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UMW Sports Press Release BUTTE, Mont. –  The Montana Western football team (0-1) was clipped by rival Montana Tech (1-0) 38-27 Thursday in Butte. Despite holding the hosts to just seven points in the second half, the Bulldogs could not overcome the 21-point hole they found themselves in after the first quarter. "Tech deserves all the credit for a great win, they outplayed us in every way," UMW head coach Ryan Nourse said. "They desired to win and most of our team merely wanted it to happen. Big games are normally won by the team that makes the fewest mistakes and makes big plays in special teams, and that was Tech today, not the Bulldogs. We have a long way to go to see if we can make this a great team, and we will regroup tomorrow and start working on improving and growing." Michael Palandri paced the Bulldog offense, throwing for 285 yards and three touchdowns while also taking one to the house himself. Eli Nourse racked up 188 total yards and caught the first touchdown from Palandri to put UMW on the board. Seth Shook (85 yards) and Landon Charlton (24 yards) also tallied receiving touchdowns for Western. Connor Dunlea led UMW's defensive efforts, recording 11 total tackles, including four solo take downs. Tyler Schoen (nine) and Jace Fitzgerald (eight) ranked second and third in tackles, respectively. Fitzgerald led the game in solo tackles with seven, three more than any other player. On special teams, Maclain Burckley was three-for-three on point-after attempts. He registered six punts for 247 yards (41.2 avg.). UMW held the statistical advantage in first downs (20-18), total offense (390-387), and passing yards (285), but the Orediggers came out on top in rushing yards (214-105). The biggest difference-maker in the contest was on special teams, with Montana Tech reaching 200 total return yards compared to just 26 from the Bulldogs. Levi Torgerson put in a strong shift for Tech, recording 203 return yards and two return touchdowns. He opened the game with a 100-yard kickoff return to put the Orediggers up early, and followed that up with a 91-yard punt return later in the game. He also tallied one passing touchdown in the game. Jarrett Wilson also earned a passing TD for the hosts, going 7-9 for 77 yards. Wykece Johnson rushed for 167 yards, including a 74-yard touchdown run, while Nick Michelotti and Parker Johnston each caught a touchdown pass as well. LOOKING AHEAD  Montana Western welcomes MSU-Northern Sept. 6 for its 2025 home opener. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. MT.

SILVER STAR, MT  – On August 23, around 1:48 p.m., emergency responders responded to a serious motorcycle crash on Highway 41 near Silver Star. The incident involved a Kawasaki and a Harley-Davidson, both traveling northbound. According to reports, the Kawasaki began turning around when it was struck by the Harley-Davidson. Both motorcycles tipped over and slid across the southbound lanes before coming to rest on the shoulder. The driver of the Harley-Davidson was pinned beneath the motorcycle during the crash. Both drivers were transported to a nearby medical facility. However, tragically, the driver of the Harley-Davidson succumbed to his injuries the following day. Neither driver was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

DILLON, MT  – On August 25, 2025, at approximately 5:59 p.m., the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a shooting incident in the Trapper Creek area near Melrose. The call came from the Forest Service Fire Desk regarding an individual with a gunshot wound. A fire crew patrolling the Trapper Creek/Canyon Creek area came across three individuals from Butte, one person who had sustained a gunshot wound to the head. At this time, details about the victim remain limited. Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office, Butte Police Department, Forest Service Law Enforcement, Bureau of Land Management Law Enforcement, Montana Highway Patrol, A1 Ambulance, and Life Flight. Upon arrival, law enforcement confirmed that the 18-year-old victim had died from his injuries. An extensive investigation led to the conclusion that the gun shot was self-inflicted. The victim was transported to Brundage Funeral Home in Dillon. Other involved individuals, an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old, were transported back to Butte by Montana Highway Patrol. Authorities have confirmed that alcohol and marijuana were factors in the incident. The case remains active, and names are not being released at this time. This devastating event is the worst news any family could receive about their child.

Updated traffic is moving and the exit is open back up. DILLON, MT  – As of 12 p.m. on Wednesday, the northbound interchange ramp is closed to southbound traffic after a semi truck carrying fertilizer tipped over, blocking the lane. First responders are on the scene managing traffic and working to clean up the fertilizer spill. Crews are also working to remove the truck and reopen the lane as quickly as possible. This is an ongoing situation, and we will provide updates once the lane is cleared.

