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The University of Montana Western is pleased to welcome acclaimed glass artist Katherine Gray for a free public presentation on her career, artistic process, and experience as the resident evaluator on Netflix’s “Blown Away”. The event will take place on Thursday, February 27, at 4:00 p.m. in UMW’s Beier Auditorium. Katherine Gray is a distinguished Canadian glass artist known for her innovative and thought-provoking work. She earned her undergraduate degree from the Ontario College of Art in 1989 and her Master of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1991. Throughout her career, Gray has explored the multifaceted nature of glass, creating pieces that range from blown glass sculptures to installations using found glass objects. Her work often examines themes of transparency, functionality, and the everyday presence of glass in modern life. One of her most notable installations, “Forest Glass” , features assembled found glass arranged to mimic the appearance of trees, encouraging viewers to reconsider the material’s role and significance. Gray’s art has been exhibited internationally, with her pieces held in the Corning Museum of Glass in New York, the Museum of American Glass in New Jersey, and the Museum of Glass in Washington. In addition to her artistic practice, she is a professor of art at California State University, San Bernardino, where she shares her expertise with emerging artists. Beyond academia, Gray has gained wider recognition through her role on “Blown Away”, where she evaluates contestants’ glassblowing skills and offers expert insights. Her contributions to the field have been recognized with several awards, including the Libenský/Brychtová Award from the Pilchuck Glass School in 2017, honoring her impact as both an artist and educator. Gray’s work continues to captivate audiences, inviting them to explore the unique qualities of glass and its often-overlooked presence in daily life. Join the Montana Western Glass Department in welcoming Katherine Gray to campus for an inspiring and educational evening. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact UMW’s Glass Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Fine Art, Ruth King, at ruth.king@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7344.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana  Tuesday, February 25th, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. ZONING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Agenda   1.    Call To Order   2.    Review and Approval of Minutes             a.         January 28th, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes             b.        February 18th, 2025 Public Hearing Transcript   3.    Director of Operations Report   4.    Applications for Zoning Compliance Certificates for Review: 2025-004                 685 Thomsen Ave                 David Waters               Garage   5.    Zoning Request for Brundage Garage Minor Subdivision   6.    Discuss/Recommend Conditional Use Permit 2025-001 – 421 Glendale Street   7.    Discuss/Recommend Changes to 17.104 and Set Public Hearing Date   8.    Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda                   and Within the Jurisdiction of the Zoning Commission.   9.      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), Mike Watson, Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley

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The University of Montana Western Fine Arts Gallery is honored to present “The Magnitude of No One”, a solo exhibition by artist Sean Chandler. The exhibition opens on March 10, with a gallery reception and artist talk on Monday, March 31, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Gallery, located in Main Hall. In his own words, Chandler speaks about the works in this exhibition: “As I define this concept of No One, or this person who is No One, I’m referring to a person that has been directly or indirectly destined to become No One through indoctrination. For me, this process began during the late 1800s during my great grandparents’ time in Indian boarding schools. It was in those places where my grandparents and parents were embedded with the notion that they can only achieve a lower level of success in mainstream America as compared with their non-Indian contemporaries. Eventually, generations later, many of us may fully believe that we can only go so far and never be free to be ourselves. The power of the underestimation of oneself, as well as others’ underestimation, can have a great impact on those that are defined to be No One.”  Sean Chandler is an artist and enrolled member of the Aaniinen (Gros Ventre Nation). He is also the President of Aaniiih Nakoda College located on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. In 2016, Dr. Chandler was appointed to the Montana Arts Council and in 2022, he was appointed to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art in 1997 and a Master of Arts in Native American Studies in 2003 from Montana State University-Bozeman. In 2014, he attained a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from The University of Montana. Sean has always been involved in art, starting at an early age when his father taught him the traditional arts of his ancestors, including hide and tipi painting. Integrating those early teachings, Sean voices his own style to communicate the contemporary life he lives. Themes of racism, loneliness, depression, anger, humor, stereotypes, sovereignty, dependency and cultural genocide reside within Sean’s work.  His work has been collected by the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Yellowstone Art Museum, Missoula Art Museum and the Eiteljorg Museum. Sean was selected as one of five artists for the 2023 Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship of the Eiteljorg Museum of Indianapolis, IN. He resides in Harlem, MT, where he creates most of his artwork in his home studio. “The Magnitude of No One” will be on display in Montana Western’s Fine Arts Gallery from March 10 to April 18. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The March 31 gallery reception is open to all and will feature light refreshments. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information, please contact Montana Western Fine Arts Gallery Coordinator Jennifer Boysen at jennifer.boysen@umwestern.edu .

