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- General Hunting Season Reaches Midpoint With Mild Weather, Lower Success In Southwestern Montana
BOZEMAN – Montana’s five-week general hunting season for deer and elk reached a midpoint this week, with seasonably mild weather and lower-than-average hunter success rates in southwestern Montana. Wildlife biologists with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks use check stations to collect data on hunter participation and success, as well as the species, sex and age class of the animals harvested. This supplements data collected through hunter harvest phone surveys each year. Hunters are required to stop at game check stations they encounter, regardless of whether they harvested an animal. On Nov. 8 and 9—the third weekend of the general season—biologists operated five check game check stations in Region 3, including Alder, Cameron, Divide, Gallatin and Lakeside. They met with 1,099 hunters, who collectively harvested 40 elk, 28 mule deer and six white-tailed deer, among other species. Hunter numbers were above average at the Divide and Cameron check stations, and below average at Alder and Gallatin. Hunter numbers ranged from 109 hunters at the Gallatin check station to 403 hunters at the Cameron check station. Hunter success rates were within the long-term average at the Gallatin check station, and below average at Alder, Cameron and Divide. Hunter success rates ranged from 5.7 percent at Cameron to 12 percent at Alder. This was the first time the Lakeside check station operated on the third weekend of the general season, so long-term averages have not been established. Seasonably mild weather can make travel conditions favorable for hunters, but it can also make it challenging for hunters to find game. Harvest usually increases as winter weather leads to herds moving into lower elevations and other areas more accessible to hunters.
- Eight Bulldog Volleyball Players Earn Frontier Academic All-Conference Honors
HELENA, Mont. – The Frontier Conference announced its 2025 Volleyball Academic All-Conference selections, presented by Billings Clinic and Logan Health. Montana Western saw eight players named to the list, To be eligible for the award, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore in standing and carry a minimum 3.25 cumulative grade point average (GPA). Women's Volleyball Dani Brown – Fair Oaks, Calif. / JR Madisyn Frazier – Kalispell, Mont. / JR Maxine Hoagland – Whitehall, Mont. / R-SO Taylor Ketchum – Billings, Mont. / SO Jordan Olson – Billings, Mont. / SR Taylor Petersen – Evanston, Wyo. / R-SR Savana Warburton – Joliet, Mont. / SO Sophie Worden – Vancouver, Wash. / JR LOOKING AHEAD Montana Western travels to Helena, Mont., this week to compete in the 2025 Frontier Conference Volleyball Tournament. The eight-seed Bulldogs will face top-ranked Providence Thursday (11/13) at 12 p.m. MT.
- Big Hole Valley History book Volume III Now Available.
The Bookstore will be hosting a reception and book signing with the Big Hole Valley Historical Society on Saturday, November 15th from 1:00-3:00. Volume III of the Big Hole Valley history book is now available. Together, the members of the historical society and the communities along the river bring the reader a new chapter in the History of the Big Hole series, introducing their towns, businesses, and families with stories yet untold. The west never grows old in a valley where neighbors still lend a hand during branding and haying, where frigid winter temperatures make horses more practical than tractors for feeding livestock and where cell service is mostly non-existent. The hot water where Lewis and Clark parboiled their dinner still springs from the ground just as hot as in 1806. By virtue of the remote character of the land, and the pristine wilderness and picturesque pasturage, the people have come to resemble the country: resilient, confident in their tradition, and at ease in their sense of place under a big sky. Few places in Montana retain their character the way the Big Hole Valley has. Please join us as we celebrate the release of Volume III -- Call 683-6807 if you have any questions or would like to reserve your copy.
- Beaverhead County Mental Health Advisory Council Meeting Notice
Beaverhead County Mental Health Local Advisory Counsel County Treasurer’s Office – Corner of Washington St. & Center St. AGENDA Thursday, November 13, 2025, Noon to 1:00 p.m. Introductions - Establish Quorum Approval of Minutes – October 9, 2025, meeting ACTION ITEMS: UPDATES 1. Judy Ulrich- testimonial on experiences with services 2. Local updates 3. Public Health Update NEW BUSINESS ADJOURN
- Fatal Semi Crash on I-15 Late Saturday Night
Divide, Mont. — A fatal crash occurred late Saturday night, November 8, on Interstate 15 near mile marker 99. According to authorities, a Kenworth semi traveling southbound left the roadway while negotiating a curve. The passenger side of the semi struck a guardrail, causing the vehicle to overturn onto the barrier and slide several hundred feet on its top before coming to rest. The tractor came to a stop on the right shoulder, with the trailer remaining partially on the guardrail. Emergency responders arrived on scene and found the driver deceased. The crash remains under investigation.
