Issued By Great Falls - MT, US, National Weather Service Affected Area Gallatin, Jefferson, Broadwater, Beaverhead and Madison Description WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM MONDAY TO 5 AM MST TUESDAY ABOVE 6000 FEET... WHAT...Snow expected above 6000 feet. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches expected at pass level and up to 6 inches in the higher elevations. WHERE...Gallatin, Jefferson, Broadwater, Beaverhead and Madison. WHEN...From 5 AM Monday to 5 AM MST Tuesday. IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

TRANSCRIPT OF ROBO CALL SENT BY MR. SHIPMAN ON 2/14/2021 AT 7:00 PM. Good evening, this is Randy Shipman, Superintendent at Dillon Elementary School District #10 with an important message regarding an update to our mask policy here at school. Starting tomorrow, per Governor Gianforte’s directive, we will have a change in our mask mandate here at school. The governor issued a directive on February 10th that went into effect on February 12th. In this executive order, Governor Gianforte has rescinded the mask mandate set in place by former Governor Bullock that we have been operating under since August 12th. Therefore, the mask policy that was adopted at the regular scheduled school board meeting on August 11th will be followed. It states that masks are required for all staff members while teaching when social distancing of six feet cannot be maintained. For student’s, masks are strongly encouraged, but are not required for in person learning starting Monday, February 15, 2021. Social distancing measures, hand washing and cleaning/disinfecting will continue to be emphasized as well. As it is critical to remain open and provide the benefits of in person instruction and provide key support services for our students, I have asked my staff and will ask our students to not become complacent regarding our mitigation strategies. We will continue to work hard in the areas of physical distancing, hand washing, cleaning and disinfecting, and in encouraging the use of masks. We will stay alert to students who exhibit symptoms and signs of Covid-19 at school and immediately send them to the office. We will continue to constantly remind students, and ourselves, that we need to stay home if we are sick. Additionally, the office will continue to assist county health in identifying close contacts here at school. Finally, adult visitors to the school will still be expected to wear masks while visiting our school and the signs explaining the requirements will remain on all entrance doors to the school. As our district remains committed to maintaining timely and relevant communications with staff, families and the community, please contact the office if you have any questions. Please check our website at www.dillonschools.org for any covid-19 updates. Just a reminder that all robo call transcripts can be found on our district school website and Facebook page. Finally, thanks to all of our parents and guardians for making our school year a success thus far. Remaining open full time five days a week has been our goal from day one and I greatly appreciate your help with achieving that goal. Thank you and have a great evening. Mr. Shipman

DILLON, Mont. – Montana Western lost 1-3 to No. 18 Rocky Mountain College in a Frontier Conference volleyball match from the Straugh Gymnasium on the Montana Western campus. Set scores were 17-25, 25-19. 22-25 and 19-25. Several long rallies highlighted the very competitive match. With the loss the Bulldogs fall to 1-4 while Rocky improves to 4-1. Cady Siemon led the Bulldogs with 19 kills and 22 digs. More defensive help came from Tannah Sellers with 17 digs and Morgan Kirch with 15 digs. Monique Rodriguez led the Rocky offense with 15 kills and a hitting percentage of .244. Defensively, five Battlin’ Bears recorded double-digit digs led by the Frontier’s leading defender Anya Embry with 28. Montana Western and Rocky square off again, Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. in the Straugh Gymnasium. Photo Credit Terri Haverfield

The Rotary Club of Dillon will be selling ice melt tickets today and tomorrow at Town and Country as well as Safeway's. We sat down with Mike Blando of the Rotary Club and found out how the contest works and how they give back to the community.

