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Governor’s Proclamation I hereby order all flags flown in the State of Montana to be displayed at half-staff on Sunday, October 4th, 2020 for “Fire Prevention Week” and for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. We take pause to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty protecting lives and property from fire and renew our appreciation for those who put themselves in harm’s way to serve their community and state each and every day. Dated this 3rd day of October 2020. STEVE BULLOCK

The Montana Department of Commerce and the State Complete Count Committee are reminding Montanans that there is still time to respond to the 2020 Census. Recent actions by the federal government have created confusion about when the U.S. Census Bureau will end its decennial counting operations. “The most important thing to know is that Montanans can and should respond to the 2020 Census now while there’s still time,” said Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney, the chairman of the Montana Complete Count Committee. “The next ten years of Montana’s future depend on a complete count – our fair share of federal funding, accurate representation in local school and voting districts, and even the addition of a second U.S. House seat. So don’t wait: do it now!” On September 24, a U.S. District Court judge ordered the U.S. Census Bureau to continue its 2020 operations through October 31. As of today, that order stands despite attempts to appeal the ruling . On Monday, the U.S. Census Bureau announced it intends to defy that court order and wind down operations by October 5, but the federal district court today ruled that the Bureau must comply with the court’s order and continue operations through October 31. That means the deadline for the 2020 Census remains October 31 per the federal district court’s order – but Montanans should not wait to respond. The state of Montana will continue to support outreach and promotional efforts to make sure Montanans know why it’s so important to respond to the Census. Using a total of $660,500 in funding allocated by Governor Bullock from the Coronavirus Relief Fund, the Montana Department of Commerce and its statewide Census partners are hosting Census Be Counted drive-thru events , have launched multiple, targeted and statewide marketing campaigns, including the ongoing 2020 Census State Championship , and conducted direct outreach to low-response communities across the state. Disruptions from COVID-19, continued changes to the U.S. Census Bureau’s counting operations, the size and rural nature of Montana’s landscape and other factors have put Montana behind other states in the decennial count. Currently, Montana’s self-response rate is 60.1 percent, compared to the national average of 66.6 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau . Including door-to-door counting by federal Census workers, the total number of Montana households enumerated so far is 96.6 percent, compared to the national average of 98.9 percent. Montanans who have not yet filled out the 2020 Census should respond now and check in with friends, family and neighbors to encourage them to respond today at MY2020CENSUS.GOV or by calling 1.844.330.2020.

It has been a slow couple weekends, so we haven't done a rundown in a couple weeks. But we are back. As always if you have an event and want to get the word out call us at (406) 660 -7041 or email at southwesternmtnews@gmail.com Friday Oct 2nd Reckless Abandon 8 PM to 11 PM at Rocky's Roadhouse in Sheridan. Saturday Oct 3rd Expedition 12K 9 AM to 12 PM The Expedition 12K is now rescheduled for Saturday, October 3. If you are a current registered runner, please check your email for a message from our Events Team. https://mailchi.mp/fdb7bc504a13/enews-0ot7kpa8y5-2671120?e=[UNIQID] ------- Location ​The race will start and finish at the pavilion area located at the entrance to the Lewis Clark Caverns State Park in Cardwell, MT. Cost The race entry fee is $52. This includes a $3 park entrance fee, a race shirt, and a post-race lunch at the finish line. Top finishers will receive an award. Please note, there is a registration cap limited to 200 runners due to COVID-19. BIB PICK UP / WAVE START TIMES There will be 4 separate wave starts. Arrive to the Caverns at the following times, based upon your estimated race finish time (hour:minutes). *there is no early bib pickup Wave 1 - Runners with a finish time of 1:00 - 1:30 Bib pickup 8:30 AM Start time 9 AM Wave 2 - Runners with a finish time of 1:30 - 1:45 Bib pickup 9 AM Start time 9:30 AM Wave 3 - Runners with a finish time of 1:45 - 2:00 Bib pickup 9:30 AM Start time 10 AM Wave 4 - Runners with a finish time of 2:00 - 3:00 Bib pickup 10 AM Start time 10:30 AM AID STATIONS There will be no aid along the course. All runners are required to supply their own water and fuel. This is in an effort to reduce contact and exposure. COVID-19 POLICIES The following policies are mandatory for all participating runners. This event would not be able to take place without these policies in place, so please respect and follow the below instructions on race day: - Face coverings are mandatory at the start line and in any area where there is a large group (bib pickup area, etc.). Once you cross the start line and runners begin to spread out, you may remove your face covering for the remainder of the race. Please be mindful of runners around you if you need to pass them. - Temperature checks will take place at bib pickup. If your temperature read is 100.4 or higher, you will be asked to leave and not participate in the event. - All race officials, volunteers and runners are required to wear a mask where social distancing is unable to take place - No spectators are allowed at this event. Please do not bring your family, aunts, uncles and cousins. - Hand sanitizer will be available for use at bib pickup and in every port-a-potty. Please sanitize your hands upon entering and exiting the bathrooms. POST-RACE There will be no finish line gathering or food buffet. All runners will receive bottled water and pre-packaged snacks at bib pickup. Please bring your own lunch if you would like to enjoy it at the Caverns. COURSE DETAILS The majority of the race will be on single track trails that cover over 1,200 feet of vertical gain. The trails at Lewis and Clark Caverns are typically dry and clear of snow in early October. Be prepared for climbing, sharp turns, and beautiful views! DIRECTIONS TO THE CAVERNS From Bozeman, drive west on I-90 to the Hwy. 287 exit west of Three Forks. Drive south on Hwy. 2/287, and at the Y intersection, bend right onto Hwy. 2. Travel west along the Jefferson River until you reach Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. Parking is on the north side of the highway. CHIP TIMING Chip timing for this event is provided by Competitive Timing Dillon History Hunt 10 AM to 4 PM Dillon History Hunt 2020 is brought to you by The Andrus Hotel. Calling all Dillon pirates! Learn some of Dillon's historic places as you hunt for clues to win your own treasure. Entry Fee is $10 per pirate. Enter at The Andrus Hotel lobby. Oktoberfest 5 PM to 12:30 AM Dillon Tap House, Games....Prizes....Food Keg Toss, Pint Relay, Stein Challenges Das Boot, Cornhole and more!!!!

