Montana Campus Compact, a network of higher education institutions committed to promoting civic and community engagement, is proud to announce the 2023 George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarship recipients. The scholarship program, created in honor of the late George M. Dennison, aims to encourage students to become active and responsible citizens through community service and leadership. Dennison was president of the University of Montana (1990-2010) and a co-founder of the Montana Campus Compact. This year, ten students, including University of Montana Western student, John Mears, were awarded $1,000 scholarships in recognition of their outstanding contributions to their communities. The recipients were selected based on their dedication to serving others, leadership qualities, and potential to impact their communities positively. “These talented, driven students are actively making positive impacts in their communities, and we’re privileged to support them and their good work,” said Josh Vanek, Executive Director of Montana Campus Compact. “The George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarships embody the spirit of civic engagement, and we are proud to support these students in achieving their goals.” Recipients: John Mears, University of Montana Western Bridgette Shields, Aaniiih Nakoda College Brandi Harwood, Blackfeet Community College Shelby Smith, Montana State University Melia Swirsky, Montana State University Nicholas Verlanic, Montana Technological University Shaylie Pierson, Montana State University Billings Freeman Voyles, Montana State University-Northern Samantha McNair, Salish Kootenai College Maria Kouidi, University of Montana For more information on Montana Campus Compact and the George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarships, please visit mtcompact.org .

PARK CITY, Kan. – The No. 3 seeded Montana Western Women's Basketball team claimed second-round victory tonight over the No. 11 seeded Sterling College (Kan.) by a score of 72-68. The Bulldogs now advance to the final site in Sioux City, Iowa where they will take on the No. 2 seeded Dordt (Iowa). "Could not be prouder of this team or more excited.” redshirt senior Mesa King said. “We have a long road ahead of us still, but I think we can do this. I think it is going to be a good run for us. We just have to stay together, keep doing what we are good at instead of trying to do too much, and keep doing the little things.” How It Happened Despite forcing a quick turnover on Sterling’s first possession, the Warriors were the first to score and went on a quick 7-0 run on the Bulldogs. Shainy Mack hit a three and a layup to break the run with just under seven minutes to play in the first quarter. Sterling continued to put the pressure on the Bulldogs. Brynley Fitzgerald drained back-to-back threes and Jordan Sweeney hit a jumper to give the Bulldogs their first lead of the game. Up 17-14 heading into the second quarter, Sterling’s Kali Briar drained a three to tie the game at 17. Keke Davis answered with a contested layup and gave Montana Western the edge once again. After a momentum shift following a three-point play from Emily Cooley, the Bulldogs led 38-31 heading into the second half. Warriors’ Taya Wilson hit a mid-range jumper, cutting into the Bulldogs’ seven-point lead at the start of the third. Sterling continued to push and took a lead behind another three from Briar. Sweeney jumped back in and added a three and a jumper on back-to-back possessions to put UMW back up 47-44. UMW would go on to hang on to a three-point lead heading into the final ten minutes of the game. Montana Western and Sterling continued to duke it out down the stretch. With 5:07 remaining in the game, Sterling claimed a five-point lead. Sweeney and Fitzgerald combined to bring the Bulldogs right back into it tied at 61. Two steals from Mesa King and one from Fitzgerald helped to keep the momentum on the Bulldogs’ side as Montana Western sealed the deal at 72-68. Notables • The Bulldogs were outshot by the Warriors across the game 47.2 to 43.3 from the field. Despite being outshot, the Bulldogs were able to put up seven more shots than the Warriors. • The Bulldogs snagged a team total of 30 rebounds, nine on the offensive side of the ball. • The Bulldog defense grabbed 13 steals, forced 16 turnovers, and added 13 points off of turnovers. • Brynley Fitzgerald led the Bulldogs after she had a double-double with 26 points and 11 rebounds. She also had four steals and an assist. • Jordan Sweeney added 17 points, three assists, and two steals. • Mesa King was the team’s second leading rebounder with eight boards. She also added 10 points and four steals. Up Next With tonight's win, the No. 3 seeded Bulldogs advance to the round of 16 at the NAIA National Championship Final Site in Sioux City, Iowa. They will take on the No. 2 seeded Dordt (Iowa) Defenders. Dordt enters the matchup after defeating Mayville State (N.D.) 82-66 in the second round.

