Big Hole River Retreat was the place to be today if you are an archer. The Beaverhead Archers held their annual Spring Fling 3-D fun shoot. With this being more for fun and less of a competition, it suited archers of any skill level. Cost was $15 for adults, $10 for youths, and 6 and under were free. The courses consisted of both an A and B course, each one broken down into 15 targets. The targets ranged any where from 15 yards out to around 60 yards. This course was sure to test your skills, while providing a fun way to spend a nice spring Saturday. If you missed this event, be sure to follow the Badger Archery Facebook page for more upcoming archery events.

The Montana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network is offering application assistance to small businesses in the live venue industry for federal grants available through the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBDCs have hired additional staff to assist businesses looking to apply for federal assistance through the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, which opens today. “The Montana Small Business Development Center network is adding to our portfolio of specialized, no-cost business assistance for the live venue-related industry businesses in Montana,” said Chad Moore, Montana SBDC State Director. “We encourage any business looking to apply for this help to reach out to us and get started now to receive this federal aid if needed.” Eligible businesses must have been in operation as of February 29, 2020 and may include: Live venue operators or promoters Theatrical producers Live performing arts organization operators Relevant museum operators, zoos, and aquariums that meet specific criteria Motion picture theater operators Talent representatives Interested businesses can reach out to Shannon Clancy, the Montana SBDC’s System for Award Management (SAM) registration specialist, for no-cost assistance to register in the federal System for Award Management ( SAM.GOV ), which is used to do business with the federal government. Shannon can be reached by email: sclancy@growgreatfalls.org or by phone: 406.590.1184. The Montana SBDC network can also assist small businesses applying for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), and other federal and state resources. The Montana SBDC network supports 10 regional centers across the state, focusing on free one-on-one counseling and low-cost training in financial analysis, business planning, strategic planning, loan packaging, financial projections, and market research. The Montana SBDC is funded in-part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Montana Department of Commerce. For more information or to find your regional SBDC, visit SBDC.MT.GOV .

Logan Mize will headline the Dillon Jaycees Summer Kick-off Concert. The concert will be Saturday, June 5th, Gates open at 7:30pm. Tickets will be available online at www.dillonjaycees .com or at the following local businesses(Stockman Bank, The Mini, The Tap House, 3D, Napa, Bank of Commerce, Carquest and Womacks) Check out our website or Facebook page for more information.

On Wednesday, April 7th, the Beaverhead Search and Rescue held its monthly meeting. The meeting was called to order by Commander Lawrence Morrisroe at 7:00 P.M. There were 19 members who attended in person and 6 that participated by zoom. First order of business was the acceptance of John Hopper’s resignation. John was one of the original members of the Beaverhead Search and Rescue. He has been an outstanding asset to the organization participating in many of the searches/rescues, trainings, and other S&R events during his 45+ years of active service. He has always been one to volunteer for whatever needed to be done. John has always been one of those quiet get ‘er done type guys when it came to the fish derby, auction, or searches throughout Beaverhead County. He definitely knows his way around the county. John, thank you for your many years of service to the unit. Your knowledge, hard work and dedication will be greatly missed. If you see John out and about, please thank him for his dedicated service. During the past month there was one call out to critique. On April 1st the unit received a call about a stranded dog on a cliff at Red Butte. The unit had 9 individuals respond: Tara Remely, Trent Cottom, Jason Erickson, Dan Cahill, Mark Smith, Marc Sanders, Chuck Maddox, Cole Cottom, and Dalton Tamcke. Cole and Dalton, being residents in the area, were the first on scene and were able to rescue Mutt (dog’s name) from the ledge before other members got very far out of town. There were two training opportunities during the past month and each were discussed during the meeting. The first was a joint training with Madison County. Tara Remely and Tom McKnight drove to Sheridan to participate in an evening training with the Montana Civil Air Patrol. Members of the Air Patrol explained what they can do in response to searches that occur across the state. They also explained the procedures for activating them in the event of a search. There were three members who drove to Silver Star on Wednesday April 7th to participate in jet boat exercises with Madison County. Mel Rice, Chuck Maddox, and Ray Gross met with Madison County S&R member, David Welch to observe and participate in an exercise with their river jet boat on the Jefferson River. Two and a half hours were spent on the river giving them an opportunity to see firsthand the usefulness of such a boat in river and possibly lake rescue situations. The last item of business discussed was whether or not to have the annual auction. After much discussion, it was decided to once again have the auction. However, the format is going to be completely different. The S&R has 4 huge storage units full of precious items that have been waiting to be sold for two years now. Rather than having an item-by-item auction, it was decided to auction off the entire contents of each storage shed, one at a time. There are so many things to sell it would take three days to get through everything. Bidders will be given the opportunity to go through each unit probably the day before the auction. Stay tuned for more particulars. Beaverhead Search and Rescue wants to remind everyone, we do live in Montana where “If you don’t like the weather wait 5 minutes and it’ll change ”!! Be safe out there.. Enjoy our great outdoors but be prepared for the most unexpected to occur. “In The Business of Saving Lives”, Your Beaverhead Search and Rescue… Submitted by: Mel Rice, Public Relations