The Montana Department of Commerce announced Thursday it has been awarded a federal grant of more than $525,000 to help Montana-made businesses export and promote products to international markets. Granted by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant will be used to sponsor Montana businesses at international tradeshows to help develop partnerships between Montana businesses and international buyers, leading to business growth. The grant will also support training and technical assistance including foreign language translation and international product certification for small business exporters. “Montana’s innovative products are sought after,” Commerce Director Tara Rice said. “This STEP grant will support Montana businesses as they grow and thrive through global exposure, all the way from being a start-up business to becoming an international exporter.” During the 2019 legislative session, lawmakers passed and Governor Steve Bullock signed HB 52 which allocated $300,000 for Commerce’s Export Montana program. It’s this state appropriation which is used as the required STEP grant match. During the last fiscal year, nearly 400 Montana businesses were supported through grants, training and consultation made possible by this funding. Those business in turn generated more than $25 million in sales from market development activities.  In 2019, Montana exported more than $2.5 billion worth of commodities and bulk agricultural goods, strengthening the state’s economy and fueling business growth. Montana’s top five commodity trading partners last year were Canada, South Korea, Mexico, Japan and China. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, international trade has been disrupted. In response to this, the SBA has adapted its STEP grant to include marketing activities for business, so they can continue to promote their products through digital channels. This year, Montana’s STEP grant has updated its guidelines to support those marketing activities including: International website globalization and e-Commerce fees are now eligible grant activities with a maximum grant of $10,000. International digital marketing fees is another new eligible activity with a maximum grant of $6,000. The new activities, along with all previous activities, are now eligible for up to a 75 percent reimbursement, an increase from the previous 50 percent reimbursement. Learn more at EXPORTMONTANA.COM .

The University of Montana Western head men's basketball coach Mike Larsen has announced that Patrick Jensen , who served as an assistant on Larsen's staff for the past two seasons has been promoted to associate head coach.   Jensen has been an integral part of the rebuilding process of the Bulldogs men's basketball program. Over the last two years, he has had is hand in all aspects of the program including player development, recruiting, scouting, and game planning. "Coach Jensen has been a huge part of our programs development over the past couple of years," head coach Mike Larsen said. "His work ethic and the development of our players makes him very deserving of this title." A native of Missoula, Mont. Jensen earned all-state honors at Missoula Loyola High School. Collegiately he was a part of two regular and postseason Frontier Conference Championships at MSU-Northern. He made four trips to the NAIA National Tournament and was a three-time NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete (Academic All-American). "I'm very honored and thankful to Bill Wilson and Coach Larsen for this promotion and opportunity," Jensen said. "I work with an amazing coach and even better person in Coach Larsen and I'm very excited to continue building this program with him." Prior to UMW, he spent three seasons with Idaho State University. Two years as a graduate assistant, and the 2017-18 season as Director of Player Development. As part of his duties at ISU, Jensen facilitated on court workouts with guards and forwards, opponent scouting reports, and analytics

Montana law allows residents and nonresidents to donate their hunting license and or special permit to a disabled military veteran or disabled active duty service member. This year, there is a higher interest among veterans to take advantage of this program, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is asking for more hunters to donate licenses. The disabled veteran or active armed forces member must be working with an organization that uses hunting as part of the rehabilitation process. While one cannot choose the organization to receive a donated license, the disabled veteran or armed forces member who receives the license must be a Purple Heart recipient and have a 70 percent or greater disability rating. Each license must be donated or surrendered before the beginning of the general hunting season. The deadline to donate your license is Oct. 23 at a FWP office or postmarked by Oct. 23. After donating the license, a hunter cannot repurchase the same license again during the license year. For more information on the program, visit FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov. Click Disabled Veterans Hunt License Donation or call Licensing at 406-444-2950.

