Search Results

The University of Montana Western Environmental Science Department is proud to host Matthew Swarr as part of the “On the Rocks” lecture series. Swarr will present “Exploring the Evolution of Water Resources in the Western U.S. Using Space Geodesy” on Wednesday, March 26, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. in UMW’s Lucy Carson Library. Matthew Swarr is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Montana studying water resources using geophysics. His research uses high-precision GPS (the same technology your phone uses!) to measure changes in the Earth’s shape produced by gains and losses of water storage near the Earth’s surface. His research has taken him all over the western U.S., from the deeply wooded Bitterroot Mountains of Idaho to the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Presentation Abstract: Mountainous regions act as natural “water towers” by capturing freshwater during winter months and delivering it to low-elevation communities through streamflow generation and subsurface groundwater flow. However, the western U.S., coming out of the driest 20-year period of the last 1,200 years, faces challenges in that persistent declines in mountain water storage have been observed across the region over the past two decades, driven by warming air temperatures and variable winter conditions. Initial forecasts indicate that climate change could further exacerbate mountain water loss, threatening the sustainability of ecosystems and impacting resources relied upon by our society. However, shifts in precipitation as a result of climate change are predicted to become increasingly variable in the coming years, potentially supporting water storage in mountainous regions through extreme precipitation events such as atmospheric rivers. These events can channel significant quantities of water vapor through the atmosphere before being deposited in mountainous regions. Using high-precision Global Positioning System (GPS) surface displacements that reflect the solid Earth’s deformation response to loading and unloading, we quantify changes in water storage within the western U.S. over the past two decades, identifying significant periods of drought and recovery. Using our GPS estimates of water storage, we infer changes in groundwater storage within the Sierra Nevada of California and the Cascade Range of California, Oregon, and Washington, finding diminishing groundwater to be the dominant source of long-term water storage loss within both regions. Despite these findings, we find that periods of extreme precipitation, such as the winter of 2023, can significantly restore water lost during severe droughts. The gains associated with these wet periods are durable, persisting over several subsequent years despite modest winters following an extremely wet year. This indicates that brief but extreme precipitation events can provide refuge for adjacent lowland regions dependent upon mountain groundwater for several years post-event. In a future with increasingly variable precipitation, the strong influence of these extreme events may act to maintain mountain groundwater, sustain ecosystem health, and buffer adjacent areas against drought conditions during dry periods. For more information on UMW’s “On the Rocks” series, please contact UMW Associate Professor of Environmental Sustainability, Dr. Arica Crootof, at  arica.crootof@umwestern.edu .

A handful of watercraft inspection stations begin operation on March 8 to check snowbird boat traffic returning from mussel-positive areas such as the lower Colorado River, including lakes Mead, Havasu, Pleasant, Powell and Mohave. Boat owners coming to Montana must have their vessel inspected for aquatic invasive species (AIS) at a Montana watercraft inspection station prior to launch. AIS are plants, animals or pathogens that are not native to Montana and can cause harm to our environment and economy. AIS are often introduced accidentally. The stations near Dillon, Ravalli and Anaconda will open Saturday. Watercraft inspection stations are Montana’s first line of defense to prevent the movement of AIS, which can have devastating impacts on Montana waterways. FWP works closely with partners for station operation and contracts with the Beaverhead Conservation District for operation of the Dillon station and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes for operation of the Ravalli station.   This year, 17 watercraft inspection stations will operate around the state. Additional stations will open throughout the summer as boat traffic increases. Boat owners should ensure their watercraft, trailers and gear are clean, drained and dry before transporting them, and they need to be aware of Montana’s inspection rules: All watercraft coming into Montana from out of state must be inspected prior to launching. All watercraft traveling west across the Continental Divide into the Columbia River Basin must be inspected prior to launching. Anyone transporting watercraft must stop at all open watercraft inspection stations they encounter. And all boaters are reminded to always clean, drain and dry their boat, live wells, anchors, boots and gear when leaving the water.

