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HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that the Opportunities in Rural Economies Loan Participation Program, a new capital access opportunity for rural Montana businesses, will open for applications on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. “Commerce is excited to launch this program and begin reviewing impactful projects that support rural Montana,” said Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio. “This is a unique opportunity for local lenders and economic development partners to collaborate in delivering capital to businesses that need it most.” The ORE Loan Participation Program is designed to expand access to capital for rural Montana businesses by partnering with local lenders to provide low-interest loans. The program supports projects that drive job creation, strengthen basic sector industries and grow rural economies across the state. Commerce will open the application portal for the ORE Loan Participation Program on Oct. 1, 2025. The portal will remain open through Oct. 28, 2025, giving lenders and economic development partners four weeks to submit eligible loan applications. Loan applications must be submitted through an external partner organization or supported by an enrolled EDO. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the open application window. The application process is competitive; EPOs or lenders are encouraged to start eligibility conversations early to ensure strong, complete submissions. Prior to Oct. 1, lenders and economic development organizations wishing to participate should review and execute the Lender Loan Servicing Agreement or the EDO Enrollment Agreement. Lender Loan Servicing Agreement The new LLSA serves as the governing document for multiple state-administered loan participation programs, including the ORE Loan Participation Program, the Wood Products Revolving Loan Fund and the Automation Loan Program. The LLSA simplifies participation, reduces administrative burden and creates a consistent servicing structure for lenders engaged across these targeted business support programs. The agreement reflects Commerce’s commitment to strong public-private partnerships and the shared goal of expanding access to capital for Montana businesses. To support lender engagement and answer questions, Commerce will host a virtual information session on Thursday, Aug. 28 at 11 a.m. The session will include a walk-through of the agreement, program overviews and time for questions. Lenders can access the meeting via mt-gov.zoom.us . Individual support is also available for lenders interested in reviewing the agreement or participating in these programs. EDO Enrollment Agreement Eligible EDOs may now submit an application to become enrolled EDOs. Enrollment is required to participate in the ORE Program and qualifies organizations to access program incentives, support loan participation applications and apply for the upcoming ORE Capacity Building Grant, which is set to launch in early 2026. The EDO enrollment application will be available through Commerce’s ServiceNow platform and will remain open for the duration of the program. Once a complete application is received, Commerce will review and issue a decision within three weeks. Approved applicants will then receive an enrollment agreement via DocuSign for execution. EDOs planning to support a loan application when the ORE Loan Participation Program opens on Oct. 1 must submit their enrollment application by Sept. 10 to allow sufficient time for review and approval. Early application is strongly encouraged to avoid delays and ensure timely participation in upcoming funding rounds. For more information about the ORE Program, the LLSA, eligibility criteria for EDOs or to access the enrollment portal, visit commerce.mt.gov or contact Business Resource Partner Josh Bennett at 406-841-2748 or josh.bennett@mt.gov .

UMW Sports Press Release DILLON, Mont. - UMW Volleyball's Jaiden Perez has been named Erck Hotels/ Frontier Conference Defensive Player of the Week, the league office announced Monday afternoon. This marks the first Player of the Week honor of her career. "It's an awesome start to the season to have Jaiden receive defender of the week," Head Coach Katie Lovett said. "She has worked really hard at her role as our first line of defense. She had a very solid weekend that we are hoping to build on." Perez impressed in the Bulldogs' opening tournament of the season. The Las Vegas, Nev., native tallied 15 total blocks (1.3 blocks per set) over four matches. She was instrumental in Montana Western's sweep of Saint Francis, recording six blocks while also hitting a .333 clip and adding five kills. In the final game of the tournament, Perez doubled down on her stout defensive play with five more blocks. She committed just one blocking error in 12 sets played. LOOKING AHEAD The Bulldogs continue their season at the Hells Canyon Grand Invitational Aug. 29-30. They will face off against Walla Walla (8/29), Arizona Christian (8/30), and tournament host LC State (8/30).

