Local organization Dillon Love Inc held Cruisin in Seclusion tonight. Locals gathered at the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce parking lot, driving 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. Participants were encouraged to bring food goods to drop off for the local food pantry, or toiletries needed for Love Inc. About 30 cars lined the street and drove up and down honking and waving at those they passed by. This was a great way for area residents to get out of the house and enjoy a breath of fresh, while practicing social distancing. The night's event made for an optimistic outing for people of all ages and demonstrated our community pride and commitment to each other.

Schools •Beginning May 7, 2020 all schools have the option to return to in-classroom teaching delivery. •The State recognizes that if reopened, schools will require the district to make adjustments and create plans, policies, and procedures. •If schools plan to reopen they should consider: •Implementing an alternative educational delivery model that includes a mix of in-person and remote learning. •Providing focused individual education, especially for at-risk students. •How to reconnect and meet the educational needs of students who fall behind in a remote learning environment. •The importance of maintaining the connection between students, teachers, and parents. •The important role that schools play in the health of students, families, and communities. •Graduation environments that can meet the social distancing requirements. Phase One: Individuals •ALL VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS should continue to follow the stay home guidance. Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus back home. Precautions should be taken to isolate from vulnerable residents. •Vulnerable Individuals: people over 65 years of age and/or those with serious underlying health conditions, including high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and those whose immune system is compromised such as by chemotherapy for cancer and other conditions requiring such therapy. •All individuals (non-household), WHEN IN PUBLIC (e.g., parks, outdoor recreation areas, shopping areas), should maximize physical distance from others. •Avoid GATHERING in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing. •MINIMIZE NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVELand adhere to Montana guidelines regarding quarantine. Phase One: Employers •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.14 PHASE TWO ➢Gatherings may expand to 50 people. ➢Vulnerable populations should continue to follow stay home guidance. ➢Gyms / Pools / Hot Tubs can become operational. ➢In addition to houses of worship, other places of assembly can become operational under the group size restrictions and physical distancing guidelines in this phase. Individuals and Employers •Avoid GATHERING in groups of more than 50 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing. •NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL guidelines remain the same as PHASE ONE for individuals traveling into Montana and for Montanans returning home. •VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS should continue to adhere to the stay home guidance. •Continue to ENCOURAGE TELEWORK as much as possible and where feasible but refer to guideline in PHASE ONE when telework is not possible. •SENIOR LIVING OR ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES must continue to follow the guidelines of PHASE ONE. •CHILD CARE FACILITIES can in crease capacity if physical distancing guidelines can be implemented. •ORGANIZED YOUTH ACTIVITIES remain operational and should avoid GATHERING in groups of more than 50 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing. •ALL BUSINESSES can remain operational and must adhere to physical distancing. •RESTAURANTS / BARS / BREWERIES / DISTILLERIES / CASINOS remain in the same operational status as PHASE ONE, but with an increase in capacity. •GYMS / POOLS / HOT TUBS can become operational with reduced capacity and only if they can adhere to strict physical distancing and they exercise frequent sanitation protocols. •OUTDOOR RECREATION remain in the same operational status as PHASE ONE. •PLACES OF ASSEMBLY can become operational with reduced capacity and must adhere to physical distancing. Avoid GATHERING in groups of more than 50 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing. PHASE THREE ➢No limit on group size. ➢Vulnerable populations can resume public interactions, but should practice physical distancing, and continue to take precautionary measures. Complete document can be found at https://www.docdroid.net/XvJdCGP/reopening-montana-phased-approach-pdf#page=11

This Friday night from 7 pm to 8 pm Cruisin In Seclusion is going to take place. The drive is described as two fold in nature. It is a great way to get out and drive through our neighborhoods, honking and waving at people as you pass by. All the time practicing social distancing as you stay in your car. Second part is they ask you to bring non perishable items to be collected for the Dillon Food Bank and Love INC. The cruise will start at the Chamber of Commerce located at 10 W Reeder St, Dillon, MT. You will then head 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 and back to the chamber parking lot. The cruise is expected to go about an hour and they are asking people to check Love INC Facebook page for items needed for donation.

