Governor Greg Gianforte today announced two measures to address the state’s severe workforce shortage and incentivize Montanans to reenter the labor force. The State of Montana will launch a return-to-work bonus program, utilizing federal funds authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act. Return-to-work bonuses will be paid to unemployed individuals who rejoin the labor force and accept and maintain steady employment for at least one month. The governor also announced the State of Montana will end its participation in federal pandemic-related unemployment benefit programs and transition to pre-pandemic unemployment insurance (UI) eligibility and benefits by the end of June. “Montana is open for business again, but I hear from too many employers throughout our state who can’t find workers. Nearly every sector in our economy faces a labor shortage,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Incentives matter,” Gov. Gianforte continued, “and the vast expansion of federal unemployment benefits is now doing more harm than good. We need to incentivize Montanans to reenter the workforce. Our return-to-work bonus and the return to pre-pandemic unemployment programs will help get more Montanans back to work.” Across Montana, employers struggle to find workers, particularly in the health care, construction, manufacturing, and hospitality and leisure industries. Returning to pre-pandemic unemployment eligibility and offering return-to-work incentives will encourage workers to reenter the workforce and help ease a critical labor shortage across Montana. “Montana’s unemployment rate is at just 3.8% – near pre-pandemic lows – and statewide there are record numbers of new job postings each week. But today, despite an influx of new residents into Montana over the last year, our labor force is some 10,000 workers smaller than it was before the pandemic,” Commissioner of Labor and Industry Laurie Esau said. “Our labor shortage doesn’t just affect employers and business owners. Employees who are forced to work longer shifts, serve more customers or clients, and take on more duties have been paying the price.” Montana will be the first state in the nation to fully opt out of the federal unemployment benefit programs enacted since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Requirements that unemployment insurance claimants actively seek work and be “able and available” for work will be reinstated effective June 27, as well. Specifically, Montana’s Department of Labor & Industry announced the following changes to the unemployment insurance (UI) program: Starting June 27, 2021, claimants who have exhausted their traditional UI benefits but had continued to receive them through the federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program will no longer be eligible for UI payments. Beginning June 27, 2021 Montana will no longer be issuing supplemental $300 weekly payments to claimants under the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program. Beginning June 27, 2021, Montana will no longer participate in the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. PUA presently provides benefits to the self-employed, the underemployed, independent contractors, and individuals who have been unable to work due to health or COVID-19 affected reasons. Starting June 27, 2021, Montana will no longer participate in the Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) program, which offers supplemental payments to individuals who had both traditional W-2 income as well as self-employment income. Requirements that claimants be able to work, available for work, and actively seeking work in order to be considered eligible for benefits will be reinstated effective June 27, 2021. These requirements had previously been suspended under emergency rule-making authority in March of last year. More information about work-search and “able & available” requirements is available in the UI Claimants handbook. Unemployment insurance claimants will be receiving information soon about how these changes affect them individually. Until then, claimants with questions about their future eligibility are encouraged to visit MontanaWorks.gov or contact the Department of Labor & Industry at 406-444-2545. Claimants receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) should contact 406-444-3382. The Return-to-Work Bonus initiative will offer $1,200 payments to individuals receiving unemployment benefits as of May 4, 2021, who subsequently accept employment and complete at least four paid weeks of work. Individuals eligible for the bonus will be contacted by the Department of Labor and Industry and informed of their eligibility, as well as more information about how to ensure they receive the payment after they complete four weeks of employment. For More Information: A summary of the changes to be implemented to Montana’s Unemployment Insurance program can be viewed here . More information about Montana’s labor shortage is available here . More information about the governor’s proposed Return-to-Work Bonuses can be found here.

The Dillon Rotarians will conduct their business meeting on Wednesday, May 5, 2021. Visitors are welcome. Anyone interested in learning more about Rotary should come at noon to be a guest for lunch. The Club meets in the Guild Hall of St. James Episcopal Church, 203 East Glendale St. For more information, email Mike Blando at mikeblando0717@gmail.com or Tina Giem at tgiem@barretthospital.org .

