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Hunters and their gun dogs have less than a month before the upland game bird season begins, so it will be a good time to dig into this season's hunting access guide. To get started, hunters can refer to the Projects Access Guide, published annually by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program (UGBEP). The guide contains all active projects administered through the UGBEP, including Open Fields, habitat management leases, food and cover plots, CRP enhancements, shelterbelts, and grazing systems. These project types are designed to enhance upland game bird habitats on lands open to free upland game bird hunting when permission to hunt is secured.  The guide includes tables that provide hunters with project-specific information such as project location, acres, and the method to contact landowners for permission.  Hunters should note that several private land projects are walk-in game bird hunting with no further permission required.  Many UGBEP projects are located on lands enrolled in Block Management, and hunters will need to refer to the Block Management guide for specific access and permission information.   FWP reminds hunters to obtain landowner permission before hunting private lands in Montana.  Beginning Aug. 10, hunters can find the new guide and the maps online at fwp.mt.gov . Click UGBEP Projects Access Guide .  FWP anticipates newly enrolled Open Fields projects available for game bird hunting this fall that won’t be included in the published access guide due to timing.  FWP will create an addendum available for download on the Access Guide web page as soon as the enrollment process is complete and will include maps and access information.  Printed access guides will be available at FWP headquarters and regional offices late August. Hunters can also request a copy of the access guide via FWP's website.  FWP will begin mailing guides to hunters the week of Aug. 17. FWP extends thanks to all partners who collaborate on habitat conservation and access opportunities that benefit wildlife and hunters. Through critical partnerships formed with private landowners, government agencies and conservation organizations, UGBEP enhanced nearly 370,000 acres of habitat while providing nearly 700,000 acres of access to upland game bird hunters. For more information, contact Debbie Hohler, UGBEP Coordinator, at: 406-444-5674, or by email: dhohler@mt.gov .

COVID-19 Cases continue to be confirmed in Beaverhead County Beaverhead County has a total case count of 50. At this time there are 14 active cases. We have identified community spread within Beaverhead County. Community spread occurs when cases do not have an identifiable origin. We’ve seen a major community surge in recent weeks. Please continue social distancing, frequent hand washing/sanitizing, and staying home when you feel sick. As public health becomes busier with contact investigation, it will take longer to identify and investigate contacts. We ask for the public’s patience while we work on cases and contacts. A close contact is considered someone who is within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes with a positive case. There may be times that the case does not remember all close contacts so if you feel you were a close contact and have not been called by public health after a couple of days, please call the health department at 683-4771. Please do not seek immediate testing at the hospital. The proper procedure for testing is a request to your health care provider or public health for a test. We do ask that if you have no symptoms or mild symptoms, that you wait until after the weekend to request a test. No courier is available on the weekend to take tests to the state lab. However, if you are experiencing severe illness, please seek care at the hospital immediately. It is important that you remain quarantined from the community for 14 days from last exposure to the positive case. If you are in contact with a positive case and receive a negative test result during quarantine, you MUST finish your 14 day quarantine. Beaverhead County Public Health is asking everyone to please do their part in keeping themselves and others in our community safe. Follow the Governor’s mask mandate unless you are exempt under the directive. The mandate can be found at https://covid19.mt.gov/joint-information-center .

Burning in wooded areas north of Bannack State Park, the Bon Accord fire is at 160 acres. The fire is at 30% containment with two Hot Shot crews, and air support fighting the fire. Fire fighters thought they had a handle on it but a down burst and thunderstorm came through with a shifting of winds pushing the fire in a different direction. No structures are threatened by the fire at this time.

A wildfire is burning Northeast of Bannack. The fire started around 4 PM and has burned an estimated 50 to 80 acres. Four Type 6 engines, 2 Type 2 helicopters, and 2 Type one air tankers are assigned to the fire, along with a ground crew of 35 firefighters. Crews have been facing directional changing wind and small thunderstorms with some lightning. Further personnel is expected to arrive Sunday morning. There has been no reports of injury or property damage.

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission will meet Aug. 13 using the video conferencing platform Zoom. Details on how to access the meeting will be posted on fwp.mt.gov closer to the meeting date. The meeting will also be audio streamed online at fwp.mt.gov. The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. The commission will hear the following petitions: Shields River Petition by Jeff Welch Madison River Petition by Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana Madison River Petition by GGC of Trout Unlimited, Skyline Sportsmen Association and the Anaconda Sportsmen Association The commission will make final decisions on the following topics: Nixon Bridge Gallatin River Temporary Closure MDT Clark Fork River Temporary Closure Future Fisheries Improvement Program Summer Funding Panel Recommendations Approval of Marten Translocation to Little Belt Mountains 2020/2021 Furbearer Seasons And 2020 Quotas Approval of Bighorn Sheep Translocation to Little Belt Mountains Reaffirming Approval of Bighorn Sheep Translocation to Tendoy Mountains Lone Tree Conservation Easement Ash Coulee Conservation Easement W-Bar Conservation Easement The commission will hear the following presentations and proposals: 2021 Fishing Regulations Annual Review and New Annual Work Plan for Elk Management Guidelines in Areas with Brucellosis Shoulder Season Harvest Evaluation The commission will also look at endorsing the following: Yellowstone Islands Fishing Access Site Cornell Park FAS Bad Rock Canyon Wildlife Management Area Acquisition Kootenai Forestlands Phase II Conservation Easement Chip Creek Conservation Easement Big Snowy Mountains WMA Acquisition South Addition to Cree Crossing WMA The commission also will selection organizations to auction 2021 moose, sheep, goat, mule deer and elk licenses and will recognize Jim Stone for his service to fisheries conservation efforts. FWP ensures its meetings are fully accessible to those with special needs. To request arrangements, call FWP at 406-444-3186. For the full agenda and background on the scheduled topics, go to the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov; under “Quick Links” click “ Commission .” FWP's website offers live streamed audio of each Fish & Wildlife Commission meeting.

