DILLON – More areas of the lower Beaverhead River will be under daily fishing restrictions this week due to rising water temperatures. These restrictions, commonly known as hoot-owl restrictions, prohibit fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight each day. They are designed to prevent excessive fish mortality due to angling when water temperatures are warm. Beginning Aug. 5, a hoot-owl restriction will be in effect for the area of the Beaverhead River from Selway Park Fishing Access Site just north of Dillon to the confluence with the Big Hole River. This expands a restriction already in effect for portions of the lower Beaverhead River. Similar fishing restrictions are in effect for additional Montana waterbodies. For a full list of current fishing restrictions, click here. FWP’s drought policy provides for angling restrictions when flows drop below critical levels for fish, when water quality is diminished, or when maximum daily water temperatures reach at least 73 degrees for three consecutive days. In cutthroat trout waters, angling restrictions occur when the temperatures reach at least 66 degrees for three consecutive days. Water temperatures of 77 degrees or more can be lethal to trout. Catch-and-release anglers can reduce stress on fish by getting them to the net or in hand quickly, keeping them in the water and reviving them prior to releasing them back into the river. As the summer warms, Montana offers many other angling options with better conditions for fish, including larger lakers or reservoirs or higher-elevation lakes and streams. Along with monitoring stream temperatures, FWP also monitors stream flows and, in some streams, holds instream flow water rights. FWP’s water program can issue a call on junior water users, when appropriate, to contribute to stream flows through the late summer and early fall. For more information on FWP water rights, click here.

DILLON, Mont. — A driver escaped injury Tuesday afternoon after a Ford Bronco left the roadway and came to rest in Big Sheep Creek approximately 11 miles up Big Sheep Creek Road southwest of Dillon. The crash was reported at approximately 2:30 p.m. According to information from the scene, the Ford Bronco was traveling along Big Sheep Creek Road when the driver failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle slid off the roadway, traveled down an embankment, and came to rest in the creek below. The Bronco did not roll over, and the driver was not injured in the crash. Deputies with the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office and troopers from the Montana Highway Patrol responded to investigate the incident. The cause of the crash has not been released, and no citations or additional information were immediately available. Motorists traveling on rural mountain roads are reminded to use caution, particularly on winding stretches where curves, loose gravel, and changing road conditions can increase the risk of leaving the roadway.

DILLON, Mont. — The Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office has released additional information regarding the death of a man whose body was discovered on an island at Clark Canyon Reservoir on July 30, concluding that the incident was an accidental fatal fall. According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a report of a deceased male located on the island at the popular recreation area. First responders, including personnel from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) and the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office, located the body of a young adult male on a rocky section of shoreline directly below a well-known cliff diving location. Investigators observed minor injuries, abrasions, and small marks on the victim. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Following an investigation, authorities found no indication or evidence of foul play. The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Dawson Roylance. Roylance's body was transported to the Montana State Crime Lab in Missoula, where an autopsy was conducted. According to the Sheriff's Office, the medical examiner determined his injuries were consistent with a fall from an elevated height. The Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office extended its condolences to Roylance's family and friends. "The Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dawson Roylance during this difficult time," the agency said in a statement. Safety Reminder for Cliff Divers The Sheriff's Office is also reminding the public that cliff diving at Clark Canyon Reservoir and other recreation areas can be extremely dangerous. Officials noted that changing water levels, shallow water, submerged rocks and other hazards, as well as unstable cliff edges, can quickly create life-threatening conditions. Anyone choosing to participate in cliff jumping or cliff diving is encouraged to use extreme caution, be aware of changing conditions, and understand the risks before entering the water. The investigation into the incident has been completed, and authorities have determined the death to be the result of an accidental fall.