Press release from University of MT Western: Michael Reid has been selected as the new Chancellor for the University of Montana Western and brings with him over 30 years of experience in higher education administration. Reid currently serves as the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance at the University of Montana Western and as the Chief Fiscal Officer for Helena College. “The search advisory committee and the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education are pleased to announce the hiring of Michael Reid for the Chancellor position at Montana Western,” said Search Advisory Committee Chair and OCHE Deputy Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Tyler Trevor. “We feel that Mike will continue to move the university forward and that his wealth of administrative and financial experience, combined with a focus on data-driven decision making, will further support the students, faculty and staff at UMW and continue to build upon the success of the university’s Experience One program.” Reid started with the Montana University System in March 2013 and has been at the University of Montana Western since July 2018. His educational background includes both an MBA and a BA in Finance from Utah State University. Over his 30 years of administrative experience, he has served for 20 of them as a Vice President/Chancellor for Administration and Finance at institutions including Pueblo Community College, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Angelo State University, The University of Montana, and Sierra Nevada College. Although his background in higher education administration has often been centered on university operations and finances, Reid also has significant experience in facility master planning, capital construction, strategic planning, institutional forecasting and modeling, auxiliary operations and events management. “I’m excited, and humbled, to be entrusted with this responsibility at the University of Montana Western. Over the past few years, both Montana Western and the welcoming town of Dillon have been incredible places to call home with inspiring students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community support. I am enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead of us and look forward to working with everyone in continuing the legacy that is UMW and building on the solid foundation that has already been established,” said Reid. Reid and his wife, Shauna, are passionate about the outdoors and take frequent advantage of the incredible surroundings and activities available in the Dillon area. Effective as of May 3, 2021, Reid’s appointment will be brought before the Montana Board of Regents for approval at its regularly scheduled meeting later in May. He succeeds Beth Weatherby, who is retiring after leading the university for the past 6.5 years.

City of Dillon will hold a public hearing on budget amendments for fiscal year 2020-2021. This will be Wednesday May 5, at 6:45 P.M. at City Hall. Regular City Council will be held after this at 7 P.M. An agenda of the meeting can be seen below.

