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125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers August 7th,  2024 6:45 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ADOPTION OF THE PRELIMINARY CITY BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025, INCLUDING BUDGETS FOR LIGHTING, STREET MAINTENANCE, AND SPRINKLING DISTRICTS, AND SID #36 AND, POLICE RETIREMENT LEVY, AND POLICE LEVY FOR THE CITY OF DILLON FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE     A.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA   B.        MINUTES 1.         Approve July 17th, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes   C.        PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS         1.         Advise AD HOC Committee to Study Titles 15, 16 and 17   D.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Appoint Michael Saunders to Planning Board as Citizen Member 2.         Approve Planning Consultant for CDBG Planning 3.         Discuss FY24-25 Budget   E.         REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         Library Board - Diane Armstrong, Council Member; (vacant), Library Director 2.         Planning Board - Bill Shafer                         a.         Accept Minutes from July 8th, 2024 Regular Meeting                         b.         Accept Minutes from July 22nd, 2024 Regular Meeting                         c.         Accept Minutes from August 1st, 2024 Regular Meeting                                     i.           Discuss/Approve Kent Street Minor Subdivision 3.         Zoning Commission -  Raymond Graham, Russ Schwandt                         a.         Accept Minutes from July 9th, 2024 Regular Meeting 4.         Board of Adjustments - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz 5.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey 6.         Police Department – Police Chief Jeremy Alvarez 7.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose             a.         Accept the July 2024 Activity Report             b.         Approve the City Clerk Report for Fire Hall for July, 2024             c.          Approve the Budget vs. Expenditures for Fire Hall for July, 2024 8.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox                         a.         Accept Court Report for July 2024 9.         Treasurer – Karen Kipp                                                 F.         REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Judiciary Committee – Raymond Graham, Diane Armstrong 2.         Finance Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Diane Armstrong                         a.         Approve July 25th,  2024 Meeting Minutes                                     i.           Approve Line Item Budget Report                                     ii.          Approve Fund Summary for Claims for July 2024                                     iii.         Approve Claims by Vendor Report for July 2024                                     iv.        Approve Budget vs. Actual Report for July 2024 3.         Fire and Order Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Bill Shafer, Mary Jo O’Rourke                         a.         Approve July 15th, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes 4.         Health and Welfare – Bill Shafer, Chair; Joleen Schultz 5.         Cemetery Committee – Diane Armstrong, Chair; Mary Jo O’Rourke, Anneliese Ripley                         a.         Approve July 16th, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes                         b.         Approve Updated Cemetery Brochure                         c.         Approve Ordinance 480 - Title 11 6.         Parks Committee – Raymond Graham, Chair; Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz 7.         City Hall Committee – Raymond Graham, Chair; Mary Jo O’Rourke 8.         Street and Alley Committee – Russ Schwandt, Joleen Schultz 9.          Water and Sewer Committee – Bill Shafer, Chair; Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley                                                    G.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE  AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY   H.        ADJOURNMENT   PLEASE NOTE: The City of Dillon understands that citizens have the right under the Montana Constitution to observe and participate in local governmental affairs by personally attending all public meetings of the Dillon City Council and other City boards and committees. This meeting is open to the public as normal. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528, allowing permission for microphone and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245. Please mute your microphone until you desire to comment. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245.

The University of Montana Western is excited to announce the upcoming Bulldog Stadium celebration. The celebration marks a significant milestone not only for Montana Western but also for the Dillon community. The grand opening celebration is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 6th, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. at the Bulldog Stadium on the Montana Western campus. The event will bring together community members, project stakeholders, donors, and special guests.  “The completion of phase one of this facility is a testament to the unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and boundless support of everyone involved,” said Director of the UMW Foundation and Alumni Engagement, Roxanne Engellant. “This remarkable achievement is a symbol of our community’s spirit, resilience, and commitment to excellence.”  A no-host social will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will provide an opportunity for guests to mingle and watch the Bulldog football team wrap up practice. The schedule of the evening’s events is as follows:  4:30 p.m.         No-host Social  5:15 p.m.         Welcome Comments 5:30 p.m.         Special Video Presentation 5:45 p.m.         Toast with Stadium Donors on the 50-yard line Montana Western extends its gratitude to all the individuals, organizations, and community members who have shown unwavering support throughout this journey. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this exciting achievement! The 2024 football season kicks off on Saturday, September 7th, at the Bulldog Stadium. The Bulldogs will face off against Eastern Oregon University, with kickoff set for 1:00 p.m. Tailgating festivities will start at 10:00 a.m. Game day tickets can be purchased at the gate but stay tuned for more information on how to purchase season tickets, parking, and tailgating details. For more information about the celebration, please contact Jolene Robbins, Special Events and Alumni Coordinator at 406-683-7303 or  jjolene.robbins@umwestern.edu .

