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Last night the Jaycees hosted the 64th annual PRCA rodeo at the Harry Andrus Arena. Although scaled back this year do to COVID last nights performances did not disappoint. Rodeo standings as of Friday Night are as follows: Steer Wrestling Ty Erickson 4.0 Baylor Roche 4.1 Riley Butler 4.1 Jake Nelson 4.4 Bareback Clay Stone 86.00 Cooper Bennett 79.00 Jake Kesl 72.00 Colton Clemens 72.00 Team Roping Duncan/Fisher 5.3 Tsinigine/Lockett 5.5 Ullery/Edwards 5.7 Jones/Evans 11.8 Saddle Bronc Josh Davison 77.50 Austin Amick 70.00 Keenan Reinhardt 68.00 Tie Down Roping Ty Hedrick 8.9 Catfish Brown 9.5 Brady Boyce 10.0 Vance Ruff 13.4 Barrel Racing Ashley Castleberry 17.60 Mary Aller 17.81 Donna Toavs 18.15 Emmy Llgen 18.15 Bull Riding Preston Louis 84.5 Beau Nordahl 82.50 Hawk Whitt 81.00 Parker Breding 78.00 We will cover the final rodeo tonight at 5:30 pm and have the final results and pictures up tomorrow.

State Creek Fire September 6, 2020 Contact State Creek Fire Information: 406-356-6521 WHAT: Wildland Fire DATE OF DETECTION: August 29, 2020 CAUSE: Lightning CURRENT SIZE: 1000 acres CONTAINMENT: 0% LOCATION Approximately 16 miles NE of Whitehall, 2 miles NE of Whitetail Reservoir JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES OF THE FIRE: 1 Type 2 Crew from Oregon, 1 (10 person) Crew from the Kootenai National Forest, 1 (9 person) Smokejumper Module from West Yellowstone, 1 Water Tender, 1 Type 3 Engine from Jefferson County, 2 Forest Service Type 6 Engines and miscellaneous overhead totaling 70 personnel. NARRATIVE: The State Creek Fire was caused by lightning on August 25th and went undetected until Saturday, August 29th. This fire is located on the Butte Ranger District and currently is 1000 acres in an area difficult for firefighters to access due to rough terrain, numerous snags, and a significant amount of dead and down trees. YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: The fire was very active due to the high winds experienced yesterday. Burn out operations were conducted to consume unburned fuels keeping the fire within the indirect lines. Helicopters assisted with bucket drops but were grounded later in the day by high winds and low visibility Air attack dropped several loads of retardant. Firefighters from the State Creek Fire, Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF, Butte Silver Bow, and Jefferson County also assisted with 4 new fire starts during the day. TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: This morning will start with wide-spread haze becoming sunny with highs in the mid-80’s, northwest winds will be light and variable in the morning. Winds will again pick up in the afternoon with gusts as high as 23 mph. SPECIAL CONCERNS & CLOSURES: Public and firefighters safety is always the primary concern. Closure orders have been issued by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management closing the area, including roads and trails, near the fire. If fire activity increases today, closure orders may also change. Pleae check InciWeb for the current order if recreating in the area. Smoke is visible from Whitehall, Boulder, 1-90 and 1-15.

Governor Steve Bullock yesterday evening issued an executive order declaring a state of fire emergency due to extremely hazardous wildland fire conditions throughout Montana.   “Local, state, and federal partners, and the brave men and women on the front lines are working together to take on this fire season and we are prepared to use every resource available to protect Montana lives and property,” said Governor Bullock. “At the same time, I know that Montanans will continue to take this seriously and stay safe, stay informed, and continue to support our firefighters and our communities impacted by fires.” Many factors including above-average temperatures, unpredictable winds, and low humidity have resulted in extreme fire conditions. On Wednesday, seventeen new fires burned over 100,000 acres. Moderate to severe drought conditions continue to exist throughout most of the Central and Eastern portions of Montana. The hot and abnormally dry conditions are predicted to continue through the middle of September, and under current conditions, new wildland fire starts are likely throughout the state. This declaration allows Governor Bullock to mobilize additional state resources and the Montana National Guard to combat the fires to protect life, health, and property, and to expend funds to meet the contingencies and needs that may arise from them. The emergency order also suspends hours of service regulations for drivers of commercial vehicles while providing support to fire suppression activities and temporary fuel permits normally required for vehicles providing supplies to help support response to the emergency. Commercial motor vehicle carriers cannot require or allow fatigued drivers to operate a motor vehicle. Additionally, the emergency order suspends the brand inspection permit fee requirement and the brand inspection requirement prior to removal, as well as allows the Montana Department of Livestock to issue transportation permits by phone when necessary to cope with the emergency. In August, Governor Bullock doubled the state’s fire fund, reaching its statutory maximum of $101.5 million or enough to cover nearly five average wildfire seasons. State wildfire suppression costs as of August 30 are estimated to be at $4.5 million.

