Beaverhead County Mental Health Local Advisory Counsel Tom Welch Room County Treasurers Building – Corner of Center and Washington AGENDA Thursday, August 13, 2026, Noon to 2:00 p.m. Introductions - Establish Quorum Approval of Minutes – July 9 meeting DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS: 1. MOU with Bridging Connections 2. Action on Updating Bylaws/Meeting Location, Day or Time 3. Resource Fair 4. SAA Attendance/Representative 5. September Suicide Prevention Month UPDATES 1. Local updates NEW BUSINESS NOT ON AGENDA ADJOURN

Polaris, MT — Just in from the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Incident Management Team: A GO evacuation status has been issued for areas from Billings Creek north, extending from Polaris to the Subdivisions Ma Barnes is located in. The GO status also includes Mountain View, Highboy Drive, sawtooth road Clark creek road. Residents in the affected area should leave immediately and follow all directions from law enforcement and fire officials. This is a developing situation. Southwestern Montana News will provide additional information as it becomes available. PLEASE SHARE to help get this information to residents in the affected area.

DILLON, Mont. — Three Dillon Cubs players have earned South A All-Conference honors for the 2026 American Legion baseball season. Andrew Bartlome, Kanin Engelhardt and Sawyer Tackett were named to the 21-player South A All-Conference team. Bartlome and Tackett also received Class A All-State recognition. They were among eight players selected from the South A conference. The GVO Outlaws led the All-Conference selections with six players, followed by the Belgrade Bandits with four. The Bozeman Bucks, Butte Miners and Dillon Cubs each had three players selected, while the Helena Reps had two. 2026 South A All-State Team Max Zimmer — Belgrade Bandits Chance Stephens — Belgrade Bandits Karsen McEwen — Butte Miners Kodye Kjersten — Butte Miners Andrew Bartlome — Dillon Cubs Sawyer Tackett — Dillon Cubs Jaxon Iddings — GVO Outlaws Sawyer Marks — GVO Outlaws 2026 South A All-Conference Team Belgrade Bandits Andrew Hazen Max Zimmer Chance Stephens Memphis Wagner Bozeman Bucks Treak Tasker Quinn Haarer Isaac Ashcraft Butte Miners Karsen McEwen Gunnar O’Brien Logan Carden Dillon Cubs Andrew Bartlome Kanin Engelhardt Sawyer Tackett GVO Outlaws Dawson Davis Lucas Peterson Tristan Engbretson Jaxon Iddings Sawyer Marks Scotty LeMay Helena Reps Sam Sperzum Colt Lafromboise

The University of Montana Western is pleased to welcome alumnus Dr. Dilan Starkel as the guest speaker for the 2026 Legacy Plaza Celebration, held in conjunction with Convocation on Thursday, August 13. The annual celebration welcomes Montana Western's newest students while recognizing the beginning of their journey as Bulldogs. A 2012 graduate of Beaverhead County High School, Starkel earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Montana Western in 2016 before attending the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. After graduating from dental school, he purchased Libby Family Dentistry in 2020 and recently opened Starkel Dental in Dillon, where he currently serves patients in both communities. During his time at Montana Western, Starkel was a member of the Bulldog football team and served as a resident assistant and assistant hall director in the Residence Life Department. He also worked on the Residence Life janitorial staff during the summers and spent several semesters working in the campus bookstore. Starkel credits Montana Western’s Experience One block schedule, the mentorship of faculty in the Biology Department, and the guidance of his coaches for preparing him for the demands of dental school and his professional career. “The education I received at Western put me on a level playing field with my peers in dental school, many of whom attended prestigious universities,” Starkel said. “The block system prepared me well for the accelerated pace of learning required in professional school.” Today, Starkel serves on the New Dentist Committee for the Montana Dental Association. He and his wife, Alyssa, whom he met while attending Montana Western, have two children and enjoy spending time together as a family, reading, playing video games, and supporting Bulldog and Beaver athletics. The Legacy Plaza Celebration follows Convocation and symbolizes the beginning of each student’s Montana Western journey. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and friends are invited to join in welcoming the newest members of the Bulldog family.

