The Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies and the tax industry today warned of a new text scam created by thieves that trick people into disclosing bank account information under the guise of receiving the $1,200 Economic Impact Payment. The IRS, states and industry, working together as the Security Summit, remind taxpayers that neither the IRS nor state agencies will ever text taxpayers asking for bank account information so that an EIP deposit may be made. "Criminals are relentlessly using COVID-19 and Economic Impact Payments as cover to try to trick taxpayers out of their money or identities," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "This scam is a new twist on those we've been seeing much of this year. We urge people to remain alert to these types of scams." The scam text message states: "You have received a direct deposit of $1,200 from COVID-19 TREAS FUND. Further action is required to accept this payment into your account. Continue here to accept this payment …" The text includes a link to a fake phishing web address. This fake phishing URL, which appears to come from a state agency or relief organization, takes recipients to a fraudulent website that impersonates the IRS.gov Get My Payment website. Individuals who visit the fraudulent website and then enter their personal and financial account information will have their information collected by these scammers. People who receive this text scam should take a screen shot of the text message that they received and then include the screenshot in an email to phishing@irs.gov with the following information: Date/Time/Timezone that they received the text message The number that appeared on their Caller ID The number that received the text message The IRS does not send unsolicited texts or emails. The IRS does not call people with threats of jail or lawsuits, nor does it demand tax payments on gift cards. People who believe they are eligible for the Economic Impact Payment should go directly to IRS.gov. People who do not have a filing requirement but who are eligible for EIP can use a non-filers tool on IRS.gov until November 21 to claim their payment.

Do you hunt waterfowl or hunt in and around lakes, streams, rivers or ponds? Do you use a boat or a blind near your favorite spot on the water? If you do, don’t forget to be water wise! Waterfowl hunters seldom think of themselves as boaters, but in fact they are and need to follow the same safety precautions and laws as boaters every time they head out on the water. Montana law requires a readily accessible U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person in a boat. For boats 16 feet and longer, there must also be one U.S. Coast Guard-approved throwable device on board and be immediately available for use. Hunting safety only takes a little bit of planning and preparation. A life jacket can save a waterfowl hunter’s life if they find themselves in the water. Life jacket designs have come a long way over the years and now come in a wide variety of styles and colors, including inflatables and foam-filled camouflage life jackets that keep you afloat and add extra insulation. Here are some other simple things waterfowl hunters can do to stay safe on the water: Don’t overload your boat. Be extra cautious on cold days when wet clothes can instantly freeze and limit your mobility and increase your susceptibility to hypothermia. Weather can change at any moment. Always assume you might experience a sudden storm and be ready for dramatic weather changes. Strong winds and waves could capsize a craft or send a boater overboard. Make sure the boat has enough fuel. Being able to control the boat and motor into shore could save your life. Carry a cell phone, VHF radio or personal locator beacon for emergency communication. Keep in mind you may not have cellular service in remote areas. Three blasts on a whistle can also be used for emergency signaling. Leave a hunt/float plan with a family member or friend letting them know where you are going and when you plan on returning. Take a boater safety course and receive a boater education certificate If you have any questions, please contact Sara Smith, boating education coordinator for FWP’s Recreational Boating Safety Program, at 406-444-5280 or sarsmith@mt.gov.

A Belgrade man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to killing a bighorn sheep illegally this year. Matthew DeWit, 27, pleaded guilty to hunting during a closed season and unlawful possession, shipping, or transportation of a game animal, and he was later sentenced in Blaine County Justice Court on Oct. 20. His sentence includes $4,000 in fines and restitution and a 10-year suspension of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges in 49 states. In May, DeWit shot the ram in the Missouri River Breaks during a closed season. He took the head to the Bozeman office of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to get the mandatory plug for bighorn sheep, claiming he’d found the animal dead. The ram was estimated to be about 8½ years old. FWP game wardens in southwest and northeast Montana collaborated on the investigation, with help from administrative and wildlife staff and the Blaine County Attorney’s Office.  “Poaching is stealing from the public wildlife resources treasured by the people of Montana,” said FWP Game Warden Haden Hussey. “We’re pleased to see a successful conviction in this case.” FWP relies on tips from the public while investigating wildlife crimes. Informants can remain anonymous and may be eligible for monetary rewards. To report a wildlife crime, please call Montana’s 24-hour poaching hotline: 1-800-TIP-MONT (847-6668).