UMW Sports Press Release DILLON, Mont. –  UMW Football begins its 2025 season on the road at rival Montana Tech Thursday evening. The Bulldogs and Orediggers are set for a 6 p.m. MT kickoff at Alumni Stadium in Butte.  GAME COVERAGE  Thursday at Montana Tech- Watch Live , Live Stats  FROM THE DAWG HOUSE  Montana Western, tabbed fifth in the nation in the first NAIA poll of the season, start out on the road for the third time in the last four seasons. It also marks the earliest rivalry matchup between UMW and Tech in recent memory, with the two sides having enjoyed mid-season bouts since at least 2017. The Bulldogs are coming off a 10-2 2024 season and enter Thursday's clash as back-to-back Frontier Conference regular-season champion.  PLAYERS TO WATCH  The Bulldogs brought back some key players from its 2024 title-winning squad: Offense Michael Palandri (QB)- threw for nearly 3,700 yards and 34 touchdowns in '24. Eli Nourse (WR)- 1,205 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Jake Humphrey (RB)- 948 yards, 12 touchdowns. Defense Jace Fitzgerald (LB)- 81 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, 4.5 sacks. Keegen Muffich (LB) 98 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks. Tyler Walker - 45 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, 6.0 sacks.  NEW-LOOK FRONTIER CONFERENCE  With the expansion of the Frontier Conference prior to the 2025 season, UMW now competes in the West Division of the league. The six other programs in the division are Arizona Christian, Carroll, College of Idaho, Eastern Oregon, Simpson, and Southern Oregon. This season, the Bulldogs will play four "non-conference" contests, two on the road (Montana Tech, RMC) and two at Bulldog Stadium (MSU-Northern, Dickinson State) before FC play begins at Southern Oregon.  THE OPPONENTS  The Orediggers, who finished 9-3 and reached the second round of the 2024 NAIA Football Championship Series, returned some important players on both sides of the ball this season. Third-Team All-Frontier wide receiver and First-Team All-Frontier return specialist Levi Torgerson (685 return yards, 487 receiving yards, six touchdowns) is back, as are Second-Team All-Frontier offensive lineman Shannen O'Brien and Second-Team All-Frontier defensive lineman Anthony Oakes (57 tackles, 11 tackles-for-loss, 5.5 sacks). All-Frontier honorable mentions Payton Gonser (defensive back- 66 tackles, two tackles-for-loss) and Derek Pearse (tight end- 73 receiving yards, five touchdowns) also return to strengthen Montana Tech's 2025 squad.  LOOKING AHEAD  Montana Western welcomes MSU-Northern Sept. 6 for its 2025 home opener. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. MT.

VIRGINIA CITY – Lands in Madison County managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will be under Stage II fire restrictions beginning Aug. 28. FWP follows the county’s lead in placing fire restrictions on its properties within a particular county. These restrictions at FWP sites will be in place until further notice. FWP urges people to use caution while recreating due to dry conditions and fire danger. Under Stage II fire restrictions, the following activities are prohibited at all times on FWP lands: Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials Stage II fire restrictions also prohibit operating any internal combustion engine from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily, except motorized vehicles on roads and trails designated for motorized travel. To learn more and to see current fire restrictions for other areas of Montana, click here .

