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HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce today detailed some of the increased 2020 Census outreach efforts made possible by statewide partners through funding allocated by Governor Steve Bullock from the Coronavirus Relief Fund. With 41 days remaining in the count, the state and partners are making final push to get a complete count of Montanans before September 30. “An accurate count in the 2020 Census will help Montana get its fair share of federal funding, put our state in the best possible position to gain back a second seat in the U.S. House of Representatives and help us plan for the next ten years,” said Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney, who is the chair of the Montana Complete Count Committee . “With the deadline to respond to the Census fast approaching, the Montana Department of Commerce and statewide partners are all-hands-on-deck to ensure Montanans know the importance of being counted.” Sharing $530,500 allocated from the Coronavirus Relief Fund , the partners have amplified their ongoing efforts to increase Montana’s 2020 Census count by reaching Montanans in hard-to-count areas of the state. One of the partners, the Montana Nonprofit Association (MNA), has hired a rancher and former mayor in central Montana with field organizing experience to help reach local communities in low-responding rural counties. The statewide nonprofit organization also worked with the Montana Association of Counties to mail 52,000 post cards, including cards mailed on behalf of county governments, to low-response counties earlier this month. Additionally, MNA is working with state and tribal officials to design cards to mail to households on reservations in Montana. Western Native Voice, along with Man Power, a local tribal organization, recently organized a drive-thru Census response station in Browning. The event added 200 residents to the 2020 Census count. Western Native Voice is in the process of hiring up to 50 organizers across the state to mobilize the Native count. Additionally, the Forward Montana Foundation has hired six full-time employees to encourage college students and younger populations in Montana to respond to the 2020 Census. The Forward Montana Foundation expects to reach more than 40,000 young residents and students through targeted outreach efforts. The U.S. Census Bureau suspended all field operations from March to early May to slow the spread of COVID-19, which put Montana’s response rate below the national average. The Census Bureau initially extended the deadline from July 31 to October 31 to respond to challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, but earlier this month, announced it will cut its 2020 Census count operations short by a month, to end on September 30. While the federal government is tasked with counting all households every 10 years, the state supports the effort to educate and promote the importance of the Census. An accurate and complete count of all Montanans is critical for determining the federal funding distributed to the state – overall, more than $2 billion from 300 federal programs is allocated back to Montana based on Census information. The Census count also shapes local voting and school districts, and it determines whether Montana will receive a second seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. To date, 57.5 percent of Montana households have self-responded to the Census. Montanans who have not yet responded to the 2020 Census can do so by going to MY2020CENSUS.GOV , by calling 1-844-330-2020, or by mailing in their Census form if they received one in the mail.

The remaining Deer B and Elk B licenses left over from the new surplus list opportunities will become available Tuesday morning, Aug. 25 as over-the-counter sales (OTC). Purchases can be made at any license provider as well as online at:   fwp.mt.gov  and then clicking on “License: Buy/Apply.” The price of the Deer B license is $10 for residents and $75 for nonresidents. The price of the Elk B license is $20 for residents and $270 for nonresidents. These prices are in addition to the cost of conservation and base hunting licenses. For updates on availability, please visit  fwp.mt.gov  or call 406-444-2950.

Montana’s Business Stabilization Program has now provided more than 14,000 grants MONTANA – The Montana Department of Commerce announced Friday that more than 8,200 small businesses in Montana have now received $123.4 million through Governor Steve Bullock’s Business Stabilization Program, funded by the Coronavirus Relief Fund. First launched in May, small businesses based in Montana with fewer than 50 employees that have experienced a loss in revenue due to the pandemic were eligible for grants of up to $10,000 or three-months of working capital, whichever was less. Governor Bullock announced last week that the program would expand to provide a second grant to all 8,237 businesses that received the first as long as they still met eligibility requirements. As of Friday, nearly 6,000 of those businesses have already requested their second award and have received payment. “Small businesses fuel Montana’s economy which is why we’re honored to report that $123.4 million has now gone directly to businesses in every single Montana county to help them weather the economic impacts of the pandemic,” Commerce Director Tara Rice said. “Business Stabilization grants are just one option among a suite of tools available to support Montana’s small businesses, and we know these support systems are helping keep businesses open.” The Montana Business Stabilization Program provides working capital for small businesses to support payroll, rent, accounts payable, debt service and expenses related to shifts in operations to retain existing businesses, retain current employees or retain business viability for future re-employment. Eligible small business must be Montana-based, employ 50 or less, have sustained a loss of revenue since Feb. 15 due to COVID-19, and be in good standing with the Secretary of State or local tribal government. Nonprofit entities are not eligible. New applicants to the program are now eligible for up to $20,000 or six months of working capital, whichever is less. The online application is available at COVIDRELIEF.MT.GOV .

