On Wednesdays City Council members tackled many problems facing our community. But the one that seemed to stick out most was the cost and upkeep of the library. Librarian Lori Cannady went to bat for her employees earlier in the year to get them a much deserved pay raise. This raise was met with a few offhand remarks from council members on the cost of the library versus what it does for the community. The library seemed to come in the crosshairs of Council Person Don Hand again as Lori gave an update on the cost and upkeep on items that need to be replaced. On the list are the boiler system, the aging windows, and the failing lift. The boiler has had a lot of substantial work done on it over the last few months and has come to the point where it just needs to be replaced. It shuts down and leaks. The replacement of the boiler system is $28,000. Lori is working on asking for a third of the money from United Way, Friends of The Library have agreed to pay a third and she is asking for the City of Dillon to pay for the other third this allows her to approach United Way letting them know 2/3rds of the cost has been paid for. She is also looking into grants and has applied for different ones. Up next was the handicap lift. It is old and out of ADA compliance due to the age of the lift they are no longer able to get parts for it and just need to replace it completely. To replace the lift the quote is $78,500. This does not include if they run into complications when removing the old lift and installing the new one. These complications could require a contractor to remove the door as well as an electrician to raise the cost. Third on the list, the windows for the library, the library is a Carnegie Building that was built over 120 years ago. The windows in the library are the original windows. The trim is the original wood and is rotting away causing ice to form on the inside of the building. To have the 33 windows replaced since they are custom the cost is $224,000 for the entire building. With all three repairs this puts the total bill for the library at $330,500 for a city that is already struggling to find funds this comes as a steep price tag. Council person Don Hand suggested for that price the city could find a better building and move the library into it. Lori explained to him the significant value the library building holds in this community and how some people have stated they would never want to see it moved to a different building. The library is on the National Historic Register, and this makes it so they have to follow certain protocols when fixing the building, remodels, etc. That includes the windows and keeping them as close to the original as possible. With the high price of real estate in Dillon would they be able to move the library to a different building? Would we even be able to get into another building for under a million by the time you either built or remodeled a different building? The city library has adorned many postcards from the past and is a sight that sets our downtown apart. It was an idea that became a building thanks to Andrew Carnegie and his donation to build it. There are only a few of these buildings throughout the United States. People can go to the library to check out a book, a movie, do research, you can check out tablets, hotspots and I pads. For many this building helps them navigate everyday life by providing access to modern day items they may not be able to afford. All one needs to do is ask for a library card. Editor’s note: Yes, this article is both News and it is a view from the editor but ask yourself Dillon can we really lose this building? You can see the whole City Council meeting for yourself on our YouTube page Here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvgmr340757fErxl4YJFXRA or search SWMTNews.

The Butte Dolphins are heading to California! Dolphins swimmer Wyatt Storey will be heading to Folsom, California, in March 2023 for the Southwestern Age Group Regionals (SWAGR) swim meet. Wyatt has six qualified time cuts and three bonus cuts for the ten and under swimmers representing Montana. The Helena Dolphins Swim Team, a second location for the Dolphins, will also send Tatum Murray to California representing ten and under girls. To participate in certain meets, swimmers must meet a specific time standard for their age group. These standards get faster as swimmers progress and increase in skill and performance. The Southwestern Age Group Regionals (SWAGR) is held yearly and is the next level above Montana State Championships. Regionals include teams from 5-8 different swim LSCs, and swimmers qualify within their age group.

