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125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA SWEAR IN NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS 1.         Ward 2:  Russ Schwandt & Don Deem 2.         Ward 4:  Mary Jo O’Rourke   PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE   A.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA   B.        REAPPOINT CITY CLERK: KAMI HOERNING   C.        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   D.        RECONVENE IN OPEN MEETING   E.        MINUTES 1.         Approve the Minutes of December 17 th , 2025 Regular Meeting 2.         Approve the Minutes of December 31, 2025 Special City Council Meeting   F.         PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS   1.         Approve Bid for 1996 Dodge Dakota 2.         Reference Documents Requested by Council   G.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Elect Council President 2.         Reappoint City Officers:                         a.         Director of Operations: Kristina Abbey                         b.         City Treasurer: Karen Kipp                         c.         Fire Chief: BJ Klose 3.         Reappoint the Following to the Zoning Commission                         a.         Mike Watson 4.         Appoint the Following to the Zoning Commission                         a.         Kevin Boileau                         b.         Mike Brumbaugh 5.         Appoint the Following to the Planning Board                         a.         Todd Godfrey                         b.         Emmett Jeschke                         c.         Nazarita Goldhammer 6.         Reappoint the Following to the Board of Adjustments                         a.         Mike Watson                         b.         Tim Stoker 7.         Appoint the Following to the Board of Adjustments                         a.         Justin Rooley 8.         Appointing the Following to the Tree Board                         a.         Logun Norris 9.         Discuss Council Vacancies   H.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         City Attorney – Ed Guza 2.         Planning Board - Vacant, Raymond Graham 3.         Zoning Commission - Vacant, Vacant 4.         Board of Adjustments - Vacant, Joleen Schultz                         a.         Accept the Minutes of October 23, 2025 Regular Meeting                         b.         Accept the Transcript of December 11, 2025 Public Hearing 5.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey                         a.         Accept the 2025 Report 6.         Police Department –Police Chief Joel Stewart                         a.         Accept the December 2025 Incident Report 7.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose a.         Accept the December 2025 Activity Report                   b.         Approve City Clerk Report for Fire Hall for December 2025                         c.         Approve Budget vs. Expenditures Report for Fire Hall for December 2025 8.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox                         a.         Accept Court Report for December 2025 9.         Library Board – (Vacant), Council Member; Kim Denny, Library Director                         a.         Accept the Minutes of November 25, 2025 Regular Board Meeting 10.       Tree Board             I.          REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Ordinances & Facilities – (vacant), Chair; Joleen Schultz, Mary Jo O’Rourke 2.         Finance Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Mary Jo O’Rourke 3.         Public Services – (vacant), Chair; Don Deem 4.         Open Spaces – Raymond Graham, Chair; Joleen Schultz                         a.         Approve December 17, 2025 Meeting Minutes 5.         Public Works – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Raymond Graham     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. 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.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — The Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office has released its 2025 Law Total Incident Report, detailing the scope and nature of calls for service handled throughout the year. In total, deputies responded to 4,017 reported incidents across Beaverhead County in 2025. The data shows that traffic-related calls made up a significant portion of deputy activity. Deputies conducted 1,200 traffic stops, responded to 188 traffic complaints, 141 traffic hazards, and assisted 102 stranded motorists. There were also 229 total traffic accidents reported across several categories, including four fatal crashes, 19 accidents with injuries, and 108 accidents involving unknown injuries. Public safety and welfare checks also remained a major focus. Deputies conducted 194 welfare checks, handled 179 suspicious person or circumstance calls, and responded to 75 civil complaints. Abandoned 911 calls (104) and medical-related calls, including 119 ambulance assists, were also common. Animal-related incidents accounted for a notable share of calls in rural Beaverhead County. Deputies handled 224 animal complaints, 21 found animals, 12 lost animals, 19 animal bites, and several noise and livestock-related issues. In the area of criminal and enforcement activity, the Sheriff’s Office reported: 38 DUI (alcohol or drugs) cases 28 theft cases 28 fraud cases 34 domestic disturbances 11 assaults, including one assault involving a firearm 13 sex crimes 18 violations of protection orders 26 wanted person calls Deputies also investigated 43 unattended deaths, 14 suicide-related calls, and one confirmed suicide, highlighting the ongoing mental health and welfare challenges faced by the community. Fire and emergency incidents included nine structure fires, eight vehicle fires, 12 grass fires, six wildfires, and responses to gas odors, fire alarms, and illegal burning. Search and rescue operations resulted in 18 lost or overdue SAR calls and six rescues during the year. Additional calls for service ranged from transporting prisoners (51) and vehicle inspections (40) to harassment, juvenile incidents, drug offenses, and disorderly conduct. The Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office noted that the annual report reflects the broad range of responsibilities deputies face daily, from emergency response and traffic enforcement to public assistance, animal control, and community safety. Officials encourage residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, drive safely, and utilize available community resources as the Sheriff’s Office continues working to keep Beaverhead County safe.