The Current Montana COVID-19 Epi Profile and other demographic information related to COVID-19 in Montana can be found Here . This is the best place a person can go to find the most accurate and correct breakdown of the numbers, how the infection rate has played out in communities, as well as the number of test being performed in a community.

Announcing the 2021 Montana Master Hunter Program One Montana’s Master Hunter Program is accepting applications October 1, 2020 - November 30, 2020 for our 2021 classes. Since 2018, the Master Hunter Program has been offering sportsmen the opportunity to further their depth and understanding of various hunting topics.  The Master Hunter program is an advanced hunter education program for hunters who understand that hunting is a lifelong skill and want to continue to add to their knowledge and skills. One of the primary goals of the program is to build trust and working relationships between landowners and sportsmen and women. The program provides hunters the opportunity to learn from landowners about the challenges they face on a daily bases and specifically how wildlife impacts them. Secondly, the program seeks to help landowners and the state with their wildlife management goals. By working with landowners Master Hunters also help to change false perceptions about both hunting and agriculture, and ultimately work to increase access opportunities for future generations. Graduates of the program belong to a network of other ethical and effective hunters who hunt together, keep each other informed, and are knowledgeable voices on issues affecting sportsmen across MT. Many of our graduates are mentors for youth and new hunters. In the words of one graduate, “ I am eternally grateful for the opportunity this course has given me.  The information packed into the short period of time we have is so valuable.  The presentations have been interesting, thought provoking and helped me improve my mindset and skills…. That’s why it is so important to me to portray the Master Hunter title in a way that shows landowners my respect and gratitude .” The program includes classroom and online instruction, and field work. The course covers wildlife management, history of conservation, hunting culture and ethics, private land stewardship, shooting accuracy and precision, lead-free ammunition, and hunting skills to name a few.  Our instructors have a wide diversity of knowledge and perspectives and in include ranchers, farmers, university faculty, professional shooting instructors, wildlife managers, and wildlife biologists, and MT Fish Wildlife and Parks personnel, among others.      To date, 165 hunters have successfully completed our course, and we’ve opened more than 200,000 acres to hunting access. This growing network of other like-minded hunters stretches from Whitefish to Miles City.  Fellow graduates are eager to share experiences and knowledge to help each other be more successful in the field.  Locations for classes in 2021 will be offered in Bozeman (February), Great Falls (March), Kalispell (April), and Miles City (May).  Each class will consist of three 2-Day weekends, except Miles City will have a two 3-Day weekend format. A weekend rendezvous in June is also required for qualifications, field exercises, and the final exam.  Applications will be accepted beginning October 1, 2020 through November 30, 2020 with selection being announced by the end of the year.  The program cost is $375, due by February 1, 2021.  A limited number of scholarships are available through a separate application process. The program is led by One Montana (1MT), a nonprofit located in Bozeman, MT that works to sustain a vibrant Montana by connecting our urban and rural communities.  1MT implements creative programs that maintain agriculture and working lands, support private land stewardship, and preserve our cultural heritage. The program is supported financially by private foundations, nonprofit organizations, trade associations and industry partners such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Grain Growers Association, Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation, Montana Wild Sheep Foundation, Mystery Ranch, Sitka Gear, and others. Please visit www.mtmasterhunter.com for course dates, instructors, sample curriculum and eligibility requirements and policies.

Due to the continuing COVID-19 concerns in Dillon, the 24th Annual Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner is cancelled. The organizers of the event would like to give a thank you for all those who have supported this event.

