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DILLON, Mont.  — The Montana Western women’s basketball team improved to 6-5 overall and 4-3 in Frontier Conference play with a dominant 70-46 win over Mayville State on Sunday afternoon in Dillon. Western jumped out to a commanding start, building nearly a 20-point lead after the opening quarter. The Comets never got closer than 16 points the rest of the way as the Bulldogs controlled the game on both ends of the floor. “It was great to get two home wins this weekend,” head coach Ryan Sullivan said. “Any time you can do that in our conference is huge.” Stat Breakdown The Bulldogs shot 35.4 percent (28-79) from the field, including 23.7 percent (9-38) from three-point range, while converting 71.4 percent (5-7) from the free-throw line. Western finished with 53 rebounds, 19 assists, 15 steals, and three blocks. The Bulldogs scored 38 points in the paint, 21 points off turnovers, 19 second-chance points, and received 33 points from their bench. Leaderboard Bailee Sayler led all scorers with 19 points, followed by Isabella Lune with 13 and Ava Bellach with 11. Keke Davis grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds, while Isabella Lund paced Western with five assists and a team-high four steals. Sayler also matched her season high with three blocks. Notables Western held its opponent under 30 percent shooting from both the field and three-point range for the second straight game. The Bulldogs eclipsed 50 rebounds for the first time this season. Sayler shot 50 percent from the floor (6-12) and from beyond the arc (4-8). Davis recorded double-digit rebounds for the second time this year. Game Summary The contest was tight through the first four minutes before Western turned up the pressure defensively. The Bulldogs limited Mayville State to just four points the remainder of the opening quarter while stretching their lead to 19. The Comets shot better in the second quarter, but Western continued to build its advantage and carried a 42-20 lead into halftime. Mayville State cut the deficit to 16 in the third quarter, but the Bulldogs quickly responded and re-established a 22-point cushion. Western stayed aggressive in the fourth, pushing the lead to as many as 30 before cruising to the 24-point victory. The Opposition Mayville State shot 25.4 percent (15-59) from the field and 16.7 percent (3-18) from three, while going 81.3 percent (13-16) from the free-throw line. The Comets totaled 42 rebounds, three assists, 11 steals, and three blocks. Bella Kanz led Mayville State with 12 points, followed by Hannah Stark with 11. Laela Jensen and Taylor Hill each pulled down nine rebounds. Whitney Whelk recorded a team-best two assists, while Hill added two blocks and a game-high five steals. Looking Ahead Montana Western returns to action Thursday, Dec. 18, when the Bulldogs host Briercrest. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MT.

The University of Montana Western is pleased to announce the hiring of Michael Piazzola as Dean of Students. “I’m pleased to share that Mike Piazzola has accepted the position of Dean of Students at the University of Montana Western. For over 20 years, Mike has invested in this campus and its people, and he brings a steady hand and deep experience to this new leadership role. I’m excited to welcome him aboard and confident he will help move UMW into its next chapter,” said Montana Western Chancellor, Michael Reid. Piazzola earned a B.A. in Secondary Education from the University of Montana Western in 2004, followed by a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Montana in 2016. A proud alumnus and longtime campus leader, Piazzola brings more than 20 years of experience in student affairs, most recently serving as Senior Director of Student Life. In this role, he has provided leadership for Residence Life & Housing, Orientation, and the Bulldog Card Center, Bookstore, Student Wellness Center, Student Leadership Academy, and other key student programs. Known for his student-centered approach and deep commitment to experiential education, Piazzola is dedicated to strengthening student engagement, wellbeing, and success at Montana Western. “Montana Western shaped who I am—first as a student and then as a professional—and it is truly the honor of my life to serve as Dean of Students at my alma mater. I am deeply committed to creating an inclusive, caring, and engaging campus where every student feels supported, connected, and empowered to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.” Spending much of his free time enjoying all that Southwest Montana has to offer, Piazzola and his family stay active in the outdoors through camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and side-by-side rides through the Montana mountains with his father, exploring the beauty of the region they call home. He rarely misses a chance to take part in local community or campus events and has deep roots in Dillon. A devoted animal lover, he is also the proud owner of four dogs and serves as Vice Chair of the Beaverhead Animal Shelter Board, reflecting the same values of connection, service, and belonging that guide his work at Montana Western. Carrying on cherished Italian food traditions, he also enjoys cooking time-honored family recipes and sharing them with others as a way to bring people together. He will start the duties of his new position at Montana Western on January 5, 2026.