DILLON, Mont. — Award-winning author, poet, and storyteller Chris La Tray will be featured at a special literary event on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Museum Depot Theater, located at 125 South Montana Street. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., with the program beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event is open to the public. La Tray is an Anishinaabe/Métis storyteller, a descendant of the Pembina Band of the Red River of the North, and a citizen of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He is the author of several acclaimed works, including his most recent book, Becoming Little Shell: A Landless Indian’s Journey Home, published by Milkweed Editions in August 2024. His earlier work, One-Sentence Journal: Short Poems and Essays from the World at Large (2018), earned the Montana Book Award and a High Plains Book Award, while his 2021 poetry collection, Descended from a Travel-worn Satchel, further cemented his reputation as a leading literary voice in the region. La Tray served as the 11th Montana Poet Laureate from August 2023 through August 2025 and was the 2025 Kittredge Distinguished Visiting Writer at the University of Montana. He also received the 2025 Montana Heritage Keeper Award from the Montana Historical Society. In addition to his writing, La Tray has facilitated workshops with numerous organizations, including The Missoula Writing Collaborative, Yellowstone Forever, Freeflow Institute, Writing the Wild, Orion, and Torrey House Press. Becoming Little Shell: A Landless Indian’s Journey Home has been selected as the current statewide read for One Book Montana, which is being relaunched by Humanities Montana in partnership with libraries across the state. The program highlights the 2025 Great Reads from Great Places authors and runs from October 1, 2025, through February 28, 2026, inviting Montanans to read and discuss the book. Copies of Becoming Little Shell are available for purchase or checkout at The Bookstore and the Dillon Public Library. The event is sponsored by the Dillon Public Library, the Dillon Friends of the Library, The Bookstore, and the Beaverhead County Museum.

NOTICE Jackson Water & Sewer District Regular Monthly Meeting Thursday, January 08, 2025 5:30 p.m. at the LDS Church in Jackson, MT   AGENDA:             Call to Order:                         District Clerk Report:                         Approval of Minutes                         Financial Report                    Sewer System Upgrade Report:                         Water and Sewer Data collection                         Sewer System Report:             B J: leak repair, pump function                    Water Report:                         B J: Dechlorinator                         Susie: water test result             Old Business:                         Number of connections at Hot Springs Lodge             New Business:                         Annual Election of Board Officers             Public Comment:   Adjournment:

To earn this distinction, students must be enrolled full-time (a minimum of 12 semester credits) and achieve a grade point average of 3.33 or higher. An asterisk (*) next to a name indicates that a student has received Dean’s List high honors. The listing below is divided into In-state and Out-of-State/International students, alphabetically by city and state.  Dean’s List: Fall Semester 2025 For more information, please contact the UMW Registrar’s Office:  reg_office@umwestern.edu .

Claire Gay, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. –  The Montana Western men's and women's rodeo teams are set to compete in six regular-season rodeos this spring, head coach JT Robbins announced Monday.  SCHEDULE  April 9-10 – Montana State #1 Bozeman, Mont. April 11-12 – Montana State #2 Bozeman, Mont. April 17-18 – MSU-Northern Havre, Mont.  April 23-24 – Miles CC #1 Miles City, Mont. April 25-26 – Miles CC #2 Miles City, Mont. May 1-2 – Montana Missoula, Mont.  WHERE THINGS STAND  After four rodeos in the fall, the Bulldog men and women are both sitting second in the Big Sky standings. The men have racked up 2,316.50 points and the women have compiled 1,144.50.  Montana State leads the region for both men and women (3,583.50 and 1,379.50 points, respectively).