University of Montana Western Press Release KANSAS CITY, Mo.  – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) released the 2025 Daktronics NAIA Winter Scholar-Athletes. This honor recognizes student-athletes in each of the winter sports who have excelled academically including men's basketball, women's basketball, men's bowling, women's bowling, competitive cheer, competitive dance, men's swimming and diving, men's wrestling and women's wrestling. Montana Western had seven athletes named to the list. In order to be nominated by an institution's head coach or sports information director, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, must appear on the eligibility certificate for the sport and have attended one full year at said institution. 2025 NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athletes – Women's Basketball Ava Bellach (Manhattan, Mont./ SO) Maddy Moy (Kalispell, Mont. / SO) Keke Davis (Missoula, Mont. / JR) Isabella Lund (Tumwater, Wash./ JR) Payton Hagy (Ephrata, Wash./ SR)   2025 NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athletes – Men's Basketball Billy Carlson (Billings, Mont./ R-FR) Jacob Ankeny (Marsing, Idaho. / R-JR)

From Mr I go A snowy Presidents Day trip to Deer Lodge for Southwest District FFA contests was another successful showing for BCHS FFA members as we kicked off National FFA Week! 9 FFA chapters from across Southwest Montana were in attendance at Monday's contests. Teams placing in the top half at districts qualify for competition at State FFA Convention in Bozeman April 1st-5th. The Ag Mechanics team placed 1st overall and is headed to State FFA Convention. Team members were Will (1st individual), Asher (2nd individual), Clinton (4th individual), Savanna (5th individual), Ty (6th individual), Guy, Billy Bob, Cole, and Trey. The Agronomy team placed 1st overall and qualified for State Convention. Team members were Faye (1st individual), Brekken (2nd individual), Porter (4th individual), Taylor (7th individual), Clancy (10th individual), and Sam.  The Farm Business Management team placed 2nd overall and is headed to State competition. Team members were Savanna (2nd individual), Taylor (7th individual), Sage, and Asher. And finally, we are very excited to share that our very own Chapter Star Greenhand Leneva Miller placed first int he Greenhand competition, earning her the title of 2025 SW District Star Greenhand. Leneva will represent the Beaverhead FFA and the SW FFA district at State in April as she competes for the title of Montana FFA State Star Greenhand! Thanks to Mr. Lombardi and the Deer Lodge FFA Chapter for hosting this year's event, and to our fearless bus driver Kirk Bergeson for getting us there and back safely!

MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY February 18th, 2025 5:00 PM   AGENDA:   I.                   Call to order II.                Approval of Minutes from 1-21-2024 meeting         Public Comment III.              Approval of Warrants         Public Comment IV.             Old Business                      Public Comment V.                New Business          Public Comment VI.             Chiefs Report                      Public Comment VII.          Public comment on subjects under the jurisdiction of Beaverhead Fire District #2 that is not on the agenda. VIII.       Adjournment