Beaverhead County Tax Appeal Board Meeting December 16, 2025 Commissioners’ Room Beaverhead County Courthouse Agenda 9:30 A.M. Reorganization of the Board Action on Previous Meeting Minutes 10:00 A.M. Strizic Tax Appeal Hearing Deliberation Action - Tax Appeal Board Decision 11:30 A.M. Peshehonoff Tax Appeal Hearing Deliberation Action – Tax Appeal Board Recess 1:00 P.M. Frank Tax Appeal Hearing Deliberation Action – Tax Appeal Board Decision

DILLON, Mont. — The Bookstore will welcome local author Sally Cobau for a special reading and reception on Monday, December 15, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Cobau will present selections from her newly released book, “Animals in the House: 18 Sonnets,” with the reading beginning at 5:30 p.m. Cobau—an accomplished writer, teacher, mother, yoga practitioner and avid hiker—earned her MFA in poetry from the University of Montana in Missoula. Her work has been widely published in journals and anthologies including Rattler, Hole in the Head Review, Ekphrastic Review, Writing in a Woman’s Voice, Tulip Tree Review, and Poems Across the Big Sky (Volumes I and II). Her poem “Weasel in Winter in the Summer Cottage” received an Honorable Mention in the Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition. She has also published prose in Room Magazine, The Sun, and Oyster River Pages. Her new collection explores the intimate spaces where memory, love, grief, whimsy, and wilderness converge. Cobau often writes about the people who shape her life—her husband, children, parents, grandparents, friends, students, and past loves—creating a shifting emotional landscape that moves between playfulness and poignancy. Even her “characters” who have passed on remain present in ghostlike ways, inhabiting the old homes and memories that fill her poems. The animals that share these spaces form a gentle counterbalance to the human world, deepening the earthy, lived-in texture of her work. Many of Cobau’s poems are rooted in Dillon and the surrounding community, drawing inspiration from ranchers, river guides, professors, and dog lovers who bring life and character to the region. Guests attending the December 15 event will have the opportunity to meet the author, listen to her read from her new collection, and enjoy refreshments during the reception. Copies of “Animals in the House: 18 Sonnets” will be available for purchase, and The Bookstore encourages anyone wishing to reserve a copy to call 683-6807.