The University of Montana Western men's and women's rodeo teams will resume action this weekend at the Montana State Spring Rodeos. After the winter break, the Bulldogs will get back in the saddle to compete in two rodeos this weekend at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds hosted by Montana State. The men's team currently sits in second place in the Big Sky Region with 2,090.5 points. Montana State leads the region with 2,681 points and Northwest College is breathing down the Bulldogs neck with 1,942 points. The women's team is also in second place with 1,449.83 points, trailing the Montana State Bobcats who have 2,778.33 points. Individually, several Bulldogs are in contention for the top three spots in the region and a trip to Casper Wyo. for the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR). Brody Smith leads the region in the Bareback Riding with 725 points and ninth in the team roping with teammate Jake Cerini at 120 points. In the timed events, Ethan Stensrud sits sixth in the Tie-Down Roping with 181 points. Bryce Harrison is fifth in the Steer Wrestling (245.5 points). Alonzo Skunkcap is third in the Team Roping with 320 points. Also in the team roping, Wesley Parker and Kyler Erickson sit in eighth place with 133 points. RylandLufkin is second in the Breakaway Roping with 326 points, sitting just a point and a half behind first. Mikayla Witter is fourth in the breakaway with 242 points. Emmy Ilgen is second in the Goat Tying with 438.5 points and Kaycee Rogers is in sixth with 192 points. The first rodeo starts Thursday, April 8 with a 6 p.m. performance. Slack will take place on Friday, April 9 at 10 a.m. with the short go later in the evening at 6 p.m. The second rodeo gets underway Saturday, April 10 with a 10 a.m. slack followed by a 6 p.m. performance. The short go is slated for 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 11. There are a limited number of tickets available for sale at the gate. For those unable to attend all performances and slacks will be live-streamed HERE . Draw sheets and other links can be found HERE

This year the library held the peeps diorama contest in a sort of virtual state. With COVID concerns still looming, they decided to post pictures of each entry online. That way people could vote for their favorite without having to leave home. After all the votes were tallied and counted Revington Moore came away the winner. Revington’s diorama was titled Out Of This Peeping World. Congratulations on a job well done. (Pictures courtesy of Dillon Public Library)

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced that the Montana Emergency Rental Assistance program is taking applications from Montanans who have lost income and are at risk of housing instability due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The last year has brought real, serious challenges to hardworking Montana families through no fault of their own,” Governor Greg Gianforte said. “Emergency rental assistance will help Montanans, who have struggled financially through this pandemic, get back on their feet and remain secure in their homes.” Funded through the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and appropriated by the Montana Legislature, this emergency rental assistance will help an estimated 8,000 Montana renters stay in their homes. “So many Montanans have been hit hard financially by the economic fallout of the pandemic,” said Montana Department of Commerce Director Scott Osterman. “Now, assistance is here for individuals and families who have lost income because of COVID-19 and are at risk of losing their homes.” Renters can receive a monthly maximum of $2,200 for past due and future rent payments, up to $300 for past due and future utilities including gas and electric, and $50 per month for internet. Households can access assistance dating back to April 1, 2020. Household gross income cannot exceed 80 percent of the Area Median Income. For example, a family of four in Cascade County, the household income cannot exceed $56,800 . For a two-person household in Flathead County, income cannot exceed $45,450 . Renters will not be required to provide a co-pay, and landlords are able to apply on behalf of their renters. Payments will be made directly to landlords and utility providers. Montanans can check their eligibility and apply now for Emergency Rental Assistance at HOUSING.MT.GOV .

