MEETING NOTICE Beaverhead Conservation District NRCS Office 420 Barrett St April 20, 2023, 6:00 pm The meeting will be in-person, but we can open a conference call line if anyone is interested, please let us know by noon the day of the meeting if you would like to call into the meeting.  Call meeting to order  Approval of March 16, 2023, minutes  Financial report  NRCS Report  Range Committee Report  Old 310 business  New 310 Business o BCD 2304 Max Yates, Red Rock River, Install pick up and screen sump for pivot  Administrator’s Report  Beaverhead Watershed Committee Grant Reports  Old Business o Employee Health Insurance Stipend  New Business o Admin Grant Application Approval  Upcoming Events o Seed Day – April 25th 9am - noon, 1-4pm o Youth Conservation Day – April 27th o Weeds Partner Meeting – May 4th 2-4pm o Plant this not that at the library (Adults) – May 9th 6-8pm o Plant this not that at the library (Kids) – May 11th 10am-noon o Local Working Group – May 11th 6-7pm o Poindexter Weed Pull – May 16th 4-5:30 pm o Next meeting date – May 18th 6 pm o 5th Grade Outdoor School – May 26th  Public Comment  Adjournment **Please note the deadline for 310 permits is the 2nd Thursday of the month. Permits will be reviewed at the meeting on the third Thursday. Any work in streams or on streambanks requires a 310 permit per Montana Law. This includes emergency work for flood control, etc. If you have questions, please call 683-3802.

AGENDA BEAVERHEAD COUNTY/CITY BOARD OF HEALTH Beaverhead County Courthouse Breakroom Dillon, MT (Breakfast AT 8:30 A.M.) 9:00 a.m., Friday April 21, 2023 Call meeting to order ~ Establish Quorum 1. Public Health Update 2. DES Update 3. Tobacco Education Specialist Erin Montgomery- 10:00am 4. Sanitarian Report 5. Covid-19 Report/Update 6. Board of Health Authority Discussion/Update a. Interlocal Agreement – Review Emailed Edit Suggestions 7. Public Comment DISCUSSION and/or ACTION ITEMS A. Old Business ~ Approval of January 19, 2023 Minutes B. Public Discussion/Comments on Subjects Under BOH Jurisdiction Not on Agenda C. New business D. Meeting Schedule ~ Next meeting tentatively July 21, 2023 E. Adjourn the meeting

