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Construction Look Ahead: In Dillon on Interchange Road, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and L & J Construction Group LLC will pour one lane of the new bridge deck the week of April 29, weather permitting. The new concrete will need to cure for 7 days. Drivers can expect temporary traffic lights and one-way traffic with minor delays. A 14-ft width restriction remains in place.

From Brock Myllymaki Hello Everyone, We will be hosting the Dillon Invite track meet on Saturday, May 4th at 10:00 am. I am looking for volunteer workers to help run the finish line and field events. If you are around, I would greatly appreciate any help you can provide. If you know of any students who might be interested, please send them my way. Food and drinks will be provided throughout the day! Please let me know if you have any interest in helping and I hope to see you all there.

The Dillon Beavers were on the road this Thursday afternoon taking on the Butte Central Maroons. The Beavers would take an 11 to 0 win over the Maroons. The Beavers would get on the scoreboard in the first with a triple from Trenton Moreni. Keyen Nash singled, scoring a run as well. The Beavers would rack up seven runs in the third inning. Trenton Moreni would draw a walk, scoring one run, an error scored another run, Marcus Lagunas singled, scoring a run, and another error would score two more runs for the Beavers, Andrew Bartlome would ground out, scoring a run, and Sawyer Tacket singled, scoring in a run. Sawyer Tackett pitched for the Beavers. Tackett surrendered only one hit and zero runs over five innings, striking out four and walking three. The Beavers collected seven walks in the game. Cohen Hartman and Trenton Moreni led the team with two walks each. The Beavers turned two double plays in the game with zero errors. Marcus Lagunas had the most chances in the field with five. The Beavers will take on Stevensville this Saturday at 1 PM at Ray Lynch field in Dillon.

We had an awesome weekend at District Music Festival!  I'm so proud of all of our band kids and all of their hard work!  All ensembles received superior ratings and will be heading on to State (Symphonic Band also received superior ratings, but does not travel on due to size)!  All students who participated in at least one thing outside of their required major performing group (35 students of 38) will be attending State for at least one entry.  I am so excited for them and all they've already accomplished!! Katie Raffety Ensembles receiving a superior rating and their participants: Choir Results! District Music Festival Results Good Morning All, Choir Students enjoyed a wonderful District music Festival Experience last week, April 18-20.  I am extremely proud of them. They practiced diligently and are eager learners. Though we have small numbers, we have mighty great musicians:) Treble Chorus/Teen Tones and Men’s Chorus received Superior Ratings for their Performances and Sight-Reading. They were highly praised for their  Sight Reading abilities.  I am so proud of them! Large ensembles do not go on to State Music Festival, but students must participate in them to be able to go on to State in a Solo or Ensemble, if they receive a Superior rating. Carolyn Van Slyke TREBLE CHORUS:SUPERIOR BELLIS, ELLAMAY BURTON, BRIANA CARLISLE, HANNAH COWAN, KAELYN CURRIE, TANIA DIMICK, NICOLE FERGUSON, SHERIDAN HALES, KYRAH HAUCK, RAELYNN HOUSEL, DELAINEY HUXTABLE, MARY JOHNSON, CARLI JORGENSEN, ALEXCIS KAILEY, OLIVIA KENEALEY, LEAH LOVAAS, EMMA PAPE, LACEY PFLIEGER, AMELIA PILON, KAYCEE PORTER, RONNIE ROEHL, AVERY ROGNSTAD, FAITH ZEREN, AUDREY MEN’S CHORUS:SUPERIOR DANSIE, WINSTON DORSEY, CJ HARTMAN, COHEN HOLT, GUY

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING April 25, 2024 3:00 P.M. ~ AGENDA ~ 1. Approval of April 2024 Claims 2. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction of The City 3. Adjournment Committee Members: Russ Schwandt, Chairperson Anneliese Ripley

