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The University of Montana Western and Trout Unlimited are excited to host the 3rd annual Community Water Conversations, “What’s Happening on the Ground: Restoration Efforts and Landscape Health,” on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in UMW’s STC Great Room. This free event, open to the public, will feature a panel discussion and Q&A session. It’s an opportunity to hear from a group of experts sharing insights on local water issues. This year’s panelists include: Dusty Crowe  – Assistant Field Manager, Dillon BLM Office Tana Lynch  – Associate Director, Big Hole Watershed Committee Heidi Anderson  – Southwest Montana Riparian Project Manager, The Nature Conservancy Chris Edgington  – Jefferson Watershed Project Manager, Trout Unlimited Katelin Killoy  – Riparian Ecologist, Arctic Grayling CCAA Programs, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MT FWP) Kaitlin Boren  – Hydrologist, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) “Year 1 focused on local water resources and challenges from changing snowfall and precipitation. In Year 2, we addressed water rights and exempt wells in response to community interest. For Year 3, we’re exploring how organizations and agencies work with landowners on restoration efforts to improve our local water resources,” explained Dr. Arica Crootof, UMW Associate Professor of Environmental Sustainability. Dr. Crootof’s students are involved in designing and hosting the event. “We need spaces where people can come together and learn together. This happens in the classroom, but we need opportunities beyond the classroom too—and what better topic to bring us together than water,” she said. Montana Western’s Community Water Conversations aim to create a space for students, practitioners, and community members to learn about the complexity of water issues and recognize the role each of us plays in shaping local water resources. We hope you can join us! Montana Western would like to thank Montana Trout Unlimited and each of the panelists for making this event possible. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions and ideas for this event and future community conversations. For more information, please contact Dr. Arica Crootof at  arica.crootof@umwestern.edu .

Submitted by: Mel Rice, Public Relations. On November 13th the Beaverhead Search and Rescue was paged out to aide two 70 year old gentlemen who were stuck in a 2 foot snow drift and had no provisions with them.   The Sheriff’s department received an emergency call from a SPOT locator in the Gallagher Mountain area Southeast of Dillon and notified SAR at 2:50 PM.  The two gentlemen from Polson were driving a road when the vehicle slid off in to a snow bank and they could not get themselves out.  The Spot notification provided the unit with the exact location of the two men.  Three hasty teams were deployed to the rescue area at 3:30.   One of the hasty teams arrived on scene at 4:57. A second hasty team arrived shortly after.  A quick assessment of the two gentlemen determined them to be in good health.  They were loaded into one of the rescue team’s vehicles and transported off the mountain back to town.  All three hasty teams were headed back to town at 5:20 and the rescue was complete with all members back in town and everything put away at 6:40 PM. Search and Rescue members participating on the IC team were Trent Cottom, Tara Remely, Brian Vinson, and Brad Wagner.  Hasty teams were made of S&R members Jack Bazemore, Smitty Smith, Steve Mock, Jason Erickson, Charles Wharton, Josh Yeadon, Graden Greenslade, and Lance Hopman.  Other members showing up for support were Mel Rice, Kolby Malesich, Weston Helle, and Russ Sigman.  Again, your Beaverhead Search and Rescue wants to remind everyone to be prepared for all types of weather conditions and situations you may find yourself in.  Whether it be lost, injured, or just stuck in a snow bank, be ready to spend some time out there by yourself. It takes time to get help out there to you.  “In the Business of Saving Lives”, your Beaverhead SAR.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana  59725 FIRE & ORDER COMMITTEE MEETING City Hall Council Chambers  November 18th, 2024 9:00 AM AGENDA     1.           Call Meeting to Order 2.           Discuss MOU with University 3.           Community Initiative Project 4.           New Police Vehicle Purchased through Grant 5.           Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within Jurisdiction of the City 6.           Adjournment     Committee Members: Russ Schwandt - Chairperson Mary Jo O’Rourke Bill Shafer

