Search Results

The University of Montana Western Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Cheeki Skrub Scholarship by Isaiah Powell, Class of 2026. Created to support students who may benefit from additional financial assistance, the scholarship reflects Isaiah's desire to help ease the financial challenges many students face while pursuing their education. Named after his longtime nickname, "Cheeki Skrub," the scholarship reflects his commitment to giving back to the Montana Western community that helped shape his success. Isaiah currently serves as the Area Coordinator for Bulldog Life at Montana Western and has been deeply involved in campus life throughout his time at the University. As a student, he participated in the Education Club, assisted with the Homework Help Program, was active in the Drama Club and Improv Troupe, competed on the cross country and track teams, served as a Resident Assistant, and participated in intramural volleyball. “The main thing that inspired me to establish the scholarship was the fact that I was fortunate enough to experience college without significant financial burdens, and I found myself in a position where I could help eliminate a little bit of that burden for other students,” said Isaiah. “I don’t really have a specific hope for students who receive the scholarship; I just want it to benefit them in some way.” “It is inspiring to see a recent graduate choose to invest in future generations of Montana Western students,” said Roxanne Engellant, Executive Director of the University of Montana Western Foundation. “Isaiah has been deeply involved in campus life and understands how meaningful support and community can be to a student’s success. His generosity reflects the spirit of Montana Western, and we are grateful for the impact this scholarship will have on students for years to come.” The Cheeki Skrub Scholarship awarded its first scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year and will provide a $1,000 annual award. The inaugural recipient is Tyler Raine, a senior majoring in Physical Education K–12 with a minor in History. Tyler is a member of the Bulldog Track team and is actively involved in campus clubs and extracurricular activities. To be eligible, students must be enrolled full-time, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate active engagement within the Montana Western community. Preference is given to students majoring in Mathematics, Education, or Visual Arts, as well as students involved in cross country, track and field, Residence Life, and those who reside on campus. Reflecting on his decision to establish the scholarship, Powell emphasized the role community played in his own success. “I can credit my success as a student to most of the people I surrounded myself with,” said Powell. “Whether this scholarship has a major impact or a minor one, I just want it to be helpful.” For more information about scholarship opportunities at Montana Western, please contact Roxanne Engellant at (406) 683-7205, roxanne.engellant@umwestern.edu, or Stacie Watkins at (406) 683-7296, stacie.watkins@umwestern.edu.

DILLON — Families gathered at Jaycee Park on Sunday, June 14, for the second annual Tweedy Mountain Fun Club’s Stick Horse Stampede, an afternoon filled with friendly competition, imagination, and community fun while raising money for The Village. Children of all ages saddled up on their trusty stick horses and took to the makeshift arena to compete in a variety of events, including stick horse races and barrel racing competitions. Riders showcased their speed, agility, and creativity as enthusiastic spectators cheered them on from the sidelines. Keeping the excitement rolling throughout the event was master of ceremonies Sky Jones, who entertained the crowd with humorous commentary and colorful introductions for both the young competitors and their loyal stick horse companions. Jones even invented a few tall tales and fictional accomplishments for the riders and their “illustrious” steeds, drawing plenty of laughs from the audience. The festivities extended well beyond the competition ring. Debbie from The Bookstore delighted children with cowboy- and cowgirl-themed story readings, while the Dillon Public Library offered hands-on crafts and activities for families to enjoy. Attendees could also have their faces painted, satisfy their sweet tooth with cotton candy, or grab a bite to eat from Maria’s food truck. The annual event serves as a fundraiser for The Village and once again drew an impressive turnout from the community. With plenty of spirited competition, creative costumes, and smiling faces, the Stick Horse Stampede proved that you don’t need a real horse to have a true rodeo adventure. From racing around barrels to showing off their prized stick horses, this year’s participants demonstrated enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and plenty of imagination, making the second annual Stick Horse Stampede another memorable success for Dillon families.