Wisdom Community Center - 105 Years Old and Counting… Serena Stevenson & Dennis Havig, May 1st In the early 1900s Wisdom residents had a dream of a civic center. To that end, William Montgomery donated land that was later traded for the land that the Community Center is located on today. In fact, William Montgomery was called the father of the community building in a 1917 article in the Big Hole Basin News. Montgomery was quoted as saying. “I want this town to have a place where cattlemen and buyers can meet and talk over market conditions without interruptions. And I want to see a place where good and pure entertainment can be given the young folks. I will give the lots upon which the building may be erected and will do everything in my power to see such a place in Wisdom.” Just so you know, in 1916 the only place to meet was a bar or someone’s home. In January of 1916 members of the Big Hole Basin Stockman’s Association including President Shaw, Ben Stevenson, and Wm Montgomery and others joined forces with RA Hathaway from the Big Hole Basin News to develop a community building facility. The Wisdom Masons, Odd Fellows, the Excelsior Club or Women's Club also joined in the effort. The Montgomery property was traded with JP Lossl for the current site of the community building. The original name was the Wisdom Library Association formed in 1916. Hathaway was on the school board and knew that with the construction of the new brick Wisdom School house the old school building would be for sale. On March 2, 1916 the Wisdom Library Association purchased the “old Wisdom School” for $500 and quickly moved it to the current location to take advantage of ice and snow so the building could be skidded into place with teams of horses. CW Francis charged $76 to move the school to its current location, with the help of numerous locals who supplied horse teams. Kathy Wise our Big Hole Breezes Historical contributor went to kindergarten there. The records are incomplete, but it appears from unsigned notes in the community building that the first Wisdom School from 1882 was in the river bottom below the Wisdom airport. The south half of the Wisdom Community Center building that we use today is likely the second school building from 1886 to 1915. The third school building was the old brick school opened in 1915 which closed and was torn down in 1988. The current school which opened in 1989 is the fourth. In 1951 the Wisdom Community Center built two rooms and leased them to the American Legion and the Women’s club. Between 1916 and today the name has changed 4 times, the board chose to stick with the 1950 name “the Wisdom Community Center”. The Wisdom Community Center is now a non-profit corporation. And just like in 1916, we still need a community building. Over the last year efforts have been made to update the center. The WCC board and volunteers have been busy trying to keep the physical building usable. With the help of the Beaverhead Foundation, the buildings foundation under the west wall has been repaired, and the support columns under the north half of the building were also fixed. The bathrooms were remodeled, and the floors upgraded. United Way of Beaverhead county paid to replace the rug in the Women's club. The two north rooms were also repainted. This was all accomplished in part by grant money from the Federal Cares Act of 2020 to non-profits. That grant got them through the last year and they have asked our local representatives in the Montana house and senate if they could help us in 2021. David & Janice Scott scored a paint donation from the Sherwin Williams paint store in Butte for the Legion Room and the Women’s Club Room / Library. The wood floors in the Legion Room, and the new carpet in the Women’s club Room are truly beautiful and show a dedication to work very well done. David Scott caulked all the seams on the walls before painting and the walls are now restored to their original beauty. David went to Sherwin Williams and they were able to exactly match the trim stain. New chimney covers were ordered from Amazon and painted to match the original ones that had worn out. Janice Scott beamed as she told me how happy she felt in being a part of this project. She stated that what everyone seemed to enjoy most was the rebirth of the old place, you take something old and worn out, you work together, and you make it new again. It is like putting new life back into the old place, and the community. Clearly the Covid pandemic has reduced usage of the building thus revenues are near zero except for a few meetings and memorials from generous people in the community. But we still need a place to meet, a place to vote, a place pray, a place to celebrate and a place to morn. Anna Stevenson, President of the WCC along with other board members are looking for new ways to use the community center. It seems that as our community shrinks so does the need for the building. In early August there is a plan to have a flea market in Wisdom and maybe use part of the community building for that event. The hope is that government and private entities start holding in person meetings again and will consider the WCC for these events. There are other suggestions like an art show, community potlucks and the return of the gun show. The Board will keep working to keep the WCC building alive and stable, but they need your help to do so. So, if you are planning a get together, meeting, family reunion, funeral, party, or dance consider the Wisdom Community Center. There are three separate rooms of various sizes, a fully stocked kitchen, tables and chairs, a stage, sound system and projector, and a piano. Also included in the Women’s Club Room is a library containing original printed editions of the Big Hole Breezes and other area papers, along with many historical books. The Library can be accessed, and the building can be booked, by calling Anna Stevenson at 689-3260 or 689-3418. Catering is also available for your event from local businesses in the area. Donations can be sent to - Wisdom Community Center or WCC, PO Box 66, Wisdom, MT 59761. The Wisdom Community Center has been a fixture in Wisdom for over a 100 years thanks to the vision and hard work of generations of people in this valley. With a little luck and continued hard work it will serve another 100 years of future generations in the Big Hole Valley. Lastly, we need to say thank you so much to the many people who built and have kept this building available for all of us to use. Thank you, Tom Healy, Dusty Hosko, David & Janice Scott, Anna Stevenson, Diane & Dennis Havig, Kathy & Dean Wise, Melody Mitchel, and all board members and volunteers past and present. We appreciate you!