November 2, 2020, Dillon MONT. – As days become shorter and temperatures drop, the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (DNRC), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and USDA Forest Service (USFS) encourage hunters and campers to be cautious with their warming or campfires. Despite the changing weather conditions, vegetation will dry back out this fall and a spark from a warming or campfire could ignite a destructive wildfire. Over the past week local agency fire crews have had to respond to 10 different wildfires from campfire or warming fires that weren’t properly put out. Don Copple DNRC’s Dillon Unit Fire Management Officer commented, “With most of our fire crews laid off, it’s been difficult to respond to the many incidents that we have had this past week. We need people to put out their warming fires before just walking away”. Before leaving home, check to see if there are fire restrictions for your destination. Be informed about local weather conditions and avoid building a fire during periods of high winds. When building a warming or campfire, clear away all leaves and other combustible material. Do not build a fire underneath overhanging branches, against a tree stump, or directly on vegetation. Remember to store your firewood a safe distance upwind of the fire and always keep a bucket of water, dirt, and shovel nearby. Most importantly, never leave a fire unattended. As you prepare to leave your campsite, make sure your fire is out and cold to the touch. Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals or sticks are wet. Stir the remains with a shovel. Add more water and dirt and then stir again. Be sure all burned material is extinguished and cooled. Place the back of your hand near the fire to feel for any heat. If it is still warm, continue adding water and dirt and stir again until everything is cool. In 2020, eight out of ten wildfires in Montana have been caused by humans. By being prepared and responsible while enjoying the outdoors this fall, we can all make a difference in reducing human-caused fires. Montana firefighters encourage you to remember, one less spark means one less wildfire.

The Montana Department of Commerce is reminding Montanans who have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic that they may be eligible for rent, deposit or mortgage payment assistance and to apply now to the Emergency Housing Assistance Program. All applications must be received by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 10 . The program will continue to process applications received by the deadline, and all applications approved by December 30, 2020 will be provided assistance.   “ This program has helped many Montana families and individuals with the ability to stay in their own homes without worry of evictions or foreclosures. We encourage Montanans who need Emergency Housing Assistance to start their applications and apply as soon as possible.” Commerce Director Tara Rice said. The purpose of the Emergency Housing Assistance program is to help Montanans financially impacted by COVID-19 stay current on rent and mortgage payments, to avoid possible eviction and foreclosure. For eligible applicants, Montana Housing at the Department of Commerce, will provide payments to landlords or mortgage service providers the difference between 25 percent of the household’s reduced net monthly income, up to $2,000 a month. Household income limits range from $75,000-$125,000. Montanans who receive other forms of housing assistance are not eligible. The Emergency Housing Assistance Program was created by Governor Steve Bullock by using a portion of Montana’s allocation of federal CARES Act dollars. Since the program’s May inception, Montana Housing, with assistance from NeighborWorks Montana , has approved more than 1,600 applications and awarded more than $5 million in rental and mortgage assistance to Montana families and individuals statewide. For more information and to apply visit COVIDRELIEF.MT.GOV . If you need help applying to the program, email Neighbor Works Montana at covidrelief@nwmt.org or call 406.604.4500.

The 3rd annual Run The Boo race was held today. Hosted by Montana Running Company . The race had a few course changes this year. Starting and ending in front of Beaverhead Brewing Company. Offering a 10K, 5K, and kids race participants followed the course up 10 mile road and back. The winners are as follows: 10k women’s winner Nicole Murray 10k men’s winner Ben Steadman 5k women’s winner Faye Holland 5k men’s winner Daniel Martin 1 mile kids race girls winner Morgan Mason 1 mile kids race boys winner Cooper Morganthaler

Good evening. Fire crews are actively responding to and suppressing the Sourdough Fire located south-southwest of Sourdough Peak. As of 8:00 p.m. on October 30th, the fire is estimated to be approximately 1,000 acres and fire personnel will be manning the fire throughout the night. In addition to the Sourdough Fire, a small fire south of the Bear Creek Fire location is estimated to be about 1/10th of an acre. Local landowners have been instrumental in supporting fire crews and facilitating a rapid response to mitigate potential threats and assist Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest personnel. We appreciate your support and would like to ask that everyone be especially mindful of making sure your campfire is completely out prior to leaving a campsite.

Tonight is Halloween eve and it feels about right on the streets of Dillon The night started with a caravan of about 40 vehicles that gathered at Ray Lynch Park and drove through town honking and waving flags to show support for Trump. According to the organizer Harv Lake they started with around 20 cars and had about 20 more join during the parade. The event was described as: Come for a fun time showing support for President Donald Trump. We will show our colors and support with a noisy drive from the north end of town to the south and back to the north. Remember to follow all traffic laws. Cameras will be abundant. Show your best side. As the Trump Train was wrapping up, we got a call that witches were gathering at the Old Depot park. Heading to the park, a circle of about thirty witches with bikes and brooms had gathered. As the head Witch laid down the ground rules, they mounted their brooms and traveled the streets of Dillon, cackling along the way. SWMT was able to talk with one of the attendees. "Legend has it witches must gather on Halloween eve in the town square. From there they must ride throughout the town cackling along the way. This event started out with about 5 witches 3 years ago, but through chatter of the spirits, it has grown to the crowd you see today." The final stop of the night for SWMT was a sobering one. On Sunday, October 25th, tow truck operators William Casie Allen of Reed Point and Nicholas Ryan Visser of Billings were killed after they were hit by a passing vehicle while trying to recover a vehicle in the snow on Interstate 90. To honor them, the local towing companies along with first responders held a procession through the streets of Dillon. May this be a reminder as you travel the roadways to always slow down and move over for emergency vehicles on the road.