Today we had the Market Hog show and Showmanship, Breakaway Team Roping, Team Branding, and the Ranch Rodeo.

Sheep & Goats Hogs

Its Labor Day "Montana's Biggest Weekend" but COVID has struck again. The fair is empty, and it looks abandoned. But do not worry a few businesses are still carrying on the Labor Day tradition. We have found a few things to do this weekend. Friday Sept 4th Tai Chi (free classes) 9:30 AM – 10:20 AM Free Tai Chi classes continue. Please practice social distancing. 2020 Beaverhead County Fair 2020 Beaverhead County Fair Arena Events . Come join us for 5 days of arena action. Make sure to follow social distancing protocols. Mask mandate in effect. Please stay home if you feel sick or have a compromised immune system. Labor Day After Party starts at 5 pm Music every night! Cornhole Tournament every night! Labor Day weekend with Mac’s Last Cast and Levi Blom starts at 9 pm Music, dancing, drinks and great weather. WIld Horse Calcutta 8 PM – 12 AM It's that time of year again. We're going to do it outside this year. Come have a one of a kind good time! Steve Rose live at RVB 6 PM – 8 PM Steve Rose! This Friday night! 6-8pm! Saturday Sept 5th Garden Market 10 AM – 12 PM the Jeffers Garden Market is open again this Saturday.....see you there Duckworth POP-UP Store 10 AM – 6 PM Stop by Birkenbuel Brands 25 S. Idaho St. in Downtown Dillon, Montana during Montana's Biggest Weekend for Duckworth Pop-Up store. Duckworth is offer discounted prices on wool clothing. Stop by and grab some Montana grown wool and American made clothing. Muffalettas At The Brew 1 PM – 5 PM Muffalettas will be at Beaverhead Brewing Co. Labor day weekend sat/sun cookin up muffalettas! Live Music with Cole Snider Starts at 5 PM at The Den Levi Blom Live Labor Day Weekend 9 PM – 12:30 AM Join us for some great entertainment Labor Day Weekend on Montana street in front of Mac's Last Cast & Blacktail Station with Levi Blom! Bring your lawn chairs and please practice social distancing and masks are highly recommended. Golden Saturday 7 PM – 11 PM Come on down to the Golden Saturday and enjoy some live tunes on the patio! Stories From the Darkside: Tales of the Macabre & The Unusual 8 PM – 10 PM Join us Saturday, September 5th for the dark and creepy stories from Bannack's past! $25 per person Preregistration is required! To register, call Bannack State Park (406) 834-3413 These are not the Ghost Walk Tours Dillon Jaycees PRCA Rodeo Starts at 7:30 pm Harry Andrus Arena Sunday Sept 6th Duckworth POP-UP Store 10 AM – 6 PM Stop by Birkenbuel Brands 25 S. Idaho St. in Downtown Dillon, Montana during Montana's Biggest Weekend for Duckworth Pop-Up store. Duckworth is offer discounted prices on wool clothing. Stop by and grab some Montana grown wool and American made clothing. Dillon Jaycees PRCA Rodeo Starts at 7:30 pm Harry Andrus Arena Live Music Fast Foward with Shay Wacker music starts at 7:30 PM at The Den Levi Blom Live Labor Day Weekend 9 PM – 12:30 AM Join us for some great entertainment Labor Day Weekend on Montana street in front of Mac's Last Cast & Blacktail Station with Levi Blom! Bring your lawn chairs and please practice social distancing and masks are highly recommended. Labor Day - Sunday starts at 6 PM 6pm-close - Bar & Lounge open 7pm-midnight - DJ music by Adam Hooten *Free Pool* Correction: Mimosas are $3 Golden Sunday Matinee 4 PM – 7 PM Come enjoy a Sunday Matinee on the patio! Live 𝚂𝚝𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 Eli Young Band At (US) | Fullᴴᴰ 2020 7 PM – 10 PM Live Streamᴴᴰ : https://bit.ly/34Zva3F ----------------------------------------- Additional details : Date : Sunday 06 September 2020 Venue : Dillon Jaycee Rodeo, Dillon, MT, US, US ----------------------------------------- Don’t Miss Out!!! Save this event to your plans and we'll remind you when it's coming up! ATTENTION : For easy registration,please register now to keep from network busy or access full, before the performance begins Don't forget the parade will be Monday at 10 am. We will be in the parade and also, we will live stream it. If you plan on partying this weekend, please be safe and have a fun Labor Day Weekend.