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. –  The 2024 Frontier Women's Volleyball Postseason Tournament, presented by First Interstate Bank, has been set for Friday and Saturday.  Montana State-Northern will host the two-day conference tournament at Armory Gymnasium in Havre, Mont., on Nov. 15-16. Montana Western received the No. 3 seed after finishing third in Frontier Conference action and will be taking on the No. 6 seeded Rocky Mountain College on Friday at 1:30 p.m. With a win, the Bulldogs will continue their road to the championship game by way of No. 2 seeded Montana Tech at 7:30 p.m. on Friday night. The 2024 Frontier Conference Women's Volleyball Tournament will crown a champion on Saturday when Friday's semifinals winners meet at 7 p.m.  The winner of the postseason tournament will receive the automatic bid to the NAIA Women's Volleyball National Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 23. All five matches of the tournament will be streamed on  https://www.youtube.com/@FrontierConference1934. For more information on the 2024 Frontier Conference Volleyball Tournament can be found at  https://fcsports.org/tournaments/?id=71&path=wvball .

HELENA – Representative Brandon Ler of Savage has been elected as Speaker of the House for the upcoming 69th Legislative Session   “We’re ready to get to work for the people of Montana,” Representative Ler said Tuesday . “We are going to dig deep into some difficult issues and work together for all Montanans.”   Representative Steve Fitzpatrick of Great Falls has been elected as Majority Leader.   “Montanans have entrusted Montana Republicans to come to Helena to solve problems,” said Fitzpatrick . I look forward to working for the people of Montana to address their concerns and make Montana a great place to live, start a business, and raise a family.”   Representative Katie Zolnikov of Billings has been elected as Speaker Pro Tempore. Amy Regier of Kalispell, Braxton Mitchell of Whitefish, Steve Gist of Cascade, Jedediah Hinkle of Belgrade, and Marta Bertoglio of Clancy have been elected as House Majority Whips.   The 69th Legislative Session begins January 6, 2024, when the members will be sworn in and committees will begin meeting immediately that week. Legislation is already being prepared and can be viewed on the legislative website.   More information on the 2025 Legislative session: https://leg.mt.gov

If you ever wondered what Dillon looked like 95 years ago then join us for a narrated black & white film featuring clips from home movies by Louis Schmittroth father of Ester Mooney and grandfather to Dillon’s local family the Mooney’s. Host Ed Mooney and friends will narrate clips of local sports, outdoor recreation, Dillon events, Barrett Hospital, Fox Farm, Elkhorn Hot Springs, Beaverhead County and much more! Thursday November 21, 2024, at the Old Depot Theatre, 125 S. Montana St. Doors Open at 6 pm and the program begins at 6:30 pm. Free Admission and Refreshments, Donations are welcome. For information: call 406-683-5027 or email bvhdmuseum@hotmail.com