It’s Montana’s biggest weekend, and summer is winding down! But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered with all the Labor Day weekend happenings, all in one convenient place on Southwestern Montana News . Make the most of this final summer weekend! Click here for PDF 2025 Beaverhead County Fair Book Wednesday August 27th 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Commercial and Food Booth Set-up, Fairgrounds 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Judging of Open Class Entries, All Non-Animal Departments Noon - 8:00 p.m. 4-H Building Open for entries 3:00 p.m. 4-H Cat Show and Judging, 4-H Building 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. * Check in of all 4-H, FFA, and Open Class Livestock (not including Poultry & Rabbits) 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Music on the Midway: Katie Hall 6:30 p.m. Beaverhead County Fair Open 4D Barrel Race (Online registration only!) Thursday August 28 8:00 a.m. 4-H, FFA & Open Market Swine Judging followed by Swine Showmanship Class 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 4-H Building Exhibits Entry (NO entries accepted after 8:00 p.m. or on Friday morning) 10:00 a.m. PRCA Breakaway Roping and Barrel Racing Slack 1:00 p.m. 4-H, FFA & Open Market Beef Judging followed by Beef Showmanship Class 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 4-H & Open Poultry & Rabbits Entry (NO entries accepted after 8:00 p.m. or on Friday morning) 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Music on the Midway: Katie Hall 5:00 p.m. *4-H, FFA & Open Market Sheep Judging followed by Sheep Showmanship Class 5:00 p.m. Entries close for Saturday Arena Events 6:00 p.m. Beaverhead County Fair Team Roping Classic, Harry Andrus Arena 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Karaoke: Prickly Pear Productions Thursday night cruise in on main Join us every other Thursday from 6–8pm, starting May 29th (weather permitting), for our summer Classic Car & Motorcycle Cruise-In Series! The last show of the season will roll out on September 4th. Come line Main Street in Sheridan with classic cars, motorcycles, and friendly faces. Whether you’re showing off your ride or just coming to admire, all are welcome—including those just cruising through! Friday August 29 7:00 a.m. 4-H Breeding Sheep, Breeding Beef, and Breeding Hog Interviews 8:00 a.m. Beaverhead County Fair Team Break-Away Roping (Enter at 7 a.m., Rope at 8 a.m.) 9:00 a.m. Judging of 4-H & Open Poultry & 4-H Poultry Showmanship Interview Judging of all 4-H Building Exhibits - Building closed during interview judging. 9:30 a.m. 4-H and Open Breeding Beef, Sheep, Swine, and Dairy Judging. Show schedule determined by Superintendents. 10:00 a.m. Judging of 4-H Rabbits & 4-H Rabbit Showmanship 10:00 a.m. Beaverhead County Fair Team Branding, Harry Andrus Arena 11:00 a.m. Judging of Open Class Rabbits 2:00 p.m. 4-H Round Robin Showmanship Contest, Lundberg Show Ring 4:00 p.m. FFA Livestock Judging Clinic 5:00 p.m. Beaverhead County Fair Ranch Rodeo, Harry Andrus Arena 7:00 p.m. Silent Auction Bids start, 4-H Building (Bidding ends at 7 p.m. Saturday) 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Karaoke: Prickly Pear Productions Saturday August 30 (Buildings Open 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.) 8:00 a.m. Saturday Arena Events, Harry Andrus Arena (Entries close at 5 p.m. Thursday) 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 4-H & FFA Livestock Sale Buyer’s Barbeque, Lundberg Show Ring 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Music on the Midway: Morgan Seymour 1:30 p.m. 4-H & FFA Market Livestock Sale 4:00 p.m - 6:00 p.m Karaoke: Prickly Pear Productions 7:00 p.m. Silent Auction Bids End, 4-H Building 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 4-H Silent Auction - pick up articles in 4-H Building 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Rabbit Check Out 7:30 p.m. Dillon Jaycees PRCA Rodeo, Harry Andrus Arena (Tickets available online at www.dillonjaycees.com ) 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. *Check-out of all Companion Animals Sunday August 31 Dillon Jaycees Labor Day Concert Clint Black performing live at The Beaverhead County Fairgrounds with Tanner Laws! Get your tickets today at www.dillonjaycees.com 7:00 a.m. PRCA Team Roping, Calf Roping and Steer Wrestling Slack 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 4-H Building Check-out 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Open Exhibits Check-out. PLEASE PICK UP YOUR EXHIBITS. ALL EXHIBITS MUST BE PICKED UP. THANKS FOR YOUR COOPERATION. 9:00 a.m. *All 4-H, FFA & Open Livestock pens (hogs, sheep, beef, goats, etc.) need to be cleaned by 9:00 a.m. No Exceptions. 1:00 p.m. Dillon Jaycees PRCA Rodeo, Harry Andrus Arena (Tickets available online at www.dillonjaycees.com ) 8:00 p.m. Dillon Jaycees Concert, Harry Andrus Arena (Gates open at 7 p.m.) Clint Black with opener Tanner Laws (Tickets available online at www.dillonjaycees.com ) Monday September 1 Dillon Volunteer Fire Dept Labor Day pancake breakfast at the Dillon Fire hall 405 N Idaho St from 7 till noon Cost $10.00 includes all the traditional breakfast items.

