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Beaverhead Search and Rescue News Submitted by Kolby Malesich: Commander   Beaverhead Search and Rescue was called out for a search for a missing hiker early evening Thursday September 11 th .  A hiker had gotten separated from her family climbing Comet mountain late that afternoon.  A storm came thru and family members could no longer see or hear their missing family member and nightfall was near.   The unit dispatched 4 teams who connected with local Grasshopper Valley VFD volunteers and then searched throughout the night on foot and with UTV’s, drones, and member vehicles.   The unit also leveraged Air National Guard resources from Malstrom AFB to search the area…they were unable to locate hiker as hiker lacked flashlight or other signaling methods that would have enabled a quick recovery.  The missing hiker was eventually found alive & uninjured Friday mid-morning and S&R teams assisted them off the mountain.   The hiker was fortunate for relatively mild temps and conditions overnight.  A total of 18 members participated in this search that took approximately 18 hours start to finish.   Thanks to Steve Mock, Josh Yeadon, Dusty Crowe, Jack Bazemore, Adam Norlander, David Broadhead, Charles Weidow, Kolby Malesich, Cole Cottom,  Evan Helle, Mark Smith, Alex Dunn,  & Charles Wharton for responding as well as Brad Wagner, Zane Wood, Jason Erikson, and Tara Remely for serving as Incident Command.  Special thanks to Grasshopper Valley Fire Department for helping coordinate the initial phase of the search and for use of their building to support resource coordination.      On September 18 th , S&R was called out in the morning to find a hunter who was hunting alone in Gibbonsville area west of Wisdom.  He’d been messaging his family via Garmin InReach 2-3 times a day during his trip but then unexpectedly stopped day prior, causing concern for out of town family members.   S&R dispatched 4 teams and the hunter was eventually found safe & sound near his campsite.   It was later determined that the hunters InReach had needed a reset and had become unable to send additional messages.   Thanks to MD Peterson, Darby Peterson, Jake Peterson, Steve Mock, Josh Yeadon, Jack Bazemore, James Matthews, Trent Cottom, Jason Erickson for responding and Brad Wagner, Russ Sigman, and Tara Remely for serving as Incident Command.   On Sunday September 28 th , S&R hosted approximately 17 young people for our first annual Youth First Aid & CPR training.   Janelle Handlos taught the CPR & First Aid portions of the training, and S&R members also touched on some basic principles for how to not get lost in the wilderness but also some basic steps to take if you do.  It is our hope to offer this to youth in our community annually.   Thank you to Janelle Handlos for partnering with S&R on this event and to the S&R Events Team for hosting a great event.

DILLON, Mont. — [September 30, 2025] — Bicentennial Inc. has officially opened its 2025 grant cycle to support programs and services that improve the lives of senior citizens in Beaverhead County and the Ruby Valley of Madison County. Applications have been mailed to past grant recipients, and new applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline of October 31, 2025. From 2022 through 2024, Bicentennial Inc. distributed more than $640,000 in grant funding to organizations serving local communities. “Supporting senior citizens has always been at the heart of our mission,” said Fred Morganthaler, spokesperson for Bicentennial Inc. “Through these grants, we are able to continue investing in programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors throughout Beaverhead County and the Ruby Valley.” Bicentennial Inc. was formed following the 2022 sale of Bicentennial Apartments Inc. The apartments were originally established in 1976 as a community collaboration to provide safe, affordable housing for seniors in Dillon, Montana. The building was constructed on the site once known as the “cabbage patch” on West Center Street and for decades served as subsidized housing for countless local residents. When the Board of Directors made the difficult decision to sell the property, proceeds from the sale were used to establish Bicentennial Inc. as a foundation dedicated to continuing this legacy of service. Grant recipients for the 2025 cycle will be announced at the Bicentennial Inc. annual banquet on December 5, 2025. Representatives of recipient organizations must be present at the banquet to receive their awards. For more information about the grant process, please contact: Fred Morganthaler Vice President bicentennialinc@gmail.com 406-670-1586

