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A new baby made his way into this world in a grand scheme of sorts. At 8:13 AM Beaverhead County 911 received a call from a Madison County man saying his wife was in labor. He attempted to drive his wife to Barrett Memorial Hospital, but the baby had other plans. A Beaverhead County Deputy, Dillon City Police, a Montana Highway Patrol officer, and the Dillon EMS all responded. By the time they made it to the scene the baby was here, mom said she was ok and just wanted to make it to the hospital. The EMS crew then transported mom and baby to the hospital.

Friday already; who is ready to get this weekend started? This weekend is looking like it's going to be a busy one with things to do from Dillon to Virginia City. Friday July 10th XSports4Vets Climbing July 10th Starts at 9 AM runs to 5 PM This is an event for any Veteran who was deployed in a hostile area while serving. If this describes you and you are interested, contact us and we will give you more information. Lunch will be provided, all climbing gear will be provided and you will have a great time socializing with others who "get you" and learn new skills! Tai Chi (free classe s) Starts at 9:30 AM Free Tai Chi classes continue. Please practice social distancing. CRUISIN’ for a CURE Starts at 7 PM Join us to cruise through Dillon, maintaining social distancing while coming together to find a cure for cancer. We will begin in the Chamber of Commerce parking lot, where SURVIVORS will get a purple balloon for their side view mirror. Proceed down Montana Street to the stoplight, then turn right on Helena Street. Go to the high school gym parking lot to turn around and cruise again! Feel free to decorate your vehicle to honor those that have been diagnosed with cancer. Make signs to hold out vehicle windows or put on your car. Donation buckets will be available for Relay for Life and the Pink Firetruck. Luminaria will be sold and displayed as pennant flags along the route. You can also purchase luminaria before Friday at 3-D or by messaging Misti Wahl. Hope to see you Friday! Saturday July 11th Build the trails you use - Grand Canyon Work Day 8 AM to 12 PM Join us on Saturday morning, July 11th - 8am - to improve everybody's favorite trail: the Grand Canyon Trail! Some passages need widening, and the top of the Dry Waterfall needs improvement. If we have enough volunteers, we will also pull more Dalmatian Toadflax, Henbane, and Houndstongue or reset some rocks at intersections (can be done with kiddos ;-) I will also have a table set up at the trailhead for information on trails, membership, and other ways to get involved! Bring your friends! We will have lunch and beverages for volunteers :-) See you then! Cheers, Celine and The Beaverhead Trails Coalition Dillon Farmers' Market Starts at 9 AM dont forget this year it is by the Jaycee Park. Hand made and home grown local specialties offered by up to 20 vendors. Vigilante Car Show Starts at 10 AM 4th Annual Car Show, I have been to the last three and these are a must see. Beer Yoga 11 AM to 12 PM Have you ever wanted to tone and sculpt your body while holding your favorite beer from RVB....? The chance is here! On Saturday July 11th at 11am, yoga alliance registered Lou Rae Yoga presents our community of Sheridan with our first ever Yoga and Beer offering. A hour long introduction into the world of gentle yoga while enjoying a brew (or water...) come join us on this special Saturday! Cost to join will be $15, which includes your beer. Bring a mat(if you have one) and water. Also please RSVP at the brewery as spacing will be limited. 842-5977 Cheers! 1st Annual Summer Hummer Music Fest 1 PM to 11 PM Outside Venue, Saturday, July 11, 2020. Featuring 4 Bands! The Rejects 1:00-3:00 PM Friends of the Family 3:00-5:00 PM The Original Nightlife Band 5:00-7:00 PM Wayne Brothers and the NightLife Band 7:00-11:00 PM Sunday July 12th Make and Take Class 10:30 AM What is a Chalk Couture Make & Take Class? Simple. This is an "Anything Goes" time at the store where you can experience how easy it is to create your own custom home decor using transfers/stencils and a variety of colors of chalk paste. Select your surface to decorate, then transfer design and then paste colors to make your masterpiece. The class will cost $40 per surface, this is an all inclusive fee for the surface, use of my transfers and pastes. Please let me know if you plan to attend... Drop a comment or message me directly. I have a huge selection of transfers and Chalk paste on hand for you to choose from! I look forward to seeing your creation!!! Want to order Chalk Couture products direct? Check out our website: https://www.chalkcouture.com/funnyfarmdesigns The Fruit Truck Tour Butte MT 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM Walk ups welcome www.myfruittruck.com When: Sunday, July 12th from 1:30pm-2:30pm Where: Butte, MT Star Lanes Family Sports Center 4601 Harrison Ave 12.5 lbs per box of Peaches $33 Reserve and Pay at the Truck 25 lbs per box of Peaches $49 Reserve and Pay at the Truck 10 lbs per box of Bing Cherries (Reservations only) $35.00 Reserve and Pay at the Truck 20 lbs per box of Bing Cherries (Reservations only) $55.00 Reserve and Pay at the Truck When: Sunday, July 12th from 1:30pm-2:30pm Where: Butte, MT Star Lanes Family Sports Center 4601 Harrison Ave