When I started Southwestern Montanan News one of the things I wanted to do was incorporate a lot of video into the platform I was using. We started with live streaming city council meetings and important updates that where happening with the COVID-19 crisis. We would throw in some video with our weekend rundowns, and we introduced you guys to Debbie Reads. With the slow down of our ways of life and having most businesses shut down, this gave me the time to work with some people and put together a project I have wanted to do from the start. Today I am proud to introduce our weekly show we will be rolling out, We will be doing a rundown of some news, some humor pieces, movie reviews, sports, and a top ten. As the show grows, we will grow with it. We hope you enjoy our pilot episode as much as we enjoyed making it.

(DILLON, MONTANA) – The Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors for United Way of Beaverhead County, originally slated for Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020, is postponed indefinitely until the COVID-19 situation stabilizes to a point where groups can begin meeting face to face once again. The UWBC Board felt strongly that the Annual Meeting is more effective in-person, as it is the time for members of the public to make comments, and for potential board members to get a feel for the organization. Thus, the Board would rather not conduct the Annual Meeting in an online format. Once Montana and Beaverhead County has been determined safe to meet in groups again, the Annual Meeting will be rescheduled and advertised. Please plan to attend the re-scheduled Annual Meeting and hear about all the good work happening through United Way and its partner agencies in Beaverhead County. For more information, call the United Way office at (406) 683-4269.

If you are one of the many effected by the COVID-19 crisis and are looking for work KCI+3M has a couple positions open. KCI now a part of 3M, a global advanced wound care company offering innovative solutions from the hospital to home that improves the lives of patients in more than 90 countries, currently has an opening in the Dillon, MT office due to an increase in business opportunity. If you’re looking to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, and innovative environment with loads of opportunity, then you just might be the one we’ve been looking for. We offer competitive wages and great benefits. To apply, visit https://3m.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Search/job/US-Montana-Dillon/Billing-Collections-Specialist_R01007453 and start your new career! Billing / Collections Specialist Req #: R01007453 (Appeals Specialist) : We have two positions under this requisition.  These positions review all Medicare denials and initiates the next appeal step for Redetermination or Reconsideration process with the appropriate DMERC consistent with the requirements specified by Medicare Appeal Process. Must have HS Diploma or equivalent and ability to type and work with 10 key.

Beaverhead County Public Health Beaverhead County Incident Command Team Update 4/7/2020-4/13/2020 Beaverhead County established an Incident Command Team on March 20th, 2020 to address the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time, we thought it would be important to begin giving weekly community updates on what we’re working on. Since our establishment we’ve accomplished the following tasks: Continued monitoring of PPE inventory for all of the EMS units in Beaverhead County Received most ordered supplies for sanitizer. Created protocols for production and distribution. Established protocols to notify first responders of positive COVID-19 patients for pre-arrival in accordance with Governor Bullock’s directive. Continued community outreach via the Public Health Facebook Page and a newly created page dedicated to COVID-19 on www.beaverheadcounty.org Identified and began working with community partners, and will continue to do so, to address needs of the community at large. Identified issues in our social safety net; food insecurity, social isolation, mental health decline, and financial hardship for members of our communities and have begun plan development in partnership with community organizations to help where we can. We’re currently holding meetings of the Incident Command Team twice per week. If you or your organization is interested in ways you can help, please reach out to us at scaltrider@beaverheadcounty.org or by calling 406-865-0853. Beaverhead County has administered 111 total tests, with 5 tests currently pending. At the time of this writing, 3:30 pm 4/13/2020, there has been 1 positive test in Beaverhead County, 5 positive tests administered here to Madison County Residents. We want to thank the people of Beaverhead County that are adhering to the social distancing mandates, it’s your hard work that is keeping us safe. Please CONTINUE to observe these measures until they’re lifted, this is not the time for complacency. Remember to stay home as often as possible, wash your hands, and take care of your families during the trying time.