The 53rd Annual Jaycee Demolition Derby drew a large crowd Saturday evening as drivers and spectators gathered for one of Dillon's favorite summer traditions. This year's event was held later in the day than usual due to the absence of the Jaycees' annual Summer Kickoff Concert. Despite the schedule change, the action-packed evening featured plenty of excitement both on and off the derby track. Competition began with two qualifying heats, followed by a consolation match featuring three vehicles. All three drivers from the consolation round advanced to the main event, setting the stage for an entertaining championship battle. Fans were also treated to the popular UTV barrel races and lawn mower races, where competitors completed 10 fast-paced laps around the arena, providing nonstop thrills and plenty of close racing. Bubba StMarks claimed victory in the UTV barrel race with a winning time of 46.14 seconds. New to this year's event was a special UTV vs. Lawn Mower Race, adding another unique attraction to the evening's lineup and drawing enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. When the dust settled in the demolition derby main event, Gage Hoerning captured first place honors and was also named the Mad Dog Award winner for his aggressive driving. Tim Denson, driving car No. 777, finished in second place, while Nicole Hull earned third place. The annual Jaycee Demolition Derby once again showcased high-octane entertainment and community spirit, continuing a tradition that has been a summertime favorite in Dillon for more than five decades.

The Dillon Cubs put together an impressive weekend in Burley, Idaho, going a perfect 4-0 to capture the championship at the Burley Wood Bat Tournament. Along the way, the Cubs showcased timely hitting, clutch pitching, and late-game heroics to bring home the tournament title. Dillon opened tournament play Thursday with a 4-1 victory over the Burley Green Sox A at Burley High School. After falling behind 1-0 in the second inning, the Cubs answered in the third when Tristan Alvarez stole home and Kanin Engelhardt delivered an RBI single to take a 2-1 lead. Sawyer Tackett earned the win, allowing just one unearned run over 5 2/3 innings while striking out seven. Andrew Bartlome closed out the game for the save, and Engelhardt led the offense with a 3-for-4 performance and two RBIs. The Cubs carried that momentum into Friday with a dominant 10-2 win over Coyotes Legion Post 46. Dillon exploded for seven runs in the opening inning, highlighted by Sawyer Tackett's three-run double. Tackett finished 3-for-3 with a double and two triples, while Trenton Moreni earned the win after striking out eight batters in four innings. The Cubs pounded out 10 hits and played flawless defense without committing an error. Later Friday, Dillon faced its toughest challenge yet, edging Idaho Chivos by a 7-6 score in extra innings. After the teams traded leads throughout the contest, Tristan Alvarez delivered a two-run triple in the top of the eighth inning before Sawyer Tackett followed with an RBI single to provide the winning margin. Ben Peacock was outstanding in relief, tossing four innings while striking out six to earn the victory. Offensively, Trenton Moreni and Jase Alvarez each collected three hits as the Cubs totaled 12 hits and turned three double plays in the field. The championship game on Saturday provided even more drama as Dillon walked off Kuna Tribe for a 3-2 victory. Trailing 2-1 entering the bottom of the seventh inning, the Cubs rallied when Sawyer Tackett singled to set the stage for Kanin Engelhardt's game-winning RBI single, sending Dillon to the tournament title in thrilling fashion. Engelhardt also earned the win on the mound with 2 2/3 innings of relief, while Andrew Bartlome delivered a strong start. Engelhardt and Cooper Clarke each had two hits in the championship victory. Throughout the four-game run, Dillon received contributions from up and down the lineup. Sawyer Tackett starred both at the plate and on the mound, Tristan Alvarez delivered key clutch hits, Kanin Engelhardt produced timely RBIs and the championship-winning hit, while Trenton Moreni, Jase Alvarez, Ben Peacock, Andrew Bartlome, and the rest of the Cubs combined for outstanding all-around play. By finishing the weekend undefeated with victories over Burley Green Sox, Coyotes, Idaho Chivos, and Kuna Tribe, the Dillon Cubs claimed the Burley Wood Bat Tournament championship and carried valuable momentum into their next matchup against the Belgrade Bandits "A."