Montana businesses are now eligible to apply for workforce recovery grant dollars to help companies refill jobs that were lost due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Montana Department of Commerce has launched a temporary Workforce Recovery grant program as part of the Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF). “Businesses across the state are managing through a variety of challenges and complications because of the pandemic,” Montana Department of Commerce Director Tara Rice said. “The Department of Commerce’s Workforce Recovery program is meant to assist those businesses that are ready to bring jobs back and to provide a little extra support to allow the business to sustain that rehired worker into the future.” The Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund Workforce Recovery program will reimburse a business for the wages of full-time, permanent jobs that are created and retained for at least six months, up to a maximum of 25 jobs per business. Businesses apply directly to the program. A reimbursement of up to $7,500 per job is available to businesses in high-poverty counties . The business must match $3,750 per job. A reimbursement of up to $5,000 per job, with a $5,000 match, is available for businesses in all other counties. The Workforce Recovery program is in direct response to supporting businesses impacted by the economic effects of the pandemic. The ability to create the temporary program has been made possible by a governor’s directive which allows for flexibility in the Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund program. Funding for the temporary program comes from reverted BSTF Job Creation awards, it is not a replacement for or pausing of the well-established business development program. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds have been committed or December 31, 2020; whichever comes first. Apply at MARKETMT.COM/BSTF/WorkforceRecovery .

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks released a draft version of the Madison River recreation administrative rules as well as the environmental assessment (EA) for public comment Friday. The documents can be found online at  fwp.mt.gov . The comment period will be open until Oct. 30. The draft administrative rule is derived from two rule-making petitions sent to the Fish and Wildlife Commission, one from the Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana (FOAM) and another from a collaborative of the George Grant Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the Skyline Sportsmen Association and the Anaconda Sportsmen Association. The petitions were heard by the commission at their August meeting and were approved to move into the rule-making and EA process. Under state statute, the rule-making process starts with draft rule language and is followed by public hearings and a public comment period. The public hearing for the draft rule will be Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. via the Zoom meeting platform, due to social distancing restrictions given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, written or emailed comments will be accepted for the duration of the comment period. The EA analyzes three alternatives – each of the petitions, along with a no-action alternative that would maintain the status-quo. The analysis looks at each alternative for effects on recreation, natural and physical resources, heritage, and economics of the Madison River. Additionally, the EA predicts the potential of the alternatives to effectively meet  the desired recreation goals for the Madison River: 1) ensure long-term health and sustainability of the fisheries; 2) diversify angling opportunity while reducing conflicts; and 3) sustain the ecological and economic benefits of the river to Montanans and our guests. “With these draft documents, we now have something very tangible for the public to comment on,” said FWP Director Martha Williams. “Managing recreation on the Madison River has a long and contentious history. We’re anxious to hear from the public about the draft rules and EA.” The public will be able to watch the public meeting streamed on the FWP YouTube channel and will have a dedicated phone line to call in and provide public comment. Details on how to participate will be on the FWP website. The commission will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in this rule-making process or need an alternative accessible format of this notice.  If you require an accommodation, contact the department no later than Oct. 9 to advise FWP of the nature of the accommodation that you need. For questions about the hearing, please contact Jessica Snyder at FWP, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, Montana, 59620-0701; telephone 406-444-9785; or e-mail jesssnyder@mt.gov .

With the COVID-19 a ffecting this year’s Labor Day festivities the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department opted out of having their annual breakfast/ fundraiser. The Dillon Elks Lodge stepped in and offered Labor Day breakfast to those headed to the parade Monday morning. Serving around 124 hungry guests. With a mission to give back to the community they felt it was right to donate a portion of the proceeds back to the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department. They also want this gesture to open the door to future fund-raising events. On Wednesday Sept 23rd Elks Leader Gerald Penn made arrangements to meet with newly elected fire Chief BJ Klose to give him a check. Unfortunately, duty called, and the fire department had to respond with a call. A few hours later they were able to meet back up and Gerald was able to present them with a check for $250.