When I started this venture, I told myself I would remain neutral and avoid opinion pieces. But as local businesses worry about the future and we try to practice what the local authorities are telling us as Montanans we need to do, I find myself becoming more frustrated with the complete lack of disregard from those coming into our state. My tipping point came in the form of a Facebook post in a local classified, warning people that out of state roofing companies are going door to door, trying to drum up business. I make my income through advertisements from local businesses. With most of these having to close their doors for the time being, I have all but stopped trying to get more business, especially knowing the hardships small businesses are facing right now. It's a scary future for us. I sent a message to both the Beaverhead County Health Department and also the Dillon Police department asking them if the going from door to door was legal, as well as about the 14 day self quarantine. The police department responded, saying they have talked to these companies and told them to stop with the door to door. If you have one that comes to your door, call the police. The health department responded almost the same way but also included that anyone coming from out of state for non work related purposes must self quarantine for fourteen days, but that work related purposes didn't require such actions. So basically these roofers do not have to self quarantine. To me, this is a slap in the face for the small businesses that have been deemed non essential. As we struggle with an uncertain future, our state is allowing workers to come into the state with a bypass of the quarantine rules and allowing them to work in public with no worry. I believe in competition and I also understand that our local contractors may have more jobs then they can finish. But I also believe that if we are shutting our doors and expected to follow the rules, the State also needs to stop the situations involving out of state workers. In these times they have asked a lot from small businesses, I believe they should also ask the same from these companies; as long as a stay at home order is in place, they should also ask out of state contracting companies doing work like this to be put off until this order is lifted and they allow our own small businesses to get back to work. If you do decide to go with an out of state contractor, some words of advice from Judy Siring of Farmers Union Insurance. A word of advice- as spring is in the air it’s now time to replace your hail damaged roof from last August catastrophic hail storm. Please make sure as you are choosing a roofer (whether local or from out of the area) that you are able to obtain a certificate of insurance showing that they have general liability insurance and workers comp if they have workers, you should be listed as the certificate holder. If they are from out of state call their insurance agent (their info should be on the certificate of insurance) and make sure their coverage covers them in Montana. Keep that certificate with all your roof repair info so that if you have any issues down the road with your roof you have an avenue for recourse. If I can help you in any way or if you are unsure give me a call at 683-2365. Out of State Roofing Companies Working During Stay at Home Order

In a press conference Tuesday, Gov. Steve Bullock announced he is extending his stay-at-home order, issued in response to the global coronavirus pandemic, through Friday, April 24. Other directives issued by the Governor were also extended through April 24, including the closure of schools; the closures of bars, casinos and other nonessential businesses; prohibited dine-in service for restaurants; and the suspension of evictions, foreclosures and the shutting off of utilities for nonpayment. Other recommendations include wearing a cloth mask to cover your face, when out in public. Also remember to keep washing your hands, don't touch your face and use hand sanitizer.

The Attorney General, who oversees the Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), has requested the temporary suspension of Certain requirements pertaining to the process for renewing a driver’s license online or by mail; Certain requirements relating to the administration of commercial driver’s licenses where waiver has been authorized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA); and Certain timelines relating to motor vehicle title and registration transactions. The request is made in light of the measures being taken by the State of Montana and local governments across the state to temporarily modify and restrict access to government offices and require the use of online, mail or telephone access to services where available. The temporary suspensions requested will, in conjunction with my March 17, 2020 Directive extending the expiration dates for certain MVD-issued credentials, further reduce the present need for direct interactions between Montana citizens and government employees for certain driver’s license and vehicle title and registration transactions. Based on the foregoing considerations, I find that strict compliance with certain requirements related to driver’s licenses outlined below, will prevent, hinder, or delay necessary actions in coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. 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 for the duration of the emergency, except as specifically provided herein: I. Online/Mail Renewal of Driver’s License MVD may renew a driver’s license online or by mail: Without submission of an approved vision examination and medical evaluation form; o regardless of whether the license was previously renewed online or by mail; So long as the license has not been expired for more than one (1) year; and For a foreign national whose presence in the United States is temporarily authorized, so long as that authorized presence is verified by MVD through the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service’s SAVE verification system. The duration of any license renewed under this Directive will be no more than two (2) years. Strict compliance with the above-described requirements of § 61-5-111(3)(d), MCA, are temporarily suspended for this limited purpose only. All other requirements of § 61-5- 111(3)(d), MCA, remain in effect. II. Commercial Driver’s License Administration MVD may temporarily administer the provisions of Title 61, Chapter 5, MCA, relating to commercial driver’s licenses in a manner consistent with any temporary waivers authorized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Strict compliance with the Title 61 requirements relating to commercial driver’s licenses are temporarily suspended for this limited purpose only, and only those provisions of Title 61, Chapter 5, MCA, directly related to a federal waiver authorization are affected. All other requirements of Title 61, Chapter 5, MCA, relating to commercial driver’s license administration remain in effect. III. Statutory Timelines for Certain Motor Vehicle and Driver’s License Transactions The following statutory timelines for the described motor vehicle and driver’s license transactions are hereby extended for a period of ninety (90) days: The deadline for registration and title application for vehicles as applied to vehicles transferred after March 16, 2020 (§ 61-3-220(3), MCA); The deadline for dealer transmittal of title paperwork to a county treasurer or authorized agent for sales occurring after March 16, 2020 (§ 61-4-111(2), MCA); and The deadline for a new Montana resident to (1) register and title vehicles (§ 61-3- 302(1)(b), MCA) and secure a Montana driver’s license (§ 61-5-103, MCA). Strict compliance with these specified statutory timelines is temporarily suspended for this limited purpose only. Conflicting Administrative Rules Suspended To the extent any administrative rules conflict with the provisions of this Directive, strict compliance with the provisions of such rules is suspended for the duration of the emergency. Authorities: Sections 10-3-103, -104, -302, and -305, MCA; §§ 50-1-202, -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. • Nothing in this Directive shall be construed to limit, modify, or otherwise affect the authority granted by law to the Governor, any department, agency, political subdivision, officer, agent, or employee of the State of Montana, or any local or municipal government except as expressly 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 has their first confirmed case, a female in her twenties who was in direct contact with someone who had it.