We have updated the list with every event we could fine. A complete list of everything Happening on Halloween. If you have an event email us at southwesternmtnews@gmail.com we will ad it to the list. Run The Boo 10K, 5k, Kids Race Starts at 10 A.M. 3rd Annual Run The Boo 10K, 5k, Kids Race- October 31, 2020 REGISTRATION https://runsignup.com/Race/MT/Dillon/RunTheBoo10K5KKidsRace Badger Archery Halloween Fun Shoot Starts at 12 P.M. Halloween fun shoot! Friday, October 30th & Saturday, October 31st. $10 per person $30 max per family. We will have novelty games, 3D targets, and a few surprises. Message me to sign up for a time. Bow rentals available for an additional $10 per person. Range will be yours for 40 minutes. Times available are on the hour 2-7 Friday, 12-7 Saturday and will add more slots if there is enough interest. Must sign up in advance. Wear your Halloween costumes! There will be a prize for best archery themed costume and best costume. This will be family friendly and fun for all ages and skill levels. Call or text me 406-880-0889 to reserve your time slot. Twin Bridges Farmers Market 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. Community Halloween Party 2 P.M. to 6 P.M. At Jaycee park call the Chamber for more info. Trunk or Treat 5 P.M. to 9 P.M. Halloween trunk or treat! Come in costume to pick treats and check out some spooky decorations! Be the Change 406 Youth Coalition Presents Hotel Transylvania Gates open at 6:30 P.M. Drive on in, park the car , and trick o’ treat yo self to the Sinister Cinema @ the Stadium on Halloween night! We’ll be creeping it real and Witch-ing you a happy Halloween! Let’s get this party startled! This is a FREE family-friendly, substance-free event for ALL ages! Dillon Public Library The Library's basement is haunted! Win a prize for best decorated pumpkin. (read below) Halloween is coming! This Saturday, bring your decorated and/or carved pumpkin to the Dillon Public Library between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. to be entered in the "PUMPKIN PATCH" contest. There will be prizes for the age groups, from babies to adults! The pumpkins will be on the front lawn throughout the day in the Pumpkin Patch and the community can stop by to vote. The pumpkins can be picked up by 5 p.m. and we will contact the winners! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! But that's not all!!! From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. during the downtown activities, stop by the Dillon Public Library and IF you DARE, enter our HAUNTED LIBRARY BASEMENT!!! If you make it out in one piece (or 2 or 3 pieces), you will be treated to a treat! The basement will only be accessible by stairs, the elevator will not in service. We apologize for the inconvenience. Sugarfest TRUNK or treat 4 to 6 P.M. Halloween Party starts at 5 P.M. Dillon Tap House costume contest, beer , and prizes! Family Halloween Party 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. Join the fun! Great food, fun, games, costume contest and treats. Halloween Parade At The Legacy Assisted Living 6 to 8 P.M. Since our residents cannot have trick or treaters in the building, we would like to have a parade. Please bring your children or grandchildren, dressed in costumes on Halloween, to walk past our dining room windows, so the residents can enjoy the costumes. We will have bags of candy set outside so the children can grab them as they go by. 100 MT Hwy 91 South. Halloween Party Starts at 5 P.M. costume contest, beer , and prizes! Sump Saloon Halloween Party Starts at 8 P.M. Live music! Costume Contest!

