University of Montana Western head women’s basketball coach Lindsay Woolley has announced the signing of former Box Elder High School star Joelnell Momberg to an NAIA Letter of Intent. Momberg, a 5-8 guard from Box Elder, transfers to Montana Western after spending a year with the University of Montana Lady Griz. Momberg still has four years of eligibility with the Bulldogs, as the NCAA granted all student-athletes a “free year” last season. At Montana, she appeared in 10 games scoring 14 points and shooting 60 percent from the floor. “We are excited to add Joelnell to our family,” Woolley said. “She is an elite shooter who has a tremendous work ethic and a very high basketball IQ. Bulldog fans will enjoy watching her for the next four years and I can’t wait to coach her. ” Momberg attended Box Elder High School for three years leading them to consecutive Class C State Championships with current Bulldog Lily Gopher. Joelnell was named MVP of the state tournament averaging 20.7 points per game. She also was named Great Falls Tribune Super State team as a junior and the newspaper’s North-Central Montana Athlete of the Year. She is a three-time all-state selection. She played her senior season at Mead High School in Spokane, Wash., where she voted first-team All-Greater Spokane League as a senior. She plans on majoring in health and human performance at Montana Western.

Beaverhead County LEPC Agenda Thursday, May 27, 2021 @ 7:00 P.M. Commissioners’ Room-County Courthouse *Due to COVID-19 Zoom attendance is also offered, please see the link below: https://zoom.us/j/96875305702?pwd=NmpzeHlGNEtrZE1HSWs2TVcvL24rQT09 Meeting Call to Order Introductions Committee Reports: · DES- (Tom Wagenknecht) 1. Communications Update 2. Training 3. Review of EOP · Public Health- (Sue Hansen) 1. Public Health Recovery Plan a) Public Health as the Community b) A High-level plan (framework) c) Community recovery operations after a disaster d) We will need to identify potential public health needs such as: Restore services Long-term follow-up to the affected population Implement recommendations from the AAR Ensure sustained, basic, and surge capacities Address psychological needs 2. Access & Functional Needs (AFN)- Engage Stakeholders Strengthen communications: Preparedness and resilience Stakeholder organization preparedness and continuity of operations Stakeholder organization integration w/local emergency operations 3. Emergency Medical Countermeasure (EMC) Plan a) Review & Update b) Ensure response partners sign to agree on roles/responsibilities Local Jurisdictions- (Participants) Discussion about scheduling 6 regular LEPC meetings a year on the 3rd Thursday at 7:00pm (+ extra if needed for training, exercises, etc.) The proposed meetings shall be as follows: 1. July 15, 2021 2. September 9, 2021 3. November 18, 2021 4. January 20, 2022 5. March 17, 2022 6. May 19, 2022 Public Comments & Questions Next LEPC Meeting Adjourn