On Sunday, March 22 the body of Harry Montgomery, 54 of Troy, Montana was found on a local ranch.  His body has been identified by the Montana State Crime Lab through fingerprinting.  Mr. Montgomery was reported as missing on January 13, 2020 by his family.  His vehicle was located on northbound Interstate 15 near the south interchange.  There were no signs of foul play there is no health threat to the community.  His cause of death is pending toxicology.

An earthquake approximately forty four miles West of Challis, Id was felt by Dillon residents, as well as residents throughout the State. According to the USGS website the quake registered in at a magnitude 6.5 at 5:45 pm. As of know no damage has been reported around Dillon.

Press release from the Governors office: Governor Steve Bullock today announced consumer protections to lessen the economic impacts on Montanans during the COVID-19 statewide emergency by stopping evictions, foreclosures and cancellation of utility services including water, heating and internet service. “One of my top priorities is continuing to find ways to ease the financial hardships on Montanans. So long as this virus forces Montanans to stay home to save lives, Montanans need a home to stay in,” Governor Bullock said. “This order ensures that a loss of income won’t lead to Montanans losing their homes or having the heat turned off if they can’t pay the rent or make their monthly utility bill.” For the duration of the Directive, landlords are prohibited from terminating a lease or refusing to renew or extend the terms of a current lease agreement, at least on a month-to-month basis. It also prohibits late fees or other penalties due to late or nonpayment of rent, prohibits rent increases except for those previously agreed upon and prohibits landlords from seeking damages in court due to nonpayment of rent. The Directive also stops involuntary sales of homes, foreclosures, liens placed on residential properties or late fees charged due to inability to pay mortgage payments on time for the duration of the Directive. The Directive does not relieve tenants from paying rent or borrowers from paying mortgages or other financial obligations related to homeownership. Additionally, the Directive prohibits suspension of utilities during the emergency, including electricity, gas, sewage disposal, water, telephone, or internet services, and prohibits late fees for bills due during the Directive. The federal CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) passed by Congress on Friday includes additional funding for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), which helps low-income households with heating homes, weatherization, and energy-related low-cost home repairs or replacements. LIEAP in Montana is administered by DPHHS. To apply for LIEAP, contact your local LIEAP (Human Resource Development Council) offices, call 1-833-317-1080 or visit the state’s LIHEAP website at www.lieap.mt.gov . Finally, the Directive also requires public housing authorities to extend deadlines for housing assistance recipients. It also requires the Montana Commissioner of Banking, along with the Montana Department of Commerce, to identify tools that could be used to bring Montanans relief from the threat of residential foreclosure, and to promote housing stability. Governor Bullock declared a statewide emergency to respond to COVID-19 on March 12.The Directive is effective now through April 10, 2020, in line with other Directives, though it may be extended.

