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Going on now at 24 Taylor Drive. If you are looking for something to do come check out the cars and vote on your favorite. They have T-Shirts for sale made by Big Tyme Sportswear and design. With a large number of cars both old and new. The car show also has food and drinks for purchase as well. Taylor Drive is behind Anderson & Platt outfitters.

Friday, Already? Yes it is and its time for Weekend Rundown. As always check with an event to make sure they are still ago. Friday 06/19/2020 Great Harvest is Raising Dough Swing by the Great Harvest in Dillon, MT, June 17 - 19 from 7am to 2pm! Sales will benefit the Great Harvest Scholarship Recipients. We are featuring our Yard bird Salad, Cheddar Garlic Bread, Red White and Blue Bread, Rhubarb Streusel, Double Chocolate Cookies, Biscuits, Muffins, Dillon Cookies, and all your favorites! We will be offering our full sandwich lineup. This month’s specials are the Cubano sandwich. Katie Hall Live At Willie's Distillery! 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Come enjoy a nice drink and some great music! 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. Saturday 06/20/2020 Car-ona Show JUNE 20th @ 9am Just show up. No entry fee or classes. Trophy’s for peoples choice car and truck. Food and Drink by The Den T/Shirts by Big Tyme Sportwear & Design And questions call/text Kelly Turney @ 660-0349 SafeSitter Dillon 9 AM – 2:30 PM Not your ordinary babysitting class! • Classes are for ages 10-13 years old • Class fee: $50 • Please pack a lunch • Our instructors are Safe Sitter certified Register by June 18th. Call 683-7537 today! Safe Sitter training for young teens prepares them to stay home alone safely, care for younger siblings, and how to get their first jobs as babysitters. The curriculum includes topics such as babysitting as a business, infant and child choking rescue, injury prevention and injury management, behavior management, and sitter safety. Child Care Skills: Child development, child care routines (including diapering practice), and behavior management. First Aid & Rescue Skills: Injury prevention, injury management, choking rescue, CPR overview. Life & Business Skills: Screening jobs, setting fees, and greeting employers. CPR, First Aid & Rescue Skills: Injury prevention, injury management, Child & Infant CPR and choking rescue. Life & Business Skills: Screening jobs, setting fees, and greeting employers. Safety Skills: Indoor safety, outdoor safety, on-line safety, and personal safety. Hometown Country Classics This group of local musicians will bring a smile to your face with their renditions of classic country western and gospel songs. Join us in the Group Use Pavilion at 7 pm on June 20,2020. Sunday 06/21/2020 Its Fathers day treat dad to a good good meal. Many restaurants are having fathers day specials!!!! Father's Day Prime Rib Dinner Make your reservations for Father's Day at Blacktail Station and Mac's Last Cast. Serving Prime Rib! Father's Day Special! at The Den Treat your Father to a perfect dinner this year. A 6oz Filet Mignon topped with crab and homemade Hollandaise Sauce. Pair with a Montana Mule made with Jameson Whiskey. Celebrate your Dad and all he does. Dont forget Big Sky Cinema is open again as well as the Silverbow Drive in. Plenty to do out in the surrounding mountains. Take dad camping or fishing this weekend, or just mow the lawn for him to show you care. As always if you have an upcoming event and you would like to have it added to our events page email us @ southwesternmtnews@gmail.com.

Vandalism has been reported at the Bryan Creek Campground in Wise River, Wisdom area. During the weekend of June 12&13 reporting parties stated that they had tires slashed, and rafts cut loose from the shore allowing them to float down river. Beaverhead County Sheriff's office is asking the public if they saw anything or know anything about these incidences to please call (406) 683-3700 and ask to speak to Deputy Ken Peterson.

Montana's SuperTag chances for the hunt of a lifetime are on sale. Hunters can win the SuperTag drawing by purchasing one or more $5 SuperTag chances for the fall 2020 hunting season. The deadline for purchasing chances in June 30. Eight SuperTag hunt licenses are offered—moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, elk, deer, antelope, mountain lion and bison. Winners may hunt any district open to the species for which they won a tag. SuperTags are available at all FWP offices, license providers, or online at  fwp.mt.gov  using FWP's  online licensing service . A 2020 conservation license is needed to purchase a SuperTag. For more information visit the  SuperTag  page on  FWP’s website .  Proceeds from SuperTag sales go to enhance hunting access and enforcement.