Dillon Volunteer Fire Department was called out today Wednesday, March 8th for a report of a motorhome on fire. When they arrived on East Sebree Street an older model motor home was completely engulfed in flames. Firefighters worked on the fire to contain it to the motorhome and stop it from spreading to a nearby house. The owner was cutting on the motorhome when sparks started the fire. The fire department was able to keep it contained to the motorhome and an older Chevy pickup truck both were a complete loss.

Several watercraft inspection stations begin operation in early March to check snowbird boat traffic returning from mussel-positive areas such as Lakes Mead, Havasu, Pleasant and Powell. Boat owners coming to Montana must have their vessel inspected for aquatic invasive species (AIS) at a Montana watercraft inspection station prior to launch. The stations near Dillon, Ravalli and Anaconda will open March 11. FWP works closely with partners for station operation and cotracts with the Beaverhead Conservation District for operation of the Dillon station and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes for operation of the Ravalli station. Inspections will also be available at the FWP Region 1 office in Kalispell in March to help accommodate requirements for Mac Days. During 2022, crews conducted more thamn 119,000 inspections and intercepted 53 mussel-fouled boats. More than 600 boats were found with aquatic weeds. Late last year, zebra mussels were detected 70 miles from Montana in Pactola Reservoir near Rapid City, South Dakota. Watercraft inspection efforts are being adjusted to address the threat of zebra mussels moving into Montana from the Black Hills of South Dakota. Watercraft inspection stations are Montana’s first line of defense to prevent the movement of AIS which can have devastating impacts on Montana waterways. 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.

Local RMSHA racer results from this past weekend's race at Antler Basin in Granby, Colorado. Third race in the 8 part series. The next Race is this weekend March 10th in Geneva Idaho. Keith Curtis #711 Stock King Improved King 1st - Pro Stock 900 1st - Pro Improved 900 1st - Pro Modified 900 2nd - Pro Stock 1000 3rd - Pro Open Stock Sam Peterson #98 1st - Pro Stock 700 2nd - Pro Improved 700 5th - Pro Stock 1000 5th - Pro Open Stock Toby Shepherd #22 2nd - Pro 600 Mod 2nd - Pro 700 Mod 4th - Pro 900 Improved Tiffany McWilliams #902 2nd - Women Improved 3rd - Women Stock 3rd - Women 700 9th - Women Modified Caden Morrisroe #802 3rd - Amateurs Stock 3rd - Amateurs Improved 9th - Amateurs Modified 4th - Juniors 14-18

The University of Montana Western’s Theatre Department is pleased to present “Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic” to be performed March 24 – April 2 as part of the 2022-23 Bank of Commerce Performing Arts Series. For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs… who just happened to be there too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world. The New York Times proclaims Puffs, “a fast-paced romp through the ‘Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic.’ For POTTERphiliacs who grew up alongside Potter and are eager to revisit that world, ‘Puffs’ exudes a jovial, winking fondness for all things Harry!” This clever and inventive play “never goes more than a minute without a laugh” (Nerdist) giving you a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badgers “who are so lovable and relatable, you’ll leave the theater wishing they were in the stories all along” (Hollywood Life). Their “hilariously heartfelt!” (Metro) and epic journey takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be. Performances will be held at the University of Montana Western’s Small Auditorium located in Main Hall 314. Evening shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday with a matinee show available at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 2. This play was written by Matt Cox and will be directed by Montana Western’s own Stephen Alan Seder. Parental guidance is recommended for children under 13 due to strong language and suggestive situations. To purchase tickets, please visit the BOC Performing Arts Series Box Office webpage: ( www.umwestern.edu/bank-of-commerce-performing-arts-series/box-office/ ). Tickets are available at $15 for general admission, $10 for senior, youth, military and UMW faculty/staff, and free for UMW students who present their Bulldog Cards. For more information on Puffs and all shows in the BOC series, visit www.umwestern.edu/bank-of-commerce-performing-arts-series/ or contact Adjunct Assistant Professor of Theatre, Stephen Seder: stephen.seder@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7038.

