(Dillon, MT, January 13, 2024) – On Saturday, January 13, three girls and three boys, ages 8-13, were crowned Champions at the Elks South District “Hoop Shoot”® free throw contest, which took place at Straugh Gymnasium on the Montana Western campus in Dillon, MT. • (SEE ATTACHED: RESULTS-SOUTH DISTRICT ELKS HOOP SHOOT) First and second place trophies were awarded to each boy and girl in three categories: ages 8-9,10-11 and 12-13. The contestants who participated at the District Hoop Shoot Contest were crowned Champions at their local Lodge Contest within the Montana South District, comprised of Anaconda #239, Butte #240, Deer Lodge #1737, Dillon #1554 and Helena #193. The three first place boys and girls in age categories 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13 will advance to the Montana State Contest at Park County High School in Livingston, MT on February 3, 2024. They will compete against the Districts Champions from the other four Montana districts. With continued success, the six Montana State Champions will advance to the Regional Contest in Rapid City, SD, on March 9; the National Finals in Chicago, IL, April 20. The names of all the national winners will have their names digitally displayed in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. This program is totally sponsored by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A. It is endorsed by hundreds of school systems around the country. The Elks fund the program primarily through its National Foundation and the support of the local lodges and state associations. The Elks “Hoop Shoot”®, began as a local program by Corvallis Oregon Elks in 1946, is in its 52nd year of national competition. Over three million boys and girls are expected to participate this year. In the past, Montana has crowned several National Champions.

The Beaverhead Search & Rescue held the 38th Annual Stan Shafer Memorial Ice Fishing Derby on Sunday, January 14th. Cold weather would not deter some 200 fishermen from trying their luck at catching the winning fish.    Although this year’s numbers are lower than in the past the Search & Rescue sold 561 tickets to the derby. For those who did not want to brave the cold they could still try their luck at one of the many door prizes a ticket could win as well. The temperatures on Sunday barely reached above zero but for those who stuck it out were able to participate in the 50/50 pot drawings they had three of those throughout the day as well as bringing their catch in to be weighed in hopes of making it on the leaderboard. Those who won are: A 1st - Chris Cotton--Butte, 5lb 6.9oz Rainbow, $400.00 2nd -Chuck (Griz) Clark--Dillon, 5lb 1.6oz Rainbow $200.00 3rd -Chuck (Griz) Clark--Dillon, 4lb 15.7oz Rainbow $100.00 4th -Jackson Crane--Bozeman, 4lb 13.6oz Rainbow $50.00   Adult Ling Contest 1st -Randy Norris—Dillon, 3lb. 11.4oz., $400.00 2nd -Jacob Semsak—Butte, 2lb. 12.7oz., $200.00 Kids Trout Contest 1st -Ripp Knudson—Dillon, 2lb. 15.9oz., Brown $75.00 Ripp is 4 years old and was very proud….. There were no fish turned in for the Kids Ling Contest. The Search & Rescue would like to thank those who helped sponsor the derby.   Car Quest-Bucket Set, Graycee Tibbele Moto Logic-Winter Hat, Danielle Daman John Deere-Sweatshirt, Trent Birge Sports Ware & Design-T-Shirt, Anne Santos Les Schwab-Severe Weather Kit, Sam Poczny Car Quest-Hat, Will Staudenmyer The Mini-$65 Gift Card, Jace Beard Pivots Plus-Yard Sprinkler, Teeden Johnson Patagonia-Hat, Jase B. Town & Country Food-$50 Gift Card, Jase B. Beaverhead Brewing Co.