Montana Western Football welcomed 57 signees in its 2023 signing class, the program announced Wednesday afternoon. Of the signees, 18 are from Montana, 21 are from Washington, 12 are from Idaho, four are from Hawaii, one is from Wyoming, and one is from Utah. "Our staff has worked incredibly hard to put together what we believe is an excellent 2023 recruiting class. We have been strong up front on both sides of the ball and this group adds talent and depth to both our offensive and defensive line units. Every year we look to add playmakers with speed and athleticism at the skill positions. This class has addressed that with an excellent group of competitive guys on both offense and defense. I feel strongly that in the near future this crew will prove to be a great class of Bulldogs." Head Football Coach Ryan Nourse stated. David Julian Alegria | DE | 6'2 | 230 | Othello, Wash. / Othello High School Alegria is a defensive end who joins the Bulldogs from Othello High School in Othello, Wash. He was named first team all-conference defensive end three consecutive years as a Husky. His team earned a conference championship his senior year. Alegria also participated in basketball while in high school. He is the son of Robert and Melissa Alegria and plans to major in Physical Education and Health K-12 while at Montana Western. Sonny Asu | DB | 6'2 | 185 | Othello, Wash. / Othello High School Asu is a defensive back who joins the Bulldogs from Othello High School out of Othello, Wash. He recorded 2,873 all-purpose yards in three varsity seasons for the Huskies. He was named first team all-conference twice on defense, once on offense, and was named All-State once. This past football season, Sonny was named player of the year in the CWAC Conference in Wash. Asu also competed in track and basketball while in high school. He is the son of Marry and Larry Asu and he plans to major in Business while at Montana Western. Caleb Ball | DB | 5'11 | 175 | St. Regis, Mont. / St. Regis School Ball is a defensive back who joins the Bulldogs from St. Regis School in St. Regis, Mont. He was a four-year starter for the Tigers who earned second team All-State defensive back, North Star League most valuable player, all-league defense, and team offensive MVP. He was a league champion all four years of high school and his team placed third in state during his high school career. Ball was a quarterback and a defensive back for the Tigers who accumulated 1817 total yards, (835 passing, 854 rushing, 128 interception return) 30 TDs (17 passing, 11 rushing, two defensive) 63 percent pass completion rate, 42 tackles, seven defensive interceptions, and two forced fumbles last season. Ball is the son of Shaun and Jamelle Ball and plans on majoring in Physical Education and Health K-12 while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Aeden Baker | ATH | 6'3 | 185 | Challis, Idaho / Challis High School Baker joins the Bulldogs from Challis High School in Challis, Idaho. He was a four-year varsity football player who was named first team all-conference. His senior year, he recorded 13 receptions for 241 yards and two touchdowns. On defense, he recorded 22 solo tackles, 23 assisted tackles, 17 sacks, and a pass deflected. Baker also participated in track, wrestling, and basketball where he was a two-time state placer in pole vault and the district wrestling champion. Baker is the son of Andy and Mia Baker and plans on majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Communication while at Montana Western. Ace Becker | DB | 6'1 | 180 | Stanford, Mont. / Stanford High School Becker joins the Bulldogs from Stanford High School in Stanford, Mont. As a defensive back for the Bearcats, Becker earned all-conference honors his sophomore season and All-State honors his junior and senior years. His junior season, Becker was a key member in the Bearcats' 6-man conference championship. Across four seasons, Becker totaled 1,158 passing yards, 1,025 receiving yards, 49 total touchdowns, and 350 total tackles. Becker was named academic All-State twice and to the honor roll four times. Becker also participated in basketball and track while in high school. He earned All-State honors in track and all-conference in basketball his sophomore year. His junior year, he made the All-State basketball team. Becker is the son of Powell and Connie Becker and plans to major in Business while attending Montana Western. Judah Bishop | LB | 6'1 | 195 | Pasco, Wash. / Chiawana High School Bishop joins the Bulldogs from Chiawana High School in Pasco, Wash. Last season, Bishop earned All-State honors as a linebacker, first team all-conference linebacker, and second team all-conference wide receiver. He was a three-time conference champion while playing for the Riverhawks. Bishop also participated in wrestling and track where he was a three-time 4a team state champion in wrestling. He also placed eighth in the state of Washington for the 2020 wrestling season and third in the state last season. Bishop is the son of Mike and Ronica Bishop and plans to major in Business at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Tre Buchanan | WR | 5'9 | 190 | Spokane Valley, Wash. / University High School Buchanan is a wide receiver from University High School in Spokane Valley, Wash. He was named first team all-league twice as a four-year varsity player for the Titans. He also competed in wrestling, basketball, and baseball during high school. Buchanan is the son of Stacey Stevens and Tim Buchanan and plans on majoring in Physical Education and Health K-12 while at Montana Western. Kirby Castagno | LB | 6'0 | 225 | Jackson, Wyo. / Jackson Hole High School Castagno is a linebacker from Jackson Hole High School in Jackson, Wyo. He was a 2020 graduate who was twice named first team all-conference and earned first team All-State in 2019. He was also named to Wyoming's Super 25 second team. Castagno participated in wrestling during his high school career where he was 5-3 at the 2018 AAU National Duals. Castagno is the son of Ryan and Tracy Castagno and plans to major in Secondary Education and K-12 Education while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Landon Charlton | RB | 5'10 | 185 | Richland, Wash. / Richland High School Charlton is a runningback out of Richland High School in Richland, Wash. He was named first team all-conference twice for the Bombers. Charlton was also named to the honor roll at Richland High School. Charlton participated in wrestling and track where was named all-conference in track. He is the son of Amy Vojta and Noah Charlton and plans to major in Health and Human Performance while at Montana Western. Dylan Christman | TE | 6'6 | 265 | Helena, Mont. / Helena High School Christman is a tight end who joins the Bulldogs from Helena High School in Helena, Mont. During his high school career, he was a two-time All-State long snapper, an All-State tackle, and an All-State tight end. Christman also played basketball, lacrosse, and track as a Bengal. Christman is the son of Dawn and Jerry Christman and plans to major in Elementary Education while at Montana Western. Devin Crow | DE | 6'1 | 240 | Kennewick, Wash. / Kamiakin High School Crow is a defensive end out of Kamiakin High School in Kennewick, Wash. He was a four-year varsity player for the Braves as he earned first team all-conference defensive line. During his senior season, Crow totaled 63 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five sacks, and four forced fumbles. He also rushed for 14 touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball. Crow is the son of Darren and Jeannette Crow and plans to major in Physical Education and Health K-12 while at Montana Western. Zackery Dilworth | WR/DB | 6'3 | 170 | Bellevue, Idaho / Wood River High School Dilworth is a wide receiver and a defensive back from Wood River High School in Bellevue, Idaho. He was a three-year varsity football player who earned first team all-conference twice and recorded 37 catches for 540 yards, six touchdowns, 49 tackles, four pass breakups, and an interception. Dilworth played competitive 7v7 for the Gas 7v7 Squad out of Boise, Idaho. Dilworth also participated in track and field and baseball as a Wolverine, where he earned all-conference his junior year in track and field. Zackery is the son of Zack and Tammi Dilworth and plans to major in Business while at Montana Western. Joshua Doig | OL | 6'3 | 280 | Pasco, Wash. / Chiawana High School Doig is an offensive lineman out of Chiawana High School in Pasco, Wash. He was a two-year varsity athlete and was a member of the Chiawana High School's 2022 undefeated league championship. He is the son of John Doig and Adrianna Fowler and plans to major in Physical Education and Health K-12 while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Briggs Duman | DB | 5'11 | 180 | Lewiston, Idaho / Lewiston High School Duman is a defensive back who joins the Bulldogs from Lewiston High School in Lewiston, Idaho. Last season, Duman was named first team all-league defensive back, as well as first team all north west defensive back after recording 43 tackles his senior season. He also participated in track and field as a Bengal and recorded the fifth fastest time in school history for the 100-meter dash with an 11.33. Duman is the son of Jesse and Marie Duman and plans to major in Health and Human Performance while at Montana Western. Quinn Hanson | CB | 6'1 | 165 | Helena, Mont. / Capital High School Hanson is a corner who joins the Bulldogs from Capital High School in Helena, Mont. He was named second team All-State as well as first team all-conference following the 2022 season. Hanson totaled 50 tackles and 3 interceptions for Capital during his senior season. He was also named academic all-conference and participated in basketball and track for Bruins. Quinn is the brother to graduating senior Gus Hanson who has played for the Bulldog football team for the last four years. Quinn is the son of Bulldog alumni Ryan and his wife Laurie Hanson and plans to major in Business Administration while at Montana Western. Bryer Hughes | OL | 6'4 | 260 | Kennewick, Wash. / Southridge High School Hughes is an offensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from Southridge High School in Kennewick, Wash. He was a three-year starter for the Suns and a two-year team captain. Hughes earned all-conference honors while totaling 52 solo tackles, seven tackles for loss, six fumble recoveries, four sacks, and a forced fumble. Hughes was also an academic State Champion his freshman year. He participated in wrestling, basketball, and track and field while in high school. Hughes is the son of Casey and Jennifer Hughes and plans to major in Physical Education and Health K-12 while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Rico Figueroa II | WR | 5'10 | 170 | Aiea, Hawaii / Aeia High School Figueroa II joins the Bulldogs from Aiea High School in Aiea, Hawaii. He was a wide receiver for the Na' Alii who recorded 64 catches, 765 yards, and nine touchdowns last season. He was named second team OIA and second team All-Hawaii Division 1. In 2021, his team was the OIA Division 1 champions. Figueroa II also competed in basketball and track and field while in high school. He is the son of Rico and Ula Figueroa and plans to major in Psychology with a minor in Coaching while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Kael Fedder | ATH | 6'4 | 170 | Idaho Falls, Idaho / Idaho Falls High School Fedder joins the Bulldogs from Idaho Falls High School in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was a team captain last season for the Idaho Falls Tigers out of the High Country Conference. He also participated in basketball during his high school career. Fedder is the son of Mancole and Crystal Fedder and Kristen Rhead and plans to major in Health and Human Performance at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Rusty Gasvoda | DB | 5'11 | 175 | Big Sandy, Mont. / Big Sandy High School Gasvoda is a defensive back who joins the Bulldogs from Big Sandy High School in Big Sandy, Mont. He was a three-time state semifinalist and an undefeated state champion during his four years on varsity with the Pioneers. He was named to All-State and all-conference twice during his career and earned academic All-State honors all four years. He accumulated 12 touchdowns, 50 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and an interception throughout his senior season. Gasvoda also participated in basketball and track at Big Sandy High School. He is the son of Brandon and Kristin Gasvoda and plans to major in Business Administration with a minor in Farm and Ranch Operations while at Montana Western. Nicholas Gibson | LB | 6'1 | 180 | Rupert, Idaho / Minico High School Gibson is a linebacker from Minico High School in Rupert, Idaho. He was named first team all-conference twice during his three years on varsity. He was also named third team All-State while his team won their conference twice. Gibson is the son of Jeff and Miranda Gibson and plans on majoring in Business while at Montana Western. Bryce Gilliard | TE | 6'3 | 195 | Bigfork, Mont. / Bigfork High School Gilliard is a tight end who joins the Bulldogs out of Bigfork High School in Bigfork, Mont. He was named first team all-conference linebacker twice, second team all-conference linebacker once, and he earned All-State honors his junior and senior season. Gilliard totaled 14 catches for 295 yards, three touchdowns, 103 tackles, and four interceptions last season as his team won his conference championship. Gilliard was named to the Superintendent's List twice in his high school career while also participating in basketball, track, and golf. He was named first and second team all-conference in basketball his sophomore and junior season. Gilliard is the son of Chip and Rebecca Gilliard and plans to major in Business while at Montana Western. Dylan Goldstrom | QB/ATH | 6'1 | 170 | Fife, Wash. / Fife High School Goldstrom is a quarterback who joins the Bulldogs from Fife High School in Fife, Wash. He was a team captain for two seasons for the Trojans and in two varsity seasons, Goldstrom threw for a total of 1766 yards, 14 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. He averaged 19.8 yards per completion and 72.5 yards per game. He also recorded 607 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Goldstrom also participated in track during high school where he was a state qualifier in both the 4x100m and the 4x400m. He is the son of Enrique Goldstrom and Sarah Castleton and plans to major in Elementary Education. Link to Highlights Trevor Hoopes | DL | 5'11 | 240 | Kennewick, Wash. / Southridge High School Hoopes is a defensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from Southridge High School in Kennewick, Wash. He was named the MCC lineman of the year and earned first team honors for offensive and defensive line. He totaled 43 tackles for loss (second in school history), 85 solo tackles, 15 sacks, and two forced fumbles in his high school career. Hoopes also participated in track and wrestling while at Southridge. He is the son of Brianne and Curtis Hoopes and plans to major in Health and Human Performance while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Drew Humphrey | DB | 6'1 | 160 | Billings, Mont. / Billings West High School Humphrey is a defensive back joining the Bulldogs from Billings West High School in Billings, Mont. Humphrey is the brother to current Bulldog Jake Humphrey . During his time at Billings West, Humphrey tied the school record for most touchdowns in a game with four total. He also tied the school record for most interceptions in a career (9) and snagged Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2021. This season, he was named Offensive Player of the Year and second team All-State defensive back and honorable mention receiver and punt returner. Humphrey is the son of Jim Bob and Jami Humphrey, both Bulldog alums, and plans on majoring in Business at Montana Western. Christian Janis | OL | 6'4 | 285 | Twin Falls, Idaho / Twin Falls High School Janis is an offensive lineman from Twin Falls High School in Twin Falls, Idaho. He was a two-time all-conference lineman during his three years playing for the Bruins. Janis also participated in wrestling, track and rugby during his high school career. He is the son of Lewis and Kelly Janis and Lorrisa Rhoades and plans on majoring in Health and Human Performance during his time at Montana Western. Jack Jones | OL | 6'3 | 235 | Nampa, Idaho / Columbia High School Jones is an offensive lineman from Columbia High School in Nampa, Idaho. He was a three-year varsity member of his high school team. Jones chose to come to Montana Western because of the atmosphere and the family mentality. He also participated in baseball and track during his high school career. Jones is the son of Mike Jones and Heather Hodges. He plans on majoring in Biology while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Ethan Larsen | DE | 6'4 | 235 | Deming, Wash. / Mount Baker High School Larsen is a defensive end from Mount Baker High School in Deming, Wash. He was an all-conference defensive and offensive lineman and an All-State nominee. His team made the state tournament three of his four years in high school and his senior year, his team made the Washington 1A state championship game. Larsen also participated in basketball and baseball where he earned second team all-league as an outfielder last season. Larsen is the son of Daniel and Jaimie Larsen and plans to major in Health and Human Performance with a minor in Coaching while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Tobey Lau | LB | 6'0 | 215 | Keaau, Hawaii / Kamehameha Schools Lau is a linebacker who joins the Bulldogs from Kamehameha Schools in Keaau, Hawaii. He was a four-year varsity athlete for the Warriors and was a BIIF Champion in 