Another week in the books and another month down. Plenty to do this weekend, in town or in the great outdoors. Have a fun and safe weekend Southwestern Montana. Friday July, 31st Tai Chi (free classes) 9:30 AM – 10:20 AM, Free Tai Chi classes continue. Please practice social distancing. Great Harvest is Raising Dough 7 AM to 2 PM Swing by the Great Harvest in Dillon, MT, July 29 - 31 from 7am to 2pm! Sales will benefit the Barrett Hospital Foundation. We are featuring our Bacon Cheddar Beer Bread (Made with beer from the Beaverhead Brewing Co.), Hamburger Buns, Cranberry Orange Bread, Rhubarb Streusel, Salted Caramel Cookies, Biscuits, Muffins, Dillon Cookies, and all your favorites! We will be offering our full sandwich lineup. This month's special is the Barbecue Chicken Cheddar Melt sandwich. 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. Steve Rose live at RVB 6 PM – 8 PM Steve Rose will be playing live in the taproom 7/31 from 6-8pm. Come enjoy the fun! July Jam 8 PM – 12 AM Come have a one of a kind good time! Saturday Aug, 1st Dillon Farmers' Market 9 AM – 1 PM South Washington Street by Jaycee Park, Hand made and home grown local specialties offered by up to 20 vendors. KneeJürk! At The Knotty Pine 8 PM-12 Am It’s KneeJürk! back at Knotty Pine! THIS SATURDAY NIGHT! 8-midnight! Bannack Barn Dance 7 PM – 10 PM Join us for an unforgettable night of music and dancing to the sounds of “Best of Bannack”. This group of talented musicians has been performing at the park for more than 25 years. So, dust off your hats and boots and dance the night away to classic Country & Western tunes in the pavilion at Bannack State Park. We hope to see you on the dance floor. Plenty of space for social distancing. What: Annual Barn Dance, featuring music from “Best of Bannack” When: Saturday, August 1, 2020 from 7pm to 10pm Where: Yankee Flats group use pavilion, Bannack State Park, 721 Bannack Rd, Dillon, MT ​ For more information, call the park office at (406) 834-3413. Sunday Aug, 2nd Not much going on this week as people begin to cancel events as COVID-19 cases rise. We will continue to keep you up to date on numbers and any other info we receive on it. Go out enjoy your weekend, practice social distancing, and wash your hands.

Press Release Sadie Caltrider July 30, 2020 Beaverhead County PIO COVID-19 Numbers in Beaverhead County At the writing of this press release Beaverhead County has confirmed 43 total cases since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently there are 18 active cases in Beaverhead County with 3 people currently hospitalized. The dramatic increase in local cases over the last few weeks has created an overwhelming workload for Public Health. Additional people have been called in to assist in contact tracing efforts. We want to take this time to urge people to remember to continue social distancing as much as possible and wearing face masks in public or if you cannot socially distance in groups of people that do not live in your household. Some cases have led to many close contacts because social distancing and mask wearing were not followed. Remember that your choices affect those around you. As with every case if you are not contacted by public health, you are not considered a close contact. A close contact to a positive case is considered someone who is within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes without a mask. Please do your part in keeping your community safe. Isolation of cases and quarantine of their close contacts can impact large segments of our community and could even lead to interruptions in services we rely on if those workers are quarantined. Continue to be vigilant hand-washers, remember to wear your masks in public, stay a cow’s length away from people that don’t live under your roof, and stay home when you’re not feeling well. These are four simple steps that we can all do will help slow the spread in our community.

Stand-up paddleboarders need to remember they are required to have a life jacket on board. The use of stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) has exploded in Montana over the past few years. And while the vessels are fun and easy to use, many people don’t realize that SUPs have equipment requirements, just like other vessels. In 2008, the U.S. Coast Guard determined that SUPs are considered to be a vessel when used outside a marked swimming area, and that state law applies for safety equipment. In addition to having a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket on the board, children under 12 years of age must wear a life jacket while on a SUP. Also, all people with watercraft, including SUPs, must stop at AIS inspections stations. For more information, check out the Montana boating regulations at fwp.mt.gov or pick up a copy at your local FWP office. If you have any questions, please contact Sara Smith, boating education coordinator for the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Recreational Boating Safety Program, at 406-444-5280 or sarsmith@mt.gov.

HELENA – The Montana Department of Commerce announced Tuesday that Montana Housing and NeighborWorks Montana will partner to increase awareness of the availability of rent and mortgage payment assistance as federal unemployment insurance benefits expire. “Montanans impacted by the economic effects of COVID-19 are not alone,” Montana Department of Commerce Director Tara Rice said. “Commerce has a good, longstanding relationship with NeighborWorks Montana and we are excited this partnership will help us deliver housing assistance to more Montanans faster and more efficiently.” NeigborWorks Montana will assist the program by providing technical support to renters and homeowners who apply for the Emergency Housing Assistance Program. The partnership will also create a coordinated and organized statewide system to improve the delivery of the program while increasing awareness of available assistance. The Emergency Housing Assistance Program provides rent, security deposit and mortgage payment assistance for Montanans who have lost a job or substantial income as a result of COVID-19. Applicants are eligible for up to $2,000 per month. The program pays the difference between 30 percent of the household’s current gross monthly income and their eligible housing assistance costs. Income limits range from $75,000-$125,000 annually based on family size. The program was created in May by Governor Steve Bullock using $50 million of Montana’s allocation of federal CARES Act dollars. As federal benefits expire, the state expects to see an uptick in the number of renters and homeowners in need of monthly assistance. “We know so many people across the state are struggling with disruptions caused by COVID. Stable housing is a critical need at any time, and particularly now,” NeighborWorks Montana Executive Director Kaia Peterson said. “We look forward to helping people meet their immediate needs with the help of the State’s Housing Assistance funds while also supporting clients as they work toward long-term housing stability and financial well-being.” Montana has been a national leader in using CARES funding for emergency housing relief. Six states and the city of Chicago have reached out to Montana to model their own programs on the Emergency Assistance Housing Program. To date, $1.06 million has been paid to landlords or mortgage servicers on behalf of renters or homeowners who apply. For more information and to apply visit COVIDRELIEF.MT.GOV .