Current as of 8/21/2020, 7:04:32 AM Size 8,500 Acres 20% Contained The Type 2 IMT (Northern Rockies Team 5) assumed command of the fire on August 13th. Resources assigned to the fire include seven helicopters, seven Type 2 IA crews, three Type 1 crews, 14 engines, and 453 total personnel. Portions of Montana are seeing increased smoke and haze, as smoke from several fires in California dispersed and circulated north. Fire behavior was relatively quiet, with single tree torching and surface fire in the areas with heavy dead and downed fuels. On the northwest side, the fire continued to back down into the Bear Creek drainage. Crews on the north flank continued to reinforce and hold the line, taking advantage of conditions favorable for small burnout operations to clean up residual fuels. To the west, heavy equipment completed work to connect line from the 515 road to the Continental Divide; hand crews followed and reinforced the machine-created section. On the south flank, crews continued to improve the fuel break to the Continental Divide. Due to smoked-in conditions, aerial support was somewhat limited. A helicopter and several resources assisted with a new fire start near Polaris.  Early morning fire behavior tomorrow is expected to be slow due to the presence of drift smoke from the new fires in California; activity is expected to increase by the afternoon hours, as a drier air mass enters the fire area. Active fire behavior is expected in the Bear Creek drainage, where the winds align with the topography. Winds over the fire area are highly variable due to topographic features and the proximity to the Continental Divide. Dry and windy conditions are forecast through early next week.  Crews will work to improve the line on the 1883 road on the southern flank, reinforcing and improving a more “direct” line closer to the active edge of the fire. To the north, crews will hold and secure line along the 6869 road. If conditions are favorable, they will continue with burnout operations further to the west along the ridges. On the northwest side of the fire, hand crews will improve and reinforce the machine fuel break to the Continental Divide. Gusty winds and smokey conditions could again limit air operations. Fire managers will assess the new start near Polaris; smokejumpers and retardant are on order. Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. Any public using the roads near the fire area should expect heavy fire traffic; please drive slowly for safety reasons. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps.  The fire is burning in timber/heavy fuels. These fuels will continue to dry out with low relative humidity. The area provides poor access and there is a lack of water in the immediate area of the fire. Crews will work to protect cultural and natural resources and other values at risk.  Area, road, and trail closures are in effect. Refer to the “Closures” and “Photos” tabs of the Inciweb site for narrative descriptions and maps of all agency closures. Lemhi Pass Road is closed from its junction with Montana Highway 324 to Lemhi Pass. The public is strongly encouraged to refrain from entering the area/nearby road system due to heavy fire traffic. There are no official evacuation orders associated with the fire.

DATE OF DETECTION: Thursday, August 20, 2020 CAUSE: Unknown CURRENT SIZE: Estimated at 10 acres CONTAINMENT: 0% LOCATION: 5 miles northwest of Polaris JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest COOPERATING AGENCIES: Beaverhead County, Montana DNRC PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: Resources assigned to the fire include 10 smokejumpers, as well as resources and helicopters assisting from the Bear Creek Fire. YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Smokejumpers positioned overnight. Aerial support provided retardant drops, and a sky crane helicopter dropped water on the fire. TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Early morning fire behavior is expected to be slow due to the presence of drift smoke from the new fires in California; activity is expected to increase by the afternoon hours. Dry and windy conditions are forecast through early next week. Wind gusts are expected up to 18 mph, with relative humidity in the upper teens. TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: Smokejumpers will assess the fire and find access routes to the area. Aerial support, including a sky crane and other helicopters, will assist the fire beginning at 9:30 a.m. SPECIAL CONCERNS: Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. Any public using the roads near the fire area should expect heavy fire traffic; please drive slowly for safety reasons. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps.

We are now under four cases and that means you can go out in public without a mask on. The Beaverhead County Health department is still reminding you to practice social distancing as well as washing and sanitizing your hands. Let’s hope as the numbers stay down, we are able to get back to somewhat of a normal life and finish off the summer right. Friday August 21st Tai Chi (free classes) 9:30 AM – 10:20 AM Free Tai Chi classes Elks Lodge. Please practice social distancing. Free Yoga in the Garden 12 PM – 1 PM Free gentle yoga in the garden, taught by yoga instructor, Joan Hendrickson. Enjoy the beautiful creekside setting, and living things growing all around. Children welcomed. Evening of Art 5 PM – 8 PM All Galleries an locations Matter. Stop by Gallery 287, cattleman Gallery, Ennis Trading Post, Tavern 287, Ennis chamber an Kalena's Teas. It is so great to work together to bring art to an art community. Bigger and Better. Saturday August 22nd Dillon Farmers' Market 9 AM – 1 PM Hand made and home grown local specialties offered by up to 20 vendors. An Evening with El Wencho 7 PM – 10 PM Join us outside at the Bale of Hay Pavilion! Tickets are limited and on sale NOW here or at the venue with two drink tokens per ticket purchase, so make it happen! Slim pickings on events and things to do this weekend, as COVID has caused most events to cancel. We do still have the great outdoors, you can float the river, hike into one of our many mountain lakes, or just sit outside under the sprinkler. Have a safe and fun weekend Southwestern Montana.