Things happening in and around Southwestern Montana for the weekend of June 12th thru the 14th Friday June 12th Tai Chi (free classes) 9:30 AM – 10:20 AM at The Elks 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. Fly Fishing School with Host Steve Hollensed Jun 12 at 3 PM Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide and IFFF Master Casting Instructor, IFFF Casting Board of Governors and two-time finalist: Orvis Guide of the Year, Steve Hollensed of Flywater Angling Adventures; and, Healing Waters Lodge in Twin Bridges invite you to some of the finest trout fishing in America. This year Steve is hosting two trips to Montana from June 8-12 and June 12-16. This is four nights and three days of fishing, lodging and dining at Healing Waters Lodge considered epicenter of trout fishing in our solar system. Steve is a raconteur, certified Master Caster and angler extraordinaire. He is a hands on Host elevating everyone’s angling experience. First class participants arrive Healing Waters Lodge on June 8, school 9-11 and depart on June 12. Second class participants arrive Healing Waters Lodge on June 12, school 13-15 and depart on June 16. Contact Steve at: By Phone: 903.546.6237 Email: stevehollensed@verizon.net Bear Archery open house with rep Cory Schaitel 6 PM – 8 PM Cory Schaitel be in the house! For those who don’t know him he is the rep for Bear Archery and several other brands including Bear Archery, Trophy ridge, Cajun bowfishing, Fletcher releases and more! We will have pizza. It is a great way to try and see gear that I might not have on my shelf. Come try some bows, have some pizza and check out the new shop. Also, bring your bow!! I will be waiving the $10 range fee! Kailey Marie 8 PM – 11 PM at Rockys Roadhouse Music, Dancing and Fun If you've never heard Kailey you won't want to miss this!! Saturday June 13th 8th Annual Road Runners Poker Run 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM Come join us for a good time and support two great causes, Montana Veteran’s Meat Locker and Beaverhead County Joining Community Forces. This years rout will take us through Alder, Ennis, Cardwell, Whitehall, Twin Bridges and back to Dillon for live music (weather permitting outdoors) dinner, Chinese raffle, 50/50 and live auction. For those from out of town that would like to stay we have a block of rooms at the Quality Inn available. Fly Fishing School with Host Steve Hollensed Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide and IFFF Master Casting Instructor, IFFF Casting Board of Governors and two-time finalist: Orvis Guide of the Year, Steve Hollensed of Flywater Angling Adventures; and, Healing Waters Lodge in Twin Bridges invite you to some of the finest trout fishing in America. This year Steve is hosting two trips to Montana from June 8-12 and June 12-16. This is four nights and three days of fishing, lodging and dining at Healing Waters Lodge considered epicenter of trout fishing in our solar system. Steve is a raconteur, certified Master Caster and angler extraordinaire. He is a hands on Host elevating everyone’s angling experience. First class participants arrive Healing Waters Lodge on June 8, school 9-11 and depart on June 12. Second class participants arrive Healing Waters Lodge on June 12, school 13-15 and depart on June 16. 25 Annual Cruise Dillon, MT 9 AM – 12 PM Cruise the Pioneer Scenic Byway Leave Performance Truck and Auto at 9 AM. Meet at the Depot Park @ 200 S Montana St. We can meet cars coming from the north in Divide if we know you are coming RSVP or Questions please contact us. Day Phone # 4066833681 Clubfoot George live at RVB 6 PM – 8 PM New artist at RVB, Clubfoot George, will be playing live music on Saturday the 13th from 6-8pm! Come enjoy some old time folk and country mixed with a little bit of blues! 🍻 Dont forget Big Sky Cinema is opening up this Friday with Goonies on one side and Back to the Future on they other. As always we have plenty of outdoor recreation spots to enjoy as well. Go try your luck on the Beaverhead or explore one of the ghost towns we have near by. As always if you have an event and want it featured please email us at southwesternmtnews@gmail.com Dont forget to support our fine sponsors, shop local.

