CDC currently recommends a quarantine period of fourteen days, however two new options to shorten quarantine are now acceptable alternatives. CDC made it official on December 2nd. Quarantines are determined to start after last exposure to a positive COVID case. OPTION 1: Quarantine can end after Day 10 without testing and if no symptoms have been reported during daily monitoring. Transmission risk with this option is estimated to be about 1-10%. OPTION 2: Quarantine can end after Day 7 if a specimen tests negative and if no symptoms were reported during daily monitoring. The test cannot be performed before day 5. The person must remain in quarantine until they receive a negative test result. Remember this could take up to 5 days. Transmission risk with this option is 5-12%. Persons can discontinue quarantine at these time points only if the following criteria are also met: 1. NO CLINCAL EVIDENCE OF COVID through daily symptom monitoring during the entire quarantine period. 2. DAILY symptom monitoring continues through day 14. People may also use the 14-day quarantine period as this maximally reduces risk of post-quarantine transmission risk. Quarantine is used to separate someone who might have been exposed to COVID and may develop illness away from other people and is intended to reduce the risk that infected persons might unknowingly transmit infection to others. It helps prevent the spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they have the virus. The recommendation for a 14-day quarantine was based on estimates of the upper bounds of the COVID incubation period. The importance of quarantine was evident when it was found that people could transmit the virus before symptoms developed and that 20-40% of infected people never develop symptoms but could transmit the virus. In reducing the number of quarantine days, it is our hope that there will be more compliance and decrease some of the financial and social burden to the community. We ask that cases please be honest with the contact tracers regarding naming their close contacts. Those people have the right to know that they were exposed so they can take the appropriate actions to reduce the spread to their families, co-workers, and the community. We ask that you review the full updated "OPTIONS TO REDUCE QUARNTINE FOR CONTACTS OF PERSONS WITH SARS-CoV-2INFECTION" on the CDC website. CDC.gov

The rules regulating recreation use on the Madison River will be official on Dec. 24, even though nearly all of the rules, as adopted by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission, won’t be implemented until 2022. The rules are a culmination of nearly three years of work among interest groups, the public, the Commission and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff. This effort involved many hours of public meetings, much public comment and significant collaboration between groups interested in seeing a plan put forth for recreation on the Montana’s most popular river. “This really is something that was wrought out of many hours of work by people both at FWP and citizens dedicated to seeing a collaborative process come to fruition,” said Fish and Wildlife Commission Chair Shane Colton. “It is a landmark step for the Madison River and for the people and businesses who depend on it for their livelihood and enjoyment.” The rules approved by the commission in November began, essentially, as two different rulemaking petitions to the commission earlier in the summer. One petition was from a group of sporting groups including the George Grant Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Skyline Sportsman Association and Anaconda Sportsman Club’s. The other petition was from the Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana. Though the petitions had some similarities, they conflicted in other areas which would have required the commission to craft a solution to resolve the differences. However, at the last minute, the petitioners got together and came forward with a compromise. The commission took more public comment at their November meeting and made a few more changes to the proposal before approving new rules. “The rules adopted represent what ultimately was a huge collaboration and is a result of not only interest groups and stakeholders coming to the table, but also some very detailed public comment,” said FWP fisheries division administrator Eileen Ryce. “There were many different issues at play in these petitions—including commercial versus noncommercial use, boat versus wade fishing, access site acquisition and maintenance—and what resulted was a true compromise where all parties gave a little and got a little. We hope the collaborative efforts to manage recreation on the river will continue with the soon-to-be formed work group.” The new rules The new rules for managing recreation on the Madison River include the following A cap on commercial use starting in 2022. The total number of guide trips per outfitter and guide will be capped at the number of trips reported in either 2019 or 2020, whichever number is higher. A rest and rotation system implemented in 2022. This means that guided trips will be prohibited between June 15 and Sept. 30 on Sundays between Lyons Bridge Fishing Access Site and the Palisades Day Use Area, and on Saturdays guided trips will be prohibited between Raynolds Bridge FAS and the Lyons Bridge FAS. This will be a trial effort and reviewed by the Fish and Wildlife Commission in 2023. Changes to the walk and wade sections on the river that will be implemented in 2022. Fishing from a boat will continue to be prohibited from the Ennis FAS to Ennis Lake and from Quake Lake to the Raynolds Bridge FAS The new rule will allow fishing from a boat on Saturdays and Sunday ONLY from June 15 to Sept. 30 from Raynolds Bridge FAS to Lyons Bridge FAS. The new rules also call for the appointment of a Madison River Work Group by the commission The work group will have diverse membership including but not limited to commercial and non-commercial users, Madison Valley business people not associated with outfitting, a member of both the Commission and the Bureau of Land Management and an at large member. The group may develop recommendations concerning the allocation of commercial use trips to outfitters, a process to permit new outfitters, rule language to address recreational use on the Madison River, including future proposals to change the rules relating to the walk/wade and rest/rotation rules, and consequences of permit violations. The rules do immediately call for mandatory reporting by all recreational users on the Madison River. The department is working to develop a way for this to happen. The information gained will help inform future decisions by the work group and Commission. The rules will be posted on the Montana Secretary of State website on Dec. 24.

