WISDOM, Mont. — Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and rain showers helped reduce wildfire activity Wednesday across the Sand Creek, Bobcat Lakes and Skull fires, while hundreds of firefighters continue suppression work in Southwest Montana. Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 1, led by Incident Commander Brent Olson, reports 577 personnel assigned to the fires, including 14 crews, 12 engines, one dozer, five masticators and 12 skidgens. The Sand Creek Fire remains the largest of the three at an estimated 35,433 acres and 20% containment. The fire is located approximately 7.5 miles southeast of Wisdom. The Bobcat Lakes Fire, approximately 13 miles southwest of Wise River and 12 miles east of Wisdom, is estimated at 10,850 acres and 61% contained. The Skull Fire, located approximately eight miles southeast of Wisdom and one mile east of Odell Lake, remains estimated at 67 acres with 0% containment. All three fires were caused by lightning and started July 31 or August 1. Rain Reduces Fire Activity Thunderstorms and rain showers moved across the fire area Wednesday, reducing fire activity but also creating challenges for firefighters. Wet roads slowed access in some areas, while suppression operations continued where conditions allowed. On the Sand Creek Fire, heavy equipment work on the west side was temporarily paused because of rain. Crews continued constructing a combination of direct and indirect control lines. Firefighters are preparing Steel-Fox Road as a fire control line to help protect private property to the west. Work on indirect control lines also continues along the southwest corner of the fire and east toward Cow Camp. Crews continued mop-up and securing control lines from Cow Camp east to Old Tim Creek while also patrolling containment lines from Old Tim Creek east to Dingley Creek. These lines are being monitored to help protect private property in the Grasshopper Valley. Firefighters also continued working on a pocket of heat inside established containment lines in the Dingley Creek area. Suppression repair is expected to begin on dozer lines along the south side that are no longer needed to hold the fire. On the northeast side, crews and equipment continue working to secure control lines in the Price Creek area. Bobcat Lakes Fire Reaches 61% Containment On the Bobcat Lakes Fire, crews patrolled containment lines along the northeast corner and east side of the fire, with those areas remaining secure. Firefighters continue mop-up and work to secure the southeast and southern control line along Lacy Creek Road west toward Jerked Prairie. A heavy equipment task force is also working along the Byway, thinning vegetation and reducing fuels in targeted areas on both sides of the road. The work is intended to strengthen the Byway as a control line and improve its effectiveness as a holding feature between the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires. Minimal Activity on Skull Fire Rain and increased humidity kept activity on the 67-acre Skull Fire minimal. Cool conditions are expected to continue Thursday, with temperatures forecast between 55 and 62 degrees and minimum relative humidity ranging from 36% to 56%. Fire activity is expected to vary across the area depending on how much rainfall individual locations received. Southwestern Montana News will continue providing updates on the Sand Creek, Bobcat Lakes and Skull fires as new information becomes available.

SOLID WASTE BOARD SPECIAL MEETING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 1:00 PM COURTHOUSE, COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING ROOM AGENDA  Establish a quorum  Discussion & Review of Fees/Units- Landfill Engineer BarryDamschen  Public Comment  Next Meeting date – October 19, 2026  Adjourn

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — The Beaverhead Trails Coalition is asking area residents and trail users to help shape its priorities for the next five years. The organization is updating its strategic plan and developing a list of future projects and goals. Feedback from the survey will help the coalition identify the trails and improvements most wanted or needed by the community, including projects that could make local trails more accessible. The survey is open to current trail users as well as people who might use trails if additional or more accessible options were available. Those who complete the survey can enter a drawing for a free bicycle tune-up provided by Beaverhead Bikes & Coffee. The survey is available at BeaverheadTrails.org. Participants are encouraged to share it with friends, family members and others who may be interested in local trails. People with additional comments may email the coalition at beaverheadtrails@gmail.com or attend one of its meetings, held on the third Thursday of each month.