-Growler, Darion Hightower Gyros Wagon-$20 Gift Card, Ed Malesich Murdoch’s-Puffin, Martin Malesich Car Quest-Sweatshirt Gift Set, Ryan Davis DC Rental-$50 Gift Card, Matt Dove Frontier Anglers-Hat, Josh Yeadon Heather Shipman-Scentsy Gift Basket, Brian Walker Duckworth-Crew Socks, Zach Brown Murdoch’s-Puffin, Joe Ostemyer Cranny’s-Black Velvet Whisky, Dave King Car Quest-Hat, Kooper Klobucar Performance Truck-1970 Chevy El Camino, Skip Carter Stageline Pizza-$10 Gift Card, Wyatt Frandsen Cranny’s-Hat, Don Copple BVHD CO. Auto Parts-Heated Seat Pad, Vanessa Ryan Patagonia-Straw Cup, Bucky Nelson 3-D-Hat, Rocco Beccans Rocky Mountain-Ice Gear Auto Tamer, Klause Rauser Murdochs-Hydro Flask, Big Tyme Amanda Bergeson-1 Hr Massage, Steve Damon Black Rifle-Coffee Mug, Sherri Salyer Sparky’s Garage-$25 Gift Card, Brody Henry BVHD Motor Sports-Klim Mommoth Socks, Helen Duran Shepherd’s Garage Inc-Hat, Tracy VanHorne Dillon Medical-First Aid Kit, Irma Vazquez Murdoch’s-Puffin, Don Erslie Gyros Wagon-$20 Gift Card, Conrad McDougal Vision Source-Dragon Sun Glasses, Molli Wall DC Rental-$50 Gift Card, Kyle Rawson Beaverhead Golf Course-2-9 Hole W/Cart, Jim Cusick Beaverhead Motor Sports-Polaris T-Shirt, Heidi Bennett Shepherd’s Garage Inc-Hat, Troy Buhr Standard Lumber-2 Pack Tape Measures, Chuck Walker Ghirardelli Chocolate, Josie Windauer Murdoch’s-Hydro Flask, Will Martin Pomp’s Tire Service-$75 Gift Card, Harper Clark Murdoch’s-Puffin, Mike Jones Beaverhead Motor Sports-Polaris T-Shirt, Justin Bair Sparky’s Garage-$100 Gift Card, Eldon Wheekly Dillon Liquor Store-$25 Gift Card, Jack McKey Dillon Medical-First Aid Kit, Andy Tate NV Salon-Revzel, Chad Rice Intermountain Irrigation, $50 Cash, Joey Beers Murdoch’s-Hydro Flask, Kevin Peterson Beaverhead Motor Sports-Klim Socks, Kyra Todd Pivots Plus-Hat, Seth Williams Sparky’s Garage-$25 Gift Card, Darrell Smith Way Point Church-$20 Gift Card Rocky MTN, Mike English Shepherd’s Garage-Hat, Gisell High Murdoch’s-Yeti Bucket, Paityn Tarter Antlers Saloon-$50 Gift Card, Grady Tranthum Auto Barn-Free Alignment, Cory Mertins Dillon Collision-$100 Gift Card, Orlin Southwick Anglers Village-$25 Gift Card, Jackie Howery Fetty’s-$50 Gift Card, Tim Leeval Beaverhead Motor Sports-Polaris Sweatshirt, Pat Lorensen Subway-6” Sub, Teal Waltman Sparky’s Garage-$25 Gift Card, Dan Pence Murdoch’s-Hydro Flask, Kevin Arnaod Sparky’s Garage-$50 Gift Card, Teresa Tollett Way Point Church-$20 Gift Card Rocky Mtn, Rebecca Moore 3-D-Hat, Carson Parta Murdoch’s-Coffee Mug, James Jess Montana Energy Alliance-Cast Iron Stove, Gary Ferris Sparky’s Garage--$50 Gift Card, Ty Robertson Polaris-Sweatshirt, Cody Tarter Performance Trucks-1970 Chevy El Camino, Ken Scalzone Dillon Medical-First Aid Kit, Bobby Conners Subway-6” Sub, Micah Maxted Big Sky Cinema-Movie Pass, Lynn Stonelake Beaverhead Glass-Beveled Edge Mirror, Coty Ostemyer Dillon Collision-$100 Gift Card, Traci Edwards Shepherd’s Garage-Hat, Jeff Young Badger Archery-Archery Target, R Cruz Pintler Station-$30 off Oil Change, Renny Lawson Salsas-$30 Gift Card, Abbi Hoerauf Murdoch’s-Coffee Mug, Lonny Rand N&N Ice Cream-$30 Gift Card, Katie Bump LS Ready Mix-$50 Cash, Bryer Anderson Murdoch’s-Yeti Bucket, Aaron Knudson LS Ready Mix-$50 Cash, Bill Naly N&N Ice Cream-Ross Hoyle Town & Country-$50 Gift Card, Martin Malesich Sparky’s Garage-$50 Gift Card, Sondra Rand Subway-6” Sub, Dave Blank Subway-6” Sub, Nancy Stiles Sparky’s Garage-$25 Gift Card, Jack Winkle N&N Ice Cream-$30 Gift Card, Travis Capp NV Salon-Haircut with Kristy, Jon Hoerning Subway-6” Sub, Robin Ellis The Knotty Pine-Mug, Mike Tyler G.O.’s Jerky Barn-Beef Nuggets, Joni Remely G.O.’s Jerky Barn-Beef Jerky, Kirk Bergeson G.O.’s Jerky Barn-Beef Jerky, Brian Remely G.O.’s Jerky Barn-Salami & Cheese, Colton Harrison Search & Rescue-$150 Cash, Alden Cashmor

Sunday afternoon a semi-truck who had just fueled up and went to leave the Gateway Canyon Travel Plaza had quit the shock. As the driver was making the turn to get back onto I-15 the trailer, he was pulling with a load of flat rocks, came off and continued its way into the ditch. No injuries were reported.

