DILLON, Mont. — Seventeen trees donated by Allen Landscaping are bringing new shade and greenery to local parks, hospital grounds and Mountain View Cemetery. When the landscaping company had leftover trees available, it contacted the Dillon Tree Board to arrange a donation. Ann and Jim Egan then helped determine where the trees would be planted. Three went to the hospital, six to local parks and three to the Big Hole. Some of the park plantings replaced shade lost when a tree at Vigilante Park was struck by lightning in July and had to be removed. The remaining five trees were planted Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Mountain View Cemetery with help from employees of the local DNRC office and cemetery workers. The crews selected locations that would benefit from new trees, dug planting holes and prepared the root balls after removing the trees from their containers. Once planted, the trees were watered and pruned. Protective fencing was placed around them to keep deer from browsing on the new growth. As the trees mature, they will provide shade for people visiting loved ones at the cemetery and add greenery to the grounds. For more information about the Dillon Tree Board and its work, visit DillonTrees.org.

The University of Montana Western’s Environmental Science Department is excited to host Matthew Heller and Erica Wolfe from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the “On the Rocks” lecture series. Heller and Wolfe will present “U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Geospatial Applications: The River Conditions Tool and Mapping Invasive Phragmites australis” on Wednesday, September 30, at 4:00 p.m. in UMW’s Lucy Carson Library. Matt Heller joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2012 and specializes in GIS, project management, data management, and cartography. His work supports landscape conservation and science applications across the Mountain-Prairie Region. Erica Wolfe is a Remote GIS Data Management Fellow with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is completing a master’s degree in GIS. Her research focuses on using remotely sensed data to map invasive Phragmites australis in Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge. Heller will present on the River Conditions Tool (RCT), a resource that provides easy access to real-time data to support watershed groups in their drought management and resource conservation activities. Wolfe will present her research capstone project, which focuses on using multiple remotely sensed datasets to conduct land-cover classification and map the extent of invasive Phragmites australis in Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge. The “On the Rocks” series is an excellent opportunity for students, faculty, and the public to engage with experts in the earth sciences and learn more about developments in hydrology and geomorphology. Each presentation will be preceded by a social gathering at 3:30 p.m., offering light refreshments and snacks. We look forward to seeing you! For more information, please contact UMW Assistant Professor of Surficial Processes Lorraine Carnes at lorraine.carnes@umwestern.edu.

The University of Montana Western has been ranked among the top public regional colleges in the West by U.S. News & World Report, earning a tie for No. 4 in the publication’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings. Montana Western also tied for No. 18 in the overall Regional Colleges – West ranking and ranked No. 28 in the Top Performers on Social Mobility – Regional Colleges (West) category. The Western region includes 15 states: Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Montana, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Alaska, and Hawaii. “We’re incredibly proud to see Montana Western recognized among the top public regional colleges in the West. This honor reflects the care our faculty and staff bring to their work every day and the dedication and accomplishments of our students,” said UMW Chancellor, Dr. Estee Aiken. The Top Performers on Social Mobility ranking recognizes institutions based on their success in enrolling and graduating students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Montana Western’s No. 28 ranking places the university among institutions recognized by U.S. News for their success in promoting social mobility. The 2027 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings provide a data-driven comparison of more than 1,700 colleges and universities using up to 17 measures of academic quality and graduate success. Student outcomes account for 52% of the overall ranking and include measures such as graduation and retention rates, graduation performance, outcomes for Pell Grant recipients and post-graduation earnings. “With families increasingly scrutinizing the true cost and return on investment of a college degree, our goal is to provide clear, actionable data,” said LaMont Jones, Ed.D., Managing Editor for Education at U.S. News. The 2027 rankings introduce a new Earnings by Major measure, which accounts for 5% of the overall ranking. The measure examines graduates’ earnings four years after completing their degrees while accounting for differences among academic fields. It replaces a measure of median federal loan debt used in previous editions of the rankings. To view Montana Western’s full rankings list, visit: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/montana-western-2537. With ten academic departments and multiple degree options, including Biology, Business and Technology, Environmental Sciences, Education, English, Equine Studies, Health and Human Performance, Fine Arts, Mathematics, and History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences, students benefit from Montana Western’s Experience One program – authentic and immersive learning delivered on the block schedule. Students enjoy a close-knit community and small class sizes, where they work closely with peers and professors and build critical and creative thinking skills for real-world careers and graduate school. Montana Western’s commitment to engagement and support offers students a high-quality education and personalized college experience. For more information about Experience One and the University of Montana Western, or to schedule a tour, visit www.umwestern.edu or call 877-683-7331.

