By: Margaret Anderson, UMW Sports Information Montana Western head football coach Ryan Nourse and athletic director Michael Feuling have announced the football program's 2022 schedule. Please check umwbulldogs.com in the coming weeks for ticket information as the athletic department works on a new ticketing system. For more about Bulldog Football, click here . 2022 UMW Bulldog Football Schedule Sat. Aug. 27 | 1 p.m. |Carroll College | Nelson Stadium / Helena, Mont. Sat. Sept. 3 | 1 p.m. | Eastern Oregon University | Vigilante Field / Dillon, Mont. Sat. Sept. 10 |1 p.m. | Dickinson State University | Vigilante Field / Dillon, Mont. Sat. Sept. 17 | 1 p.m. | MSU-Northern |Tilleman Field / Havre, Mont. Sat. Sept. 24 | 1 p.m. | Montana Tech | Vigilante Field | Dillon, Mont. Sat. Oct. 1 | 1p.m. | Rocky Mountain College | Vigilante Field | Dillon, Mont. Sat. Oct. 8 | 2 p.m. | Southern Oregon University | Raider Stadium / Ashland, Ore. Sat. Oct 22 |1 p.m. | College of Idaho | Vigilante Field / Dillon, Mont. Sat. Oct 29 | 1 p.m. | MSU-Northern | Vigilante Field / Dillon, Mont. Sat. Nov. 5 | 1 p.m. | Montana Tech | Alumni Coliseum / Butte, Mont. Sat. Nov. 12 | 1 p.m. | Rocky Mountain College | Herb Klindt Field / Billings, Mont. ALL GAMES MST

You're Invited Please join us for the Beaverhead Chamber's March Mixer event and Bulldog Lounge Grand Opening, sponsored by the University of Montana Western, on March 24th from 5-7 p.m. in the Bulldog Lounge in the Student Union Building. Connect with members of the community and the UMW administrative team and enjoy appetizers and refreshments in the newly remodeled SUB and Bulldog Lounge, sign up for door prizes, and stop by the Bookstore for some Bulldog gear!

Race: Antler Basin Hillclimb Location: Granby, Colorado Keith Curtis triple crown win Pro 900 Stock - 1st place Pro 900 Imp Stock - 1st place Pro 900 Modified - 1st place Pro 1000 Stock - 1st place Pro Open Stock - 4th place Sam Peterson Pro 700 Imp Stock - 1st place Pro 700 Stock - 3rd place Pro 1000 Stock - 5th place Pro 900 Stock - 6th place Toby Shepherd Pro 600 Modified - 2nd place Pro 700 Modified - 2nd place Pro 900 Modified - 4th place Pro Open Modified - 6th place Pro Open Stock - 8th place Tiffany McWilliams Women Stock - 3rd place Women's 700 Stock - 3rd place Women Improved Stock - 3rd place Women's Modified - 3rd place Caden Morrisroe Juniors - 1st place Juniors Second Run - 1st place

After reviewing 243 applications, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has selected 12 individuals to serve on a citizens advisory group to address the future of elk management. The 12-member group will help craft a new future for elk management and elk hunting in Montana. Members are Ian Wargo, Heath Hansen, Brent Race D.V.M., Stephanie Prater, Scott Tinklenberg, Matt Wickens, Race King, Chuck Rein, Druska Kinkie, Staci Ketchum, Scott Van Dyken, and Aaron Iverson. This group represents a broad range of viewpoints and experience and will use that diversity to focus on two broad tasks – developing a set of recommendations to address elk management issues and improving relationships between stakeholders. The members were selected for the diversity of viewpoints they represent and their expressed eagerness to make progress on the complex challenges facing elk management in Montana. The members were selected irrespective of group affiliation. “I was blown away by the interest in this effort. The quality of applicants was tremendous. With so many groups interested in helping out, the fairest way to select members was to focus on the experience each applicant had and their willingness to work with others to find a solution,” said FWP Director Hank Worsech. “The work I’m asking this group to take on will be tough, but I’m convinced lasting solutions will come with folks like these working together. I’m grateful for all of the people who applied to be a part of the working group.” The first meeting, which will be held virtually and streamed online, is scheduled for the afternoon of March 22. The group’s recommendations will be presented to Director Worsech by July 31. The applicants who weren’t selected for the advisory group, will serve as a sounding board. This board will be invited to attend every meeting and will review and provide input on the advisory group’s work throughout the process. For more information about the advisory group and sounding board and to watch the March 22 meeting, go to https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/elk-management-citizen-advisory-group .

