Hope for the Future Is it just me, or is this world becoming a scary place? Every day ensures a new, different atrocity no one saw coming. First, the fear. A virus entering our field of reality, making us all question our mortality. Some ran with the panic, seeing it only in terms of life and death. Others, like myself, were confused: one day seeing the world with the hope of a child, while the next succumbing to the doom and gloom of the ‘what if’. After the fear stage subsided, next came blame. I’ve never been a political cheerleader. For the most part, I have lived my life in the shadows when it comes to government. I may not always agree with our leaders, but I trust them. I do not think America would and/or could ever fall in the hands of a dictator. Yes, I see countless flaws in both sides. All I know is fear always leads to blame. And with blame, there is usually a measure of hate and anger that rises. Not only were we fighting the dread of what the virus could do to our county, but now we stepped into the realm of basic human rights. Our need for safety for our family, our friends, ourselves was the most crucial goal of many. But just as many, or more, realized that there would be a future once all was said and done, and we would not want to find out what happened if that future was devoid of a financial backbone. This phase should have been the worst of it. I embraced the optimism of the states opening back up. It was exciting to be part of the few that took the first step back into reality. Businesses opened their doors. People returned to jobs. The seasons fell back into place, and with the “unofficial” start of summer, I looked forward to the future. But just days later, a horrible act of humanity breeched my positivity. I was horrified, scared, and looking for justice to be served when really, no amount of explanation could rectify the situation. Then, I, too, sat back and watched as all people took sides. Wrath and rage ignited in many. And I’ll admit, I cowered in the protective shield of our small community. Because until this moment, I underestimated the strength and unity of the Montanan spirit. Our resilience to see the toxicity of what is happening just beyond our borders and not be influenced to act rashly is a feat in and of itself. With the economic uncertainty, our small-town businesses are standing strong, supporting one another while leaning on each other for moral support. And when you break it down even further, the people are beacons of a future that will not be victimized by events no one could have predicted. However, we won’t sit back idly and watch all our hard work go up in flames. We will rise together. We will conquer the demons—the uncertainty, the fear and anger and sadness, the helplessness—by doing what we, as Montanans, have always done best. We will help our neighbor. We will cry with those who are in pain. We will work to build a brighter tomorrow. But above all else, we will never give up. Young or old. Black or white. Republican or Democrat. We all need each other. We cannot build this future with only our two hands. There is something for everyone to contribute. And with this message, we are one.

As the state moves into Phase 2 of Gov. Steve Bullock’s Reopening the Big Sky Plan, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices and visitor centers will open to the public June 3. FWP offices have been closed since late March due to Montana’s COVID-19 pandemic response. As the public returns, strict adherence to Phase 2 guidelines will be critical: stay at home if you feel sick, make sure to frequently wash and sanitize your hands, and maintain at least six feet of distance from other people. FWP front offices around the state will be set up to help facilitate these simple guidelines, including marking floors to help keep people spaced out, providing hand sanitizer for customers, and glass dividers between front counter staff and customers. “We’re looking forward to having our customers back in our regional and local lobbies and visitor centers,” said FWP Director Martha Williams. “We’ve worked hard to prepare our buildings to keep our public and staff safe.” Please note that many FWP employees are still working remotely, so for business beyond front desk license purchases and other related information, please plan to reach out to the appropriate staff member directly by phone or email or ask front desk staff for contact information. For more information on FWP’s COVID-19 response, please go online to  fwp.mt.gov/COVID19 .

Bannack State Park is offering a second guided hike on June 6th for National Trails Day . After the first hike to Beaverhead Rock was filled they have decided to offer a second guided hike. This one will be at Bannack State Park and will be at 10 am. Call 406-834-3413 to reserve your spot.