WISDOM, Mont. — The Sand Creek Fire has grown to 1,004 acres approximately 7.5 miles southeast of Wisdom. A reconnaissance flight Monday showed minimal fire growth because of a cool front and winds of approximately 5 mph. The fire started July 26, and its cause remains undetermined. Ian Quist is serving as incident commander, with Brian Gorwitz as a trainee. A hotshot crew continues to establish and expand access points along Steel Fox Road, Forest Service Road 2420, west of the fire. Fire personnel are also scouting for additional containment opportunities and control features south and west of the fire. Additional resources and heavy equipment have been ordered. The fire is burning through heavy dead and downed fuels in stands of lodgepole pine and subalpine fir. Steep, timbered terrain, fallen trees and limited escape routes are complicating suppression work. Because of those hazards, fire managers are using an indirect confinement strategy. Under this approach, crews work from safer locations away from the active fire edge and use roads, prepared firelines or natural barriers to limit the fire’s spread. A warming trend is expected Tuesday and Wednesday. Winds Tuesday morning are forecast to come from the north and northeast before shifting to the northwest during the afternoon. Gusts of 17 to 22 mph are expected from midafternoon into the evening. Elevated fire weather is forecast Wednesday as relative humidity decreases. West and northwest wind gusts could reach 15 to 20 mph during the afternoon. Forest Service Road 2433 to Stewart Meadows is closed to the public until further notice. A Temporary Flight Restriction is also in effect over the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires. The restriction is intended to protect firefighting aircraft and crews from unauthorized aircraft, including drones. Sand Creek Fire Information Size: 1,004 acres Location: Approximately 7.5 miles southeast of Wisdom Start date: July 26, 2026 Cause: Undetermined Incident commander: Ian Quist Incident commander trainee: Brian Gorwitz Personnel: 23 Resources: One hotshot crew Strategy: Indirect confinement Road closure: Forest Service Road 2433 to Stewart Meadows Airspace restriction: Temporary Flight Restriction over the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires

WISDOM, Mont. — The Bobcat Lakes Fire has grown to 1,829 acres as firefighters construct fuel breaks and protect structures in the Jerked Prairie area. The fire is burning approximately 13 miles southwest of Wise River and 12 miles east of Wisdom. It started July 31, and its cause remains undetermined. Ian Quist is serving as incident commander, with Brian Gorwitz as a trainee. Fire managers are asking motorists to slow down along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway because of increased traffic from firefighting vehicles and heavy equipment. The fire exhibited moderate behavior Monday north and east of Jerked Prairie. Hand crews are constructing a fuel break from Pettengill Road toward the south and southeast in the direction of Willow Campground. Crews also plan to begin building a fuel break east along Lacy Creek Road. That break will connect with the Pettengill Road fuel break to create a holding feature designed to help limit the fire’s spread. Firefighters continue structure protection work at Jerked Prairie. Fire managers and agency officials are discussing whether additional area, road or trail closures are necessary. Officials said protecting the public, firefighters, lives and property remains the top priority. A warming trend is expected Tuesday into Wednesday, with temperatures reaching the upper 60s Tuesday. Light winds from the northeast could shift to the northwest Tuesday afternoon and evening as high pressure builds over the area. Lower humidity and westerly winds of 15 to 20 mph are forecast Wednesday. Warmer temperatures, lower humidity and stronger winds could affect fire behavior and firefighting operations. Campgrounds Closed Near Scenic Byway Developed and dispersed campgrounds on Forest Service lands are closed along a section of the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. The closure extends from one mile north of Lacy Creek Road, Forest Service Road 1299, to one mile south of Pettengill Road. All developed and dispersed campgrounds within that section will remain closed until further notice. Bobcat Lakes Fire Information Size: 1,829 acres Location: 13 miles southwest of Wise River and 12 miles east of Wisdom Start date: July 31, 2026 Cause: Undetermined Incident commander: Ian Quist Incident commander trainee: Brian Gorwitz Personnel: 77 Resources: Two Type 2 hand crews, one hotshot crew, one engine and one water tender Current work: Fuel-break construction and structure protection Public advisory: Slow down for increased fire traffic on the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway Closure: Developed and dispersed campgrounds between one mile north of Lacy Creek Road and one mile south of Pettengill Road

