Can it already be that time of the year? Lights are going up Thanksgiving has passed and it is time for the annual Dillon Christmas Stroll and Parade of Lights. We have all things happening this week leading up to the Christmas Stroll and things happening the weekend of the Christmas Stroll. TRAIL OF BALES Christmas Decorating Contest Ends WEDNESDAY, Nov. 29TH, Voting on Facebook on the 30th and the Winner will be announced Friday, Dec. 1st on Facebook at 12 Noon! Monday 11/27 Help Decorate For The Holidays Elks Members! It's time to "Deck the Hall" November 27 at 6:30pm. We need some strong folks to carry decorations up from the basement, and others to help Sharon Rice with decorating the Hall. Must be completed before November 29. Thanks for all your help. Tuesday 11/28 Story Time at the Village The Early Childhood Coalition of Beaverhead County is pleased to partner with the Dillon Public Library to offer a second session of Books and Babies each week in the Village Playspace. Each week, we offer a FREE short story and singing program followed by free play in the playspace! Thursday 11/30 Pilchuck Glass School Presentation Join us as the University of Montana Western's Glass Program hosts a presentation highlighting the experiences of two UMW students who recently studied at the renowned Pilchuck Glass School. Students Heather Reedy and Gabriel Sommers received the Mary Baker Emerick scholarships to the Pilchuck Glass School in the summer of 2023 where they had the opportunity to work with some of the best instructors in glass in the world. The Pilchuck Glass School, located in Stanwood, Washington, stands as a global hub for glass art education, renowned for fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration among artists from diverse backgrounds. The presentations will be held on Thursday, November 30, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. in the UMW Emerick Art Studio located on the corner of Poindexter and Atlantic Street. Heather and Gabriel will share their experiences in a detailed presentation and discussion that is free and open to public. A social and light refreshments will take place before the presentations. For more information, please contact Special Events and Alumni Coordinator, Jolene Robbins: jjolene.robbins@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7303. Bingo Cash Prizes CASH PRIZES!! Everyone over age 18 is invited to play Bingo every Thursday (except holidays) at 7pm. The Dillon Elks approved changes to our Thursday night bingo games starting in October 2023. We hope the changes will help those who can’t make it right at 7pm, those who don’t want to play so many games, allow our players a chance to take breaks, make it more affordable, and give our volunteer callers a few breaks. Bingo will start promptly at 7pm. Game card(s) are sold before each game. Buy as many as you like! GAMES WE PLAY: 7:00 p.m. Single Games begin - $1/1 card 8:00 p.m. Midway Blackout - $1/2 cards Single Games continue - $1/1 card 8:45 p.m. Final Blackout - $2/6 cards Please bring your own dauber if you have one. There will be some available to borrow or purchase. Come see our new electronic bingo machine! The bar and lounge are also open at 5 p.m. on Thursdays. Friday 12/1 Holly Jolly Time When you are strolling about getting in the Christmas� spirit, stop by Angler's & have a Cranberry Mimosa & hors d'oeuvres to kick off the holiday�season. Starting Friday..we will be doing a drawing for 1 nights stay at Angler Village and also for our local "Reminisce" beef jerky�& "82 Coffee"�.It will be a Holly Jolly Time! Mel Cheney Book Signing: "A Dog and her Man" Local author, Mel Cheney will be signing copies of his debut book, A Dog and Her Man: an Autobiography by Lilly the Dog on Friday, December 1st. Born in Dillon, Mel has lived most of his life in Beaverhead County. The book is told through the eyes of Lilly. She tells the reader about the life she shared with her best friend Mel and admits that she had a lot of help from him in bringing their story to print. Because he can write a lot faster it just made sense for him to take care of that part while told him what to say. Please join us during the annual Christmas Stroll. If you have any questions or would like to reserve copies of the book please call The Bookstore at (406) 683-6807 Beaverhead County Museum Nativity Scene Exhibit Community Nativity Scene Display! The Beaverhead County Museum invites everyone to stop by during the Christmas Stroll on Friday December 1st beginning at 5 pm. There will be refreshments, discount on selected gift store items and a free ornament. The main museum will be open and free to the public. Festival of Trees Family Night & Silent Auction Saturday 12/2 Breakfast with Santa Come down for the JCA’s annual Breakfast with Santa event at the Dillon Elks Lodge from 8 am to noon. Have some breakfast, make a craft and visit with Santa! Christmas Craft Fair Soup and s Roll $6 Crafts, Gifts, Baked Goods, Jewelry,Wreaths. Ornaments, & More Contact Susan Rene Stoddard to sign up for a table. Proceeds go to Lima Bear Booster Club. Melrose School Holiday Bazaar Melrose School Holiday Bazaar Saturday, December 2, 2023 9am to 3pm Divide Grange Hall | Divide, MT There will be vendors, food, and door prizes. This is a fundraiser for the Melrose Mothers' Club, and the money raised goes directly to benefit our students. In the past, the Mothers' Club has provided hot lunch, holiday parties, sport