Sunny, warm weather marked the opening weekend of antelope rifle season this year. Overall, hunters had more success compared to 2021 . In south central Montana, Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ wildlife staff ran check stations in Billings, Broadview and Big Timber on Saturday and Sunday. At the Broadview check station, FWP wildlife biologist Ashley Taylor checked 200 hunters and 69 harvested antelope over the weekend. These numbers are higher than 2021 data, but slightly below the 10-year average of 205 hunters and 74 antelope. The majority of antelope harvested were bucks. Younger age classes of antelope were lacking in the harvest, a trend also observed in 2021. Taylor said this is likely the result of poor fawn survival in recent years. In older bucks, good horn growth was observed unlike the poor growth observed in 2021. Hunter success over opening weekend was up from 27 percent in 2021 to 35 percent this year. FWP wildlife biologists Justin Paugh and Shawn Stewart checked 209 hunters and 118 harvested antelope over opening weekend at the Big Timber check station. Both hunter and antelope numbers at this check station were up from opening weekend in 2021, but below the 10-year average of 304 hunters and 168 antelope. Hunter success was at 56 percent, very similar to the 58 percent success rate in 2021. Again, the majority of antelope harvested were male. At the Billings Heights check station, FWP wildlife biologist Megan O’Reilly and wildlife technician Mark Szczypinski checked 94 hunters and 62 harvested antelope over opening weekend. Similar numbers were recorded over opening weekend in 2021. Compared to the 10-year average, this is a lower number of antelope hunters but a higher number of harvested antelope. The Billings check station saw the highest hunter success rate in the region at 66 percent, up slightly from the 60 percent success rate in 2021. Bird hunters also visited each check station over the weekend, with 14 in Broadview, 38 in Big Timber, and 24 in Billings. Harvested pheasants, grouse, and waterfowl were recorded. Check stations will be open in Columbus, Lavina, Big Timber and Billings on Saturday and Sunday for the opening weekend of deer and elk rifle season on Oct. 22 and 23. Hunters must stop at any check station they pass while hunting, regardless of their success in harvesting game. Check stations provide valuable information on animals and hunters for FWP biologists. Hunting regulations for deer, elk and antelope are available at Region 5 headquarters in Billings, and online at: fwp.mt.gov/binaries/content/assets/fwp/hunt/regulations/2022/2022-dea-regulations-final-for-web.pdf

A 51-year-old hunter from Washington state sustained non-life threatening injuries when he was attacked by a grizzly bear on Tuesday afternoon in Teton County. The hunter and his wife encountered the bear around 1 p.m. while hunting for upland birds in a creek bottom east of Choteau. The bear charged out of thick brush at close range. The hunter fired at the bear with a shotgun and handgun, wounding the bear and stopping the attack. The hunters and their dogs left the area and notified authorities of the attack. FWP bear management specialists, game wardens, and Teton County deputies returned to the site and located and euthanized the bear later that afternoon after consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The 677-pound adult male bear had no known previous history of human conflict and had never been handled by bear managers. Evidence at the site suggested the attack was the result of a surprise encounter. To guard against surprise encounters and remain vigilant and safe in bear country, which includes most of the western half of Montana: Carry bear spray in an easily accessible location and be prepared to use it immediately. Look for bear sign and be cautious around creeks and areas with limited visibility. Hunt with a group of people. Making localized noise can alert bears to your presence. Be aware that elk calls and cover scents can attract bears. Bring the equipment and people needed to help field dress game and remove the meat from the kill site as soon as possible. If you need to leave part of the meat in the field during processing, hang it at least 10 feet off the ground and at least 150 yards from the gut pile. Leave it where it can be observed from a distance of at least 200 yards. Upon your return, observe the meat with binoculars. If it has been disturbed or if a bear is in the area, leave and call FWP. For more information and resources on bear safety, visit https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear/be-bear-aware .