With the many fishing tournaments coming up this summer ALL boaters are reminded to stop at ALL watercraft inspection stations. In addition, all watercraft entering Montana are required to be inspected for aquatic invasive species and must obtain an inspection before launching on Montana waters. Remember, this includes not only nonresident boats entering the state, but also resident boats that were taken out of state and are reentering Montana. Idaho and Wyoming inspections can fulfill Montana’s inspection before launch requirements. Proof of inspection is required. Further requirements include: Boats with a ballast tank or bladder, such as wakeboard or wake-surfing boats, must obtain a decontamination before launching. Nonresident watercraft launching in Montana must purchase a Vessel AIS Prevention Pass (AISPP). Purchase the Vessel AISPP at FWP regional offices or  online here . Motorized watercraft fee is $30. Required for all watercraft that have a motor. Nonmotorized watercraft fee is $10. Required for all nonmotorized watercraft. If you know anyone (friend, relative, fellow fisherman) who plans to come to Montana from out of state, please let them know what they need to do to keep our waters safe. Invasive species can have long-lasting negative impacts on fish habitat and the food chain that can result in fewer or smaller-sized game fish. To find a watercraft inspection station or to learn more, go to  CleanDrainDryMT.com  or call the FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau at 406-444-2440.

Friday and Saturday Vigilante Park saw baseball come to life as the Beaverhead 1st Pitch Classic came to Dillon. 06/05/2020 Shelley 3 VS Beaverhead Bomb Squad 4 Beaverhead Bomb Squad 5 VS Gallitan Valley 5 Beaverhead Bomb Squad 10 VS GVO 9U 5 Beaverhead Bomb Squad 3 VS GVO 10U 15 06/06/2020 Beaverhead Bomb Squad 5 vs Shelley Emeralds 4 Gallatan Valley 12U 11 vs Beaverhead Bomb Squad 1 Beaverhead Bomb Squad 1 VS GVO 10U 3 Beaverhead Bomb Squad 13 VS GVO 9U 1

Monday June 1st Standard Lumber O VS Shepherds Garage 7 The Shack 10 VS Stockman Bank 6 Wednesday June 3rd Stockman Bank 5 VS Shepherds Garage 6 The Shack 7 VS Standard Lumber 1 Schedule of Games to be played 06/05/2020 and 06/06/2020

We are back with the Weekend Rundown, just a quick catch up we will release it every Friday and high lite all that is happening over the weekend. If you have an event and you want it featured and or on our calendar please email us at southwesternmtnews@gmail.com. Please check to make sure the event is still going due to the COVID-19 crisis, we will do our best to put only active events on this. Friday 06/05/2020 Yard-sale Fundraiser for Porter Rix Porter was recently diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia. He had to be flown to the University of Utah and will have to stay there for several months to receive treatment. In an effort to aid him and his family in this time of trial we will be holding a yard sale, fundraiser, and raffle all the proceeds will go to them. We will be taking any donations you can give. These donations can be direct money or items you no longer want that we could sell. Anything you can do is greatly appreciated. Yard sale will start at 3 PM at Frecker's Saddlery 125 W Bannack St, Dillon, Montana 59725 Irish Festival Celebrate Irish Heritage and History. Events around Virginia City. This is the annual meeting of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Montana. Starts at 9 AM Rocky's Roadhouse Grand Opening Grand Opening @ Rocky's Roadhouse Ribbon Ceremony and Opening of Restaurant 5pm Serving food from 5-9pm Music start @ 8pm Bo N KC 8-9pm Katie Hall 9-10pm Bo & KC 10-11pm Steve Rose live at RVB Steve Rose will be in the taproom live from 6-8pm on June 5th! This will be a night full of music! The new Rocky's Roadhouse will be hosting their grand opening this same night and will also host live music after we close. Saturday 06/06/2020 Yard-sale Fundraiser for Porter Rix Porter was recently diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia. He had to be flown to the University of Utah and will have to stay there for several months to receive treatment. In an effort to aid him and his family in this time of trial we will be holding a yard sale, fundraiser, and raffle all the proceeds will go to them. We will be taking any donations you can give. These donations can be direct money or items you no longer want that we could sell. Anything you can do is greatly appreciated. Yard sale will start at 9 AM at Frecker's Saddlery 125 W Bannack St, Dillon, Montana 59725 Summer Street Party Please join the Dillon Tap House and the Dillon Elks Lodge for a street party to kick off summer. There will be live DJ music! You're welcome to purchase food from restaurants and bring it to eat in our establishments. See you there!

