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Dillon, MT  — Dust off your boots, wrangle your stick horse, and get ready for a rootin’-tootin’ good time! The Tweedy Mountain Fun Club—a group I help run with Tara and our friends Derek & Katrina Lewis, and Klaire Kramer— is bringing the fun back to fundraising with the first-ever Stick Horse Stampede , a family-friendly event taking place on Friday, June 13th at 5 PM at Jaycee Park . This isn’t your average rodeo—it’s a wild celebration full of laughter, community spirit, and downright silly competitions. The event is free to enter , open to all ages , and jam-packed with entertainment, food, and flair. Leading the charge is none other than Beaverhead County Attorney Sky Jones , who is serving as both event spokesperson  and Vice Chair of the Early Childhood Coalition of Beaverhead County (ECCBC) . A founding member of the Tweedy Mountain Fun Club , Sky is joined by fellow fun-bringers Tara Jones, Katrina Lewis, Derek Lewis, and Klaire Kramer —local champions who believe that fundraising should always come with a big dose of fun. “This is the kind of event that brings the whole town together—kids, parents, neighbors—everyone can come out, have a blast, and support something that matters,” said Jones. “We’re raising money for ECCBC, and doing it with a whole lot of laughter.” Special guest Sophia Wyatt, Miss Dillon Jaycee Rodeo Queen , will be emceeing the always-hilarious Rodeo Queen Competition , one of the night’s featured events. Come cheer on your neighbors (and maybe compete yourself!) in a series of rodeo-themed challenges including bronc riding, barrel racing, rescue races , and more—stick horses provided or BYO! Don’t Miss This Lineup: ●     3 PM  – Horse Tales Story Time (read by Debbie at The Bookstore) ●     4 PM  – Pie Eating Contest (sponsored by the Beaverhead Chamber & Town & Country Foods) ●     4–5 PM  – Horse Crafts with the Dillon Public Library ●     5 PM  – Stick Horse Stampede & Rodeo Games Begin! Enjoy food trucks , a 50/50 raffle , and glam stands  from local salons to get rodeo-ready.  Free to compete. Costumes encouraged. Giggles guaranteed. All proceeds benefit the Early Childhood Coalition of Beaverhead County , supporting children and families across our community. For more information, call (406) 579-4884  or visit facebook.com/earlychildhood406 . About the Tweedy Mountain Fun Club:  The Tweedy Mountain Fun Club—a group I help run with Tara and our friends Derek & Katrina Lewis, and Klaire Kramer— puts the fun in fundraising. Made up of local leaders who care deeply about the community (and enjoy a good laugh), the Club exists solely to support area nonprofits through joy-driven events that make giving back a whole lot more fun.

