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BANNACK – Bannack State Park’s signature event, Bannack Days, is scheduled for the third weekend in July, with many traditional activities, displays, vendors, and re-enactments celebrating Montana’s first territorial capital.   Bannack Days will be Saturday, July 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, July 21, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.   Admission is $5 for individuals ages 6 and older, or $20 per family. Admission is free for children ages 5 and younger. Food and drinks can be purchased from vendors during the event.   Parking space is limited during this busy event. There will be a free bus service from the railroad side of the Beaverhead County fairgrounds in Dillon to Bannack at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., and returning from Bannack to the fairgrounds at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use the free bus service or carpool and leave pets at home.  FWP staff will provide parking directions for arriving visitors who drive to the park. Shuttle vans will be available to and from parking areas farthest from park entrances. About 20 miles west of Dillon, Bannack State Park is a national historic landmark and the site of Montana’s first major gold discovery in 1862. More than 50 original, historic buildings still line Bannack’s Main Street. During Bannack Days, the ghost town comes alive with displays, re-enactments, artisan demonstrations, music and other family-friendly festivities.   For more information about scheduled events, activities and park rules for Bannack Days, please visit fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/bannack or call 406-834-3413.

July 3rd, 2024 6:45 P.M.  PUBLIC HEARING ON RESOLUTION 1461 – CITY FEES  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 June 19th,  2024 Regular Meeting Minutes   C.           PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS           D.           MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Review/Approve City Nurse Agreement 2.         Review/Approve Agreement between The City of Dillon and Dillon Police Officer’s Association of the Montana Federation of Public Employees July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 3.         Approve Resolution #1465 – Adopt Cost of Maintenance for Street Maintenance 4.         Second Reading of Ordinance #477 – Title 6, Animals 5.         Second Reading of Ordinance #478 – Title 10, Vehicles 6.         Second Reading of Ordinance #479 – Title 5, Business Licenses 7.         Review/Approve Request for Proposals     D.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         Library Board - Diane Armstrong, Council Member; (vacant), Library Director                         a.         Accept Minutes from May 28, 2024 Regular Meeting 2.         Planning Board - Bill Shafer 3.         Zoning Commission -  Raymond Graham, Russ Schwandt 4.         Board of Adjustments - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz 5.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey 6.         Police Department – Police Chief Jeremy Alvarez             a.         Accept the June 2024 Incident Report 7.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose                         a.         Accept the June 2024 Activity Report                         b.         Approve the City Clerk Report for Fire Hall for June, 2024                         c.          Approve the Budget vs. Expenditures for Fire Hall for June, 2024 8.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox 9.         Treasurer – Karen Kipp                         a.         Approve Bank Reconciliations for May 2024                         b.         Approve Cash Report for May 2024                         c.         Approve Stockman Bank Collateral Report for May 2024                                                 E.         REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Judiciary Committee – Raymond Graham, Diane Armstrong 2.         Finance Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Anneliese Ripley                         a.         Approve June 27th, 2024 Meeting Minutes                         b.          Approve Line Item Budget Report                                     i.          Approve Fund Summary for Claims for June 2024                                     ii.          Approve Claims by Vendor Report for June 2024                                     iii.         Approve Mayor’s Report to the Finance Committee for June 2024                                     iv.        Approve Budget vs. Actual Report for June 2024 3.         Fire and Order Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Bill Shafer, Mary Jo O’Rourke                         a.         Approve June 17th, 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 June 18th, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes 6.         Parks Committee – Raymond Graham, Chair; Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz 7.         City Hall Committee – Raymond Graham, Chair; Mary Jo O’Rourke                         a.         Approve June 20th, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes                         b.         Approve Cleaning Contract for City Offices 8.         Street and Alley Committee – Russ Schwandt, Joleen Schultz                         a.         Approve July 1st, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes 9.          Water and Sewer Committee – Bill Shafer, Chair; Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley                                                    F.         PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE  AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY   G.        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.

DVFD responded to 15 calls for service during the month of June 2024.    6-02                 N Montana St                          Fuel Spill 6-03                 E Glendale                              Gas Odor 6-04                 N Pacific                                 Gas Odor 6-04                 I-15 MM 48                           MVA 6-08                 I-15 MM 84.5                         MVA 6-11                 Frying Pan Rd                         Re-Ignited Burn Permit Fire 6-14                 Fern Lane                                Grass Fire 6-14                 E Glendale                              Gas Odor 6-15                 Southside Blvd                       False Alarm 6-15                 I-15 MM 57                            MVA 6-21                 I-15 MM 70                            False Alarm 6-25                 Bachelor Mtn                          Wildland Fire  6-26                 Hwy 41 MM 11                      Vehicle Fire 6-29                 N Oregon St                            False Alarm 6-30                 Hwy 41 MM 8                        Grass Fire   June monthly training included continued FF-1 training. We also had members attend the CAT CAMP (County Assistance Team) training. Assist with the Demolition Derby, The Montana DNRC hosted a Wildland Firefighting Training Academy here in Dillon at UMW. DVFD participated in the Flag Day ceremony. We tested and interviewed new DVFD FF applicants. Assisted in Beaverhead County Safety Fair.   Please be extra careful when you are out & about as it is wildfire season & the fuels are extremely dry.

