DVFD responded to 12 calls during the month of April, 2023. 04-02 E Bannack St CO Call 04-04 Selway Dr Fire Alarm 04-05 Apex Grass Fire 04-06 Reeder St Gas Odor 04-09 Downing Ln Grass Fire 04-12 I-15 MM 59 MVA 04-13 Hwy 278 MM 14 MVA 04-18 Legget Ave Powerline Down 04-26 I-15 MM 46 MVA 04-27 Monida Structure Fire (Mutual Aid) 04-29 N Montana St Gas Odor 04-30 N Walnut St Gas Odor We had firefighters train on S-212 Chainsaw Class, S-219 Firing Boss Class, Response to Radioactive Incidents Class, First Responder Trauma Training. Our cadets are continuing with the FF1 training. We also conducted some leadership training. We had four Montana Youth Challenge cadets spend a couple of afternoons cleaning trucks and learning about the apparatus.

With the high levels of snow and very warm temperatures this spring, boaters can expect high waters soon. The combination of high water and high expectations can be deadly when conditions are too extreme for safe boating. It can be hard to put safety ahead of adventure when you've spent hours planning a boat trip, but sometimes the only safe choice is to stay off the water. All water users should wear a well-fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device, or life jacket, when on and around the water. If you are in a boat or even near a rapidly flowing river, wear a life jacket – it could save your life. If you fall into cold water without a life jacket, you could drown in a matter of minutes. There are times, especially for less experienced boaters and floaters, when the dangers aren't readily apparent until they've entered the water. Boaters should make a study of high-water hazards and be prepared to cope with dangers that may include: debris in water cold water logs that get lodged together and block a boat’s ability to float through bridge abutments that catch debris and create swirling waves turbid, muddy water that makes other hazards in the water difficult or impossible to see the possibility of capsizing and having to rescue yourself or others boaters who get wet and need to be warmed quickly to prevent hypothermia Here are some tips for navigating the dangers of high water: Don't boat alone. Make sure someone on shore knows where you plan to put in, take out and when you plan to return. If the water at in a stage you wouldn't choose to swim in, then don't launch your boat either. If you do launch, wear a well-fitted life jacket and, in rough waters, a helmet. Boaters should not assume a river is the same as it was during a previous trip. Rivers change their channels, and new hazards, such as overhanging or broken tree branches and log jams, may exist. Make it part of your plan to reschedule a trip if conditions deteriorate. Anyone planning to recreate near water should first check the FWP website for safety information. Go to fwp.mt.gov/activities/boating/safety . Additional fishing access site closures and restrictions are likely as spring runoff continues. For updates, visit fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions .

UMW Sports Press Release: Following a trip to compete in the University of Montana rodeo this weekend, the Bulldog Men pulled off a second-place finish to give them a second-place final standing in the Big Sky Region. With the second-place finish, the Bulldog Men’s Rodeo team qualifies as a team to compete at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo. this upcoming June. The Bulldog women finished on a high note after they took second-place over the weekend. Tavy Leno shined in three events, finishing first in the Women’s All-Around standings at the rodeo. Top Performers Trevor Kay placed finished on top in the average standings for the Bareback Riding, bringing in a total of 153 points. Tavy Leno finished as the Women’s All-Around winner, came in first place in the Breakaway Roping after a combined time of 5.0, and finished in fourth in Goat Tying after a combined time of 15.8. Teegan Leno and Tavy combined for a 21.8 in Team Roping to finish in first in the average over the weekend. Gavin Knutson was the lone Bull Rider to get a ride in on the weekend. He finished with two eight-second rides and a combined score of 148. Brett Bartholomew finished in second place in the Tie-Down Roping with a 26.3. Cooper Pavkov and Brett Bartholomew finished in fourth in Team Roping with a time of 28.6. Harley Beasley and Trace Martin came in fifth in Team Roping with a time of 32.8 in the average. Up Next The College National Finals Rodeo will be in Casper, Wyo. from June 9 through June 17. The position draw for the event will be announced on June 2 for the athletes competing in the event.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Helena Sand and Gravel anticipate working on the following, weather dependent: Week of May 1: Completed concrete work: the sidewalks on the south side of East Helena Avenue. The lane closure on East Helena Avenue has been removed. Cones may still be up around sidewalk corners as concrete cures. Works starts on street driveway tie-ins and patching asphalt gaps along East Helena Avenue. Travelers can continue to expect single-lane bridge closures with temporary traffic lights while concrete cures. Concrete work: will continue on the west side of South Atlantic Street, with some sidewalk removal at intersection corners. Work is expected to go to Sebree Street. No through traffic at the side street intersections with the west side of South Atlantic Street. This will be similar to the traffic control measures as East Helena Avenue. Pedestrians: can expect partial sidewalk closures day and night while concrete cures. Week of May 8: Work occurring around and below the bridge over the railroad. Travelers can expect single-lane bridge closures with temporary traffic lights. Concrete work: continues as crews work on sidewalk and curb removal and replacement along the north side of East Helena Avenue. Travelers can expect daytime single-lane closures along East Helena Avenue. Both lanes will be open at night. Side street intersections closed at the north side of East Helena Avenue. Businesses along side streets will have access from East Virginia Street. Pedestrians: can expect partial sidewalk closures day and night while concrete cures.