University of Montana Western English majors Selika McGlynn and Rebecca Shandy presented their original research at Connections 2025, an academic conference hosted by graduate students at the University of California, Davis. Their papers were developed as part of the final project in LIT 228: Italian Late Middle Ages Literature, a co-taught course by Dr. Sean Eudaily and Dr. Bethany Blankenship. The course explores major literary works from the Italian Renaissance, including texts by Dante Alighieri, Francesco Petrarch, and Giovanni Boccaccio. Designed around UMW’s experiential learning model, LIT 228 blends Dr. Eudaily’s expertise in Renaissance political and classical philosophy with Dr. Blankenship’s specialization in literary analysis. As part of the class, students submitted abstracts to a real academic conference. Drs. Eudaily and Blankenship selected Connections, hosted annually by UC Davis graduate students, for its theme—landscapes—and its encouragement of undergraduate participation. Several students had their abstracts accepted, and this year, McGlynn and Shandy traveled to California to present in person. “Attending the conference gave me real insight into literary research and academic discussion with people from across the country,” said Shandy, a junior. “Presenting my paper was nerve-wracking but a fantastic opportunity to be pushed out of my comfort zone within my literary studies.” Her paper examined the physical and psychological landscapes of despair in Dante’s  Inferno  and Boccaccio’s  The Decameron . She noted that the course challenged her to think critically and approach research more independently. “My goal for this class was to try my hand at conducting some of my own academic research. Being given the chance to apply for the conference, be accepted, and present helped me achieve that goal.” Shandy also praised the dual-instructor format. “Having both Dr. Blankenship and Dr. Eudaily co-teaching one block class was great. I feel like I was pushed to expand my thinking, writing, and research in new ways due to having multiple perspectives in the classroom. This course stands for what X1 is all about.” For McGlynn, who has since graduated and been accepted into the Master’s in English program at Montana State University in Bozeman, the experience was a rewarding capstone to her undergraduate career. “Overall, my experience was very fun,” she said. “The conference was hosted by graduate school students and included many different study groups that focused on landscapes.” She initially doubted her work would be accepted. “When I got the email that I was chosen to present, I stared at it and just thought, ‘There is no way.’ I had finished my thesis just a week or two before, so it actually worked out really well.” McGlynn’s paper analyzed how Dante and Boccaccio used the city of Florence as a psychological landscape. “Dante used his exile as inspiration for  Inferno , creating a hellish landscape drawn from political events he had witnessed. Boccaccio, on the other hand, wrote  The Decameron  during the plague, beginning with death and horror in Florence before retreating into a symbolic Eden—a walled garden in the countryside.” She also reflected on the course’s unique structure. “Having the opportunity to learn from both the literary and historical sides of the material brought the class to life in a new way. I would definitely recommend taking a dual class with Dr. Blankenship and Dr. Eudaily if there is one open!” Dr. Blankenship sees opportunities like these as essential to English studies. “One of the best ways to teach literature experientially is to have students do what scholars do: read deeply, write critically, and share their work with the academic community,” she said. “We’re incredibly proud of Selika and Rebecca for representing UMW so well on a national stage.” To learn more about the University of Montana Western, please visit  www.umwestern.edu  or contact Admissions at 877-683-7331.

DILLON, MT  – Guy Holt, a 16-year-old (now Junior) student at Beaverhead County High School, brought a meaningful project to life in wood class. Inspired by the Thin Blue Line honor flag, Guy crafted a custom table that pays tribute to law enforcement. He took slabs of wood around town to various locations associated with law enforcement and the community, and asked for signatures from anyone who wanted to show support. The result is a unique and heartfelt piece that embodies community respect and appreciation for those who serve. Guy’s dedication and creativity have highlighted the importance of honoring our local heroes in a personal and memorable way. The table remains a tribute to law enforcement and the community’s ongoing support. Guy Holt, a 16-year-old (now Junior) student at Beaverhead County High School, brought a meaningful project to life in wood class. Inspired by the Thin Blue Line honor flag, Guy crafted a custom table that pays tribute to law enforcement.

From the Madison County Sheriff Facebook page In the late hours of June 6, 2025, Madison County Communications received a call requesting assistance in locating a missing dirt bike rider. The individual has been identified as 66-year-old Peter Rugheimer  of Sheridan. Sadly, Mr. Rugheimer was located deceased just before sunset on June 7, 2025, in the Mill Creek area east of Sheridan. At this time, authorities believe his death was accidental. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Coroner's Office are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest condolences to Mr. Rugheimer’s family and friends. We share in your grief and offer support during this difficult time. We also thank all those who assisted in the search and recovery efforts, including Ruby Valley Search and Rescue , Madison Valley SAR , Beaverhead SAR , Civil Air Patrol , Life Flight Network , U.S. Forest Service , U.S. Air Force , as well as his numerous family and friends. 66-year-old Peter Rugheimer  of Sheridan PC Madison County Sherriff Facebook Page

