The Annual Colt Challenge and Sale, hosted by the University of Montana Western and the Montana Center for Horsemanship, will take place March 29 and 30, 2024, at the Montana Center for Horsemanship in Dillon, Montana. Students and colts compete in a series of events that demonstrate their wide range of abilities on the first day, and the following day, a public auction features the colts for sale, with all proceeds reinvested in the program to provide scholarships to Natural Horsemanship majors at the University of Montana Western.  Schedule of Events: Friday, March 29 Colt Challenge: 9:00 a.m. Saturday, March 30 Preview: 10:00 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. Sale: 1:00 p.m. Each colt receives approximately 90 days of Natural Horsemanship training from equine students in the Natural Horsemanship/Equine Studies Bachelor of Science Degree program at Montana Western, under the guidance and leadership of the MCH Natural Horsemanship instructors . This year’s event will showcase 22 best-bred colts donated by some of the finest ranches in the region. The young horses are familiarized with all settings inside and out, including enclosed areas and riding outdoors on the area’s many trails and in the surrounding mountains. They are also exposed to a variety of situations including working with cattle and ropes, loading and unloading from trailers, and many other scenarios a horse and rider might encounter in ranch-work or recreational riding. Simultaneously, both students and instructors develop an in-depth feel for each horse, enabling them to accurately convey this knowledge to potential buyers. The horses and students are featured on  Facebook  leading up to the main event with information about the colts including their color, conformation, personalities, and skills. More information about the 2024 Colt Challenge and Sale, including the sale catalog , is available on the University of Montana Western  website . Those interested in attending the auction can do so in person, online, or by phone . To bid online, participants must pre-register at least one day prior to the sale. To pre-register, please visit  bid.northernlivestockvideo.com  and click “Get Approved to Bid.” Participants can then bid online via desktop by visiting  www.northernlivestockvideo.com  the day of the sale or by downloading the Northern Livestock Auction mobile app. To bid by phone, pre-register by calling Northern Livestock Video Auction at 866-616-5035 before the sale day to obtain a bid number. Bidders can then phone in the day of the sale by calling 406-245-0889. The sale order will be posted on Friday, March 29 by 5:00 p.m. on the Montana Western Colt Challenge and Sale  website  and  Facebook  page. The Annual Colt Challenge and Sale corporate sponsors include CHS Inc., New Generation Supplements, Rocky Mountain Supply, and Zinpro Performance Minerals in partnership with the University of Montana Western and the Montana Center for Horsemanship. Saturday’s complimentary lunch is sponsored by Beaverhead Motors. Thank you to American National Insurance for sponsoring this year’s saddle for the Colt Challenge winner. We wish to thank our sponsors for their generous support of the event and the students in the program. The Equine Studies Department at the University of Montana Western offers the nation’s only Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Horsemanship with options in management, psychology, science and instruction, and was ranked among the “Best Equestrian Colleges” by ThoughtCo.com . The Montana Center for Horsemanship is the first and only equine center in the United States that is devoted expressly to promoting natural horsemanship. With its stables, arenas, riding areas, and instructors, the center serves as the primary facility and progressive teaching resource for Montana Western’s Natural Horsemanship BS curriculum. The MCH teaches the ‘La Cense Method,’ which was developed under William Kriegel, owner of Haras de la Cense in France. Mr. Kriegel is also co-founder of MCH, and he has been involved in Natural Horsemanship for many years. The La Cense Method is a progressive, step-by-step process that blends the best of traditional horsemanship training with the art of training and riding horses—all in a manner that works with a horse’s behavior, instincts, and personality. Taking a positive and respectful approach, the La Cense Method gradually builds trust, and frees the horses to be confident in all they are asked to perform. For more information about the Colt Challenge and Sale, please contact Head Natural Horsemanship Instructor, Eric Hoffmann:  eric.hoffmann@umwestern.edu  or 406-925-1499.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. February 7 th , 2024 Notice is Hereby Given That Two or More Committee Members of the Water & Sewer Committee are Scheduled to Attend the Pre-Bid Meeting at the City of Dillon Waste Water Treatment Plant in Dillon, Montana February 7 th , 2024 No City of Dillon Business Will Be Conducted During the Above Meeting and the Public is Welcome to Attend and/or Observe Should You Have Any Questions, Please Contact City Hall by Calling (406) 683-4245

