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Fall is in the air but that does not stop the events in Southwestern Montana. We have them all rounded up and in one convenient place for you. Friday, Sept 22 Tai Chi Free Classes Tai Chi (tie chee) meets on Tuesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. It is a gentle form of ancient Chinese exercise that was originally developed for self-defense (with rapid moves), but has evolved into what some call "meditation in motion." If you want to reduce stress and anxiety, while increasing flexibility and balance, come join this class. No charge. Butte Montana Hurling Tournament Butte Montana. This Fall. Register Today, make plans to watch. www.wolfetones.club Ruby Valley Brew Dan Henry will be at RVB in Sheridan, Montana September 22nd from 6-8pm. Own Your Worth Women's Event Inspiring speakers. Guided journaling sessions. Hands-on worshipping. Upper Miner Lakes Hike NEAREST TOWN: Wisdom MEETING TIME: 10 a.m. DIFFICULTY: Strenuous ROUND-TRIP MILEAGE: 8.2 miles LEADERS: Ilona Wilde & Aubrey Bertram → Free to attend, but registration required Montana Wildlife Federation and Wild Montana will team up for a hike to Upper Miner Lakes in the Beaverhead Mountains! Upper Miner Lakes are in the shadow of the Continental Divide and are surrounded on three sides by towering 10,000-foot ridges. This outing is a fun opportunity to see the Great Divide in all its glory while learning about conservation initiatives in the Southwestern Wildlands area. ► REGISTER: https://wildmontana.org/event/upper-miner-lakes-hike/ *If waitlisted, we'll reach out to let you know if other registrants drop out. This happens quite frequently, so don't hesitate to sign up for a waitlist! ► This outing is hosted by our Southwestern Wildlands Chapter. View more hikes in southwest Montana here → wildmontana.org/where/southwestern-montana/ ________________ About Wilderness Walks Since our first Wilderness Walk in 1960, thousands have joined our volunteer leaders on free outings in every corner of the state. Learn more about our Wilderness Walks here → wildmontana.org/walks Beavers VS Whitefish Vigilante Field game starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept 23 UMW Football VS Southern Oregon UMW Football takes on the Southern Oregon Raiders. Saturday Dillon Pop-Up Come see Cassie and Jess! We will be bringing special items for the day! Permanent jewelry, tons of new boot options, hair tinsel, new wild rags, and more!

ANACONDA — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks confirmed Arctic grayling in Warm Springs Creek near Anaconda this month after anglers reported catching two grayling in the area. Arctic grayling, although native to Montana, are not native to Warm Springs Creek. As a follow-up to the angler reports, FWP fisheries staff surveyed the immediate area and found two grayling, indicating that there are likely more grayling in the creek than found but not in high density. FWP says that the grayling likely escaped into the creek from the nearby Washoe Park Fish Hatchery in Anaconda. Arctic grayling are raised in the Washoe Park isolation facility as part of the grayling recovery program. They are also kept in the display tank in the visitors center. Escapement from the hatchery is being evaluated and will be corrected prior to additional grayling being brought into the facility. Grayling feed primarily on insects, so they are not a significant predation threat to other fish and do not mate with other fish in Warm Springs Creek, so they are not a hybridization concern. However, FWP fisheries management calls for keeping naturally occurring fish in Montana rivers and streams, and although grayling are native to Montana, they were not historically found in the Clark Fork drainage. FWP will move grayling out of the hatchery while they assess and address their escapement from the facility. If you catch a grayling in the area, FWP is asking anglers to not return it to the creek. Keep the fish and report it to FWP at 406-493-2694. Freezing the fish is a good way to store it until it can be given to FWP. Under Montana’s mid-20th century fisheries management direction, FWP stocked Arctic grayling in Warm Springs Creek and mountain lakes in the area from the 1930s through 1950s, as well as in Flint Creek and Georgetown Lake. However, the fish did not persist, so FWP says that a future established population of Arctic grayling is unlikely.