After exhibiting mild symptoms on Sunday and out of an abundance of caution, Governor Greg Gianforte today was tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. The first lady, who has exhibited no symptoms, has been tested and is awaiting her results. Following his doctor's instructions and public health guidance, the governor is isolating for 10 days. The governor has notified all individuals with whom he may have had close contact. All of the governor's in-person events have been canceled until further notice, and the governor will continue to conduct his duties and manage the state's business from his home in Bozeman. As a precautionary measure, the governor's staff will be tested early Tuesday morning. The governor and his staff have been tested regularly since he was sworn into office in January. Update 04/06/2021 Gov. Greg Gianforte’s office says the governor’s wife, Susan Gianforte, tested positive for COVID-19, but says she is asymptomatic.

The University of Montana Western Chancellor Search Advisory Committee is pleased to announce that four finalists will be visiting campus on April 14-15 and April 20-23. The four finalists inlclude Michael Reid, Jill Thorngren, Debbie Storrs, and Jeff Elwell. You can find more detailed information and the campus visit schedules for each of the finalists on the search webpage: https://www.mus.edu/hr/umw/finalists.html We invite the community to participate in any of the public forums in person or over Zoom. The forums will be held on The University of Montana Western Campus in the Swysgood Technology Center Great Room. To register to attend via Zoom, please visit the link above. For assistance, please call 406-683-7151.

The University of Montana Western and The Bank of Commerce is pleased to announce its spring virtual performance festival, Mythfest. This online presentation is a collection of performances of new work featuring the stories and songs of homesteaders, ancestors, troubadours, and mystics. The festival features performances by UMW students and faculty under the direction of guest artist Miranda Zent. Although theaters closed this year, our collective need for human connection became more urgent. UMW Theater staged its series of virtual performances throughout the year acknowledging that creating brings us together in powerful ways. “Mythfest” performers are students who have had the heroic spirit and energy to create in spite of the challenges of the past year. Working with tools on hand, students filmed themselves with computers and phones, lit scenes with ring lights and desk lamps, found their own costumes and converted their living spaces into virtual stages for weeks of rehearsals and filming for this event. Their performances celebrate the creative and innovative spirit of UMW students. The performances feature new work by UMW faculty and students, and a story by guest playwright Oscar Giner (Arizona State University). Watch “Mythfest” free-of-charge April 14-28 at https://www.umwestern.edu/section/montana-western-bank-of-commerce-performing-arts-series/ . Performers The Troubadour: Jeshua Stradley performs original music for a metal version of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and a folk singer waxing nostalgic in an Arizona bordello The Dreamer, The Horse Rider: Tatum Higginbotham performs new work about the death of Billy the Kid and her original poetry celebrating her powerful bond with horses The Mystic: Annmarie Downey performs a poetic vision inspired by the life of a Victorian medium, Cora Hatch The Homesteader: Samantha Gregg performs as a homesteader waiting out a plains blizzard in 1856 The Archivist: Judy Ulrich writes and performs stories about her homesteading ancestor “Mythfest” is part of the UMW Fine Arts Department’s Bank of Commerce Performing Arts series, with additional support by ASUMW/Student Senate. Please contact miranda.zent@umwestern.edu for additional information.

The Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce is holding its April Board meeting, Thursday, April 8th at 8:30am at 4B’s Restaurant. Public is welcome to join us!

The Dillon Rotarians will conduct their business meeting on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. 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 .

The 2020-21 Frontier Conference volleyball tournament is Tuesday, Apr. 6; Thursday, Apr. 8 and Saturday, Apr. 10. Topseeded University of Providence is the defending tournament champion. No Spectators: Due to Frontier Conference COVID-19 protocols, spectators will not be permitted. Each host school is responsible for a free web cast of conference tournament matches. Regular season champion University of Providence (18-2) is the No. 1 seed and Rocky Mountain College (15-3, 16-3), the second seed. Both receive first round byes. Tuesday, Apr. 6, Quarterfinal Matches No. 5 Montana Western (3-15) at No. 4 Montana Tech (8-10), 7 p.m. No. 6 MSU-Northern (2-18) at No. 3 Carroll College (10-8), 7 p.m. Thursday, Apr. 6, Semifinal Matches No. 1 University of Providence (18-2) hosts lowest remaining seed, 7 p.m. No. 2 Rocky Mountain College (15-3, 16-3) hosts highest remaining seed, 7 p.m. Saturday, Apr. 10, Championship Match Championship match is hosted by the highest remaining seed at 7 p.m. The tournament champion receives an automatic bid to the 2020-21 NAIA national tournament beginning Apr. 17.