Beaverhead County Public Health is investigating a second newly confirmed case of COVID-19 in the county in less than one week. This brings Beaverhead County’s total COVID-19 case count to 3. The male in his teens was symptomatic and sought testing. He is currently isolated and public health is in the process of notifying and following up with his contacts. The case was reported the evening of July 8. Exposure source has not been determined. A close contact is someone who is within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes with a positive case. Close contacts will be notified by public health. Public health does not investigate contacts of contacts. Beaverhead County Public Health Director, Sue Hansen, reminds Beaverhead County residents to be cautious and remain vigilant as cases in Montana continue to dramatically increase. Social distancing, wearing face coverings, washing hands, and remaining home when sick are 4 of the very simple and proven ways we can reduce the transmission of this disease. “Just because the county has had very few cases does not mean we are immune to an outbreak of COVID-19. Large gatherings such as weddings and crowed bars where social distancing is not being followed have been linked to recent cases in Montana.” she said. Community-wide testing for COVID-19 will begin this Friday, July 10th at Beaverhead County Public Health located at 41 Barrett Street. Testing will begin at 11am to 1pm. A large testing event is being planned for Friday, July 24th for community-wide testing. This testing is for asymptomatic persons only. More information will be issued at a later date. Those who have symptoms are asked to seek testing at Barrett Hospital and Healthcare by calling their healthcare provider. Those experiencing severe symptoms are asked to seek emergency medical care at the hospital.

Friday, July 10 at 7 PM come cruise through Dillon to help fight cancer. The cruise will start at the Chamber of Commerce parking lot, survivors will get a purple balloon to tie on to their vehicle. The cruise will proceed down Montana street to the stop light, take a right onto Helena, then down to the high school gym parking lot, turn around and backtrack. Feel free to decorate your vehicle to honor those that have been diagnosed with cancer. Make signs to hold out your window or pace on your vehicle. Donation buckets will be available for Relay for Life and the Pink Firetruck. Luminaria will be sold and displayed as pennant flags along the route. You can also purchase luminaria before Friday at the 3D or by calling Misti Wahl at (406) 925-9054.

Today 07/08/2020 the Beaverhead County Fair announced on their Facebook page, that all open class and commercial exhibits will be cancelled for 2020. No word yet if they will have a carnival. Corona has claimed another event many people look forward to at the end of summer as they prepare to get the kids ready for a new school year. No word yet on the rodeo and concert status. The meetings for those are scheduled for later this month.