The University of Montana Western will offer two study abroad courses for students during Block 8 of the 2024 spring semester: “Geology of Greece” and “Iceland: Climate Change and Arctic Ecology.” GEO 194: Geology of Greece Discover over 200 million years of geologic history in Greece and how it helped shape the development of humans and civilizations in this historic region of the world. Students in this study abroad experience will learn how to identify different types of rocks and minerals, geologic structures, the plate tectonic processes that formed them, and how the most recent geological activity has shaped the human experience in this part of the world. Students will leave early in Block 8 and return about two weeks later. The course will conclude with a photo journal, geohistory summary, and public presentation. Interested students should contact Professor of Geology, Dr. Rob Thomas, no later than September 29, 2023, at rob.thomas@umwestern.edu. Iceland: Climate Change and Arctic Ecology: Geological, Ecological, & Sustainability Investigations During this study abroad experience, students will have the opportunity to tour a large portion of Iceland while learning the geology and ecology of this unique environment and will explore glaciers, geothermal activity, arctic vegetation, and native wildlife. Students will travel abroad for two weeks of Block 8. Interested students should contact Professors Dr. Wendy M. Ridenour or Dr. Spruce Schoenemann at wendy.ridenour@umwestern.edu or spruce.schoenemann@umwestern.edu as soon as possible to register.

Various polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons present, source unknown BILLINGS – The Fish Consumption Advisory Board, consisting of representatives from Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS), Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), has issued a consumption advisory on all fish species in the Yellowstone River from Indian Fort Fishing Access Site (FAS) near Reed Point to the Highway 212 bridge in Laurel. Various polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, were detected at levels high enough to warrant this advisory for all fish species, both game and nongame. Sampling Results FWP crews collected longnose suckers, shorthead redhorse, rainbow trout, brown trout and mountain whitefish from areas upstream and downstream of the June 24 train derailment site at Twin Bridges Road railroad bridge. Multiple species showed levels of various PAHs high enough to warrant an advisory to avoid all consumption. Specific PAHs found in these fish include naphthalene, found in multiple species, and 1- and 2-methylnapthalene and acenaphthylene found only in mountain whitefish. Fish were collected 6.5 river miles upstream of the derailment site near Indian Fort FAS, and 6.2 river miles downstream near Holmgren FAS. FWP crews previously collected rainbow trout and mountain whitefish from the Yellowstone River below the derailment site to assess human consumption restrictions as a follow-up to the train derailment. This sampling showed elevated levels of phenanthrene, another PAH, in mountain whitefish and a consumption advisory was put in place on Aug. 11 to avoid all consumption of this fish species and motivated the agency to conduct additional sampling. Phenanthrene was not found in any fish during the most recent sampling. Many species of fish, especially brown and rainbow trout, found in this section of the Yellowstone River migrate seasonally for spawning and to find colder water in the warmer summer months. Out of an abundance of precaution and unknown conditions in adjacent sections of the river, those with specific concerns may want to avoid consuming all species of fish from the Yellowstone River at any location until more is known on the severity and prevalence of this contamination. Next Steps The source of the PAHs remains unknown. Determining a specific source could be challenging, as PAHs, including those found in these fish, are present in many common materials. Some PAHs occur naturally in the environment, especially in the shale rock common in the Yellowstone River Basin. PAHs are also found in products such as oil, gas, plastics, and pesticides—and are produced through combustion of these products. Further testing is still needed to determine the potential contamination source and long-term guidance. FWP plans to expand sampling on the Yellowstone River to further understand the extent of PAHs for human consumption concerns. Final plans for this additional sampling are still being discussed by FWP, DEQ, and DPHHS, but will include sampling fish from locations on the Yellowstone River further upstream and further downstream of the derailment site. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have classified naphthalene, 1-methylnaphthalene, and 2-methylnaphthalene as possibly cancer-causing in humans. The other two PAHs that have been detected in fish tissue samples, phenanthrene and acenaphthene, have not been classified as cancer-causing chemicals. Other health effects from ingesting high levels of PAHs that have been shown in animal studies include effects on the gastrointestinal system, immune system, reproductive system, kidneys and skin. These effects from eating fish have not been recorded in humans. For more information on PAHs, including the specific PAHs found in the fish tissue samples, visit: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/polycyclic-aromatic-hydrocarbons/health_effects.html.