uniforms, field trips, etc. for our small school. We will be able to continue to fund these things with your help! Raffle tickets will be drawn throughout the duration of the bazaar. Need not be present to win! Tickets are 6 for $5 Contact Kathy Chatriand 406-494-1409 or kathyatpartners@yahoo.com I can pick up or give you my venmo on request. Here is a small sample of some of the great items that have been donated by our local businesses. Additional Items Added Every day! 3D Store, American Flag Kit Museum Thrift Store, Wine Rack and 2 bottles of wine Town and Country Foods, $25 Gift card Commerce Bank, Gift Basket Rattlesnake Creek Alpacas, Gloves, socks and hat Magic Diamond, Gift Basket Klondike Bar & Restaurant, $25 Gift Card Melrose Elementary School is the home of the Mustangs. Grades Early Kindergarten - 8th attend Melrose Elementary. The students benefit from the small classroom size and one-on-one teaching time. Our Head Teacher is Mr. Thomas Ralston. We are very lucky to have this little school and hope you will see the benefit of helping our students so they may enjoy the same opportunities the children at larger schools have.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information SIOUX CITY, Iowa. – The 2023 NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship presented by Marriot South Sioux City Riverfront and Riverside Technologies Inc. will continue this week at the final site in Sioux City, Iowa, with pool play matches on Wednesday, November 29 culminating to the championship on December 5 in the Tyson Events Center. The Bulldogs (22-6 overall) advanced to the tournament's 24-team final site with a three-set sweep over host Southwestern Assemblies of God University (Texas) in the Opening Round. Their first visit in school history to the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa, begins this week on Wednesday Nov. 29 with a 12 p.m. MT match against Concordia (24-3), and they will play at the same time Thursday Nov. 30 against Midland (16-11). The fourth-ranked Concordia (Neb.) powered through a competitive first set and ran away from visiting Judson University (Ill.), 25-19, 25-14, 25-17, in their home opening round matchup. The Bulldogs of Concordia enter with a 24-3 record and a conference record of 14-2. Midland (Neb.) proved to be too much for Kansas Wesleyan in the NAIA Opening Round as they came away with a four-set victory (25-15, 25-13, 22-25, 25-13). It will be the Warriors' tenth trip in program history, the first coming in the 2013 season. Final Site Information Location: Tyson Events Center 401 Gordon Drive Sioux City, Iowa 51101 Live Video: Watch NAIA VB National Championship Tournament Live Stats : Live Stats Tickets : NAIA Women's Volleyball National Championship Tickets Visitor's Guide: Visitor Info: Volleyball National Championship - NAIA

Finney “Lee” Bryant, manager of the Hotel Metlen, will be the guest speaker at the Dillon Rotary meeting on Wednesday, November 29th, at noon. Lee will update members on the latest Hotel renovations and any other business ventures Lee is fostering or looking at in Dillon. Visitors and anyone interested in learning more about the Rotary organization are all invited to be our guest and are welcomed to attend our luncheon. The Rotary Club meets in the Guild Hall of St. James Episcopal Church, located at 203 East Glendale Street. For more information about the Rotary Club, contact Gary Lorenzen, 406-683-2552.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Tuesday November 28 th , 2023 at 6:30 P.M. City Council Chambers Zoning Commission Public Hearing Public Comment on the Zoning and Annexation of Clover View Minor Subdivision Tuesday November 28th, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. City Council Chambers ZONING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Agenda 1. Call To Order 2. Review and Approval of the Minutes of the November 14 th , 2023 Public Hearing and November 14th, 2023 Regular Meeting 3. Director of Operations Report a. Public Comment will be taken after discussion of items 4, 5, 6 and 7 by the Zoning Commission; followed by final discussion by the zoning commission; and final vote by the commission if necessary. 4. Applications for Zoning Compliance Certificates for Review: 5. Discussion/Recommendation of the Striking of 17.64.30(b) of Chapter 17 of the Dillon Municipal Codes 6. Discussion/Recommendation of Annexation and Zoning of the Clover View Minor Subdivision 7. Introduction of the Zoning and Annexation of Athletic Field at the University of Montana Western. Proposed Public Hearing for January 9 th , 2024 at 6:45 8. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the Zoning Commission. 9. Adjournment PLEASE NOTE: A Zoom link is available. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528, allowing permission for mic and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245. Zoning Commission Members: Tim Stoker, Raymond Graham, Russ Schwandt; Mike Watson, Justin Rooley