Governor Steve Bullock today announced $4.2 million in additional funds have been awarded through the Montana Meat Processing Infrastructure Grant (MMPIG) program to aid small and medium-sized meat processors in responding to the COVID-19 crisis through the adaptation and advancement of meat processing infrastructure and capacity in Montana. “The meat processing infrastructure grant program received an incredible amount of interest, which goes to show just how crucial these investments are for Montana,” Governor Bullock said. “Our hardworking producers need to have viable markets for selling their livestock. These grants allow meat processors to expand their capacity to meet increased demand for local meat and protect consumers from future supply chain disruptions.” The grant program previously awarded $7.5 million to 62 different processors across the state in early August, making the total awards for meat processing nearly $12 million. Meat supply chains across the nation were stressed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The MMPIG program builds community resilience and bolsters food security statewide. Businesses are using the grants to purchase equipment to immediately increase their storage and processing capacity. Many are modifying their facilities to include slaughter floors and other business adaptations that give producers the option to sell their meat locally rather than shipping them out of state. Funding for the MMPIG program is derived from the state’s allocation of federal relief dollars made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, with a maximum award of $150,000. The 40 businesses awarded had already submitted applications to the MMPIG program. As with all coronavirus relief programs, funds must be utilized before December 31, 2020. Due to this confined timeframe, the application process for meat processing will not be reopened. The Montana Department of Agriculture and Department of Livestock worked together to ensure projects adhered to meat processing rules and regulations. A list of additional recipients is included with this release and a full list of MMPIG program recipients is available on the Montana Department of Agriculture’s website . Additional Montana Meat Processing Infrastructure Grant Recipients Arneson Processing – Belgrade, MT $76,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase processing capacity. B Bar Ranch – Big Timber, MT $73,500 to assist with equipment purchases to increase processing capacity. Barney Creek Livestock – Livingston, MT $29,000 to assist with purchase of a building and equipment to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Bonanza Meat Company – Glendive, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases for a new processing facility. Burger Boys – Malta, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Clean Cut Packing – Laurel, MT $150,000 to assist with purchases of a trailer and equipment for a mobile meat processing unit. Cold Spring Grass Farm – Plains, MT $150,000 to assist with the purchase of a Plant in Box shipping container poultry processing facility. Custer Processing – Miles City, MT $141,500 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Custom Cuts – Lewistown, MT $14,300 to assist with equipment purchases to increase storage and processing capacity. Cut Above Meat Processing – Plains, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications for a new processing facility. Dahl Ranch – Boulder, MT $25,435 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Daniels Gourmet Meat and Sausages – Bozeman, MT $115,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Devils Fence Beef – Boulder, MT $25,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Double K Ranch – Darby, MT $150,000 to assist with slaughter floor installation and equipment purchases to increase processing capacity. Eagle Creek Colony – Chester, MT $94,250 to assist with equipment purchases to increase processing capacity. H and D Meat Processing – Ronan, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase processing capacity. Hamilton Packing Company – Hamilton, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Happel’s Clean Cut Meats – Bozeman, MT $43,051 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Heggelund Ranch Meats – Anaconda, MT $50,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase processing capacity. Hi line Meats – Glasgow, MT  $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases to for a new processing facility. Integrity Oil and Gas – Eureka, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications for a new processing facility. Kayle Distributing – Bozeman, MT $148,431 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. KC Meats – Lewistown, MT $90,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. KW Beef – Sunburst, MT $52,536 to assist with equipment purchases and to increase cold storage, transportation and processing capacity. M&S Meats – Kalispell, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase processing capacity. Mariahs Meats – Harlowton, MT $35,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Montana Farmers Union – Great Falls, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases for a new mobile slaughter unit. Nicole Wines Livestock – Lewistown, MT $150,000 to purchase mobile meat processing trailer. O’Connor Crops and Cattle – Ekalaka, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases for a new processing facility. Perfect Cuts – Columbia Falls, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Riley’s Meat Company – Butte, MT $91,980 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Ruby Valley Meats – Sheridan, MT $50,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Smith Wild Game Cutting – Malta, MT $7,918 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Stahl’s Processing – Grass Range, MT $74,260 to assist with equipment purchases to increase processing capacity. Stampede Packing Company – Kalispell, MT $142,700 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase processing capacity. Stillwater Packing Company – Columbus, MT $31,950 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Terminal Meats – Butte, MT $74,920 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. The People’s Partner For Community Development – Lame Deer, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase processing capacity. Tizer Meats – Helena, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. White’s Wholesale Meats – Ronan, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

25,000 masks will be distributed to Montana’s Convention and Visitors Bureaus and Tourism Regions The Montana Department of Commerce today announced that six Made in Montana program members will produce 25,000 masks as part of the state’s “ Montana Aware ” initiative to promote safe and responsible fall travel. The following six companies will produce the masks at their Montana-based facilities: Montana Robe Company in Belgrade, Glacier Clothing Company in Columbia Falls, Rebekah Jarvey in Havre, 406 Creative Vibe in Missoula, REcreate Designs in Polson, and Red Ants Pants in White Sulphur Springs. “Made in Montana companies across the state have stepped up during the pandemic to provide goods and services to keep people healthy and safe,” Commerce Director Tara Rice said. “This partnership is an opportunity to support local small businesses, promote the important Montana Aware message to visitors, and continue to encourage responsible public health practices.” The Department of Commerce will use a portion of its tourism safety allocation of Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars to make the masks available to Montana’s 19 Convention and Visitors Bureaus and six tourism regions. The CVBs and regions can then distribute free masks to travelers during the fall season. Montana Robe Company Founder and CEO Jenny Thuen says her business started making and donating masks in March. “We saw a local need and wanted to rise to the challenge to help,” Thuen says. “Now, with the award of this Made in Montana mask program, this opportunity to help has never felt more empowering. We're expanding our seamstress network, boosting our production and making more masks than ever. We're so thankful and excited for the opportunity to help on a greater scale!” There are more than 2,300 members of the Made in Montana program, which promotes Montana-made products and small businesses. Visitors and Montanans alike seek out authentic Made in Montana products. According to the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research, visitors to Montana spent an estimated $81 million on Made in Montana products in 2019.