The Cubs took to the field again Sunday afternoon four game number four of the Maybelle Arthur Tournament against the Livingston Braves, pulling out a dominant 15 to 7 win. The Braves would take the lead in the top of the first inning after Ben Cipriani doubled, scoring two runs, and Ryan Bauer hit into a double play, scoring one run. Damon Skradski would homer into left field, helping the Cubs tie the game at three in the bottom of the first. The Braves would capture the lead in the top of the second. An error scored one run, to give them a 4 to 3 lead. The Braves would gain another run in the third when Carter Nelson singled, making the score 5 to 3. The Cubs would jump back into the lead in the bottom of the third when Andrew Bartlome singled, scoring one run, Marcus Lagunas doubled, scoring two runs, and Ryan Bauer induced Jase Alvarez to hit into a fielder's choice, but one run scored. Marcus Lagunas and Damon Skradski were tough to handle back to back in the lineup, as each drove in three runs for the Cubs. Damon Skradski went 2 for 3 at the plate to lead in hits. Kale Konen stole two bases. The Cubs turned one double play in the game. The Cubs will take on Hillcrest around 6 P.M. tonight.

The Maybelle Arthur tournament kicked off Friday at Ray Lynch Park. The Dillon Cubs played their first game of the tournament Friday against the Powell Pioneers. The Cubs would claim a 11 to 3 win. On Saturday the Cubs would take on the Mission Valley Mariners and notch another win in their belt 8 to 5. Playing back to back on Saturday the Cubs would come off a fresh win against the Mariners to take on the Broncs. The Cubs would lose the game 5 to 4. The Cubs will play two more games today at Ray Lynch Park. Game one Cubs VS Livingston Braves will be at 1:30 PM and game two Cubs VS Hillcrest will be at 6 PM.

Article from UMW University of Montana Western undergraduate students Samantha (Sam) Haak and Jonah Lindsey recently presented their research at the Geological Society of America (GSA) meeting in Spokane, WA. Their poster, titled "Antarctic Aerial Electromagnetic Resistivity (AEM): Understanding Low-Resistivity Anomalies in the McMurdo Dry Valleys and Brine Infiltration in the McMurdo Ice Shelf," provided new insights into the dynamics of Antarctic ice shelves. Haak graduated in the spring of 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with a focus in Geology, and Lindsey is a senior majoring in Biology with a focus in Ecology. The two of them teamed up under the guidance of Dr. Neil Foley, Professor in UMW’s Environmental Science Department, and conducted National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded research that revealed the McMurdo Ice Shelf (MIS) contains up to 17% brine, highlighting significant saltwater infiltration into the ice shelf. Ice shelves, formed when glaciers descend from land and float when they reach the ocean, are crucial components of the Antarctic landscape. They are common around the periphery of Antarctica and calve off or break off to become massive icebergs. Haak and Lindsey’s work shows that seawater can enter this calving front and percolate through pore space for dozens of kilometers. Using electromagnetic (EM) resistivity data, Haak and Lindsey mapped the extent of the brine. Resistivity is a measure of how difficult it is for electrical current to pass through a material. Pure snow and ice exhibit very high resistivity, whereas saltwater has low resistivity. This contrast allowed them to identify regions with low-resistivity brines. Understanding the extent and mechanism of brine infiltration is crucial because it increases the ice shelf’s weight, much like how a wet sponge is heavier than a dry one. This increased loading of the ice shelf makes it more susceptible to calving. While calving is a natural process that removes ice from the shelf, accelerated calving, where more ice is lost than replaced, could contribute to sea level rise as glacier ice flows more rapidly to the sea. This accelerated calving also has short-term repercussions as the stability of the MIS is particularly important because it hosts runways that serve the United States Antarctica Program at McMurdo Station, a nearby logistical hub for the whole continent and many affiliated national Antarctic Programs. Haak and Lindsey correlated their measurements with past researchers’ work. Their use of EM resistivity is novel in this setting, but it is a useful complement to different techniques used by past researchers, notably Ice Penetrating Radar. Their work is useful for mapping extents and thickness of brines, while radar is useful for high-resolution cross-sections. “Presenting research at conferences is crucial for knowledge dissemination, training, and networking,” said Dr. Foley. “This experience allowed Sam and Jonah to engage with professionals from academia, state agencies, and industry. Their work represents the culmination of their education, applying skills from physics, math, and geology, and learning new ones like Matlab programming.” “The opportunity to present our research at the Geological Society of America conference was phenomenal. UMW prepared me well for public speaking and presenting through classes and opportunities to connect with local agencies. I am grateful for my education from Western and excited for the next chapter of my life,” said Haak. The University of Montana Western celebrates Haak and Lindsey’s achievements, reflecting the institution’s commitment to experiential education. For more information on the University of Montana Western and its programs, visit  www.umwestern.edu  or call 877-683-7331.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana  STREET & ALLEY COMMITTEE MEETING ~ AGENDA ~ Monday, July 1st,  2024 9:00 AM   1.           Call to Order 2.           Discuss/Approve Skihi Bid Alternate #2 3.           Public Comment on Items Not on Agenda but Within The Jurisdiction of The City 4.           Adjournment     Committee Members Russ Schwandt Joleen Schultz .