We have been live streaming the city council meetings from day one, but we have also decided to highlight points during the meeting that may have been missed. With the council meetings running close to three hours we understand not everyone has the time or desire to sit through one. Unfortunately last night we had internet problems and had to do the council in two different streams. We will break it down with stream one then stream two. We will time mark, for your convenience when the events happened. Stream 1 Started out with public hearing on FY2020-2021 preliminary budget and all city districts. This was the opportunity for Dillon citizens to oppose or comment on any part of the budget they did not like. Only one citizen decided to show up and voice his opinion on this. Chris Brozell a citizen of Lima decided he needed to take this time to voice his concerns over the police budget. This is at the 1-minute mark in the live stream. The council then took a five min break and came back with no other comments the budget meeting was adjourned. The council came back at 7 to continue with the regular council meeting. At the overview of council minutes Councilperson Rich Wassell wanted it to read that he asserted his ADA compliance's needed for ZOOM meeting. This can be seen at the 26 min mark. A representative from DOWL Engineering was next to go over the Idaho street waterline replacement projects. This is at the 28 min mark. Main concern for Council Person Mary Jo O'Rourke was the shutting down of the street for local businesses, Council Person Rich Wassell had a concern with the cutting of sidewalks for ADA compliance. Stream 2 After trying to fight internet speed we cut the previous stream lowered the quality and restarted the stream. Unfortunately, because of these issues we were unable to stream to both Facebook and YouTube so we will not be able to provide a YouTube link for this stream. Stream continues where stream one left of with DOWL Engineering. At the 29-minute mark the council reviews the city budget with Council Person Mary Jo O'Rourke having an objection to the storing away of money for a shop at the sewage treatment facility. Council Person Rich Wassall tries to interrupt with a exchange of words to follow. Council Person Dan Nye agrees with Mary Jo on wanting to see more of what they plan to build. At the 53-minute mark assistant Chief of Police Jeremy Alvarez mentions the hiring of a dispatch center employee Council Person Mary Jo O'Rourke mentions she would much rather see them hire a person then spend money on new equipment like police tasers. At the 1 hour 5 min mark Council Person Rich Wassall excuses himself as they discuss the voting and use of Zoom for city council meetings. Council Person Raymond Graham gives a speech on why they need to be here. At the 1 hour 15 minute mark Council Person O'Rourke brings up a concern of having a complaint filed and the filing person’s name left on the complaint, this goes into great detail of a problem property, and her being the one who filed the complaint. The rest of the meeting went fairly smooth with members giving a report of the committees they stand on, At the 1 hour 42 minute mark Council Person Graham did bring up the subject of shingles being picked up on the dump road. This brought up the discussion of loads being transported need to be covered, as required by Montana law. So please if you are a contractor hauling to the dump cover your load and pick up what may have fallen off. Links are here if you would like to watch the meeting, next meeting we hope to have it on one YouTube link with better quality. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=601421023877356&extid=UYpkX3HVqV2U5b56 https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=988788131569587&extid=nJYrzHXU0XgbCiy1

Current as of 8/20/2020, 6:50:37 AM Total Personnel 481 Size 7,563 Acres, Percent of Perimeter Contained 20% A Red Flag Warning will be in effect today (from 12 p.m. until 12 a.m.) for unstable conditions, high winds, and low humidity. Winds could gust to 30 mph, with temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s. The relative humidity is expected to be in the low teens, potentially dipping into the single digits. Early morning fire behavior is expected to be slow due to cloud cover and the presence of drift smoke from the new fires in California; activity is expected to increase by the afternoon hours. Fire activity is expected in the Bear Creek drainage, where the winds align with the topography. Winds over the fire area are highly variable due to topographic features and the proximity to the Continental Divide. The fire will likely see interior activity, given winds associated with thunderstorms. Dry and windy conditions are forecast through early next week. Crews will work to improve the line on the 1883 road on the southern flank, reinforcing and improving a more “direct” line closer to the active edge of the fire. To the north, crews will hold and secure line along the 6869 road and will potentially continue to burn westward if conditions are favorable. On the west side of the fire, crews will improve the fuel break to the Continental Divide. Crews will continue to work to connect line from the 515 road to the Continental Divide with support from heavy equipment, completing this section in one more day. Gusty winds will be a limiting factor for air operations. Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. Any public using the roads near the fire area should expect heavy fire traffic; please drive slowly for safety reasons. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps.   The fire is burning in timber/heavy fuels. These fuels will continue to dry out with low relative humidity. The area provides poor access and there is a lack of water in the immediate area of the fire. Crews will work to protect cultural and natural resources and other values at risk.