Today we have an op-ed piece by Jake Pannell. Thank you for your service! Words that we here often and that most people generally mean but makes most veterans uncomfortable and awkward. Why? It has lost its value; it is politically correct and those that do not say are called unpatriotic or ungrateful. In this day and age of empty words and broken promises it is time that we take a look at what we actually do for veterans. As the song by Darryl Worley says, “Have you forgotten?”. After WWII veterans were welcomed as heroes and by the end of the Vietnam War spit upon. After 9/11 we had a resurgence of patriotism and support for the veterans and almost 20 years later, we speak of support with little to no action. Now, I am not saying that there are not many good organizations that do-good things for veterans, just that there are way to many that raise money to support veterans and have very little actual impact. The suicide, drug usage, and homelessness rates among veterans is continuing to rise. According to the National Coalition for Homeless Vets, “Homeless veterans are younger on average than the total veteran population. Approximately 9% are between the ages of 18 and 30, and 41% are between the ages of 31 and 50. Conversely, only 5% of all veterans are between the ages of 18 and 30, and less than 23% are between 31 and 50.” And, “About 1.4 million other veterans, meanwhile, are considered at risk of homelessness due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or substandard housing.” Many veterans limited disability checks disqualify them for housing and food assistance yet it’s not near enough money to survive on. So what can we do? We can open our eyes, be sincere. Show veterans we care by actions and not words. Stop utilizing programs that contribute more benefits to the coffers of the non-profits, the governments and the justice systems and find programs that truly address the issues that veterans are plagued with. Create places that veterans can gather, feel safe, and treat the issues, not the symptoms and/or results. As a Disabled Veteran I know firsthand what it feels like and work every day to make the life of my fellow veterans just a little better than before I met them. Remember those that gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect all we cherish this Memorial Day but take a moment to ask yourself, “Am I doing all I can do to payback those that served me without question? Are we really doing all we can to help those veterans in need and can we stop them from falling between the cracks and getting lost in the system?” Have a great Memorial Day and stay safe. God Bless America. Op-ed piece by Jake Pannell

Bannack State Park will reopen on May 22 with limited services for visitors. The park will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Most of the buildings in the town site will not be open to visitors at this time. However, guided town tours without gold panning will be offered, as well as self-guided tours. Camping and hiking will be allowed in the park. Existing camping reservations for Memorial Day weekend will be honored, while the remaining camp sites will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Following Memorial Day weekend, camp sites will be allotted through reservations. Bannack Days has been cancelled for 2020 due to COVID-19. For more information, visit stateparks.mt.gov or call Bannack State Park at 406-834-3413.

Updated May 19, Graduation Plan 2020 Vigilante Stadium Rehearsal Day Thursday May 21, 2:30-3:30 PM Students will receive their masks and enter the football practice field and be placed in lines maintaining Social Distancing (6 feet apart). Students will enter the stadium from the left and right through the gates to the practice field and into the grandstands by rows. (They will have maps of the seating and lineups in their emails before the 21st . Once seated students will be taken through the ceremony step by step Students will then walk through receiving diplomas and returning to their seats. Practice as many times as necessary to get it right and safe. There will be a link to view the Baccalaureate by Saturday at 7:00PM at Southwestern Montana News We will distribute the maps of the football field where their families will sit for the commencement upon completion of rehearsal Graduation Day Sunday May 24th 1:00 PM Graduation will be streamed live on Southwestern Montana News Graduation will also be streamed live on the NFHS Network sign up for a free account Students arrive to get lined up (6 feet apart) Graduation Photo 1:20 you must be there on time to be in it. WE WILL NOT WAIT Families of seniors may bring up to 5 guests per graduate. Families (groups) also arrive to go to their seating area with camping chairs on schedule by seating area to maintain social distancing (6 feet apart) when moving to seats. Schedule and seating maps to be posted on BCHS website on Monday May 18th . 2:00 PM ceremony begins rain or shine If the weather is bad we will do an abbreviated ceremony speeches to be included in the online version. Ceremony complete; families remain seated, students move back out the gates to the practice field and load on trailers for parade down Labor Day route. with 6 feet distancing Families released by seating area again to avoid a crowd on departure 6 feet social distancing will be maintained Pictures of graduation will be available from Will Hampton After graduation, weather allowing Parade takes place as approved by the Mayor and Mr. Hazelbaker Flatbeds 6 to 8 students per trailer seated on straw bales. (Thanks to Travis Welborn for the straw and all the families supplying trailers, trucks and drivers.) Social distancing must be maintained. No congregation will be allowed between family groups. Line up at 10:00 AM on Sunday morning starting on Spruce and continuing left on center street to the practice field. Center street at the practice field going east o Right turn on Nelson then right turn on Glendale Right turn on Atlantic then left on Helena Left Turn onto Idaho then right onto Reeder Right Turn on Montana to Right on Helena Return to Thompson Ave and drop off students at BW Lodge. Social distancing must be maintained.

