great Rodeo action there will be more attractions during the Dillon History Days; Mechanical Bull Riding Competition - Barbeque Cook Off - Dutch Oven Cook Off - Old Fashioned Baseball - Horseshoe Tournament - Cowboy Poetry - Tours of historic buildings and houses will be conducted throughout the area. For tickets contact: Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture at 406-683-5511, info@beaverheadchamber.org. Or Claudia Terrill at 406-660-1973, claudia@406red.com

The University of Montana Western was recently ranked as one of the "Best Affordable Early Childhood Education Programs" in the nation by Universityhq.org. University Headquarters is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that offers an all-in-one source for information on colleges, entrance requirements and career paths. According to Univeristy HQ, “An early childhood education degree becomes affordable when the graduate is able to start a career in their chosen field and not spend too long under the burden of their college debt. In the case of ECE, graduates are sure to find an expanding array of opportunities in our current climate.” When seeking an affordable early childhood education college degree, there are more factors in play than just cost. Other factors can include the overall reputation and quality of education, whether the classes are online or in classrooms, and the academic focus of the program. When making this rankings list, University HQ considered retention rate, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, graduating salary, and cost of tuition. The University of Montana Western ranked 56th on the national list and was the only Montana university to be featured. UMW offers in-state tuition of $5,747 and an out-of-state tuition of $17,209, with tuition discount opportunities for Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) students. To view the full list, visit universityhq.org . The fields of academic study at Montana Western include Biology, Business and Technology, Environmental Sciences, Education, English, Equine Studies, Health and Human Performance, Fine Arts, Mathematics, and History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences. Students at the University of Montana Western enjoy a tight-knit community atmosphere and small class sizes where they work closely with peers and professors alike. Montana Western focuses on serving students, achieving academic excellence, and promoting experiential education. The 20-acre campus is an excellent choice for students to take advantage of the immersive learning opportunities offered by the Experience One program, where they can build on critical and creative thinking skills to prepare for real-world job and graduate school opportunities. For more information about Experience One and the University of Montana Western, or to schedule a visit, call 877-683-7331 or visit www.umwestern.edu .

Size: 946 Acres Incident Commander: Type 3 Team Planned Actions Prep the road from the Selway Creek drainage to the north. Scout for containment opportunities between Selway Creek and Skinner Meadows on the north end of the fire. Projected Incident Activity 12 hours: Moderate fire growth due to fire area precipitation; 24 hours: Minimal fire growth due to recent precipitation, 48 hours: May see fire growth to the north and east due to predicted strong winds. 72 hours: Continued fire growth to the north & east, potential for spotting as fuels dry out. Remarks Recent precipitation has slowed fire growth and lessened fire activity. Weather Concerns: Isolated showers and thunderstorms are likely over the fire area through Thursday 7/22. Fuels will then begin to dry out as clear skies and hot temperatures return.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021 COMMISSIONERS’ ROOM – COURTHOUSE DILLON, MT AGENDA **AS OF 12:00 A.M. SATURDAY, JULY 24, 2021 BEAVERHEAD COUNTY IS UNDER STAGE TWO FIRE RESTRICTIONS**

Beaverhead County is entering stage 2 fire restrictions on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 12 AM. Stage 2 restrictions are as follows: Stage II: No Fires ANYWHERE , This, includes no recreational campfires in your yards, no smoking unless within an enclosed vehicle, building, developed recreation site, or area 3 feet in diameter cleared of all flammable materials, no operating any internal combustion engine prohibited from 1 PM to 1 AM daily, no welding of operating acetylene or other torch with open flame prohibited from 1 PM to 1 AM daily, no operating motorized off designated roads and trails prohibited. *Land within city boundaries is exempt **a patrol is required for 2 hours following cessation of all activities as identified above. VIOLATIONS: You could be fined up to $5,000 individually or $10,000 for an organization and imprisonment up to 6 months for violating restrictions and closures. You can be held liable for all suppression and damages if you start a fire. STAGE II The following acts are prohibited until further notice: 1. Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire. 2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 3. The following acts are prohibited from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.: a. Operating any internal combustion engine. b. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame. c. Using an explosive. A one-hour foot patrol in the work area is required following cessation of all activities as identified in #3 above. 4. Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails. Exemptions: Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act. Persons using a device fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device. Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the generator. Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails. Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads as per attached conditions. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty. All land within a city boundary is exempted. Other exemptions unique to each agency/tribe. Violations: You could be fined up to $5,000 individually or $10,000 for an organization and imprisonment up to 6 months for violating restrictions and closures. You can be held liable for all suppression costs and damages if you start a fire.