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information CASPER, Wyo. -  The Montana Western Rodeo Team is just under a week away from the start of the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) that is set to be held in Casper, Wyo. from June 15 through 21 and they have just received the position draw for the rodeo. The Montana Western men's and women's rodeo teams secured second place finishes in the Big Sky Region to qualify for the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR). This marks the first time since 2021 that both teams will be traveling to the CNFR in the same season. The men's team will be sending a group of six men to the finals, including four repeat finalists. Four Bulldog women claimed bids to the finals after they finished in second as a team in the region. This year's finals will be a first for three of the four women competing at the CNFR. Daily results will be posted  here  as the week continues. Position Draw Chase Martin , Saddle Bronc Riding             Go 1 – Sunday, June 15 Matinee             Go 2 – Tuesday, June 16 Slack             Go 3 – Friday, June 20 Performance Trevor Kay , Bareback Riding             Go 1 – Sunday, June 15 Matinee             Go 2 – Tuesday, June 17 Slack             Go 3 – Friday, June 20 Performance Gavin Knutson , Bull Riding             Go 1 – Sunday, June 15 Matinee             Go 2 – Monday, June 16 Slack             Go 3 – Friday, June 20 Performance Jake Deveraux , Tie Down Roping             Go 1 – Monday, June 16 Slack             Go 2 – Tuesday, June 17 Slack             Go 3 – Friday, June 20 Performance Cole Trexler & Kyler Erickson  , Team Roping             Go 1 – Monday, June 16 Slack             Go 2 – Tuesday, June 17 Slack             Go 3 – Tuesday, June 17 Performance Tavy Leno , Goat Tying             Go 1 – Monday, June 16 Slack             Go 2 – Tuesday, June 17 Slack             Go 3 – Wednesday, June 18 Performance Laura Haight , Barrel Racing             Go 1 – Monday, June 16 Slack             Go 2 – Tuesday, June 17 Slack             Go 3 – Thursday, June 19 Performance Charlee Resch , Breakaway Roping             Go 1 – Sunday, June 15 Matinee             Go 2 – Monday, June 16 Slack             Go 3 – Tuesday, June 16 Performance Tynell Mclnenly , Breakaway Roping             Go 1 – Sunday, June 15 Matinee             Go 2 – Tuesday, June 17 Slack             Go 3 – Wednesday, June 18 Performance Click here  to view the full schedule for the week. The College National Finals Rodeo is also expanding live television coverage on ESPN this year. All performances of the CNFR—Tuesday through Saturday will air on ESPN3.

DILLON, MT  – At 7:50 PM on June 7, 2025, deputies responded to a water rescue at Clark Canyon Reservoir after receiving a report of a waterlogged kayak. Upon arrival, it was initially unknown if the individual in the kayak was wearing any flotation device. Local boaters at the launch quickly put their vessel in the water and assisted deputies in reaching the man. The man was pulled to shore and subsequently transported by Beaverhead Ambulance to Barrett Hospital ER with suspected hypothermia. The Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office extends sincere gratitude to the good Samaritans who helped in the rescue. Their quick response likely saved the man’s life. Officials remind everyone to exercise caution when recreating on waterways and to always wear a life jacket for safety.

BUTTE, MT  – The annual Wings and Wheels  car and airplane show was held today, June 7th, at the Bert Mooney Airport . This year’s event commemorated 80 years since WWII and honored all veterans who served. The event was free to enter and offered something for everyone—from WWII aircraft to classic muscle cars and modern vehicles. Attendees enjoyed a full day of displays, with the show kicking off with a pancake breakfast fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., supporting the Civil Air Patrol. Visitors also had the chance to meet The Patriot Pinup Girls , who offered free photos and supported troops. The highlight of the day was the display of vintage WWII aircraft, including: “Miss Montana” – from the Museum of Mountain Flying A very rare P-63 Kingcobra from the Legacy Flight Museum The very special “Orphan Girl” – a P-51D Mustang tribute to Butte native Holsey Johnson Jr. , who gave his life flying a Mustang during WWII exactly 80 years ago An L-19 Bird Dog A rare Stinson Gullwing Visitors spent the day exploring the many cars and aircraft, celebrating history and honoring service. The event provided a memorable experience full of history, craftsmanship, and community spirit.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and its partner Jeffery Contracting, LLC expect to finish paving Montana Street next week. Expect slower speeds, flaggers, and two-way traffic. Crews also expect to work on the manholes and behind the sidewalks late next week. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Large equipment will be on the road, please continue to drive slowly through the work zones.   Stay connected on project updates with SMS or email by texting “DILLON” to 844-764-2126.