Its the weekend and the weather has done a crazy 180 on us, but things are happening and we have them all right here for you. As always if you have an event you would like on our events calendar email us a t southwesternmtnews@gmail.com Friday, May 21st Tai Chi Starts at 9:30 A.M. Elks Lodge Free Tai Chi classes continue. Please practice social distancing. Rebuilding the M&M - A Fundraiser Hosted By Slainte Starts at 3 P.M. Join us at Slainte on Friday, May 21st for a very special evening dedicated to the history and the future of the M&M. We will have drink specials, raffle items, live music, and food. All dedicated to our friends at the M&M. Our goal is to start a seed fund that Selina and her team can put towards rebuilding this iconic business in Butte when the time comes. Stay tuned for more details throughout the week. Form Function Fitness Rooftop Exercise Class 5 P.M. We have formed an exclusive partnership with Alex Duroche of Form Function Fitness to offer these amazing fitness classes for both guests and the community of Dillon, MT. • Group classes • Introductory Calisthenics & Core workout • Class size limited to 6-10 people - registration is required • Class time 45 minutes (possible 1 hour with warm-up and cool downtime) • Body weight workout to start • Bring your own mat and water • $20 𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 To schedule your session or additional details, please contact: • 𝑹𝑬𝑮𝑰𝑺𝑻𝑹𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵 𝑹𝑬𝑸𝑼𝑰𝑹𝑬𝑫 • Alex Duroche - Form Function Fitness 406-871-7286 FormFunctionFitness@gmail.com Chandler Huntley 6 P.M. Rockys Roadhouse Don't miss Chandler Huntley this Friday night. Come and have great some great food, enjoy time with friends and listen to some great music. Live Music with Amanda Stewart 6P.M. at Ruby Valley Brew Live Music with Amanda Stewart! Amanda is a Rock/Americana songwriter currently residing in Bozeman, MT. Silver Bow Drive In 8 P.M. Playing May 21st, 22nd, and 23rd Side one: Raya and the Last Dragon Rated PG Runtime 1 hr 47 min Side two: Those Who Wish Me Dead Rated R Runtime 1 hr 40 min Gates open at 8:00 pm. Shows start at dusk (about 9:00 pm) Tickets are $6 ages four and up. Ages three and under are free. Cash only Big Sky Cinema May 21-23 movies start at 4 P.M. Those Who Wish Me Dead 4 P.M. and 6:45 P.M. Spirit 4:15 P.M. Mortal Combat 7 P.M. Dalton Lemburg Live starts at 9 P.M. Come check out the Golden Bar for some great drinks and live music! Saturday, May 22nd Horse/Bicycle Encounter Clinic Starts at 8 A.M. Hosted by Three Rivers Backcountry Horseman. The purpose of this clinic is to expose your horse or mule to trail bikes and ebikes. And to educate cyclists on what to do when meeting horsemen on the trail. ** $25 per person and includes lunch from The Shack ** ** RSVP by May 15th ** Email Clark.Kinney@icloud.com or packmule47@yahoo.com for more info. We're looking forward to a fun and educational day! Hope to see everyone there! Weekend at the Willows Starts at 10 A.M. Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 5050 HWY 287 Ennis, MT 59729 We are hosting Weekend at the Willows Spring Market event at the farm this year! The event will be Saturday May 22nd from 10am-6pm with local vendors, food and live music!! We are even opening the greenhouse and selling vegetable and flower starts! Black Tie & Boots Gala Starts at 5 P.M. The Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture cordially invites you to the annual Black Tie & Boots Gala! The event is being held Saturday, May 22nd at 5:00 pm at the Dillon Elks Lodge #1554. Social hour is from 5-6 pm with dinner from 6-7 pm. Awards will be presented and a 50/50 raffle will be available. Music is provided by John and Joanie Bacon. We will be announcing our annual award recipients for the following categories: Business Woman of the Year Business Man of the Year Teacher of the Year New Business of the Year Agribusiness of the Year Community Organization of the Year Chamber Member of the Year We have limited availability in order to comply with COVID regulations. Please contact the Chamber 683-5511 for tickets. Here are the Nominees for the following Awards: Business Woman of the Year: Holly Hansen, Sandy Burtheson, Julie Seminara, Michelle Cohen, Kari Towery Business Man of the Year: Shannon Maness, John Helle, Tom Helle, Mike Blando, Cory Birkenbuel, Darin Harris Teacher of the Year: Iola Else, Kristi Borge, Jennifer Ostler, Jamie Ferris, Timi Miles, Jody Allison, Katie Raffety, John Jory New Business of the Year: 316 Solutions, Hidden Treasures Thrift Store, Susie's, The Andrus Hotel, Blacktail Appliance Repair Agribusiness of the Year: Schuett Farms, La Cense Montana, Montana Center for Horsemanship, Harrington & Hirschy Quarter Horses Community Organization of the Year: Beaverhead Food Bank, Community Support Center, Dillon Soroptimist, Barrett Hospital Foundation, MT Youth Challenge Academy Chamber Member of the Year: Vanessa Graham/Dillon Skin Studio & Spa, Michelle Cohen/The Andrus Hotel, Bob Pfister, Jo Ann Juliano/KDBM-KBEV We invite all Nominees to attend the Gala. Winners will be announced that evening. Fundraiser for Madison Meadows Starts at 6 P.M. Fool's Gold is playing a fundraiser at the Ennis Rodeo grounds. Come on by and enjoy a good dinner and a great night of music and dancing. Music by Fan Mountain Frog Dogs 6 P.M. Join us for music by the Fan Mountain Frog Dogs and enjoy some of our yummy food and drinks while you listen!