The Dillon Beavers watched the game slip away early and couldn't recover in a 9-3 loss to the Belgrade Panthers on Saturday. Belgrade scored on a stolen base by Diego Casas in the first inning, a double by Cam Ueland in the first inning, a single by Gideon Green in the first inning, and a single by Brody Jacksha in the second inning. The Beavers struggled to put runs on the board and had a tough time defensively containing the Panthers, giving up nine runs. Belgrade got on the board in the first inning when Belgrade scored one run on a stolen base. Belgrade scored four runs in the sixth inning. Belgrade batters contributing to the big inning included Jacksha, Collin Delph, and Ueland, all knocking in runs in the inning. Gage Banks led things off on the mound for the Panthers. The pitcher lasted four innings, allowing four hits and two runs while striking out three. Sawyer Tackett was on the mound for the Beavers. The pitcher lasted six innings, allowing 14 hits and nine runs while striking out two and walking one. Cohen Hartman threw one inning in relief. Andrew Bartlome led the Beavers with two hits in three at bats. Belgrade totaled 16 hits in the game. Jacksha, Casas, Keenan Kraft, Ueland, Delph, Sawyer Olson, and Ryas Olson all managed multiple hits for Belgrade. Belgrade tore up the base paths, as four players stole at least two bases. Casas led the way with four.

The Dillon Beavers Baseball team finally got that beautiful spring day to play baseball on Friday, April 28th. The Beavers took on Butte Central Maroons at Ray Lynch Park. Both teams would score two runs in the third inning. The Maroons would really shine in the 5th scoring eight runs. With the Maroons scoring so many runs in the eigth inning, the team's confidence of winning the game became both clear in the dugout as well as on the field. The Beavers were able to clear their heads and not let it affect them. They would come back in the sixth inning to bring in three runs and go into the seventh inning trailing by three. The Beavers would come back and finish the game with an 11 to 10 victory. Highlights of the game include Lagunas got the start for the Beavers, he went three innings, allowing two runs on three hits and striking out seven. Konen, Skradski, and Tackett all had multiple hits for the Beavers. Konen and Tackett each had four hits to help lead the Beavers. The Beavers had nine stolen bases with Konen leading the way with four. Full Picture Gallery Below:

The Dillon Beavers JV Baseball team followed in the footsteps of the Varsity team Friday evening as they took on the Butte Central Maroons with a 14 to 4 win at Ray Lynch Park. In the first inning the Maroons would take the lead against the Beavers four to two. The Beavers would come back in the second to score four and hold the Maroons at only four runs throughout the rest of the game. VanHorne, Bartlome, Lagunas, Sitton, and J. Alvarez all lead with runs scoring two each. You can catch both the Junior Varsity and Varsity home games today starting at 11 A.M. at Ray Lynch Park.

There is no District Court scheduled for Beaverhead County next week.