Please join Saturday, April 27th for day of books, memories and fun. We will be Celebrating the 11th annual Independent Bookstore Day, the 40th Anniversary of The Bookstore and author Dave Carty. Dave will be signing copies of his new novel "Red is the Fastest Color". Forty years ago on May 1st, 1984 The Bookstore opened its doors!!! Cathy Weber, Art Maker, moved her Art Gallery and Studio into the back of The Bookstore on October 14th of 1988. Debbie Sporich joined the team on June 1st, 1991 and bought the Bookstore on March 1, 1992. Weber and Sporich formed a partnership buying the building in 1999. And the rest as they say is history. The celebration on the 27th will begin and 9:00 a.m. and continue throughout the day. We will be looking back at 1984 where it all began for The Bookstore. There will be drawings for door prizes, light refreshments, music provided by the Dillon Junior Fiddlers and Dave Carty will be signing copies of his book from 1:00-3:00. As always there will be books galore and so much more. This party is a celebration of all of you and the years we have shared together. I live my dream everyday and thank you for being the reason The Bookstore has been part of this amazing community for 40 years. We look forward to seeing you and hope you will share your memories of The Bookstore through the years with us. Dave Carty's novel Red is the Fastest Color is set against the backdrop of Montana this book is complex, heart warming and heart wrenching. Carty gives us a compelling tale of love and loss, of real people living with real problems as they maneuver through the twisty path of existence, giving us joy and sorrow. This book is insightful with vivid descriptions and careful character development. Red is the Fastest Color is a quiet story about one man's struggle with loneliness, the joy he finds in friendship and ultimately the profound sorrow at its loss. If you have any questions or would like to reserve a copy of Red is the Fastest Color call us at 406-683-6807

HELENA –The new Montana Mule Deer Citizen Advisory Committee will meet twice this spring and help the department identify important issues in mule deer management and goals for the new mule deer management plan. This is an early step in the planning process with multiple opportunities for public input before the plan is finalized in time to inform the 2026-2027 hunting season-setting process. “Most Montanans have a familiar appreciation for mule deer, given their statewide distribution,” said FWP Director Dustin Temple. “Hearing concerns and questions about population levels and disease, we are going to make the effort to ensure our management is based on the best contemporary science and consistent with Montanan’s expectations. This diverse citizen advisory committee is going to kick-start that effort.” The advisory committee is comprised of 16 members, which were selected from a pool of 100 applicants. Members were selected based on their familiarity with issues involved with mule deer management and their willingness to work with a team and engage in productive discussions. They represent each FWP region and come from diverse backgrounds. The decision on committee members was made by FWP’s director and reviewed by the governor’s office. A complete list of members and more information can be found at fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission-councils-committees/mule-deer-citizens-advisory-committee. The committee will meet twice before June 15, and their work is expected to be completed by June 30. Both meetings will be multi-day with the first meeting scheduled for May 6-8 in Helena and the second meeting dates and location to be determined. These meetings will be open to the public via Zoom. Those who wish to provide public comment during the first meeting can register at fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission-councils-committees/mule-deer-citizens-advisory-committee; registration deadline is noon on May 6. There will be other opportunities for public engagement as the plan is developed.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western Athletic Department hosted its annual induction ceremony for the Beta Chapter of the Chi Alpha Sigma national collegiate athlete honor society on Monday, April 22, 2024. The Bulldogs had 41 student-athletes honored at the ceremony as the second induction class into the chapter. In order to be inducted, student-athletes must participate in a sport at the varsity intercollegiate level, achieve junior academic standing or higher after their fifth full-time semester, and earn a cumulative grade-point average of 3.4 or higher. The ceremony was held in the Lewis and Clark room on campus as the inductees were joined by coaches and athletic staff with remarks from UMW Provost Johnny MacLean. Below is a full list of this year's induction class. Those marked with an (*) are repeat selections. 