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers 6:45 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING ON TITLE 17 CHAPTER 60 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS  February 19th, 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 Minutes of February 5, 2025 Regular Meeting 2.         Approve Minutes of the February 5, 2025 Public Hearing – Transportation Coordination Plan   C.        PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS   1.         Update from the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce   D.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Dillon Municipality Study Commission                         a.         Approve Preliminary Budget   E.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         Planning Board - Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham                         a.         Accept January 7, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes                         b.         Update on Growth Policy 2.         Zoning Commission - Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley 3.         Board of Adjustments          - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz                         a.         Accept January 9, 2025 Meeting Minutes 4.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey 5.         Police Department – Police Chief Jeremy Alvarez 6.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose 7.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox 8.         Treasurer – Karen Kipp 9.         Library Board - Diane Armstrong, Council Member; (Vacant), Library Director                         a.         Accept January 28, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes 10.       Tree Board – Mary Jo O’Rourke, Council Member                         a.         Accept January 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes             F.        REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Ordinances & Facilities – Bill Shafer, Chair; Joleen Schultz, Mary Jo O’Rourke                         a.         Second Reading of Ordinance  #483 – Title 9 Fireworks         2.         Finance Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Diane Armstrong, Mary Jo O’Rourke 3.         Public Services – Diane Armstrong, Chair; Bill Shafer, Don Deem 4.         Open Spaces – Raymond Graham, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Joleen Schultz 5.         Public Works – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Raymond Graham                         a.         Approve February 12, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes                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.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana  59725 OPEN SPACES COMMITTEE MEETING February 19th, 2025 4:00 P.M. AGENDA     1.                  Call To Order 2.                  Review/Recommend Cemetery RFP’s 3.                  Discuss/Recommend Cemetery Fees 4.                  Discuss Kevin Morse’s Request to Place Headstone 5.                  Discuss/Recommend Dedication Request Regarding Ray Lynch Park 6.                  Discuss/Recommend Ice Skating Rink Future Use 5.         Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 6.         Adjournment   Committee Members: Raymond Graham, Chairperson Anneliese Ripley Joleen Schultz

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana ORDINANCES & FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING ~ Agenda ~ February 20th, 2025 4:00 PM   1.            Call Meeting to Order 2.            Discuss/Recommend Little Shooters Using Auditorium 3.            Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 4.            Adjourn   Committee Members: Bill Shafer, Chair Joleen Schultz Mary Jo O’Rourke

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Thursday February 18th, 2025 12:30 p.m. City Council Chambers Planning Board Meeting AGENDA   1.  Call Meeting to Order 2.  Review and Approval of Minutes from the February 6, 2025 Regular Meeting   Minutes 3.  Growth Policy Update       a.         Community Meeting March 6th, 2025 6:00 p.m. Andrus Hotel 4.  Review/Recommend Brundage Garage Minor Subdivision Preliminary Plat       (Expedited)  406 W Reeder St 5.  Public Comment on items of significant public interest not on the agenda and  within the jurisdiction of the Planning Board. 6.  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, Raymond Graham, Dan Nye, Ed Mooney, Michael Saunders, Maria Emmer-Aanes

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that five Montana communities will share $3.4 million of grant funding to help fund the construction or rehabilitation of vital infrastructure and community facility projects. The funding is through Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant Public and Community Facilities Program. “Commerce’s CDBG programs empower local governments and communities across the state by building the capacity, resiliency and resource base necessary to develop strong communities,” said Mandy Rambo, acting director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “CDBG PF/CF funding will help promote and strengthen these communities, while supporting residents with good-paying jobs.” The CDBG PF/CF program is designed to help local governments fund the construction or rehabilitation of infrastructure and community facilities that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income Montanans or individuals earning less than 80% of the area median income. The following communities will receive CDBG PF/CF funding: Lincoln County will receive $600,000 for the renovation and expansion of the Trego, Fortine, Stryker Community Hall. Madison County will receive $700,000 for wastewater system updates. The City of Shelby will receive $700,000 for wastewater system updates. The Town of Superior will receive $700,000 for the new construction of the Community Food Bank of Mineral County. The City of Wolf Point will receive $700,000 for wastewater system improvements. In 2022, the City of Helena received $750,000 of CDBG PF/CF funding to construct a new Helena Food Share facility. Jordan Evertz, Helena Food Share executive director, said, “Within two months of Helena Food Share opening its new location, there was a 30% average increase in new households seeking support. More than a food market, the Community Food Resource Center can receive more donated food, produce healthy grab-and-go meals and offer nutrition education using its newly expanded warehouse, cold storage space and commercial kitchen.” Eligible projects for CDBG PF/CF include the new construction, rehabilitation or improvement of a community’s water and/or wastewater system and non-rental shelters. This encompasses domestic violence shelters, youth homes and the new construction or rehabilitation of public facilities such as food banks, head start centers, nursing homes, mental health centers and senior centers. Eligible applicants for CDBG PF/CF grants include counties, incorporated cities and towns, and consolidated city-county governments, excluding Billings, Great Falls, Bozeman and Missoula. A local government may apply for a CDBG grant on behalf of an organization that is ineligible to apply, such as a water or sewer district or a nonprofit organization. For more information, visit commerce.mt.gov .