With general big game season over in Montana, the primary surveillance effort for chronic wasting disease is complete, although results are still coming in. From July 1 through Dec. 3, testing has detected 134 positive cases so far. Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks employees have processed more than 7,000 samples. Since 2017, FWP has sampled 17,960 deer, elk and moose combined statewide, with 316 positives. This season, CWD-positive animals were newly detected in hunting districts 309, 314, 326, 320, and 622. The average testing turn-around time was seven days this year, as opposed to 19 days last year. Moose samples took significantly longer to test than deer and elk, both because samples had to be shipped to Colorado State University and because the test for moose is a bit different and is more labor and time intensive. “This year, with the COVID pandemic, we had more logistical challenges than normal, but overall the sampling went well,” said Ken McDonald, FWP wildlife division administrator. “We were able to get hunters their sample results quicker by utilizing the new testing capabilities of the Montana Department of Livestock’s diagnostic lab in Bozeman. We have really appreciated their help, as have hunters. We had some new areas with detections as well, which does reinforce the assumption that the disease is widespread across the state.” This season, FWP focused on three CWD surveillance areas – northwest Montana, southwest Montana and eastern Montana. A map of those areas can be found here . In southwest Montana, FWP is looking to both get more hunter-submitted samples from whitetail deer and reduce whitetail deer numbers. The department is asking the Fish and Wildlife Commission at their December 10 meeting to extend whitetail deer harvest opportunities in several hunting districts: 320—Those portions within the Jefferson River watershed. Portions within the Madison River watershed would be excluded. 322 324 325—Those portions within the Blacktail Deer Creek watershed and north of Clark Canyon Creek. Portions within the Beaverhead River watershed south of Clark Canyon Creek would be excluded. 326 329 330—Those portions within the Ruby River watershed. Portions within the Madison River watershed would be excluded. 331 340 During this season extension, both general deer and deer B licenses 003-00, 331-01, and 399-00 will remain valid in these hunting districts. Hunters will be encouraged to submit samples according to guidelines found here . The focus of further sampling in these hunting districts will allow for a broader understanding of CWD distribution in the area, reduce deer densities, particularly within river bottom areas, and provide a better understanding of disease prevalence. This year, FWP has collected about 335 samples from whitetail deer in HD 322, which is in the lower Ruby Valley near Sheridan. To date 78 of those were found positive for CWD. Background Hunters ca tap into an excellent resource about CWD in Montana on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov/CWD. Here hunters can access interactive maps, information on how or where to submit samples, and to check their test results. CWD is a 100 percent fatal disease that infects members of the deer family, including elk, moose, mule and white-tailed deer. CWD is not a virus, bacteria, or fungus. It is caused by infectious, mis-folded proteins, called prions, that spread throughout the animal and result in organ damage and eventual death. The disease is slow acting, degenerative, and always fatal. The name comes from the appearance of symptomatic animals, which get very skinny and sick-looking before they die. There is no vaccine or cure for CWD. There is no known transmission of CWD to humans. However, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that hunters harvesting a deer, elk, or moose from an area where CWD is known to be present have their animal tested for CWD prior to consuming the meat, and to not consume the meat if the animal tests positive. Some simple precautions should be taken when field dressing harvested animals: Wear rubber gloves and eye protection. Minimize the handling of brain and spinal tissues. Wash hands and instruments thoroughly after field dressing is completed. Instruments should be washed in a 40% bleach solution for 5 minutes. Avoid processing and consuming brain, spinal cord, eyes, spleen, tonsils and lymph nodes of harvested animals.