DILLON, Mont. — Teens looking for an evening of fun and adventure are invited to participate in the Dillon Public Library's Teen Tuesday: Bannack Hide-N-Seek event on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The event is open to teens ages 13 to 18 and will begin at 6 p.m. at the front parking lot of Bannack Ghost Town. Participants will spend the evening exploring the historic site while taking part in an exciting game of hide-and-seek. Every teen who attends will receive a surprise gift and a ticket for the library's free lunch raffle. Parents or guardians are responsible for transporting participants to and from Bannack. In addition, all attendees must have a liability waiver completed prior to the event. Waivers are available at the Dillon Public Library. Organizers encourage teens to come prepared by bringing a jacket and bug spray. Ice water and a snack will be provided during the evening. For more information or questions about the event, contact the Dillon Public Library at (406) 683-4544.

Claire Gay, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. – UMW head football coach Ryan Nourse announced the hiring of former Bulldog Tyler Murray as Offensive Coordinator Friday. "We are excited to have Tyler join our football team," Nourse said. "I knew from when Tyler was a player for me that he would be an outstanding football coach. As we became colleagues over the past 9 years, it was clear to me he had the skill set to be an excellent college coach if that was a direction he wanted to go." Murray returns to Western after a successful stint as the head coach at East Helena High School, where he built the program from the ground up (2021-2026). He led the team to back-to-back Class A playoff appearances (2024,2025) and a Class A state semifinal run (2025). At East Helena, his team averaged nearly 40.0 points per game and over 350 yards per game in both 2024 and 2025. He also coached nine all-state players, 40 all-conference selections, and had eight players move on to play college ball. "Tyler has done hard things and been successful at them," Nourse said. "His ability to lead the development of East Helena's football program from inception to becoming one of the top-class A programs in the state of Montana proves his capacity to lead, coach, teach and develop young men to be their best." Prior to his time in Helena, Murray served as the head football coach and athletic director at Mission High School in St. Ignatius, Mont., from 2017-2021. He inherited a program that went winless in 2016 and turned it into back-to-back Class C-8 playoff appearances (2019, 2020). At Mission, he coached four all-state players, 21 all-conference selections, and three eventual collegiate football players. The Hamilton, Mont., native was a 2017 graduate of Montana Western and earned his degree in K-12 health enhancement with a minor in coaching. He was a four-year letter winner for the Bulldog at wide receiver and was a member of the National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor society in 2017. "This is an awesome opportunity to bring in an excellent coach and loyal, dedicated Bulldog alumni to help us continue to sustain the success we have had and to grow the program to be able to attain new heights," Nourse said.