Choose Prevention—Over Cure It’s simple: Preventative lab screenings can save your life. Barrett Hospital & HealthCare wants to make it as easy as possible for you to get the screenings you need. Join us for our annual Community Lab Screening event in October on these days only: Tuesday, 10/4 Thursday, 10/13 Wednesday, 10/19 Tuesday, 10/25 WHEN: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Please do not arrive ahead of the scheduled opening time of 8:00 a.m.) WHERE: Hospital Location only, access through the main entrance • No appointment is necessary • Easy access: Lab screenings conveniently located at Barrett Hospital. • A provider’s order is not needed to obtain lab screenings. • Payment by cash, check or credit card is required at the time of service. • Results are found in your electronic medical record, called MyChart or they will be mailed directly to you. Lab Screening Tests and Their Cost Complete Metabolic Panel $16.00 Lipid Panel $15.00 Vitamin D $25.00 Insulin $16.00 A1C $15.00 TSH $23.00 CBC $15.00 Hepatitis C Screening (HCV Ab) $25.00 CRP $22.00 C-Peptide $19.00 Vitamin B12 $21.00 Blood Type & Rh (ABO & Rh) $25.00 Magnesium $12.00 PSA $23.00 Ferritin $20.00 Iron $13.00 Uric Acid, Blood $10.00 HIV 1/2 Ag/Ab 4th Gen $20.00 What to Do Before Screening? • Fast for at least 10 hours prior to your lab screening • Drink plenty of water 24 hours prior to your lab screening • Take medications as prescribed • Do not attend if you have COVID-19 symptoms • If possible, wear clothes with loose fitting sleeves And…If you have had your lab screenings already this year, be sure to refer a friend!

For five years now Nicole Hull along with help from friends and family has been putting together the Beaverhead Maze and Pumpkin Patch . This little fall gem sits right off highway 41 just 4 miles North of Dillon. The maze runs Thursday thru Sunday from Noon to 8 P.M. The cost is only $7 per person for ages 2 and up. Each year Nicole gathers the bales, plants the corn, and picks a theme to base the experience after. This year's choice is the legacy of the American Farmer. Nicole started the project five years ago. She had visited other mazes and wanted to bring this to Dillon. Along with the bale maze and corn maze they have fun games for the kids, corn hole, a corn pit, basketball hoops with a farm twist, a smaller bale maze, pumpkin chucking cannon, pumpkin patch, and the Brap Shack offering refreshments and food. One attraction that happens every year is the Maze of Brews. This year it will be held Saturday, October the 15th from 4 to 10 P.M. Participants get a sample mug and wander through the mazes finding brew stations. Each station has a Microbrew on tap that you get to taste, after you have made your way through the maze participants vote on their favorite brew and Nicole presents the winning brew company with an award. The cost is $25 per person for this event. If you are looking for something to do in Southwestern Montana this year load up the kids and head on out to the maze for a few hours of old-fashioned fall entertainment. It will be a trip you will not forget and will look forward to doing again next year. (P.C. Beaverhead Maze and Pumpkin Patch)

The University of Montana Western Foundation is pleased to announce that Joelnell Momberg and Darcy Walker have been awarded the 1970s Western Montana College (WMC) Alumni Scholarship for 2022-23. To be awarded this scholarship, students must hold at least a 3.0 GPA and have a relative that is an alumni of the University of Montana Western. Each student will be awarded a $500 scholarship for the 2022-23 academic year. The 1970s WMC Alumni Scholarship has been providing students with financial support since 2019. Starting as a conversation between alumni Wally Feldt and Tom Tucker in 2018, the idea quickly developed into establishing a scholarship that would begin a legacy of providing financial support for students and honoring the institution that was instrumental in shaping their lives and the lives of many others who attended Western Montana College in the 1970s (now the University of Montana Western). University of Montana Western Foundation Director, Roxanne Engellant, was able to guide their efforts in establishing the scholarship by helping to define the award parameters, reaching out to other alumni, and creating the process for how their group of donors could be involved annually in the selection of the scholarship recipients. “This scholarship is so special not only because of the impact it has on our students but because of the collaborative efforts of so many Western graduates from the 1970s who have made it possible. Their desire to make a difference for future generations of Montana Western students is inspiring and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with all of them,” said Engellant. After 3.5 years of fundraising and the generosity of the donors, the group has endowed their scholarship with a core group of 38 donors. Every donor that has contributed any amount to the scholarship fund is eligible to participate in the annual selection of the scholarship recipients. The 1970s WMC Alumni Scholarship would like to thank all of our generous donors for making this scholarship possible: ​Char Ford Aasheim Rick Borden​ Dale Chamberlain Karyle Contway​ Mary Nelson Davidson​ Cindy Smith Eccleston Wally Feldt​ Lyn Gallik​ Dennis Gibson Patty Haynes Gibson​ Jane McGimpsey Haker ​Betti Christie Hill Kathryn Morrison Isham​ Cynthia Jacobsen​ Glen Johnson Colleen Kesterson ​Janet Kochis​ Vickie Fourtner Lansing Max Lapham​ Glen Larum ​Lois Bradshaw McCready Gary Milam​ Reene’ Hamer Milam ​Robert (Mike) Miller John Musgrove​ ​Steven Opheim​ Kent Paulson Mel Rice Sandy Felton Rice​ Barb Briney Ridgway Linda Willoughby Rosin​ Terry Rosin​ Donna Rouse Bill Schlepp​ Dave Scott ​Terry Souhrada Tom Tucker​ Doug Watson​ Previous Recipients 2019-20 Academic Year – $500 scholarship awarded to Charli Weatherbee 2020-21 Academic Year – $500 scholarship awarded to Adrianna Pittman 2021-22 Academic Year – $500 scholarship awarded to Loran Murphy Donations by Year August-December 2018: $3,995 January-December 2019: $4,425 January-December 2020: $7,460 * January-December 2021: $10,989 * * Includes a single donation of $5,000 Going forward, the 1970s WMC Alumni Scholarship has proposed a new goal of awarding two $1,000 scholarships. To reach this goal, they encourage alumni from the classes of the 1970s to consider contributing a donation to further the legacy of making a difference for students at Montana Western and to invite any past donors to consider another donation or to become a recurring donor. Thank you for your generosity and for supporting current and future Bulldogs. For more information, please contact UMW Foundation Director, Roxanne Engellant ( roxanne.engellant@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7305).

