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125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Monday, November 24, 2025 7:00  P.M. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE     A.         DISCUSS/APPROVE RESOLUTION TO PENDING LITIGATION Captioned Eric Wendland and Alicia Wendland, v. City of Dillon,  DV-1-2025-14848-BC Montana                                                  B.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE  AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY   C.        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.

University of Montana Western students Dakota Willis, John Fitzpatrick, Taylor Williams, and Landon 'Bird' Hayes recently placed third in the student competition at the Montana Section of the American Water Resources Association (MT AWRA) annual meeting in Great Falls. Their research project, conducted as part of UMW’s Applied Environmental Geophysics class, focused on mapping buried river channels in the Medicine Lake area of northeast Montana. The project was led by Dr. Neil Foley, Associate Professor of Geophysics, in collaboration with the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG). The Bureau is studying former river channels that were filled with sediment during the last glacial period. Before glaciation, northern Montana had an extensive river network, including the ancestral Missouri River. When the Laurentide Ice Sheet advanced, these channels were filled with glacial till, leaving them buried beneath today’s flat landscape. “MBMG is working to identify and map these buried channels because they may contain perched aquifers—shallow, isolated pockets of groundwater that can be easier to access and may contain fresher water,” said Dr. Foley. “Understanding where these features are located is valuable for agriculture and water management in the region.” Using equipment from UMW and Montana Tech, the students collected geophysical data to image below the surface and interpret subsurface structures. Their primary tool, an Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT)system, measures how easily electrical current flows through the ground to produce two-dimensional images that reveal variations in subsurface resistivity. By comparing these results with well log data, the team identified zones that likely represent ancient sand and gravel river deposits—signatures of buried channels. The students’ work in the field required persistence and adaptability. “We had a finite number of days to collect a lot of data, and the students worked hard to get it all in,” said Dr. Foley. “Fieldwork always comes with challenges—equipment failures, weather, long days—but they stayed professional and disciplined throughout.” The students also created their research poster for the MT AWRA conference while managing other coursework. “It’s a lot of extra effort to prepare for a conference presentation, and they did it on their own time,” Dr. Foley added. Beyond earning recognition at the competition, the project offered valuable real-world experience. “UMW strives to immerse students in authentic practice within their disciplines,” said Dr. Foley. “This project allowed them to partner with professionals, define a problem of local importance, and execute a field-based investigation. Those are exactly the kinds of skills they’ll use in their careers.” UMW’s small class sizes and emphasis on field experience give students hands-on access to professional-grade geophysical equipment. Combined with the university’s block scheduling system, which allows students to focus on one class at a time, these experiences prepare them for meaningful work after graduation. The research partnership between UMW and MBMG will continue next year, with plans already underway for a third field campaign in northeast Montana. For more information and this project, contact Dr. Neil Foley at  neil.foley@umwestern.edu .  For more information on the University of Montana Western and its programs, visit www.umwestern.edu or call 877-683-7331.

HELENA, Mont. – The Frontier Conference announced its 2025 post season football awards Thursday. 16 Montana Western players received recognition, including three superlative winners, six first team selections, eight second-team honorees, and two honorable mentions The all-conference teams are voted on by the league's head football coaches. Frontier West Player of the Year Michael Palandri – QB (Maple Valley, Wash. / R-SR) Palandri capped a record-breaking career 3,138 passing yards (313.8 yards per game) and 219 rushing yards in 2025. He tallied 42 total touchdowns (33 passing, nine rushing). The senior led the conference in both yards per game and touchdowns while ranking fourth and fifth in the nation, respectively, for the same categories. Frontier West Offensive Player of the Year Eli Nourse – WR (Dillon, Mont. / JR) Nourse totaled 78 receptions for 1,192 yards (119.2 yards per game) in his junior campaign. He earned 10 receiving touchdowns. His longest catch was 65 yards and he averaged 15.3 yards per reception. Nourse finished second in both the conference and the nation in yards per game. He also ranked fifth in the Frontier and 14th nationally in receiving touchdowns. Frontier West Long Snapper of the Year Jacob Westberry – LS (Hamilton, Mont. / R-SO) Westberry was a key member of the Bulldogs' special teams unit in 2025, appearing in every contest. His snaps set up nine successful field goals, including a 55-yarder that was third in the nation this year. He also aided in 48 made PATs and 34 successful punts. Frontier West First Team All-Conference Michael Palandri – QB (Maple Valley, Wash. / R-SR) Eli Nourse – WR (Dillon, Mont. / JR) Seth Shook – WR (Richland, Wash. / R-SO) Tyler Walker – DL (Dillon, Mont. / R-SR) Jace Fitzgerald – LB (Dillon, Mont. / R-SR) Maclain Burckley – K (Billings, Mont. / R-FR) Frontier West Second Team All-Conference Jakob Humphrey – RB (Walla Walla, Wash. / R-JR) Ethan Larson – OL (Deming, Wash. / R-SO) Douglas Jackson – OL (Butte, Mont. / R-SR) Dylan Christman – OL (Helena, Mont. / R-SO) Devin Crow – DL (Kennewick, Wash. / R-SO) Keegen Muffich – LB (Butte, Mont. / SR) Connor Dunlea – DB (Malin, Ore. / R-FR) Maclain Burckley – P (Billings, Mont. / R-FR) Frontier West Honorable Mentions Aidan Lammers – RB (Shepherd, Mont. / R-FR) Brady Mounts – DB (Bozeman, Mont. / R-SR)