The past week has been busy with on going budget negotiations, as we work toward the end of session, one key piece has been signed by Gov. Greg Gianforte, HB 13, which authorizes the state’s 2024-2025 employee pay plan , which appropriates wages, benefits and bonuses for the state workforce over the next two years. The pay plan calls for either $1.50-an-hour or 4% raises, whichever is greater, for state and Montana University System employees this year and next, effective July 1 of each year. Employees will also receive a one-time bonus, $1,040 for full-time workers and lesser amounts for part-time workers. The plan also raises the state’s per-diem meal rates by 10% and holds employee out-of-pocket health benefit contributions, copay amounts, deductibles and coinsurance costs constant through 2025. A fiscal analysis prepared by the governor’s budget office estimates each round of raises will raise the state’s payroll costs by roughly $50 million a year. The one-time bonuses will cost an estimated $16.9 million. The pay plan, which was negotiated between the governor and public employees’ unions and ratified by the legislature. Its implementation measure, House Bill 13, passed the House, 89-7, and the Senate, 48-1, winning bipartisan support in both chambers. The governor signed the bill, which was sponsored by Rep. John Fitzpatrick, R-Anaconda. On a related note, we in the Senate voted down a bill, which would have allowed state employees to use paid sick leave for child related events. Those that were against the bill, myself included, contend many of these employees are in public sector unions. where they can negotiate for these types of benefits, and that personal leave remains available, for such uses. Switching gears, Two proposals with competing visions for the tens of millions in taxes that Montana collects annually on the sale of recreational marijuana are still making their way through the Legislature as lawmakers work to set a two-year state budget. One measure, HJB 669 would send most of the state’s adult-use marijuana tax collections — which are forecast to top $50 million per year — to the General Fund, allowing lawmakers to distribute that money as they see fit on a session- by-session basis, including this one. The other, Senate Bill 442, which i've personally been involved with and still support, started as a proposal to divvy the revenue between rural road maintenance and Gov. Gianforte’s signature substance use disorder treatment program, but has since been amended to also include statutory allocations for wildlife habitat, state parks and veterans’ programs. Most of SB 442’s statutory allocations would be permanent unless retooled by a future Legislature. After passing the Senate 49-1 on April 4, the latter proposal was heard by the House Taxation Committee Friday. In his opening remarks, bill sponsor Sen. Mike Lang, R-Malta, described SB 442 as a “once in a generation bill” that would bridge a gap between agriculture, hunting and access. I also contend that, in addition to providing stable funding for county roads and allocating 11% of marijuana tax collections toward treatment for drug abuse, it would create a new fund, Montana Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program and Legacy Act, to “increase the pace and scale of habitat stewardship and restoration treatments across rural Montana.” About one-third of the tax collections would go toward the general fund, he added. More than 40 people spoke in favor of the bill, most of whom focused their support on the county road or wildlife habitat pieces of the bill. Many described it as a “win-win” measure and thanked Lang for bringing a diverse set of interests together to craft the proposal seeking to distribute revenues from a recently established special fund. (Montana voters passed a ballot initiative in 2020 that legalized adult-use marijuana and laid out a framework to divide the 20% state tax levied on recreational marijuana sales between conservation, veterans, law enforcement and substance use treatment programs.) HB 442 does covers all these provisions. While debating the competing measure, HB 669 sponsor, Rep. Bill Mercer, R- Billings, argued that it’s inappropriate and unconstitutional for lawmakers to allow appropriation of state revenue by initiative. The Legislature should be given the opportunity to distribute tax allocations on a session-by-session basis without digging into Montana code to change where special revenue accounts are directed, he said. “If we send the signal that you can create, by initiative, a new revenue stream and we allow it ... that’s a terrible precedent,” Mercer said. “We need to get the money into the General Fund. I don't entirely disagree with some of Rep. Mercers sentiment's, but what we have here is a collision of visions, in which I still like SB 442, because it just makes sense. Like SB 442, HB 669 has been changed in the legislative process. The version of the bill that passed through the House with a 62-37 vote included one-time appropriations for FWP, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and Department of Military Affairs programs. It’s awaiting a hearing in the Senate Finance and Claims Committee, where we will we will hear and deliberate in the coming days. SB 442 awaits further action in House Tax. Thanks for tuning in, and have a great Montana kind of week.

UMW Sports Press Release BOZEMAN, Mont. - The Montana Western Rodeo Team got off to a solid start to the spring season with a top finish in the MSU Spring Rodeo #2. Jhet Murphy won the Men’s All-Around on Sunday afternoon. “It was a good day. I was lucky enough to come back in all three of my events. Started out with bulldogging and got a good steer. Won the second round in the average and just let that momentum carry on through the rest of the rodeo. Had a good calf roping run and it was a good day.” Jhet Murphy said following the rodeo. "Super proud of the men’s team to come in and extend their lead and keep battling. The whole men’s team had a great rodeo and solid weekend.” Head Coach JT Robbins said. “On the women’s side, Ryland was really solid in the Breakaway. She has put herself in the position to crawl back into the standings. We are heading to Miles City next week and are looking to keep it going.” JT continued. Top Performers Rodeo #1 Jhet Murphy won the Men’s All-Around title. Trevor Kay placed first in the average for the Bulldogs, bringing in a combined 141 points. Garret Yeager finished second in Steer Wrestling with a combined 14.7. Kylie Lund finished in third in the average for Goat Tying with a 15.9. Jhet Murphy and Ty Christiansen tied for third in the average in Team Roping after a combined 13. Jhet Murphy finished in fourth in Steer Wrestling after a combined time of 17.7. Ryland Lufkin came in fourth in Breakaway Roping after combining for a time of 5.7. Braleigh Garrett placed sixth after a combined 21.3 in Goat Tying. Ty Christiansen came in fifth in Tie Down Roping with a combined 22.9 time. Top Performers Rodeo #2 Jhet Murphy won the Men’s All-Around title, finished on top in Tie Down Roping after a combined 19.5, and finished first in Steer Wrestling with a combined 9.1. Ryland Lufkin came in second in Breakaway after a combined 6.3. Jackie Sceirine and Madalyn Foster placed second in Team Roping in the average with an 18.3. Carson Klingler finished third with a 95 in the average in Saddle Bronc Riding. Brett Bartholomew tied for third in the Tie Down Roping with a 19.9 in the average. Gavin Knutson finished in fifth in Tie Down Roping with a 24.1 in the average. Ty Christiansen placed sixth in Tie Down Roping after a combined 28.3. Ember Casperson finished sixth in Goat Tying with a 15.6 in the average. Jhet Murphy and Ty Christiansen finished in sixth in Team Roping after a 5.8 in the first go- round. Up Next The Bulldog Rodeo team travels to Miles City, Mont. for a pair of rodeos this upcoming weekend. The first rodeo will run from April 20 through 21st. The second rodeo will continue on April 22 through 23rd.