Thank You, Dillon Now that our season has come to a close, I wanted to take a minute to thank everyone for your support of the Dillon Cubs this season and throughout the years. This season was special on so many different levels. Being able to host the Montana American Legion State Tournament for the first time in the history of the Dillon Cubs was something I know I’ll remember for a long time. The support from our entire community to make it happen truly showed why Dillon is such a special place to live and how much our community values opportunities that bring people to our town. During the tournament, I can’t tell you how many times fans, players, and coaches stopped me to comment on our incredible home ballpark at Ray Lynch Field. As many of you know, having a facility like Ray Lynch Field doesn’t come cheap, nor does it happen without the countless hours of dedicated volunteers. Our Cubs Board of Directors has worked incredibly hard over the last several years to make this year’s State Tournament a success. It really started with everything that was done to host last year’s South A District Tournament, proving to the Montana American Legion directors that Dillon not only has an amazing community, but one of the finest baseball facilities in the state. Just days after we were awarded the opportunity to host the 2026 State Tournament, disaster struck when a windstorm caused significant damage to our backstop and field. From the very beginning, the City of Dillon stood beside us and worked tirelessly to make sure the field would be ready in time so we wouldn’t lose the opportunity to host. They recognized the blood, sweat, and tears that have gone into making Ray Lynch Field what it is today. I am incredibly thankful to everyone who stepped up to make it happen. A special thank you goes to Dallas Osburn and the crew at Osburn Fence and Fabrication for taking our plans and making sure everything stayed on schedule. Because of their efforts, not only were we able to host the State Tournament, but the Beaverhead County High School baseball team was also able to finish its successful season with home games on the field. This season, 28 young men wanted to wear a Dillon Cubs uniform and represent their community alongside their friends. With 28 players, we were able to field two teams and even organize games specifically for younger Dillon Middle School players who weren’t yet eligible to play at the high school level. Providing opportunities for young athletes to develop their love for the game is something we’re very proud of. The Cubs organization works hard every year to keep costs affordable for our players and families. One of the biggest reasons we’re able to do that is the tremendous support we receive from our local businesses through sign sponsorships, donations, and our annual raffle ticket sales. This year we had 65 outfield sign sponsors, filling every available panel on our fence. Just a few years ago, we only had room for 46 signs. When demand exceeded our available space, we built an additional fence on the berm in right field so every business could be recognized. That level of community support is truly incredible. I’d also like to thank Draggin Y Cattle Company and McCartney Mountain Beef for generously donating local beef for our concession stand. I can honestly say there wasn’t a better burger served at any ballpark we visited this summer, and their generosity helped keep concession costs affordable while supporting the Cubs. Another exciting step forward this season was being able to livestream every home game. Thanks to Mike Clarke’s research and the support of Air Grids in upgrading our internet service, family, friends, and Cubs fans who couldn’t make it to the ballpark were still able to follow the team all summer long. It was a tremendous addition to our program. If you haven’t had a chance to watch, every 2026 Dillon Cubs game is still available on GameChanger. A special thank you also goes out to KDBM/KBEV for broadcasting our home games on the radio so fans could stay connected wherever they were, and to Southwestern Montana News and the Dillon Tribune for their outstanding coverage of all our home games and the incredible photos they provided throughout the season. Your support helps tell the story of our team and our community in a way that means so much to the players and families. While our win-loss record may not have reflected all of the progress we made, this team accomplished some remarkable things. Early in June, we traveled to Burley, Idaho, and captured the annual Wood Bat Tournament championship, highlighted by a 4-1 victory over the host Green Sox, who would later become Idaho State Champions. We also earned impressive wins over Belgrade, the eventual Montana State Champions, 12-8, and the Gallatin Valley Outlaws, 9-8, our first victory over them in five years. At the State Tournament, we opened by upsetting the Bitterroot Red Sox, who entered the tournament riding a 23-game winning streak, with a thrilling 4-3 victory. More important than any individual win was watching this group grow throughout the summer. The boys were playing their best baseball at the end of the season, and while it was difficult to see it come to an end, I can honestly say every player improved, every player contributed, and every player helped shape the success of this year’s team. I couldn’t be more excited to see what next season has in store. It doesn’t seem that long ago that what we now call home was little more than gopher mounds, bare dirt, and weeds. Since the Cubs and the City of Dillon partnered to make Ray Lynch Field our home in 2013, the transformation has been incredible—not only for the Cubs field, but also for Beaverhead Little League’s new complex. The future is even brighter, with plans already underway to construct a third field and expand the infield on the field closest to the Cubs so it can accommodate all levels of baseball and softball. Those improvements will allow us to host even more teams and tournaments while continuing to grow the game in our community. If you would like to help make this vision a reality, whether through volunteering, sponsorship, or other support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be happy to sit down with you and share more about our plans for the future of baseball in Dillon. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, board members, coaches, players, parents, sponsors, and every fan who came out to support us. Thank you for believing in the Dillon Cubs and in what we’re building together. Your support means more than you know. We are proud to represent Dillon, and we’re already looking forward to next season. Thank you for making 2026 a season we’ll never forget. Sincerely, Andy Bartlome 
Head Coach 
Dillon Cubs