Beaverhead County Health Public Health deeply regrets to report that 2 more Beaverhead County residents died from COVID-19 on December 4, 2020. Both were men, one in his 80s and the other in his 90s. They were hospitalized in a Beaverhead County facility at the time of their deaths. Public Health emphasizes the importance of doing everything you can to help decrease the spread of COVID infection in our communities. Reconsider any gatherings over 10 people. The risk of spread increases as the number of people in a group increase. Celebrate the Holidays and enjoy the season, but please be extra vigilant through mask-wearing, social distancing, reduced group size, and frequent hand-washing.

Governor’s Proclamation I hereby order all flags flown in the State of Montana to be flown at half-staff on Monday, December 7th, 2020 to observe National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. On this 79th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we honor those American patriots who lost their lives on that fateful day, and reaffirm our commitment to the ideals of freedom and liberty for which all who serve this great nation, then and now, swear to uphold and protect. Dated this 4th day of December 2020. STEVE BULLOCK Governor

City crews are busy today removing the Canada Red Chokecherry trees lining Reeder street by Jaycee park. The trees have required continuous maintenance to help keep them out of the overhead powerlines. The trees also send suckers and seedlings throughout the boulevard causing further issues. This coming summer you will see an improvement on the park as a new sidewalk will be put in along with an update in the irrigations system and some new sod. This will provide shade and help make the area more appealing to the eye for years to come.

It’s that time of year when ice anglers and other recreationists head out to Montana's “hard” waters for the winter season. Whether ice fishing, ice skating, hunting, snowmobiling or just taking a walk, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff reminds recreationists that safety should be the number one concern during a day out on (or near) the ice. And when on the ice, remember: Anglers and other recreationists should be familiar with the water body they plan to fish or recreate on. Pay close attention to the changing conditions of the ice. If you have even the slightest doubt about the safety of the ice—stay off of it. Nothing is ever worth a fall into frigid water. Blue or “clear” ice is usually hard. Watch out for opaque, gray, dark or porous spots in the ice that could be weak, soft areas. Ice also tends to thin more quickly at the shorelines. Note areas on the ice that look “different” —they usually are! Many times, thinner areas of ice (caused by springs, gas pockets, sunken islands, points, etc.) have a different color or look to them. Use extreme caution or stay away from these areas. The following are recommended minimum ice thickness guidelines (for good, clear ice*): Under 4 inches: STAY OFF 4 inches: ice fishing or other activities on foot 7 inches: snowmobile or ATV 10 inches: small car** 12 inches: truck or SUV** *for white ice or “snow ice,” double the above minimums **not recommended, but if you must, proceed at your own risk! Watch for pressure ridges. These are areas of open water or thin ice where the ice has cracked and heaved due to expansion from freezing. Test the ice ahead of you with an ice spud bar or an auger. Don’t leave children unsupervised on the ice. Lakes and ponds do not freeze at the same thickness all over. Some ponds have windmills to aerate water for fish survival, and ice may be thin near these areas. Moving water — rivers, streams and springs — weaken ice by wearing it away from underneath. Avoid going on ice on rivers and streams, or where a river or stream enters a lake, pond or reservoir. The least safe ice usually occurs early and late in the season, when the weather is warmer and less predictable. Remember, NO ICE is 100 percent safe! Some other common ice-safety reminders to keep in mind include: Search for videos on ice safety and “what to do” if you should fall through the ice. One can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gOW8ZaYqHA Consider changes in the weather (and ice conditions) during the prior 24 hours. It's a good idea to wear a life jacket (PFD) or carry a throwable floatation device while out on the ice — safe ice anglers and recreationists do it all the time. Dress warm but practical. Many styles of ice fishing jackets and bibs provide extra buoyancy to help keep you afloat if you do fall through. Consider having your dog on a leash. It is not uncommon for people get into trouble on the ice while trying to rescue their dog. Before you leave the house, tell someone where you plan to go and when you plan to return. Carry a pair of ice picks (long spikes on a heavy string around your neck). If you break through the ice, you can use the spikes to grip the ice and pull yourself out of the water. FWP wishes all anglers and recreationists a safe, adventurous, and successful season.