UMW Press Release: The Cantabileers, the University of Montana Western’s select choral group, will host a free performance on Tuesday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Beier Auditorium. The ensemble, which is also an experiential music class at Montana Western, highlights students in leadership roles every step of the way. Spending the semester working on the selected literature for this concert performance, music majors and non-majors alike collaborate and conduct. The evening’s performance will include ensemble pieces, duets, and solos, showcasing the students’ individual and collective talents. Susie Steadman will accompany the group on piano. “The Cantabileers are particularly excited to share some original compositions, as well as other pieces that the group has found meaningful, interesting, and fun,” said the group’s Director, Dr. Debbie Seacrest. “Being a member of the Montana Western Cantabileers has been one of the best parts of my whole college experience! The group creates a uniquely student-driven environment that encourages friendly collaboration with fellow musicians and gives the opportunity not only to sing, but also to arrange, accompany, and even conduct. This choir truly is something special,” said UMW student, Johnny Reedy. For more information, please email debbie.seacrest@umwestern.edu .

The Beaverhead Search and Rescue held its monthly meeting Wednesday, April 12, at the S&R building. Vice commander Shane Puyear called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with 28 members in attendance. There was one guest attending. The main order of business for the night was discussion about various trainings coming up and completed training. There were 8 members who attended a training “Managing a Lost Person Incident”. Those who participated in the training were: Kolby Malesich, Steve Mock, Adam Norlander, Chuck Maddox, Joe Reyes, Jamie Trivette, Trevor Hyland, and Julia Clark. The program included both classroom work and practical training. The entire course was 32 hours, encompassing Friday evening, and all day Saturday and Sunday. The unit will have another opportunity to get “Swift Water Training” with the Ruby Valley SAR unit May 12, 13, and 14. This training is usually done on the Big Hole River which could be very interesting with lots of water this year. On June 10th and 11th we will hold our annual family camp out training. During this time there will be multiple training opportunities for members ranging from rope extrication, compass, gps, and map work, to water rescues and more. It is a great way to become more acquainted with members and their families and fulfill training requirements for members. The last rescue the unit had was in the Reservoir Creek area. A middle aged man and woman had gone out for a side x side ride when they became stuck and could not dig their way out. They started walking out and called 911 for assistance. Both individuals were located by members of Beaverhead S&R and safely brought out. April is the BVHD Search and Rescue’s month to cook for the Elk’s Stag Night. This event will be April 19th. Come on down and enjoy a good steak dinner and great comradery. The only other order of business for the night was the approval to pour a cement pad in front of one of our bay doors that houses the portable command post. The meeting was adjourned a little before 8:00. With the warm weather we had had, snow conditions and ice conditions have changed drastically. Please be cautious when venturing out and as we have seen this week’s weather conditions change in a hurry. Winter is still lingering and can present some real hardships out there if not careful. Always be prepared for whatever may come your direction. “In the Business of Saving Lives” your Beaverhead Search and Rescue. Submitted by: Mel Rice-Public Relations Officer