POLARIS, Mont. — The Sand Creek Fire has reached Maverick Mountain as firefighters continue working to protect structures and other critical infrastructure threatened by the advancing wildfire. According to a Tuesday morning wildfire update, the southeast corner of the Sand Creek Fire has reached Maverick Mountain. Structure protection between Elkhorn Hot Springs and Maverick Mountain has been a primary focus for firefighters ahead of the advancing fire. Crews have placed pumps, hoses and sprinkler kits around structures throughout the area. Smokejumpers have also constructed handline to connect with the Sand Creek Trail. Firefighters will continue point protection of critical values at risk Tuesday while fire managers look for opportunities to establish indirect fireline along the south side of the fire. Firing operations could also be used to reduce fuels between established lines and the active fire if conditions allow. Fire Burning Within Maverick Mountain Ski Area According to a Facebook update from Maverick Mountain, the fire is actively burning within the boundaries of the ski area. Maverick Mountain also reported that the Maverick lift has sustained damage, although the full extent of that damage is not yet known. Importantly, the Maverick Mountain lodge has not burned down, according to the ski area's update. Additional assessments will likely be needed before the extent of damage to the ski area's infrastructure can be determined. Critical Fire Weather Expected Tuesday Firefighters are facing another challenging day of weather conditions. A Red Flag Warning for critical burning conditions is in effect Tuesday from noon until 9 p.m. Temperatures are expected to reach the low 80s, with very low relative humidity and wind gusts potentially reaching 30 mph. Thunderstorms are possible Wednesday, adding another concern for crews working the fire. Officials report that the Sand Creek Fire is currently backing downhill toward the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. Community Meetings Scheduled Two community meetings have been scheduled to provide residents with updated information about the wildfire and firefighting operations. The first will be held Wednesday, August 12, at Jackson Elementary School at 6 p.m. A second meeting will be held Thursday, August 13, at the Wise River Community Center at 6 p.m. Firefighters will continue structure protection efforts around Maverick Mountain, Elkhorn Hot Springs and other threatened areas as conditions allow. Southwestern Montana News will continue following the Sand Creek Fire and provide additional information on damage at Maverick Mountain and firefighting operations as confirmed details become available.

POLARIS, Mont. — Southwestern Montana News received a report from the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office at approximately 8:11 p.m. Monday that the Sand Creek Fire has reached the top of Maverick Mountain. Southwestern Montana News traveled to the Polaris area Monday night and observed the fire actively burning through timber and moving down the mountain. As darkness settled over the area, flames could be seen burning across portions of the mountainside. However, due to the darkness and heavy smoke, it is difficult to determine exactly how far the fire has progressed or the direction and speed of its movement. This comes as firefighters continue extensive structure-protection efforts around Maverick Mountain, Elkhorn Hot Springs and surrounding areas threatened by the Sand Creek Fire. Southwestern Montana News will remain on scene through the night and will provide updates as conditions change and additional confirmed information becomes available. Residents are urged to continue following all evacuation orders and instructions from the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office and emergency personnel. This is a developing story.

POLARIS, Mont. — Monday morning, Southwestern Montana News was given a behind-the-scenes look at the extensive efforts underway to protect homes and cabins threatened by the Sand Creek Fire near Polaris. On Saturday, the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation notices for residents living beyond the Grasshopper Inn toward Elkhorn Hot Springs. Since then, firefighting operations have intensified as crews work to defend structures in the fire's path. The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway also remains closed after the nearby Bobcat Lakes Fire crossed the roadway in several locations. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish those spot fires before they could spread further. As we traveled toward Polaris Monday morning, thick smoke blanketed the area, reducing visibility to only a few hundred yards. Emergency vehicles lined the roads, with a strong presence of law enforcement officers and firefighters representing agencies from across the region. Traveling with the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office, we drove past the Grasshopper Volunteer Fire Department and continued toward Maverick Mountain. Throughout the area, the sound of chainsaws echoed through the forest as crews removed trees and brush surrounding private cabins to create defensible space. One of the most noticeable sights was the extensive network of white fire hoses stretched throughout the forest. Firefighters have installed sprinkler systems around homes and cabins that can draw water directly from nearby creeks, allowing them to quickly saturate vegetation and structures if fire approaches. In locations where streams are not easily accessible, large portable water tanks have been strategically positioned to supply pumps and sprinklers. Crews were busy installing additional hoses, checking pumps, fueling equipment, and ensuring backup systems were ready if conditions worsen. Many homeowners have also taken steps to protect their properties by placing sprinklers on the roofs of their cabins, with several already running as an added layer of defense. Evidence of Sunday's aerial firefighting efforts could still be seen across the mountainsides. Multiple air tanker drops left trees and hillsides stained pink with fire retardant, and even several Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) vehicles bore traces of the bright-colored retardant after working in the drop zones. While many people see aircraft flying overhead or smoke rising from the mountains, few witness the tremendous amount of work taking place on the ground. Hundreds of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and support personnel are working around the clock to prepare homes and critical infrastructure should the fire continue to advance. The Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office is asking the public to stay out of the affected area unless travel is absolutely necessary. Limiting traffic allows residents time to move livestock and belongings while giving firefighters the space they need to safely protect homes and continue battling the fire. As fire activity continues, structure protection remains one of the highest priorities for crews working to protect homes and businesses in and around Polaris, Montana.