Alder Creek Current Size: 6,298 Acres Current Containment : 3% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 303 Engines: 16 Hand crews: 6 Alder Creek Fire: The fire continued slow growth yesterday toward Hwy 43 and the Pioneer Scenic Byway corridors. Crews remain focused on stopping the main fire by using tactical fire to remove burnable fuels, but rain has slowed firing operations. Crews will continue to improve containment lines and protect structures today in preparation of dryer and warmer conditions arriving tomorrow. Trail Creek Current Size: 24,143 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 147 Engines: 4 Hand Crews: 4 Trail Creek Fire: The fire continued to push slowly east along the Hwy 43 corridor. Strategic firing at the Big Hole National Battlefield protected adjacent private structures and the Visitor Center. Firefighters will continue holding lines and working hotspots. South of Hwy 43, the plan is to hold the fire on Butler Creek where it intersects with Foothills Rd. Along the Continental Divide, crews are focusing suppression efforts to keep the fire out of the Salmon-Challis NF and protect the community of Gibbonsville, by improving existing fuel breaks along the western fire perimeter. Christensen Current Size: 214 Acres Current Containment: 0% Resources Assigned: 1 Total personnel: 1 Christensen Fire: Fire is backing into Toomey Creek drainage. No structures are threatened at this time. Firefighters are identifying control lines using old roads and natural features such as creeks and old fire scars. WEATHER: Isolated thunderstorms are possible today - mainly south and east of the Alder Creek fire. A drying trend begins later today with breezy westerly winds behind a cold front. This could lead to a brief period of critical fire weather conditions. Drier and breezy conditions are expected Friday with no chance of precipitation. A Fire Watch has been issued for Friday starting at noon. Temp: Max 80F; Humidity: 20-25% Wind: WNW 10-20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph in the afternoon. MAJOR CLOSURES: • Hwy 43 has been intermittently opened and closed depending on fire conditions. Please check the Montana DOT Road Report website: MDT.MT.gov/travinfomobile for current status. • Continental Divide Trail: Closed from Montana/Idaho border NW to Chief Joseph Pass and NE to Trail 3062. • Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. North and South Van Houten, Miner Lakes, Twin Lakes and May Creek Campgrounds are closed. • Forest Closure orders are in effect for all three fires. Visit the Closure Section on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF and Salmon-Challis NF websites for specifics. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest issued a revised closure order on July 19, 2021, to include additional campgrounds, trails, and recreation areas. Please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ for more details.

Size: 7,262 Percent Completion: 42% Cause: Lightning Resources Assigned: • Total personnel: 267 • Engines: 18 • Helicopters: 2 • Hand crews: 1 type 1 hot shot crews, 1 type 2 initial attack crew and 2 type 2 crews. CURRENT STATUS: North of Otter Lake, crews will prep line and conduct a small burn out operation (if fuels and weather conditions are right) along the rim to contain a section of concentrated heat. Heavy machinery plans to complete line construction today southwest of Hoodoo Pass and along Forest Service Trail 6410, northbound. The remainder of the line into the West Fork Madison River will be completed by hand crews. These lines will serve as the basis for future burnout operations to contain the fire on the western flank. Crews continue to "mop-up" residual heat along the north, east and south sides of the fire. Crews are systematically conducting isolated burn-out operations in block sections within the Meridian Creek drainage. A helicopter will assist ground crews with bucket drops in this area, where the fire has been active in heavy timber. WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: The fire received 0.2 inches of precipitation yesterday afternoon. Weather stations tracking additional amounts overnight were down for unknown reasons. A cold front will approach the fire area today, bringing stronger winds and afternoon thunderstorms. Erratic wind gusts could reach up to 50 mph. A Fire Weather Watch will be in effect tomorrow. Drier air will move in behind this front, with higher temperatures and relative humidity in the low teens. Although the fire received measurable precipitation last night, fuel moisture values are still unseasonably low. Minimal fire activity is expected today, with a burn period of 2-3 hours. Most activity will occur around noon with some torching in the heavy timber. With sunny skies and lower relative humidity starting Friday, grass and sage fuels may become more available to burn. Heavy fuels will continue to smolder, with isolated torching and short crown runs possible. CLOSURES: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest official closure information can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices. The Forest will monitor and re-evaluate the closure area, shrinking the boundary as conditions become safe to do so. Fire-weakened trees are susceptible to winds and pose a threat to firefighters and the public. STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is currently in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. These fire restrictions will tighten on Saturday morning, as the Forest implements Stage 2. All campfires and stove fires (including charcoal barbecues and grills) will be prohibited. These restrictions also affect smoking and the use of internal combustion engines.