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana STREET & ALLEY COMMITTEE MEETING ~ AGENDA ~ Tuesday, August 6th , 2024 4:00 PM 1. Call to Order 2. Discuss/Approve Elks Lodge Request for Permanent Handicapped Parking Spot 3. Discuss/Recommend 7 Skihi Street Grade Issue 4. Public Comment on Items Not on Agenda but Within The Jurisdiction of The City 5. Adjournment Committee Members Russ Schwandt Joleen Schultz

TWIN BRIDGES – The Jefferson River and more sections of the Big Hole River will close to fishing starting Saturday, Aug. 3, due to low flows. The full fishing closure will include the entire Jefferson River, as well as the Big Hole River from Dickie Bridge to the confluence with the Jefferson River. Flows in these areas dropped below fishing closure thresholds on Friday. The rest of the Big Hole River upstream of Dickie Bridge is under hoot-owl restrictions, which prohibit fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight. These restrictions will remain in effect until conditions improve. Fishing restrictions and closures like these are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when low flows and high water temperatures combine with other stressors, including catch-and-release fishing. Anglers can reduce stress on fish at all times of the year by getting fish to the net or in hand quickly, keeping them in the water, and reviving them prior to releasing them back into the river. Along with monitoring stream temperatures, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 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 . For a list of current fishing restrictions and closures in Montana, click here .

Beaverhead and Madison counties entered State II fire restrictions earlier today. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks follows the counties’ lead in placing fire restrictions on its properties within each county. These restrictions are in place for all fishing access sites (FAS), state parks and wildlife management areas (WMAs) managed by FWP in Beaverhead and Madison counties. FWP properties in Beaverhead County include: Blacktail WMA Robb-Ledford WMA Poindexter Slough FAS Henneberry FAS Maidenrock FAS Salmon Fly FAS Corrals FAS George Grant Memorial FAS Glen FAS Greenwood Bottoms FAS High Bridge FAS Kalsta Bridge FAS Bannack State Park Clark's Lookout SP Grasshopper FAS Pipe Organ FAS Blacktail Meadows FAS Selway Park FAS FWP properties in Madison County include: Wall Creek WMA Bear Creek WMA Varney Bridge FAS Harrison Lake FAS Meadow Lake FAS Parrot Castle FAS Cardwell Bridge FAS Raynolds' Pass FAS Silver Star FAS Valley Garden FAS Hell's Canyon FAS Ruby Dam FAS Vigilante FAS Alder Bridge FAS Ruby Island FAS Silver Springs Bridge FAS Brownes Bridge FAS Burnt Tree Hole FAS McAtee Bridge FAS Lyons Bridge FAS Eight Mile Ford FAS Ennis FAS Kountz Bridge FAS Tony Schoonen FAS Beaverhead Rock State Park Three Dollar Bridge FAS Damselfly FAS Stage II fire restrictions include those put in place under Stage I restrictions, which prohibit maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire at FWP sites; smoking within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is cleared of flammable materials. Recreationists may cook on a liquid petroleum gas or propane stove that can be turned on and off. Stage II restrictions also prohibit operating lawn mowers, weed trimmers, chainsaws and other internal combustion engines from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.; welding or operating acetylene or other torch devices with an open flame between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m.; using an explosive between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m.; and operating motor vehicles off designated roads and trails, with exceptions for those carrying out official business related to the function of governmental agencies and public utilities. These restrictions at FWP sites will be in place until further notice. Due to dry conditions and high fire danger FWP urges people to use caution while they are out recreating. Learn more about wildfire prevention and the latest information on fires in Montana at www.mtfireinfo.org .