2019. He averaged around 10 tackles per game and was named first team all-BIIF during his high school career. Lau is the son of Kealii Kukahiko and Shannon Dever and plans to major in Business at Montana Western. Giovanni Love | DL | 5'11 | 280 | Othello, Wash. / Othello High School Love is a defensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from Othello High School in Othello, Wash. He was named first team all-conference offensive lineman in back to back seasons, as well as second team all-conference defensive lineman last season. Love also participated in wrestling and track while at Othello. He is the son of Roy and Melissa Love and plans to major in Business with a minor in Small Business Management while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Koaalii Maio | RB | 5'11 | 215 | Caldwell, Idaho / Vallivue High School Maio joins the Bulldogs from Vallivue High School in Caldwell, Idaho. As a Falcon, Maio was a runningback who totaled 1,164 total yards, 14 touchdowns, and averaged 8.05 yards per carry his senior season. In 2022, he was named first team all-conference runningback. Maio is the son of Pedro Renteria and Malina Maio and plans to major in Business while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Michael Marley | OL/DL | 6'0 | 250 | Glendive, Mont. / Dawson County High School Marley is an offensive lineman from Dawson County High School in Glendive, Mont. He was named all-conference offensive line and defensive line twice in his high school career. He also was named to academic All-State three times in high school, while also participating in wrestling, basketball, and track and field. Marley is the son of Melissa and Jordan Marley and plans on majoring in Health and Human Performance while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Aidan Martin | DE | 6'2 | 205 | Bozeman, Mont. / Gallatin High School Martin is a defensive end who joins the Bulldogs from Gallatin High School in Bozeman, Mont. He was a three-year varsity player for the Raptors and earned first team All-State once in his career. He also participated in wrestling and track while at Gallatin High School where he was a state qualifier in track. Martin is the son of Blaine and Karen Martin and plans to major in Business while at Montana Western. Keaghn McDaniel | LB | 6'1 | 205 | Belt, Mont. / Belt Public School McDaniel is a linebacker who joins the Bulldogs from Belt Public School in Belt, Mont. He was named to the All-State team as linebacker, defensive end, and tight end. He was a part of his team's 2022 state championship team and tallied 43 solo tackles and 53 assisted tackles this season. His junior year, he averaged 16.7 yards per catch as a tight end. McDaniel also participated in basketball and track and field. McDaniel is the son of Angie and Russ McDaniel and plans to major in Business with a minor in Ecology. Tristan McMahill | OL | 6'3 | 285 | Weiser, Idaho / Weiser High School McMahill is an offensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from Weiser High School in Weiser, Idaho. He was a member of the 2021 3A state championship football team and took third last season in the state playoffs for the Wolverines. Last season, he was a team captain and was named second team all-conference. McMahill was also a four-year varsity letter in wrestling and competed in track and field for the Wolverines. He was the 2021 district shot put champion. McMahill is the son of Cynthia Sutherland and plans to major in Health and Human Performance while at Montana Western. Justin Munoz | DB | 6'1 | 165 | Fife, Wash. / Fife High School Munoz is a defensive back who joins the Bulldogs from Fife High School in Fife, Wash. He was a two-time all-league defensive back for the Trojans as his team made the state playoffs twice. Munoz also competed in track in high school. He is the son of Joel and Vithia Munoz and plans to major in Business while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Tate Nordstrom | DL | 6'1 | 200 | Billings, Mont. / Billings West High School Nordstrom joins the Bulldogs from Billings West High School in Billings, Mont. He was a defensive lineman for the Golden Bears where he earned all-conference and all-state defensive end honors last season. He was named Billings West defensive line MVP following last year's season where he totaled 30 tackles, five sacks, and a forced fumble. Nordstrom also competed in wrestling and track while at Billings West. He is the son of Tim and Katie Nordstrom and plans to major in Health and Human Performance while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Edwin North | OL/DL | 6'3 | 280 | Missoula, Mont. / Loyola Sacred Heart High School North is an offensive and defensive lineman from Loyola Sacred Heart High School out of Missoula, Mont. He was an all-conference second team offensive and defensive lineman last season and was named his team's defensive most valuable player. His team was the 2022 class B runner-up. He also participated in track and field and was a member of the 2021 track and field district championship team. As a student at Loyola Sacred Heart, Edwin was named the Physical Education Student of the Year and the Religion Student of the Year. Edwin is the son of Kay North and plans to major in Physical Education and Health K-12. Link to Highlights Eli Nourse | WR | 5'10 | 165 | Dillon, Mont. / Beaverhead County High School Nourse is a wide receiver from Beaverhead County High School in Dillon, Mont. He was named first team All-State wide receiver and corner, along with first-team all-conference wide receiver and corner. He accumulated 705 receiving yards, 12 touchdowns, averaged 46.6 yards per kick return with two touchdowns, two interceptions, and four tackles for loss during his senior year and is ranked fourth in his high school's all-time receiving yards. Nourse also competed in basketball and track during his high school career and is a national honor society member. Eli is the son of UMW head football coach Ryan Nourse and his wife Tracy Nourse. He plans on majoring in Business at Montana Western with a minor in Coaching. Carlos Orozco | DL | 6'0 | 275 | Kennewick, Wash. / Kennewick High School Orozco is a defensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs out of Kennewick High School in Kennewick, Wash. He was a three-year varsity defensive lineman who totaled 70 tackles, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles his senior season. Orozco earned all-conference his sophomore season and his senior year, he was named one of the top 15 defensive lineman in the state of Washington. Orozco is the son of Robert and Delia Orozco and plans to major in Business while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Cyrus Pardini | OL | 6'3 | 275 | Pasco, Wash. / Chiawana High School Pardini is an offensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs out of Chiawana High School in Pasco, Wash. He was selected second team all-conference right tackle his sophomore and senior seasons for the Riverhawks as his team went on to become undefeated conference champions twice. Pardini also participated in Track and Field for the Riverhawks while in high school. He is the son of Paul and Cory Pardini and plans to major in Ecology while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Daunte Ramos | LB | 5'8 | 170 | Sunnyside, Wash. / Sunnyside High School Ramos is a linebacker who joins the Bulldogs from Sunnyside High School in Sunnyside, Wash. He was a two-time first team all-league selection for the Grizzlies as his high school team won a league championship last year. Ramos totaled 45 tackles, 15 of which were solo, three forced fumbles, and two sacks last season. Daunte is the son of Tony and Maria Ramos and plans to major in Health and Human Performance while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Canyon Sargent | DB | 5'10 | 175 | St. Ignatius, Mont. / Mission High School Sargent is a defensive back who joins the Bulldogs from Mission High School in St. Ignatius, Mont. He recorded 175 tackles, 1,038 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns in his senior campaign. He was named to the All-State team as a linebacker and running back. Sargent also participated in wrestling and track while at Mission. Sargent is the son of Bulldog alumni Jason Sargent and Renee Krell. He plans on majoring in Education while at Montana Western. Remington Scott | DB | 5'9 | 175 | Deer Park, Wash. / Deer Park High School Scott is a defensive back who joins the Bulldogs from Deer Park High School in Deer Park, Wash. As a Deer Park Stag, Scott was a quarterback who threw for 915 yards his senior year, added eight rushing touchdowns, and threw for 13 touchdowns. He was team captain for the last two seasons, named academic all-conference four times, and was his team's offensive MVP twice. Scott also participated in Basketball and Track in high school. He is the son of Laddigo Scott and Kathy Scott and plans to major in Health and Human Performance. Link to Highlights Romeo Simpson | DB | 5'10 | 160 | Aliamanu, Hawaii / Aiea High School Simpson is a defensive back from Aiea High School in Aliamanu, Hawaii. He was a two-year varsity player who was named second team all-conference while his team earned the 2021 OIA Division 1 championship. His senior year, Simpson recorded 21.5 tackles, an interception, and five pass breakups. During his high school career, he also competed in track. Simpson is the son of Kevin and Veronica Simpson and plans on majoring in Health and Human Performance while at Montana Western. Kade Smith | WR | 6'2 | 170 | Pasco, Wash. / Chiawana High School Smith is a wide receiver who joins the Bulldogs from Chiawana High School in Pasco, Wash. Smith was named first team all-league in 2021 and 2022. He was an All-State honorable mention wide receiver last season as his team earned a league championship. Smith also participated in track and basketball during high school. He was named first team all-conference in track and field last season and was the 2022 Washington state champion in triple jump. Smith is the son of Dustin and Amy Smith and plans to major in Secondary Education and K-12 Education. Link to Highlights Russell Smith | LB | 6'2 | 195 | Woods Cross, Utah / Bountiful High School Smith is a linebacker who joins the Bulldogs from Bountiful High School in Bountiful, Utah. As a Redhawk, Smith was a member of his team's two year run of becoming undefeated region champs. He was named second team all-region linebacker following his two years on varsity. Smith also participated in basketball, baseball, and track while in high school. He is the son of Adam and Julia Smith and plans to major in Business Administration at Montana Western. Logan Snarr | OL | 6'2 | 275 | Lewiston, Idaho / Lewiston High School Snarr is an offensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from Lewiston High School in Lewiston, Idaho. He was named first team all-league for the Bengals as their offense led the state in rushing yards. His offensive line also helped to produce the best rusher in the state as they broke their high school's rushing yard records in back to back years. He was also a scholastic award winner twice in high school while also competing in track and wrestling. Snarr is the son of Ryan and Tami Snarr and plans to major in Business while at Montana Western. William Snodgrass | OL | 6'6 | 380 | Yelm, Wash. / Yelm High School Snodgrass is an offensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from Yelm High School in Yelm, Wash. Last season, he was a key member of the Tornadoes' undefeated state championship run. He also earned first team all-conference honors last season. Snodgrass participated in wrestling and track while attending Yelm High School. He is the son of William Snodgrass and plans to major in Business while at Montana Western. Blake Speer | WR | 5'10 | 170 | Spokane, Wash. / Mount Spokane High School Speer is a wide receiver who joins the Bulldogs from Mount Spokane High School in Spokane Wash. He was named All-State his junior season and his team's Offensive MVP last season. Speer also competed in soccer and basketball while in high school where he earned All-State honors in soccer for the last two seasons. Speer is the son of Cole and Wendy Speer and plans to major in Biology at Montana Western. Coby Tanioka | WR | 5'9 | 160 | Kaneohe, Hawaii / Castle High School Tanioka joins the Bulldogs from Castle High School out of Kaneohe, Hawaii. He earned numerous accolades during his time as a Knight. He was named all-conference first team wide receiver twice, all conference first and second team kick return, All-Hawaii first and second team wide receiver, OC16 Impact Player award twice, and Castle High School varsity team MVP. Tanioka earned junior student of the year in 2021 for Castle High School. He totaled 568 receiving yards, eight touchdowns, 177 rushing yards, and seven rushing touchdowns his senior season. He also came close to breaking the school's single game receiving record, placing second on the all-time list with 184 yards against Aiea High School last season. Tanioka participated in track and field and basketball while in high school. During his track career, he placed fourth at the Hawaii State Championships in the 4 x 100 relays, fifth in the 200-meter dash, and seventh in the 100-meter dash. He is the son of Jill and Brie Tanioka-Ventura and plans to major in Business while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Caleb Utter | LB | 6'1 | 190 | Eureka, Mont. / Lincoln County High School Utter is a linebacker from Lincoln County High School in Eureka, Mont. Utter was an All-State linebacker his junior year and was a member of Lincoln County's 12-0 perfect season and state championship win in 2019. Utter also participated in track, basketball, and baseball where he was named All-State in track. He also was honored with academic all-state and is a member of the national honor society. Utter is the son of Trevor and Amber Utter and plans to major in Health and Human Performance at Montana Western. Kale VanCampen | LB | 6'1 | 190 | Havre, Mont. / Havre High School VanCampen is a linebacker from Havre High School in Havre, Mont. He was a first team all-conference linebacker and was named first team All-State after this season. He recorded 101 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, had a pick six, a forced fumble, and blocked a field goal this season. He also was named second team all-conference linebacker and running back last season while also being named to the academic All-State team. VanCampen also participated in wrestling, baseball, and track in high school. In wrestling, he placed 5th last year at the class A state meet. In track, he placed eighth in the class A triple jump. VanCampen is the son of Trever and Kylene VanCampen and plans on majoring in Health and Human Performance at Montana Western. Manuel Variz | HB/LB | 5'9 | 200 | Nampa, Idaho / Columbia High School Variz is a halfback and linebacker who joins the Bulldogs from Columbia Falls High School in Nampa, Idaho. He recorded 540 all-purpose yards, four touchdowns, and 62 tackles last season for the Wildcats. He was also named first team all-conference halfback and honorable mention linebacker. Variz also participated in track and wrestling during his high school career. Manuel is the son of Kindra and Manny Variz and plans to major in Business while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Jacob Westberry | LS | 5'7 | 200 | Hamilton, Mont. / Hamilton High School Westberry is a long snapper from Hamilton High School in Hamilton, Mont. He was named all-conference honorable mention this season after he was 34/34 on long snaps and 33/36 on PAT snaps this season. His team was named conference champions this season and during his high school career, he was a part of the Hamilton 2021 Class A State Championship team. He also participated in baseball during his high school career and played for the Bitterroot Red Sox American Legion team. Westberry is the son of Sam and Nick Westberry and plans on majoring in Health and Human Performance at Montana Western. Clayton Westfall-Zahler | P | 6'0 | 235 | Selah, Wash. / Selah High School Westfall-Zahler is a punter who joins the Bulldogs from Selah High School in Selah, Wash. He was named first team all-league punter for the Vikings last season. He also participated in basketball and soccer while at Selah High School. Westfall-Zahler is the son of Amber and Robert Westfall and plans to major in Business while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Gus Wiggins | DL/LB | 6'0 | 225 | Castleford, Idaho / Castleford High School Wiggins is a defensive lineman and linebacker who joins the Bulldogs from Castleford High School in Castleford, Idaho. He earned second team all-conference linebacker and running back as a sophomore, first team all-conference linebacker and offensive line as a junior, and was the conference defensive player of the year his senior season. He also earned second team All-State his senior season as a linebacker. Last season, his team was third in the state of Idaho following a 9-2 season. Wiggins also competed in baseball and basketball while in high school. Gus is the son of Mike and Sherry Wiggins and plans to major in Environmental Science while at Montana Western. Ryan Winters | DB | 6'0 | 180 | Florence, Mont. / Florence-Carlton High School Winters is a defensive back who joins the Bulldogs out of Florence-Carlton High School in Florence, Mont. He earned all-conference offensive line honors after his senior season and was named academic All-State all four years. Winters was a two-time state champion and was a team captain in 2022. He totaled 438 receiving yards on 39 receptions, 461 all-purpose yards, 80 total tackles, and eight tackles for loss. Winters is the son of Jeremy and Kelley Winters and plans to major in Business while at Montana Western.