DILLON, Mont. — Tuesday morning, residents along Highway 41 were treated to a unique sight as a convoy of historic military vehicles slowly made its way from Twin Bridges to Dillon for a brief stop before continuing west. The convoy is organized by the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA), a group dedicated to preserving and sharing historic military transportation. This year's journey takes participants across North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, retracing as much of the Lewis and Clark Expedition route as possible while traveling primarily on backroads and secondary highways. The annual convoy also pays tribute to the historic 1909 military vehicle convoy, an early test to determine whether military vehicles could successfully travel across the country. Each year, the MVPA selects a different route, giving participants the opportunity to experience America's history while sharing their restored vehicles with communities along the way. The convoy features a wide variety of privately owned and meticulously restored military vehicles, drawing attention from motorists and local residents as it passed through Southwest Montana. According to the MVPA, its convoys are designed to bring together military vehicle enthusiasts for memorable adventures while preserving an important piece of transportation and military history. "Imagine taking your restored historic military vehicle on an adventure with other enthusiasts! Be it a day trip, across the country (or continent!), or through the Alaskan wilderness, MVPA Affiliates host convoys and trail rides throughout the year that provide enjoyment for collectors and their families," the organization states. In addition to regional trail rides, the MVPA has organized several historic long-distance expeditions, including the 2009 Transcontinental Convoy, which reenacted the famous 1919 U.S. Army cross-country motor convoy, and the 2012 Alaska (ALCAN) Highway Convoy. The Military Vehicle Preservation Association is the world's largest organization dedicated to historic military vehicles, with approximately 3,500 members and nearly 80 affiliate groups across the United States and around the world. Founded in 1976 as the Military Vehicle Collectors Club with fewer than 100 members, the organization has grown significantly over the past five decades. It officially became the Military Vehicle Preservation Association in 1990 and continues its mission of promoting, preserving, restoring, sharing, and enjoying historic military transportation. Today, the MVPA continues to host annual conventions, educational programs, publications, and convoys that allow members to showcase their vehicles while sharing military transportation history with communities across North America. Those interested in following this year's convoy or learning more about the organization can visit the Military Vehicle Preservation Association Convoy Facebook page for updates throughout the journey.

DILLON, Mont. - The Montana Western Cross Country team has released its 2026 schedule, head coach Taylor Grove announced Monday. The Bulldogs will compete in six meets this fall, all on the road. They open the season Sept. 4 at the MSU Bobcat Twilight meet. Following the meet in Bozeman, UMW will race in Missoula, Butte, Billings, and Ashland, Neb. The 2026 Frontier Conference Cross Country-Championships are set for Nov. 6 in Billings. 2026 Bulldog Cross CountrySchedule Sept. 4 MSU Bobcat Twilight Bozeman, Mont. Sept. 18 Montana Invite Missoula, Mont. Sept. 24 Butte XC Invitational Butte, Mont. Oct. 9 Yellowjacket/ Battlin' Bears Open Billings, Mont. Oct. 24 Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic Ashland, Neb. Nov. 6 Frontier Conference Championships Billings, Mont.