UMW Sports Press Release DILLON, Mont. –  The Montana Western women's rodeo team earned a share of the team title with 425 points at its home rodeo and final event of the Big Sky Region fall slate. The men's rodeo team placed second with 380 points. "I am very happy with the way the kids competed," Head Coach JT Robbins said. "I think we are leaving the fall season healthy and in a good place. We are excited for the spring." LONG GO RESULTS Barrel Racing Laura Haight placed first in the Barrels with a time of 17.17 while Maddie Eskew finished in fourth at 17.36   Goat Tying Brooke Richey's 7.4-second run was good enough for a fifth place showing.   Breakaway Roping Brooke Richey and Teely Bott tied for third, each posting 3.2-second tries. Josie Robbins placed just behind them, tying for fifth with a time of 3.5 seconds.   Team Roping Tavy Leno and Clay Pendergrass took fourth with a 10.0 second run. Kaylee Kesl and Teagen Arnold finished fifth at 10.4 seconds.   Tie-Down Roping Teagen Arnold's 11.3 seconds in the Tie-down earned him second in the long round. Steer Wrestling Bry Severe placed third in the steer wrestling with a 5.5-second effort. Bareback Riding Coy Montgomery took first in Bareback with a score of 71 Bull Riding Westen Wade finished second on night one of the Bull Riding, scoring a 73.   SHORT GO RESULTS Barrel Racing Laura Haight placed fifth in the short-go Barrels, turning in a 17.41-second effort. Goat Tying Tavy Leno took home second in Goat Tying at 7.1 seconds. Breakaway Roping The Bulldogs swept the Short Go Breakaway. Tynell McInenely won the event in a swift 2.9 seconds, followed by Josie Robbins in second (4.1 seconds) and Jacee Winward in third (5.5 seconds). Team Roping Konnor Ward and Carson Daniels placed third in the Team Roping with a time of 18.1 seconds. Tie-Down Roping Cooper Pavkov's 12.3 second effort earned him fourth in the tie-down (30 points). Teagen Arnold turned in a 17.9 second run to take sixth. Steer Wrestling Cooper Pavkov took home third in the Steer Wrestling with a time of 5.6 seconds. Bareback Riding Coy Montgomery improved upon his day one score, posting an 80 to take the Short Go Bareback title. Saddle Bronc Cade Costello took second in the Saddle Bronc (72) while Chase Martin finished fifth (63)   Bull Riding Gavin Knutson finished second in the Short Go Bull Riding with a 79 with Westen Wade following right behind in third at 78 AVERAGE Barrel Racing Laura Haight's two-run time of 34.58 landed her in first place in Barrels average and earning her 60 points for the team. Goat Tying Tavy Leno posted a two-round time of 14.8, good enough for third place and 40 points for the Bulldogs. Breakaway Roping UMW had five riders earn points in the average breakaway. Tynell McInenly won the average with a combined time of 6.5 seconds (60 points). Josie Robbins (7.6 seconds, 50 points) and Jacee Winward (9.1 seconds, 40 points) rounded out the top three. Brooke Richey and Teely Bott tied for sixth with single-round scores of 3.1, earning five points each.   Team Roping Konnor Ward and Carson Daniels placed third in the Team Roping with a two-run time of 30.3 seconds for 40 points. Tavy Leno and Bry Severe's one-round time of 10.0 seconds earned them sixth for 10 points. Bareback Riding Coy Montgomery's aggregate score of 151 put him in first in the Bareback event, earning UMW 60 points. Bull Riding Westen Wade placed second overall in the Bull riding with a combined score of 151, winning 50 points for the Bulldogs. LOOKING AHEAD The Bulldogs will return to action in the spring with six more regular-season events.