- Bulldogs Dominate Senior Day with Record-Breaking 66–14 Victory
DILLON, Mont. — The Montana Western Bulldogs closed out their regular season in spectacular fashion Friday, steamrolling Arizona Christian 66–14 on Senior Day at Vigilante Field. The win capped the Bulldogs’ regular season at 7–3, setting a high note heading into postseason consideration. Quarterback Michael Palandri delivered a performance for the record books, throwing eight touchdown passes and racking up 423 passing yards, breaking his own single-game touchdown mark of seven set last year—also against the Firestorm. Western raced to a 42–7 halftime lead and never looked back. The Bulldog receiving corps was unstoppable. Eli Nourse hauled in 154 yards and a touchdown, while Seth Shook added 117 yards and two scores. Aidan Lammers, Jakob Humphrey, Jonathan Kirkley, and Mason Rasmussen each found the end zone as well, spreading the offense’s dominance across the field. On the defensive side, Western’s unit set the tone early and never relented. The Bulldogs totaled 75 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss and three sacks, while forcing three fumbles and recovering one. Keegen Muffich led the way with 12 tackles and a sack, while Reece Stanish added seven tackles and another sack, with six stops behind the line. Arizona Christian managed just 295 total yards and was held to 35% on third down, not scoring again until the game’s final 14 seconds. “This was a great way to finish the season off,” said head coach Ryan Nourse. “This team has practiced and prepared well all season—one of the best I’ve ever had in that regard. They deserved to get a resounding victory in their last home regular-season game.” With momentum and confidence on their side, the Bulldogs now turn their focus to what’s next—potential postseason play and a chance to keep their red-hot offense rolling.
- Montana Western Foundation Announces Gift of Historic Andrus Hotel
The University of Montana Western Foundation is excited to announce that Dr. John Micha, and his wife, Vicki, have transferred ownership of the historic Andrus Hotel to the Foundation. “Thanks to the generosity and forward thinking of Dr. Micha, the future of the Andrus Hotel will continue to be an important part of our community,” said Phil Willett, Chair of the Montana Western Foundation Board of Directors. “This remarkable gift ensures that the Andrus remains both a thriving local business and a lasting part of Dillon’s rich heritage.” With this generous donation, the Montana Western Foundation will continue to partner with the Drew Family, owners of Sparky’s Garage, who have now also assumed operations of the Andrus Hotel. The partnership will also allow the university to explore new opportunities for internships, hands-on learning experiences, and academic programming, while also preserving the hotel’s role as a cornerstone of Dillon’s downtown. Dr. Micha’s longstanding relationship with the University of Montana Western has been marked by a shared commitment to education, innovation, and community success. His goal in making this gift was to ensure that the Andrus Hotel continues to thrive—both as a business and as a legacy for future generations. As a gift to the Montana Western Foundation, no state or institutional funds from the University of Montana Western will be used in the hotel’s operations or maintenance. The Foundation and their partner will continue to pay all expenses associated with the property. A dedication ceremony honoring the Micha Family and their extraordinary generosity will be held in the spring. More details will be announced as plans are finalized for the event.
- UMW Women’s Cross Country Finishes 10th, Men Place 11th at 2025 Frontier Conference Championships
UMW Sports BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana Western cross-country teams wrapped up their 2025 season Friday at the Frontier Conference Championships. The women placed 10th in the 6k while the men were 11th in the 8k. Olivia Heiner was the top women's finisher for UMW, clocking a season-best 23:14.6 in the 6k to finish 13th out of 84 runners. It marks her highest finish of the season. In the men's 8k, Brant Heiner ran to a 27:03.8 to place 33rd out of 102 runners. Other finishers for the Bulldog women were Justene Santi (51st, 25:16.4), Ashley Murnion (74th (29:00.5), Madison Faulkner (78th, 31:45.7), and Kylee Wyatt (79th, 32:08.8). Harrison Silverio (64th, 28:23.3), Brody Henry (76th, 29:21.7), Noah Rovente (82nd, 29:43.2), Cael Thilmony (83rd, 29:47.4), Tristan Von Bargen (87th, 30:04.6), Kreg Butler (88th, 30:08.7), Wyatt Yeager (91st, 30:37.1), Mason Lynch (94th, 32:20.7), and Bridger Wheeler (95th, 32:43.4) round out the finishers on the men's side.