The Montana Department of Commerce announced Wednesday that applications will be accepted for grant funding through the Montana Main Street Program starting December 8, 2020. “Montana's Main Streets are vital to the strength and resiliency of our local economies,” said Jennifer Olson, Montana Department of Commerce Community Development Division Administrator. “These grants will help Montana communities restore healthy community districts and preserve the historic structures that make Montana the special place we all know and treasure.” The Montana Main Street Program helps Montana communities strengthen and preserve their historic downtown commercial districts by supporting economic development, urban revitalization and historic preservation through long-term planning, organization, design and promotion. The program offers technical assistance and expertise to its 34 member communities across Montana and awards grant funding on a competitive basis. Funds can be used for planning efforts or brick-and-mortar projects that demonstrate local support and directly relate to downtown revitalization, economic development and historic preservation plans. For application guidelines and more information, visit MTMAINSTREET.MT.GOV .

The annual downtown Dillon Christmas Stroll is this Friday night. Most businesses in downtown Dillon will be staying open later as well as having holiday specials. Here is a Rundown of what will be happening. The Festival of Tress started yesterday and will go through Friday. Located next door at 34 North Idaho St. festival preview will be going on today from 12 P.M. to 4 P.M. and tomorrow the auction will begin at 12 P.M. and run tell 7:30 P.M. They have a ton of great trees and other displays to bid on. This years proceeds go to help the Business Builders. 2020 Parade of Lights starts at 6 P.M. with the theme Angels on Earth, all entries must be at the courthouse by 5:30 P.M. Santa will arrive at the Beaverhead County Courthouse at 6 P.M. with the help of the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department. He will light up the community Christmas Tree with his Santa magic. The Parade of Lights will start shortly thereafter. For more information please call the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce at 406-683-5511. Beaverhead County Highschool Teen Tones will be going around caroling at the Christmas Stroll. Southwestern Montana News will be offering pictures with our Christmas Backdrop for $35, we will also have some new Christmas ceramics in by Valarie Briggs. As the parade passes by our office we will livestream it so those who choose not to attend can see it as well. Emporium 406 has a huge selection of fun Christmas themed items. They will also be having a drawing for a handmade fleece blanket. 406 Skincare Come shopping with us locally! New lotions, body butters, scrubs, candles, jewelry etc.! Some locally made! Custom gift baskets created for you at no charge! Free wrapping! Stop by and get a free gift! Merry Christmas! The Dillon Jaycee Auxiliary will set up a mailbox for letters to Santa during the Christmas Stroll. The mailbox will be located at African Oasis. City Hall Renovation Fund Drawing will be held at 7 P.M. in front of The Andrus building. They will be selling tickets there as well, many great prizes. The Bookstore will be open and will have a drawing for some Bookstore Swag. Do not forget to check out our Big Shop Local Holiday Wish Book page. Businesses participating in it will be adding great deals so they may change often. We will also be posting videos and pictures of the events happening around Southwestern Montana during the holiday season. Best of all we will be doing a contest on the best residential holiday display as well as the best business display so send us your address if you want to be entered. We will go around shoot some pictures and video of your display then have the public vote on the best displays. Prizes and a plaque will be awarded. December 17th is the last day to enter. Call us at 406-660-70414 or email us at southwesternmtnews@gmail.com to get your displayed entered.

Beaverhead County Health Public Health deeply regrets to report that another Beaverhead County resident has died from COVID-19 on November 30, 2020. The individual is a man in his 70s who was hospitalized in a Missoula County facility. Public Health will not release the deceased’s location of residence or death unless there is a public health reason to do so. As of December 2nd, at 1pm, Beaverhead County has 914 total cases with 65 active, and 27 total hospitalizations with 4 currently hospitalized. For questions about COVID-19 please visit the DPPHS COVID-19 website or the CDC website. For your safety and the safety of the community, continue practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, staying home as often as possible, and performing frequent handwashing. Please consider no holiday gatherings such as company Christmas parties and limiting the number of people at home gatherings.