The weekend is upon us and well there are a lot of things happening around Southwestern Montana. History days, rodeos, art walks, and concerts. There is a little something for everyone, enjoy your weekend. Thursday, July 22 1st Annual Dillon Territorial Rodeo Four days of rodeo including PSRA Sr. Pro Rodeos, Open Rodeos, Montana Junior Rough Stock Mini Broncs & Bulls and the Ramblin' Rose Drill Team Performances! The fun starts at 5 pm and the Rodeos at 6 pm. Sr. Pro all four days, Open Rodeo and Mini’s on Friday & Saturday. KITCHEN CLEANUP Volunteers are needed from 2pm-5pm to clean the kitchen at the Dillon Elks Lodge. Dinner will be provided for the kitchen cleanup crew after 5 p.m. Please contact the Lodge at 683-5552 to sign up. Thanks Sheridan Street Bazaar The Sheridan Street Bazaar is held every Thursday in the summer, in fabulous small town-downtown Sheridan, Montana. The Street Bazaar celebrates in conjunction with the Ruby Valley Brew's Cruise-in events. Boasting genuine Montanan summer fun! Vending Music on Main - Butte We will be hanging out every Thursday at the 5518 booth one block up from the store on main Street. Come get our custom Long Live the M&M design, (100% of proceeds going to M&M rebuild effort) new releases and other goodies while listening to some great music with your buddies. See you there Butte! Friday, July 23 Dillon History Days 2nd Annual Dillon History Days "The Changing West" 1900 to 1930 July 23-25, 2021 You are invited to be apart of this fun community event! If your business or group would like to organize and run an event during any or all of the three days, let us know what and when so we can help promote your activity. We are also accepting donated items for door prizes and raffles. Cash donations help cover expenses are appreciated as well. Please make check payable to the City of Dillon, memo line DHD. Sidewalk Sales Craft/Vendors Silent Movie Book Signing Teddy Bear Picnic Live Music Car Show BBQ Cook-Off Community Worship Service Hosted by City Of Dillon Community Affairs Committee Teddy Bear Picnic A Teddy Bear Picnic, hosted by Marie Habener, with help from the Girl Scouts will be held in conjunction with Dillon's 2nd annual History Days. This will be a fun event. The first Teddy Bear was created in the early 1900's and named for President Theodore Roosevelt. There will be stories and light Teddy Bear themed refreshments. This program is sponsored by The Bookstore. Beaverhead Little League State Championships. First game is Friday at 3:30 PM come down to vigilante park and cheer on the Little League Team as they compete to take home the state championships. We will Livestream Fridays game. Down Town Dillon Art Walk starts at 5 PM list of businesses are as follows: Birkenbuel Brands Emporium 406 Southwest Montana News The Andrus Hotel Tendoy Fine Arts The Bookstore Rattlesnake Creek Alpacas High Country Glass The Daily Yarn Britt's Bake Shop Atomic 79 3D Pioneer Furniture Susie's Sweetwater Coffee The Gallery (NEEDS ARTIST) Wildwood Floral VIRGINIA CITY ART SHOW AND QUICK DRAW Welcome to the 45th Annual Virgiinia City Art Show and Quick Draw Event! Stroll along the boardwalks and enjoy fine art of artists from all over Montana and the Pacific Northwest. Artists will be on the boardwalk and in the Community Center Building on the corner of Idaho & Van Buren Streets on Friday from 10am-6pm, Saturday from 10am-7pm, Sunday from 10am-4pm. If you're an artist who is interested in being in the art show, please submit photos of your work to vcartshow@gmail.com. This is a juried show. You may download the 2021 application from the website and mail in with your check - you may also send an email with a link to your website for the jurors to review. Quick Draw event will be happening again this year, Saturday, July 24th at 7pm Elk's Lodge. Start Time - 10:00 AM End Time - 6:00 AM 2021 TBCA Floating Floatilla starts at 5 PM TBCA and sponsors are back with our fun filled weekend! 