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TWIN BRIDGES, Mont. - The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) announces a bridge closure on Montana Highway 41 (MT 41), near the intersection with Main Street in Twin Bridges. MDT Bridge inspectors have determined the bridge that spans the Beaverhead River cannot currently support traffic. A reinforced concrete pier wall foundation is actively failing due to deterioration of the concrete supporting steel girders. MDT is actively reviewing options to safely restore pedestrian, passenger vehicle, and emergency services traffic across the bridge. Repair options are being evaluated to open the bridge as quickly as possible while the Department expedites a project to replace the bridge. MDT understands the importance of this bridge to the community and traveling public. Restoring travel on this route is a top priority for the Department. Currently, there is no timeline for reopening the bridge. More information will be distributed as it becomes available. To learn more about the bridge closure, contact Lisa Gray at lisa.gray@hdrinc.com, or call 406-208-0551.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. - Montana Western Volleyball welcomed four signees in its 2024 signing class, the program announced Tuesday afternoon. "I could not be more excited about this incoming recruiting class. Not only have they demonstrated high level performance, but they are all great leaders and people," Head Coach Katie Lovett said. This year's recruiting class includes two student-athletes from Montana and two transfer student-athletes from Colorado and California. Dani Brown | OH | 6'0" | Fair Oaks, Calif. / Bella Vista High School / Folsom Lake College Dani is an outside hitter who joins the Bulldogs as a transfer from Folsom Lake College and a 2023 graduate of Bella Vista High School. Last season for the Falcons, Brown earned first team all-conference honors while leading her team with 3.35 kills per set and a total of 358 kills on the season. She also ranked in the top 10 in the state of California for total kills. During her high school career, Brown surpassed 500 career kills through four years of varsity volleyball for the Broncos. She was a two-time all-conference selection and league MVP her senior season. Brown also competed in the Sac Performance Volleyball Club for eight years under the direction of Kalani Pananganan. "With Dani transferring in the spring and being able to get acclimated with the team before the season is definitely a benefit," Lovett said. "She has consistently been a go-to offensive and defensive player for every team she has been on. She averaged 3.36 kills per set in a very competitive California junior college league and we are expecting her to fit right into our offense, and even bring it to new heights." Brown is the daughter of Scott Brown and Michelle Brown and will continue to pursue her degree in Biology while at Montana Western. Megan Hardman | Setter | 5'9" | American Fork, Utah / American Fork High School / Central Wyoming College Megan is a setter who joins the Bulldogs as a transfer from Central Wyoming College and a 2022 graduate of American Fork High School. In the last two seasons for the Rustlers, Hardman was named setter of the year and earned second team all-conference honors after she averaged 7.59 assists per set and added a total of 482 digs. She also had a total of 82 aces and 116 blocks across her two seasons. At American Fork, Hardman was named second team All-State twice and was an all-valley selection. Hardman also competed in the Club V volleyball organization for eight years out of Salt Lake City, Utah. "Megan had a very successful junior college career at Central Wyoming with her team finishing seventh in the nation her freshman year." Lovett said. "She is used to running a quick and dynamic offense and we feel like she will fit right in here at Western." Hardman is the daughter of Kyle and Anne Hardman and will continue to pursue her degree while at Montana Western. Taylor Ketchum | DS/Libero | 5'3" | Billings, Mont. / Billings Skyview High School Taylor is defensive specialist and libero who joins the Bulldogs from Billings, Mont. and will be graduating from Billings