Submitted by Mel Rice – Public Relations Sunday Morning at 12:15 a.m., the Beaverhead Search and Rescue was paged out to look for a lost party in the Crystal Park area. A 53 year old gentleman and his 16 year old son had been reported missing from a day trip to Crystal Park. The lost party is from Anaconda. The incident actually started the day before. The reporting party called the Sheriff’s office at 7:52 p.m. Saturday evening and reported the two individuals had not returned home. A Sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to the Scenic By-Way from the Grasshopper end of the highway. A Highway Patrol Trooper was also dispatched from the Wise River end. Searches at either end of the byway did not produce the lost individuals or their vehicle. The Dillon deputy found car tracks going around the road closure barrier just below Elkhorn Hot Springs. Upon further investigation the deputy, while following the tracks, became stuck in a snow bank. After digging for two hours and finally getting some help from one of the Grasshopper Volunteer Firemen, he got out and returned to Dillon. At that time the Beaverhead Search and Rescue was called out to aid in the search. Tara Remely, Alex Dunn, Lawrence Morrisroe, and Mel Rice responded to the call out. Rice acted as the IC while Dunn, Remely, and Morrisroe were deployed to the Scenic By-Way with a side by side and snowmobile. The side by side and sled ventured up the By-Way behind the closure gate. The side x side had been stuck twice and was about 300 yards short of the Price Creek Campground. They had found nothing. At that point the sled went on into Crystal Park and over to Moose Park. Nothing was located and it was determined the Nisson car the party was driving would not have been able to make it that far. There were no tracks from a car in the area. It was also determined a car of that nature would not have been able to advance beyond the road closure barrier on the Wise River end of the By-Way… Therefore, the S&R members terminated the search in the area and returned to Dillon, arriving back in town at 6:10 a.m. At this point the Sheriff’s office called individuals in Anaconda and was informed the individuals were home. Approximately 36 man hours were spent during the search. "Your Beaverhead Search and Rescue would like to remind the public that the Scenic By-Way is closed to car and truck traffic until such time as the road barricades are opened. Please honor the closure until such time as it is formally opened. There is still quite a bit of snow up on top".

Today at 3 P.M. Western finished up the third and final graduation ceremony those receiving degrees in Modern History, Psychology, Anthropology and Sociology, English, Visual Arts, Interdisciplinary Social Science, Mathematics, Environmental Science, Environmental Interpretation, Environmental Sustainability, Biology, Ecology, and Associate of Arts/Science majors were honored. Commencement Speaker for the ceremony was Joe Morstein you can view the whole ceremony here.

Ceremony II: Saturday, May 1 at 10:00 a.m. - Education majors Commencement Speaker Dr. David Yarlott Dr. David Yarlott, currently President of Little Big Horn College, is Korean and Crow and grew up in Crow Agency, Mont., before attending college as a first-generation student in the early 1980’s. Yarlott went on to earn three degrees from the University of Montana. While attending graduate school at MSU, Yarlott was offered an opportunity to teach at Little Big Horn College and went on to become the college’s president in 2002. Priorities of his tenure as president included expansion of infrastructure, while emphasizing green technology, consistent with his value of “being kinder to the earth.” Yarlott was a founder of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium Athletic Commission, on the board of the World Indigenous Games, Chair of the Governing Board of Trustees for the American Indian College Fund, and Commissioner for the Northwest Commission on College and University Accreditation. We will be livestreaming ceremony 3 at 3 P.M. today

Western will be holding three commencements instead of the traditional one. The hope is this will allow graduates to attend in person as well as family members. Today ceremony 1 was held those receiving degrees in Business, Health and Human Performance/Kinesiology, and Natural Horsemanship/Equine Studies majors got to hear from Mike Ferretti, CEO of Great Harvest. The next two ceremonies will be held tomorrow at 10 A.M. and 3 P.M. we will be live streaming them as well.