Beaverhead County Fair saw the greatly scaled back version today, lacking the carnival exhibits and food booths. However they had the market beef and breeding beef shows, along with the Market goat show, market sheep show, and breeding sheep show (Congratulations to Grand Champion Senior sheep showman Cash Atkinson and Reserve Champion Senior sheep showman Katie Van Slyke!). Tonight at 7 pm was the Team Roping Jackpot. Although the fair is scaled back we still would like to give all the FFA and 4-H kids a huge shout out for all their hard work.

Results for the Market Beef Show and Showmanship are in. Beef Market Class 1 Walker Nygren, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1110 Cole Freitas, Purple Ribbon, Animal Weight 1115 Malcolm Peterson, Red Ribbon, Animal Weight 1145 William Ellis, Red Ribbon, Animal Weight 1190 Quirt Crafton, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1190 Class 2 Piper Gaasch, Purple Ribbon, Animal Weight 1220 Savanna Freitas, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1220 Jon Peterson, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1230 Dakota Abbey, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1250 Garrison FFA, Red Ribbon, Animal Weight 1250 Ryder Gaasch, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1270 Class 3 Zeke Ellis, Red Ribbon, Animal Weight 1280 Scarlett Garrison, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1280 Emily Matamoros, Purple Ribbon, Animal Weight 1295 Sarah Welborn, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1300 Kylie Konen, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1315 Tianna Wagenfehr, Purple Ribbon, Animal Weight 1315 Class 4 Kale Konen, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1325 Austin Schuett, Purple Ribbon, Animal Weight 1325 Gavin Garrison, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1340 Andrea Gonzalez, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1340 Zane Garrison, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1350 Halle Fitzgerald, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1355 Kalen Martinell, Purple Ribbon, Animal Weight 1355 Class 5 Aven Pflieger, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1365 Calahan Hoffman, Purple Ribbon, Animal Weight 1380 Tracy Pauley, Purple Ribbon, Animal Weight 1380 Rowdy Mattison, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1390 Molly Crafton, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1400 Kaden Kiewatt, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1430 Tyrell Probst, Purple Ribbon, Animal Weight 1435 Class 6 Chelsey Kiewatt, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1465 Hunter Turk, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1470 Taryn Martinell, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1480 Tucker Sitz, Blue Ribbon, Animal Weight 1515 Kaz Schuett, Purple Ribbon & Grand Champion, Animal Weight 1520 Hunter Probst, Purple Ribbon and Reserve Champion, Animal Weight 1540

MONTANA – The Montana Department of Commerce announced Thursday that the eight tribal nations in Montana will receive a share of $160,000 to support small businesses through economic and business development organizations. Each tribal community will receive $20,000 to support the development of Native-owned small businesses through Commerce’s Native American Business Advisors (NABA) program. The program assists tribal entrepreneurs with resources to launch or grow a small business, application guidance for Indian Equity Fund small business grants, assistance in writing business plans and financial counseling. “Native American Small Business Advisors support new and growing private-sector businesses that are vital to the sustainable development of local economies across Montana,” Montana Department of Commerce Director Tara Rice said. “ These grants support Native-owned small businesses by providing technical assistance needed to sustain or launch local businesses.” Funds will be awarded to the following organizations: Bear Paw Development Corporation (Chippewa Cree Tribe) - $20,000 Nakoda-Aaniiih Credit Agency (Ft. Belknap Indian Community) - $20,000 Great Northern Development Corporation (Ft. Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes) - $20,000 NACDC Financial Services (Blackfeet Tribe) - $20,000 Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians (Little Shell Tribe) - $20,000 People’s Partners for Community Development (Northern Cheyenne) - $20,000 Plenty Doors Community Development Corporation (Crow Tribe) - $20,000 CSKT Tribal Economic Development Department (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes) - $20,000 “The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes appreciate our continued work with the Montana Department of Commerce Indian Country Economic Development Programs to assist tribal entrepreneurs in obtaining capital for their business start-ups and expansion,” Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Economic Development Planning Director Janet Camel said. “This program is a tremendous boost to our local business owners and we look forward to helping those businesses achieve success.” Learn more about the NABA program at INDIANCOUNTRY.MT.GOV .