Skyview High School this spring. A three-year varsity athlete for the Falcons, Ketchum was selected team MVP twice while earning all-conference honorable mention, first team All-State and first team all-conference in the last two seasons. She was also a three-time academic All-State selection. Last season, Ketchum led the Montana class AA with a total of 426 digs. Aside from playing at Skyview, Ketchum has played in the Rimrock Volleyball Club for the past eight seasons, playing for coach Moodie. "Taylor is one of the most positive athletes I have ever had the opportunity to recruit," Lovett said. "Her work ethic, genuine character and positive communication will make her a great teammate and a standout back court leader." Ketchum is the daughter of Ty Ketchum and Lori Ketchum and plans to pursue a degree in Business while at Montana Western. Savana Warburton | MB/OH | 5'9" | Joliet, Mont. / Joliet High School Savana is a middle blocker and outside hitter who joins the Bulldogs from Joliet, Mont. and will be graduating from Joliet High School this spring. A four-year varsity athlete, Warburton earned numerous accolades throughout her time at Joliet High School. During her high school career, she was named first team All-State last season, earned all-conference honors three times, is a four-time academic All-State selection, and holds the record for conference kills with a total of 291. She also holds the school record for digs with 345. She was a member of the 2020 Joliet squad that won the Class B State Championship, in addition to winning their district in 2020 and 2023. Warburton competed in basketball and track and field while in high school, where in 2021 she placed fourth in the state in high jump. "Warburton is very fundamentally sound and is starting her college career with a great foundation to build on," Lovett said. "Savana is a very dynamic player at the net, being an offensive threat from pretty much anywhere. But she is also very defensive minded and has great ball control." Warburton is the daughter of George and Stacey Warburton and plans to major in Applied Science while at Montana Western. The Bulldogs enter the 2024 season as the reigning Frontier Conference tournament champions after they capped off the historic 2023 campaign with an overall 22-8 record. The Bulldogs posted their highest win percentage since the 1996 season and made their first ever appearance in the NAIA Women's Volleyball National Tournament and went 1-2 overall. UMW will be returning 15 players from last season's conference championship squad, including all-conference players Danyel Martin, Jordan Olson, Jazi Smith, and all-freshman team selection Sophie Worden. In addition, the Bulldogs return standout libero Kelsey Goddard who was third in the conference for total digs (556) and fourth in the conference for digs per set (5.20) after last season. Danyel Martin, a 6-2 junior middle blocker from McAllister, Mont., was selected first team all-conference, honorable mention All-America, and was an AVCA all-region selection after she totaled 228 kills on the season for 2.19 kills per set with a conference leading .341 hitting percentage. She also was third in the conference with 1.0 blocks per set and a total of 104 blocks this season. Martin was 20th in the nation for hitting percentage (.341) and 27th in the nation for solo blocks with a total of 30. Jazi Smith was also named an AVCA All-Region Honorable Mention for her contributions this past season. Smith, a 5-11 junior outside hitter from Mossyrock, Wash., was also selected first team all-conference after she led the Bulldogs with 302 kills on the season and 2.63 kills per set. Smith also was a force in the back row, coming in second on the team with 411 digs this season and 3.57 digs per set. Multiple Bulldogs hit career milestones across the season. Peyton Vogl totaled over 500 kills and 200 blocks. She is now the single season block record holder at Montana Western after she totaled 120 blocks this season and the season blocks per set record holder with 1.12 per set. Both KayLee Kopp and Danyel Martin broke the 500-kill threshold. Martin also broke UMW's total career block record and finished the season with 279 total career blocks.