DILLON, Mont. — Montana Western mounted a fourth-quarter comeback but could not complete the rally Saturday, falling 38-32 to Rocky Mountain at Bulldog Stadium. The Bulldogs drove into Battlin’ Bears territory on their final possession but failed to reach the end zone before time expired. Both teams finished the afternoon with 1-2 records. Quarterback Kaden LaPlaunt threw for 436 yards and four touchdowns on 31 completions, helping Western produce 555 yards of total offense. Seth Shook caught four passes for 101 yards and three touchdowns, recording his second 100-yard receiving game of the season. Eli Nourse added six catches for 104 yards. Colton Cornwell set career highs with 10 receptions and 89 receiving yards, including a touchdown. Freshman Brody Munson also posted career highs with nine catches for 91 yards. Western battles back from early deficit Rocky Mountain scored twice in the opening quarter to take a 14-0 lead. Western’s defense answered with a safety, leaving the Bulldogs trailing 14-2 heading into the second period. LaPlaunt connected with Shook for a one-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 14-9. The Battlin’ Bears responded with another touchdown before Maclain Burckley’s field goal at the end of the half brought Western within 21-12. Rocky Mountain extended its advantage to 31-12 in the second half, aided by a field goal and an 85-yard touchdown run from Ty Battle. The Bulldogs rallied with touchdown catches by Shook and Cornwell, trimming the deficit to 31-26 with less than five minutes remaining. Battle scored again to give Rocky Mountain a 38-26 advantage, but Shook’s third touchdown reception brought Western back within six points. A missed Rocky Mountain field goal gave the Bulldogs another opportunity with 1:36 remaining. Western advanced into the visitors’ half of the field but could not finish the comeback. Nourse points to areas for improvement Head coach Ryan Nourse said inconsistent defense and missed short-yardage blocking assignments contributed to the Bulldogs’ second consecutive loss. “Things we can certainly fix,” Nourse said. “I was so excited to see all those young players on offense fight their tails off.” Nourse singled out LaPlaunt, Munson and Cornwell for their efforts during the comeback. “Kaden LaPlaunt, Brody Munson, and Colton Cornwell showed fight and competitive character and we almost pulled out the victory at the end,” he said. Defensive leaders and Rocky Mountain standouts Connor Dunlea led Western with nine tackles and forced a third-quarter fumble recovered by Bodie Smith. Smith also recorded two pass breakups. Manuel Variz IV, Tyler Schoen and Liam Rowe finished with seven tackles apiece. Carson Gulick recorded Western’s lone tackle for loss. Rocky Mountain finished with 497 yards of offense, including 261 rushing yards. Battle led the ground attack with 173 yards and two touchdowns. Battlin’ Bears quarterback Jhett Schwahn passed for 236 yards and two touchdowns. Jae’Sean Pete scored once rushing and once receiving. Montana Western returns to the road Saturday, Sept. 26, to face Dickinson State. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Mountain time.

DILLON, Mont. — Initial appearances, change-of-plea proceedings and several status hearings are scheduled in Beaverhead County District Court during the week of Sept. 21-25. The Montana Fifth Judicial District’s law and motion calendar lists proceedings Tuesday, Sept. 22, and Thursday, Sept. 24. Tuesday, Sept. 22 Proceedings begin at 9 a.m. with an initial appearance in State v. Muise. An initial appearance and change-of-plea proceeding in State v. Marin follow at 9:10 a.m. Initial appearances are scheduled in State v. Burwell at 9:20 a.m. and State v. Riddle at 9:30 a.m. The court will hold status hearings in State v. Tresham at 9:40 a.m. and State v. Widerburg at 9:50 a.m. A change-of-plea hearing in State v. Martin is scheduled for 10 a.m., followed by a status hearing in State v. Rundle at 10:10 a.m. Tuesday’s calendar concludes with a status hearing in the civil case Bank of America v. Lesnik at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24 A proceeding concerning a petition to appoint a conservator in In re T.S. is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. At 10 a.m., the court will hear a matter concerning common-law marriage in the Carriger estate case. A contested show-cause hearing involving a youth matter is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. That proceeding is closed to the public. Calendar subject to change Judge Berger will be in Virginia City on Monday and Boulder on Wednesday. No proceedings are listed for Friday in the Beaverhead County calendar. The calendar does not identify the underlying charges in the criminal cases. Scheduled hearings do not establish case outcomes. Hearing times are subject to change. Information about viewing eligible proceedings by Zoom is available through the Beaverhead County Clerk of District Court. The court requires viewers to sign in using their first and last names.