Governor Steve Bullock today secured five teams that will include five nurses per team from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to assist critical access hospitals in rural areas of the state with caring for patients. “I’m grateful for this critical support that will help to keep the doors of our rural hospitals open and ensure that patients in rural areas can receive care as COVID-19 continues to spread throughout Montana,” said Governor Bullock. “We must get our hands around this virus and ensure that no matter where we may live, we are all working together to do so.” Critical access hospitals are currently facing nursing shortfalls with the increasing number of healthcare workers testing positive or quarantined due to COVID-19. This additional support for rural hospitals will help prevent patients from having to be transferred to higher care facilities in urban areas of the state. Governor Bullock first submitted the request to FEMA and HHS two weeks ago and the request was approved today. Three teams, with a total of 15 nurses, will arrive to Montana the middle of next week. Those teams are anticipated to support rural hospitals along the Hi-Line and in Eastern Montana. The other two teams are expected to arrive following the response to a hurricane in the South. The state requested the teams be in Montana for 30 days and operations will be coordinated through the Montana State Emergency Coordination Center (SECC).

FWP is accepting comment on the proposed commercial use fee schedule for fishing access sites and wildlife management areas. This fee schedule is set by the Fish and Wildlife Commission on a biennial basis, and the new fee schedule will be effective from Jan. 1, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2022. The fee schedule lists the cost of permits for a variety of commercial uses, such as photography, guide services, concessions and livery services. The administrative rules that govern the commercial use activities found in this fee schedule can be found at ARM 12.14.101-170. No changes are being proposed to the fee schedule for 2021/2022. Public comment on the proposed rule will be taken from Oct. 27 to Nov.  27, 2020. Comments can be provided to FWPfsh@mt.gov or FWP, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620. A final decision will be made at the December 2020 Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting.

The Montana general big game season opened Oct. 24, and hunters from around the state submitted lymph nodes from the lower jaw of their harvested animals to be tested for chronic wasting disease. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks collected a total of 352 samples. Most of the samples came from the northwestern Montana, where CWD was discovered last year. Here is an FWP regional breakdown of sample numbers: Region 1: 173 Region 2: 7 Region 3: 56 Region 4: 6 Region 5: 11 Region 6: 39 Region 7: 60 CWD is a contagious neurological disease that infects deer, elk and moose. It is always fatal and there is no known cure. It was first found in wild deer in Montana in 2017. It is not known to infect humans, but it is strongly recommended that people not eat meat from infected animals and to have their harvested animals tested before eating them if they were taken from an area where CWD is known to exist.   FWP is continuing CWD surveillance this year in priority surveillance areas located in northwest, southwest and eastern Montana. Hunters who harvest deer, elk or moose in these areas are asked to voluntarily submit a sample from their animal to help gather additional data for that area. This information will be used to help inform the best management strategies for the affected hunting districts. FWP will cover the cost of testing hunter-harvested animals for CWD. Hunters should look online for information on how to take a sample themselves and submit it for testing or bring animals by an FWP regional office for sampling. FWP will have CWD check stations in the priority surveillance areas. Sample submission is voluntary throughout Montana. For more information on these surveillance areas and how to submit samples for testing, visit fwp.mt.gov/cwd .

What is Red Ribbon Week ? It is the nation's largest and longest- running drug use prevention campaign. It began after the kidnapping, torture, and murder of DEA agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, and his pilot in 1985. After the men were found murdered, citizens in the town of Calexico, California donned red ribbons in his honor. The red ribbon became a symbol to reduce the demand for illegal drugs. California Congressman Duncan Hunter along with teacher David Dhillon launched "Camarena Clubs" in California high schools. In 1986, club members presented a proclamation to Nancy Reagan , First Lady of the United States, who had initiated nationwide anti-drug programs. The following year, parent-teacher organizations in California, Illinois, and Virginia wore the red ribbons in late October and November. In 1988, the first National Red Ribbon Week was organized. This year Red Ribbon Week runs from October 23-31 with the theme Be Happy, Be Brave, Be Drug Free. Tricia Nelson of Locust Corner Elementary School in Cincinnati was the creator of this year’s theme. According to the Redribbon.org website: Tricia's theme was chosen from hundreds of submissions through our National Red Ribbon Theme Contest which runs from January 1 through December 2. Her winning theme will help amplify the campaign's mission, which is to encourage children, families and communities to live healthy, happy and drug-free lives. It also serves as a reminder that we are all empowered with shaping the communities around us through positivity, bravery and strength. We hope the theme encourages everyone to express themselves and their feelings no matter what. For more information and ways you can participate in Red Ribbon Week we suggest you check out Be The Change 406