Cover Photo Credit Terri Haverfield State Qualifiers Girls Clancy Setzer – 4th Divisional Tyler Gibson – 1st Divisional Faye Holland – 1st Divisional   Boys Tel Holland – 3rd Divisional Hank Hagenbarth – 2nd Divisional Beaudry Payne – 1st Divisional

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information photo credit Terri Haverfield DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western women's basketball team (12-10, 4-5) fell in a conference matchup to the Montana Tech Orediggers (11-11, 2-7) by a final score of 76-66. After holding a narrow 52-51 lead heading into the final quarter, the Bulldogs were outscored 25-14 in the final frame as the Orediggers shot 60 percent from the field. How It Happened Western got off to a rocky start, going 1-10 from the field and an uncharacteristic 0-7 performance from the arc. With just over two minutes on the clock, Shainy Mack found the hoop on a three from the corner to break the Oredigger 11-0 run and shake the Bulldog offense awake. The Bulldogs flipped the momentum and hit the final points of the quarter, trailing 16-11 heading into the second frame. Isabella Lund made a contested layup, drawing a foul from MT's Aubrie Rademacher to make it a three-point play. She would continue to bring the energy for the Bulldogs, racking up four points and a steal in the comeback effort. Payton Hagy banged a three and Jordan Sweeney knocked down a mid-range jumper to give UMW their largest lead of the game at 26-20 with 5:42 left until half. Montana Tech answered quickly and found some momentum behind a pair of threes from Brooklynn Hankwitz. The Orediggers took a narrow 34-32 lead into the break. Despite a quick three from Mack to start the third, the Orediggers went on a 10-0 run to create some space between the two teams. Despite the gap, Western fought to close the gap and took a narrow 52-51 lead following a buzzer beating three from Sweeney. The Bulldogs continued their run, riding a 16-0 run into the fourth and jumping out to a 57-51 lead. After leading 62-58 with five to go, Montana Tech shut down UMW for the remainder of the game. Moy and Sweeney combined for UMW's lone points across the final five minutes as the Orediggers ran on to finish the game on top 76-66. Notables The Orediggers shot above their season average of 33.2 percent as they went 50.9 percent from the field. The Bulldogs struggled behind a below average 37.9 percent from the field. Sweeney went off, hitting three triples and totaled 22 points on the day. She also added four rebounds, three assists, and a pair of steals. Mack followed with 14 points, hitting three triples and adding three steals. Moy totaled seven rebounds and had the Bulldogs' lone block of the game. Up Next Montana Western moves to 4-5 in conference play and will be hitting the road for a game against Rocky Mountain College next Thursday Feb. 8. Tip-off is at 5pm MT.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information photo credit Terri Haverfield DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western men's basketball team (11-11, 4-5) fell in a conference matchup tonight to the No. 11 ranked Montana Tech Orediggers (18-4, 8-1) by a final score of 81-63. Despite a late rally that saw the Bulldogs bring the game back within eight points, Montana Tech rode a 48.1 second half shooting percentage to victory. How It Happened Michael Haverfield got the Bulldogs rolling early, hitting a pair of threes on the way to a Bulldog lead at 12-9 with 14:05 on the clock. Riding behind a pair of field goals on back-to-back possessions from Jalyn Stepney , Montana Western took a narrow lead at 20-16. Montana Tech wasted little time in answering, reclaiming the momentum and stretching out to a 34-23 lead following an 18-0 spurt that stretched across six minutes of the half. Quincy Taylor finally bought a bucket for the Bulldogs, hitting a three from the top of the arc with 4:56 left in the half. It was Taylor once more who made a layup while drawing a foul. His and one cut the game back to 36-26. Down 50-34 with 16:40 left in the game, the Bulldogs dug deep and used an 8-0 run that was capped by another Taylor and one to bring it back to an eight-point deficit. Despite the high point, the Orediggers would reclaim the edge and run away with the game. UMW would fall by a final score of 81-63. Notables The Bulldogs were outshot 53.6 percent to 38.6 percent from the field. Western also hit just 57.9 percent from the free throw line. Taylor led the Bulldogs in scoring, totaling 17 points and picking up six rebounds. He also had a pair of steals in the game. Haverfield followed with 15 points off of a four for seven outing from the arc. He went five for 10 from the field on the night. Kevin Bethel was the lone Bulldog to go perfect at the free throw line. He also added four assists. Up Next Montana Western moves to 4-5 in conference play and will be hitting the road for a game against Rocky Mountain College next Thursday Feb. 8. Tip-off is at 7pm MT.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information NEW ORLEANS, La. -  The Men's and Women's Scholar Athlete of the Year and All-Academic Athletes for the 2023 NAIA Cross Country season were announced on Thursday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, student athletes must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and qualify for the national championship meet. Both Olivia Heiner and Brant Heiner were named to the NAIA list. This is their first selection to the USTFCCCA All-Academic teams.