From Dillon Police Department Facebook Post: SCAM ALERT: An Individual claiming to be Dan Fields is calling people stating jury notifications were missed and a Federal Court Summons and Warrant has been issued for their arrest. These claims were then followed by an attempted extorsion for money. If you have a Warrant for your arrest, law enforcement will not accept payment over the phone to make the warrant go away. Please call the Dillon Police Department (406-683-3701) or the  or Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office (406-683-3700) if you receive one of these calls. Do not give out personal information. Joel Stewart Assistant Chief of Police

Twin Bridges, MT  – A firefighter working on the Bivens Creek Fire on Sunday afternoon passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest while actively engaged in fire suppression efforts. According to reports, the firefighter was on the ground, working tirelessly to control the blaze when he experienced a sudden cardiac emergency. Rapid medical assistance was provided by a line paramedic on scene, but despite efforts to revive him, resuscitation was unsuccessful. Support services are being offered to those impacted by this tragic loss.

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has closed fishing on the entire Big Hole and Jefferson Rivers due to low stream flows. The closure is effective starting at midnight Aug. 23.   The closures are in accordance with drought management plans on both rivers. On the Jefferson River, the drought plan allows for a river-wide angling closure when stream flows fall below 280 cubic feet per second (cfs) at Twin Bridges. On the Big Hole, the drought plan allows for a river-wide angling closure when flows fall below certain thresholds. Streamflows fell below 100 cfs at Wise River and 150 cfs at Melrose, prompting the closure.  “With no precipitation forecasted for either river, angling closures are a necessary step to protect the fisheries in both rivers,” said Adam Strainer, Fisheries Division Administrator for FWP.   The closure on the Jefferson River is in place from the confluence of the Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers to where it hits the Missouri River. The Big Hole River closure is in place from Saginaw Bridge in its headwaters region to where it meets the Beaverhead River to form the Jefferson River.   The closures will be in place until further notice.  More information on restrictions and closures can be found online here.

HELENA – The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission finalized wolf hunting and trapping regulations during a lengthy meeting Thursday where commissioners heard passionate comments from people around the country.   The Commission debated several amendments to the 2025/2026 Furbearer and Wolf Hunting and Trapping Regulations proposal that FWP released in early July. Though the regulations cover all furbearer trapping and wolf hunting and trapping, the central focus of the discussion was crafting a new set of wolf regulations.   For the 2025/2026 wolf hunting and trapping season the Commission approved a 452 statewide wolf quota, which includes a sub-quota of 60 wolves in Region 3, and separate quotas of three wolves each in Wolf Management Units 313 and 316.  The Commission established that a person may harvest 15 wolves via trapping and 15 wolves via hunting, provided that five wolves from each method of take are harvested in FWP Region 1 or Region 2. Hunters must purchase a wolf license for each wolf they harvest via hunting, but they may purchase up to 15 licenses before going afield.   The Commission approved a regulation allowing a trapper to gain prior authorization from FWP to temporarily leave the live wolf in the trap for the purpose of radio collaring by FWP. In this circumstance the wolf would not be harvested, but the trapper would immediately notify FWP, per the prior authorization arrangement, and a FWP official would radio collar the wolf and release it from the trap.   The Commission approved regulation changes to require that all harvested wolves must be presented to FWP for inspection within 10 days of harvest for pelt tagging, tissue sampling, and tooth extraction. A trapper must present the hide and skull for tagging and sampling within 10 days of harvest. It is now illegal to leave a wolf hide and skull in the field after harvest, even if the hunter or trapper doesn’t want to keep the animal.   The Commission removed trapping setbacks on roads closed to motor vehicle and OHV traffic (except snowmobiles and unless in a designated no trapping area) in Mineral County and on the Spotted Bear Ranger District in northwest Montana.   FWP staff will finalize the regulations and release them online in the coming days. Printed regulations will be available later this summer.  Archery wolf season opens Sept. 6. Trapping season will open Dec. 1, except within the geographic area identified by federal court order. Just like last season, trapping within the geographic area will be limited to Jan. 1 to Feb. 15. The geographic area is all of FWP regions 1, 2 and 3, and portions of regions 4 and 5. This area, with limited trapping dates, is the same as last year, according to the FWP proposal.    Outside this geographic area, wolf trapping closes March 15, 2026, or when a quota is met.