DILLON, Mont. — A Dillon mother is sharing the extraordinary medical journey of her son in hopes of securing the specialized rehabilitation he now urgently needs. After surviving a rare and life-threatening medical event, Ryan Foster, 30, has spent nearly two years fighting his way back from the brink—first in major hospitals, and now in a rural nursing facility unequipped to meet the next stage of his recovery. Ryan’s ordeal began on April 20, 2023, when he suffered a sudden AVM rupture/stroke, a rare congenital condition affecting less than one percent of the population. He was life-flighted from Montana to Utah for emergency treatment, where doctors performed a 22-hour brain surgery in a race to save his life. Over the next year, Ryan endured four additional life flights, more than 20 medical procedures, three craniotomies, three shunt revisions, and two serious post-surgical infections. Throughout much of this time, he was unable to participate in physical therapy due to the severity of his condition. “Many people told us he would never talk again,” said his mother, Ronda Huffman. “But Ryan has never stopped fighting.” After a prolonged stay at the University of Utah Hospital, the only facility in Montana willing to accept him was a nursing home in his mother’s hometown of Dillon. While the move brought the benefit of being near family, it also placed Ryan in a setting without the advanced neurological therapy he requires. Despite these limitations, Ryan has made unexpected progress. Nearly two years after the medical emergency, he has begun speaking again and regaining mobility—milestones his care team once believed might never come. Now, the family says they are at a critical crossroads. According to Huffman, Ryan is finally strong enough to leave the facility and transition into a more independent environment. However, Montana lacks the specialized rehabilitation technology and hands-on neurological therapy needed for the next stage of his recovery. The family has also struggled to find handicap-accessible rental housing in the Dillon area. After months of searching, they have identified a promising opportunity in Salt Lake City, Utah: an accessible apartment that meets Ryan’s needs and proximity to an advanced outpatient rehabilitation program. While Ryan was initially denied inpatient rehab, the Utah program has assured the family that once he establishes Medicaid coverage in the state, he will be eligible for comprehensive outpatient therapy—including transportation to and from sessions. For the family, the challenge now is making the move possible. Relocating out of state means navigating months of expenses while waiting for Medicaid eligibility and caregiver income programs to take effect. Huffman describes this period as the most difficult hurdle yet, but also the one with the greatest potential payoff. “We truly believe this move will be life-changing for Ryan,” Huffman said. “If we can get through the first six months, he will finally have access to the tools and therapies that give him a real chance at recovery.” The family is now turning to the community for support as they work to relocate and secure the therapy Ryan needs to continue progressing. “Ryan has worked so hard to get to this point,” Huffman added. “We’re asking for help to give him the opportunity he deserves—a future with hope, independence, and continued healing.” Go Fund Me link is here

DILLON, Mont.  — What began as a frustrating act of holiday theft turned into a feel-good community moment on Tuesday afternoon when Dillon residents banded together to recover a stolen snowman decoration — proving local Facebook pages can be used for far more than complaints about city government. Earlier in the day, resident Mike Feldt  reported that his snowman Christmas decoration had been taken from his front porch. The post quickly spread across local community pages as residents shared the alert, determined to help bring “Frosty” home. Southwestern Montana News was tagged in the post and helped amplify the search. Before long, “Operation Save Frosty” was in motion. While out working, I overheard a scanner report of a Ranger pulled over near Big Sky Cinema. Believing it might be connected to the theft, I drove by to investigate — only to find it was merely a side-by-side, not the suspect vehicle. Moments later, however, luck changed. As I headed back through town, I spotted the very truck believed to be involved in Frosty’s disappearance parked at the Little Town Pump . I parked across the street, began recording the license plate, and prepared to contact police. At the same moment, another vigilant citizen pulled up, already on the phone with law enforcement. Thanks to the quick response of community members and Dillon Police, the suspect was contacted and Frosty was safely recovered . The snowman was soon returned to his rightful place on Mike’s front stoop — much to the delight of neighbors following the saga online. In true holiday spirit, what started as an act of Grinch-like mischief ended as a small Christmas miracle, reminding Dillon residents that this community looks out for one another — and that nobody gets away with stealing Frosty in this town.

Beaverhead County Mental Health Local Advisory Counsel County Treasurer’s Office – Corner of Washington St. & Center St. AGENDA Thursday, December 11, 2025, Noon to 1:00 p.m.   Introductions -  Establish Quorum   Approval of Minutes  – November 13, 2025, meeting   ACTION ITEMS:   UPDATES 1.      Discuss possible funding for the RAC 2.      MESAA Update 3.      Local updates 4.      Public Health Update   NEW BUSINESS   ADJOURN

MONTANA  — The Montana Department of Justice’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is alerting the public to a growing scam involving fraudulent websites posing as county jails in an attempt to deceive and steal from families of inmates. According to OCP, fake sites — including one impersonating the Musselshell County Detention Center at musselshellcountyjail.org  — falsely claim to offer inmate lookup services, mailing instructions, money deposit information, and other facility details. These sites are not affiliated with any Montana county and are designed to mislead users into providing money or personal information. State officials say several similar scam websites have been identified across Montana. How to Spot and Avoid the Scam The Office of Consumer Protection urges Montanans to verify links before providing any information. Legitimate government websites will end in . mt.gov  or be hosted through an official county domain. Residents should also watch for red flags, including: Requests to send money orders to P.O. Boxes , which no Montana jail uses Inmate lookup tools requiring payment (legitimate lookup services are always free ) Unfamiliar or unofficial website addresses Funds for inmates should only be sent through approved services such as Access Corrections, JPay, TouchPay , or by paying directly at the jail . When in doubt, officials advise contacting the jail using the phone number listed on the county’s official website. How to Report a Scam Montanans who encounter suspicious websites or believe they may have been targeted can report the scam to the Office of Consumer Protection by email at contactocp@mt.gov , by phone at 406-444-4500 , or online through the DOJ’s consumer protection portal.