This weekend’s record cold temperatures are causing not only headaches for homeowners with frozen pipes but also with ice jams that lead to flooding. Sunday morning Dillon saw ice jams on the Beaverhead River causing it to back up on the bridge for Lakner Lane. This has caused flooding into Selway Park as well as neighboring fields. At the time of this release Southwestern Montana News spoke to Sheriff Wendt who made a phone call to Disaster and Emergency Coordinator Tom Wagenknecht who stated they are working on getting some gravel and sand with the help of locals to try and detour and stop the flooding. Please avoid these areas as they can be dangerous.

From Madison County Office of Emergency Assistance Madison County has issued an ice jam flood watch for two areas. Twin Bridges- Big Hole River between Pennington Bridge and Melrose Road. Ennis- Ennis Bridge and Valley Gardening fishing access have been closed. Both areas have been issued these warnings as conditions are favorable for flooding. As always this does not mean flooding will occur, but the possibility is there. Please avoid these areas, as always be safe, use caution, and be prepared.

January 17 th , 2024 6:45 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE TRANSPORTATION COORDINATION PLAN 7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE A. MINUTES 1. Approve January 3 rd , 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes B. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 1. Presentation of Funds from BeTheChange406 Youth Coalition 1. Excuse Councilperson Schultz from February 7 th Meeting C. MAYOR’S REPORT 1. Discuss/Approve Resolution Calling for an Election 2. Discuss/Approve Resolution to Set a Hearing for Public Comment on HB 355 Priority List 3. Discuss/Approve Lease Agreement with Beaverhead Community Wood Bank 4. Appoint Diane Armstrong to the Library Board as Council Member 5. Reappoint the Following to the Tree Board: a. Mary Jo O’Rourke, Council Member b. Tim Egan, Citizen Member c. Ann Egan, Citizen Member 6. Discuss/Appoint Ward 4 Councilmember D. REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1. Library Board Diane Armstrong, Council Member; Lori Canady, Library Director a. Accept Minutes from November 28, 2023 2. Planning Board 3. Zoning Commission 4. Board of Adjustments 5. Director of Operations 6. Police Department – Police Chief Jeremy Alvarez a. Accept December, 2023 Activity Report b. Accept 2023 Total Year Report c. 2024 Goals 7. Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose a. Accept December, 2023 Activity Report b. Approve City Clerk Report for Fire Hall for December, 2023 c. Approve Budget vs. Expenditures Report for Fire Hall for September, 2023 8. City Court – Judge Bill Knox a. Accept December 2023 Court Report 9. Treasurer – Karen Kipp 10. Tree Board E. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1. Judiciary Committee 2. Finance Committee 3. Fire and Order Committee 4. Health and Welfare 5. Cemetery Committee 6. Parks Committee 7. City Hall Committee 8. Street and Alley Committee 9. Water and Sewer Committee F. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY G. 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 open to the public 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.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information, Photo Credit Terri Haverfield After last ditch effort in the fourth quarter, the Montana Western women's basketball (9-6) lost to the no. 5 ranked Carroll College Saints (11-3) tonight by a final score of 81-72. Despite trailing 18 heading into the final quarter, the Bulldogs put up a fight to the end as they outscored the Saints 27-18 in the final frame. Joelnell Momberg had her second big night in a row, accumulating 21 points off of four threes. How It Happened After a slow start to the game, Momberg caught fire for the Bulldogs hitting on all four attempts from the field and a bucket from the arc. Carroll forward Maddie Geritz hit a triple to claim the Saints' first lead of the game. The Saints followed up with another five points from the Saints to regain the lead and take a 17-13 lead into the second quarter. The Saints continued to pack the punch, outscoring the Bulldogs 17-3 across the first five minutes of the second quarter. A layup from Jordan Sweeney broke the run and fueled a 12-point scoring effort for the Bulldogs that saw threes from Momberg and Shainy Mack . UMW would fall to a 40-28 deficit in the first half. Western opened up the second half scoring on their first two possessions, picking up points from Sweeney and Kyla Momberg . Trailing eight with eight minutes on the clock, Carroll took control and added to their lead with a 15-8 scoring advantage that was fueled by a pair of threes from Carroll guard Willa Albrecht. The Saints ended the quarter on a 6-0 run to push out to an 18-point lead as the two teams headed to the final quarter. Montana Western found a late spark behind Isabella Lund who put up nine points and grabbed three steals in the fourth. Mack added a three with 3:57 remaining in the game to cut the Saints' lead to eight points. UMW kept the pressure on as they cut the game to 73-67 with 1:10 left to play. Despite the fourth quarter push, it was too little too late as Montana Western would fall 81-72. Notables Montana Western had a powerful fourth quarter, outscoring the Saints 27-18 and converting 21 points on a whopping eight Carroll turnovers. The Bulldogs had four in double-digits scoring, with Momberg leading the way for the second straight game with 21 points. Sweeney followed with 15 points and dished out seven assists. Lund recorded a season-high 10 points in tonight's game. She also picked up three steals in the fourth quarter. Up Next Montana Western moves to 1-1 in conference play and will travel to the University of Providence on Saturday Jan. 13 for a 2:00 p.m. tip-off time.