The City Council Meeting for 09/02/2020 started off as always with the pledge of allegiance, followed up by the approval of minutes. During this time Council person Rich Wassall wanted to make comments on the previous minutes and have them separated into different sections. Motion was made for this and no second was made. Council Person Wassell brought up again the ADA compliance he is seeking for Zoom meeting, he then went on to say Council Person Graham made attacks directed toward him about ADA compliance. Mayor Klakken stated he wasn’t at the last meeting but that Council Person wanted it to say that Council Person Graham attacked Council Person Wassell over Zoom meeting requirements. This exchange can be seen at the beginning of the meeting. At the 7 min 45 second mark Council Person Wassell has another problem with the August 19th minutes stating they have numerous admissions of his time. Then he goes again into Council Person Graham having comments directed to him, he would like the records to show this. Mayor Klakken states the reason for this is they cannot understand what he is saying during the recording. Council Person Wassell then goes on to state if she cannot understand him, she needs to pick up the phone and call him. He is in the understanding that the city employees, transcribe the records directly after the meetings that tend to run 2 plus hours late into the night. Mayor Klakken then yells at Council Person Wassell saying he is taking it as a personal attack. At the 24-min mark DOWL Engineering was available for questions main questions being brought up was the sidewalks, the main work they will be doing on them is to slop them and make them ADA accessible. Council Person Wassell pointed out he had a couple discussions with engineers from Butte and they pointed out and based on his experience that they should do a property survey before they do any construction. This survey can run up to $8,000 dollars, according to Wassell this would set a baseline if any problems turned up. Another suggestion was to do ground penetrating radar of the construction site, DOWL stated they would not recommend this, Council Person Wassell then wanted him to state on record that he said no. At the 38-min mark Council Person Wassell still had questions for DOWL Engineering on the timeline of the project, making sure the timeline was still ok. DOWL Engineering stated they needed an agreement tonight on if the project was to start or be put on hold. Council Person Wassell then stated he is getting tired of the process problems of the city. Stating they continually get into situations that they must do a project and agree to it or bad things will happen. At the 43-minute mark they discuss voting changes for board members via digital, instead of in person. At the 1 hour 12 min mark the final discussion and approval of the city budget takes place, main objection is by Mary Jo O'Rourke involving the squirreling away of money for a shop, to be built for the water and sewer department. The rest of the meeting was followed up by the various departments and committee's reports.

More Montanans may now be eligible for monthly rent and mortgage assistance. The Montana Department of Commerce announced Monday that Montana Housing has made updates to the Emergency Housing Assistance program to help more Montanans access emergency housing assistance. “We want to make sure that we give every Montanan who is financially impacted by COVID-19 the ability to stay in their own homes,” Montana Department of Commerce Director Tara Rice said. “These adjustments to the program will help more Montana families and individuals receive housing assistance and gain some financial stability without the fear of being evicted or losing their home to foreclosure.” The eligibility updates include reducing the household contribution calculation from 30 percent of gross income to 25 percent of net income, eliminating the $10,000 readily available assets limit in checking and savings accounts and implementing a $250 per month minimum award. Due to the new program adjustments, the NeighborWorks Montana partnership , increased advertising, reduced federal unemployment assistance and the start of the school year, Montana Housing expects to see a significant rise in eligible applicants and more assistance going to qualified Montana households. As of August 31, nearly $2.5 million had been awarded through the program assisting more than 830 Montanans with an average of three months of assistance totaling $2,822 per household. The Emergency Housing Assistance Program provides rent, security deposit and mortgage payment assistance for Montanans who have lost a job or substantial income as a result of COVID-19. The program was created in May by Governor Steve Bullock by using a portion of Montana’s allocation of federal CARES Act dollars. For more information and to apply visit COVIDRELIEF.MT.GOV .