UMW Sports Press Release HELENA, Mont. - Montana Western women's cross-country squad was picked seventh and the men's team was picked eighth in earned the top spot in the 2025 Frontier Conference Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league office announced Tuesday. "We are excited to race against strong opponents this season," UMW Head Coach Taylor Grove said. "The conference expansion added a lot of quality programs and it will be good for the team to face this level of competition." The Bulldogs look to improve on last seasons' conference championships finish, where the women placed fourth and the men took home fifth. The top returners on the women's side include all-conference performer Olivia Steadman , who placed 10th at the 2024 FC Championships with a time of 23:27.8. As a freshman in 2023, Steadman placed ninth at the league championships and qualified for the NAIA National Meet. Also back for the Bulldogs is Justene Santi , who finished 20th at last years conference meet with a personal-best 24:33.20. The men's team sees juniors Harrison Silverio and Brant Heiner return. Silverio paced UMW at last season's conference championships, running to a 20th place finish with 27:02.00. Heiner, who placed 10th and earned an NAIA Nationals spot in 2023 with a 26:28.50, did not compete in 2024. LOOKING AHEAD Montana Western opens the season at MSU Bobcat Twilight Aug. 29. The men's race starts at 7:20 p.m. MT with the women's following at 7:45 p.m. MT. 2025 Frontier Conference Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll Rank School (First Place Votes) Total Points 1 Montana Tech (8) 97 2 Carroll (2) 89 3 Dakota State (1) 84 4 Rocky Mountain 75 5 Dickinson State 54 6 Bismarck State 53 7 Montana Western 45 8 Valley City State 43 9 Bellevue 28 10 MSU-Northern 20 11 Providence 17 2025 Frontier Conference Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll Rank School (First Place Votes) Total Points 1 Carroll (8) 98 2 Rocky Mountain (3) 87 3 Bellevue 79 4 Montana Tech 70 5 Dakota State 64 6 Bismarck State 57 7 Dickinson State 54 8 Montana Western 32 9 MSU-Northern 30 10 Valley City State 20 11 Providence 14

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 6:45 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING ON ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2025-2026 BUDGET 7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE   A.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA   B.        MINUTES 1.         Approve the Minutes from August 6, 2025 Regular Meeting 2.         Approve the Transcript from August 6 th , 2025 Public Hearing on Butte Street 3.         Approve the Minutes from August 11, 2025 Special City Council Hearing   C.        PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS               1.         Update from the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce 2.         Mr. Klakken and Mr. Warner’s Opinion Letter on the Dillon City Attorneys 3.         Accept Resignation of Police Chief Alvarez   D.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Second Reading of Ordinance #486 2.         Second Reading of Ordinance #487 3.         Approve Resolution #1491 Western Region Hazard Mitigation Plan (Plan can be reviewed at https://des.mt.gov/Mitigation/Mitigation-Planning ) 4.         Approve Resolution of Intent #1493 to Create Sid   E.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         City Attorney – Ed Guza                         a.         Copy of Beaverhead Meats Cease & Desist Letter 2.         Planning Board - Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham                         a.         Accept July 14 th , 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes 3.         Zoning Commission - Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley                         a.         Accept the Minutes from July 22 nd , 2025 Regular Meeting 4.         Board of Adjustments - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz 5.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey 6.         Police Department – Police Chief Jeremy Alvarez                         a.         Accept Incident Report from July 2025                7.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose                         a.         Accept the Activity Report for July 2025 8.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox                         a.         Accept the Court Report for July 2025 9.         Library Board - Diane Armstrong, Council Member; Kim Denny, Library Director               F.        REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Ordinances & Facilities – Bill Shafer, Chair; Joleen Schultz, Mary Jo O’Rourke 2.         Finance Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Diane Armstrong, Mary Jo O’Rourke 3.         Public Services – Diane Armstrong, Chair; Bill Shafer, Don Deem 4.         Open Spaces – Raymond Graham, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Joleen Schultz 5.         Public Works – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Raymond Graham                         a.         Approve the Minutes from August 13, 2025 Regular Committee Meeting                                     i.          Approve the Purchase of New Truck for the Street & Alley Department     G.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE  AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY   H.        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.