Governor Steve Bullock today announced a new crisis counseling hotline funded by a $1.6 million federal grant is now available to aid Montanans struggling with their mental health due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency. “We know Montanans in every corner of the state have been impacted by this virus in various ways and I’m pleased this hotline is available to support anyone in need,” Governor Bullock said. “I encourage Montanans to use the hotline now to receive confidential assistance and get connected to the appropriate services in their community.” The Montana Crisis Recovery hotline is funded and available for at least the next nine months. Montanans in need of crisis counseling can call 1-877-503-0833 to receive free and confidential counseling services from trained crisis counselors Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The free service is meant to help people navigate feelings of isolation, loss, fear, uncertainty, depression, and anxiety they are experiencing during this time. The new service is available to all Montanans, with target populations identified as healthcare workers and first responders, school officials, veterans, elderly individuals, Native Americans, and farmers and ranchers. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) partnered with Disaster and Emergency Services to pursue the grant to address the growing need for mental health services. “As COVID-19 cases rise across Montana, the impacts on mental health can be devastating to a wide range of the population,” Zoe Barnard, DPHHS Addictive and Mental Disorders Division Administrator, said. “A crisis counselor can offer an empathetic ear and provide support.” Counselors on the other end of the line will be there to listen without judgement, offer emotional support, comfort, console, offer information and education on stress and coping, and direct callers to additional support and community resources. DPHHS is contracting with Mental Health America of Montana to manage the hotline. The phone line, when fully staffed, will include 12 trained crisis counselors. Efforts are currently under way to recruit and hire two counselors who are Tribal members. In addition to Mental Health America of Montana, DPHHS will work closely with four additional project partners including the Montana Hospital Association, Voices of Hope, Kauffman & Associates Inc., and the Montana Public Health Institute. The team will work together to hire counselors and will provide outreach to communities across the state through this opportunity. The grant is provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Other mental health resources that are already available to Montanans include the Montana Crisis Text Line, Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Montana Warmline and Thrive by Waypoint Health. The Crisis Text Line is available 24/7 by texting MT to 741 741; the Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 800-273-TALK (8255); the Warmline is available Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday noon to 9 p.m. at 877-688-3377; and information about Thrive by Waypoint Health, an online cognitive behavioral therapy for those actively working to manage anxiety and stress, is available at https://thriveformontana.com/ . Over the past several months, DPHHS has expanded these services to assist Montanans through the ongoing pandemic.

This year's Festival of Trees will be having a different take on it. With COVID restrictions in place they will not have the dinner as they did in the past. The Festival of Trees will be located at 34 North Idaho. Organizers ask those attending to please wear a mask and practice social distancing. The preview will begin on December 02 at 12 P.M. and go to 4 P.M. They will also have a preview on the 3rd with the same time slots. Bidding will be Friday December 4th from 12 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. This years Festival of Trees is to benefit the Business Builders.

With the understanding that private lands, particularly working landscapes, are a vital component for wildlife habitat, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has developed a new strategy addressing wildlife movement and migration. The new strategy was developed over the last year out of experience working with conservation organizations, landowners and others in response to growing public interest in conserving habitat for wildlife movement and migration. FWP will use the new strategy to further integrate efforts related to wildlife movement and migration into its existing policies and programs. The intent is to better highlight the work FWP staff already do related to wildlife movement and migration, and to strengthen that work where necessary.   “For decades wildlife conservation work in Montana has focused on preserving important wildlife movements between winter and summer range,” said FWP director Martha Williams. “In fact, that was the impetus behind our very first game ranges. We know this work has to be done in partnership with private landowners whose working lands often represent important habitat for Montana’s wildlife.” The strategy allows FWP and partners to continue to balance the positive aspects of wildlife movement, such as ensuring wildlife populations can access crucial seasonal habitats and remain connected, with challenges such as competition on private lands with livestock for critical winter range and disease transmission. The strategy brings into focus how FWP will be inclusive by bringing partners and diverse values together to conserve wildlife in a way that is driven by local communities, private landowners and conservation interests. “The viability of our ranch business and others like it is essential to maintaining an intact Montana landscape conducive to wildlife movement,” said Heath Martinell, a rancher in southwest Montana. “We enjoy wildlife and consider them an indicator of land health, and at the same time they bring substantial costs and challenges to our business. That's why I appreciate that FWP and partners are seeking out landowner feedback and perspectives on managing wildlife movement and migration across the state." Historically, wildlife movement and migration conservation has been a crucial piece of FWP’s focus. However, as human development increases across the West, public interest in the work is increasing. Recently, a group of hunting, conservation and private landowner organizations recommended that FWP formally address big game migration in policies and programs with suggestions such as selecting an agency lead for big game migration, updating prioritization criteria for big game in existing programs like Habitat Montana and requesting the Private Lands/Public Wildlife Council to facilitate public discourse around difficult issues related to wildlife movement and migration like disease transmission. Some of these recommendations were incorporated into the strategy. “Like many of the conservation challenges here in Montana, safeguarding our big game migration corridors depends on strong collaboration and cooperative efforts between private landowners and Fish, Wildlife & Parks,” said Scott Laird, Montana field representative for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “This strategy provides a blueprint for the continued success of these partnerships, which provide tremendous benefits to working lands and families, sportsmen and women, our wildlife and Montana’s economy.” To view the terrestrial wildlife movement and migration strategy, please visit fwp.mt.gov .