With the exception of Eureka, watercraft inspection stations are open. All vehicles transporting any type of boat, including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and rafts are required to stop at all inspection stations they encounter. Watercraft inspection stations are Montana’s first line of defense to prevent the movement of AIS, which can have devastating impacts on Montana waterways. More than 2,400 watercraft have been inspected so far this year. Of those, 13 boats were found to be transporting invasive mussels. Recently, a pontoon boat was intercepted at the Wibaux inspection station (operated by the Garfield Conservation District). The boat had been purchased at auction in Wisconsin and was being transported to Idaho. Inspectors preformed a decontamination, locked the boat to the trailer and notified Idaho to follow up. Boat owners should ensure their watercraft, trailers and gear are clean, drained and dry before transporting and need to be aware of Montana’s inspection rules: All watercraft coming into Montana from out of state must be inspected prior to launching. All watercraft traveling west across the Continental Divide into the Columbia River Basin must be inspected prior to launching. Anyone transporting watercraft must stop at all open watercraft inspection stations they encounter. And all boaters are reminded to always clean drain and dry their boat, live wells, anchors, boots and gear when leaving the water.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on the proposed award of almost $1.6 million in grant funds to 36 applicants through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) in 2023. This year, FWP received a total of 46 RTP applications requesting over $2.5 million. FWP administers RTP, a federally funded program that provides funding for trail and trail-related projects across the state. Eligible projects include development and rehabilitation work on urban, rural and backcountry trails; planning and construction of community trails; snowmobile and cross-country ski trail maintenance and grooming operations; and a variety of trail stewardship and safety education programs. A complete list of recommended awards is available online at: fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/grant-programs/recreational-trails . Comments will be accepted online at fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/public-comment-opportunities ; in writing sent to P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620-0701; and by email to FWPFACB@mt.gov . Comments will be accepted until May 11 at 5 p.m.

The City of Dillon Mountain View Cemetery will begin Memorial Day Cleanup Monday, May 1st , 2023. Please remove all decorations stuck in the ground or placed on grave spaces by Monday, May 8th. This includes shepherd hooks set out of compliance in the past year, lights, wooden crosses, artificial flowers, etc. The City will remove all remaining decorations beginning Monday, May 8th. Flowers and/or decorations may be placed on graves for Memorial Day beginning Thursday, May 25th , 2023. All shepherd hooks placed for Memorial Day that are not in compliance with cemetery regulations must be removed by Monday, June 5th , 2023.

The BCHS Varsity Baseball took on the Corvallis Blue Devils Thursday afternoon at Ray Lynch Park. Corvallis came out ready to play, scoring 7 runs by the end of the second inning. The Beavers seemed to have trouble getting into the game making mistakes that allowed the Blue Devils to score early on. In the 3rd inning the Beavers would score three points. In the next three innings the Blue Devils would score one point holding the beavers to the three points scored in the third inning. The Beavers would try to mount a comeback in the 7th inning scoring four more runs but would come up short with a 10 to 7 loss. The Beavers play again today at Ray Lynch Park starting with the Varsity boys at 3 pm come down grab a delicious walking taco and help cheer on the Beavers. Full Stats and photos below:

UMW Press Release: The University of Montana Western will celebrate its 126th Annual Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in the Straugh Gymnasium on the UMW campus. “We look forward to celebrating this important milestone for our students, and we are proud of all of their accomplishments,” said Montana Western Chancellor, Michael Reid. 350 Montana Western graduates will be awarded over 400 degrees by the end of the 2022-23 academic year. Of the 350 students, 53 have completed two or more degrees, and 70% of the graduates are receiving honors by achieving a GPA of 3.33 or higher. 160 graduates have chosen to participate in this year’s ceremony. The ceremony’s Chief Marshal will be Laura Straus, Ph.D., Professor of Education. Commencement Speaker: Taylor Nahrgang This year’s commencement program will feature speaker Taylor Nahrgang, a 2010 Montana Western graduate and Director of Western & Work Partnerships at Ariat International. In his current role at Ariat International, Nahrgang is responsible for developing and nurturing key partnerships with stakeholders in the Western & Work industries. In his personal life, he loves to rope and is a proud dad. He takes great pleasure in watching his children excel in school and sports and is a devoted supporter of his wife’s personal and professional endeavors. Nahrgang has a strong connection to the University of Montana Western, where he has served as the Rodeo Club President, ASUMW President, Montana Associated Students (MAS) Vice President, Big Sky Region Student Director, and NIRA Student President. He is also a Big Sky Region Steer Wrestling Champion and a NIRA Steer Wrestling World Champion. Nahrgang currently serves as a member of the University of Montana Western Foundation Board. Distinguished Alumni Service Award Recipient: Phil Willett Phil Willett graduated from Montana Western in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science and a minor in history. He went on to receive a Graduate Degree of Banking from University of Washington Pacific Coast Banking School. Willett has been involved with Montana Western in various capacities for over 20 years. He has been on the Montana Western Foundation Board of Directors since 2016 and currently serves as the Board Chairman and on the current Capital Campaign Committee. Currently, Willett serves as the President/CEO of Pioneer Federal Savings and Loan Association, with locations in Dillon and Deer Lodge. He has been in the banking industry for 20 years and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Montana Independent Bankers Association. He and his wife, Ashley, also a Montana Western graduate, are the proud parents of daughter Gabby and enjoy spending time together by attending her many activities. Avid golfers, they also attend many community events and support student-athletes at Beaver and Bulldog games. Additional events will be held the weekend of Commencement, including the Distinguished Alumni Recognition Luncheon honoring Phil Willett and the UMW Classes of 1973 and 1998, Commencement Rehearsal, Legacy Plaza Ceremony, and Bulldog Breakfast. Luncheon Honoring Phil Willett and the UMW Classes of 1973 and 1998 The Montana Western Alumni Office will host a luncheon in the Lewis and Clark Room in Mathews Hall on Friday, May 5, at 11:30 a.m. to honor Willett and the Montana Western classes of 1973 and 1998. Tickets are $20 and available by calling 406-683-7306. Willett will then be recognized for the award during the Commencement Ceremony on May 6. Rehearsal Rehearsal for all graduates and degree candidates will be held on Friday, May 5 at 2:00 p.m. in the Straugh Gymnasium. UMW staff will be available to answer any questions about the ceremony and order of events at Commencement. Legacy Plaza Ceremony An additional ceremony honoring the 2023 Graduating Class will be held on Friday, May 5, at 3:30 p.m. on the campus’s Legacy Plaza. This celebration is part of a special tradition at Montana Western held at the end of each academic year on the eve of the Commencement Ceremony that celebrates and honors the graduates for the completion of their degrees and the legacy that they will leave at UMW. Bulldog Breakfast Montana Western is hosting a continental breakfast from 7:30-9:30 a.m. in UMW’s Dining Hall for all Commencement guests prior to the ceremony on May 6. Please RSVP online by Thursday, May 4, 2023: https://www.umwestern.edu/commencement-breakfast-reservation/ . Breakfast will feature waffles, scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, sausage, biscuits and gravy, sweet rolls, muffins, coffee cake, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, granola, chilled juice, fresh brewed coffee, and assorted teas. The cost will be $10 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. Payment will be taken directly by Dining Services via cash or card. Check-In Graduates and degree candidates will need to arrive dressed in their full regalia for check-in no later than 9:00 a.m. at the Lucy Carson Library. Seating Guests can begin seating in the Straugh Gymnasium and Keltz Arena (both located in the BARC) at 9:00 a.m. Seating in the Straugh Gymnasium requires tickets reserved in advance by all participating graduates and degree candidates. Seating in the Keltz Arena, an additional ceremony viewing location, is open and does not require tickets. Visit https://tinyurl.com/UMWComm23 for more information. Livestream For those who are unable to attend in person, a livestream of Saturday’s Commencement Ceremony will be available starting at 10:00 a.m. on May 6 by visiting https://www.umwestern.edu/commencement-live-stream/ . For more information about Commencement, please contact the Montana Western Registrar’s Office by calling 406-683-7371 or visit https://tinyurl.com/UMWComm23 .