DILLON, Mont. — The University of Montana Western men's rodeo team is set to compete on college rodeo's biggest stage as eight Bulldogs head to Casper, Wyoming, for the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) beginning Sunday, June 14. The week-long championship brings together the nation's top collegiate rodeo athletes, with competitors vying for individual national titles and a coveted spot in Saturday night's Championship Round. Montana Western enters the CNFR after a strong regular season, finishing second in the Big Sky Region with 6,256.5 points, good for 10th in the national standings heading into the finals. Eight Bulldogs Ready to Compete Representing Montana Western at the CNFR are: Cardell Laughery – Saddle Bronc Riding Cade Costello – Saddle Bronc Riding Jake Deveraux – Tie-Down Roping Jeremy Kay – Bareback Riding Gavin Knutson – Bull Riding and Team Roping Luke Garrison – Team Roping Cooper Pavkov – Team Roping Bry Severe – Team Roping Competition begins Sunday with the Bulls, Broncs & Breakaway sessions before moving into slack rounds on Monday and Tuesday. Evening performances will take place Tuesday through Friday, culminating with the Championship Round on Saturday, June 20. Four Bulldogs Making Their CNFR Debut This year's finals will mark the first appearance on the national stage for four Montana Western athletes: Luke Garrison Jeremy Kay Cardell Laughery Bry Severe Veteran Experience Returns The Bulldogs also bring significant championship experience to Casper. Gavin Knutson is making his fourth consecutive CNFR appearance, while Jake Deveraux is competing for the third time. Cooper Pavkov and Cade Costello are each returning for their second national finals. Championship Round the Goal Throughout the week, competitors will be working to earn one of the top 12 positions in their respective events, which would qualify them for Saturday night's Championship Round. Fans can follow the action throughout the week with live results, while evening performances from Tuesday through Saturday will be streamed live on ESPN+. With a mix of seasoned veterans and talented first-time qualifiers, Montana Western will look to build on an impressive season as the Bulldogs compete against the nation's best at the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana 59725 PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING (Health & Welfare/Fire & Order) City Hall Council Chambers Monday, June 15 th , 2026 3:00 PM AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Update from Fire Chief Epperson 3. Review/Recommend Nurse’s Quarterly Report 4. Review/Recommend MOU with Police Department and UMW 5. Discuss/Recommend Changes to Title 6.04 Vicious Animals 6. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the City. 7. Adjournment Committee Members: Mike Brumbaugh, Chair Don Deem Tara Stevens

DILLON, Mont. — The Beaverhead Trails Coalition welcomed runners, walkers, and families to its annual Pronghorn Pursuit on Saturday, combining a community fundraiser with a celebration of National Trails Day. The event offered something for participants of all ages and abilities, with options including a challenging 15K race, a 5K run/walk, and a 5K Kids division, giving runners and families an opportunity to enjoy Beaverhead County’s trail system while supporting the coalition’s work. Beyond the races, the event featured a variety of family activities. Concierge OT hosted a rock-painting station where children could create colorful keepsakes while enjoying the festivities. Participants also had the opportunity to search for several Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce Treasures hidden along the trail system. Among the unique finds were handcrafted blown-glass cowboy hats created by students at the University of Montana Western, adding an extra element of adventure to the day. After crossing the finish line, participants gathered to enjoy complimentary donuts and celebrate a successful morning outdoors. Top Finishers 15K Overall Tamer Mische-Richter – 1:20:20.8 Elena Oard – 1:23:30.7 Paul Monk – 1:26:30.5 5K Overall Gavin Garrison – 22:18.6 Joel Smith – 23:58.5 Benjamin Smith – 24:10.0 5K Kids Division M. Spotts – 35:27.9 Branch Clancy – 37:39.6 R. Nichols – 1:20:52.2 The annual Pronghorn Pursuit serves as both a fundraiser for the Beaverhead Trails Coalition and a community celebration of National Trails Day, encouraging residents and visitors alike to get outside, stay active, and experience the scenic trails of Beaverhead County. A full list of runners and times can be found here