Dan Pence, longtime forest ranger, will be the guest speaker at the Dillon Rotary Club meeting on Wednesday, October 12th at noon, and will show slides and provide information about fighting wildfires. Visitors are welcome to attend, and anyone interested in learning more about the Rotary organization is invited to be a guest for lunch. The Rotarians meet 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 .

The Montana Western men's and women's cross-country teams competed today in Butte for the Tony Banovich Invitational hosted by Montana Tech. The men's team placed second overall in a very competitive field. The women's team saw two top ten finishers. On the women's side in the 5k race, Araceli Ramirez and Morgan Baseley were neck in neck as the top finishers for the Bulldogs. Ramirez came through in fifth with a 19:47.2 and Baseley came in just behind with a 19:48.0. Liz Varner followed up in 14th as she had a time of 20:40.5. Cecily Eagleton finished up with a 21:17.5. The men's team had a successful day as the Bulldogs saw three top ten finishes. Jonathan Harrison came in second overall with a 25:44.0. Brant Heiner came in seventh overall with a 26:41.8. Luke Lutz came in ninth with a 26:50.7. Harrison Silverio (11th, 26:55.6) and Joe Lamb (16th, 27:17.0) rounded out the scoring five to help push the Bulldogs to second place overall. Will Hyatt (27:49.7), Carlin Onstad (28:18.1), Alduran Takes Enemy (29:28.1), Jesse McMurtrey (30:39.5), and Isaiah Powell (33:10.8) also ran for the Bulldogs. Up next The Bulldogs will take a week to rest and prepare as they will be heading to Grand Rapids, Michigan for the Great Lakes Invitational on Saturday Oct. 22.

The Montana Western volleyball team moved to 1-4 in conference play this evening after falling to Rocky Mountain College 3-1 by scores of 22-25, 24-26, 25-17, and 19-25. How It Happened The Bulldogs played a tough matchup with Rocky Mountain College this evening, playing neck and neck throughout the match. The Bulldogs won set three to force a fourth set, outhitting the Battlin' Bears .255 to .087 in the set. Despite the momentum change, the Bulldogs ended up falling in the fourth set to the Battlin' Bears. KayLee Kopp led the Bulldogs in kills with a total of 16 in the match. Jazi Smith and Danyel Martin combined for 22 kills and 7 blocks in the match. Kelsey Goddard had a season high of 38 digs in the set. Kaylee Fritz had 46 assists in the set. Notables The Bulldogs totaled 53 kills in the game versus their opponent who had 51 in the game. The Bulldogs move to 1-4 in conference play and 9-12 on the season. Kopp topped 200 kills on the season as she now has 202 total. Fritz had a season high 48 assists and 15 digs in the game. Up next The Bulldogs will take a week off from play and will get back at it on Oct. 20 at home for the Dig Pink Game. Game time is set for 7 PM MST in the Straugh Gymnasium.