On January 13, 2023, the English Department of the University of Montana Western inducted seven new student members into its Alpha Epsilon Iota chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, an international honor society. The Society strives to: • Confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies; • Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities; • Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing; • Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members; • Exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and • Serve society by fostering literacy. Candidates for membership in Sigma Tau Delta have attained high academic achievement in the field of English studies. This year’s inductees include: Crystal Felgenhauer—Shelley, ID Draylen Sawyer—Dillon, MT Tana Campbell—Dillon, MT Samantha Gregg—Athol, ID Laura Symmes—Dillon, MT Cynthia Gregg—Dillon, MT Brigid Reedy—Whitehall, MT Montana Western congratulates these students for all of their success and hard work. To find out about Sigma Tau Delta’s history, awards, and events visit www.english.org .

Land Value Property Tax Assistance Program March 1, 2023 March 1 is the deadline for residential property owners to submit an application for the Land Value Property Tax Assistance Program . Homeowners may qualify for this tax assistance if the department’s appraised market value of their land is more than 150 percent of the department’s appraised market value of their home and other improvements on the land. Property Tax Assistance Program April 15, 2023 April 15 is the deadline for real property and mobile homeowners to apply for the Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP) . Eligibility for this program is based on home ownership, occupancy requirements, and income qualifications. Montana Disabled Veterans Property Tax Assistance Program April 15, 2023 April 15 is the deadline for 100% disabled Montana veterans or their unmarried surviving spouse to apply for the Montana Disabled Veterans (MDV) Property Tax Assistance Program . Eligibility for reduced property taxes is based on home ownership, occupancy, military disability requirements, and income qualifications.