The University of Montana Western Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of the Ronald J. Woods Charitable Trust Annual Scholarship. This scholarship aims to support and recognize students attending Montana Western who are pursuing a degree in education. Ronald J. Woods, a Notre Dame graduate in chemical engineering, established a company in the 1960s that played a pivotal role in advancing modern injection molding technology. After selling the company in the 1980s, Mr. Woods dedicated his time to philanthropy and ultimately found his way to Montana, where he founded a nonprofit high school for students needing additional support. The school, which was tuition-free, made a lasting impact on the lives of many young people. Though the school has since retired, the Woods Scholarship, established in 2015, has supported over 34 deserving students across Montana. The Ronald J. Woods Charitable Trust Annual Scholarship will offer four $5,000 scholarships to first-time, full-time teacher education students who are Montana high school graduates. Applicants must meet certain financial criteria and complete three essay questions for review by the Woods Charitable Trust Committee. This scholarship proudly honors Mr. Woods’s legacy, upholding his vision of empowering hardworking students who are committed to making the world a better place. The University of Montana Western Foundation is proud to recognize this year’s recipients of the Ronald J. Woods Charitable Trust Annual Scholarship. Each recipient embodies a commitment to positively impact their communities and contribute to the future of education. 2024 Ronald J. Woods Charitable Trust Annual Scholarship Recipients: Halia Peterson , from Conrad, Montana, is majoring in art education with the goal of being a positive influence in the lives of her future students and helping them unlock all of their artistic potential. “It means so much to me to be able to continue my education and pursue my dream of becoming an art teacher without financial burdens,” says Halia. Spencer Zavala  graduated from Powell County High School and aspires to be an elementary teacher. His experience working in a special education classroom during high school has motivated Spencer to pursue a master’s degree in special education. He believes that every student deserves to feel loved and supported, especially in school. Natalie Campbell , a 2024 graduate of Corvallis High School, is studying teaching and early childhood education with plans to specialize in trauma-informed care and behavioral support. “This scholarship will significantly ease my financial burden and allow me to focus more on my studies,” says Natalie. Ashley Stokes , from Conrad, Montana, is pursuing a degree in elementary education and would like to teach in a rural Montana school. She shares, “Western is an amazing college, and this scholarship will be very helpful in paying for my freshman year.” The University of Montana Western Foundation would like to remind students that the Foundation scholarship application will open on November 12, 2024, with a priority submission deadline of February 1, 2025. We encourage all eligible students to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to support their educational goals. To access the application, please visit  umwfoundation.awardspring.com . For more information about the Ronald J. Woods Charitable Trust scholarship, please contact Roxanne Engellant at 406-683-7305 or by email at roxanne.engellant@umwestern.edu .

Help Us Make a Difference!   A Diaper Drive and a Food Drive are being held at Barrett Hospital & HealthCare to benefit the local Community Food Bank. Let's come together to support those in need and make a meaningful impact! When to Donate: November 15th - December 20th Where to Donate: Drop off your donations in the collection boxes located in Barrett Hospital’s main lobby or at our Clinic location on the first or second floor. Your contributions can provide essential support to families in our community. By donating diapers, baby wipes, or canned and non-perishable goods, you are helping to lighten the load for many during this season of giving. Let's unite in kindness and generosity. Every single donation can make a difference and help bring hope to those facing challenges. Together, we can spread joy and support throughout the community!   Thank you for your generosity and compassion. Let's make this holiday season truly special for everyone.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS November 14th, 2024 City Council Chambers  7:00 P.M. AGENDA     1.         Call Meeting to Order 2.         Introduction of Zoning Application COU24-004 Requesting Variance and Establishment of Public Hearing Date 3.         Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the Board of Adjustments. 4.         Adjourn     Members: Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz, Mike Watson

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. –  After delivering no. 23 Carroll College their first conference loss this past weekend in a home 27-14 victory, Bulldog linebacker Keegen Muffich , a junior linebacker from Butte, Mont., is the ERCK Hotels Frontier Conference Defensive Player of the Week. Muffich delivered a game-changing interception with a return for 29 yards in Bulldog defense in their win over No. 14 Carroll, staying in the hunt for the Frontier Conference title.  No. 4 ranked UMW handed the Saints their first conference loss of the season, which denied CC for their chance for an outright conference title.  Muffich also had a team high seven tackles, with five being solo tackles.  This is Muffich's third career Erck Hotels / Frontier Conference Player of the Week award.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information KANSAS CITY, Mo. –  The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced the results of the NAIA Football GoRout Top 25 Poll No. 10. The Bulldogs remained in the no. 4 position in the poll for the third week in a row. Western remains the highest seeded Frontier Conference team in a poll that featured four other Frontier schools. The no. 4 ranked Montana Western Football team (8-1, 6-1) picked up their fifth straight win last weekend after overcoming four turnovers in a 27-14 home victory over the then ranked no. 14 Carroll College. UMW's defense held Carroll to a mere 167 yards of total offense, with just 36 yards coming on the ground. Michael Palandri threw for 239 yards and a touchdown, despite being sacked five times in the win. He also led the Bulldog ground game with 89 total rushing yards. Montana Western will close out the regular season with a road trip to La Grande, Oregon to take on Eastern Oregon University for the second time this season. The season opening 59-21 win marked the first victory of the season as veteran quarterback Palandri led the offensive attack, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for another three. He threw for 320 yards of offense and rushed for another 15 yards. FRONTIER IN THE TOP 25 No. 4 Montana Western Bulldogs No. 8 Montana Tech Orediggers No. 14 Southern Oregon Raiders No. 23 Carroll College Fighting Saints