The Dillon Beavers took on the Stevensville Yellowjackets Friday night at Vigilante Field. With a slow start to the first quarter the Beavers had a 6 to 3 lead over Stevensville. By halftime the Beavers were up 14 to 3. The Beavers would come back to the field with a more focused drive and continue to use that throughout the rest of the game. Toward the end of the third quarter with a few seconds left on the board, at the Yellowjackets five yard line, Kale Konen would make a 95 yard run to score a touchdown. The Beavers would carry that momentum throughout the fourth quarter with a final score of 41 to 3. (Click on picture for full image)

The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that $600,000 of federal grant funding is now available to help small Montana businesses accelerate and grow international sales. The federal funding, from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), will be administered through Export Montana’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). “As much as 95% of the world’s consumers and 70% of the world’s purchasing power are outside the USA,” Montana Department of Commerce Director Scott Osterman said. “Companies who sell their products overseas dramatically increase their consumer base, level out sales cycles, and hedge against domestic sales slumps. Furthermore, on average, our state’s exporters pay 17% higher wages to their hard-working Montana employees – a sign of true success. That’s why we work so hard to encourage new exporters and to support those already selling into international markets, providing the STEP grant and other support along the way.” The STEP grant, through Commerce’s Export Montana , will be used to support foreign trade missions, a subscription to U.S. Department of Commerce services, payment of website fees, design of marketing media, costs surrounding trade show exhibition, and export training workshops. Eligible Montana exporters can apply for 50 percent reimbursement of up to $10,000 for eligible marketing activities such as trade show exhibition, market research, U.S. commercial service programs, and foreign language translation. Other eligible marketing activities include international compliance testing, intellectual property protection, digital marketing, and travel stipend. Eligible applicants may receive up to $30,000 in STEP awards per year. This month, Export Montana will offer a “Grants for International Sales” training webinar on the STEP grant and international marketing activities. Since 2011, Montana has received $4.9 million in STEP grant funds from the SBA, matching with $1.6 million in state funds, and has awarded 855 grants with a return on investment of $644 million, and supported 1,146 jobs. The current amount of available grant funding is expected to assist an estimated 241 exporters with international sales activities and training and contribute approximately $11 million in total export sales. In 2021, Montana exported $3.3 billion of products, including top exported products like cereals, mineral fuel, inorganic chemicals, meat, and industrial machinery. The top countries that Montana companies export to are Canada, Mexico, Korea, Japan, and China. For more information about Montana’s STEP program, visit EXPORTMONTANA.COM . To apply for STEP funding, visit the application site .

The Travel Channel and Discovery Plus paranormal investigation show Ghosts of Devils Perch takes place in Butte, Montana, and chronicles the paranormal activity in the mining city brought on by Butte’s long and storied history. The show also stars Butte’s Chris Fisk and his historical commentary. Dave Schrader, one of the show’s stars, is coming to Butte for the Ghosts of Devils Perch Weekend Extravaganza this weekend (October 7-9th) for a series of events at the World Museum of Mining that include book signings and meet and greets. The festivities will culminate in a screening of the show’s finale at the historic Motherlode Theater in Uptown Butte on Sunday with a Q and A at 6:45 PM and the screening at 7 PM (Doors open at 7 PM). A donation of $10 is suggested for the screening. Donations will benefit the World Museum of Mining and the Motherlode Theater. Fans can also buy raffle tickets for a VIP tour of the Butte Underground with Dave Schrader. Below is a schedule of events Schedule of Events Friday, October 7th 1 PM- Partyline Radio Show interview with Dave Schrader and Chris Fisk Saturday, October 8th 1 PM - Dave Schrader book signing, World Museum of Mining Sunday, October 9th 4 PM - Meet and Great, World Museum of Mining 6:45 PM - Q & A with Dave Schrader, Motherlode Theater 7 PM - Screening of the Ghosts of Devils Perch Finale

Cancer Support Community Montana is launching a local support group, with an introductory lunch meeting on October 13th from 12pm - 1:00pm at the Pioneer Mountains Medical Building, 90 MT Hwy 91 S. This support group is geared for people with a cancer diagnosis at any stage and during any phase of survivorship. Connecting with others that share a similar experience can help provide empowerment through your cancer experience. A complimentary lunch will be provided by Barrett Hospital Foundation. Please RSVP by October 11th to Amy Wellborn, LCSW at 406-683-3094.