2024 Inductees Reese Artz, Football* Tanner Harrell, Football* Michael Haverfield, Men's Basketball* Ben Howerton, Football* KayLee Kopp, Women's Volleyball* Shainy Mack, Women's Basketball* John Mears, Football* TaLyn Neville, Women's Rodeo* Shelby Poorman, Women's Rodeo* Jackie Scierine, Men's Rodeo* Jacob Ankeny, Men's Basketball Kevin Bethel, Men's Basketball Katherine Bills, Women's Rodeo Chucky Braverock, Football Taten Ells, Football Kaylee Fritz, Women's Volleyball Braleigh Garrett, Women's Rodeo Kelsey Goddard, Women's Volleyball Hannah Griffin, Women's Rodeo Payton Hagy, Women's Basketball Matthew Heer, Football Trevor Kay, Men's Rodeo Alexis Loucks, Sideline Cheer Isabella Lund, Women's Basketball Krista Marchand, Women's Rodeo Everitt Mauler, Men's Rodeo Allyson McCommon, Sideline Cheer Breyana Miller, Women's Rodeo Angel Navarrete, Football Rylee Nickodemus, Women's Volleyball James Ochs, Football Malli O'Neal, Women's Rodeo Victoria Pehlke, Sideline Cheer Brooke Richey, Women's Rodeo Noah Rimmer, Football Jazi Smith, Women's Volleyball Jordan Sweeney, Women's Basketball Quincy Taylor, Men's Basketball Josie Thomas, Women's Volleyball Peyton Vogl, Women's Volleyball

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that more than $4 million of grant funding has been allocated to six non-profit organizations to help increase the inventory of affordable homes for seniors and those living with disabilities. The funding is through Commerce’s Montana Emergency Rental Assistance (MERA) program. “The health and well-being of Montanans and our communities rely on access to affordable, attainable housing. Projects like these will help meet the housing needs of Montana’s seniors and those living with disabilities, all while supporting our economy with good-paying jobs,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. MERA is Montana’s program to administer federal funding provided by the pandemic-era U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance program (ERA). MERA funding was awarded to: Accessible Space, Inc. will receive $900,000 of MERA funding for the Queen City Estates rehabilitation project in Helena. Big Sky Community Housing Trust will receive $337,000 of MERA funding for the construction of the Riverview Apartments in Big Sky. District XI Human Resource Council, Inc. will receive $558,146 of MERA funding for the construction of Skalkaho Place in Hamilton. Homeword, Inc. will receive $104,154 of MERA funding for rehabilitation work at Hearthstone Apartments in Anaconda. The Human Resource Development Council of District IX, Inc. will receive $900,994 of MERA funding for the Summit Place Apartments rehabilitation project in Livingston. Samaritan House, Inc. will receive $1.3 million of MERA funding for the construction of the Samaritan House Family Living Apartments in Kalispell. The United States Department of the Treasury (Treasury) guidance outlines the eligible uses for the program, which includes various rental assistance, housing stability supports and eviction intervention. Additionally, Treasury provides guidance on the use of these funds, once certain criteria have been met, to fund other eligible uses. With approximately $5 million of MERA program funding remaining, Commerce’s Montana Housing Division decided to allocate the remaining funds to increase new and preserve existing permanent affordable housing stock. “Focusing the remaining MERA funds for the construction, rehabilitation or preservation of affordable housing projects serving lower-earning families will allow the funds to be used to provide permanent housing stability for Montanans who are most in need of assistance, targeting populations that are at or below 50 percent of area median income, disabled, survivors of domestic violence, seniors and homeless or at risk of homelessness,” said Melissa Higgins, Housing Program Executive at the Montana Department of Commerce. The sources of these MERA 2 funds include Section 3201 of the American Rescue Plan Act and Montana House Bill 632 Section 14(1). For more information about the MERA program, visit housing.mt.gov.