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The community is invited to take part in the upcoming Art Walk on Friday, May 8, from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring local artists at the Dillon Public Library. Three artists will be presenting their work during the event: Caitlyn Feldt — acrylic and mixed media Jaime Feldt — resin casting artwork Beatrice Penn — mixed media and digital art The Art Walk offers a chance for the public to meet local artists, explore a variety of creative styles, and enjoy an evening celebrating the arts in Dillon.

The Dillon Alano Club continues to provide a welcoming space for individuals in all stages of recovery, hosting a variety of 12-step meetings throughout the week. Alano Clubs are non-profit centers designed to support those seeking recovery, offering a consistent and accessible location for meetings in the Dillon community. Weekly Meeting Schedule: Monday: Blended Hope Women’s Meeting — 6:15 p.m. Open to all women in recovery or seeking recovery. This group blends elements of AA, Al-Anon, OA, and CODA.📍 310 East Sebree Street Tuesday :Lucky Tuesday AA Open Meeting — 8:00 p.m.📍 St. James Episcopal Church, 203 East Glendale Street Wednesday: Open Al-Anon Meeting — 6:30 p.m.(New meeting for Dillon, held the first two Wednesdays of each month beginning May 6)📍 310 East Sebree Street Friday: Hard Nosed AA Open Meeting — 8:00 p.m.📍 310 East Sebree Street Saturday: Open Meeting (NA, CA, and GA Combined) — 7:00 p.m.📍 310 East Sebree Street While meetings are publicly listed, they follow 12-step traditions that emphasize anonymity. Information shared focuses on accessibility and support rather than individual participation. For more information, call 406-925-9734 or 406-683-9964.

Beaverhead Co Fair Board Monday, May 4, 2026 7:00 pm Beaverhead Co Fairgrounds Agenda Call to order Introduction of guests Approval of previous meeting minutes Amendments or changes to agenda Treasurer's Report Facility Director Report Executive Director Report Board Member Reports Old Business Electrical Project Plumbing Project Roofing Project Arena Project (jack fence, ends, etc) Metal fabricating projects Bleacher Repair Project New Business Grounds Clean up Building Clean up Spring/Summer Projects Correspondence Adjournment

MISSOULA, Mont. — The Montana Western rodeo teams wrapped up the regular season Saturday at the University of Montana, with the men’s team finishing second and the women placing third at the Big Sky Region finale. With the second-place finish, the Bulldog men secured a spot at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) later this year in Casper, Wyoming. The women’s team finished just outside qualification in third. Montana Western saw strong performances throughout the weekend, highlighted by three event wins. Cardell Laughery led the way, winning both the short go and the average in saddle bronc, while Gavin Knutson claimed the short go title in bull riding. After the long go, several Bulldogs were in strong position, including Laughery, who tied for first in saddle bronc with a 65, and Jade Ramon, who sat fifth in tie-down roping. Taylor Burgee and Tori Murnion were also in contention in breakaway roping, while Josie Robbins and Tatum Hansen posted solid early runs in goat tying and steer wrestling. In the short go, Laughery sealed his dominant performance with a 71-point ride to win the round and secure the average title with a combined score of 136—the only rider to post two qualified rides. Knutson delivered one of the top moments of the night, scoring an 86 to win the bull riding, while teammate Westen Wade finished second with a 79. Knutson also placed second in the short go of team roping alongside Luke Garrison. Other notable finishes included Jeremy Kay taking second in the bareback short go, Laura Haight placing fourth in the barrel racing short go and third in the average, and Brylan Garrett and Haight finishing third and fourth in breakaway roping. In the average standings, Ramon placed third in tie-down roping, Hansen finished fifth in steer wrestling, and Robbins took fourth in goat tying. Montana Western will now shift focus to the College National Finals Rodeo, set for June 14–20 in Casper, Wyoming. Position draws for qualifiers will be held June 7. The Bulldogs will be well represented in Casper, with multiple athletes qualifying across events. Coy Montgomery and Jeremy Kay will compete in bareback, while Laughery and Cade Costello qualified in saddle bronc. Knutson will represent Montana Western in bull riding and team roping alongside Garrison, and Jake Deveraux earned a spot in tie-down roping.