Another week in the books, as we get closer to the end of summer. Don't forget next weekend is Montana's Biggest Weekend on a very scaled back version. We will be covering the events that are happening as well as live streaming the Labor Day Parade. Friday, August 28th Free Yoga in the Garden 12 PM – 1 PM Free gentle yoga in the garden, taught by yoga instructor, Joan Hendrickson. Enjoy the beautiful creekside setting, and living things growing all around. Children welcomed. Kiwani's B.U.G. Pint Night Starts at 4:30 PM The Dillon Kiwanis are having a pint night to support their B.U.G. program! $1 from every pint will go towards the Kiwanis. B.U.G. is a program designed to provide recognition to students who raise their grades into an acceptable range, and maintain or continue to raise them from one grading period to the next. Recognition includes being placed on the school’s BUG Honor Roll; a pizza, ice cream, or other food-themed party; and presentation of certificates,pins, and other giveaways. Calcutta starts at 6:30 PM Hosted by Bucky Bramlette Memorial Rope & Stroke Calcutta off the overall average and the golf portion of the event. Saturday, August 29th BB memorial Rope and Stroke Starts at 8 a.m. Golf Saturday rope Sunday? Laid-Back Swap Meet & Car Show, 4th Annual Starts at 8 a.m. Laid-Back and L&L Salvage of Anaconda, MT are teaming up again to bring chill people and cool cars together for a great weekend. We hope you can join us for this family friendly event! Dillon Farmers' Market 9 AM – 1 PM Hand made and home grown local specialties offered by up to 20 vendors. Sunday, August 30th MadCow Shriner's Party in the Park 2 PM – 9 PM Celebrate summer with the MadCow Shriner's as they Party in the Park! August 30th 2:00pm - Sundown Discovery Ellingsen Park FREE Admission - Donations Appreciated! All donations benefit the Madison Cownty Shrine Club MUSIC BY: Seldom Kings Bubble Tape with guest appearance by The Awesome Polka Babes Kostas The Fossils Food, Beer, & Wine available for purchase, catered by Chick's COVID Info: Masks Optional Social Distancing MANDATORY Temperature check upon entry Park uptown & BRING YOUR OWN CHAIRS! (no shuttle service) Event Sponsors: Madison Valley Bank Nacho Mama's VC Cafe Rambling Moose Campground Chick's Bar & Restaurant MT Heritage Commission Event approved by Madison County Health & Sanitation Departments Another weekend with not much going on Big Sky Cinema is know showing new releases, as well as the Silverbow Drive in. Still some nice weather to take the family camping, or go scout a good spot to hunt as archery season is just a few weeks away. Thank you to all our sponsors

Sue Hansen, Beaverhead County Public Health Director, reported the county’s first COVID-19 related death. On Tuesday, August 25th, a woman in her 60s passed away in a Yellowstone County hospital. The woman contracted COVID-19 while recuperating in a rehab center. “We are saddened that this disease contributed to the death of one of our own residents,” Hansen stated. Public Health offers their condolences to her family, friends, and the Dillon community. To protect the privacy of the deceased and her family, Beaverhead County Public Health will not release further information about the death. As of August 27, 2020, 70 Beaverhead County residents have been infected with COVID-19 and now 1 death. Currently, there is 1 active case.

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Supporting Montana’s Families School-aged Child Care Grant - $30 million available. During the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations are offering programs for school age children to meet the needs of working parents, and children affected during out of school time. Grants are available to organizations who are providing out of school time programs. Eligible programs are for-profit business, non-profit organizations, school/school districts, community organizations, summer camps, and licensed childcare programs that serve children aged 5 to 18 in out of school time programming during the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant is based on the average daily attendance at a $1000 per child, per month rate. Programs must demonstrate how they will serve at least 25% low-income children. Funds can be used to support additional costs associated with meeting health and safety needs and reduced revenue due to COVID-19 emergency. Applications at https://commerce.mt.gov/Coronavirus-Relief In Home Care Grant for Families – $10 million available The scholarship is available for families with children aged 0-18 who face special circumstances that make group settings inappropriate solutions. The scholarship aims to provide opportunity for families that include children or family members with special needs which may include health or safety needs requiring in-home care. This may also include foster families and kinship families with unique in-home needs. It might include families in rural areas that lack group care programs or families that have unusual schedules making group care difficult or impossible to find. These grants are not available just because school is not in session hours/days it has been in the past. It may not be used to pay for care in a family/group child care because it is for kids who cannot go to group settings. Grants are not income based. Applications will be sent to and determinations made by the region Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&R). If it is sent to the wrong R&R, we’ll forward it to the correct organization. R&Rs are able to turn these applications around much faster than the state. Application and information at https://dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/ChildCare/ChildCareResourceandReferral Additionally, another $8 million will be invested in grants to all licensed child care facilities to help sustain this necessary industry that supports the economy. No application required unless it is a new facility that has not previously received a CARES Act grant. CCR&Rs will reach out to new programs and distribute the application. We expect this money to redistributed sometime in September. Other Grants are available at this link here: https://www.covidreliefmt.org/submit

