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On Thursday, May 22, a woman rushing her husband to the hospital after a farming accident was involved in a serious vehicle crash on Medicine Lodge road. The woman, driving a Toyota SUV, was making a sharp right turn when she lost control of the vehicle. The SUV left the roadway, rolled, and appeared to have flipped multiple times before coming to rest approximately 75 yards from where it exited the road. Both passengers sustained injuries from the crash and were transported from the scene by ambulance. The incident remains under investigation, and authorities remind drivers to exercise caution, especially on gravel and dirt roads.

The Dillon Beavers opened their run in the state state tournament with a dominant 11-0 victory over the East Helena Vigilantes on Thursday. With their eyes set on postseason success, the Beavers showcased a blend of powerful offense and solid defense in this important matchup. The Beavers scored six runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, sealing the game. The inning featured key plays such as Adyson Creighton  grounding out to score a run, Kinzy Creighton ’s triple to drive in a run, and Tymber Barnes ’s single that brought in another. Errors also contributed to the rally, adding two more runs to the tally. Dillon got on the board early, with Tymber Barnes  grounding out to score the first run in the bottom of the second, followed by Tyler Gibson ’s single to center, scoring one. The Beavers extended their lead in the third inning with RBI doubles from Katey Vezina  and Kaitlyn Konen . Adyson Creighton  earned the win from the circle, pitching three innings with just one hit and no runs allowed. She struck out five and walked none. Keeley Hamilton  started for East Helena, allowing three hits and five runs (one earned) in two and two-thirds innings. Tymber Barnes  pitched two innings of shutout ball, allowing just one hit with three strikeouts. The Beavers finished the game with a total of 10 hits. Tyler Gibson , Tymber Barnes , and Kaitlyn Konen  each had two hits, contributing to the team’s offensive strength. Katey Vezina and Barnes each drove in two runs. Patience at the plate was evident, with the team drawing five walks. defensively, Dillon committed no errors, and Kinzy Creighton  made the most plays with nine. For East Helena, Sara Dearing  and Taylor Field  each recorded one hit.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. ZONING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Agenda   1.    Call To Order   2.    Review and Approval of April 22nd, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes   3.    Director of Operations Report   4.    Applications for Zoning Compliance Certificates for Review:   2025-0136     20 Harrington                   The Housing Co                    Senior Community   5.    Review Work Camps Regulations in Zoning  - Set Public Hearing Date   6.    Review Impact Fee Proposal   7.    Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda                   and Within the Jurisdiction of the Zoning Commission.   8.      Adjournment               PLEASE NOTE : A Zoom link is available. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528,   allowing permission for mic and camera (if using a computer go to            https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245 .   z oning Commission Members:   Justin Rooley (Chair), Mike Watson, Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and its partner Jeffery Contracting, LLC anticipate moving to the east side of Montana Street this week, weather and other unforeseen factors permitting . From Montana Street, there may be limited access to Skihi and Virgina Street. Crews expect to close access to Virgina Street on Tuesday, May 27 for up to seven calendar days. Access to all businesses will be maintained. Memorial Weekend: Crews will pause construction activities for the Memorial Day weekend by 3 p.m. on Friday, May 23 and will resume on Tuesday, May 27. Normal working hours are typically Monday through Friday 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Please continue to drive slowly through the work zones.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. -  Western Bulldog and Dillon Beaver football player M.J. Simkins, whose life was tragically cut short prior to the start of his senior year, wore the number 18 with pride. The number had tremendous significance because it showed his love for Dillon and\ Beaverhead County, which is Montana county number 18.  MJ wore the no. 18 for three seasons 2014 to 2016. His brother Nathan carried forward the tradition and values of the no. 18 throughout his epic Bulldog career (2017-2021). The number 18 has since became a legacy number for the Bulldog Football team. "18 is a true legacy number. It denotes the best of what it is to be a Bulldog, integrity, work ethic, loyalty and leaving it better than you found it. Every player on this team aspires to someday wear 18," Head Coach Ryan Nourse said. The number was and will be given to a senior student athlete who represents the spirit and values of M.J. and what Bulldog Football is all about. Now, for the 2025 season, it has been awarded to Dillon native and senior linebacker Jace Fitzgerald .   "Growing up in Dillon, I always knew what the no. 18 jersey meant. It's more than just a number, it's a legacy. M.J. Simkins wasn't just a great football player. He was someone who genuinely made the people around him better. His quote, 'leave it better than you found it' has stuck with me for years. It's a mindset I try to live by, whether I'm on the field, in the classroom, or out in the community," Fitzgerald said. Fitzgerald, an upcoming senior on the 2025 football team, started his career playing at Montana State University. He transferred to the University of Montana Western before last season and earned first team all-conference honors in his first season for the Bulldogs. He was second on the Bulldog defense in tackles with 81 total tackles on the season and recorded 40 solo tackles and nine tackles for loss. He was a 2021 graduate of Beaverhead County High School and is a Dillon, Mont. native. "Wearing this number means honoring everything he stood for, loyalty, work ethic, selflessness, and pride in where you come from. It also means honoring the players who wore this legacy number before me, their dedication, leadership, and impact that they had on the program and doing my part to make sure the legacy continues to inspire and make a difference both on and off the field," Fitzgerald continued. The Bulldogs capped off an impressive season in 2024 with a 10-2 overall record, winning the Frontier Conference Championship for a second season in a row and secured their first NAIA playoff victory in over 30 years. "Jace is who he says he is and does what he says he will do and he operates with integrity. When he looked to move on from MSU, he didn't take the popular path like most of them, he chose to come home. This showed his loyalty to his community and to Montana Western, which gave him instant respect amongst his peers," Nourse said. "Earning what you get is a hallmark of being a Bulldog and Jace has earned everything he has accomplished here." The upcoming season for the Bulldogs will be the first in the revamped Frontier Conference, with the 14 football playing schools being divided into East and West Divisions. Montana Western will open the season at Montana Tech on Aug. 28. "I am excited and looking forward to continuing to raise and uphold the standard of this program," Fitzgerald said. "As a team we want to play disciplined, physical football and stay consistent week after week. To put our team in the best position to compete for another Frontier Conference title and beyond. " Click to check out  Engine 18  or the No. 18  homepage.