- Hunters Ok After Encounter With Three Grizzly Bears East Of Seeley Lake
SEELEY LAKE – Fortunately, two hunters are uninjured after an encounter with three grizzly bears on the morning of Nov. 5 on the Pyramid Pass Trail east of Seeley Lake. The hunters had harvested a mule deer buck earlier in the morning and were hiking to retrieve the deer when they encountered the bears. They were about two miles from the Pyramid Pass Trailhead when they saw three grizzly bears approximately 100 yards away, running towards them. The hunters reported that they yelled at the bears and waved their arms, but the bears continued running towards the hunters without slowing down. One hunter shot at and possibly killed two of the grizzly bears, and the third bear retreated towards the mule deer carcass. The hunters left the site right away and immediately reported the incident as self-defense to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. The U.S. Forest Service has posted signs at the Pyramid Pass Trailhead to alert visitors of the recent bear activity. Be bear aware during hunting season Bears will continue to be active during hunting seasons this fall. Here are some precautions to help hunters avoid bear encounters: Carry bear spray and have it accessible. Watch for and be extra cautious around bear sign, creeks and areas with limited visibility. Most incidents happen in surprise, close encounters. Hunt with a group of people. This can help you make localized noise to alert bears to your presence, and groups of people are more likely to deter a bear than a solo hunter. Be aware that elk calls and cover scents can attract bears. When retrieving a harvested animal, use extra caution. Bring the equipment and people needed to help field dress game, and remove the meat from where it was harvested as quickly as possible. If you need to leave part of the meat in the field during retrieval, hang it at least 10 feet off the ground, if possible, and at least 100 yards from the gut pile. Leave it in an open area where it can be observed from a distance. Upon your return, observe the meat with binoculars. Make noise while approaching the meat. If it has been disturbed or if a bear is in the area, leave and call FWP. Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency. To learn more about how to be safe in bear country, click visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware .
- Dillon Jaycees Celebrate 67th Annual DSA/OYM Banquet
DILLON, Mont. – Tuesday night, the Dillon Jaycees held their 67th Annual Distinguished Service Award (DSA) and Outstanding Young Man/Woman (OYM) Banquet at the Dillon Elks Lodge. Each year, the Jaycees recognize an outstanding man and woman in the community, along with an outstanding young man and young woman. Nominees are selected by their peers for their dedication, service, and impact on the Dillon community. Distinguished Service Award – Russ Schwandt This year’s Distinguished Service Award winner takes great pride in his community and helps wherever he sees a need. Friends have referred to him as “one of Dillon’s best friends.” Russ spends much of his time supporting youth in the community as a gymnastics coach at Shine Studio and a national gymnastics judge. He is an active member of Friends of Jaycee Park , volunteering to maintain the splash pad, clean restrooms, and empty garbage so that the park is ready for the Farmers Market and Sunday Church Services . Russ oversees the Senior Commodities Food Program , helping distribute food boxes to seniors each month, unloading trucks, and providing storage. He’s formed strong bonds with many of the seniors he helps—assisting with heating needs in winter and helping them apply for home improvement programs. He is a Life Member and Officer of the VFW Bill Carroll Post 9040 Auxiliary , has served on the Friends of the NRA Board , and regularly volunteers with the Elks Lodge , Montana Folk Festival , and An Rá Rí Festival in Butte. Russ has served three terms on the Dillon City Council , where he currently presides as Council President. He also serves on the City/County Health Board , is President of Dillon Main Street LLC , and sits on the Beaverhead Development Corporation Board , working to strengthen economic development. He is a founding member of the Dillon Community Affairs Committee , which organizes Dillon History Days each July. As President of the Southwest Montana Pink Heals Chapter , Russ helps raise funds for cancer patients. The pink fire truck, “Sharon Grace,” was named after his mother. He also chairs the annual National Cancer Survivors Dinner and participates in Relay for Life . Professionally, Russ is a dedicated realtor known for going above and beyond for clients—sometimes even baking brownies before showings to make a house feel like home. He serves on the Montana Association of Realtors and Rocky Mountain Association of Realtors , and has been honored multiple times as “ Realtor of the Year .” Russ quietly gives his time and heart to Dillon without seeking recognition. His tireless dedication makes him this year’s Distinguished Service Award Winner – Russ Schwandt. Outstanding Woman – Debbie Sporich This year’s Outstanding Woman has been described as the “definition of Dillon.” Debbie is a tireless cheerleader for her community and a passionate advocate for all things Dillon. She is a long-time member of the Chamber of Commerce , planning beloved events like Crazy Days and the Christmas Stroll , often single-handedly. She is active in Saint James Episcopal Church , helps with