The Montana Western Rodeo Team, along with Head Coach JT Robbins, is proud to announce that Anderson Fencing LLC will be recognized as this year’s “Friends of UMW Rodeo” honoree. The award will be presented on Friday, March 28, during the annual UMW Rodeo Banquet, the program’s largest fundraising event of the year. “Tim Anderson has been a tremendous supporter of Montana Western Rodeo for many years. I consider him a great friend, and his generosity has made a lasting impact on our team,” said Robbins. “Whether he’s donating to our banquet, helping us fix our bucking machine, or providing shirts for our CNFR qualifiers, Tim is always there. His support, along with that of our community and local businesses, is truly the backbone of our program. We wouldn’t be where we are without them.” Anderson shares the same deep appreciation for the UMW Rodeo program and the strong community that supports it. “[Montana] Western Rodeo has always been family to us, and it has always been a great rodeo team every year,” said Tim Anderson of Anderson Fencing LLC. “They set their goals to excel, and you can’t achieve greatness without all of the support the community gives.” The Rodeo Banquet raises critical funds that provide scholarships, practice opportunities, team travel and lodging, and support for Montana Western’s home college rodeo each fall. This year’s event will once again feature Vance Ruff as emcee, with special guest Morgan Seymour providing entertainment during dinner and King Friday performing live music. Guests will enjoy a prime rib dinner and a no-host bar provided by the Den. Attendees will also have the opportunity to bid on an exciting lineup of silent and live auction items, with proceeds directly benefiting UMW Rodeo student-athletes. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28, in the Keltz Arena, and ticket prices are as follows: Single ticket – $75 Reserved table of 8 (rows 1-4) – $500 Reserved table of 8 (rows 5-8) – $400 Tickets for the Rodeo Banquet can be purchased by contacting Kelly Allen in the UMW Foundation Office at (406) 683-7306 or by email at kelly.allen@umwestern.edu . For sponsorship opportunities or to donate items for the silent or live auction, please contact Jolene Robbins at (406) 683-7303 or jolene.robbins@umwestern.edu .

University of Montana Western Press Release DILLON, Mont. – The 2024-2025 All-Frontier Conference men's basketball teams and individual award winners have been announced. The award recipients are selected by the six head coaches in the conference, who are not permitted to vote for their own players.  Kyle Gruhler was named the Frontier Conference Newcomer of the Year, marking the second consecutive year a Bulldog has received the honor, following Jalyn Stepney's win last year. Jacob Ankeny was selected as the Frontier Conference 6th Player of the Year. Bulldog First Team All-Conference Selection: Kyle Gruhler – G (Vancouver, Wash./JR) Bulldog Second Team All-Conference Selections: Jalyn Stepney – G (Seattle, Wash./SR) Abi Adedo – F (London, England/SR) Frontier All-Defense Team: Kevin Bethel – G (Los Angeles, Calif./SR) Ankeny was selected by Head Coach Patrick Jensen as the recipient of the team's Champion of Character Award.

University of Montana Western Press Release DILLON, Mont. – The 2024-2025 All-Frontier Conference women's basketball teams and individual award winners have been announced. The award recipients are selected by the six head coaches in the conference, who are not permitted to vote for their own players. Two Bulldogs earned honors in this year's postseason awards. Trinidie Nichols was selected as the Frontier Conference 6th Player of the Year. Second Team All Conference Selection: Payton Hagy – G (Ephrata, Wash./SR) Isabella Lund was selected by Head Coach Britt Cooper as the recipient of the team's Champion of Character Award.

The University of Montana Western’s 128th Annual Commencement Ceremony will feature speaker Nathan J. Boll, a NASA Space Policy Analyst and 2013 Montana Western graduate. Nathan J. Boll is a Space Policy Analyst in the Science Mission Directorate at the headquarters of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Washington, D.C., where he specializes in intergovernmental affairs. He currently supports the Joint Agency Satellite Division as the lead interagency agreement manager and serves as the Executive Secretary of the NASA Advisory Council’s Science Committee. Boll previously served as a Senior Space Policy Consultant at the Aerospace Corporation, where he focused on commercial remote sensing satellite policy as an advisor to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Prior to his federal service, Boll was a Program Executive for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, where he led the development and launch of ASCEND, an annual technical, scientific, and engineering conference. He also served as an Associate Program Officer for the National Academy of Sciences, where he supported the drafting and publication of peer-reviewed reports that help guide U.S. space sector decision-making. Boll earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Montana Western, his Master of Science in Space Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan, and his Master of Arts in International Policy from George Washington University. “We are honored to welcome Nathan J. Boll back to Montana Western for our 128th Annual Commencement ceremony. His work in space policy and intergovernmental affairs at NASA demonstrates the impact of a Montana Western education and the incredible paths our graduates can pursue,” said Montana Western Chancellor, Michael Reid. “We look forward to his address as he shares his experiences and helps inspire our graduates to reach for new heights in their own careers.” Montana Western’s Commencement ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Bulldog Stadium on the UMW campus on May 10, 2025. For more information, please contact the Montana Western Registrar’s Office by calling 406-683-7371 or visit  https://tinyurl.com/UMWComm25 .