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information CALDWELL, Idaho — The Montana Western men's basketball team (5-2) opened up the Taco Bell Shootout hosted by College of Idaho with a 75-67 loss to Lewis-Clark State this afternoon. Abi Adedo led the Bulldogs after he racked up 19 points, hit seven of nine shots from the field and pulled in six rebounds. How It Happened After multiple lead changes through the first half, Kayden Toldson made a layup and followed up minutes later with a pair of shots from the charity stripe to give UMW a five-point lead. Quincy Taylor drained a shot from the arc with 1:56 left in the first half to help UMW to a 29-22 lead. LCSC capped the quarter by going on a 7-0 run to tie the game at 29 heading into the half. Though neither team hit more nine field goals in the half, the Warriors held an edge over UMW after they hit nine of 26 from the field in comparison to the Bulldogs' seven of thirty. Following the slow start for both teams, the second half was much more explosive for each team with the Bulldogs getting off on the right foot in the second half. Adedo made use of an and one opportunity and followed it up with a bucket from the three-point line to put the Bulldogs out 35-29. LCSC's red-hot Alton Hamilton hit three straight baskets and tied the game back up at 39 with 15:08 to play. The two continued to battle for the lead down the stretch. Michael Haverfield put the Bulldogs up by one for a short lead after he drained a free throw on an and one opportunity. Despite taking the slim 50-49 lead, the Warriors powered through and raced to a 62-53 lead behind a 10-0 scoring run. Despite more than six minutes remaining on the clock, the Bulldogs were unable to climb back in to the game and lost down the stretch by a final score of 75-67. Notables Montana Western added to their losing streak over Lewis-Clark State. The nine-game streak began during the 2018-19 season. As a team, the Bulldogs shot just 37.1 percent from the field. The average is well below their season average of 43.6 percent. Abi Adedo led the Bulldogs after he racked up 19 points, hit seven of nine shots from the field and pulled in six rebounds. Quincy Taylor connected with the hoop tonight, finding a season high 13 points and adding a pair of rebounds. Jalyn Stepney followed with 11 points, three blocks, five rebounds, and a steal. Toldson also added five rebounds. Up Next The Bulldogs are back tomorrow for the second day of the Taco Bell Shootout to face the no. 1 ranked College of Idaho. The Yotes are now 4-1 on the season and just defeated Hope International University (Calif.) to lead them into tomorrow's faceoff.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. — The Montana Western football team (9-2) completed the 2023 season this afternoon after they lost to the College of Idaho Yotes (9-2) in the NAIA Football Championship Series Second Round hosted by Montana Western. How It Happened College of Idaho opened the game with a nine play, 75-yard drive that put them on the board first with 9:57 remaining in the first quarter. The Bulldog offense struggled to get going with a three and out on their opening possession. Despite the slow get off, the Bulldog defense forced a turnover on downs that fueled a scoring drive that closed out the first quarter. Within just four seconds of the second quarter, Michael Palandri hit Dylan Shipley for an 18-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at seven. The Bulldogs struggled for the remainder of the half, allowing the Yotes to score 21 unanswered points that included a touchdown with just 13 seconds left before halftime. Down 28-7 early in the second half, Eli Nourse sparked a Bulldog comeback when he returned a Yotes punt 85 yards for a touchdown. On the first play of the Yotes' next drive, Romeo Simpson recovered a fumble by COI's Jon Schofield and returned it to the Yotes 33-yard line. The Red and Black capitalized on the field position and scored quickly on a Jake Humphrey touchdown rush to bring the Bulldogs within seven at 28-21. COI would score once more before the end of the frame, taking a 35-21 lead into the fourth quarter. Western again closed the gap to seven after Humphrey took it to the house on a 42-yard rush with 14:32 remaining to play. Momentum remained in favor of Western as Bryer Monson recorded a key sack on third and nine, forcing the Yotes to punt once again. Palandri then connected with Shipley for his second touchdown of the game to tie the game at 35 all and just under 11 minutes in the game. Unfortunately, the tides would turn in favor of the Yotes who would score two consecutive touchdowns to go up 49-35 and leave just three minutes left for the Bulldogs to work with. Palandri gave the Bulldogs some hope when he connected with Nourse in the back of the end zone, bringing the game back within seven at 49-42. A last-ditch effort onside kick was unsuccessful for the Bulldogs and the Yotes ran out the clock to take the 49-42 win. Notables Montana Western closes out the season with their final game on Vigilante Field and their second home playoff game in school history. The Yotes accumulated nearly twice as many total offensive yards in the game, racking up a whopping 621 yards compared to UMW's 355 yards. Palandri led the way with 228 passing yards and three touchdowns. He also added 52 rushing yards. Shipley led the receiving corps with 143 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Humphrey rushed for 63 yards and two touchdowns. Braden Smith led the Bulldog defense with 10 total tackles. Records Eli Nourse broke multiple single season records following his first year for the Bulldogs. He now holds the single season receiving yards record with 1168 receiving yards. He also broke the season passes caught record after he totaled 90 receptions on the season and the yards per punt return average after he recorded 20.9 yards per punt return. Coby Tanioka broke the single season kick return yards record after he totaled 644 yards this season. Tanner Harrell caps out his career tackles for loss with a new Montana Western record of 41 tackles for loss. Click on image for full size