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, MT  – On May 16, 2025, at approximately 5:59 PM, the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting a mental health crisis involving an adult male. The caller stated that the individual had made threats to harm others and himself. He reportedly threatened two people with a fire poker before retrieving a firearm as they left the residence for safety. After they departed, the man obtained additional firearms, barricaded himself inside a room, and cut phone lines, cutting off communication with law enforcement. It was later revealed that the male had training in long-distance shooting and owned rifles capable of such use. Responding agencies included the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office, Dillon Police Department, Montana Highway Patrol, Forest Service Law Enforcement, BLM Law Enforcement, and Fish and Game. The area was secured, neighboring residences evacuated, and an ambulance was on standby. Law enforcement utilized drones to maintain visual contact with the male through open windows. Butte-Silver Bow County SWAT  was called in and arrived quickly, deploying their armored vehicle to approach the residence. Using a loudspeaker, SWAT issued commands for the male to exit with his hands raised. He complied and was safely taken into custody before being transported to an emergency room for mental health treatment. Upon clearing the residence, authorities discovered the male had access to four firearms, three of which were loaded and ready for use. The entire standoff lasted nearly six hours and concluded peacefully without injury to anyone involved. The Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to all participating agencies and community members. Their cooperation was vital in ensuring a peaceful resolution and the safety of the community. The Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that mental health challenges are a serious issue, and anyone in need of help is encouraged to reach out to law enforcement or mental health professionals for support.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Wednesday, May 21st, 2025  6:45 P.M. Public Hearing to Take Comment on the Zoning of Brundage Minor Subdivision 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 7, 2025 Public Hearing on Dillon Town Lot 2.         Accept Transcript from May 7, 2025 Public Hearing on End of Road 3.         Approve Minutes from May 7, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting   C.        PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS               1.         Open Sealed Bids on Surplus Equipment 2.         Approve Request for $10,000 Cash Match for ORE Grant   D.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Review 2022 Audit with Morgan Scarr 2.         Appoint Ex-Officio to Study Commission 3.         Accept Resolution #1485 Donation of Vehicle   E.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         Planning Board - Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham                         a.         Approve The End of The Road Minor Subdivision Preliminary Plat                         b.         Approve Dillon Town Lot Minor Subdivision Preliminary Plat 2.         Zoning Commission - Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley                         a.         Accept Minutes of April 22nd, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes 3.         Board of Adjustments - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz 4.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey                         a.         Second Reading of Ordinance 484 – Floodplain Regulations 5.         Police Department – Police Chief Jeremy Alvarez                         a.         Accept Mileage Update 6.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose 7.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox 8.         Treasurer – Karen Kipp 9.         Library Board - Diane Armstrong, Council Member; Kim Denny, Library Director 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.         Accept Minutes from May 15, 2025 Finance Committee Budget Meeting 3.         Public Services – Diane Armstrong, Chair; Bill Shafer, Don Deem                         4.         Open Spaces – Raymond Graham, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Joleen Schultz 5.         Public Works – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Raymond Graham                         a.         Approve Minutes of May 14, 2025 Regular Public Works Meeting                                     i.          Approve Closure of South Side of Poindexter Street to Parking                          b.        Approve WWC Work Order #6 – Alley Reconstruction Engineering   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.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING May 22nd,  2025 9:00 a.m.                                                                                                        ~ AGENDA ~   1.           Discuss/Recommend FY 2025-2026 Budget Items             a.         Water & Sewer                         i.          Water Utility                         ii.         Water Reserve for Replacement                         iii.        Sinking River Crossing Bond                         iv.        Sewer Utility                         v.         Sewer Reserve for Replacement                         vi.        2015 Waste Water Plant             b.         Streets                         i.          Lighting district #33                         ii.         Sprinkling District #1                         iii.        Street Maintenance District                         iv.        Gas Tax                         v.         Reserve for Street & Alley                         vi.        Reserve – Sweeper                         vii.       Reserve Fund for Shop                         viii.      Reserve for Street             c.         Cemetery                         i.          Cemetery                         ii.         Reserve                         iii.        Perpetual Care                                                 2.      Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction of The City   3.      Adjournment   Committee Members:     Russ Schwandt, Chairperson, Diane Armstrong, Mary Jo O’Rourke

