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Fighting the battle with COVID-19 and trying to stay ahead of the pandemic, Governor Bullock announced a fourteen day quarantine to those coming into Montana. The Directive follows the governor’s prior travel advisory and last week’s Stay at Home Directive. “While we love our visitors, we would ask that you not come visit while Montanans are watching out for one another by staying at home,” said Governor Bullock. “This is important not only to protect our health care system, but also to protect against the spread of COVID-19.” “As of today, travel from another state or country is the most common known source of COVID-19 infections in Montana. I am asking anyone who is in Montana and has recently traveled from another state or country to do the right thing and self-quarantine for 14 days,” continued Governor Bullock. The Directive applies both to Montana residents and non-residents entering the state for non-work-related purposes. It requires a self-quarantine for 14 days, or the duration of a non-work trip to Montana—whichever is shorter. The Directive also instructs the Montana Department of Commerce to advise vacation listing and rental sites that they must notify potential out-of-state renters about the quarantine requirement. Health care workers are excluded from the Directive. Further, the Directive authorizes the Montana National Guard to conduct temperature checks at Montana airports and rail stations and screen for potential exposure history for travelers arriving in Montana from another state or country. The Directive is effective now through April 10, 2020.

With the state wide shelter in place being enacted the Beaverhead County offices have new guidelines and operating procedures. TO: Beaverhead County residents FROM: Beaverhead County Commissioners Per Beaverhead County elected officials and department heads, our offices will operate as follows: Sheriff Office and Jail Due to the threat of the Corona Virus, the entire courthouse has been closed to the public by the Beaverhead County Commissioners. This includes the Law Enforcement Annex. This closure is necessary to protect the health of the staff and inmates. If you need to speak to an Officer or a Deputy, please call the dispatch at 683-3700 or 683-3701. If an emergency exists, please call 911. Do not congregate in the vicinity the front door of the Law Enforcement Annex this just causes addition issues. Both the Dillon Police Department and the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office continue to be at full staff, and we will respond to your needs. It may be via telephones, but we will respond. This includes those of you that are currently enrolled in the 24/7 programs. Thank you for your understanding in these difficult times. Commissioners Commissioners are available by appointment only. 683-3750 Tom Rice: 925-0961 Mike McGinley: 925-0391 John Jackson: 660-1659 County attorney Available by appointment. Please call 683-3730 or email jfitch@beaverheadcounty.org . Clerk and Recorder Effective from Monday, March 30th to April 10th, 2020 and due to the recent Executive Order from Governor Bullock it has been determined that the Clerk & Recorder’s Office will be limiting their hours from 8am until 12pm daily. Document recording will only be done by appointment or through our e e-recording process during those same hours. If you are needing a birth or death certificate, the applications can be found on our Beaverhead County website under the Clerk & Recorder’s Office. We will be available by telephone 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday—Friday. Election Office The Election Office will maintain their regular hours of 8am until 5pm by appointment or phone calls only. This will be effective from Monday, March 30th to April 10th, 2020. Clerk of District Court In order to serve you in the safest possible manner, the Clerk of District Court office will be operating under these strict guidelines. This office IS open for business but closed to walk-in traffic. Marriage Licenses will be issued by appointment only. Applicants are reminded of Governor Bullock’s “STAY-AT-HOME” directive issued on 3/26/20. Passport Issuance is by appointment only. Applicants are reminded of Governor Bullock’s “STAY-AT-HOME” directive issued on 3/26/20. All attorney filings shall be submitted via email or fax. Certified copies may be requested via email and mailed to you. Pro Se filings will be accepted via US Mail. Filings will be processed when fees or a notarized Affidavit of Indigence are submitted and approved by the Court. All child support, court fines/fees, and other court related payments shall be paid by, a cashier’s check, or money order and mailed to the Court. No Cash Payments! Per order of the Court, all Court hearings will be held via video or telephone. For questions regarding the above procedures, please call (406) 683-3725 or email your question to canderson4@mt.gov . Environmental Health/Sanitation The office is closed to face to face meetings. For land use Call 406-683-3770 or 406-596-1251 or email twagenknecht@beaverheadcounty.org . Disaster and Emergency Services Our staff will be operating the Beaverhead County Incident Command System jointly with Public Health during this crisis. This is a very busy time for us, please limit telephone calls to emergency only and use email! 406-596-1251, twagenknecht@beaverheadcounty.org . Extension Office The Extension Office will remain open for phone calls, emails, and by appointment. Appointments can be made using contact information below. Office: 406-683-3785 Cell: 970-630-9216 Email: Jessica.murray4@montana.edu Finance Will be closed from March 30—April 10, 2020. Please leave messages at 683-3734. GIS Please call Tracy Sawyer at 683-3757 or 925-2212. Justice Court Court hearings are being held via video conference. Available by appointment only. Please call 683-3755. Leave message if no answer, we will return all calls as soon as possible. Planning Office Planning Office is closed for the next two weeks March 30th  to April 10th  All deadlines for subdivision and floodplains decisions have been suspended as per Governor Bullock Directive dated March 24th 2020. Public Health Available by appointment only. Please call 683-4771 or email lguillen@beaverheadcounty.org . Solid Waste Please call Larry Laknar at 925-9765. Landfill is open Monday –Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Superintendent of Schools –The office is closed to face to face meetings. For assistance, please call 683-3737 or 925-1659 or send emails to lmarsh@beaverheadcounty.org during regular working hours. For submission of documents, please send by email or FAX to 683-3769. Educator Licenses will not be registered at this time.  Treasurer Our office will be closed for the Next 2 weeks, March 30, 2020 – April 12, 2020. We will process on-line renewals and we also have a drop box on the Southside of the building close to the main door on Center Street facing Pioneer Federal, daily. Contact information is: 683-5821 (telephone), 683-5693 (fax), chucke@mt.gov . Road Department Road crew employees are still working and maintaining roads. Dillon shop: 683-5561, Wisdom shop: 689-3281, Lima shop 276-3587. Messages can also be left at 683-3780. Weed District Weed District staff will be available by phone, email, and by appointment. Please contact us using the following:   Amber Burch, Coordinator Cell: 406-925-1346 (call or text) Email: aburch@beaverheadcounty.org Kara Maplethorpe, Assistant Coordinator Cell: 715-681-0795 Email: kmaplethorpe@beaverheadcounty.org