UMW Sports Press Release DILLON, Mont. - Montana Western Men's Basketball has hired Tim Nolan as an assistant coach, Head Coach Patrick Jensen announced Tuesday. "We are really excited to add Tim Nolan to our staff for the upcoming season," Jensen said. "He comes highly recommended by several very successful coaches and brings valuable experience from his time at Wyoming, Idaho State, and the Greensboro Swarm. Tim's strong work ethic and the basketball knowledge he has gained at his previous coaching stops will make an immediate impact on our program. I'm excited to have him on board." Nolan comes to UMW after a year with the Greensboro Swarm, the NBA G-League affiliate of the Charlotte Hornets, where he served as Operations Assistant. His time in North Carolina included the first post-season berth in franchise history as well as being the director of the Future Basketball Stars K-12 youth program. Prior to the Swarm, Nolan was a graduate assistant at Idaho State, where he coordinated men's basketball team operations, assisted with scouting reports, and served as youth camp director. He also assisted in the development of All-Big Sky Center Brayden Parker and helped the Bengals to two Big Sky tournament wins for the first time in 20 years. He also served as the Head Student Manager for Wyoming men's basketball from 2019-22, where he assisted in on-court workouts and was the ShotTracker Specialist in charge of in game and practice analytics. The Cowboys earned an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2022. Nolan began his career as a student assistant at Casper College in 2018-19, where he helped the Thunderbirds to the Region IX title and an NJCAA National Tournament appearance. A native of Casper, Wyoming, Nolan earned his bachelor's in physical education from the University of Wyoming in 2022 and a master's in athletic administration from Idaho State in 2024.

TEACHERS NIGHT at The Bookstore. Wednesday, August 20th from 4:00-7:00. We are hosting a Welcome Back to School night for all educators! Please join us for after school snacks, door prizes and a chance to win a $100, $75 or $50 book gift certificate for your classroom. Sign up for your 10% discount (good for the 2025-2026 school year) Visit Duckworth (right next door) for their Back to School Sale happening at the same time. Call 683-6807 if you have any questions.

HELENA, Mont. - Montana Western Football earned the top spot in the 2025 Frontier Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll-West Division, the league announced Monday . The Bulldogs received five first-place votes and totaled 35 points in the poll. Southern Oregon (one first-place vote, 30 points) and College of Idaho (26 points) finished second and third in the West, respectively. In the East Division, Montana Tech was tabbed first with four first-place votes and 34 points while Dickinson State (three first-place votes, 33 points) and Rocky Mountain (25 points) earned second and third. "It's humbling to be picked by our peers at the top of a really good league and knowing you have the respect of your opponents," UMW Head Coach Ryan Nourse said. "However, the preseason picks are normally a recap of the previous season and not a great representation of what a team is or isn't at this point, so we will keep working really hard on getting the 2025 Bulldogs ready for an awesome season opener against Montana Tech. " Montana Western enters the season as back-to-back regular-season champion. The team will look to continue its success in the new-look Frontier conference in '25. The Bulldogs brought back some key players from its 2024 title-winning squad, including quarterback Michael Palandri , who threw for nearly 3,700 yards and 34 touchdowns last season. Also returning on the offensive end of the ball are wide receiver Eli Nourse (1,205 yards, 12 touchdowns) and running back Jake Humphrey (948 yards, 12 touchdowns). Defensively, linebackers Jace Fitzgerald (81 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, 4.5 sacks) and Keegen Muffich (98 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks) are both back for more. Additionally, defensive lineman Tyler Walker (45 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, 6.0 sacks) also returns to strengthen the Bulldog defense. LOOKING AHEAD Montana Western opens the season at rival Montana Tech Aug. 28. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. MT. 2025 Frontier Conference Football Coaches' Preseason Poll Rank School (First Place Votes) Total Points East Division 1 Montana Tech (4) 34 2 Dickinson State (3) 33 3 Rocky Mountain 25 4 Dakota State 21 5 Mayville State 14 6 Valley City State 13 7 MSU-Northern 7 West Division 1 Montana Western (5) 35 2 Southern Oregon (1) 30 3 College of Idaho 26 4 Carroll (1) 23 5 Eastern Oregon 16 6 Arizona Christian 11 7 Simpson

Notice of Public Meeting   Notice is hereby given of the East Bench Unit Joint Board meeting Wednesday, August 20 th , 2025 at 4:00 p.m. The Board will meet at the district office.    ·       Call to Order ·       New Business o   Discuss winter releases o   Discuss fall shoulder season ·       Old business ·       Adjourn

MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY August 19th, 2025 5:00 PM   AGENDA:   I.                   Call to order II.                Approval of Minutes from 7-15-2025 meeting         Public Comment III.              Approval of Warrants         Public Comment IV.             Old Business                     Public Comment V.                New Business        Discuss/recommend resolution establishing the method of levying voted mills per HB231 & SB542          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

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers August 20th, 2025 5:00 P.M. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE     A .        MAYOR’S DECISION TO CLOSE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC, PER SECTION 2-3-203(4) MCA RE: Litigation Captioned Eric Wendland and Alicia Wendland, v. City of Dillon, Montana                                     B.         DISCUSS A STRATEGY TO BE FOLLOWED WITH RESPECT TO SAID LITIGATION                                                 C.        RECONVENE IN OPEN MEETING   D.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE  AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY   E.         ADJOURNMENT   PLEASE NOTE: The City of Dillon understands that citizens have the right under the Montana Constitution to observe and participate in local governmental affairs by personally attending all public meetings of the Dillon City Council and other City boards and committees. This meeting is open closed to the public and reopens as normal. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528, allowing permission for microphone and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245. Please mute your microphone until you desire to comment. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245.

