DILLON, Mont. — The Montana Fifth Judicial District Court has several criminal and civil proceedings scheduled in Beaverhead County for the week of September 14–18, 2026. According to the court’s Law and Motion Calendar, Judge Berger will be in Virginia City on Monday, with the majority of Beaverhead County proceedings scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday. The court notes that the calendar is subject to change. Tuesday, September 15 Tuesday’s court calendar begins at 9 a.m. with an initial appearance in State v. Turner, followed by initial appearances in State v. Marin at 9:10 a.m. and State v. Lopez at 9:20 a.m. At 9:30 a.m., State v. Greene is scheduled for a change-of-plea hearing. A pretrial conference in State v. DuBois is scheduled for 9:40 a.m., followed by a change-of-plea hearing in State v. Colvard at 9:50 a.m. Two additional matters are scheduled Tuesday. A petition for a name change in In re Lazuka is set for 11:30 a.m., while a status hearing in Reamy v. King is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, September 17 Judge Berger is scheduled to be in Boulder on Wednesday before Beaverhead County proceedings resume Thursday. At 10:30 a.m. Thursday, an evidentiary hearing is scheduled in State v. C. Schmidt, involving Cause Nos. 23-4169 and 23-4170. At 11:30 a.m., Cochran v. Lopez is scheduled for a default hearing concerning a parenting plan. No proceedings are listed on the calendar for Friday, September 18.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — Southbound traffic on Interstate 15 was diverted Thursday afternoon after a semi-trailer became stuck near mile marker 31. The semi was traveling south when a gust of wind reportedly pushed it off the highway. The driver traveled through the borrow pit while attempting to turn around and return to the interstate. During the maneuver, the trailer’s landing gear began dragging in the ground. The trailer eventually became hung up on the roadway, leaving the semi stuck and the trailer blocking the southbound lanes. Traffic was diverted at the Kidd exit and routed onto the old highway while the roadway was obstructed. Motorists traveling through the area were advised to slow down and watch for emergency personnel and diverted traffic.

Climb a utility pole. Change a tire. Build a wall. Take an X-ray. Trades and Technology Day at Highlands College of Montana Tech gives Montana high school students a chance to trade the classroom for hands-on career exploration on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. “This is such an exciting opportunity for students, and one of our favorite events to host,” Director of Workforce and K-12 partnerships Kinsley Bennett said. “We love creating opportunities for students to step outside the classroom, explore possibilities they may have never considered, and discover new interests through hands-on experiences. It’s inspiring to see students engage, ask questions, and envision what their future could look like.” Students will remain with their school throughout the day, with each school selecting their top three career programs for students to explore. Highlands College will organize each school’s experience around their selected programs, providing engaging, hands-on learning opportunities in areas such as automotive, broadband technology, civil engineering technology, healthcare, commercial equipment and driving operations, computer networks and cybersecurity, construction, mining technology, precision machining, web development, welding, and the pre-apprentice line program. Students will also visit the Industry Room to explore local industries, learn about career opportunities, and discover the skills and training employers are looking for. Trades and Technology Day will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, at Highlands College, 25 Basin Creek Road in Butte. Lunch will be provided for students; dietary restrictions should be shared in advance. Space is limited, so students and schools are encouraged to register early. Chaperones are required to attend with schools, and students registering individually are required to bring a parent or guardian. Register at this link. Schools are encouraged to register students individually. To register a school as a group, contact Kinsley Bennett at krafish@mtech.edu or (406) 496-4684. Trades and Technology Day is designed to help students explore the dynamic fields of trades and technology through hands-on learning. Students can discover programs that combine creativity, technical expertise and practical skills while learning more about potential career pathways. Not sure what you want to study? Highlands College offers associate and certificate programs that prepare students for in-demand careers, including: Associate of Science Automotive Technology Behavioral Health Technician Broadband Technology Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Civil Engineering Technology Computer Networks and Cybersecurity Commercial Driver's License Program (CDL) Construction Technology – Carpentry Fiber Splicing Heavy Equipment Operation Mining Technology Pre-Apprentice Line Precision Machining Technology Radiologic Technology Warehousing Web Development and Administration Welding Technology

