Governor Steve Bullock today, in his official capacity as Governor of Montana, filed a lawsuit to enjoin William Perry Pendley from continuing to exercise the authority of the Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in violation of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and the U.S. Constitution. “I’m taking this action today not just to block William Perry Pendley’s further illegitimate oversight of the Bureau, but also to ensure that this unconstitutional abuse of executive powers does not become commonplace under any administration in the future,” Governor Bullock said. Federal law prohibits acting directors from serving while their nomination is pending. The lawsuit seeks to bar Pendley from illegally performing the duties of director until the Senate has confirmed his nomination. Pendley continues to perform the duties of the director in violation of federal law, even while his appointment is pending. The Constitution requires that the President nominate and the Senate confirm heads of significant federal agencies—a process the Supreme Court has described as a “critical structural safeguard” of our democracy. In defiance of this constitutional tenet, BLM has been run by a series of acting directors for the entirety of the Trump Administration—most recently through the recurring Acting Appointment of William Perry Pendley for over one year. Bullock also said he hopes for immediate action by the Senate to consider Pendley’s nomination with an up or down vote. “Americans and Montanans deserve a Bureau of Land Management director who values the public’s role in managing our public lands,” Governor Bullock said. “During Pendley’s unlawful tenure, the BLM has interfered with Montana’s collaborative efforts and public access priorities. This decision-making by unconfirmed federal officials stands to create long-lasting and irreversible injury to our state’s lands, economy, and wildlife.” In Montana, BLM’s recent decisions have undermined its longstanding commitment to collaboration, threatening our outdoor heritage, and fostering uncertainty for industry and wildlife alike. Notably, BLM violated the law when it abandoned a bipartisan agreement with Western governors that prioritizes oil and gas leasing outside of sage grouse habitat. Allowing leasing in sage grouse habitat significantly risks Montana’s economic wellbeing, as it increases the likelihood of a federal listing under the Endangered Species Act. BLM continues to violate federal law and their own requirements to consider the protection of areas that have special fish and wildlife, archaeological, and primitive recreational values in their Resource Management Plans, which will guide land management for the coming decades.

COVID-19 Cases continue to be confirmed in Beaverhead County Beaverhead County Public Health is investigating 6 new cases since Friday, July 17. Three new cases on Monday, July 20th are presumptive positives which have been sent to the state lab to be tested. They are considered positive unless the state lab confirms a negative result. Four of the previously active cases are off isolation July 20. This leaves Beaverhead County with 5 currently active cases. A case that was diagnosed late in the course of the disease is off isolation. The male in his 20s was on isolation after coming in contact with a positive case. Because of the lateness of the test result, he fell within the criteria to discontinue isolation even though the test result was received on Friday, July 17. This brings Beaverhead County’s total COVID-19 case count to 12 as of July 20, 2020. Remember that the COVID map on the state website is only updated every morning at 10am and will not have the most current information on it. Positive cases can be called to public health anytime of the day. The new cases include one female in her 50’s who is symptomatic. No source of infection can be determined at this time. A second case is a male in his 20’s who was symptomatic and had an exposure to a positive case. The third case is a male in his 80’s who is symptomatic and a contact to a positive case. The fourth and fifth case is a woman in her 60’s and a man in his 80’s. Investigation is pending for their contacts. As public health becomes busier with contact investigation, it will take longer to identify and investigate contacts. We ask for the public’s patience while we work on cases and contacts. A close contact is considered someone who is within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes with a positive case. There may be times that the case does not remember all close contacts so if you feel you were a close contact and have not been called by public health after a couple of days, please call the health department at 683-4771. Please do not seek immediate testing at the hospital. The proper procedure for testing is a request to your health care provider or public health for a test. We do ask that if you have no symptoms or mild symptoms, that you wait until after the weekend to request a test. No courier is available on the weekend to take tests to the state lab. However, if you are experiencing severe illness, please seek care at the hospital immediately. It is important that you remain quarantined from the community for 14 days from last exposure to the positive case. Please do not wait for a test result as you could be exposing others. For people who received the community drive-through COVID testing on July 10th, assume your test result is negative. Public health will contact you if your test is positive. Please do not call the health department for results. Beaverhead County Public Health is asking everyone to please do their part in keeping themselves and others in our community safe. The mask mandate is in effect for counties with 4 or more active cases. These places include but are not limited to: retail stores, grocery stores, food and beverage establishments, public lodging, personal care providers, medical providers, pharmacies, gyms, pools, fitness services, museums and theaters, indoor recreational or entertainment facilities, gas stations, repair and service providers, non-profit organizations, realty services, legal services transportation services, and ride sharing services. Government agencies also fall within the mandate. Businesses and other persons who are responsible for indoor spaces open to the public, or sponsors of organized outdoor activities are responsible for monitoring mask use. There are exceptions under the Directive for mask use and individuals are asked to read the Governor’s Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020 found at the following site. https://covid19.mt.gov/joint-information-center

CEO of the MBRWC sent us a rundown of what the Bull riding event is, how they got started, and why they will be in Dillon this weekend for Dillon Days. Mechanical Bull Riders LLC was established in 2019 to provide an opportunity for those willing and able from around the world to ride mechanical bulls in competition and be in a position to compete for the Mechanical Bull Riders World Championship (MBRWC). Our foundation has four principles: 1) The event connects America, 2) The event is open to the world, 3) All riders compete together in one division, and 4) Everyone involved benefits. In 1980 an iconic hit movie, Urban Cowboy, made mechanical bull riding popular. On August 24, 2019 Mechanical Bull Riders LLC gave it a purpose with the Mechanical Bull Riders World Championship at the Harvester Restaurant-Lounge in Spangle, Washington just south of Spokane. After much research we concluded riders could come from almost anywhere and be equally competitive. So we decided the competition would be A ONE HANDED ENDURANCE RIDE TIMED EVENT open to the world for all riders, 18 and over, who would compete together. The riders came from various walks of life to put it on the line knowing no matter what their history or background they were going to compete for a world championship. Two women and eight men made it to the final round of 10. The suspense built as Laura Moore took the lead with two riders remaining. Who would win an event requiring strength, balance, focus, perception and reaction, endurance, and raw determination. Mitch Chandler, the leading rider coming into the final round, was last to go. His ride looked good but he got bucked off just short of Moore’s 57 second time. Laura Moore, an equestrian coach at Washington State University, won the Mechanical Bull Riders World Championship taking home $4,480 and the first place buckle. Mitch Chandler finished second, Cade Hartley third and Kyla Gabriel fourth. Two women finished in the top four. A new exciting, dramatic, action packed event was on line to spread around the world. Then along came the coronavirus pandemic and life changed for all of us. Some events have been cancelled but the Rocky Mountain Regional is still on for July 24th & 25th in Dillon, Montana. Mechanical Bull Riders World Championship updates will be announced soon. For details please refer to our website: mbrwc.com Thank You Very Much, George S. Chicha, CEO Mechanical Bull Riders