Recent flooding has triggered partial closures at Eight Mile Ford and Burnt Tree Hole fishing access sites on the Madison River, south of Ennis. The boat ramp areas at these sites are closed due to unstable ice and unpredictable river conditions. However, the upper walk-in and parking areas at these sites remain open. Visitors are encouraged to use caution when visiting these and other sites because river and ice conditions can change suddenly and without warning. Floating on frozen or flooded rivers can be extremely dangerous and is discouraged due to unpredictable and rapidly changing conditions. A previous closure remains in place at Valley Garden and Ennis fishing access sites due to ice and flooding. All sites will be reopened as soon as they are safe again for visitors

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana’s unemployment rate dropped to an all-time low of 2.7% in January 2022, down 0.2% from December’s adjusted rate. Montana’s unemployment rate is the fifth lowest in the nation. “With lower taxes and responsible, responsive government, Montana is leading an economic comeback, with more Montanans working than ever before and our unemployment rate at its lowest level ever,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Committed to creating greater opportunities in every corner of our state, we’ll continue to invest in developing our workforce and making Montana an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.” Montana’s unemployment rate of 2.7% for January is well below the unemployment rate for the U.S. of 4.0% in January. The State of Montana has not only recovered all jobs lost since the start of the pandemic, but also grown beyond that level, with 539,758 Montanans employed in January 2022 compared to 525,909 in March 2020. Since Governor Gianforte was elected, more than 20,000 Montana jobs have been created. Montana’s total employment, which includes payroll, agricultural, and self-employed workers, hit another record high in January, rising 2,082 with roughly 1,100 people entering the labor force and 960 fewer people unemployed. Montana’s labor force was at its highest recorded level in January at 554,986. On March 2, 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revised jobs data going back as far as January 2017. Inflation continues to soar across the country. February’s 7.9% inflation rate was the sharpest spike since 1982. The rate of inflation, with The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), increased by 0.6% in January and 0.8% in February. The price increases over the last month were driven by a 6.6% increase in gasoline prices. The index for all items minus food and energy, also called core inflation, increased by 0.6% in January and 0.5% in February, with an 6.4% increase in the year ending in February. Revised labor market estimates reflecting updated population controls for 2021 were also released today. The revisions are completed each year in March to improve the quality and accuracy of the estimates in a process called benchmarking. Newly revised estimates indicate Montana’s unemployment rate hit a low of 2.9% in December (compared to the previously estimated 2.5%), with the changes primarily due to higher than expected population growth. Labor force and employment estimates both were increased during the benchmarking process, setting new record highs of nearly 550,000 Montanans in the workforce and 531,000 employed in 2021 (annual averages). Employment grew by 3.8% in 2021, roughly double the pace prior to the pandemic. ** Unemployment figures are seasonally-adjusted. Seasonally-adjusted numbers remove the effects of events that follow a more or less regular month-to-month pattern each year. These adjustments make non-seasonal patterns easier to identify. The margin of error for the unemployment rate is plus or minus 0.6 percentage points at the 90 percent confidence level. All questions relating to the calculation of unemployment rates should be directed to the Montana Department of Labor & Industry’s Research and Analysis Bureau at 406-444-4100.