The Giving Tree helps families that may be in need during the holiday season. Children's request are put on a tag then placed on the tree. Interested Santa's are then able to pick a tag and go shopping for a child in need. If you would like to include a child on the tree or go shopping for one the tree is Located at Rattlesnake Alpacas. Gift delivery will be Saturday, December 19, gifts need to be turned in by December 17th. If you have any questions please call 406-660-2528.

The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers of a special new provision that will allow more people to easily deduct up to $300 in donations to qualifying charities this year. Following special tax law changes made earlier this year, cash donations of up to $300 made before December 31, 2020, are now deductible when people file their taxes in 2021. "Our nation's charities are struggling to help those suffering from COVID-19, and many deserving organizations can use all the help they can get," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "The IRS reminds people there's a new provision that allows for up to $300 in cash donations to qualifying organizations to be deducted from income. We encourage people to explore this option to help deserving tax-exempt organizations – and the people and causes they serve." The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, enacted last spring, includes several temporary tax changes helping charities, including the special $300 deduction designed especially for people who choose to take the standard deduction, rather than itemizing their deductions. Nearly nine in 10 taxpayers now take the standard deduction and could potentially qualify for this new tax deduction. In tax-year 2018, the most recent year for which complete figures are available, more than 134 million taxpayers claimed the standard deduction, just over 87% of all filers. Under this new change, individual taxpayers can claim an "above-the-line" deduction of up to $300 for cash donations made to charity during 2020. This means the deduction lowers both adjusted gross income and taxable income – translating into tax savings for those making donations to qualifying tax-exempt organizations. Before making a donation, the IRS reminds people they can check the special Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) tool on IRS.gov to make sure the organization is eligible for tax-deductible donations. Cash donations include those made by check, credit card or debit card. They don't include securities, household items or other property. Though cash contributions to most charitable organizations qualify, some do not. Check Publication 526, Charitable Contributions , and the TEOS for more information. Though cash contributions to most charitable organizations qualify, those made to supporting organizations and donor-advised funds do not. The IRS reminds everyone giving to charity to be sure to keep good records. By law, special recordkeeping rules apply to any taxpayer claiming a charitable contribution deduction. Usually, this includes obtaining a receipt or acknowledgement letter from the charity, before filing a return, and retaining a cancelled check or credit card receipt. For details on these recordkeeping rules, see Publication 526 , available on IRS.gov. In addition, the CARES Act includes other temporary provisions designed to help charities. These include higher charitable contribution limits for corporations, individuals who itemize their deductions and businesses that give food inventory to food banks and other eligible charities. For more information about these and other Coronavirus-related tax relief provisions, visit IRS.gov/coronavirus .

Beginning Nov. 24, the citizens of Beaverhead County, Mont., will be able to buy a burn permit without leaving home. Developed in partnership with NIC Montana, the Beaverhead County Burn Permit service is available online at burnpermits.mt.gov . Through the new website, citizens will have instant access to purchase permits, add multiple burn locations to a single permit and print permits at home or send permits to themselves electronically by email. The online service accepts both debit and credit cards as well as electronic checks (eCheck). Citizens can activate a permit online or by calling the county’s new automated phone system at (833) 216-3454. The Burn Permit service displays real-time updates on an interactive county map when a customer activates a permit by entering the permit number and the start and stop times of the burn. County fire and emergency personnel can use the service to monitor current burn activity within the county. Citizens may still obtain a burn permit in person at the Beaverhead County DES Office, 2 South Pacific St., Suite 12, in Dillon. Payment must be made with cash or check for permits purchased in person. Both new and renewed permits cost $3 and are valid through the current calendar year. Renewed permits will not be available for purchase until the beginning of the new burn season on Jan. 1, 2021.