To give residents and nonresidents a more equitable opportunity for surplus licenses, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has developed a new system for issuing surplus licenses. Resident and nonresident hunters will be able to sign up for the new Surplus License List, with some sign-ups starting next week. Surplus licenses are leftover licenses from the special license and permit drawings FWP conducts each year. To sign up for the Surplus License List, resident and nonresident hunters can sign up through the MyFWP portal: https://myfwp.mt.gov/fwpExtPortal/login/login.jsp . As licenses become available, the list will be randomized. Hunters at the top of the list will be contacted via email with instructions to finalize their purchase. Hunters must keep their email address current in their ALS record. Payment of the license fee is not required to sign up on the Surplus License List. Obtaining a license from this list has no effect on your existing preference points. Hunters must finalize the purchase of the license/permit within the timeframe specified in the email, otherwise, your opportunity will be offered to the next hunter on the randomized list. FWP may offer opportunities that have not sold out through the Surplus License List to over-the-counter customers at our internal and external license sale providers. License numbers: The total number of Deer B licenses/permits a hunter may hold each year (through a combination of licenses acquired through drawings, purchased over the counter and through surplus sales is a total seven). Hunters electing Deer B license/permit opportunities will have the option to purchase two through the Surplus List. For Elk and Elk B licenses a hunter may hold a maximum of three each year. Only one of the three can be a general elk license, and two could be Elk B licenses through various sources such as the original drawing, game damage, or surplus. If you do not hold a general Elk license, you could obtain up to three Elk B licenses. Hunters electing Elk B license opportunities through the Surplus License List may only purchase one. However, additional opportunities up to your maximum of three may be made available through over the counter or damage hunt sales. For antelope licenses, a hunter may hold up to three in a year, of which, one can be either sex. Hunters electing Antelope license opportunities will have the option to purchase one through the Surplus License List. When to sign up: The Surplus License List sign-up timeframes referenced below are based on when the original drawing date for each species is scheduled to occur and are subject to change from year to year. Deer & Elk Permits, Deer B & Elk B License/Permits: July 21 through Aug. 7 Antelope, Antelope B, Swan, Crane, Special Mountain Lion: Aug. 12 through Aug. 24 Nonresident Hound Handler License: Sept. 16 to Sept. 28 Nonresidents who hold a NR Native license, Youth Combo license, or NR College Student Combination license may purchase Deer B and Elk B licenses at half price. For more information, contact the FWP licensing office at 406-444-2950 or fwplic@mt.gov .

July 17, 2020 Opinion Editorial FR: Montana Sheriffs RE: Personal Responsibility Required to Keep Vulnerable Citizens Safe and Montana’s Economy Open Sheriffs take an oath to support, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Montana. We will uphold our oath, protect public safety, and respond to our shared constituency through open communication and education as we continue to face the public health risks of COVID-19. As leaders in your community and the elected officials who represent you and your constitutional rights, we want to ensure we are all doing our part to protect the vulnerable citizens in our state while also keeping Montana open and our private sector business partners thriving. We all value the rights afforded to us through the constitution and the privileges we have as Montana citizens. In order to keep moving forward, we all have to do our part. Personal responsibility is the only way we can keep our vulnerable citizens safe and our economy open. We will continue to focus our efforts on education and encourage citizens to make public health and safety-related decisions based on your own personal circumstances and exposure to and interaction with vulnerable populations. Washing your hands, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, and wearing masks are all ways to take personal responsibility. The statewide face-covering order is a public health directive. The directive is not a mandate for law enforcement to issue citations and arrest violators. As your locally elected Sheriffs, we will educate the public about the Governor’s mask directive. We urge you to take personal responsibility and be respectful of all Montana citizens. Signed by: Sheriffs Paul Craft (Beaverhead), John Colby (Blaine), Wynn Meehan (Broadwater), Ed Lester (Butte-Silver Bow), Neil Kittelmann (Carter), Jesse Slaughter (Cascade), Josh McQuillan (Carbon), Vern Burdick (Chouteau), Tony Harbaugh (Custer), Duane Anderson (Daniels), Ross Canen (Dawson), Trent Harbaugh (Fallon), Rick Vaughn (Fergus), Brian Heino (Flathead), Brian Gootkin (Gallatin), Clay Lammers (Garfield), Jamie Ross (Hill), Craig Doolittle (Jefferson), Don Bell (Lake), Leo Dutton (Lewis and Clark), Darren Short (Lincoln), Phil Fortner (Madison), Jon Lopp (Meagher), TJ McDermott (Missoula), Brad Bichler (Park), Gavin Roselles (Powell), Keifer Lewis (Prairie), Steve Holton (Ravalli), John Dynneson (Richland), Allen Fulton (Rosebud), Jason Frederick (Roosevelt), Tom Rummel (Sanders), Heidi Visocan (Sheridan), Charles “Chip” Kem (Stillwater), Keith Van Setten (Teton), Donna Whitt (Toole), Tom Boyer (Valley), Mike Linder (Yellowstone)