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. —  The Montana Western football team (8-1, 6-1) took down the no. 14 ranked and previously undefeated in conference play Carroll College (7-2, 6-1) in a 27-14 victory at Bulldog Stadium. How It Happened After a strong defensive stand by the Bulldogs forced the Saints to punt on their opening drive, the Saints responded by pinning UMW deep in their own territory. The next drive for the Bulldogs set off a chain of unfortunate events, as the Saints defense made a pair of huge plays, forcing a fumble that Braeden Orlandi returned for a touchdown. Carroll would take the first lead with 12:36 on the clock. Once again, the Bulldogs would fumble on their next drive handing the ball back to the Saints in less than 25 seconds. Despite the grim start, James Ochs sacked Carroll's quarterback Jack Prka on fourth and one to shake alive the Bulldogs. With just under 30 seconds until the second quarter, Palandri would hit Eli Nourse for a 32-yard touchdown pickup to tie the game at seven heading into the second quarter. Just before the half, John Mears connected on a 36-yard field goal to give Western a 10-7 lead heading into the break. Western's second half opening drive was successful as Mears hit his second field goal of the game, this time from 43 yards out to put Western up 13-7. The Carroll defense answered shortly after as they forced another fumble, setting up a strike from Jack Prka to Carson Ochoa on the next play to lead 14-13 at the start of the fourth quarter. The Western defense produced its first turnover of the day at a crucial moment as Keegen Muffich intercepting Prka and returned it to the Carroll 29-yard line. Three plays later, Pete Gibson pushed it in from the one-yard line, putting the Bulldogs back on top 20-14. After depleting the clock to just under a minute left in the game, Gibson would provide the last punch as he rushed it in for a 10-yard touchdown to give UMW a 27-14 lead. With no timeouts left, the Saints' last-ditch effort was stifled as Aiden Prado picked off Prka with just five seconds to play to cap the game with UMW on top. Notables UMW's defense held Carroll to a mere 167 yards of total offense, with just 36 yards coming on the ground. Palandri threw for 239 yards and a touchdown, despite being sacked five times in the win. He also led the Bulldog ground game with 89 total rushing yards. Gibson impressed on the ground, rushing for 48 yards and two touchdowns. Nourse led with 114 yards in the air and a touchdown. Muffich led the defense with seven tackles and an interception which he returned for 29 yards. Up Next The Bulldogs will close the regular season with a road contest against the Eastern Oregon Mounties (5-5, 4-3) next Saturday Nov. 16 at 2pm.