By: Margaret Anderson, UMW Sports Information Montana Western head women's basketball coach Lindsay Woolley announced the signing of Isabella Lund to an NAIA National Letter of Intent for the Bulldogs. Lund is a five-foot-six guard from Rochester, Washington. She was a four-year varsity player for the Tumwater Thunderbirds, where her team was named league champions in 2019, 2020, and 2022. In addition, her team was first place in districts in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, Lund averaged 11.4 points per game, 3.6 steals per game, 4.4 assists per game, and 4.5 rebounds per game. The 2021 and 2022 team captain is the Tumwater record holder for most steals in a game with 13. She is a four-year first team all-league selection and a second team all-area selection for 2021. Lund was named to the all-academic basketball team for four years and the all-academic soccer team for three years. At Montana Western, she intends to study health and human performance.

James Brown released the following statement today announcing his run for Montana Supreme Court Justice #2: “I’ve been humbled by the wide support from Montanans who have asked me to run for and to represent our shared Montana values on the Supreme Court. As a fourth-generation Montanan whose family homesteaded in Beaverhead County in the 1880s and as a private practice attorney for the last 17 years, I represented and defended the interests of Montana’s farmers, ranchers, and small businesses—and I’ll take those same Montana values to the Supreme Court as your next justice. I’m running to preserve our rule of law, follow the Constitution, bring accountability back to the judicial branch, and to protect our Montana way of life. As a member of the Montana Supreme Court, I will work to bring consistency to the Court, to avoid the appearance of conflicts of interest, to avoid legislating from the bench, and to be an impartial judge. As I have strived to do every day of my legal career, should I be elected to serve, I will protect and defend the freedoms, liberties, and livelihoods of every Montanan. At a time when confidence in the judiciary is being shaken, I will work to restore faith in the rule of law. If elected, I will bring to the Court the recent experience of representing clients in Court proceedings, operating a small business, and in running a state agency with a roughly $5 million budget and 31 employees.” Brown is a fourth-generation Montanan from Beaverhead County and a private practice attorney who owns and operates his own law firm in Dillon and Helena. Brown currently serves as Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC). In this capacity, Brown has been credited with restoring balance and credibility to the Commission. Brown is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys camping, fishing, hiking in the backcountry, and mountain climbing. Brown summited Montana’s highest point, Granite Peak. Brown’s family has a long history in Beaverhead County. Brown’s great grandfather homesteaded in the Grasshopper Valley in Southwest Montana in the 19th Century, moving to Montana in 1882. Brown’s grandfather built and developed the Elkhorn Hot Springs lodge and plunge near Polaris, Montana in the early 1920s. Brown’s father served in the Navy during WWII and with the CIA for decades during the Cold War. Brown grew up in Dillon, attended Beaverhead County High School, and graduated in 1994 with a double major in History and Political Science from the University of Montana – Missoula. Brown has a Masters in Tax Law from the University of Washington. He clerked for the then Chief Justice of the Washington State Supreme Court. He has been recognized professionally for his work in defending the constitutional rights of Montanans from government overreach and regulation. As part of his legal practice, Brown has represented a variety of clients – ranging from agriculture producers, to state employees, to single mothers, to multiple use of public lands groups. Among his extensive legal cases, Brown’s legal work has resulted in the restoration of public road access to a road in Lewis and Clark County, the striking down of multiple state statutes that violated the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and the protection of domestic sheep grazing practices in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. In his role as Chairman of the Montana PSC, Brown serves the same role as judges by deciding on legal matters and cases that come before the PSC for decision. When asked about his greatest professional achievements, Brown pointed to his work in obtaining funding to build a new wool lab at Montana State University and in working with the U.S. Department of Interior to secure funding for two grizzly bear specialists to help manage grizzly bear-livestock conflicts in Montana. Brown is a member of the Leadership Montana program, the Montana Wool Growers Association, the Montana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Historical Society, the University of Montana Alumni Association, the Montana Bar Association, and the Beaverhead County Chamber of Commerce. Brown serves as a board member on the Montana Council on Economic Education. Brown has practiced before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, the Federal District Court of Montana, the Montana Supreme Court and in various state district courts around Montana – from Lincoln County to Daniels County. He has represented a variety of clients on matters ranging from family law to complex environmental law and regulation. More than anything Brown is proud to be a Montanan and to call the Treasure State home.