Have an old car in your yard collecting rust? Well get it ready for the Dillon Jaycees demolition derby. Last year the derby was cancelled due to COVID, but it is back. Scheduled for Saturday June, 26 at 5:30 P.M. it will be held at the Beaverhead County Fairgrounds. This years events are: Main Event (Heavy Cars) 1st - $2000 2nd - 1500 3rd - 750 Heat winners door prizes Consolation (Heavy Cars) entry into prize drawing ​ Stock car 1st - $1500 2nd - 750 3rd - 250 ​ Herbie 1st - $500 + entry into prize drawing ​ Powder Puff 1st - $500 + entry into prize drawing ​ ​UTV Barrel Racing 1st - $500 + entry fees\ Tickets can be purchased at NAPA Dillon Auto Parts, Womack's Printing Place, Dillon Video, 3-D Store, CarQuest, BVHD Home Center, Remedy's Hair and Nail Salon, The Mini, Stockman Bank. For More information got to the Dillon Jaycees website.

Governor Greg Gianforte today issued a directive to reduce barriers to vaccine administration in pharmacies across Montana. “As we expand vaccine eligibility to all Montanans on April 1, we’re focused on reducing barriers Montanans face to get the vaccine and increasing access to it,” Governor Gianforte said. “To that end, the directive I issued today will make it easier for pharmacies to efficiently administer doses to more Montanans.” The directive authorizes pharmacists to use any health care provider, who is licensed by Montana or another state and who is qualified to administer vaccines under his or her scope of practice, to assist in the administration of COVID-19 vaccines for the duration of the state of emergency. The directive also temporarily waives a restriction on the number of pharmacy technicians a registered pharmacist may supervise for the purpose of administering the COVID-19 vaccine and conducting associated administrative duties and procedures. The directive is in effect for the remainder of Montana’s state of emergency per Executive Order 2-2021 and can be viewed here .