Governor Steve Bullock today announced the state will move to Phase Two of the Reopening the Big Sky plan and will lift the 14-day out-of-state travel quarantine beginning June 1 as Montana continues to have the lowest number of positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations per capita.  “Montana has been an example for the rest of the nation in our response to this global pandemic. I have no doubt that we can continue to be that example, but only if Montanans, businesses, and visitors alike continue to take seriously the responsibility we all have in protecting others,” Governor Bullock said. “As we continue with the next phase in our reopening, our goal together as Montanans for the foreseeable future is to mitigate the spread of the virus.” “The individual actions of Montanans have collectively made a difference. Staying 6-feet away, washing hands, wearing masks while in public, and staying home when sick, have all contributed to us being able to move forward with the plan to reopen Montana. We are at an important milestone and if each of us continues to do our part to prevent the novel coronavirus from spreading, we’ll stay on the path to fully reopen Montana,” John Felton, Yellowstone County Health Officer and President/CEO of RiverStone Health, said. “Since this COVID-19 emergency began Governor Bullock has consistently listened to city and county governments around the state as he has formulated a strategy to respond. And that strategy has worked. Thanks to Governor Bullock's leadership, Montana has escaped the tragedies other states have experienced. We are fortunate to have him at the helm as we reopen Montana. We are thankful for his commitment to ensure we will keep Montana safe during the summer months as we rebuild our economy,” Cynthia Andrus, Deputy Mayor, City of Bozeman, said. “We are grateful for Governor Bullock’s diligence as he works to reopen Montana safely and continues to and consider the unique concerns and challenges in tribal communities including a large population of elderly Montanans and families in multi-generational households. The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council appreciate Governor Bullock has respected tribal sovereignty and decisions to put in place more restrictive measures to keep tribal communities safe and has supported our efforts to contain the virus through increased testing,” said the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council. In consultation with public health and emergency response officials, Governor Bullock outlined the following indicators which allow Montana to move into Phase Two beginning on June 1: A downward trajectory of positive tests as a percent of total tests within a 14-day period. The current ability to contact and trace, along with plans to add additional contact tracers to the existing workforce. Ensuring that health care workers have the supplies they need to treat COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. Ramping up testing capacity to eventually meet a target of 60,000 tests a month and prioritizing testing for vulnerable Montanans and tribal communities. A total of 5,600 tests were conducted last week. Increased testing continues with sentinel testing efforts in nursing homes and assisting living facilities, testing events in tribal areas, and drive through testing being conducted at a few sites. Under Phase Two, effective June 1, avoid gatherings in groups of more than 50 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing. Groups larger than 50 people should be cancelled unless physical distancing can be maintained. It is recommended to continue to social distance in gatherings of any size. Under Phase Two, effective June 1, restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries and casinos remains in the same operations status as Phase One, but with an increase to 75% capacity. Gyms, indoor group fitness classes, pool, and hot tubs can operate at 75% capacity and only if they can adhere to strict physical distancing and they exercise frequent sanitation protocols. Concert halls, bowling alleys, and other places of assembly may operate with reduced capacity and if they adhere to strict physical distancing guidelines. All businesses are required to follow the social distancing and sanitation guidelines established in Phase One, and Montanans are strongly encouraged to continue sanitation practices, including hand washing and wearing masks in public places like grocery stores. “Social distancing, wearing a cloth mask, washing your hands, and sanitizing are all part of our new normal. If not for you, do it for others, especially for the most vulnerable among us,” Governor Bullock said. “Not following these guidelines could put us in a position where we have to go backward, instead of being able to continue to move forward.” Vulnerable Montanans should still continue to stay home when possible during Phase Two. Visitation at nursing home and assisted living facilities remains suspended except for certain compassionate care situations. Effective June 1, the 14-day travel quarantine for out-of-state travelers and residents arriving from another state or country to Montana for non-work-related purposes will be lifted. The Montana National Guard will continue to conduct screenings in airports and train depots and refer anyone with COVID-19-related symptoms to local public health officials. To support Montana’s destination communities, the state will assist with establishing the following protocols: Surveillance testing of employees. Enhanced contact tracing resources deployed to these areas as requested by local authorities. Ability to surge personal protective equipment to impacted health care systems. Guidelines for operation for business that see high-tourist activity. Montana’s gradual and phased plan to reopen began on April 26 with Phase One which allowed schools, places of worship, main street and retail businesses, and restaurants, breweries, and bars to reopen under social distancing guidelines. Governor Bullock also provided additional guidance to allow gyms, movie theaters, and museums to reopen under the first phase on May 15.  Governor Bullock and his Coronavirus Task Force will continue to monitor cases closely and carefully to analyze Montana’s work to contain the virus. The Directive and its Appendix are posted online at covid19.mt.gov.