Tuesday March 15th , 2022 at 6:30 P.M. ZONING COMMISSION Public Hearing Conditional Use Permit in R-3 Zone Tuesday March 15th, 2022 at 7:00 P.M. City Council Chambers ZONING COMMISSION Work Session 1. Call To Order 2. Work Session Possible Discussion Topics: Future Zoning and Annexation Building Inspector/Local Building Codes ABS /Agricultural Business Zoning Classifications Prioritization of Projects/Goals Review of Application Forms Other Items of Interest 3. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the Zoning Commission 4. Adjournment Zoning Commission Members: Tim Stoker, Russ Schwandt; Jackie Erfle, Raymond Graham; Mike Watson; Justin Rooley

Governor Greg Gianforte earlier this month proclaimed March 2022 as Red Cross Month in Montana to recognize the lasting legacy of American Red Cross founder Clara Barton and the organization’s impact in Montana. President Franklin D. Roosevelt first issued a Red Cross Month proclamation in 1943 to celebrate the lifesaving mission of the organization. The governor’s proclamation can be viewed here and below. WHEREAS, in 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross, turning her steadfast dedication for helping others into a bold mission of preventing and alleviating people’s suffering ; and WHEREAS, today, more than 140 years later, we honor the kindness and generosity of Red Cross volunteers here in Montana, who continue to carry out Clara’s lifesaving legacy; and WHEREAS, the contributions of local Red Cross volunteers give hope to the most vulnerable in their darkest hours, and their work to prevent and alleviate human suffering is vital to our state’s health and resiliency; and WHEREAS, in times of crisis, Montanans come together to care for one another, and this humanitarian spirit is exemplified by American Red Cross volunteers and donors ; and WHEREAS, we dedicate this month of March to all those who continue to advance the noble legacy of American Red Cross founder Clara Barton, who lived by her words, “You must never think of anything except the need, and how to meet it,” and ask others to join in this commitment to give back to our communities; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Greg Gianforte, Governor of the State of Montana, do hereby proclaim March 2022 to be RED CROSS MONTH i n Montana to celebrate the lasting legacy of Clara Barton and the ongoing contributions of the American Red Cross to our state and communities.