Trout Unlimited and the University of Montana Western are proud to host the 19th Annual Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) on Friday, February 28, at 6:00 p.m. in UMW’s Beier Auditorium. Join us for an evening of world-class fly fishing films, community engagement, and conservation support. F3T is an annual traveling roadshow showcasing some of the best fly fishing films from around the world. Through a selective submission process, each season’s lineup features breathtaking cinematography, compelling storytelling, and inspiring adventures on the water. More than just a film screening, the event fosters a sense of community among anglers while promoting conservation efforts to protect the waters we love. Trout Unlimited (Chuck Robbins Chapter) and the newly formed UMW Fly Fishing Club have partnered to bring the event to campus. Club members have helped promote the screening and will assist with setup on the day of the event. “Our club is super excited to have the film on campus. It’s a great way to get people engaged and excited,” said Cooper Weiland, president of the UMW Fly Fishing Club. Weiland, who helped start the club this year, is eager to see it grow. “Students on campus have taken an interest, and I hope the club can provide a way for new fly fishermen to get involved in the industry. I also want it to be a way for students to grow their knowledge of fly fishing and make connections.” Attendees can look forward to a live emcee, raffle prizes from premium sponsors and local fly shops, and an atmosphere that celebrates the passion for fly fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or simply curious about the sport, F3T offers an unforgettable experience. Since its founding in 2006, F3T has grown into the world’s largest community fly fishing event, now spanning more than 14 countries with over 300 screenings annually. In 2023, the tour merged with the Rise Fly Fishing Film Festival, expanding its reach beyond North America to audiences in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and South America. This event is open to all. Tickets are $20, and UMW students receive free admission with a Bulldog Card. For more information on the film festival, featured films, dates, and locations, visit  https://flyfilmtour.com .

HELENA – Landowners have until March 15 to apply for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Unlocking Public Lands (UPL) Program or the Public Access Land Agreement (PALA) Program.   These programs are designed to provide recreational public access to state (Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation) or federal (Bureau of Land Management or United States Forest Service) land where no or limited legal public access currently exists.  “We continue to look for ways to help landowners manage hunting access and to provide more access for the public,” said Jason Kool, FWP hunting access program manager. “Offering a tax credit or payment in exchange for public access to inaccessible public land is a unique and innovative way to respect private property rights and increase public access.”   For enrollment in UPL, landowners will receive an income tax credit in the amount of $750 per agreement and up to a maximum of $3,000 in tax credits in exchange for allowing access across the private lands, roads or trails to reach inaccessible public land. Landowners must hold the public land lease and decide how the public may cross their private property for all recreations.   For enrollment in PALA, landowners will be paid, including money for possible infrastructure reimbursements (e.g., gravel, culverts, cattle guards) to facilitate public access to inaccessible public lands. Landowners must hold the public land lease. Payment amounts vary based on a variety of factors, with one landowner possibly holding multiple agreements. The governor-appointed Private Land/Public Wildlife (PL/PW) Advisory Committee will review complete applications and make a recommendation to the FWP director.  While Montana contains millions of acres of public land, much of this land is inaccessible to the public and requires landowner permission for access.  More information about these two programs, including enrollment criteria, application forms, and fact sheets describing these FWP public access programs, can be found at: fwp.mt.gov/landowner .

Beaverhead County High School is pleased to announce the selection of Josh Patterson as the next Superintendent/Principal. Dr. Patterson was unanimously chosen by the BCHS School Board from a pool of qualified candidates interviewed on January 28, 2025. Currently serving as Superintendent of Brockton Public Schools in Brockton, MT, Dr. Patterson brings 12 years of experience in the Montana education system. His leadership skills and vision for the future make him an excellent choice to guide the school. Dr. Patterson is expected to assume his new role on July 1, 2025, and the district looks forward to collaborating with him to provide exceptional educational opportunities for all students in Beaverhead County.