DICKINSON, N.D. — The Montana Western track and field teams closed out their season Sunday at the Frontier Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships, with Luke Crossley delivering the Bulldogs’ top performance of the meet. Crossley won the men’s 10,000-meter run, setting both a meet record and a school record while also improving on his own personal best. “We had some strong performances at conference,” head coach Taylor Grove said. “It was great to start off with Luke winning the men’s 10K. We definitely had a few things not quite go as hoped, but the kids came back and continued to compete hard. We had quite a few athletes score points for us across several events and finished strong as a team.” The Montana Western men finished ninth overall, while the women placed 10th. Other top finishes included Olivia Heiner, who placed sixth in the women’s 5,000 meters with a time of 19:18.56 and ninth in the 10,000 meters with a season-best 42:13.38. Justene Santi placed sixth in the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 12:23.91 and also finished 11th in the 400-meter hurdles. On the men’s side, Tyler Raine finished seventh in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 58.03. The men’s 4x800 relay team of Brody Henry, Tristan Von Bargen, Bridger Wheeler and Crossley placed sixth with a time of 8:34.01. In the field events, Layne Cooney turned in a sixth-place finish in the men’s discus with a throw of 42.98 meters. Cassie Green led the Bulldog women in the discus, placing 13th with a personal-best throw of 34.21 meters. The meet wrapped up the outdoor season for Montana Western.

DILLON, MT — The Dillon Soroptimist Club hosted its annual Donkey Basketball fundraiser Saturday night at the BCHS Gym, delivering an evening full of laughs and friendly competition as local teams battled it out for the coveted championship trophy. The night kicked off with Shepherds Garage taking on Beaverhead Motors. In a pair of five-minute halves, Shepherds Garage came out on top with a 6–2 victory to advance. Game two featured defending champions, the Dillon Jaycees, facing off against The Office Bar. The Jaycees showed why they entered as reigning champs, pulling away with a commanding 16–6 win. In the third matchup, the Beaverhead FFA went head-to-head with the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department. The DVFD, short-handed with only two rostered players, picked up a few extra helpers, but Beaverhead FFA secured a 3–0 win to move on. Following a brief intermission, the championship game brought together Shepherds Garage and the Dillon Jaycees. Shepherds Garage jumped out to an early lead, taking a 6–0 advantage into halftime. The Jaycees looked to rally in the second half, but Shepherds Garage maintained control and pulled away for a 14–4 victory, earning the Donkey Basketball championship. The annual event once again drew a strong community turnout, combining entertainment and fundraising to support local initiatives.

Stone Creek Raceway is the place to be this weekend as it plays host to the CMMX Montana Motocross Series, featuring races three and four of the 2026 season. The event, which has become a May tradition in the area over the past several years, has drawn a strong turnout once again with more than 350 entries competing. Riders and spectators were treated to near-perfect conditions on Saturday, with bright sunshine and ideal track weather making for a full day of racing action. Sunday’s forecast is expected to bring more of the same, setting the stage for another exciting day at the track. In addition to the racing, concessions are available on-site for spectators, making it an easy way to spend the day enjoying high-energy competition. If you’re looking for something to do, head up to Stone Creek Raceway and take in all the action. Race results can be found here: https://app.iraceready.com/races/-cmmx/events?menu=EventResults

The Beaverhead County Beavers made the most of their first home game of the season Saturday, cruising past the Park High Rangers 12-1 behind a big second inning and strong pitching. Beaverhead County opened the scoring in the first inning on a groundout by Andrew Bartlome. Park High answered in the second when Carter Nelson doubled on an 0-2 count to tie the game at one. The Beavers quickly took control in the bottom of the second, erupting for five runs to grab a 6-1 lead. Garrett Tackett, Cohen Hartman, and Bartlome each delivered RBI singles during the inning. Beaverhead County continued to build on the lead in the third. An error brought in a run before Hartman doubled to drive in two more. Bartlome followed with another RBI single to extend the advantage. Logan Fox earned the win on the mound, allowing just two hits and one run over five innings while striking out five and walking one. Bartlome led the Beavers offensively with four RBIs, finishing 2-for-3 at the plate. Hartman, Bartlome, and Tackett each collected two hits as Beaverhead County piled up runs throughout the game. The Beavers also showed discipline at the plate with six walks, stole five bases, and played a clean defensive game without committing an error. Park High managed just two hits in the contest, with Brentin Allgood and Nelson each recording one. Nelson drove in the Rangers’ lone run. Beaverhead County will be back in action Tuesday when they host Butte Central.