Going on now is the first Dillon History Days. with something for everyone Dillon History Days is a great way to spend the day. Saturday July 25th All day Jack Shinkle- Log Cabin Demonstration at the Old Depot 10 AM to 3 PM Sidewalk sales and vendors 10 AM to 3 PM Living History at The Museum and various locations 12 PM to 2 PM Montana Western Campus tours with Mike Schulz, and Wally Feldt 2 PM to 2 AM Roaring 20's parties at the local speakeasies 4 PM & 7 PM filmed in Montana Movies at Big Sky Cinema 5 PM Mechanical bull riding at the Frontier Events Center Sunday July 26th 12 PM to 3 PM community picnic 1 PM Recognizing founders of the city 1:30 PM Live Auction Drawings through out the day

Lots going on this weekend, so here we go with another Weekend Rundown. Friday July 24th Tai Chi (free classes) 9:30 AM – 10:20 AM Dillon Elks Lodge Free Tai Chi classes continue. Please practice social distancing. Kick-Off Celebration - Ride for Respect 11 AM – 1 PM Our amazing Butte Law Enforcement will kick-off the Ride for Respect to welcome riders and to fellowship with fans of Special Olympics at Copper Canyon Harley on Friday, July 24th from 11-1 To support a rider you can make a flat donation or sponsor a rider on a per mile basis. To donate click or copy & paste this link: https://www.classy.org/campaign/2020-ride-for-respect/c283118 Join in on the celebration and enjoy a grab and go lunch from OMG food truck. See ya there! 🏍 ❤️ 🏃 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. Dillon History Days The event is centered in downtown Dillon, but includes all businesses and organizations in Beaverhead County. Tours of historic buildings and houses will be conducted throughout the area. Living history demonstrations will be developed based on railroad, agriculture, mining, logging, and more. Attendees are encouraged to dress in vintage clothing. This event is extremely important to the area, as it builds a strong community by celebrating Dillon and Beaverhead County, beginning with settlement in the Beaverhead Valley and the founding of Dillon in 1880. Dillon History Days will highlight the way progress has changed and shaped the town and area throughout the years. All businesses and organizations are called upon to prepare activities to show how they began, how they have evolved, and what they now bring to the community. Water to Whiskey 5K - 25th Annual Madison River Run 6 PM – 9 PM For many years, the Madison River Run was a local fun run that generally attracted 50 to 60 runners from Madison County and the rest of Southwest Montana. It is still a local fun run and it still attracts runners from Southwest Montana, but this is just the beginning. We have a new cool tag line name - the Water to Whiskey 5K - to reflect the Greater Yellowstone Adventure Series (GYAS) collaboration with Willies Distillery. For this 25th running of the event, we will start on the waters of the Madison and finish as close as possible to the tasting room of Willies Distillery. We got runners from all across the country coming to this one. Here’s a chance to do a 5K, take part in a community event, and taste some of Montana’s finest spirits at Willies Distillery and also grab a burger at the G Bar in downtown Ennis. The rest of Main Street is open for business. After that, you can fly fish the Madison, one of the best blue ribbon trout streams in the USA or make a day trip to Yellowstone. Strollers, walkers, kids, and all are completely welcome. It’s a fantastic way to spend a weekend in Southwest Montana. Live W/beth Millick @jackson Hot Springs Lodge 9 PM good times , people , staff and music and lets not forget the food and drinks!!! Saturday July 25th Dillon Farmers' Market 9 AM – 1 PM Hand made and home grown local specialties offered by up to 20 vendors. Bird's Eye View Guided Hike 10 AM – 12 PM Join us Saturday the 25th @10 for a guided hike of the Birds Eye View Trail! Learn more about the history of the park, the flora and fauna, and take in the amazing views! The 2 mile hike does has significant incline so please dress appropriately and bring water The Inaugural Madison Ultra Up - 50K straight up 5:30 AM – 1 PM By definition, an Ultra is any race longer than 26.2 miles or 42 kilometers. Most Ultras are either nice round numbers such as 50K, 100K, 50 Miles, 100 Miles and even 24 hours, or they are a specific distance between two points, e.g. the Badwater Ultra is 135 miles which is the distance from the lowest point in Death Valley to the highest point (original route) at Mount Whitney in the contiguous United States. That's most Ultras - a nice round number or a specific distance between two unique and iconic spots on a map. Because Montana is so awesome and has so much fantastic public land (Thank you Teddy Roosevelt!), we are doubly blessed. We are going to do both in one route and in two directions. One start/finish line is on the banks of the Madison River and one start/finish line is at Monument Ridge on top of the Gravelly Range. The Madison River is already famous among fly fishing aficionados. It's a blue ribbon trout stream. This means it's a fast flowing, cold water, not too deep, high elevation river with incredible rainbow, brown, and cut throat trout. People from around the world come to Southwest Montana for the sole purpose of casting a dry fly onto its waters. Monument Ridge is the highest point on the Gravelly Range Road. It is 9,587 feet above the oceans. When all the ups and downs are calculated, it's about 6,000 net vertical feet above the Madison River. Here's the cool part. The road distance between the banks of the Madison River and Monument Ridge? 50 kilometers. So you have a choice. A 50K uphill that starts on the cool, calming and tranquil waters of the Madison River and finishes at Monument Ridge, or a 50K downhill that starts at 9,587 feet and offers view sheds where you can see 100 miles on a clear day and finishes on the banks of the Madison River. How cool is that? Choose wisely. The route, obviously in either direction, is entirely on a decent quality gravel road. A regular car can travel on this road. In no way are these trail Ultras. There is basically no flat ground on the entire route. It's either leaning or crazily going uphill or downhill. If you're an Upper, there will be some downhill stretches, but not too many over the 50K. If you're a Downer the same thing holds in reverse. According to Garmin data collected from the Tour de Gravelly which covers the same route, the net gain/loss from the Madison River to Monument Ridge is 6,061 feet. That's a shitload of net gain/loss over 50K on a road. If you've never done an Ultra before, here's your chance. Sometimes you gotta say WTF. We've never been an RD for an Ultra and we’re saying WTF to two of 'em! Just those three words sound cool. They're even cooler sounding when you can add "and it had a 6,000 foot net gain on the route." Dillon History Days at the Dillon Elks The street will be closed and many events are happening both inside and outside of the Lodge to celebrate Dillon History Days. Come join us! Bannack camp trip ghost investigation 11 AM THERE ARE NO TICKETS REQUIRED. Just have to get a camp site or come up for the day with us. We will camp, tell stories, and ghost investigate during the day. In the evening we will have the telescope set up and look for ufos also go to the cemetery outskirts of town and investigate it. leave time we will meet at Belgrade albertsons at 11am or in the town about 1pm my camp spot is number 14 under Adams. I will give you guys directions and instructions before the camping and reminders this is coming up. I put the link to the campground in this event and on here. But you do not need a ticket. Any questions message us. https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/bannack-state-park/MT/630310/overview Sunday July 26th 4th Annual Tour de Gravelly 6:30 AM – 3 PM Montana's newest and coolest gravel road cycling race Okay, we got our first three done. We're growing, getting good at this, and we are definitely onto something big. The net gain on this route is over 6,000 feet. That's one incredible uphill. The net drop is over 4,800 feet so after a huge uphill you get a white-knuckle downhill. Get ready for a cycling adventure of a lifetime. Beginning in 2020, there will be a choice of two routes for the Tour de Gravelly. These are ‘The Beast’ which is the original route of the first three years, and ‘The Animal’ which is about 20 miles shorter than the original but also goes up and over the Gravelly Range Road. Both races start at the same time and at the same place (6:30 AM at Lion’s Club Park in Ennis). Both races have the same finish line (Vigilante Station in the Ruby Valley). The routes are the same for the first 28 or so miles. The net elevation gain for The Beast is just over 6,000 feet. The net gain for The Animal is probably closer to 5,000 feet net gain though this has not yet been adequately measured nor has the total mileage – 35 miles is an estimate at this time. The Greater Yellowstone Adventure Series (GYAS) slogan lives up to its reputation with this race. It’s basically all uphill, and then there's one hell of a downhill. There will be water jugs at roughly five mile increments along the route. There will likely be huge gaps between yourself and other cyclists. There will be roving aid stations – volunteers in trucks – covering as much ground as possible, but we can’t be everywhere at the same time. If you’re the type of cyclists that needs a very defined and detailed agenda as well as support crews, this might not yet be the race for you. We’re just in year four and are still working things out. But if you want to join the fun and break some new ground with us, please do. The more, the merrier. Someone has to go first and you will be more than welcome to be part of the group. The race packets have the details as well as a route map. Suffice to say, this is a Bucket List kind of gravel road cycling race. Our vision is that it will be a national destination race. The route is just too damn beautiful and challenging for it not to be. Come see for yourself! Dont forget this weekend is the first Dillon Days, they will have a car show, car smash, many vendors, and a Mechanical Bull. There is also plenty to do around Dillon head to the hills and enjoy the cool air. Take a float down the river or head to the lake. If you have an upcoming event and want it in the weekend rundown or our events calendar email us at southwesternmtnews@gmail.com