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information MILES CITY, Mont. — The Montana Western men's and women's rodeo teams traveled out to compete in the Miles Community College Rodeo over the past four days. Despite struggling in the first rodeo of the weekend, the Bulldogs found their footing and placed numerous athletes in the short-go this morning. Tavy Leno won the women's all-around buckle this afternoon and pushed the Bulldog women to a first-place finish in the second rodeo. She took the top spot in breakaway roping and finished second in goat tying. Today's win for the women's team is the first since last season's win in Cody, Wyo. Top Performers Rodeo #1 Jhet Murphy came in second in team roping as a header with a time of 19.2. After recording a combined 20.6, Cooper Pavkov and Luke Murphy placed third in team roping. Trevor Kay finished third in scoring for bareback riding after she finished with a 70 in one ride. Tavy Leno placed third in goat tying after she recorded a 13.7 for the rodeo. Malli O'Neal finished in fourth overall in the barrel racing, combining for a time of 28.17. The pair of Talyn Neville and Tynell Mclnenly placed fourth in team roping after a combining for a time of 32.2. Mclnenly also finished in sixth in breakaway roping after a combined 5.7. Top Performers Rodeo #2 Leno won the women's all-around buckle after she placed first in breakaway roping with a combined time of 4.4. She also finished second in goat tying, combining for a time of 12.8. Trevor Kay placed first in bareback riding, scoring a total of 141 points between two rides. Cade Costello recorded a pair of rides in saddle bronc riding for 133 points, helping him to a second-place finish. The team roping pair of Pavkov and Murphy finished second, combining for a time of 14.7. Coby King placed third in tie down roping, putting together a time of 23.8 in the average. Jake Miller put a combined 16.4 in steer wrestling for a third-place finish. Up Next The Bulldogs will close out their season this upcoming week at the University of Montana Rodeo. The rodeo will serve as the final chance for the Bulldogs to compete to make the College National Finals Rodeo. Events begin on Friday night and go through Saturday night. This year's rodeo will be held at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds in Hamilton, Mont.

The University of Montana Western will celebrate its 127th Annual Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the Straugh Gymnasium on the UMW campus. “We look forward to celebrating this important milestone for our students, and we are proud of all of their accomplishments,” said Montana Western Chancellor, Michael Reid.401 Montana Western graduates will be awarded over 486 degrees by the end of the 2023-24 academic year. Of the 401 students, 80 have completed two or more degrees, and 69% of the graduates are receiving honors by achieving a GPA of 3.33 or higher. 175 graduates have chosen to participate in this year’s ceremony. The ceremony’s Chief Marshal will be Doug Daenzer, M.S., Instructor of Business at the University of Montana Western. Commencement Speaker: Dr. Steve Mock This year’s commencement program will feature speaker Dr. Steve Mock, retired Professor of Chemistry Emeritus and Climbing Instructor in the Environmental Sciences Department at Montana Western. Steve Mock’s journey from a small farming community in Indiana to his retirement in Dillon, Montana, is a testament to a life filled with adventure and dedication. Graduating from Manchester College in 1977, Steve and his wife, Jan, pursued their love for the wilderness, eventually settling in Missoula in 1978. Steve’s academic pursuits led him to earn a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Montana State University in 1989, later joining the faculty at the University of Montana Western in 1991. Outside academia, Dr. Mock’s passion for climbing led him to significant involvement with the Khumbu Climbing Center (KCC), a project of the Bozeman based Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation (ALCF) and Denali Rescue Volunteers (DRV). Serving as Co-Director of KCC for ten years, he played a vital role in training Nepali citizens in climbing and guiding. He also participated in Denali Ranger patrols, earning him the President’s role at DRV in 2018. “We are honored to welcome Dr. Steve Mock back to Montana Western for our 127th Annual Commencement ceremony. Dr. Mock’s dedication to learning, teaching, and his adventurous spirit in the great outdoors provide a deep reservoir of experience and accomplishments to help inspire and celebrate our graduating students,” said Montana Western Chancellor, Michael Reid. “We look forward to his address, as he helps us celebrate their achievements and ignites a sense of possibility and excitement for their future.” UMW Alumni Distinguished Service Award Recipient: Sharon Anderson The University of Montana Western will honor Sharon