Dillon’s Troy Andersen hosted a one-day camp at Vigilante Field today, Wednesday, June 26 the camp started at 1 P.M. and ran to 5 P.M. The one-day free camp hosted around 300 young athletes from 2nd grade on up to 8th.  All the campers got a shirt and other swag to help them remember this day. With the help of a current teammate as well as help from past teammates, friends, coaches, and BCHS athlete’s the camp had plenty of coaches to teach the kids different drills and basics of football.  With a small drizzle and relief from the high temperatures earlier in the week the campers had fun and made memories as they learned the basic fundamentals of football from their hometown hero.

The Dillon Fire Department along with other first responders were on scene Wednesday morning of a single vehicle fire on MT-41 mile marker 11. The Ford pickup truck was pulling a fifth wheel camper when a fire broke out in the engine bay. The driver of the vehicle was able to stop and an LS Ready Mix concrete truck happened to be behind the vehicle. The LS truck had water on board and was able to knock down the flames before first responders arrived. The vehicle had to be towed from the scene no injuries were reported.

From Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Facebook Page: Good evening. Firefighters from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and Montana DNRC are responding to a report of a wildfire in the Watson Creek area north of Bachelor Mountain, approximately 6 miles northwest of Grant. Estimated at 10 acres, the fire is burning on state land. The cause of the fire has not been determined. Additional updates will be posted when more information becomes available. Update 06/26 7:25 A.M. Located 6 miles northwest of Grant, the South Fork Fire was estimated at 48 acres last evening, burning in grass and sage on state land. Gusty winds pushed the fire, resulting in the increase in acreage from the initial report. The fire is reported to be 100% contained. Firefighting resources will be on site again today, patrolling the perimeter of the fire area and mopping-up any residual hotspots.

Award winning author, Craig Lancaster will be at The Bookstore from 1:00-3:00 on Saturday, June 29. He is the author of eleven novels and a collection of short stories. A body of work that includes the international bestseller 600 Hours of Edward. His work has been recognized by the Montana Book Awards, the High Plains Book Awards, the Utah Book Awards, and the Independent Publisher Book Awards, as well as many other national, regional, and international honors and citations. In addition to his fiction, Lancaster is a playwright, a freelance editor and graphic designer, and a research analyst. He was a longtime sports journalist in the print and digital realms and for more than a decade has served as the design director of Montana Quarterly magazine. Lancaster grew up in Texas. After half a lifetime of wandering the American West (and beyond), he now lives in Billings, Montana. His newest novel, Northward Dreams is a story of family violence, dysfunction, and, perhaps, redemption, told across four timelines. Craig will be signing books , discussing his writing, talking about his books and answering questions in a casual atmosphere at The Bookstore located at 26 North Idaho Street in Dillon.  If you have any questions or would like to reserve a copy of the book please call 683-6807

The Beaverhead County Transportation Committee will hold its annual meeting in accordance to MCA §20-10-131 and 20-10-132, Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioners' Room of the Beaverhead County Courthouse. The committee will meet to approve, disapprove, or adjust the school bus routes submitted by the trustees and to approve, disapprove, or adjust applications approved by the trustees for increased reimbursements for individual transportation due to isolated conditions of an eligible family’s residence.