THE BUTTE SILVER BOW LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY HAS REQUESTED A MISSING AND ENDANGERED PERSON ADVISORY FOR JAMIE ANN SPURZEM. JAMIE IS A WHITE 32 YEAR OLD FEMALE, 5 FOOT 1, 145 POUNDS, WITH BLACK HAIR AND BROWN EYES. JAMIE IS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS AND HAS LEFT HER HOME. IT IS UNKNOWN WHERE SHE MIGHT BE HEADED AT THIS TIME AND THERE IS CONCERN FOR HER WELFARE. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON JAMIE'S LOCATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE BUTTE SILVER BOW LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY AT 406-497-1120 OR CALL 9 1 1. THANK YOU. THE MISSING ENDANGERED PERSON ADVISORY FOR JAIME ANN SPURZMAN HAS EXPIRED AND JAIME HAS BEEN LOCATED. THE BUTTE SILVER BOW LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY THANKS EVERYONE FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE

The University of Montana Western named 540 students to the 2021 spring semester Dean’s List. To achieve this honor, students must be enrolled full-time or for 12 semester credits and carry a minimum 3.33 grade point average. An asterisk after a name indicates a student received Dean’s List high honors. The listing at the link below is divided into In-state and Out-of-State/International students, alphabetically by city and state. Dean’s List Spring Semester 2021

The Dillon Volunteer Fire Department responded to a trailer house fire Wednesday morning. Unfortunately the house was a complete loss. This has displaced the residents, who have also lost most of their belongings in the fire. A fundraiser has been set up for them, and if you wish to donate, you can follow the link here.

The Parks and Recreation Board will meet May 27 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 9 a.m. The board will hear brief updates on several planning efforts underway in 2021-2022, and is also set to make final decisions on the following: Classification and Investment Strategy Policy Extension Chief Plenty Coups State Park Agricultural Lease Parks Capital Program Hell Creek State Park Concession Agreement Extension FWP ensures its meetings are fully accessible to those with special needs. To request these arrangements, call FWP at 406-444-3750. For the full agenda and background on the scheduled topics, go to the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/parksandrecreationboard . FWP's website offers live-streamed audio of each Parks and Recreation Board meeting.

The Montana Historical Society is pleased to announce that tours of the Original Governor’s Mansion and museum are resuming. The Original Governor’s Mansion reopens June 1, after being shuttered for the past year due to the pandemic. Guided tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday, beginning every hour on the hour from noon until 3 p.m. Masks are preferred, but not required. Admission is $4 for adults and $1 for children. Cash and exact change are preferred. Tours are limited to groups of 10 or fewer. The Original Governor’s Mansion is at 304 No. Ewing in Helena. The museum remains open for self-guided tours. Exhibits include featured art by Charles M. Russell; the Neither Empty Nor Unknown gallery, which explores Montana at the time of Lewis and Clark; and Montana Homeland, which examines how people worked, played, raised families, and built communities. Guided tours of the museum may be available with reservations. The museum is in the Montana Historical Society building at 225 No. Roberts in Helena. Museum admission is $5 for adults, $1 per child. The family rate is $12. Call 406/444-4794 to check on tour availability, or if you have any questions.

Bridgette Sweeney, the property manager for the newly constructed Pioneer Meadows Apartment Complex, will speak to Rotarians and guests at noon Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Pioneer Meadows is an Affordable Housing Tax Credit 42 property with rents based on tenant’s income and not greater than 30 percent of the tenant’s income. Visitors are welcome. Anyone interested in learning more about Rotary should come at noon to be a guest for lunch. The Club meets in the Guild Hall of St. James Episcopal Church, 203 East Glendale St. For more information, email Mike Blando at mikeblando0717@gmail.com or Tina Giem at tgiem@barretthospital.org .

University of Montana Western head men's basketball coach Mike Larsen has announced the signing of Billings Skyview Star Ky Kouba to an NAIA Letter of Intent. Ky is 6-3 shooting guard form Billings, Mont. and will graduate from Billings Skyview High School this spring. "We are really excited for Ky to join our team for the 2021-22 season," Mike Larsen said. "Ky has all the intangibles to be a great player in our system, he passes the ball extremely well, shoots it at a very high level, and is a great rebounder." As a senior, Kouba earned all-conference and all-state honors as he averaged 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and shot 51 percent overall from the floor. Kouba helped led the Falcons to back-to-back class AA state championships. "The thing that excites me most about Ky is that he is a winner," Larsen said. "He has won two consecutive state titles in Montana's very tough AA class. He understands how to win and what it takes to win, and he is super committed to the game and getting better." The Honor Roll student is the son of Lance and Sarah Kouba and plans on majoring in business at Montana Western.