UMW Sports Press Releas3e: Montana Western Volleyball welcomed five signees in its 2023 signing class, the program announced Wednesday afternoon. “We are excited about this dynamic group of incoming freshmen. They each bring a unique feature to our growing program.” Head Coach Katie Lovett said. This year’s recruiting class includes two athletes from Montana and one athlete from Oregon, Washington, and Nevada. The group also includes a setter, two middle blockers, an opposite hitter, and a defensive specialist. “We have a lot of talent coming in this year and athletes who have been very successful at the high school and club levels. I can’t wait to get everyone to campus and see how the newcomers blend with our very talented returners. The atmosphere the team has created is something special. It’s truly a joy to get to coach this group and I can’t wait to get to coach all of these new Bulldogs, too.” Lovett continued. Madisyn Frazier | DS/L | 5’5” | Kalispell, Mont. / Glacier High School Madisyn is a defensive specialist and libero who joins the Bulldogs from Kalispell, Mont. and will be graduating from Glacier High School this spring. A three year varsity athlete, Frazier earned numerous accolades as a member of the Wolfpack. She was named Academic All-State three times, earned First Team All-Conference twice, and earned Second Team All-State honors twice. She is ranked second in Glacier volleyball history for digs in a single season after she recorded 422 digs during the 2021-22 season. Frazier has played for the Apex Volleyball Club for the past eight years where she has earned a team captain spot. She was also a member of her high school wrestling team where she was named Academic All-State three times, was a team captain, placed top 10 in the state twice, and was a two year selection for AAU Montana National Wrestling Team. “Maddie is a go-getter. There is no question on if she will bring effort, hustle, and her competitive spirit with her to Western.” Lovett says. Frazier is the daughter of Jay and Tracy Frazier and plans to major in Health and Human Performance while at Montana Western. Maxine Hoagland | OPP/OH | 5’11” | Whitehall, Mont. / Whitehall High School Maxine is an opposite and outside hitter who joins the Bulldogs from Whitehall, Mont. and will be graduating from Whitehall High School this spring. Hoagland earned All-State and All- Conference accolades after the 2021 and 2022 seasons. She earned Academic All-State honors her junior and senior seasons and has earned High Honors for the past four years. Her senior year, she recorded 341 kills, 38 blocks, and 32 aces across the season with 99 kills in the district tournament. She has also been a member of the Empire Volleyball Club in Bozeman, Mont. for the last year. Hoagland competed in basketball and track at Whitehall High School where she earned All-Conference in basketball. “Maxine is a phenomenal all-around athlete. She is one of the hardest workers I’ve seen and I know she will continue growing her knowledge of the game here.” Lovett says. Maxine is the daughter of Shawn Hoagland and Gina Ossello and plans to major in Business while at Montana Western. Jaiden Perez | MB | 6’0” | Las Vegas, Nev. / Coronado High School Jaiden is a middle blocker who joins the Bulldogs from Las Vegas, Nev. and will be graduating from Coronado High School this spring. A two year varsity volleyball player, Perez was a member of the 2022 state championship team while a Cougar. During her senior season, she recorded a .297 hitting percentage, 64 total blocks, and 1.5 kills per set. Perez also played for the Vegas Aces volleyball club for the last two years. “We are very excited to have Jaiden joining our program next year. Jaiden has excellent fundamentals and has played at a highly competitive level for a long time. She moves quickly at the net and is always an option in transition.” Lovett says. Jaiden is the daughter of Christina Perez and Robert Perez and plans to major in Modern History and Secondary Education while at Montana Western. Olivia Rosborough | MB | 6’0” | Oregon City, Oregon / Silverton High School Olivia is a middle blocker who joins the Bulldogs from Oregon City, Ore. and will be graduating from Silverton High School this spring. Rosborough was a four year varsity athlete who earned First Team All-Mid Willamette Conference in 2021, was a team captain her junior season, and her team was top eight in the state. She was a member of her high school tennis team for four years and was nominated for the First Citizen Award. Olivia also played for the Capital City Elite volleyball club for six years outside of high school volleyball. “Olivia is a strong athlete and always brings great energy. She is a great communicator and has a heavy arm swing paired with a strong blocking presence at the net.” Lovett says. Olivia is the daughter of Todd and Christina Rosborough and plans to major in Ecology while at Montana Western. Sophie Worden | S | 5’8” | Vancouver, Wash. / Columbia River High School Sophie is a setter who joins the Bulldogs from Vancouver, Wash. and will be graduating from Columbia River High School this spring. Worden was a three year varsity athlete for the Rapids and was a two-time state champion. She earned GSHL league champions twice and was a district champion in 2021. Worden was named Second Team All-League as a defensive specialist in 2021, was a team captain last season, earned D-Fly Classic All-Tournament Team, First Team All-League setter, First Team All-Region setter, and was named First Team All-State setter. She was a three time state WIAA Academic Award honoree, two time GSHL Academic Athlete award winner, and is a National Honor Society member. Worden also participated in golf while at Columbia River and has been a member of the Athena Volleyball 18-1 Gold National club team. “Sophie has great knowledge of the game and is the ultimate teammate. She has the ability to make everyone around her better by her encouragement and her ability to deliver consistent sets.” Lovett says. Worden is the daughter of Chip and Heather Worden and plans to major in Health and Human Performance at Montana Western. The Bulldogs return 12 players from last season’s squad, including all-conference players Jazi Smith, Kelsey Goddard, Danyel Martin, and all-freshman team athlete Jordan Olson. Smith found herself on the single season leaderboards, falling into third in UMW history for single season kills (305) and kills per set (2.88). Vogl was just shy of breaking the single season block record, totaling 96 last season. Despite falling to a tough Rocky Mountain team in the conference tournament championship at the end of last season, the Bulldogs had their first double-digit win season since 2016, finishing up 12-17 overall. The Bulldogs also had their highest winning percentage since the 2005 season when the Bulldogs went 16-13 overall.