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information, Photo Credit Terri Haverfield The Montana Western men's basketball team (8-7) fell in heartbreaking fashion tonight as the Carroll College Saints (8-7) beat the Bulldogs 75-73 on a buzzer beater. How It Happened Carroll opened up play by going on a 13-2 early scoring run behind Saints' guard Kendall Moore's five points. Kayden Toldson broke the four-minute scoring drought for the Bulldogs with a layup and the two teams went toe to toe down the stretch. Behind eight from Jalyn Stepney , Montana Western fought their way back into the matchup and back within single digits heading into the half down 37-28. Despite outshooting the Saints in the first half 41.4 to 39.5, the Saints put up nine more shots than that of the Bulldogs. Abi Adedo quickly broke open scoring in the second half with a layup that fueled a big 9-0 scoring run that gave UMW their first lead of the game at 38-37. Carroll answered as Moore went 4-4 from the free throw line to regain a lead at 41-38. With 13:48 remaining in the game, Toldson hit a jumper with contact and drew a foul. Despite missing on the and one opportunity, Quincy Taylor grabbed an offensive board on the free throw. Stepney drained a three-pointer and followed it with a jumper for a 51-47 Bulldog lead. Michael Haverfield put up his seventh point of the game as he put UMW out to a seven-point lead with 10:24 to play. Following a timeout, Saints' center Zane Foster made a contested layup and capitalized on the foul from Haverfield to bring the UMW lead back to 60-56. The Saints continued to put the pressure on and utilized a 7-0 run to tie the game at 60 with 5:44 left in the game. The two teams continued to battle down the stretch, trading leads five times through the final five minutes. With just seven seconds remaining, a steal from Jacksen Burckley got the Bulldogs the ball back and Taylor hit a deep three-pointer to tie the game at 73. Despite the glimmer of hope, the Saints got the ball down the court quickly and a jumper from Moore at the buzzer closed the game out with the Saints on top at 75-73. Notables The Bulldogs are now 4-6 this season in games decided by 10 points or less. In the first half alone, the two teams combined for 16 turnovers in what proved to be a slow start for both teams. They would combine for just eight in the second half. Stepney led the Bulldogs on the night with 20 points. He also added five rebounds and three steals. Taylor went for 12 points and went 2-3 from the arc. Adedo led the Bulldogs in the paint with seven boards. He also put up six points and a block. Up Next Montana Western moves to 1-1 in conference play and will travel to the University of Providence on Saturday Jan. 13 for a 4:00 p.m. tip-off time.

405 N. IDAHO STREET DILLON, MT MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY January 16th, 2024 5:00 PM AGENDA: I. Call to order II. Approval of Minutes from 12-19-2023 meeting Public Comment III. Approval of Warrants Public Comment IV. Old Business Public Comment V. New Business Public Comment VI. Chiefs Report Public Comment VII. Public comment on subjects under the jurisdiction of Beaverhead Fire District #2 that is not on the agenda. VIII. Adjournment

All local youth, from kindergarten to 12th grade, are invited to audition for the Missoula Children's Theatre production of "Blackbeard the Pirate" in the University of Montana Western's Beier Auditorium in Main Hall at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 22. The University of Montana Western is pleased to present a special performance of “Blackbeard the Pirate” by the Missoula Children’s Theatre as part of the 2023-24 Bank of Commerce Performing Arts Series on Saturday, January 27, 2024. Performances will be held at Montana Western’s Beier Auditorium at 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Adults and children of all ages are invited to attend.  What starts as a lazy day at the beach, quickly turns into mystery and adventure when the search for Blackbeard’s treasure begins! Tales both past and present launch a group of Beach Bums to action in search of untold riches. Before our tale is told, a cast of colorful characters begin to reveal the secrets of Blackbeard’s amazing treasure. Can we trust a group of crabby Crabs or melodious Mermaids? Do the scary Seaweed Creatures or savvy Sailors know where “X” marks the spot? Will the precocious Parrots or cantankerous Crocodiles lead the way? And just who is Jolly Rodger and how does he know Sam the Clam!? Most of all, where has Blackbeard and his crew hidden their legendary treasure? Grab some sun screen, come on down to the beach and get ready to solve the mystery of BLACKBEARD THE PIRATE! To purchase tickets, please visit the BOC Performing Arts Series Box Office webpage: ( www.umwestern.edu/bank-of-commerce-performing-arts-series/box-office/ ). Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door and are $15 for general admission, $10 for seniors, youth, and military, and free for UMW students who present their Bulldog Cards.  For more information on auditions for “Blackbeard the Pirate”, please contact Assistant Professor of Theatre, Stephen Seder:  stephen.seder@umwestern.edu  or 406-683-7038.