August 19, 2020   8:00 a.m.  CURRENT SIZE:  7,543 acres (acres mapped by overnight infrared flight), with a 10% containment. PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE:  Resources assigned to the fire include eight helicopters, eight Type 2 IA crews, three Type 1 crews, 21 engines, and 480 total personnel.      YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY:  Fire behavior was quiet yesterday, with the most active area on the southeast corner. Residual heat was internal to the constructed lines. Crews on the north flank continued to reinforce and hold the line along their previous burnout operation. To the west, crews worked to connect line from the 515 road to the Continental Divide, continuing with the multi-day project, with support from heavy equipment. On the south flank, crews continued to improve the fuel break to the Continental Divide. Helicopters and scoopers provided aerial support. The fixed-wing “scooper” airplanes were reassigned mid-day to assist with new fires in other areas of the country. Night/swing shift patrolled the southeast side of the fire. Resource advisors from multiple jurisdictions are communicating about operations on the ground and coordinating rehabilitation needs.  TODAY’S WEATHER:  Thunderstorms are expected in the fire area this afternoon with a 55% chance of lightning and a 50% chance of wetting rain. Wetting rain could dampen fire activity; however, with thunderstorms, shifting winds from the west/northwest could reach gusts up to 30 mph. Winds over the fire area are highly variable due to topographic features and the proximity to the Continental Divide. Wind could cause spotting in the northeast area of the fire, potentially causing fire runs. The northwest side of the fire could advance further north and will likely see interior fire activity given winds associated with thunderstorms. Fire activity is expected toward to further back down into Black Canyon. Temperatures are expected to be in the 80s with a relative humidity in the low 20s. A dry and windy pattern of weather is expected to return starting tomorrow. Winds and an inversion at helibase could affect aerial support later in the day.   TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: Crews will work to improve the line on the 1883 road on the southern flank. To the north, crews will hold and secure line along the 6869 road. On the west side of the fire, crews will improve the fuel break to the Continental Divide. Crews will continue to work to connect line from the 515 road to the Continental Divide with support from heavy equipment. Air support will be adding a secondary heli-well near the mouth of Black Canyon. There will be no night patrol tonight, as those resources have transitioned into the day shift to assist with operations on the active southern flank.  CLOSURES:  Area, road, and trail closures are in effect. Refer to the “Closures” and “Photos” tabs of the Inciweb site for narrative descriptions and maps of all agency closures. Lemhi Pass Road is closed from its junction with Montana Highway 324 to Lemhi Pass. The public is strongly encouraged to refrain from entering the area/nearby road system due to heavy fire traffic.

Hunters can now get their 2020 Block Management Area (BMA) Hunting Access Guide, individual BMA map and rules information. Hunters are strongly encouraged to request their 2020 BMA Hunting Access Guide and individual BMA maps and rules via mail, email, phone or by completing the online Access Guide request form and downloading or printing BMA maps at fwp.mt.gov/BMA . For those who’ve already have ordered one, guides will be shipped beginning Aug. 10. “Given our current situation with the COVID pandemic, we are trying to limit BMA walk-in traffic to our offices, and hunters are strongly encouraged to utilize our web resources,” said Jason Kool, FWP Hunting Access Bureau Chief. By utilizing the FWP website fwp.mt.gov/BMA , hunters will have instant access to the Access Guide and up-to-date BMA maps and rules for every individual BMA enrolled in the program. “Obtaining these individual BMA maps and rules via our website are key to successfully utilizing the BMA program as not all rules or instructions for obtaining landowner permission are listed in the guide,” Kool said. “The website also features a list of BMAs that are closed due to fire restrictions and provides updates for BMAs that have changed after the access guide was printed.” Hunters may also obtain individual BMA maps at permission sign-in boxes, or via phone, mail or email request to FWP at the contact information below. Also, for this year, BMAs that take reservations may have varying dates for taking hunter reservations. Reservations cannot start before Aug. 22, but some will be scattered throughout the season to better accommodate hunter demands. “Hunters should check their Access Guide or view the individual BMA map and rules online to determine when a given BMA will start reservations – if the BMA takes reservations,” Kool said. Montana landowners who have collaborated with FWP to provide access opportunities deserve a big ‘Thank you,’” said FWP director Martha Williams. “These landowners are critical to hunting in Montana and provide such amazing opportunities.”  The Block Management program, through partnerships formed with private landowners, government agencies and conservation organizations will provide access to over 7.1 million acres of private and isolated public land for the 2020 hunting season. Hunting Access Program Contact Information: Region 1: fwprg12@mt.gov ; 406-752-5501 Region 2: fwprg22@mt.gov ; 406-542-5530 Region 3: fwpr3bmp@mt.gov ; 406-577-7900 Region 4: fwpr4bmp@mt.gov ; 406-454-5862 Region 5: fwpr5bmp@mt.gov ; 406-247-2940 Region 6: region6.access@mt.gov ; 406-228-3700 Region 7: fwpr7bmp@mt.gov ; 406-234-0930 Helena: LndSportRelations@mt.gov ; 406-444-2612

Current as of 8/18/2020, 7:13:25 AM Total personnel working on the fire 445, total acreage burned 7442 with 10% containment. Significant Events Extreme fire behavior with crowning, short-range spotting, and backing. Planned Actions Continue to construct/improve indirect (away from the active edge of the fire) fire line. Conduct burn out operations as needed. Air operations will provide support to burnout and holding operations. Weather Concerns Today a Fire Weather Watch is in effect from 4pm until midnight for lightning and gusty winds up to 30 mph from the north. Temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid 80s. With thunderstorms, shifting winds from the north could reach 25-30 mph. Humidity will be in the low 20s with cloud cover, which could dampen fire conditions in the morning.