Friday already? Lots to do this weekend in Southwestern Montana so here we go. Friday July 17th 9th Annual Madison Duathlon 8AM to 11 AM Olympic Distance Duathlon Run: 3 kilometers Bike: 40 kilometers Run: 10 kilometers Second Leg of the Madison Trifecta​ (a.k.a. Trifecta World Cup - Yellowstone) The original Madison Duathlon (bike/run) started out as a natural expansion of a good idea (i.e. the Madison Marathon), but it quickly became a good idea on its own. It was an A to B that started in Ennis right near the banks of the Madison River and then went up and over the mountains to Virginia City. It was a great route and many duathletes who have competed in the Madison Marathon say they had more fun on the duathlon.​ Not to screw with success, but we have a new route and new format starting in 2020. First, it will be an Olympic Duathlon. This means a run-bike-run race at distances of 3K-40K-10K. The start and finish will be at Lion's Club Park in Ennis. The first run will essentially be a sprint of sorts. The route comes out of Lion's Park, crosses the Madison River, and then comes back. The cycling route is entirely on Montana Highway 287. Cyclists head towards Virginia City. They go up a mammoth hill, down the other side for a bit, and then turn around. After a short uphill, they have an incredible downhill in full view of the Madison Range. They re-enter Lion's Park, jump off their bikes, change their shoes if necessary, and do a 10K loop run with the finish line also in Lion's Club Park. The cycling leg, unlike before, is entirely a road race. This means road bikes and, for some of you, serious speed. The hills though are huge so it won't be easy. The new format and date (Friday morning) is to accommodate the plans for the Trifecta World Cup. The duathlon is the second leg of the Madison Trifecta. The first leg is Thursday evening (Madison Triathlon), the second leg is this duathlon, and the third and final leg is the very next morning with the Madison Marathon. You get all three races in, and you're a TBA- Total Bad Ass! If you get just this duathlon in, you're a bit of a bad ass as well. At the very least, you get to participate in Montana's only Olympic duathlon. That alone is pretty bad ass! Free Yoga in the Garden 12 PM to 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. Sista Otis 6 PM Join us for live music on the patio at 6pm with Sista Otis!!! Enjoy cold beverages, dinner and awesome entertainment 🎤 ⛱ 🎶 Fundraiser for Jack “Inky” Knapp 5 PM Our dear friend Inky was the victim of a devastating fire earlier this week in which he lost everything. Please join us on Friday for some live music and a raffle! Country Session 9 PM to 12 PM Cole Snider: LIVE!!! July 17th starting at 9 P.M.!!! Jackson Hot Springs Lodge Saturday the 18th The Covid 19 3-D Archery Shoot The Beaverhead Archers will be hosting a fun shoot out in Glen this weekend. Is going to be a lot of fun. Lots of cool shots and a great way to get out of the house! Restorative Horsemanship 10 AM Ready for a rejuvenating, unique experience? Upper Canyon Outfitters is proud to present Restorative Horsemanship Wellness Week. This will be a week balanced with structured, restorative activities and relaxing free time. The week's activities will be goal oriented in creating an authentic connection with an individual horse. Horsemanship skills and mindfulness skills will blend to allow participants to experience a genuine connection with not only their horse, but also the fellow participants. The class will be capped at 12 as to allow for individualized instruction. It is important to note that while no horse experience is required, participants will be learning intermediate horsemanship skills and will be asked to follow a comprehensive agenda each day. Mornings will be spent participating in Equine Facilitated Learning activities that focus on learning how to become a horse’s leader and provide comfort for a prey animal. Participants will learn grooming, groundwork, handling and tacking skills. The afternoons will be spent participating in a variety of activities including trail rides, guided fly fishing, guided hikes, history tour, picnics and 4x4 tours, all of which will take place in one of the three mountain ranges surrounding UCO. Our chef will be planning a special menu for this week of wellness, focusing on delectable, nutritious meals and snacks. UCO also plans on providing plenty of free time to enjoy the daily happy hour with specialty cheeses and wines highlighted nightly. In addition, an early morning yoga class will be provided to help participants prepare for a full day of activities. The week will conclude with a celebratory dinner, a slideshow of the participants accomplishments and live music under the stars. This experience provides participants with the perfect opportunity to deepen a connection with horses, humans and self. It is an opportunity to take a holistic vacation and return home feeling restored and rejuvenated. Goals: Mindfulness, connecting to nature, authenticity, rejuvenate, connect Dillon Farmers' Market 9 AM Hand made and home grown local specialties offered by up to 20 vendors RMBA / Cmrcha Joint Show 6 PM --> RMBA Ranch Horse Competition classes. -->The CMRCHA offers NRCHA classes and some non-sanctioned classes. --> Visit each assn website for show bill & entry. 13th Annual Madison Marathon 8:30 AM – 6 PM One of the Highest Road Marathons on Planet Earth Full and Half Marathon Final Leg of the Madison Trifecta​ Since the inaugural race over Labor Day Weekend in 2008, the Madison Marathon has grown by leaps and bounds. Every year, we host runners from around 40 states and several countries. Nearly one-half of the runners come from outside of Montana which is pretty good considering we have just 200 slots open. The 200 runner cap is due to US Forest Service policy which must regulate the number of runners on public land because the ecosystem on the Gravelly Range is quite pristine. When you see the route and its surrounding environment, you’ll understand that there is a lot to protect.​ Every year, the Madison Marathon hosts Marathon Maniacs and 50-Staters. We also get a lot of runners who have made the Madison their first marathon along with many, many return runners (some for the 5th, 6th, and even 7th or 8th time). Why the success? We take no credit for being good race organizers. We try hard and mostly succeed in doing what we say we will, but it’s not us. It’s the scenery. It’s the elevation. It’s the wildlife (a bear ran in front of a runner one year and there was a wolf on the route a few years ago). It’s the camaraderie. Since there are only 200 runners, you have a chance to meet nearly everyone. It’s the chance to join an elite and unique experience. It’s the extraordinary opportunity to run a marathon at over 9,000 feet on a good quality gravel road under the Big Sky of Montana.​ It’s the fact that the starting line of the Madison Marathon is at 9,250 feet above sea level and just 13 states have mountain peaks higher than this starting line. It’s the fact that you are almost guaranteed to get a PW because of the high elevation and the four to five-mile uphills and downhills that never dip below 8,500 feet. It’s also the fact that you won’t care about getting a PW because this marathon really is all about the experience. It’s one of the Highest Road Marathon on Planet Earth (up until a couple years ago we were THE HIGHEST). Long distance running just doesn’t get any better than this. You want to truly change your life and high five angels. This is your race. Street Party 5 PM to 11 PM Please join us for a street party. Live DJ music and a cornhole tournament! Engine 18 will be serving food. Sunday July 19th Copper K Fiber Fest 8 AM to 4 PM Join us at this premier fiber event in whitehall. Classes, vendors, food....oh my!! 6th Annual Big Sky Marathon 8 AM – 11 AM Full and Half Marathon race The Big Sky Marathon is the result of our success with the Madison Marathon. We held our Inaugural race in 2015 to appease marathoners from around the world who were screaming for a double (both full and half) in Montana. To non-marathoners, this is completely counter-intuitive. After all, why would you host a second marathon immediately after one of the most difficult marathons in America? To the likes of Marathon Maniacs and other running groups, it makes perfect sense. Why run just one marathon over a weekend when you can run two? Why not earn Four Stars as a Marathon Maniac over the course of 48 hours vs. possibly earning just one star and only if all your other stars line up?​ We couldn’t answer the why not questions other than to say, ‘Yeah, why the hell not?’ For 2020, we're introducing a new route. It's still one hell of a downhill. Give or take it has a net drop of 3,600 feet. Turns out, it’s the Second Longest Downhill Road Marathon on Planet Earth, or at least in the top five. The new route will once again start up on the Gravelly Range Road. The full marathon will start at approximately Mile 17 of the Madison Marathon route. Then, runners head downhill to the Madison Valley floor. Once on the valley floor, runners will no longer run along Varney Road. Instead, they will turn right at the T-junction, cross Varney Bridge over the Madison river, and run out to US Highway 287. That will be the turn-around point. Runners return to the Madison River and finish at Varney Bridge. So for full marathoners, it will be about 22 miles out and four miles back. For Big Sky Half Marathoners, the starting line will be still up on top but not quite as high as before. It will be around five miles further down the route from the Big Sky Marathon starting line. It will then be a straight 13.1 mile shot to Varney Bridge. None to little traffic. Only a mile or so of pavement instead of more than 10 miles of pavement. And, the race ends on the tranquil waters of the Madison River, not a town park. A good means to describe the route in terms of its challenges and level of difficulty is to break it down into three sections. Section One – This is from the starting line to the point on the route where the significant downhill begins. The starting line is at approximately 8,500 to 8,700 feet above sea level. The full marathon start is at about Mile 17 of the Madison Marathon. The half marathon start is about 1.5 miles from the intersection of Road 292 and 290. The runners will not drop in elevation too significantly over the first five to eight miles (depending on which race you’re running). There are few or no uphills on this section of the route. It is essentially flat and on top of the Gravelly Range though everything is trending downhill. This entire section is within the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest. As runners get close to the border of the National Forest, there will be long, gradual downhills of two to three miles in length crossing enormous bowls and meadows, but they will not necessarily be quad burners. Section Two – This is the quad burner section. It begins almost immediately after runners leave the National Forest. Runners will cross a cattle guard gate and then the next several miles will be a quite steep downhill. This is a series of switch backs that drop the runner from 8,500 feet to 6,000 feet in a relatively short distance. The “official end” of this section is when the road hits a t-junction after going through most of the Bar 7 ranch. The estimated distance is about seven miles. Section Three – This section is a flat area that gradually declines in elevation as it gets close to the Madison River. The lower part of the Bar 7 Ranch is approximately 6,000 feet and Ennis and the Madison River is at about 5,000 feet. The first few miles will be on gravel road, but eventually the runners hit pavement near the Ennis Fish Hatchery turn-off. Once pavement is hit, runners are quite close to Varney Bridge and the Madison River (the finish line). When runners reach a T-junction, they turn right to Varney Bridge. The half marathon runners cross the bridge and run into the Varney Bridge Fishing Access to the finish line. The full marathoners continue on this road out to Highway 287 which is about four miles away. This section is entirely on gravel road and crosses an enormous open space area with fantastic views of both the Madison and Gravelly Range. At the highway, runners turn around and run back to Varney Bridge and the finish line. That is how you run one of the longest downhill road marathons on Planet Earth! Do not forget with the ever changing COVID-19 situation some events may be cancelled. Call or check them out online before you head out. Remember Montana we do have a face mask mandate in place for counties with 4 or more cases. Get out and enjoy your weekend.