The Beaverhead County Lady Beavers picked up a 5-2 win over the Ronan Maidens on Saturday, using a strong fifth inning to pull away. The Lady Beavers got on the board early with a run in the top of the first on a groundout by Tymber Barnes. Ronan answered in the bottom half, taking a 2-1 lead after RBIs from Madison Jennison and Nevaeh Perez. Beaverhead County tied the game in the third inning with the help of a Ronan error before taking control in the fifth. Singles from Barnes and Maisy Hutchinson sparked a three-run inning that gave the Lady Beavers a 5-2 advantage they would not relinquish. Barnes also earned the win in the circle, pitching six innings while allowing two runs (one earned) on seven hits. She struck out eight and walked one. Hutchinson led Beaverhead County with two RBIs, while Kaitlyn Konen paced the offense with two hits. Ronan was led by KaNana Couture and Perez, who each collected two hits. Perez and Jennison each drove in a run for the Maidens. The Lady Beavers will take on Columbia Falls on Saturday for their next matchup.

The Beaverhead County Lady Beavers battled back from an early four-run deficit Friday, scoring three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to defeat the Laurel Locomotives, 8-6. Laurel jumped out to an early lead, scoring runs in each of the first three innings. The Lady Beavers chipped away and tied the game in the bottom of the fifth behind hits from Tymber Barnes and Maisy Hutchinson, an error, and a groundout by Bailey Blake. Laurel briefly regained the lead in the top of the sixth on an Emerson Gunther single, but Beaverhead County answered in the bottom half. An error brought in one run to tie the game before Barnes delivered the go-ahead single, scoring two runs and putting the Lady Beavers in front for good. Mya Creighton earned the win in the circle for Beaverhead County, allowing six runs on 11 hits over seven innings while striking out five and walking one. Barnes led the Lady Beavers with three RBIs and finished 2-for-3 at the plate. Kaitlyn Konen also had a strong day offensively, going 3-for-4 to lead Beaverhead County in hits. Laurel finished with 11 hits. Gunther went 4-for-4, while Adrienne Roth drove in three runs and finished 2-for-4. The Lady Beavers will travel to Ronan on Saturday for their next game.

DILLON — Eleven Montana Western track and field athletes have been named to the Frontier Conference Outdoor Track & Field Academic All-Conference team, the league announced Friday. To qualify for the honor, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore in academic standing and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher. Montana Western Honorees Women’s Outdoor Track & FieldSarah Clark — Custer, Mont. (SO)Olivia Heiner — Ronan, Mont. (JR)Braden Kopp — Missoula, Mont. (SO)Kylee Wyatt — Omak, Wash. (SO) Men’s Outdoor Track & FieldLayne Cooney — Missoula, Mont. (JR)Wade Dahood — Anaconda, Mont. (SO)Brody Henry — Havre, Mont. (JR)Justin Maier — Lewistown, Mont. (SO)Tyler Raine — Ephrata, Wash. (JR)Noah Rovente — Lopez Island, Wash. (SO)Bridger Wheeler — Cheyenne, Wyo. (SO) Looking Ahead Montana Western will compete this weekend at the Frontier Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Dickinson, North Dakota.

The Beaverhead County Lady Beavers racked up 12 hits Friday but couldn’t overcome early miscues, falling 10-6 to the Libby Loggers. Beaverhead County had four players with multi-hit games, as Ashlyn Burk, Reese Jensen, Lilla Guiberson, and Kaitlyn Konen each collected two hits. Libby jumped out to an early lead in the second inning, capitalizing on a walk and defensive errors to plate four runs. The Lady Beavers responded in the third when Bridget Lovaas launched a two-run home run to left field to cut into the deficit. However, Libby answered with a big inning of its own, scoring five runs in the bottom of the third. Maddie Willis hit a solo home run, while additional runs came off a sacrifice fly and Beaverhead County errors. The Lady Beavers fought back in the fourth inning. Ashlyn Burk connected on a solo home run to center field, and Mya Creighton followed with a two-run single to bring the score to 9-5. Libby added an insurance run in the bottom of the fourth on Willis’ second home run of the game. Lovaas and Creighton each drove in two runs to lead the Lady Beavers offensively. Tymber Barnes took the loss in the circle for Beaverhead County, while Weslee MacDonald earned the win in relief for Libby. Despite the loss, the Lady Beavers showed strong production at the plate, finishing with 12 hits. Beaverhead County will look to bounce back Friday when they travel to take on the Laurel Locomotives.