HELENA – Governor Steve Bullock today, in recognition of Women’s Equality Day, renewed his equal pay Executive Order and extended the Equal Pay for Equal Work Task Force through 2022 to continue its work to narrow the wage gap. “Every person in Montana has a stake in ensuring women and men are paid a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work,” Governor Bullock said. “The actions and advocacy of the Task Force continue to move the needle toward progress and an economy that works for all Montanans. It’s an honor to recognize Women’s Equality Day in Montana by extending the Equal Pay for Equal Work Task Force for the next two years. Just as Women’s Equality Day recognizes tremendous progress, we also know our work isn’t yet done.” Governor Bullock was joined by several members of his Equal Pay for Equal Work Task Force at the iconic women’s mural in Helena to make the announcement. Governor Bullock first created Montana’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Task Force in 2013 to bring together business, education, tribal, nonprofit, labor and government leaders to raise awareness of and take steps to narrow Montana’s gender wage gap. Since launching in 2013, the gap between what men and women earn has narrowed from 67 percent to 73.2 percent. In its seven years, the task force has led pay audits in state government to identify women who are underemployed and address and overcome unconscious gender bias. Additionally, 40 state employees were trained to provide Wage Smart wage negotiation trainings to ensure women have the tools to negotiate for a competitive salary. The task force has also encouraged hundreds of businesses to sign a pledge to support closing the gender wage gap and created a toolkit for wage equity best practices for businesses to utilize. The task force has also successfully supported legislation, including a bill to remove barriers for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking to get unemployment benefits. Other legislation introduced to shrink the wage gap, such as bills to provide paycheck protection and ensure pay transparency, were unsuccessful. To further raise awareness of economic equity, the Task Force has created a virtual audio exhibit featuring four women in Montana succeeding in leadership-roles in male-dominated industries. The exhibit photos show 26.8 percent of the image removed to represent the 26.8 percent wage gap women in Montana experience. The photos include audio stories from Blackfeet Nation fashion designer Belinda Bullshoe, Northern Rockies Medical Center CEO Cheri Taylor, DNRC forestry specialist and former hotshot Ali Ulwelling, and software project manager and First Lady of Montana Lisa Bullock. The exhibit can be found online at EQUALPAY.MT.GOV . Governor Bullock’s Executive Order extending the Equal Pay for Equal Work Task Force is available here. The following individuals will serve on the Task Force until 2022: Co-Chair Tara Rice, Montana Department of Commerce Director Co-Chair Brenda Nordlund, Montana Department of Labor & Industry Commissioner Jamie Palagi, Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services Division Administator, Helena       Jen Euell, Director, Women's Foundation of Montana, Missoula Representative Laurie Bishop, Livingston Senator Diane Sands, Missoula Paddy Fleming, Director, Montana Manufacturing Extension Center, Bozeman Carole Lankford, Councilmember, Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, Pablo Tracy McIntyre, Executive Director, Montana Cooperative Development Center, Great Falls Kelly Webster, Chief of Staff, University of Montana, Missoula Lauren Caldwell, Montana Federation of Public Employees, Political Director & Student Program Coordinator, Helena Jen Perry, Jelt Belt, Owner, Bozeman Lilly Corning, Corning Companies, Realtor, Billings John Cummings, Anderson Zurmuehlen & Co., Human Resources Director, Helena

CURRENT SIZE: 11,614 acres CONTAINMENT: 70% LOCATION: Lemhi Pass area (29 miles East of Salmon Idaho) JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest COOPERATING AGENCIES: Beaverhead County (MT), Lemhi County (ID), BLM, Montana DNRC, Salmon-Challis National Forest PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: Resources assigned to the fire include five helicopters, two Type 2 IA crews, two Type 1 crews, and 262 total personnel. YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews mopped-up and held the northwest area of the fire. On the northern, southern, and eastern flanks, crews worked to complete suppression repair and rehabilitation, pulling back berms and smoothing out the constructed firelines. Measurable precipitation fell over the fire area (.08 “on Lemhi Pass) last night, and relative humidity recovered to 94%. TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: The forecast calls for cloudy and rainy conditions, with a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. There is an only a 20% chance of wetting rain greater than 1/10 of an inch. Temperatures are expected in the high 60s to low 70s, with relative humidity in the low to mid-30s. Stormy weather could bring erratic outflow winds from the northwest, with gusts expected up to 20 mph in the afternoon. Fire behavior is expected to be low, with isolated torching, smoldering, and interior burn-out of larger fuels. In the Bear Creek drainage and previously burned out areas, there is still potential for residual heat and fire activity. Winds over the fire area are highly variable due to topographic features, outflows associated with passing thunderstorms, and the proximity to the Continental Divide. The weather will be warmer and drier Friday and Saturday, followed by a dry cold front on Sunday. TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: Crews will continue with similar operations as in previous days; the majority of resources will be working to coordinate and complete suppression repair and rehabilitation with resource advisors and private landowners. Demobilization of resources no longer needed will continue over the next few day, as the organization is downsized. Those resources will be available for reassignment to other fires. SPECIAL CONCERNS: Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. Any public using the roads near the fire area should expect heavy fire traffic; please drive slowly for safety reasons. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps. The fire is burning in timber/heavy fuels. These fuels will continue to dry out with low relative humidity. The area provides poor access and there is a lack of water in the immediate area of the fire. Crews will work to protect cultural and natural resources and other values at risk. CLOSURES: Area, road, and trail closures are in effect. Refer to the “Closures” and “Photos” tabs of the Inciweb site for narrative descriptions and maps of all agency closures. Lemhi Pass Road is closed from its junction with Montana Highway 324 to Lemhi Pass. The public is strongly encouraged to refrain from entering the area/nearby road system due to heavy fire traffic. There are no official evacuation orders associated with the fire.