DILLON, Mont. — Two defendants entered guilty pleas and received suspended sentences during proceedings reported Sept. 1 in Montana’s Fifth Judicial District Court in Beaverhead County. Rachel Cleveland-Halvorsen pleaded guilty to drug possession and received a suspended sentence with a monitoring plan, according to the court report. Her bond was released. The report indicates that no fine was imposed, but fees were assessed. Michael Metcalf pleaded guilty to drug paraphernalia during a change-of-plea proceeding. The court report says he received a suspended sentence and was released from bond. No fine was imposed, but fees were assessed. Brandon Dwyer appeared for a change-of-plea proceeding involving intimidation and assault charges. The report lists no plea, says bond was posted and indicates that the case was placed on the court schedule. Nicole Boyer appeared for a scheduling conference in a deliberate homicide case. The report lists no plea or posted bond and notes a motion to change venue. An evidentiary hearing involving an alleged probation violation by Justin Cline did not take place, according to the Sept. 1 report. It lists no plea and no bond posted. Jeremy Sepanski appeared for a status hearing involving allegations of theft, criminal endangerment, drug paraphernalia possession, fleeing police and driving violations. The hearing was reset, and the report says Sepanski must appear in court. His bond was listed as posted, and no plea was reported. A draft court report dated Sept. 3 also lists Sepanski for a status hearing involving criminal endangerment, drug possession, eluding police and driving violations. That report does not provide a completed plea or bond disposition. Court reports summarize proceedings and dispositions available at the time of publication. Charges are allegations unless and until a defendant is convicted, and incomplete cases remain subject to further court action.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — Evacuation status for the Dingley Section has been downgraded from GO to SET, but officials are reminding the public that the area remains closed due to ongoing wildfire activity and safety concerns. The byway and surrounding forest remain closed to the public, with the U.S. Forest Service maintaining a closure for the affected area. Although the evacuation status has been lowered, residents in and around the Dingley Section are being urged to remain prepared. Wildfire conditions can change rapidly, and evacuation orders could be reinstated if conditions worsen. Under SET status, residents should remain ready to evacuate and continue monitoring information from fire and law enforcement officials. Officials are also strongly warning the public not to enter the closed area or travel on the byway. A large law enforcement presence remains in the area, and officials say civilians who enter the closure area could face criminal charges. The Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office and fire personnel will continue monitoring wildfire conditions and provide additional updates as information becomes available. Public Reminded to Stay Out of Closure Area Members of the public should follow all posted closure orders and instructions from firefighters and law enforcement personnel. The closure remains in place for public safety despite the change in evacuation status.

DILLON, Mont. — The Montana Western rodeo program has signed 19 student-athletes ahead of the 2026-27 season, head coach JT Robbins announced Tuesday. The incoming class includes 12 women and seven men, with a mix of experienced transfers and accomplished high school competitors. “We are very excited about this incoming class,” Robbins said. “We’re able to bring a lot of young talent that have seen success at high levels on the men’s team and a huge amount of experience coming into the women’s team. There are several individuals that are going to have an immediate impact on our success.” Women’s team signees Ella Begger, a junior from Townsend, transfers from the College of Southern Idaho. She competes in breakaway roping and goat tying and helped CSI finish first in the Rocky Mountain Region in 2026. Cassidy Bradshaw, a senior from Heyburn, Idaho, transfers from New Mexico State. She won the 2025 Grand Canyon Region breakaway roping championship. Taylor Cartwright, a freshman from Townsend, competes in team roping, breakaway roping and barrel racing. She finished 14th in team roping at the 2026 state rodeo and was the 2025 BWD all-around champion and Montana High School Rodeo Association Rodeo Queen. Emily Fernandez, a freshman from Honoka‘a, Hawaii, competes in barrel racing and goat tying. She placed fifth in barrel racing at the 2026 state competition and qualified for nationals. Isabelle Friesen, a senior barrel racer from La Crete, Alberta, transfers from Montana State and will compete in collegiate rodeo for the first time. Murphy Gaasch, a senior from Dillon, returns home after competing for Cochise College. She helped the program win two Grand Canyon Region women’s team titles and finished fourth in breakaway roping at the 2025 College National Finals Rodeo. Tylee Grantham, a freshman barrel racer from Wickenburg, Arizona, recorded top-10 finishes at three Women’s Professional Rodeo Association events in 2026. Julia Hoagland, a freshman from Whitehall, competes in breakaway roping and barrel racing and previously qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo. Kenzie Reber, a freshman from Valleyview, Alberta, competes in goat tying and breakaway roping. She was a seven-time Alberta High School Rodeo Association provincial qualifier, a four-time Canadian qualifier and a three-time District 3 reserve champion goat tyer. Lauren Rook, a freshman from Hayden, Idaho, competes in barrel racing and breakaway roping. She was named the 2025 Idaho High School Rodeo Association Rookie of the Year and qualified for state in three events. Kassie Sweet, a junior from Roberts, transfers from Casper College, where she competed in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s Central Rocky Mountain Region. Sierra Telford, a junior from Caldwell, Idaho, transfers from South Plains College. She helped her team place second in the Caprock Region in 2026 and qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo. Men’s team signees James Boggus III, a freshman bull rider from Ennis, won the 2026 Idaho high school state championship and the 2025-26 District 7 championship. Kaweloanu Castro, a freshman from Kamuela, Hawaii, competes in team roping and tie-down roping. He also earned multiple top-three finishes and victories in light rifle shooting through the Hawaii High School Rodeo Association. Rowdy Fischer, a freshman saddle bronc rider from Helena, won his division at the 2025 Philomath Frolic and Rodeo and placed second at the event in 2026. Quentin Personeni, a freshman from Oroville, California, competes in bareback riding and team roping. He was the 2026 District 1 all-around champion and is a two-time state bareback champion. Tate Poppe, a freshman team roping heeler from Fallon, won the 2025 Montana High School Rodeo Association state championship. Quaide Skjonsberg, a freshman bareback rider from Bluffton, Alberta, joins his brother, Denten, on the Bulldogs’ roster. He won bareback titles at the Calgary Stampede and Ponoka Stampede in 2025 and 2026, captured a Canadian championship in 2025 and was the 2022 National Junior High Finals Rodeo reserve world champion. Brody Westergard, a freshman bull rider from Arco, Idaho, placed third in the average at the state finals during his senior season and qualified for nationals. He also reached the state finals as a sophomore and junior.