The University of Montana Western invites all community members to attend the Chancellor’s Convocation on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The event is an opportunity to gather in celebration of Montana Western’s past, present, and future, the leadership of Montana Western’s 24th Chancellor, Dr. Estee Aiken, and the recently completed renovation of Block Hall. Free and open to the public, the Convocation will bring together students, employees, alumni, friends, and community members for an afternoon of celebration under the theme, “Inspired by Our Past. Ready for Our Future.” The theme honors the traditions, people, and experiences that have shaped Montana Western while embracing the vision and opportunities that will guide the University into its next chapter. The afternoon will begin with a self-guided campus tour and open house from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to explore campus and scan QR codes on signs outside each building to learn more about Montana Western’s facilities and programs. Signs decorated with balloons will highlight recently completed construction and renovation projects. At 4:00 p.m., Montana Western and the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the opening of the newly renovated Block Hall with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Chancellor Aiken will deliver her Convocation remarks at 4:30 p.m. on Legacy Plaza. A community reception will follow from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Lewis & Clark Room. An RSVP is requested only for those planning to attend the reception; no RSVP is required for the other Convocation activities. Visitors may park in any available regular parking space on campus, and parking passes will not be required for the event. For additional information, to view a campus map, or to RSVP for the reception, visit www.umwestern.edu/chancellor/chancellors-convocation. For assistance, contact the Office of the Chancellor at 406-683-7151 or hillary.lowell@umwestern.edu.

DILLON, Mont. — Author J. Hoolihan Clayton will visit The Bookstore on Saturday, Sept. 19, for a reading and signing featuring her five-book Discretion series. The event runs from 2 to 4 p.m., with a reading from her newest novel, Discretion and Folly: A Novel of Factual History Concerning Murder, Metis, Soldiers and Sitting Bull, scheduled for approximately 2:30 p.m. Clayton, a First Nations Plains Cree author, was adopted by a white family and raised on a Wyoming cattle ranch. Her experience includes working as a cowboy and wildland firefighter. A University of Montana graduate, she taught history and Native American studies for several years before becoming a full-time author and research consultant. Set in the American West following the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the Discretion series follows Charles Wolfe Collins, an Irish immigrant whose background includes secret service work during the Civil War. His assignments lead him into dangerous situations, friendships with Native people and discoveries that challenge his understanding of the world around him. According to the event announcement, the novels combine fictional storytelling with historical figures, documents and events, inviting readers to reconsider familiar portrayals of the West and Native American peoples. The series has received recognition from several book awards programs. Its first two books were High Plains Book Awards finalists in 2022 and 2023, and the series was a Next Generation Indie Book Awards finalist in 2024 and 2025. The third book won a New Mexico/Arizona Book Award in 2024. The fourth installment, Discretion is Valor, received the Historical Society of New Mexico’s Ralph Emerson Twitchell Award in 2025 and was a New Mexico Book Awards finalist that year. Clayton will sign all five books in the series during her Dillon visit. For more information or to reserve copies, call The Bookstore at 406-683-6807.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — Closures affecting the Polaris and Elkhorn areas have been lifted, while the Forest Service has reduced the area closure associated with the Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek fires. The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway remains closed, and portions of National Forest land remain off-limits for public and firefighter safety. According to the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office, areas affected by the local closures have reopened except the Scenic Byway. The road will remain closed until further notice while crews remove burned and falling trees and address other potential hazards. Forest Service closure reduced The Forest Service said its updated closure is smaller but remains necessary because numerous pieces of heavy equipment are working in the area. The revised closure no longer includes: The area north of the Pettengill Creek drainage. The area north of Steel Creek. The Bull Creek area. Most of the East Pioneers. An exception in the East Pioneers remains closed: an area extending from north of upper Grasshopper Valley east to Comet Mountain, then north and west along Elkhorn Creek to the Scenic Byway. The reopening of the Polaris and Elkhorn areas does not remove the remaining Forest Service restrictions. Visitors should consult the updated closure description and map on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest website before entering areas near the fires. No reopening date has been announced for the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway.