Second case of COVID-19 confirmed in Beaverhead County Beaverhead County Public Health is investigating one newly confirmed case of COVID-19 in the county. This brings Beaverhead County’s total COVID-19 case count to 2. The case is a male in his 40’s who was asymptomatic (no symptoms). He was notified that he was a potential contact to positive cases from his work site located out of the county and followed up with a healthcare provider. He is currently isolating in another county with family. The case was reported to public health with a presumptive positive which was confirmed through the Montana Public Health Lab late Saturday, July 4. A close contact has been identified and is in quarantine. If you have not been contacted by public health, you are not considered a close contact. A close contact is someone who is within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes with a positive case. Beaverhead County Public Health Director, Sue Hansen, reminds Beaverhead County residents to be cautious and remain vigilant as cases in Montana continue to dramatically increase. Social distancing, wearing face coverings, washing hands, and remaining home when sick are 4 of the very simple and proven ways we can reduce the transmission of this disease. Just because the county has had very few cases does not mean we are immune to an outbreak of COVID-19. Large gatherings such as weddings and crowed bars where social distancing is not being followed have been linked to recent cases in Montana. Community-wide testing for COVID-19 will begin this Friday, July 10th at Beaverhead County Public Health located at 41 Barrett Street. Testing will begin at 11am to 1pm. There is a possibility that testing time will be longer if public health receives more testing supplies from the state. Testing is being planned at Dillon History Days on Friday, July 24th for community-wide testing. This testing is for asymptomatic persons only. Those who have symptoms are asked to seek testing at Barrett Hospital and Healthcare by calling their healthcare provider. Those experiencing severe symptoms are asked to seek emergency medical care at the hospital

4th of July weekend, the birth of America. On July 2nd 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independance, and two days later delegates from the thirteen colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a document of great historic value drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, Happy Birthday America. Know lets see what is happening this weekend. Friday July 3rd Free Yoga in the Garden 12 PM to 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. Fireworks in Butte The show is set to begin at 10:30 p.m. and last about 20 minutes. Look for it up on the M. Saturday July 4th 4th of July In The Big Hole 10 Am to 1 PM Fourth of July is a special time of year for all the United States, but not anywhere more so than here in the Big Hole Valley. The morning is started off early with a flag raising ceremony at 6:15 AM, then a free pancake breakfast follows at The Crossing Bar & Grill, Main Street, Downtown Wisdom. Our featured speaker will be Kori Lawson, from Wisdom, MT. After breakfast, the locals get their horses, and tractors, and their buggies, and their kids, and all go out to enjoy the annual Wisdom Fourth of July Parade. A lot of people dress in red/white/and blue to honor old glory. The parade will start at 10:00 AM, entry in the parade is free. If you want to participate, meet behind Larry’s Automotive by 9:30 am. (no candy or treats will be given out during the parade this year due to the virus). Returning this year is the Big Hole Valley Fire Works Celebration. The festivities will start at 8:00 PM at the Wisdom Airport, about a mile out of town on Hwy 278. Country music, a bon fire and a beer garden will be part of the fun. Bring your own BBQ food items and beverages if you wish. A soft ball game will also be part of the fun. The fireworks are scheduled to begin at dark (around 11:00 PM). For questions you can call the Crossing at 406-689-3260. We will have hand sanitizer out and recommend that people social distance and wash their hands. If you have symptoms of a dry cough or feel under the weather we recommend that you please stay home. Welcome to the Big Hole... We would love to have you join us for this community event! Ennis Annual 4th of July Parade and Rodeo 10 AM to 1 PM The Ennis 4th of July Parade has been Canceled Ennis Rodeo is still scheduled for July 3 & 4th For information call the Rodeo Club at 406-570-6407 Brick Dedication Ceremony 12 PM After the parade. Dedication of new bricks FIREWORKS SHOW 4th OF JULY BASH AT THE HPSS! 4PM to ? Come join our outdoor festivities. LIVE MUSIC!!: SNIDER BROTHERS BAND will be kicking off at 4 p.m. BBQ, ICE COLD BEER and drinks, corn hole tournament, Hay Bale Bucking competition, Kids Lasso Toss, Horse Shoes, AXE THROWING (CASH AND PRIZES FOR WINNERS), music and more 4 pm till the wheels come off Horse Prairie Stage Stop, in Grant. Bring your blankets, truck beds, whatever, bug spray and attitude for an epic Montana summer night!! White Hat Coalition Parade We gather at noon at the high school. Proceed at 12:30 south on Idaho and north on Montana to the theater. Dillon Jaycee's 4th of July Fireworks start at sundown out by the golf course. Sunday July 5th Horsemanship Clinic in Melrose MT 9 AM Horsemanship Clinic July 5 & 6th. A few spots available. Kids and adults welcome. Have tents for camping or Melrose cabins if you aren’t ready to ruff it. Contact me if your interested. $150 both days. Lunch and dinner provided not to mention great company. No matter what you do this weekend enjoy the holiday, just stay safe dont drink and drive. Be aware of your neighbors when lighting off fireworks and have a great weekend. Oh and one last thing help support those great businesses that advertise with us, they keep this whole thing rolling.