The Montana Western head track and field coach Taylor Grove announced the Bulldogs' 2024 track and field schedule on Thursday morning. This year's schedule includes three indoor meets, six outdoor meets and the Frontier Conference Championships. The first meet to kick off the season will be at Idaho State University for the Stacy Dragila Invitational. The team then follows with back to back weekends on the road to Montana State University to cap off the indoor season. Outdoor season gets in motion following a month off from competition with a meet hosted by both MSU Billings and Rocky Mountain College at Lockwood High School on March 16. The outdoor season culminates with the Frontier Conference Championships that will be May 5-6. Individuals who qualify will travel to the NAIA Outdoor National Championships in Marian, Indiana May 22-24.

It took a while to get here, but winter finally hit Montana. That means winter enthusiasts will be heading out to recreate. Whether ice fishing, ice skating, hunting, snowmobiling or just taking a walk, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff reminds recreationists that safety should be the number one concern during a day out on (or near) the ice. Here are some safety tips: Anglers and other recreationists should be familiar with the water body they plan to fish or recreate on. Pay close attention to the changing conditions of the ice. If you have even the slightest doubt about the safety of the ice — stay off of it. Nothing is ever worth a fall into frigid water. Blue or “clear” ice is usually hard. Watch out for opaque, gray, dark or porous spots in the ice that could be weak, soft areas. Ice also tends to thin more quickly at the shorelines or near structures protruding though the ice such as rocks, stumps and trees. Note areas on the ice that look “different” — they usually are. Many times, thinner areas of ice (caused by springs, gas pockets, sunken islands, points, etc.) have a different color or look to them. Use extreme caution or stay away from these areas. The following are recommended minimum ice thickness guidelines (for good, clear ice*): Under 4 inches: STAY OFF 4 inches: individual angler ice fishing or other activities on foot 7 inches:  snowmobile or ATV 10 inches:  small car** 12 inches: truck or SUV** *for white ice or “snow ice,” double the above minimums **not recommended, but if you must, proceed at your own risk Watch for pressure ridges. These are areas of weak or unstable ice where the ice has cracked and heaved due to expansion from freezing. Test the ice ahead of you with an ice spud bar or an auger. Don’t leave children unsupervised on the ice. Waterbodies do not freeze at the same thickness everywhere. For example, some ponds have windmills to aerate water for fish survival, and ice may be thin near these areas. Moving water — rivers, streams and springs — weaken ice by wearing it away from underneath. Avoid going on ice on rivers and streams, or where a river or stream enters a lake, pond or reservoir. The least safe ice usually occurs early and late in the season, when the weather is warmer and less predictable. Remember, NO ICE is 100 percent safe. Snowmobiling and ATV use on the ice will reduce steering ability. Groups should avoid crossing ice in a single-file group. If the first person breaks through, the rest of the group may not be able to stop or maneuver in time to avoid it. Some other common ice-safety reminders to keep in mind include: Consider changes in the weather (and ice conditions) during the prior 24 hours. Wind, rain and sun can drastically decay ice in a short time. It's a good idea to wear a life jacket (PFD) or carry a throwable floatation device or rope while out on the ice — safe ice anglers and recreationists do it all the time.  Dress warm but practical. Many styles of ice fishing jackets and bibs provide extra buoyancy to help keep you afloat if you do fall through.  Before you leave the house, tell someone where you plan to go and when you plan to return. Carry a pair of ice picks (long spikes on a heavy string around your neck). If you break through the ice, you can use the spikes to grip the ice and pull yourself out of the water. FWP wishes all anglers and recreationists a safe and adventurous winter.