The impacts of COVID-19 are of momentous concern for the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce and the Dillon Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.  We adamantly support our businesses, residents, and guests to this area.  Furthermore, we believe firmly that the safety of our communities and their residents are the highest priority.  During the first six months of 2020 we have experienced a significant decline in revenue to both the chamber and the CVB due to COVID-19.  Most notably, bed tax revenue from our area was down by more than 90% for the first half of 2020.  In response to this unpreventable decline in revenue, The Montana Department of Commerce offered all CVB’s and resort areas in Montana supplemental funding through Federal CARES Act dollars they received.  The Dillon Area CVB was notified of our eligibility to receive a total of $16,296 as a Tier 1 recipient.  This funding was directed toward a scope of work outlined by the MT Department of Commerce through the following statement for all Tier 1 recipients:  “ … require these tourism partners to disseminate safety messaging content or materials provided by MOTBD or created in conjunction with MOTBD through a variety of methods applicable to that partner. These methods could include production and distribution of printed information to businesses, organizations, or posting in public places frequented by visitors; updating content on websites; social media posts (organic); electronic distribution via email or eblast. Additionally, the tourism partner will assist in local coordination as needed for specific initiatives such as encouragement of employee testing.” As with any contractual obligation, it is not always possible to document every aspect of each party’s commitment and responsibility.  We felt the undocumented commitment included in this scope of work could likely create a significant unfunded liability that we would have to balance when planning for the future needs of the organization and trying to re-open our communities and engage in promoting our area.  After much discussion and deliberation, we felt it would be best to focus our talents, time and efforts on subjects that can help move Dillon and our surrounding communities on to the next phase rather than focusing on duplicated distribution of undeveloped and/or unknown messaging.  We are also disappointed by the fact that Montana’s smallest CVB’s are not afforded funding to market their communities and their events like the Tier 2, Tier 3 and Tier 4 recipients.  These two factors led us to believe it was best to refuse the money and focus our attention on what we can do best to support our stakeholders rather than obligate ourselves to a commitment that would severely draw on our limited resources.   As always, the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture and the Dillon Area CVB, welcome any questions, comments, input and volunteers from the community.  Our meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at 830a (contact the Chamber at 683-5511 for location specifics).   Respectfully,  The Board and Staff of the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce of Agriculture / Dillon Area CVB

Governor Steve Bullock today announced the state will soon be able to expand surveillance COVID-19 testing for critical front-line health care personnel, essential workers and other groups thanks to a partnership with Montana State University. “Surveillance testing of asymptomatic individuals is a powerful tool in helping slow the spread of the virus in our Montana communities,” Bullock said. “Montana State University has been an enthusiastic partner in helping find a Montana solution to our testing capacity and I am incredibly grateful for their partnership as we work together to protect the health of Montanans.” Montana State University’s researchers will begin the surveillance testing next week, with a capability of testing 500 people per day. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) will determine what Montana populations need to be tested for surveillance and then will ship the samples to a designated laboratory at MSU. “As the state’s land-grant university, this kind of service and outreach to the people of Montana is what we are called to do,” said Montana State University President Waded Cruzado. “Montana State University’s researchers have poured their creative energies into this project as well as other important endeavors that benefit the communities we serve." Montana State University will use four qPCR machines to do the surveillance testing at the direction of DPHHS. “This initiative is a step in the right direction and will serve us well in helping to detect the virus among asymptomatic groups of people so that we can take quick action to stop the virus from spreading,” said Montana National Guard Major General Matthew Quinn, who is leading the Governor’s Coronavirus Task Force. Governor Bullock also announced that the state has finalized a contract with a reference lab, MAKO Medical in North Carolina, to begin processing an anticipated 1,000 tests each day from Montana. The state will take a measured approach to ensure a reasonable turn-around time in receiving back test results.