MADISON COUNTY, MT  – On August 13, 2025, the Madison County Communication Center received a 911 call reporting possible human remains on private property in the Revenue Flats area, west of Norris. A Madison County deputy responded to the scene and confirmed that the bones were indeed human. Madison County Sheriff’s Office personnel arrived to secure the scene, which was protected to preserve evidence. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation was contacted to assist with the investigation, along with the Montana Medical Examiner’s Office. The scene was secured, and both MCSO deputies, MT DOJ DCI, and the Medical Examiner’s Office returned to the site the following morning. Human remains and additional items were located within the premises. This is an ongoing investigation, and authorities will release further information as it becomes available. If you have any information regarding missing persons, please contact the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at 406-843-5369.

As the 2025 Montana Property Tax Rebate application period opens, Representative Ken Walsh (HD 69) is available to assist constituents with questions, eligibility, and the application process. “If you own and reside in your home here in House District 69, you may qualify for up to $400 back on your property taxes,” said Walsh. “I want to ensure every eligible resident has the support they need to access this rebate.” Residents are encouraged to reach out directly for help navigating the online portal, understanding requirements, or requesting a paper form. 📅 Application Window: August 15 – October 1, 2025 📍 Contact Ken Walsh: 📞 (406) 596-0418 📧  Kenneth.Walsh@legmt.gov Representative Walsh remains committed to transparent, responsive service and encourages all eligible homeowners to apply before the deadline.

MILES CITY – Warrants for the arrest of a Michigan father and son have been issued following a series of wildlife violations in Treasure County. Ronald Schubert and his son, Chad Schubert, both of Belleville, Mich., have each been charged with felony unlawful possession of a trophy bull elk. The son also has been charged with an additional felony for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, as well as four misdemeanor charges for hunting during a closed season, failure to obtain landowner permission for hunting, waste of a game animal, and violation of a commission or department rule for failure to return to a kill site. Ronald Schubert has also been charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass to property. The investigation into the Schuberts began with information provided to Montana game wardens by the Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office. After extensive investigation, warden Kyle Queer found that Chad Schubert allegedly killed a trophy bull elk in Hunting District 702 without a valid permit. The elk also was taken on private land without permission, killed with a rifle during the archery-only season, and most of the meat was abandoned and left to waste in the field. Further investigation showed that Ronald Schubert was present at the time and allegedly assisted with removal and transport of the head and antlers. Potential penalties for the violations include more $60,000 in fines and restitution, imprisonment in a county detention center, and loss of privileges to hunt, fish and trap. Chad Schubert faces additional pending charges for violations related to the hunting of deer, antelope, turkeys and mountain lions in Rosebud County. Persons accused of a crime are presumed to be innocent until their guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks would like to thank the Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office, Treasure County Attorney’s Office, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources for their assistance in this investigation. Anyone with possible information about crimes against fish, wildlife or state land resources is encouraged to visit tipmont.mt.gov or to contact a game warden in your area directly. You may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY STUDY COMMISSIONER MEETING FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2025 COMMISSIONERS’ ROOM – COURTHOUSE DILLON, MT all times are approximate   11:00 a.m.                     12:00 p.m. ·        Call Meeting to Order ·        Roll Call- Establish quorum ·        Action- Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes ·        Discussion & Action- Interviews with County Commissioners and Dept Heads ·        Discussion- Review of Survey ·        Discussion- Fair Booth ·        Public Comments and Any Items Not Listed on the Agenda ·        Adjourn Meeting

Press Release from Dillon Police Department In the early morning hours of August 13, 2025, the Dillon Police Department, along with the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Department, assisted the ATF in executing a search warrant at a residence in the 500 block of Barnett Street in Dillon, Montana. There is no threat to the community, and the investigation remains ongoing.