DILLON, Mont. — The Dillon Public Library will hold its annual book sale Sept. 2-5 in the Commercial Building at the Beaverhead County Fairgrounds. The sale will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Books will cost $1 each or $10 for a box. The sale will include fiction, mysteries, romance, westerns, science fiction, cookbooks, travel and health titles, religious books, children’s picture and board books, DVDs, CDs and other materials. Visitors who show their Beaverhead County Fair wristband will receive one free book valued at $1. Guests can also make I Spy bottles for $10 and Shrinky Dinks for $1. Ice water and chips will be available for purchase, and a phone-charging station will be provided. Juanita Selway will sell jewelry and teddy bears in the Commercial Building. The Adventure Zone, featuring bounce houses, is also expected to be at the fairgrounds. Visitors are encouraged to browse the book sale and explore the Beaverhead County Fair’s livestock, flowers, artwork, food, rodeo and musical entertainment. The Dillon Public Library will be closed from Thursday, Sept. 3, through Tuesday, Sept. 8.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — The Bobcat Lakes Fire has reached 45% containment while firefighters continue using strategic firing operations to secure portions of the Sand Creek Fire. The lightning-caused fires have burned more than 45,000 acres combined: The Bobcat Lakes Fire is estimated at 10,828 acres and is 45% contained. The Sand Creek Fire is estimated at 34,733 acres and is 13% contained. The Skull Fire is estimated at 67 acres and remains 0% contained. A total of 641 personnel are assigned to the incidents. Resources include 17 engines, 15 crews, three dozers, five masticators and 13 skidgens. Sand Creek Fire Conditions Monday allowed crews to conduct firing operations on the northwestern side of the Sand Creek Fire, producing additional smoke. Fire managers said direct access to the irregular fire edge is difficult and unsafe because of densely timbered terrain. Firing operations allow crews to work from an indirect control line and remove fuel between the line and the fire’s edge under favorable conditions. Cold air and southeasterly winds caused smoke to settle into the Big Hole Valley overnight and Tuesday morning. Air quality could remain diminished until late morning. Firefighters patrolled containment lines along the southern side of the fire from Old Tim Creek east to Dingley Creek. Officials said the lines remain secure, but patrols will continue because protecting private property in the Grasshopper Valley remains a priority. On the northeastern side, crews connected a combination of direct and indirect control lines between Price Creek and the ridge north of Comet Mountain. Firefighters are scouting additional control-line locations from Old Tim Creek west toward Cow Camp. Hand-firing operations may continue north of Old Tim Creek if conditions permit. A substantial amount of dead and downed timber on the southwestern corner makes it difficult to establish a control line that will hold. Crews will continue evaluating indirect options in that area. Along the western side, firefighters are preparing Steel-Fox Road as a control line and using hand firing to burn pockets of heavy fuel between the fire and established lines. Bobcat Lakes Fire Crews patrolled the containment line from the northeastern corner south of Pettengill Creek and along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. Officials reported that the line remains secure. Firefighters continue mopping up and securing the southern control line along Lacy Creek Road west toward Jerked Prairie. A heavy-equipment task force is working north from Crystal Park along the Scenic Byway. Crews are thinning vegetation and reducing fuels on both sides of the road to improve its effectiveness as a control line between the Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek fires. Skull Fire The Skull Fire increased slightly to an estimated 67 acres. It remains held along the ridge above Skull and Lacy creeks. The fire is located approximately eight miles southeast of Wisdom and one mile east of Odell Lake. Weather and fire behavior A warmer and more active weather pattern is expected Tuesday. High temperatures are forecast between 73 and 79 degrees, with minimum relative humidity between 19% and 24%. Thunderstorms are expected to develop Tuesday afternoon and move across southwestern Montana through the evening. Fire activity could increase because of dry air and atmospheric instability. Officials expect most of the heat to remain along the western side of the Sand Creek Fire. Evacuations, closures and restrictions The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway remains closed. The Dingley Zone in the Grasshopper Valley remains under a GO evacuation order. A closure remains in effect for National Forest System lands, roads and trails in the fire area. Additional information is available from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Beaverhead County remains under Stage 1 fire restrictions. Evacuation updates are available through the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office.