UMW Press Release The University of Montana Western’s 126th Annual Commencement Ceremony, to be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, will honor Phil Willett with the University’s Alumni Distinguished Service Award. 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. He was a member of the most recent search committees for both the UMW Chancellor and Athletic Director positions in 2020/2021. 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 with experience in all aspects of banking and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Montana Independent Bankers Association, a state board that serves Montana’s community banks with support, advocacy, training, and benefits. Willett has served multiple terms on the Southwest Montana Family YMCA Board, as President of the Beaverhead Golf Course Board, Treasurer of the Dillon Jaycees, coached youth soccer and basketball teams, and currently serves on the Engine 18 Foundation Board. He was awarded the Outstanding Young Man Award by the Dillon Jaycees in 2011 for his dedicated service to the community. He has served as a UMW assistant football coach, a radio and TV announcer, and his family has hosted members of the women’s basketball team for many years. 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. “Montana Western is proud to honor Phil Willett with the Alumni Distinguished Service Award. Phil’s support of the university and community is unparalleled. We are grateful for his commitment to Montana Western and for the opportunity to recognize his years of dedication,” said Montana Western Foundation and Alumni Director, Roxanne Engellant. 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 1998 and 1973. Tickets can be purchased for $15 by calling 406-683-7306. The Commencement Ceremony will begin the following day at 10 a.m. in the Straugh Gymnasium on the University of Montana Western campus. For more information, please contact Montana Western Foundation and Alumni Director, Roxanne Engellant: 406-683-7305 or roxanne.engellant@umwestern.edu .

Results are in for the annual Rotary Club of Dillon Ice Melt fundraiser. The ice on Logan Pond melted and the clock was stopped on April 11th at 12:58:37 PM, which is the latest calendar date for the Ice Melt event in at least twenty years. The first and third prize winner for the best guesses was John Warren, who guessed the ice would melt on April 11th at 10:14:30 AM, or on April 12th at 1:30:30. He will receive a total of $600 for both prizes. The $200 second prize will be awarded to Carolyn Van Slyke for her guess of April 11th at 2:36:05 PM. The winners are invited to be guests for lunch at the next Rotary Club meeting on April 26th at which they will receive their prizes.

UMW Press Release The University of Montana Western’s seventh annual Colt Challenge and Sale, held March 31 and April 1 at the Montana Center for Horsemanship, generated more than $180,000 for the UMW Natural Horsemanship program. The Natural Horsemanship Program, which educates students to work with horses as part of a broad range of equine and academic studies, is a joint program of the University of Montana Western and the Montana Center for Horsemanship. Every year, as part of the Colt Sale course, UMW students work with young horses to be trained and sold at live auction the following spring. All of the horses have excellent bloodlines and are donated by well-known area ranches. The highly anticipated event brings in buyers from around the country and the proceeds are donated back into the Natural Horsemanship program for scholarships, facility updates, and other program needs. The two-day event began with the Colt Challenge on Friday, March 31. Students showcased their colts and the variety of ranch tasks they had been trained to perform. Montana Western student, Molly Jackson, placed first in the Colt Challenge riding RSR Tarida from the Roaring Springs Ranch. Jackson was awarded a $2,500 scholarship from CHS, a custom saddle from American National Insurance and Frecker’s Saddlery, a saddle stand from 3TR Saddle Racks, a buckle from Nancy Chesterfield of ASA Publications, a mohair cinch from AH Cinches, a halter from Steele Halters, and 40 lbs. of HorsLic from New Generation Supplements. Top Five Colt Challenge Placings: 1st – Lot 19 RSR Tarida from the Roaring Springs Ranch, ridden by Molly Jackson 2nd – Lot 18 RSR Playguns Swallow from the Roaring Springs Ranch, ridden by Jacob Christenson 3rd– Lot 7 Royal Island Jet from Harrington & Hirschy Quarter Horses, ridden by TaLyn Neville 4th– Lot 1 Lightstar Holibar from the Erb Ranch, ridden by Chloe Keith 5th – Lot 4 Bay Goggins Mare from the Goggins Ranch, ridden by Jordan LeCompte The sale, held the following day on April 1, generated over $180,000, averaging $10,069 per colt. The highest selling colt was MR Fritz Badger, ridden by Gus Hoffman and donated by Hollenbeck Ranch. Top Five Highest Selling Colts: $17,000- MR Fritz Badger donated by the Hollenbeck Ranch, ridden by Gus Hoffman $16,500- RSR Tarida donated by Roaring Springs Ranch, ridden by Molly Jackson $14,000- RSR Playguns Swallow donated by Roaring Springs Ranch, ridden by Jacob Christenson $14,000- Smoke Three Shi donated by the Erb Ranch, ridden by Molly Jackson $12,000- Sacos Blue Bows donated by the Holland Ranch, ridden by Mikala Doss The University of Montana Western Natural Horsemanship Program would like to thank donors Verna Holland, Koy and Denise Holland, Cal and Brooke Erb, Shirley Harrington, Mark and Barb Harrington, Hollenbeck Ranch, Fred and Lynn Hirschy, Weaver Quarter Horses, the Goggins Family, Bill and Floydena Garrison of Garrison Quarter Horses, Reminisce Angus Ranch, Sitz Angus Ranch, Cubeit Hay Company, Roaring Springs Ranch, and Montana Mad Hatters for making this year’s event so successful. Thank you to our corporate sponsors New Generation Supplements, Zinpro Performance Minerals, Rocky Mountain Supply, CHS Inc., the Montana Center for Horsemanship, and all of the businesses that donated prizes and purchased advertising space for making this event possible. For more information about Montana Western and the nation’s only Natural Horsemanship degree program, please visit www.umwestern.edu or call 1-877-683-7331.