Firefighters and first responders were called to a house fire on Crystal Lane Thursday morning. Quick action by the homeowner helped limit damage until crews arrived to extinguish the blaze. With colder weather approaching, officials remind residents to have furnaces serviced and to inspect and clean chimneys or wood stoves to help prevent winter fire hazards.

Commerce opens online voting portal for Montanans to choose the new highway signs that appear on entries to the state. Voting closes Dec. 31, 2025 HELENA, Mont. – In May 2025, Gov. Greg Gianforte and the Montana Department of Commerce unveiled Montana’s new brand at the World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale. Inspired by the new Montana brand’s primary purpose to represent the people, places and stories of the residents who call the state home, Commerce invites Montanans to be the decision makers in what the new highway signs will look like at each of the entry points to the state. “There’s no better feeling than crossing state lines back home to Montana,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Our highway signs give our families, friends and visitors the warm welcome they deserve. I am excited to see what Montanans choose.” Commerce’s website for voting on the sign designs, visitmt.com/welcome-sign  is live now and voting is open until Dec. 31, 2025. Three design options, inspired by Montana’s new brand, are available. Each includes unique aspects of the new brand and elements of the state. Current highway welcome signs were installed in 2014. With the help of the Montana Department of Transportation, it is expected that the new welcome signs will be installed across the state’s entry points in late spring as weather and access to sign locations permits. Visitmt.com , provided by the Montana Department of Commerce, allows residents and visitors alike to discover more about Montana. Go to visitmt.com to plan your next big weekend no matter the time of year! Be sure to share your experiences on social media using #montanamoment and tag us @visitmt. Learn more about Montana’s brand at visitmt.com/montana-brand . Montanans interested in submitting a vote for the new highway sign can click here .

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced the 2024 Daktronics NAIA Fall Scholar-Athletes. This award recognizes student-athletes in football, men's cross country, men's soccer, women's cross country, women's soccer and women's volleyball who have excelled academically. 28 Montana Western athletes made the list. To qualify as an NAIA Scholar-Athlete, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, appear on the eligibility certificate for their sport, and have attended their institution for at least one full year. 2025-26 Daktronics NAIA Scholar Athletes - Football Aedan Baker, DB (Challis, Idaho / R-SO) Arie McLaughlin , DL (Florence, Mont. / R-FR) Benjamin George , OL (Battle Mountain, Nev. / R-FR) Bridger Polk , WR (Great Falls, Mont. / SR) Canyon Sargent , LB (St. Ignatius, Mont. / R-SO) Colter Ramos , WR (Missoula, Mont. / R-FR) Connor Dunlea , DB (Malin, Ore. / R-FR) Eli Nourse , WR (Dillon, Mont. / JR) Hayden Hedges , RB (Cut Bank, Mont. / SR) Jace Fitzgerald , LB (Dillon, Mont. / R-SR) Jacob Westberry , LS (Hamilton, Mont. / R-SO) Jonathan Kirkley , WR (Dillon, Mont. / SR) Layne Cooney , OL (Missoula, Mont. / SR) Matthew Heer , TE (Tekoa, Wash. / SR) Michael Palandri , QB (Maple Valley, Wash. / R-SR) Remington Scott , DB (Deer Park, Wash. / SR) Taten Ells , LB (Tacoma, Wash. / SR) Tyler Schoen , LB (Chinook, Wash. / R-SO) 2025-26 Daktronics NAIA Scholar Athletes – Cross Country Brody Henry , (Havre, Mont. / JR) Kylee Wyatt , (Omak, Wash. / SO) Noah Rovente , (Lopez Island, Wash. / SO) Olivia Heiner , (Ronan, Mont. / JR) 2025-26 Daktronics NAIA Scholar Athletes - Volleyball Dani Brown , OH (Fair Oaks, Calif. / JR) Jordan Olson , RS (Billings, Mont. / SR) Madisyn Frazier , L/DS (Kalispell, Mont. / JR) Savana Warburton , OH (Joliet, Mont. / SO) Sophie Worden , S (Vancouver, Wash. / JR) Taylor Ketchum , L/DS (Billings, Mont. / SO)