Dillon, MT  – The Dillon Beavers' hopes for a repeat state title were dashed on Saturday afternoon as they faced a formidable opponent in the Lewistown Golden Eagles during the Class A semifinals. In a hard-fought battle on their home turf, the Beavers ultimately fell to the Golden Eagles with a final score of 21-13. From the outset, the Golden Eagles had their sights set on victory, and it didn’t take long for them to strike first. Madden Norslien made his mark early in the first quarter, intercepting a pass from Beavers' quarterback Canin Christiansen and returning it for a touchdown. This explosive play set the tone for the Eagles, who quickly built a commanding lead. Despite the Beavers' efforts to regroup, they found themselves trailing 0-14 by halftime, struggling to find their rhythm against an aggressive Golden Eagles defense that capitalized on every mistake. The Golden Eagles' relentless pressure resulted in a staggering six turnovers throughout the game, a statistic that proved to be the deciding factor in the contest. In the second half, the Beavers fought back valiantly, showing resilience and determination. However, their attempts to turn the tide fell short, and they were unable to close the gap significantly. The Golden Eagles maintained their composure and secured their place in the Class A finals with a hard-earned 21-13 victory.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information BILLINGS, Mont. –  The no. 15 ranked Montana Western women's volleyball team (20-8, 10-5) cap out the regular season with a 3-0 sweep over Rocky Mountain College (13-8, 3-12). Today's win marks the Bulldogs' 20th win this season and Western will enter the Frontier Conference Tournament this upcoming week. How It Happened After claiming an early 4-0 in the first set, the Bulldogs were able to maintain the lead through the entirety of the first set. Up 17-16 late in the set, Danyel Martin knocked down a kill and a block from Peyton Vogl and Jordan Olson gave Western a three-point edge. Despite a late comeback from Rocky, the Bulldogs were able to hang on and win 25-23 to take the first set. Trailing 17-16 to the Battlin' Bears late in set two, the Bulldogs caught fire and went on to outscore Rocky 9-2 down the stretch and win 25-19. Once again, the Bulldogs remained dominant in their performance. They combined for 17 kills and a .250 hitting percentage in the third and final set, racing to a 25-21 third set victory. N otables The last time the Bulldogs had a 20-win regular season was back in 2002 when UMW had totaled 23 wins prior to the postseason. The Bulldogs were led by Jazi Smith who totaled 13 kills in the match. She also added 15 digs and three blocks. Vogl also hit double digits in kills, totaling 10 in the game while also adding a pair of blocks. Kaylee Fritz racked up 26 assists, good for 8.6 assists per set in UMW's two-setter rotation. Martin totaled five blocks for the Bulldog defensive front. Up Next Montana Western will take the upcoming week to prepare for the Frontier Conference Tournament to be hosted by MSU-Northern in Havre, Mont. Details on the tournament will be released this upcoming week.

