The City Council Meeting for 09/02/2020 started off as always with the pledge of allegiance, followed up by the approval of minutes. During this time Council person Rich Wassall wanted to make comments on the previous minutes and have them separated into different sections. Motion was made for this and no second was made. Council Person Wassell brought up again the ADA compliance he is seeking for Zoom meeting, he then went on to say Council Person Graham made attacks directed toward him about ADA compliance. Mayor Klakken stated he wasn’t at the last meeting but that Council Person wanted it to say that Council Person Graham attacked Council Person Wassell over Zoom meeting requirements. This exchange can be seen at the beginning of the meeting. At the 7 min 45 second mark Council Person Wassell has another problem with the August 19th minutes stating they have numerous admissions of his time. Then he goes again into Council Person Graham having comments directed to him, he would like the records to show this. Mayor Klakken states the reason for this is they cannot understand what he is saying during the recording. Council Person Wassell then goes on to state if she cannot understand him, she needs to pick up the phone and call him. He is in the understanding that the city employees, transcribe the records directly after the meetings that tend to run 2 plus hours late into the night. Mayor Klakken then yells at Council Person Wassell saying he is taking it as a personal attack. At the 24-min mark DOWL Engineering was available for questions main questions being brought up was the sidewalks, the main work they will be doing on them is to slop them and make them ADA accessible. Council Person Wassell pointed out he had a couple discussions with engineers from Butte and they pointed out and based on his experience that they should do a property survey before they do any construction. This survey can run up to $8,000 dollars, according to Wassell this would set a baseline if any problems turned up. Another suggestion was to do ground penetrating radar of the construction site, DOWL stated they would not recommend this, Council Person Wassell then wanted him to state on record that he said no. At the 38-min mark Council Person Wassell still had questions for DOWL Engineering on the timeline of the project, making sure the timeline was still ok. DOWL Engineering stated they needed an agreement tonight on if the project was to start or be put on hold. Council Person Wassell then stated he is getting tired of the process problems of the city. Stating they continually get into situations that they must do a project and agree to it or bad things will happen. At the 43-minute mark they discuss voting changes for board members via digital, instead of in person. At the 1 hour 12 min mark the final discussion and approval of the city budget takes place, main objection is by Mary Jo O'Rourke involving the squirreling away of money for a shop, to be built for the water and sewer department. The rest of the meeting was followed up by the various departments and committee's reports.

More Montanans may now be eligible for monthly rent and mortgage assistance. The Montana Department of Commerce announced Monday that Montana Housing has made updates to the Emergency Housing Assistance program to help more Montanans access emergency housing assistance. “We want to make sure that we give every Montanan who is financially impacted by COVID-19 the ability to stay in their own homes,” Montana Department of Commerce Director Tara Rice said. “These adjustments to the program will help more Montana families and individuals receive housing assistance and gain some financial stability without the fear of being evicted or losing their home to foreclosure.” The eligibility updates include reducing the household contribution calculation from 30 percent of gross income to 25 percent of net income, eliminating the $10,000 readily available assets limit in checking and savings accounts and implementing a $250 per month minimum award. Due to the new program adjustments, the NeighborWorks Montana partnership , increased advertising, reduced federal unemployment assistance and the start of the school year, Montana Housing expects to see a significant rise in eligible applicants and more assistance going to qualified Montana households. As of August 31, nearly $2.5 million had been awarded through the program assisting more than 830 Montanans with an average of three months of assistance totaling $2,822 per household. The Emergency Housing Assistance Program provides rent, security deposit and mortgage payment assistance for Montanans who have lost a job or substantial income as a result of COVID-19. The program was created in May by Governor Steve Bullock by using a portion of Montana’s allocation of federal CARES Act dollars. For more information and to apply visit COVIDRELIEF.MT.GOV .