DILLON, Mont. — Isabella, the granddaughter who inspired The Treasure Pack children’s book series, will sign books at The Bookstore in Dillon from 3 to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11. Known as “The Littlest Treasure Hunter,” Isabella inspired the series written by her grandparents, Suzanne and Jim Lord. The stories follow Isabella and her cousins as they complete treasure hunts created by their Poppa and Grandma. Designed for early readers, the books introduce real treasure-hunting skills through puzzles, ciphers and clues while promoting reading, problem-solving and family adventures. In the stories, Isabella discovers that the greatest treasure is sharing adventures with family and friends. Giving back is also part of the Treasure Pack family’s mission. Proceeds from book sales support its donation efforts. The family has donated 100 books to Shriners Children’s Northern California and another 100 to Shodair Children’s Hospital in Helena. Sunrise Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas has been selected for the family’s next donation drive. Those interested in reserving copies or requesting more information may call The Bookstore at 406-683-6807.

As Beaverhead County’s public schools moved into the first day of school, those parents who wish to home school their children are also preparing for the new school year. Parents must notify the County Superintendent of Schools (Mike Miller) that their child is (or children are) being homeschooled. The mandatory information parents need to provide the Superintendent’s office is (1) a written notice of the intent to home school and (2) the “Notification of Opportunity to Participate in Federally- funded Program” Form. These forms are available at the Superintendent’s office, on the County’s website, or may be requested through an email or phone call at 406.683.3737. The Superintendent’s email address is mmiller@beaverheadcountymt.gov. These forms take approximately 5-6 minutes to fill out and can be completed right in the office. Parents must file these documents as soon as possible, but certainly before 1 October 2026.

DILLON, Mont. — The Dillon Jaycees have announced the winners of the annual Labor Day Parade. Buck N Horse Stables earned first place, while the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution finished second. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received third place. The parade was part of Dillon’s annual Labor Day celebration and Montana’s Biggest Weekend.

BOZEMAN, Mont. — Daily hoot-owl fishing restrictions have been lifted on portions of the Beaverhead and Madison rivers because of cooling water temperatures, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. The restriction was lifted on the Beaverhead River from Selway Bridge Fishing Access Site to the river’s confluence with the Big Hole River. A restriction was also lifted on the Madison River from the Warm Springs Boat Launch to its confluence with the Jefferson River. Hoot-owl restrictions prohibit fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight each day. They are implemented during periods of elevated water temperatures to reduce stress and fishing-related mortality. Full closures prohibit fishing throughout the day. Despite the change, drought-related fishing closures remain in effect on portions of the Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers. Anglers should verify current conditions before fishing because the removal of a hoot-owl restriction does not affect separate full closures. FWP continues working with irrigators and other partners to improve streamflow's and other conditions where possible. Anglers can reduce stress on fish by landing them quickly, keeping them in the water and allowing them to recover before release. Current restrictions and closures are available through FWP’s waterbody closures and restrictions page.