the Festival of Trees , and is known for her creative contributions to Bras for a Cause . Debbie also helps plan Dillon History Days and supports the Dillon City Library , organizing fundraisers like the Read-a-thon and No Run Fun Run , and selling used books to benefit the Friends of the Library . During COVID, Debbie began a weekly reading series with Southwestern Montana News , which she continues today for the community. As owner of The Bookstore in downtown Dillon for more than three decades, Debbie has hosted countless author events, drawing visitors downtown—including a record turnout last summer for Beyond the Map’s Edge author Justin Posey . She regularly partners with the Beaverhead County Museum to bring relevant titles to their speaker events. Debbie champions literacy and community spirit in everything she does. She is truly the heart of downtown Dillon.This year’s Outstanding Woman Award goes to Debbie Sporich! Outstanding Young Man – Michael Stuart This year’s Outstanding Young Man is a leader, volunteer, son, husband, father, and friend to many in the Dillon community. A Dillon native and Beaverhead County High School Class of 2005 graduate, Michael has dedicated his life to family, hard work, and community service. After working in corrections and for the Deer Lodge County Weed Department , he returned home to Dillon in 2014 to work for Pivots Plus , allowing him to spend more time on the family ranch—something that deeply connects him to his roots. Michael has been a lifelong member of Farm Bureau , where he currently serves as President of the Southwest Counties Farm Bureau and has represented Montana on both the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee and the State Sheep and Goat Committee . As a third-generation Dillon Jaycee , he has served as Director, Concessions Chair, Grounds Chair, and is best known as Tailgate Chairman for UMW home football games—the “official voice” of the Dillon Jaycees. After a work-related injury, Michael returned to school at Montana Tech , where he’s studying Cybersecurity and Networking, earning straight A’s with plans to graduate in 2026. Michael and his wife Becky married in 2015 and are proud parents to Jimmy (9) and Molly (7) . Michael serves not for recognition, but out of genuine care for his community. He embodies the spirit of service, leadership, and family.Your 2025 Outstanding Young Man Award Winner is Michael Stuart! Outstanding Young Woman – Klaire Kramer This year’s Outstanding Young Woman exemplifies strong character, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to community. Klaire is a talented local artist who donates her artwork to fundraisers and designs marketing materials for local events, including for the Tweedy Mountain Fan Club . She played a key role in organizing the Stick Horse Stampede Rodeo , bringing joy to families across Dillon. At the Women’s Resource Center , she supports survivors of domestic and sexual violence with care and compassion—helping build furniture, stock shelters, and create public awareness campaigns. She’s also active in Beaverhead County 4-H and runs her own business, Montana Vogue Hat Co. , crafting custom handmade hats. Klaire’s creativity, generosity, and humility shine through everything she does. She gives freely of her time and talents to make Dillon a stronger, kinder place.This year’s Outstanding Young Woman Award goes to Klaire Kramer!
- Introducing the “Talk of the Town: Fick Faculty Speaker Series”
The University of Montana Western is proud to announce the launch of the “Fick Faculty Speaker Series”, celebrating faculty innovation across teaching, service, and scholarship. The inaugural event will feature Dr. Katrina Kennett, who will present on community-based literacy projects on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Andrus Hotel Gathering Place. Each semester, one faculty member will be recognized with an honorific title and award and will share their work through a public presentation in Dillon. The series highlights the many ways UMW faculty enrich student learning and the greater community while celebrating excellence, boosting morale, and strengthening the connection between UMW and Dillon. The first award recipient, Dr. Kennett, will discuss her work on community-based literacy projects, including the Story Stroll collaboration and the emerging Garden Bank initiative. Dr. Kennett earned a B.A. in Secondary English Education from Connecticut College in 2008, an M.A.T. in K–12 Language Arts & Literacy from San Diego State University in 2013, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction, Language & Literacy with a concentration in Writing Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2017. Since joining UMW in 2018, Dr. Kennett has served as an Associate Professor of Education in the Education Division. She teaches courses in literacy and technology education and supervises student teachers in the field. Dr. Kennett has also collaborated with Katie Miller at Dillon Middle School and Lori Cannady at the Dillon Public Library to develop the Dillon Community Story Stroll. The “Fick Faculty Speaker Series” is more than an honor—it is a bridge between campus and community. By recognizing faculty contributions, the series fosters a culture of motivation and collaboration, demonstrates UMW’s commitment to student success in a changing world, and upholds the core values upon which our universities were founded. We invite you to join us in celebrating this new series and hope to see you at the upcoming event.