BOZEMAN – Hunter and Bowhunter Education events have been scheduled in several locations throughout southwestern Montana. Many of these classes are or will soon be open for registration. All in-person classes are free. Students must be at least 10 years old to take a Hunter Education classroom course. Students must be at least 11 years old to take a Bowhunter Education classroom course. Students ages 12 through 17 who take Hunter or Bowhunter Education online are required to complete an in-person field day. The following Hunter Education classroom courses are scheduled in the region: Butte: starting March 24 Twin Bridges: starting March 24 Clancy: starting March 27 Dillon: starting April 7 Helena: starting April 11 Bozeman: starting April 21 Logan: starting May 5 Helena: starting May 16 Belgrade: starting June 6 Clyde Park: starting June 30 Livingston: starting July 21 The following Hunter Education field days for online students are scheduled in the region: Bozeman: March 15 Helena: March 20 Helena: March 27 Butte: April 5 Logan: April 26 Logan: June 17 There is a Bowhunter Education classroom course scheduled in Livingston to begin April 1. Another Bowhunter Education class will be scheduled in Twin Bridges in April. A field day for students who complete Bowhunter Education online is scheduled in Helena for March 27. Hunter and Bowhunter Education courses are being planned in other areas. FWP’s website will be updated periodically as more classes are arranged. To see what classes are available or to sign up, click here . Hunter, Bowhunter and Trapper Education classes are taught by skilled volunteer instructors, offering hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for students to ask questions of experienced instructors. Students learn how to handle firearms and other equipment safely, basic survival skills, hunting ethics, wildlife management, game identification, landowner-hunter relations, and Montana hunting laws and regulations. Montana law requires that anyone born after Jan. 1, 1985, complete a Hunter Education class or qualify as a youth apprentice hunter before purchasing a Montana hunting license. All first-time bowhunters must complete a Bowhunter Education course or show proof of a prior year’s archery license from another state or province before purchasing a Montana bow and arrow license. To learn more about FWP education programs, click here .

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers March 5th, 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 19th, 2025 Regular Meeting 2.         Approve Minutes of the February 19th, 2025 Public Hearing – Title 17   C.        PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS   1.           D.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Discuss/Approve ASI Contract for Street Preservation as Sole Source Provider 2.         Discuss/Approve Engineering Services Agreement with Manion Engineering for Technical             Update 3.         Discuss/Approve Corrected Quit Claim Deed for American Legion   E.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         Planning Board - Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham                         a.         Accept February 18th, 2025 Meeting Minutes                                           1.  Set Public Hearing Date for March 19th, 2025 for Brundage Garage Minor        Subdivision 2.         Zoning Commission - Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley                         a.         Accept January 28th, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes                         b.         Accept February 18th, 2025 Public Hearing Minutes 3.         Board of Adjustments - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz 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 Minutes of January 28, 2025 Regular Meeting 10.       Tree Board – Mary Jo O’Rourke, Council Member                          F.        REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Ordinances & Facilities – Bill Shafer, Chair; Joleen Schultz, Mary Jo O’Rourke                         a.         Approve Minutes of the February 20, 2025 Regular Meeting 2.         Finance Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Diane Armstrong, Mary Jo O’Rourke                         a.         Approve Minutes of the February 28, 2025 Regular Meeting                         b.          Approve Line Item Budget Report                                     i.          Approve Fund Summary for Claims for February 2025                                     ii.         Approve Claims by Vendor Report for February 2025                                     iii.        Approve Mayor’s Report to the Finance Committee for February 2025                                     iv.        Approve Budget vs. Actual Report for February 2025 3.         Public Services – Diane Armstrong, Chair; Bill Shafer, Don Deem 4.         Open Spaces – Raymond Graham, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Joleen Schultz                         a.         Approve Minutes of the February 19, 2025 Regular Meeting 5.         Public Works – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Raymond Graham                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.