UMW Sports Press Release HELENA, Mont. –  The Montana Western volleyball team (7-9, 5-4 FC) were clipped 3-1 by (RV) Carroll College (10-6, 6-3 FC) Friday. Errors hurt the Bulldogs against the Fighting Saints, with UMW committing 34 to Carrolls 23. MATCH SUMMARY Carroll jumped out to an early four-point advantage in set one, and though the Bulldogs closed the gap to just two at one point, the Fighting Saints snagged the 1-0 lead 25-21. UMW bounced back in the second frame with a commanding 25-15 win to even things at one set apiece. The third set was a back-and-forth affair, but the host managed to pull away at the end, winning 25-18 to make it 2-1. Montana Western's offense stalled in the fourth, allowing Carroll to run away with the match with a 25-14 victory in the final frame. LEADERBOARD Averi Look paced the team with 11 kills, followed by Jordan Olson with 10. Megan Hardman tallied a team-best 17 assists. Taylor Ketchum posted a game-high 21 digs. Jaiden Perez led the way at the net with a game best 6.0 blocks. Savana Warburton , Madisyn Frazier , and Jayda Ward all recorded one ace. SPLIT BOX UMW outperformed Carroll in kills (42-40), assists (41-37), digs (73-66) and blocks (7-5), but were bested in aces (3-5). LOOKING AHEAD Western is back home for five straight matches in Straugh Gymnasium. First up is MSU-Northern Oct. 3.

HELENA, Mont. –  Montana Western football's Seth Shook was named Erck Hotels/ Frontier Conference Football Offensive Player of the Week Monday after a career outing in the #9 Bulldogs win over #20 Dickinson State. This marks the first Player of the Week honor of his career. "Seth was locked in all week and prepped really well for everything that was going to come his way," Head Coach Ryan Nourse said. "He blocked relentlessly and took advantage of the throws that came his way and had an incredible performance." Shook was the epitome of efficiency against the Blue Hawks, catching three touchdown passes on three total receptions in the contest. The sophomore wide receiver caught a career-long 75-yard touchdown reception to get things started offensively for the Bulldogs. His two other TD catches were also over 20 yards, going for 21 in the second quarter and 28 in the third. The Richland, Wash., native earned career-highs in both receiving yards (124) and single-game touchdown catches (3). It also marked the second time this season that he tallied over 100 receiving yards. LOOKING AHEAD Montana Western travels to the Pacific Northwest this week to take on Southern Oregon Saturday (10/4). Kickoff is set four 1 p.m. PT / 2 p.m. MT.

DILLON, Mont. – The University of Montana Western football team (3-1) earned a statement win on Saturday afternoon, defeating No. 20 Dickinson State 41-21 at Bulldog Stadium. Head Coach Ryan Nourse described the game as “a roller coaster,” noting his team’s ability to push through inconsistency and finish strong. “That’s hard to keep any consistency in any aspect of the game,” Nourse said. “I am really happy that we put together a good fourth quarter, ran the ball well, and finished strong to put away a good DSU team.” Offensive Firepower Quarterback Michael Palandri led the charge for the Bulldogs, completing 17 of 23 passes for 376 yards and five touchdowns, while also adding a rushing score. He connected on six completions of 20+ yards, including a 75-yard strike in the first quarter to set the tone early. Eli Nourse and Seth Shook proved unstoppable in the receiving game. Nourse: 199 yards and two touchdowns, highlighted by a 65-yard catch. Shook: 124 yards and three scores on just three receptions. UMW finished with 464 yards of total offense, averaging 10.5 yards per play. The Bulldogs scored on all three of their red-zone trips and converted four of eight third-down attempts. Defensive Standouts Montana Western’s defense piled up a season-high 92 total tackles, including 48 solo stops. The unit also logged six tackles for loss and three sacks while forcing a fumble and grabbing an interception. Tyler Walker: 14 tackles Jace Fitzgerald: 13 tackles, fumble recovery Reece Stanish: 9 tackles Devin Crow: 8 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble Brady Mounts: interception (his second in as many games) In total, 20 different Bulldogs recorded a tackle, with nine posting five or more. Dickinson State Recap The Blue Hawks (now 2-2) managed 353 yards of offense, with 212 of those on the ground. Quarterback Hudsen Grovom accounted for all three DSU touchdowns (two rushing, one passing), while Jackson Simonson led with 64 rushing yards. Defensively, Dickinson State tallied 44 tackles, one sack, and an interception. Dylan Dahlgren and Shel Osborne paced the Blue Hawks with six tackles each. With the win, Montana Western improves to 3-1 and hands Dickinson State its second loss of the season. The Bulldogs now turn their focus to the road, traveling to face Southern Oregon on Oct. 4. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. PT / 2 p.m. MT. click here for tickets and info Click here The Hunt for Squatch starts 10/01 New customers mention this ad get 10% off