WISDOM, Mont. — The Bobcat Lakes Fire grew to an estimated 755 acres Saturday as crews responded to active fire behavior approximately 12 miles east of Wisdom. The fire started July 31, and its cause remains undetermined. Rohrbach is serving as incident commander. Officials said no infrared mapping flight was available Saturday evening, making the current acreage an estimate. The fire is burning through heavy dead and downed fuels in continuous stands of lodgepole pine and subalpine fir. The steep, timbered terrain presents additional challenges for firefighters. Fire behavior has remained active along the north and northeast sides of the fire, with crowning, group tree torching, short runs and short-range spotting reported. Firefighters worked late into the evening to contain a spot fire. Crews Prepare to Protect Jerked Prairie Fire managers have installed sprinklers and hose lines at Jerked Prairie while developing plans to protect structures in the area. Firefighters and equipment are staged there as officials prepare a broader suppression strategy. Resources assigned to the fire include 24 smokejumpers, two Type 6 engines and one hand crew. Additional resources will arrive as they become available. On the eastern side of the Bobcat Lakes Fire, managers are scouting for containment opportunities and potential holding features that could connect with firelines constructed during the 2024 Grouse Fire. Steep slopes, extensive dead and downed timber, and limited escape routes have led fire managers to use an indirect confinement strategy. Under this approach, crews work from safer locations away from the active fire edge and use existing barriers or prepared firelines to limit its spread. Sand Creek Fire Remains at 450 Acres The nearby Sand Creek Fire remains estimated at 450 acres. Fire personnel are scouting for containment opportunities along its northern and southern edges. Fire managers are also using an indirect confinement strategy on the Sand Creek Fire because of hazardous terrain, heavy fuels and limited escape routes. Public Asked to Avoid Trails Heavy fire traffic, large equipment and cattle should be expected along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. Fire managers continue to urge the public to stay out of the Pettengill Creek and Lacey Creek trail areas for safety. Agency officials are discussing possible area, road and trail closures. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through Aug. 2. The warning indicates weather conditions could rapidly increase the potential for wildfires to ignite and spread. Officials said protecting the public, firefighters, lives and property remains the top priority. Bobcat Lakes Fire Information Location: Approximately 12 miles east of Wisdom Start date: July 31, 2026 Estimated size: 755 acres Cause: Undetermined Incident commander: Rohrbach Resources: 24 smokejumpers, two Type 6 engines and one hand crew Strategy: Indirect confinement Safety advisory: Avoid the Pettengill Creek and Lacey Creek trails Nearby incident: Sand Creek Fire, estimated at 450 acres Forest Service photos of the Bobcat Lakes Fire from a reconnaissance flight on August 1st. Forest Service photos of the Bobcat Lakes Fire from a reconnaissance flight on August 1st.

MADISON COUNTY, Mont. — Two people escaped with minor injuries after a single-vehicle rollover near the Trail Creek Trailhead on Aug. 1, according to the Madison Valley Rural Fire Department. The crash was reported at approximately 7 p.m. Initial reports indicated that a vehicle had left the roadway, traveled down an embankment and come to rest upside down along the shoreline with two occupants inside. Madison Valley Rural Fire Department crews arrived first and found a small SUV resting on its roof at the bottom of the embankment. Both occupants had gotten out of the vehicle before emergency responders arrived. Madison Valley Ambulance Service evaluated them for minor injuries, but both declined transportation to a hospital. Firefighters remained at the scene to assist with safety until the Montana Highway Patrol assumed control of the investigation. The Madison Valley Ambulance Service, Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol also responded to the crash. The cause of the rollover was not provided.

MADISON COUNTY, Mont. — A vehicle fire spread into surrounding grass and threatened nearby homes in the VC Ranches area Friday, prompting a response from several Madison County emergency agencies. The Madison Valley Rural Fire Department, Madison Valley Ambulance Service and Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to the reported fire at approximately 11:45 a.m. Aug. 1, according to a post from the Madison Valley Rural Fire Department. Because the fire was growing rapidly and threatening nearby structures, the Virginia City Fire Department was called to provide mutual aid. Madison County sheriff’s deputies were the first responders to arrive. They began fighting the fire with portable extinguishers and worked to contain it until fire crews reached the scene. When firefighters arrived, they found burning vehicles threatening nearby structures as flames spread through the surrounding grass toward neighboring homes. Crews quickly contained and extinguished the grass fire before turning their attention to the burning vehicles. The coordinated response prevented the fire from reaching nearby homes, according to the fire department. No injuries were reported, and all fires were safely extinguished. The Madison Valley Rural Fire Department thanked the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Madison Valley Ambulance Service and Virginia City Fire Department for their assistance. Madison Valley Rural Fire Department PC

GALEN, Mont. — A 33-year-old Wise River man died in a single-vehicle crash early Saturday on Interstate 90 near Galen, according to the Montana Highway Patrol. The crash was reported at approximately 2:24 a.m. July 18 near mile marker 197 in Deer Lodge County. The man was driving a Subaru Legacy west on I-90 when the vehicle drifted off the right side of the roadway while negotiating a left-hand curve, the MHP crash report states. The driver overcorrected to the left, causing the Subaru to rotate counterclockwise and slide sideways into the median. The vehicle then traveled up the eastbound side of the median, rolled and slid across the eastbound lanes. The Subaru came to rest upright on the eastbound on-ramp at mile marker 197. The driver, who was wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene. No passengers or other vehicles were involved, and no additional injuries were reported. The crash occurred under normal road conditions. The report does not identify the driver or list alcohol, drugs or speed as suspected factors. Montana Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