University of Montana western head volleyball coach Katie Lovett has announced the signing of five student-athletes to NAIA letter's of intent for the 2021 season. Kaylee Fritz (5-7 - S - Glacier HS - Kalispell, Mont.) Kaylee Fritz is a setter from Kalispell, Mont. and will graduate from Glacier High School this spring. The team captain and 2019 all-star is a three-time all-conference selection and was named second-team all-state. She holds multiple school records: Aces in a four-set match (8), Career-Assists (1829), and a 0.365 Attack Efficiency. The multi-sport athlete was also team captain of the basketball team her junior year and has won letters in basketball, volleyball and track. She also excels in the classroom, being named Academic All-State selection seven times. "We are excited to have a player like Kaylee joining this program. Her efforts to contribute on and off the court are unmatched by most," Lovett said. "She is a phenomenal athlete and brings the type of grit that we are all about." Kelsey Goddard (5-7 - L/DS - Shadow Ridge HS - Las Vegas, Nev.) Kelsey is a defensive specialist from Las Vegas, Nev. and will graduate from Shadow Ridge High School this spring. Her senior season was cut short to due COVID. As a junior, she was named second-team all-conference and second-team all-region. As a freshman, she received the Mustang award for the highest caliber of play. "Kelsey is a quick defender who reads well, and has solid serve receive,' Lovett said. "She is a player that will help elevate our defense and will be a great fit on and off the court with our team." Taylor Peterson (5-8 - S - Evanston HS - Evanston, Wyo.) Taylor is a setter from Evanston, Wyo. and will graduate form Evanston High School this spring. The team captain received 4A West All-Conference honors as a senior and is a two-year letter winner. She is also the team captain of her club team, MP (Millennial Program). She is an officer in the National Honors Society and will graduate in the top five percent of her class "Taylor is a great setter with a ton of potential. She has a great touch and can place the ball consistently," Lovett said. "We are very excited for Taylor to grow with this program in the upcoming years." Jazmine Smith (5-11 - OH/MB – McMinnville HS – Mossyrock, Wash.) Jazi is an outside hitter and middle blocker from Mossyrocky, Wash. and will graduate from McMinnville High School this spring. In 2019 she was named all-state honorable mention, first-team all-league, player, and athlete of the year. In 2018 she was named first-team all-league and received player of the week honors. "We can't wait for Jazi to join the team next year," Lovett said. "She has a quick, heavy arm swing that will help our offense and she brings a high level of play to the program." Josie Thomas (5-11 - OH - Gardiner HS - Gardiner, Mont.) Josie is an outside hitter from Gardiner, Mont. and will graduate from Gardiner High School. She is a three-time all-state and all-conference selection in volleyball and also earned all-conference honors in basketball. Academically she is a member of the National Honor Society and is a three-time academic all-state selection. "Josie is a great person who will elevate everyone around her," Lovett said. "She is hardworking and is someone who will never settle for anything less than her best."

We have received word from Activities Director, John English, that the last 5 remaining home games for the Dillon Beavers will allow an additional 100 general admission seats in the B.W. Lodge Gymnasium. Tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis. Sales start at 4 P.M. before each game at the gymnasium.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has offered internships to college students for 30 years. Opportunities in 2021 can be found on our FWP website at: https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/employment ; click on “Internships.” College students are given an opportunity to gain practical experience in their field of study by serving as interns for the agency. Students take what they learn in the classroom into a hands-on setting in the career world. Through this combined learning program, students become better prepared for the world of everyday work. Students usually receive academic credit and a grade while completing practicum requirements through their college. Students are urged to contact their college career placement office for current postings of announcements or visit the FWP website. Most application deadlines are in early March. For more information or questions, contact Debbie Cheek, statewide intern coordinator, at 406-439-8299.