Hope for the Future Is it just me, or is this world becoming a scary place? Every day ensures a new, different atrocity no one saw coming. First, the fear. A virus entering our field of reality, making us all question our mortality. Some ran with the panic, seeing it only in terms of life and death. Others, like myself, were confused: one day seeing the world with the hope of a child, while the next succumbing to the doom and gloom of the ‘what if’. After the fear stage subsided, next came blame. I’ve never been a political cheerleader. For the most part, I have lived my life in the shadows when it comes to government. I may not always agree with our leaders, but I trust them. I do not think America would and/or could ever fall in the hands of a dictator. Yes, I see countless flaws in both sides. All I know is fear always leads to blame. And with blame, there is usually a measure of hate and anger that rises. Not only were we fighting the dread of what the virus could do to our county, but now we stepped into the realm of basic human rights. Our need for safety for our family, our friends, ourselves was the most crucial goal of many. But just as many, or more, realized that there would be a future once all was said and done, and we would not want to find out what happened if that future was devoid of a financial backbone. This phase should have been the worst of it. I embraced the optimism of the states opening back up. It was exciting to be part of the few that took the first step back into reality. Businesses opened their doors. People returned to jobs. The seasons fell back into place, and with the “unofficial” start of summer, I looked forward to the future. But just days later, a horrible act of humanity breeched my positivity. I was horrified, scared, and looking for justice to be served when really, no amount of explanation could rectify the situation. Then, I, too, sat back and watched as all people took sides. Wrath and rage ignited in many. And I’ll admit, I cowered in the protective shield of our small community. Because until this moment, I underestimated the strength and unity of the Montanan spirit. Our resilience to see the toxicity of what is happening just beyond our borders and not be influenced to act rashly is a feat in and of itself. With the economic uncertainty, our small-town businesses are standing strong, supporting one another while leaning on each other for moral support. And when you break it down even further, the people are beacons of a future that will not be victimized by events no one could have predicted. However, we won’t sit back idly and watch all our hard work go up in flames. We will rise together. We will conquer the demons—the uncertainty, the fear and anger and sadness, the helplessness—by doing what we, as Montanans, have always done best. We will help our neighbor. We will cry with those who are in pain. We will work to build a brighter tomorrow. But above all else, we will never give up. Young or old. Black or white. Republican or Democrat. We all need each other. We cannot build this future with only our two hands. There is something for everyone to contribute. And with this message, we are one.

As the state moves into Phase 2 of Gov. Steve Bullock’s Reopening the Big Sky Plan, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices and visitor centers will open to the public June 3. FWP offices have been closed since late March due to Montana’s COVID-19 pandemic response. As the public returns, strict adherence to Phase 2 guidelines will be critical: stay at home if you feel sick, make sure to frequently wash and sanitize your hands, and maintain at least six feet of distance from other people. FWP front offices around the state will be set up to help facilitate these simple guidelines, including marking floors to help keep people spaced out, providing hand sanitizer for customers, and glass dividers between front counter staff and customers. “We’re looking forward to having our customers back in our regional and local lobbies and visitor centers,” said FWP Director Martha Williams. “We’ve worked hard to prepare our buildings to keep our public and staff safe.” Please note that many FWP employees are still working remotely, so for business beyond front desk license purchases and other related information, please plan to reach out to the appropriate staff member directly by phone or email or ask front desk staff for contact information. For more information on FWP’s COVID-19 response, please go online to  fwp.mt.gov/COVID19 .

Bannack State Park is offering a second guided hike on June 6th for National Trails Day . After the first hike to Beaverhead Rock was filled they have decided to offer a second guided hike. This one will be at Bannack State Park and will be at 10 am. Call 406-834-3413 to reserve your spot.