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball | September 25, 2025 | Claire Gay Photo Credit Terri Haverfield BILLINGS, Mont. –  The Montana Western volleyball team (7-8, 5-3 FC) dominated Rocky Mountain (0-12, 0-8 FC) 3-0 Thursday evening in Billings. The Bulldogs held the Battlin' Bears under 20 points in all three sets. "I thought tonight was an all-around great team win," Head Coach Katie Lovett said. "I was extremely impressed with our defense today and the team's ability to extend plays." UMW hit a .250 clip as a team, including hitting .300 in two of the three sets played. The Bulldogs held Rocky to a .026 hitting percentage on the night. Individually, three players hit over .350 for Western, led by Jordan Olson at .421 (10-19). Jaiden Perez (.385, 7-13), and Kennedy Lingenfelter (.364, 5-11) finished second and third, respectively. The nine aces by the Bulldogs are tied for second most in a single game this season. MATCH SUMMARY Big runs by Montana Western allowed the team to lead by as many as nine early in the opening set, and the Bulldogs increased their lead to 12 at the end take the 1-0 lead 25-13. The second frame saw the Battlin' Bears briefly take the lead 6-5, but UMW quickly regained control and claimed the second set 25-18. Western started the final set with a 10-3 run and led by as many as 12. RMC made a late push, but the Bulldogs completed the sweet 25-19. LEADERBOARD Olson led the way offensively with a game-best 10 kills. Taylor Petersen registered a game-high 19 assists. Taylor Ketchum paced all players with 22 digs. Olson and Perez shared the game-lead with five blocks apiece. Megan Hardman landed a game-best three service aces.   SPLIT BOX Montana Western held the statistical advantage in every major category, outperforming Rocky in kills (42-24), aces (9-3), blocks (9-1), assists (41-23), and digs (56-47). LOOKING AHEAD The Bulldogs return to the court tomorrow when they take on Carroll College in Helena. First serve is set for 7 p.m. MT