UMW Sports Press Release DILLON, Mont. - First year UMW Women's Basketball Coach Ryan Sullivan announced the hiring of assistant coach Wes Knox on Friday. "This hire is special. Not only is Wes an incredibly knowledgeable and passionate coach, but he's also one of my closest friends and former college teammates. We've been through a lot together, as players and as coaches." UMW Head Coach Ryan Sullivan said. "I couldn't be more excited to have him by my side again, this time at the collegiate level. Wes brings a lot of strengths to the table, but in my opinion his greatest strength as a coach is his ability to empathize with athletes and with his colleagues. He obviously brings a depth of knowledge in the game of basketball, but he truly understands the people he works with. He will be an asset to this University and the people he works closely with will be better for their time spent with him." Knox joins Montana Western after two years as assistant girls' basketball coach at Sheridan HS in Sheridan, Wyo., where he coached under Sullivan. Prior to his time at Sheridan, Knox gained a wealth of experience at the AAU and club level. Knox gained collegiate basketball experience as a player for both Montana Western (2013-14) and Montana (2012). The Dillon, Mont., native earned his bachelor's from University of Montana in 2019. A 2012 graduate of Beaverhead County HS in Dillon, Knox was a three-sport athlete in high school, playing basketball, football, and running track.

The University of Montana Western Foundation and UMW Athletics are excited to announce the 33rd Annual Bulldog Bash, to be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in the Keltz Arena on the University of Montana Western campus. 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 Jack 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!

The University of Montana Western’s Women’s Volleyball team will be conducting a Dillon street cleanup on Saturday, August 23 rd in conjunction with the Kiwanis Club of Dillon. Coach Katie Lovett and her team will kick off the sweep at 10:00a at JC Park and will return for a light lunch at noon. Kiwanis Club President Mike Miller said this is the second such effort on the team’s part. “Our streets could use some ‘tender loving care’ every once in a while, and the Bulldogs have provided some of that care in the past. I’m sure they’ll do a great job again.” Drivers should be aware of the presence of the female athletes along various streets in town during those two hours.

Dillon Public Library upcoming 2025 programs: August 28, 29, & 30 - Annual GIANT Book Sale at the Beaverhead County Fairgrounds - Commercial Building. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. There will be many books (new & used), and other items to purchase. $1.00 a book or a bag/box for $10.00. Money earned goes towards our programs throughout the year. There will also be a phone charging station. Create your own I SPY bottles for $10.00; you get to pick 20 items from variety of choices. The library will be closed August 28 - September 2 while staff is at book sale and for the Federal Holiday. A chance to win a Rodeo ticket or a Concert ticket: Those who buy books from our Book Sale at Fairgrounds on Thursday, Friday & Saturday will get entered into the drawing: 1 entry for $5.00 spent, or 3 entries for $10.00 spent on books or items at sale. THANK YOU to the Dillon JAYCEES for donating the tickets to the Dillon Public Library! Beaverhead County Fair book is now online: https://beaverheadcountymt.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025BeaverheadCountyFairBook.pdf For those who do not have computers at home, the library will have entry forms available FREE of charge. We will also print the rules and needed information for the entries you are actually entering. We can get you online on a public computer if you'd like to read it at your own pace. This is a way for the library to thank the Beaverhead County Fairgrounds for all that they do for us throughout the year. Books & Babies will start up again on September 10, 2025. 10 a.m. at the Dillon Public Library. We have changed to Wednesday mornings this year. Geared towards infants and young children, ages 0-5. September 13 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Dillon Public Library will have a table along with Xuan Li from the University of Montana-Western at the Family Outreach’s third annual Dillon Resource Fair “Adventure Awaits”. This will be at the Dillon National Guard Readiness Center. Learn about local resources available to families and have the chance to connect with families and other organizations in the Dillon area. They will have kid’s activities, prizes donated from local businesses, fire truck, Ambulance and Sherriff’s vehicle tours, and free family photos. September 17 - 5:30 p.m. at the Dillon Public Library - Women's Financial Literacy Workshop: This workshop is FREE and designed to cover a range of important financial topics, including budgeting, saving, investing, and credit management. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive personalized advice from financial experts. The workshops are free of charge. Registration is recommended, as space may be limited. To register, please contact Dillon Public Library or use link: forms.office.com/r/SNGmPqhfi3 Call Dillon Public Library with any questions at (406)683-4544