MADISON COUNTY, Mont. — One person was taken to a hospital after a single-vehicle rollover early Sunday near Cemetery Loop Road and U.S. Highway 287. The crash was reported at approximately 1:30 a.m. Aug. 9, according to the Madison Valley Rural Fire Department. Emergency responders found one occupant trapped inside the vehicle. Crews successfully extricated the person, who was transported to Madison Valley Medical Center for treatment. The Madison Valley Rural Fire Department, Madison Valley Ambulance Service and Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash. The occupant’s condition and the cause of the rollover were not provided. Photo Credit Madison Valley Rural Fire Department Photo Credit Madison Valley Rural Fire Department

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — Effective immediately, the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office, in coordination with fire officials and local cooperators, has upgraded the evacuation status from "SET" to "GO" for the following areas: Elkhorn Hot Springs Maverick Mountain All communities south to Shale Creek Clark Creek on the north end of Grasshopper Valley The evacuation order comes as critical fire weather continues to impact both the Bobcat Lakes Fire and the Sand Creek Fire, which are moving in a south and eastern direction. Firefighters are prioritizing structure protection while additional firefighting resources continue to arrive in the area. Residents in the affected areas should leave immediately in an orderly manner. Anyone needing assistance with evacuation or temporary placement is asked to leave a message with Beaverhead County Emergency Services at 406-683-3771. From Beaverhead County Sherriff Facebook post Tom Wagenknecht 406-683-3771 Here is the contact for Tom Wagenknecht for the Bobcat and Sand Creek fire in the Polaris Area and the Grasshopper Inn evacuation. If you need to contact him it is important to leave a message. That is the only way Tom will get the message. Also, if anyone has animals that need to be evacuated, they can be stored at the Fair Grounds and to get a hold of Jack Bazemore. 678-446-9936 Southwestern Montana News will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — The Beaverhead County Sheriff, in coordination with fire officials and local cooperators, has moved evacuation status from “READY” to “SET,” effective immediately, for several areas as the Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek fires continue to burn under critical fire weather conditions. The “SET” evacuation status includes Elkhorn Hot Springs and Maverick Mountain, along with all communities south to Shale Creek and Clark Creek on the north end of the Grasshopper Valley. Residents and property owners within the affected areas should be prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen or authorities issue a “GO” evacuation order. Critical fire weather continues to impact both the Bobcat Lakes Fire and Sand Creek Fire, with officials reporting that both fires are moving on a southerly and easterly track. Firefighters are prioritizing structure protection in threatened areas while additional firefighting resources continue to arrive to assist with suppression efforts. Residents in and around the affected areas should remain alert and closely monitor official emergency notifications as fire conditions can change rapidly. EVACUATION STATUS: SET Elkhorn Hot Springs Maverick Mountain Communities south to Shale Creek and Clark Creek on the north end of Grasshopper Valley Southwestern Montana News will provide additional information as it becomes available.