HELENA: In recent months I’ve had conversations with some of our local School Administrators and a couple of elected board members regarding truancy in our public schools. Here’s what has been proposed so far to address the issue; SB 129 Introduced by Senator Russ Tempel, a Republican from Chester, seeks to help address the problem. This bill was debated this past Friday, and will be up for a final vote Today at 1:00 in order to clear the Senate. I will be supporting the measure as it hopefully keeps moving through the process. Some background on this proposal, and the need for change is because most of our students come to school at the age of 5 and/or 6, and are also educated through their 18th or 19th birthday. Because the current attendance law states that parents are only held accountable for students from the age of 7 to 16, schools are unable to hold the parents accountable when the child is truant at the ages of 5, 6, 17, 18, or 19, regardless of public, private, or homeschooled, students. I want to be crystal clear that this proposed change in this law has nothing to do with children missing school for doctor appointments, family trips, or other situations in which parents want to pull their children out of school here or there. Most , if not all schools across the state accept doctor's notes and parent phone calls as an excused absence. The change in the law is directly pinpointing the parents of those kids who are being blatantly truant. As was discussed during debate on the Senator Floor on Friday, if a parent wants to pull a child at the age of 6, they can still do so. The student doesn’t have to legally be in school until the age of 7, this proposal simply seeks to change the age to match the age range that students are actually enrolled. Unfortunately, we have students who are missing 20 plus unexcused days of school. I recently spoke with an administrator from another part of Montana, who just filed paperwork with the county attorney for educational neglect on a seven-year-old who has missed 63 out of the first 90 days of school this year. This same student missed over 70 days last year, but was only 6 at the time, so nothing could be done about it. In closing, I feel that no administrators are going after the parents where the kids are missing days here and there. For most schools, as long as there is communication, students are not truant. The change in this law simply states that a parent or guardian of any student will now be held accountable upon enrollment. This change would include all students, not just the students from ages 7-16. Shifting gears, this past week a group of us sat down with stakeholders from the hunting and angling community, outfitters, landowners, and NGO’s to discuss a package of bills, that were unveiled at the Elk Camp Event on the front steps of the Capitol, where I had the chance to join Governor Gianforte at the podium, and speak to the group, clad in everything from camo and blaze orange, to cowboy hats and coveralls. The proposals unveiled at the event include an expansion of the payment cap for landowners participating in Block Management, which is cruising through the Legislature; stricter penalties for members of the public who trespass and for landowners who block legal hunter access; and tweaks to landowner preference licenses and nonresident antler-less deer tags. The most advanced of those proposals is the expansion of Block Management, which would double the current annual payment cap available to landowners who open their properties to public hunters from $25,000 to $50,000. The coalition has called for lawmakers to use $200 million of the state’s billion-dollar budget surplus to create a Montana Legacy Trust, a fund to support the restoration and improvement of public and private lands with an eye toward habitat preservation and stewardship. I look at this it as a tremendous opportunity, that is likely to get a hearing soon. Interest earned off the initial investment could fund wildlife migration corridor conservation, weed abatement and stream restoration projects that would benefit landowners, outfitters, sportsmen and the businesses they support. In closing, we continue to work on the budget, and approve spending levels in State Government, so far in the Sub committee that I sit on, we have had discussions with Departments of Livestock, Natural Resources, Environmental Quality, Agriculture, and Transportation ,and will be sitting down this coming week with Fish Wildlife and Parks. I will keep you posted as we move forward setting these budgets, as there are many vital programs within these agencies that affect all of us in Southwest Montana.