Saturday, August 3, Dillon Volunteer Fire Department responded to a small grass fire about one mile south of Barrett Hospital. The fire was burning in tall grass alongside the road and around a power pole.   Residents from nearby homes were already spraying the fire down and throwing dirt on it. With the help of the fire department, they were able to get the fire completely out and stop it from spreading.   Reminder Beaverhead County entered stage 2 fire restrictions on Friday. It is very dry out and requires little to start a fire. Do not throw anything hot out of your vehicle and make sure nothing is dragging that could cause a spark.

The Grouse Fire was corrected to 671 acres as of this morning, instead of the 800 acres reported yesterday evening. However, tonight's reporting from the National Interagency Fire Center shows the fire now at 1,415 acres with zero containment. The fire was more active today, with a smoke column visible from the Pioneer Scenic Byway and Wise River vicinity. Some minor spotting occurred on the southwest corner of the fire as a result of up-valley winds. Most of the fire activity was on the southeast flank of the fire, with less activity towards the residences on the eastern edge. Acreage remains at 800, as the UAS (drone) mapping flight was unavailable today. Approximately 240 personnel are assigned to the fire.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Monday August 5th , 2024 at 12:01 P.M. City Council Chambers Special Planning Board Meeting AGENDA A. Call Meeting to Order B. Review and Approval of Minutes from the August 1 st , 2024 Regular Planning Board Meeting C. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the Planning Board. D. Adjournment Zoom link is available. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528, allowing permission for mic and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245. Planning Board Members: Don Hand, Bill Shafer, Dan Nye, Ed Mooney

TWIN BRIDGES – A section of the lower Big Hole River will be closed to fishing due to low flows starting Friday, Aug. 2. The 18-mile closure area extends from the Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site, commonly known as Notch Bottom, to the confluence with the Jefferson River. Flows in this area dropped below 100 cubic feet per second, which triggers a full fishing closure in accordance with the Big Hole River’s drought management plan. The rest of the Big Hole River upstream of Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site is under hoot-owl restrictions, which prohibit fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight. Fishing restrictions and closures like these are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when conditions, such as low flows and high water temperatures, combine with other stressors, including catch-and-release fishing. Anglers can reduce stress on fish at all times of the year by getting fish to the net or in hand quickly, keeping them in the water, and reviving them prior to releasing them back into the river. For a list of current fishing restrictions and closures in Montana, click here .

DVFD responded to 21  calls for service during the month of July 2024.    7-01                 Monroe Ave                            Public Service Assist 7-03                 I-15 MM 72                            Vehicle Accident 7-04                 Ten Mile Rd                           Grass Fire 7-04                 Pronghorn                              Grass Fire 7-05                 N Montana                              Vehicle Accident 7-06                 Carrigan & Flynn                    Vehicle Accident 7-06                 Hwy 278 & Taylor Cr             Grass Fire                    7-09                 S Montana                               Alarm Activation 7-11                 Hwy 278 & Taylor Cr             Mutual Aid/Cancelled            7-13                 Hwy 324                                 Grass Fire 7-14                 W Center                                 System Malfunction 7-16                 Hwy 324 & Bloody Dick        Grass Fire 7-16                 Hwy 41 MM 7                         Grass Fire 7-19                 S California                             Gas Odor 7-20                 Hwy 278 MM 13                    MC Accident  7-21                 I-15 MM 42                            Trailer Fire 7-25                 N Montana                              Vehicle Fire 7-25                 Laknar Ln                               Smoke Alarm/False Alarm 7-28                 Ten Mile Rd & Stonehouse    Grass Fire 7-28                 Blacktail Rd                            Vehicle Accident 7-31                 Valley View Rd                      Structure Fire   July  monthly training included training Montana Drive, assisting Jaycees fireworks, Hose Testing, continued Structural FF-1 training, worked with the new probationary FF on proper procedures   Thanks to all of our firefighters & officers for their continued dedication to the City of Dillon & Beaverhead Fire District #2 Thank you for your continued support of the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department.   Please be extra careful when you are out & about as it is wildfire season & the fuels are extremely dry.