Governor Steve Bullock today, in his official capacity as Governor of Montana, filed a lawsuit to enjoin William Perry Pendley from continuing to exercise the authority of the Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in violation of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and the U.S. Constitution. “I’m taking this action today not just to block William Perry Pendley’s further illegitimate oversight of the Bureau, but also to ensure that this unconstitutional abuse of executive powers does not become commonplace under any administration in the future,” Governor Bullock said. Federal law prohibits acting directors from serving while their nomination is pending. The lawsuit seeks to bar Pendley from illegally performing the duties of director until the Senate has confirmed his nomination. Pendley continues to perform the duties of the director in violation of federal law, even while his appointment is pending. The Constitution requires that the President nominate and the Senate confirm heads of significant federal agencies—a process the Supreme Court has described as a “critical structural safeguard” of our democracy. In defiance of this constitutional tenet, BLM has been run by a series of acting directors for the entirety of the Trump Administration—most recently through the recurring Acting Appointment of William Perry Pendley for over one year. Bullock also said he hopes for immediate action by the Senate to consider Pendley’s nomination with an up or down vote. “Americans and Montanans deserve a Bureau of Land Management director who values the public’s role in managing our public lands,” Governor Bullock said. “During Pendley’s unlawful tenure, the BLM has interfered with Montana’s collaborative efforts and public access priorities. This decision-making by unconfirmed federal officials stands to create long-lasting and irreversible injury to our state’s lands, economy, and wildlife.” In Montana, BLM’s recent decisions have undermined its longstanding commitment to collaboration, threatening our outdoor heritage, and fostering uncertainty for industry and wildlife alike. Notably, BLM violated the law when it abandoned a bipartisan agreement with Western governors that prioritizes oil and gas leasing outside of sage grouse habitat. Allowing leasing in sage grouse habitat significantly risks Montana’s economic wellbeing, as it increases the likelihood of a federal listing under the Endangered Species Act. BLM continues to violate federal law and their own requirements to consider the protection of areas that have special fish and wildlife, archaeological, and primitive recreational values in their Resource Management Plans, which will guide land management for the coming decades.

COVID-19 Cases continue to be confirmed in Beaverhead County Beaverhead County Public Health is investigating 6 new cases since Friday, July 17. Three new cases on Monday, July 20th are presumptive positives which have been sent to the state lab to be tested. They are considered positive unless the state lab confirms a negative result. Four of the previously active cases are off isolation July 20. This leaves Beaverhead County with 5 currently active cases. A case that was diagnosed late in the course of the disease is off isolation. The male in his 20s was on isolation after coming in contact with a positive case. Because of the lateness of the test result, he fell within the criteria to discontinue isolation even though the test result was received on Friday, July 17. This brings Beaverhead County’s total COVID-19 case count to 12 as of July 20, 2020. Remember that the COVID map on the state website is only updated every morning at 10am and will not have the most current information on it. Positive cases can be called to public health anytime of the day. The new cases include one female in her 50’s who is symptomatic. No source of infection can be determined at this time. A second case is a male in his 20’s who was symptomatic and had an exposure to a positive case. The third case is a male in his 80’s who is symptomatic and a contact to a positive case. The fourth and fifth case is a woman in her 60’s and a man in his 80’s. Investigation is pending for their contacts. As public health becomes busier with contact investigation, it will take longer to identify and investigate contacts. We ask for the public’s patience while we work on cases and contacts. A close contact is considered someone who is within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes with a positive case. There may be times that the case does not remember all close contacts so if you feel you were a close contact and have not been called by public health after a couple of days, please call the health department at 683-4771. Please do not seek immediate testing at the hospital. The proper procedure for testing is a request to your health care provider or public health for a test. We do ask that if you have no symptoms or mild symptoms, that you wait until after the weekend to request a test. No courier is available on the weekend to take tests to the state lab. However, if you are experiencing severe illness, please seek care at the hospital immediately. It is important that you remain quarantined from the community for 14 days from last exposure to the positive case. Please do not wait for a test result as you could be exposing others. For people who received the community drive-through COVID testing on July 10th, assume your test result is negative. Public health will contact you if your test is positive. Please do not call the health department for results. Beaverhead County Public Health is asking everyone to please do their part in keeping themselves and others in our community safe. The mask mandate is in effect for counties with 4 or more active cases. These places include but are not limited to: retail stores, grocery stores, food and beverage establishments, public lodging, personal care providers, medical providers, pharmacies, gyms, pools, fitness services, museums and theaters, indoor recreational or entertainment facilities, gas stations, repair and service providers, non-profit organizations, realty services, legal services transportation services, and ride sharing services. Government agencies also fall within the mandate. Businesses and other persons who are responsible for indoor spaces open to the public, or sponsors of organized outdoor activities are responsible for monitoring mask use. There are exceptions under the Directive for mask use and individuals are asked to read the Governor’s Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020 found at the following site. https://covid19.mt.gov/joint-information-center