PARK CITY, Kan. – The No. 3 seeded Montana Western Women's Basketball team defeated the Philander Smith Panthers (Ark.) tonight by a score of 79-48 in the First Round of the NAIA playoffs. "Goal number one was to try to take care of business today. I thought the team certainly came out ready to play from the get go." Head Coach Lindsay Woolley said after the win. "We wanted to try to get the ball into the paint and stop them from getting into the paint. It sounds simple, but sometimes it is kind of hard for us to do it. For the most part, I thought we did a really good job of it." How It Happened After grabbing two quick turnovers to kick off the game, Bulldogs' guard Jordan Sweeney got the Bulldogs off on the right foot after she nailed a deep three. Philander Smith's Myia Yelder answered with a three on the following possession. Despite the quick score, the Bulldogs kept the pressure on and held the Panthers to just seven while scoring 21 in the quarter. The Bulldogs continued on to outscore the Panthers across the second quarter 19-15 to go up at the half 40-22. Three Bulldogs were in double digits at the half, led by Shainy Mack and Sweeney with 13 points. Brynley Fitzgerald opened up the scoring for the Bulldogs in the third with a quick layup. Sweeney hit her second three of the night with 6:05 to go in the third to give the Bulldogs a 48-26 lead. Isabell Lund capped off UMW's scoring for the third quarter at 64-37 after she drew a foul and hit a pair of free throws. A layup from Payton Hagy with 2:54 left in the game handed the Bulldogs a 32-point lead on the way to outscoring the Panthers 15-11 down the stretch. Montana Western finished the game on top 79-48. "Like coach said, we had three full days to get situated and comfortable. We had a good shoot around in this awesome facility and we found the open guys tonight. Our strength this year is our depth and I think we showed that tonight." Junior Shainy Mack said following the game. Notables • The Bulldogs were on fire tonight, forcing 14 turnovers and capitalizing with 22 points off of turnovers. They also tied a season high of 50 rebounds as a team. • Montana Western outshot Philander Smith 44.8 to 27.1 percent from the field. The Bulldogs also nailed 11 threes in tonight's game. • The Bulldogs held the Panthers to a season low of 48 points. • Shainy Mack hit a season high 19 points in tonight's game, alongside Jordan Sweeney who also tabbed 19 points to lead the Bulldogs to victory. Mack added two assists and a steal. Sweeney added four assists and two steals. • Brynley Fitzgerald totaled 14 points and led the Bulldogs with eight rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Up Next With tonight's win, the No. 3 seeded Bulldogs advance to the second-round game in Park City, Kan. They will be taking on the winner of the No. 6 seed Mid-America Christian (23-6, 17-5) and the No. 11 seed Sterling College (25-5, 21-1). The second-round game will be held at 5PM MST with links for matchup below. Live Video: Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Network (kcacnetwork.com) Live Stats: Women's Basketball Scoreboard - NAIA Stats (prestosports.com)

PSA FROM THE CLERK & RECORDER’S OFFICE 2023 MACR SCHOLARSHIPS REMINDER: MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF CLERK & RECORDER’S SCHOLARSHIPS ARE DUE INTO THE CLERK & RECORDER’S OFFICE NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2023. MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF CLERKS & RECORDERS $1000 SCHOLARSHIP FORMS AVAILABLE The Montana Association of Clerks and Recorders is again sponsoring a $1000 and $500 scholarship for a graduating senior who will be attending an IN STATE SCHOOL . The last day of acceptance for applications is March 10, 2023 at 5:00 PM. Application forms are now available at the Clerk and Recorder’s office at the courthouse in Dillon or from the Guidance Counselors at the Beaverhead County High School or Lima High School. Completed application forms must be returned to the Clerk and Recorder’s office located at the Beaverhead County courthouse by Friday, March 10, 2023. Applications will be judged on the basis of scholarship, need and school and civic involvement. The two winners and alternates will be notified after May 1, 2023 and the scholarship will be given directly to the school of the student’s choice after the school has accepted the student. Stacey Reynolds Beaverhead County Clerk & Recorder