DILLON — Community members laced up high heels Thursday afternoon at the University of Montana Western for the annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event, raising awareness about sexual violence and supporting survivors. Hosted by Montana Western’s P.A.T.H. (Peers Advocating Towards Health) program and the Women’s Resource Center, the event encourages men in the community to walk a mile in high heels as a symbol of empathy and solidarity. Local law enforcement officers joined in, stepping out in heels alongside students and community members. This year’s event featured guest speaker Barbie Jenkins, a survivor and advocate who shared her personal story and message of resilience. Jenkins serves as the Northwest Regional Director for Jane Doe No More Montana, is a member of the RAINN Speakers Bureau, and participates in the Montana Victim Impact Panel. She is also the author of Burying Jane Doe and continues her work educating communities and supporting survivors. Participants donned pink caps and carried signs as they began the walk in front of the university. The route took them down South Atlantic Street to the Catholic Church before looping back to campus. Following the walk, participants were recognized with awards, including honors for the fastest finishers. Organizers say the event continues to be an important way to spark conversation, promote awareness, and stand in support of those impacted by sexual violence.

Cohen Hartman drove in four runs with a grand slam as the Beaverhead County Varsity Beavers rolled past the Broadwater Bulldogs 16-0 on Thursday. Hartman’s fifth-inning blast to left field capped off an eight-run inning and sealed the dominant win for the Beavers. Beaverhead County got on the board in the second inning when Kanin Engelhardt tripled to bring in the game’s first run. The Beavers broke things open in the third, scoring six runs on four hits. Jase Alvarez singled in a run, Levi Stonebraker added a two-run single, Logan Fox doubled in another, and Sawyer Tackett tripled to drive in two more. The offense wasn’t done. In the fifth inning, Beaverhead County piled on eight runs. Tackett was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, Hartman followed with his grand slam, Stonebraker drew a bases-loaded walk, and Gage Curnow added a two-run single. Stonebraker earned the win on the mound, throwing four no-hit innings while striking out seven and walking none. Kanin Engelhardt closed it out with a scoreless inning in relief. The Beavers finished with 12 hits and showed patience at the plate, drawing eight walks. Engelhardt and Stonebraker each collected two hits, while Hartman and Stonebraker led the team with two walks apiece. Beaverhead County also made noise on the basepaths, swiping six bases, with Alvarez and Stonebraker each recording multiple steals. Defensively, the Beavers were flawless, committing no errors. Andrew Bartlome led the team with eight fielding chances. Tyzer Rains recorded the lone hit for Broadwater, going 1-for-2 at the plate. Beaverhead County returns to action Saturday when they host the Park High Rangers.

DILLON — Friends, family, and community members are invited to gather Saturday, May 2, to celebrate the life and legacy of longtime Dillon resident Art Adams. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Depot Park, where Adams will receive a veteran’s send-off in recognition of his service. Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to continue sharing memories at a potluck gathering at Mac’s Last Cast. Organizers say the event is an opportunity for the community to come together, reflect on Adams’ life, and honor the impact he had on Dillon. “Come share memories with us while we remember his contribution to Dillon,” the announcement reads. All who knew Adams or wish to pay their respects are encouraged to attend.

DILLON — The University of Montana Western, in partnership with downtown Dillon businesses, will host an International Festival on Friday, May 1, 2026, featuring a full day of cultural activities, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences throughout the community. The festival will highlight traditions from around the world with events taking place at multiple downtown locations. A featured International Luncheon will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Andrus Hotel Gathering Place. Festival Activities Include: The Cottage — Mini spell jars and ritual fire bags celebrating Gaelic Beltane traditions Dillon Public Library (9 a.m. & 3 p.m.) — Red lantern making and calligraphy workshops Spellbound Piercing (1–2 p.m.) — History and culture of body modification, plus jewelry-making workshop and all-day nose piercing special Bank of Commerce (12 p.m.) — “Money From the World” presentation Badger Archery (12:15 p.m.) — The rich history of archery from around the world Beaverhead Bikes — Trail biking in the Swiss Alps Andrus Hotel — Exhibition: A Prehistoric Legacy: Jade Artifacts from the Lingjiatan Culture of Anhui, China Beaverhead County Museum (9–11 a.m.) — Translating Chinese documents exploring local historical connections The Bookstore — Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes feature Patagonia (1–2 p.m.) — “The Art of Repair: Boro and Sashiko Traditions” Sweetwater Coffee — Coffee and tea from around the world The Tabletop Vault — Board games from around the world Organizers say the event is designed to bring the community together while celebrating global cultures through food, art, history, and hands-on learning.