Anderson with the Alumni Distinguished Service Award during this year’s commencement program. Anderson was born and raised in Dillon, Montana and attended Montana Western from 1970-1973, where she pursued a degree in Elementary Education with an English endorsement. Later, she earned a Master’s Degree in Education and obtained a principal endorsement. Anderson dedicated thirty-six years to teaching at the Dillon Elementary School District, instructing students across all grade levels, from first to eighth grade. Alongside her teaching career, she coached track and cross country at both the middle school and at Beaverhead County High School. Following her retirement from District #10, Anderson served as the Principal of Hamilton Middle School in 2010 and briefly held the position of Principal at Divide Rural School. Throughout her 50-year career in education, Anderson also contributed as an adjunct professor at Montana Western, served as an elementary school board trustee, and played a pivotal role in observing and evaluating UMW students during Rural Fridays. She remains active as a substitute teacher at BCHS and supervises student teachers from UMW. She enjoys judging the Rural School Science Fair, track meets, and spelling bees. An active member of numerous community organizations, she was named “Volunteer of the Year” in 2023. “Montana Western is proud to honor Sharon Anderson with the Alumni Distinguished Service Award. Through her commitment to education and community service, Sharon has left a lasting and meaningful impact on those around her,” said Montana Western Foundation and Alumni Director, Roxanne Engellant. Luncheon Honoring Sharon Anderson and the UMW Classes of 1974 and 1999 The Montana Western Alumni Office will host a luncheon in the Lewis and Clark Room in Mathews Hall on Friday, May 3, at 11:30 a.m. to honor Sharon Anderson and the Montana Western Classes of 1974 and 1999. Tickets can be purchased for $30 by calling 406-683-7306 or by visiting https://tinyurl.com/murbzzw8. Anderson will be recognized for the award during the Commencement Ceremony on May 4. Rehearsal Rehearsal for all graduates and degree candidates will be held on Friday, May 3 at 2:00 p.m. in the Lucy Carson Library and end in the Straugh Gymnasium. UMW staff will be available to answer any questions about the ceremony and order of events at Commencement. Legacy Plaza Ceremony An additional ceremony honoring the 2024 Graduating Class will be held on Friday, May 3, at 3:30 p.m. on the campus’s Legacy Plaza. This celebration is part of a special tradition at Montana Western held at the end of each academic year on the eve of the Commencement Ceremony that celebrates and honors the graduates for the completion of their degrees and the legacy that they will leave at UMW. Bulldog Breakfast Montana Western is hosting the annual Bulldog Breakfast from 7:00-9:30 a.m. in UMW’s Dining Hall for all Commencement guests prior to the ceremony on May 4. Please RSVP online by Thursday, May 2, 2024: https://www.umwestern.edu/commencement-breakfast-reservation/. Breakfast will feature waffles, scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, sausage, biscuits and gravy, sweet rolls, muffins, coffee cake, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, granola, chilled juice, fresh brewed coffee, and assorted teas. The cost will be $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 2-10. Payment will be taken directly by Dining Services via cash or card. Reservations are requested for planning purposes but are not required to attend. Check-In Graduates and degree candidates will need to arrive dressed in their full regalia for check-in no later than 9:00 a.m. at the Lucy Carson Library. Seating Guests can begin seating in the Straugh Gymnasium and Keltz Arena (both located in the BARC) at 9:00 a.m. Seating in the Straugh Gymnasium requires tickets reserved in advance by all participating graduates and degree candidates. Seating in the Keltz Arena, an additional ceremony viewing location, is open and does not require tickets. Visit https://tinyurl.com/UMWComm24 for more information. Livestream For those who are unable to attend in person, a livestream of Saturday’s Commencement Ceremony will be available starting at 10:00 a.m. on May 4 by visiting https://www.umwestern.edu/commencement-live-stream/. For more information about Commencement, please contact the Montana Western Registrar’s Office by calling 406-683-7371 or visit https://tinyurl.com/UMWComm24.