Montana’s young hunters and their hunting mentors will have a special treat the weekend of September 26 and 27, when they can take advantage of a statewide youth-only waterfowl and pheasant hunt. Licensed hunters or apprentice hunters, 15 and under, will be able to hunt ducks, mergansers, geese, coots and pheasants statewide on these two days. The two-day youth hunt is open to: legally licensed 12- to 15-year-olds who have completed Hunter Education and who are accompanied by a non-hunting adult at least 18 years of age. properly certified and legally licensed apprentice hunters 10-15 years of age who are accompanied by a non-hunting adult "mentor" at least 21 years of age. Pheasant hunters in north central Montana can expect to work a bit harder for birds this year as numbers appear to be down a bit. However, pheasant numbers are solid on the eastern side of the state. Waterfowl hunters can expect to encounter drier conditions in most places around the state, which could mean a shift in tactics and a reduction in wetland areas for hunting. However, this is balanced with what is expected to be good numbers of waterfowl beginning their flight south. With the youth opportunities, all  regulations  apply. The  Canyon Ferry Wildlife  Management Area is an exception — only to the youth waterfowl season shooting hours being one-half hour before sunrise to  noon .

The Montana State Library, in partnership with the Montana Department of Commerce and State Complete Count Committee, is launching a week of activities at public libraries across the state to encourage Montana residents to be counted in the 2020 Census before the deadline of September 30. “It’s Not Too Late to Be Counted…at the Library” week will run from Monday, September 21 through Saturday, September 26. “Montana’s public libraries have been there since the beginning, working to get Montanans counted in the 2020 Census,” said Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney, chair of the State Complete Count Committee . “In these final days of the 2020 Census count, our public libraries are stepping up in an even bigger way, ensuring Montanans have a place to fill out their Census form online if they don’t have Internet connectivity at home, and providing fun activities and even some incentives for participating in this once-in-a-decade effort.” Libraries across the state will be hosting activities like a Census-themed story time for kids featuring counting books, and an online census trivia game, and will be providing incentives to Montanans who self-report during “It’s Not Too Late to Be Counted…at the Library” week. Montanans who visit their local library can use their own digital devices to access the library’s free WiFi or make an appointment with their local librarian to use a library computer station to complete the nine-question Census form online. Librarians will provide information on how to get started on submitting a Census form.    Public libraries in Montana have been an important part of the state’s Census informational and outreach efforts, with 119 libraries designated as “Be Counted” locations and many making computers, tablets or phone available to the public for Census responses. Find out more about the activities planned for “It’s Not Too Late to Be Counted…at the Library” week at libraries across the state here . The Montana State Library helps all organizations, communities, and Montanans thrive through excellent library resources and services. For more information about the Montana State Library, visit MSL.MT.GOV .  Montana’s self-response rate to the 2020 Census is below the national average, with 59.4 percent of Montanans having self-responded to the 2020 Census, compared to the national average of 66 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau . Even with door-to-door counting by U.S. Census workers, Montana’s overall response rate is below the national average, and tribal nations and rural counties in Montana are at risk of an undercount. To encourage counties and tribes in Montana to compete for the highest increase in self-response rates to the 2020 Census, the Montana Department of Commerce earlier this week launched the Montana 2020 Census State Championship , which will run through the current Census deadline of September 30. Montanans should respond to the 2020 Census today at MY2020CENSUS.GOV , by calling 1-844-330-2020, or by mailing in their paper Census form if they received one.