The University of Montana Western’s Theatre Program and the Bank of Commerce Performing Arts Series are excited to present “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka” from May 29 -31 in UMW’s Beier Auditorium. Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka follows enigmatic candy manufacturer, Willy Wonka, as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats: the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka’s rules in the factory… or suffer the consequences. The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder and new songs by Leslie Bricusse (Jekyll & Hyde, Doctor Dolittle) and Anthony Newley, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth. This Community-Based production will feature local Dillon youth, and performers of all ages! Cast List: Willy Wonka — Regan Fortier Phineous Trout — Greer Morstein Charlie Bucket — Olivia Rix Grandpa Joe — Bill Laursen Augustus Gloop — Quincy Jones Mrs. Gloop — Leah Kenealey Veruca Salt — Brookly Kidd Mr. Salt — Bryce Choco Violet Beauregarde — Hazel Herbert Mrs. Beauregarde — Jessica Kidd Mike Teavee — Parker Jones Mrs. Teavee — Eliza Kenealey Oompa Loompas — Julian Dunn Zoey Jones Holly Basile Zanzibar Kenealey Paislee Trimble Lily Jones Mr. Bucket — Shay Kidd Mrs. Bucket — Autom Rockstad Grandma Josephina — Pam Laursen Grandma Georgina — Brooklynn Atkins Grandpa George — Emilia Wheeler Candy Woman — Elida Craven Music and lyrics are by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. The stage adaptation is by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald, based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. The production is directed by Josey Mae, with music direction by Stephen Alan Seder, stage management by Adeline Michels, assistant stage management by Alysha Nilsen, and scenic design by Adryan Miller-Gorder. Rated G, this production is suitable for all ages. Performances will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 29; 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Saturday, May 30; and 1:00 p.m. Sunday, May 31 in UMW’s Beier Auditorium. To purchase tickets, please visit the BOC Performing Arts Series Box Office webpage. Admission is $16 for general seating, $12 for seniors (65+), youth (18 & under), and military, $10 for UMW faculty/staff, and free for UMW students with a valid student ID. For more information, please contact Assistant Professor of Theatre Stephen Seder at stephen.seder@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7038. Learn more about UMW Theatre and upcoming performances.

HELENA — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is wrapping up the 2025 hunting and fishing seasons, reporting an increase in TIPMONT tips and several significant poaching cases across the state. TIPMONT, a program encouraging the public to report wildlife crimes, saw an uptick in reports this past year. The program covers a wide range of violations, including poaching, illegal shed hunting, vandalism, littering, and cultural resource theft. Informants may be eligible for rewards of up to $1,000. “By reporting poaching, individuals contribute to the conservation of endangered species and the overall health of natural habitats,” said FWP Operation Sergeant and TIPMONT Coordinator Brooke Shelley. The TIPMONT Board recently met to review cases, approving $28,100 in rewards to the public. Defendants in those cases were issued $48,553 in fines, ordered to pay $71,010 in restitution, and collectively lost 66 years of hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges. A total of 153 charges were filed—up from 83 charges and $37,250 in restitution reported the previous year. FWP officials noted the increase is partly due to the timing of the board’s meeting but also reflects larger and more complex cases during the 2025 season. Regional Highlights Southwest Montana (Region 3) Game Warden Captain Josh Leonard said weather impacted wildlife movement, with fewer animals visible across the landscape. Despite that, hunters frequently self-reported mistakes, including harvesting the wrong species or exceeding limits. Leonard also praised the quality of TIPMONT tips, noting many included detailed evidence such as photos, videos, and GPS coordinates that helped quickly resolve cases. Northwest Montana (Region 1) A major case in Flathead County involved two men charged with multiple offenses after allegedly killing five white-tailed deer in a single night. The investigation also uncovered additional illegally killed animals, including a black bear sow and cub left to waste. Central Montana (Region 4) Wardens reported common violations such as hunting without landowner permission, waste of game, and tagging issues. In one notable trend, three of five mountain lions harvested during the fall season were taken illegally by individuals who purchased licenses only after the kill. Southcentral Montana (Region 5) While overall violations were average or below, wardens noted an increase in elk-related violations and over-limit cases. One case involved a hunter killing four deer while under revocation. Another spotlighting case resulted in fines, restitution, and a three-year loss of privileges. Across the state, hunting without landowner permission remained one of the most common violations, along with tagging issues and hunting in the wrong districts. FWP officials emphasized that while enforcement and education remain priorities, it is ultimately the responsibility of hunters to understand and follow regulations before heading into the field.