Please join us for the 17th Annual Montana Western Research Symposium to be held on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20, 2024, in the Swysgood Technology Center Great Room on the UMW campus. Organized and funded by the Montana Western Biology Club, the goal of the symposium is to highlight undergraduate research, theses, internships, projects, and other scholarly and artistic work by undergraduates from all academic disciplines and to share examples of authentic experiential learning. Attendance is free and open to everyone from the campus and local communities. The program will include oral presentation sessions starting late Friday afternoon, a keynote speaker and a poster session/dinner. Saturday will consist of poster and oral sessions and will conclude in the mid-afternoon. The full symposium schedule will be posted on the University of Montana Western Facebook page closer to the event. Guest speaker, Dr. Michelle Osborn, will present “Form, Function, & Failure: Using Whole Body Modelling to Re-examine the Horse” on Friday, April 19. Dr. Osborn is an Associate Professor in the Department of Comparative and Biomedical Sciences at the Louisiana State University School for Veterinary Medicine. For more information about the symposium, please contact Montana Western Professor of Biology, Dr. Michael Morrow: michael.morrow@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7254.

Update 4:55 P.M. from Madison County I just clarified with my dot dispatch contact and it's indefinitely closed and it is the bridge by the fairgrounds. From Madison County Sheriff's Office: MT-41S Between Twin Bridges and Dillon is currently CLOSED to through traffic due to a bridge incident at the structure over Beaverhead River in Twin Bridges. All vehicles must use an alternate route until further notice. Please do not contact Madison County Dispatch to get an eta on reopening. Please refer to your MT DOT app. Thank you. For more information on the opening of the bridge check MDT511

There will be having a fire truck ride on Thursday, April 11th at 11:55am for FFA receiving the State Star Chapter Award and multiple individual awards. -School District #10, they should go by your schools at around 12:10-12:15. Please see results below: Ag Sales: 6th place team consisting of Josi Ward (3rd individual), Ryleigh Plovanic (6th individual), Savanna Freitas, and Tucker Sitz. Veterinary Science: 2nd place team consisting of Katie Johnson (6th individual), Taylor Yecny (7th individual), Savanna Freitas, and Molli Miner. Horse Judging: 4th place team consisting of Molli Miner (4th individual), Nona Wagoner, Eli Johnson, and Katie Johnson. Farm & Agribusiness Management: 9th place team consisting of Josi Ward, Savanna Freitas, Faye Holland, and Tucker Sitz. Meats Evaluation: 17th place team consisting of Scarlett Garrison, Ryleigh Plovanic, Bridger Kemph, and Tucker Sitz. Agronomy: 24th place team consisting of Faye Holland, Brekken Venn Clancy Setzer, and Tel Holland. Forestry: 11th place team consisting of Andy Egan, Ryleigh Plovanic, Kyle Jones, and Jon Peterson. Livestock Evaluation: 28th place team consisting of Katie Johnson, Savanna Freitas, Kenndyl Meine, and Ashlyn Burk. Ag Mechanics: 28th place team consisting of Will Ellis, Clinton Ford, Chase Brown, and Asher Burch. Junior Agricultural Mechanics (JAM) Show: This year we exhibited three projects in the Junior Ag Mechanics show, where students build and exhibit projects in categories such as Livestock Equipment, Outdoor Recreation, Agricultural Machinery, and a Trailer division. Will Ellis, Kyle Jones, and Josi Ward planned, constructed, and exhibited three outstanding projects and each received a blue ribbon for their efforts. This year there were over 60 projects from across Montana entered in the JAM show. Josi's swiveling saddle rack was ranked 5th overall. State FFA Proficiency Awards: This year three Beaverhead FFA members applied and were recognized for excellence in their FFA projects. Tel Holland was named State Winner in his proficiency award area of Swine Production. Other members receiving recognition were:  Savanna Freitas - Beef Production, and Katie Johnson - Sheep Production. State Secretary's Competition: Faye Holland was named State Winner in the State Secretary's Book competition. The secretary's book is judged based on accuracy, completeness, and organization. This is the first year BCHS has ever won the Secretary's competition! State FFA Degrees: The State FFA Degree is the highest level of membership an FFA member can attain while still in high school. In total, just over 180 Montana FFA members earned their State FFA Degrees. This year 9 Beaverhead FFA members received this honor. Recipients were: Samantha Anderson, Andy Egan, Will Ellis, Clinton Ford, Faye Holland, Katie Johnson, Bridger Kemph, Kaydyn Nelson, and Clancy Setzer. State Star Chapter Award: For an unprecedented seventh consecutive year, the Beaverhead FFA was once again named the 1st place Star FFA Chapter of Montana.