Today we have an op-ed piece by Jake Pannell. Thank you for your service! Words that we here often and that most people generally mean but makes most veterans uncomfortable and awkward. Why? It has lost its value; it is politically correct and those that do not say are called unpatriotic or ungrateful. In this day and age of empty words and broken promises it is time that we take a look at what we actually do for veterans. As the song by Darryl Worley says, “Have you forgotten?”. After WWII veterans were welcomed as heroes and by the end of the Vietnam War spit upon. After 9/11 we had a resurgence of patriotism and support for the veterans and almost 20 years later, we speak of support with little to no action. Now, I am not saying that there are not many good organizations that do-good things for veterans, just that there are way to many that raise money to support veterans and have very little actual impact. The suicide, drug usage, and homelessness rates among veterans is continuing to rise. According to the National Coalition for Homeless Vets, “Homeless veterans are younger on average than the total veteran population. Approximately 9% are between the ages of 18 and 30, and 41% are between the ages of 31 and 50. Conversely, only 5% of all veterans are between the ages of 18 and 30, and less than 23% are between 31 and 50.” And, “About 1.4 million other veterans, meanwhile, are considered at risk of homelessness due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or substandard housing.” Many veterans limited disability checks disqualify them for housing and food assistance yet it’s not near enough money to survive on. So what can we do? We can open our eyes, be sincere. Show veterans we care by actions and not words. Stop utilizing programs that contribute more benefits to the coffers of the non-profits, the governments and the justice systems and find programs that truly address the issues that veterans are plagued with. Create places that veterans can gather, feel safe, and treat the issues, not the symptoms and/or results. As a Disabled Veteran I know firsthand what it feels like and work every day to make the life of my fellow veterans just a little better than before I met them. Remember those that gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect all we cherish this Memorial Day but take a moment to ask yourself, “Am I doing all I can do to payback those that served me without question? Are we really doing all we can to help those veterans in need and can we stop them from falling between the cracks and getting lost in the system?” Have a great Memorial Day and stay safe. God Bless America. Op-ed piece by Jake Pannell

Bannack State Park will reopen on May 22 with limited services for visitors. The park will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Most of the buildings in the town site will not be open to visitors at this time. However, guided town tours without gold panning will be offered, as well as self-guided tours. Camping and hiking will be allowed in the park. Existing camping reservations for Memorial Day weekend will be honored, while the remaining camp sites will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Following Memorial Day weekend, camp sites will be allotted through reservations. Bannack Days has been cancelled for 2020 due to COVID-19. For more information, visit stateparks.mt.gov or call Bannack State Park at 406-834-3413.

Updated May 19, Graduation Plan 2020 Vigilante Stadium Rehearsal Day Thursday May 21, 2:30-3:30 PM Students will receive their masks and enter the football practice field and be placed in lines maintaining Social Distancing (6 feet apart). Students will enter the stadium from the left and right through the gates to the practice field and into the grandstands by rows. (They will have maps of the seating and lineups in their emails before the 21st . Once seated students will be taken through the ceremony step by step Students will then walk through receiving diplomas and returning to their seats. Practice as many times as necessary to get it right and safe. There will be a link to view the Baccalaureate by Saturday at 7:00PM at Southwestern Montana News We will distribute the maps of the football field where their families will sit for the commencement upon completion of rehearsal Graduation Day Sunday May 24th 1:00 PM Graduation will be streamed live on Southwestern Montana News Graduation will also be streamed live on the NFHS Network sign up for a free account Students arrive to get lined up (6 feet apart) Graduation Photo 1:20 you must be there on time to be in it. WE WILL NOT WAIT Families of seniors may bring up to 5 guests per graduate. Families (groups) also arrive to go to their seating area with camping chairs on schedule by seating area to maintain social distancing (6 feet apart) when moving to seats. Schedule and seating maps to be posted on BCHS website on Monday May 18th . 2:00 PM ceremony begins rain or shine If the weather is bad we will do an abbreviated ceremony speeches to be included in the online version. Ceremony complete; families remain seated, students move back out the gates to the practice field and load on trailers for parade down Labor Day route. with 6 feet distancing Families released by seating area again to avoid a crowd on departure 6 feet social distancing will be maintained Pictures of graduation will be available from Will Hampton After graduation, weather allowing Parade takes place as approved by the Mayor and Mr. Hazelbaker Flatbeds 6 to 8 students per trailer seated on straw bales. (Thanks to Travis Welborn for the straw and all the families supplying trailers, trucks and drivers.) Social distancing must be maintained. No congregation will be allowed between family groups. Line up at 10:00 AM on Sunday morning starting on Spruce and continuing left on center street to the practice field. Center street at the practice field going east o Right turn on Nelson then right turn on Glendale Right turn on Atlantic then left on Helena Left Turn onto Idaho then right onto Reeder Right Turn on Montana to Right on Helena Return to Thompson Ave and drop off students at BW Lodge. Social distancing must be maintained.