The University of Montana Western will play host to elementary and middle school spellers from around the county on Thursday, February 2nd at 1:30 P.M. in the Beier Auditorium in the Main Hall. Students from all grade schools, plus those from Dillon Middle School, and home schools will contend for a trip to the Treasure State Spelling Bee on March 11th in Bozeman. County Superintendent of Schools Mike Miller is serving as the director for this year’s contest. “The six rural schools, Lima’s Elementary School, the area home schoolers, and the schools in Dillon have all been invited to send spellers to challenge for a trip to Bozeman in March,” said Miller. “We may have as many as 30 area spellers entered in the contest this year, although some schools may choose not to take part.” Trophies for the top two spellers and certificates for all the participants will be presented at the conclusion of the event along with donations from local financial institutions to help defray the costs for travel to Bozeman. Three local judges have volunteered, along with Dr. Laura Straus, an Education Department professor from the University of Montana Western will be pronouncing the words. The Treasure State Spelling Bee, now in its 59th year, is conducted along the rules of the Scripps National Spelling Bee organization which furnishes the spelling list used at local and state spelling bees. “At least one speller from each county can be entered in the state bee, while counties with a much larger population are allowed more spellers. But it is expected that 60 spellers will converge on the campus of Montana State University at the Strand Ballroom for this year’s contest,” reported Miller. Only students from schools which are enrolled in the National Scripps organization are eligible to participate in the state bee, although registration is not required for the county bee. The Montana Television Network sponsors the event and journalists from the network serve as judges. Radio and newspaper columnist Chrysti “The Wordsmith” Smith will be pronouncing.

Update Monida Pass opened at 7:30 A.M. on 01/30/2023 From MDT in Dillon at 7:40 am on 01/30Monida Pass was officially closed today at 8:05 A.M, due to multiple crashes, along with zero visibility around China Point. We will update this story when more information becomes available or if the pass opens. Alert Details Severity: Extreme - Extraordinary threat to life or property Urgency: Immediate - Responsive action SHOULD be taken immediately Certainty: Observed - Determined to have occurred or to be ongoing Category: TRANSPORT: Public and private transportation Event Description: Road Closure Alert: MDOT has closed Monida Pass until further notice. For more information or updates dial 511 or 800-226-7623 Dear Nixle User, MDOT has closed Monida Pass until further notice. For more information or updates dial 511 or 800-226-7623 Instructions: MDOT has closed Monida Pass until further notice. For more information or updates dial 511 or 800-226-7623

The University of Montana Western Fine Arts Gallery is thrilled to announce, "More Than Dust", an exploration of Southwest Montana's ranching culture through the lens of UMW student artists Kim Giannone and Brigid Reedy. The gallery will host an opening reception on February 24, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Gallery located in Main Hall. The title of the show, “More Than Dust”, speaks to the rich cultural heritage of the region, inviting an immersive exploration of the art, craft, and imagery of the ranching world, one in which beauty often resides amidst the dust. Kim Giannone is a Montana-based visual artist and environmental scientist. Her most recent project focuses on documenting ranching communities in Southwest Montana’s Beaverhead County, exploring the ever-evolving relationship between humans and the natural world. She is currently pursuing degrees in Environmental Sustainability and Visual Arts at the University of Montana Western on a full scholarship. Giannone is a recipient of the DI Emerick Scholarship, and her work was recently featured in “Life Before”, a collaborative work on climate change by Paradigm Publishing and Adidas Skateboarding. Brigid Reedy , a double major in English Literature and Natural Horsemanship at UMW, has been featured at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada for the past six years, and is credited in recent books by Aaron Parrett and Charlie Seeman as an important singer, songwriter, fiddler, and poet carrying forward classic cowboy music and poetry. Additionally, Reedy has spent the last three years under the tutelage of legendary Circle of American Masters saddle maker, George Holt. The reception is free for all to attend and will feature live music by Brigid and Johnny Reedy at 6:30 p.m. “More Than Dust” will be open for viewing from February 24 to March 24. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information about the exhibition, please contact Montana Western Fine Arts Gallery Coordinator, Nathaniel Freeman: nathaniel.freeman@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7059.