Grant School teacher Penny Huxtable was awarded the Walters Award Thursday morning from the Montana Retired Teachers Association. The Walters Award started in 2000 under the leadership of MREA executive directors, Don and Clarice Walters, who proposed and funded the first $500 biennial award. This award seeks to recognize a Montana school and teacher(s) that have accomplished their educational mission by using creative, innovative, and unique ways to educate young people. The award seeks to benefit an idea, need, or program that supplements and enriches the school’s curriculum and could use extra funding. During a long cold snap, the students in Grant couldn’t go outside and play. The students chose to learn to play chess. The students picked up the game fast and some even chose to play chess for individual choice time. One of the students asked if they could make their own chess pieces using a 3-D printer. The students had known about 3-D printing because Mrs. Huxtable had brought in a couple chess models for them to look at that were made with a 3-D printer. Because of the use for the printing of chess pieces along with future uses in STEM projects Mrs. Huxtable and the Grant School became the recipients of the Walters Award.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information SPOKANE, Wash. – After toughing out wet weather today, the Montana Western track & field team showed up well for the Whitworth Peace Meet today, recording numerous personal records. The meet was highlighted by 10 personal records in the meet, with Kaden Hennessey and Olivia Heiner each breaking two of their own personal bests on the day. Results Malia Cox battled in three different events today, including a 26th place finish in the women's 200m race for a time of 28.62 and a new personal record. She also competed in the women's long jump, placing 18th overall and high jump. Brant Heiner and Carlin Onstad each competed in the men's 10,000m race. Heiner hit a personal best of 33:12.91 in the race and finished in 13th. Onstad finished in 17th with his own time of 36:32.08. Bulldog throwers Layne Cooney, Carson Bain and Tad Tackes competed well in the tough field. Cooney's 39.96m throw was enough for a 13th place in the men's discus throw to lead the UMW pack. Bain and Tackes followed with a 32nd and 38th place finish in the event. In the shot put, Bain recorded a personal record of an 11.35m mark while placing 28th in the meet. Cooney finished just ahead in 25th and Tackes rounded out the group in 34th. In the women's 1500m race, both Olivia Heiner and Maddie Yakos broke their own personal records. Heiner finished in 34th overall with a time of 5:06.49. Yakos followed in 43rd with a time of 5:25.16. Heiner also competed in the women's 800m, recorded a personal best of 2:28.93. Yakos also competed in the 800m, finishing with a time of 2:44.03 and a 53rd place finish. Four Bulldogs raced in the men's 800m. Drake Delude led the Bulldog men with a 36th place finish in the race after recording a 2:04.00. Brody Henry followed with a 2:04.68 for a 39th place finish. Hennessey's personal record of 2:14.24 placed him in 48th and Landon Hayes rounded out the race in 50th after a time of 2:18.29. Henry (40th, 4:22.19), Hayes (44th, 4:26.48), and Hennessey (51st, 4:47.66) also competed in the men's 1500m. Hayes and Hennssey each recorded new personal bests in the race. Justene Santi competed in a pair of events for the Bulldog women, racing in the women's 3000m steeple and the women's 400m. She finished in 14th overall in the 400m with a 1:12.40. She also finished 12th in the steeple with a personal best time of 13:05.43. Up Next The Bulldogs return to Montana this week for the Fighting Saints Open. The event will begin on April 11 at Vigilante Stadium in Helena, Mont. Schedule of events will be released later this week.

Tuesday April 9 th , 2024 at 7:00 P.M. City Council Chambers ZONING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Agenda 1. Call To Order 2. Review and Approval of the Minutes of the March 26 th , 2024 Regular Meeting 3. Director of Operations Report a. Public Comment will be taken after discussion of items 4 -5 by the Zoning Commission; followed by final discussion by the zoning commission; and final vote by the commission if necessary. 4. Applications for Zoning Compliance Certificates for Review 5. Discuss Title 17.104 Review Authority 6. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the Zoning Commission. 7. Adjournment PLEASE NOTE: A Zoom link is available. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528, allowing permission for mic and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528) and use Passcode 4245. zoning Commission Members: Tim Stoker, Raymond Graham, Russ Schwandt, Mike Watson, Justin Rooley