The University of Montana Western is proud to announce that the Dillon Community Story Stroll, a partnership between Montana Western, School District #10, and the Dillon Public Library that supports community youth literacy and reading experiences, has been selected as a 2026 Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program Emerging Strategies Honoree. The Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program recognizes organizations in the United States and abroad that provide exemplary, innovative, sustainable, and replicable strategies to promote literacy and reading. Established by the Library of Congress in 2013, the program is generously supported by philanthropist David M. Rubenstein and, since 2023, by the Kislak Family Foundation. With support from Rubenstein and the Kislak Family Foundation, the Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program has awarded more than $4.8 million to more than 250 organizations in 42 countries since 2013. The Library of Congress announced the 2026 honorees on September 8, 2026, International Literacy Day. Twenty-one organizations were recognized through this year’s Literacy Awards Program, including the Dillon Community Story Stroll, which will receive a $5,000 award to support the program. Katie Miller, Katrina Kennett, and Kim Denny have also been invited to attend the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. in November. The Dillon Community Story Stroll began in 2021 when Dillon Middle School teacher Katie Miller, public Library Director Lori Roberts, and University of Montana Western professor Dr. Katrina Kennett teamed up to bring a choose-your-own-adventure project to life as a community Story Stroll. Since then, the project has grown into an annual intergenerational collaboration. First graders research a topic, such as habitats or local animals, and a genre, such as fractured fairy tales. Their eighth-grade reading buddies then transform that learning into an interactive, illustrated story. The finished stories are published as both yard signs and bound books, complete with ISBNs, allowing all of the student authors to take home a published copy of their work. Pre-service teachers from Montana Western add another layer to the project by recording students reading their stories aloud and linking those recordings to QR codes on every sign and page. The result is a community reading experience that combines writing, illustration, technology, mentorship, and outdoor activity. The project’s goal is to help young writers in the rural community see themselves as real authors writing for a real audience, while giving families a reason to read and walk together outdoors. Along the way, first graders practice research, comprehension, and reading fluency; eighth graders develop narrative writing and mentorship skills; and future teachers practice authentic technology integration in a real classroom setting. The Story Stroll has also become a broader community experience. Hands-on activities at the school district’s Celebration of Excellence allow children of all ages to craft pillows or design stickers featuring characters from that year’s story. Local businesses help print the books and signs, while community grants and organizational support help make the project possible each year. “Every year this project invites the joy and hard work of everyone involved. On recording days, you can feel the first graders’ sense of accomplishment when reading their part aloud and the eighth graders’ pride in their story and artwork. I love watching UMW students rethink what technology can do when it’s in service of a meaningful, student-centered project. To make it all possible, I’m incredibly grateful for the community support we have received over the years,” said Dr. Kennett. Miller said the project demonstrates that reading can be both a social and active experience. “Ecstatic. This word definitely captures the energy I have been carrying around as I’ve shared the news with close family and friends,” Miller said. “The Library of Congress recognizes our Story Stroll project as an exemplar of innovative strategies to promote literacy and reading. What I love most about our project is that it reminds us that reading doesn’t have to be a solo activity, and it doesn’t have to be done sitting down. In our Story Stroll, you enjoy the company of others and walk and interact with a story made by our own youth. It’s pretty special.” The project’s impact extends beyond the students who create each year’s story. Garret Yeager, a former Montana Western education student who participated in the Story Stroll, said the experience helped him build relationships with local schools and the Dillon Public Library that continued into his work with children. “The middle school students had to learn to work with the wildly imaginative concepts of the first graders and transform them into a story,” Yeager said. “The first graders got the opportunity to practice reading in front of older students and the pre-service teachers. For some, this was a challenge met by overwhelming encouragement; for others, it was their moment to shine.” Yeager also witnessed the project’s impact on the broader community. “I got to see the effects it had on the community as members walked through the signs and listened to the voices of local first graders while following the choose-your-own-adventure story constructed by the middle schoolers,” Yeager said. The Dillon Community Story Stroll was named Montana Library Program of the Year in 2023. Over the years, the project has received support from Dillon Friends of the Library, United Way of Beaverhead County, Kappa Delta Pi, Humanities Montana, the National Education Association, and Montana Western through both Academic Affairs and the UMW Foundation. Now entering its fifth year, the Dillon Community Story Stroll is expanding toward permanent installation sites and a formal research study examining its impact. The Library of Congress recognition provides additional support for the project as it continues to bring students, educators, families, and the broader Dillon community together through literacy. Families and community members are invited to visit the University of Montana Western campus and Dillon Public Library this week (September 8-13) to experience the 2026 Story Stroll and celebrate the authors and stories in our community. To learn more about the Dillon Community Story Stroll, visit the Dillon Community Story Stroll website or contact Dr. Katrina Kennett at katrina.kennett@umwestern.edu. To learn more about the 2026 Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program and view the full announcement, visit the Library of Congress Newsroom. For more information about the Library of Congress, visit www.loc.gov.

DILLON, Mont. — Montana Western football’s Eli Nourse has been named the Erck Hotels/Frontier Conference Football Offensive Player of the Week following a record-setting performance in the Bulldogs’ season-opening victory over MSU-Northern. The Frontier Conference announced the honor Monday. It marks the second Player of the Week award of Nourse’s career. Nourse put together a huge first half as No. 18 Montana Western defeated MSU-Northern 49-35 on the road. The Dillon native finished with nine receptions for 170 yards and a program-record five touchdown catches. All five of Nourse’s touchdowns came during the first half as Montana Western built a commanding 44-7 halftime advantage. Four of his five touchdown receptions came during the second quarter, accounting for all 28 of the Bulldogs’ points in the quarter. Nourse averaged 18.9 yards per reception, with his longest catch going for 63 yards. He finished the game with 204 all-purpose yards, adding a 34-yard kickoff return to his 170 receiving yards. Nourse was responsible for 30 points in the victory. Head coach Ryan Nourse praised the entire offensive unit for its preparation and execution on the road while highlighting Eli’s ability to take advantage of his opportunities despite playing only the first half. Bulldogs Return to Dillon for Rivalry Game Montana Western now turns its attention to its home opener Saturday in Dillon, where the Bulldogs will host rival Montana Tech. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. The matchup gives the No. 18 Bulldogs their first opportunity of the season to play in front of the home crowd following their 49-point performance on the road.