The University of Montana Western Athletic Department announced that 96 student-athletes were named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2022 academic term. To qualify for Dean's List honors, students must be enrolled full-time or for 12 semester credits and carry a minimum 3.33 grade point average. Of the honorees, 14 student-athletes achieved Dean's List High Honors after earning a perfect 4.0 grade point average. To view the full list, click here. Cheer (5) Andrew Garcia – Dean's List Zaley Lister – Dean's List Alexis Loucks – Dean's List High Honors Victoria Pehlke – Dean's List Ryleigh Pitcher – Dean's List Football (31) Reese Artz – Dean's List Danny Bradbury – Dean's List Wesley Buchanan – Dean's List Kody Colvin – Dean's List Layne Cooney – Dean's List Noah Danielson – Dean's List Eddie Dewart – Dean's List Taten Ells – Dean's List James Gilham – Dean's List Gus Hanson – Dean' List High Honors Tanner Harrell – Dean's List High Honors Hayden Hedges – Dean's List Ben Howerton – Dean's List High Honors Matthew Heer – Dean's List Luke Kaniho – Dean's List Angel Navarette – Dean's List Nate Masterson – Dean's List Latrell McCutcheon – Dean's List High Honors Colten McPhee – Dean's List John Mears – Dean's List Raef Newbrough – Dean's List Luke Nichols – Dean's List James Ochs – Dean's List Bridger Polk – Dean's List Sam Potoczny – Dean's List Aiden Prado – Dean's List Kameron Rauser – Dean's List Noah Rimmer – Dean's List Braden Smith – Dean's List Brendan Wagner – Dean's List Austin Wilson – Dean's List High Honors Men's Basketball (6) Jacob Ankeny – Dean's List Tanner Haverfield – Dean's List Ky Kouba – Dean's List Colter Miller – Dean's List Grayson Nelson – Dean's List Treyton Paxton – Dean's List Men's Cross Country/Track & Field (6) Jonathan Harrison – Dean's List Landon Hayes – Dean's List Will Hyatt – Dean's List Luke Lutz – Dean's List Isaiah Powell – Dean's List Harrison Silverio – Dean's List Men's Rodeo (8) Brett Bartholomew – Dean's List Trevor Kay – Dean's List High Honors Teegan Leno – Dean's List Everitt Mauler – Dean's List Luke Murphy – Dean's List Jackie Sceirine – Dean's List High Honors Rhett Varian – Dean's List Garrett Yeager – Dean's List Women's Basketball (9) Emma Anderson – Dean's List High Honors Emily Cooley – Dean's List Brynley Fitzgerald – Dean's List High Honors Maggie Graves – Dean's List Payton Hagy – Dean's List Mesa King – Dean's List Shainy Mack – Dean's List Kyla Momberg – Dean's List Jordan Sweeney – Dean's List High Honors Women's Cross Country/Track & Field (4) Mason Baseley – Dean's List Cecily Eagleton – Dean's List Marissa Martindale – Dean's List Liz Varner – Dean's List Women's Rodeo (16) Trinity Bushnell – Dean's List High Honors Braleigh Garrett – Dean's List Hannah Griffin – Dean's List Maddie Hall – Dean's List Hannah Haverland – Dean's List Tavy Leno – Dean's List Ryland Lufkin – Dean's List Kylie Lund – Dean's List Maggie Lund – Dean's List Krista Marchand – Dean's List Tori Murnion – Dean's List TaLyn Neville – Dean's List Shelby Poorman – Dean's List Brooke Richey – Dean's List Adrianna Rohrer – Dean's List Mikayla Witter – Dean's List Women's Volleyball (11) Katie Casagrande – Dean's List Kaylee Fritz – Dean's List Morgan Kirch – Dean's List KayLee Kopp – Dean's List High Honors Jordan Olson – Dean's List Elyce Palmer – Dean's List Morgan Stenger – Dean's List Josie Thomas – Dean's List High Honors Kaitlyn Van Well – Dean's List Peyton Vogl – Dean's List Ramyia Wendt – Dean's List

Press release Ruby Valley Medical Center On February 1, 2023, ownership of Mac’s CHC Pharmacy will transfer to the Ruby Valley Medical Center. Mac’s Pharmacy has been operated by the Southwest Montana Community Health Center (SWMTCHC) since 2004. The origins of Mac’s Pharmacy date back to 1967, when DeWayne McAlear purchased the pharmacy and grocery store in Twin Bridges. McAlear, better known as Mac, was the local pharmacist in Twin Bridges for well over 30 years and admired for his sharp mind and devotion to the community. When Mac retired in 2004, he wanted to ensure that pharmacy services would continue in the Ruby Valley. To this end, he sold the pharmacy to SWMTCHC. SWMTCHC chose to name the pharmacy to honor Mac and his philanthropic reputation in the Ruby Valley community. In order to be closer to other medical services in the Ruby Valley, the pharmacy was moved to Sheridan when the grocery store temporarily closed in 2007. The pharmacist in charge at Mac’s, Carly Moody, expects the transition from SWMTCHC to Ruby Valley Medical Center to be smooth. “We don’t anticipate any changes will be made that will affect our patients and customers. You’ll see the same friendly faces after February 1st,” said Moody. SWMTCHC thanks the employees of Mac’s and all the patients for their support over the past 15 years. Mac’s Pharmacy is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:30pm and closed on Thursdays from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. About the Ruby Valley Medical Center The Ruby Valley Medical Center is a critical access hospital and Montana designated trauma receiving facility serving Sheridan, Twin Bridges, Alder, Laurin, Silver Star, Virginia City, Nevada City, Waterloo, and Whitehall. The Medical Center offers five in-patient beds, two observation beds, diagnostic imaging, laboratory, physical, occupational and speech therapy, swing bed, 24- hour emergency care and a highly qualified nursing staff. Our healthcare providers support patients through the Ruby Valley Medical Center and the clinics in Sheridan and Twin Bridges. Our clinics offer a wide range of healthcare services including pediatrics, well-woman exams, sports physicals, geriatrics, mental health, chiropractic and osteopathic care, non-surgical pain management and tele-medicine to off-site specialists. Our visiting specialists provide podiatric, surgical, cardiology, OB/GYN and hearing services. The Ruby Valley Medical Center also provides mobile emergency medical services through Ruby Valley Emergency Medical Services and owns Mac’s Pharmacy. The Ruby Valley Medical Center receives financial support from the Ruby Valley Healthcare Foundation and the Ruby Valley Medical Center Auxiliary.

Rory tragically lost his life in a vehicle accident on Sunday night, a Meal Train was set up for his family and filled up quickly. Many people have been asking how they may help. An account has been set up at Stockman Bank for his wife Shantel and his three children. Donations may be made at Stockman Bank in Dillon Montana.