DILLON, Mont. — The Montana Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) and the Montana National Guard say they remain focused on supporting cadets, staff, and families as they continue to mourn the recent loss of a cadet. In a statement released this week, academy officials said the tragedy has had a profound impact on the close-knit MYCA community, including cadets, faculty, staff, alumni, and families. Leadership emphasized that the thoughts and prayers of the academy and the Montana National Guard remain with the cadet's loved ones and fellow students. Since the incident occurred, MYCA has implemented a coordinated support effort aimed at ensuring the well-being of those affected. Academy leadership has maintained daily contact with cadets and employees through individual check-ins, small group discussions, and ongoing communication designed to provide encouragement and support. Professional counselors, mental health providers, clergy members, and crisis response professionals have been made available to cadets and staff. The academy continues to offer opportunities for individual counseling, group discussions, grief support, and confidential conversations, encouraging anyone in need to utilize those resources. "Our team is committed to ensuring every member of this community knows they are supported," said Melissa Robbins, Director of the Montana Youth Challenge Academy. "We will continue to provide opportunities for connection, counseling, and engagement for as long as they are needed. We are a family at MYCA, and we will walk through this difficult time together." The academy has also worked closely with the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office, Dillon Police Department, the University of Montana Western, local first responders, the Montana National Guard, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, community mental health providers, clergy, and other partners to provide comprehensive support services. Officials said MYCA continues to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation and will not speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident until it is complete. As a state-accredited high school serving Montana youth, the academy also reiterated its commitment to protecting the privacy of its cadets and their families. In accordance with state privacy laws and out of respect for the family, MYCA will not release identifying information or personal details regarding the cadet and has asked the public and media to respect the family's privacy during this time. Brig. Gen. Trent Gibson, Adjutant General of Montana and a former MYCA director, said the loss has deeply affected the entire academy and Montana National Guard family. "Every cadet who comes through these doors becomes part of the MYCA family," Gibson said. "Right now, our focus remains on caring for our cadets, supporting our staff, and ensuring every person impacted by this loss knows they are not facing it alone." The Montana Youth Challenge Academy and the Montana National Guard say they remain committed to providing continued care, resources, and support to cadets, faculty, staff, and families in the days and weeks ahead.

DILLON, Mont. — The Beaverhead County Transportation Committee will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioners' Room of the Beaverhead County Courthouse. The meeting is being conducted in accordance with Montana Code Annotated §§ 20-10-131 and 20-10-132 and will focus on matters related to student transportation throughout the county. During the meeting, committee members will review school bus routes submitted by local school trustees and may approve, disapprove, or make adjustments to those routes as needed. The committee will also consider applications approved by school trustees for increased reimbursement for individual student transportation. These requests are intended to assist eligible families whose residences are located in isolated areas and qualify for additional transportation reimbursement. The annual meeting plays an important role in ensuring that transportation services and reimbursement requests are evaluated and administered in accordance with state law and the needs of Beaverhead County students and families.

DILLON, Mont. — The Dillon Public Library has a busy week of activities planned for families, children, and teens, with events ranging from dinosaur-themed programs and live raptors to a community fundraiser and an evening adventure in Bannack. The week kicks off on Thursday, June 11, with "Digging Up Bones," part of the library's Thursday Theme series. The program will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Dillon Public Library and promises hands-on fun for young dinosaur enthusiasts. On Sunday, June 14, the library will participate in the Sunday Stick Horse Stampede fundraiser at Jaycee Park, benefiting The Village and ECCBC. Registration opens at 3 p.m., with races beginning at 5 p.m. The Dillon Public Library will host a table featuring a children's craft for attendees to enjoy throughout the event. Teens can head to Bannack on Tuesday, June 16, for a special Teen Tuesday Hide-N-Seek event beginning at 6 p.m. Participants must complete a liability waiver before taking part, and parents or guardians are responsible for transportation to and from the event. The excitement continues on Wednesday, June 17, when the Montana Raptor Conservation Center brings its popular Live Raptors program to the Depot Theatre. The free public presentation will feature live birds of prey and educational demonstrations during two showtimes at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. The week wraps up on Thursday, June 18, with another Thursday Theme event, "It's All Fun and Games… 'Til a T-Rex," from 10 a.m. to noon at the Dillon Public Library. The dinosaur-themed program is designed to provide children with an entertaining and educational experience through games and activities. All events are open to the community, with many offered free of charge, providing opportunities for learning, creativity, and family fun throughout the week.