HELENA – Governor Steve Bullock and Lt. Governor Mike Cooney today released the Governor’s Plan for Reopening Safe and Healthy Schools for Montana to provide flexible guidance for public schools to prepare to offer in-person instruction in the fall. “We are acutely aware of the role played by in-person teaching, not only in the students’ lives, but also in the lives of the entire family. Public education has shaped who we are today, and we want to make certain that our children have the same experience. This is why we’ve made the safe reopening of our public schools a top priority,” Governor Bullock and Lt. Gov. Cooney wrote in the plan. “Noting the uniqueness of every school district in Montana, our goal for this document is not to be prescriptive, but to provide effective, flexible guidelines to all schools in hopes that we can safely resume in-person instruction in the fall.” “Keeping each person in our community safe as we re-open schools is a solemn responsibility. As a member of my own district's back to school team, I appreciate the guidance given in this document, which will help frame our plans to return safely to school,” Sharon Carroll, a teacher in Ekalaka said. “Engaging local public health authorities and local school district leadership teams while using the resources, procedures, and protocols shared in the Governor's Plan will assist teams in developing a Health and Safety Plan unique to each district. As a teacher, a rancher, and a former chair of Montana's Board of Public Education, I have often observed Montana grit. We've got this, Montana.” “MFPE appreciates the Governor’s inclusion of our members throughout this process. MFPE members will rely on this guidance as they continue planning to safely reopen schools in the fall,” MFPE President Amanda Curtis said. Governor Bullock tasked Lt. Gov. Cooney with bringing together experts including superintendents, principals, teachers, union representatives, and public health officials to develop the plan based on insight and firsthand knowledge of challenges schools are facing. Governor Bullock has authority to close schools during the emergency and provided guidance reviewed by health experts to ensure schools have the tools they need to reopen as safely as possible this fall. The plan acknowledges the critical role in-person instruction plays in the lives of students and their families. Schools provide students with structure and familiarity and offer socialization and connection. Many families rely on schools for nutritious meals, counseling, and childcare. Additionally, staff and teachers who spend in person time with students are able to identify signs of child abuse or neglect. Governor Bullock and Lt. Gov. Cooney are encouraging schools to consider the guidance provided and develop their own Health and Safety plans to reopen. While every district is unique, school districts should consult their local public health officials to address the specific needs of each school and take every possible safety measure to keep students, educators, and staff healthy and safe. The plan is categorized into three different phases to align with Governor Bullock’s Reopening the Big Sky Plan. Nothing in the guidance prevents a school from taking additional precautions based on their needs. Each phase has high level guidance for schools and includes more specific protocols and recommendations for each school to consider for their individual plan. The plan also includes best practices related to academics, extracurricular activities, transportation, physical and structural protocols to minimize interactions and crowding, while considering ways to promote the social, emotional, and behavioral health of students. Some of the highlights encourage schools to consider: Accommodations for students, teachers, and staff who are in at risk group Occupancy limits that allow for social distancing Guidance on traffic flow to avoid crowding in congregational spaces Cleaning and disinfecting protocols Processes for monitoring students and staff for symptoms and history of exposure Producing guidelines in relation to isolation or quarantine if needed How to serve meals while minimizing congregation Adjusting transportation schedules Protocols for sports and other extracurricular activities A list of comprehensive additional resources is provided for schools including from the Centers for Disease Control, the Office of Public Instruction, and the Montana High School Association. The full plan is available here: https://covid19.mt.gov/Portals/223/Documents/Education%20Final.pdf?ver=2020-07-02-123418-013

Press Release Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office On June 22, 2020 65 year old, Kristie Piazzola, drown when the mower she was riding overturned and pinned her underwater at the Big Hole Ranch in Melrose. Un June 25, 2020, 76 year old, Ron McParland, drown when his kayak overturned on Reservoir Lake.