On Sunday, March 22 at around 5:00 pm the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office received a report that an employee of a local ranch had found a human body in a field south of the city limits of Dillon.  A deputy responded and discovered the body of an adult male lying in the field.  The Beaverhead County Coroner, County Attorney and Sheriff responded to the scene.  The body has been taken to the Crime Lab in Missoula for autopsy.  Release of the identity of the man is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.  There are no signs of foul play, and there is no threat to the community regarding this incident. We will have more on this story as we get information. ​

We teamed up with Debbie from The Bookstore, she has picked some stories and will read them. We filmed them and have them on our Facebook page as well. We will update this story as we produce more of them. All of these books can be purchased through The Bookstore.

Governor Steve Bullock has issued a shelter in place and stay at home order for all Montanans. This means you only go out in public for essential business. The directive issued Thursday afternoon is in effect on 12:01 am Saturday. At a live news conference he broke this news. What does this order mean, according to the Governor, "It is voluntary of the public and we are hoping that they will abide by this order, but local authorities can enforce a stay at home order if need be." The Gov. also stated they are working on officially closing both Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. The Gov. also stated that if people are visiting from out of state they to need to follow these guidelines.

Latest County Health Orders

Letter from Beaverhead County Public Health: March 24, 2020 Re: Clarity for businesses regarding closures Public Health has been receiving many calls for more guidance on the Governor’s Directive for business closures because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand the confusion when determining which businesses should close. It is important to understand that the reason we are either recommending, or whether it’s a Directive… is to protect our community. This is to reduce the risk of exposure to your friends, your family, the elderly, and the young. Total shut down of cities in this country are happening because communities are not taking this situation seriously. We MUST be diligent and follow the guidelines. If you are worried about your business now, it will be much worse later as stricter and stricter actions are mandated because we let our guard down. There are 12 new positive cases reported in Montana this morning and these are now occurring from community spread which means people contracted the disease from unknown COVID-19 cases in the community. Positive cases continue to grow in counties around Beaverhead County. It is our responsibility to try to prevent or at least slow COVID-19 by limiting people from suspect areas into our county. If your business cannot do the following actions, then they should shut down until March 27th at which time the situation will be reassessed. However, more than likely, these current measures will continue if we continue to see the steep increase in positive cases. Actions: If you cannot provide services 6 feet from your client: · includes hair, skin, nails, tattoo salons and massage services, however, this is not an exhaustive list · cannot provide lodging/meals/transport, etc. with the recommended social distancing 2. If you cannot sanitize your equipment, vehicles, boat between clients. Everyone should practice the following: Social distancing of 6 feet, even when outside. No groups of 10 people or larger. Elderly and immunocompromised should stay home whenever possible. Increased handwashing with soap and water and use of hand sanitizer if needed. Increased sanitation of hard surfaces with disinfectants. You can make your own solution with 1 tbsp. of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Cut small clean cloths into the solution. Surfaces to pay attention to are: · keyboards, mouse, cellphone, remote control, doorknobs, light switches, steering wheels, cane handles, etc. 6. Practice good respiratory hygiene by covering your coughs and sneezes with the inside of your elbow or with a tissue. Dispose of the tissue and wash your hands. 7. If you are sick, stay home, isolate from healthy people. The Beaverhead County Health Officer has the authority to shut down businesses to protect the public from imminent threats per Section 50-2-118 of the Montana Code Annotated. The Health Officer’s authority supersedes state licensing boards. COVID-19 Pandemic is currently the biggest threat to our country and our world. We implore all our citizens to please follow these actions to keep our community as safe as possible. Respectfully, Sue Hansen RN Director Megan Evans MD Health Officer