DILLON, Mont.  — Christmas is quickly approaching, and for families who missed Santa during this past weekend’s Downtown Dillon Christmas Stroll, there are several more chances to meet the man in red before the holiday arrives. Santa will be visiting Dillon and surrounding communities throughout December, offering children and families multiple festive opportunities to share wish lists, enjoy holiday activities, and take photos. Upcoming Santa Appearances Meet Santa at Barrett Hospital & HealthCare – December 12 Barrett Hospital & HealthCare will host Santa on Thursday, Dec. 12, from 3 to 5 p.m., providing another opportunity for families to meet him in a warm, welcoming environment. Crafts with Santa – December 13 Santa will stop by Vibrant Lives Yoga , located at 212 East Bannack Street, on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. Children can enjoy an afternoon of holiday crafts while getting a chance to visit with Santa. Santa & The Grinch at Dillon Public Library – December 19 The Dillon Public Library will hold a festive evening on Thursday, Dec. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. featuring appearances by both Santa Claus and the Grinch. The event will also include: Dillon Fire Department and Police Department Elks Lodge #1554’s famous chili Ben Kenealey’s balloon creations Cocoa, treats, and fire pits Santa’s Stocking Raffle Book sale and additional family activities Skate with Santa – December 20 Families can join Santa on the ice on Friday, Dec. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Virginia City Ice Rink. This annual event combines winter fun with the magic of the season. A Month Full of Holiday Cheer With events scheduled across the county, families will have numerous chances to celebrate the holiday season and make memories before Christmas Day. Local organizations and volunteers continue to help bring festive traditions to Beaverhead County and surrounding areas each year.

DILLON, Mont.  — On Friday afternoon, Bicentennial Incorporated hosted its fourth annual senior dinner and grant awards presentation at the Frontier Event Center, celebrating both community support and the season of giving. Bicentennial Incorporated’s mission is to provide support for services that enhance and improve the lives of senior citizens in Beaverhead County, the Ruby Valley, and Madison County . This year, the organization awarded 33 grants  to nonprofit groups serving these communities. Attendees enjoyed a free holiday meal along with entertainment by the BCHS Teen Tones  and harp music performed by Kelly Weinacht . Throughout the afternoon, gift cards were drawn as door prizes, and speakers shared the history of Bicentennial Incorporated and how its grant program began. 2025 Grant Recipients Beaverhead Food Pantry; BASS Bus; Ruby Valley Food Bank; Twin Bridges Food Pantry; Dillon Community Thanksgiving Dinner; Soroptimist; Ruby Valley Wood Bank; Beaverhead Wood Bank; Pink Heels; Wise River VFD; Grasshopper FD; Dillon VFD; Sheridan Rural FD; Twin Bridges Fire; Beaverhead Senior Center; Twin Bridges Senior Center; United Way; Bill Carroll VFW; Twin Bridges VFW; Montana Youth Challenge; Dillon Elks; Women’s Resource Center; Twin Bridges Library; Dillon Concert Association; Jackson Gardens; Friends of the Museum; Friends of JC Park; Dillon Friends of the Library; Girl Scout Cookies program; Food gift cards for BIC residents. How the Grants Will Be Used Grant funds will support a wide range of local projects. Dillon Public Library  plans to apply its award toward Phase Three of its improvement project, including the installation of a wheelchair-accessible ramp. Beaverhead Senior Center  received funding for its food program, and Bicentennial Incorporated will also sponsor the center’s final meal of each month, providing seniors with a free community dinner. Montana Youth Challenge Academy  will use its grant to support scholarships for cadets. As the holiday season approaches, Bicentennial Incorporated continues to make a significant impact across southwestern Montana, strengthening the organizations that serve local seniors and families.