DILLON, Mont. — The Dillon City Council will meet Wednesday, September 2, with the city's final fiscal year 2026-2027 budget, a police levy bond assessment and several special district assessments among the items scheduled for consideration. The regular City Council meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Dillon City Hall, 125 N. Idaho Street. According to the meeting agenda, council members are scheduled to consider several resolutions connected to the city's upcoming fiscal year. Among the items listed under the Mayor's Report are: Resolution #1515 — Street Maintenance FY 2026-2027 Resolution #1516 — Lighting District FY 2026-2027 Resolution #1517 — Sprinkling District FY 2026-2027 Resolution #1518 — Police Levy Assess FY 2026-2027 Resolution #1519 — SID #38 FY 2026-2027 Resolution #1520 — Final Budget FY 2026-2027 The council is also scheduled to discuss and potentially approve Municipal Financial Services. Other business on Wednesday's agenda includes a memo from the Montana Department of Revenue, the city's cash report for August 2026 and consideration of overriding the mayor's veto of Ed Guza's contract extension. The council is also scheduled to hear reports from city officers and boards, including the City Attorney, Planning Board, Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustments, Director of Operations, Police Department, Fire Department, City Court, Library Board, Tree Board and Treasurer. Standing committee reports are also scheduled from the Ordinances & Facilities, Finance, Public Services, Open Spaces and Public Works committees. The agenda includes time for public comment on items of significant public interest that are not on the agenda and are within the jurisdiction of the City. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 2, at Dillon City Hall.