Governor Greg Gianforte today proclaimed March 2023 Montana Agriculture Month to honor and celebrate the state’s agriculture industry, farmers and ranchers, and their contributions to the Montana way of life and the world. In his proclamation, the governor also declared the week of March 19-25, 2023, Montana Agriculture Week, and March 21, 2023, Montana Agriculture Day. “With more than 27,000 farms and ranches across our state, agriculture is the bedrock of our economy and communities,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We’ll continue to promote and invest in value-added ag to create jobs, expand opportunities, and help our hardworking producers keep pace with a transforming industry.” The governor’s proclamation can be viewed here and below. WHEREAS , agriculture is Montana’s number one industry with more than 27,000 farms and ranches across the state; and WHEREAS , one of our greatest sources of pride as Montanans is the world-class products grown, raised, or made here in the Treasure State; and WHEREAS , Montana’s farmers and ranchers work tirelessly to feed our nation and the world, overcoming fires and floods, wind and hail, abnormal dry seasons, and frigid winters; and WHEREAS , agriculture is an economic driver for Montana communities, helping define our Montana way of life; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Greg Gianforte, Governor of the State of Montana, do hereby proclaim the month of March 2023 MONTANA AGRICULTURE MONTH and the week of March 19-25, 2023 MONTANA AGRICULTURE WEEK and March 21, 2023 MONTANA AGRICULTURE DAY to celebrate our state’s number one industry of agriculture.

Dillon Volunteer Fire Department responded to 14 calls for service during the month of February 2023. 02-01 Selway Dr Fire Alarm 02-01 Atlantic St Fire Alarm 02-04 Center St Smoke Alarm 02-05 Kentucky St CO Alarm 02-07 Center St Smoke Alarm 02-07 Arizona St Chimney Fire 02-08 Hwy 91 S Semi vs Train 02-13 Morse St Ambulance Assist 02-16 Montana St Structure Fire 02-22 Parkview Ct Chimney Fire 02-22 Cottom Dr Gas Odor 02-24 I-15 MM 52 MVA 02-27 Center St Smoke Smell 02-28 Laknar Ln Smoke Smell The month of February was a busy training month as we completed our First Aid/CPR refresher as well as our wildland refresher course. March 1st marks the beginning of open burning in Beaverhead County, make sure & get your burn permits & activate them before doing any burning. PLEASE be very careful as you are responsible for any fires that get away & do damage to others property.

On behalf of the entire Paffhausen family we would like to thank all of you who gave Paige, Mick, and Parker love, support, and prayers over the past few months. After giving birth to our daughter, Parker, Paige began to show signs of an infection. Over the course of several days the infection became severe enough to be life flighted to Salt Lake. On the road to recovery Paige spent a month in the ICU where she had several surgeries including a skin graft. Paige is now recovering well at home with her family. While she still has difficulties to face, being home has been the best medicine. Once again we are overwhelmed by the support, kindness and prayers. We are fortunate and blessed to live in such a caring and compassionate community. Thank you all.

Barrie Matthews, Rotary Club District Governor – District 5390, will be the guest speaker at the Rotary meeting on Wednesday, March 8th at noon. He will be addressing Rotary service opportunities and projects. Visitors are welcome to attend, and anyone interested in learning more about the Rotary organization is invited to be a guest for lunch. 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, email Matthew Fullerton at matthewfullerton@me.com .