Beaverhead County Public Health would like to clear up some confusion on the case counts in Beaverhead County. Currently the total case count in Beaverhead County is 6. A previously counted case has been attributed to another county out of state based on the patient’s residence. Currently there are 5 active cases in Beaverhead County. Yesterday Governor Bullock announced a requirement for individuals to wear masks in public in counties that have four or more active cases. At this time this requirement applies to Beaverhead County residents ages five and older (with some exceptions listed in the order). The order can be viewed in entirety at https://beaverheadcounty.org/departments/beaverhead-county-covid-19-response/ or on the State of Montana’s website. Beaverhead County Public Health Director, Sue Hansen, reminds Beaverhead County residents to be cautious and remain vigilant as cases in Montana continue to dramatically increase. Social distancing, wearing face coverings, washing hands, and remaining home when sick are 4 of the very simple and proven ways we can reduce the transmission of this disease. Large gatherings such as weddings and crowed bars where social distancing is not being followed have been linked to recent cases in Montana. The previously planned asymptomatic testing that was planned for July 24th has been postponed indefinitely. As Governor Bullock discussed yesterday the lab contracted with the state to perform such wide testing, Quest Diagnostics is no longer able to keep up with the demands of asymptomatic testing and has announced they will only be conducting testing on symptomatic test kits. We do not know when or if we’ll be able to offer asymptomatic testing in the future.