The Friends of Jaycee Park have installed signs for the dedication of Neeley Boulevard.  The dedication comes from the years that Val and Father Harry Neeley loved, cleaned and supported Jaycee Park.  Their support of the community has continued throughout the years as Father Neeley was  founder of the Dillon  Wood Bank for the county.   We would like to thank everyone that helped with the dedication.  Russ Sutton designed and fabricated the signs and Russ and Jim Valach installed the signs on the East and West side of the boulevard on Reeder Street. Thank you to Val Neeley and her family & friends for their continued support of Jaycee Park.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING June 27th , 2024 9:00 A.M. ~ AGENDA ~ 1. Approval of June 2024 Claims 2. FY2024-2025 Budget Items  Library (2220, 4004, 7050, 8031, 8032)  Fund 2372 (2190, 2370, 2371) 3. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction of The City 4. Adjournment Committee Members: Russ Schwandt, Chairperson Anneliese Ripley Diane Armstrong

Construction Look Ahead: Crews expect to begin paving, striping, and installing guardrail on Interchange Road and applying a seal and cover (chip seal) on Interstate 15 (I-15) in Dillon, weather and other unforeseen factors permitting. On Interchange Road, drivers can continue to expect temporary traffic lights alternating one-way traffic and minor delays when traveling through the project area. A 14-foot width restriction remains in place. Crews are chip sealing between the south I-15 interchange in Dillon and the Apex interchange, 11 miles north. On I-15, drivers can expect a 16-foot width restriction between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m., a single-lane closure and reduced speeds.   Please follow all posted signage and watch for workers when traveling through construction zones.

The Dillon Cubs played a back-to-back double header Sunday, June 23 at Ray Lynch Park against the Butte Miners. The Cubs would win the first game 6 to 4 and win the second game 12 to 9. It was a hot windy day for some baseball Full recap of both games below.   Game 1 The Miners would be the first to get on the board when Anthony Knott hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run.   Damon Skradski singled, which helped the Cubs tie the game in the bottom of the first.   The Cubs would take the lead in the bottom of the second. Kanin Englehardt singled, scoring one run, giving the cubs a 2 to 1 lead.   The miners would retake the lead in the top of the third after Anthony Knott doubled, and Quinn Cox singled, scoring one run.   The Cubs would come back in the bottom of the fourth and take back the lead 6 to 3. Andrew Bartlome doubled, scoring three runs, and Damon Skradski singled, scoring one run.   Andrew Bartlome went 1 for 4 at the plate, leading the team with three runs batted in. Kanin Englehardt and Damon Skradski each collected two hits for the Cubs.   Game 2 Andrew Bartlome was on fire in game two, he collected three hits in four at bats. Andrew doubled in the first inning, singled in the third inning, and singled in the second inning.   The Miners got on the board in the top of the first inning after Anthony Knott singled, scoring two runs, and Mathew Donaldson grounded out, scoring one run.   The Cubs would come back in the bottom of the first scoring five runs on two hits to take a 5 to 3 lead. The biggest blow of the inning was a ground out by Damon Skradski that drove in two.   Quinn Cox would single, tying the game at 5 in the top of the third inning.   The Cubs would come back to retake the lead 9 to 5 in the bottom of the third when Kanin Englehardt drew a walk, scoring one run, Kale Konen tripled, scoring two runs, and Andrew Bartlome singled, scoring one run.   The Cubs piled up eleven hits in the game. Kale Konen and Jase Alvarez each drove in three runs. Tristan Alvarez, Marcus Lagunas, and Cohen Hartman each collected multiple hits for the Cubs. Andrew Bartlome and Cohen Hartman each had multiple stolen bases, and the Cubs turned one double play in the game.

Saturday, June 22 a family was enjoying the cool water of Clark Canyon when the wind came up and pushed their three year old on a floatie into deeper water. The father tried to swim out to his child but was having trouble getting to the child. The mother called 911 as dispatch was coordinating the call. Charles Wharton was the first to reach the child and ensure her safety, David Peterson was next on scene and along with Eric Waldemar they were able to get the child into the boat, and bring her back to her parents.

The Dillon Cubs B Team along with the Beaverhead Bomb Squad 10U and 12U teams held a tournament Friday and Saturday at Ray Lynch Park. Here are a few of the photos we captured from this weekend's action.

City of Dillon, Montana 125 N. Idaho St.   Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 at 7:00 P.M.  ZONING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Agenda   1.    Call To Order   2.    Review and Approval of the Minutes of June 6th, 2024 Joint Training Meeting   3.    Director of Operations Report   a.     Public Comment will be taken after discussion of items 4 by the Zoning Commission; followed by final discussion by the zoning commission; and final vote by the commission if necessary.   4.    Review Plans for Ray Lynch Park Building 5.    Review Impact Fees 6.    Review Parking Ordinance 7.    Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda                   and Within the Jurisdiction of the Zoning Commission.   8.      Adjournment               PLEASE NOTE : A 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.   z oning Commission Members:   Justin Rooley(Chair), Raymond Graham, Russ Schwandt, Mike                                                   Watson