This year’s Montana paddlefish seasons kicks off on May 1 with the opening of the Upper Missouri River section from Fort Benton downstream to Fort Peck Dam. Anglers must have a White Harvest Tag to participate in catching and keeping a paddlefish from this section of the river. These tags are issued through a lottery system. FWP mails these tags to successful applicants. Unsuccessful paddlefish drawing applicants will be issued a snag-and-release only license for the Upper Missouri River. Others may also purchase snag and release tags for this fishery, even if they are not part of the lottery. The paddlefish season on the Missouri River below Fort Peck Dam and in the Yellowstone River below the mouth of the Bighorn River opens May 15, and the archery fishing season for paddlefish in the Fort Peck Dredge Cuts below Fort Peck Dam opens July 1. As in the past, anglers may only select one area to fish for paddlefish in Montana: Upper Missouri River (White Harvest Tag), Yellowstone River and Missouri River downstream of Fort Peck Dam (Yellow Harvest Tag) and the Fort Peck Dredge Cut archery-only season (Blue Harvest Tag). All harvested paddlefish must be immediately tagged and reported within 48 hours. Reporting options include: on-site where fish were harvested (at check points like Intake Fishing Access Site or roving creel staff along the Missouri), on the phone hotline at 1-877-FWP-WILD (877-397-9453) or 406-444-0356, or online at MyFWP at fwp.mt.gov.

Notice of Public Meeting Notice is hereby given of the East Bench Irrigation District Regular Board meeting Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. The Board will meet at the District office. Call to Order  Reading of the minutes  Manager’s Report o Water Report o Canal Operations Report o Other  New Business  Pay Bills  Old Business  Adjourn

On Monday April 24, 2023, at 8:08PM Dillon Police Officers Eric Pedersen and Joshua Aguirre responded to packages being stolen off a resident's porch. The homeowner had video footage of the suspect who took the packages. Officers were able to identify the suspects' vehicle, today on April 25, 2023, Officer Pedersen and Officer Aguirre were able to return the packages to the homeowner. A citation for theft was issued to the suspect. Dillon Police wants to remind everyone to watch out for each other and your neighbors. Here are some tips to keep you packages safe: -Have your package delivered to your work. -Have your package delivered to the home of a relative or friend that you know will be home. -Have your package held at your local post office for pickup. -Amazon offers a “locker” feature that allows you to pick up your package from a secure location. -Request that your package has signature confirmation upon delivery. -Ask your carrier to place package in an area out of plain view. -Install a doorbell camera. Thank you, Jeremy Alvarez Chief of Police