CEO of the MBRWC sent us a rundown of what the Bull riding event is, how they got started, and why they will be in Dillon this weekend for Dillon Days. Mechanical Bull Riders LLC was established in 2019 to provide an opportunity for those willing and able from around the world to ride mechanical bulls in competition and be in a position to compete for the Mechanical Bull Riders World Championship (MBRWC). Our foundation has four principles: 1) The event connects America, 2) The event is open to the world, 3) All riders compete together in one division, and 4) Everyone involved benefits. In 1980 an iconic hit movie, Urban Cowboy, made mechanical bull riding popular. On August 24, 2019 Mechanical Bull Riders LLC gave it a purpose with the Mechanical Bull Riders World Championship at the Harvester Restaurant-Lounge in Spangle, Washington just south of Spokane. After much research we concluded riders could come from almost anywhere and be equally competitive. So we decided the competition would be A ONE HANDED ENDURANCE RIDE TIMED EVENT open to the world for all riders, 18 and over, who would compete together. The riders came from various walks of life to put it on the line knowing no matter what their history or background they were going to compete for a world championship. Two women and eight men made it to the final round of 10. The suspense built as Laura Moore took the lead with two riders remaining. Who would win an event requiring strength, balance, focus, perception and reaction, endurance, and raw determination. Mitch Chandler, the leading rider coming into the final round, was last to go. His ride looked good but he got bucked off just short of Moore’s 57 second time. Laura Moore, an equestrian coach at Washington State University, won the Mechanical Bull Riders World Championship taking home $4,480 and the first place buckle. Mitch Chandler finished second, Cade Hartley third and Kyla Gabriel fourth. Two women finished in the top four. A new exciting, dramatic, action packed event was on line to spread around the world. Then along came the coronavirus pandemic and life changed for all of us. Some events have been cancelled but the Rocky Mountain Regional is still on for July 24th & 25th in Dillon, Montana. Mechanical Bull Riders World Championship updates will be announced soon. For details please refer to our website: mbrwc.com Thank You Very Much, George S. Chicha, CEO Mechanical Bull Riders

To give residents and nonresidents a more equitable opportunity for surplus licenses, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has developed a new system for issuing surplus licenses. Resident and nonresident hunters will be able to sign up for the new Surplus License List, with some sign-ups starting next week. Surplus licenses are leftover licenses from the special license and permit drawings FWP conducts each year. To sign up for the Surplus License List, resident and nonresident hunters can sign up through the MyFWP portal: https://myfwp.mt.gov/fwpExtPortal/login/login.jsp . As licenses become available, the list will be randomized. Hunters at the top of the list will be contacted via email with instructions to finalize their purchase. Hunters must keep their email address current in their ALS record. Payment of the license fee is not required to sign up on the Surplus License List. Obtaining a license from this list has no effect on your existing preference points. Hunters must finalize the purchase of the license/permit within the timeframe specified in the email, otherwise, your opportunity will be offered to the next hunter on the randomized list. FWP may offer opportunities that have not sold out through the Surplus License List to over-the-counter customers at our internal and external license sale providers. License numbers: The total number of Deer B licenses/permits a hunter may hold each year (through a combination of licenses acquired through drawings, purchased over the counter and through surplus sales is a total seven). Hunters electing Deer B license/permit opportunities will have the option to purchase two through the Surplus List. For Elk and Elk B licenses a hunter may hold a maximum of three each year. Only one of the three can be a general elk license, and two could be Elk B licenses through various sources such as the original drawing, game damage, or surplus. If you do not hold a general Elk license, you could obtain up to three Elk B licenses. Hunters electing Elk B license opportunities through the Surplus License List may only purchase one. However, additional opportunities up to your maximum of three may be made available through over the counter or damage hunt sales. For antelope licenses, a hunter may hold up to three in a year, of which, one can be either sex. Hunters electing Antelope license opportunities will have the option to purchase one through the Surplus License List. When to sign up: The Surplus License List sign-up timeframes referenced below are based on when the original drawing date for each species is scheduled to occur and are subject to change from year to year. Deer & Elk Permits, Deer B & Elk B License/Permits: July 21 through Aug. 7 Antelope, Antelope B, Swan, Crane, Special Mountain Lion: Aug. 12 through Aug. 24 Nonresident Hound Handler License: Sept. 16 to Sept. 28 Nonresidents who hold a NR Native license, Youth Combo license, or NR College Student Combination license may purchase Deer B and Elk B licenses at half price. For more information, contact the FWP licensing office at 406-444-2950 or fwplic@mt.gov .

July 17, 2020 Opinion Editorial FR: Montana Sheriffs RE: Personal Responsibility Required to Keep Vulnerable Citizens Safe and Montana’s Economy Open Sheriffs take an oath to support, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Montana. We will uphold our oath, protect public safety, and respond to our shared constituency through open communication and education as we continue to face the public health risks of COVID-19. As leaders in your community and the elected officials who represent you and your constitutional rights, we want to ensure we are all doing our part to protect the vulnerable citizens in our state while also keeping Montana open and our private sector business partners thriving. We all value the rights afforded to us through the constitution and the privileges we have as Montana citizens. In order to keep moving forward, we all have to do our part. Personal responsibility is the only way we can keep our vulnerable citizens safe and our economy open. We will continue to focus our efforts on education and encourage citizens to make public health and safety-related decisions based on your own personal circumstances and exposure to and interaction with vulnerable populations. Washing your hands, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, and wearing masks are all ways to take personal responsibility. The statewide face-covering order is a public health directive. The directive is not a mandate for law enforcement to issue citations and arrest violators. As your locally elected Sheriffs, we will educate the public about the Governor’s mask directive. We urge you to take personal responsibility and be respectful of all Montana citizens. Signed by: Sheriffs Paul Craft (Beaverhead), John Colby (Blaine), Wynn Meehan (Broadwater), Ed Lester (Butte-Silver Bow), Neil Kittelmann (Carter), Jesse Slaughter (Cascade), Josh McQuillan (Carbon), Vern Burdick (Chouteau), Tony Harbaugh (Custer), Duane Anderson (Daniels), Ross Canen (Dawson), Trent Harbaugh (Fallon), Rick Vaughn (Fergus), Brian Heino (Flathead), Brian Gootkin (Gallatin), Clay Lammers (Garfield), Jamie Ross (Hill), Craig Doolittle (Jefferson), Don Bell (Lake), Leo Dutton (Lewis and Clark), Darren Short (Lincoln), Phil Fortner (Madison), Jon Lopp (Meagher), TJ McDermott (Missoula), Brad Bichler (Park), Gavin Roselles (Powell), Keifer Lewis (Prairie), Steve Holton (Ravalli), John Dynneson (Richland), Allen Fulton (Rosebud), Jason Frederick (Roosevelt), Tom Rummel (Sanders), Heidi Visocan (Sheridan), Charles “Chip” Kem (Stillwater), Keith Van Setten (Teton), Donna Whitt (Toole), Tom Boyer (Valley), Mike Linder (Yellowstone)