The University of Montana Western’s Chancellor, Michael Reid, has announced that he will retire at the end of this academic year after over 30 years in higher education. “I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to our incredible students, faculty, and staff. The work we do here is meaningful, rooted in community, and centered on changing lives. What makes Montana Western special isn’t just our mission or our block schedule—it’s the people and their dedication to our students, to one another, and to the spirit of this place that has made every day here a privilege,” said Chancellor Reid.  Reid first came to UMW in 2018 to serve as the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and would go on to become the institution’s Chancellor in spring of 2021. His educational background includes both an MBA and a BA in Finance from Utah State University. Over his 30 years of administrative experience, he has served for 20 of them as a Vice President/Chancellor for Administration and Finance at institutions including Pueblo Community College, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Angelo State University, the University of Montana, Sierra Nevada College and the University of Montana Western.  During Reid’s tenure as Chancellor of UMW, the university offered new programs including a Bachelor of Science four-year degree in Farm and Ranch Management and the online option of its Elementary Education B.S. degree. Numerous facility renovations and new construction projects have been completed including Bulldog Stadium, the Student Wellness Center, and the renovation of the campus grounds along Atlantic Street. Renovations to Block Hall that will provide state-of-the-art research labs and equipment and the expansion of academic space are on track to be completed this spring. Several areas of campus have also been updated, including the Short Administration Building, the Dining Hall, Student Union Building, the Veterans and Military Exchange Center, Heating Plant, and the Business and Technology Building. Improvements to the Birch Creek Outdoor Education Center are also underway that will bring more groups and classes to this unique facility.   “While so many exciting accomplishments have occurred during my time here both as Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and then Chancellor, I firmly believe that working with a dynamic team in all areas at the University collectively and openly are what lead to these goals becoming realities. It really comes down to the high caliber of people who are here to support our students and their hard work and determination that allows UMW to keep making improvements that will set us up for success in the years to come,” said Chancellor Reid. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know and form relationships with so many individuals from far and wide who support Montana Western and care greatly about its continued success.” “In addition to being able to support various efforts during my time at Montana Western focused on collaboration, community partnerships, and sharing the uniqueness of Montana Western’s Experience One immersion learning model, I’m really proud to have been able to be part of the UMW community as a whole and help mentor and support the next group of leaders for the university’s future who will be champions for our upcoming students and their success,” said Chancellor Reid.  “During Chancellor Reid’s tenure, the University of Montana Western experienced broad success across every aspect of campus life. Through his leadership, he has strengthened the university’s academic foundation and championed opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to excel. His guidance and vision for excellence will be missed,” said Commissioner of Higher Education, Clayton Christian. The Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education will hire a consulting firm and seat a Search Advisory Committee to assist with the search for the next Chancellor. Deputy Commissioner Tyler Trevor will serve as the search committee chair and begin the search process in early December.

HELENA, Mont. – The Frontier Conference announced its 2025 Football Academic All-Conference selections Wednesday, presented by Billings Clinic and Logan Health. Montana Western saw 22 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 grade point average (GPA). Football Jace Fitzgerald – Dillon, Mont. / R-SR Bridger Polk – Great Falls, Mont. / SR Taten Ells – Tacoma, Wash. / SR Connor Dunlea – Malin, Ore. / R-FR Eli Nourse – Dillon, Mont. / JR Colter Ramos – Missoula, Mont. / R-FR Canyon Sargent – St. Ignatius, Mont. / R-FR Benjamin George – Battle Mountain, Nev. / R-FR Aedan Baker – Challis, Idaho / R-SO Jonathan Kirkley – Dillon, Mont. / SR Tyler Schoen – Chinook, Mont. / R-SO Remington Scott – Deer Park, Wash. / SR Jacob Westberry – Hamilton, Mont. / R-SO Matthew Heer – Tekoa, Wash. / SR Arie McLaughlin – Florence, Mont. / R-FR Layne Cooney – Missoula, Mont. / SR Hayden Hedges – Cut Bank, Mont. / SR Michael Palandri – Maple Valley, Wash. / R-SR Jordan Jones – Bozeman, Mont. / SR Russell Smith – Woods Cross, Utah / R-SO Edward Dewart – Cut Bank, Mont. / SR Aidan Lammers – Shepherd, Mont. / R-FR