Governor Greg Gianforte today signed Senate Bill No. 65 into law. The new law shields businesses, health care providers, nonprofit organizations, and places of worship from coronavirus-related lawsuits, provided they take measures to protect individuals from COVID-19 and follow public health guidelines. “On January 5th, I addressed how critical it is to protect businesses, nonprofit organizations, places of worship, and health care providers from lawsuits if they make a good faith effort to protect individuals from the spread of the coronavirus and follow clear public health guidelines,” Governor Gianforte said. “And the legislature delivered.” Governor Gianforte continued, “On January 5th, Senator Fitzpatrick introduced SB 65, and within a month, it cleared the Legislature with bipartisan support. I want to thank every legislator – Republican and Democrat – who recognized the importance of protecting businesses, nonprofits, and others that protect their workers, their customers, and their clients.” Senator Fitzpatrick, the bill’s primary sponsor, joined Governor Gianforte with Senate President Mark Blasdel, Speaker of the House Wylie Galt, and Rep. Mark Noland in celebrating the bill’s signing. “As an attorney, I know how important it is for folks to be protected from frivolous lawsuits. If you’re taking reasonable and responsible precautions to protect your employees, your members, your customers from COVID-19, you shouldn’t have to worry about unnecessary litigation. At the same time, this bill doesn’t give anyone a free pass and it makes clear that Montanans are protected from bad actors. There’s no immunity from lawsuits in the event someone is intentionally or recklessly creating a situation that leads to serious COVID-19 problems,” Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick, (R., SD-10) said. “It’s fitting that the first major piece of legislation signed by our new Governor is key to getting Montanans back to work and kickstarting our recovery from the economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic. With Senate Bill 65 signed into law, we’re beginning the Montana Comeback,” Senate President Mark Blasdel (R., SD-4) said. “The Montana House worked quickly to ensure that Senate Bill 65 was one of the first bills to reach Governor Gianforte’s desk. This is a priority bill for Republicans to get Montana’s economy opened up and protect businesses, churches, and individuals from COVID liability. I am glad to see the Governor signing it into law today,” Speaker of the Montana House Wylie Galt (R., HD-30) said. “We need folks to be allowed to get back to work. In order to do this, businesses must have protections from frivolous lawsuits. That is why I was honored to carry Senate Bill 65 through the House and thank Governor Gianforte for signing it today,” Rep. Mark Noland (R., HD-10) said. Organizations representing Montana businesses welcomed Governor Gianforte’s signing of SB 65. Todd O’Hair, president and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce: “Liability protections related to COVID-19 emerged as a top issue for the Montana Chamber and the businesses we represent within weeks of the pandemic arriving in our state. On behalf of the business community, we'd like to extend our thanks to Governor Gianforte for his leadership in getting this bill to the finish line. SB 65 and its signing, is an important step in rebuilding our state’s economy.” Brad Griffin, president of Montana Retail Association and Montana Restaurant Association: “Restaurants and retailers across Montana have worked hard over the last year to keep their doors open while also protecting the health of their staff and customers. SB 65 is a critical to getting our economy going again, and I thank Governor Gianforte and the bill’s sponsor, Senator Fitzpatrick, for getting this legislation across the finish line.” Steve Snezek, executive director of Montana Building Industry Association: “Since the start of the pandemic, home building professionals have taken seriously their duties to protect their clients’ and employees’ health as we work in to keep folks safe and comfortable at home. SB 65 allows home builders to continue their work for Montanans with the assurance that observing best practices for COVID safety are a defense from unnecessary litigation.” Cary Hegreberg, president and CEO of the Montana Bankers Association: “We are extremely grateful to the Legislature and to Gov. Gianforte for recognizing the importance of getting this bill passed and signed into law as quickly as possible. Bankers throughout the State have worked tirelessly for a year now working with families and business owners struggling to make financial ends meet, and SB 65 goes a long way in minimizing liabilities for just trying to do the right thing.” Ronda Wiggers, on behalf of National Federation of Independent Business, Montana: “Montana’s Main Street businesses breathed a collective sigh of relief after Gov. Gianforte signed SB 65 into law today. The Governor’s action sends a clear message that he will not allow Montana small businesses to become victims of frivolous lawsuits. I commend Senator Fitzpatrick for shepherding this vital piece of legislation through the Legislature, and thank the Governor for signing it into law. Small businesses can now turn back to their normal, everyday struggles of keeping their doors open and working towards Montana’s economic recovery.” After the signing of SB 65 Gianforte stated he will be lifting the state issued mask mandate on Friday, but stressed that county ordered mandates will be left up to the individual counties.

In anticipation of the Great Backyard Bird Count, scientists from Montana Audubon will offer a virtual birding class on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m., through the platform Zoom. Every February, birders around the world count and report bird sightings from their own backyard. The 2021 Great Backyard Bird Count will occur Feb. 12 through Feb. 15. All of this data is compiled for scientific research. The class will cover the basics of eBird (an online database of bird observations), backyard birding and how to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. To register email corie.rice@mt.gov .

A social media post on the Beaverhead County Animal Shelters Facebook page announced yesterday they will be closing the thrift store located on East Center St. The post reads: It’s the end of an era, as the sun sets on the animal shelter thrift store, which will be closing at the end of February. This move will help to streamline our mission and allow us to focus our volunteer resources and community presence on the goal of rescuing, rehoming, and supporting pets. We are so appreciative of the work that Judy Carlson and her thrift store staff have put into running the store for so many years, and we owe a huge debt of gratitude for the generous donation of the store space from community member Betty Grosse. We're heading into 2021 with a new and very engaged board of directors and have every confidence that these changes will positively impact the shelter and the Dillon community (please note that people's property taxes will not be affected). Moving in a fresh new direction will take a village, and we're surrounded by an incredible one!