POLARIS, Mont. — Beaverhead County officials will hold a community wildfire meeting Saturday to discuss the potential impacts of the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires on the Grasshopper Valley. The meeting will begin at 2 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Grasshopper Fire Hall in Polaris. Residents will have an opportunity to receive information about the two wildfires and learn how changing fire conditions could affect the surrounding area. The meeting was announced by Tom Wagenknecht, Beaverhead County’s fire warden and Disaster and Emergency Services representative. Meeting Information Date: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026 Time: 2 p.m. Location: Grasshopper Fire Hall, Polaris, Montana Topic: Potential effects of the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires on the Grasshopper Valley Contact: Beaverhead County Disaster and Emergency Services Office phone: 406-683-3770 Email: twagenknecht@beaverheadcountymt.gov

DILLON, Mont. — The Beaverhead County DUI Task Force will meet at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12. Task force members are scheduled to consider reorganizing the board and identifying potential candidates. The agenda does not specify which board positions may be affected. Members will also discuss support for the Dillon Police Department before holding a vote. No additional details about the proposed support are included in the agenda. Other scheduled business includes approval of the June 10 meeting minutes, a treasurer’s report and updates on the Sober Ride program. The meeting will open with welcomes, introductions, selection of a scribe and the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda lists the meeting location as the “Break Room” but does not provide a street address. Meeting Information Organization: Beaverhead County DUI Task Force Date: Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026 Time: 11 a.m. Location: Break Room Agenda: Board reorganization, treasurer’s report, Sober Ride updates and support for the Dillon Police Department Upcoming meetings: Oct. 14 and Dec. 9

DILLON, Mont. — Montana’s Fifth Judicial District Court has released its Beaverhead County law and motion calendar for the week of Aug. 10. Nine matters are scheduled Tuesday, including an initial appearance, five pretrial conferences, a bond-conditions hearing and two civil hearings. One civil matter is scheduled Thursday. The calendar is subject to change. Tuesday, Aug. 11 9 a.m.: State v. Faber, cases 26-4373 and 26-4386 — initial appearance 9:10 a.m.: State v. Amos, case 26-4358 — pretrial conference 9:20 a.m.: State v. Hiltz, case 25-4339 — pretrial conference 9:30 a.m.: State v. Dwyer, case 26-4351 — pretrial conference 9:40 a.m.: State v. Marx, case 26-4359 — pretrial conference 9:50 a.m.: State v. J. Williams, case 25-4325 — pretrial conference 10 a.m.: State v. Freeburg, case 26-4375 — hearing on bond conditions 1:30 p.m.: Antonioli v. Shenon et al., case 26-14917 — hearing on default judgment 2:30 p.m.: Ochoa v. Ochoa, case 26-14156 — status hearing Thursday, Aug. 13 9 a.m.: Young v. Johnson, case 26-14131 — motion to amend a parenting plan before Judge Hayworth Judge Berger is scheduled to be in Virginia City on Monday, Aug. 10, and in Boulder on Wednesday, Aug. 12. No Beaverhead County hearings are listed for Friday, Aug. 14. Remote Access The court provides a Zoom link and participation instructions through the Beaverhead County Clerk of District Court webpage. Remote viewers must sign in using their first and last names or they will not be allowed to view the proceedings.

The City of Dillon will begin its 2026 Street Preservation Project on Sunday, August 9. Residents are asked to remove all vehicles from streets scheduled for maintenance before work begins each day. Vehicles left on affected streets will be towed at the owner's expense. Street Preservation Schedule Sunday, August 9 Montana Street and Washington Street From Helena Street to Reeder Street Monday, August 10 Idaho Street and Pacific Street From Reeder Street to Poindexter Street Tuesday, August 11 Washington Street From Reeder Street to Poindexter Street Sunday, August 16 Idaho Street and Pacific Street From Helena Street to Reeder Street Residents who live or park along these routes are encouraged to plan ahead and move their vehicles before work begins to help crews complete the project safely and efficiently while avoiding towing costs.