The University of Montana Western Fine Arts Gallery is honored to present “The New West” by artist Terran Last Gun. The gallery will host an opening reception on Friday, January 26, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Fine arts Gallery located in Main Hall. Terran Last Gun, Saakwaynaamah’kaa (Last Gun) (b. 1989, Browning, MT) is a contemporary visual artist and citizen of the Piikani (Blackfeet) of Montana—Piikani is one of four nations that make up the Blackfoot Confederacy.  Last Gun’s work focuses on color, shape, and the visual documentation of nature, cosmos, narratives, and recollections. Employing geometric aesthetics through various media, ledger drawing, printmaking, painting, and photography, Last Gun works with Piikani (Blackfeet) visual aesthetics, cultural narratives, and modern sensibilities that create a continuum. His work often revolves around land, cosmos, shapes, and color and can be considered Indigenous geometric abstraction. Montana and Alberta’s ancient Blackfoot Confederacy territory inspired half of the ledger drawings in this solo exhibition. The other half represents his interest in pursuing the semicircle shape and its visual qualities by reconstructing it in various ways. He is interested in imagining the semicircle shapes turned into conical structures, such as a lodge cover, which have protected Indigenous Peoples of the vast Great Plains for thousands of years. All of the works depict powerful shapes and are of aesthetic importance.  Last Gun received his BFA in Museum Studies and AFA in Studio Arts from the Institute of American Indian Arts in 2016. He has received awards from the First Peoples Fund 2020 Artist in Business Leadership Fellowship, Santa Fe Art Institute 2018 Story Maps Fellowship, and Museum of Indian Arts and Culture 2016 Goodman Fellowship. Last Gun was named one of the 2022 12 New Mexico Artists to Know Now in Southwest Contemporary (formerly THE Magazine). He currently lives and works in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The reception is free for all to attend and will feature light refreshments. “The New West” exhibition will be open for viewing from January 26 to March 2, 2024. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  For more information about the exhibition, please contact Montana Western Fine Arts Gallery Coordinator, Jennifer Boysen:  jennifer.boysen@umwestern.edu .

The University of Montana Western Rodeo Team is excited to announce that the 54th Annual Montana Western Rodeo Banquet will be held Friday, March 29, 2024 in the Keltz Arena. The evening will begin with no - host cocktails at 5 p.m. followed by a prime rib dinner at 5:30 p.m. along with a silent and live auction. A dance will close out the evening with live music provided by King Friday. Ticket prices for the event are as follows: Single ticket - $75 Reserved table of 8 (rows 1-4) - $500 Reserved table of 8 (rows 5-8) - $400   The rodeo banquet stands as the primary fundraising event hosted by the rodeo team each year. The funds generated from this banquet play a pivotal role in sustaining the rodeo program. The proceeds contribute to vital aspects such as student scholarships, facilitating essential practice opportunities, offsetting travel expenses to and from college rodeos, covering hotel accommodations, and supporting the overall expenses associated with organizing the Montana Western college rodeo in the fall. The attendance and support at this banquet directly impacts the success and sustainability of the rodeo program.  UMW Rodeo is also excited to announce that they will be paying tribute to the enduring legacy  of Benny and Rooster Reynolds, two of Dillon’s most iconic rodeo heroes. Their significant impact has played a crucial role in shaping Dillon’s rich rodeo heritage. “We are very grateful for the ongoing support that the Dillon and surrounding communities consistently extend to our student rodeo athletes and the program each year,” said coach JT Robbins. “We look forward to another successful rodeo banquet! ”Tickets for the event go on sale today, January 10th, and can be purchased by contacting Kelly Allen at 406-683-7306 or  kelly.allen@umwestern.edu . For sponsorship opportunities or to donate to the silent or live auctions, please contact Jolene Robbins at 406-683-7303 or  jjolene.robbins@umwestern.edu .

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information Two UMW rodeo team members, Gavin Knutson and Trevor Kay , qualified to compete this weekend, January 11-13 at the Montana Circuit Finals Rodeo. The event is being held at Montana Expopark in Great Falls, Mont. "We are very proud of Trevor and Gavin. Qualifying for the Montana Pro Circuit Finals is a huge achievement and speaks volumes about their talent and work ethic," Head Coach JT Robbins said. The top twelve finalists from the season's Montana PRCA rodeos compete in the final competition. Knutson enters the rodeo at fifth place in the standings. Kay enters in 10th place overall. Former Bulldogs in The Finals Tristan Hansen, Bareback Riding Tucker Zingg, Bareback Riding Luke Gee, Steer Wrestling Newt Novich, Steer Wrestling Kolby Bignell, Steer Wrestling Bridger Chambers, Steer Wrestling Timmy Sparing, Steer Wrestling Ian Austiguy, Team Roping (Header) Sid Sporer, Team Roping (Heeler) Tanner Butner, Saddle Bronc Riding James Ramirez, Tie-Down Roping Cole Wagner, Bull Riding Connor Murnion, Bull Riding Hannah Sharon, Barrel Racing Bailee Murnion, Barrel Racing About Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit (MPRC) The Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit (MPRC) is one of 14 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) circuits. It is run by a 12-member board of directors from across Big Sky Country, with directors representing each event. Currently, there are 32 PRCA-sanctioned rodeos in Montana. The official season begins at The NILE PRCA Rodeo in October and ends a year later over Labor Day weekend. MPRC is a pioneer in the PRCA circuit system, with Montana being the second-highest payout circuit finals in the nation. The 2023 Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals will be held January 11-13, 2024, in Great Falls, MT.