Claire Gay, UMW Sports Information HELENA, Mont. –  Montana Western men's basketball player Kyle Gruhler earned his fifth Erck Hotels/ Frontier Conference Men's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week award of the campaign, the conference office announced Monday. Gruhler led the Bulldogs to another 2-0 weekend on the road in Frontier play as they defeated Dickinson State (78-73) and Bismarck State (96-66). The senior led all players in scoring in both games, shooting 50.0 percent (18-36) from the floor and 52.6 percent (10-19) from distance while draining all five free-throw attempts.   He dropped 24 second-half points (8-16 FG, 4-7 3FG, 4-4 FT) to push UMW to a 13-point comeback over Dickinson State. The Vancouver, Wash., native followed that with a 27-point outing (10-20 FG, 6-12 3FG, 1-1 FT) in Western's commanding victory over Bismarck State. Gruhler also registered 10 rebounds (six offensive), four assists, a block, and a steal while committing zero turnovers on the weekend. LOOKING AHEAD Up next, the Bulldogs return to Straugh Gymnasium to host MSU-Northern and Providence.

Dillon, MT. — On December 31, 2025, at approximately 10:46 p.m., deputies with the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported civil dispute involving a firearm in a subdivision just outside of Dillon. According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived on scene and began processing the incident, taking statements from witnesses. The investigation determined that a resident had discharged a firearm into the air multiple times in response to nearby fireworks. Witnesses also reported that the individual had retreated into his residence and was unwilling to come to the door when contacted by law enforcement. Deputies on scene suspected alcohol was a contributing factor in the incident. The situation quickly escalated into an armed and barricaded subject, prompting deputies to request additional resources to assist with serving warrants on both the suspect and the residence. Three additional deputies and one U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer responded to assist, despite the call occurring on New Year’s Eve. Deputies established a perimeter around the residence and initiated contact with the suspect by phone. After a lengthy standoff and negotiations, the suspect ultimately exited the residence peacefully and was taken into custody without further incident. The individual was booked into the Beaverhead County Jail, and deputies recovered the firearm used during the incident. Authorities reported that no law enforcement officers or community members were injured. The Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office thanked the community for its patience during the response and reiterated the importance of following basic firearm safety rules. Officials emphasized knowing one’s target and what lies beyond it, reminding residents never to discharge a firearm unless certain of where the bullet may travel and what it could strike. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

DILLON, Mont.  — The Dillon Volunteer Fire Department (DVFD) responded to 16 calls for service  during the month of December 2025 , with incidents ranging from motor vehicle accidents and utility problems to gas alarms and a vehicle fire. According to DVFD, calls for service included: Dec. 2:  I-15 Mile Marker 45 — Multiple slide-off motor vehicle accidents Dec. 5:  North Montana Street — Gas odor Dec. 8:  West Center Street — Smoke alarm Dec. 11:  Kentucky Avenue — Visible smoke Dec. 15:  Highway 41 Mile Marker 4 — Motor vehicle accident Dec. 17:  Atlantic Street — Utility problem Dec. 17:  North Montana Street — Utility problem Dec. 17:  Laknar & Pioneer — Tree down in roadway Dec. 17:  Highway 91 North — Utility problem Dec. 17:  Laknar & Antelope — Utility problem Dec. 17:  Sunset Drive — Utility problem Dec. 17:  South Dakota Street — Gas alarm Dec. 17:  East Chapman Street — Utility problem Dec. 21:  South Atlantic Street — Electrical fire Dec. 25:  I-15 Mile Marker 65 — Motor vehicle accident Dec. 28:  Highway 278 — Vehicle fire In addition to emergency responses, DVFD reported that December training focused on continued FF1 coursework  for new firefighter candidates. During the department’s first monthly training of the year, firefighters also welcomed Magnolia , a First Responder Therapy Dog from the Gallatin Valley. DVFD members were active in community events throughout the month, including transporting Santa to the Dillon Public Library  for holiday festivities and participating in the annual Parade of Lights . The department closed its report by wishing the community a safe and blessed New Year, while reminding residents to use extra caution when traveling during winter months, as road conditions can change rapidly and without warning.