One Montana’s Master Hunter Program is accepting applications October 1, 2022 - November 30, 2022 for the 2023 program. Classes will be held in Billings (March), Bozeman (April) and Missoula (May). Each class will consist of two 3-Day consecutive weekends (Friday – Sunday). A two-day weekend rendezvous in June is also required for qualifications, field exercises, and the final exam. The Master Hunter Program (MHP) is an advanced education program for hunters who want to improve and hone their knowledge and skills, build relationships with landowners to aid their wildlife management goals, and be advocates for conservation and wildlife. By creating opportunities for landowners and sportsmen to connect to each other, the MHP helps to deepen knowledge and understanding about ranching and agriculture, and ultimately works to increase access opportunities for future generations. To date, 291 hunters have successfully completed the program. Graduates belong to a community of likeminded hunters stretching from Whitefish to Miles City who hunt together, keep each other informed, and are knowledgeable voices on issues affecting sportsmen across MT. In the words of one graduate, “......this class and all the information I gained has already changed my life! I can't wait to see what great work we can do together with this excellent group of individuals". The program covers wildlife management, history of conservation, hunting culture and ethics, private land stewardship, and shooting accuracy and precision among other topics. The instructors have a wide diversity of knowledge and perspectives and include ranchers, farmers, university faculty, professional shooting instructors, wildlife managers, wildlife biologists, and MT Fish Wildlife and Parks personnel. The program is led by One Montana (1MT), a nonprofit working to sustain a vibrant Montana by connecting our urban and rural communities. The program is supported financially by private foundations, nonprofit organizations, trade associations and industry partners such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Bass Pro Shop’s and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Montana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Grain Growers Association, Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation, onX Maps, Mystery Ranch, Sitka Gear and others. Please visit www.mtmasterhunter.com for information about the application process, class dates, and eligibility requirements. Contact: Sarah Tilt, Executive Director, One Montana , saraht@onemontana.org www.mtmasterhunter.com

The University of Montana Western’s Theatre Department is pleased to announce Montana Western’s 20th Annual Ten-Minute Play Festival to be held October 6-10 as part of the Bank of Commerce (BOC) Performing Arts Series. The 20th Annual Ten-Minute Play Festival will be held in Montana Western’s Small Auditorium in Main Hall 314. Evening shows will start at 7:30 p.m Thursday-Saturday with matinee showings at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 p.m. Monday. This popular event shines the spotlight on students, faculty, staff, and community members and features a variety of exciting performances. This year’s production will be facilitated by Daniel Chapman, UMW’s Associate Professor of Theatre and Technical Director, and is a showcase of the talent at Montana Western and the Dillon Community. 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, and military, and free for UMW students who present their Bulldog Cards. Season passes for this year’s BOC series are also available from the same webpage. For more information on the Ten-Minute Play Festival and all shows in the BOC series, visit the BOC webpage ( www.umwestern.edu/bank-of-commerce-performing-arts-series/ ) or contact Daniel Chapman at daniel.chapman@umwestern.edu .

The October art gallery at the Copper Village Museum and Art Center in Anaconda will feature the Photography of Mike Rosenlief. Rosenliefis based in Anaconda, where he was born and raised. His love of Photography started in High School after a photography class, and he has grown that love from a hobby to eventually showcasing his art in contests and other venues where his photographs have won several awards. Rosenlief Photography captures natural landscapes and scenes from unique perspectives and backdrops. His Photography will appear in the Copper Village Museum and Art Center (located at 401 Commercial) during October and can be seen Tuesday-Friday, 10-4. The gallery’s opening reception will take place on October 6th from 4:30-7 in the gallery.

The University of Montana Western Rodeo Team just completed their fall season this last weekend at the Montana Western Home Rodeo. There are numerous athletes on the team who are in the regional rankings in their respective events. The men's rodeo team is at the top of the NIRA Big Sky Region and the women's team is in 3rd. "We are very excited with where we are. We just need to keep our foot on the gas and stay consistent as that will be key down the stretch." Coach JT Robbins said. 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 the national NIRA rankings, click here. Looking Ahead The Bulldog rodeo team will be preparing for the second half of their season that begins the weekend of April 13-16 at the Montana State University Rodeo #1 and #2 in Bozeman, Mont.