DILLON, Mont. — Wednesday morning, law enforcement officers responded to the Town Pump on North Montana Street in Dillon following reports of an unwanted and disruptive individual. According to scanner traffic from the scene, the individual had reportedly been inside the store earlier, where he was allegedly throwing items at a cashier. Store staff asked the person to leave the property, but he remained in the parking lot and continued behaving in a disruptive manner. When officers with the Dillon Police Department arrived to speak with the individual, he allegedly became combative and began fighting with law enforcement. A Dillon police officer, assisted by two Beaverhead County Sheriff's deputies, struggled with the suspect as they attempted to take him into custody. During the altercation, a Taser was deployed. After several moments, officers were able to restrain the individual and place him into custody. Emergency Medical Services evaluated the suspect at the scene before he was transported to the Beaverhead County Jail. No information regarding potential charges or the identity of the suspect has been released at this time. The incident remains under investigation.

Over 100 Pounds of Schedule II Controlled Substances Seized in Beaverhead County Drug Investigation Beaverhead County law enforcement officers seized more than 104 pounds of Schedule II controlled substances and arrested three individuals during the execution of a search warrant Monday morning. According to the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office, at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026, deputies, assisted by multiple partner agencies, executed a search warrant at a local truck stop in a rural area outside of Dillon. During the operation, authorities seized just over 104 pounds of Schedule II controlled substances. Three people were taken into custody in connection with the investigation. Officials stated that there is no danger to the public related to the incident at this time. The Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office also expressed its appreciation to the agencies that assisted with the operation, including the Montana Highway Patrol, Dillon Police Department, Beaverhead Ambulance, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), and the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department. No additional information regarding the identities of those arrested or potential charges has been released. The investigation remains ongoing, and more details may become available as the case progresses.

DILLON — The public is invited to learn about one of Montana's most remarkable historical figures when Agatha Award-winning author Leslie Budewitz presents a program on Mary Fields, better known as "Stagecoach Mary," on Tuesday, June 9, at the Depot Theater. Fields, born into slavery in Tennessee in 1832, lived an extraordinary life that took her from the Mississippi River to the Montana Territory, where she became a legendary figure known for her independence, determination, and pioneering spirit. After gaining her freedom following the Civil War, Fields worked as a chambermaid aboard the steamboat Robert E. Lee. Her life eventually became intertwined with Mother Mary Amadeus, an Ursuline nun who established a school for Native American girls at St. Peter's Mission near Cascade. When Mother Amadeus fell ill, Fields traveled to Montana to care for her and remained at the mission for several years. Known for her strong personality and colorful language, Fields eventually left the convent and settled in Cascade, where she became a beloved member of the community. She later earned distinction as what is believed to be the first Black woman in the United States to carry U.S. mail on a Star Route, transporting mail between Cascade and St. Peter's Mission. Budewitz explores the life and legacy of Stagecoach Mary through three interconnected short stories featured in her book All God's Sparrows. In addition to her historical fiction work, Budewitz is the author of the popular Spice Shop Mystery series and the Food Lovers' Village Mysteries. She has also written two mystery novels under the pen name Alicia Beckman. The evening will include a presentation by Budewitz, followed by a book signing and reception with light refreshments. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the program beginning at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, although donations will be accepted at the door. The event is sponsored by The Bookstore, the Dillon Public Library, the Beaverhead County Museum, and the Dillon Friends of the Library. For additional information, call 406-683-6807.