- Dillon City Council Meeting Notice
125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE A. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA B. MINUTES 1. Approve the Minutes of the Special City Council Hearing of August 20, 2025 2. Accept the Transcript of the Public Hearing of October 15, 2025, Affirming and/or Establishing City Fees 3. Approve the Minutes of October 15 th , 2025 Regular City Council Meeting C. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS D. MAYOR’S REPORT 1. Confirm Appointment of Joel Stewart as Chief of Police 2. Confirm Appointment of Gabriel Wiese as Patrolman 3. Resolution #1502 Affirming and/or Establishing City Fees 4. Resolution #1503 Authorizing a $1,623,653 Special Improvement District NO. 38 Bond, Fixing the Form and Details and Providing For the Execution and Delivery of the SID No. 38 Bond to Stockman Bank and Security Therefore and Providing For the Annual Levying of Special Assessments in the District 5. Approve Work Order #7 from WWC Engineering for SID #38 6. Discuss/Recommend HB 231 & SB 542; Property Tax Changes 7. Accept Michael Saunders Resignation from Planning Board E. REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1. City Attorney – Ed Guza 2. Planning Board - Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham 3. Zoning Commission - Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley a. Accept the Minutes of October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting i. First Reading Ordinance #489 4. Board of Adjustments - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz a. Accept the Minutes of October 2 nd , 2025 Regular Meeting b. Accept the Transcript of October 16 th , 2025 Public Hearing – 7 Springs/Probst c. Accept the Transcript of October 16 th , 2025 Public Hearing - Haverfield 5. Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey 6. Police Department –Police Chief Joel Stewart a. Accept the October 2025 Incident Report 7. Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose a. Accept October 2025 Activity Report b. Approve City Clerk Report for Fire Hall for October 2025 c. Approve Budget vs. Expenditures Report for Fire Hall for October 2025 8. City Court – Judge Bill Knox 9. Library Board - Diane Armstrong, Council Member; Kim Denny, Library Director a. Accept the Minutes of September 30, 2025 Regular Board Meeting 10. Tree Board F. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1. Ordinances & Facilities – Bill Shafer, Chair; Joleen Schultz, Mary Jo O’Rourke a. Approve Minutes of October 16, 2025 Regular Meeting 2. Finance Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Diane Armstrong, Mary Jo O’Rourke a. Approve Minutes of October 30 th , 2025 Finance Committee-Budget i. Approve Fund Summary for Claims for October 2025 ii. Approve Claims by Vendor Report for October 2025 iii. Approve Mayor’s Report to the Finance Committee for October 2025 iv. Approve Budget vs. Actual Report for October 2025 v. Discuss/Approve Amendment of Memorandum of Agreement for the MFPE Dillon City Employees 3. Public Services – Diane Armstrong, Chair; Bill Shafer, Don Deem a. Approve the Minutes of October 20, 2025 Regular Meeting i. Approve the Contract Nurse’s Quarterly Report 4. Open Spaces – Raymond Graham, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Joleen Schultz a. Approve Minutes of October 15, 2025 Regular Meeting 5. Public Works – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Raymond Graham G. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY H. ADJOURNMENT PLEASE NOTE: The City of Dillon understands that citizens have the right under the Montana Constitution to observe and participate in local governmental affairs by personally attending all public meetings of the Dillon City Council and other City boards and committees. This meeting is open to the public as normal. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528, allowing permission for microphone and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245. Please mute your microphone until you desire to comment. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245.