SHERIDAN, Wyo. – Sheridan College is pleased to recognize students named to its honor rolls for the spring 2023 semester. Sheridan College has three honor roll lists: the President’s Honor Roll, Vice President’s Honor Roll, and the Part-Time Honor Roll. There were 93 Sheridan College students named to the President’s Honor Roll and earned a perfect 4.0 GPA for the semester with 12 or more credit hours. The Vice President’s Honor Roll includes 83 Sheridan College students who earned at least a 3.5 GPA or above for the semester with 12 or more credit hours. Finally, 142 Sheridan College students were named to the Part-Time Honor Roll who earned a 3.5 GPA or above for the semester with at least six credit hours. The following student from Madison County was named to Sheridan College’s President’s Honor Roll: Twin Bridges, Montana Rylee Mehring

DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western Women's Basketball team has welcomed eight signees in its 2024-25 signing class, the program announced Thursday morning.  "We are extremely excited for our 2024 recruiting class. This group brings in a lot of experience and energy and we are eager to get them on campus." Head Coach Britt Cooper said. Brooke Deyak | Guard | Maple Valley, Wash. / Tahoma High School Deyak is a 5-6 guard who joins the Bulldogs as a 2024 graduate of Tahoma High School in Maple Valley, Wash. She was a four-time league champion who earned first-team all league honors last season for the Bears. She also earned honor roll recognition while at Tahoma. Deyak competed for the Northwest Blazers 17u Lightning AAU team out of Seattle, Wash. for two seasons. She is the daughter of Ryan Deyak and Patricia Sheed and plans to major in modern history and secondary education while at Montana Western.  Mila Hawk | Guard | Charlo, Mont. / Polson HS / Carroll College Hawk is a 5-7 guard who joins the Bulldogs as a transfer from Carroll College and a 2023 graduate of Polson High School. She was a three-time conference champion at Charlo High School before transferring to Polson for her senior season and earned All-State recognition twice and first team all-league honors. In addition to basketball, Hawk played soccer and volleyball while in high school. She is the daughter of JS and Natalie Hawk and plans to continue to pursue her degree in physical education and health k-12 while at Montana Western. Kasey Hendren | Guard | Richfield, Idaho / Richfield HS Hendren is a 5-5 guard who joins the Bulldogs as a 2024 graduate of Richfield High School in Richfield, Idaho. She was an all-conference selection who earned co-defensive player of the year in the conference her senior season. She averaged 14.3 points, 6.4 steals, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game her senior season for the Tigers. Outside of high school, she played for the Magic Valley Basketball Club AAU team for three years. Hendren was also a multi-sport athlete who competed in volleyball and track and field where she was named conference MVP and first team all-conference in volleyball and was first team all-conference as a thrower in track and field. She also graduated valedictorian this spring. She is the daughter of Buck and Jolene Hendren and plans to major in elementary education while at Montana Western.  Sammi Love | Guard | Lehi, Utah / Lehi HS Love is a 5-8 guard who joins the Bulldogs as a 2024 graduate of Lehi High School in Lehi, Utah. She was a two-time region champion and earned All-State and all-region honors in high school. In addition, she earned high honor roll accolades at Lehi. Love competed for the Complete Athlete Northwest AAU team for two seasons. She is the daughter of Barrett and Ashley Love and plans to major in psychology while at Montana Western.  Trinidie Nichols | Guard | Post Falls, Idaho / Post Falls HS / Columbia Basin CC Nichols is a 5-5 guard who joins the Bulldogs after two seasons at Columbia Basin Community College. While at Columbia Basin, Nichols was a two-time east region champion and earned east region first team honors and co-defensive player of the year. Last season, she averaged 17 points and 5.7 rebounds per game while shooting 35.7 percent from the arc and 46.7 percent from the field. A 2022 graduate of Post Falls High School, Nichols was a three-time state qualifier and also competed in soccer. She is the daughter of Kimberly Nichols and plans to continue to pursue her degree in business while at Montana Western. Kylee Old Elk | Guard | Hardin, Mont. / Hardin HS / Dawson CC Old Elk is a 5-8 guard who joins the Bulldogs after a season at Dawson Community College. She averaged 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game while at Dawson. Old Elk was a 2022 graduate who was a two-time All-State selection who averaged 11 points and five assists per game while in high school and earned academic all-conference three times. She also competed in volleyball, cross country, and golf while in high school. She is the daughter of Ashley Plentyhawk and Shawndae Old Elk and plans to major in kinesiology.  Kyle Pancost | Post | Twin Bridges, Mont. / Twin Bridges HS Pancost is a 6-1 post who joins the Bulldogs as a 2024 graduate of Twin Bridges, Mont. She earned first team all-conference honors her senior season while averaging 11.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. She was also a two-time second team all-conference selection while also earning academic All-State honors. Pancost also played for the Northwest Blazers Montana AAU team for a season. She also competed in volleyball where she was second team all-conference her senior season. Pancost is the daughter of LJ and Kristi Pancost. Kenzi Pedersen | Forward | Palouse, Wash. / Garfield-Palouse HS / Columbia Basin CC Pedersen is a 5-10 forward who joins the Bulldogs after two seasons at Columbia Basin Community College. While at Columbia Basin, Pedersen averaged 10.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game and was a two-time east region champion. She earned second-team all-region last season and was on the year end all-defensive team. Pedersen was a 2022 graduate of Garfield-Palouse High School and averaged just shy of a double double her senior season with 19.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. She earned All-State honors her senior season and was a four-time first team all-league selection. She also competed in volleyball and softball while in high school. She is the daughter of Ken and Rochelle Pedersen and plans to continue to pursue her degree in kinesiology while at Montana Western.