The Dillon Beavers took on the Park Rangers on a cold Spring day Saturday afternoon at Vigilante Field. Coming back from yesterday's loss the Beavers would bring home a win with the final score being 16 to 6. The Rangers would jump out into the lead in the first inning after Ben Ciprioni doubled, scoring two runs, and Wister Tewell singled, scoring one run. The Beavers would come back in the bottom of the first and take the lead scoring eight runs on four hits. The Rangers would take a blow in the inning with an error that led to two points for the Beavers. In the second inning the Beavers would add another run after Taylor Handlos grounded out. In the third inning Marcus Lagunas singled bringing in another run. Jerry Haro-Mora pitching for the Beavers gave up five hits and six runs over five innings, striking out three and walking three. The Beavers would pile up thirteen hits for the game. Taylor Handlos, the number eight hitter, for the Beavers led the way with four runs batted in. The righty went two for four on the day. Chen Hartman and Sawyer Tackett each collected three hits for the Beavers. Trenton Moreni and Jase Alvarez collected multiple hits for the Beavers. Trenton Moreni led the Beavers with two walks. Cohen Hartman, Trenton Moreni, Sawyer Tackett, and Jase Alvarez each stole multiple bases. The Beavers had nineteen stolen bases for the game. The Beavers travel to Frenchtown on Tuesday to take on the Broncs at 5:30 P.M.

The Lady Beavers continued their winning streak on a very windy day at Ray Lynch park as they beat the Yellowjackets 16 to6. Stevensville opened the scoring in the first inning after a passed ball scored a run for them. The Beavers would quickly come back in the bottom of the first, after Stevensville committed an error, and Kylie Konen grounded out giving the Beavers the lead. The bottom of the third Katey Vezina would draw a walk, scoring one run, Ashlyn Burk singled, scoring two runs, Tyler Gibson tripled, scoring one run, Adyson Creighton singled, scoring one run, Emily Brevig doubled, scoring one run, and a wild pitch scored two runs. The Yellowjackets would score five runs on three hits in the top of the fourth inning. The Beavers would get ten hits in the game, with Ashlyn Burk leading the Beavers with three hits with three at bats. Adyson Creighton, Ashlyn Burk, and Tyler Gibson each drove in two runs for the Lady Beavers. The Beavers would collect seven stolen bases, and turn one double play in the game. The Lady Beavers will play Frenchtown on the road April 12, at 7 P.M.

Friday afternoon was a windy day but that didn't stop the Beavers from playing Baseball. The Beavers would end up losing the game to the Florence-Carlton Falcons 14 to 3. Keyen Nash singled at the bottom of the first, helping the Beavers tie the game at two. The top of the second Drew Wagner would double giving the Falcons the lead with a score of 3 to 2. Sawyer Tackett would have two stolen bases, with the Beavers collecting a total of four stolen bases. The Beavers will take on the Park Rangers tomorrow at 3 P.M. at Ray Lynch Park.

The University of Montana Western’s eighth annual Colt Challenge and Sale, held March 29 and 30 at the Montana Center for Horsemanship, generated $208,124 for the UMW Natural Horsemanship program. The Natural Horsemanship Program, which educates students to work with horses as part of a broad range of equine and academic studies, is a joint program of the University of Montana Western and the Montana Center for Horsemanship. Every year, as part of the Colt Sale course, UMW students work with young horses to be trained and sold at live auction the following spring. All of the horses have excellent bloodlines and are donated by well-known area ranches. The highly anticipated event brings in buyers from around the country and the proceeds are donated back to the Natural Horsemanship program for scholarships, facility updates, and other program needs. The two-day event began with the Colt Challenge on Friday, March 29. Students showcased their colts and the variety of ranch tasks they had been trained to perform. Montana Western student, CJ Benoit, placed first in the Colt Challenge riding Weavers Perk N Black from Weaver Quarter Horses. Benoit was awarded a $2,500 scholarship from CHS, a custom saddle from American National Insurance, Clark Wheeler, and Frecker’s Saddlery, a saddle stand from 3TR Saddle Racks, a buckle from Nancy Chesterfield of ASA Publications, a mohair cinch from AH Cinches, a halter from Steele Halters, and 40 lbs. of HorsLic from New Generation Supplements. Top Five Colt Challenge Placings: 1st – Weavers Perk N Black from Weaver Quarter Horses, ridden by CJ Benoit 2nd – Okie Royalty from Harrington & Hirschy Quarter Horses, ridden by Katherine Bills 3rd–  EH Baybay from the Goggins Ranch, ridden by Madi Foster 4th–  Noble Casanova from Jacob Christenson, ridden by Ahna Fox 5th – Ridn Mrs Nu Cash from the Erb Ranch, ridden by Gus Hoffman The sale, held the following day on March 30, generated $208,124, averaging $12,000 per colt. The highest selling colt was Weavers Perk N Black, ridden by CJ Benoit and donated by Weaver Quarter Horses. Top Five Highest Selling Colts: $21,000- Weavers Perk N Black donated by Weaver Quarter Horses, ridden by CJ Benoit $18,000- This Cats a Player donated by the Goggins Ranch, ridden by Everitt Mauler $17,000- EH Baybay donated by the Goggins Ranch, ridden by Madi Foster $14,500- Yellow Smoke Show donated by the Erb Ranch, ridden by Ella Hoffman $14,500- GM Ricochet 21 donated by Jacob Christenson, ridden by Elise Brann The University of Montana Western Natural Horsemanship Program would like to thank our generous donors for making this year’s event so successful: 2M Livestock, Erb Ranch, Harrington and Hirschy Quarter Horses, Holland Quarter Horses, Hollenbeck Ranch, Weaver Quarter Horses, and Goggins Ranch. Thank you to Reminsice Angus, Ginger LaCour, Weaver Quarter Horses, and Montana Mad Hatters for donating special auction items and Beaverhead Motors, Reminisce Angus, Engine 18, and Harrington Pepsi for providing lunch on the day of the sale. Thank you to our corporate sponsors New Generation Supplements, Zinpro Performance Minerals, Rocky Mountain Supply, CHS Inc., the Montana Center for Horsemanship, and all of the businesses that donated prizes and purchased advertising space for making this event possible. For more information about Montana Western and the nation’s only Natural Horsemanship degree program, please visit www.umwestern.edu or call 1-877-683-7331.