WISDOM, Mont. — The Sand Creek Fire has grown to an estimated 1,684 acres as fire activity increases approximately 7.5 miles southeast of Wisdom. Smoke columns were visible Wednesday as fire activity increased on the southwest and north sections of the fire. An infrared flight was conducted to provide more accurate mapping of the fire’s perimeter. The fire started July 26, and its cause remains undetermined. A total of 32 personnel are assigned to the incident. A hotshot crew continues working along Steel Fox Road, Forest Service Road 2420, to prepare additional access points, escape routes and safety areas. A road grader and dozer are on the scene, with more resources expected to arrive. Additional crews will work on the northern section of the fire near Lilly Lake. Firefighters plan to establish control features that connect with areas burned by previous wildfires. Fire managers are also assessing the surrounding area to determine whether structure-protection measures will be necessary. Aerial resources successfully completed a radio-repeater mission, improving communications among firefighters working across the incident. Fire activity has been increasing during the afternoon. Officials said smoke and flames are most likely to be visible between 3 and 9 p.m. The fire continues to burn through heavy dead and downed fuels in lodgepole pine and subalpine fir stands on steep, timbered terrain. Red Flag Warning in Effect A Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday. Sunny conditions, smoke and haze are expected throughout the day. Southwest winds Thursday morning are forecast to shift to the west and northwest during the afternoon. Morning gusts could reach 10 to 14 mph before increasing to 20 to 25 mph during the afternoon. The strongest winds are expected between 3 and 7 p.m. Hot temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds could produce elevated to near-critical fire weather. Poor overnight humidity recovery is expected to continue, and critical fire weather may develop Friday and persist into the weekend. Forest Service Road 2420 is closed to the public until further notice. A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect over the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires. Unauthorized aircraft, including recreational drones, must remain outside the restricted airspace. Sand Creek Fire Information Size: Estimated at 1,684 acres Location: Approximately 7.5 miles southeast of Wisdom Personnel: 32 Resources: One hotshot crew, one Type 6 engine, one road grader and one dozer Current work: Improving access, establishing control features and assessing structure-protection needs Road closure: Forest Service Road 2420 Weather alert: Red Flag Warning from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday Airspace: Temporary Flight Restriction over the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires

WISDOM, Mont. — The Bobcat Lakes Fire has reached 2,704 acres as firefighters work to protect residences and establish fuel breaks near the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. An infrared flight mapped the fire’s perimeter at 2,704 acres following active fire behavior Wednesday. A large smoke column and intermittent tree torching were visible from the Scenic Byway. The fire, which started July 31, is burning approximately 12 miles east of Wisdom and 13 miles southwest of Wise River. Its cause remains undetermined. A total of 160 personnel are assigned to the incident. An Unmanned Aircraft System module used drones to provide aerial ignition support in the Lews Creek drainage. The operation was intended to reduce fuels between the wildfire and the Scenic Byway. Firefighters continued structure protection work northwest of Jerked Prairie. Crews completed an indirect fuel break along Lacy Creek Road and placed a hose line from the Scenic Byway toward Jerked Prairie. Additional crews worked on a fuel break extending from Pettengill Creek along the private-property boundary to the south and east. The line is being extended toward the Scenic Byway and the 4th of July Campground. Firefighters plan to complete fuel-break and structure-protection work around private residences along the Scenic Byway between Lacy Creek and the 4th of July Campground. Drivers Asked to Avoid Scenic Byway Multiple hand crews are working along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. Fire managers are asking motorists to avoid the area when possible. Those who must travel through the area should slow down and watch for firefighters, heavy equipment and other emergency traffic. Increasing smoke could reduce visibility along the road. Red Flag Warning Issued A Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday. High pressure is expected to bring a warming and drying trend over the next several days. Fire officials expect very low daytime humidity, poor overnight humidity recovery and temperatures above normal for early August. Hot temperatures, low humidity and periodically gusty winds could produce elevated to near-critical fire weather conditions Thursday. Area, Road and Campground Closures An area closure is in effect for Forest Service lands west of the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway between Pettengill Road and Lacy Creek Road. The closure includes Forest Service roads, trails, developed campgrounds and dispersed campsites. It also includes a section of the Scenic Byway beginning one mile north of Lacy Creek Road, Forest Service Road 1299, and ending one mile south of Pettengill Road. Campgrounds within the affected section will remain closed until further notice. A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect over the Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek fires. Unauthorized aircraft, including recreational drones, must remain outside the restricted airspace. Bobcat Lakes Fire Information Size: 2,704 acres Personnel: 160 Resources: Two Type 2 hand crews, two hotshot crews, four engines, one water tender and one Type 2 dozer Current work: Fuel-break construction, aerial ignition and structure protection Weather alert: Red Flag Warning from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday Public advisory: Avoid the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway or slow down for fire traffic and limited visibility Closures: Forest Service lands, roads, trails and campgrounds in the designated closure area Airspace: Temporary Flight Restriction over the Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek fires