WISDOM, Mont. — Firefighters continue making progress on the Sand Creek Fire, which has reached 36% containment, as management of three Southwest Montana wildfires prepares to transition back to a local organization. The Sand Creek Fire is now estimated at 35,509 acres and 36% contained, while the Bobcat Lakes Fire is estimated at 10,895 acres and 61% contained. The smaller Skull Fire is estimated at 68 acres and remains listed at 0% containment. A total of 495 personnel are currently assigned to the fires, including 12 crews, 11 engines, one dozer, five masticators and seven skidgens. All three fires were caused by lightning and began July 31 or August 1. Fire Management Returning to Local Team On Monday evening, September 7, Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 1, led by Incident Commander Brent Olson, is scheduled to transfer command of the Bobcat Lakes, Sand Creek and Skull fires to a local Type 3 organization from the Wisdom Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The incident management team thanked the surrounding communities for their support during its time managing the fires. Sand Creek Fire Crews continue mop-up and suppression repair along Steel-Fox Road to help protect private property on the western side of the Sand Creek Fire. Along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, heavy equipment crews are thinning vegetation and reducing fuels between the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires. Firefighters are also patrolling direct control lines from Price Creek to the ridgeline above Comet Mountain and west toward Grasshopper Ridge. North and west of Dingley Creek, private landowners and resource advisors are identifying areas where suppression repair is needed so crews can begin erosion-prevention work on control lines. Crews are preparing boundary fences from Stanley Creek south to Broomfield Gulch and providing point protection for values at risk. Repair and restoration work also continues along dozer lines on the southern perimeter. In the Clemow Cow Camp area, firefighters are constructing direct and indirect control lines from Warm Springs Creek eastward while continuing mop-up work in Old Tim Creek. Bobcat Lakes and Skull Fires On the Bobcat Lakes Fire, firefighters continue reinforcing control lines along the northeast corner and eastern side of the fire. Suppression repair crews are restoring areas impacted by firefighting operations, including repairing dozer and hand lines, rehabilitating disturbed ground and conducting chipping and grading along southern control lines near Lacy Creek Road. The work is intended to reduce erosion and protect natural resources. The Skull Fire continues to show minimal activity, with unmanned aircraft being used to patrol the fire. Rain Expected to Keep Fire Activity Low Rain is expected to continue through Monday morning before tapering off around midday. Scattered showers could linger into the afternoon and evening. With fuels saturated from the recent moisture, fire behavior is expected to remain primarily limited to smoldering. The conditions should allow firefighters to continue securing direct control lines and making progress on mop-up operations. Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway Remains Closed Despite improving conditions and increased containment, the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway remains closed. Closures also remain in effect for National Forest System areas, roads and trails affected by the fires. Current closure information is available through the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest website.

MADISON COUNTY, Mont. — Emergency crews responded Sunday morning, September 6, to a single-vehicle rollover involving an SUV pulling a trailer, according to a Facebook post from the Madison Valley Rural Fire Department. Madison Valley Rural Fire Department, Madison Valley EMS and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident. According to the fire department, one patient was transported to Madison Valley Medical Center. No additional information regarding the extent of the person’s injuries was provided in the post. Firefighters remained at the scene following the rollover to secure the SUV and trailer and address any additional hazards created by the crash. Crews also provided traffic control to help protect emergency personnel and motorists while responders worked at the scene. The fire department did not provide additional details regarding the location of the rollover or what may have caused the SUV and trailer to leave the roadway. P.C. Madison Valley Rural Fire Deaprtment P.C. Madison Valley Rural Fire Deaprtment