Size: 800 acres Resources on Site: 4 type 2 IA crews; 2 hotshot crews; 7 engines; 1 skidgen; and 3 helicopters available to assist. Total Personnel: 138 Effective today an Area/Road/Trail Closure is in effect for the vicinity of the fire perimeter. The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway has a large amount of firefighting equipment and crews; motorists in the area are urged to slow down, look for 35 MPH speed signs, be aware of the increased traffic, and yield to firefighting apparatus and vehicles. Fire managers and agency officials are considering night operations, and ensuring public and firefighter safety and protecting life and property are of the utmost importance. On Wednesday, crews continued to improve Forest Road 186, (Pettingill Rd), in preparation to use it as a containment line. Firefighters monitored previous installed water-handling equipment (pumps, hoses, and sprinklers) around structures in the Pettengill Creek area. On Thursday, fire mitigation strategies, such as burnouts will be considered to help secure and maintain the fireline. These activities help reduce the risk to our fire crews while also minimizing the impact on the surrounding values at risk. The public should be aware that an increase in visible smoke is highly probably over the next fewdays. As conditions allow, fire personnel will be utilizing helicopters as needed to support operations. The fire continues to move primarily up the Grouse Creek drainage and sub-drainages. As drier weather persists Friday through Sunday, temperatures could top out near 100 degrees. Active fire movement on all flanks is expected on Thursday, with fire backing downhill towards Pettengill Creek and to the north towards Grouse Creek and the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. As hotter weather persists, fire managers will be monitoring increased fire behavior and potential for spotting. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has issued an Area/Road/Trail Closure (Closure #01-02-03-24-05) effective July 31, 2024. This Order is for public and firefighter safety during fire suppression efforts of the Grouse Fire. Closure information and maps are posted on the Forests’ website and the fire’s Inciweb page as they are in place. https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtbdf-grouse . The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway remains open. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. The Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. For more informaiton on MT Fire Restrictions, see https://www.mtfireinfo.org/pages/426e687855214596bf4c5e6607fce1d2