GREAT FALLS, Mont. — Evidence collected following a bear attack southwest of Augusta confirms that a grizzly bear injured an archery hunter Monday morning, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. The hunter encountered the bear on state land along Elk Creek. The hunter suffered significant injuries, but officials said they were not life-threatening. Investigators collected bear hair from the victim and the attack site, along with tracks found in the area. That evidence confirmed a grizzly bear was involved. Investigators also found the carcass of a domestic cow about 150 yards from where the attack occurred. Officials suspect the cow was killed by a bear. FWP specialists are continuing to investigate the attack in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services. In coordination with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, officials have posted signs and closed the area where the attack occurred. The closure took effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice. FWP said it cannot release the hunter’s identity or additional information about the person’s health.

DILLON, Mont. — A guilty plea and suspended sentence were among the proceedings reported Tuesday in Montana’s Fifth Judicial District Court in Beaverhead County. Trisha Greene pleaded guilty in a case involving drug paraphernalia and reckless driving during a change-of-plea hearing. The court report lists a suspended sentence and says her bond was released. No fine was imposed, but fees were assessed. Devon Turner pleaded not guilty during an initial appearance involving allegations of aggravated assault, strangulation, criminal endangerment, witness tampering, evidence tampering, obstruction, destruction of a cellphone and driving violations. No bond was posted, and the case remains pending. Erik Lopez pleaded not guilty during an initial appearance on assault and criminal mischief allegations. The court report lists bond as posted and says the case is awaiting trial. Anthony Marin appeared on allegations listed under Montana Code 45-5-503 and 45-5-625. The court report describes the allegations as sexual intercourse without consent and sexual abuse of a child. No plea was entered, no bond was posted and a continuance was granted. Jonathan DuBois appeared for a pretrial conference in a case involving sexual abuse of a child and grooming of a child for a sexual offense. No plea was listed, bond was posted and a status hearing was scheduled. A scheduled change-of-plea hearing for Joseph Colvard in a vehicular homicide case did not take place. The report lists bond as posted but does not provide a plea. Charges are allegations unless proven in court or admitted through a guilty plea. Pending cases remain subject to further court action.

GREAT FALLS, Mont. — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is investigating a bear attack that left an archery hunter with significant injuries Monday morning on state-owned land south of Augusta. According to FWP, the hunter was in the area of Elk Creek and Haystack Butte on September 14 when he encountered a bear and was attacked. The hunter sustained what FWP described as significant but fortunately non-life-threatening injuries. Following the attack, the hunter was able to drive himself home before being transported by private vehicle to Benefis Hospital for treatment. Bear Species Remains Unknown FWP game wardens and bear management specialists are investigating the incident. Officials said the agency's priority is human safety, and signs are being posted in the area warning the public about bear activity. At this time, officials have not determined what species of bear was involved in the attack. No additional details about the circumstances surrounding the encounter have been released, and the investigation remains ongoing. FWP Reminds Hunters to Be Bear Aware With hunting seasons underway across Montana, FWP is reminding hunters that they can reduce the risk of bear encounters by packing meat out as quickly as possible and remaining especially vigilant when returning to a harvested animal. Hunters should carry bear spray, watch for fresh bear sign and avoid approaching an animal carcass that has been claimed by a bear. FWP also recommends moving gut piles into open areas and at least 100 yards from a carcass when possible. Bird hunters should use additional caution around thick brush and waterways where grizzly bears may use heavy cover for day beds. Hunters with dogs should also remain alert for fresh bear activity. FWP has additional information on safely hunting in bear country available through its How to Hunt Safely in Grizzly Bear Country guide.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — A driver was transported to the hospital Monday afternoon after a pickup pulling a trailer carrying two four-wheelers left Interstate 15 near mile marker 39, just before the Red Rock exit. The pickup was traveling northbound on I-15 when the driver appeared to have fallen asleep, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and strike a guardrail. After hitting the guardrail, the pickup and trailer traveled over the embankment before the truck struck a pile of dirt that acted as a ramp. The pickup then became airborne and cleared the roadway running beneath the interstate off-ramp before crashing into an embankment on the opposite side. When first responders arrived, the driver was already out of the vehicle and walking around. The driver had lacerations to the head and was evaluated by emergency medical personnel at the scene. The driver was subsequently transported by ambulance to the hospital for further evaluation. No additional information was immediately available regarding the driver's condition. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and the apparent possibility that the driver fell asleep has not been confirmed by investigating authorities.