One of the goals we have at Southwestern Montana News is to get the word out on events. With the recent media hype and hysteria following Corona Virus, a lot of events are being cancelled. Here is a list of cancelled events, that we have so far. We will update this list as more events are effected. If you have a business or event that is changing do to this let us know and we will add it. Governor Bullock orders Bars, Casinos, to close Local Changes: All Hair care and beauty salons closed Farmers Union Insurance By order of the Beaverhead County Public Health Department our doors will be closed to the public starting Tuesday, March 24th. This is for your safety as well as ours-let’s work hard to slow the spread. I appreciate every one of you that has entrusted me to insure you. To assist with this we will be in the office regular office hours conducting business by phone and email. We also have a lock box next to our door to drop payments-we will monitor it closely and make sure payments get posted daily. You can also call us to meet you curb side or pick up a payment from you when and where it is convenient. Thank you for your understanding-stay well. Judy Siring 406-683-2365 406-660-0335 jsiringagency@bresnan.net 8 am-5 pm Monday-Thursday 8 am-3 pm Friday Hot Stuff Pizza inside Rocky Mountain Supply 6am-7pm? BSW, Inc. Dillon Division Please, no Thrift Store donations until further notice. Thank you. Beaverhead Veterinary Clinic Friends and Family in the community, In an effort to protect our community and our staff from COVID-19 we ask that if you have had any symptoms of illness in the last 14 days please let our staff know. We are continually working to maintain a clean and safe environment. At this time, we will only schedule 1 appointment at a time. If you have had any signs of illness and have an emergency, our staff will assist you in admitting your animals from the vehicle and gathering information over the phone. If you have any concerns please contact Dr. Abbey. The Bank Of Commerce Drive up and or appointment only. Town and Country Foods Suspending all weekly and monthly ads, also hours of operation will be from 7am to 7pm. Encourage elderly and at risk shoppers to shop Saturdays and Sundays from 7 am to 8 am. Gateway Travel Plaza As of Friday, March 20th, SADLY the restaurant will be closed through March 31st, due to COVID-19, and the strict limitations for business. We will however, resume restaurant services on Wednesday, April 1st at 6 AM. The Fuel pumps and C-Store WILL remain open, 7 days a week from 6am to 10pm, DAILY. Stay healthy friends, family and those who we now consider FAMILY. SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE. Dairy Queen Dining area closed only Drive thru and to go orders. Salsa's Delivery or to go only. 12 pm to 6 pm. Renaissance Senior Care restricting visitors The Legacy assisted Living restricting visitors. Hitchin Post we are currently closed to help stop the spread of the CORVID-19 virus and promote social distancing. Stephens Greenhouse - closed to public but call for floral delivery or pickup along with other gifts 683-2694. Hair Care Unlimited - hours by appointment call 683-4711. Farmers Union Insurance -Judy Siring Agency is open but we do ask if you are not feeling well to please call or email. We do have a locked mailbox to drop payments or we can pick payments up if need be. Maverick Mountain Due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we have decided to suspend operations. Those looking to hike/skin are welcome to use the slopes! Alien Cellular Hello Humans! Please remain calm! We still remain open as usual but are encouraging you to pay your cellular service either by phone (406)683-2053, on the web http://www.aliencellular.com/ or drop check or cash in an envelope with your name and numbers in the video store return movie drop box! We will not be doing any phone repairs at this time (unless it is an emergency.) We can still do new activations; but lets talk over the phone first (406)683-2053 and then we can have it ready for you to pop in and pop out real quick with your new phone! Dillon Video OPEN AS USUAL or NOT SO USUAL We hope we can bring a little Enjoyment with a wonderful movie at these Uncertain Times. We are disinfecting all movie returns and disinfecting high touch areas multiple times a day. Dillon Video is also offering an option for curbside service-call in order (683-2053), pay by phone, call us when you get here, & we will hang your movies on your mirror with a smile! We have 16,000+ movies to choose from & we would be happy to pick some for you based on what you are looking for (drama, superhero, horror, comedy, faith based, virus outbreaks….) Stay healthy, stay safe! American Legion Post 20 of Dillon has CANCELED its April meeting & dinner. Rotary Club no meetings in March. The Metlen closed Dillon Masonic Lodge no meetings tell may 1st. Brits Bake Shop carry out only D&L Sweetwater Goods Call ahead to place an order, we will fill order and have it ready for pickup. 406-683-6100 or 406-925-0613 Vigilante Electric No clients in the doors. Beaverhead Animal Shelter Thrift Store is closed. Stockman Bank on March 23rd in store will be closed drive up will be open regular hours or if you need a banker its by appointment only. Taco Johns drive thru open lobby closed. Dillon Small Animal Hospital we believe caring for pets in need is essential business and we plan to stay open as always for the pets who need our help. However, we also want to do our part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community. To maintain both efforts, we will be doing things a little differently. • On request, we will be offering curbside pickup for medications and food. Please give us adequate notice to prepare your medications, then call when you are out front and we will bring your purchase out to you and accept payment curbside. • Please be patient, we are asking all staff members who feel ill to stay home at the first or any signs of illness and as a result, we may be short staffed • If you are or have recently been feeling ill, please postpone your appointment if possible. If it is urgent, please make arrangements to have someone else bring your pet to our hospital. If you cannot make such arrangements, please call us and we can arrange to come out to your vehicle to bring your pet in. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping pets and people safe and healthy! Big Tyme Sportswear . Due to the developing Coronavirus situation we will be closed to the public beginning Monday, March 16th. We will continue to work on existing orders and are happy to take new orders as well. If you have a new order, or a question about an existing order please e-mail us at btsd59725@gmail.com and we will get you taken care of. We will help facilitate delivery of all completed orders with you as well. Like other business owners we feel this is the best way to provide our services to the community while also limiting exposure to the community. Thank you for your understanding. Andy and the Crew The Peat in Lima Open for takeout and delivery only. Shine Studio is closed. Big Sky Cinema will be closed. I will keep our community updated on all newsworthy information. Meanwhile, everyone take care and be good to each other. We will get through this together. "WE WILL BE BACK!" Stan Smith Hope Restored Counseling Services Due to the many concerns being expressed about health issues, I am moving all of my sessions to Telehealth. I continue to be committed to walking alongside you in whatever you're going through - I will just be doing so over the computer or other device, instead of in person.This is a great time to take a step back from social media and news outlets, and practice some thoughtful self-care and caring for others. One of these ways to care for yourself is to continue to pay attention to your mental health. Muffaletta's Amid the rising concerns, we are encouraging our patrons to call in orders for curb side pick up! We will be open with our daily specials, including our Reuben sandwich! As well as our traditional miso ramen. Montana Hair Co . closed but *We will still be booking appointments starting the beginning of April. Lima Peaks ATV Repair is still offering our interior details during this quarantine period. We are mobile, will come right to your house, and will accommodate you and follow CDC guidelines (including disinfecting ourselves and your vehicle). For more information and scheduling, give us a call at (406)660-2207 Starbucks Dillon To help curb the spread of COVID-19 We have been asked to close our seating area & restrict orders to just TO-GO. Please if your not well, please do not come in so our Baristas are safe and healthy to continue serving the rest of Dillon without passing along the virus! Barrett Hospital and Health care Barrett Hospital & HealthCare Expands Visitor Restrictions and Safety Protocols in Response to COVID-19 Expanded Visitor Restrictions Are in Place. Barrett Hospital & HealthCare patients will now be allowed only one visitor per patient. Safety Protocols-What You Need to Do If You Are Ill With Symptoms of Respiratory Illness:If you are experiencing mild symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath call 683-3051 first, to speak with a nurse for COVID-19 risk assessment to determine whether you need to consider medical evaluation. To safeguard other patients and our staff, please do not go to the