During a special meeting held Feb. 8, the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission extended the late elk season in hunting district 580. The season will be open through Feb. 15 and is for antlerless elk off National Forest Lands. The meeting was held in response to landowner concerns expressed to FWP that shoulder season harvest is down this season due to mild winter weather. A 595-00 B license is required. Any hunter that holds a 595-00 B license can also use an unused general license during these seven days. The 595-00 B license is currently available as a surplus sale (approximately 400 are still available). Hunters are reminded to ask first before hunting on private land. For more information on access opportunities, hunters can go online to fwp.mt.gov , click on “hunting” and then on “hunt planner map.”

Dillon Volunteer Fire Department responded to 5 calls during the month of January 2021. Members trained on incident command, conducted a walk through at UMW, attended a pipeline safety training via zoom with the Montana Liquid & Gas Pipeline Assn & participated with the Beaverhead EMS in a training with a helicopter from Air Idaho out of Salmon. 01-06-21 Gas leak Idaho St 01-06-21 Gas leas Pacific St 01-13-21 MVA I-15 01-24-21 False Alarm W Center St 01-30-21 Fire Alarm S Montana St

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission will hold a special meeting Monday Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. to discuss extending the elk shoulder season in hunting district 580 to Feb. 15. The meeting is in response to landowner concerns expressed to FWP that shoulder season harvest is down this season due to mild winter weather. The meeting will be held via 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 streamed online at fwp.mt.gov . FWP ensures its meetings are fully accessible to those with special needs. To request arrangements, call FWP at 406-444-3186. For the full agenda and background on the scheduled topics, go to the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov ; under “About Us” click “ Commission .”

This summer Wally did a piece on on the founding of the first radio station in Dillon. SWMT News recently heard of Burt's passing. Burt was one of those visionaries who brought something to Dillon that was lacking. His story is one that would inspire anyone on the fence wanting to do something new and revolutionary. We have included his obituary as well as a link to the Did You Know Dillon MT. BURT HIATT OLIPHANT. December 13, 1926—January 26, 2021. Burt Hiatt Oliphant, 94, of Joliet, Montana passed away peacefully January 26, 2021 at a Billings Hospice surrounded by family. He was born December 13, 1926 in Salt Lake City to faithful parents, Martha Gertrude Hiatt, and Clare Howe Oliphant. He was the sixth of eight children. The Depression, hard times and his mother’s health led his family to many areas of the country—homesteading in central Utah, southern California, Missouri, and Washington State. While in Washington, his mother died on his 16th birthday; he dropped out of high school to help pay for the funeral. He was drafted into the Army in 1945, received Signal Corps training in 1946 and was shipped overseas. He served as an entertainment specialist and worked at the Armed Forces Radio Station in Pusan, Korea where he entertained the troops over the radio waves until 1948. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central States mission from 1949-1950. He left his mission early to serve his country in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1951. He returned home to Washington State where he met his wife Peggy Smith. They were married in the Idaho Falls temple in 1953. He graduated from Washington State University in communication, and the couple moved to Dillon, Montana to follow Burt’s lifelong passion of radio. With a deep radio voice, hard work and people who believed in the power of radio, they started KDBM radio on January 1, 1957. Their success in Dillon led to the purchase of KANA-AM station in Anaconda, Montana in 1965. Burt was active in his church and always served in many callings, including high counselor, branch president and Stake President of the Butte Stake in 1968. With a beautiful baritone voice, Burt sang in the church choir and always sang to each child and grandchild on their birthdays. Burt and Peggy purchased KATN-AM & KBBK-FM in Boise, Idaho in 1972. They sold KDBM AM-FM radio in 1979 and moved to Boise. In 1985, they sold their Boise station and in 1986, they started KDZN radio in Glendive, Montana. While there, Burt served as a County Commissioner in Dawson County. They sold that station in 1995. Burt and Peggy moved to Red Lodge, Montana and helped start KMXE-FM99, The Mountain radio station. With their extensive media experience, Burt and Peggy served a Public Affairs mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Palmyra, NY from 1995-1997. After their mission, they bought a motor home and traveled the country for six years, visiting family and friends. They settled in St. George, Utah and lived there for fourteen years, returning to Montana for the summer months. They enjoyed the warmer weather and wonderful friendships they formed in St. George. In 2018, they moved to Joliet, Montana to be closer to their children. Burt is survived by his wife, Peggy, and three children: Jill (Randall), Brent (Teresa) and Jeff (Annette), eleven grandchildren plus spouses, eight step-grandchildren plus spouses, twenty-one great grandchildren, and three great step-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, four stepsiblings plus spouses and his half-brother’s widow. Burt was predeceased by his parents, 5 siblings; 1 sister-in-law; 3 brothers-in-law and a half-brother. Funeral services will be Friday February 5, 2021 at 11 am at the Red Lodge ward chapel on West Fork Rd. A viewing at the chapel for friends and family will be from 10-11 am on Friday. Services will be streamed at https://zoom.us/j/99573309353. Interment will be the next day, Saturday February 6, 2021 at 11 am in Mountain View cemetery, Pocatello, Idaho with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints General Missionary Fund or Humanitarian Fund.