Another week in the books, as we get closer to the end of summer. Don't forget next weekend is Montana's Biggest Weekend on a very scaled back version. We will be covering the events that are happening as well as live streaming the Labor Day Parade. Friday, August 28th 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. Kiwani's B.U.G. Pint Night Starts at 4:30 PM The Dillon Kiwanis are having a pint night to support their B.U.G. program! $1 from every pint will go towards the Kiwanis. B.U.G. is a program designed to provide recognition to students who raise their grades into an acceptable range, and maintain or continue to raise them from one grading period to the next. Recognition includes being placed on the school’s BUG Honor Roll; a pizza, ice cream, or other food-themed party; and presentation of certificates,pins, and other giveaways. Calcutta starts at 6:30 PM Hosted by Bucky Bramlette Memorial Rope & Stroke Calcutta off the overall average and the golf portion of the event. Saturday, August 29th BB memorial Rope and Stroke Starts at 8 a.m. Golf Saturday rope Sunday? Laid-Back Swap Meet & Car Show, 4th Annual Starts at 8 a.m. Laid-Back and L&L Salvage of Anaconda, MT are teaming up again to bring chill people and cool cars together for a great weekend. We hope you can join us for this family friendly event! Dillon Farmers' Market 9 AM – 1 PM Hand made and home grown local specialties offered by up to 20 vendors. Sunday, August 30th MadCow Shriner's Party in the Park 2 PM – 9 PM Celebrate summer with the MadCow Shriner's as they Party in the Park! August 30th 2:00pm - Sundown Discovery Ellingsen Park FREE Admission - Donations Appreciated! All donations benefit the Madison Cownty Shrine Club MUSIC BY: Seldom Kings Bubble Tape with guest appearance by The Awesome Polka Babes Kostas The Fossils Food, Beer, & Wine available for purchase, catered by Chick's COVID Info: Masks Optional Social Distancing MANDATORY Temperature check upon entry Park uptown & BRING YOUR OWN CHAIRS! (no shuttle service) Event Sponsors: Madison Valley Bank Nacho Mama's VC Cafe Rambling Moose Campground Chick's Bar & Restaurant MT Heritage Commission Event approved by Madison County Health & Sanitation Departments Another weekend with not much going on Big Sky Cinema is know showing new releases, as well as the Silverbow Drive in. Still some nice weather to take the family camping, or go scout a good spot to hunt as archery season is just a few weeks away. Thank you to all our sponsors

Sue Hansen, Beaverhead County Public Health Director, reported the county’s first COVID-19 related death. On Tuesday, August 25th, a woman in her 60s passed away in a Yellowstone County hospital. The woman contracted COVID-19 while recuperating in a rehab center. “We are saddened that this disease contributed to the death of one of our own residents,” Hansen stated. Public Health offers their condolences to her family, friends, and the Dillon community. To protect the privacy of the deceased and her family, Beaverhead County Public Health will not release further information about the death. As of August 27, 2020, 70 Beaverhead County residents have been infected with COVID-19 and now 1 death. Currently, there is 1 active case.

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Supporting Montana’s Families School-aged Child Care Grant - $30 million available. During the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations are offering programs for school age children to meet the needs of working parents, and children affected during out of school time. Grants are available to organizations who are providing out of school time programs. Eligible programs are for-profit business, non-profit organizations, school/school districts, community organizations, summer camps, and licensed childcare programs that serve children aged 5 to 18 in out of school time programming during the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant is based on the average daily attendance at a $1000 per child, per month rate. Programs must demonstrate how they will serve at least 25% low-income children. Funds can be used to support additional costs associated with meeting health and safety needs and reduced revenue due to COVID-19 emergency. Applications at https://commerce.mt.gov/Coronavirus-Relief In Home Care Grant for Families – $10 million available The scholarship is available for families with children aged 0-18 who face special circumstances that make group settings inappropriate solutions. The scholarship aims to provide opportunity for families that include children or family members with special needs which may include health or safety needs requiring in-home care. This may also include foster families and kinship families with unique in-home needs. It might include families in rural areas that lack group care programs or families that have unusual schedules making group care difficult or impossible to find. These grants are not available just because school is not in session hours/days it has been in the past. It may not be used to pay for care in a family/group child care because it is for kids who cannot go to group settings. Grants are not income based. Applications will be sent to and determinations made by the region Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&R). If it is sent to the wrong R&R, we’ll forward it to the correct organization. R&Rs are able to turn these applications around much faster than the state. Application and information at https://dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/ChildCare/ChildCareResourceandReferral Additionally, another $8 million will be invested in grants to all licensed child care facilities to help sustain this necessary industry that supports the economy. No application required unless it is a new facility that has not previously received a CARES Act grant. CCR&Rs will reach out to new programs and distribute the application. We expect this money to redistributed sometime in September. Other Grants are available at this link here: https://www.covidreliefmt.org/submit