Friday already? Lots to do this weekend in Southwestern Montana so here we go. Friday July 17th 9th Annual Madison Duathlon 8AM to 11 AM Olympic Distance Duathlon Run: 3 kilometers Bike: 40 kilometers Run: 10 kilometers Second Leg of the Madison Trifecta​ (a.k.a. Trifecta World Cup - Yellowstone) The original Madison Duathlon (bike/run) started out as a natural expansion of a good idea (i.e. the Madison Marathon), but it quickly became a good idea on its own. It was an A to B that started in Ennis right near the banks of the Madison River and then went up and over the mountains to Virginia City. It was a great route and many duathletes who have competed in the Madison Marathon say they had more fun on the duathlon.​ Not to screw with success, but we have a new route and new format starting in 2020. First, it will be an Olympic Duathlon. This means a run-bike-run race at distances of 3K-40K-10K. The start and finish will be at Lion's Club Park in Ennis. The first run will essentially be a sprint of sorts. The route comes out of Lion's Park, crosses the Madison River, and then comes back. The cycling route is entirely on Montana Highway 287. Cyclists head towards Virginia City. They go up a mammoth hill, down the other side for a bit, and then turn around. After a short uphill, they have an incredible downhill in full view of the Madison Range. They re-enter Lion's Park, jump off their bikes, change their shoes if necessary, and do a 10K loop run with the finish line also in Lion's Club Park. The cycling leg, unlike before, is entirely a road race. This means road bikes and, for some of you, serious speed. The hills though are huge so it won't be easy. The new format and date (Friday morning) is to accommodate the plans for the Trifecta World Cup. The duathlon is the second leg of the Madison Trifecta. The first leg is Thursday evening (Madison Triathlon), the second leg is this duathlon, and the third and final leg is the very next morning with the Madison Marathon. You get all three races in, and you're a TBA- Total Bad Ass! If you get just this duathlon in, you're a bit of a bad ass as well. At the very least, you get to participate in Montana's only Olympic duathlon. That alone is pretty bad ass! 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. Sista Otis 6 PM Join us for live music on the patio at 6pm with Sista Otis!!! Enjoy cold beverages, dinner and awesome entertainment 🎤 ⛱ 🎶 Fundraiser for Jack “Inky” Knapp 5 PM Our dear friend Inky was the victim of a devastating fire earlier this week in which he lost everything. Please join us on Friday for some live music and a raffle! Country Session 9 PM to 12 PM Cole Snider: LIVE!!! July 17th starting at 9 P.M.!!! Jackson Hot Springs Lodge Saturday the 18th The Covid 19 3-D Archery Shoot The Beaverhead Archers will be hosting a fun shoot out in Glen this weekend. Is going to be a lot of fun. Lots of cool shots and a great way to get out of the house! Restorative Horsemanship 10 AM Ready for a rejuvenating, unique experience? Upper Canyon Outfitters is proud to present Restorative Horsemanship Wellness Week. This will be a week balanced with structured, restorative activities and relaxing free time. The week's activities will be goal oriented in creating an authentic connection with an individual horse. Horsemanship skills and mindfulness skills will blend to allow participants to experience a genuine connection with not only their horse, but also the fellow participants. The class will be capped at 12 as to allow for individualized instruction. It is important to note that while no horse experience is required, participants will be learning intermediate horsemanship skills and will be asked to follow a comprehensive agenda each day. Mornings will be spent participating in Equine Facilitated Learning activities that focus on learning how to become a horse’s leader and provide comfort for a prey animal. Participants will learn grooming, groundwork, handling and tacking skills. The afternoons will be spent participating in a variety of activities including trail rides, guided fly fishing, guided hikes, history tour, picnics and 4x4 tours, all of which will take place in one of the three mountain ranges surrounding UCO. Our chef will be planning a special menu for this week of wellness, focusing on delectable, nutritious meals and snacks. UCO also plans on providing plenty of free time to enjoy the daily happy hour with specialty cheeses and wines highlighted nightly. In addition, an early morning yoga class will be provided to help participants prepare for a full day of activities. The week will conclude with a celebratory dinner, a slideshow of the participants accomplishments and live music under the stars. This experience provides participants with the perfect opportunity to deepen a connection with horses, humans and self. It is an opportunity to take a holistic vacation and return home feeling restored and rejuvenated. Goals: Mindfulness, connecting to nature, authenticity, rejuvenate, connect Dillon Farmers' Market 9 AM Hand made and home grown local specialties offered by up to 20 vendors RMBA / Cmrcha Joint Show 6 PM --> RMBA Ranch Horse Competition classes. -->The CMRCHA offers NRCHA classes and some non-sanctioned classes. --> Visit each assn website for show bill & entry. 13th Annual Madison Marathon 8:30 AM – 6 PM One of the Highest Road Marathons on Planet Earth Full and Half Marathon Final Leg of the Madison Trifecta​ Since the inaugural race over Labor Day Weekend in 2008, the Madison Marathon has grown by leaps and bounds. Every year, we host runners from around 40 states and several countries. Nearly one-half of the runners come from outside of Montana which is pretty good considering we have just 200 slots open. The 200 runner cap is due to US Forest Service policy which must regulate the number of runners on public land because the ecosystem on the Gravelly Range is quite pristine. When you see the route and its surrounding environment, you’ll understand that there is a lot to protect.​ Every year, the Madison Marathon hosts Marathon Maniacs and 50-Staters. We also get a lot of runners who have made the Madison their first marathon along with many, many return runners (some for the 5th, 6th, and even 7th or 8th time). Why the success? We take no credit for being good race organizers. We try hard and mostly succeed in doing what we say we will, but it’s not us. It’s the scenery. It’s the elevation. It’s the wildlife (a bear ran in front of a runner one year and there was a wolf on the route a few years ago). It’s the camaraderie. Since there are only 200 runners, you have a chance to meet nearly everyone. It’s the chance to join an elite and unique experience. It’s the extraordinary opportunity to run a marathon at over 9,000 feet on a good quality gravel road under the Big Sky of Montana.