Barrett Hospital & HealthCare Recognized for the Twelfth Time as One of the 100 Highest Ranked Critical Access Hospitals in the Nation in 2023 Dillon, MT., March 06, 2023 – Barrett Hospital & HealthCare today announced it has been recognized for the 12th time as one of the 100 highest ranked Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in the nation. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, this annual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™. This is a remarkable achievement, as there are over 1,300 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States. Barrett Hospital & HealthCare ranked among the top in performance of all rural hospitals, large or small, up to 25 beds. “This consistent and repeated achievement of Barrett Hospital & HealthCare shows our organization’s commitment to excellence and quality," says Taylor Rose, Chief Executive Officer. “I’m proud of the work our team does every day to provide the best possible healthcare to our patients and our community. We honor every single employee who made this award a reality.” Now in its 13th year, the INDEX has established itself as the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is trusted by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations and state offices of rural health across the country to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance. About Barrett Hospital & HealthCare: Established in 1922, Barrett Hospital & HealthCare is a non-profit Critical Access Hospital (CAH) and medical clinic provider in Dillon, Montana. Based on The Chartis Center’s Rural Hospital Performance Index, the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) has recognized Barrett Hospital & HealthCare as a Top 20 CAH five times, including in 2022. For more information, visit www.barretthospital.org.

HELENA: This week we reached our transmittal break, marking the halfway point of the 68th Legislature. Probably the most-publicized legislation so far is our tax relief package, which we refer to as the “8 pack.” We’ve also passed a number of technology-focused privacy bills, scores of red tape relief bills, and several bills to further improve the integrity of our elections. The “8 pack” tax relief package includes two bills providing one-time income and property tax rebates to Montanans, two bills providing permanent tax relief to individuals, two bills permanently reducing taxes on Montana businesses, one bill paying off the state’s debt, and one bill investing in road and bridge infrastructure to prevent future tax increases. Altogether, the bills add up to $1 billion in tax relief, making this the largest tax cut in Montana history. Several bills protecting Montanan's right to privacy, have been advancing through the legislative process. Banning the state from using continuous facial recognition surveillance technology drew bipartisan support in the Senate. The Genetic Information Privacy Act would require companies that work with genetic information to be transparent about the usage of that information. The Consumer Data Privacy Act requires companies to obtain consent prior to gathering or using Montanans’ electronic data, and gives Montanans the right to have their data deleted. There are also two, really important water rights & policy bills moving through the process. These proposals are the product of a stakeholder driven process, led by Lt. Governor Juris, and vetted by a diverse group of stakeholders, including the Legislative Water Policy Interim Committee, over the past 20 months. My fingers are crossed these will stay alive. Overall, the Senate has been working in partnership with Governor Gianforte, in a fairly bi-partisan fashion, to help get government off the backs of hardworking Montanans. In total, 185 Red Tape Relief bills have been introduced this session, with 12 having been signed by the Governor already and another 41 headed to his desk for his signature. Another 104 have already passed their first chamber. These bills cover a variety of regulatory areas, but one thing they have in common is that they make it easier for people to live, work, and recreate in Montana. Speaking of recreation in Montana, I'd be remiss, if I failed to mention SB 497, a bill introduced this past week, seeking to change laws related to prescriptive easements, by opening up Stream Access statute. I was contacted by literally hundreds of folks on this issue, and not a single one was in support, thanks for weighing in, it helps drive sound decisions. Without going into the details, this was a poorly written proposal, introduced in the 11th hour, and being promoted only by a couple of lobbyists, representing a small group of both non-resident and Montana based interests, but certainly not part of any collaboration, or stakeholder driven group whatsoever. Thankfully we were able to kill this measure on the Senate Floor in a huge bi-partisan fashion, where I spoke against this proposal, it died with 36 Senators voting no, and only 14 voting yes. The halfway point of the legislative session is a good time to reflect on what’s been accomplished. Although I’ve only highlighted a few areas, that we have been working on. Pushing back on regulations, protecting our privacy, common sense outdoor recreation policy, water rights protections , a sensible budget that Montana can afford and inflation relief for our State, are just a few examples of the good work being done. I will be back in Dillon for the first part of this coming week, traveling back to Helena on Thursday to gavel back in to start the second half of the session. Please stay in touch on the issue's important to you