Total Personnel on fire is at 403, with 10% containment and 6334 acres burned. The Type 2 IMT (Northern Rockies Team 5) assumed command of the fire on August 13th. Resources assigned to the fire include eight helicopters, two fixed-wing water scooping airplanes, one Type 2 crew, five Type 2 IA crews, three Type 1 crews, 19 engines and 403 total personnel.     Yesterday the fire was active on the northwest end in the afternoon, with a visible smoke column. Two to four-foot flames were visible in the interior of the fire. Fire behavior was mostly surface fire under the heavy timber, with backing fire in the lighter fuels. Around 3 p.m., cloud cover over the fire resulted in decreased activity. To the west, crews worked to connect line from the 515 to the Continental Divide, which will be a multi-day project with support from heavy equipment. Crews conducted fuel mitigation along the 70020 road to the Continental Divide. Night shift engines will continue to monitor the fire and burn out areas for hot spots tonight. Temperatures today are expected to be in the mid-80s. Relative humidity will be in the high teens to low twenties. Wind gusts are expected to reach 24 mph. Erratic winds are likely out of the north/northwest, with possible thunderstorms throughout the week before returning to hot and dry weather towards the end of the week.   Today on the northeast side of the fire, crews will conduct burnout operations in the Bear Gulch area, if conditions are favorable. Crews also plan to burn from the 1883 road under favorable conditions. To the west, crews will work to connect line from the 515 to the Continental Divide. On the southwest side of the fire, crews will scout for an alternative line up to the Continental Divide to use if the fire moves past the original line. Air support will be available throughout the day, including two "scoopers."   Those recreating on Clark Canyon Reservoir should be aware of aircraft using the water source for fire activity. Recreators should stay clear of area aircraft.  Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. Any public using the roads near the fire area should expect heavy fire traffic; please drive slowly for safety reasons. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps.    The fire is burning in timber/heavy fuels. These fuels will continue to dry out with low relative humidity. The area provides poor access and there is a lack of water in the immediate area of the fire. Crews will work to protect cultural resources and other values at risk.  Area, road, and trail closures are in effect. Refer to the “Closures” and “Photos” tabs of the Inciweb site for narrative descriptions and maps of all agency closures. Lemhi Pass Road is closed from its junction with Montana Highway 324 to Lemhi Pass. The public is strongly encouraged to refrain from entering the area/nearby road system due to heavy fire traffic.

CURRENT SIZE: 6,110 acres (GIS mapping incorporated burned out areas interior to the fireline) CONTAINMENT: 5% LOCATION: Lemhi Pass area (29 miles East of Salmon Idaho) JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest COOPERATING AGENCIES: Beaverhead County (MT), Lemhi County (ID), BLM, Montana DNRC, Salmon-Challis National Forest PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: Resources assigned to the fire include eight helicopters, two fixed-wing water scooping airplanes, one Type 2 crew, four Type 2 IA crew, three Type 1 crews, six engines and 327 total personnel. YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Warmer temperatures, dry conditions, and the presence of wind resulted in active fire behavior and visible columns of smoke, interior to the established fireline. On the northwest side, crews constructed line on the 515 road through the Bear Creek drainage. To the south, crews worked on improving and prepping line on the 70020 road to tie into the Continental Divide, as an alternative if the fire advances past the line on the ridge on the north side of Black Canyon. On the south side, crews held and improved the line on the ridge of the northside of Black Canyon with aerial support via retardant drops. Night shift monitored burn out areas, patrolling and addressing any hot spots. TODAY’S WEATHER: Temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid 80s with a relative humidity in the low teens. West wind gusts are expected up to 18 mph. Storms are expected to move in tonight in higher elevation areas, potentially resulting in wind gusts of up to 40 mph. Further thunderstorms are expected tomorrow, with a 25 percent chance of storms impacting the immediate fire area. High winds are likely, even if storms do not directly hit the fire. TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: Fire behavior will increase today due to poor relative humidity recoveries last night and increased winds today, especially where the winds align with canyons. Spotting up to ¼ mile is expected. Fire spread is possible in canyons; however, cloudy weather could dampen fire behavior in the evening. The fire remains active at the head of the north fork of Everson creek, Upper Black Canyon, and the Bear Creek drainage. Crews will work to contain fire advancement along the southern flank using scoopers and helicopters to prevent the fire from reaching the Black Canyon drainage. To the west, crews will cut line along the 515 road, with support from heavy equipment. Crews will conduct fuel mitigation along the 70020 road to the Continental Divide. Night patrol will continue on the east and north sides tonight. High wind gusts in the evening could affect air operations. SPECIAL CONCERNS: Those recreating on Clark Canyon Reservoir should be aware of aircraft using the water source for fire activity. Recreators should stay clear of area aircraft. Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. Any public using the roads near the fire area should expect heavy fire traffic; please drive slowly for safety reasons. The fire is burning in timber/heavy fuels. These fuels will continue to dry out with low relative humidity. The area provides poor access and there is a lack of water in the immediate area of the fire. Crews will work to protect cultural resources and other values at risk. CLOSURES: Area, road, and trail closures are in effect. Refer to the “Closures” and “Photos” tabs of the Inciweb site for narrative descriptions and maps of all agency closures. Lemhi Pass Road is closed from its junction with Montana Highway 324 to Lemhi Pass. The public is strongly encouraged to refrain from entering the area/nearby road system due to heavy fire traffic.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on ice fishing contests proposed for the 2020-2021 season. Participants must comply with state fishing regulations, including daily and possession limits. Applications for fishing contests may be approved, approved with conditions, or denied by the FWP Fisheries Division in Helena. Conditions placed on contests may help to minimize fish mortality, regulate harvest, reduce user conflicts, and/or require additional access site maintenance when needed. Information on the proposed fishing contests can be found on the FWP Fishing Contest webpage  or by calling 406-444-2449. All comments must be received on or before Sept. 14, 2020. Comments may be mailed to FWP Fisheries Division, Attn: Fishing Contests, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701, or emailed to  fwpfsh@mt.gov .