​ It’s the fact that the starting line of the Madison Marathon is at 9,250 feet above sea level and just 13 states have mountain peaks higher than this starting line. It’s the fact that you are almost guaranteed to get a PW because of the high elevation and the four to five-mile uphills and downhills that never dip below 8,500 feet. It’s also the fact that you won’t care about getting a PW because this marathon really is all about the experience. It’s one of the Highest Road Marathon on Planet Earth (up until a couple years ago we were THE HIGHEST). Long distance running just doesn’t get any better than this. You want to truly change your life and high five angels. This is your race. Street Party 5 PM to 11 PM Please join us for a street party. Live DJ music and a cornhole tournament! Engine 18 will be serving food. Sunday July 19th Copper K Fiber Fest 8 AM to 4 PM Join us at this premier fiber event in whitehall. Classes, vendors, food....oh my!! 6th Annual Big Sky Marathon 8 AM – 11 AM Full and Half Marathon race The Big Sky Marathon is the result of our success with the Madison Marathon. We held our Inaugural race in 2015 to appease marathoners from around the world who were screaming for a double (both full and half) in Montana. To non-marathoners, this is completely counter-intuitive. After all, why would you host a second marathon immediately after one of the most difficult marathons in America? To the likes of Marathon Maniacs and other running groups, it makes perfect sense. Why run just one marathon over a weekend when you can run two? Why not earn Four Stars as a Marathon Maniac over the course of 48 hours vs. possibly earning just one star and only if all your other stars line up?​ We couldn’t answer the why not questions other than to say, ‘Yeah, why the hell not?’ For 2020, we're introducing a new route. It's still one hell of a downhill. Give or take it has a net drop of 3,600 feet. Turns out, it’s the Second Longest Downhill Road Marathon on Planet Earth, or at least in the top five. The new route will once again start up on the Gravelly Range Road. The full marathon will start at approximately Mile 17 of the Madison Marathon route. Then, runners head downhill to the Madison Valley floor. Once on the valley floor, runners will no longer run along Varney Road. Instead, they will turn right at the T-junction, cross Varney Bridge over the Madison river, and run out to US Highway 287. That will be the turn-around point. Runners return to the Madison River and finish at Varney Bridge. So for full marathoners, it will be about 22 miles out and four miles back. For Big Sky Half Marathoners, the starting line will be still up on top but not quite as high as before. It will be around five miles further down the route from the Big Sky Marathon starting line. It will then be a straight 13.1 mile shot to Varney Bridge. None to little traffic. Only a mile or so of pavement instead of more than 10 miles of pavement. And, the race ends on the tranquil waters of the Madison River, not a town park. A good means to describe the route in terms of its challenges and level of difficulty is to break it down into three sections. Section One – This is from the starting line to the point on the route where the significant downhill begins. The starting line is at approximately 8,500 to 8,700 feet above sea level. The full marathon start is at about Mile 17 of the Madison Marathon. The half marathon start is about 1.5 miles from the intersection of Road 292 and 290. The runners will not drop in elevation too significantly over the first five to eight miles (depending on which race you’re running). There are few or no uphills on this section of the route. It is essentially flat and on top of the Gravelly Range though everything is trending downhill. This entire section is within the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest. As runners get close to the border of the National Forest, there will be long, gradual downhills of two to three miles in length crossing enormous bowls and meadows, but they will not necessarily be quad burners. Section Two – This is the quad burner section. It begins almost immediately after runners leave the National Forest. Runners will cross a cattle guard gate and then the next several miles will be a quite steep downhill. This is a series of switch backs that drop the runner from 8,500 feet to 6,000 feet in a relatively short distance. The “official end” of this section is when the road hits a t-junction after going through most of the Bar 7 ranch. The estimated distance is about seven miles. Section Three – This section is a flat area that gradually declines in elevation as it gets close to the Madison River. The lower part of the Bar 7 Ranch is approximately 6,000 feet and Ennis and the Madison River is at about 5,000 feet. The first few miles will be on gravel road, but eventually the runners hit pavement near the Ennis Fish Hatchery turn-off. Once pavement is hit, runners are quite close to Varney Bridge and the Madison River (the finish line). When runners reach a T-junction, they turn right to Varney Bridge. The half marathon runners cross the bridge and run into the Varney Bridge Fishing Access to the finish line. The full marathoners continue on this road out to Highway 287 which is about four miles away. This section is entirely on gravel road and crosses an enormous open space area with fantastic views of both the Madison and Gravelly Range. At the highway, runners turn around and run back to Varney Bridge and the finish line. That is how you run one of the longest downhill road marathons on Planet Earth! Do not forget with the ever changing COVID-19 situation some events may be cancelled. Call or check them out online before you head out. Remember Montana we do have a face mask mandate in place for counties with 4 or more cases. Get out and enjoy your weekend.

Beaverhead County Public Health would like to clear up some confusion on the case counts in Beaverhead County. Currently the total case count in Beaverhead County is 6. A previously counted case has been attributed to another county out of state based on the patient’s residence. Currently there are 5 active cases in Beaverhead County. Yesterday Governor Bullock announced a requirement for individuals to wear masks in public in counties that have four or more active cases. At this time this requirement applies to Beaverhead County residents ages five and older (with some exceptions listed in the order). The order can be viewed in entirety at https://beaverheadcounty.org/departments/beaverhead-county-covid-19-response/ or on the State of Montana’s website. 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. Large gatherings such as weddings and crowed bars where social distancing is not being followed have been linked to recent cases in Montana. The previously planned asymptomatic testing that was planned for July 24th has been postponed indefinitely. As Governor Bullock discussed yesterday the lab contracted with the state to perform such wide testing, Quest Diagnostics is no longer able to keep up with the demands of asymptomatic testing and has announced they will only be conducting testing on symptomatic test kits. We do not know when or if we’ll be able to offer asymptomatic testing in the future.