By Senator Jeff Welborn (R) 36th Dist. Which includes. Dillon-Big Sky-Butte-Ennis-Lima- Fairmont Hot Springs- Ruby & Big Hole Valleys. Montana hunters, outfitters, and policymakers are celebrating a package of six bipartisan elk management and hunting-themed bills that have advanced through the Montana legislature’s general transmittal deadline. The package of legislation was rolled out by the Montana Citizens Elk Management Coalition and Montana Outfitters and Guides Association during the 'Elk Camp at the Capitol’ event in early January. The package has been described as the first legislative agreement to bring the outfitting, ranching, and hunting communities together since the 2007 legislature. Representatives from the Montana Citizens Elk Management Coalition, which I'm the lone legislative member, and Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, are behind a package of bills that will collectively improve wildlife management, reduce non-resident hunter pressure, improve incentives for landowners to enroll in state-sponsored access programs to help resolve problematic concentrations of wildlife, and create more trust between landowners, outfitters, and hunters. The bills that advanced through the general transmittal deadline are sponsored by a group of bipartisan lawmakers and have the support of the Governor’s office. During a press conference last week, Governor Gianforte recognized the collaborative efforts of the groups involved. I agree with the Governor. Diverse groups are coming together like never before around this common mission. What has been put together is a package of bills for sportsmen, outfitters and landowners. I say this often, but we have far more in common as Montanans than divides us. Common ground is always there if we are willing to look for it, and work to achieve it. In other words What we can agree to around a kitchen table is a far better approach than settling our differences in the court room. These bills represent small but important steps forward to rebuild trust between hunters, outfitters, and landowners, just as importantly, is to broaden the management toolbox for elk and other species of wildlife. It's important to note no particular organization gets everything they want with this kind of work, but that’s the nature of collaboration, and we think it sets us up to find more common ground in the future. At the end of last legislative session, which turned out to be a rough one for all parties involved, due to divisive types of proposals, I asked all stakeholders, to come together and figure things out. These groups answered the challenge, and these policy agreements are now advancing through the legislature with minimal conflict thanks to the work our respective organizations put in, and thanks to lawmakers in both parties who are championing the results. This is a tremendous example of what can happen when diverse interests agree to sit down and find common ground. A summary of individual bills is found below: Improve enrollment in Block Management: SB 58, sponsored by Sen. Steve Hinebauch (R-Wibaux), will increase the annual Block Management payment cap for enrollees to $50,000. Prior to the legislative session there was broad agreement for this concept, which was ultimately endorsed by the Private Land/Public Wildlife council. Limit non-resident deer licenses to reduce hunter pressure: SB 281 , sponsored by Sen. Pat Flowers (D-Belgrade), would reduce the sale of nonresident deer B tags to alleviate crowding on accessible lands. The bill would instruct FWP to sell no more than two B8 antlerless deer licenses to non-residents who draw a big game combination license or nonresident deer combination license, and only allow one antlerless license to be held by other NR hunters. Improve access to GIS data for hunters: HB2 , the state’s primary budget bill, sponsored by Rep. Llew Jones (R-Conrad) sets aside funding for a new FWP employee to improve the acquisition and distribution of public access data for use by the state and GPS-based mapping companies. The position will ensure all landowner access agreements, the status of open/closed roads, navigable streams, and other pertinent access information is updated and available as cadastral information. The position will improve the FWP Hunt Planner tool and collaborate with GPS companies. Improve hunter education: HB 243 , sponsored by Rep. Marylin Marler (D-Missoula), would make an in-person field day with firearm safety training a requirement of FWP’s online hunter safety and education course. This legislation was amended in committee to provide FWP additional time to comply with this requirement. Establish non-resident preference pool: HB 635 , sponsored by Josh Kassmier (R-Fort Benton), would establish a non-resident landowner preference pool to encourage landowners to hunt their own deeded lands, incentivize them to enroll in state sponsored public access programs, and reduce hunting pressure on other publicly accessible lands. The bill would set aside up to 15% of B-10 combo licenses for non-resident landowners and family members to hunt deeded lands if they own 2,500 acres or more. The bill incentivizes public access in limited-entry districts where landowners must still apply for and receive a permit. Interested landowners will be able to purchase an additional bonus point for permit applications if they are enrolled in a state-sponsored access program. Reform 454 access program : HB 596 , sponsored by Denley Loge (R-St. Regis), would modify the 454 program to make it a more effective and equitable tool for managing problematic concentrations of elk on private lands. The bill would create a new prescription for a “like” opportunity between the first tag holder and the first hunter selected for the 454 agreements. This bill would also give the commission more authority to negotiate and prioritize applications that offer additional public elk hunting, above the minimum 3:1 ratio.