DILLON, Mont. — The Dillon City Council will hold three special meetings Friday, Aug. 7, to consider budget resolutions and a proposal to borrow money for the city’s general fund. The meetings will begin at noon, 12:10 p.m. and 12:20 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 125 N. Idaho St. Each meeting has one action item, followed by an opportunity for public comment on matters of significant public interest that are not on the agenda and fall within the city’s jurisdiction. Noon: Street-Maintenance Budget During the first meeting, scheduled for noon, the council will consider Resolution 1511 concerning the city’s street-maintenance budget. 12:10 p.m.: General-Fund Loan At 12:10 p.m., the council will consider Resolution 1514, which would authorize the city to borrow money from Water R&D for the general fund. The agenda does not state how much the city may borrow or list the proposed terms of the loan. 12:20 p.m.: Preliminary City Budget The third meeting will begin at 12:20 p.m. Council members will consider Resolution 1512, accepting the city’s preliminary budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. How to Attend All three meetings are open to the public. Residents may attend in person at the Dillon City Council Chambers or participate remotely through Zoom. Date: Friday, Aug. 7, 2026 Meeting times: Noon, 12:10 p.m. and 12:20 p.m. Location: Dillon City Council Chambers, 125 N. Idaho St. Zoom meeting ID: 770 316 6528 Passcode: 4245 City Hall phone: 406-683-4245 The agendas direct participants to keep their microphones muted until they wish to comment.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — Two overdue hikers were found safe after Beaverhead Search and Rescue launched a late-night search in the Sawtooth Lake area. The volunteer organization was dispatched at approximately 11:04 p.m. Aug. 1 after receiving a report of two overdue hikers. A rapid-response team was assembled and entered the area on foot. A second team followed on dirt bikes to assist with the search. Search crews located both hikers on the trail and helped them return safely to their vehicle. No injuries were reported. Beaverhead Search and Rescue thanked the volunteers who responded: Kolby Malesich, Lance Hopman, Alan Holt, Jack Bazemore, Alex Dunn, Sam Peterson and Trevor Hyland. “These are the outcomes we hope for, and it would not be possible without volunteers ready to answer the call,” the organization said.

DILLON, Mont. — Two defendants were sentenced Aug. 4 after pleading guilty to sexual abuse of children in Montana’s Fifth Judicial District Court in Beaverhead County. The court also addressed drug possession, driving under the influence, sexual intercourse without consent, intimidation, stalking, witness tampering and official misconduct cases. Michael Johnston Michael Johnston was sentenced after pleading guilty to sexual abuse of children under Montana Code Annotated 45-5-625. The court report lists a 40-year commitment to the Montana Department of Corrections, participation in a state program and transfer to DOC custody. No fine or fees were imposed. Josiah Gopher Josiah Gopher was sentenced after pleading guilty to sexual abuse of children under Montana Code Annotated 45-5-625. The court imposed a 10-year sentence, ordered participation in a state program and required Gopher to register as an offender. The report lists no fine, but fees were imposed. Dylan Hamilton Dylan Hamilton was sentenced after pleading guilty to drug possession. The court imposed a suspended sentence. Hamilton was released from bond, and the report lists no fine but indicates fees were imposed. The length of the suspended sentence was not included in the report. Seth Babcock Seth Babcock was sentenced after pleading guilty to drug possession. The court imposed a suspended sentence. Babcock was released from bond, and the report lists no fine but indicates fees were imposed. The length of the suspended sentence was not provided. Shaun Oelschlager Shaun Oelschlager appeared for a change-of-plea hearing on charges of drug possession and driving under the influence. The court report lists a guilty plea, posted bond and a presentence investigation. It also states that a trial is pending but does not specify which entry applies to each charge. Evan Smith Evan Smith pleaded not guilty during an initial appearance on a charge of sexual intercourse without consent under Montana Code Annotated 45-5-503. Smith posted bond, and the case is pending trial. Joshua Muntzer Joshua Muntzer pleaded not guilty during an initial appearance on charges of intimidation and stalking. Muntzer posted bond, and the case is pending trial. James Gragg James Gragg appeared for a status conference on drug possession and drug paraphernalia charges. The report lists no plea, states that bond was posted and indicates that the matter was rescheduled. Louis Ochoa Louis Ochoa made an initial appearance on charges of witness tampering and official misconduct. The report lists no plea, states that bond was posted and indicates that no hearing was scheduled. Charges in pending cases are allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty or they enter a guilty plea.