The memorial playhouse located in the Children's park is getting a much needed update to the roof, thanks to the crew at Roof Top Solutions . The cabin was dedicated in memory to Robert James Monaco on July 23, 1997 and the roof was beginning to fall apart after 20 plus years of Montana weather. Rooftop Solutions volunteered to replace the roof at no cost to the City. They also updated from wooden shingles to new composite shakes that have 50 year warranty on them. With the help of Braydon Graf (Project Manager), Lane Mortimer (General Manager), and Travis Baker (Sales/Project Manager) the Monaco Memorial cabin will have a roof to last a lifetime.

Cory was able to sit down with Great Harvest Chairman and CEO, Mike Ferretti. We learned how the raising dough days got started, how they have weathered the COVID crisis and so much more. We hope you enjoy the interview.

Three years ago, Jon Barber was born missing the right chamber in his heart. This condition is called Tricuspid atresia. This little man had three surgeries in Seattle before he was even six months old. He is scheduled for surgery again on July 13th at the Children’s Hospital in Denver Colorado. Tricuspid atresia is a heart defect present at birth in which the tricuspid valve between two of the heart’s chambers isn’t formed. Instead, there’s solid tissue between the chambers, which restricts blood flow and causes the right lower heart ventricle chamber to be underdeveloped. This condition is estimated to occur in approximately 1 per 10,000 live births. Treatment for this condition combines medicine, surgery, and cardiac catheterization to improve the flow of blood to the lungs. Jon is looking at having this catheter procedure and then if that looks good then open-heart surgery. This story came to my attention a couple of weeks ago when I saw a Facebook post from Jon’s grandmother Joetta Bacon Wetzsteon, daughter of Judy and Ted Bacon. She was advertising knotted double-sided fleece blankets for sale hand made by her and her daughter Danielle Meredith. She noted on the post that all proceeds would go towards Jon’s upcoming surgery. Joetta and her daughter will need to be in Denver before July 13th. After Jon’s surgery they will need to stay there for at least three weeks as Jon heals. Danielle and Joetta are raising funds to help with the expenses of their stay there to be with Jon. Small blankets are one-yard length at $25 each and a two-yard blanket is just $40, both sizes are double sided blankets. They also make custom blankets. Jon will turn three on July 19th. If you can help out, there is a Go Fund Me page on Facebook called Jon’s Medical Fundraiser, created by Joetta or you can send donations to Joetta Wetzsteon, 140 Tuke Lane, Twin Bridges, MT 59754. If you have questions about blanket colors or patterns, you can reach Joetta at 406-842-7548 home, or cell is 406-310-9257. https://www.facebook.com/donate/3139829442726727/?fundraiser_source=external_url

The early days of Dillon was known for being a major stop for those using the train to cross the expanding yet sometimes untamed west. For those getting off on the Dillon stop one of the major complaints was lack of hotel facilities. This was known throughout the US, and it was having a major impact on the town’s capabilities of commercial development. Problem was, no one wanted to step in and finance a project to build accommodations for these people making the stop at Dillon. Mr. Andrus who had been a very successful rancher in Montana, sold his ranch and with the money he made from this sale, he was determined to give Dillon not only a first class hotel, but a monument of real progressiveness and public spirit. When the hotel was completed in 1916 the investment totaled $165,000. After completion and overseeing the construction process of the hotel. Mr. Andrus stayed with the hotel and managed it; under his guidance it became known as one of the four leading hotels of Montana. With upscale rooms, an array of stores to shop at, and the most unique bell hop, King Pharaoh a 190lb Great Dane, that would collect travelers’ bags at the depot and bring them to The Andrus. Once a grand and stunning building for Dillon, time would take its toll on the building and slowly it would need some major repairs. The upstairs became apartments and the downstairs would become a furniture store and hold a couple other businesses. Dr John Micha purchased The Andrus and saw the potential of making it the great hotel it once was, after seven long years of renovation, The Andrus is ready to take its place once again, as one of the grand hotels in Montana. The public is invited to view the many renovations that have gone into making the Andrus grand once again. On July 1st from 4 PM to 8 PM The Open House will include fine food items, libations and tours of the property led by staff.