CURRENT SIZE:  4,663 acres (more accurate mapping produced through overnight infrared flight) CONTAINMENT :  0% LOCATION:   Lemhi Pass area (29 miles East of Salmon Idaho) JURISDICTION:   Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest COOPERATING AGENCIES:  Beaverhead County (MT), Lemhi County (ID), BLM, Montana DNRC, Salmon-Challis National Forest PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE:  Resources assigned to the fire include eight helicopters, two fixed-wing water scooping airplanes, five Type 2 IA crew, three Type 1 crews, seven engines and 318 total personnel.    YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY:   On the east side, the fire continued to move along a section of the 1883 road, burning out a pocket of heavy fuels in the South Fork of Everson Creek. Crews burned from the South Fork to the North Fork of Everson Creek. The burn out went well and crews were able to hold the line. To the south, crews improved the fire line from the 1883 road to the Continental Divide, and water-scooping fixed wing aircraft (“scoopers”) and fire retardant aircraft reinforced the line. On the north end of the fire, crews held and improved existing line. Crews have not had favorable conditions to burn north of the fire and were catching fire runs throughout the day. Air tankers with retardant were ordered in the early evening to help hold the line along the 1883 road on the south flank of the fire. Air operations assisted crews on the ground by checking the fire’s movement as they progressed burning. The helibase was moved to a location south of the fire to shorten water delivery times. Night shift crews monitored burn activity and mopped up hotspots, with engines monitoring the fire and burn areas overnight. TODAY’S WEATHER:  Temperatures today are expected to be in the high 70s/low 80s. Relative humidity will remain in the low to mid-teens. Winds are expected to be low with wind gusts up to 15mph. A slight chance of thunderstorms exists for tomorrow and thunderstorms and lightning are likely early in the week. TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY:   On the west side, crews will continue to scout locations to tie in line from the Frying Pan drainage to the Continental Divide. The north side of the fire is holding heat on the edge of the fireline and crews will continue to improve the line. The east and south sides of the fire are holding heat with 2-3 foot flames and active fire behavior is expected in those areas. To the south, crews will continue to burn from the 6869 road today if conditions are favorable. Night shift will continue to monitor burn out areas tonight. Spotting may occur up to 0.4 miles from the burn area. Air support will be available throughout the day, including two "scoopers." SPECIAL CONCERNS: Those recreating on Clark Canyon reservoir should be aware of aircraft using the water source for fire activity. Recreators should stay clear of area aircraft. Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. The fire is burning in timber/heavy fuels. These fuels will continue to dry out with low relative humidity. The area provides poor access and there is a lack of water in the immediate area of the fire. Crews will work to protect cultural resources on the east side of the fire. CLOSURES:   BLM closure maps can be found here and their closure order can be found here .B-D Forest Service lands closures can be found    here . Salmon-Challis National Forest map of closures  and closure order can be found here .Continental Divide Trail (CDT) closure information can be found here . The public is strongly encouraged to refrain from entering the area/nearby road system due to heavy fire traffic. Be Aware and Stay Clear Bear Creek Fire Wildfire Fire aircraft are using Clark Canyon Reservoir as a water source.  Recreationists are asked to please maintain distance from areas that are being utilized.