The Beaverhead Search and Rescue held its monthly meeting on Wednesday February 3, 2021. The meeting was called to order by the new commander, Lawrence Morrisroe at 7:00 PM. There were 18 individuals attending in the building and another 12 in attendance via zoom. There wasn’t much business to attend to. Apparently, since the unit couldn’t have their annual fish derby, a group of local residents went out to Clark Canyon and held their own fish derby. It not clear how the money was raised but the group made a donation to the SAR unit in the amount of $115. We graciously accepted the donation and asked no questions. The next order of business was a report by Nathan Freeman, the unit’s training officer. He is working on scheduling an avalanche training which will be in the near future. The unit has been invited to participate in Civil Air Patrol operations with the Ruby Valley S&R April 1st. The Ruby Valley group will also engage in ice rescue training on the 5th and 6th of March. It was also noted there are numerous training opportunities online and most of these will be accepted upon completion for unit training requirements. Next was the introduction and welcoming of two new probationary members. These new members are Dan Cahill and Tyler Grover. Dan has been around Dillon for about 4 years and is a retired law enforcement officer out of California. Tyler is a local guy, a born and raised Montanan and has always wanted to participate in Search and Rescue. If you see either of these men on the street, congratulate them on their new membership. Sheriff’s deputy Croff was also introduced to the unit. He will be working closely with the Beaverhead Search and Rescue in the future. Your SAR unit would like to remind everyone about the dangers of venturing out during the winter months. First, the avalanche danger is extremely high out there. If snowmobiling or cross country skiing/snowshoeing, know the snow conditions in the area before going out. Avalanches can happen anytime and anywhere. Never go without a peep, probe, and shovel. Second, ice fishing is a great way to enjoy time in the outdoors but with the varying temperatures one needs to be aware of changing ice conditions. It is a great practice to never drive your vehicles on frozen lakes, reservoirs, or ponds. And last but not least, if you drive off the beaten path, even though there isn’t much snow out there yet, drifts and changing conditions can present problems when not really expected. Make sure you have proper clothing and equipment with you. Enjoy our great outdoors and the many opportunities we have but be careful and take all the proper precautions to be safe.

Board Meeting Agenda February 11, 2021 8:30am – 4B’s Restaurant, 660 N. Montana St., Dillon 406-683-0055 8:30am - Welcome and Introductions of Guests John 8:35am – Approval of the Agenda John 8:40am - Approval of Minutes John 8:45am – Approval of Financial Report Bob 8:55am – Executive Director Report Rebecca 9:05am – CVB Report: Rebecca  IRS Designation for CVB – Exploring 501©3 status  Tbid (Tax Business Increment District) Discussion – Speaker for April Lunch n Learn secured: Steve Wahrlich, John Brewer, Alex Tyson from Billings Chamber of Commerce 9:15am – New Business John 9:30am – Adjournment John Upcoming Board Events: Lunch n Learn, Feb. 18 th & Board Meeting, Mar. 11 th

Brynley Fitzgerald of Montana Western, is the Frontier Conference’s Women’s Basketball Player of the Week. Fitzgerald is a 5-foot-11 junior guard from Dillon, Mont. (RV) Montana Western went 2-0 for the week. The Bulldogs swept their weekend series at Montana Tech winning Saturday 74-52 and Sunday 61-52. Fitzgerald averaged 24 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals. She was 17 of 32 from the field and 11 of 12 from the free throw line. She has scored 20-plus points in her last three league games and leads the conference in scoring.