Clinics.If are you are experiencing severe symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath, and feel this is an emergency, call 683-3051 to alert staff of your pending arrival, and proceed directly to the Emergency Department. Patients headed to the Emergency Department should use the dedicated Emergency Department entrance and parking lot and follow instructional signage.What you need to know about COVID-19 and where to find information: To learn more about COVID-19, please refer to the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html Local COVID-19 resource: Beaverhead County Health Department website: https://beaverheadcounty.org/departments/public-health/ State COVID-19 resource: Governor’s Coronavirus Task Force Launched Informational Line for Montanans Phone line: 1-888-333-0461 Email: covid19info@mt.gov Website: covid19.mt.gov/ The phone line and email are staffed to address the public’s questions. Lakeland Feed Amid ongoing concern about the Coronavirus COVID-19, Lakeland’s top priority is the health, safety, and well-being of our customers and their animals. We understand the concern and uncertainty you may be experiencing around the evolving situation, and we're committed to being responsive and flexible to our customers' needs. In our stores and warehouses we are committed to taking extra precautionary measures in response to the most recent developments, including increased cleaning and sanitizing procedures. If you wish, for any reason, that you would prefer NOT to enter our store, please feel free to call your order in and pick up at our loading dock. 406-683-5197 McDonald's Good morning Dillon! Out of an abundance of caution, Dillon McDonalds lobby will be closed until further notice in light of all the crazy happening in our world. Rest assured that we are still open and offering Drive Thru orders as well as our curbside mobile ordering. We hope to continue to see our customers come in our Drive Thru and would like to thank all of you for your patronage! Dillon Public Library is now Closed until March 27th. At that time, we will reevaluate what has been going on with the Coronavirus. Papa T's As of 4 pm March 17th, Papa T’s will be going to pickup/to go orders only. We will continue this service until further notice. Thank you for your support and cooperation. Thank you! Hagenbarth Charity Pheasant Shoot has been cancelled. Funds raised from this event were dedicated to the Southern Montana Shrine Club. Raffle tickets will continue to be sold until Saturday and the 34 items donated by our generous businesses and individuals in support of the Shriners will be drawn on Saturday afternoon and delivered to the lucky winners. Individual hunts will be available until March 31 at reduced prices. To purchase raffle tickets or book individual hunts call 406 835-2312 or 406 490-2121. Subway Hello everyone just an update from us over here at Subway. We are currently as I stated in my last message taking extra precautions sanitizing surfaces every hour. We will be offering home deliveries starting tomorrow from 10-7 we will not be accepting cash, all transactions must be made with a card over the phone or through our mobile app. There will be a $2 delivery fee, and we will only be delivering within 5 miles of the store. We will also be changing our hours. We will start opening at 10a.m. and closing at 8p.m. These policies will stay in effect until further notice. On behalf of the crew and our owner Peggy Coleman thank you for your continued support through these trying times and thank you for your patience. Rocky Mountain Supply ask that: Please use only new containers when buying coffee and soda. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. City of Dillon offices are open during regular business hours. However, for your health and for the health of City employees, please only come inside if it is absolutely necessary. Water payments may be made online ( https://pay.billingdoc.net/finalpayonline56/index.php… ) or by leaving a check in the dropbox to the left of the main entrance to City Hall. Dillon Schools : School Closure 3/16-3/27 - Good afternoon to all Beaverhead County Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students and Community Members, this is Mr. Shipman, Superintendent of School District #10, with an important message. Due to the latest developments over the weekend, in an overabundance of caution for the safety of our community, Public Health is mandating a two-week closure of all schools in Beaverhead County, effective 3/16/2020 through 3/27/2020. This includes all activities as well. This decision is made in collaboration between the schools and the County Public Health Department. The schools will take two days to develop plans for remote instruction and will communicate the requirements for the school work your child will be responsible for. We will be evaluating the situation closely, and will reassess the situation on a weekly basis. Updates on future plans for the school will be released on, or before, 3/27/2020 by the respective schools. Beaverhead Chapter of Mule Deer Foundation will be Postponed. We are working with our vendor and will update the event date as soon as possible. There will be a rescheduled banquet, beers for deer, or a gun-a-palooza in the near future. Stay connected for updates and activity involving the chapter. As always, Thank You for your continued support of the Mule Deer Foundation. Donkey Basketball is cancelled Dillon Jaycee Easter egg Hunt In an abundance of caution the Dillon Jaycees have decide to postpone the Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for Saturday April 4th. We will keep everyone informed if/when it is rescheduled. We appreciate everyone’s patience during this time. Dillon Senior Center will be closed tell March 30th, will reevaluate after this date. Beaverhead Little League start of season delayed. Southwestern Montana Arts Council play Barefoot in the Park is cancelled. Friends of the NRA Banquet has been moved to the Shop-Co building, also rescheduled for later date May 23rd The Elks lodge has suspended all activities for March. Sweetwater Coffee will be closed indefinitely. Knights of Columbus Fish Fry cancelled was march 20th, will be rescheduled at a later date. Beaverhead Brewing Moving with the times and updates from surrounding communities as well as within our own, we are changing our policy for the Corona pandemic: New hours: 12-5 every day Growler fills of beer and Soda to-go If you need beer outside of those hours (or we didn’t answer the door) feel free to call us or message the Facebook page. 406-988-0011 , (206) 909-6542 Brett’s cell Engine 18 2020 March Madness Calcutta has been cancelled Patagonia of Dillon store is closed Dillon Jaycees have cancelled the DSA/OYM Banquet. Dillon Police Department. We are currently entering into uncharted territory with the coronavirus pandemic. Be assured that all local officials are in constant contact with one another and making decisions based on the most current information for the overall safety of our community. Local professionalism and communications in such a quickly evolving situation has been impressive. I would ask that everyone take personal responsibility as your decisions effect others, especially those with compromised health or advanced age. Please follow the recommendations from the center for disease control (CDC), world health organization (WHO) and those from local agencies. Be patient with closures and delays within our community. Please do not over burden health care facilities, follow the CDC guidelines when dealing with pre-existing medical issues. Please only send or share information (related to the coronavirus) that’s from the CDC, WHO, or our local agencies to lessen any misinformation. Local strategies are in the process of being implemented. To assist in these efforts, please remember that we all play a role and our actions can help to reduce the duration of this and lessen the effects to Dillon. Stay at home. WASH YOUR HANDS regularly for at least 20 seconds, and don’t touch your face. Don’t congregate, keep a distance of at least six feet, and don’t shake hands. Most importantly, keep others in mind and don’t place your self in a position where you could compromise someone else’s health.Dillon is an amazing community that has always supported one another. Keep in touch with those you know on the phone and via social media. Reach out to your neighbors. If there is a need for household items, develop a system to help others out. Share if you can and place items on the doorsteps of those who have requested items.We will get through this together and hopefully we will look back and think we over reacted. I applaud everyone in our community who is on the front lines and sacrificing during this tough time. Let’s look at this as a time to stay at home and try to relax a bit, we all could use it. Catch up on some classic looney tunes, they always make things better.Take care, be safe, and remember that we are all in this together.Chief Don Guiberson University of Montana Western For the remainder of the spring semester, we are suspending all University- sponsored/funded events with large groups of people. Butte St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 17 has been canceled. The Buddy DeFranco concert March 12 at the University of Montana has been canceled. Montana University System moves to remote class instruction on March 23.