On April 6, 2022, Montana Western will honor three outstanding community members for their service and support at the annual Dr. Jane Helm Maddock Service Awards Ceremony. The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the Lewis and Clark Room, located in Mathews Hall on the UMW campus. Dr. Jane Helm Maddock was a Professor of English at the University of Montana Western for 17 years and was recognized as Professor Emeritus of English upon her retirement by the Board of Regents of the Montana University System. During her time at UMW, she established the Helm Honors Scholarship and the Helm Memorial Scholarship in memory of her parents. The service award is named in her honor and memory and presented to those who have performed extraordinary service to the campus and community. Alan Zetler Dr. Alan Zetler served as a Professor of Education and Director of the nationally acclaimed Montana Rural Education Center at Western Montana College (now the University of Montana Western). He joined the WMC staff in 1970 and during his tenure, served as Assistant Professor of Education, Associate Professor of Education, and Director of Placement and Student Teaching prior to his appointment as Dean of Education in 1975. In 1980, he became the Director of the Rural Education Center. While Zetler was serving as director, the Center was voted to receive the prestigious G. Theodore Mitau Award through the American Association of State Colleges and Universities “for exemplary innovation and change in higher education.” Zetler continues to stay involved by chairing three accreditation teams for Montana Teacher Education institutions. UMW is honored to award Alan Zetler with the Dr. Jane Helm Maddock Service Award due to his dedication to the University and its students while raising funds and donating countless hours working on civic projects. Gerta Mular Western Montana College alumna, Gerta Mular, has been an impactful educator and active community supporter during the course of her career. Originally from Butte, Montana, Mular began taking typing lessons at Butte Business College in 1945 when she was in seventh grade. She marched in the Rose Bowl Parade with the Butte High Marching Band playing the flute and piccolo in 1948, and was a Valedictorian from Butte High School, graduating in 1950. After graduation, she attended Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, from 1950-51, then the University of Montana from 1951-52 before attending WMC. She graduated with a B.S. in Education in 1963 and a Master of Education degree from Western Montana College in 1983. In Dillon, Mular went on to teach at the Bagley School, Beaverhead County High School, Dillon Middle School, the University of Montana Western and at schools in Ely, Nevada. Throughout her career, she taught several subjects including P.E., Biology, Business and Spanish. In the community, Mular has been a member of several service organizations and groups, including the Jaycees, Kiwanis, P.E.O., Beaverhead County Museum, Bridge Club and Book Club and is an active member of her church. Over the years, Mular has attended almost every local academic, sporting and visual arts event and was committed to helping UMW complete the Legacy Plaza project. Montana Western is honored to present Gerta Mular with this award and thanks her for her tremendous support of the university and community. Terri Haverfield Terri Haverfield moved to Dillon, Montana, in 1998 with her husband Gary Haverfield and their newborn son, Tanner. Before moving to Dillon, Terri worked at the Bozeman Swim Center for 12 years and she coached high school girls’ basketball. After moving to Dillon, she continued to coach basketball at Beaverhead County High School. Starting in 2003, she began working for the YMCA. Throughout the years that she has been with the Y, Haverfield has taught years of swimming lessons, aerobic classes, helped run mini-camps such as fly fishing and rafting and helped manage the Summer Day Camp. When the YMCA facility opened in 2006, she became the Aquatics Manager. For the past 13 years, Haverfield has also been the photographer for the Dillon Beavers. She attends almost every home event, and travels to Divisional, State and travel-ball tournaments to capture action shots of the athletes. She always makes the photos accessible for the athletes and parents, and sometimes they are also featured in the Dillon Tribune. During the past several years, she has done the same for Dillon Middle School and Montana Western. Her love for photography is driven by the relationships she creates with the families and athletes. Haverfield’s years of dedicated service to the community and youth of Dillon makes her a deserving recipient of the Dr. Jane Helm Maddock Service Award. Several University of Montana Western students will also be acknowledged during the award dinner: Jacob Kunze – Dr. Jane Helm Maddock Student Service Award Laci Wiggins – Dr. Jane Helm Maddock Student Service Award Emily Engen – Montana Student Volunteer Award Brooklyn Suden – Newman Civic Fellow Award Morgan Duncan – George M. Dennison Scholarship Award Tickets for the Dr. Jane Helm Maddock Service Award Dinner and Ceremony are $20 general and $15 for Montana Western students and may be purchased by calling 406-683-7306. For more information about the event, please contact Executive Director of the UMW Foundation, Roxanne Engellant: roxanne.engellant@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7305.