Submitted by: Mel Rice Public, Relations Officer The Beaverhead Search and Rescue was paged out at 9:45 AM on the 23 of November. It was reported there was an overdue hunter in the Scudder Creek area in the Grasshopper Valley. Before anyone could be deployed the alarm was cancelled. Friday night, November 24, at 10:00 PM the search managers were paged again for an overdue 15 year old young man. He, his father, and other family members from Kentucky were hunting in the Woody Mountain area of Warm Springs Creek outside of Jackson. At 4:00 PM the young man told his father he was going to look at something. After wondering out of sight he never returned to the vehicle. His gear was very limited for the weather conditions. The dad said the young man had a compass but didn’t know how to use it. At 10:50 PM the Peterson hasty team living in the Big Hole headed for Warm Springs Creek to meet up with the deputy Sheriff. At 11:00 PM the deputy was with the father and the two of them were heading back to the last known point. Between 11:00 PM and 11:30 PM hasty teams were deployed from Dillon to Bull Creek and to Warm Springs Creek by Jackson to meet up with the dad and deputy Sheriff. At approximately 12:30 AM the lost young man was located by the Sheriff. He was close to the road and used his head lamp to signal the deputy and dad of his location. When finally picked up, the lost man was in good health but a little cold and shaken. It was 6 degrees Fahrenheit at that time in Jackson. Dad, son, and family were reunited. By 12:50 AM all hasty teams had been notified of his location and were returning to Dillon. All teams were accounted for and home by 2:30 AM. Members involved in the search were: · Team 1: MD Peterson, Sam Peterson · Team 2: Steve Mock, Adam Norlander · Team 3: Shane Puyear, Parker Puyear, Kolby Malesich · Team 4: Cody Schnee, John Helle · Team 5: Lawrence Morrisroe, Joe Reyes, Dan Cahill · Team 6: Clint Rouse, Parke Scott, Trevor Hyland · Command Ops: Mel Rice, Chuck Maddox Sometimes it seems silly to take all the right gear with you even when it is going to be just a quick check of something. This is a great example of that. He was just going to check something out right over there. 8.5 hours later the young hunter was pretty happy to see someone. Don’t take things for granted; always plan for the worst scenario. “In the Business of Saving Lives”, your Beaverhead Search and Rescue.

The University of Montana Western is pleased to announce Jaime Ochoa as Registrar & Senior Director of Enrollment Management and Chrissy Stokes as Director of Admissions. Jaime Ochoa – Registrar & Senior Director of Enrollment Management Originally from Aberdeen, Washington, Jaime served as Assistant Registrar at Whitworth University from 2017-22 before coming to Montana Western. In this role, she was the academic evaluator for graduate and continuing studies, VA certifying official, and oversaw the academic catalog publishing process. In 2022, she started at UMW in the role of Registrar where she oversees catalog production, certifies student-athletes with the NAIA/NIRA, builds the course schedule, and helps to ensure that policies and procedures are followed. Over the summer, she began serving as both the Registrar & Interim Senior Director of Enrollment Management. “With Jaime’s unwavering dedication in both these roles, I’m truly looking forward to what lies ahead, and I’m certain that her expertise and collaborative approach will empower Montana Western to excel in our enrollment and retention objectives,” said Dr. Johnny MacLean, Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. Jaime and her husband, Louie, have three daughters, ages 23, 19, and 5. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Business Analytics degree from the University of Montana. In her free time, she enjoys running and being outdoors as much as the weather allows. “I’m thrilled to continue serving in the role of Senior Director of Enrollment Management while continuing my duties as the Registrar at Montana Western. I’m eager to not only meet, but exceed our enrollment goals, all while providing support systems to ensure the overall success of UMW students from admissions to graduation,” said Jaime. Chrissy Stokes – Director of Admissions Completing her bachelor’s degree in social science with an emphasis in psychology from Montana Western in 2013, Chrissy began working in the Admissions Office as an Admissions Representative in 2015. She previously served as the Associate Director of Admissions before serving as Interim Director of Admissions beginning this summer. “We look forward to Chrissy serving in this new role and are excited for the enthusiasm and leadership that she will bring to this position,” said Senior Director of Enrollment Management, Jaime Ochoa. “Growing up in the small town of Valier, Montana, I wanted to find a university where I would be more than just a number. I found my home at Montana Western and thrived in a learning environment with small class sizes and a very welcoming community. Since 2015, I have really enjoyed being able to connect with students and families and introduce them to all the opportunities that are available at Montana Western,” Chrissy said.