Throughout my four terms in the Montana House of Representatives I have had the absolute honor of serving you. Thank you for putting your trust in me to go to Helena and work on your behalf. Although each session has had its successes, the 2023 session provided the opportunity for me to sponsor a record property tax rebate bill and work on legislation to successfully lower the overall income tax rate for all tax paying Montanans – which felt like a great way to cap off the 2023 session in the Montana House of Representatives. A key piece of legislation I introduced was HB 221 to revise the income tax rates for net-long term capital gains. If a Montanan sells any capital asset, including their home, livestock, or investments, for more than the price they paid, they are required to pay capital gains tax. This tax impacts farmers, ranchers, homeowners and retirees, and many others. The process is complex and confusing for Montana capital gains taxpayers. The calculation is currently made using seven tax rates and credits. Conservatives believe the tax code should be simple, straight forward, and understandable; and that the tax code should encourage, not punish investments. This is why HB 221 simplified the rates used to make the calculations and narrowed it to two rates, instead of seven. Another bill I sponsored was HB 379 to assist pharmacies in rural or underserved areas in Montana who need access to low-cost pharmacy services, so that they can continue to provide these services. Access to care and medication is a growing concern for many and I was glad I could sponsor this legislation to ensure the services continued. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments at tom.welch@legmt.gov. Tom Welch, R-Dillon, is the Representative for HD 72 (Beaverhead and Silver Bow Counties) and is the Vice Chairman of the House Taxation Committee and a member of the Human Services Committee.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY MUSEUM Board of Trustees Agenda, Regular Meeting Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 @ 5 PM 15 S Montana Street 1. Introduction of Guests: 2. Approval of consent agenda, August 23, 2023, Minutes 3. Trustees (7): John  Breen, Lorraine King, Lee Graves, Mark McGinley, Aggie Helle, Donna Jones, Kristy Pozega a. Director, Present: Candi Whitworth 4. Trustees Excused Absent: Lorraine King 5. Treasurer’s Report: a. Budget update – John Breen 6. Association Report: Lynn Giles 7. Old Business: a. Keypad locks on the schoolhouse & cabin, plexiglass, and security gates on the model train exhibit b. Clean the depot basement and move items from storage on Thomsen Ave. 8. New Business: a. Accession, deaccession of items 9. Director’s Report: Candi Whitworth a. Research Policy 10. Other Business: 11. Public Discussion: Public comment on items of significant public interest not on the agenda and within the jurisdiction of the Beaverhead County Museum Board of Trustees. 12. Set date of the next meeting: (TBD) 13. Adjournment: (The above minutes are from written notes taken by the Museum Director or an assigned individual during the meeting. These minutes are not a transcript, but rather a summary of the proceedings of the meeting.)

The University of Montana Western has been ranked #7 in Top Public Schools, #8 in Best Value Schools, #23 in Best Regional Colleges, and #46 in Top Performers on Social Mobility in the Western region by U.S. News & World Report in their 2023-24 rankings. Now in its 39th year, the rankings evaluate more than 1500 colleges and universities on up to 19 measures of academic quality. Each year, they provide prospective students and their families with helpful data and information to help them make informed choices on selecting institutions of higher education. “For 40 years, students and their families have come to count on Best Colleges as a vital resource as they navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives,” says Eric Gertler, executive chairman and CEO of U.S. News. “The significant changes in this year’s methodology are part of the ongoing evolution to make sure our rankings capture what is most important for students as they compare colleges and select the school that is right for them.” The Western region is comprised of 15 states including Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Montana, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Alaska, and Hawaii. U.S. News calculates each ranking based on a specific methodology, using factors including overall graduation rates, academic quality, Pell grant graduation rates and social mobility, first generation graduation rates, student support services, financial support, and academic resources for faculty. The fields of academic study at Montana Western include Biology, Business and Technology, Environmental Sciences, Education, English, Equine Studies, Health and Human Performance, Fine Arts, Mathematics, and History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences. Students at the University of Montana Western enjoy a tight-knit community atmosphere and small class sizes where they work closely with peers and professors alike. The 20-acre campus is an excellent choice for students to take advantage of the experiential learning offered by the Experience One program, where they can build on critical and creative thinking skills to prepare for real-world job and graduate school opportunities. Montana Western’s commitment to engagement and support offer an incredible experience for students while maintaining a high standard of academic excellence and low tuition costs. To view the University of Montana Western’s full rankings listing, visit https://tinyurl.com/2p884snf. For more information about Experience One and the University of Montana Western, or to schedule a tour, visit www.umwestern.edu or call 877-683-7331.