Beaverhead County Commissioner and chairman Tom Rice declared an emergency for the county on Monday March 23rd to allow its disaster and emergency service personnel the flexibility they need to respond to the Corona Virus. Rice issued the emergency declaration at the recommendation of Disaster and Emergency Services Coordinator Tom Wagennecht , as a precautionary measure. Having the declaration in place gives the county added authority to seek federal and state emergency funding if necessary. Montana code allows counties with an emergency declaration to seek an emergency levy of up to two mills in a year. That must be approved unanimously by the commission. As of know the commissioners are not asking for an emergency levy with the declaration. If that time comes, it would be discussed and voted on in a public meeting.

Dillon City Court has new guidelines for dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak. Effective Immediately All parties ordered by the Dillon City Court to report for chemical dependency testing through Beaverhead County Sheriff's Department 24/7 Program are released from their obligation to do so until further notice. The court will determine on a case by case basis whether alternate testing means will be implemented. Parties Affected by this change shall contact the court for further updates. All appearances for hearings, compliance checks, or inquires of the court must be conducted by telephone or internet meeting. The Clerk of Dillon City Court will send internet meeting invitations to individuals by email. It is the responsibility of the parties to provide the Clerk of Dillon City Court with an updated telephone number and email address. All criminal jury trials scheduled to appear before May 4, 2020 will be continued for thirty days. All deadlines in the previous Trial Schedule Orders are continued for thirty days. Defendants and their attorney's are encouraged to waive speedy trial and stipulate to continuances. Defendants may file a request for an expedited trial to be held as soon as the court resumes normal operations criminal jury trials will not be vacated at this time but will be vacated as the trial date approaches and a resolution has not been reached by the parties. Criminal bench trials will not be vacated at this time but will be vacated as the trial date approaches and a resolution has not been reached by the parties. Defendants and their attorneys are encouraged to waive speedy trial and stipulate to continuances. Defendants may file a request for an expedited trial to be held as soon as the court resumes normal operations. All payments on fines and surcharges are encourage to be made online by visiting www.citepayusa.com entering in your case number or citation number, and following the online instructions. The Clerk of Dillon City Court will send individualized payment instructions to requesting parties by email. All cash and check payments to Dillon City Court may be made by filling out a payment envelope, sealing the envelope, and placing the envelope in the locked deposit box located on the door at the Dillon City Court at 31 E. Center St.