HELENA – Governor Steve Bullock today, in recognition of Women’s Equality Day, renewed his equal pay Executive Order and extended the Equal Pay for Equal Work Task Force through 2022 to continue its work to narrow the wage gap. “Every person in Montana has a stake in ensuring women and men are paid a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work,” Governor Bullock said. “The actions and advocacy of the Task Force continue to move the needle toward progress and an economy that works for all Montanans. It’s an honor to recognize Women’s Equality Day in Montana by extending the Equal Pay for Equal Work Task Force for the next two years. Just as Women’s Equality Day recognizes tremendous progress, we also know our work isn’t yet done.” Governor Bullock was joined by several members of his Equal Pay for Equal Work Task Force at the iconic women’s mural in Helena to make the announcement. Governor Bullock first created Montana’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Task Force in 2013 to bring together business, education, tribal, nonprofit, labor and government leaders to raise awareness of and take steps to narrow Montana’s gender wage gap. Since launching in 2013, the gap between what men and women earn has narrowed from 67 percent to 73.2 percent. In its seven years, the task force has led pay audits in state government to identify women who are underemployed and address and overcome unconscious gender bias. Additionally, 40 state employees were trained to provide Wage Smart wage negotiation trainings to ensure women have the tools to negotiate for a competitive salary. The task force has also encouraged hundreds of businesses to sign a pledge to support closing the gender wage gap and created a toolkit for wage equity best practices for businesses to utilize. The task force has also successfully supported legislation, including a bill to remove barriers for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking to get unemployment benefits. Other legislation introduced to shrink the wage gap, such as bills to provide paycheck protection and ensure pay transparency, were unsuccessful. To further raise awareness of economic equity, the Task Force has created a virtual audio exhibit featuring four women in Montana succeeding in leadership-roles in male-dominated industries. The exhibit photos show 26.8 percent of the image removed to represent the 26.8 percent wage gap women in Montana experience. The photos include audio stories from Blackfeet Nation fashion designer Belinda Bullshoe, Northern Rockies Medical Center CEO Cheri Taylor, DNRC forestry specialist and former hotshot Ali Ulwelling, and software project manager and First Lady of Montana Lisa Bullock. The exhibit can be found online at EQUALPAY.MT.GOV . Governor Bullock’s Executive Order extending the Equal Pay for Equal Work Task Force is available here. The following individuals will serve on the Task Force until 2022: Co-Chair Tara Rice, Montana Department of Commerce Director Co-Chair Brenda Nordlund, Montana Department of Labor & Industry Commissioner Jamie Palagi, Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services Division Administator, Helena       Jen Euell, Director, Women's Foundation of Montana, Missoula Representative Laurie Bishop, Livingston Senator Diane Sands, Missoula Paddy Fleming, Director, Montana Manufacturing Extension Center, Bozeman Carole Lankford, Councilmember, Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, Pablo Tracy McIntyre, Executive Director, Montana Cooperative Development Center, Great Falls Kelly Webster, Chief of Staff, University of Montana, Missoula Lauren Caldwell, Montana Federation of Public Employees, Political Director & Student Program Coordinator, Helena Jen Perry, Jelt Belt, Owner, Bozeman Lilly Corning, Corning Companies, Realtor, Billings John Cummings, Anderson Zurmuehlen & Co., Human Resources Director, Helena

CURRENT SIZE: 11,614 acres CONTAINMENT: 70% 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 five helicopters, two Type 2 IA crews, two Type 1 crews, and 262 total personnel. YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews mopped-up and held the northwest area of the fire. On the northern, southern, and eastern flanks, crews worked to complete suppression repair and rehabilitation, pulling back berms and smoothing out the constructed firelines. Measurable precipitation fell over the fire area (.08 “on Lemhi Pass) last night, and relative humidity recovered to 94%. TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: The forecast calls for cloudy and rainy conditions, with a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. There is an only a 20% chance of wetting rain greater than 1/10 of an inch. Temperatures are expected in the high 60s to low 70s, with relative humidity in the low to mid-30s. Stormy weather could bring erratic outflow winds from the northwest, with gusts expected up to 20 mph in the afternoon. Fire behavior is expected to be low, with isolated torching, smoldering, and interior burn-out of larger fuels. In the Bear Creek drainage and previously burned out areas, there is still potential for residual heat and fire activity. Winds over the fire area are highly variable due to topographic features, outflows associated with passing thunderstorms, and the proximity to the Continental Divide. The weather will be warmer and drier Friday and Saturday, followed by a dry cold front on Sunday. TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: Crews will continue with similar operations as in previous days; the majority of resources will be working to coordinate and complete suppression repair and rehabilitation with resource advisors and private landowners. Demobilization of resources no longer needed will continue over the next few day, as the organization is downsized. Those resources will be available for reassignment to other fires. 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. 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. 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. There are no official evacuation orders associated with the fire.