This week we talk with a couple teachers and how they have had to change the way they teach. Cory interviews Sarah Pfister about her new business location, Jeremy Church is back with the top ten. Wally has some very interesting history on the M, and how it became a staple of Dillon. We hope you enjoy the show.

Bannack State Park will host a guided trail hike on Saturday, June 6th at 10 am. To adhere to social distancing regulations the group will be capped at ten. On this guided hike, we will explore the flora, fauna, and history or this unique park! Sunscreen, water, good hiking/walking shoes, and appropriate hiking clothes recommended. To access Beaverhead Rock State Park, the turn-off on Highway 41 has no marker. Your phone's map will bring you close to the park, but the turn-off to the left is a dirt road just past the curve marked to slow down if you are coming from Dillon. Make sure to call to reserve your spot (406) 834-3413 or email bannackstatepark@mt.gov.

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing so many parts of life in Montana this year – hunter and bowhunter education is no different. In response to social distancing requirements and restrictions on group gatherings, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is turning to online courses for all students this year only. The online courses and mandatory field days have been available to adults for a tuition fee of $25 for hunter education and $30 for bowhunter education. The in-person courses have always been, and will remain, free. However, since the in-person options aren’t feasible under Phases 1 and 2 of Gov. Steve Bullock’s Reopening the Big Sky plan, FWP will cover the online tuition fees for all Montana residents until the state reaches Phase 3 of the plan and in-person hunter and bowhunter education courses are available once again. The online courses will be available May 12 to Montana residents who are at least the age of 12 by Jan. 16, 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the suspension of hunter and bowhunter education classes March 16. Around 1,000 students were certified prior to March 16, but there is currently a backlog of several thousand waiting to be certified. The online courses, which are developed and administered by the outdoor education company Kalkomey, include text, videos and interactive scenarios to engage students. Students will need to pass a final test to qualify for a certificate. “We wrestled with several options for providing hunter and bowhunter education courses this year,” said FWP Director Martha Williams. “Ultimately, given the difficulty many families in Montana are experiencing with this pandemic, we knew continuing to offer these educational opportunities and certifications for free was important.” When the state moves to Phase 2, there may be additional options for hunter and bowhunter education. In Phase 3 FWP will discontinue the online only option and again offer traditional in-person classroom courses. “We value our hands-on classroom courses and field days all done with the dedication of our excellent volunteer instructors,” said Wayde Cooperider, outdoor skills and safety coordinator for FWP. “We feel that becoming a safe and ethical hunter requires not only knowledge, but also safe and ethical handling of firearms and archery equipment.” In the absence of a requirement for a field course for the online courses in Phases 1 and 2, FWP encourages parents or hunting partners to work and practice safe firearm and archery equipment handling with new hunters and bowhunters. FWP has also added a new virtual field course component to the online curriculum for Hunter Education students. To take the online hunter or bowhunter education course, students can register at http://fwp.mt.gov/education/hunter/ . At this time, students aged 10 and 11 (under age 12 before Jan. 16, 2021) will not have an option for an online class. Those students can hunt as an apprentice this year and/or take a course when traditional classes are offered again in Phase 3 of the governor’s reopening. To learn how to sign up for the hunter apprentice program, go to : fwp.mt.gov/hunting/licenses/all/apprenticeHunter/default.html If there are any questions, please call your local FWP office or 406-444-9947

MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock today announced additional Phase One guidelines that will allow gyms and fitness studios, movie theaters and museums the option to reopen beginning Friday, May 15 as long as they adhere to strict guidelines limiting capacity, requiring social distancing, and imposing thorough sanitation requirements. “In consultation with public health experts, we have determined that these businesses can carefully reopen under strict capacity, social distancing, and sanitation guidelines,” Governor Bullock said. “As Montana continues to aggressively manage the virus and we move forward with the plan to reopen, I am again reminding Montanans that social distancing is vital to continue curbing the virus. All of us must do our part to stay open and stay on a path of decline in positive cases.” The reopening date is set at May 15 at the request of the businesses and local public health to allow time to prepare and ensure guidance is being followed.  Under the updated guidance developed with input from public health officials, fitness studios, gyms and pools in gyms can begin operating at 50 percent capacity and with strict guidelines including requiring staff to sanitize frequently touched areas and equipment during hours of operation, train workers on symptoms and handwashing technique as well as posting relevant signage instructing members with symptoms to stay home. Hand sanitizer must be available, employees should wear masks and guests should wear masks when possible. Additionally, a six-foot distance must be maintained between equipment and in locker rooms. Personal training may be allowed if social distancing can be maintained. Indoor group classes may not be offered and outdoor group classes can be conducted as long as social distancing is maintained and in groups of 10 or fewer if appropriate physical distancing is not possible. Gym pools are allowed to operate at half capacity as well. The CDC has indicated that properly maintained pool water inactivates the virus. It is critical that pools that have shut down during this time or reduced maintenance follow proper reopening procedures and sampling to ensure the water is safe for use before opening. In the event a confirmed COVID-19 case is associated with a facility the facility should clean in accordance with CDC’s facility environmental cleaning procedures for workout areas, seating, locker rooms, and other areas of the establishment frequented by swimmers. Pool classes may continue if social distancing can be observed and swimmers should maintain a six foot distance in the pool at all times. Guidance was also issued this week to allow pools at licensed public accommodations (Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts, Tourist Homes, etc) to operate if at a 50 percent capacity and with additional social distancing and safety measures. Non-tactile museums and movie theaters will be allowed to open under the updated guidance. Interactive museums or museums that allow touch interactions and displays and live performance theaters cannot operate. Museums and theaters must keep their capacity at 50 percent and maintain six feet between non family members or the immediate party. Signage must be posted instructing those who have COVID-19 related symptoms to stay home. Facilities must increase cleaning and sanitizing of frequently touched surfaces and control customer flow to maximize distancing. Hand sanitizer or hand washing stations must be available and each venue should create and implement a written COVID-19 response plan. Cleaning and sanitizing should be completed no less than every two hours. Facilities should install shielding between workers and attendees whenever possible. Theaters should increase cleaning time period between events, performances and showings to ensure that commonly touched areas such as arm rests and railings are cleaned frequently. Ushers should monitor and enforce social distancing in theaters. At museums, gift shops are also limited to 50 percent capacity. The full guidance can be read HERE . Montana is still under phase one of the Reopening the Big Sky phased approach and adjustment of the phases is at the discretion of the Governor. Other places of assembly such as performance theaters, concert halls, bowling alleys, bingo halls, music halls, and pools that are not in gyms or at a licensed public accommodation shall remain closed. Gatherings should continue to be avoided in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing. Senior living and assisted living facilities must continue to restrict visitors. The 14-day travel quarantine remains in effect.

Fifth Judicial District Courtroom Procedures and Court Information These rules are subject to change as new orders and guidelines are issued and restrictions are relaxed. 1) Parties are encouraged but not required to appear by electronic means starting June 1, 2020. 2) If you are feeling ill, you SHALL notify either your counsel or the person who requested your attendance to either reschedule the hearing or arrange an alternative mode of appearance. If you are unable to contact those individuals, you SHALL notify the Clerk of Court and await further instructions. 3) For parties wishing to appear electronically you must notify the clerks of this 24 hours in advance. 4) Hearings will continue with a staggered schedule. 5) Attorneys with multiple hearings can stay in the Courtroom but must observe social distancing. 6) Parties, witnesses, victims, and guests of all, shall wait outside the courthouse observing social distancing prior to their hearings and are not allowed to wait in the courthouse, without specific permission, upon conclusion of their hearing. Only necessary people or those with advanced permission will be allowed in the courtroom. 7) ALL persons entering the courtroom SHALL wear a face mask. 8) Upon entering the courtroom all persons SHALL use hand sanitizer which will be provided by the District. 9) Each morning the tables and witness stand will be sanitized. 10) Counsel and their clients shall do their best to observe social distancing during court appearances. For hearings with multiple attorneys or multiple parties social distancing will require scattering throughout the jury box if tables are occupied. 11) Upon end of each use counsel (or pro se participants) will be required to use cleaning materials to spray down the table or area in front of them and chair. Products for cleaning will be provided. 12) All persons entering the courtroom shall be cognizant of their surroundings and attempt to make contact with as little of the furniture and surfaces as possible. 13) For hearings/trials with more than two witnesses, additional witnesses shall wait outside the courthouse until notified they can enter. For hearings with two witnesses, upon permission the second witness can wait in the jury room. They will be required to sanitize any surfaces they touch upon exiting the jury room. If the exclusionary rule is not invoked witnesses may sit in the gallery but must observe social distancing of at least 6 feet and will be required to sanitize the areas they used upon leaving. 14) These rules apply specifically to hearings and bench trials. Additional rules will be supplied for jury trials