BOZEMAN, Mont. — Three conservation groups are seeking emergency court action over plans to significantly reduce flows in the Beaverhead River beginning September 1, arguing that Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks should explain why it has not exercised an instream flow water right held by the agency. Upper Missouri Waterkeeper, Alliance for the Wild Rockies and Save the Bull Trout filed an emergency motion for a preliminary injunction in Lewis and Clark County District Court last week. The groups are asking the court to require FWP to explain its decision not to assert its Beaverhead River instream flow right as the river faces declining flows and concerns surrounding the health of the fishery. The court filing comes as flows below Clark Canyon Dam are scheduled to decline substantially beginning September 1. According to information released by FWP, the Bureau of Reclamation, Clark Canyon Water Supply Company and East Bench Irrigation District informed the agency of plans to reduce releases into the Beaverhead River. The conservation groups say flows are expected to fall to approximately 25 cubic feet per second (cfs). Current flows were reported at approximately 217cfs, compared with what the groups describe as an average of roughly 400cfs for this time of year. The scheduled reduction has also resulted in FWP announcing a full fishing closure on the Beaverhead River from Clark Canyon Dam downstream to Pipe Organ Fishing Access Site beginning September 1. Groups Question FWP's Instream Flow Right At the center of the dispute is an instream flow water right held by FWP. According to the conservation groups, FWP holds Water Right 41B 194351-00, an instream flow right on the Beaverhead River with a priority date of June 12, 1931 and a maximum flow rate of 200cfs. The groups argue that the right could potentially be used to protect river flows and are asking why FWP has not asserted it as conditions decline. “FWP has systematically shirked its obligations to enforce the very water rights it owns, which have the potential to mitigate one of the many problems plaguing Southwest Montana’s rivers — low flows,” Upper Missouri Waterkeeper Executive Director Guy Alsentzer said in the organization’s announcement. Alsentzer also argued that declining trout populations, water quality concerns and the approaching spawning season make the agency's decision particularly important. The claims are part of a larger lawsuit originally filed in August 2025 challenging FWP's administration of instream water rights. The lawsuit alleges the agency has failed to exercise and enforce those rights when rivers approach minimum flows and argues that FWP's actions violate its public trust responsibilities and provisions of the Montana Constitution. Those allegations remain subject to the court proceedings. Outfitters Raise Concerns About Beaverhead Fishery The conservation groups' court filings include statements from fishing outfitters who say they're concerned about the potential effect of extremely low flows on the Beaverhead River's trout population. Montana fly fishing outfitter Toby Swank expressed concern about the lack of information surrounding FWP's decision not to use its instream flow right. “The Beaverhead's brown trout population spawn in the fall, and stable flows generally improve spawning and population recruitment in wild trout fisheries,” Swank said. Longtime Beaverhead River outfitter Shaun Jeszenka also submitted an affidavit questioning why the water right has not been exercised. The groups contend the upcoming reduction could further strain a Beaverhead River fishery already facing declining trout populations and other environmental pressures. Emergency Restraining Order Requested Following FWP's announcement of the September 1 fishing closure, the conservation groups took another legal step, filing an application for an emergency temporary restraining order. The groups are asking the court to issue a temporary restraining order while their preliminary injunction request is considered and before the scheduled flow reduction takes effect. Importantly, the preliminary injunction motion does not ask the court to order FWP to make a specific water-right call or require the release of water already stored in Clark Canyon Reservoir. Instead, the groups say they want FWP to publicly explain why it is not asserting its senior instream flow right under the current conditions. The court filings raise questions about how water is allocated between agriculture, irrigation and the protection of Montana's public fisheries during periods of limited water availability. With flows scheduled to begin dropping September 1 and a fishing closure set to take effect on a portion of the Beaverhead River, the dispute could have implications for anglers, outfitters, agricultural producers and other water users throughout Beaverhead County. Southwestern Montana News will continue to follow developments involving the Beaverhead River fishing closure, scheduled flow reductions and the ongoing court case as additional information becomes available.

Updated Aug. 31, 2026, at 9:10 a.m. BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — The Roe 2 Fire burning east of Clark Canyon Reservoir has reached 60% containment, according to the latest fire update. The lightning-caused wildfire began at approximately 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27. It has burned an estimated 983 acres. Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation crews remained at the fire throughout the weekend. Firefighters checked the area for remaining hot spots and worked to rehabilitate dozer lines constructed during containment efforts. DNRC resources will continue monitoring and working on the Roe 2 Fire until it reaches 100% containment.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — Recent rainfall and higher humidity have reduced activity on three wildfires burning in Beaverhead County, but firefighters continue working to secure control lines and protect nearby properties. The Bobcat Lakes Fire is estimated at 10,784 acres and remains 40% contained. The Sand Creek Fire is estimated at 34,083 acres and is 13% contained. The Skull Fire remains at approximately 51 acres and is 0% contained. A total of 628 personnel are assigned to the incidents. Resources include 21 engines, 13 crews, three dozers, five masticators and 15 skidgens. Bobcat Lakes Fire The Bobcat Lakes Fire is burning approximately 13 miles southwest of Wise River and 12 miles east of Wisdom. Firefighters continue patrolling the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway and holding established control lines. Pockets of heat were observed smoldering along the northern side of the fire. Following recently completed firing operations, crews are securing the southern control line along Lacy Creek and east of Jerked Prairie. The work is intended to prevent the fire from spreading toward private property. A heavy-equipment task force will begin thinning vegetation and reducing fuels along both sides of the Scenic Byway between the Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek fires. Officials said the work will strengthen the road’s ability to serve as a control line and holding feature. Sand Creek Fire The Sand Creek Fire is burning approximately 7.5 miles southeast of Wisdom. Crews are preparing Steel-Fox Road as a control line along the fire’s western side while looking for opportunities to work directly along the fire’s edge where conditions allow. Pockets of heat, concentrations of dead and downed timber and limited access will require firefighters to use hand-firing operations in some areas. Crews are also evaluating additional control-line options on the southwestern corner to help protect private property outside the fire area. Along the southern side, firefighters continue hand-firing operations north of the control line from Cow Camp east toward Old Tim Creek when weather conditions permit. Patrol and mop-up operations continue between Old Tim Creek and Dingley Creek to protect private property in the Grasshopper Valley. Crews and equipment are also working in the Price Creek area on the southeastern corner of the fire. Their objective is to secure the fire’s edge and connect control lines with the ridge north of Comet Mountain. Officials said significant heat remains in the area, but crews are making progress. Skull Fire The Skull Fire is burning approximately eight miles southeast of Wisdom and one mile east of Odell Lake. Minimal activity was observed Saturday, and the fire remains estimated at 51 acres. Aircraft are available to support firefighters with water or retardant drops, reconnaissance flights and personnel transportation as needed. Weather and fire behavior Clouds and showers were expected to end by midmorning Sunday, followed by cooler and drier conditions. High temperatures were forecast between 60 and 65 degrees, with minimum relative humidity between 20% and 25%. Fire activity across the incidents was expected to remain minimal. Evacuations, closures and restrictions The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway remains closed. The Dingley Zone in the Grasshopper Valley remains under a GO evacuation order. Closures are also in effect for National Forest System lands, roads and trails in portions of the Wisdom and Dillon ranger districts. Closure information is available through the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Beaverhead County remains under Stage 1 fire restrictions. Evacuation updates are available from the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office.