The University of Montana Western Environmental Sciences Department and Terra Verde Club are proud to present “Reinventing an Ancient Cattle Culture: How Humans and Livestock can Bring Healing to Western Rangeland” by guest speaker Glenn Elzinga. The presentation will be held on Tuesday, February 20 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. in UMW’s Lewis & Clark Room in Mathews Hall. Montana Western is partnering with local ranchers and conservation organizations to explore conservation-focused range rider certifications and internship positions. As part of these conversations, students in the Terra Verde club have invited Glenn Elzinga to campus to learn more about rotational grazing and regenerative agricultural practices. After wolves killed an unprecedented number of their range cattle in one grazing season, Glenn and Caryl Elzinga of Idaho’s Pahsimeroi Valley were not only in economic trouble, but also a crisis of confidence as to whether or not public lands grazing should even be a part of their operation. However, after researching historical stockmanship practices, they learned a new approach to grazing on their 70 square mile rangelands. Embarking on this new journey in practice on horseback allowed them to completely restore riparian habitats, coexist with wolves, sequester carbon in both riparian areas and uplands, precisely target their grazing anywhere on the landscape, employ young people seeking a range riding vocation, and have their cattle achieve better weight gains. Glenn will present slides showing the process in action on a slice of rugged Central Idaho mountain rangelands.  This presentation is free and open to the public and will feature light refreshments and a Q&A session. For more information, please contact UMW Associate Professor of Environmental Sustainability, Dr. Arica Crootof:  arica.crootof@umwestern.edu  or 406-683-7075.

DVFD responded to 20 calls for service during the month of January 2024. 01-05 Adams Ln Grass Fire 01-07 N Pacific Ambulance Assist 01-07 Lovers Leap Vehicle Accident 01-10 Adams Ln Grass Fire 01-12 Pioneer Dr Gas Odor 01-15 S Pacific Chimney Fire 01-17 N Walnut Fire Alarm 01-17 N Walnut Fire Alarm 01-18 N Walnut Fire Alarm 01-18 Skihi St Assist/Water Pipe 01-18 N Montana Fire Alarm 01-18 N Walnut Fire Alarm 01-18 S Dakota Chimney Fire 01-18 N Hwy 91 Structure Fire 01-19 Selway Gas Odor 01-19 N Idaho Fire Alarm 01-20 Kentucky Ave Smoke Alarm 01-21 Browns Bridge Dumpster Fire 01-26 Hwy 41 N MVA 01-31 N Washington St Vehicle Smoking During our monthly training night, we concentrated on communications & radio usage. Our drill night was spent learning about fire behavior & oxygen limited fires. We had a structure that the interior had caught fire & ran out of oxygen(extinguishing the fire) without anyone knowing about it until the residents returned home after work in the afternoon. Thank you for your continued support of the Dillon Volunteer Fire be safe & take extra time while traveling this time of year as the road conditions can become dangerous without warning.