DATE OF DETECTION: Tuesday, August 11, 2020 CAUSE: Lightning CURRENT SIZE: 11,590 acres CONTAINMENT: 70% LOCATION: Lemhi Pass area (29 miles East of Salmon Idaho) JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest COOPERATING AGENCIES: Beaverhead County (MT), Lemhi County (ID), BLM, Montana DNRC, Salmon-Challis National Forest PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: Resources assigned to the fire include seven helicopters, three Type 2 IA crews, two Type 1 crews, three engines, and 316 total personnel. YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews, assisted by a helicopter, cleaned up areas where the fire crossed over the fireline in the northwest corner; effectively “picking up” all hot spots and removing residual heat. Early morning winds blowing across the slopes have resulted in these spots the last couple of days. Crews added a small amount of burn-out to the south along the Continental Divide to reinforce that section of line. Suppression repair continued along the constructed fireline on the eastern and southern sections. Crews to the north also began suppression repair. Winds gusted to 40 mph in the afternoon but did not cause problems for the crews on the ground. Though light rain was recorded at the Lemhi Pass area, no measurable precipitation fell over the fire. TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: The forecast calls for cloudy and unstable conditions, with thunderstorms, lightning and erratic winds expected this evening. There is a 80% chance of rain showers, with a 35% chance of wetting rain greater than 1/10 of an inch. Temperatures are expected in the low to mid-70s, with relative humidity in the mid-20s. Stormy weather will bring erratic outflow winds from the southwest/west, with gusts expected up to 22 mph. Fire behavior is expected to be low, due to high overnight relative humidity (85-100%) with minimal single tree torching. Smoldering and interior burn-out is expected. In the Bear Creek drainage and previously burned out areas, fire activity is still expected. Winds over the fire area are highly variable due to topographic features, winds brought in by thunderstorms in the evening and the proximity to the Continental Divide. The extended forecast calls for a cool and moist pattern through Friday, with a warmer and drier day on Saturday followed by a cold front by early next week. TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: Crews will mop-up and hold the northwest area of the fire. On the northern, southern, and eastern flanks, crews will use heavy equipment and dozers to complete suppression repair, pulling back berms and smoothing out the constructed firelines. Thunderstorms could limit aerial support. Additional helicopters will be released after today’s shift, and demobilization of other resources will occur over the next few days; those resources will be available for reassignment to other fires. SPECIAL CONCERNS: Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. Any public using the roads near the fire area should expect heavy fire traffic; please drive slowly for safety reasons. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps. The fire is burning in timber/heavy fuels. These fuels will continue to dry out with low relative humidity. The area provides poor access and there is a lack of water in the immediate area of the fire. Crews will work to protect cultural and natural resources and other values at risk. CLOSURES: Area, road, and trail closures are in effect. Refer to the “Closures” and “Photos” tabs of the Inciweb site for narrative descriptions and maps of all agency closures. Lemhi Pass Road is closed from its junction with Montana Highway 324 to Lemhi Pass. The public is strongly encouraged to refrain from entering the area/nearby road system due to heavy fire traffic. There are no official evacuation orders associated with the fire.