The Dillon City Council will hold their regular monthly meeting on 04/01/2020. They know with the COVID-19 outbreak that social distancing needs to be practiced. They will limit the number of people who will be in the meeting, They have also made arrangements for it to be accessed electronically through Zoom. Here is the press release with the info to join in if you would like. Regular Council Meeting Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. Hard copies will not be printed for council. The agenda and packet are available on the City of Dillon website. http://www.dillonmt.org/SiteData/Agendas/2020/2020-04-01%20Reg%20Packet.pdf The City of Dillon understands that citizens have the right under the Montana Constitution to observe and participate in local governmental affairs by personally attending all public meetings of the Dillon City Council, boards and committees. Due to unprecedented public health concerns with the COVID-19 virus pandemic, anyone who would like to attend the meeting, may do so via “Zoom”. Cell phone meeting id: 770-316-6528. Computer https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 Allow permission for mic and camera.  Plan to join the Zoom meeting 5 to 10 minutes prior to Council meeting start time, which is 7:00 p.m. For problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245. As with all City of Dillon meetings, a recording of these proceedings will be kept and available for review upon request.

The Dillon Elks Lodge #1554 and the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce are offering their services to any at risk or elderly that are not able or choose not to venture out to do your grocery shopping. We have worked out procedures with Safeway. We will take your orders over the phone, make sure you take into account your allergies and/or dietary needs when giving us said order (prefer texted orders) and we will shop to the best of our ability for you and when we check out, Safeway will call you for payment information which is our preferred method. As a piece of mind to you, this is under Elks volunteerism and as such we or covered and bonded with our insurance. We are doing this to help our neighbors in need and would encourage anyone that needs this service to call Elks Gerald Penn at 925-9184/683-5552 or BVHD Chamber of Commerce-Candi 683-5511

Fighting the battle with COVID-19 and trying to stay ahead of the pandemic, Governor Bullock announced a fourteen day quarantine to those coming into Montana. The Directive follows the governor’s prior travel advisory and last week’s Stay at Home Directive. “While we love our visitors, we would ask that you not come visit while Montanans are watching out for one another by staying at home,” said Governor Bullock. “This is important not only to protect our health care system, but also to protect against the spread of COVID-19.” “As of today, travel from another state or country is the most common known source of COVID-19 infections in Montana. I am asking anyone who is in Montana and has recently traveled from another state or country to do the right thing and self-quarantine for 14 days,” continued Governor Bullock. The Directive applies both to Montana residents and non-residents entering the state for non-work-related purposes. It requires a self-quarantine for 14 days, or the duration of a non-work trip to Montana—whichever is shorter. The Directive also instructs the Montana Department of Commerce to advise vacation listing and rental sites that they must notify potential out-of-state renters about the quarantine requirement. Health care workers are excluded from the Directive. Further, the Directive authorizes the Montana National Guard to conduct temperature checks at Montana airports and rail stations and screen for potential exposure history for travelers arriving in Montana from another state or country. The Directive is effective now through April 10, 2020.