UMW Sports Press Release: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced today the members of the 2023 NFF Hampshire Honor Society, which is comprised of college football players from all divisions of the NCAA, NAIA and sprint football who each maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college careers. Five Bulldogs were named to the list as honorees. To be eligible for nomination by their respective schools, an athlete must be a senior player who will graduate this spring/summer and just completed his final year of playing eligibility in 2022 or a graduated player who has been out of high school at least (3) years. They must have attained a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.2 (4.0 scale) and have been starters or significant contributors throughout the 2022 season. Montana Western Honorees Gus Hanson Helena, Mont. Nate Masterson St. Maries, Idaho Jon Jund Spring Creek, Nev. Latrell McCutcheon Bozeman, Mont. Trey Mounts Belgrade, Mont. Click here for the full 2023 list of members. About the Hampshire Foundation The Hampshire Foundation is the charitable arm of The Hampshire Companies, a privately-held, fully-integrated real estate firm that has more than 60 years of hands-on, cycle-tested experience in acquiring, developing, leasing, repositioning, managing, financing and disposing of real estate. Founded by Jon F. Hanson, who served as NFF Chairman from 1994-2006, Hampshire is headquartered in Morristown, New Jersey. Learn more at www.hampshirere.com .

WALLY FELDT, Frontier Conference Press Release: WHITEFISH, Mont., Apr. 11, 2023 – Frontier Conference Commissioner Kent Paulson announced his retirement at Tuesday afternoon press conference in Helena, Mont. His retirement will effective June 30, 2023. Paulson, began his term in 2009, is the longest-serving commissioner in the history of the conference. Carroll College president and Frontier Conference chair of the Council of Presidents Dr. John Cech said Paulson will receive the title of Frontier Conference Commissioner Emeritus. “Kent’s leadership over the past 14 years has truly defined the Frontier Conference,” Cech said. He has worked tirelessly to serve the 10 institutions in four states which comprise the conference. The Council of Presidents, which I have the pleasure of leading, wanted to express our deep appreciation to Kent for his leadership, and we are honored to acknowledge his unwavering commitment to the conference by conferring upon him the title of Frontier Commissioner Emeritus.” His career highlights are many including the expansion of the conference, brokered the webcasting of conference events, the increase in corporate sponsorship, the development of a fall Media Day, established Frontier Conference scholarships presented through the Montana Coaches’s Association (MCA), instituted the Ron “Swede” Kenison award, and the Frontier Conference Service Award, and established a sports chair system. This just a sampling of the Paulson’s accomplishments during his tenure as conference commissioner. Bottom line, the conference is better. In addition, Paulson worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with the conference presidents, chancellors, athletic directors, athletic trainers, and coaches to establish health protocols ensuring the conference member colleges and universities, their teams and athletics were operating in a safe environment. He is the recipient of many awards including the MCA Outstanding Contributor Award, the MCA Distinguished Service Award, the National Association of Intercollegiate Association (NAIA) Award of Merit and the NAIA Charles M. Morris Administrator of the Year. “Kent Paulson exemplifies all that is good about the NAIA, the Frontier Conference, and college athletics,” Jim Carr, President of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics said. “Kent has spent his entire professional career as a servant leader and has had a positive impact on countless students, coaches, and administrators. On behalf of the NAIA, I wish Kent and his wife Joan the best as they enjoy retired life with their family.” Paulson is completing his 50th year in education. Paulson spent 14 years at Whitefish High School, nine as assistant principal and five as principal. A veteran of the Montana high school coaching ranks, Paulson taught and coached track and basketball at both Troy and C.M. Russell High Schools. Paulson was previously active with the Montana High School Association. He was a former