1st Annual Dillon Territorial Rodeo Four days of rodeo including PSRA Sr. Pro Rodeos, Open Rodeos, Montana Junior Rough Stock Mini Broncs & Bulls and the Ramblin' Rose Drill Team Performances! The fun starts at 5 pm and the Rodeos at 6 pm. Sr. Pro all four days, Open Rodeo and Mini’s on Friday & Saturday. Dalton Lemburg Live @ The Den 6 PM Enjoy music on the Patio at the Den with Dalton Lemburg! Dusk at disco! Come down for some music!! Sam Platts and the Plainsmen. Forager's Dilemma This talk will cover plant identification techniques to help beginners and experts alike to distinguish between different plant species. We will discuss habitat and foraging ethics. Whether it’s foraging with a gun or a basket, we will cover meat, vegetables, fruits and berries as well as mushroom foraging. Wild edible plants can be a get way to augment your dietary intake with free range organic delicacy. Some of these treats are not found in most grocery stores, and the ones that can be are often healthier than store bought varieties. This is the ninth presentation in Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park’s annual Friday Summer Speakers Series, which introduces a new speaker each Friday at 8 p.m. throughout the summer. About the speaker: Sam Zeller was born in Helena Montana and went to the University of Montana for parks, tourism and recreation management. He is a tour guide at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. Sam enjoys exploring and eating his way through our plants beautiful habitats. Levi Blom In Concert L ive music in front of Macs Last Cast from 9 PM to Midnight. Saturday, July 24 Dillon History Days 2nd Annual Dillon History Days "The Changing West" 1900 to 1930 July 23-25, 2021 You are invited to be apart of this fun community event! If your business or group would like to organize and run an event during any or all of the three days, let us know what and when so we can help promote your activity. We are also accepting donated items for door prizes and raffles. Cash donations help cover expenses are appreciated as well. Please make check payable to the City of Dillon, memo line DHD. Sidewalk Sales Craft/Vendors Silent Movie Book Signing Teddy Bear Picnic Live Music Car Show BBQ Cook-Off Community Worship Service Hosted by City Of Dillon Community Affairs Committee Dillon History days car show Bring your vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles out and join us for a car show Saturday July 24th, registration starts at 10am in the Wells Fargo parking lot across the street from 20 N. Montana st. Contact Stacy at the city of Dillon 1-406-683-4245 or John at 1-406-683-3681 (these are day numbers) Montana Murders -- Brian D'Ambrosio Book Signing 11 AM Author's Brian D'Ambrosio and Steve Morehouse will be featured at the Bookstore during Dillon's 2nd Annual History days. Brian will be signing copies of his books, Montana Murders, Warrior in the Ring, Montana Entertainers and Shot in Montana. Steve will be signing copies of his book, Images of America Beaverhead County. He will also be doing a Lewis and Clark living history presentation throughout the day. Dan Henry at The Bale of Hay Saloon Dan Henry takes the stage at the Bale of Hay Saloon in Historic Virginia City, Montana July 24th from 4-8pm. Hit the open road and make your way to this small town with a whole lot of fun times and memories to offer. Eat some good food, stop at the candy store, then settle in at the Bale of Hay Saloon for a few ice cold beer and the live music of Dan Henry and his One Man Band Summer Street Party Starts at 5 PM Music - Food - Cornhole Tournament Come have some fun and enjoy the great weather with us!! STREET DANCE - DILLON HISTORY DAYS 7p.m. to Close Street Dance in front of the Elks Lodge to celebrate Dillon History Days. Territorial Open & Sr. Rodeo - Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night Four days of rodeo including PSRA Sr. Pro Rodeos, Open Rodeos, Montana Junior Rough Stock Mini Broncs & Bulls and the Ramblin' Rose Drill Team Performances! The fun starts at 5 pm and the Rodeos at 6 pm. Sr. Pro all four days, Open Rodeo, and Mini’s on Friday & Saturday. The Benny Reynolds Memorial Buckle will be presented to the High Point Cowgirl and Cowboy for the five Sr. Pro Rodeos. Participation in these five rodeos qualifies contestants for the PSRA National Finals in October! PSRA Entry Fees: $50.00 plus PSRA charge of $23.00. PSRA CARD REQUIRED prior to entry. Or you can enter three rodeo's on a permit of $25 per day. Contact Angela Bowden - PSRA Secretary for Membership Information. (208) 296-0985 PSRA Entries open July 6th & July 7th PSRA Central Entry: Jessica Miller phone 801-380-4565 Online entry link: https://forms.gle/jjzMScupBWMAaw5S7 Secretary: Lacie DeMers 406-490-7767 See Guidelines for late entries and membership requirements. Open Rodeo Entry Fees: $65.00 (30% Stock Charge) NO CARD REQUIRED. Entries will be on: July 6th & July 7th OPEN Central Entry: Call Lacie DeMers 406-490-7767 Call Backs: July 8th, 2021 4 PM - 8 PM Slack will be held at 11 am, if needed, on the 23rd and 24th. Jr Rough Stock Entries: Contact Lacie DeMers 406-490-7767 Flamingo Racers - Nightly prizes & Trophy Buckle to Overall Champion $30 entry fee. Call the Chamber