Montana Campus Compact (MTCC) has recognized thirteen student-athletes for the Montana Athletes in Service Award (MAIS), including Montana Western's Tanner Harrell. Each year, Montana Campus Compact recognizes one student-athlete from each MTCC Affiliate Campus across the state who has dedicated their efforts to serving the community while also pursuing their college degrees and certificates while participating in college sports. MTCC is excited to announce the following MAIS award winners for 2023: Tanner Harrell – University of Montana Western – Football Madison Miller – Salish Kootenai College – Women’s Basketball Brynne Hitchcock – Montana State University – Alpine Skiing Ben Held – Carroll College – Football Sydney Hansen – Montana State University Northern – Women’s Basketball Jaylee Azure – Fort Peck Community College – Basketball, Volleyball, Softball, Cross Country Trajon Cotton – University of Montana – Football Kasidy Yeoman – Montana Technological University – Basketball Tyann Graham – Miles Community College – Women’s Basketball Seth Buckman – Flathead Valley Community College – Logger Sports Lexis Hogan – Little Bighorn College – Women’s Basketball Lauren Rodacker – Dawson Community College – Volleyball, Track Kaitlyn Landwehr – Montana State University Billings – Cheerleading & Stunt Team The recipients were honored at halftime of the 2023 Brawl of the Wild game at Washington Grizzly Stadium on November 18. Montana Western recipient Tanner Harrell, current Association of Student-Athletes President (2023-24) and former Association of Student-Athletes representative (2021-23), actively contributes to the community by volunteering at a local elementary school and as a volunteer for freshmen move-in day. He is also a generous volunteer with Engine 18—an organization established in memory of Bulldog football team member, M.J. Simkins. Recognized as an excellent community member, Tanner lends a helping hand by assisting with moving people into homes, supporting the local elderly, and painting benches at the local special needs home. Additionally, he plays a significant role in community holiday events as Santa Claus. In the sports community, Tanner runs a podcast for Bulldog Athletics titled “ Barkin’ With The Dawgs ” and volunteers as a PA announcer at home events. “These student-athletes have all taken on serious volunteer commitments in addition to their studies and athletics, and those selfless acts should inspire us to be our best selves and to give back to our communities,” said Josh Vanek, Montana Campus Compact’s Executive Director.

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING November 28 th , 2023 3:00 PM ~ AGENDA ~ 1. Approval of November 2023 Claims 2. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction of The City 3. Adjournment Committee Members: Don Hand, Chairperson Dan Nye Russ Schwandt

The Montana Western Fine Arts Gallery, in partnership with the Glass Club, are proud to present this year’s Holiday Art Show and Sale opening Wednesday, December 13 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and running through December 16. Join us to celebrate the holiday season with a variety of one-of-a-kind works of art made by UMW students, faculty, and staff. Items on display and for sale will include photography, paintings, drawings, textiles, glass artwork, crafts, and more. All proceeds will go directly to the artists. Payments will be accepted by cash or check only. The gallery will be accepting submissions from UMW students, staff, and faculty on December 11 and 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Artists are invited to submit up to five distinct works in the medium(s) of their choice and drop them off in person to the Fine Arts Gallery in Main Hall. For more information, please contact Montana Western Fine Arts Gallery Coordinator, Jennifer Boysen: jennifer.boysen@umwestern.edu .

Join us as the University of Montana Western's Glass Program hosts a presentation highlighting the experiences of two UMW students who recently studied at the renowned Pilchuck Glass School. The presentations will be held on Thursday, November 30, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. in the UMW Emerick Art Studio located on the corner of Poindexter and Atlantic Street. Students Heather Reedy and Gabriel Sommers received the Mary Baker Emerick scholarships to the Pilchuck Glass School in the summer of 2023 where they had the opportunity to work with some of the best instructors in glass in the world. The Pilchuck Glass School, located in Stanwood, Washington, stands as a global hub for glass art education, renowned for fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration among artists from diverse backgrounds. From May through September every year, Pilchuck’s Summer + Fall Program offers a series of courses as well as residencies for established artists in all media. Heather, who is pursuing a BA in Glass at UMW, studied the ages old Muranese technique of murrine while at Pilchuck. Murrine is a time-honored glassworking tradition that traces its origins to the renowned glassmaking island of Murano, Italy. Dating back centuries, this intricate method involves creating patterns or images within a glass object by fusing together different colored glass rods, which are then sliced to reveal cross-sectional designs. Gabriel, a glass minor, had the opportunity to study constructing small glass furnaces based upon historical models out of clay and brick. Heather and Gabriel will share their experiences in a detailed presentation and discussion that is free and open to public. A social and light refreshments will take place before the presentations. The UMW Glass Program would like to thank the University of Montana Western Foundation for making this event possible. “As a prior artistic director of Pilchuck Glass School, I spent nine years creating immersive and innovative summer programs in a variety of glass and interdisciplinary processes. My experience in that role drew me to teach at Montana Western and to the block system as an alternative concept in higher education. I’m grateful to UMW’s Foundation and the Emerick Trustees for helping to establish a pathway between Pilchuck and Montana Western. Their support will allow two students each summer to take classes at Pilchuck and share their experiences with the university and community,” said Associate Professor of Fine Arts and Glass Program Coordinator, Ruth King. For more information, please contact Special Events and Alumni Coordinator, Jolene Robbins: jjolene.robbins@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7303.