MAYVILLE, N.D. — The Montana Western volleyball team opened Frontier Conference play with a pair of five-set road victories over Valley City State and Mayville State this weekend. The Bulldogs improved to 3-6 overall and 2-0 in conference play. Valley City State fell to 3-7 overall and 1-2 in the conference, while Mayville State dropped to 0-7 and 0-3. “It’s always great to go 2-0 on opening weekend on the road in conference play,” head coach Katie Lovett said. “We are looking forward to a big week next week and our first home game on Friday.” Bulldogs complete reverse sweep against Valley City State Valley City State took the first two sets 25-20 and 25-23 before Montana Western rallied. The Bulldogs saved three match points in the third set before earning a 29-27 victory. Western carried that momentum into the fourth, winning 25-21 to force a deciding set. UMW completed the reverse sweep with a 15-12 victory in the fifth. Savana Warburton led the Bulldogs with 14 kills, followed by Kennedy Lingenfelter with 13 and Antonia Duncan with 11. Jaiden Perez hit .412 and recorded a match-high eight blocks. Olivia Rosborough posted a .400 hitting percentage. Setters Sophie Worden and Jayda Ward combined for 50 assists, while Madisyn Frazier led the match with 16 digs. Montana Western finished with advantages in points, kills, blocks, assists and digs. The Bulldogs recorded a season-high 15 blocks. Western outlasts Mayville State The Bulldogs opened Saturday’s match with a 25-17 victory, but Mayville State answered by taking the second set 26-24. Montana Western cruised to a 25-13 win in the third before the Comets responded with a 25-13 victory of their own to force a fifth set. UMW scored 11 of the final 15 points in the deciding frame to secure its second five-set victory of the weekend. Averi Look led the match with 17 kills and hit .343. Lingenfelter added 10 kills while posting a match-best .381 hitting percentage. Ward and Worden combined for 49 assists. Perez served five of Western’s season-high 16 aces, while Morgyn Harrison added four. Frazier led the match with 30 digs, and Perez tied for the match lead with three blocks. Across the two matches, Perez recorded 11 blocks. Warburton finished with at least nine kills in each contest, including her season-high 14 against Valley City State. Bulldogs prepare for three-match week Montana Western will travel to Butte to face rival Montana Tech on Wednesday, Sept. 9. The Bulldogs will then return to Straugh Gymnasium for their first home matches of the season, hosting Dickinson State on Friday, Sept. 11, and Bismarck State on Saturday, Sept. 12.

HAVRE, Mont. — Senior wide receiver Eli Nourse caught a program-record five touchdown passes as Montana Western opened its 2026 football season with a 49-35 road victory over MSU-Northern on Saturday. Nourse broke his own school record for touchdown receptions in a single game. He finished with nine catches for 170 yards, including a 63-yard reception. “We played a great first half,” head coach Ryan Nourse said. “We hit on all cylinders and executed really well in all facets and put up 44 points.” The Bulldogs built a commanding 44-7 halftime advantage before the Lights rallied in the second half. Kaden LaPlaunt completed 15 of 21 passes for 272 yards and five touchdowns. Sam Wulff added 72 yards and one touchdown on 5-of-10 passing, while Michael Martin completed three of four attempts for 45 yards. Seth Shook caught five passes for 100 yards and a touchdown. Jakob Humphrey led the rushing attack with 108 yards on 19 carries, while Aidan Lammers gained 91 yards on six attempts. Montana Western finished with 618 yards of offense, including 389 through the air and 229 on the ground. The Bulldogs recorded 27 first downs and scored on all four trips inside the red zone. Bulldogs dominate first half LaPlaunt connected with Nourse for a 21-yard touchdown with just under 10 minutes remaining in the opening quarter. The defense then recorded a safety to give Western a 9-0 lead. Shook caught a 44-yard touchdown pass from LaPlaunt with seven minutes remaining in the first quarter. Nourse took over in the second period, catching four more touchdown passes — three from LaPlaunt and one from Wulff. His fifth touchdown reception came just before halftime and sent the Bulldogs into the locker room with a 44-7 advantage. MSU-Northern began its comeback with a 40-yard touchdown pass from Malakhi Statler to Isaiah Woodley in the third quarter. Trevin Thorpe answered with a 40-yard field goal for Western. The Bulldogs scored their final points on their second safety of the game early in the fourth quarter. MSU-Northern added three late touchdowns, but Western held on for the 49-35 victory. Defensive and special-teams leaders Connor Dunlea, Romeo Simpson and Bryson LeCoure led Montana Western with four tackles each. Tyler Schoen recorded two tackles for loss, both sacks, for a combined loss of 10 yards. Bodie Smith and Tyson Hirrlinger combined for three pass breakups. Andrew Wagner added a quarterback hurry. Maclain Burckley converted all six of his extra-point attempts and averaged 40.3 yards per punt, including a 60-yard kick. For MSU-Northern, Statler passed for 362 yards and three touchdowns. Woodley caught eight passes for 232 yards and three scores. Montana Western returns to Dillon for its home opener against rival Montana Tech on Saturday, Sept. 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.