DILLON, Mont. — The Dillon City Council will meet Wednesday, September 16, with the proposed Downtown Dillon Urban Renewal District, a promissory note with Beaverhead County and several city board and department reports on the agenda. The regular meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Dillon City Hall, 125 N. Idaho Street. According to the first two pages of the council packet, one of the most significant items scheduled for Wednesday is the next step involving the proposed Downtown Dillon Urban Renewal District. Downtown Urban Renewal District Returns to Council Under the Planning Board report, the council is scheduled to consider accepting the minutes of the Planning Board's April 16 regular meeting and its recommendation regarding the proposed Downtown Dillon Urban Renewal District. The agenda also calls for the council to accept the transcript of the September 8, 2026 Urban Renewal District public hearing, accept the final Downtown Urban District Renewal Plan and hold the first reading of Ordinance #493 establishing the Downtown Urban Renewal District. Promissory Note, City Employee Policy Also on Agenda Under Petitions and Communications and Other Action Items, council members are scheduled to discuss and potentially approve a promissory note with Beaverhead County. The council will also discuss and potentially approve a policy manual for sensitive employees only. Mayor Michael Klakken's report includes a wet opening bids for SID #38 agenda item. Police, Fire and City Boards to Report The council is scheduled to hear reports from several city departments and boards. Police Chief Joel Stewart is scheduled to present the Police Department incident report for August 2026. Fire Chief Jay Epperson is scheduled to present the August 2026 activity report from the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department. The Board of Adjustments has several sets of minutes and public hearing transcripts scheduled for council acceptance, including transcripts from two public hearings held August 26. The Library Board is scheduled to present minutes from its July 7 special meeting and July 28 regular meeting. Reports are also scheduled from the Tree Board, Treasurer, City Attorney and Director of Operations. Committee Reports and Public Comment The Public Services Committee is scheduled to present its August 17 meeting minutes along with Nurse's First Quarter Report, Nurse's Second Quarter Report and a donation of a 1936 fire truck to the Dillon Volunteer Fire Association. The Open Spaces Committee is scheduled to present minutes from its August 19 meeting. As with regular Dillon City Council meetings, the agenda includes time for public comment on items of significant public interest that are not on the agenda and are within the jurisdiction of the City. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 16, at Dillon City Hall.

DILLON, Mont. — The Dillon Public Library has several activities coming up in September, including the return of Books & Babies, the Dillon Resource Fair and a special Dolly Parton “9 to 5” Pie Sale benefiting library programming. Books & Babies Returns September 16 Books & Babies returns to the Dillon Public Library on Wednesday, September 16, at 10 a.m. The program welcomes families back to the library for another season of activities for some of its youngest visitors. Dillon Resource Fair Set for September 19 On Saturday, September 19, Family Outreach’s 4th Annual Dillon Resource Fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dillon National Guard Readiness Center/Armory. The event gives community members an opportunity to connect with local organizations, learn about available community resources, enjoy activities for kids and enter for chances to win prizes. Be sure to stop by and visit the Dillon Public Library table while attending the Resource Fair. Also on September 19, Hollowtop Mobile Sharpening will be at the Dillon Public Library from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Community members can bring knives, scissors, lawnmower blades and garden tools to be sharpened. The service is cash only. Questions can be directed to Dave at 406-902-9002. Dolly Parton “9 to 5” Pie Sale Coming September 25 September 25 brings a fun play on the date and Dolly Parton’s famous “9 to 5.” The Dolly Parton 9 to 5 Pie Sale is planned for Friday, September 25, at the Dillon Public Library, with organizers planning to sell pies from approximately 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.—or until the pies are gone. The fundraiser celebrates the Dolly Parton Imagination Library while raising money for the Friends of the Library to support library programming. Slices will be available for $5, while whole pies will sell for $25. Purchases include coffee or bottled water. Donated pies are welcome and will be entered into a pie contest, giving visitors another reason to stop by, grab a slice and vote for their favorite. The event is being organized by the Friends of the Library and Dillon Public Library. For questions about library events, call the Dillon Public Library at 406-683-4544.