Montana’s general deer and elk hunting season is wrapping up Nov. 26, 2023. So far this season, more than 8,100 hunters have appeared at regional game check stations. Harvest results at the regional check stations are slightly down compared to a year ago while the number of hunters reported is slightly higher. As the season wraps up, Montana hunters can thank landowners for access and share stories through a new online portal . Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is offering this opportunity to say thank you to landowners who have provided access and helped to make your hunting season great. FWP will collect these expressions of gratitude and share them with the specific landowners at the end of the season. Notes can be submitted online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/thank-a-landowner . Other general hunting seasons underway include black bear (Sept. 15-Nov. 26), bighorn sheep (Sept. 15-Nov. 26), moose (Sept. 15-Nov. 26), mountain lion (fall season without dogs, Oct. 22-Nov. 27), mountain goat (Sept. 15-Nov. 26), turkey (Sept. 1-Jan. 1), and wolf (Sept. 15-March 15, 2024). While the general hunting season ends after this week, hunters will still have opportunities into winter. Certain areas have continued elk hunting opportunities , and there is also Montana’s muzzleloader heritage hunting season for deer and elk, Dec. 9-17, 2023. Check stations are open on weekends during general deer and elk hunting season from 10 a.m. to approximately 1.5 hours past sunset. The regional stations are located at U.S. Highway 2 West of Kalispell, Montana Highway 83 north of Swan Lake, Highway 200 west of Thompson Falls, and Highway 93 near Olney. Hunters must stop at any check station they encounter whether they harvested an animal or not. The counts at the stations represent a sampling of the harvest and do not represent the complete number of animals taken. For an estimate of big game harvests from years’ past, visit https://myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/harvestReports . For a summary of the latest check station results in northwest Montana, click here . Muzzleloader Heritage Hunting Season The Muzzleloader Heritage hunting season is Dec. 9-17, 2023. During the muzzleloader heritage season, a person may take a deer or elk with any unused license or permit that is valid on the last day of the general hunting season (i.e., Nov. 26, 2023). Hunters can use plain lead projectiles and a muzzleloading rifle that is charged with loose black powder, loose pyrodex, or an equivalent loose black powder substitute and ignited by a flintlock, wheel lock, matchlock or percussion mechanism using a percussion or musket cap. The muzzleloading rifle must be a minimum of .45 caliber and may not have more than two barrels. During the muzzleloader heritage season, hunters may not use a muzzleloading rifle that requires insertion of a cap or primer into the open breech of the barrel (inline), is capable of being loaded from the breech, or is mounted with an optical magnification device. Use of pre-prepared paper or metallic cartridges, sabots, gas checks or other similar power and range-enhancing manufactured loads that enclose the projectile from the rifling or bore of the firearm is also prohibited. Many of Montana’s Wildlife Management Areas have seasonal closures from Dec. 2 through May 14. Before heading to the field, hunters should review the regulations for each hunting district they plan to hunt. A list of WMAs and seasonal closure dates are available online at https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management-areas. Northwest Montana (Region 1) Reminders Elk hunting is brow-tined bull only in Region 1 (northwest Montana) except in Hunting District 170, unless a hunter has an antlerless elk permit. Certain hunting districts also allow hunters who posses a Permit to Hunt from a Vehicle (PTHFV) to harvest an antlerless elk (check regulations for specifics). A brow-tined bull is defined as, “any elk having an antler or antlers with a visible point on the lower half of either main beam that is greater than or equal to four inches long." Hunters who purchased the limited 199-20 either-sex white-tailed deer B license can only use that license within the Libby CWD Management Zone. For more info, visit https://fwp.mt.gov/cwd. Hunting at Bad Rock Canyon Wildlife Management Area near Columbia Falls is open only to youth through a limited drawing. Starting Dec. 2, Bad Rock Canyon WMA will be closed to all public access through May 15 at noon to protect big game winter range. Mule deer buck hunting in the North Fisher portion of Hunting District 103 near Libby is permit-only with the 103-50 permit. Many private lands that were historically owned by corporate timber companies have changed ownership, and