Rick Park made his first appearance in Gallatin County Justice Court on Tuesday. He is charged with deliberate homicide and assault with a weapon in the death of 36-year-old Nicole Watson from Helena. According to court documents, Watson and her husband arrived at Park's residence for a child custody exchange involving a 5-year-old. Watson's husband told police in a witness interview that after a minute of knocking on the door, Park came out with a pistol and pointed it directly at her. Watson's husband stated Park then shot Watson in the face. She fell to the ground and was attempting to get back up when Park allegedly shot her again in the head. Court documents say Park then pointed the pistol at Watson’s husband and said he had better call 911. The husband fled the scene on foot, called 911, and ran to the residence of a nearby off-duty Madison County sheriff’s deputy to summon help. When police arrived on the scene, they escorted park inside to retrieve his gun, a Springfield XD .45 caliber pistol. Two fired .45 caliber casings were found near Watson's body. Park was taken into custody by Ennis Police and a U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officer and was transported to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Park was transported back to Madison County after his court appearance in Gallatin County on Tuesday. He was denied bail and remains in custody.

The Montana Department of Commerce announced Tuesday a new partnership with the Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) to form the Montana Eviction Intervention Project, a new program that will provide civil legal assistance for Montanans facing evictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “This partnership is to make sure Montana renters have access to free legal resources that can provide information, guidance and support so people can stay in their homes and not have to worry about possibly being evicted,” Montana Department of Commerce Director Tara Rice said. “The Montana Eviction Intervention Project will help financially stressed Montanans who are facing an eviction with free legal representation before or during an eviction proceeding.” The COVID-19 public health emergency has more adversely affected people who normally live paycheck-to-paycheck and are suddenly out of work and struggle to pay for food or rent. Although there are some civil legal solutions available for struggling renters, they are often too complicated to navigate without support from legal or housing experts. For example, the current nationwide Centers for Disease Control eviction moratorium contains numerous complex legal requirements. Through the Montana Eviction Intervention Project, MLSA will work with Justices of the Peace and Clerks for Limited Jurisdiction Courts across the state, as well as the Supreme Court's Office of the Court Administrator to develop a referral system for people who are representing themselves in an eviction and connect those people with an attorney to provide legal services. "We are excited to be able to launch the Montana Eviction Intervention Project with the support of the Department of Commerce and the Governor's Office,” MLSA Executive Director Alison Paul said. “This project will provide valuable legal representation to Montanans struggling to get by in these difficult times. Through the project, the Montana Legal Services Association will help Montanans avoid illegal evictions, negotiate with landlords to obtain additional days to move out and plan an alternative home, connect with available social services, educate judges on the new eviction ban and avoid negative legal judgements for tenants. The goal of these services is to decrease the number of homeless Montanans during the coronavirus public health emergency " The Montana Eviction Intervention Project is supported by a $70,000 grant provided by the Montana Department of Commerce using federal CARES Act funding. The program will continue to assist Montanans who are facing an eviction and need legal assistance until December 30, 2020. For more information visit MONTANALAWHELP.ORG or call 1.800.666.6899. Montana renters who have lost income due to COVID-19 may be eligible for monthly rent assistance through the Emergency Housing Assistance program. The deadline to apply is Nov. 10, 2020. Apply at COVIDRELIEF.MT.GOV .

The Dillon Volunteer Fire Department responded to a trailer House on fire call today. Currently the cause of fire is unknown, smoke was seen coming out of the back half of the trailer. All occupants of the trailer house are safe and accounted for. We will update this story as more info is available.

October 25th, 2020 Media Contact: John Moore Ennis Police Chief (406) 748-7478 (o) (406) 848-0601 (f) jmoore@ennispolice.com ** UPDATED 10/25/2020 ** Joint Press Release from Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Ennis Police Department The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim as Nicole Watson a 36-year-old female from Helena, Montana. Watson died at Madison Valley Medical Center in Ennis, Montana. The investigation is ongoing and information will be released as it becomes available. Previously released information: On October 23rd, 2020 at approximately 1401 hours the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received information regarding a gunshot within Ennis Town Limits. The Ennis Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and United States Forest Service Law Enforcement with Ennis Ambulance responded to the scene. A female has died as a result of the gunshot wound. One male suspect is in custody and there is no threat to the community. Rick Park a 53-year-old male from Ennis Montana is being held on charges of Deliberate Homicide and Assault with a Weapon. Thank you, John Moore Chief of Police Ennis Police Department Phil Fortner Sheriff Madison County Sheriff’s Office