DILLON, Mont. — The University of Montana Western rodeo team has released its 2026 fall schedule, head coach JT Robbins announced Friday. The Bulldogs will compete in four rodeos during the fall semester before participating in six additional events during the spring. Montana Western opens its season Sept. 11-12 at the Northwest College Rodeo in Cody, Wyoming. The Bulldogs then travel to Glendive for the Dawson Community College Rodeo on Sept. 18-19. The Bulldogs will host the annual Montana Western Rodeo on Sept. 25-26 at the Beaverhead County Fairgrounds in Dillon. Montana Western concludes its fall schedule Oct. 9-10 at the Dickinson State Rodeo in Dickinson, North Dakota. Dickinson State is a new member of the Big Sky Region after moving from the Great Plains Region following the 2025-26 rodeo season. 2026 Montana Western Fall Rodeo Schedule Sept. 11-12: Northwest College Rodeo — Cody, Wyoming Sept. 18-19: Dawson Community College Rodeo — Glendive, Montana Sept. 25-26: Montana Western Rodeo — Dillon, Montana Oct. 9-10: Dickinson State Rodeo — Dickinson, North Dakota

Beaverhead County Fair Board Monday, August 3 , 2026 7:00 pm Beaverhead County Fair Office Agenda: Call to order Introduction of guests Approval of previous meeting minutes Amendments or changes to agenda Treasurer's Report Executive Director Report Arena Director Report Facility Director Report Board Member Reports Old Business Plumbing Project Arena Project (jack fence, ends, etc) Metal fabricating projects Bleacher Repair Project Grounds Clean-Up Building Clean-Up New Business A. August Events Correspondence Adjournment

WISDOM, Mont. — The Sand Creek Fire has grown to an estimated 450 acres as of 5 p.m. The fire is located approximately 7.5 miles southeast of Wisdom, Montana. The fire was first reported at approximately 2:30 p.m. and was initially estimated at 40 acres, according to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Wildland Fire Information Facebook page. The National Interagency Fire Center has since reported the fire at 450 acres as of 5 p.m. Fire behavior has included crowning and torching. Crowning occurs when a fire spreads through the tops of trees, while torching refers to individual trees or small groups of trees becoming engulfed in flames. An engine and additional firefighters are responding to the incident. No information about the fire’s cause or containment has been provided. Sand Creek Fire Information Location: Approximately 7.5 miles southeast of Wisdom, Montana First reported: Approximately 2:30 p.m. Initial estimate: 40 acres Latest estimate: 450 acres as of 5 p.m. Fire behavior: Crowning and torching Resources: One engine and additional firefighters Containment: Not reported Cause: Not reported Sources: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Wildland Fire Information and the National Interagency Fire Center

WISDOM, Mont. — The Bobcat Lakes Fire has burned an estimated 224 acres approximately 12 miles east of Wisdom, Montana. The fire is burning in thick timber with heavy dead and downed fuels, according to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Wildland Fire Information Facebook page. Active fire behavior has been reported on the north and northeast sides of the fire, including running, torching and short-range spotting. Fourteen smokejumpers were inserted into the fire area last evening. Aerial resources, fire engines and incident overhead personnel are also on the scene. Additional resources have been ordered and are expected to arrive today and throughout the coming days. Active fire behavior is expected again today, and the smoke column will likely be visible from surrounding areas. Fire managers are urging people to stay out of the Pettengill Creek and Lacey Creek trail areas because of safety concerns. Residents and visitors should avoid the affected areas and allow firefighters and emergency equipment to operate without interference. Additional updates will be provided as fire conditions and suppression efforts change. Bobcat Lakes Fire Information Location: Approximately 12 miles east of Wisdom, Montana Estimated size: 224 acres Fuels: Thick timber with heavy dead and downed material Fire behavior: Running, torching and short-range spotting Resources: Fourteen smokejumpers, aircraft, engines and overhead personnel Safety advisory: Avoid the Pettengill Creek and Lacey Creek trails Expected conditions: Continued active fire behavior and a visible smoke column Official source: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Wildland Fire Information aerial photo of the Bobcat Lakes Fire. PC Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest Facebook Page