DILLON, Mont. — A passing hailstorm created hazardous driving conditions on Interstate 15 Saturday afternoon, sending multiple vehicles off the roadway near mile marker 81. First responders were initially called to the area after reports that several vehicles had slid off the interstate due to hail covering the roadway. A Beaverhead County Sheriff's deputy arrived on scene and found multiple vehicles involved. One passenger vehicle was reportedly able to get back onto the roadway, while a truck pulling a trailer sustained some damage after leaving the interstate. While the deputy was still on scene, a motorcycle also went off the roadway due to the hail, prompting an additional response from the fire department and ambulance. According to scanner traffic, the motorcyclist was up and walking following the incident. The extent of any injuries was not immediately known. Drivers traveling through Southwest Montana should use caution when thunderstorms move through the area. Hail can quickly accumulate on highways and create slick conditions with little warning. Additional information will be provided if it becomes available.

Latest update from Watch Duty. The fire is 982.5 acres per the perimeter uploaded to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), which is visible on the Watch Duty map under the Active Fire Perimeters map layer. The fire is now 10% contained, per the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — The lightning-caused Roe 2 Fire was estimated at approximately 2,000 acres and remained 0% contained Friday morning. The fire was reported at about 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, east of Clark Canyon Reservoir in Beaverhead County. An updated acreage estimate is expected later Friday. Fire activity decreased overnight, resulting in minimal growth. Crews were able to construct dozer line along portions of the fire. Resources assigned to the incident include six Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation engines, two U.S. Forest Service engines and three dozers. Aviation resources include water scoopers, one Type 2 helicopter and one Type 1 helicopter. Friday morning brought temperatures in the 60s, light rain, overcast skies and increased relative humidity. Temperatures were expected to reach the low 70s, with moderate winds and a chance of rain throughout the day. No structures were threatened as of the 8:30 a.m. update. Smoke may be visible from Interstate 15. Officials are asking members of the public not to call 911 to report visible smoke from the fire. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