WISDOM, Mont. — Firefighters are preparing for a return of critical fire weather Sunday as warm, dry and windy conditions increase the potential for renewed activity on the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires in Southwest Montana. The Sand Creek Fire, located approximately 7.5 miles southeast of Wisdom, is estimated at 35,510 acres and 58% contained. The Bobcat Lakes Fire, approximately 13 miles southwest of Wise River, is estimated at 10,886 acres and 72% contained. The smaller Skull Fire, eight miles southeast of Wisdom and about one mile east of Odell Lake, remains at approximately 68 acres and 0% containment. A total of 235 personnel are assigned to the Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek fires under Incident Commanders Richard Griffin and Brian Gorwitz, trainee. Winds Could Gust Up to 35 MPH Critical fire weather is forecast across the fire area Sunday as forest fuels continue to dry. Relative humidity is expected to fall into the low 20% range, while southwest winds could gust between 30 and 35 mph ahead of an approaching cold front. The front is expected to shift winds to the northwest Monday morning. Previously forecast chances for rain have also diminished. Officials said the warmer and windier conditions are increasing fire activity within the interior of the existing fire footprints. Firefighters continue mop-up and suppression repair operations while remaining prepared to respond quickly if conditions change. Sand Creek Fire On the Sand Creek Fire, crews are patrolling fire lines and maintaining pumps and sprinkler systems around areas of heat along the southwestern edge of the fire. Construction of direct control line continues along Steel Fox Road, while heavy equipment operations are progressing along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway in coordination with resource advisors. Suppression repair work is also underway in the Grasshopper Creek drainage. Bobcat Lakes and Skull Fires On the Bobcat Lakes Fire, firefighters continue chipping, removing debris and conducting suppression repair along Forest Service Roads 1290 and 1299. Crews are also actively patrolling the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, Lacy Creek Road and existing direct fire lines. Activity on the Skull Fire remains minimal, with crews continuing to patrol and monitor the fire. Aircraft remain available to assist firefighters with water or retardant drops, reconnaissance flights and personnel transportation if needed. Scenic Byway and Forest Areas Remain Closed Despite increasing containment, several closures remain in effect. The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway remains closed, along with affected National Forest System areas, roads and trails. The closure includes Sawtooth Lake Trail #195. A Temporary Flight Restriction also remains in effect over the fire area. Additional closure information is available through the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest website.