Dillon, Montana — November 17, 2025 — Barrett Hospital & HealthCare is pleased to announce that Rebecca Jones will serve as the next Executive Director of the Barrett Hospital Foundation, beginning November 17, 2025. Rebecca currently serves on the Foundation’s Board of Directors and brings extensive experience in community development, fundraising, and leadership to the role. Rebecca will succeed Mary Ann Nicholas, who has chosen to step down on November 28, 2025, after leading the Foundation through a successful period of philanthropic growth and community engagement. “Mary Ann has been a passionate advocate for rural healthcare and has strengthened the Foundation’s connection with donors, volunteers, and the broader Dillon community,” said Taylor Rose, Barrett Hospital & HealthCare CEO. “We are grateful for her dedication and vision, which have positioned the Foundation for continued success.” Rebecca Jones joins the Foundation with five years of leadership experience as Executive Director of the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce, Tourism & Development. Prior to that, she worked in professional development for the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, where she led foundation initiatives and advanced donor relations. “With Barrett Hospital & HealthCare expanding its expertise and growing its campus, I’m honored to help guide the Foundation’s next chapter,” Jones said. “It’s a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated community and to build on the legacy of generosity that supports exceptional healthcare in Southwest Montana.” The Barrett Hospital Foundation plays a vital role in ensuring access to quality healthcare for Dillon and the surrounding communities by fostering philanthropic support for Barrett Hospital & HealthCare. The Foundation’s efforts have contributed to major equipment investments, facility upgrades, and endowments that sustain the hospital’s mission to provide compassionate, advanced medical care close to home. Barrett Hospital & HealthCare and the Foundation’s Board of Directors thank Mary Ann Nicholas for her outstanding leadership and welcome Rebecca Jones as she steps into this important role during an exciting period of growth and opportunity for the organization.

The University of Montana Western English Department is pleased to announce an upcoming reading and conversation with author Jon Keller on Thursday, December 4, from 7:00–8:30 p.m. in the Bulldog Lounge, as part of the O. Alan Weltzien Writers Series. The O. Alan Weltzien Writers Series is a literary event that brings authors, poets, and writers to campus for readings and discussions. Named after Weltzien, a longtime professor and writer, the series highlights both emerging and established authors, often with a focus on literature connected to Montana and the West. This event will feature Jon Keller, a commercial fisherman, licensed sailboat captain, carpenter, and part-time teacher. After more than a decade as a backcountry guide and mule packer in Montana, he now lives in an off-grid cabin on the coast of Downeast Maine. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Montana and an MFA from Boise State University. In addition to his novel  Of Sea and Cloud , his writing has appeared in several hunting and sailing magazines. “Keller’s unique life experiences and his range of publishing make him a dynamic addition to our speaker series,” said UMW Associate Professor of English Laura Wright. “His first novel has been praised by authors like Debra Magpie Earling and Anthony Doerr. His newest project is a series of crime novels set on both the Maine coast and in Montana’s Rocky Mountains.” This event is free and open to the public and will include light refreshments. We hope you’ll join us for a great evening. For more information, please contact Dr. Wright at  laura.wright@umwestern.edu .

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Wednesday, November 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.           MAYOR’S DECISION TO CLOSE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC, PER SECTION 2-3-203(4) MCA  RE: Litigation Captioned Eric Wendland and Alicia Wendland, v. City of Dillon,  DV-1-2025-14848-BC Montana                                     C.           DISCUSS A STRATEGY TO BE FOLLOWED WITH RESPECT TO SAID LITIGATION                                                 D.           RECONVENE IN OPEN MEETING   E.        MINUTES 1.         Approve the Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of September 24, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. 2.         Approve the Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of September 24, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. 3.         Approve the Minutes of November 5 th , 2025 Regular City Council Meeting   F.         PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS                 G.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Second Reading of Ordinance #489 2.         Update HB 231 & SB 542; Property Tax Changes 3.         Update on Job Recruiters 4.         Update on Kruer Contract 5.         Discuss/Approve Pavement Preservation Project   H.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         City Attorney – Ed Guza 2.         Planning Board - Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham                         a.         Accept the Minutes of the October 2, 2025 Regular Meeting                                     i.          Accept changes to Planning Board By-Laws 3.         Zoning Commission - Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley                         a.         Accept the Minutes of October 28, 2025 Regular Meeting 4.         Board of Adjustments - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz 5.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey 6.         Police Department –Police Chief Joel Stewart 7.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose 8.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox                         a.         Accept the Court Report for October 2025 9.         Library Board - Diane Armstrong, Council Member; Kim Denny, Library Director 10.       Tree Board              I.          REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Ordinances & Facilities – Bill Shafer, Chair; Joleen Schultz, Mary Jo O’Rourke                         a.         Approve the Amended Minutes of September 18 th , 2025 Regular Meeting 2.         Finance Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Diane Armstrong, Mary Jo O’Rourke 3.         Public Services – Diane Armstrong, Chair; Bill Shafer, Don Deem                         a.         Approve the Minutes of November 17 th , 2025 Regular Meeting                                     i.          Approve Job Descriptions for Dillon Police Department 4.         Open Spaces – Raymond Graham, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Joleen Schultz                         a.         Approve the Amended Minutes of October 15, 2025 Regular Meeting 5.         Public Works – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Raymond Graham                         a.         Approve the Minutes of November 12, 2025 Regular Meeting   J.         PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE  AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY   K.        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, unless noted otherwise. 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.