Saturday afternoon was the Bulldogs first home field game at Vigilante Field. They let Lewis & Clark College know that with a 49-13 win. The Bulldogs started off a little slow allowing Lewis and Clark to score on their first two drives of the day. The Pioneers would take a 10-0 lead early in the game but the Bulldogs would wake up and flip the switch by starting it off with DJ Kirven rush for a 75 yard touchdown. In the second quarter down 10 t0 7 Michael Palandri would throw a 37 yard touchdown to Dylan Shipley giving the Bulldogs the lead and from there they would keep the lead. Some highlights of the game courtesy of Lindsey Branch are: The Bulldog defense forced a three and out on the following drive, featuring a sack by Tanner Harrell. This ignited another Western scoring drive that was capped off by a 15-yard rush by Pete Gibson. UMW continued in their second quarter barrage with an eight play, 64-yard drive that was capped off by a five-yard touchdown rush from Kirven. Just before the half, the Pioneers added their final points of the game in a field goal from 44- yards out. UMW went into the half up 28-13. Western wasted no time in the third quarter after Coby Tanioka returned the opening kickoff for 68 yards. On the following play, Eli Nourse caught a 32-yard pass from Palandri for a touchdown. With UMW up 35-13, Aiden Prado added some excitement after he picked off Pioneer quarterback Cruz Montana. The following play saw Pete Gibson rush the ball in for another Bulldog score, putting the Bulldogs up 42-13. The final score of the game came in the fourth quarter after Bradley Eleton rushed for nine yards for a touchdown. The Bulldog defense hung on to keep the Pioneers scoreless for the entire second half as Montana Western finished the game on top at 49-13. Notables The Bulldog defense stepped up to the plate as they recorded four sacks, two interceptions, and 9 tackles for loss in the win. Bulldog running back Kirven led the way after he rushed for a career high 137 yards and two touchdowns. Nourse recorded 117 receiving yards with a touchdown. Palandri threw for 280 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Kameron Rauser and Prado each recorded an interception in the game. Rauser for a return of 28 yards and Prado for a return of 23 yards. The Bulldogs are back at home next week for a Frontier Conference matchup against Southern Oregon University. Kickoff is set for 1p.m. at Vigilante Field. Click on image for full size

This week has been homecoming week for Beaverhead County High School and last night the Beavers took on the Frenchtown Broncs. The first home game for the Dillon Beavers and they brought it for the hometown crowd. The Beavers came out ready for action after receiving the kickoff they would make their way across the field to put the first score on the board 7 to 0. With 2min 24 left in the first quarter Frenchtown would score and miss the extra point. The beavers would hold Frenchtown to those six points ending the second half with a score 27 to 6. The homecoming halftime would see the crowning of the queen and king. The Beavers would come back to hold Frenchtown at 6 while adding more points. The fourth quarter would see the starters pulled and replaced with Sophomore and Freshman getting in some playing time. Ending the game with a homecoming win of 46 to 14. Click on image for full size

Article UMW Sports Press Release Photos By SWMT News The Montana Western volleyball team (10-1) lost their first game of the season this evening after a hard fought five-set battle against the No. 11 ranked Montana Tech Orediggers (8-2). How It Happened Montana Western got off to a hot start, firing on all cylinders. A pair of kills from Peyton Vogl paired with an Oredigger error put the Bulldogs up 12-9 in the first set. A service ace from the hands of Morgyn Harrison gave UMW a boost for a 16-11 lead. The Bulldogs went on to outscore the Orediggers 9-5 down the stretch to win the first set 25-16. The Orediggers jumped out to a quick 7-1 lead in the first set. UMW struggled to overcome the Oredigger front, not scoring more than two points in a row throughout the entire set. Montana Tech would win the set 25-16. Montana Western came out to play from the start for the third frame. A block from Danyel Martin and Jordon Olson gave the Bulldogs a lead at 5-4. The two teams continued to trade points, with Montana Tech taking a slight edge at 17-15. UMW capitalized on a pair of Oredigger errors along with a kill from Martin to take the lead once again at 19-18. Down 23-22, the Bulldogs went on a 3-0 run to cap off the set on top at 25-23. The fourth frame proved once again to be a challenge for the Bulldogs. A kill from Jazi Smith coupled with a block from the pair of Olson and Vogl tied the game at 7. The Orediggers followed up with a run that flipped the momentum from UMW. The Orediggers won the fourth set 25-20, forcing a fifth and deciding set. The fifth frame saw a big kill from KayLee Kopp to give the Bulldogs an edge at 6-5. Despite best attempts, Montana Western was unable to flip the momentum back in their direction and was outscored 10-1 down the stretch. The Orediggers finished the matchup on top at 15-7. Notables • Tonight’s matchup showed the two team’s powerful fronts, with the two teams posting a combined 25 blocks in the game. • Montana Western posted their lowest hitting percentage night of the season after they hit just .043 across the five-set game, with three sets in the negative column. Montana Tech hit just .120. • The Bulldogs were led by Kopp who totaled 12 kills and 17 digs. • Kelsey Goddard totaled 29 digs. Kaylee Fritz had 27 assists. Up Next The Bulldogs are back in action tomorrow with a matchup against the University of Providence Argos at 6 p.m. in the Straugh Gymnasium. Click on image for full size

MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY September 19, 2023 5:00 PM AGENDA: Call to order Approval of Minutes from 08-15-2023 meeting Public Comment Approval of Warrants Public Comment Old Business Discuss/recommend policy for billing MVA’s for out of district drivers. Discuss/recommend disposition of surplus equipment Public Comment New Business Public Comment Chiefs Report Public Comment Public comment on subjects under the jurisdiction of Beaverhead Fire District #2 that is not on the agenda. Adjournment

A hunter shot and wounded a grizzly bear on Tuesday near Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area near Fairfield. The surprise encounter happened on the morning of Sept. 12. The hunter was walking along a shelter belt hunting for upland birds on private land when he was charged by the bear, which based on evidence of the animal found at the scene is believed to be an adult male. The hunter fired twice with his shotgun at less than 15 feet, hitting the bear at least once and causing it to run off. The hunter was not injured in the encounter, which is still under investigation. FWP bear management and law enforcement staff searched for the bear on foot and using drones on Tuesday and continued their search today with a helicopter, thoroughly covering more than 4 square miles. Although they found evidence that it was wounded, they have been unable to locate the bear and believe that it is likely it has left the immediate area. Hunters and nearby residents are still advised to be cautious as the bear is likely to seek hiding cover in and around abandoned buildings and in areas of thick brush and heavy cover. FWP is also placing signs around the area advising hunters of the incident and to be vigilant for bears. With pheasant hunting season approaching and other upland bird seasons already open, FWP reminds all hunters to be extra cautious when afield.

Montana game wardens from around the state, including Kalispell, Billings and Miles City, recently traveled to Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Wyoming and Kentucky to follow up on long-term investigations of violations committed in Montana. Violations included license fraud, hunting without licenses, hunting during a closed season, over-limits of game animals, waste of game animals, tag transfer and unlawful possession of game animals. “These cases involve complex, long-term investigations of the most serious type of violations of hunting laws in Montana,” said Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Chief of Law Enforcement Ron Howell. With the assistance of game wardens in the other states, Montana wardens seized seven elk, six mule deer, three white tail deer and two antelope. Charges are pending on all cases. “Without the assistance of officers from the states involved, these cases would likely not be successfully investigated and prosecuted,” Howell said. “These investigations highlight the hard work and tenacity of our wardens to ensure that serious violations are investigated, and suspects are held accountable for those violations.”

The University of Montana Western's TRIO Student Support Services Program provides UMW students who are first generation, have a disability, or fall below a certain income level with a framework of support to be able to achieve their goals in higher education and completing their degrees. Rob Micken has announced he will step down from the TRIO Director position at the University of Montana Western on October 3, 2023. After more than 11 years, he has decided to relocate to Helena, Montana, to be with his wife, Sandra. “It has been an absolute pleasure working with Rob, and we wish him and his family the very best in their next endeavors. His work as Director of the UMW TRIO program has been exemplary, and we will miss seeing him on campus,” said Montana Western Director of Student Success, Randy Johnson. The University has also announced that Dr. Michael Bartch has been named Interim Director of the UMW TRIO Program and will begin his new duties on October 4, 2023. “While we are sad to see Rob leave UMW, we are fortunate to have someone so experienced on the TRIO team to serve as Interim Director. Michael’s dedication to supporting students in the program at Montana Western is inspiring, and we are excited to welcome him to this new role,” said Johnson.