The Dillon Cubs saw their State A American Legion Tournament run come to a heartbreaking end Friday afternoon, falling 11-10 to the Havre Northstars A 18U in an elimination game. Despite outhitting Havre 10-9 and battling back multiple times throughout the contest, the Cubs were unable to hold onto a late lead as Havre scored four runs in the top of the seventh inning to complete the comeback. Havre jumped out to an early advantage in the opening inning when Connor Essert singled to center field and Kody Standiford ripped a double down the right-field line, each driving in two runs to give the Northstars a quick lead. The Cubs chipped away before finally pulling even in the bottom of the fourth. Kanin Engelhardt drew a bases-loaded walk, and Sawyer Tackett followed with a sacrifice fly to tie the game. Dillon grabbed its first lead of the afternoon in the fifth inning when an error allowed the go-ahead run to score, putting the Cubs in front 7-6. Havre answered immediately in the sixth as Quinn Elliot blasted a game-tying triple. The Cubs responded in the bottom half of the inning, reclaiming the lead after Cooper Clarke lined an RBI single down the left-field line and Ben Peacock drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 9-7. With their season on the line, the Northstars mounted one final rally in the seventh. Elliot delivered the decisive blow with a three-run triple before Brayden McLain added an RBI walk, giving Havre an 11-9 advantage. Dillon mounted one last comeback attempt in the bottom of the seventh, scoring once, but the rally came up just short as Havre escaped with the 11-10 victory. Teegan Solomon earned the win for Havre, allowing one unearned run on one hit over the final 1⅓ innings while striking out two. Kanin Engelhardt was charged with the loss in relief. Parker Mills started for the Cubs, allowing six runs—five earned—over 4⅓ innings while striking out three. The Cubs finished with 10 hits, led by Sawyer Tackett, who went a perfect 3-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs and three stolen bases. Andrew Bartlome also drove in two runs, while Trenton Moreni and Parker Mills each collected multiple hits. Dillon was aggressive on the bases all afternoon, stealing six bases. Quinn Elliot powered the Havre offense, finishing 3-for-4 with five RBIs, including the game-changing triple in the seventh inning. Maddox Keller added two hits, while the Northstars showed patience at the plate by drawing nine walks. The loss ends the Dillon Cubs' run at the State A Tournament after an impressive season that saw them battle their way into the state field and compete until the final out. Although their championship hopes came to an end, the Cubs demonstrated resilience throughout the tournament, nearly completing another comeback before falling by a single run in one of the tournament's most exciting elimination games.

The Dillon Cubs dropped their first game of the State A American Legion Baseball Tournament on Thursday night, falling 9-2 to the Glendive Blue Devils A. Despite the loss, the Cubs remain alive in the double-elimination tournament and will return to the field today at 2:30 p.m. in an elimination game. Glendive struck first in the top of the second inning when Gradin Sukut doubled to drive in the game's opening run. The Blue Devils extended their lead to 2-0 in the third after Easton Schriver stole home. The game broke open in the fifth inning as Glendive plated five runs on five hits. Sukut delivered the big blow with a two-run triple, while Chance Cullinan added an RBI double. Two Dillon errors also led to runs during the inning as the Blue Devils built a commanding 7-0 advantage. The Cubs answered in the bottom of the sixth. Sawyer Tackett launched a solo home run to left field, and Ben Peacock later drew a bases-loaded walk to score Dillon's second run, trimming the deficit to 7-2. Glendive added two more runs late to seal the 9-2 victory. Quinn Hoffer earned the win for the Blue Devils, allowing seven hits and two runs—one earned—over 6 1/3 innings while striking out nine and walking one. Trenton Moreni took the loss for Dillon after pitching four innings, giving up two runs—one earned—on three hits while striking out five and issuing five walks. Moreni and Tackett each collected two hits for the Cubs, with Tackett finishing 2-for-4, driving in one run and providing Dillon's lone extra-base hit with his sixth-inning home run. Glendive totaled 11 hits in the contest, led by Sukut, who went 3-for-5 with four RBIs. Connor Guldborg and Hoffer also recorded multiple-hit games. The Blue Devils showed patience at the plate, drawing six walks, with Brock McPherson and Isaac Eaton each earning two free passes. The loss sends Dillon into the elimination bracket, where the Cubs will look to keep their season alive when they take the field again today at 2:30 p.m. A win would keep Dillon's championship hopes alive, while a second loss would end its run in the State A Tournament.