Governor Bullock announced today 07/15/2020 that Montana Counties with four or more active COVID-19 cases will require a mask mandate when in public. The directive requires that masks be used in most indoor settings and where social distancing cannot be maintained. TO: Montanans; all officers and agencies of the State of Montana FROM: Governor Steve Bullock DATE: July 15, 2020 RE: Directive implementing Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020 and providing for the mandatory use of face coverings in certain settings Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020 declare that a state of emergency exists in Montana due to the global outbreak of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. The legislature has delegated to the Governor authority to respond to emergencies. During a declared state of emergency, the Governor may “control ingress and egress to and from an incident or emergency or disaster area, the movement of persons within the area, and the occupancy of premises within the area.” Section 10-3-104(2)(c), MCA. In responding to the emergency, the Governor “shall use the services and facilities of the existing officers and agencies of the state, and all officers and agencies shall cooperate with and extend their services and facilities to the governor as the governor may request in the carrying out of the purposes of” the emergency response statutes. Section 10-3- 305(2). In addition, the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS or Department), acting under the Governor’s direction, may “issue written orders for correction” of “conditions of public health importance” through measures including “isolation and quarantine” and “abatement of public health nuisances.” Section 50-1-202, MCA. A condition of public health importance includes any “disease . . . that is identifiable on an individual or community level and that can reasonably be expected to lead to adverse health effects in the community.” Section 50-1-101(2), MCA. The Department, under the Governor’s direction, may take action to correct public health deficiencies in “buildings or facilities where persons assemble.” Section 50-1-203, MCA. The Department, under the Governor’s direction, may also impose quarantine and isolation measures to protect public health. Section 50-1-204, MCA. Montana law provides that these authorities will be utilized to respond to an “outbreak of disease,” § 10-3-103(4), MCA, and to “limit the transmission of the communicable disease,” see, e.g. , § 50-1-101(6), MCA. COVID-19 is an easily transmissible, potentially fatal respiratory illness that spreads in the air through droplets from infected persons. COVID-19 is transmissible even by individuals who are not currently showing symptoms of the disease and who do not know they are infected. Use of a fabric covering over the mouth and nose, however, is an effective means of limiting the potential for transmission to others by both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals infected with the virus. Recent research suggests that universal use of face coverings in enclosed public spaces would substantially reduce the spread of COVID-19. A recent economic analysis from Goldman Sachs found universal face covering usage to be a potentially effective substitute for business closures. Based on these considerations, many major retailers and state and local governments have recently adopted measures to encourage or mandate the use of face coverings. COVID-19 has led to a once-in-a-century pandemic. More than 3.2 million Americans have been infected, and more than 135,000 have died. In the last month, active cases in Montana have risen from 55 to over 1,000. Too many Montanans continue to congregate in large gatherings where a single person can spread COVID-19 to many others; and too few are wearing face coverings in public settings. Inability to control the spread of COVID-19 endangers vulnerable Montanans, businesses who want to keep their doors open, and hospitals who need the capacity to treat both COVID-19 patients and all others needing medical care. My first duty is to ensure the health and wellbeing of all Montanans. Epidemics of dangerous diseases have been a threat to Americans throughout history. As a result, since the earliest days of this nation, the United States Supreme Court and Montana Supreme Court have recognized the State’s authority to impose quarantines, mandatory vaccination orders, and other public health measures to prevent the spread of contagion. Compared to these measures, the use of face coverings is a modest imposition that can do a great deal to keep Montanans safe and Montana businesses open. Accordingly, I have determined that, in response to the emergency, it is necessary to require face coverings in certain settings to prevent the spread of communicable disease in counties currently experiencing four or more active cases. I strongly encourage Montanans in counties with fewer than four cases to wear face coverings as well. Therefore, in accordance with the authority vested in me under the Constitution, Article VI, Sections 4 and 13, and the laws of the State of Montana, Title 10, Chapter 3 and Title 50, Chapter 1, MCA, and other applicable provisions of the Constitution and Montana law, I hereby direct the following measures be in place in the State of Montana, effective immediately: 1. Definitions As used in this Directive, the following terms have the following meanings: · “Business” means any for-profit or non-profit entity which has employees or volunteers. The term “business” includes, but is not limited to, retail stores, grocery stores, food and beverage establishments, public lodging, personal care providers, medical providers, pharmacies, gyms, pools, fitness services, museums and theaters, indoor recreational or entertainment facilities, gas stations, repair and service providers, non-profit organizations, realty services, legal services, transportation services, and ride sharing services. · “Government office” means any office of any department, agency, or political subdivision of the State of Montana. · “Face covering” means a fabric, paper, or disposable face covering that covers the nose and mouth and which does not have an exhalation valve. The term “face covering” includes face shields. · “Indoor space open to the public” means any indoor space, whether publicly or privately owned, where the public has access by right or invitation, express or implied, whether by payment of money or not. In addition, “indoor spaces open to the public” include, but are not limited to,lobbies, common areas, elevators, bathrooms, meeting rooms, or other spaces where people gather. The term includes all modes of public or commercial transportation. The term does not include private residences not open to the public. · “Organized outdoor activity” means any gathering of 50 or more people for an activity or event organized or sponsored by a business or person, or that takes place on the property of a business or person. This includes, but is not limited to, outdoor theatrical or music performances, fairs, markets, festivals, parades, carnivals, rodeos, sporting or athletic events, beer gardens, weddings and receptions, or parties. · “Sponsor” means any business or person who organizes or sponsors an organized outdoor activity, or who allows the activity to take place on their property. 2. Face Covering Requirement in Indoor Spaces Open to the Public. · Except as provided in section 4 of this Directive, all businesses, government offices, or other persons responsible for indoor spaces open to the public shall require and take reasonable measures to ensure that all employees, contractors, volunteers, customers, or other members of the public wear a face covering that covers their mouth and nose at all times while entering or remaining in any indoor spaces open to the public. o Face coverings shall be provided for all employees and volunteers. o All points of entry open to the public shall have a clearly visible sign posted stating: “Mask or face covering use required for ages five and older.” · The provisions of this Directive apply only to counties in which there are four or more confirmed and active COVID-19 cases, and only during the time in which there are four or more active cases. However, Montanans in counties with three or fewer active cases are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings. 3. Face Covering Requirements for Certain Organized Outdoor Activities · Except as provided in section 4 of the Directive, for any organized outdoor activity where social distancing is not possible or is not observed , sponsors shall require and take reasonable measures to ensure that all persons attending an organized outdoor activity wear a face covering that covers their mouth and nose at all times. · This section applies only where the nature of the organized outdoor activity makes it impracticable for all attendees to maintain at least six feet of physical distance from each other, or any organized outdoor activity where attendees are not observing at least six feet of physical distance from others. · At all outdoor gatherings of 50 or more people, whether or not it constitutes an organized outdoor activities, all individuals except those covered by section 4 of this Directive are required to wear face coverings while in attendance where it is impracticable to maintain six feet of physical distance at all times, or whether attendees are not observing at least six feet of physical distance from others. · The provisions of this Directive apply only to counties in which there are four or more confirmed and active COVID-19 cases, and only during the time in which there are four or more active cases. However, Montanans in counties with three or fewer active cases are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings. 4. Exceptions · Businesses, government offices, other persons responsible for indoor spaces open to the public, and sponsors of organized outdoor activities are not required to ensure the following individuals wear face coverings: o children under the age of five. All children between the ages of two and four, however, are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering in accordance with the provisions of this Directive. Children under the age of two should not wear a face covering; o persons consuming food or drinks in an establishment that offers food or drinks for sale; o persons engaged in an activity that makes wearing a face covering impractical or unsafe, such as strenuous physical exercise or swimming; o persons seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing impaired; o persons giving a speech or engaging in an artistic, cultural, musical, or theatrical performance for an audience, provided the audience is separated by at least six feet of distance; o persons temporarily removing their face covering for identification purposes; o persons required to remove face coverings for the purpose of receiving medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment; or o persons who have a medical condition precluding the safe wearing of a face covering. · Businesses, government offices, persons responsible for indoor spaces open to the public, and sponsors of organized outdoor activities should afford accommodations from the provisions of this Directive to those who are entitled an accommodation under federal and state disability protection laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Montana Human Rights Act, labor laws, or any other applicable law requiring accommodations in public accommodations. · Only those employees, volunteers, and contractors in public-facing work spaces are required to wear face coverings as specified in this Directive. 5. Enforcement · This Directive, along with any prior Directive that implements and references the public health authorities of the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) provided in Title 50, constitutes a “public health . . . order[]” within the meaning of § 50-1-103(2), MCA, and is enforceable by the Attorney General, DPHHS, a county attorney, or other local authorities under the direction of a county attorney. · Local public health agencies are directed to assist in the administration of this Directive, consistent with § 50-1-202(2)(a), MCA. All officers and agencies of the state are directed to assist in the administration and enforcement of this Directive, consistent with § 10-3-305(2), MCA. · This Directive is enforceable only against businesses and other persons who are responsible for indoor spaces open to the public, or sponsors of organized outdoor activities as defined in this Directive. · Local public health agencies and law enforcement should focus their enforcement of this Directive on education, providing warnings and education about the risk of transmission, while reserving the imposition of penalties, trespass enforcement, and other formal enforcement mechanisms for only the most egregious, repeat violations that put the public at risk. · Businesses, other persons responsible for indoor spaces open to the public, and sponsors of organized outdoor activities may deny entry, refuse service, or ask to leave any person, except those provided for in section 4 of this Directive, who refuse to wear a face covering. If such a person refuses to wear a face covering and refuses to leave the premises, a peace officer may enforce the State’s trespassing laws and any other laws the person may violate. · Businesses, other persons responsible for indoor spaces open to the public, and sponsors of organized outdoor activities are entitled to reasonably rely in good faith on the representations of employees, volunteers, contractors, customers, visitors, or members of the public regarding the applicability of the exceptions in section 4 of this Directive. Reasonable, good faith reliance on such representations is an affirmative and complete defense to any enforcement proceedings brought pursuant to this Directive. 6. Applicability · In the interest of uniformity of laws and to prevent the spread of disease, all inconsistent local government health ordinances or orders are preempted by this Directive, but only to the extent they are less restrictive. Counties, cities, and towns may adopt more restrictive ordinances. · To the limited extent any previous Directives are in direct conflict with the provisions of this Directive, they are superseded. Otherwise, all prior Directives remain in full force and effect. Authorities: Sections 10-3-104, -103, -302, and -305, MCA; §§ 50-1-202, -101, -203, and -204, MCA; Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020; Montana Constitution, Art. VI, Sections 4 and 13; and all other applicable provisions of state and federal law. Limitations · This Directive is effective immediately and expires at the end of the declared state of emergency in Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020. · This Directive shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. · If any provision of this Directive or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, this invalidity does not affect any other provision or application of this Directive, which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application. To achieve this purpose, the provisions of this Directive are declared to be severable. · Nothing in this Directive shall be construed to limit, modify, or otherwise affect the authority granted by law to the Governor or any department, agency, political subdivision, officer, agent, or employee of the State of Montana, except as provided in this Directive or other Directives now in effect implementing Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020. · This Directive is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the State of Montana, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Beaverhead County Health has informed us, that the asymptomatic testing that was scheduled on 07/24/2020 during Dillon History Days has been cancelled. The lab they work with has requested that they hold off on sending in any more asymptomatic test as they are overwhelmed as of now.