Rodeo September 25, 2025 Claire Gay DILLON, Mont. –  The Montana Western men's and women's rodeo teams are set to represent Montana Western and the Dillon community this weekend as they host the annual Montana Western Home Rodeo Sept. 26 and 27 at the Beaverhead County Fairgrounds.    SCHEDULE  Friday, Sept. 26 4-6 p.m. MT – Western Welcome Party at Atomic 79 7 p.m. MT – Performance                        Slack to begin immediately after Friday performance Saturday, Sept. 13 8 a.m. MT – Slack continued 1:30 p.m. MT – Calcutta at the Den 7 p.m. MT – Short Go Round  ADMISSION  Both the Friday and Saturday performances will have a $15 admission fee for adults and $5 for kids. UMW Students get free entry with a Bulldog Card. The Saturday morning Slack is free entry.  BULLDOG ROUNDUP  UMW has been a steady contender all fall. The men's team has earned two first place and one second place finishes while the women's side has placed second twice and third once.  In the Big Sky region, both teams currently sit second in the overall standings. The men's team has racked up 1,936.50 points and the women's ha tallied 719.50. In the NIRA national rankings, the men are currently in third and the women in fourth.  THE LINEUP  Friday Performance Barrel Racing Laura Haight Maddie Eskew Teely Bott   Goat Tying Jaycie Richey Josie Robbins Kaylee Kesl   Breakaway Roping Josie Robbins Brooke Richey   Steer Wrestling Teagen Arnold Tatum Hansen Carson Daniels Bry Severe Cooper Pavkov   Tie-Down Roping Bry Severe Racin Allen Jake Deveraux   Bareback Riding Coy Montgomery   Saddle Bronc Riding Denten Skjonsberg Cade Costello Cooper Olaveson Chase Martin Cardell Laughery   Bull Riding Westen Wade Gavin Knutson   Team Roping Taylor Burgee / Cooper Olaveson Brooke Richey / Jade Ramon Tavy Leno / Clay Pendergrass Charlee Resch / Tynell McInenly   Friday Slack Breakaway Roping Charlee Resch Laura Haight Hailey Matthews Tori Murnion Tavy Leno Mylee Barry   Saturday Slack Barrel Racing Kaylee Kesl Taylor Burgee Brylan Garrett Cole Collins Josie Robbins Tavy Leno Kennedy Lingenfelter Mylee Barry Kassidy Bremner Tori Murnion Casey Orduno Hailey Matthews Georgia King Kelsi Costello Sydney Fitzpatrick   Goat Tying Brylan Garrett Kelsi Costello Mackenzie Griffin Tavy Leno Charlee Resch Brooke Richey Tynell McInenly Georgia King   Breakaway Roping Teely Bott Brylan Garrett Tynell McInenly Kaylee Kesl Jacee Winward Georgia King Jaycie Richey Kelsi Costello Kadie Bends Taylor Burgee Kassidy Bremner Mackenzie Griffin   Steer Wrestling Clay Pendergrass Luke Garrison Grant Kiechler Tie-Down Roping Teagen Arnold Cooper Pavkov Jade Ramon   Team Roping Cooper Pavkov / Jake Deveraux Grant Kiechler / Dillon Waymire Kaylee Kesl / Teagen Arnold Teely Bott / Bry Severe Coy Montgomery / Jacee Winward Jaycie Richey / Laura Haight Tori Murnion / Kayton French Tatum Hansen / Cade Costello Racin Allen / Jake Miller Josie Robbins / Kelsi Costello Konnor Ward / Carson Daniels Gavin Knutson / Luke Garrison    THE OPPONENTS  The field consists of seven teams, including Dawson CC, Miles CC, Montana, Montana State, MSU-Northern, Northwest College, and UMW.  LOOKING AHEAD  The Bulldogs will return to action in the spring with six regular-season events. The Hunt for Squatch Click for details

DILLON — A University of Montana Western student from Nevada has been charged with felony negligent homicide in connection with a car crash that killed seven-year-old Enoch Haworth. Hunter James Stoeberl appeared Tuesday, Sept. 24, in Beaverhead County Justice Court, where Judge Randi Braddock set his bond at $25,000, with the option of a $10,000 cash bond. He is currently being held at the Beaverhead County Jail. If convicted, Stoeberl faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $50,000. A meal train has been set up for Enochs family if you would like to help click here . Also a GoFundMe has been set up as well you can click here .

A Go Fund Me has been set up for the boys family. If you would like to donate here is the link https://gofund.me/2d739ed78 DILLON — Tuesday evening first responders were called to the corner of Atlantic and Helena Streets following a vehicle-versus-bicycle accident involving a minor child. Emergency crews arrived quickly, with paramedics working to stabilize the young patient for transport. The intersection was closed to traffic for several hours as Dillon Police, the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montana Highway Patrol investigated the scene. At 9 p.m., Dillon Elementary School Superintendent Randy Shipman released a statement on Facebook confirming the tragic loss of a Parkview Elementary School student. “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that I share the tragic news of the passing of one of our beloved students at Parkview Elementary School,” Shipman wrote. “Our entire school community is mourning this unimaginable loss. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the student’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.” Shipman noted that grief counselors and support staff will be available at the school to help students and staff process the tragedy. He asked the community to respect the family’s privacy as they grieve. Authorities confirmed that the crash remains under active investigation. Law enforcement has asked that anyone with information contact the Dillon Police Department. Press release from Dillon Police Department September 23, 2025 Press Release: On September 23, 2025, Dillon Police Officers, Dillon Volunteer Fire Department, Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office and Beaverhead Emergency Medical Service responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a bicyclist. The bicyclist was a young juvenile who was later pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital. The parents of the child have been notified prior to this release but due to this being an active investigation we will not be releasing any of the names involved at this point. Montana Highway Patrol is assisting with this investigation and we would like to thank all of our partners in this community, who play a vital role in these cases. Sincerely, Joel Stewart Acting Chief of Police This is a developing story, and additional updates will be provided as they become available.