DILLON, Mont. — Saturday morning brought plenty of rodeo action to the Beaverhead County Fair as young competitors took center stage for the annual Youth Rodeo. Southwestern Montana News was there to capture photos from throughout the morning as participants competed in a variety of events in front of family, friends and fairgoers. As always, one of the biggest crowd favorites was Mutton Busting, with young riders hanging on as long as they could while the crowd cheered them on. Steer riding also provided plenty of excitement as young cowboys and cowgirls tested their skills in the arena. Check Out Our Youth Rodeo Photo Gallery We captured plenty of moments from Saturday morning's action. Enjoy our photo gallery from the Beaverhead County Fair Youth Rodeo, featuring Mutton Busting, steer riding and more from the arena. The Beaverhead County Fair continues this weekend in Dillon as part of Montana's Biggest Weekend.

MISSOULA, Mont. — A Dillon man was sentenced Friday to 18 months in federal prison for unlawfully possessing firearms, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Cameron Duane Haworth, 50, will also serve three years of supervised release and pay a $10,000 fine. Haworth pleaded guilty in April 2026 to unlawful possession of a firearm. The government alleged in court documents that Haworth was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a previous felony conviction. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Haworth’s home on Aug. 13, 2025. Agents found six firearms and ammunition inside the residence, according to prosecutors. During an interview following the search, Haworth reportedly acknowledged knowing the firearms were in the home. U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided over the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katy Stack prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — First responders were called to Interstate 15 near mile marker 58 Friday evening for a vehicle reported to be on fire in the northbound lanes. According to scanner traffic, deputies responding to the incident arrived on scene and reported that a Subaru's gas tank was on fire. Beaverhead County Volunteer Fire Department and emergency medical personnel were then requested to respond. Shortly after arriving, firefighters began working to contain and extinguish the vehicle fire. Traffic control was also established in the area to provide firefighters with a safe working area along the interstate. The occupants of the vehicle were evaluated at the scene and declined further medical treatment or ambulance transport, according to scanner traffic. Separate Crash Reported Near Vehicle Fire The Montana Highway Patrol also reported a separate crash near the area shortly before the vehicle fire. Scanner traffic indicated a Montana Highway Patrol trooper was responding to investigate both the crash and the vehicle fire. Motorists traveling through the area experienced emergency activity along the northbound lanes while crews worked at the scene. No additional information was immediately available regarding what caused the Subaru to catch fire or details surrounding the separate crash. Southwestern Montana News will provide additional information if it becomes available.

DILLON, Mont. — The Beaverhead County Fair is officially underway, kicking off several days of activities as Montana’s Biggest Weekend gets started in Dillon. The fair opened Thursday, September 3, with 4-H livestock judging, including lambs, pigs and cattle, while exhibits throughout the fairgrounds are also open for visitors to enjoy. Fairgoers can make their way through the exhibit buildings to see artwork, flowers, baked goods and many other entries submitted for this year’s fair. If you entered something this year, now is the time to stop by and find out which ribbon your entry received. Thursday Evening Events at the Beaverhead County Fair There is still plenty happening at the fairgrounds Thursday evening. Music on the Midway runs from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by 4-H, FFA and Open Market judging at 5 p.m. At 6 p.m., the Beaverhead County Fair Team Roping Classic gets underway, bringing another popular Western event to the fairgrounds. The evening wraps up with Karaoke on the Midway from 7 to 9 p.m. Families can also enjoy bounce houses for the kids, vendors along the midway and the many exhibits and activities happening throughout the fairgrounds. Check Out Our Beaverhead County Fair Photo Gallery Southwestern Montana News was at the fair Thursday capturing some of the opening-day action. Be sure to check out our photo gallery from today’s events, then head down to the Beaverhead County Fair and experience it for yourself. The fair continues through Sunday as Dillon celebrates Montana’s Biggest Weekend with several days of fair activities, rodeo action, entertainment and community events. Catch us at The Beaverhead County Fair