The University of Montana Western and Trout Unlimited are excited to host the 4th annual Community Water Conversations, “Making Sense of Surface Water: Groundwater Interactions” on Wednesday, November 19 , from 4:00–6:00 p.m.  in the Lewis & Clark Room . All are invited to attend this free event that is open to the public.  Event Schedule: 4:00–5:00 p.m.  – Overview 5:00–6:00 p.m.  – Q&A with panelists Panelists include: Clayton Elliott , Conservation and Government Affairs Director, Montana Trout Unlimited Jake Mohrmann , Water Sciences Bureau Chief, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Ginette Abdo , Ground Water Investigation Program Manager, Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Lorrie Carnes, PhD , Assistant Professor of Geomorphology, Department of Environmental Sciences, UMW David Schuett, DVM , Schuett Farms; Frontline Ag Solutions LLC; Assistant Professor, Department of Business & Technology, UMW

PUBLIC  NOTICE The Beaverhead County Road Department Will be closing the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway and the Lemhi Pass from December 1, 2025 to May 15, 2026.

Bill Carroll Post 9040 VFW Auxiliary is again asking YOU the Dillon Community for help with the CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS for Veterans project!!! Stockings will be delivered to Veterans in Pioneer Care and Rehab, Bicentennial Apartments, the Renaissance facilities, Legacy, the Southwest Montana Veterans Home in Butte, and individual Veterans at their homes here in Dillon.  If you have a Veteran that you would like to be included, please let Joan know at 406-925-1871 or drop their information off at 3-D Store. Donations of new items such as gloves, hand sanitizer, beanies, warm socks, Christmas Stockings – both filled and empty, bandanas, toiletries, handkerchiefs, playing cards, Kleenex, puzzle books, pens and pencils, magnifying glasses, nail kits, candy and snack items.  Again, Thank You! For giving a Veteran a Christmas surprise.  Hugs, handshakes and Thank You to the community from the recipients!

MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY November 18th, 2025 5:00 PM   AGENDA:   I.                   Call to order II.                Approval of Minutes from 08-19-2025, 09-16-2025 & 10-21-2025 meetings         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 59725 PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING City Hall Council Chambers Monday, November 17th, 2025 3:00 PM AGENDA     1.     Call to Order 2.     Review/Recommend Changes to Job Description for Police Department Personnel 3.     Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the City. 4.     Adjournment     Committee Members: Diane Armstrong, Chair Bill Shafer Don Deem

Coming in January: The Bookstore, Dillon Public Library, the Friends of the Library and the Beaverhead County Museum will have the Montana's Poet Laureate (2023-2024),  Chris La Tray, as a special presenter on January 28th, 2026. This is part of One Book Montana: The state of Montana is coming together, to read the book “Becoming Little Shell: A Landless Indian’s Journey Home” by Chris La Tray.      This memoir is La Tray’s third book. The book is centered on the efforts of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana to become federally recognized in 2019. The tribe, made of Ojibwe, Métis, and Cree people in Montana, does not have a reservation and members live throughout the state. Chris La Tray was appointed as Montana Poet Laureate in 2023. One Book Montana, hosted by Humanities Montana, has purchased over 200 online copies, so listening through the Libby app is easy. Dillon Public Library has a number of copies available to check out and Debbie at The Bookstore has ordered copies for purchase.   Books & Babies - Every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. - November 19th theme is: Native Americans   December events: dates TBA Polar Express Movie with Santa Clause Santa Claus and the Grinch visit the Library   Beginning in 2026, Xuan Li of the University of Montana-Western, Debbie Sporich from the Bookstore, the Friends of the Library, and the Dillon Public Library will be offering programs, workshops and presenters concerning Child Abuse and Neglect. This will be through a grant received through Montana Children's Trust Fund.