Growth Through Agriculture Program awards over $900,000 to 24 value-added ag projects. Governor Greg Gianforte and the Agriculture Development Council today announced recipients of the state’s $907,504 investment in innovative, value-added agriculture projects through the Montana Department of Agriculture’s Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program. “By investing in innovative, value-added ag projects, we can help Montana producers keep pace with a transforming agricultural industry and capture more of the tremendous value they create,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I look forward to seeing what these ag businesses are able to accomplish with this investment.” From Kalispell to Olive, a total of 24 agricultural businesses throughout the state were awarded funds to advance Montana’s agricultural economy. “Year after year, Montana’s Growth Through Agriculture Program propels agricultural businesses toward their goals,” Montana Director of Agriculture Christy Clark said. “The Department of Agriculture is proud to invest in these innovative projects that will add value to Montana agriculture and boost our economy.” The GTA program was established by the Montana Legislature in 1987 to strengthen and diversify Montana’s agriculture industry through innovative agricultural business improvements and the commercialization and marketing of new, value-added agriculture products. All GTA funding awards require businesses to invest at least $1 in matching funds for every $1 in grant or loan assistance received. The Montana Department of Agriculture administers the program with counsel from the Agriculture Development Council , a seven-member committee appointed by the governor. Successful projects ranged from meat and potato processing to flower farms. A full list of funded projects is included with this release. 2022 GROWTH THROUGH AGRICULTURE AWARDS 41 Grains – Circle $48,610 grant to purchase a grain cleaner, magnets, and ventilation system to improve the quality of custom grain products. Ag Processing Solutions – Great Falls $50,000 grant to expand the facility’s small-lot processing and research and development capabilities; and achieve food grade certification as a resource to supply and educate local farmers and investors. Auggie’s Meat Processing LLC – Olive $30,280 grant and $19,720 loan to purchase a smokehouse, double vacuum sealer, electric butcher block, and skid steer for start-up meat processor. Bausch Potato – Whitehall $45,762 grant to purchase a tapping/boxing machine and complete Phase II of their Automation Project and research with Montana Tech, including the addition of a remote screen and Programmable Logic Controller optimization. Big Sandy Organics – Big Sandy $48,150 grant to purchase a new food x-ray machine to meet food safety requirements to service a new contract. Buck ‘N Dave’s Eggs LLC – Corvallis $14,560 grant and $21,000 loan to purchase equipment such as an auger feeder, auto watering system, and skid steer for business expansion. Cold Springs Organics – Bozeman $50,000 grant to allow for gravel pad improvements, grain bins, and grain drying equipment for the expansion of a grain cleaning facility for local and organic wholesalers and bakeries. Conservation Grains – Choteau $12,849 grant and $24,250 loan to purchase a forklift and other equipment to expand flour milling operations and improve grain processing, distribution and storage. Discount Meats – Great Falls $43,580 grant to repair and enhance meat vending machines security measures and repair the butcher shop foundation. Farmented Foods – Kalispell $5,221 grant to purchase a manual food processor push feed assembly to process full heads of cabbage, an automatic green onion chopper and food mixer, barrel tipping device, jar drying racks, batch number printer, and one-year subscription to RangeMe online marketplace. Farver Farms – Scobey $40,146 grant to purchase equipment to increase production capabilities, decrease production time, and seek efficiency training through Montana Manufacturing Extension Center. Gastro Gnome Meals – Bozeman $17,586 grant to purchase freeze dryers to expand production capacity and product line additions. Grotto Meats – Bozeman $47,935 grant to purchase equipment and building materials to increase production in an expanded processing space. Local Bounti – Hamilton $50,000 grant to construct a weather protection structure to support additional research and development infrastructure. Millay and Meadowlark Flower Farm – Missoula $13,500 grant to purchase a processing shed and walk-in cooler to increase efficiency and expand flower farm operations. Montana Craft Malt – Butte $50,000 loan to procure, install, and program a bulk weight measurement system to accurately measure and weigh bulk malt orders through production and into packaging. Montana Premium Processing Cooperative – Great Falls $50,000 grant to purchase cutting, processing, and packaging equipment for a start-up meat processing facility. Oddfellow Inn and Farm – Helena $58,750 loan for the construction of a modern poultry pole barn, including site preparation and excavation, to increase production. Pioneer Meats – Big Timber $50,000 grant for purchase of a link cutter and grinder to increase domestic processing capability and sausage production. Rimrock Flower Farm – Roundup $10,349 grant to purchase a walk-in cooler to allow for higher production and improved efficiency at the flower farm. SporeAttic LLC – Bozeman $16,330 loan to purchase a delivery van for business expansion and market development. Third Day Family Farms – Vaughn $5,000 grant for the addition of two high tunnels to extend its growing season by 2-4 months. Vilicus Farms – Havre $50,000 grant to purchase storage infrastructure, delivery handling equipment, and marketing resources to enable direct sales of identity-preserved organic rye to artisan distillers, millers, maltsters, brewers, and bakers in Montana and beyond. Western Cider Co. LLC – Missoula $25,727 grant and $8,199 loan to purchase a fermentation tank, forklift, electric pallet jack, and expand production through a loading dock concrete addition and glycol system improvements.