Tours offered starting May 1 WHITEHALL – Staff at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park are pleased to reopen the cave for the 2024 season starting May 1. Tours will be offered from May 1 through Sept. 30. Both first-come-first-served tours and reservable tours will be offered. Visitors are encouraged to check the website frequently as tour options, times and availability may change throughout the season. Reservable tours are available from May 24 through Labor Day. To make those reservations, call 1-855-922-6768 or click here. During the season, the upper visitor area will be open and cave tours will be offered seven days a week. The gate opens at 8:30 a.m. and the ticket office opens at 9 a.m. The campground and trails are open, and the showers, comfort station and water stations will reopen as weather allows. Paradise Tour The Paradise Tour includes a view of the largest and most decorated room in the cave — the Paradise Room. This 1-mile tour lasts 90 minutes. It includes 15 stairs between two rooms, but the path is mostly level and partly wheelchair accessible. Because the Paradise Tour provides better accessibility and easier passage, this tour is recommended for visitors with small children, claustrophobia or who prefer a less arduous experience. The Paradise Tour will be offered every day starting May 1 on a first-come-first-served basis until Memorial Day weekend. Starting Memorial Day weekend, reservations can be made, and tour times will be 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. These times are subject to change, so visit fwp.mt.gov/stateparks prior to your visit. Tickets for the paradise tour are $10 for visitors ages 62 and older, $15 for visitors ages 15 to 61, $10 for kids ages 5 to 14, and free for anyone 4 or younger. Classic Tour The Classic Tour features a 2-mile journey through the majority of the developed cave and includes the second-largest and longest rooms in the cave. This tour lasts for two hours and includes more than 600 stairs, stooping and tight squeezes. It is not recommended for small children, visitors with claustrophobia, or those who prefer a less strenuous experience. Limited Classic Tours will be offered from May 1 to May 23. Additional tours may be added as staffing allows. The Classic Tour will be offered every day starting May 24 on the hour from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. by reservable tickets and as staffing allows. Tickets for the classic tour are $15 for visitors ages 15 and older, $10 for kids ages 5 to 14, and $5 for anyone 4 or younger. Planning your visit Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park features one of the most decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest, filled with spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, columns and helictites. The park also offers camping, trails to hike or bike, a state-of-the-art visitor center, interpretive displays, a gift shop, food and beverage concessions, an amphitheater, and interpretive events during the summer months. An $8 entrance fee is required for visitors who are not residents of Montana and not staying in the campground. Residents of the state normally pay the fee with vehicle registration. Bats occupy some rooms that are part of the classic tour. Bats can be susceptible to pathogens carried by people. For this reason, visitors are asked not to wear any clothing, shoes or accessories, including glasses, jewelry and cameras, that have been in another cave or mine in the past two years. This helps protect bat populations at the Caverns. White-nose syndrome, a fungus that kills entire bat colonies, can be transmitted easily and does not come out of clothing or other materials with normal washing methods. While it does not affect humans, it could have significant impacts to the cave ecosystem. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is about 15 miles southeast of Whitehall, along Montana Highway 2. For more information about the park, please click here or call 406-287-3541.

Dillon, MT 04/18 Never give up, was what everyone was watching as the Lady Beavers trailed 6-0 in the fifth inning. The Beavers would prove that through determination and grit giving up was not an option and they would walk away with a very hard-fought win in the seventh inning beating the Broncs 7 to 6. Adyson Creighton started the game for the Beavers. The starting pitcher surrendered four hits and five runs over five and two thirds’ innings. Creighton struck out seven and walked three. The Beavers tallied ten hits in the game. Katey Vezina, Emily Brevig, Adyson Creighton, and Kinzy Creighton each collected two hits for the Lady Beavers. Katey Vezina, Emily Brevig, and Ashlyn Burk each drove in two runs for the Beavers. The Beavers had five stolen bases with Adyson Creighton collecting two of them.