Dillon, Mont. – The University of Montana Western men's basketball begins an uncertain 2020-21 season eager to hit the hardwood. After months of uncertainty and a constantly shifting schedule, the Bulldog men's basketball team is set to open its season at home Nov. 28 and 29. ​Hosting the eighth ranked College of Idaho Yotes in ​a nearly empty Straugh Gymnasium. what we are trying to do." "I'm excited," head coach Mike Larsen said. "I feel like we have a really exciting team this year with a lot of new guys who we bought in, and really understand Although the Bulldogs usually start their season at the end of October, Montana Western has seen games come and go and the schedule get pushed back. ​Finally, they are ready to see some game action. The Bulldogs know that things can, will​, and have changed at a moment's notice, they haven't let the uncertainty of games being canceled, COVID protocols and all the other distractions mess with their focus. "COVID hasn't affected us too bad," Larsen said. "We've made the most of it, we have had 27 practices so far unscathed and haven't had any issues." "Our biggest thing is just ​to get one percent better every day," Larsen added. "We can't dictate when games are played or who we play or anything. So, if we can just continue to get better and take advantage of the opportunities presented for us, which is practice right now, and as games slowly come in and we get to play then it's just a matter of putting the product on the floor and seeing what we do." The Bulldogs will have a new look this season as they return just two starters from last year's squad: Tanner Haverfield and Max Clark. "Having those guys back is huge, they have really pushed our program to the next level," Larsen said. "Max has really elevated himself and has a goal to be the best player in our program. He's in shape and is shooting the ball at a high, high level." Clark was 10th in the nation with an assist/turnover ratio of 2.8, dishing out 98 assists ​during the 2019-20 ​season. "Max continues to pass the ball as he always has," Larsen said. "I think he's going to have a great senior year." After losing 10 players from last year's squad, Larsen has brought in 11 fresh faces including a plethora of guards. "I'm excited about our guards," Larsen said. "Bringing in guys like Jamal Stephenson, Treyton Paxton and Michael Haverfield. They all fit into what we do. We are a very unselfish team and pass the ball really well. Mix in guys like Carlos Allen and I feel confident that our guards have the length to guard on the defensive end of the floor but can really score on the offensive end." Larsen has brought in some size with a couple of 6-7 bigs that play well around the basket. "Grayson Nelson is a big guy who can put the ball in anywhere around the basket," Larsen said. "He reminds me of Connor Burkhart who doesn't miss a whole lot around the rim. Jok Jok is big kid who just shoots the heck out of the ball. He plays so hard and he's so long and fits our system really well." Redshirt freshman Colter Miller has also worked his way into the rotation with a strong effort in practice. "I feel good about us," Larsen said. "I'm confident and anxious to get out on the floor and see how it all shakes out." The Bulldogs make their season debut on Saturday​, Nov. 28 against the College of Idaho. Opening Tip is set for 4 p.m. The game can be heard on KDBM AM 1490 and can be streamed online. Due to Frontier Conference COVID-19 protocols, spectators will not be permitted in the Straugh Gymnasium until further notice. All Bulldog Athletics home events can be streamed at www.bulldogsports.com/watch Please check the website regularly for up-to-date schedules​ at www.umwbulldogs.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule For the latest on Montana Western Athletics, follow the Bulldogs on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

With the drama and tension from a few days ago many tuned into the Beaverhead County Health Boards long overdue meeting on Wednesday, Nov 23. With the mayor coming in having the power to remove the City of Dillon from the board tensions seemed to be high. The meeting started out with Beaverhead Public Health nurse Sue Hanson giving a breakdown of the current COVID numbers in Beaverhead County. They are as follows: Averaging 20 Cases/day 563 Total Cases in Beaverhead County that is 6% of our population, 1% of the state’s population 95 Active cases 20 total hospitalizations with 3 current Last 2 weeks they have tested 500 people The board next reviewed the Governors new restrictions put in place, Sheriff Paul Craft discussed how they have tried to educate businesses on the mask mandate and as far as the mask mandate goes they have no way to enforce it. This can be seen around the 12 min mark on the accompanying video. Next a presentation by Dr Charlotte Quist starting at the 17 Min mark. This presentation shows why mask work the effectiveness of them and the way the COVID virus is transmitted. The presentation has slides and opened up a discussion on other published articles and the ever-changing facts of COVID. 1 Hour 3 min mark opens the floor to questions from people via Zoom. This lead to the discussion of ways to enforce the mask mandate, Sheriff Craft stated as a business you can ask customers to wear a mask, if they refuse to you can ask them to leave, if the person becomes hostile you can have them trespassed. At the 1 Hour 55 Min mark Pioneer Care had an update on the nursing home, they have been negative for COVID they have had only one staff member test positive in Oct. They are taking new residents with special precautions. Two-week quarantines and multiple tests for COVID before they are allowed with the other residents. 1 Hour 57 Min mark discussion involving isolation vs quarantine. Mayor Klakken had questions on what the difference is and why he has a few problems with it. Main problem was if you become a contact case you are not given information on who may have exposed you. Sue Hanson said many people give consent that they can say who it is but if they do not, they cannot give out names because of HIPPA. 2 Hour 28 Min mark they begin discussing ways to reach out and educate the public with mask usage as well as more data on CORONA virus. Many members believe this is something that needs to be put out ASAP, this has been one thing lacking during these times. Overall, this has been one of the most productive health board meetings we have streamed. It was nice to see people put their differences aside and discuss in a civil manner opposing views and come together for a common goal. The next meeting is scheduled for 12/07/2020 at 2 P.M.