The University of Montana Western will honor Education Professor Dr. Laura Straus with the William C. Bagley Distinguished Education Faculty Award at the 11th Annual Night of Stars on April 20, 2024. As the inaugural recipient of this award, Dr. Straus is celebrated for her outstanding service, leadership, teaching, mentorship, and scholarship. The award, named after Dr. William Chandler Bagley, esteemed education theorist and Vice President and Director of Training at Montana State Normal School (now UMW) in the early 1900s, recognizes Straus’s commitment to experiential learning, echoing Bagley’s principles from the early 20th Century. Bagley’s work at UMW, especially related to the development of modern student teaching practices, had a lasting impact on education across the country. Born into a lineage of educators, teaching was inherent in Straus’s upbringing. Influenced by her parents—her mother, who personified the nobility of the profession of teaching, and her father, a World War II veteran and metallurgist with a passion for imaginative storytelling—Straus’s childhood was a nurturing environment for her thirst for knowledge. Despite initially pursuing science at the University of Chicago with aspirations of a medical career, she found her true calling in teaching after completing an accelerated certification program in elementary education at the University of Minnesota—Minneapolis. Her journey as an educator took her through various roles, including teaching middle school, where she made a profound impact on students who challenged her to adapt her teaching methods and taught her invaluable lessons in persistence, creativity, empathy, and humor. She joined the faculty at the University of Montana Western in 2007, drawn by its unique block scheduling and the opportunity for intense engagement with students. In 2011, Dr. Straus completed her PhD in literacy education from Claremont Graduate University. For nearly two decades, Dr. Straus has been a pillar of the Education Division, serving in various leadership roles while remaining dedicated to her passion for literacy education. Embracing the ethos of Horace Mann, she views education as the cornerstone of democracy and sees teaching as a societal calling. As she prepares for her next chapter, Dr. Straus hopes to be remembered as a passionate and caring educator who left a positive impact on her students and the world. In her final class at Montana Western, Dr. Straus reflects on Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words, “Nothing great is ever accomplished without enthusiasm.” With this spirit, she leaves a legacy of enthusiastic dedication to her students and the pursuit of making the world a better place through education. In addition to the presentation of the William C. Bagley Distinguished Education Faculty Award, the Night of Stars ceremony will include the induction of five Montana Western alumni into the Education Hall of Fame in recognition of their phenomenal dedication to education and will also honor current education students as Outstanding Teacher Candidates. This year’s inductees are Percy Craddock, Cindy Farmer, Mark Clark, Patricia Haynes Gibson, and Jackie Sproul Taylor. The Outstanding Teacher Candidates are Alexis Cannon, Kailynn Field, Jordan Sweeney, Pralie Duffin, Riley Henderson, John Gamble, Ruby Stenberg, Leona Colvin, Loran Murphy, Bailey Schuchard, and Garret Yeager. The evening will begin with the induction ceremony at 6:00 p.m. in the Beier Auditorium, followed by a post-ceremony reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres at 8:00 p.m. in the Lewis and Clark Room, located in Mathews Hall. Admission to the Night of Stars induction ceremony is complimentary. Tickets for the reception can be purchased by contacting Kelly Allen at 406-683-7306 or online by visiting tinyurl.com/NightofStars2024. For additional information, please contact UMW Alumni Coordinator, Jolene Robbins: 406-683-7303 or jjolene.robbins@umwestern.edu.