Governor Steve Bullock today announced the state will move to Phase Two of the Reopening the Big Sky plan and will lift the 14-day out-of-state travel quarantine beginning June 1 as Montana continues to have the lowest number of positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations per capita.  “Montana has been an example for the rest of the nation in our response to this global pandemic. I have no doubt that we can continue to be that example, but only if Montanans, businesses, and visitors alike continue to take seriously the responsibility we all have in protecting others,” Governor Bullock said. “As we continue with the next phase in our reopening, our goal together as Montanans for the foreseeable future is to mitigate the spread of the virus.” “The individual actions of Montanans have collectively made a difference. Staying 6-feet away, washing hands, wearing masks while in public, and staying home when sick, have all contributed to us being able to move forward with the plan to reopen Montana. We are at an important milestone and if each of us continues to do our part to prevent the novel coronavirus from spreading, we’ll stay on the path to fully reopen Montana,” John Felton, Yellowstone County Health Officer and President/CEO of RiverStone Health, said. “Since this COVID-19 emergency began Governor Bullock has consistently listened to city and county governments around the state as he has formulated a strategy to respond. And that strategy has worked. Thanks to Governor Bullock's leadership, Montana has escaped the tragedies other states have experienced. We are fortunate to have him at the helm as we reopen Montana. We are thankful for his commitment to ensure we will keep Montana safe during the summer months as we rebuild our economy,” Cynthia Andrus, Deputy Mayor, City of Bozeman, said. “We are grateful for Governor Bullock’s diligence as he works to reopen Montana safely and continues to and consider the unique concerns and challenges in tribal communities including a large population of elderly Montanans and families in multi-generational households. The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council appreciate Governor Bullock has respected tribal sovereignty and decisions to put in place more restrictive measures to keep tribal communities safe and has supported our efforts to contain the virus through increased testing,” said the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council. In consultation with public health and emergency response officials, Governor Bullock outlined the following indicators which allow Montana to move into Phase Two beginning on June 1: A downward trajectory of positive tests as a percent of total tests within a 14-day period. The current ability to contact and trace, along with plans to add additional contact tracers to the existing workforce. Ensuring that health care workers have the supplies they need to treat COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. Ramping up testing capacity to eventually meet a target of 60,000 tests a month and prioritizing testing for vulnerable Montanans and tribal communities. A total of 5,600 tests were conducted last week. Increased testing continues with sentinel testing efforts in nursing homes and assisting living facilities, testing events in tribal areas, and drive through testing being conducted at a few sites. Under Phase Two, effective June 1, avoid gatherings in groups of more than 50 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing. Groups larger than 50 people should be cancelled unless physical distancing can be maintained. It is recommended to continue to social distance in gatherings of any size. Under Phase Two, effective June 1, restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries and casinos remains in the same operations status as Phase One, but with an increase to 75% capacity. Gyms, indoor group fitness classes, pool, and hot tubs can operate at 75% capacity and only if they can adhere to strict physical distancing and they exercise frequent sanitation protocols. Concert halls, bowling alleys, and other places of assembly may operate with reduced capacity and if they adhere to strict physical distancing guidelines. All businesses are required to follow the social distancing and sanitation guidelines established in Phase One, and Montanans are strongly encouraged to continue sanitation practices, including hand washing and wearing masks in public places like grocery stores. “Social distancing, wearing a cloth mask, washing your hands, and sanitizing are all part of our new normal. If not for you, do it for others, especially for the most vulnerable among us,” Governor Bullock said. “Not following these guidelines could put us in a position where we have to go backward, instead of being able to continue to move forward.” Vulnerable Montanans should still continue to stay home when possible during Phase Two. Visitation at nursing home and assisted living facilities remains suspended except for certain compassionate care situations. Effective June 1, the 14-day travel quarantine for out-of-state travelers and residents arriving from another state or country to Montana for non-work-related purposes will be lifted. The Montana National Guard will continue to conduct screenings in airports and train depots and refer anyone with COVID-19-related symptoms to local public health officials. To support Montana’s destination communities, the state will assist with establishing the following protocols: Surveillance testing of employees. Enhanced contact tracing resources deployed to these areas as requested by local authorities. Ability to surge personal protective equipment to impacted health care systems. Guidelines for operation for business that see high-tourist activity. Montana’s gradual and phased plan to reopen began on April 26 with Phase One which allowed schools, places of worship, main street and retail businesses, and restaurants, breweries, and bars to reopen under social distancing guidelines. Governor Bullock also provided additional guidance to allow gyms, movie theaters, and museums to reopen under the first phase on May 15.  Governor Bullock and his Coronavirus Task Force will continue to monitor cases closely and carefully to analyze Montana’s work to contain the virus. The Directive and its Appendix are posted online at covid19.mt.gov.