Bear specialists with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks have concluded a field investigation into a grizzly bear encounter that injured a man south of Big Sky last week. The attack happened Friday, Sept. 8, in the Yellow Mule area of the Madison Range. During the encounter, one of the victim’s companions fired a pistol at the bear before the bear left. The victim suffered serious injuries from the bear and was flown to a hospital. FWP staff flew over the area Saturday to look for a bear that may have been wounded. No bears were found during the aerial search, and no collared bears were nearby. The Custer Gallatin National Forest implemented an emergency area closure for public safety following the incident and ensured that recreationists there were able to leave safely. The closure remains in effect. FWP grizzly bear specialists and game wardens, as well deputies from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, revisited the attack site Tuesday. They searched the area near the attack site from the ground and with an infrared drone and didn’t locate a dead or wounded bear. However, they found signs of high bear activity, including the remains of a cached animal carcass, whitebark pine middens and bear scat. This evidence indicates the bear attacked defensively in a surprise, close encounter with the victim. No further management action is planned. Be bear aware Montana is bear country. Grizzly bear populations continue to become denser and more widespread in Montana, increasing the likelihood that residents and recreationists will encounter them in more places each year. This time of year is when bears are active for longer periods as they consume more food in preparation for hibernation. This period overlaps with hunting season and other fall recreation activities. Avoiding conflicts with bears is easier than dealing with such conflicts. Here are some precautions to help residents, recreationists and people who work outdoors avoid negative bear encounters: Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately. Make noise to alert bears to your presence and travel in groups. Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears. Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency. Keep garbage, bird feeders, pet food and other attractants put away in a secure building. Keep garbage in a secure building until the day it is collected. Certified bear-resistant garbage containers are available in many areas. Never feed wildlife. Bears that become food conditioned lose their natural foraging behavior and pose threats to human safety. It is illegal to feed bears in Montana. People who hunt in places that have or may have grizzly bears—which includes areas of Montana west of Billings—should take special precautions: Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately. Watch for and be extra cautious around bear sign, creeks and areas with limited visibility. Hunt with a group of people. Making localized noise can help alert bears to your presence. Be aware that elk calls and cover scents can attract bears. Bring the equipment and people needed to help field dress game and remove the meat from the kill site as soon as possible. If you need to leave part of the meat in the field during retrieval, hang it at least 10 feet off the ground and at least 150 yards from the gut pile. Leave it where it can be observed from a distance of at least 200 yards. Upon your return, observe the meat with binoculars. Make noise while approaching the meat. If it has been disturbed or if a bear is in the area, leave and call FWP. Grizzly bears in the lower 48 states are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Management authority for grizzlies rests with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, working closely in Montana with FWP, the Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Survey, Wildlife Services, and Native American tribes. This collaboration happens through the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. For more information, resources and education events on bear safety, visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware.

The University of Montana Western School of Outreach is excited to offer "Introduction to Sports Officiating: Basketball" starting in November. This course is available to anyone ages 16 and up interested in becoming a basketball official. Classes will be held on Wednesdays from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m November 1 to December 8, 2023, and can be attended in person or remotely through Zoom. This course will teach the basics of officiating through weekly sessions with the opportunity to learn from Montana Officials Association (MOA) staff during a Referee Clinic on Saturday, December 2, on the UMW campus. During this clinic, students will officiate live action games while being mentored by MOA officials. Course instructor, Kevin Engellant, is a former Montana Western basketball player and coach, current UMW faculty member, and an MOA basketball and football official. “Kevin gives back to his community through his passion for athletics by serving as a referee at countless games throughout the state of Montana and we are grateful that he will be sharing his knowledge during this course,” said UMW School of Outreach Program Coordinator, Ryann Gibson. Montana Western’s School of Outreach is invested in their students, of all ages, and provides them with content that is practical and useful for real world situations with a focus on continuing education and lifelong learning. To register, please contact the School of Outreach at 406-683-7537 no later than October 25. All community members and UMW students are welcome to register. The cost for UMW students is $130 and all participants are charged a course fee of $60 that includes a referee whistle. For more information about this course and all of the courses offered by the School of Outreach, please contact Ryann Gibson at ryann.gibson@umwestern.edu or visit https://www.umwestern.edu/outreach.

The Beaverhead County High School rodeo will kick off September 22nd at the Beaverhead County Fairgrounds and will run through the 24th. They will also have a gun raffle and shooting event, see the press release below for more information.