The city bus will run Monday and Tuesday for groceries and medical. The rest of the week they will run for medical only . Call 660-4247 The city will update the schedule with any changes if they happen. We will update the schedule here as well

Until May 1, 2020 The Fifth Judicial District Court is implementing the following measures: 1. All appearances for hearings must be conducted via vision net or telephone. The Clerk of Court has available the instructions for downloading the moble application that must be used by all the parties unless they have access to a vision net equipped device television. 2. The Judge and Court Reporter will appear remotely from Beaverhead Courthouse For all hearings. The Court Administrator will be permanently stationed in Virginia City or working from home at her discretion. 3. Pleadings must be filed by mail or email in accordance with local District Court Rule 3. 4. For criminal cases: A. No scheduled criminal trials may be conducted until May 4th, 2020, at the earliest. All deadlines in the previous Trial Setting Orders are continued 30 days. Defendants and their attorneys are encouraged to waive speedy trial and stipulate to continuances. If defendants want an expedited trial, they shall file the request and that will be accomplished if possible when court resumes. Trials will not be vacated at this time but will be vacated if a resolution is not reached as they approach. B. All necessary hearings and law motion appearances must be held via vision net. 5. For time sensitive DN, DJ, DI matters: All necessary hearings must be held with all parties appearing via vision net or phone. 6. For civil cases: A. All trials and hearings scheduledc for before May 4, 2020, will be continued, as the scheduled time approaches, without setting a new date. New dates will be issued when more information is available. B. For trials and hearings scheduled before May 4, 2020, parties may request rulings without appearances in appropriate matters. Parties in unconstested or limited issue matters MAY contact the Clerk or Court Administrator and request the Court to review the matter to determine if a limited vision net appearance for a hearing is appropriate.