This week we talk with a couple teachers and how they have had to change the way they teach. Cory interviews Sarah Pfister about her new business location, Jeremy Church is back with the top ten. Wally has some very interesting history on the M, and how it became a staple of Dillon. We hope you enjoy the show.

Bannack State Park will host a guided trail hike on Saturday, June 6th at 10 am. To adhere to social distancing regulations the group will be capped at ten. On this guided hike, we will explore the flora, fauna, and history or this unique park! Sunscreen, water, good hiking/walking shoes, and appropriate hiking clothes recommended. To access Beaverhead Rock State Park, the turn-off on Highway 41 has no marker. Your phone's map will bring you close to the park, but the turn-off to the left is a dirt road just past the curve marked to slow down if you are coming from Dillon. Make sure to call to reserve your spot (406) 834-3413 or email bannackstatepark@mt.gov.

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing so many parts of life in Montana this year – hunter and bowhunter education is no different. In response to social distancing requirements and restrictions on group gatherings, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is turning to online courses for all students this year only. The online courses and mandatory field days have been available to adults for a tuition fee of $25 for hunter education and $30 for bowhunter education. The in-person courses have always been, and will remain, free. However, since the in-person options aren’t feasible under Phases 1 and 2 of Gov. Steve Bullock’s Reopening the Big Sky plan, FWP will cover the online tuition fees for all Montana residents until the state reaches Phase 3 of the plan and in-person hunter and bowhunter education courses are available once again. The online courses will be available May 12 to Montana residents who are at least the age of 12 by Jan. 16, 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the suspension of hunter and bowhunter education classes March 16. Around 1,000 students were certified prior to March 16, but there is currently a backlog of several thousand waiting to be certified. The online courses, which are developed and administered by the outdoor education company Kalkomey, include text, videos and interactive scenarios to engage students. Students will need to pass a final test to qualify for a certificate. “We wrestled with several options for providing hunter and bowhunter education courses this year,” said FWP Director Martha Williams. “Ultimately, given the difficulty many families in Montana are experiencing with this pandemic, we knew continuing to offer these educational opportunities and certifications for free was important.” When the state moves to Phase 2, there may be additional options for hunter and bowhunter education. In Phase 3 FWP will discontinue the online only option and again offer traditional in-person classroom courses. “We value our hands-on classroom courses and field days all done with the dedication of our excellent volunteer instructors,” said Wayde Cooperider, outdoor skills and safety coordinator for FWP. “We feel that becoming a safe and ethical hunter requires not only knowledge, but also safe and ethical handling of firearms and archery equipment.” In the absence of a requirement for a field course for the online courses in Phases 1 and 2, FWP encourages parents or hunting partners to work and practice safe firearm and archery equipment handling with new hunters and bowhunters. FWP has also added a new virtual field course component to the online curriculum for Hunter Education students. To take the online hunter or bowhunter education course, students can register at http://fwp.mt.gov/education/hunter/ . At this time, students aged 10 and 11 (under age 12 before Jan. 16, 2021) will not have an option for an online class. Those students can hunt as an apprentice this year and/or take a course when traditional classes are offered again in Phase 3 of the governor’s reopening. To learn how to sign up for the hunter apprentice program, go to : fwp.mt.gov/hunting/licenses/all/apprenticeHunter/default.html If there are any questions, please call your local FWP office or 406-444-9947

MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock today announced additional Phase One guidelines that will allow gyms and fitness studios, movie theaters and museums the option to reopen beginning Friday, May 15 as long as they adhere to strict guidelines limiting capacity, requiring social distancing, and imposing thorough sanitation requirements. “In consultation with public health experts, we have determined that these businesses can carefully reopen under strict capacity, social distancing, and sanitation guidelines,” Governor Bullock said. “As Montana continues to aggressively manage the virus and we move forward with the plan to reopen, I am again reminding Montanans that social distancing is vital to continue curbing the virus. All of us must do our part to stay open and stay on a path of decline in positive cases.” The reopening date is set at May 15 at the request of the businesses and local public health to allow time to prepare and ensure guidance is being followed.  Under the updated guidance developed with input from public health officials, fitness studios, gyms and pools in gyms can begin operating at 50 percent capacity and with strict guidelines including requiring staff to sanitize frequently touched areas and equipment during hours of operation, train workers on symptoms and handwashing technique as well as posting relevant signage instructing members with symptoms to stay home. Hand sanitizer must be available, employees should wear masks and guests should wear masks when possible. Additionally, a six-foot distance must be maintained between equipment and in locker rooms. Personal training may be allowed if social distancing can be maintained. Indoor group classes may not be offered and outdoor group classes can be conducted as long as social distancing is maintained and in groups of 10 or fewer if appropriate physical distancing is not possible. Gym pools are allowed to operate at half capacity as well. The CDC has indicated that properly maintained pool water inactivates the virus. It is critical that pools that have shut down during this time or reduced maintenance follow proper reopening procedures and sampling to ensure the water is safe for use before opening. In the event a confirmed COVID-19 case is associated with a facility the facility should clean in accordance with CDC’s facility environmental cleaning procedures for workout areas, seating, locker rooms, and other areas of the establishment frequented by swimmers. Pool classes may continue if social distancing can be observed and swimmers should maintain a six foot distance in the pool at all times. Guidance was also issued this week to allow pools at licensed public accommodations (Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts, Tourist Homes, etc) to operate if at a 50 percent capacity and with additional social distancing and safety measures. Non-tactile museums and movie theaters will be allowed to open under the updated guidance. Interactive museums or museums that allow touch interactions and displays and live performance theaters cannot operate. Museums and theaters must keep their capacity at 50 percent and maintain six feet between non family members or the immediate party. Signage must be posted instructing those who have COVID-19 related symptoms to stay home. Facilities must increase cleaning and sanitizing of frequently touched surfaces and control customer flow to maximize distancing. Hand sanitizer or hand washing stations must be available and each venue should create and implement a written COVID-19 response plan. Cleaning and sanitizing should be completed no less than every two hours. Facilities should install shielding between workers and attendees whenever possible. Theaters should increase cleaning time period between events, performances and showings to ensure that commonly touched areas such as arm rests and railings are cleaned frequently. Ushers should monitor and enforce social distancing in theaters. At museums, gift shops are also limited to 50 percent capacity. The full guidance can be read HERE . Montana is still under phase one of the Reopening the Big Sky phased approach and adjustment of the phases is at the discretion of the Governor. Other places of assembly such as performance theaters, concert halls, bowling alleys, bingo halls, music halls, and pools that are not in gyms or at a licensed public accommodation shall remain closed. Gatherings should continue to be avoided in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing. Senior living and assisted living facilities must continue to restrict visitors. The 14-day travel quarantine remains in effect.