hunters should review the Block Management Program for Region 1 to view available public access opportunities and restrictions on private lands. Visit https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/landownerprograms/block-management. Hunters should “Be Bear Aware” and properly store food and carcasses. Hunters should avoid hanging carcasses near houses or garages. Carcasses should be suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet out from any upright support. Hunters are encouraged to carry bear spray and know how to use it. More food storage and safety information are available on the FWP website at https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear/be-bear-aware. The toll-free hotline for reporting wildlife poaching, property damage, and violations of Montana fish and game laws is in operation 24 hours a day. If you witness a fish and game violation, or property vandalism, you can report the crime by calling 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668); or report a violation online at fwp.mt.gov. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Chronic Wasting Disease Testing for chronic wasting disease (CWD) is voluntary throughout the state. FWP can assist hunters with sample collection and submission, or hunters can submit samples themselves. CWD is a fatal disease that infects members of the deer family, including elk, moose, mule deer, and white-tailed deer. Hunters play a key role in minimizing the spread of CWD and providing data. In northwest Montana, hunters can bring their harvested animal to the FWP office in Kalispell, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. FWP staff will also assist with CWD sample collection at weekend game check stations across the region when possible and safety allows, based on traffic at the station. Stopping at game check stations remains mandatory. A CWD sampling station in Libby will operate Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, 9:30 a.m. to 2 hours past sunset at the Montana Department of Transportation shop on U.S. Highway 2 south of town. Hunters are not required to stop at the Libby CWD sampling station. FWP will cover the cost of testing hunter-harvested animals for CWD. Hunters who want their animal sampled should leave 2 to 4 inches of the neck below the low jawbone and base of the skull to ensure lymph nodes are present and not inadvertently left with the carcass. Samples cannot be collected from frozen heads. To help prevent the spread of CWD, all carcasses, including the head and spinal column, must be disposed of in a class II landfill after butchering and processing. Dumping carcasses is illegal, unethical and can spread diseases, including chronic wasting disease. This requirement applies to all deer, elk, and moose carcasses harvested by hunters or as vehicle-killed salvage. For a list of proper landfills for disposal, instructional videos, and more info on CWD in Montana, visit https://fwp.mt.gov/cwd .

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. – The Frontier Conference has announced its postseason football awards for the 2023 season. Montana Western had eight players receive all-conference honors, and two individuals given yearly awards. The all-conference teams are chosen in voting by the league's coaches. Montana Western quarterback Michael Palandri was chosen as the Offensive Player of the Year. This is the third consecutive season a Bulldog quarterback has been voted as the Frontier's top offensive player. Palandri leads the conference by passing for 273.1 yards per game and with a 169.0 pass efficiency rating. He has 25 touchdown passes to three interceptions. After guiding Montana Western to a 9-1 record and the conference title, Ryan Nourse was selected as this year's Frontier Conference Coach of the Year. The Bulldogs closed the regular season with eight straight victories to win their first outright conference crown since 1995. Montana Western leads all conference teams with seven First Team All-Frontier selections. Montana Tech had five named to the first team with Carroll and College of Idaho receiving four each. College of Idaho has a Frontier-best 11 selections to both the first and second team. Bulldog first team all-conference selections: Michael Palandri – QB (Maple Valley, Wash. / R-SO) Eli Nourse – WR (Dillon, Mont. / FR) Marcus Lombard – OL (Laie, Hawaii / R-JR) Reese Artz – DL (Battle Mountain, Nev. / R-SR) Tanner Harrell – DL (Shepherd, Mont. / R-SR) Kameron Rauser – LB (Townsend, Mont. / SR) John Mears – K (Belgrade, Mont. / R-JR) Bulldog second team all-conference selections: Rocco Beccari – OL (Kalispell, Mont. / JR) Montana Western Champions of Character selection: Zack Rouse - LB (Saint Maries, Idaho / SR) The full list of All-Conference selections can be found HERE.