By: UMW Sports Information Montana Western head volleyball coach Katie Lovett has announced the signing of four student-athletes to NAIA National Letters of Intent for the 2022 season. "We are very excited to have these athletes join our team next fall," Lovett says. "They are outstanding people on and off the court and will help us continue to grow this program year after year." Jordan Olson | 6'0 | RS/MB | Billings, Mont. / Billings Skyview HS Olson is a right side and middle blocker from Billings Skyview High School in Billings, Montana. She averaged 0.77 blocks per set for the Skyview Falcons and was one of the Falcons' go-to hitters during her three years on varsity. Coach Lovett says, "We are excited to have Jordan joining the program and everything she brings to the court. She has a very competitive spirit and will work to rise to a challenge." Olson adds, "I chose UMW for not only the unbeatable academic program, but the amazing environment the team brings to the court. I remember practicing with them for the first time and having a realization moment that this is where I want to be and something I want to be a part of." Elyce Palmer | 5'0 | DS/L | Flagstaff, Ariz. / Coconino HS Palmer is a libero and defensive specialist from Flagstaff, Arizona and will be graduating from Coconino High School this spring. She is a two-time all-region player and the 2021 4A Grand Canyon Defensive Player of the Year. In the 2021 season, Palmer tallied 340 digs for the Coconino Panthers. Palmer talks about what went into her decision to become a Bulldog—"I chose to come to Western because of the team and coaches, the unique Experience One program, and the community of Dillon." "Elyce is a very positive and hard-working player who will add a different dynamic to our defense," coach Lovett says. "She fits in great with the team here and has a ton of potential to grow." Kara Pospisil | 5'11| Utility | Billings, Mont. / Billings Senior HS Kara Pospisil is a utility hitter from Billings, Montana and graduated from Billings Senior High School. Kara was a part of the academic all-state team in 2020. "Kara is a go-getter on offense and always wants the ball. I can see her fitting in really well here at Western and her level of competitiveness will help her continue to grow," coach Lovett says. Kara joins the Bulldogs this spring after graduating high school in December. "Talking to Coach Lovett, practicing with the team on my visit, and the camp I went to over the summer made me sure this was a program I really wanted to be a part of," Kara says about her decision on choosing Western. Kaitlyn Van Well | 5'8 | OH | Dallas, Ore. / Dallas HS Van Well is a four-year varsity outside hitter from Dallas, Oregon. She was an all-state selection her senior year and earned recognition within her league as one of the top players for three seasons straight. "Kaitlyn's level of volleyball IQ paired with her competitiveness is something special. She has been a go-to hitter for her high school and club teams the past couple of seasons and understands how to be cool under pressure. I'm excited to see how Kaitlyn can impact this program in the upcoming years," Lovett said. Van Well comes from a volleyball family with her sister, Hailey, playing volleyball at Southern Oregon, who recently earned 2021 AVCA Regional Freshman of the Year honors.