Beaverhead Search and Rescue News Submitted by: Mel Rice, Public Relations Officer The Beaverhead Search and Rescue held its March meeting on the 1st of March at the Search and Rescue Building. The meeting was called to order by commander Lawrence Morrisroe at 7:05 PM. There were 22 members in attendance. Once again the past month has been very quiet as far as search/rescue activity. Even though we have not had any call outs, the unit is busy with various types of trainings. On February 12, the unit held an avalanche training which included field training on how to use transmitters and receivers to locate buried individuals. It also included practice with probe poles and how to do grid searches with them. Individuals participating in the training were: Adam Norlander, MD Peterson, Steve Mock, Sam Peterson, Jamie Trivette, Wade Bush, Joe Reyes, James Mathews, Evan Helle, Jennifer McKay, Charles Weidow, and Shane Puyear. It was a great training exercise for those who attended. And with the amount of snow and snow conditions out there, the chances of needing these skills are highly likely. Coming up March 30th through April 2nd several members of the Beaverhead SAR unit will engage in a 4 day course, “Managing the Search”, with classroom workshops and field study time to become search managers for the unit. Some of the individuals have participated in similar courses and will be attending this as a refresher. Individuals that will be attending the course are: Chuck Maddox, Kolby Malesich, Jamie Trivette, Joe Reyes, Nathan Freeman, Charles Wharton, Julia Clark, Trevor Hyland, Steve Mock, Wade Bush, and Adam Norlander. Another training opportunity for members will take place June 10th and 11th. At this time we will have a weekend campout which will include two days of various types of training for members. Member’s spouses and children have a great opportunity to visit and engage with one another out in the hills. We’ll have more info on this event in coming months. During the meeting we brought on board three new probationary members. These members will participate in all activities of the unit for a period of one year. At that time their participation records will be reviewed and if they have participated in most of the unit’s activities, they will be instated as full members of the Beaverhead Search and Rescue. The newest probationary members are: Westin Helle, Eric Krush, and Charles Wharton. Congratulations to these individual and we look forward to working side by side in the future. The meeting was adjourned around 8:00 PM. Your Beaverhead Search and Rescue wants to remind everyone that winter is still with us and will be for several more months. Please be extremely cautious if you venture to the great outdoors. Snow conditions are not the best and avalanches are waiting to happen. So whether you are cross country skiing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, or any other type of winter recreation, be extremely careful. Make sure you have all the right equipment. When the weather starts warming ice conditions will also start to deteriorate. Make sure you’re on solid ice if still enjoying those winter activities. Take care and be safe, your Beaverhead Search and Rescue “In the Business of Saving Lives”.