DILLON, Mont. — The Montana Fifth Judicial District Court has scheduled several criminal and civil proceedings in Beaverhead County during the first week of September. Tuesday’s calendar begins at 9 a.m. with a scheduling conference in State v. Boyer. Change-of-plea hearings are scheduled for Dwyer at 9:10 a.m. and Metcalf at 9:30 a.m. Cleveland-Halvorsen is scheduled to appear for sentencing at 9:20 a.m. An evidentiary hearing in State v. Cline is set for 9:40 a.m., followed by a status hearing in State v. Sepanski at 9:50 a.m. A hearing on an order of protection in Eldridge v. Cantrell is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday’s proceedings begin at 9 a.m. with an evidentiary hearing in State v. C. Schmidt. A hearing concerning the settlement and distribution of the Raymond estate is scheduled for 11 a.m. Two closed youth proceedings are scheduled Thursday afternoon. A status hearing is set for 1:30 p.m., followed by a show-cause hearing at 1:45 p.m. The week’s calendar concludes with a hearing on an order of protection in Malkovich v. Stein at 3 p.m. Thursday. No Beaverhead County proceedings are listed for Monday, Wednesday or Friday. Judge Berger will be in Virginia City on Monday and Boulder on Wednesday. The court notes that hearing times have been adjusted to fit the calendar and remain subject to change. Court listings reflect scheduled proceedings and do not indicate the outcome of a case.

The Women’s Resource Center would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, donated, supported, bid on artwork, and helped make the Gallery of Hope on Saturday, August 22,in Ennis, MT, such a meaningful and successful event. The WRC is incredibly grateful to its generous sponsors, talented artists, donors, volunteers, local businesses, and community members whose support helped bring the evening to life. A special thank you goes to event co-sponsors Resolute Roots Realty and Vessey Properties – eXp Realty for their support and partnership. The WRC also extends its sincere appreciation to the incredible Montana artists who donated their beautiful and unique artwork for the event. Their generosity and creativity made the Gallery of Hope a truly special evening and helped raise vital funds to support individuals and families affected by domestic and sexual violence. The support of the community makes a real difference in the lives of those served by the WRC. Because of the generosity of so many, the WRC can continue providing safety, support, advocacy, and hope to individuals and families when they need it most. Thank you to everyone who believes in the WRC’s mission and stands with survivors. The WRC is deeply grateful for the continued support of this caring and generous community. For more information about the WRC, visit us online at www.wrcmt.org

DILLON, Mont. — A portion of the Beaverhead River will close to fishing earlier than usual as drought conditions force a reduction in flows. A full fishing closure will take effect Sept. 1 from Clark Canyon Dam downstream to Pipe Organ Fishing Access Site. The seasonal spawning closure for the same stretch of river, normally in effect from Oct. 1 through the third Saturday in May, will remain in place regardless of river conditions. The early closure follows coordination among dam operators, irrigators and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. After several years of drought and declining water levels in Clark Canyon Reservoir, dam operators plan to reduce outflows beginning Sept. 1—about one month earlier than the normal transition to winter flows. Inflows to Clark Canyon Reservoir are currently 157 cubic feet per second, and the reservoir is at less than 30% of its capacity. Several large downstream water users will also stop irrigation operations Sept. 1, in part to help limit impacts on the Beaverhead River fishery. Low streamflows create stressful conditions for fish and make them more vulnerable to mortality associated with angling. FWP’s drought criteria allow fishing restrictions and closures when streamflows or water temperatures reach established thresholds. FWP staff will continue monitoring flows and water temperatures in coordination with dam operators. Officials hope to avoid additional fishing closures downstream of Pipe Organ Fishing Access Site. Other fishing regulations remain in effect on the Beaverhead River. Anglers can review Montana’s current fishing regulations and check the latest waterbody restrictions and closures before heading out.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — Fire crews are responding to a new wildfire burning east of Clark Canyon Reservoir in Beaverhead County Thursday evening. The Roe 2 Fire was reported at approximately 5:00 p.m. Thursday, August 27, burning through grass and sagebrush. According to the latest information provided to Southwestern Montana News, the fire is currently estimated at approximately 2000 acres. A significant response is underway, with four Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) engines, approximately eight to 10 local fire engines, one U.S. Forest Service engine and two DNRC helicopters responding to the incident. Smoke from the fire is visible from Interstate 15 near the Red Rock Road exit and Clark Canyon Reservoir, south of Dillon. As of Thursday evening, no structures are reported to be impacted by the fire. The Montana DNRC identifies May through September as the core of Montana's wildfire season and directs residents to the state's wildfire information resources for current fire activity. Southwestern Montana News will continue to follow the Roe 2 Fire and provide updates as additional information becomes available.