DILLON, Mont. — January 3, 2026 — Six young athletes — three girls and three boys ranging in age from 8 to 13 — were crowned champions Saturday at the Elks South District Hoop Shoot free throw contest, held at Straugh Gymnasium on the campus of Montana Western. First- and second-place trophies were awarded to both boys and girls in three age divisions: 8–9, 10–11, and 12–13. All participants earned their place at the district competition by winning their respective local lodge contests within the Montana South District, which includes Anaconda Elks Lodge #239, Butte Elks Lodge #240, Deer Lodge Elks Lodge #1737, and Dillon Elks Lodge #1554. The three first-place boys and three first-place girls from Saturday’s competition will now advance to the Montana State Hoop Shoot Contest, scheduled for February 14 at Park County High School in Livingston. There, they will face champions from the other four Elks districts across the state. From the state level, competitors who continue to advance will move on to the regional contest in Rapid City on March 7, followed by the national finals in Chicago on April 18. National champions earn the distinction of having their names digitally displayed at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The Hoop Shoot program is fully sponsored by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A. and is endorsed by hundreds of school systems nationwide. Funding for the program comes primarily through the Elks National Foundation, along with support from local lodges and state associations. Originally launched as a local initiative by the Corvallis, Oregon Elks in 1946, the Elks Hoop Shoot has grown into a nationally recognized youth program and is now in its 54th year of national competition. Over the years, Montana has produced several national champions, continuing the state’s strong tradition in the program.

PUBLIC NOTICE     The Beaverhead County Courthouse, The Treasure office, along with the Extension and Weed offices will be experiencing power outages most of the morning and intermittently throughout the day on January 7, 2026 due to scheduled electrical work.  During this time, phone services, internet access and electrical power at these buildings may be unavailable. We apologies for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

Polaris, Mont. — Skiers gathered Wednesday night at Maverick Mountain for the resort’s annual New Year’s Eve Torch Light Parade, a long-standing tradition that draws locals and visitors alike to help ring in the new year. Participants began loading the chairlift at approximately 5:30 p.m., making their way to the top of the mountain as fireworks were launched from various locations across the resort. Once darkness fell, skiers started their descent, lighting up the slopes with flashlights while fireworks continued to illuminate the night sky. The Torch Light Parade is held every New Year’s Eve at Maverick Mountain and has become a signature winter event for the local skiing community. Participants said this year’s parade saw one of the largest turnouts in recent memory, with a strong crowd both on the slopes and watching from below. The event provided a festive end to the year and showcased the continued popularity of the tradition as the community welcomed the arrival of the new year.

In November of 2019, Southwestern Montana News was launched with a simple mission: to provide timely, accurate reporting on stories impacting Dillon and the surrounding communities—stories that were often going unreported or delayed for days or even weeks. The decision to leave a full-time job and start an independent online news outlet was not an easy one, but it was driven by a growing need for faster access to local information. From breaking news and public safety incidents to sports and community events, the goal was to keep residents informed in real time. In the early years, Southwestern Montana News expanded beyond written reporting by incorporating video coverage and livestreaming of sports and community events, allowing people to stay connected even when they couldn’t attend in person. As the outlet grew, so did its understanding of what readers wanted most. Now entering its sixth year, Southwestern Montana News has undergone significant changes. Livestreaming was phased out as audience preferences shifted, and the decision was made to close the downtown office and operate fully mobile. These changes allowed the outlet to respond more quickly to breaking news and better serve the community. Looking back, 2025 marked the most successful year to date . During the past year, Southwestern Montana News reached more than 250,000 readers  on its website. In addition, videos shared on Facebook were viewed over 3 million times , reflecting strong engagement from the community across multiple platforms. As the outlet looks ahead to 2026, Southwestern Montana News remains committed to independent journalism and community-focused reporting. Local businesses also continue to play a vital role in supporting the outlet, with advertising opportunities starting at $35 per month —helping sustain locally owned media in Beaverhead County. Top 10 Most-Read Southwestern Montana News Stories of 2025 Teen dies from self-inflicted gunshot wound near Trapper Creek Man found dead after vehicle discovered in water near Wisdom Child’s death in Lima deemed homicide; one arrested UM Western student charged in fatal crash that killed 7-year-old Dillon boy Minor fatally injured in vehicle vs. bicycle collision in Dillon Tragic accident at Maverick Mountain; skier dies after collision with tree First responders on scene of semi-truck accident on MT-41 near Twin Bridges Fatal motorcycle crash on I-90 west near mile marker 233 Chase on I-15 near Lima ends with disabling crash, arrest of female driver Fatal single-vehicle crash on I-15 near mile marker 70 As Southwestern Montana News moves into the new year, the focus remains unchanged: serve the community, report the facts, and ensure local stories are told—accurately and on time .