DILLON, Mont. — Montana Western suffered its first loss of the season Saturday afternoon as No. 5 Montana Tech defeated the Bulldogs 34-7 at Bulldog Stadium. The loss drops Montana Western to 1-1, while Montana Tech improves to 3-0. The Orediggers controlled much of the game, finishing with 474 yards of total offense, including 306 yards on the ground. Montana Western finished with 287 total yards—220 passing and 67 rushing. “Tech has a confident, experienced, and strong team, and they played that way today,” Montana Western head coach Ryan Nourse said. He added that the loss showed the Bulldogs where they need to improve moving forward. Nourse Scores Bulldogs’ Lone Touchdown Montana Tech struck first with a 14-play, 75-yard drive capped by a four-yard touchdown run from Jarrett Wilson. The Orediggers extended their advantage to 14-0 when Wilson connected with Gunnar Peterson for a 24-yard touchdown. Montana Western answered in the second quarter when Kaden LaPlaunt connected with Eli Nourse on a 75-yard touchdown pass, cutting the deficit to 14-7. That would be Western’s only score of the afternoon. Montana Tech added a field goal as time expired in the first half to take a 17-7 lead into halftime. The Orediggers added another field goal in the third quarter before scoring two touchdowns in the fourth to pull away for the 34-7 victory. Eli Nourse Tops 100 Receiving Yards Again Nourse recorded his second 100-yard receiving game of the season, finishing with five catches for 114 yards and the Bulldogs’ lone touchdown. LaPlaunt completed 11 of 21 passes for 196 yards and one touchdown. Sam Wulff added 24 passing yards on three completions. Seth Shook caught five passes for 72 yards, while Colton Cornwell recorded three receptions for 29 yards. Western struggled to establish its running game. Wulff led the Bulldogs with 19 rushing yards, followed by Jakob Humphrey with 18, Aidan Lammers with 16 and LaPlaunt with 14. Bulldogs Record 64 Tackles Defensively, Montana Western finished with 64 total tackles, including 38 solo tackles. Tyson Hirrlinger, Connor Dunlea, Bodie Smith and Canyon Sargent each recorded seven total tackles to share the team lead. Manuel Variz IV recorded a tackle for loss, while Romeo Simpson finished with two pass breakups. Sargent and Tyler Schoen each recorded a quarterback hurry. Maclain Burckley punted three times for 128 yards, averaging 42.7 yards per punt, with all three punts landing inside the 20-yard line. Montana Tech Rushes for 306 Yards Montana Tech’s ground game played a major role in the victory. Jamal Cariglia rushed for 204 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries, while Merek Mihelish added a 45-yard touchdown run. Wilson finished with 168 passing yards and a touchdown while also adding a rushing touchdown. The Orediggers’ defense recorded four tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions and a forced fumble. Montana Western Hosts Rocky Mountain Next The Bulldogs will remain home next week when they host Rocky Mountain College at Bulldog Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

MADISON COUNTY, Mont. — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a man was found dead in the water at Renova Hot Springs earlier this month. According to information released by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the Madison County Communications Center received a report at approximately 8:50 a.m. on September 1 of a deceased male in the water at Renova Hot Springs. Renova Hot Springs is located along the Jefferson River approximately 11 miles south of Whitehall in Madison County. Madison County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area with assistance from Ruby Valley Ambulance. Upon arrival, responders located the deceased man, who authorities identified as David Crowley. Investigation Remains Ongoing The Madison County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Crowley’s death. Authorities have not released information regarding the cause or circumstances of his death at this time. The Sheriff’s Office said additional information will be released as appropriate once the investigation is complete. Southwestern Montana News will provide additional information if it becomes available.

MADISON COUNTY, Mont. — One person died following a single-bicycle crash in Madison County on Sunday evening, September 6, according to information released by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. At approximately 5:30 p.m., the Madison County Communications Center received a report of a bicycle crash involving critical injuries. Authorities said the incident is believed to have involved only the bicyclist, with no other people or vehicles involved. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Madison Valley Ambulance and Life Flight responded to the scene. Emergency responders and witnesses attempted lifesaving measures, but those efforts were unsuccessful. The Madison County Sheriff/Coroner’s Office is investigating the cause and manner of death. Authorities said no additional information will be released until the bicyclist’s family has been notified. Southwestern Montana News will provide additional information if it becomes available.

PONY, Mont. — A Madison County man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following an armed standoff with law enforcement near Pony, according to information released by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The incident began on August 24, 2026, when the Madison County Communications Center received a 911 hang-up call regarding a reported domestic disturbance in the Pony area. Madison County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the residence, but the male subject had left before they arrived. Following the initial investigation, authorities said a protective order related to Partner or Family Member Assault (PFMA) was issued. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Steven Killian returned to the residence on the evening of August 25 in violation of the protective order. Killian again left before law enforcement arrived, and deputies subsequently obtained an arrest warrant. Deputies later located Killian’s pickup near Pony. Authorities said Killian remained barricaded inside the vehicle and was armed with a firearm. Two Madison County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the incident, with assistance from four Montana Highway Patrol troopers. Law enforcement attempted to negotiate with Killian in an effort to resolve the situation peacefully. During the incident, the Sheriff’s Office reported that Killian sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. No law enforcement officers or members of the public were injured, and authorities said there was no danger to the surrounding community. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office extended its condolences to Killian’s family and others affected by the incident.