Current as of 8/25/2020, 6:58:22 AM Size 11,236 Acres Percent of Perimeter Contained 70% Estimated Containment Date Wednesday September 30th, 2020 approx. 12:00 PM The Type 2 IMT (Northern Rockies Team 5) assumed command of the fire on August 13th. Resources assigned to the fire include seven helicopters, six Type 2 IA crews, two Type 1 crews, 9 engines, and 405 total personnel.    Today, crews on the northwest corner held the line where they completed burnout operations, cleaning up residual heat and gridding for hot spots through the green, unburned areas. Crews extended the burned line to the south along the Continental Divide. Crews, assisted by helicopter bucket drops, successfully located and put out several spot fires of up to 5 acres in the area. Heavy fuels continued to burn in the area, with active fire behavior also present on the northern flank, interior to the line, and along the edge of the southwest side of the fire. Along the 3903 road, on the northern flank, crews patrolled the line, reinforcing and securing areas with residual heat. Suppression repair along the constructed fireline was the main focus on the eastern and southern sections, with fire personnel working alongside resource advisors to implement the rehabilitation plan.  Rain showers are expected tonight and tomorrow, with a 25% chance of wetting rain greater than 1/10 of an inch. There is a 30% chance of lightning hitting the fire area. Temperatures are expected in the mid-70s, with relative humidity in the mid-20s. Stormy weather will bring erratic outflow winds from the southwest/west, with gusts expected up to 30-40 mph. Active fire behavior is expected in the Bear Creek drainage, where the winds align with the topography. Winds over the fire area are highly variable due to topographic features and the proximity to the Continental Divide. The extended forecast calls for a return to dry, cool weather with a possibility of snow in the mountains early next week. Tomorrow, crews will continue to check the areas where the burn-out pushed over the fire line on the northwest side of the fire today, gridding for hot spots and suppressing any residual heat. Suppression repair will continue along the constructed fireline on the eastern and southern sections. Crews to the north will also begin suppression repair. Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. Any public using the roads near the fire area should expect heavy fire traffic; please drive slowly for safety reasons. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps. The fire is burning in timber/heavy fuels. These fuels will continue to dry out with low relative humidity. The area provides poor access and there is a lack of water in the immediate area of the fire. Crews will work to protect cultural and natural resources and other values at risk. Area, road, and trail closures are in effect. Refer to the “Closures” and “Photos” tabs of the Inciweb site for narrative descriptions and maps of all agency closures. Lemhi Pass Road is closed from its junction with Montana Highway 324 to Lemhi Pass. The public is strongly encouraged to refrain from entering the area/nearby road system due to heavy fire traffic. There are no official evacuation orders associated with the fire.

DATE OF DETECTION: Tuesday, August 11, 2020 CAUSE: Lightning CURRENT SIZE: 10,706 acres (mapping from overnight infrared flight) CONTAINMENT: 60% LOCATION: Lemhi Pass area (29 miles East of Salmon Idaho) JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest COOPERATING AGENCIES: Beaverhead County (MT), Lemhi County (ID), BLM, Montana DNRC, Salmon-Challis National Forest PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: Resources assigned to the fire include seven helicopters, six Type 2 IA crews, two Type 1 crews, 13 engines, and 419 total personnel. YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews on the northwest corner of the fire conducted strategic burnout operations in the area between the active fire edge and the Continental Divide, to “lock in” this corner of the line. Helicopters provided support with water drops. Single tree torching produced enough heat to generate a visible smoke column. A few areas of the burnout bumped the fireline; however, crews were successful with locating and suppressing all hot spots. The overnight infrared flight showed no heat in this area. Along the 3903 road, crews reinforced and held the line along their previous burnout operation. Crews to the east continued with suppression repair along the constructed fireline. On the south side, resources reinforced, held, and patrolled that section. TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Cloudy weather and smoke will likely dampen fire activity this morning. Temperatures are expected in the low 80s, with relative humidity between 13-18%. Overnight humidity recovery reached 28% but has already fallen to predicted levels this morning. The forecast calls for increasing cloud cover with the potential for rain showers, although the chance of a wetting rain remains very low. Stormy weather will bring erratic outflow winds from the southwest/west, with gusts expected up to 30-40 mph. Active fire behavior is expected in the Bear Creek drainage, where the winds align with the topography. Winds over the fire area are highly variable due to topographic features and the proximity to the Continental Divide. The extended forecast calls for cloudy and cooler weather. TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: Crews on the northwest corner will hold the line where they completed burnout operations yesterday, cleaning up residual heat and gridding for hot spots through the green, unburned areas. Crews will extend the burned line to the south along the Continental Divide. Heavy fuels will continue to burn in yesterday’s burn out area; however, fire activity could lessen with the incoming weather. Along the 3903 road, on the northern flank, crews will patrol the line, reinforcing and securing any areas with residual heat. Suppression repair along the constructed fireline is the main focus on the eastern and southern sections, with fire personnel working alongside resource advisors to implement the rehabilitation plan. Visibility and smoke will continue to be limiting factors for air operations. SPECIAL CONCERNS: Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. Any public using the roads near the fire area should expect heavy fire traffic; please drive slowly for safety reasons. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps. The fire is burning in timber/heavy fuels. These fuels will continue to dry out with low relative humidity. The area provides poor access and there is a lack of water in the immediate area of the fire. Crews will work to protect cultural and natural resources and other values at risk. CLOSURES: Area, road, and trail closures are in effect. Refer to the “Closures” and “Photos” tabs of the Inciweb site for narrative descriptions and maps of all agency closures. Lemhi Pass Road is closed from its junction with Montana Highway 324 to Lemhi Pass. The public is strongly encouraged to refrain from entering the area/nearby road system due to heavy fire traffic. There are no official evacuation orders associated with the fire.