MONTANA RUNNING COMPANY *Climb The M 10K & 5K Trail Race Montana Running Company is hosting the 5th Annual “Climb The M” 10k & 5k Trail Race on Sunday April 23, 2023. “Climb The M” Trail Race is located in Dillon, Montana on the Beaverhead Trails Coalition property. The race is a fundraiser for the University of Montana Western Cross-Country team. Register at montanarunningcompany.com *Beaverhead Marathon & Half Marathon Montana Running Company is hosting the 6th Annual Beaverhead Marathon & Half Marathon on May 13, 2023 in Dillon, Montana. The course will be the same as previous years starting at Clark Canyon Reservoir and finishing at Beaverhead Brewing Company. Register at montanarunningcompany.com

Fox Run Special District Meeting February 1, 2023 Beaverhead County Courthouse Commissioners Room 11:00 am 1. Call Meeting to Order 2. Secretary’s Report a. Approve December 14, 2022 minutes 3. Old Business a. Engineer’s update b. Estimate for Project 4. New Business a. Resolution for an Election b. Other Items for Action 5. Public Comment 6. Set Date for next meeting 7. Adjournment

The University of Montana Western Rodeo team has released its schedule for the spring rodeo season. They will kick off their spring season April 13-16 with the Montana State University Rodeo No. 1 and 2. Heading into the spring, the Men's team sits in first place in the Big Sky Region and the Women's team is in third overall. View full release to see individual standings. 2023 Spring Schedule Montana State University Rodeo #1 April 13-14 Montana State University Rodeo #2 April 15-16 Miles Community College Rodeo #1 April 20-21 Miles Community College Rodeo #2 April 22-23 University of Montana Rodeo April 28-29 Regional Rankings-Men's Team Men's Team is currently ranked first with 2553 points. Trevor Kay is the top bareback rider with 771 points. Jhet Murphy is sitting in 2nd in the men's all-around with 639 points. He is in 3rd in team roping header with 340 points and is in 5th in steer wrestling with 267 points. Carson Klingler is in 5th in the saddle bronc with 110 points. Ty Christiansen is in 3rd in team roping heeler with 340 points. He is also in 10th in tie down roping with 130 points. Gavin Knutson is in 2nd in bull riding with 245 points. He is also in 12th in team roping header with 100 points. Brett Bartholomew is in 7th in tie down roping with 255 points. Luke Murphy is in 13th in tie down roping with 88 points. He is also in 12th in team roping heeler with 100 points. Garrett Yeager is in 4th in steer wrestling with 269 points. Matt Goings is in 4th in team roping header with 210 points. Rhett Varian is in 5th in team roping header with 150 points. Jackie Sceirine is in 10th in team roping heeler with 108 points. Knute Hereim is in 15th in team roping heeler with 88 points. Regional Rankings-Women's Team Women's Team is currently ranked 3rd with 797.50 points. Tavy Leno is at the top of the goat tying rankings with 470 points. Krista Marchand is in 5th in barrel racing with 239 points. She is also in 11th in team roping header with 107 points. Adrianna Rohrer is in 11th in barrel racing with 129 points. Maggie Lund is in 12th in barrel racing with 100 points. TaLyn Neville is in 6th in breakaway roping with 160 points. Mikayla Witter is in 10th in breakaway roping with 126 points. Brooke Richey is in 13th in breakaway roping with 120 points. Hannah Haverland is in 15th in breakaway roping with 97.5 points. Braleigh Garrett is in 7th in goat tying with 177 points. Ember Casperson is in 9th in goat tying with 157 points. Kylie Lund is in 10th in goat tying with 120 points. Madalyn Foster is in 10th in team roping header with 108 points. Harley Beasley is in 15th in team roping header with 88 points. National Rankings To view where the Bulldogs stand in the national NIRA rankings, click here.

HELENA: The week started out with big news out of Colstrip, as NorthWestern Energy and some of the West Coast Partners were able to gain interest in Colstrip Units 3 and 4. The power plant, the town, and most importantly the people—are crucial to Montana’s future. Last Monday’s announcement is the best news coming out of Colstrip in many years. We are excited and encouraged about the future of Colstrip, its people, and Montana energy production, we as both tax payers and energy ratepayers will be better served with this certainty in the marketplace. Moving along, I’d like to address A bill being heard in the Senate that would keep corporate influences out of the official administration of Montana’s elections. Senate Bill 117 would prohibit state and local governments from using outside money to conduct elections, instead requiring that all election administration costs be paid for with public funds. SB 117 is sponsored by Sen. Shelley Vance, R-Belgrade, a former Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder. When I visited with Senator Vance, she told me, “This is a simple bill,” “Montana’s elections are not for sale. Elections are decided by the voting public and it’s not appropriate for anyone other than the public to be funding the administration of elections.” I also agree with Senator Vance that there is no room for even the appearance of a corrupting influence or a tipping of the scales when it comes to the official operations of our elections. SB 117 establishes a felony penalty for violations of its provisions keeping the official state administration of elections free of outside influence. Next, I’d like to address a pair of tax proposals moving forward. Senate Bill 121 is a long-term tax relief bill of the 2023 legislative session. SB 121 would cut the state’s income tax rate paid by middle class Montanans from 6.5% to 5.9%, allowing Montanans to keep more of their hard-earned money. The bill also increases the Earned Income Tax Credit from 3% to 10%, providing a refundable tax credit to lower and moderate income workers. SB 121 is sponsored by Sen. Becky Beard, R-Elliston and is also one of Governor Gianforte’s policy priorities. Montanans are struggling to make ends meet and have been paying more income taxes than the state needs to fund essential services, this is a common sense approach to returning some money back, simply by collecting less to begin with, I’d also argue it’s giving Montanans same as a pay raise, by permanently cutting the taxes they pay. The second tax bill is Senate Bill 124, sponsored by Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson. SB 124 simplifies Montana’s corporate taxes to benefit Montana businesses. This bill will help put Montana companies on a more even playing field with companies based in other states, the big box stores and non resident corporations to be precise, by moving to a single sales factor on corporate taxes, we’ll be cutting taxes for many Montana businesses and treat them the same as out-of-state corporations, instead of our current system that penalizes home- grown Montana companies. I’d like to close out this week report with an update, as promised on the skating at Bannack State Park, here’s what I’ve learned. Normally the park operates with a manager, assistant manager, ranger, and full-time maintenance person all winter. With the resignation of the former Park Manager on November 30th and only a half-time maintenance person currently on staff, the park is down by 1.5 positions for the season. Given the amount of work it takes to prepare the pond, maintain the pond, and patrol the ice- skating, priority was given to keeping the visitor center open, talking to visitors, and other administrative duties rather than focus on the ice-skating. The combination of being short-staffed and lack of a warming hut led to the recommendation of pausing park-supported ice-skating for the 2022-2023 season, with the intent to offer this activity again for the 2023-2024 season. This closure has been put on the park's answering message and a notice will be put on the park's alerts and closure page. In the meantime, I’m having a discussion with FWP about building a warming hut, that would both benefit park guests, and answer a liability concern of utilizing the existing equipment shed, when folks skate in the absence of park employees. I will also be working on this issue, as we discuss the FWP budget. With the addition of a warming hut, and perhaps a partnership with volunteers to backfill staffing shortages, until that gets resolved, I feel we can keep the tradition alive. Thanks for staying in touch, on issues important to you. Please log in to leg.mt.gov to track bills, or testify remotely, or email me at jeff.welborn@legmt.gov to communicate any thought you may have. Have a great week, and thanks for your time.