The University of Montana Western has been granted nearly $15 million by the Montana State Legislature to undertake major upgrades to the campus’s facilities. These include a $12 million renovation of Block Hall, $2.4 million to replace the central campus boiler, and $450,000 to replace numerous roofs. “Please join me in thanking Senator Jeff Welborn and Representative Tom Welch for their support of this project,” said Montana Western Chancellor, Dr. Beth Weatherby. “Senator Welborn has been a tireless Bulldog this session in his efforts to get Block Hall done. I am so grateful to Jeff and Tom and to Commissioner Christian and his team for their advocacy in Helena for Montana Western. These funds will provide our students, faculty and staff with the top-quality facilities that they deserve.” The news was announced on April 29th at the close of the 67th Legislative Session in Helena, known as “sine die,” wrapping up 80 days of legislative action. Sine die, meaning “without day” in Latin, indicates that the 2021 legislative body has adjourned without appointing a day to assemble again. The Block Hall renovation will receive $4.8 million from HB 632, the vehicle which appropriates the federal stimulus and COVID recovery funds Montana is receiving as part of the American Rescue Plan Act and $7.2 million from HB 14, the Long-Range Building Bonding Program. HB 5, the Long-Range Building Appropriations bill, includes the funding Montana Western will receive for the central boiler and roof replacement projects. Constructed in 1969, Block Hall requires renovation in order to accommodate the university’s growing science programs and bring the building up to modern safety and air quality codes. Upon completion, the building will offer updated classroom and lab facilities to all Montana Western students for courses in both general studies and specialized science programs.

A list of events happening for the weekend of 04/30/2021 thru 05/02/2021. Friday 04/30/2021 124th Annual Commencement - The University of Montana Western will celebrate its 124th Annual Commencement Ceremony in-person and online on Friday, April 30, and Saturday, May 1, 2021. To ensure the health and safety of the community and guests, this year’s Commencement will be divided into three ceremonies. A graduate’s ceremony is designated by their degree and major. Ceremony I: Friday, April 30 at 3:00 p.m.– Business, Health and Human Performance/Kinesiology, and Natural Horsemanship/Equine Studies majors Ceremony II: Saturday, May 1 at 10:00 a.m.– Education majors Ceremony III: Saturday, May 1 at 3:00 p.m.– Modern History, Psychology, Anthropology and Sociology, English, Visual Arts, Interdisciplinary Social Science, Mathematics, Environmental Science, Environmental Interpretation, Environmental Sustainability, Biology, Ecology, and Associate of Arts/Science majors In-person attendance is limited to four pre-invited guests per graduate, but all are invited to watch the live stream of each ceremony by visiting the Southwestern Montana News Facebook page. Visit the link below on the day of the ceremony to watch the live stream: https://www.facebook.com/Southwesternmtnews Each graduate may have up to 4 guests attend. Guests will be sitting in assigned seating in Straugh Gym that is socially distanced. All people in Straugh Gym during the ceremony are expected to wear a mask or other face protectant like a face shield and remain socially distanced. Guests showing any sort of symptoms like ​fever, sore throat,​ etc., should remain home and take advantage of our live stream services. For more information about Commencement, please contact the Montana Western Registrar’s Office by calling 406-683-7371. Sing Into Spring - Let's SING INTO SPRING with some Rock & Country Roll. This is a family event hosted by Cory Birkenbuel. Featuring music by Steve Ingram, Mary Allen, Verna Love, River Deliso, Keri Wendt, Billy Christensen, Tom McEldry, Joel Longie, Joe Begin, Justin Stanchfield Light Buffet, Deserts & Drinks at 6PM Cash bar and ATM avalaible Frontier Events Center $15 Admission at the door, kids no charge. Big Sky Cinema - "We're back!" Reopening Friday, April 30th. Popular local band, "Fully Cooked" will perform their best in our lobby during ticket sales. playing Godzilla VS Kong at 4 P.m. and 6:45 P.M. also playing Raya The Last Dragon 4:15 P.M. and 7 P.M. Saturday 05/01/2021 Emporium406 Grand Re-Opening - You are cordially invited to join us at Emporium406 on Saturday, May 1st, as we celebrate our Grand Re-Opening at our new downtown location at 34 North Idaho Street, Suite #3 in Dillon. We will have complimentary refreshments, in-store drawings and lots of new and amazing merchandise! A RANDOM THOUGHT Art Exhibit - Come meet the artists creating this beautiful exhibit (displayed May 1-June 12) and enjoy an evening with friends We are bringing Weekend Rundown back as more things start happening, we will again have it every Friday morning. As always if you have an event send us an email at southwesternmtnews@gmail.com so we can put it in the Weekend Rundown. If you have a poster for your event stop by 34 N. Idaho Suite B we will hang it up for you.