Dillon, Montana, April 18, 2024 – Barrett Hospital & HealthCare, a leading provider of comprehensive health services in Montana, proudly announces its recognition by Yellowstone Insurance Exchange, RRG with the distinguished Jeff Martin Leadership Award for 2023. This esteemed accolade celebrates the hospital's exemplary commitment to enhancing patient safety and delivering high-quality care, specifically in the realm of opioid safety, within the community it serves. The Jeff Martin Leadership Award recognizes healthcare institutions that demonstrate an unwavering dedication to advancing patient safety. Barrett Hospital & HealthCare's significant contributions to reducing opioid overprescribing and educating staff set a commendable standard for patient-centered care and innovation. A Milestone in Community Health Improvement Under the guidance of a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, Barrett Hospital & HealthCare launched an opioid safety program aimed at dramatically reducing the risks associated with opioid prescribing and usage. By implementing prescribing guidelines, enhancing patient education on pain management alternatives, and educating staff, the initiative has led to noteworthy improvements in patient outcomes and overall community health. "Our team is honored to receive the Jeff Martin Leadership Award," said Taylor Rose, Chief Executive Officer of Barrett Hospital & HealthCare. "This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to not only meet but exceed the expectations for patient care in our community. Reducing opioid-related harm is a critical component of our mission, and we're proud to see our efforts make a tangible difference." A Catalyst for Change The initial success of Barrett Hospital & HealthCare's opioid safety program serves as an influential model for other healthcare institutions seeking to mitigate the opioid crisis in their communities. The proactive measures undertaken demonstrate the significant impact healthcare providers can have in curbing the opioid epidemic's toll through leadership, innovation, and compassionate care. "We believe that the strategies we've implemented can inspire change beyond our hospital walls," Rose added. "Sharing our successes and challenges with the broader healthcare community is part of our commitment to combating the opioid crisis on a national scale." As Barrett Hospital & HealthCare celebrates this prestigious award, it remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of healthcare excellence and improving the lives of those it serves. The Jeff Martin Leadership Award not only honors the hospital's achievements in enhancing patient safety and delivering high-quality care, but also shines a spotlight on its program concerning the critical issue of opioid safety, urging continued progress and collective action in the healthcare industry.

From Beaverhead County Sherriff's office On 04/16/2024, The Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office conducted a coordinated operation to serve a search warrant on a property in the area of Chreston Lane. The search warrant was executed under an investigation for Littering and Felony Aggravated Animal Cruelty. This was the largest and most heinous animal cruelty case the Sheriff’s Office has worked on in its recorded history. During the execution of the search warrant a significant number of deceased animals were documented and 47 animals were seized. All animals seized are currently being held pending the completion of this case and are receiving veterinary care. Two individuals were taken into custody in this case and have both been charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty and Littering. We would like to thank Beaverhead County Deputies, Montana Department of Livestock, Montana Highway Patrol, the Beaverhead County Fair Board, Murdochs, Dave Schuett, Tyler Tash, Southwest Montana Veterinary Service, and the Beaverhead Animal Shelter for their assistance in making this operation possible. Sheriff David Wendt

The University of Montana Western Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Murphy Involvement Legacy Scholarship by Loran Murphy, Class of 2023. This scholarship aims to recognize and support dedicated students attending Montana Western. Loran was an active student on the UMW campus, serving in multiple roles including Resident Assistant, Bulldog Ambassador, ACES (Assistant Coach for Excellence and Success) which supports student retention and mentorship, and as a member of the Peers Advocating Towards Health (PATH) student organization. “We are excited about the positive impact this scholarship will have on the UMW community, encouraging and supporting students who not only excel academically but also actively contribute to campus life,” said Roxanne Engellant, Executive Director of the UMW Foundation. “Loran had a tremendous impact on Montana Western as a student and this