With the state wide shelter in place being enacted the Beaverhead County offices have new guidelines and operating procedures. TO: Beaverhead County residents FROM: Beaverhead County Commissioners Per Beaverhead County elected officials and department heads, our offices will operate as follows: Sheriff Office and Jail Due to the threat of the Corona Virus, the entire courthouse has been closed to the public by the Beaverhead County Commissioners. This includes the Law Enforcement Annex. This closure is necessary to protect the health of the staff and inmates. If you need to speak to an Officer or a Deputy, please call the dispatch at 683-3700 or 683-3701. If an emergency exists, please call 911. Do not congregate in the vicinity the front door of the Law Enforcement Annex this just causes addition issues. Both the Dillon Police Department and the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office continue to be at full staff, and we will respond to your needs. It may be via telephones, but we will respond. This includes those of you that are currently enrolled in the 24/7 programs. Thank you for your understanding in these difficult times. Commissioners Commissioners are available by appointment only. 683-3750 Tom Rice: 925-0961 Mike McGinley: 925-0391 John Jackson: 660-1659 County attorney Available by appointment. Please call 683-3730 or email jfitch@beaverheadcounty.org . Clerk and Recorder Effective from Monday, March 30th to April 10th, 2020 and due to the recent Executive Order from Governor Bullock it has been determined that the Clerk & Recorder’s Office will be limiting their hours from 8am until 12pm daily. Document recording will only be done by appointment or through our e e-recording process during those same hours. If you are needing a birth or death certificate, the applications can be found on our Beaverhead County website under the Clerk & Recorder’s Office. We will be available by telephone 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday—Friday. Election Office The Election Office will maintain their regular hours of 8am until 5pm by appointment or phone calls only. This will be effective from Monday, March 30th to April 10th, 2020. Clerk of District Court In order to serve you in the safest possible manner, the Clerk of District Court office will be operating under these strict guidelines. This office IS open for business but closed to walk-in traffic. Marriage Licenses will be issued by appointment only. Applicants are reminded of Governor Bullock’s “STAY-AT-HOME” directive issued on 3/26/20. Passport Issuance is by appointment only. Applicants are reminded of Governor Bullock’s “STAY-AT-HOME” directive issued on 3/26/20. All attorney filings shall be submitted via email or fax. Certified copies may be requested via email and mailed to you. Pro Se filings will be accepted via US Mail. Filings will be processed when fees or a notarized Affidavit of Indigence are submitted and approved by the Court. All child support, court fines/fees, and other court related payments shall be paid by, a cashier’s check, or money order and mailed to the Court. No Cash Payments! Per order of the Court, all Court hearings will be held via video or telephone. For questions regarding the above procedures, please call (406) 683-3725 or email your question to canderson4@mt.gov . Environmental Health/Sanitation The office is closed to face to face meetings. For land use Call 406-683-3770 or 406-596-1251 or email twagenknecht@beaverheadcounty.org . Disaster and Emergency Services Our staff will be operating the Beaverhead County Incident Command System jointly with Public Health during this crisis. This is a very busy time for us, please limit telephone calls to emergency only and use email! 406-596-1251, twagenknecht@beaverheadcounty.org . Extension Office The Extension Office will remain open for phone calls, emails, and by appointment. Appointments can be made using contact information below. Office: 406-683-3785 Cell: 970-630-9216 Email: Jessica.murray4@montana.edu Finance Will be closed from March 30—April 10, 2020. Please leave messages at 683-3734. GIS Please call Tracy Sawyer at 683-3757 or 925-2212. Justice Court Court hearings are being held via video conference. Available by appointment only. Please call 683-3755. Leave message if no answer, we will return all calls as soon as possible. Planning Office Planning Office is closed for the next two weeks March 30th  to April 10th  All deadlines for subdivision and floodplains decisions have been suspended as per Governor Bullock Directive dated March 24th 2020. Public Health Available by appointment only. Please call 683-4771 or email lguillen@beaverheadcounty.org . Solid Waste Please call Larry Laknar at 925-9765. Landfill is open Monday –Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Superintendent of Schools –The office is closed to face to face meetings. For assistance, please call 683-3737 or 925-1659 or send emails to lmarsh@beaverheadcounty.org during regular working hours. For submission of documents, please send by email or FAX to 683-3769. Educator Licenses will not be registered at this time.  Treasurer Our office will be closed for the Next 2 weeks, March 30, 2020 – April 12, 2020. We will process on-line renewals and we also have a drop box on the Southside of the building close to the main door on Center Street facing Pioneer Federal, daily. Contact information is: 683-5821 (telephone), 683-5693 (fax), chucke@mt.gov . Road Department Road crew employees are still working and maintaining roads. Dillon shop: 683-5561, Wisdom shop: 689-3281, Lima shop 276-3587. Messages can also be left at 683-3780. Weed District Weed District staff will be available by phone, email, and by appointment. Please contact us using the following:   Amber Burch, Coordinator Cell: 406-925-1346 (call or text) Email: aburch@beaverheadcounty.org Kara Maplethorpe, Assistant Coordinator Cell: 715-681-0795 Email: kmaplethorpe@beaverheadcounty.org

On Sunday, March 22 at around 5:00 pm the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office received a report that an employee of a local ranch had found a human body in a field south of the city limits of Dillon.  A deputy responded and discovered the body of an adult male lying in the field.  The Beaverhead County Coroner, County Attorney and Sheriff responded to the scene.  The body has been taken to the Crime Lab in Missoula for autopsy.  Release of the identity of the man is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.  There are no signs of foul play, and there is no threat to the community regarding this incident. We will have more on this story as we get information. ​

We teamed up with Debbie from The Bookstore, she has picked some stories and will read them. We filmed them and have them on our Facebook page as well. We will update this story as we produce more of them. All of these books can be purchased through The Bookstore.