Last night’s City Council meeting started off with the approval of minutes from the previous meeting held on 09/02/2020. With Council person Rich Wassell wanting his comments to match with the Dillon Tribunes wording as they were printed as to what he said. Mayor Klakken responds with " So your motion is to take what Mike Regan wrote, and put it in the area of number 2 is that what your motion is?" This was seconded by Mary Jo O'Rourke, who stated she felt the paper gave a better explanation that both her and Council person Wassell stated they felt like they had been backed into a corner on approving the city budget at the last minute, and it needs to be part of the record. Council person Kenworthy then stated he does not feel they should change the minutes of a meeting based on what a person writing an article perceived as the minutes. Council person Wassell stated he believed what was reported was accurate and needed to be included. Council settled on allowing the change of two sentences. Based on Council person O'Rourke and Wassell statements on having to make decisions that day. Mayor Klakken stated that they have had since May to go through the city budget, they had adequate time to discuss and approve, or make changes on the city budget. He stated they had plenty of time to look at the budget approve it and it does not need to be on record. This discussion can be viewed on the first fifteen minutes of the meeting. The meeting flowed smoothly with the swearing in of BJ Klose as permanent full time Fire Chief. Board member reports, and committee member reports. One item that did come up was the use of heavy trucks hauling grain to the grain bins located on Railroad Ave. The trucks are unable to make the turn on Clark Street, the drivers have been using Washington St and Pacific St. These streets are not designated for the weight limit rating of these streets. This discussion starts at minute twenty seven of the meeting. A ongoing problem with city meetings has been the use of Zoom and Council Person Wassell not wanting to attend meetings in person. He states he is vulnerable because of the COVID-19 pandemic and needs Zoom to attend the meetings from home. This subject has been of great contention in the past, as some council people believe he needs to show up in person and do the job he ran for. Council person Wassell has stated in the past they need to have Zoom meetings under ADA compliance, and if they refuse to allow them, he has hinted with underlying tones he would take the issue up with legal measures. Last night Mayor Klakken brought up that the City is looking at making a Rule on how they are going to handle committee meetings with an executive order that. He stated "On committees, following the Governors order with 4 or more active cases he would allow to have zoom meetings be done. Three or less active cases the council is required to come to meetings in person. I believe you can have safe distancing, there will be ten or less people, one can sit in middle with one on each end of table, as we usually have three or less committee members attending. This would meet all the qualifications, of safety that has been set up by the Governor. If we have four or more active cases we will still do Zoom." At this point Council person Wassell says "May I comment Mr Mayor?.. Ok if you do such an executive order, I hereby notify you that will be a violation of ADA and superseding ADA reasonable accommodations for attending those meetings via Zoom. And if you do that order I hereby notify you That I will sue the city." Mayor Klakken responds with "Okay... then I will notify you (pause) then I better not do anything." At this point City Attorney Dolan steps in "He has threatened suit against the city at this point the meeting is over, as far as I am concerned, I would advise you to adjourn the meeting." This can be seen at the one hour twenty-seven-minute mark.

The Montana Department of Commerce today launched the 2020 Census State Championship to encourage counties and tribes in Montana to compete for the highest increase in self-response rates to the 2020 Census from now until September 30. With only 15 days left in the 2020 Census count, the Commerce Department and the Montana Complete Count Committee are urging every Montana resident to respond to the 2020 Census before the shortened deadline of September 30. “This is the final countdown for the 2020 Census,” said Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney, the Chair of the Montana Complete Count Committee. “The counties and tribes that win the 2020 Census State Championship will get not only bragging rights with a trophy to prove it, but will also receive their fair share of federal funding for the next 10 years, accurate representation in the state Legislature, and the knowledge that they contributed to the possibility of Montana regaining a second seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Game on, Montana!” There will be two winners for counties and two winners for tribal nations based on the percentage increase in self-response rates, as well as for the increase in the number of households that respond to the 2020 Census from today until September 30. To enter the championship, Montana residents who have not yet responded to the 2020 Census can do so at MY2020CENSUS.GOV , by calling 1-844-330-2020 or by mailing in the paper form if they received one. Track each community's progress here . The U.S. Census Bureau suspended all field operations from March to early May to slow the spread of COVID-19, and then cut short the deadline to September 30 to respond to the Census. As a result, Montana’s self-response rate is below the national average, with 59.2 percent of Montanans having self-responded to the 2020 Census, compared to the national average of 65.9 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau . Even with door-to-door counting by U.S. Census workers, Montana’s overall response rate is below the national average, and tribal nations and rural counties in Montana are at risk of an undercount. The federal government is responsible for counting all households every 10 years, while the state supports the effort to educate and promote the importance of the Census. In June, Governor Steve Bullock allocated $530,500 to the Montana Department of Commerce to continue Census education and outreach efforts. The Montana Department of Commerce is using that funding to partner with the Montana Nonprofit Association, Western Native Voice, Forward Montana Foundation and Missoula-based marketing agency Windfall to conduct targeted outreach aimed at low self-responding areas of the state to encourage residents in those areas to fill out the Census. For every Montanan not counted, the state stands to lose an estimated $20,000 in federal funding over the next decade. Census information is also used to draw local voting and school districts, and it determines whether Montana will receive a second seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. You can track your community’s progress in the 2020 Census State Championship here . And respond to the 2020 Census today at MY2020CENSUS.GOV , by calling 1-844-330-2020, or by mailing in your paper Census form if you’ve received one.