It’s Cookie Time! Dillon Girl Scouts troops gathered last night at the annual Cookie Rally, where they sharpened their entrepreneurial abilities by gaining invaluable skills like goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics.   Cookie season officially begins today, with pre-sales ending February 17th.  Area booth sales will run from March 22nd through April 14th.  Cookie deliveries will take place mid March, payment for any preorder can take place at this time.  All cookie proceeds from each troops sales stay local troops and council to help ensure the girls have the most amazing experiences throughout the year.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information, Photo Credit Terri Haverfield DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western men's basketball team (11-10, 4-4) found success in tonight's game with the University of Providence Argos (10-11, 3-5) after they won the matchup 83-67. "Really proud of our guys for sticking to the game plan and then come out in the second half and really executing offensively and defensively," head coach Patrick Jensen said. "To only have three turnovers in the second half is huge and it was a big emphasis we had in the talk at halftime. Sitting down and finally getting some stops and to hold them to 28 percent in the second half was huge. Just really proud of our guys." How It Happened After an even-matched opening 10 minutes, a pair of free throws from Quincy Taylor with 9:21 on the clock tied the game at 16. Though a free throw from UP's Jake Olsen gave the Argos a narrow one-point lead, the Bulldogs would go on to score on back-to-back possessions to claim a 20-17 lead and hang on through the final two minutes of the first half. A quick 7-0 run for the Argos added enough to the board to help them to claim a 39-37 lead heading into the break. Western hit the gas pedal right from the start of the second half, running on to take a 47-39 lead behind consecutive threes from Michael Haverfield . The Bulldogs pressed on and kept the Argos at an arm's length through the next seven minutes. Within two minutes and 35 seconds, the Bulldogs rode an 8-0 run that saw numerous perfect trips to the free throw line as Western surged to a 69-53 lead with eight minutes remaining in the game. The Argos were unable to find enough to come back and the Bulldogs cruised to an 83-67 win. Notables Tonight's win marks the most decisive win the Bulldogs have recorded in conference play, winning by a 16-point scoring margin. After totaling seven turnovers in the first half alone, the Bulldogs stepped it up and turned the ball over just three times in the second half. The UMW defense stepped up in the second half, forcing the Argos to seven turnovers and to a 28.6 shooting percentage from the field. Four Bulldogs hit double digits in scoring with Jalyn Stepney and Adedo leading the way with 17 apiece. Adedo also added nine boards and a pair of blocks. Haverfield went five for seven from the field and totaled 14. He was a perfect three for three from the arc. Kevin Bethel dished out five assists and grabbed six boards. Up Next Montana Western moves to 4-4 in conference play and will be returning to the Straugh Gymnasium this Saturday for a game against No. 11 ranked Montana Tech. Tip-off is at 4pm MT.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information, Picture credit Terri Haverfield DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western women's basketball team (12-9, 4-4) upset the no. 13 ranked University of Providence Argos (14-7, 5-3) by a final score of 69-52. The Bulldogs found themselves up early, holding the Argos to just 18 points at the end of the first half. Their 18-point first half ties a season low for the Argos. How It Happened The Bulldog women took control of the game early, riding a 15-9 lead through into the second quarter. Maddy Moy hit a jumper to open second quarter scoring and the Bulldogs rode a quick 6-0 run to a 23-11 lead with 6:07 left in the half. Within the first three minutes of the second, the Bulldog defense held the Argos to just two points and forced three turnovers. Jordan Sweeney drained a pair of threes on back-to-back possessions and Western claimed a 40-18 lead heading into the second half. With the start of second half action, the Argos were quick to flip the momentum in their direction. They went on to pick up a quick seven points while holding the Bulldog scoreless across the first four minutes. A jumper from Moy broke the streak and Western reclaimed the momentum and rode their own 8-0 run to a 49-25 lead with four minutes to play in the third. Despite six from UP's Ashlee Maldonado, the Bulldogs continued to lead through to the fourth 51-32. Despite being outscored 20-18 down the stretch, the Bulldogs held strong and finished the game on top 69-52 to complete the upset win. Notables The Bulldog women claim their first top-25 win of the season after taking down the no. 13 ranked Argos tonight. The Bulldog defense held the Argos to their third lowest scoring game of the season. UP's 18 point first half tied their season scoring low that was recorded back in November against Stephen College (Mo.). Five Bulldogs hit double-digits tonight with Shainy Mack leading the way following a 15-point night. She also added three assists, two steals, and two blocks. Joelnell Momberg and Sweeney each tallied 14 points. Sweeney added another four steals. Moy and Keke Davis each contributed 10 points. Up Next Montana Western moves to 4-4 in conference play and will be returning to the Straugh Gymnasium this Saturday for a game against Montana Tech. Tip-off is at 2pm MT.