DATE OF DETECTION: Tuesday, August 11, 2020 CAUSE: Lightning CURRENT SIZE: 11,590 acres CONTAINMENT: 70% 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 seven helicopters, three Type 2 IA crews, two Type 1 crews, three engines, and 316 total personnel. YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews, assisted by a helicopter, cleaned up areas where the fire crossed over the fireline in the northwest corner; effectively “picking up” all hot spots and removing residual heat. Early morning winds blowing across the slopes have resulted in these spots the last couple of days. Crews added a small amount of burn-out to the south along the Continental Divide to reinforce that section of line. Suppression repair continued along the constructed fireline on the eastern and southern sections. Crews to the north also began suppression repair. Winds gusted to 40 mph in the afternoon but did not cause problems for the crews on the ground. Though light rain was recorded at the Lemhi Pass area, no measurable precipitation fell over the fire. TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: The forecast calls for cloudy and unstable conditions, with thunderstorms, lightning and erratic winds expected this evening. There is a 80% chance of rain showers, with a 35% chance of wetting rain greater than 1/10 of an inch. Temperatures are expected in the low to mid-70s, with relative humidity in the mid-20s. Stormy weather will bring erratic outflow winds from the southwest/west, with gusts expected up to 22 mph. Fire behavior is expected to be low, due to high overnight relative humidity (85-100%) with minimal single tree torching. Smoldering and interior burn-out is expected. In the Bear Creek drainage and previously burned out areas, fire activity is still expected. Winds over the fire area are highly variable due to topographic features, winds brought in by thunderstorms in the evening and the proximity to the Continental Divide. The extended forecast calls for a cool and moist pattern through Friday, with a warmer and drier day on Saturday followed by a cold front by early next week. TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: Crews will mop-up and hold the northwest area of the fire. On the northern, southern, and eastern flanks, crews will use heavy equipment and dozers to complete suppression repair, pulling back berms and smoothing out the constructed firelines. Thunderstorms could limit aerial support. Additional helicopters will be released after today’s shift, and demobilization of other resources will occur over the next few days; those resources will be available for reassignment to other fires. 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. 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. 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. There are no official evacuation orders associated with the fire.