Fourteen film productions will share $500,000 through the Big Sky Film Grant from the Montana Film Office to film on-location across the state, the Montana Department of Commerce announced today. “Film, television and commercial productions have a direct economic impact in Montana, creating good-paying jobs and infusing outside dollars into Montana communities,” Montana Film Commissioner Allison Whitmer said. “The Big Sky Film Grant is one of a suite of incentives the state offers to filmmakers that makes Montana competitive with other states and countries as the ultimate filming location.” The 14 film projects have a total estimated production cost of almost $126 million and expect that they will spend an estimated $72 million in Montana. A total of 42 projects requested more than $5 million in grant dollars this year, with only $500,000 available through the competitive Big Sky Film Grant for fiscal year 2021. The productions will film at locations across Montana, from Dupuyer to Missoula to several places in eastern Montana. The Big Sky Film Grant builds and supports partnerships with filmmakers and production companies to create good-paying Montana film industry jobs. The grant program enhances the marketing efforts of Montana’s tourism regions and advocates for the state’s people, history and overall quality of life. The following projects will receive funding: Feature Film and Television Grant “Buds Eternal” (Feature film – Ryan Dickie, Producer/Writer/Director; Jeri Rafter, Producer) will receive $25,000 to film in Missoula. “Buds Eternal” is a story about three best friends who come to Montana when one of them inherits his late grandfather’s luxury mountain estate. The guys find themselves dazzled by the gorgeous landscape and serene nature, but quickly come to realize the house is haunted by the grandfather’s benevolent spirt. “Defending our Defenders” (Documentary – J. Lazarus Auerback, Producer/Director) will receive $25,000 to film in various locations across Montana. Synopsis: Montanans are 22 percent more likely to become a suicide statistic than anywhere else in the United States. This means that for soldiers who are dealing with PTSD, there is no place more likely for them to have an attempt at suicide. Through exploring every aspect of both what causes PTSD and the long-term effects on these soldiers, this documentary will strive to show the reasons that lead these brave people to thoughts of suicide, which treatments are available, which therapies are working and how those who need it can find help. “Diamondback” (Feature film – Jennia Fredrique Aponte, Director; Jennifer Julian, Producer; Holly Payberg, Producer; Rene’ Haynes, Casting Director) will receive $100,000 to film in southwest Montana. “Diamondback” is an action-packed, redemptive revenge drama, set in the stunning backdrop of 1880's Montana and featuring a fiercely independent, Black, Apache-trained warrior determined to take down the outlaws who killed her father. “Sooyii (Creatures)” (Feature film – Paige Rasmussen, Producer; Pat “Judge” Hall, Producer; John Murray and Jesse Derosier, Historical Consultants; Krisztian Kery, Writer/Director) will receive $40,000 to film in Dupuyer. “Sooyi” is a historical drama taking place in the early 18th Century in the Americas about a young Blackfeet man, the lone survivor of a deadly disease that decimates his camp, who joins forces with the daughter of an enemy tribe. The film will be cast entirely of Native Peoples and will be one of the first films to use only the authentic Blackfeet and Shoshone languages with English subtitles. “Wild Animal” (Feature film – Joseph Marconi, Writer/Director; Lysette Urus, Producer) will receive $45,000 to film across Montana. Synopsis: This story is inspired by Montana's own Ireland Moran who started fighting in the cage at only 13 years old. “Wild Animal” seeks to tell a relevant and authentic story to those already steeped in the world of MMA and strives to reach audiences outside the fighting community by focusing on the emotional, human quest towards the greatness and enlightening of oneself. “Yellowstone” (Television series – Taylor Sheridan, Writer/Director/Producer; Kevin Costner, Actor/Producer; Art Linson, Producer; John Linson, Producer) will receive $50,000 to film near Darby and Hamilton. Synopsis: A ranching family in Montana faces off against others encroaching on their land. “Yellowstone” follows the Dutton ranch and its family members in land and business conflicts with the local Native American tribe, land developers, other family members and outside forces. Resident Filmmaker Grant “Aaron” (Feature film –Travis Fine, Writer/Director/Producer; Jenna Ciralli, Amber Rose Mason, Nina Alviar and Don Teschner, Producers) will receive $15,000 to film across Montana. Synopsis: When a 13-year-old boy is orphaned in his remote Montana home by World War I and the pandemic of 1918, he must fight the elements to not only stay alive, but also to find meaning and hope in a world that seems to be teetering on the edge of destruction. “Do You Know Where Your Parents Are?” (Feature film – Michelle Hartly, Executive Producer; Linda Metcalf and Scott Rosenfelt, Screenplay) will receive $50,000 to film across Montana. Synopsis: “Do You Know Where Your Parents Are?” portrays the dynamics within a three-generational family against the backdrop of a multimillion-dollar empire and what it really means to care for senior citizens in a direct, honest way. The movie is heartwarming, funny, and you’ll laugh and cry as you root for those who want to do the right thing against overwhelming odds. “Landscapes of a Western Mind: The Story of Ivan Doig” (Documentary – Produced by Kristina Martin, Nic Davis, Scott Sterling, and Aaron Pruitt in partnership with Montana Public Broadcasting Service) will receive $30,000 to film across Montana. Synopsis: The story of how an iconic author saw the world, through the landscapes that shaped him. “Mankind’s Greatest Story” (Documentary – Seth Warren, Producer/Director; Shane Doyle, EdD, Native Nexus/Cultural Consultant/Tribal Navigator/Narrator) will receive $25,000 to film in various locations across Montana. Synopsis: “Mankind’s Greatest Story” will be a mosaic of discovery stories and historical revelations chronicling the first inhabitants of Montana from the period of 10-15K years ago. “Stolen Sisters” (Documentary – Scott Duthie, Producer) will receive $25,000 to film across Montana. Synopsis: This documentary will explore the issues that involve tribal women and how this has affected them. “Stolen Sisters” will showcase how the Montana task force is really making a positive difference in tribal women’s lives and helping them finally find justice. Development Grant “The Adventures of Nicholas Gnome” (Television, streaming – Nick Greil, Director/Producer; Jenny Greil, Writer/Producer) will receive $25,000 to film in Missoula. Synopsis: Entirely written, filmed, and produced in Montana, “The Adventures of Nicholas Gnome” provides high-quality, educational content for children. Part live-action, part animation, and part musical, each episode uses memorable narratives, music, and fun to teach essential lessons based on the Montana Office of Public Instruction’s Early Learning Standards. “The Program” (Documentary – Ann Rogers, Director/Producer) will receive $25,000 to film in eastern Montana. Synopsis: When an unexpected Facebook friend request unearths decades of male child sexual abuse at a rural Montana high school, former student athletes and their lawyers seek justice in the courtroom and fight for future victims in the state legislature. “The Story of Us: A History of the Women Who Help Shape Montana” (Television – Kimberly Hogberg, Producer) will receive $20,000 to film across Montana. The mission of this project is to highlight and feature the history of Montana’s women and bring their stories to life. The production of films, television shows and commercials contributed $47.6 million to Montana’s economy from January 2019 to June 2020, according to an independent report on the film industry’s impact commissioned by Commerce. Over that same time, 117 productions were filmed in Montana, directly spending $23.9 million in Montana communities, supporting 280 jobs, and contributing $1.3 million in local tax revenue. For more information about the Big Sky Film Grant, visit MONTANAFILM.COM .