Beaverhead County Mental Health Local Advisory Counsel County Treasurer’s Office – Corner of Washington St. & Center St. AGENDA Thursday, June 12, 2025, Noon to 1:00 p.m. Introductions - Establish Quorum Approval of Minutes – April 10, 2025, meeting ACTION ITEMS: 1. Appoint Chair and Vice Chair 2. Discuss Budget and Future Schedule UPDATES 1. Local updates 2. Public Health Update (Crisis Diversion) NEW BUSINESS Adjourn

KALISPELL — A grizzly bear charged a landowner near his residence between Condon and Seeley Lake in northwest Montana. On the night of June 3, the landowner heard noises outside his residence and disturbances with his livestock and dogs. He walked outside onto his property to check on his animals and that's when the bear charged at him. The man shot and killed the bear. Thankfully, he was uninjured during the encounter. Bears are active across the region. If you are experiencing conflicts with bears, please call your local Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks bear specialist. You can locate their contact information here. Be bear aware   Montana is bear country. Grizzly bear populations continue to become denser and more widespread in Montana, increasing the likelihood that residents and recreationists could encounter them in more places each year.  Avoiding conflicts with bears is easier than dealing with conflicts. Here are some precautions to help residents, recreationists and people who work outdoors avoid negative bear encounters:  Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.  Travel in groups whenever possible and make casual noise, which can help alert bears to your presence.  Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears.  Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.  If you encounter a bear, never approach it. Leave the area when it is safe to do so.  Keep garbage, bird feeders, pet food and other attractants put away in a secure building. Keep garbage in a secure building until the day it is collected. Certified bear-resistant garbage containers are available in many areas.  Never feed wildlife. Bears that become food conditioned lose their natural foraging behavior and pose threats to human safety. It is illegal to feed bears in Montana.  For more information and resources on bear safety, visit  fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear .

Dillon, MT  – On Wednesday, June 4th, first responders, along with the Montana Highway Patrol and Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a fatal single-vehicle crash on southbound I-15 near mile marker 70. The vehicle exited the roadway and gradually drifted into the borrow pit, causing it to roll multiple times. There were two people inside the vehicle at the time of the crash. The driver, a male from Anaconda, was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital via ambulance. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Further details about the cause or circumstances have not yet been released.

HELENA, MT  – The Dillon Cubs fell just short in a thrilling game against the Helena Reps on Tuesday, losing 7-6 in a walk-off victory that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final out. The game was tied at six in the bottom of the seventh inning when Reddek Richardson  singled to drive in the winning run for Helena. Kanin Engelhardt  led the Cubs with a strong offensive performance, going 3-for-4. He singled in the first inning, doubled in the seventh, and singled again in the sixth to provide key hits for Dillon. The Reps took an early lead in the second inning with a wild pitch and an RBI single by Deagan Solan  that scored two runs. The Cubs responded in the top of the seventh inning, tying the game with a single by Trenton Moreni , a double from Engelhardt, and a single from Marcus Lagunas . The game’s winning score came in the bottom of the seventh as Richardson’s clutch single propelled Helena to victory. Grant Bahnmiller  earned the win for the Reps, surrendering four hits and three runs over one and two-thirds innings, with two strikeouts and two walks. Jase Alvarez  took the loss for Dillon, pitching one and one-third innings, allowing one run on zero hits, with one strikeout and one walk. Will Hansen  started for Dillon, giving up five hits and three runs in two and two-thirds innings. Both teams showcased offensive firepower, each collecting 10 hits. For Dillon, Moreni  and Engelhardt  each contributed three hits, with Lagunas  and Alvarez  also adding multiple hits. The Helena team was led by Reddek Richardson , who had three hits in five at-bats from the leadoff spot. Deagan Solan  and Pierce Sublette  each drove in two runs for Helena, while Brayden Spurzem  and Tyler Kaiser  added multiple hits. The Reps also played solid defense, turning one double play in the game.