Governor Greg Gianforte today held a press conference to announce his plans to cut taxes for Montana’s small businesses, farmers, and ranchers. The governor unveiled his plan to reform the business equipment tax in the 2023 Legislative Session, building on the tax reforms and cuts enacted in 2021. “Taxing critical business equipment makes it harder to grow a small business and is a wet blanket on job creation,” Gov. Gianforte said. “That’s why we reformed the business equipment tax in Montana in 2021, providing tax relief to 3,400 small businesses and job creators. And in 2023, we want to build on that success, further reforming the business equipment tax so small business owners can grow their operations and create more good-paying Montana jobs.” Last year, Gov. Gianforte worked with the Montana Legislature to triple the business equipment tax exemption from $100,000 to $300,000 through his Business Investment Grows (BIG) Jobs Act. The tax reform measure eliminated the business equipment tax burden for 3,400 Montana businesses and reduced the burden for thousands more. During the press conference, the governor highlighted the importance of further reducing the tax burden on Montana businesses to create more good-paying Montana jobs through permanent, long-term tax relief. “Working with the Legislature, we delivered Montanans one of the largest tax cuts in our state’s history,” Gov. Gianforte said. “And one of the worst kept secrets is we’re going to cut taxes again. We’re committed to letting hardworking Montanans keep more of what they earn through permanent, long-term tax relief.” At the press conference, the governor was joined by executive director of the Montana Equipment Dealers Association (MEDA) Brad Griffin, RDO Equipment vice president and president of MEDA Adam Gilbertson, president of agriculture for C&B Operations Tony Marlow, and Jarrod McGinnis, division customer support manager for John Deere. “I represent equipment dealers, retailers, and restaurateurs, and this proposal will help the vast majority of Montana’s small businesses by lowering their costs by cutting taxes,” Griffin said. RDO Equipment Co. in Kalispell, an equipment dealer carrying John Deere, Vermeer, and other equipment brands, hosted the press conference. Speaking to the impact of the governor’s plans to further reduce the business equipment tax burden, Gilbertson added, “We couldn’t be more excited with this announcement. In the environment we’re in with inflation and the ever-escalating costs we’re seeing, finding a way to send some money back to those business owners through reform to the business equipment tax will help us continue to grow Montana.” Also joining the governor were Representatives John Fuller of Whitefish, Frank Garner of Kalispell, Braxton Mitchell of Columbia Falls, and Llew Jones of Conrad. The governor’s press conference was the first in a series of events to unveil priorities ahead of the upcoming legislative session.

The Montana Western volleyball team moved to 1-3 in conference play this evening after falling to Montana Tech 3-0 by scores of 25-27, 14-25, and 16-25. How It Happened The Bulldogs started out the game in a back-and-forth battle that pushed set one past 25. Despite the close battle in set one, the Bulldogs were unable to keep up with the Orediggers for the remainder of the game. The Bulldogs had difficulty keeping up with the strong hitting performance from Montana Tech as the Orediggers hit .228 in the game and a combined .324 in the third set. Kaylee Fritz led the Bulldogs with 25 assists in the game. Jazi Smith totaled eight kills and 13 digs in the match. Kelsey Goddard added 19 digs in the back row. Danyel Martin totaled three blocks, two of which were solo. Notables The Bulldogs are now 9-11 overall on the season and 1-1 with the No. 19 ranked Montana Tech Orediggers this season and will host the Orediggers on Wednesday Nov. 2. Kelsey Goddard topped 300 season digs this evening as she totaled 19 in the back row. She is also fourth in the conference rankings for digs per set with 4.97. Kaylee Fritz led the Bulldogs with 25 assists and is third in the conference rankings for assists per set. Up next The Bulldogs will be back on the road to Billings, Mont. this Friday Oct. 7 to face off against Rocky Mountain College. Game time is set for 7 PM MST. Last time the two teams faced off, the Bulldogs lost in a five-set thriller that saw the Battlin' Bears take the win. The Bulldogs are now 1-3 in conference play and 9-11 overall. Rocky Mountain is currently 8-11 overall and 2-1 in conference play.