From Montana Tech Press Release: Highlands College of Montana Tech will host Highlands College Exploration Day for high school students on April 9, 2025. Highlands College Exploration Day offers students hands-on experiences in their chosen field. The Construction Technology-Carpentry Program will showcase a variety of carpentry projects, while tours of the Machining Lab will demonstrate precision manufacturing on CNC machines and lathes, tours of the Radiologic Technology lab will demonstrate simulation activities, and the line workers will practice knot-tying and explore the bucket trucks, which are part of the Pre-Apprentice Line Program. “You will have an opportunity to try new things at Highlands College Exploration Day,” Highlands College construction technology-carpentry student Jared Edwards said. “It's not going to be class time, it's going to be hands-on. You're going to be changing tires, building a wall, operating a CNC machine, or welding.” Edwards stressed the importance of exposing high school students to choices in the trades and technology. “Exploration Day helps you discover what you enjoy—and what you don’t,” Edwards said. “It’s important to try things out before committing to a major. You might be interested in something, but until you experience it, you won’t know if it’s truly for you.” In addition to hands-on activities, students at Highlands College Exploration Day will tour the Highlands campus with current students, learn more about academic programs, enjoy a free lunch, and meet current Orediggers. Zach Young is also a construction technology-carpentry student from Arizona. He says high school students should know that the trades offer lucrative career options for young people. “There's a lot of money in the trades, with a lot of older folks retiring,” he said. “There's plenty of openings. That's the biggest thing for blue collar jobs right now, if you like to work with your hands, everybody’s hiring.” Evan Winkler is a construction technology-carpentry student from Billings who emphasized that learning by doing is not just a part of Highlands College Exploration Day. It is what students experience every day as students on the Highlands College campus. Construction technology-carpentry students like Winkler spend two years building a three-bedroom, two-bath modular home from start to finish. “The hands-on experiences are great here,” Winkler said. “The instructors are really good. They're very knowledgeable in the field.” Winkler has already completed one internship with Jones Construction in Billings, and he feels he is well-prepared for the jobsite. Winkler, Young, and Edwards say they could sing the praises of the trades and Highlands College, but it’s better for students to come and experience the opportunities at Highlands College for themselves. “We could sit here and talk with them, but they just need to come and try things out,” Edwards said.

University of Montana Western Press Release GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The Montana Western women's basketball team (7-21) season came to a close with a loss to Carroll College (20-9) in the first round of the Frontier Conference Championships this evening 58-49.   Isabella Lund would lead the Bulldogs with 17 points.  How It Happened:  Lund led the Bulldogs in scoring with six points, while Western won the rebounding battle, out-rebounding the Saints 14-8. Their strong effort resulted in a 15-9 advantage for Western at the end of the first quarter.  The Saints outscored the Bulldogs 18-7 in the second quarter, capitalizing on Western's offensive struggles. The Bulldogs shot just 3-for-13 from the field, heading into halftime trailing 27-22.   Trinidie Nichols scored all six of Western's points in the third quarter as the Bulldogs' shooting struggles persisted. Meanwhile, Carroll sank two three-pointers, extending their lead to 39-29 heading into the final quarter.  Trailing by as many as 12, the Bulldogs mounted an 8-0 run, led by Lund, Nichols, and Payton Hagy , cutting the Saints' lead to 45-41 with just under five minutes to play. However, the Saints responded with a timely three-pointer and held Western to just two points in the closing minutes to secure the victory.  Notables:  Lund led the Bulldogs with seven rebounds.  Nichols finished with 14 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks.  The Bulldogs would shoot 27.9% from the field  Carroll would out rebound Western 45-40

University of Montana Western Press Release GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The Montana Western men's basketball team (16-13) saw its season come to an end against Rocky Mountain College (19-10) in the Frontier Conference Tournament this evening, falling 88-86.  Jalyn Stepney led the Bulldogs in scoring with 20 points.  How It Happened:  Kevin Bethel and Abi Adedo got the Bulldogs off to a strong start, scoring the game's first four points. Stepney added two three-pointers to help build Western's early lead. However, Rocky responded with a 7-0 run to reclaim a 17-14 advantage.  Alan Kane , Jacob Ankeny , and Kyle Gruhler each contributed to keep the Bulldogs in a back-and-forth battle, while Jacksen Burckley knocked down a three. However, the Bears capitalized on Bulldog turnovers, scoring seven points off giveaways and shooting 53.1% from the field to take a 46-36 lead into halftime.  Rocky extended its lead to as much as 13 early in the second half, but Kane and Burckley helped keep the Bulldogs within striking distance.  With just under four minutes to play, the Bulldogs mounted a run, holding the Bears scoreless for nearly two minutes and cutting the deficit to 79-74. Rocky answered with a timely three, but Stepney responded with one of his own. After a steal, Kane scored to bring Western within three at 82-79. Stepney then drilled a deep three to tie the game at 82-82, but Rocky quickly regained the lead with a basket at the 45.8-second mark.  With a chance to tie, Kane's shot rimmed out, and Rocky capitalized at the free-throw line to go up by three. Gruhler scored with seven seconds left to make it 85-84, but Rocky converted two more free throws to extend the lead. Bethel responded with two clutch free throws to cut it to 87-86, but another Rocky free throw made it 88-86. Gruhler's potential game-winning three at the buzzer rimmed in and out, sealing the Bears' victory.  Notables:   Kane scored 16 points, pulled down two rebounds, recorded two steals, and dished out two assists.  Bethel finished with 11 points and five assists.  Adedo finished the game with eight points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals.  Five Western players scored in double figures (Stepney, Bethel, Kane, Gruhler, and Burckley).  The Bulldogs went 16-16 from the free-throw line.  Rocky out-rebounded the Bulldogs 33-27.