DATE OF DETECTION: Tuesday, August 11, 2020 CAUSE:  Lightning CURRENT SIZE:  4,200 acres CONTAINMENT :  0% LOCATION:   Lemhi Pass area (29 miles East of Salmon Idaho) JURISDICTION:   Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest COOPERATING AGENCIES:  Beaverhead County (MT), Lemhi County (ID), BLM, Montana DNRC, Salmon-Challis National Forest PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: The Type 2 IMT (Northern Rockies Team 5) assumed command of the fire at 0600 yesterday.Resources assigned to the fire include eight helicopters, two fixed-wing water scooping airplanes, one Type 2 IA crew, three Type 1 crews, five engines and 193 total personnel. YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY:  Crews continued to scout for additional opportunities to utilize the existing road system to maintain pace with the flanking fire. On the east side, crews scouted and prepped for burn out operations from the 1882 and 1849 roads to tie into the 70020 road, eventually extending to the Continental Divide. On the north end of the fire, crews worked from Trapper Creek westward to Frying Pan. On the southern flank, crews and a dozer constructed indirect line (away from the active edge of the fire) from the 1882 road to the 1883 road. Two large water-scooping fixed wing aircraft (“scoopers”) dropped water to assist crews on the ground. Additionally, helicopters provided aerial support and supervision. The northern flank of the fire remains the most active. There was active fire behavior overnight north of a section of the 1883 road, burning out a pocket of heavy fuels in the South Fork of Everson Creek. TODAY’S WEATHER:  Today’s forecast includes relative humidity readings in the high teens to low 20s. Wind gusts are expected between 10mph and 22mph on the fireline, with highest wind gusts on ridgelines above 8,000 feet. Strong winds are expected to re-emerge late on Sunday. Temperatures will be in the high 60s. Smoke is visible over a large area including Dillon, communities of the Big Hole Valley, Tendoy, Lemhi Valley, and the area surrounding Salmon, Idaho. TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY:  On the east side, crews will work with heavy equipment to improve existing line in preparation for possible burn out operations from the 6869 road to the 1883 road this evening. The burn out will occur if conditions are favorable to remove residual unburned fuels. Crews will also scout routes to access the area from the 1883 road to the Continental Divide, with dozer support. To the north, crews will construct and improve fireline, preparing existing roads for possible burn out operations in the Frying Pan drainage. Crews will scout for access to the Continental Divide further south from the current line location on the west side, keeping the fire footprint as small as possible. Air operations will relocate the helibase closer to the fire from its current location. They have established a 15,000 gallon heli-well at a location closer to the fire. Helicopters are available for water drops when needed, beginning at 9 a.m.  Additional resources will be assigned, as they arrive. SPECIAL CONCERNS: Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. The fire is burning in timber/heavy fuels. These fuels will continue to dry out with low relative humidity. The area provides poor access and there is a lack of water in the immediate area of the fire. Crews will work to protect cultural resources on the east side of the fire. CLOSURES:   All BLM administered lands south of Lemhi Pass Road, west of U.S. Highway 324, and east of the Continental Divide along the Montana State line are closed (the map of the closure can be found here and closure order can be found here ).All B-D Forest Service lands adjacent to BLM administered lands (south of Lemhi Pass Road, west of BLM administered lands, and east of the Continental Divide along the Montana State line) are closed (the map of the closure  and closure order can be found here ). Salmon-Challis National ForestForest has closed Road #60185 Warm Springs Road from Lemhi Pass north for 3.6 miles and Forest Road #60013 Agency Creek Road from Lemhi Pass to the intersection with Forest Service Road #60068 Copper Queen Mine Road (the map of the closure  and closure order can be found here ).Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Salmon-Challis National Forests have closed the Continental Divide Trail  (CDT) from Goldstone Pass to Bannock Pass (the map and closure order can be found here ). This CDT closure excludes any areas under jurisdiction of the BLM. Lemhi Pass Road is closed from Brenner Lane to the Idaho border. The public is strongly encouraged to refrain from entering the area/nearby road system due to heavy fire traffic.

The Bear Creek Fire was reported at approximately 10:30 am on August 11 south of Lemhi Pass on the Dillon Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. A late night infrared flight mapped the fire at 4200 acres. The fire is currently 0% contained.  A Type 2 IMT (Northern Rockies Team 5) assumed command of the fire this morning at 6:00 am. Resources assigned to the fire include; 8 helicopters, three Type 1 Crews, three engines and 139 total personnel.  Scoopers and airtankers are available to assist in air operations as needed.  The fire is expected to experience near critical fire weather conditions today, resulting in active fire behavior. Winds will be gusty, and relative humidity will be low. Areas exposed to the influence of the wind are expected to burn actively with short crown runs and potential for short-range spotting. Public and firefighter safety are the top priority. Temporary closures are in effect. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is closed from Lemhi Pass to Bannock Pass. Lemhi Pass Road is closed from Brenner Lane to the Idaho border. All BLM lands south of Lemhi Pass Road, west of U.S. Highway 324, and east of the Continental Divide along the Montana Stateline are closed.  Closure update: the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has instituted a closure for USFS-administered lands south of Lemhi Pass Road, west of Highway 324, and east of the Continental Divide, due to the Bear Creek Fire. Closure update: the U.S. Forest Service - Salmon-Challis National Forest has closed portions of Warm Springs Road (60185) and Agency Creek Road (60013) due to the Bear Creek Fire.

Hard to believe we are halfway through August and the summer is winding down. Still a few events happening but many have been cancelled. Friday August 14th Tai Chi (free classes) 9:30 AM – 10:20 AM Free Tai Chi classes continue. Please practice social distancing. Free Yoga in the Garden 12 PM – 1 PM Free gentle yoga in the garden, taught by yoga instructor, Joan Hendrickson. Enjoy the beautiful creekside setting, and living things growing all around. Children welcomed. Roasted Hatch Chiles 12 PM – 6 PM We will be roasting Hatch chilies outside our store from 12-6pm Friday & Saturday Cole Snider Live Music!! 9 PM – 12 AM Come join us for some live music with Cole Snider on Friday, August 14th! Saturday August 15th Dillon Farmers' Market 9 AM – 1 PM Hand made and home grown local specialties offered by up to 20 vendors. August Street Party 5 PM – 11 PM Street party! Live music, food, cornhole tournament, and more Fisheries Program 2 PM Bannack State Park. Have you ever wondered what kind of fish are in Grasshopper Creek or why fisheries biologists use electro fishing sampling? If you have, today is your chance to find out. Join FWP Fisheries Technician, Lucas Bateman, as he demonstrates electro fishing sampling and uses the catch to identify the species living in Grasshopper Creek. This is a fun and educational program for all ages. Unfortunately this is all we can find for events that are happening this weekend. As always if you have an upcoming event feel free to email us at southwesternmtnews@gmail.com so we can ad it to our events calendar. Have a fun and safe weekend.