DILLON, MT  – Dillon police and first responders responded Tuesday afternoon to a two-vehicle collision on Montana Street. The incident involved a black pickup truck and a grey SUV traveling southbound. The pickup rear-ended the SUV, causing both vehicles to pull off the road onto Ramshorn. The driver of the SUV was reported to be experiencing neck pains, and an ambulance was dispatched to evaluate and assist them. No further details about injuries or damages have been released.

DILLON, Mont., June 3, 2025 – The University of Montana Western named 530 students to the 2025 spring semester Dean’s List. To achieve this honor, students must be enrolled full-time or for 12 semester credits and carry a minimum 3.33 grade point average. An asterisk after a name indicates a student received Dean’s List high honors. The listing below is divided into In-state and Out-of-State/International students, alphabetically by city and state. Click on file for full list

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Wednesday, June 4th, 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.         Accept Transcript from May 21, 2025 Public Hearing on Brundage Minor Subdivision 2.         Approve Minutes from May 21, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting   C.        PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS               1.         Accept AARP Grant   D.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Approve Resolution #1487 Setting Mail Ballot Election 2.         Discuss Ex-Officio 3.         Statement from the Mayor   E.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         Planning Board - Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham                         a.         Accept the Minutes of April 15, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes                         b.         Accept the Minutes of May 1, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes 2.         Zoning Commission - Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley                         a.         Accept Minutes of May 13th, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes                         b.         Approve Resolution #1486 - Zoning of Brundage Garage Minor Subdivision 3.         Board of Adjustments - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz                         a.         Accept April 10th, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes                         b.         Accept April 30th, Public Hearing Transcript                         c.         Accept May 15th, 2025 Public Hearing Transcript         4.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey 5.         Police Department – Police Chief Jeremy Alvarez                         a.         Accept Incident Report for May 2025 6.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose                         a.         Accept March, 2025 Activity Report                         b.         Approve City Clerk Report for Fire Hall for March, 2025                         c.         Approve Budget vs. Expenditures Report for Fire Hall for March, 2025 7.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox                         a.         Accept Court Report for May 2025 8.         Treasurer – Karen Kipp 9.         Library Board - Diane Armstrong, Council Member; Kim Denny, Library Director                         a.         Accept the Minutes from the March 24, 2025 Regular Board Meeting                         b.         Accept the Minutes from the April 29, 2025 Regular Board Meeting 10.       Tree Board – Mary Jo O’Rourke, Council Member              F.        REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Ordinances & Facilities – Bill Shafer, Chair; Joleen Schultz, Mary Jo O’Rourke 2.         Finance Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Diane Armstrong, Mary Jo O’Rourke                         a.         Approve the Minutes from May 22, 2025 Finance Committee Budget Meeting                         b.         Approve the Minutes from May 29, 2025 Regular Finance Meeting                                     i.          Approve Fund Summary for Claims for May 2025                                     ii.         Approve Claims by Vendor Report for May 2025                                     iii.        Approve Mayor’s Report to the Finance Committee for May 2025                                     iv.        Approve Budget vs. Actual Report for May 2025 3.         Public Services – Diane Armstrong, Chair; Bill Shafer, Don Deem 4.         Open Spaces – Raymond Graham, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Joleen Schultz                         a.         Approve the Minutes from May 21, 2025 Regular Open Spaces 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.