Dillon, MT – The University of Montana Western’s HIP Club (Humans in Performance), advised by Dr. Megan Chilson and Mr. Mikel Griffiths, donated 80 “Meals in a Bag” to the Women’s Resource Center to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families during the holiday season. Each meal kit includes an average of seven shelf-stable ingredients and a recipe, providing everything needed to prepare a complete meal. The donations will directly benefit individuals and families living in shelter or transitioning to independent housing, helping to address food insecurity in the community. “This project gave HIP Club students an opportunity to translate learning into action,” said Dr. Chilson, faculty advisor for the HIP Club. “Creating the ‘Meals in a Bag’ helped students understand how small, intentional efforts can make a meaningful difference for families in our community.” “Partnerships like this allow us to focus on what matters most - supporting survivors and helping families regain stability,” said Rebecca Knotts, Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center. “The care and thoughtfulness behind these meals make a real difference in people’s lives.” The WRC provides free, confidential services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Beaverhead and Madison counties. Partnerships with local organizations play a vital role in meeting immediate needs while supporting long-term healing and independence. For more information, visit www.wrcmt.org The WRC extends its sincere thanks to Dr. Chilson, Mr. Griffiths and the HIP Club for their meaningful contribution and commitment to supporting survivors in the community.

On Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2025, the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Team was on patrol in the area of the I-15 Business Loop when deputies observed a vehicle being operated by an individual with outstanding warrants. Deputies initiated a traffic stop and, during the investigation, located fentanyl powder. Due to its extreme potency and danger, fentanyl has recently been classified as a weapon of mass destruction. Deputies took proactive measures to ensure their safety and the safety of the public. The male driver was arrested on multiple charges. Following the arrest, deputies executed a search warrant at a nearby hotel room connected to the investigation. During the search, deputies located additional dangerous controlled substances, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, hallucinogenic mushrooms, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. A female found in the hotel room was arrested on charges related to possession of dangerous drugs. Authorities emphasize that fentanyl is incredibly potent, with even a few milligrams capable of being lethal. Accidental exposure to fentanyl powder poses a serious risk to anyone in close proximity. The Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office stated it remains committed to aggressively pursuing dangerous drugs and those who traffic them, stressing that efforts will continue to protect the people of Montana and that offenders will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers December 31, 2025 10:00 A.M. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE     A.         FINANCE COMMITTEE  – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Diane Armstrong                         a.         Approve December 29, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes                         b.          Approve Line Item Budget Report                                     i.          Approve Fund Summary for Claims for December 2025                                     ii.         Approve Claims by Vendor Report for December 2025                                     iii.        Approve Mayor’s Report to the Finance Committee for December                                                             2025                                     iv.        Approve Budget vs. Actual Report for December 2025                                           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.

Sunday, Dec. 28, first responders were called to a residence off Highway 278 for a vehicle fire. According to officials, the vehicle owner had started their truck to warm it up in the cold weather and left it running while attending to other tasks. A short time later, flames were observed coming from the vehicle. Thanks to the quick actions of the vehicle owner and a rapid response from the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department, the fire was quickly contained and extinguished. Damage was limited to the vehicle, and no injuries were reported. Firefighters were unable to determine the exact cause of the fire, but believe it may have been the result of a faulty fuel connection.