WATER - SEWER COMMITTEE MEETING City Council Chambers February 1st , 2024 9:00 A.M. 1. Call Meeting To Order 2. LLJ Rentals Bill Adjustment Request 3. Review Linduska Letter 4. Update on Drying Beds 5. Update on Lead Line Project 6. Discuss Lift Station 7. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not On the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the City 8. Adjournment Committee Members: Bill Shafer (Chairperson), Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley

The University of Montana Western Environmental Sciences Department is proud to host Utah State Assistant Professor, Dr. Don Penman, as part of the “On the Rocks” lecture series. Dr. Penman will be presenting “Carbon and Silica Cycle Coupling During Cenozoic Warm Periods” on Wednesday, February 14, at 3:45 p.m. in UMW’s Block Hall room 311. Dr. Don Penman holds a bachelor’s degree in Geology from Carleton College, and a Ph.D. from UC Santa Cruz where he studied the carbonate chemistry response to the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum with advisor Dr. James Zachos. He subsequently became a postdoctoral fellow at Yale University and in 2020 joined the Department of Geosciences at Utah State University as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Penman has sailed on three IODP expeditions as shipboard scientist (342, 371, and 392). His research uses the deep-sea sedimentary record to probe interactions between climate and geochemical cycling during ancient Earth System perturbations. Presentation Abstract: “Our current understanding of the long-term carbon cycle holds that Earth’s climate is stabilized by a negative feedback involving the consumption of atmospheric carbon dioxide by the chemical weathering of silicate minerals. This theory posits that silicate weathering responds to climate: when atmospheric pCO2 and surface temperatures rise, chemical weathering accelerates, consuming more atmospheric CO2 and cooling global climate; when pCO2 falls, weathering fluxes decrease, permitting buildup of CO2 and consequent warming. The role that this feedback plays in climate and the carbon cycle has received significant attention, but the implications for the marine silica cycle are relatively less well-studied.  Since the release of dissolved silica from chemical weathering reactions is the main input of silica into the oceans, variations in silicate weathering rate in response to trends and perturbations in climate and the carbon cycle must lead to a dynamic marine silica cycle. This inexorably couples the silica cycle to the carbon cycle and global climate. Due to the relatively short residence time of dissolved silica in the oceans, silica burial rates must respond to climate as well. 60 years of deep-sea scientific drilling present the opportunity to probe this dynamic carbon-silica cycle coupling through records of silica burial rates and novel proxies constraining various aspects of the marine silica cycle. In particular, I will present results from recent IODP drilling expeditions to explore the marine silica cycle response to two contrasting Cenozoic warming events: the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM, 56 million years ago) and the Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum (MECO, 40 million years ago).” This presentation is free and open to public. For more information, please contact UMW Assistant Professor of Environmental Geophysics, Dr. Neil Foley: neil.foley@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7366.

AD-HOC COMMITTEE MEETING February 1st, 2024 2:00 PM ~ AGENDA ~ 1. Discuss/Recommend to Mayor and City Council Proposed and/or Revised City/County Board of Health Interlocal Agreement 2. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction of The City 3. Adjournment Committee Members: Mike Klakken, Chairperson Marie Holt George Warner

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. - The Montana Western Athletic Department announced Tuesday morning that Thursday's home Frontier Conference basketball games against the University of Providence will be Hoops for a Cause Night to fundraise for this year's beneficiary, the Isakson family. Thursday night's games will feature numerous ways to donate to the family. There will be a raffle throughout the evening and halftime pop a shot. In addition, both teams will be wearing ClayStrong t-shirts as warm-up shirts. There will be a limited number of t-shirts for sale with proceeds going to the family. Clay Isakson's Story Providence men's basketball coach J.C. Isakson is facing the unthinkable a his seven-month-old son, Clay, is experiencing health complications due to neonatal Marfan syndrome. Clay Kobe Isakson was born June 6, 2023, the twin to ​Crue, and little brother of BlaykLinn. He suffered immediate and difficult complications after birth and spent 22 days in the NICU. Neonatal Marfan syndrome affects the development of connective tissue in the heart, lungs, eyes, and muscular skeletal system. Clay is one of only 35 patients with this syndrome in the United States, and has dealt with respiratory issues since birth. He suffered immediate and difficult complications after birth and spent 22 days in the NICU. Clay will need to visit hospitals in both California and Colorado at least twice a year for the foreseeable future. J.C. is in his first season with the University of Providence Men's Basketball program. The Augusta, Mont. native played at Montana Western on the men's basketball program under head coach Steve Keller. During his time at Montana Western, the Bulldogs qualified for three NAIA National Tournaments, making the "Sweet 16" twice. They were also the 2012 Frontier Conference Co-Champions. As a player and a coach, Isakson has qualified for the NAIA National Tournament five times, and was part of two Frontier Conference Championships.