Wednesday, May 19 2021 @ 5P.M. 15 S Montana St, Dillon MT 59725 Introduction of Guests Approval of Consent Agenda (April 2021 Minutes, Director’s Report, Other Documents Trustees Present Trustees Excused Absent I. Treasurer Report: April 2021 – May 2021 Budget II. Association Report Old Business: · New Computers · Gift Shop Fundraising Committee Beaverhead History Books Vol II (distribution) Exhibit lighting in Depot Cleaning the Depot & Museum Flag poles New Business: Executive Director Report Volunteer Schedule & Season Hours Thrift Store New pamphlets/marketing Lawncare (water, mowing, flowers) Security & Safety (key pads and locks) Exhibit Update: Geology/Mining – John Breen Indigenous People; lifestyles, artifacts and examples from Southwest Montana – Ron Loge Depot – Donna Jones Main Museum – Lynn Giles & Candi Whitworth OTHER BUSINESS: Public Discussion Set date of the next meeting: Wednesday June 16, 2021 @ 5 PM Depot Theater Adjournment

Dillon Volunteer Fire Department responded to 19 calls during the month of April 2021. 04-02 False alarm S Idaho St 04-04 Grass fire Adams Ln 04-05 Grass fire False alarm Sunset Ln 04-06 MVA Hwy 41 & Nissen Ln 04-07 Grass fire Crystal Ln 04-09 MVA Blacktail Rd 04-11 CO Alarm S Pacific St 04-12 Structure fire Creston Ln 04-13 CO Alarm Chestnut St 04-13 Follow up on Creston Ln fire 04-15 Barn fire Stonehouse Rd 04-15 MVA I-15 MM 47 04-15 Gas odor E Sebree St 04-16 Grass fire False alarm I-15 04-17 Grass Fire Mutual Aid Burma Rd 04-18 CO Alarm N Montana St 04-19 MVA I-15 MM51 04-23 Gas leak Southside Blvd 04-29 MVA I-15 MM 62 We trained on primary search & communication on 04-14 Drafting from water source for Wildland Tenders & Type 6 Engines 04-20 Completed the wildland fitness/pack test on 04-26

Saturday 05/15/2021 Badger Archery is celebrating their 1 Year anniversary along with a grand opening. Do to the COVID-19 pandemic, Badger Archery was unable to hold a grand opening. This year on the 1-year anniversary they are doing it with a ribbon cutting and Hot Dog and Hamburger feed going on now tell 2 P.M. or tell they run out. Badger Archery will also have reps from PSE, Bear Archery, Rip Cord and more on hand to answer any questions you may have. All targets are 15% off during the opening and purchases over $500 get a free tumbler. Stop on by at 41 E Glendale St and check them out.

The Beaverhead County Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture and the University of Montana Western Glass Program have partnered to create a fun scavenger hunt activity throughout Beaverhead County this summer. One-of-a-kind glass cowboy hat paperweights, custom made by UMW Glass students, will be hidden at local businesses from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Proudly presented by the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, over 100 glass cowboy hats made by the students in the University of Montana Western Glass Arts Program, under the instruction of Professor Ruth King, are hidden in the shops of: Bannack, Dillon, Lima, Dell, Grant, Jackson, Wisdom, Wise River, Dewey, Glen, and Melrose. Visit these towns’ businesses for a chance to find a glass cowboy hat paperweight from Memorial Day through Labor Day! According to Chamber Executive Director, Rebecca Jones, “Anyone who finds a cowboy hat gets to take it home and enjoy the fun memories of finding it! Each limited-edition paperweight is etched with a registration number. Participants can bring their prize into the Beaverhead Chamber office located at 10 W. Reeder St. in Dillon for another prize and to receive a certificate of authenticity. And there is a special prize for finding cowboy hats in colors other than blue!” The rules of the Beaverhead Treasure Hunt are: Ten cowboy hats are hidden weekly from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Cowboy hats remain hidden rain or shine, Each participant is limited to taking home one cowboy hat paperweight this summer, so everyone has a chance to join in the fun! The term “hidden” is used loosely; some of the cowboy hats have been cleverly hidden in plain sight in public areas, historical sites and local businesses. Participants are asked to be respectful of these areas while searching. The Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture thanks the University of Montana Western Glass Art Program for sponsoring the Treasure Hunt as well as to all of the students for designing and producing these unique paperweights. Contact: Rebecca Jones, Executive Director, Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, 406-683-5511 or info@beaverheadchamber.org .