Beaverhead-Deerlodge Forest Service recreation sites opening soon. Dillon Ranger District · Opening May 15 o Dinner Station Campground · Opening May 22 o Birch Creek Cabin o Bloody Dick Cabin o Horse Prairie Guard Station · Opening May 29 o Grasshopper Campground · Opening June 1 o Crystal Park Wisdom Ranger District · Opening May 22 o Boulder Creek Campground o Canyon Creek Campground o Fourth Of July Campground o Little Joe Campground o Lodgepole Campground o May Creek Campground o Miner Lake Campground o Mono Creek Campground o Mussigbrod Campground o North Van Houten Campground o Pettengill Campground o Pintler Campground o Seymour Creek Campground o Steel Creek Campground o Twin Lakes Campground · Opening June 1 o Canyon Creek Cabin o Hogan Cabin o May Creek Cabin o Twin Lakes Cabin Butte Ranger District · Opening May 15 o Toll Mountain Campground o Whitehouse Campground o Pigeon Creek Campground · Opening May 22 o Beaver Dam Campground o Lowland Campground · Opening June 1 o Sheepshead Campground o Freedom Point Campground Madison Ranger District · Opening May 22 o Madison River Campground o Potosi Campground o West Fork Campground Pintler Ranger District · Opening May 15 o Cable Mountain Campground o Copper Creek Campground o East Fork Campground o Lodgepole Campground o Orofino Campground o Philipsburg Bay Campground o Piney Campground o Racetrack Campground o Spillway Campground o Spring Hill Campground o Stony Campground o Douglas Creek Cabin o Moose Lake Guard Station o Racetrack Creek Cabin o Stony Cabin o West Fork Station · Opening June 1 o Crystal Creek Campground · Opening upon completion of work o Flint Creek Campground

Currently, millions of public land acres in Montana are inaccessible. Fish Wildlife & Parks new Public Lands Access Land Agreement encourages landowners to help open up and improve access to these isolated parcels of state and federal land for hunting and fishing. In exchange, landowners can receive a payment and other negotiated improvements. Landowners who enroll parcels, must also hold the lease for the public land if a lease exists. Landowners, in collaboration with FWP, determine when, where, and how the public may access public land in accordance with program guidelines including the possibility of limiting travel to foot-traffic only. The agreement will be between private landowners and FWP for a minimum of one year up to 10 years, with payments made annually. Potential agreements will be reviewed by the Private Land/Public Wildlife Advisory Committee for a recommendation to FWP. Applications are available year-round and must be received at least six weeks prior to the next upcoming  Private Land/Public Wildlife Advisory Committee  meeting to ensure adequate time to review the project. The deadline for applications before the July PL/PW meeting is May 29. For more information and application materials, visit fwp.mt.gov/PALA.