Current as of 8/25/2020, 6:58:22 AM Size 11,236 Acres Percent of Perimeter Contained 70% Estimated Containment Date Wednesday September 30th, 2020 approx. 12:00 PM The Type 2 IMT (Northern Rockies Team 5) assumed command of the fire on August 13th. Resources assigned to the fire include seven helicopters, six Type 2 IA crews, two Type 1 crews, 9 engines, and 405 total personnel.    Today, crews on the northwest corner held the line where they completed burnout operations, cleaning up residual heat and gridding for hot spots through the green, unburned areas. Crews extended the burned line to the south along the Continental Divide. Crews, assisted by helicopter bucket drops, successfully located and put out several spot fires of up to 5 acres in the area. Heavy fuels continued to burn in the area, with active fire behavior also present on the northern flank, interior to the line, and along the edge of the southwest side of the fire. Along the 3903 road, on the northern flank, crews patrolled the line, reinforcing and securing areas with residual heat. Suppression repair along the constructed fireline was the main focus on the eastern and southern sections, with fire personnel working alongside resource advisors to implement the rehabilitation plan.  Rain showers are expected tonight and tomorrow, with a 25% chance of wetting rain greater than 1/10 of an inch. There is a 30% chance of lightning hitting the fire area. Temperatures are expected in the mid-70s, with relative humidity in the mid-20s. Stormy weather will bring erratic outflow winds from the southwest/west, with gusts expected up to 30-40 mph. 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. The extended forecast calls for a return to dry, cool weather with a possibility of snow in the mountains early next week. Tomorrow, crews will continue to check the areas where the burn-out pushed over the fire line on the northwest side of the fire today, gridding for hot spots and suppressing any residual heat. Suppression repair will continue along the constructed fireline on the eastern and southern sections. Crews to the north will also begin suppression repair. 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: Tuesday, August 11, 2020 CAUSE: Lightning CURRENT SIZE: 10,706 acres (mapping from overnight infrared flight) CONTAINMENT: 60% 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 seven helicopters, six Type 2 IA crews, two Type 1 crews, 13 engines, and 419 total personnel. YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews on the northwest corner of the fire conducted strategic burnout operations in the area between the active fire edge and the Continental Divide, to “lock in” this corner of the line. Helicopters provided support with water drops. Single tree torching produced enough heat to generate a visible smoke column. A few areas of the burnout bumped the fireline; however, crews were successful with locating and suppressing all hot spots. The overnight infrared flight showed no heat in this area. Along the 3903 road, crews reinforced and held the line along their previous burnout operation. Crews to the east continued with suppression repair along the constructed fireline. On the south side, resources reinforced, held, and patrolled that section. TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Cloudy weather and smoke will likely dampen fire activity this morning. Temperatures are expected in the low 80s, with relative humidity between 13-18%. Overnight humidity recovery reached 28% but has already fallen to predicted levels this morning. The forecast calls for increasing cloud cover with the potential for rain showers, although the chance of a wetting rain remains very low. Stormy weather will bring erratic outflow winds from the southwest/west, with gusts expected up to 30-40 mph. 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. The extended forecast calls for cloudy and cooler weather. TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: Crews on the northwest corner will hold the line where they completed burnout operations yesterday, cleaning up residual heat and gridding for hot spots through the green, unburned areas. Crews will extend the burned line to the south along the Continental Divide. Heavy fuels will continue to burn in yesterday’s burn out area; however, fire activity could lessen with the incoming weather. Along the 3903 road, on the northern flank, crews will patrol the line, reinforcing and securing any areas with residual heat. Suppression repair along the constructed fireline is the main focus on the eastern and southern sections, with fire personnel working alongside resource advisors to implement the rehabilitation plan. Visibility and smoke will continue to be limiting factors for air operations. 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. 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. 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. There are no official evacuation orders associated with the fire.

CURRENT SIZE: 10,275 acres CONTAINMENT: 50% 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 seven helicopters, six Type 2 IA crews, two Type 1 crews, 12 engines, and 411 total personnel. YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Increased smoke and haze from several fires in California was present in the fire area by mid-afternoon. On the northwest side, the fire continued to back down into the Bear Creek drainage. Fire behavior was more active in areas with stringers of timber; as the fire backs through creek areas and drainages, fire behavior diminished. Crews completed strategic burning operations in the area, heading west from the 6869 road to the 3901 road. Fire line on the north and northwest sections of the fire are coming together, effectively “buttoning up” that area and preventing further fire advancement to the north. Crews on the southwest corner prepared for a burning operation, planned for today if conditions are favorable. On the south flank, resources shifted further east to assist with suppression repair of constructed line. TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Good relative humidity recovery overnight will likely delay the start of the burn period. Less smoke and haze drifting from California and cloud cover in the morning could lead to decreased fire behavior. Drift smoke will increase throughout the day, peaking in the early evening. Temperatures are expected in the low 80s, with relative humidity in the teens. Winds from the west are expected to gust to 22 mph. Active fire behavior is expected in the Bear Creek drainage, where the winds align with the topography. Increased winds will help fuel interior to the fireline burn out on the northwest side of the fire. 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. The extended forecast calls for cloudy and cooler weather. TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: Crews on the southwest side will conduct strategic burnout operations in the area between the active fire edge and the Continental Divide, if conditions are favorable, to “lock in” this corner of the line. Along the 3903 road, crews will reinforce and hold the line along their previous burnout operation. Crews to the east will continue with suppression repair along the constructed fireline. On the south side, resources will reinforce, hold, and patrol that section. Visibility and smoke continue to be limiting factors for air operations. 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. 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. 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. There are no official evacuation orders associated with the fire.