Last night at the Frontier Events Center Deputy Dave Gomez, of the Boise Idaho, Sheriffs Department gave a talk on the problems with Social Media and the Internet. Deputy Gomez works with the Boise Sheriff’s office as well as the Idaho City Police Department. Officer Gomez started out as an engineer and at the age of 36 he decided to become a police officer. When he worked as a school resource officer, he started noticing a lot of the problems revolved around social media. This is when he started to become familiar with the platforms and the problems that accompany them for kids. If you would like to see his full presentation we, have it both on YouTube as well as our Podcast App links below. https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-av899-1021ca5

The Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture and Dillon Convention & Visitors Bureau presents…. Beaverhead Territory Days, June 18-20 Arts & Crafts Fair – Sat., June 18-20 at Depot Park – We are looking for local artisans and craftspeople to join us in showing and selling your art at the Territory Days Arts & Crafts Fair. Time to get out and celebrate summer by selling your pottery, jewelry, handmade clothing, glass art, woodworking, quilting and more! $20/booth. Festival Food Trucks – Sat.-Sun, June 19th-20th – Throughout Dillon or park at one of the events, email info@beaverheadchamber.org for more information. Territory Days Parade – Sat., June 19 at 4pm on Montana Street by Helena St. intersection parking lot; Do you have an Ugly Truck? Dented Truck? Dirty Truck? Enter in the Ugly Truck Contest in the parade and win 1st Prize for each category. No entry fee. Email Rebecca at info@beaverheadchamber.org to reserve your spot or for more information!

City Council Chambers Thursday, April 29, 2021 4:00 P.M. ~ AGENDA ~ 1. Discuss/Recommend Chuck Parks Bill for Water Service 2. Discuss/Recommend Resolution of Intention of the City of Dillon to Increase Rates for the Users of the City’s Water System to Pay for the 2021 Water Improvement Project 3. Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 4. Adjournment COMMITTEE MEMBERS Don Hand, Chairperson Russ Schwandt Raymond Graham 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 (pre- virus). Any who would like to physically attend, are asked to please wear a face covering and practice 6-ft social distancing at the meeting. For those who are cautious about physically attending, 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. Please mute your mic until you desire to comment. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245. Thank you, Michael L. Klakken, Mayor

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING City Council Chambers Wednesday, April 28, 2021 12:00 PM ~ AGENDA ~ 1. Call to Order 2. Continue Plans for Duck Race 3. Continue Plans for Dillon History Days 4. Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 5. Adjournment