- Solid Waste Board Meeting Notice
SOLID WASTE BOARD MEETING Wednesday, November 5, 2025 3:00 PM COURTHOUSE, COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING ROOM AGENDA Establish a quorum Review and Action on August 14, 2025 meeting minutes Landfill Manager’s Report Discussion- Dell Canister Site Discussion & Action- Madison County Discussion & Action- UMW Donation Engineers Report Public Comment or other business Next Meeting date – January 19, 2026 Adjourn
- D.V.F.D. Activity Report For October
DVFD responded to 14 calls for service during the month of October 2025. 10-01 I-15 MM 57 MVA 10-02 Cottom Drive Possible Structure Fire 10-02 Hwy 91 N & Saddle Dr Vehicle Fire 10-02 Hwy 41 MM 8 MVA 10-07 E Sebree St Possible Structure Fire (smoker) 10-08 Adams Ln Grass Fire 10-10 I-15 MM 87 MVA 10-12 S Idaho St MVA 10-12 N Montana St Gas Leak 10-19 Southside Blvd Gas Leak 10-22 I-15 MM 85 MVA 10-30 Hwy 91 S False Alarm 10-31 N Montana St Ambulance Assist 10-31 Hwy 41 MM 7 Vehicle Fire Our October training started on the 13th with Communications training as well as a leadership training for the officers. On the 20th we had a speaker come to the firehall & discuss distracted driving. 2 members of the department went to Butte to the Montana State Fire Services convention. We had 1 member attend the O-305 All Hazards Team class in Helena. October was Fire Safety month; we had members visit the Dillon Library as well as numerous classes & daycares visit the Firehall for a tour! Thanks to all our firefighters & officers for their continued dedication to the City of Dillon & Beaverhead Fire District #2 Thank you for your continued support of the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department. Please be safe & take extra time while traveling this time of year as the road conditions can become dangerous without warning.
- Two-Vehicle Crash on Highway 91 North Results in Minor Injuries
DILLON, Mont. – Monday afternoon, first responders were dispatched to a two-vehicle accident on Highway 91 North. According to reports, a truck was attempting to back out of a driveway when it sideswiped a passing vehicle. The impact caused the struck truck to slide along the highway and roll off the roadway, coming to rest upside down in a ditch alongside the road. Emergency crews responded quickly to the scene. Minor injuries were reported, and both vehicles sustained damage. Traffic has slowed while the scene is being cleared.
- Bulldogs Dominate Eastern Oregon in 56–14 Home Victory
DILLON, Mont. – The No. 20 Montana Western Bulldogs (6–3, 3–2 Frontier West) delivered a commanding performance Saturday afternoon, overpowering Eastern Oregon 56–14 at Bulldog Stadium . “We clicked in all three phases of the game today,” said head coach Ryan Nourse . “The guys played confident and physical. Defense dominated the line of scrimmage again this week, and offensively we ran the game plan very well and connected on the vertical pass game that we knew we would have to in order to set up scoring opportunities.” Western rolled up 508 total yards of offense —377 through the air and 131 on the ground—while converting nine third downs and scoring on all seven red-zone trips. The Bulldogs found the end zone eight times and moved the chains for 21 first downs in a balanced and efficient display. Quarterback Michael Palandri was electric, accounting for 418 total yards and five touchdowns . He threw for 352 yards and two scores while adding a team-high 66 rushing yards and three more touchdowns on the ground. Running backs Aidan Lammers (44 yards, 2 TDs) and Jakob Humphrey (26 yards, 1 TD) added punch to the rushing attack, with Humphrey also hauling in a two-yard touchdown reception. In the receiving corps, Jonathan Kirkley led the way with 142 yards on five catches, followed by Eli Nourse with 83 yards and a touchdown. Seth Shook contributed 71 yards, Colton Cornwell added 23, and Mason Rasmussen chipped in 22. Defensively, the Bulldogs stifled the Mountaineers at every turn. Tyler Walker and Manuel Variz IV each notched six total tackles to pace the team, with Walker leading all players in tackles for loss (2.0). Variz IV, Reece Stanish , Tyler Schoen , Keegan Muffich , and Connor Dunlea each tallied a tackle for loss, while Stanish, Schoen, and Variz IV recorded one sack apiece. Muffich finished with four solo stops, and Dunlea forced the lone fumble of the contest. Special teams remained flawless. Maclain Burckley went 8-for-8 on PATs, averaged 44.0 yards per punt (long 61), and booted kickoffs an average of 66.4 yards. Edward Deward added two kickoffs at a 55.5-yard average. Western exploded out of the gates with 21 points in the opening quarter and extended the margin to 35 by halftime. The Bulldogs tacked on another 21 points in the third to take full control before Eastern Oregon broke through in the fourth, recovering a fumble in the end zone and capping the day with a 53-yard touchdown drive. Up Next Montana Western closes out the regular season at home on Saturday, Nov. 8 , hosting Arizona Christian . Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m. MT at Bulldog Stadium .