The University of Montana Western has been ranked #5 in Top Public Schools – Regional Colleges (West) and #15 in Best Regional Colleges (West) by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025-26 rankings. U.S. News & World Report’s  Best Colleges rankings  have guided millions of students and families in their college search. The 2026 edition evaluates more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities, using up to 17 factors to measure academic quality and graduate success. “For over four decades, Best Colleges has served as a trusted and data-backed resource for students and families navigating the complex college search process,” says LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for Education at U.S. News. “Over the years, Best Colleges has evolved into a comprehensive tool that reflects the changing landscape of higher education, providing prospective students with a crucial starting point to identify schools that align with their academic and personal goals.” U.S. News calculates each ranking based on a specific methodology, using factors including graduation and retention rates, academic quality, Pell Grant recipient graduation rates, social mobility, first-generation student graduation rates, student support services, financial support, and academic resources for faculty. In addition to being ranked #15 in Regional Colleges (West) and #5 in Top Public Schools (West), Montana Western also ranked #22 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. The Western region includes 15 states: Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Montana, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Alaska, and Hawaii. To view Montana Western’s full rankings list, visit:  https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/montana-western-2537/overall-rankings . Academic programs 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 Montana Western enjoy a close-knit community and small class sizes, where they work closely with peers and professors. The 20-acre campus is an excellent place for students to benefit from the Experience One program, which emphasizes experiential learning and helps students build critical and creative thinking skills for real-world careers and graduate school. Montana Western’s commitment to engagement and support offers students a high-quality education at one of the most affordable tuition rates in the region. 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.

DILLON, Mont. (Sept. 22, 2025)  – Nearly 400 community members gathered Monday evening in Jaycee Park to honor the life of Charlie Kirk, who was killed earlier this month during a debate event at Utah Valley University. The vigil opened with a prayer, followed by reflections from students involved in the Turning Point USA chapter in Dillon, as well as members of Chi Alpha and Waypoint Church. Speakers shared stories of how Charlie had influenced their lives, with some recalling personal encounters. After each speech, attendees observed a moment of silence. A single candle was lit in Charlie’s memory, and from that flame nearly 400 others were kindled, symbolizing both his life and the lives of others lost to violence in recent weeks. The gathering remained peaceful throughout. Law enforcement was present but not called upon to intervene. Volunteers offered cocoa, tea, and cookies to help attendees stay warm and comfortable as they reflected together.

WISDOM, Mont. (Sept. 21, 2025)  – A 44-year-old Wisdom man was found deceased Sunday morning after authorities located his vehicle overturned in the water along Lower North Fork Road outside of Wisdom, according to the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded around 10:37 a.m. after receiving a report of a vehicle upside down in the water with only its tires visible. When a deputy arrived on scene, it appeared the driver’s side door had been forced open, suggesting someone may have attempted to escape. The search initially focused on locating the vehicle’s registered owner at his home and workplace, but when he was not found, attention returned to the submerged vehicle. Sheriff Wendt entered the water with chest waders, secured by a rope, and was able to pry open the passenger door. Inside, he discovered the body of the missing man. Investigators determined the man had been seen the previous night and had likely been in the vehicle overnight. His identity has not yet been released, pending notification of out-of-state family members. Update 09/22 5:20 pm driver of the vehicle has been identified as 44 year old Trevor Lee Nelson of Wisdom MT. The Montana Highway Patrol is leading the crash investigation. Authorities said alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the incident.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers September 24th, 2025 7:00 P.M. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE   A .        MAYOR’S DECISION TO CLOSE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC, PER SECTION 2-3-203(4) MCA RE: Litigation Captioned Eric Wendland and Alicia Wendland, v. City of Dillon,  DV-1-2025-14848-BC Montana                                     B.         DISCUSS A STRATEGY TO BE FOLLOWED WITH RESPECT TO SAID LITIGATION                                                 C.        RECONVENE IN OPEN MEETING   D.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE  AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY   E.         ADJOURNMENT   PLEASE NOTE: The City of Dillon understands that citizens have the right under the Montana Constitution to observe and participate in local governmental affairs by personally attending all public meetings of the Dillon City Council and other City boards and committees. This meeting is closed to the public and reopens as normal. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528, allowing permission for microphone and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245. Please mute your microphone until you desire to comment. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245.