PHILIPSBURG, Mont.  — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens are investigating the illegal killing of a cow elk and a spike elk that were shot and left to waste on private property between Georgetown Lake and the East Fork Reservoir, south of Philipsburg. The elk are believed to have been killed on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 29. According to FWP, both animals died close to where they were shot, and boot prints at the scene suggest the suspect walked within just a few yards of one of the elk before leaving them behind. Wildlife officials emphasize that cases like this are often solved thanks to tips from the public. Anyone with information is asked to contact Game Warden Ezra Ginzberg  at 406-240-0835 . Tips can also be submitted online at tipmont.mt.gov , where residents can learn more about reporting natural resource crimes and find contact information for their local area. Those who provide information leading to a conviction may be eligible for a reward.

Claire Gay, UMW Sports Information BOZEMAN, Mont. - Western Track and Field wrapped up the first indoor meet of the season Thursday, with the men's team taking fifth place as a team. The Bulldog women's team only had two student-athletes compete, and therefore did not have a team score. "While we didn't have a lot of athletes competing today, I think it was a good starting place for those that were," head coach Taylor Grove said. "It is good getting to see where we were at after training all fall. Ty (Raine) was able to run close to his PR and Stan (Stremick) PR'd in the long jump and had a really good start in the triple jump." Brody Henry ran to a second-place finish in the 800 with a 2:03.56. Mason Lynch placed second in the 5000m 19:17.26. Tyler Raine clocked an 8.80 in the men's 60-meter hurdles to place sixth. Stanley Stremick leapt to a fifth-place finish in the men's triple jump (11.96m, 39-03.00). He also finished ninth in the men's long jump with a personal-best 6.52-meter (21-04.75) jump. Jocelyn Seefried ran a 8.65 in the women's 60-meter dash to place 22nd. Maya Gorth placed 24th in the women's 60-meter dash with a 9.04. Uzzaiah Kanewa clocked a 7.27 in the men's 60-meter dash to finish 31st. LOOKING AHEAD Following the Bobcat Preview, the Bulldogs head to Pocatello, Idaho Dec. 12 to compete in the ISU Winter Open.

The Dillon Public Library has released its schedule of upcoming programs and activities, offering holiday entertainment, community gatherings, and educational workshops for all ages. December 17, 2025 Free Movie – 4 p.m. Location: Museum’s Depot Theatre Feature Film:   The Best Christmas Pageant Ever This free showing is open to the public and perfect for families looking to enjoy a classic holiday story. December 19, 2025 Santa Claus & The Grinch – 5 to 7 p.m. Location: Dillon Public LibraryThis festive evening will feature appearances by Santa Claus and the Grinch, along with: Dillon Fire Department & Police Department Elks Lodge #1554’s Famous Chili Ben Kenealey’s Balloon Creations Cocoa, treats, fire pits Santa’s Stocking Raffle , Book Sale , and more January 28, 2026 Special Presentation – Time & Location TBAPresenter:  Chris La Tray, Montana’s 2023–2024 Poet LaureateLa Tray will discuss his memoir Becoming Little Shell , part of the statewide One Book Montana  program sponsored by Humanities Montana. Copies are available for purchase or checkout at both The Bookstore and Dillon Public Library. Santa’s Stocking Raffle Tickets: $1.00 each Drawing: December 23 Prize: A stocking stuffed with toys and holiday surprises. 2026 Workshops (Dates TBA) Funded by the Montana Children’s Trust Fund Strengthening Families, Safeguarding Futures: A Community-Based Approach to Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect Presented in collaboration with Friends of the Library, Xuan Li of the University of Montana–Western, and Dillon Public Library.