to enter at 406-683-5511. ADDED MONEY 7/23 & 7/24 only. PSRA Bareback, Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc & Steer Wrestling - $100.00 each event plus $50.00 per each contestant (max $300/event). Open is $100.00 Added, No ground money. Tie Down (Open, 40-50, 50-60, 60+, 68+) $50.00 each division Team Roping (Open, 40-50, 50-60, 60+) $100.00 each division Ribbon Roping (40-50, 50-60, 60+) $100.00 per age group Ladies Barrels (Open, 40-50, 50-60, 60+, 68+) $50.00 each age group PSRA Ladies Breakaway $50.00 Open Ladies Breakaway $50.00 PSRA Mens Breakaway $50.00 Ladies Rodeo Triathlon $50 Buddy Barrel Pickup $50 Flamingo Race - Nightly prizes & Trophy Buckle to Overall Champion $30 entry fee. Call the Chamber to enter at 406-683-5511. Sunday, July 25 Josh Scott AZ @ The Bale of Hay Saloon Starts at 7 PM Country music by Josh Scott AZ Dillon History Days 2nd Annual Dillon History Days "The Changing West" 1900 to 1930 July 23-25, 2021 You are invited to be apart of this fun community event! If your business or group would like to organize and run an event during any or all of the three days, let us know what and when so we can help promote your activity. We are also accepting donated items for door prizes and raffles. Cash donations help cover expenses are appreciated as well. Please make check payable to the City of Dillon, memo line DHD. Sidewalk Sales Craft/Vendors Silent Movie Book Signing Teddy Bear Picnic Live Music Car Show BBQ Cook-Off Community Worship Service Hosted by City Of Dillon Community Affairs Committee

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced a new process for Montana employers to notify the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) if an unemployment insurance (UI) claimant fails to appear for a scheduled interview. “We’ve recently heard from employers across the state with a common complaint: candidates for open positions submit applications and schedule interviews, only to skip out on it,” Governor Gianforte said. “This new process established by Commissioner Esau will cut down on wasted time for Montana small businesses and ensure UI claimants are adhering to program rules.” Montana law requires UI claimants to make an active, good-faith effort to secure employment every week benefits are claimed. Scheduling an interview to complete a weekly work search requirement, but then failing to appear for that interview, may violate UI program rules. DLI Commissioner Laurie Esau added, “Some restaurants have said they scheduled half a dozen interviews or more on a given day, and had only a single applicant actually show up – if any at all. To be sure, there are plenty of legitimate reasons why an applicant misses an interview. Many of the individuals who skip out on an interview may not even be UI claimants at all. But if a UI claimant is scheduling an interview to complete his or her work search requirements, and then fails to make a good-faith effort to appear and obtain a job offer, that may impact his or her eligibility for UI benefits going forward.” Employers who submit information about declined or missed interviews may be contacted by fraud investigators for more information. However, the outcome of the audit will remain between the claimant and the department. UI claimants are encouraged to consult the Claimant Handbook to ensure they remain in compliance with work search requirements. If an individual is receiving UI benefits and then refuses an official offer of work, it may impact their ability to continue receiving benefits. In these cases, employers are encouraged to notify UI and complete the Refusal of Work Report form and return it to uieservices@mt.gov or log on to UI eServices for Employers and attach it to a secure web message.

Current Size: 946 Acres (Infrared flight on 7/20/21) Current Containment: 0% Location: 13 miles south of Jackson, MT Start Date: July 17, 2021 Cause: Lightning Resources Assigned: Total personnel: 33 Engines: 2 Hand crews: 1 Heavy equipment: 1 CURRENT STATUS : The fire increased by 81 acres since Sunday to a total of 946. Rain and cooler temperatures over the fire area on Monday and Tuesday slowed its growth. Fire activity consisted of smoking and smoldering in larger fuels. Warmer weather is expected to return later this week resulting in increased fire activity. PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR TODAY Heavy equipment (masticator) will begin removing smaller trees along the Selway Creek road to improve holding lines. Engine personnel and firefighters will begin removing trees along the Skinner Meadows road to improve holding lines.