The University of Montana’s Co-Lab for Civic Imagination brings its exciting theatre event "State of Mind" to Dillon on September 15th. State of Mind is a unique and engaging performance and public dialogue event that is touring to over forty Montana communities from September 2024 to May 2026. The project consists of a free theatre performance for the general public, and workshops for local students, school faculty & staff, mental & behavioral health professionals, public health staff, and law enforcement. The performance will take place at 7pm on September 15th at Frontier Events Center, with workshops taking place earlier in the day at the high school. The workshops will inspire a portion of the performance, ensuring that Dillon’s residents’ voices and ideas are a part of the performance, thereby providing a unique experience for each community that State of Mind visits. The Dillon residency closes out the following morning, September 16th with a community coffee meeting at 9am at the Bank of Commerce meeting room. This will be an opportunity for people to reflect on the workshops and performances, and to discuss potential action and engagement around mental health in Dillon.  State of Mind was developed by a group of professional Montana artists, facilitators, and mental & behavioral health professionals in response to the troubling trends in Montana’s behavioral and mental health outcomes. 35% of adult Montanans report symptoms of anxiety or depression, and Montana ranks in the top five states for highest rates of suicide across all age groups. With so many Montanans living in rural areas, it can be challenging to connect with professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, or addiction counselors in times of crisis or just for regular counseling support.  Health providers and policy experts believe that in addition to having more professionals around the state, we also need to change how we talk about mental health with one another – neighbor to neighbor, Montanan to Montanan. And that’s where State of Mind comes in.  State of Mind director Michael Rohd says, “ The arts are a powerful way to not just share stories, but to gather and imagine the futures we want to see and build together. State of Mind’s goals include tackling stigmas around seeking help, making local resources more visible and contributing to local capacity for community care. We aim to bring diverse Montana voices into health policy & resource conversations across our state, and to make opportunities for those with local knowledge to lead the way as Montana continues to battle our behavioral health crisis.”  In the 2024-25 school year, State of Mind toured to 17 communities around the state, sparking important, positive conversations among over 2000 participants. The impact is felt in both rural communities, and bigger towns. Conrad DeBruycker, the principal of Conrad H.S. says that “ State of Mind stands out as one of the best conversations I’ve had with both students and staff.”  In Butte, community advocate Cassie Weightman, emphasizes “It’s a stunning blend of storytelling – they leave communities stronger, more open, and more connected.”  Here in Dillon, Miranda Zent, a local prevention specialist, and one of the lead organizers of the local event says, “ State of Mind tackles the mental health crisis in Montana through cultural imagination—engaging audiences, sparking creativity, and amplifying the voices and stories of local communities. Our Beaverhead County coalition is proud to welcome this energetic team of artists and educators to Dillon, and we look forward to joining the transformative conversations that have made State of Mind a catalyst for reimagining mental health in Montana.”  After the Dillon engagement, State of Mind will be heading to Forsyth, Miles City, Billings, Boulder, and Harrison among many others. See the full tour calendar here: https://www.umcivicimagination.com/tour-calendar   For more information about State of Mind and the people involved, visit: https://www.umcivicimagination.com/ or follow them on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556751081311   Local support for State of Mind’s residency has been provided by:  Southwest Montana Prevention – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089208395519  Beaverhead County Public Health – https://beaverheadcountymt.gov/public-health-2/   Beaverhead County High School – https://www.bchsmt.com/   Beaverhead County Mental Health Local Advisory Council https://beaverheadcountymt.gov/mental-health-local-advisory-council/   The Women’s Resource Center – https://www.wrcmt.org/  Dillon Bank of Commerce – https://www.bofc.bank/  CONTACT Dillon’s event organizers:  Miranda Zent, Prevention Specialist, Southwest Montana Prevention – bhprevent@swmtprevent.org   CONTACT State of Mind :  Josh Aaseng, Producer of Community Partnerships – josh.aaseng@umt.edu   Michael Rohd, Director – michael.rohd@umt.edu