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana  59725 OPEN SPACES COMMITTEE MEETING Wednesday, May 21, 2025 4:00 P.M. AGENDA     1.                  Call To Order 2.                  Discuss Park Plan 3.                  Discuss/Recommend Dog Park Signs 4.         Update from Parks Leader             a.         Proposed Park Projects 5.         Finalize/Recommend Fee Updates For Parks and Cemetery 6.         Cemetery List of Projects 7.         Public Comment on Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 8.         Adjournment   Committee Members: Raymond Graham, Chairperson Anneliese Ripley Joleen Schultz

The University of Montana Western’s Fine Arts Department is excited to offer two engaging summer programs for performers of all ages and experience levels, including a week of hands-on theatre workshops from July 21–25 and a new Film Acting Intensive from August 1–8. Summer Theatre Workshops: July 21–25, 2025 Join us this summer for a fun, hands-on week of theater workshops filled with games, activities, and training for performers of all ages and experience levels. Younger students  will build confidence, ignite their imagination, and explore creative dramatics. Older students  will focus on character development, movement, diction, and memorization. Adult participants  will explore advanced acting techniques including emotional preparation, physicality, and instinctive response. Whether you’re new to the stage or a seasoned performer, these workshops offer a supportive and enriching space to grow as an artist. For more information and to register, visit  https://www.umwestern.edu/bank-of-commerce-performing-arts-series/get-involved/ . Summer Film Acting Intensive: August 1–8, 2025 Unlock the secrets of film acting in this immersive eight-day intensive at the University of Montana Western. Led by Scott Trost and Stephen Alan Seder, this series of experiential workshops takes you deep into the heart of the Meisner Technique while focusing on the art of filmmaking. Participants will learn how to prepare for a film shoot and how to adjust to focal lengths, camera angles, and movement. The intensive culminates in rigorous scene work that is captured on film and analyzed in a critical response session where students discover how editing and stylistic choices can elevate their performance. Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your skills and bring your on-screen presence to life. For more information and to register, visit  https://www.umwestern.edu/summer-film-acting-intensive/ . For additional details about UMW’s summer theatre programs, please contact Assistant Professor of Theatre, Stephen Seder at stephen.seder@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7038.

MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY May 20, 2025 5:00 PM   AGENDA:   I.                   Call to order II.                Approval of Minutes from 04-15-2025 meeting         Public Comment III.              Approval of Warrants         Public Comment IV.             Old Business                      Public Comment V.                New Business          Public Comment VI.             Chiefs Report                      Public Comment VII.          Public comment on subjects under the jurisdiction of Beaverhead Fire District #2 that is not on the agenda. VIII.       Adjournment

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. –  The University of Montana Western athletic department is pleased to announce that the 32nd Annual Scholarship Scramble will be held starting Friday, July 25 with the Calcutta and the tournament taking place Saturday, July 26 at Beaverhead Golf Course. The Scholarship Scramble, presented by Pioneer Federal, raises funds to provide opportunities and championship experiences for Montana Western student-athletes while ensuring their success in competition and the classroom. Schedule Friday, July 25 5 p.m. - Registration & Welcome 5:30 p.m. - Dinner 6:30 p.m. - Calcutta Saturday, July 26 7 a.m. & 12 p.m. - Check-in/Driving Range 7:45 a.m. & 12:45 p.m. - Team Captain Meeting 8 a.m.& 10 a.m. - Shotgun Start Awards to follow tournament. Tournament is limited to 36 teams. Entry fees include dinner on Friday, green fees, driving range, cart, registration gift and breakfast and lunch on Saturday. $10 for each additional dinner guest. To view the full golf scramble page and to sign up online,  click here. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Katie Lovett at Katherine.lovett@umwestern.edu or at 704-488-8251.