Firework stands have popped up and so have the complaints on a lot of Facebook Community Pages. So we decided to give a rundown of when you can light them off, ways to protect yourself, and ways to help your pets deal with them.. According to the Dillon Police Department the legal times you can use fireworks would be from 12:01 AM July 3rd to 11:59 PM July 4th, note county laws may differ from city laws. When using fireworks be a good neighbor, be courteous of those around you and keep in mind these safety tips. Never allow young children to handle fireworks Older children should use them only under close adult supervision Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands Never light them indoors Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material Never point or throw fireworks at another person Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting Never ignite devices in a container Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire Never use illegal fireworks Fireworks can also be stressful for pets. Here are some tips from humanesociety.org on helping them stay safe during this time of the year. 1. Keep your pet safely away from fireworks Pets are more sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights and strong smells. On the Fourth of July, and other days people are likely to set off fireworks, it's best to leave your pets safely indoors, preferably with a radio or TV turned on to soften jarring noises. Even pets who are usually kept outdoors should be brought inside. If you are going to an Independence Day event and cannot leave your pet unattended at home, keep them leashed and under your direct control at all times. 2. If your pet is scared by fireworks, ask a veterinarian for help  There are medications and techniques that might help alleviate your pet's fear and anxiety. You can also try  our suggestions for helping your dog cope with loud noises . Keep your pets comfortable during all holidays. Read our Halloween safety tips for pets .  3. Protect your pet from heat stroke during summer festivities Another reason to keep your pets away from the often noisy celebrations of summer is heat. High temperatures put your pet at risk  of heat stroke, which can become deadly very quickly. Keep an eye on your pets and act immediately if you see any signs of heatstroke. NEVER leave your pet in a parked car, even if the day doesn’t seem that warm. The temperature outside may be a balmy 72 degrees, but the temperature inside a closed vehicle can rocket to a fatal 116 degrees in less than an hour . Also remember that hot pavement can be dangerous to unprotected paws; if it’s too hot for you to hold your hand to the ground for five seconds, it's not safe for your dog to walk on. 4. Safeguard your pet with a collar and ID tag All pets, even those kept indoors full-time, should always wear collars with ID tags. Indoor-only pets can become so frightened during fireworks displays that they may take desperate measures to escape the noise, including breaking through windows or door screens. You should also ensure that your pet is microchipped and that the chip is properly registered with your current contact information. If your pet does become lost, contact your local animal control and surrounding shelters immediately and follow the rest of our advice for finding your pet . If you find a lost pet , either take them to the address on their tag or bring them to a local animal shelter so they can be reunited with their family. If you want to leave it up to the professionals the Jaycees will be having their annual 4th of July Fireworks show out behind the Armory and American Legion Field at sundown on the 4th of July.

The Beaverhead County Board of Health held a meeting today to discuss upcoming events. The meeting started with County Health Nurse Sue Hansen, reading out the new numbers of cases reported in Montana, and was followed by asking the attendees if they knew of any future events in Dillon. First up was the bull riding event, going to be held in conjunction with Dillon Days, at the Frontier Events Center. Again, there was asking the crowd if they knew how many spectators these type of venues would draw. "I have seen up to 500 in past events," was a response from one of the public. With a quick call to the venue's owner Ron Johnson, he stated that they have 16,000 feet of venue space. According to the state inspector, they would allow up to 1,000 people in the building. With COVID-19 guidelines, they would be allowed 500 people in the building. Next up for discussion was the Labor Day festivities and how they can still happen while following the guidelines in phase 2. Jason Schumacher hinted that the Jaycees are planning Labor Day festivities, but would like to have a one-on-one with a member of the board, so they could more accurately submit a plan. The fair was lacking representation on what they would be planning. One suggestion from the board was to separate the festivities into different plans--one being the Rodeo, two the Fair, three the Carnival, four the Livestock, and five being the downtown celebrations. Today's meeting lacked representation from the businesses most affected by the Labor Day events, namely the bars. With no one to speak on their behalf, those attending today's meeting suggested some of the downtown business owners get together and approach the board with plans on how to deal with the Labor Day crowds and overflow. City Mayor Mike Klakken stressed that we need to keep in mind Labor Day is a weekend that helps get local businesses through slow times, and we need to also consider the financial impact the mandatory shutdown has caused for many businesses. The meeting ended with scheduling a plan to meet Friday, July 10th to go over the plans the community health directors have asked the organizers to submit. This will be followed by the next public meeting for the 17th of July at 11 am. If you have suggestions or concerns, this July 17th meeting will be one you can't miss. Let your voices be heard, Dillon!