DATE OF DETECTION: August 29, 2020 CAUSE: Lightning CURRENT SIZE: 3,140 acres (increase due to burnout operations) COMPLETION OF OBJECTIVES: 50% LOCATION Approximately 16 miles NE of Whitehall, 2 miles NE of Whitetail Reservoir JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: 2 Medium Helicopters, 1 Water Tender, 1 Skidgen, 6 Type 6 Engines, 1 Smoke Jumper Module (7 person), 1 Rappler Module (4 person) 1 Type 1 Crew (18 person), 1 Type 2 IA (20 person), 1 AI crew (7 person) and miscellaneous overhead for a total of 160 personnel. The State Creek Fire was detected August 29, 2020. This fire is located on the Butte Ranger District and currently is 3,140 acres in an area difficult for firefighters to access due to rough terrain, numerous snags, and a significant amount of dead and down trees. Some of the strategic objectives for this fire include protect private residences and structures, protect heritage sites, keep fire off private land when possible, minimize effects to fish populations and minimize the spread of noxious and invasive weeds. YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews continued with the burnout operations, re-enforcing fire perimeter. Planned burnout operations were completed by end of shift Aviation was used to slow fire growth to the north. TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Red Flag Warning in effect from noon to 9:00 p.m. today. Predictions are that very dry conditions will develop over the fire area. Increased southwesterly winds are expected which should rid some of the smoke causing a high Haines Index (HI). HI Is a numerical value that indicates the potential for large wildfires to experience extreme fire behavior. Very dry conditions will remain through Monday night. Smoke is also expected to return Monday night and Tuesday. Fire activity may increase with these predictions. TODAY’S PLAN: Crews continue to hold and improve the existing fire perimeter. Helicopters may be used, when visibility allows, to prevent fire on the northside of FS Road 8572 from spreading east. Prep work is being implemented to stop any fire progression to the south. SPECIAL CONCERNS & CLOSURES: Public and firefighter’s safety is always the primary concern . The Forest Service (FS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued closure orders for the area around the fire including roads and trails. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect for the fire area. Please check InciWeb for the current order if recreating in the area .

Governor Steve Bullock today announced additional funding from the Coronavirus Relief Fund will be directed to the Montana Meat Processing Infrastructure Grant and Social Services Nonprofit Grant programs to fully address identified needs. “The impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have drawn attention to challenges faced by our nation’s meat processing systems. And by addressing this complex issue here in Montana, we are building resilience to future supply chain interruptions in communities across the state,” Governor Bullock said. “ In-state meat processing facilities are critical for producers. Ensuring the proper infrastructure exists to provide them with reliable, value-added markets to sell their meat is essential to bolstering our food security, especially during these times.” Governor Bullock announced additional funds will be committed to the Montana Meat Processing Infrastructure Grant Program. The impacts of the pandemic have created challenges for meat processing systems across the country and supporting processing in Montana will help protect producers and consumers from future supply chain interruptions in communities across the state. Many processors have used the grants to invest in new equipment to increase their processing capacity and scale up their operations to meet an increased demand for local foods from Montanans who may have traditionally only bought their meat from grocery stores. This decreases the number of livestock shipped out of state for processing and puts more money directly into the pockets of Montana producers. When the program originally accepted applications, it received an incredible amount of interest, and there was more demand than anticipated. Governor Bullock initially committed $2 million to the program and added funding to the program to award $7.5 million in grants. The Montana Department of Agriculture will review existing applications that have not yet been funded to determine additional awards through the program. Governor Bullock also announced he is committing an additional $25 million to nonprofits and issued new guidelines for nonprofits to seek another round of funding. Larger nonprofits have communicated that the first round provided stabilization but identified additional need to continue programming and services continue over the long term. Eligible nonprofits can now receive up to 10 percent of their 2019 annual operating budget, or a maximum grant of $150,000. Nonprofits must have an annual operating budget of at least $20,000 to apply and submit a budget of proposed uses of grant funds and certify that funds will be used only for pandemic-related purposes. As many grantees did with the business stabilization grant, nonprofits may request less than what they qualify for. The application will be available on September 15. Those who received a first round of funding will be contacted and invited to submit additional materials to be considered for the second round. New applicants will apply at http://covidrelief.mt.gov [nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com] .  Over $1 billion of $1.25 billion in Coronavirus Relief Funds have been committed with over $407 million of that awarded, including in grants to support nearly 12,000 Montana businesses and organizations. There are new applications being reviewed for accuracy and compliance in accordance with federal guidelines daily and additional funds are awarded daily. A transparency dashboard is available to provide information on which businesses dollars are going to, in every community of the state, at: https://commerce.mt.gov/Montana-Coronavirus-Relief/Awarded-Grants [nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com] [nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com] .