Summer is almost here, temperatures are climbing, and things are happening on the weekends. Here is your Weekend Rundown. Friday, May 14th Free Tai Chi Friday, May 14 ⋅ 9:30 – 10:20am at the Dillon Elks Lodge. Free Tai Chi classes continue. Please practice social distancing. Summer Street Party Starts at 5 P.M. Everyone is welcome! We are co-hosting a street party with the Dillon Tap House. Music, cornhole games, and more! Food available to purchase is provided by the Elks. Willie's Distillery (Ennis, MT) Join Marcedes for an Ennis Double Header - Willie's Distillery from 5:30-7:30PM and The Long Branch Saloon from 9-11PM! Marcedes Carroll is a Southwestern Montana musician. With guitar in tow, she bends Americana melodies to her stylistic storytelling. From a young age singing lullabies to her brothers cradled in the Rocky Mountains, to her adult years telling stories in dimly lit bars, Marcedes Carroll has found her voice best behind a guitar. It's no secret that hard work and tenacity will get you far, especially in the music industry. Coming from a long line of weathered Nordics, who have eventually found their way to the rugged landscape of Southwest Montana, she has a bloodline of stories to tell. Winnie Brave: Sheridan, MT @ Ruby Valley Brewing Starts at 6 P.M. The dynamic Americana duo, Winnie Brave, are blazing a trail to Sheridan, MT for a night of music at Ruby Valley Brewing! Long Branch Saloon (Ennis, MT) Join Marcedes for an Ennis Double Header - Willie's Distillery from 5:30-7:30PM and the Long Branch Saloon from 9-11PM! Marcedes Carroll is a Southwestern Montana musician. With guitar in tow, she bends Americana melodies to her stylistic storytelling. From a young age singing lullabies to her brothers cradled in the Rocky Mountains, to her adult years telling stories in dimly lit bars, Marcedes Carroll has found her voice best behind a guitar. It's no secret that hard work and tenacity will get you far, especially in the music industry. Coming from a long line of weathered Nordics, who have eventually found their way to the rugged landscape of Southwest Montana, she has a bloodline of stories to tell. Playing May 14th, 15th, and 16th: Silver Bow Drive In Playing May 14th, 15th, and 16th: Side one: Raya and the Last Dragon Rated PG Runtime 1 hr 47 min Side two: Those Who Wish Me Dead Rated R Runtime 1 hr 40 min Gates open at 7:30 pm. Shows start at dusk (about 9:00 pm) Tickets are $6 ages four and up. Ages three and under are free. Cash only. Big Sky Cinema Those Who Wish Me Dead at 4 P.M. & 6:45 P.M. Raya & The Last Dragon at 4:15 P.M. The Unholy at 7 P.M. Saturday, May 15th Annual Customer Appreciation Day Starts at 10:30 A.M. Rocky Mountain Supply Dillon. Please come join us for our annual Customer Appreciation Day Open House! We will be serving our famous pit cooked beef with all the trimmings from 10:30-2pm or until we run out. There will be lots of great door prizes! Don't forget to check out the awesome in store sales once you are done eating! We hope to see you there! Membership Drive Shoot - FREE On Saturday May 15th beginning at 9:00 AM the Tobacco Root Archers are conducting a very special shoot. This is our Membership Drive Shoot, aimed at increasing our membership. The really good news is that this shoot is offering a deal you can't refuse. Here are some of the great things about this shoot: 1. The shoot is FREE! 2. We will be providing a FREE MEAL for all participants 3. Many prizes will be available and here is how you win them. Many targets will have stick-on bullseyes on them. If you hit the bullseye, peel off the bullseye, finish your shoot and then present your bullseye at the table and you win a prize! Prizes include our new Tobacco Root Archer T-shirts, multiple knives, water bottles and a brand new fly rod! 4. And last, but certainly not least, as a member if you bring someone to this shoot who has never been a member before and they sign up as a single or family membership, you automatically get a FREE Tobacco Root Archers T-Shirt. Obviously the earlier you shoot the better your chances to win a prize. (One prize per participant). We are hoping that the new buffalo we ordered will be on the range by then. Everyone should know that it costs a lot of money for us to provide you the best range in the state for 6 months a year. We have liability insurance, mosquito control, target repairs, bridges, shed maintenance, porta potty expenses, new targets, T-shirts, propane for the grills, gas for the mowers, free food provided at shoots and more. This is your chance to show your support for what we provide by grabbing a new recruit and signing them up. WE ARE ASKING EVERYONE TO GET ON BOARD HERE AND COME OUT, EAT HEARTY, WIN SOME REALLY NICE PRIZES, BRING A NEW MEMBER AND HAVE A REALLY FUN SATURDAY. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! The Bale of Hay 2021 Opening 10 A.M. Join us for the 2021 Official Opening of The Bale of Hay Saloon! 1 Year Anniversary Grand Opening Badger Archery It has been one year since the doors opened in the middle of the corona virus pandemic. We never celebrated a grand opening like we wanted. So here it is! The Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce will be helping kick off the event at noon with a ribbon cutting. Also, come get a free burger or hotdog! We will have a limited supply on a first come first serve basis. Downstairs, from 12-2 we will have free music by the extremely talented Holly Rumsey. Also, there will be the sales reps for many of the products we sell including PSE, Bear, Rinehart, Rip Cord, Tight Spot, and Black Gold. The reps with have demo product available and are always fun to chat with. The specials will continue all day, we will be celebrating by offering all of our in stock archery targets at 15% off and any new bow purchases of $500 and above include a free Badger Archery tumbler. Come on down, celebrate and socialize! We look forward to seeing you. 1st Annual Beaverhead Mule Deer Foundation Chapter Banquet 5 P.M. Join us at the Frontier Event Center for the 1st Annual Beaverhead Mule Deer Foundation Chapter Banquet. Help support our local and state conservation efforts for our Mule Deer habitat through the purchase of a meal, playing some entertaining games, or purchasing items from silent and live auctions. https://muledeer.myeventscenter.com/.../Dillon-Mt... If you have an upcoming event and would like it added to our events calendar please email us at southwesternmtnews@gmail.com and we will add it to our events page . This is a free service we offer, take advantage of it, and get your event out to the public.