Governor Greg Gianforte this week announced the State of Montana declines to participate in the U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI) efforts to advance President Biden’s “30 by 30” initiative, calling it “long on philosophy and short on detail.” President Biden’s “30 By 30” initiative aims to conserve 30 percent of America’s lands and waters by 2030. The U.S. Geological Survey indicates 12 percent of U.S. land is in conservation status. To achieve 30 percent by 2030, another 440 million acres would need to be put into conservation, an area nearly five times the size of Montana. In 2021, DOI requested information from states to inform “Interagency Efforts” to help implement the initiative. In public comment to a senior DOI official, Gov. Gianforte cited four reasons why Montana will not participate in the effort. First, the governor noted the absence of authority for either the DOI or the president to implement the initiative. The governor wrote, “The DOI acts beyond its authority if it believes that it can define ‘conservation’ and then adjudge what state and private lands fulfill that standard. Attempts to color this effort as ‘interagency’ through the solicitation of stakeholder comment do not create a congressionally authorized foundation upon which the DOI can act.” Second, the initiative would impose significant harm on Montana. Characterizing private lands as “conservation” or “wildlife habitats or corridors” affects property values and could lead to land restrictions. “To add those characterizations to, or manipulate values of, state lands likely exceeds federal authority and implicates U.S. Const. amend X.” Citing successful collaboration in Montana among the State, land trusts, conservation groups, stakeholders, and landowners, the governor asked “that the DOI allow this work to continue, unencumbered by federal attempts to ‘help.’” Third, the governor raised concern that the DOI’s vague proposals and questions fail to constitute public notice for federal action. “Even if the DOI has clear authority to pursue the Atlas it considers now, it is the DOI’s job to put forward a proposal for comment…not initiate stakeholder fishing expeditions,” the governor wrote. Finally, Gov. Gianforte noted the DOI has no annual appropriation to fund initiative efforts. He concluded, “At a time when inflation is at a 40-year high and soaring, it is irresponsible to commit funds to advance inefficient and wasteful efforts, especially when the identified goals are already successfully met by the states and other stakeholders.” The governor’s letter can be viewed in its entirety here .

Steve Hagen of East Helena reeled in a record Utah chub on March 7 from Canyon Ferry Reservoir. The fish weighed in at 2.39 pounds and measured 15.9 inches in length and 10.4 inches in girth. The previous record Utah chub, caught at Canyon Ferry in 1992, weighed 1.81 pounds. Hagen’s catch adds to the list of Montana record fish caught in the last year and a half including a walleye, a chinook salmon, a smallmouth bass, a yellow bullhead, a brown trout, a longnose sucker, and a largemouth. With a total of 91 native and introduced fish species found in Montana, interest in fish records has increased in recent years. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks maintains the list of record fish, and it is available on FWP’s website at https://fwp.mt.gov/fish/anglingData/records . Anglers who think they caught a state record fish should keep the following things in mind: To prevent loss of weight, do not clean or freeze the fish. Keep the fish cool — preferably on ice. Take a picture of the fish. The fish must be weighed on a certified scale (found in grocery stores or hardware stores, etc.) and witnessed by a store employee or other observer. Obtain a weight receipt and an affidavit from the store personnel if no FWP official is present. Measure the length and girth. Contact the nearest FWP office to have the fish positively identified by a fisheries biologist.

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park will host its largest volunteer event of the year on Saturday, April 9, as part of an early celebration of Earth Day later in the month. The event includes repairing the park’s damaged and winter-worn trails, as well as removing invasive weeds, to keep the park’s trail system healthy and easy to use. The project will begin at the group use pavilion on April 9 at 9 a.m. and is expected to last until 12:30 p.m. Volunteers are encouraged to bring work gloves, sturdy shoes, drinking water and clothes for outdoor work. All trail work will be on foot. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring tools for moving dirt or removing weeds, if available. Otherwise, tools will be provided. No trail maintenance experience is required. After the event, park staff will host a s’mores social in the pavilion to thank volunteers for their hard work. Volunteers will also receive two vouchers to redeem later for a free tour of the caverns. Visitors are welcome to bring mountain bikes or hiking poles to try out the newly revitalized trails. Volunteers are encouraged but not required to RSVP for this event by contacting Molly Broughan at molly.broughan@mt.gov . Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is about 15 miles southeast of Whitehall, along Montana Highway 2. For more information about the park, please visit stateparks.mt.gov/lewis-and-clark-caverns or call 406-287-3541.