Application portals will open on May 7th for those who have been effected by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Montana Government website. Montanans in every corner of the state have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As Montana works to recover from the unprecedented economic situation caused by this novel Coronavirus, the state is making emergency financial relief available from the federal government to those who have been hardest-hit by impacts of COVID-19 through a single application portal on this website. This site is meant to serve as a comprehensive resource for Montanans to identify whether they qualify for financial relief and to serve as a resource as we collectively begin to reopen the thriving economy Montana enjoyed prior to the global outbreak of COVID-19. Montanans out of work, families with limited resources, small businesses, non-profits and others can apply for financial relief for things like rental and mortgage assistance, business and non-profit grants, grants to serve seniors and those living with a disability, food banks and local food producers. The application portal opens Thursday, May 7 at 8:00 a.m. To prepare for the application, businesses and non-profits should have their tax ID, proof of business registration, a brief description of how the grant will be spent, and a brief description of how COVID-19 has impacted operations. Homeowners and renters should have bank account information available and verification of job or income loss. This financial assistance is funded through $1.25 billion in federal emergency relief funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Governor Bullock’s Coronavirus Relief Fund Advisory Council, an advisory group made up of Montanans representing nearly every sector of the state’s economy and more than 1,400 comments submitted by the public, guided the state on how this federal emergency funding can best serve the needs of Montanans – and where the state can fill unmet needs not addressed by other federal funding going forward. The following new programs join the state’s suite of existing support services and direct federal appropriations to ensure Montana’s families, workers, seniors, businesses and non-profits emerge from this challenge even stronger than before.

Today Dillon, MT turns 135 years old. We are also releasing our third show of Southwestern Montana News, and we are pleased to have a special with Wally Feldt on Dillon history. Did you know Dillon, Mt will be one of our new segments. Wally will be bringing you small history updates, on the town we call home. We hope you enjoy it, as much as we enjoy making the show.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, along with partners from the East Bench Joint Board and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, will conduct a flushing flow out of Clark Canyon Reservoir beginning Friday, May 1, to move sediment deposited in the Beaverhead River, helping restore and maintain aquatic habitat. River users should be aware that the flushing flow regime will be released May 1 through May 3. Beaverhead River discharges will increase from overwinter releases of 90 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 600 cfs on May 1. Flows will be reduced to meet irrigation season demands over the next two days. The Beaverhead River is a renowned trout fishery; however, trout populations have declined by as much as 50 percent immediately following large sediment deposits from Clark Canyon Creek, and habitat recovery has been slow. These events occur randomly after large rain or snowstorms that coincide with low flow releases from the reservoir. After studies were conducted to determine the cause of these events and what it would take to avoid negative impacts on fish populations, the partner agencies decided to store 2,100 acre feet of water and conduct a flushing flow from Clark Canyon Reservoir to move sediment and maintain habitat health. The first flushing flow was released in 2017, and it was effective in clearing sediment and improving river health. The Beaverhead River supports 2,000 to 3,000 trout per mile in its upper reach. The river sees about 40,000 angler days per year, and recreationists who come to enjoy the river spend several million dollars locally each year.

This Friday Love Inc is hosting another Cruise night titled "Cruizin out of Seclusion." They are wanting to shine this weeks cruise on those who are graduating. They will also be collecting donations to the local food pantry and Love Inc. We here at Southwestern Montana News would love to see the cruise become a Friday summer time tradition, either it be weekly or even once a month. With that in mind we want to make this Fridays cruise even bigger, our crew will be out Friday during the cruise and we will be judging the cars. We have a collectible Coca-Cola model car to give away to the winner as well as a 1/2 hour professional photo shoot for the winner and their car. If you have a car that you want to show off, this Friday night is the time to do it. We will be out judging and one lucky person will be our winner. Lets fire up our engines and show support for our graduates.

DILLON: are you ready for “Cruisin ’Out Of Seclusion” this Friday night, May 1, 2020 at 7:00 P.M? We are changing the theme of the “Cruise” this week to honor our 2020 Dillon Graduates: DMS 8th graders, BCHS Seniors, UM Western Seniors, and Montana Youth Challenge who have missed out on many special memories during their senior year. We will be using the same “Cruise” route: from the Chamber of Commerce down Montana Street to the stop light, turning right on Helena to the three way stop, turning around in the High School gym parking lot, back out on Helena to the stop light, down Montana Street to the Chamber parking lot. Join the “Cruise” at any point along the route. Don’t stop after just one loop let’s keep this thing going for at least 45 minutes. It would be cool to have car windows painted in your school colors and decorated in honor of a graduate you want to recognize. Make signs to hold out vehicle windows, stick on your cars, dress up in school colors, etc. So let’s get all you graduates, families, and friends out for a night of “Cruisin” to honor these special individuals and let them know they have not been forgotten. Last week’s cruise was a blast and your generous donations to the Dillon Food Bank and Love INC. were amazing. In case you missed last week and would still like to donate to those causes, we will have the tubs out in the BW Lodge parking lot. We want to hear horns, noise makers, and see lots of decorated cars and people! Cruise and wave/honk, display your signs for our GRADUATES while still maintaining social distancing by Not getting out of your cars. Come on Dillon lets have some fun with this…