A biologist working in Centennial Valley had a surprise encounter while at a research site on Wednesday. The unidentified U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist received serious bite wounds and was treated and released from a Rexburg, Idaho, hospital on Wednesday afternoon, according to FWS spokesman Joseph Szuszwalak. The incident occurred in the Red Rocks Lake National Wildlife Refuge about a mile west of Elk Lake in Beaverhead County. The biologist was monitoring a sage grouse research project. Szuszwalak said the biologist heard a noise in the brush and saw two grizzly bears about 80 to 100 yards away. One bear stood up, while the other charged. The biologist deployed bear spray until the two bears ran away. Other FWS staff in the area came to help, and were able to escort the victim to medical treatment Recreationalists and people who work outdoors are being warned by FWP to always be prepared to handle a bear encounter. Precautions people should keep in mind when outside from FWP: Be aware of your surroundings and look for bear sign. Read signs at trailheads and stay on trails. Be especially careful around creeks and in areas with dense brush. Carry bear spray. Know how to use it and be prepared to deploy it at a second’s notice. Travel in groups whenever possible and make casual noise, which can help alert bears to your presence. Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears. Follow U.S. Forest Service (USFS) food storage orders, which have been in effect for public lands in Montana since March 1. If you encounter a bear, never approach it. Back away slowly and leave the area.

Friday is once again upon us, and you know what that means, its time for the weekend rundown. Friday 06/26/2020 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. Martin Black Horsemanship, Stockmanship & Ranch Roping Three full days with horsemanship in the morning and cattle working/ranch roping in the afternoon. No more than 10 people in the class so that everyone can get individual attention. Class is $750 per rider/horse combo and $25 a day for auditors. Horse boarding is available here at no extra charge, we have grass hay available. We do have space for dry camping here, there are a couple of people that will be staying in their living quarters trailers. Lunch will be provided, breakfast and dinner is on you. Break The COVID Silence with music in the park. Starts at 6 PM this is a free concert. Music by Billy Christensen, Mark Duggleby, Wally Cogdon, River Dulisio, Verna Love, Keri Wendt, Tom McEldry, and Steve Ingram see you there tonight at the Jaycee park . Saturday 06/27/2020 Class 42 graduation live stream starts at 10 am Cheer on the cadets of Class 42 as they graduate from Montana Youth Challenge Academy! Build the trail system you use! 9 AM – 12 PM This Saturday, June 27th at 9am, we need volunteers to build the Cliff Trail re-route. Please see the attachment for maps. The re-route is about 500 feet long, so with enough volunteers, it can be done efficiently! It would involve clearing some sagebrush and digging the path. Our partner, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge Forest Service, will loan us some digging tools. Please bring some shears or other pruning tools if you can. If we receive enough volunteers, a second team will head to the NW Passage Trail to set-up the trail markers across the valley. This project will involve setting T-posts at each marker, so the cows do not knock them down anymore. Please RSVP to beaverheadtrails@gmail.com, so I know how many digging tools to borrow, and how many people to expect. Also, bring good shoes and clothing, gloves, a hat, a water bottle... We will have water jugs to refill your bottles at the trailhead. Rockhounds Anonymous Exploratory Meeting If anyone is interested in group trips to visit rock piles, geological sites or old mines please come to our exploratory meeting at the African oasis on Saturday, June 27 at 3 PM. King Friday at H Bar J Saloon in Wise River! 7 PM – 10 PM Take the beautiful drive to Wise River, grab a bite to eat and dance to the music of King Friday! Live music at Yesterday’s by Rachel and Ramona Potter Starts at 8 PM at Yesterdays Calf- A in Dell, Montana As always, if you have an event and you want it on our activities calendar or in weekend rundown, contact us at southwesternmtnews@gmail.com. This is a free service we offer to get the word out. Don't forget the firework stands are open, check with your local regulations to see when you can light them off. Playing this week at Big Sky Cinema is Back to the Future, Despicable Me, and Back to the Future Part II.The Butte Drive in is open as well. If you want to avoid this heat and get away to the mountains, stop by Rocky Mountain Supply and get all your outdoor gear and supplies before heading out.