The Dillon Amateur Hockey Association held the first Rink and Plink day along with a pint night at Beaverhead Brewing Company on Saturday January 27th at the Dillon Ice Rink. Participants made a lap around the rink then competed to see who was the best shot with a Red Ryder BB gun. They had three divisions in this event from expert, novice, and children luckily no one shot their eye out and the winners are: 1077, Derek Lewis, winner of the Rink Plink Expert Skater Division 0805, Cedar Aiken, first ever skater in the Rink Plink  0857, Carsyn Davis, winner of the Rink Plink Youth Division  0977, Collin Peterson, winner of the Rink Plink Novice Skater Division 1011, Jim Dolan, participating in the Rink Plink Expert Skater Division Participants also got to compete in a curling event that had a little bit of a twist. Curling stones are expensive and no one seemed to have an old one lying around so through the use of some old milk jugs they had milk jug curling. The winners of this event are: 1103, Sam Davis playing in the DAHA Inaugural Curling Tournament - she was on the winning team the Jug Slyders 1107, college kids playing in the DAHA Inaugural Curling Tournament  1139, Tara Jones playing in the DAHA Inaugural Curling Tournament Fun was had by all the participants and the league was able to raise over $800 that will be going to rink maintenance at the Dillon Ice Corral. Photo credit to Klaire Kramer

From Megan Conrow and Jordan Plutt What a finish for our team! We took 3rd Place in Class A Drama beating out Sidney by 2 points to secure our spot!  Here are the top finishers: Amelia Pflieger - 2nd dramatic solo Cayenne McCabe - 3rd Humorous solo Amelia and Cayenne - 3rd dramatic theatre Kaycee Pilon - 5th dramatic solo Brooke Freeman, Ellamay Bellis, Lexie and Emily Lopez - 5th dramatic theatre Lilla Guiberson - 7th impromptu

WATER - SEWER COMMITTEE MEETING City Council Chambers February 1st , 2024 9:00 A.M. 1. Call Meeting To Order 2. LLJ Rentals Bill Adjustment Request 3. Review Linduska Letter 4. Update on Drying Beds 5. Update on Lead Line Project 6. Discuss Lift Station 7. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not On the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the City 8. Adjournment Committee Members: Bill Shafer (Chairperson), Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley

Almost, Maine, the newest feature from The Bank of Commerce Performing Arts Series, is a must see for anyone looking to chase away the winter blues and glimpse into the simplistic beauty of small towns, the ins-and-outs of love and the emotions associated with it, and the true poignancy of the sweet, simple moments of life. Sure, this production provides a cacophony of metaphors and outlandish visuals, but, for the most part, each of the eight differing tales packs a relatable, hearty punch.  The performance is bookmarked by the clumsy, awkward story of two people falling in love. Betwixt this storyline lies scenes where people from all stages in life and relationships tackle the human condition of love, loneliness, and hope.  With the backdrop and lighting of a night sky in a small town, the quiet, somber performance caressed the viewer into a performance of thoughtful introspection. The stripped-down storytelling helped convey the emotions and scenarios to the audience, while showcasing the talents of the performers. The empathetic nature of the narrative honed in on the woes of missed chances, too late discoveries, while rallying the audience with the victories of seized opportunities and emotions laid bare.  If you’re looking for a romantic getaway as we approach the month of love, you don’t have to travel any further than Almost, Maine…in the small auditorium on the University of Montana Western Campus. Take a chance and you won’t be sorry!