The University of Montana Western’s Theatre Department and Bank of Commerce Performing Arts Series are excited to present "Gutenberg! The Musical!" from August 22-31, 2024. Get ready for a hilarious evening with “Gutenberg! The Musical!” In this uproarious two-man show, aspiring playwrights Bud and Doug are on a mission to impress producers with their ambitious—and delightfully misguided—musical about Johann Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. With boundless enthusiasm, they tackle every role and belt out catchy songs in their over-the-top historical spoof. Join them on this comedic journey filled with outrageous antics and unexpected twists as they strive for that coveted Broadway contract. Don’t miss your chance to laugh out loud and witness their quirky charm! Grab your tickets today and be part of this unforgettable theatrical adventure! “Gutenberg! The Musical!” is written by Anthony King and Scott Brown, directed by Stephen Alan Seder, with music direction by Lindsey Nussbaum, and features standout performances by Hugh Butterfield and Cody Root. All cast and crew are former Virginia City Players members, a professional theatre company located in Virginia City, Montana, known for performing classic melodramas and vaudeville-style entertainment. Shows will be held in UMW’s Beier Auditorium on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with Saturday matinees at 2:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, please visit the BOC Performing Arts Series Box Office webpage ( www.umwestern.edu/bank-of-commerce-performing-arts-series/box-office/ ). Tickets are $16 for general admission, $12 for seniors (65+), youth (18 & under), and military, $10 for UMW faculty/staff, and free for UMW students with a student ID. This show is rated PG-13 and each performance will feature a surprise cameo! For more information on this year’s BOC Performing Arts Series, visit  www.umwestern.edu/bank-of-commerce-performing-arts-series/  or contact Assistant Professor of Theatre, Stephen Seder, at  stephen.seder@umwestern.edu  or 406-683-7038.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reduces Montana’s Housing Choice Voucher allocation to bail out less responsible states’ programs, forcing Commerce to close waitlist HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that it will close Montana’s waitlist for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance Program on August 15, 2024. HCV is also known as “Section 8.” Commerce was notified in June 2024 that HUD’s allocation for Montana’s HCV Housing Assistance Payments would be reduced due to shortfalls in other states’ programs. Commerce, having responsibly managed Montana’s HCV program, must now spend down its HUD-held reserves and close its waitlist to ensure the program remains solvent and able to serve current participants. “Time after time we see this federal government making decisions that reward poorly managed states,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “Our dedicated staff at Commerce has responsibly managed this program and served countless Montanans who depend on this support. We will continue to find ways to support the individuals and families who will be negatively impacted by this decision.”  On July 2, 2024, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and Director Green sent a letter to HUD’s Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman urging the federal agency to reconsider Montana’s allocation. As of July 31, neither the Department of Commerce nor the Governor's office have received a response to the July 2, 2024 letter. “Montana has been a fiscally responsible steward of our federal HAP funding, resulting in financially sound HUD-held reserves for our state,” they wrote in the letter. “As you know, availability and affordability in housing is a nationwide problem. The residents of our state should not be forced to bail out other states that have poorly managed their federal HAP funding. To be clear, low-income Montanans patiently waiting for critically needed rental assistance will be at increased risk of homelessness as a direct result of the Biden administration’s decision to bail out fiscally irresponsible states at the expense of properly managed states like Montana.”

Dillon, Montana, August 01, 2024 –Honeybee Hospice, Barrett Hospital & HealthCare, and The Southwestern Montana Family YMCA are thrilled to announce Dillon, Montana's inaugural Senior Health and Fun Fair. The event will be held on August 9th from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at the local YMCA, marking a significant community collaboration aimed at promoting the health and wellness of our beloved senior citizens. The Senior Health and Fun Fair is designed to provide a joyful and informative day filled with various engaging activities and health informational booths from a wide variety of health-related agencies and services across Dillon. Attendees 60 years+ will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of discounted priced blood tests as well as mobility, balance, and fall risk screenings offered by Barrett Hospital & HealthCare, obtain discounted memberships from the YMCA to begin or maintain physical activity, and learn about end-of-life care from Honeybee Hospice. Highlights of the event include: **Health Screenings:** Blood screenings as well as mobility, balance, and fall risk screenings provided by medical professionals from Barrett Hospital & HealthCare. ** YMCA Memberships: ** Memberships to help keep seniors physically active to improve their balance, flexibility, brain health, strength, and aerobic activity. **Speakers:** Informative session on senior wellness, as well as information on hospice care and end-of-life planning, and Part C health plans that contract with Medicare. **Raffle Prizes: ** Exciting raffle prizes from local businesses and supporters, giving attendees a chance to take home great gifts. **Luncheon: ** A delicious lunch will be served to all senior attendees. "This fair represents our commitment to the health and happiness of seniors in Dillon," said Gina Miller, Registered Nurse and Director of Nursing at Honeybee Hospice. "We believe that by bringing together resources and expertise from our organizations, we can create a supportive and empowering environment for our senior community." "Barrett Hospital & HealthCare is proud to be a part of this event," added Taylor Rose, Chief Executive Officer from Barrett Hospital & HealthCare. "Preventative care and wellness education are vital for maintaining good health, and this fair provides a perfect platform to reach out to our senior population." "The YMCA is all about building community and promoting healthy living at every age," stated Crissie Hansen, Program Manager from The Southwestern Montana Family YMCA. "We look forward to engaging our seniors in fun and beneficial activities that encourage an active and fulfilling lifestyle." Event Details: Date: August 9, 2024 Time: 9:30 am to 1:30 pm Location: Southwestern Montana Family YMCA, Sloan Gymnasium at 75 Swenson Way, Dillon, MT 59725 This event is free and open to all seniors 60+ in the Dillon area. One companion may accompany a senior as needed to support their ability to attend. For more information, please contact Jenny Ellis, Community Director, Honeybee Hospice at 406-439-0503. Join us for a day of health, fun, and community as we celebrate Dillon's seniors and work together to ensure their continued well-being.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced its Champions of Character® Five-Star Gold Award winners. The University of Montana Western was named as a Gold Level Champion of Character for the 2023-24 school year. "This is a testament to our student-athletes, coaches, and staff for their hard work and making this a priority. We strive to be champions on and off the field and this recognition shows that. " Director of Athletics Michael Feuling said. Institutions are measured on a demonstrated commitment to Champions of Character and earn points in character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Institutions earned points based on exceptional student-athlete grade point averages and by having minimal to no ejections during competition throughout the course of the academic year. The Champions of Character® Scorecard holds 100 possible points to be earned, measures growth in training, promotion, conduct in competition and commitment in five key areas. To be a gold standard school you must score 90 points or more.  All six of the full-time Frontier member institutions received Five-Star distinction, which also makes the Frontier a Champions of Character® Five-Star Conference (with 60% or more schools at Five-Star status).