WISE RIVER – Emergency closures that were in effect for a portion of the Big Hole River and Fish Trap Fishing Access Site will be lifted Thursday. The river closure extended from Mud Creek Bridge downstream to Sportsman’s Park Fishing Access Site. Fish Trap Fishing Access Site was also closed. Both closures were in place for public safety during fire suppression operations on the Sawlog Fire. Fire activity in the area has subsided enough to allow the closures to be lifted. For more information about site restrictions and closures, click here .

The Sawlog Fire, which had threatened the surrounding areas, has been fully contained, with no smoke visible yesterday. The Type 3 Incident Management Team has officially transferred command to a Type 4 organization, led by Incident Commander Kyle Errecart, marking a significant milestone in the fire suppression efforts. Most firefighting resources have demobilized and returned to their home units. Remaining personnel will continue perimeter patrols and will enter the fire area only when conditions are safe, particularly due to recent muddy access caused by weather. The Incident Command Post located at Wisdom Airport is expected to be dismantled by the end of today. Recent weather played a crucial role in controlling the fire, with steady precipitation including snow and rain arriving over the past 24 hours. Some locations received at least half an inch of moisture, which helped suppress remaining hotspots. Today, weather conditions are primarily cloudy and foggy, with a 20% chance of additional precipitation. Temperatures are forecasted to remain in the 50s, with relative humidity around 55%. Winds will be from the northwest at 5-15 mph, with gusts reaching up to 25 mph. For public safety, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest’s Wisdom Ranger District has issued closures affecting roads and trails in the vicinity, including NFS Road #8242, NFS Trail #2180, and a portion of NFS Trail #2099. The Fishtrap Creek Fishing Access Site and the Sawlog dispersed camping area managed by the BLM also remain closed. The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) imposed over the fire area has been lifted, allowing aircraft operations to resume. Fire officials continue to monitor the area as new patrols are conducted when safe. Updates on closures, along with detailed maps and information, are available on the Sawlog Fire Inciweb page under the Closures tab.

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that the Montana Facility Finance Authority will begin providing conduit bonds to a broader range of projects. With the passage of Senate Bill 104, signed by Governor Greg Gianforte on April 16, 2025, more Montana businesses and nonprofits will benefit from a clear, reliable route to the bond market — without relying on taxpayer funds. “Conduit bonds play a vital role in driving economic development by enabling large-scale projects that provide substantial public benefits, such as healthcare and housing,” said MFFA Executive Director Adam Gill. “These investments not only create jobs and stimulate local economies but also enhance the overall quality of life for Montanans.” For over 40 years, MFFA has served as a statewide issuer of healthcare bonds, facilitating the issuance of more than $4 billion in bonds across Montana. SB 104, sponsored by Sen. Gayle Lammers (R - Hardin) expands access to MFFA’s financial expertise, enabling a broader range of borrowers — including schools, museums, energy providers, broadband providers and manufacturing facilities — to move forward with critical expansion projects that might otherwise face delays, reductions or cancellation. SB 104 creates a clear and consistent pathway to let private borrowers work with private lenders. While not obligating anyone to participate in the bond market or imposing risk on state or local governments, the bill creates a path to the market for projects with a clear public benefit. In addition to providing MFFA with a new, expansive reach, SB 104 triples the biennial bond issuance cap from $500 million to $1.5 billion. It also automatically increases the cap by 3 percent every two years. “For the last 40 years, the MFFA provided access to the bond market for healthcare facilities across Montana — that’s been our core expertise,” Gill said. “That avenue has always been available to other organizations, but they had to work through local governments that weren’t consistently available or equipped with the resources to help. This new law changes that. It allows us to offer our expertise directly to a broader range of eligible projects, without creating any obligation for the state or its taxpayers. It’s a win for the organizations, a win for communities and a win for Montana.” The MFFA is governed by a seven-member board who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate. It is a quasi-judicial board which is administratively attached to Commerce.