SALMON, Idaho — Sawyer Tackett drove in five runs on three hits as the Dillon Cubs powered past the Salmon Savages 20-12 in a high-scoring summer league matchup Saturday. The Cubs' offense was on full display, collecting 19 hits and building an early lead before holding off a late Salmon rally. Dillon wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. In the first inning, Parker Mills doubled to drive in two runs and give the Cubs an early advantage. The Cubs added five more runs in the second inning. Sawyer Tackett drew a bases-loaded walk, Andrew Bartlome also walked to force in a run, Kanin Engelhardt reached on a fielder's choice that scored a run, Trenton Moreni grounded out to bring home another, and Mills capped the inning with a run-scoring double to left field. Dillon continued to add on in the third when Tackett singled down the left-field line, driving in two more runs and extending the lead to 9-0. Salmon mounted a comeback effort in the sixth inning, scoring six runs on four hits. Clayton Allen and Noah Cranney each delivered RBI singles, while Eli Pakuer added a two-run double. The Savages added five more runs in the seventh inning, highlighted by a two-run double from Allen, trimming the Cubs' lead and making the game competitive. However, Dillon responded with a six-run outburst in the eighth inning. Tackett delivered a two-run double, Bartlome added a two-run single, and Mills tripled home two more runs to put the game out of reach. Tackett finished with five RBIs, going 3-for-5 with a single, double, and a bases-loaded walk. Mills led the Cubs with four hits, going 4-for-6 while driving in five runs. Kanin Engelhardt, Andrew Bartlome, and Ben Peacock each added multiple hits for Dillon. Aiden Ferguson earned the win on the mound for the Cubs, allowing seven runs, just two earned, on four hits over 5 2/3 innings while striking out five and walking four. Wyatt Pilkerton took the loss for Salmon after surrendering 12 runs, nine earned, over 5 1/3 innings. The Cubs' bullpen helped secure the victory as Engelhardt, Bartlome, and Cooper Clarke each tossed scoreless innings in relief. Clayton Allen and Eli Pakuer each collected two hits for Salmon, with Allen driving in three runs. The Savages showed patience at the plate, drawing 10 walks in the contest. Dillon's offense finished with 19 hits and six walks in one of its most productive performances of the season.

DILLON — The Dillon Cubs opened their home schedule Friday night at Ray Lynch Park, hosting the Belgrade Bandits in an American Legion doubleheader. Despite a strong offensive effort in the opener, the Cubs dropped both games to the visiting Bandits. Bandits Edge Cubs 5-3 in Game One The Cubs outhit the Bandits 9-4 in the first game but were unable to overcome defensive miscues as Belgrade claimed a 5-3 victory. Dillon struck first in the bottom of the first inning when Trenton Moreni doubled to drive in a run and give the Cubs an early 1-0 lead. Belgrade answered in the second on a sacrifice fly by Andrew Hazen before taking a 2-1 lead in the third when Chance Stephens delivered an RBI single. The Cubs tied the game in the fourth on an RBI single by Ben Peacock, but Belgrade regained the lead in the fifth with the help of a Dillon error and another RBI from Stephens. Moreni paced the Cubs offensively, going a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with a double and three singles. Andrew Bartlome added two hits for Dillon. Sawyer Tackett took the loss despite a solid outing on the mound. Tackett pitched six innings, allowing five runs, none of them earned, on four hits while striking out five and walking two. Memphis Wagner earned the win for Belgrade, pitching 6 2/3 innings while striking out nine Cubs hitters. Stephens recorded the save. Bandits Explode Early in 15-0 Nightcap Victory Belgrade carried its momentum into the second game, using a 10-run third inning to secure a 15-0 victory and complete the doubleheader sweep. The Bandits jumped out quickly in the first inning, scoring three runs highlighted by a two-run double from Max Zimmer. Belgrade added two more runs in the second before breaking the game open in the third. The Bandits' big third inning featured RBI hits from Bradley Welch III, Cade Thomas, Andrew Hazen, Hudson Trullinger, and Memphis Wagner. Trullinger's three-run double highlighted the inning as Belgrade sent 15 batters to the plate. Dillon collected six hits in the contest, with Trenton Moreni, Kanin Engelhardt, Andrew Bartlome, Landon Lovaas, Parker Mills, and Sawyer Tackett each recording a hit. Moreni started on the mound for the Cubs and was charged with the loss after pitching two innings. Brayton VanDyken earned the win for Belgrade, throwing five scoreless innings while striking out seven and allowing six hits. Chance Stephens led Belgrade with two hits, while Trullinger and Zimmer each drove in three runs. The Bandits also showed patience at the plate, drawing 12 walks during the game. The doubleheader marked the home season opener for the Cubs, who will look to bounce back when they travel to face the Butte Miners on Monday.