DILLON, Mont. — The Dillon Public Library will hold its annual Labor Day Book Sale from Thursday, Sept. 3, through Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Beaverhead County Fairgrounds. The sale will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day in the Commercial Building. Books of many types will be available for $1 each or $10 per box. The selection will include books for homeschool families, teachers, parents and readers of all ages. Fairgoers who show their Beaverhead County Fair wristband will receive one free book, valued at $1. Ice water, chips, I Spy bottles, Shrinky Dinks and other items will also be available for purchase. A phone-charging station will be provided inside the building. Juanita Selway will be in the Commercial Building selling jewelry and teddy bears. The Dillon Public Library will be closed from Thursday, Sept. 3, through Tuesday, Sept. 8.

DILLON, Mont. — The 2026 Beaverhead County Fair will offer nearly a week of livestock shows, rodeo action, live music and family activities before concluding with the Dillon Jaycees Labor Day Parade. Fair activities begin Tuesday, Sept. 1, and continue through Monday, Sept. 7, at the Beaverhead County Fairgrounds in Dillon. Admission is $5 for everyone age 5 and older. One wristband provides admission throughout the fair. Wristbands may be purchased at the gate, 3-D Store or Womack’s Printing. Purchasing a wristband in advance at 3-D or Womack’s also enters the buyer into a drawing for $100. All live music on the fairgrounds stage is included with fair admission. Click the file below to download the 2026 Fair Book for complete information on fair entries, event times, schedules, rules, requirements, and more. Whether you’re planning to enter an exhibit, participate in an event, or simply want to see what’s happening, the Fair Book has the information you need to get ready for the 2026 Fair. Tuesday, Sept. 1 Open-class entries in all non-animal departments will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2 Judging of open-class non-animal exhibits will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 4-H Building will accept entries from noon to 8 p.m. All 4-H, FFA and open-class livestock, except poultry and rabbits, must check in between 4 and 8 p.m. The 4-H Cat Show begins at 6 p.m. in the 4-H Building. An open 4D barrel race begins at 6:30 p.m., with online registration required. Thursday, Sept. 3 Market swine judging begins at 8 a.m., followed by swine showmanship. Market beef judging and showmanship begin at 1 p.m., and market sheep judging and showmanship begin at 5 p.m. PRCA breakaway roping and barrel racing slack begin at 10 a.m. Team breakaway roping follows at 2 p.m., with registration beginning at 1 p.m. The Team Roping Classic starts at 6 p.m. in the Harry Andrus Arena. Live music is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by karaoke with Prickly Pear Productions from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4 The day begins with breeding livestock interviews at 7 a.m. Poultry judging and showmanship start at 9 a.m., followed by breeding livestock judging at 9:30 a.m. The 4-H rabbit show begins at 10 a.m., while open-class rabbit judging starts at 11 a.m. Team Branding begins at 10 a.m. in the Harry Andrus Arena. The 4-H Round Robin Showmanship competition starts at 2 p.m. in the Lundberg Show Ring. Katie Hall will perform from 3 to 5 p.m. The FFA Livestock Judging Clinic begins at 4 p.m., and the Ranch Rodeo starts at 5 p.m. in the Harry Andrus Arena. Bidding in the 4-H silent auction opens at 7 p.m. Karaoke is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5 Saturday Arena Events begin at 8 a.m. in the Harry Andrus Arena. Events include barrel racing, pole bending, keyhole racing, stake racing, breakaway roping, calf and steer riding, and mutton bustin’. Mutton bustin’ and steer riding are expected to begin around 9 a.m. Saturday Arena Events are open to current Beaverhead and Madison county residents and eligible Melrose 4-H families. Entries are due by 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3. The livestock sale buyers’ barbecue will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Lundberg Show Ring. The 4-H and FFA Market Livestock Sale begins at 1:30 p.m. Sonic Honey will perform on the fairgrounds stage from 4 to 7 p.m. The 4-H silent auction closes at 7 p.m. Saturday’s Dillon Jaycees PRCA Rodeo will follow that evening in the Harry Andrus Arena. Gates open at 6p.m. rodeo starts at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6 PRCA team roping, calf roping and steer wrestling slack begin at 7 a.m. The Dillon Jaycees PRCA Rodeo starts at 1 p.m. in the Harry Andrus Arena. The weekend concert begins at 7:30 p.m., with gates opening at 7 p.m. Kameron Marlowe will headline the show, joined by Redferrin and Michael Armstrong. Rodeo and concert tickets are available through DillonJaycees.com. Monday, Sept. 7 Montana’s Biggest Weekend concludes with the Dillon Jaycees Labor Day Parade at 10 a.m. Parade entry information is available through the Dillon Jaycees website.