The Sheridan Street Bazaar is every Thursday night from 5 pm to 8 pm and features classic rides, vendors and so much more. Today we decided to take the short drive from Dillon over to Sheridan to check it out. This weekly event is a great way to cure some cabin fever, enjoy some amazing pizza by Bread Zeppelin, and top it all off with a cold one from Ruby Valley Brew. If you are a vendor and would like to sell your goods, bring a table and join in on the fun! There is no table fee. This week showcased some colorful Montana shirts, garden goodies, and Tupperware (that Mrs. Southwestern Montana News just might have purchased for our kitchen collection). For more information, please message or call 775-354-7901 to let them know what you're bringing.

Deadline to sign up from Lewis and Clark adventure: June 30 June 30 is the deadline to sign up for a 5-day adventure that offers first-hand experiences in important areas traveled by the 1803-06 Lewis and Clark Expedition that explored territory of the Louisiana Purchase and Pacific Northwest. Sponsored by the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation and two other organizations, the July 13-17 journey is for history buffs, educators, outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, and others with an interest in history, the outdoors or the expedition. The trip includes canoeing July 13-15 on the Missouri River through Montana’s White Cliffs, a remote area that Meriwether Lewis described in his journal as having “a most romantic appearance” due to riverside cliffs that resemble lofty buildings and statuaries. On July 16, participants will visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Great Falls, Montana, and the First Peoples Buffalo Jump, an archaeological site believed to be North America’s largest bison cliff jump. On July 17, a short hike will be held to the Two Medicine River fight site where Lewis and three companions met eight young Blackfeet men. The white men and Indians shared a campsite on the evening of July 26, 1806. They smoked tobacco around a campfire and chatted by sign language long into the night. Their relationship seemed cordial. Early the next morning the Indians attempted to steal the explorers’ weapons and horses. A short fight ensued. Tragically, one Indian, possibly two, were killed in what was the only fatal encounter that the expedition had with native Americans. Later, in his journal, Lewis wrote a dramatic account of the fight and the white men’s subsequent frantic horse ride of more than 100 miles to flee possible retribution from the Blackfeet, considered by other tribes to be the fiercest Indians on the Great Plains. Two Medicine River Fight Site: The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. National Geographic. The tour of the fight site will be led by Larry Epstein, a Montanan and one of eight Boy Scouts who in 1962 located the site as part of their effort to fulfill requirements for a historic trails badge. The scouts relied on Lewis’ journal descriptions, as well as their newly acquired skills in compass and map reading. Until the boys identified the site by connecting its topography to the description in Lewis’ journal, its location had not been known. “I was obsessed with the site—it was my introduction into the world of Lewis and Clark,” recalled Epstein, who was president of the Lewis and Clark Trial Heritage Foundation in 2002 and 2003 during the start of a national celebration of the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Now a retired lawyer, Epstein and his wife Callie have led many tours to the site. He never tires of talking about the site. “I’m still obsessed,” he said. The tour will include the reading of Lewis’ lengthy journal entry detailing the fight and escape.

The Beaverhead Bomb Squad was able to pull in a couple wins this weekend against Salmon, with the 12U winning 15-3, and 16-6. This came with the help of two home runs from Will Hansen and one from Cohen Hartman. The 10U lost against the Butte Dirtballers 5 to 8. With plenty of action, this is a great way to spend a couple hours and help cheer these future players on, while enjoying the sunshine at Vigilante Park.