Montana Western is getting set to host the 33rd Annual Bulldog Bash on Oct. 11! The day kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with a community tailgate at Bulldog Stadium, followed by the Montana Western vs. Carroll College football game at 1:00 p.m. Alumni, supporters, and community members are invited to come out and show their Bulldog pride. Following the football game, join us for the Bulldog Bash. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. for no-host cocktails, and a roast beef dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. The evening will feature a student-athlete speaker and a special video presentation offering a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of UMW student-athletes, highlighting football player Jonathan Kirkley and volleyball player Jordan Olson. Guests will also have the chance to participate in a silent auction and an exciting live auction lineup. Funds raised during the Bulldog Bash support scholarships and program enhancements for UMW's student-athletes. The event provides a fun and meaningful way for alumni, boosters, families, and friends of the University to connect and support Bulldog Athletics. Advance ticket purchase is required. To purchase tickets, please visit  https://tinyurl.com/DawgBash25  or call Kelly Allen at 406-683-7306. For more information, or to make a donation to the silent or live auction, please contact Jolene Robbins, Special Events and Alumni Coordinator, at 406-683-7303 or  jolene.robbins@umwestern.edu . UMW Athletics and the Foundation thank the community for their continued support and look forward to another memorable Bulldog Bash!

Football September 22, 2025 Claire Gay HELENA, Mont. –  Montana Western football player Maclain Burckley was named Erck Hotels/ Frontier Conference Football Special Teams Player of the week after a solid performance at Rocky Mountain Sept. 20 This marks the first Player of the Week honor of his career. "Maclain has become a huge part of the success of our team early in his career," Head Coach Ryan Nourse said. "He works tirelessly at being his best and the positive results are speaking for themselves." Burckley had a perfect day kicking against Rocky, going 3-of-3 on PAT kicks and 2-of-2 in field goals. He drilled a season-best 47-yard attempt just before halftime to put Bulldogs up 13-7. He also recorded four punts for 45.0 yards per punt, including a 51-yard effort. All of his four punts landed inside the opponent's 20-yard line His 47-yard field goal is the longest by any kicker in the Frontier Conference this season. Burckley's three made field goals on the year have all been over 30 yards. The redshirt-freshman has drained all 13 PAT attempts this season and is 3-of-4 on field goal attempts. He has tallied 11 punts for 466 yards (42.36 yards per punt). His 16 kickoffs have gone for 1,035 yards (64.7 yards per kick). LOOKING AHEAD Montana Western is back in Bulldog Stadium this week as they welcome Dickinson State Saturday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. MT.

The Montana Youth Challenge Academy, in partnership with the Montana National Guard 1-189th (General Support Aviation Battalion) and the University of Montana Western, will be hosting an educator airlift event on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. This event provides Montana high school administrators, counselors, and staff an opportunity to interact with current cadets and learn more about the Challenge Model of youth development and UMW’s Experience One program. Attendees will be flying in from locations across the state including the cities of: Kalispell, Missoula, Great Falls, Helena, Billings, and Bozeman. The purpose of this event is to create statewide partnerships so that MYCA can better support Montana’s youth. As part of the day’s activities, military helicopters are scheduled to land around noon on the south end of campus in the tailgating/parking area. This will be an exciting opportunity to see aircraft land on campus, but it also requires some important safety measures: The south tailgating/parking lot and the adjacent parking lot near the BARC will be closed during the event. These areas must remain clear to provide safe landing space and to account for rotor wash from the helicopters as they land and take off throughout the afternoon. To ensure public safety, it is critical that all observers stay clear of these areas on October 8.  We appreciate your cooperation in keeping these spaces clear and safe for this special event. For more information, please contact the Montana Youth Challenge Academy at 406-960-4424. The Great Squatch Hunt starts 10/01 click for details