The University of Montana Western Department of Mathematics invites all interested high school juniors and seniors to compete in UMW’s second annual BrainFest mathematical modeling competition on Friday, February 16, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. in the STC Great Room. During the BrainFest competition, contestants will work in small teams led by Montana Western math majors to model pterosaur hunting behaviors. A team of UMW mathematics professors will be present to pose questions and to offer guidance throughout the process. This free event also includes lunch for all participants.  BrainFest will provide an opportunity to dive into an immersive, hands-on, problem-solving, mathematical experience – giving participants a taste of what Montana Western students and faculty do every block. The competition will conclude with presentations, and the competitors with the most effective models will receive a $500 scholarship to Montana Western. Students interested in the following topics are encouraged to sign-up:  Mathematics and/or natural sciences Problem solving Asking questions and then learning how to design a project to answer those questions Working with peers, math major mentors, and/or math professors Making connections “The UMW mathematics faculty are looking forward to hosting BrainFest not only because we have a lot of fun putting it together, but more importantly because BrainFest gives students an opportunity to think creatively and work with UMW faculty and students. It was a great experience last year and we look forward to hosting it again this February,” said BrainFest Coordinator and UMW Assistant Professor of Developmental Mathematics, Liz Wright.  To register for the competition, visit  https://apply.umwestern.edu/register/brainfest2023 . Space is limited, so please register as soon as possible. For more information, please contact Liz Wright at  liz.wright@umwestern.edu .

Submitted by: Mel Rice, Public Relations Officer The January Search and Rescue meeting was called to order by commander Lawrence Morrisroe at 7:08 PM.  The first order of business was the explanation of training opportunities coming up in the month of January.  There will be wilderness training on 12, 13, 14, and 15 of January.  Then there will be avalanche training on the 27th of January.  The next order of business was a report by Tara Remely on the annual fish derby.  Because of the warm winter and open water on Clark Canyon Reservoir it has been questionable whether it would even happen.  But now that there have been colder temperatures, reports are that the ice has thickened to about 10 inches everywhere.  And with cold weather this week, ice should continue to build and not be an issue for holding the Stan Shafer Memorial Ice Fishing Derby.  The Derby will be January 14th at Clark Canyon Reservoir.  You must have a ticket to participate.  Tickets can be purchased from S&R members and around town at various businesses.  There will be members selling tickets at each grocery store at various times during the days this week.  The derby will have two tagged fish in the lake.  One of tags is worth $6000.00 and second is worth $9000.00. There is a four way spit of $750.00 by weight of the top 4 trout, and a four way split of $750.00 by weight of the top 4 burbot (ling).  There is also a kids’ competition for youngsters 12 years of age and younger.  This contest is for the top 3 trout by weight and top 3 ling by weight.  In the kids’ contest, first place in each category will pay $75.00, second place in each will pay $50.00, and third place in each will pay $25.00.  There will also be 50/50 pot splits for every $500.00 worth of tickets sold, door prizes donated by local merchants, and a $150.00 cash prize.   You don’t have to be present to win the door prizes or the $150.00 prize.   Come join us for a great day of fishing and comradery January 14th at Clark Canyon.  The final order of business for the night was the election of officers for 2024.  The following individuals were dually elected by the membership.  Commander- Kolby Malesich Vice Commander- Shane Puyear Secretary- Jamie Trivette Treasurer- Brian Vinson Communications- Brad Wagner Equipment- Evan Helle Training- Adam Norlander Public Relations- Mel Rice Board of Directors- Cody Schnee, Chuck Maddox, Mike Clarke When you see these individuals out and about, please thank them for their dedication and service to your Beaverhead Search and Rescue.  It is a big job.      The meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM.   The unit would like to remind everyone to please be careful out there.  Even though the weather has been mild it can change in a hurry.  Don’t get caught with your pants down when just a little preparation and time could have prevented your needing situation.   “In the Business of Saving Lives”, your Beaverhead Search and Rescue.