University of Montana Western Press Release HELENA, Mont. – The Frontier Conference has announced its 2025 men's and women's Academic All-Conference lists, presented by Billings Clinic and Logan Health. Montana Western saw 13 players named to the list. To be eligible for the award, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore in standing and carry a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA. Women's Basketball: Ava Bellach – Manhattan, Mont. / SO Keke Davis – Missoula, Mont. / JR Payton Hagy – Ephrata, Wash. / SR Mila Hawk – Charlo, Mont. / RS. SO Isabella Lund – Tumwater, Wash. / JR Maddy Moy – Kalispell, Mont. / SO Trinidie Nichols – Post Falls, Idaho / JR Kenzi Pedersen - Palouse, Wash. / JR Men's Basketball: Jacob Ankeny – Marsing, Idaho. / RS. JR Billy Carlson – Billings, Mont. / RS. SO Kolter Merritt – Star Valley, Wyo. / RS. JR Cael Murgel – Helena, Mont. / RS. SO Quincy Taylor – Sacramento, Calif. / RS. SR

The University of Montana Western is proud to announce that Raina Mortenson has been appointed as a Student Regent for the Montana University System (MUS) Board of Regents. A dedicated advocate for her peers, Mortenson now holds a pivotal role in shaping policies that impact universities across the state. “The student regent is a voting member of the board, which oversees the Montana University System, including MSU, UM, Northern, MSUB, Western, and the community colleges,” Mortenson said. “We make decisions that impact all of those campuses.” Her appointment holds deep significance, as she credits student support for her journey. “I always like to acknowledge the students who pushed me forward. They believed in me even when I didn’t.” Applying for the position wasn’t initially in her plans. A former student body president encouraged her to go for it. “I knew the previous student regent, Garrett, who was my student body president. He told me I should apply. At first, I thought—absolutely not. But with only two days left before the deadline, I decided—it’s now or never.” After applying, Mortenson went through interviews with Montana Associated Students, which forwarded candidates to the governor for final selection. “I didn’t think I would get it, but I feel so honored. Supporting students and voicing their needs is important because, in the end, everything we do should be for them.” As Student Regent, she attends Board of Regents meetings every three months, serves on two committees, and researches university issues to advocate for students. “Many regents aren’t students themselves, so they don’t always hear firsthand what’s happening on campuses. Being able to share student perspectives is crucial.” Stepping into this leadership role was initially intimidating. “Sitting at a big table with many people while being recorded felt daunting at first. But now, I feel much more comfortable.” Mortenson’s leadership journey began at Montana Western, where she first served as a student senator before becoming student body president. “Before I moved to Western, I wasn’t really into student government. But once I got involved, I loved being around students, advocating for them, and being their voice.” Her time in student government helped her build confidence and leadership skills. “Being student body president changed how I viewed leadership. It gave me the confidence to express student concerns and push for solutions.” One of Mortenson’s favorite aspects of Montana Western is its tight-knit community. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve felt such a strong sense of family and support. Everyone shows up and has your back—it’s something really special.” For students looking to get involved, she offers simple advice: “Don’t be average. If there’s something you can do to better yourself and stand out, don’t be afraid—just go for it.” With her passion for student advocacy and leadership, Mortenson is ready to make a lasting impact on Montana’s higher education system. For more information about Experience One and the University of Montana Western, or to schedule a tour, visit  www.umwestern.edu  or call 877-683-7331.