scholarship will continue that legacy by supporting a student annually who demonstrates similar qualities.” The Murphy Involvement Legacy Scholarship will offer a $500 award, beginning with the 2023-2024 academic year (spring only), and will be an annual scholarship thereafter. This scholarship will recognize and support outstanding students who exemplify commitment to both academic excellence and active participation in the UMW community. To qualify for consideration, students must uphold a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate active engagement with the UMW campus community. Preference will be given to candidates who are actively employed while pursuing their studies. The scholarship recipient for each academic year will be determined by the scholarship committee in collaboration with Loran Murphy. “A significant factor in my academic success was the support I received from scholarships, as they represented the generosity of those who graciously donated funds to make them available,” said Loran. “I couldn’t think of a more meaningful way to pay forward the incredible blessings I’ve received than to establish my own scholarship. I was inspired to see what I could do to support the next person!” The University of Montana Western Foundation is proud to announce Raina Mortenson as the inaugural recipient of the Murphy Involvement Legacy Scholarship. For more information about scholarship opportunities at Montana Western, please contact Roxanne Engellant: 406-683-7305 or roxanne.engellant@umwestern.edu.

The Women's Resource Center is seeking submissions for artwork to feature in our upcoming fundraising event, Gallery of Hope, aimed at raising awareness and funds for our organization's mission of empowering women in our community. For forty-seven years, the WRC has provided crisis intervention, advocacy, outreach, and emergency shelter for victims of domestic and sexual violence in Beaverhead and Madison Counties. Theme: Celebrating the Strength of Women We invite artists of all backgrounds to submit original pieces that capture the essence of women's strength, resilience, and empowerment. Through the medium or mixed media of your choice, we encourage you to share your unique perspective on the diverse experiences, challenges and achievements of women. Submission Guidelines: Artwork should reflect the theme of celebrating women's strength and resilience. Submissions are open to all artists regardless of age or gender. All media are welcome, including but not limited to painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, and digital art. Each artist may submit up to three pieces for consideration. Artwork must be original and not previously exhibited in our events. Please provide a brief artist statement (250 words max) with each submission, explaining the inspiration behind your work, such as how artwork reflects the strength of women, how the work communicates in a way that words cannot, and how artwork can be a language of hope and resilience. Include a suggested retail value for each submission to guide potential buyers on how to best support our fundraising efforts. As an alternative to donating original work, we invite artists to submit a proposal for a “creative contribution” to support our fundraising efforts, such as hosting a workshop at the Women’s Resource Center. How to Submit: Fill out this online form by July 15, 2024: https://forms.gle/qGrDg2xhRrD5oqQa6 The form asks you to include your name, contact information, photo of each artwork, title of each artwork, a brief artist statement, and suggested retail value in the submission. High-resolution images are preferred for review purposes. Important Dates: Submission Deadline: July 15, 2024 Notification of Acceptance: August 1, 2024 Artwork Delivery Deadline: August 15, 2024 Artwork will be on display at Sweetwater Coffee August 24 through September 28, 2024. Fundraising Event: Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Sweetwater Coffee, 24 S. Idaho Street, Dillon, MT 59725 Benefits of Participation: Exposure: Selected artworks will be on display during Labor Day Weekend, the month of September, and at our fundraising event, attended by community members, supporters, and potential buyers. Support: By contributing your artwork, you will be directly supporting the Women's Resource Center and the valuable services we provide to women in need. Networking: Connect with fellow artists, patrons, and supporters who share your passion for women's empowerment and social change. Artist Donation Policy: Artists participating in the event may choose to donate from 50% up to 100% of the auction price of their artwork to the Women's Resource Center. This generous contribution will help us continue our mission of empowering women and providing essential services to those in need. For inquiries or more information, please contact Rebecca Knotts at rebecca@wrcmt.org or at (406) 683-6106.