MOA basketball official, a basketball tournament manager, and is a respected track and field official. Paulson graduated with a bachelor of science degree in education from Western Montana College (Montana Western) in 1973, and earned a masters of education from the Dillon school in guidance counseling in 1979. He received his secondary principal endorsement from the University of Montana in 1980. Paulson and his wife, Joan, are the parents of three children Kale, Krista, and Kurt, who is the head men’s basketball coach for Carroll College. “We are extremely appreciative of Kent’s commitment and enthusiasm for the Frontier Conference and NAIA Athletics over the past 14 years,” Montana Chancellor Dr. Les Cook said. “A solid foundation has been established and the momentum will continue as the conference expands. His support of member institutions and more importantly, our student athletes has been exemplary. We are forever grateful to both he and Joan for their dedication and support.” A search for Paulson’s replacement will begin immediately with Carroll College President John Cech and Montana Tech Chancellor Les Cook co-chairing the search. The search committee will be made up of chancellors, presidents, and athletic directors representing the conference. The position is full-time and the physical location of the commissioner is flexible but they must reside in Montana. Additional information about the search will be posted to the Frontier Conference website at frontierconference.com.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a mail ballot election will be held on May 2, 2023 for the BEAVERHEAD COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 7 AND 10 TRUSTEES ALONG WITH DILLON SCHOOL DISTRICT 10 TRUSTEES. Ballots shall be mailed to all active registered voters in BEAVERHEAD COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICTS 7 & 10 and DILLON SCHOOL DISTRICT 10 on Friday, April 14, 2023. Ballots will be automatically mailed to Active Electors only. If you are a registered voter and do not receive a ballot, contact the county election office to update your information as necessary and receive a ballot. If you missed the regular registration deadline, you may still register for the election by showing up at the county election office up until 8pm on Election Day, May 2, 2023 Persons who wish to register and who are not presently registered may do so by requesting a form for registration by mail or by appearing at the county election office. If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling out a new voter registration card and submitting it to the county election office at 2 South Pacific Street, Dillon, Montana. Dated April 3, 2023 Stacey Reynolds Election Administrator Beaverhead County

The long anticipated home game for the Dillon Beavers Baseball team took place Tuesday, April 11th at Ray Lynch Park. The Dillon Beavers took on the Florence Falcons scoring two runs in the 3rd inning from players VanHorn and Tackett. Unfortunately Florence would come back in the 5th to score 4 runs then in the seventh inning to score another 7 runs finishing the game with an 11 to 2 win over the Beavers. Full stats of the game can be found below.

UMW Press Release The University of Montana Western English Department is pleased to announce an upcoming reading and conversation with Keema Waterfield on Friday, April 28 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. in the Bulldog Lounge as part of the O. Alan Weltzien Writers Series. Waterfield received an MFA from the University of Montana and is the award-winning author of “Inside Passage”, a nomadic childhood memoir set along the wild coast of Southeast Alaska. Waterfield has written for The New York Times, WIRED, Brevity, Scary Mommy, INSIDER, and others. She lives in Missoula, Montana, where she moonlights as a stand-up comic when she’s not wrangling her husband and two children, a bunch of extra instruments she doesn’t know how to play, and a revolving cast of rescue animals. She lives and writes on Séliš and Qlispé land. Find her on Twitter and Instagram @keemasaurusrex or visit https://keemawaterfield.com to learn more about her work. The event, free and open to the public, will be the second in this year’s visiting authors series, named after retired Montana Western Professor Emeritus of English, Dr. Alan O. Weltzien. For more information, please contact Montana Western Associate Professor of English, Dr. Laura Wright: laura.wright@umwestern.edu .