CURRENT SIZE: 8 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, a Type 2 hand crew, a Type 1 hotshot crew, eight engines, and 81 total personnel. Resources and helicopters from the Bear Creek Fire are also assisting, as needed. YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews finished securing the line and began mop-up of hotspots, removing residual heat. Helicopters provided aerial support through water bucket drops and aerial scouting. Personnel assessed the snag hazard, as dead/burned standing trees pose a significant hazard to firefighters. TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Cloud cover and less smoke and haze drifting in from California could lead to decreased fire behavior this morning. Smoke will likely increase by the evening. Wind gusts are expected up to 22 mph, with relative humidity in the mid to high-teens and temperatures in the upper-70s. Dry and windy conditions are forecast through early next week. TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: Crews will finish securing the line and begin demobilizing. The fire is expected to be in patrol status by tomorrow. 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.

DATE OF DETECTION: Thursday, August 20, 2020 CAUSE: Unknown CURRENT SIZE: 8 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, a Type 2 hand crew, a Type 1 hotshot crew, eight engines, and 82 total personnel. Resources and helicopters from the Bear Creek Fire are also assisting, as needed. YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Smokejumpers assessed the fire and located access to the area. Resources were able to create a fire line around the majority of the fire perimeter. Aerial support, including a sky crane and other helicopters, assisted beginning at 9:30 a.m. Three spots along the perimeter were active with smoldering fire behavior; however, the interior of the fire is fairly inactive. TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: A Fire Weather Watch is in effect from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Early morning fire behavior is expected to be slower due to the presence of drift smoke from the new fires in California; activity is expected to increase by the afternoon hours, with interior burning. Wind gusts are expected up to 22 mph, with relative humidity in the low to mid-teens and temperatures in the mid-70s. Dry and windy conditions are forecast through early next week. TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: Crews will finish securing the line and begin mop-up of hotspots, removing any residual heat. Crews are expected to have the fire secured by this evening, and patrol status is likely for tomorrow. 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.

DATE OF DETECTION: Tuesday, August 11, 2020 CAUSE: Lightning CURRENT SIZE: 9,168 acres (mapping by overnight infrared flight) CONTAINMENT: 50% 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 seven helicopters, six Type 2 IA crews, two Type 1 crews, 10 engines, and 389 total personnel. YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Increased smoke and haze from several fires in California was present in the fire area by mid-afternoon. On the northwest side, the fire continued to back down into the Bear Creek drainage. This was the most active area of the fire; however, the fire had not yet reached the 3903 road. Hand crews in the area worked to improve and reinforce the equipment fuel break to the Continental Divide. Crews along the north flank continued to reinforce and hold the line along the 6869 road, taking advantage of conditions favorable for additional burnout operations to clean up residual fuels. Fire line on the north and northwest sections of the fire are coming together, effectively “buttoning up” that area and preventing further fire advancement to the north. On the south flank, crews continued to improve the fuel break along the 1883 road; a section of this fuel break resulted in the additional containment percentage. Helicopters assisted with an aerial ignition technique, where small spheres are dropped and ignite within about 20 seconds of hitting the ground. The operation assists the burnout operations by consuming fuels and producing enough heat to draw in adjacent fire. The end result is the removal of available fuels from the advancing fire – in a controlled manner under our terms and the right conditions. TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. due to the dry, windy conditions. Early morning fire behavior is expected to be slow due to the presence of drift smoke. Activity is expected to increase by the afternoon hours, with increased winds and much drier conditions. Temperatures are expected in the low 80s, with relative humidity in the low teens. Wind gusts from the west/southwest are expected up to 22 mph. Active fire behavior is expected in the Bear Creek drainage, where the winds align with the topography. Increased winds will help fuel interior to the line burn out on the northwest side of the fire. 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. The extended forecast calls for precipitation and cooler weather. TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: On the northwest side, hand crews will continue to improve and reinforce the equipment fuel break to the Continental Divide. Increased fire activity in the area could push the fire toward the 3903 road. Crews on the north flank continue to reinforce and hold the line along the 6869 road. On the south flank, crews continued to improve the fuel break on the 1883 road to the Continental Divide; resources from this part of the fire will shift to the eastern side to assist with suppression repair of constructed line. Crews have also been reinforcing line along the Continental Divide. Visibility will be a factor for air operations again today. 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. 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. 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. There are no official evacuation orders associated with the fire.

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.