According to this morning’s Montana Response website Beaverhead County now has 4 active cases. (Two new ones added today a female in the age group 30-39 and a female in the age group 0-9) Southwestern Montana News has reached out to Beaverhead County Health Dept to see if these are from contract tracing with one of the previous patients, or if this was from the community testing, they hosted earlier in the week. We will update this story as more information becomes available. Update press release from Beaverhead County Health Additional cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Beaverhead County Beaverhead County Public Health is investigating four new cases confirmed over the weekend of COVID-19 in the county. This brings Beaverhead County’s total COVID-19 case count to 7. The cases include two females in their 30’s who are symptomatic and were identified as contacts to a previously identified positive case. A third case is a female under 10 years old who is symptomatic, exposure is still being investigated. The fourth case is a female in her 40’s who is also symptomatic. Her exposure is also still being investigated. Contacts for this female are still being determined. As with every case if you are not contacted by public health, you are not considered a close contact. A close contact is considered someone who is within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes with a positive case. Beaverhead County Public Health Director, Sue Hansen, reminds Beaverhead County residents to be cautious and remain vigilant as cases in Montana continue to dramatically increase. Social distancing, wearing face coverings, washing hands, and remaining home when sick are 4 of the very simple and proven ways we can reduce the transmission of this disease. Just because the county has had very few cases does not mean we are immune to an outbreak of COVID-19. Large gatherings such as weddings and crowed bars where social distancing is not being followed have been linked to recent cases in Montana. Testing is being planned at Dillon History Days on Friday, July 24th for community-wide testing. This testing is for asymptomatic (no symptoms) persons only. Time and location for this testing is being determined and will be announced when planning is complete. Those who have symptoms are asked to seek testing at Barrett Hospital and Healthcare by calling their healthcare provider. Those experiencing severe symptoms are asked to seek emergency medical care at the hospital.

The Montana Heritage Commission was host to the 4th annual Vigilante Car Show. New cars, old cars, works in progress, and so much more lined the streets of Virginia City on July 11th as participants hoped to get a trophy and spectators got to vote on who was worthy of one.

A new baby made his way into this world in a grand scheme of sorts. At 8:13 AM Beaverhead County 911 received a call from a Madison County man saying his wife was in labor. He attempted to drive his wife to Barrett Memorial Hospital, but the baby had other plans. A Beaverhead County Deputy, Dillon City Police, a Montana Highway Patrol officer, and the Dillon EMS all responded. By the time they made it to the scene the baby was here, mom said she was ok and just wanted to make it to the hospital. The EMS crew then transported mom and baby to the hospital.

Friday already; who is ready to get this weekend started? This weekend is looking like it's going to be a busy one with things to do from Dillon to Virginia City. Friday July 10th XSports4Vets Climbing July 10th Starts at 9 AM runs to 5 PM This is an event for any Veteran who was deployed in a hostile area while serving. If this describes you and you are interested, contact us and we will give you more information. Lunch will be provided, all climbing gear will be provided and you will have a great time socializing with others who "get you" and learn new skills! Tai Chi (free classe s) Starts at 9:30 AM Free Tai Chi classes continue. Please practice social distancing. CRUISIN’ for a CURE Starts at 7 PM Join us to cruise through Dillon, maintaining social distancing while coming together to find a cure for cancer. We will begin in the Chamber of Commerce parking lot, where SURVIVORS will get a purple balloon for their side view mirror. Proceed down Montana Street to the stoplight, then turn right on Helena Street. Go to the high school gym parking lot to turn around and cruise again! Feel free to decorate your vehicle to honor those that have been diagnosed with cancer. Make signs to hold out vehicle windows or put on your car. Donation buckets will be available for Relay for Life and the Pink Firetruck. Luminaria will be sold and displayed as pennant flags along the route. You can also purchase luminaria before Friday at 3-D or by messaging Misti Wahl. Hope to see you Friday! Saturday July 11th Build the trails you use - Grand Canyon Work Day 8 AM to 12 PM Join us on Saturday morning, July 11th - 8am - to improve everybody's favorite trail: the Grand Canyon Trail! Some passages need widening, and the top of the Dry Waterfall needs improvement. If we have enough volunteers, we will also pull more Dalmatian Toadflax, Henbane, and Houndstongue or reset some rocks at intersections (can be done with kiddos ;-) I will also have a table set up at the trailhead for information on trails, membership, and other ways to get involved! Bring your friends! We will have lunch and beverages for volunteers :-) See you then! Cheers, Celine and The Beaverhead Trails Coalition Dillon Farmers' Market Starts at 9 AM dont forget this year it is by the Jaycee Park. Hand made and home grown local specialties offered by up to 20 vendors. Vigilante Car Show Starts at 10 AM 4th Annual Car Show, I have been to the last three and these are a must see. Beer Yoga 11 AM to 12 PM Have you ever wanted to tone and sculpt your body while holding your favorite beer from RVB....? The chance is here! On Saturday July 11th at 11am, yoga alliance registered Lou Rae Yoga presents our community of Sheridan with our first ever Yoga and Beer offering. A hour long introduction into the world of gentle yoga while enjoying a brew (or water...) come join us on this special Saturday! Cost to join will be $15, which includes your beer. Bring a mat(if you have one) and water. Also please RSVP at the brewery as spacing will be limited. 842-5977 Cheers! 1st Annual Summer Hummer Music Fest 1 PM to 11 PM Outside Venue, Saturday, July 11, 2020. Featuring 4 Bands! The Rejects 1:00-3:00 PM Friends of the Family 3:00-5:00 PM The Original Nightlife Band 5:00-7:00 PM Wayne Brothers and the NightLife Band 7:00-11:00 PM Sunday July 12th Make and Take Class 10:30 AM What is a Chalk Couture Make & Take Class? Simple. This is an "Anything Goes" time at the store where you can experience how easy it is to create your own custom home decor using transfers/stencils and a variety of colors of chalk paste. Select your surface to decorate, then transfer design and then paste colors to make your masterpiece. The class will cost $40 per surface, this is an all inclusive fee for the surface, use of my transfers and pastes. Please let me know if you plan to attend... Drop a comment or message me directly. I have a huge selection of transfers and Chalk paste on hand for you to choose from! I look forward to seeing your creation!!! Want to order Chalk Couture products direct? Check out our website: https://www.chalkcouture.com/funnyfarmdesigns The Fruit Truck Tour Butte MT 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM Walk ups welcome www.myfruittruck.com When: Sunday, July 12th from 1:30pm-2:30pm Where: Butte, MT Star Lanes Family Sports Center 4601 Harrison Ave 12.5 lbs per box of Peaches $33 Reserve and Pay at the Truck 25 lbs per box of Peaches $49 Reserve and Pay at the Truck 10 lbs per box of Bing Cherries (Reservations only) $35.00 Reserve and Pay at the Truck 20 lbs per box of Bing Cherries (Reservations only) $55.00 Reserve and Pay at the Truck When: Sunday, July 12th from 1:30pm-2:30pm Where: Butte, MT Star Lanes Family Sports Center 4601 Harrison Ave