The Dillon Beaver softball team was on the road today taking on the Butte Central Maroons. The Lady Beavers would chalk up another victory defeating the Maroon 16 to 4. The Lady Beavers would take the lead in the first inning after Adyson Creighton tripled, scoring one run, Kylie konen grounded out, scoring two runs, Bailey Blake drew a walk, scoring one run as well. In the second inning the Beavers would add more points to their lead. Kinzy Creighton would single, Kylie Konen would double, and Tymber Barnes would ground out, each scoring a run for the Lady Beavers. With five runs scored on three hits, the top of the fifth inning would see even more points scored for the Beavers. Bailey Blake scored after tagging up, Kinzy Creighton singled, scoring two runs, and Emily Brevig homered into right field, scoring two runs. Adyson Creighton started on the mound for the Beavers allowing only four hits and four runs over five innings. She struck out three and walked eight. Player highlights include Emily Brevig and Kylie Konen each drove in three runs for the Beavers. Tymber Barnes and Adyson Creighton led the team with two bases on balls. Tyler Gibson, Kinzy Creighton, and Kylie Konen each stole multiple bases for the Beavers. The Beavers had eight stolen bases, with no errors in the field. Weather permitting the Lady Beavers will play Friday, April 5 3pm at Ray Lynch Park.

Submitted by: Mel Rice-Public Relations The Beaverhead Search and Rescue held its April meeting on the evening of the 3rd.  The meeting was called to order by Vice Commander Shane Puyear at 7:05 PM.  It was a very short meeting with very few things to discuss.  Once again another month passes by without any incidents.  We must be saving up for that rainy day…    It was agreed to hold our annual camp out training June 7,8, and 9.  More info to come next month.  The membership discussed whether or not to have an auction this year.  After many viewpoints were expressed, a vote was taken and it was voted not to have an auction this year. The meeting adjourned around 7:40.  Equipment manager, Evan Helle, had a list of things he needed help with on equipment.  The rest of the evening was spent working on various projects. It looks like spring may be close.   We can only hope.  The weather this time of year can change in a hurry and may even be quite different from draw to draw out in the hills or from one side of the valley to the other.  Make sure you are properly prepared for different circumstances.   Take care out there!!  “In the Business of Saving Lives”, your Beaverhead Search and Rescue.

HELENA – A Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks warden stopped a driver pulling a ski boat after he drove past an aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspection station near Anaconda last week. The warden noticed some mussels on the boat and had the driver return to the inspection station where many more mussels were detected. A full decontamination was performed at the station and the boat was locked to the trailer. This is a good reminder that it’s the law that anyone transporting watercraft (motorized and non-motorized) must stop at all open inspection stations they encounter. Watercraft includes paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, rafts and pack rafts. Nonresidents and residents returning home must have their watercraft inspected before launching in Montana. Watercraft must also be drained of all water before transporting. “Although it might be tempting to drive past an inspection station, boaters need to be aware that it’s up to them to prevent AIS from coming into our state,” said Tom Woolf, FWP’s AIS bureau chief. “An inspection typically takes less than 10 minutes.” The driver was transporting the boat from Michigan to British Columbia. It was the fourth mussel-fouled watercraft intercepted in Montana this season. Boats with mussels have also been detected at the inspection station near Dillon, where a fifth boat was found to have mussels on Monday. Watercraft inspection stations are Montana’s first line of defense to prevent the movement of AIS, which can have devastating impacts on Montana waterways. AIS are plants, animals, or pathogens that are not native to Montana and can cause harm to our environment and economy. “It’s everyone’s responsibility to help stop the spread of AIS to Montana waters,” Woolf said. Learn more at fwp.mt.gov/conservation/aquatic-invasive-species or call the FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau at 406-444-2440.