Governor Steve Bullock today announced that over 100 contracted medical staff from across the country are deployed in Montana to assist hospitals with responding to COVID-19 and filling in gaps in healthcare worker shortages due to quarantine or isolation. “The situation in Montana is serious. Hospital capacity is stressed and our healthcare workers are exhausted, with many unable to work from being exposed to the virus,” said Governor Bullock. “I know I join all Montanans in being incredibly grateful for this additional medical staff to ensure critical care continues during this time. For these national teams and our frontline workers here at home to be successful, we need every Montanan to stay home as much as possible, wear masks, social distance, and avoid gatherings.” The medical staff have been deployed to Montana through a partnership between the State of Montana and talent solution NuWest Group to help respond to the rising caseload and a rising number of Montana healthcare workers in quarantine or isolation. The medical staff come from across the nation and will not pull from existing employees within the medical system in Montana. Medical staff include registered nurses and respiratory therapists. There are currently 110 medical staff on the ground that arrived throughout the weekend working in hospitals at or nearing capacity in Montana, with an anticipated total of 200 staff deployed before Thanksgiving. They will serve until the end of this year. The majority of the medical staff are currently assisting Benefis Health System, Billings Clinic, Kalispell Regional Medical Center, and St. Vincent Healthcare. Medical staff are also deployed at Bozeman Health, Community Medical Center, Great Falls Clinic Hospital, Livingston Healthcare, Providence St. Patrick Hospital, and St. James Healthcare. “Hospitals are in critical need of travel RNs and RRTs that are ready and able to take rapid response assignments throughout the State of Montana this week,” said NuWest. “We are urgently deploying RNs with Covid experience within the ICU, ED, Med Surg, or Tele, as well as Respiratory Therapists.” When Kirkland Lifecare Center, the hub of the very first U.S. coronavirus outbreak, needed to replace their entire staff, NuWest Group answered the call with their travel healthcare staff. Since then, thousands of healthcare responders have deployed to the most critical locations across the country. Medical Surgical “NuWestee” nurse Joshua Lippincott has been saving lives on the frontlines since April, first in New York City and then Miami. Now, he joins a team of travel nurses answering the call to aid health systems in Montana. Eligible healthcare responders are encouraged to apply on NuWest's crisis hotline web page .

Do you remember the big Sear's Christmas wish book? We want to create the same idea but more of a Dillon Christmas wish book to encourage shopping local. We are looking into adding a page on our website that will include Dillon Businesses that want to participate. The page will have your logo or business name along with a couple items you want to highlight. The person can also click on your logo and it will take them either to your website or Facebook page so they can see all you offer. If you are a business owner and would like to participate in this it would cost, you $25 for the month of December. We would need your information by at least the 30th of this month and a minimum of 10 Businesses that want to participate. We will market the page push it out to our audience and get people talking about it. If you are interested, please call us at (406) 660-7041 or stop by our office at 34 N. Idaho street Suite B. (Next to Brit’s Bakery) UPDATE: This is a go, we have had great interest in this. Thank you to all the businesses that have already signed on. We will also include videos of the Holiday happenings in and around Southwestern MT. Also if any business who places an ad on the page would like to do a holiday shout out we will be including those on the page as well. https://www.southwesternmontananews.com/shop-local-wish-book