Governor Greg Gianforte today signed into law the ConnectMT Act, providing $275 million in federal funds to expand access to reliable broadband across Montana. “Too many of our communities, particularly in rural and frontier Montana, don’t have access to reliable broadband,” Gov. Gianforte said in Hamilton. “Greater access to broadband will increase opportunities for Montanans, whether in ag or high-tech or other Montana industries, but we need to get more cable in the ground. Today, we make a historic investment to close the digital divide. I thank Sen. Ellsworth for being a champion for expanding Montanans’ access to broadband.” Sponsored by Senator Jason Ellsworth (R-Hamilton), Senate Bill 297 captures $275 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act for broadband deployment. According to the Federal Communications Commission, about 1 in 3 Montanans do not have access to broadband, which is three times the national average. The digital divide is even greater in Montana’s rural communities where 3 in 5 Montanans do not have access to broadband. “Thanks to Governor Gianforte signing SB 297 into law, Republicans’ promises to create jobs, increase access to high-quality education, and improve our broadband infrastructure are being kept,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Jason Ellsworth. “With the potential for additional matching funds still on their way, this could be the largest broadband investment in Montana’s history – worth around half a billion dollars. There’s no doubt that this investment in Montana will pay major dividends for state of Montana.” Expanding access to reliable broadband is a central element of Gov. Gianforte’s Montana Comeback Plan.

Debbie Reads is a series SWMT News releases every week in partnership with The Bookstore. Debbie chooses a new book to read each week usually a short children’s book. The process is then filmed on a green screen with an animation of the book added to the background. We hope you enjoy these as much as we do. You can check out all the past stories on The Bookstore's YouTube Channel as well as their Facebook page . This week’s Debbie Reads is The Alligator Who Came For Dinner by Steve Smallman.

Madison Co, Mont., May 05, 2021 — The number of campers in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest increased dramatically in the past year, as COVID-19 increased the number of visitors and campers looking to enjoy time on public lands. In response to this influx of visitors, beginning May 14th, 2021 reservations will be required to secure a campsite at Cliff Point, Wade Lake, and Madison River campsites located in the Madison District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (BDNF). Due to the popularity of these sites, these campsites can now be reserved through Recreation.gov , the vendor that handles booking and permitting for the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and more. These campsites have limited availability and we encourage those members of the public wanting to camp here to make reservations online as soon as possible to ensure they have a reserved campsite. The move to making these reservations available online ensures the public can make reservations at any time, rather than requiring time during normal business hours or making the trip then realizing there are not any campsites available. Anyone with questions is welcome to call the Madison District office at 406-682-4253 .