The Office of the Governor today released the 2021 Montana Water and Supply Drought Outlook Report. According to data in the report, 42 percent of the state is classified as abnormally dry, with another 18 percent of the state in severe to extreme drought conditions. May and June are historically the two wettest months of the year in Montana. “Following an unusually mild winter, the conditions we see for the next eight to ten weeks are going to be critical as we head into growing season in Montana,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I am tasking state agency directors to begin reviewing authorities and options to support our agricultural producers as some battle extreme drought conditions.” According to the report, persistently dry conditions through the fall and much of the winter have created the deficit, especially at middle and lower elevations. As of April 15, 2021, mountain snowpack at high elevations has remained near or slightly below average in most basins, with the exception of southwest Montana, where the Upper Madison, Jefferson, and Ruby rivers are likely to see below-average flows this year. The report projects reservoir storage at state and federal projects to be near average.If spring precipitation is below average, producers in eastern Montana may face challenges ensuring adequate water supply for livestock throughout the summer. Amanda Kaster, director of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), added that elevated fire risks are possible if current conditions persist. “We’re keeping a close watch on fuel conditions throughout the state as we continue our preparations for the 2021 fire season,” Kaster said. The governor’s office will be monitoring conditions closely in 12 eastern counties – Phillips, Daniels, Sheridan, Valley, Roosevelt, McCone, Wibaux, Prairie, Dawson, Richland, Fallon, and Carter – where drought conditions are most severe. The Water Supply and Drought Outlook is an annual report compiled by water planning staff at the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. See the 2021 report here .

University of Montana Western head men's basketball coach Mike Larsen has announced the signing of Jacob Ankeny and Jacksen Burckley to a NAIA Letters of Intent. Ankeny is a 6-8 center from Marsing, Idaho and will graduate from Marsing High School this spring. He averaged 15.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.2 blocks and 1.3 assists per game his senior year and was named first-team all-conference. His junior season he helped lead the Huskies to a league championship and was named conference player of the year and first-team all-state. As a sophomore, he earned second-team all-state and first-team all-league honors. He is a two-team academic all-league selection and is currently leading the state in the 100, 200 and 400 meters heading into the Idaho state meet. "We are extremely excited to add Jacob to our team," head coach Mike Larsen said. "He is one of the best big guys around and will have a great opportunity to come in and learn from our senior big men. He has an incredible work ethic and motor on the floor that will help him grow into a great player here at Western." He is the son of Lucas and Heidi Ankeny and plans on majoring in business. Burckley is a 6-5 forward from Billings, Montana and will graduate from Billings Senior this spring. As a Senior, he averaged 12.9 points and 8.4 rebounds a game. This year, Jacksen was second in the state for AA in rebounds per game and fourth in 3-point field goals made. For his career at Billings Senior, he made 133 3's while shooting 38% from downtown. He was named all-conference honorable mention. The multi-sport athlete was also named all-state as a wide receiver and a kicker, and all-conference as a punter. "Jacksen is an elite shooter and rebounder and comes to us from Billings, Montana," Larsen said. "Jacksen will continue to build himself into one of the best shooters in Montana history in our program and we are excited to help him reach that." He is the son of Roger and Kirstin Burckley and plans on majoring in secondary education and K-12 education.

In-person classes with field day still an option During the last year, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offered hunter and bowhunter education classes online due to COVID concerns. Since last spring, more than 17,000 Montanans completed the online courses, which is nearly double the number of students in a typical year. “The biggest increase we saw was among adult bowhunter education students,” said FWP outdoor skills and safety supervisor Wayde Cooperider. “It seems the online courses were popular with our students.” Because of the popularity of the online classes and to meet customer expectations for a diverse offering of hunter and bowhunter education courses, FWP will continue to offer online courses for students turning age 12 and older, with the option of an in-person field day. Students will also have the choice of in-person courses taught by certified volunteer instructors. In-person classes will be scheduled to start after June 1, depending on interest, venue availability and COVID-protocols. These in-person classes will include a field day. More information about these classes will be available soon. “Volunteer instructors are the cornerstone of hunter and bowhunter education in Montana,” Cooperider said. “We will continue to emphasize the value of in-person instruction and field days and look to work with our instructors at ways we can add value for students to this part of our courses.” FWP’s online course is certified by the International Hunter Education Association. To sign up for online hunter ed or for in-person classes when they become available, visit online at fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education.

Montana Westerns annual Red VS White spring scrimmage was held Saturday, 04/24/2021. This gave Western a chance to stretch their legs and get ready for fall football.