We have received a letter from Sue Hansen Director of Beaverhead County Health, outlining the phase one directives for reopening. Beaverhead County Public Health Directive Phase One Reopening April 24, 2020 OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS • Continue to practice physical distancing and keep 6 feet apart when in public. Continue to practice good handwashing. • Any person with symptoms of illness must isolate until well. • Continue to avoid all non-essential travel. Strong recommendation to wear face coverings when in public. 2 weeks of quarantine continue to be mandated by the Governor for persons arriving from out of country or state for non-work-related purposes. People over age 65 with underlying medical conditions should continue to isolate. If a business requires driving in a vehicle with non-family members, face coverings MUST be worn. Do not gather in groups of more than 10 people and continue appropriate physical distancing. Gyms, pools, and hot tubs remain closed. Other places of assembly remain closed (e.g. movie and performance theaters, concert halls). ALL SETTINGS • Health assessments must be conducted for all employees at the beginning of each shift. In establishments where customers wait in a line, non-household customers should remain physically distanced. Waiting areas where the public may congregate must be closed. Customers should be encouraged to call for a reservation or an appointment, or establishments should use an online wait listing application. Physical distancing of 6 feet must be maintained between non-congregate customers, this may require: O A reduction in capacity; O Appointment/Reservations should be utilized. o Systems that reduce the amount of contact time between customers and staff EMPLOYER RECOMMENDATIONS Develop and implement appropriate policies, in accordance with Federal, State, and local regulations and guidance, and informed by industry best practices, regarding: o Social distancing and protective equipment. O Temperature checks and/or symptom screening. Do not allow people with a temperature of 100 degrees F to work. Do not allow sick people to work. o Collaborate with public health on testing, isolating, and contact tracing, o Sanitation. o Use and disinfection of common and high-traffic areas Continue to ENCOURAGE TELEWORK whenever possible and feasible with business operations. When telework is not feasible it is encouraged to ACCOMMODATE ALTERNATE WORK SCHEDULES such as shift work and staggered scheduling in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Close COMMON AREAS where personnel are likely to congregate and interact; or enforce strict social distancing protocols. MINIMIZE NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESS TRAVEL. SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS should be made for members of a VULNERABLE POPULATION OR those with vulnerable household members. SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS: SENIOR LIVING OR ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES must continue to prohibit visitors. Those who do interact with residents and patients must ensure strict protocols regarding hygiene and protection are followed. o This includes daily screening of staff for symptoms and preventing ill workers from working. o Face coverings for all staff. CHILD CARE FACILITIES can remain operational but should follow State and local guidelines regarding operational levels and occupancy. MAIN STREET AND RETAIL BUSINESSES: OPEN 4-27-20 Businesses can become operational with reduced capacity and where strict physical distancing protocols can be maintained. Social distancing must be enforced in the building. Staff and customers must wear face coverings. Surfaces, door handles need to be cleaned regularly. Surfaces touched by customers need to be cleaned between customers such as point of service machines. • No public waiting area. Reservations/appointments encouraged. Curbside service encouraged. • Suspend complimentary food/drink offerings. Staff and customers should be symptom free. Symptomatic staff or customers should be asked to isolate at home. • GYMS / POOLS / HOT TUBS remain closed. FAITH ORGANIZATIONS: OPEN 4-26-20 PLACES OF WORSHIP can become operational with reduced capacity and where strict physical distancing protocols can be maintained between non-household members. O Youth groups can meet if physical distancing can be implemented. o People can sit in family groups but must social distance otherwise. No limitations on church attendance as long as distancing is followed. o Block off every other pew with tape. O A reduction in capacity o Increasing spacing, removing stations, or marking stations as closed o Providing for a physical barrier between stations O A reduction of seating in service areas. No waiting areas. o Systems that reduce the amount of contact time between customers and staff Chairs, surfaces, and equipment need to be sanitized between clients. Suspend complimentary food/drink offerings. This Directive will remain in effect until the Governor of the State of Montana announces the next State Directive.