It’s that time of the year again when it seems like everything is on sale and at a great price. Sometimes it can get a little overwhelming trying to figure out who has the best deals. How far you must travel to get those deals. Sometimes the best deals are at your local hometown stores, and best of all you don’t have to worry about traveling on the already congested roadways or maybe your boss doesn’t believe in letting you have the Friday after Thanksgiving off. Here in Dillon The Bookstore has a little bit of everything for your holiday shopping list. This year’s theme is Books for Everyone. With a large selection of books ranging from novels, kids’ books, cooking books, autobiographies, and plenty more you are sure to check off a few of those people on your holiday wish list. Did you know that the bookstore also carries calendars, magnets, stickers, sheet music, board games, and so much more. If they don’t have it Debbie can usually get it ordered in. Click on Image for full size Therapie Spa has so much to offer for those shoppers as well. If you have been running all week stop into therapy Spa and take advantage of the many services, they offer. Tanning beds, infrared sauna and so much more. Therapie Spa also has a large selection of small kid’s items that would make great stocking stuffers, they have the multi scarf, Montana Copper mugs and so much more. We have included pictures below of just a few things these local businesses offer to help with your Holiday List.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information LA GRANDE, Ore. — The Montana Western men's basketball team has extended their win streak to three games after they defeated Walla Walla (Wash.) this afternoon 81-59. "Our guys stepped up this weekend and we got great contributions from everyone," Head Coach Pat Jensen said. "This team has a lot of depth and it can be a different guy every night." How It Happened UMW got out to a scorching start after Jalyn Stepney hit back-to-back threes to get the Bulldogs out to a 17-2 score in the first six minutes of the game. The Bulldog men went on to hit seven threes and 21-40 from the field across the half to take a commanding 51-22 lead. Stepney and Christian Pitcher led the Bulldogs through the first half. Stepney put up 14 points with four made three-pointers and Pitcher had 11. Michael Haverfield drained a shot from the arc to give UMW their largest lead of the game at 57-27 with 17:51 left in the game. Despite the lead, the Wolves were able to steal some momentum to cut the lead back down to 16. Though fighting through a lull in scoring, the Bulldogs cut down on Walla Walla scoring opportunities by forcing five turnovers and grabbing three steals across the second half. Notables As a team, UMW capitalized by scoring an impressive 31 points on turnovers. The well-rounded game saw the Bulldog bench put up 42 points combined. Montana Western also put up 38 points from the key, with 16 coming on fast break opportunities. Three Bulldogs reached double digits in tonight's win with Stepney leading the way. He posted 20 points and went 6-15 from the field. Pitcher followed with 13 and Quincy Taylor had 12 points. Kevin Bethel was a key role player, creating opportunities for the Bulldogs behind eight assists and nine rebounds. Up Next UMW takes the week to prepare for a big weekend ahead where they will play in the Taco Bell Shootout hosted by College of Idaho. The Bulldogs will first see a contest with the Lewis-Clark State Warriors on Friday at 3pm MT.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has released the pool assignments and schedule for the 2023 NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship in Sioux City, Iowa. The Bulldogs (22-6 overall) advanced to the tournament's 24-team final site Saturday with a three-set sweep over host Southwestern Assemblies of God University (Texas) in the Opening Round. Their first visit in school history to the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa, begins Nov. 29 with a 12 p.m. MT match against Concordia (24-3), and they will play at the same time Nov. 30 against Midland (16-11). The fourth-ranked Concordia (Neb.) powered through a competitive first set and ran away from visiting Judson University (Ill.), 25-19, 25-14, 25-17, in their home opening round matchup. The Bulldogs of Concordia enter with a 24-3 record and a conference record of 14-2. Midland (Neb.) proved to be too much for Kansas Wesleyan in the NAIA Opening Round as they came away with a four-set victory (25-15, 25-13, 22-25, 25-13). It will be the Warriors' tenth trip in program history, the first coming in the 2013 season. The eight pool champions open bracket play with the Dec. 2 quarterfinal round. The semifinals are set for Dec. 4, and the championship for Dec. 5. Full bracket information for the tournament can be found here.

Ever wonder why most bars above Dillon have apartments? Ever wonder why Dillon has so many drinking establishments? I know growing up in Dillon you always heard the rumors of Dillons past and how prostitution ended in the late 70's. My family owned the Club Bar in the late 60's early 70's and my dad has quite a few stories about the dealings of the working woman and the people who would visit them. On November 16, the Beaverhead County Museum hosted a history lesson on houses of commercial affection and watering holes of Dillon. To say it was eye opening and entertaining is a somewhat boring way to describe this event. Hosted by Kristy Pozega, Mark McGinley, and Lee Graves they started with the early history of bars in Dillon, along with the working women who lived either upstairs in them or in another place known as the island. Lee would start the presentation by discussing some of the stories involving the ladies and their customers and the situations they would get into. From dodging one's wife to thinking you would become rich by falling out a backdoor, only to find no one wanted to admit they were with you when this happened. The stories he told can be traced back to some publications on the matter to people who witnessed it as well as old news articles. Kristy started the night off discussing some of the madams of Dillon and the places they owned and worked at. Many of these women made a very large sum of money and were quite generous to those in need. But they also were not accepted by a lot of the townspeople. She discussed the history of bars in Dillon, their location, how they made it through prohibition, and the relationship they had with prostitution. Many of the bars still stand in the same place today; they have just gone through some name changes and remodels. While others look almost the same. The night was a great way to hear about Dillons unspoken past along with getting a very unique history lesson. Don't worry if you missed out on this presentation; the museum has plans to host other presentations later in the year on various topics. Also according to Kristy she loves to talk history as she styles and clips hair.

Friday, November 19, 2023, first responders received a call of a single vehicle accident on Blacktail Road MM5. The truck was traveling into town when it took a turn too fast and rolled. Police and first responders were on scene to assist in the wreck. The driver of the vehicle sustained no injuries but was arrested for suspected DUI.