Dr. Robert M. Miller, DVM, is one of the world’s foremost authorities on equine behavior. A retired large and exotic animal clinician, Dr. Miller revolutionized the concept of imprint training as it pertains to horses and other precocial species and has spent the last 40 years as an educator and author. In honor of his 96th birthday on March 4, the University of Montana Western Foundation and the Miller Family have created the Dr. Robert M. Miller, DVM Academic Scholarship, to be awarded to an outstanding student within the Equine Studies Department. The recipient will have demonstrated academic excellence, as well as an aptitude and passion for the principles of Natural Horsemanship , a method of training, riding and communicating with equines that uses non-coercive methods and is based upon understanding their innate behaviors and instincts. Dr. Miller followed in the footsteps of Natural Horsemanship founders Bill and Tom Dorrance. A retired large and exotic animal practitioner, Dr. Miller also revolutionized the concept of imprint training as it pertains to newborn foals and other precocial species and has spent the last 40 years as an educator, clinician, and author on the subject. He has received numerous awards for his work as a veterinarian and behaviorist, including the prestigious Leo Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year and the Hall of Fame at the Western States Horse Expo. Dr. Miller is also an accomplished veterinary and Western cartoonist, and his work has been featured in countless magazines, journals and books; his moniker, “RMM,” was derived from his cartoon signature. Dr. Miller is the author of 17 books and DVDs on horsemanship and imprint training; his acclaimed Natural Horsemanship Explained is also used as a textbook in Montana Western’s Equine Studies Department. He has visited six continents teaching the principles of imprint training, which has been implemented in stables, breeding programs, zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, and game preserves worldwide. Dr. Miller was born on Staten Island. Following two years of military service in post-occupation Germany, he used his GI Bill to attend the University of Arizona in Tucson. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry, Dr. Miller attended Colorado A&M (now Colorado State University) in Fort Collins, where he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1956. He founded the Conejo Valley Veterinary Clinic in Thousand Oaks, California, in 1959 and grew the hospital to a highly successful, 12-person mixed practice by the time he retired in 1987 to become a full-time educator. In his spare time, he was an avid skier, rider, world traveler and outdoor recreationalist; he and his wife of 67 years, Debby, still reside on their small mule and Quarter Horse ranch in Southern California. Dr. Miller has dedicated his life to teaching equine enthusiasts and professionals more humane, scientifically proven methods of handling and training horses to create a better life for a species that has served mankind for thousands of years, and he remains active as an educator and writer. This scholarship was established by his son, Mark, and his daughter, Laurel, to carry on Dr. Miller’s methods and legacy into perpetuity. The University of Montana Western Foundation is grateful for this generous gift to establish the Dr. Robert M. Miller, DVM Scholarship and privileged to use his book to educate students. All graduates from Montana high schools planning to attend or students currently attending Montana Western are eligible to apply. The scholarship will be awarded to a student majoring in Equine Studies who displays aptitude for the principles of Natural Horsemanship. To learn more, please contact UMW Foundation Executive Director, Roxanne Engellant: 406-683-7305 or roxanne.engellant@umwestern.edu .

Montana Western Director of Athletics Michael Feuling announced Friday, March 3, that Mike Larsen has decided to step down from his position as head men's basketball coach. Larsen recently completed his fifth season at the helm of the Bulldogs program. "I want to thank everyone at Montana Western for all of the support and encouragement throughout my time here." Larsen said. "I have decided to step away from coaching to enjoy time with my family. This was one of the toughest decisions I have ever made, but I chased the round ball for a really long time and now it is time to shift my focus to being a dad and husband. This is not the end of my journey just time to close this chapter. Thanks to everyone who made my dream a reality." Larsen posted a 57-84 record as head coach of the Bulldogs, coached two NAIA All-Americans, a Frontier Conference Freshman of the Year, 12 all-conference selections, 20 academic all-conference selections, and nine Daktronics Scholar-Athletes. "I want to sincerely thank Mike, Katie, Natalie, Ellie and Blaine for their contributions to the Bulldog basketball program these past five years and wish them the best in their future endeavors." Director of Athletics Michael Feuling said. "Montana Western is a unique and special place, I am excited about the future of the program moving forward and providing our current and future Bulldogs with a championship experience." added Feuling. Associate Head Coach Pat Jensen has been named interim head coach.