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Montana Youth ChalleNGe Academy back in session

The Montana Youth ChalleNGe Academy cadets are back on the University of Montana Western campus following the implementation of Montana Gov. Steve Bullock’s order to transition to Phase 2 of the COVID-19 response. MYCA Director Trent Gibson received the go ahead on May 22 and he immediately tasked his crew to begin calling Class 42 cadets to see if they were interested in returning to complete their work and graduate on June 27.

Annual Public Library Summer Reading program starts Thurs.

Dillon Public Library Director Lori Roberts knows too well that this year’s Summer Reading extravaganza will almost certainly prove the most difficult to pull off in the history of the program, with coronavirus concerns and restrictions surrounding the longstanding annual series of events.

Montana sees cases spike in COVID-19

Montana saw a 44-case jump in coronavirus cases over the past week, with the majority of those cases popping up in Yellowstone and Big Horn counties over the weekend.

JCs cancel Kick-Off Concert, Demo Derby

The Dillon Jaycees have canceled the Summer Kick-Off Concert and the Demolition Derby, but remain hopeful that they will be able to pull off “Montana’s Biggest Weekend,” with the Labor Day PRCA Rodeo, concert, and parade.

“We have canceled the June 6 Kick-Off Concert with Logan Mize,” said Dillon Jaycee President Kelly Graham last week. “The Demo Derby (June 27) has also been canceled due to the coronavirus situation.”

According to Graham, the Jaycees had a contractual obligation to pay Mize 10 per cent of the fee to cover expenses leading up to the concert.

Phase 2 begins soon

Montana residents will soon be allowed to gather in larger groups, though disinfection and physical distancing must still take place.

Gatherings of up to 50 people can be allowed, restaurants and bars can have up to 75 percent capacity if they can provide appropriate distance between groups, and up to 10 people can sit at a table at one time under the new guidelines. The 11:30 p.m. curfew for restaurants and bars remains in effect.

County opens its doors, distancing remains in effect

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The statewide gradual reopening of businesses led the county commission to officially open the Beaverhead County Courthouse doors Monday.

Public health approves local guidelines for gyms, theater reopenings

Operators of gyms, movie theaters and pools in Beaverhead County are asked to submit reopening plans for their facilities to the health board, it was decided Friday.

PIMA reopened Dillon campus on Monday

Pima Medical Institute has announced its Dillon campus reopened on Monday. Faculty, staff and students will follow all state and county health guidelines in relation to COVID-19, and those returning to campus are expected to adhere to the Pima Medical Institute Code of Conduct. Pima Medical offers the only accredited veterinary technician program in the state of Montana, in partnership with the University of Montana Western. The current student population includes a small number of students, who will be staggered in both morning and afternoon classes.

Youth Challenge explores options to reopen

The Director of the Montana Youth Challenge Academy with input from the University of Montana Western and Beaverhead County Public Health officials, announced today they are exploring options to resume operations. The organizations have been working cooperatively to ensure the safety and security of the MYCA cadets and staff, UMW Campus and the Dillon community.

Council meets for first time in a long time

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Ambivalence featured prominently at last week’s Dillon City Council meeting, the first complete meeting held by the city’s legislative body in around two months.