Dillon, MT - The Women's Resource Center (WRC) and Vibrant Lives of Montana are pleased to announce a collaborative effort to offer "InPower: Mindfulness for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault," a free, transformative eight-week program designed to empower survivors in our community. Starting April 30 and concluding June 25, 2024, the program will be led by Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Yoga Educator, and Meditation Instructor Melainya Ryan at the WRC, 236 E. Reeder Street, Dillon, MT. Sessions are every Tuesday from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Dinner is provided. "We believe that every survivor deserves the opportunity to reclaim their power and learn how to prioritize their own well-being," said Melainya Ryan, Founder of Vibrant Lives of Montana. "Through 'InPower,' we hope to create a confidential, safe space for survivors to explore and connect with their inner strength and resilience." The eight-week program aims to equip survivors with essential tools and insights to foster self-love, resilience and holistic wellbeing. Through mindfulness practices and guided discussions, participants will delve into topics such as attachment, the human nervous system, emotional regulation, and the mind-body connection. Week 1: Intro of Mindfulness and Self Care as a Deep, Disciplined Care of the Mind, Body and Spirit Week 2: Attachment: The Lens through Which We Learn to Trust Ourselves, Others and this Life Week 3: The Function of the Human Nervous System Week 4: The Wonder of Emotion Week 5: Welcome to the Storm Week 6: Finding the Eye of the Tornado Week 7: The Power of Now Week 8: InPower: Mindfulness - Tying it All Together "We are thrilled to partner with Vibrant Lives of Montana to offer a program that teaches self-awareness and self-care," said Rebecca Knotts, Executive Director of the Women's Resource Center. "Together, we are committed to providing survivors with the support and resources they need to heal and thrive. Registration for "InPower: Mindfulness for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault" is now open. For more information, please contact Izzi Simonsen at (406) 683-6106 or register online registration at www.wrcmt.org/inpower.html

Dillon, Montana, April 04, 2024 –Barrett Hospital & HealthCare, a leading provider of comprehensive health services, is proud to announce that it has been recognized as a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital for the sixth time. This prestigious acknowledgment highlights Barrett Hospital & HealthCare's continuous commitment to providing high- quality, patient-centered care in the rural health landscape. The Top 20 Critical Access Hospital accolade is awarded by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), in partnership with The Chartis Center for Rural Health, based on an analysis of The Hospital Strength INDEX®. This benchmarking tool evaluates hospitals on various performance metrics, including quality, outcomes, patient perspective, and financial efficiency. "We are incredibly honored to receive this distinction for the sixth time," said Taylor Rose, Chief Executive Officer of Barrett Hospital & HealthCare. "This award is a testament to our dedicated team of healthcare professionals who strive every day to deliver exceptional care to our community. Their commitment to excellence is what sets us apart and ensures that we meet the evolving health needs of our patients and families." Barrett Hospital & HealthCare stands out as a beacon of medical excellence in a rural setting, providing a range of services from primary care to specialized treatments. The critical access hospital designation highlights the essential role Barrett plays in ensuring local communities have access to high quality healthcare. This year's recognition further cements Barrett Hospital & HealthCare's position as a leader in rural healthcare and underscores its successful commitment to innovation, quality care practices, and patient satisfaction. "We remain dedicated to not only maintaining but exceeding these standards of care," continued Taylor Rose. "Our goal is to make a significant, positive impact on the health and well-being of every patient we serve." Barrett Hospital & HealthCare invites the community to join in celebrating this significant achievement. With plans to continue its focus on excellence in patient-centered care, Barrett looks forward to serving its community's health needs for many years to come.