Governor Steve Bullock has ordered that all dine in food service and alcoholic beverage businesses, and other activities that pose an enhanced health risks, must close at 8 pm on Friday and remain closed until March 27th. This order was passed as some younger Montanans have tested positive for coronavirus. Under the Directive, the following places are closed to ingress, egress, use, and occupancy by members of the public: Restaurants, food courts, cafes, coffeehouses, and other similar establishments offering food or beverage for on-premises consumption. Alcoholic beverage service businesses, including bars, taverns, brew pubs, breweries, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, tasting rooms, special licensees, clubs, and other establishments offering alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption. Cigar bars. Health clubs, health spas, gyms, aquatic centers, pools and hot springs, indoor facilities at ski areas, climbing gyms, fitness studios, and indoor recreational facilities .Movie and performance theaters, nightclubs, concert halls, bowling alleys, bingo halls, and music halls. Casinos. The places subject to this directive are still allowed to offer food and beverage using delivery service, window service, walk-up service, drive-through service, or drive-up service, and to use precautions in doing so to mitigate the potential transmission of COVID-19, including social distancing.

Bronc Buck-Out and Muley Roping for some small town Montana family entertainment and raise funds for the good of the community! hosted by: Pivotal Movements Equine Program & Selle Rodeo Productions providing broncs 12 Bar livestock providing cattle Entries Open, Thursday, April 9th 9am -3pm $75/ person roping entry $250/person bronc buck-out Concessions available by Twin Bridges Baseball Keep up to date with event and entries on Facebook page. https://m.facebook.com/profile.phpid=100776588222635&ref=content_filter

The U.S. is extending the deadline for filing taxes from April 15 to July 15, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a tweet on Friday. The decision gives Americans three months longer than they typically would to file their taxes. "At @realDonaldTrump’s direction, we are moving Tax Day from April 15 to July 15," Mnuchin tweeted. "All taxpayers and businesses will have this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties." Lawmakers are hoping that by extending the deadline, this gives businesses and people a chance to hold onto their money longer as they deal with the fallout from the virus outbreak. In a tweet a second tweet Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin urged all taxpayers who may receive a tax refund this year "to file now to get your money." This is some good news for those who are struggling on how to manage their business, in the uncertain future as well as though who may have troubles finding a person to prepare their taxes for them.

Montana's Motor Vehicle Division offices will remain open, but driving tests will be suspended for a month and crowds will be limited in waiting areas, officials said Tuesday. Attorney General Tim Fox and MVD Administrator Sarah Garcia announced several changes coming to MVD offices in response the novel coronavirus. Steps include a governor's executive order to extend the renewal deadline for expiring driver licenses, suspension of driving tests, additional cleaning of offices and limiting the number of customers allowed in waiting areas. The Helena office will also temporarily relocate. “The COVID-19 virus is obviously changing daily life around the world and Montana is no exception,” Fox said. “Businesses and governments must adapt in order to help limit the spread of the disease, but at the same time we must do all we can to continue providing the services that we all need.” An executive order extending expired driver license renewals for 90 days was signed Tuesday, Gov. Steve Bullock said during a media call. The extension applies to licenses that expire in March, April or May. Fox cautioned that the renewal did not protect Montanans from citations in other states for driving with an expired license. “The goal is to limit the need for visits to MVD stations during the COVID-19 outbreak,” Fox said. “This safeguards the health of the public and of MVD employees by reducing person-to-person contact and allowing Montanans to focus on other important matters until this situation subsides.” TSA issued a statement, Fox said, indicating that travelers with expired state driver licenses or ID cards may still use them for a year to fly.

Reports from witnesses of a local shoot out with police and possibly wanted murder suspect from Lewistown surfaced Sunday evening. Police are on scene at the area around DQ and Town and Country Foods with entrances blocked off. In the center is a vehicle matching the description of one Lewistown police had for a suspect wanted in a murder. This is a developing story and we will provide you with more info as it becomes available. Update 03/17/2020: Dillon Police and a Beaverhead County deputy responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle. The caller informed dispatch that he recognized the person as a wanted homicide suspect out of Lewistown. The male, later identified as 47 year old Douglas J. Foster, had left the area and the caller gave a description of his vehicle and direction of travel. Officers located the vehicle and attempted to do a traffic stop. Gun shots were reported coming from the suspects vehicle and officers responded with lethal force. Officers were not physically injured, but foster was pronounced deceased at the scene. Montana Department of Criminal Investigations will be investigating, and officers are on paid administrative leave as per policy. Investigation is ongoing, more information will be released at a later date. Video Courtesy of Cindy Kesel