Governor Steve Bullock today announced outbreak response protocols to support K-12 schools as they respond to suspected or positive COVID-19 cases and take public health-based measures to minimize the spread and keep students safe and healthy.  “The Outbreak Response Protocols provides guidance requested by school nurses and other education advocates to ensure K-12 schools are responding to COVID-19 consistently and taking measures backed by science,” Governor Bullock said. “By following these protocols in consultation with local public health, our schools can properly quarantine, recommend testing, and take other measures to minimize the spread and keeps kids healthy while preserving in person learning for the students and families who depend on it.” Governor Bullock brought together a group of public health experts to develop the Outbreak Response Protocols after school nurses and education advocates requested guidance. The document is based on an outbreak response plan put together by Rhode Island and includes best practices from the CDC and other expert groups to provide high level guidance for schools as they work with their local public health agency to respond to suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19. The response protocols include information on COVID-19 symptoms, when to call for emergency care, determining close contacts, when to quarantine, isolate, and recommend testing, and when to allow students and staff to return to school. The document also includes information on when to involve local public health, how to screen symptomatic students and staff to determine if testing or isolation is appropriate, and guidance on athletics and extracurricular activities. Many schools, especially those without school nurses, have requested information from public health on when individuals should be quarantined or isolated, testing protocols, and when they can return to school. The document includes different protocols for a case with symptoms that are not suspected to be COVID-19, suspected COVID-19 cases, confirmed COVID-19 cases, and close contacts. For example, if a student or staff member has COVID-19 related symptoms, the protocol includes sending the individual home to isolate, recommending testing, and a requirement to get a test or recover before returning to school. For students in athletics and extracurricular, the guidance recommends hand sanitizing, wearing face coverings when appropriate, and prioritizing activities where physical distancing can be maintained. Other recommendations include minimizing travel, keeping practices or events small, and sanitizing equipment and frequently touched surfaces. Based on national guidelines, an athlete who tests positive should be cleared by a healthcare provider before resuming participation. Schools should have plans in place for isolation, treatment, and appropriate transportation for a visiting traveling athlete, extracurricular activity participant, or staff who develops COVID-19 symptoms. The guidance has been distributed to public health officials, schools, and education advocates. The full plan can be read here: https://covid19.mt.gov/Portals/223/Outbreak%20Response%20Protocols%20K-12.pdf

Summer is in the process of winding down and fall is in the air. This week we found a few things going on, not much though. Friday Sept 11th Tai Chi (free classes) 9:30 AM – 10:20 AM Free Tai Chi classes continue. Please practice social distancing. Beaverhead County vs Butte Central Catholic 7 PM – 10 PM Watch On CBS : http://bt.livedirect.tv/hs.php The Butte Central Catholic (Butte, MT) varsity football team has a neutral conference game vs. Beaverhead County (Dillon, MT) Absarokee vs Twin Bridges Football Live 2020 7 PM – 11 PM Absarokee vs Twin Bridges Football Live 2020 Watch Live: http://herbal.tjsport.xyz/hsfootball.php Montana High School Football Road Agents 8 PM – 11 PM Live local music!! at Rocky's Road House Saturday Sept 12th RACE 4 RENEWAL Registration is the morning of the run at the Masonic lodge between 830-930 am. Adults are $30 and kids twelve and under are $10. The half marathon will start at nine and the rest of us lazies will start at ten. Bring your kids, dogs on leashes, bikes shoes and appetites! The stained glass beauties in the event picture above are up for raffle! You can purchase tickets when you register for the race. Dan Henry at Ruby Valley Brew 5 PM – 8 PM It is always a good time at the Ruby Valley Brew and Dan Henry will be strumming away on his trusty guitar with plenty of harmonica and percussion for everyone. Take to the highway and we'll all have an evening full of cold beer, delicious food from Bread Zeppelin, and the music of Dan Henry. That is all we could find for happenings this weekend, archery season is in full swing and its still nice enough to get some camping in before winter. Have a fun and safe weekend Southwestern Montana.

Since New Zealand mudsnails were detected at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Bluewater Fish Hatchery Tuesday, Aug. 18, the department continues to look at whether infected fish were stocked at lakes or reservoirs and what led to the infestation.   The Bluewater Fish Hatchery, located near Bridger in southcentral Montana, is a trout hatchery and is the third largest production facility in the state. This is the first time New Zealand Mudnsails (NZM) have been found at an FWP hatchery. The likely cause of the infestation is a drainpipe from the hatchery that drains into neighboring Bluewater Creek, which is positive for NZM. The operating procedures for the hatchery call for the pipe to be elevated above the creek, but over the years, the pipe has become submerged. NZM were likely able to make their way up the pipe and into the hatchery. New Zealand mudsnails are an aquatic invasive species. It was first discovered in Montana in 1995 in the Madison River above Hebgen Lake Reservoir. Since then, New Zealand mudsnails have been detected in multiple locations across the state.  NZM can be eaten by fish and other animals, like birds, but unlike native snails, they are undigestible and can be spread by fish and wildlife into other waterbodies. In a confined facility, like a fish hatchery, NZM can be quickly eradicated and the facility decontaminated. However, due to the detection, the fish at the hatchery – about 20,000 pounds – were euthanized and disposed of. FWP had about $85,000 into rearing the fish. FWP staff are working on a containment and mitigation strategy. The plan is to make up the losses from Bluewater with surplus fish from FWP hatcheries.  Prior to this detection the Bluewater hatchery had contributed to relatively few releases in 2020, all of them into state/public waters.  Monitoring for New Zealand mudsnails and other invasive species will continue in these waters and others.  All hatcheries in Montana are inspected annually for AIS and fish pathogens. The mudsnails at Bluewater Fish Hatchery were detected during the hatchery’s annual inspection. To help prevent the spread of AIS, people working and recreating in and around our waterways must practice clean, drain, dry. For more information on AIS, please go online to CleanDrainDryMT.com .