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced he received federal approval to redirect 19,500 unused COVID-19 vaccine doses to vulnerable Montanans. “Every dose Montana receives is critical, which is why I promised you in my first week in office that we wouldn’t let vaccines sit on shelves. Today, we’re following through on that promise,” Governor Gianforte said. “By working together, we can protect more Montanans and save more lives.” The 19,500 doses identified by the state were originally provided to CVS and Walgreens under contract by the federal government to vaccinate residents and staff in long-term care facilities and assisted living facilities. With the redirection of the unused doses, nearly 10,000 more Montanans in Phase 1B will be fully vaccinated. Governor Gianforte announced that doses will be released to hospitals across Montana in the coming days. DPHHS will coordinate with local partners and hospitals to help set up community clinics to serve as many Montanans as possible. As information becomes available about the time and place of these clinics, updates will be provided. On January 19, Montana moved into Phase 1B of the state’s vaccine distribution plan to protect the most vulnerable. In Phase 1B, Montanans 70 years of age and older, 16 years of age and older with a high-risk underlying medical condition, and Native Americans and other persons of color who may be at elevated risk for COVID-19 complications are eligible to receive the vaccine.

dART along with Susie’s is pleased to announce “ The Red Thread "exhibit. Exhibit Dates: February 1, thru March 12th, 2021 *Meet the Artist Reception: Friday, February 12, 2021 6-8pm* “One of the many reasons for opening Susie’s was to unite community and form stronger connections with the people who live here” says owner Emily Wilson. Her vision of a place for people to gather, celebrate positive habits, and enjoy healthy snacks, teas and smoothies is being realized. People are gathering for exercise classes, live music and art exhibits in the spacious multi roomed setting. With Emily’s goals in mind, former gallery owner and dART curator Clare Bailey approached her about an exhibit idea inspired by an old saying. “An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break.” The exhibit will feature a red thread or band of red color running throughout to symbolize our connection to one another. Faye Maddox, one of the exhibiting artists summed up the feeling around this show perfectly. “I love that we are all tucked in our different walks of life creating something that unites us together!” Dillon, join us for a Valentines inspired art opening February 12th from 6-8. Come meet the Red Thread Artists as well as the crew at Susie’s. Let’s get connected this year regardless of time, place or circumstance. Who knows where a little red thread may lead… Featured Artist are: Carmela Anderson, Clare Bailey, Katie Barba, Cory Birkenbuel, Jaime Rae Chapman, Paige Christensen, Jeremy Church, H.A. Clemmer, Kayla Coleman, Steve Cook, Caitlyn Feldt, M Gilli, Goodman, Haley, Dave Hayes, Timber Helle, Kristy Hughes, Klaire Kramer, Averi Maddox, Faye Maddox, Paige Maddox, Marc Manning, K McClanahan, Judith Monroe, Cheryl Power, Gayleen Reynolds, Christina Romeo, Rory Shea, Christy Stauffenberg, Madi Stewart, Kari Towery, Kelly Wiggins

ENNIS – A hiker was injured during a surprise close encounter with a bull moose while hiking east of Ennis on Wednesday, Jan. 27. Two men in their 70s were hiking on U.S. Forest Service Trail 6317, commonly called the Jack Creek Trail, about 10 miles east of Ennis. Two miles up the trail, the men encountered a bull moose standing about 10 yards off one side of the trail. The moose charged at the hikers. One of the men stood behind a standing tree while the other took cover under a fallen tree. The moose continued its approach and kicked at the man under the fallen tree until the other hiker was successful in driving the moose away. The man who was kicked while under the tree was treated at Madison Valley Medical Center for injuries that were not life threatening. The other man did not require medical treatment. Moose can be defensive and dangerous in surprise close encounters with people. FWP staff have posted signs at the entrance to this trail advising recreationists of the encounter. No further management action is planned at this time. Moose can be found throughout most of Montana. Keep these precautions in mind to avoid negative encounters with moose: • Be aware of your surroundings and be especially careful around creeks and in areas with dense brush. • Travel in groups whenever possible and make casual noise to alert animals to your presence. • If you encounter a moose, give it lots of space and don’t approach it. Keep dogs under control at all times. • If a moose charges or chases you, take cover behind something solid, such as a tree.