HELENA – The wolf population in Montana remains healthy, according to the 2023 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wolf Report. Increased harvest during the 2023 wolf season has not yet resulted in an estimated decline to the statewide total. However, FWP biologists expect to see a moderate decline in wolf numbers next year resulting from the increased harvest in early 2024. “We are committed to following the law to reduce wolf numbers to a sustainable level, which means ensuring Montana has a healthy state managed population,” said Quentin Kujala, FWP Chief of Conservation Policy. “The statewide wolf population estimate for calendar year 2023 is approximately 1,100 wolves, similar to 2022. However, we are seeing declines in the estimated number of wolves and wolf packs in Regions 3 and 4, which suggests the combination of hunting, trapping, and conflict management removals can effectively reduce wolf numbers.”  An example of this moderate decline is in FWP Region 3, where wolf population estimates have gradually declined from 214 in 2020, to 178 in 2023. Statewide, wolf harvest from Jan. 1 through March 15 was 176 wolves in 2024, compared to 144 over the same period in 2023. Both trends indicate a moderate decline in wolf numbers FWP biologists expect to be illustrated in the 2024 wolf report that will come out during the summer of 2025. The estimated statewide wolf population for 2023 was 1,096, just one less than the 2022 estimated population and slightly below the 10-year average of 1,140 wolves but well above recovery thresholds. The number of wolf packs was 181, spread over 66,000 square miles. Total wolf harvest for the 2023-2024 wolf season was 286 wolves, which was an increase from 258 taken during the 2022-23 season. Livestock conflicts, confirmed livestock losses and wolf removals were all down considerably in 2023, according to the report. Wildlife Services confirmed the loss of 32 livestock to wolves, including 23 cattle and eight sheep; one livestock guard dog was also killed by wolves. This total was lower than numbers from 2012 to 2022. “Moving forward with proposed wolf regulations, we will continue to provide the Fish and Wildlife Commission with our best science and lessons learned from Montana wolf management to date,” Kujala said. At the Aug. 16 Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting, FWP will propose wolf and furbearer regulations for the 2024/2025 seasons. The proposed total wolf harvest quota is 334 wolves, up from 313 for the 2023 season.   The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will review and make a final decision on the proposed furbearer and wolf trapping and hunting seasons at its Aug. 16 meeting, except wolf trapping dates and where they will apply.  Those will be decided by the commission at its October meeting. The annual wolf report can be found on FWP’s website at: final-2023-wolf-report.pdf ( mt.gov )