The University of Montana Western is excited to welcome acclaimed glass artists Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen and Jasen Johnsen as artists in residence from November 19-23. Known for her captivating, nature-inspired sculptures and her appearance on the Netflix series “Blown Away”, Willenbrink-Johnsen, along with her husband Jasen, will share their expertise and creative process with students and the community. Their residency will culminate in a free public presentation and live demonstration on Saturday, November 23, in UMW’s Emerick Art Studio. Willenbrink-Johnsen brings a wealth of experience in glass artistry, honed over years of working in prestigious studios, including the Pilchuck Glass School, a world-famous center for glass art in Washington State. Recently, she showcased her talent as a contestant on the fourth season of “Blown Away”, the popular Netflix glassblowing competition series. Her work often features intricate representations of flora and fauna, showcasing her deep appreciation for the natural world and her ability to bring it to life in glass. As a master of her craft, she is celebrated not only for her technical skills but also for pushing the boundaries of traditional glass art. Her creations are featured in galleries and private collections worldwide, and she is passionate about sharing her craft with students and emerging artists. Joining her for the residency is her husband, Jasen Johnsen, an accomplished glass artist and master toolmaker. Known for creating one-of-a-kind, handcrafted carbon-steel and stainless-steel tools, Jasen’s designs are uniquely refined by his experience using them in his own glassblowing and hot sculpting work. Together, they will work closely with UMW students, guiding them in exploring new techniques and approaches to glass sculpture. This residency offers students a unique opportunity to learn directly from two experts in the field, gaining insights into the creative and technical aspects of glass art. The week-long residency will conclude with a free public presentation on Saturday, November 23, held in UMW’s Emerick Art Studio. The presentation will begin at 3:30 p.m., followed by a live demonstration at 5:00 p.m., where attendees can witness the glassblowing process up close. This event is open to the public and provides an exciting chance for the campus and broader community to engage with highly skilled artists celebrated for their dynamic, nature-inspired sculptures. For more information, please contact UMW’s Glass Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Fine Art, Ruth King, at ruth.king@umwestern.edu or call 406-683-7344.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information BILLINGS, Mont. —  The Montana Western cross country teams closed out their season at the Frontier Conference Championships this afternoon in Billings, Mont. The Bulldogs competed hard, earning numerous personal records and an all-conference selection. Olivia Steadman earned all-conference honors for the second time in her career, this time as a sophomore for the women's team.  "We had really strong performances on both the women's and men's side of the race. For our women, Olivia was able to place tenth earning all-conference while our two through four all ran season bests of over a minute," Head Coach Taylor Grove said. "Our men's team was able to work together, pushing each other to earn a lot of season PRs as well. It was a great way to finish the season and leaves me and the team excited for next season." Results The women's race saw the Bulldogs led by sophomore  Olivia Steadman , running a race time of 23:27.8 and placing in 10th in the race with a season personal best time. Freshman  Destiny Vogl  followed behind, finishing in 18th with a time of 24:27.70 with her own personal best time. Sophomore  Justene Santi set a personal record with her time of 24:33.20 and a 20th place finish. Freshman Ruby Smith  and Olivia Canney  rounded out the scoring team with a 23rd place finish and a 32nd place finish, with Smith recording her own personal record with a time of 24:46.60. Outside of the scoring five were Kylee Wyatt  (35th, 21:41) and Lily Wickum (36th, 29:06.90). Wyatt also recorded a personal record in the race. On the men's side, sophomore  Harrison Silverio  led the way for the Bulldogs with a time of 27:02.00 and a 20th place finish with a season personal record time. Sophomore  Brody Henry  came in next with a season personal record time of 28:15.30 and a 30th place finish. Junior Carlin Onstad  and Noah Rovente were the third and fourth Bulldogs to cross the line. Onstad ran a time of 28:34.80 and finished in 33rd with Rovente running a 29:27.20 to finish in 37th and recording a personal best mark. Sophomore  Kaden Hennessey  ran a career best 29:38.60 to close out the scoring for UMW and place 38th.  Bridger Wheeler  and Kreg Butler also ran in the race, finishing in back to back spots in 40th and 41st. Wheeler finished with a career best time of 30:04.40 and Butler finished with a time of 30:09.20.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Tuesday, November 12th, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. ZONING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Agenda   1.    Call To Order   2.    Review and Approval of the October 22nd, 2024 Meeting Minutes   3.    Director of Operations Report a.     Public Comment will be taken after discussion of item 4-5 by the Zoning Commission; followed by final discussion by the zoning commission; and final vote by the commission if necessary.   4.    Applications for Zoning Compliance Certificates for Review:   2024-031            Buhler                       131 Ramshorn            Single Family Residence 2024-033            Benson L&L              34 Thomas Drive        Single Family Residence   5.    Discuss/Recommend  Changes to Title 17.60   6.    Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda                   and Within the Jurisdiction of the Zoning Commission.   7.      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

I appreciate the tremendous support I’ve received in this race, and I’m humbled by the result. Public service is about listening to others, and working for the betterment of people. I ran my campaign in a civil and straightforward manner, and I want to thank Lenny for doing the same. As I look forward to the important work at the Public Service Commission, I will continue to reach out, as I always have, to qualified folks, to help me better understand the complex issues the agency is charged with. Montanans can rest assured that I look out for their bottom lines, I will bring people together, and I will advocate for policies that keep Montana energy reliable, affordable, and abundant. Vote count received roughly 63000 votes out of just over 100000 counted. Received 80.25% votes in Beaverhead County.