Dillon, MT August 12, 2020 at 6:00 pm    The Bear Creek Fire was reported at approximately 10:30 am on August 11 in the Lemhi Pass area on the Dillon Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, (B-D). Lightning was determined to be the cause of the fire. The fire size increased to approximately 5,000 acres by 4:00 PM this evening. Fire officials report that it burned actively throughout the day in all fire divisions, in fuels primarily of dead and down timber, heavy timber and some grass sage.  Continued Red Flag Conditions and high winds fueled the fire growth. The Red Flag Conditions are predicted to end at 9:00 pm tonight; however potential for active fire behavior will continue. Aviation resources were grounded today by the high winds, smoke and erratic fire behavior. Additionally, ground resources were limited by active fire behavior and inaccessibility due to the steep, rugged terrain. Fire officials anticipate beginning preps of in-direct fire lines this evening, depending on fire behavior. An area closure will be done for public and firefighter safety, the first priority of fire management officials. There are no evacuations at this time. Resources on scene remain the same, with an addition of helicopters to two Type 1, three Type 2, two Type 3 and two Type 3 scooper helicopters. A variety of other resources are either on site or inbound, including dozers, strike teams and other fire support. There are approximately 200 persons on site, additional inbound, all assigned to Bear Creek Fire. The Type 2 Incident Management Team (IMT) of the Northern Rockies Team arrived today, led by Incident Commander (IC) Joe Sampson, and held an in-briefing at noon with B-D fire officials. At 6:00 am tomorrow, August 13, the Type 2 team will assume control of the fire. An incident command post, (ICP) will be established in Dillon and limited to 25 people. Other fire personnel will be staged in spike camps to assure social distancing. Smoke continues to be visible over a large area throughout the day, including Dillon, the communities of the Big Hole Valley, Tendoy, Lemhi Valley, and the area surrounding Salmon, Idaho.

Governor Steve Bullock today announced he will direct $10 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds to create the Live Entertainment Grant Program to provide long term viability for the live entertainment industry. “Live entertainment businesses that bring together large groups of Montanans and visitors have had to cancel or postpone all of their events during the pandemic. While that effort has certainly minimized transmission of COVID-19 and kept their customers and employees safe, it has greatly impacted their revenues and outlook,” Governor Bullock said. “This funding will offer support to the hundreds of workers employed in the live entertainment industry and provide long term support to businesses to ensure they can resume offering events that are fundamental to our quality of life, as soon as it’s safe to do so.” As Montana continues making progress toward economic recovery and most sectors have reopened, live entertainment businesses across the state have remained closed due to health risks related to large gatherings or acts that have postponed touring. To ensure entertainment businesses can survive extended closures and postponement, the Live Entertainment Grant Program will provide up to 25 percent of a business’ 2019 gross revenue or a maximum of $1,000,000 per applicant. The program is available to Montana based businesses and non-profits in the live entertainment business, and whose revenues primarily come from live entertainment events. Applicants must have derived at least 33 percent of their 2019 revenue from sale of tickets for live events and must be operating at less than 10% of last years’ revenue. Bars, restaurants, and other facilities whose primary business is anything other than live entertainment are not eligible. Applications will be evaluated on a first come first serve basis and will be open on August 12 at covidrelief.mt.gov. Governor Bullock also announced he is doubling the funds available in the Business Stabilization Grant Program to provide working capital for small businesses that have seen their revenue decline as a result of the pandemic. Nearly 8,000 businesses that have already been awarded a Business Stabilization Grant are eligible to receive a second payment equal to the first, and new applicants as well as applications in progress are now eligible to receive up to 6 months of working capital or $20,000, whichever is less. Businesses eligible to receive a second grant will be contacted by the Montana Department of Commerce via email and should not submit a second application. Additionally, Governor Bullock announced a grant program for businesses located along the east edge of Glacier National Park, which have been uniquely hit hard by the pandemic due to ongoing closures on that side of the park. Many businesses are entirely dependent on visitation to keep their operations running throughout the year. Supporting them now will ensure they can sustain their operations for next year’s tourism season. Tourism reliant businesses in the East edge of Glacier National Park may be eligible to apply for a grant for up to 25 percent of their 2019 gross revenue or up to $40,000. To be eligible, businesses must be located along the eastern edge of Glacier National Park in the immediate vicinity of East Glacier, St. Mary or Babb and must be Montana based. The application will be available next week on covidrelief.mt.gov Governor Bullock has allocated nearly 80% of the CARES Act dollars, with over $210 million of that awarded, to help Montanans, small businesses, nonprofits, farmers and ranchers, schools and local governments and more toward economic recovery. A transparency dashboard of awarded funds and a list of all allocated dollars is available at COVIDRELIEF.MT.GOV.