MILES CITY – Two Montana men pled guilty to charges related to the illegal harvest of a brow-tined bull elk in southeast Montana. On November 26, 2024, game wardens received an anonymous tip that a bull elk had been taken illegally in Hunting District 704. Region 7 Game Warden Sgt. Casey Prell and Game Warden Oliver Gulig identified two suspects, collected evidence, and determined neither suspect possessed the required permit for legal harvest of brow-tined bull elk in HD 704. Cooperation and support from a private landowner showed that the suspects drove off road on Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and private property and killed the elk on private property without permission. Both suspects provided full confessions for their crimes. Archie Swift, 22, of Miles City, and Jack Lufborough, 47, of Miles City, recently appeared in Custer County Justice Court. Swift pled guilty to Hunting without a License/Permit, Unlawful Possession of a Game Animal, and Failure to Obtain Landowner Permission for Hunting. He received a total fine of $1,375 and $1,000 restitution. Lufborough pled guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Game Animal and Failure to Obtain Landowner Permission for Hunting and received a total fine of $820. Swift and Lufborough also lost their hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges for two years. Anyone with possible information about an incident is encouraged to visit tipmont.mt.gov or contact a game warden in your area directly. You may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

University of Montana Western Press Release DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western women's basketball team (7-20) lost a hard-fought battle against RV Rocky Mountain College (19-9) this evening, 84-81.  Trinidie Nichols led the Bulldogs with a career-high performance, knocking down seven three-pointers (7-10) and finishing with 34 points on 13-21 shooting from the field.  How It Happened:  Both teams came out strong from beyond the arc, with Rocky shooting 4-8 and the Bulldogs hitting 5-7. Nichols connected on three triples in the first quarter, but Rocky held a narrow 22-20 lead.  Rocky continued to shoot 50% in the first half while scoring 18 points in the paint. Payton Hagy contributed to the Bulldogs' offensive success, knocking down three three-pointers. Montana Western won the rebounding battle and carried a 45-41 lead into halftime.  Rocky responded with a 10-0 run to start the second half, reclaiming the lead. Maddy Moy chipped in four points and recorded a block on the defensive end, but the Bears maintained a 63-54 advantage.  Nichols led the Bulldogs' fourth-quarter push, scoring 14 points, while Hagy added five points and Moy provided key rebounding. Down 83-80 in the closing moments, Montana Western had possession but committed a costly turnover. Rocky then sealed the game at the free-throw line.  Notables:  In her final home game, Hagy hit five three-pointers and finished with 19 points.  Moy recorded 12 points, four rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.  Nichols and Keke Davis led the Bulldogs with six rebounds each.  Rocky scored 21 points off 13 Montana Western turnovers.  The Bears outscored the Bulldogs 42-30 in the paint.  Up Next:   The Bulldogs will now prepare for the Frontier Conference Tournament, set to take place at the Four Seasons Arena in Great Falls next Sunday, March 2. They will face Carroll College at 3 p.m.

University of Montana Western Press Release DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western men's basketball team (16-12) closed out the regular season with a strong 80-66 victory over Rocky Mountain College (18-10).  Jalyn Stepney led the Bulldogs in scoring with 26 points, knocking down six three-pointers.  "I'm so happy for our three seniors to go out at home like we did today," Head Coach Pat Jensen said. "We had huge contributions tonight, and it was a total team effort. Thank you to everyone who came out—it was a great crowd, and our guys thrived on it."  How It Happened:  In a back-and-forth first half, both teams struggled with their shooting early. Stepney provided a spark with two three-pointers, while Jacob Ankeny and Kevin Bethel also contributed baskets for the Bulldogs.  Abi Adedo added four points, including a thunderous dunk, while Billy Carlson chipped in five. Stepney continued his strong play, scoring eight more points and hitting two additional three-pointers. Western took a 31-27 lead into halftime.  Stepney stayed hot in the second half, draining two more three-pointers. Bethel turned defense into offense, scoring five points as the Bulldogs extended their lead to 51-41 midway through the half.  Rocky responded with a quick 6-0 run to cut the deficit, but the Bulldogs answered with a 9-1 run fueled by Adedo's strong play inside. That surge put the game away, securing the victory for Montana Western.  Notables:  Adedo recorded a double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals.  Carlson posted a career-high 10 points while adding six rebounds.  Bethel filled the stat sheet with 11 points, six rebounds, five assists, and one steal.  The Bulldogs outrebounded the Bears 42-35.  Up Next   The Bulldogs secured the fourth seed in the Frontier Conference Tournament and will face the fifth seed Rocky Mountain College on March 2 at the Four Seasons Arena in Great Falls. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m.

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.