Beaverhead County Public Health is investigating a second newly confirmed case of COVID-19 in the county in less than one week. This brings Beaverhead County’s total COVID-19 case count to 3. The male in his teens was symptomatic and sought testing. He is currently isolated and public health is in the process of notifying and following up with his contacts. The case was reported the evening of July 8. Exposure source has not been determined. A close contact is someone who is within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes with a positive case. Close contacts will be notified by public health. Public health does not investigate contacts of contacts. Beaverhead County Public Health Director, Sue Hansen, reminds Beaverhead County residents to be cautious and remain vigilant as cases in Montana continue to dramatically increase. Social distancing, wearing face coverings, washing hands, and remaining home when sick are 4 of the very simple and proven ways we can reduce the transmission of this disease. “Just because the county has had very few cases does not mean we are immune to an outbreak of COVID-19. Large gatherings such as weddings and crowed bars where social distancing is not being followed have been linked to recent cases in Montana.” she said. Community-wide testing for COVID-19 will begin this Friday, July 10th at Beaverhead County Public Health located at 41 Barrett Street. Testing will begin at 11am to 1pm. A large testing event is being planned for Friday, July 24th for community-wide testing. This testing is for asymptomatic persons only. More information will be issued at a later date. Those who have symptoms are asked to seek testing at Barrett Hospital and Healthcare by calling their healthcare provider. Those experiencing severe symptoms are asked to seek emergency medical care at the hospital.

Friday, July 10 at 7 PM come cruise through Dillon to help fight cancer. The cruise will start at the Chamber of Commerce parking lot, survivors will get a purple balloon to tie on to their vehicle. The cruise will proceed down Montana street to the stop light, take a right onto Helena, then down to the high school gym parking lot, turn around and backtrack. Feel free to decorate your vehicle to honor those that have been diagnosed with cancer. Make signs to hold out your window or pace on your vehicle. Donation buckets will be available for Relay for Life and the Pink Firetruck. Luminaria will be sold and displayed as pennant flags along the route. You can also purchase luminaria before Friday at the 3D or by calling Misti Wahl at (406) 925-9054.

Today 07/08/2020 the Beaverhead County Fair announced on their Facebook page, that all open class and commercial exhibits will be cancelled for 2020. No word yet if they will have a carnival. Corona has claimed another event many people look forward to at the end of summer as they prepare to get the kids ready for a new school year. No word yet on the rodeo and concert status. The meetings for those are scheduled for later this month.

Second case of COVID-19 confirmed in Beaverhead County Beaverhead County Public Health is investigating one newly confirmed case of COVID-19 in the county. This brings Beaverhead County’s total COVID-19 case count to 2. The case is a male in his 40’s who was asymptomatic (no symptoms). He was notified that he was a potential contact to positive cases from his work site located out of the county and followed up with a healthcare provider. He is currently isolating in another county with family. The case was reported to public health with a presumptive positive which was confirmed through the Montana Public Health Lab late Saturday, July 4. A close contact has been identified and is in quarantine. If you have not been contacted by public health, you are not considered a close contact. A close contact is someone who is within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes with a positive case. Beaverhead County Public Health Director, Sue Hansen, reminds Beaverhead County residents to be cautious and remain vigilant as cases in Montana continue to dramatically increase. Social distancing, wearing face coverings, washing hands, and remaining home when sick are 4 of the very simple and proven ways we can reduce the transmission of this disease. Just because the county has had very few cases does not mean we are immune to an outbreak of COVID-19. Large gatherings such as weddings and crowed bars where social distancing is not being followed have been linked to recent cases in Montana. Community-wide testing for COVID-19 will begin this Friday, July 10th at Beaverhead County Public Health located at 41 Barrett Street. Testing will begin at 11am to 1pm. There is a possibility that testing time will be longer if public health receives more testing supplies from the state. Testing is being planned at Dillon History Days on Friday, July 24th for community-wide testing. This testing is for asymptomatic persons only. Those who have symptoms are asked to seek testing at Barrett Hospital and Healthcare by calling their healthcare provider. Those experiencing severe symptoms are asked to seek emergency medical care at the hospital