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information The Montana Western women's basketball team (9-5) opened up Frontier Conference play with a victory over the MSU-Northern Skylights by a final score of 60-48. Joelnell Momberg was money from the three-point line as she hit four threes on her way to a career high 22 points in tonight's win. She went nine of 17 from the field and added five rebounds to the team total of 45. "We did a great job of letting our defense carry our game today. We got contributions from everyone on the team." Head Coach Britt Cooper said. How It Happened Montana Western got out to an impressive start after their defense held the Skylights to one for 14 from the field and a 15-2 lead heading into the second frame. MSU-Northern got back on track and ran on a three-minute 6-0 scoring run to start the second quarter. Skylight forward Savannah Toms went a perfect 4-4 from the charity stripe and put up six points in the quarter to lead the Skylights to a 14-7 advantage in the quarter. With a 22-16 lead heading into the third quarter, Jordan Sweeney found her rhythm and knocked down 11 points with three triples to send the Bulldogs into the fourth up 44-31. Despite being outscored 17-16 by the Skylights, Momberg and Sweeney combined for 13 points for a Bulldog 60-48 victory. Notables The Bulldogs recorded a season high of 45 team rebounds in tonight's win, despite tying a season team high of 19 turnovers. Tonight's win marks the seventh straight win over MSU-Northern, spanning back to the 2020-21 season. As a team, the Bulldogs shot well below their season three-point percentage of 32.6 with a 26.7 in the game. Momberg's career high surpassed her previous high (19 points) that was recorded this season back on Nov. 18 against St. Thomas (Fla.). Sweeney totaled 17 points and seven assists, just one assist shy of her season high mark of eight. Keke Davis also had an impressive night, bringing in seven rebounds with two on the offensive side of the court and adding nine points to the board. Up Next Montana Western moves to 1-0 in conference play and will travel to the no. 5 ranked Carroll College next Thursday Jan. 11 for a 5:30 p.m. tip-off time.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information The Montana Western men's basketball team (8-6) opened up Frontier Conference play in memorable fashion with an overtime 85-84 victory over the MSU-Northern Lights. Abi Adedo played a key role in the win tonight after he posted a career high of 30 points and had a team high of eight rebounds.  "Frontier basketball games are incredibly hard to win and the margins are so small. Our guys saw that tonight and stayed together and found a way to get defensive stops in the second half" Head Coach Pat Jensen said. "Had some guys step up and made some huge plays offensively to get that win. Great team win against a very good Northern team." How It Happened MSU-Northern got the jump early on the Bulldogs, getting up to an 18-11 lead following seven from guard Zackry Martinez with 12:10 remaining in the first half. UMW's Kayden Toldson hit a jumper that got momentum on the side of the Bulldogs to spark a 12-5 run. Capped with a jumper from Jalyn Stepney to tie the game at 23 all, the two teams began a three-minute battle for position. Down one, Light's guard Dae'Kwon Watson converted on a four-point play opportunity to steal momentum back. The Lights continued on to take a 48-40 lead into the half. Stepney and Adedo hit on back-to-back shots that got UMW back within two of the Lights with 17:40 on the clock. Despite the jump, MSU-Northern continued to stay at an arm's length away and got out to as much as a 12-point lead through the second half. UMW caught fire late in the game, holding the Lights to just six points through the final seven minutes of the matchup. The Bulldogs racked up 18 points and capped regulation with a three-pointer from Michael Haverfield to send the Bulldogs into overtime with the Lights tied up at 78. Quincy Taylor hit three from the charity stripe and a jumper from Stepney in overtime to put the Bulldogs in the perfect position to take the lead. Working with 12 seconds on the clock, Haverfield came in clutch for the second time of the night and hit a jumper in the key to take the lead with just a few seconds remaining. UMW held the Lights in the final seconds and took their first conference win by a final score of 85-84. Notables The Bulldogs recorded a season-high 35 made field goals in tonight's game and hit an impressive 52.2 percent from the field. Tonight's overtime win was the second overtime game between the two teams since 2002. The first was on Feb. 19, 2010 when the Bulldogs lost at home by three to the Lights. UMW's five turnovers in tonight's game was the second-lowest this season, just one more than the season low of four against Walla Walla back on Nov. 19. Adedo's career-high 30 points was fueled by his 13-22 shooting from the field. Adedo also led UMW in rebounds with eight. Haverfield topped 700 career points tonight (707 points) after he scored 12 points. He also had a team high of four steals. Stepney followed Adedo with 19 points and Taylor added 11 on the night. Up Next Montana Western moves to 1-0 in conference play and will travel to Carroll College next Thursday Jan. 11 for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off time.