With a lot of things being cancelled, here is a list of things you can do, with your family on this St Patrick's day. Play St. Paddy's Day Games Assuming your kids aren't yet built for a traditional game of Irish football or rugby, try some of these games in honor of St. Patrick's Day! Play a game of hot potato or consider a "potato hunt" (think: Easter egg hunt but with small potatoes) or a "Pot o' Gold" treasure hunt (a search for gold chocolate coins or homemade "gold"). Make St. Patrick's Day Crafts Stock up on green construction paper and craft supplies, and get creative with your little leprechauns. These 10 St. Patrick's Day crafts are adorable and make great party decorations or gifts for Irish grandparents. Research Your Family History As the saying goes, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day. But how many Americans are actually of Irish descent? According to the U.S. Census, about 34.5 million Americans, or about 11 percent of the population, claim to have Irish heritage. Whether or not your family can trace roots to the Emerald Isle, St. Patrick's Day is a great time to discover your name's origin and work on your family tree. Enjoy Irish Movies and Music Ireland has a rich cultural history all its own. Get your Irish eyes smiling by listening to music by Irish artists, such as U2, Enya, Van Morrison, or The Chieftains. Also, watch great movies set in Ireland — some family-friendly ones include The Secret of Roan Inish and Waking Ned Devine . Eat Irish Foods and Green Treats Popular Celtic cuisine includes potato dishes, soda bread , and meaty stews and dinner pies . So there's plenty to choose from beyond not-so-kid-friendly corned beef and cabbage for your St. Patrick's Day party menu. Or simply dye some of your favorite treats, such as cupcakes and milkshakes, with green food coloring. Learn About the History of St. Patrick's Day Finally, explore the meaning of St. Patrick's Day and test your family on some Irish trivia. Do you know why the shamrock is a symbol of St. Paddy's Day?

It was a cold day on Saturday the 14th, but that didn't stop close to one hundred individuals from competing in the leprechaun dash. Held in Sheridan the proceeds from the race go to New Kids on the Block a 501C daycare. This race offered a little something for everyone. With a free 100 yard dash for kids, a 1 mile race and a 5K run and walk race. Racers donned their best St patty's Day attire and hit the course, as fans stood at the side lines and cheered on their favorite contestants. Runners made their way through the town with one goal in mind reaching the finish line and warming up by the fire and enjoying a cold one from Ruby Valley Brew. Winners are as follows: 1 Mile Run 21+ Male Runner - Adam Romkema Female Runner - Jessica Clawson 1 Mile 20 and Under Male - Jace Jones Female - Acelynn Jones 5K Run/Walk 21+ Male - Sheldon Jones Female - Tawna Jones 5K Run/Walk 20- Male - Luke Dvorak Female - Hazalin Maddison

With the Leprechaun Dash being held in Sheridan today, we decided to head over and cover the event. We also learned of the Old Mill Restaurant reopening under new ownership and a new menu and name change. Coming into Rocky's Road House, I could tell this was going to be a new experience. As you walk through the door, you are greeted with a warm cabin feeling, tables spaced apart but not crammed together to get every last inch of usable space out of the restaurant at the expense of the customers' comfort. Beyond the dining area, Rocky's Roadhouse has dedicated a separate area of the restaurant for bands to perform Friday and Saturday nights on a stage. The Texas western vibe is heavy in this room, from the decor down to the mounted Longhorn that overlooks the area. We were able to sit down with Rocky and his wife Susan before the doors opened and have a good long conversation about what goals they had for the restaurant, Rocky's vision of what he wants this to be beyond just any other place you visit along your road trip and how he sees his business integrating into the town of Sheridan. Rocky has been in the restaurant business for over thirty years. He started his first BBQ place in Virginia, then branched off into Texas. After looking for another place that would fit the mold, he began to look else where for his next venture. The old Mill building was what he and his wife had wanted and came at a reasonable price. "We want to create a place that is fun for people, has great local food, good music, and make it a place people need to stop at. Our goal is to be the best in the Ruby Valley, the most recognized in the state." With a motto of 'Treat others the way you want to be treated,' this couple is looking at their restaurant to provide more than a dining experience but rather an enjoyable, positive moment in your day. They expressed their need for constant improvement, and how that is a driving force in their business goals. They hire their employees by seeking individuals who are not just wanting a job, but people willing and able to constantly improve on what they know. They use the Ritz Carlton training, which is the same training five star hotels and restaurants use. "We have weekly training meetings that push our help to always strive to be better and not be satisfied with just being okay," Rocky stated. Rocky's menu is described as Texas Smokehouse BBQ. With specialties in burgers, chicken, ribs, and brisket. Using his secret wood recipe, his brisket is smoked for fourteen hours. The restaurant also offers the Rock Dog, a beef and pork blend hot dog with his homemade chili, and the unique Rib eye Hamburger. All meat on the menu is wood smoked. And if you're wondering where the name came from, Susan shared the tale when she brought us a pail of peanuts while we were waiting for our food. Apparently when the couple was dating, they were eating peanuts and tossing the shells on the floor. Susan joked with her husband, "What do you think this is? A Roadhouse?" And the rest is history. Southwestern Montana News has included a copy of the soft opening menu, as well as a list of Refreshments they offer. The soft opening is going on today until 9 pm. After tasting the cheese curds and nachos I would highly recommend a drive over to Sheridan to enjoy this tasty Texas treat.