4th of July weekend, the birth of America. On July 2nd 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independance, and two days later delegates from the thirteen colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a document of great historic value drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, Happy Birthday America. Know lets see what is happening this weekend. Friday July 3rd Free Yoga in the Garden 12 PM to 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. Fireworks in Butte The show is set to begin at 10:30 p.m. and last about 20 minutes. Look for it up on the M. Saturday July 4th 4th of July In The Big Hole 10 Am to 1 PM Fourth of July is a special time of year for all the United States, but not anywhere more so than here in the Big Hole Valley. The morning is started off early with a flag raising ceremony at 6:15 AM, then a free pancake breakfast follows at The Crossing Bar & Grill, Main Street, Downtown Wisdom. Our featured speaker will be Kori Lawson, from Wisdom, MT. After breakfast, the locals get their horses, and tractors, and their buggies, and their kids, and all go out to enjoy the annual Wisdom Fourth of July Parade. A lot of people dress in red/white/and blue to honor old glory. The parade will start at 10:00 AM, entry in the parade is free. If you want to participate, meet behind Larry’s Automotive by 9:30 am. (no candy or treats will be given out during the parade this year due to the virus). Returning this year is the Big Hole Valley Fire Works Celebration. The festivities will start at 8:00 PM at the Wisdom Airport, about a mile out of town on Hwy 278. Country music, a bon fire and a beer garden will be part of the fun. Bring your own BBQ food items and beverages if you wish. A soft ball game will also be part of the fun. The fireworks are scheduled to begin at dark (around 11:00 PM). For questions you can call the Crossing at 406-689-3260. We will have hand sanitizer out and recommend that people social distance and wash their hands. If you have symptoms of a dry cough or feel under the weather we recommend that you please stay home. Welcome to the Big Hole... We would love to have you join us for this community event! Ennis Annual 4th of July Parade and Rodeo 10 AM to 1 PM The Ennis 4th of July Parade has been Canceled Ennis Rodeo is still scheduled for July 3 & 4th For information call the Rodeo Club at 406-570-6407 Brick Dedication Ceremony 12 PM After the parade. Dedication of new bricks FIREWORKS SHOW 4th OF JULY BASH AT THE HPSS! 4PM to ? Come join our outdoor festivities. LIVE MUSIC!!: SNIDER BROTHERS BAND will be kicking off at 4 p.m. BBQ, ICE COLD BEER and drinks, corn hole tournament, Hay Bale Bucking competition, Kids Lasso Toss, Horse Shoes, AXE THROWING (CASH AND PRIZES FOR WINNERS), music and more 4 pm till the wheels come off Horse Prairie Stage Stop, in Grant. Bring your blankets, truck beds, whatever, bug spray and attitude for an epic Montana summer night!! White Hat Coalition Parade We gather at noon at the high school. Proceed at 12:30 south on Idaho and north on Montana to the theater. Dillon Jaycee's 4th of July Fireworks start at sundown out by the golf course. Sunday July 5th Horsemanship Clinic in Melrose MT 9 AM Horsemanship Clinic July 5 & 6th. A few spots available. Kids and adults welcome. Have tents for camping or Melrose cabins if you aren’t ready to ruff it. Contact me if your interested. $150 both days. Lunch and dinner provided not to mention great company. No matter what you do this weekend enjoy the holiday, just stay safe dont drink and drive. Be aware of your neighbors when lighting off fireworks and have a great weekend. Oh and one last thing help support those great businesses that advertise with us, they keep this whole thing rolling.

HELENA – Governor Steve Bullock and Lt. Governor Mike Cooney today released the Governor’s Plan for Reopening Safe and Healthy Schools for Montana to provide flexible guidance for public schools to prepare to offer in-person instruction in the fall. “We are acutely aware of the role played by in-person teaching, not only in the students’ lives, but also in the lives of the entire family. Public education has shaped who we are today, and we want to make certain that our children have the same experience. This is why we’ve made the safe reopening of our public schools a top priority,” Governor Bullock and Lt. Gov. Cooney wrote in the plan. “Noting the uniqueness of every school district in Montana, our goal for this document is not to be prescriptive, but to provide effective, flexible guidelines to all schools in hopes that we can safely resume in-person instruction in the fall.” “Keeping each person in our community safe as we re-open schools is a solemn responsibility. As a member of my own district's back to school team, I appreciate the guidance given in this document, which will help frame our plans to return safely to school,” Sharon Carroll, a teacher in Ekalaka said. “Engaging local public health authorities and local school district leadership teams while using the resources, procedures, and protocols shared in the Governor's Plan will assist teams in developing a Health and Safety Plan unique to each district. As a teacher, a rancher, and a former chair of Montana's Board of Public Education, I have often observed Montana grit. We've got this, Montana.” “MFPE appreciates the Governor’s inclusion of our members throughout this process. MFPE members will rely on this guidance as they continue planning to safely reopen schools in the fall,” MFPE President Amanda Curtis said. Governor Bullock tasked Lt. Gov. Cooney with bringing together experts including superintendents, principals, teachers, union representatives, and public health officials to develop the plan based on insight and firsthand knowledge of challenges schools are facing. Governor Bullock has authority to close schools during the emergency and provided guidance reviewed by health experts to ensure schools have the tools they need to reopen as safely as possible this fall. The plan acknowledges the critical role in-person instruction plays in the lives of students and their families. Schools provide students with structure and familiarity and offer socialization and connection. Many families rely on schools for nutritious meals, counseling, and childcare. Additionally, staff and teachers who spend in person time with students are able to identify signs of child abuse or neglect. Governor Bullock and Lt. Gov. Cooney are encouraging schools to consider the guidance provided and develop their own Health and Safety plans to reopen. While every district is unique, school districts should consult their local public health officials to address the specific needs of each school and take every possible safety measure to keep students, educators, and staff healthy and safe. The plan is categorized into three different phases to align with Governor Bullock’s Reopening the Big Sky Plan. Nothing in the guidance prevents a school from taking additional precautions based on their needs. Each phase has high level guidance for schools and includes more specific protocols and recommendations for each school to consider for their individual plan. The plan also includes best practices related to academics, extracurricular activities, transportation, physical and structural protocols to minimize interactions and crowding, while considering ways to promote the social, emotional, and behavioral health of students. Some of the highlights encourage schools to consider: Accommodations for students, teachers, and staff who are in at risk group Occupancy limits that allow for social distancing Guidance on traffic flow to avoid crowding in congregational spaces Cleaning and disinfecting protocols Processes for monitoring students and staff for symptoms and history of exposure Producing guidelines in relation to isolation or quarantine if needed How to serve meals while minimizing congregation Adjusting transportation schedules Protocols for sports and other extracurricular activities A list of comprehensive additional resources is provided for schools including from the Centers for Disease Control, the Office of Public Instruction, and the Montana High School Association. The full plan is available here: https://covid19.mt.gov/Portals/223/Documents/Education%20Final.pdf?ver=2020-07-02-123418-013

Press Release Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office On June 22, 2020 65 year old, Kristie Piazzola, drown when the mower she was riding overturned and pinned her underwater at the Big Hole Ranch in Melrose. Un June 25, 2020, 76 year old, Ron McParland, drown when his kayak overturned on Reservoir Lake.