DILLON, Mont. —  The Dillon Public Library is set to receive a $10,000 gift  from the Carnegie Corporation of New York as part of a national celebration marking America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The donation is one of approximately 1,280 gifts  being awarded to Carnegie libraries across the United States. More than a century after industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie financed the construction of 1,681 public libraries nationwide, many—including Dillon’s—continue to serve as vital community hubs. Dillon holds a special place in that history: the Dillon Public Library was Montana’s first Carnegie library , opening its doors on December 27, 1902 . It is one of 17 Carnegie-funded libraries established in the state. Library officials say the gift not only honors the library’s past but also supports its continued mission to serve the community more than 120 years after its founding. Community members can learn more about the initiative and explore the history of Carnegie libraries across the country by visiting the Carnegie Libraries Across America interactive map at carnegie-libraries.carnegie.org .

As December begins, the City of Dillon is facing mounting pressure to fill its soon-to-be-vacant city attorney position while multiple lawsuits loom over the municipality. The contract for the attorney currently representing the city is set to expire at the end of the year. With that deadline quickly approaching, the city has posted the position and is also exploring the use of a head-hunting agency in an effort to secure legal representation before year’s end. During Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, council members questioned whether any applications had been received for the position. Mayor McGinley confirmed that one application had been submitted but said his impression was that the applicant was not genuinely interested in the job, prompting further discussion among council members. After additional questioning, Mayor McGinley clarified that the individual had, in fact, applied and that he had spoken briefly with the applicant roughly two weeks earlier. He said he did not believe the applicant would accept the position even if it were offered. Mayor McGinley also stated that he did not feel he would be the appropriate person to conduct the interview process, remarking that he did not “like lawyers” and adding that “all lawyers are crooks.” In response to the situation, the mayor suggested forming a City Council committee to handle interviews and oversee the hiring process. Several council members expressed concern about the tight timeline, noting that forming a committee and coordinating interviews could further delay filling the position. The possibility of working with a head-hunting firm was discussed, though potential costs raised concerns. One firm reportedly requested a fee equal to 25 percent of the attorney’s annual salary, while another estimated the cost at more than $16,000. With the contract deadline approaching and legal challenges looming, city officials continue to debate the most efficient path forward to ensure the City of Dillon has legal representation in place before the end of the year.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — Beaverhead Search and Rescue responded to two separate search missions in recent days after a largely quiet hunting season, highlighting the importance of clear communication and trip planning in the backcountry. The first callout occurred on Nov. 29, when teams were dispatched to search for an overdue hunter and his daughter in the area near Wooster Mountain, west of the Big Hole Battlefield. The pair had been dropped off around 7 a.m. but did not return to their expected pickup location. Search and Rescue was notified at approximately 8:40 p.m. and deployed three teams to search designated areas by vehicle and on foot. The missing individuals were located at about 2:30 a.m. in good condition after getting into a family member’s vehicle. Officials said miscommunication among family members regarding hunting and pickup plans, along with GPS units that had run out of battery, contributed to the situation. Twelve SAR members participated in the operation, contributing a total of 105 person-hours to the search effort. A second mission took place on Dec. 2, involving a missing 80-year-old hunter who had been afield since Nov. 22 and was expected home by Thanksgiving. The hunter was not reported missing until Dec. 1. Limited information was available, including only a vehicle description and a general hunting area near Skinner Meadows. Four teams were deployed to quickly check common roads in the area to locate the hunter’s vehicle and establish a last known point. A hasty team was able to locate the individual a short distance off Skinner Meadows Road. Officials cited unclear communication between the hunter and his spouse, lack of cell service, and the absence of a GPS device as factors that delayed the search. Eleven SAR members responded to that callout, contributing 51 person-hours. Beaverhead Search and Rescue emphasized that both incidents serve as reminders of the importance of sharing detailed trip plans with family or friends and carrying reliable methods of communication when recreating in areas without cell coverage. SAR officials also thanked their members and the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office for their coordinated efforts during both searches. The statement was issued by Kolby Malesich, commander of Beaverhead Search and Rescue.