Each spring, FWP receives calls from people who have picked up deer fawns or other wildlife. It’s important to remember that Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks no longer accepts, holds or rehabilitates moose, deer, elk and most other animals. Often times, people think they are rescuing an orphaned animal. However, it’s important to understand that wildlife care for their young much differently than humans. They have strategies to provide the highest chance of survival for their young. One strategy that some species, particularly those species that are more commonly seen as prey (deer, rabbits, birds), use is to distance themselves from their young for many hours at a time. This helps to keep predators away from their young. For example, fawns are born without a scent and it is safer for them if their mother, who has a scent, is not nearby. This also can potentially distract a predator into focusing on the doe vs. their offspring. FWP believes wild animals thrive better in the wild where they have plenty of natural habitat (food, water, shelter, space) and thrive better with other wildlife than with humans, who they consider an apex predator. Nature provides them the best options for survival and a better quality of life. The potential to spread wildlife disease is also a good reason to leave young wildlife alone. Baby ground squirrels, racoons and rabbits can carry zoonotic diseases, which means diseases that are infectious for humans. Examples include plague, hemorrhagic diseases and tularemia. If you see a baby animal, whether a goose or a grizzly, keep your distance and leave it alone. Handling baby animals can be dangerous, and usually once young animals are picked up by people they can’t be rehabilitated. What can you do? Leave It There.  It’s natural for deer and elk to leave their young alone for extended periods of time. Control Your Dog.  Keep your dog under control, especially in the spring when newborn wildlife is most vulnerable. Pet owners can be cited and dogs that harass or kill wildlife may by law have to be destroyed. Keep Cats Indoors. Many birds nest and feed on the ground. Young birds are also learning how to fly, making them vulnerable to cats. The bacteria in cat saliva are toxic to birds, so even if a cat does not immediately kill a bird, its bite often leads to infection and death. Keep in Mind.  It is illegal to possess and care for a live animal taken from the wild. As a wildlife agency, FWP’s priority is to keep wild animals wild. When people keep and raise elk, deer or other animals, it habituates wildlife to humans, potentially causing problems once released back into the wild. Should someone bring a deer or elk to FWP, they'll be asked to take the animal back to the site where it was found.  If the animal can't be returned, it may need to be humanely euthanized.

Montana’s second mussel-fouled watercraft was intercepted at the Dillon watercraft inspection station on March 29. Inspectors drained water from the live-wells and found mussels in the screens. Due to freezing temperatures a full decontamination could not be completed. The boat owner was returning to Montana from Lake Mohave, Ariz., a heavily mussel infested waterbody. All watercraft (motorized and non-motorized) coming into Montana from out of state must be inspected. Watercraft must be drained of all water before transporting. Watercraft inspection stations are Montana’s first line of defense to prevent the movement of aquatic invasive species (AIS) which can have devastating impacts on Montana waterways. Boaters must stop at all watercraft inspections stations they encounter. Learn more at CleanDrainDryMT.com or call the FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau at 406-444-2440.

Traffic on I-15 has been facing tough driving conditions as the high wind warning remain in effect. Beaverhead County Sheriff’s office responded to a semi tipped over by the wind on mile marker 83 north bound. Shortly after arriving they were dispatched to another call of a box truck blown off the road and into a fence on north bound mile marker 81. Multiple road signs have been blown over on I-15 and winds are extremely high, use caution while traveling.

Seth Wiley, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Wound Therapist at Barrett Hospital & HealthCare, will speak to Rotarians and guests at noon Wednesday, March 31, 2021. He will provide information on the wound therapy program at Barrett Hospital. 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 .