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Outstanding ninth through twelfth-grade music students from across Montana, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming and Alaska have received top honors by being selected to participate in our Biennial NAfME All-Northwest Ensembles. The students listed below will join more than 1500 other outstanding young performers in Spokane for this gala event during the 2025 National Association for Music Education Northwest Division Conference. All-Northwest Wind Symphony: Rowdy Mattison, Bass Clarinet Severen Meier, Flute Kaycee Pilon, Flute   All-Northwest Band: Hunter Wigen, trombone   All-Northwest Mixed Choir: Sheridan Ferguson, Soprano 2 Emma Lovaas, Alto 1 Sawyer Platt, Bass 2   All-Northwest Treble Choir: Leah Kenealey, Soprano 2 Amelia Warren, Soprano 2   The All-Northwest Bands, Choirs, and Orchestra will perform on Saturday, February 15, 2025. These outstanding musicians will rehearse together under the direction of outstanding music educators and present a final concert that afternoon. 3000 students auditioned to participate in this prestigious event sponsored by the Washington Music Educators Association. Many professional musicians credit their All-State or All-Northwest experience with helping them choose music as a career. Thousands of others whose career paths took them in other directions have great memories of participating in this inspiring and motivating musical experience and claim that it was a life-changing experience for them.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. ZONING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Agenda   1.    Call To Order   2.    Review and Approval of the November 12th,  2024 Meeting Minutes   3.    Election of Officers   4.    Director of Operations Report   5.    Applications for Zoning Compliance Certificates for Review:   6.    Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda                   and Within the Jurisdiction of the Zoning Commission.   7.      Adjournment               PLEASE NOTE : A Zoom link is available. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528,   allowing permission for mic and camera (if using a computer go to            https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245 .   z oning Commission Members:   Justin Rooley (Chair), Mike Watson, Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley,

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana STUDY COMMISSION MEETING City Council Chambers January 14, 2025 5:00 P.M.     1.          Call Meeting To Order 2.          Approve December 23, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes 3.          Budget Review               a. Discuss/Approve Hourly Salary for Administrative Rep 4.          Discuss/Approve Amendment to By-Laws 5.       Discuss/Approve Timeline of Study Commission 6.       Discuss/Recommend Ways to Foster Public Input                    a.       Survey Questions. UMW                    b.      Questions in Newspaper                    c.       Ideas to Stimulate Public Input 7.       Review MMIA Risk Management Bulletin 8.       Public comment on Items of significant Public Interest Not on the  Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the Study Commission. 9.       Adjournment     Committee Members:           George Johnston, Chair, Bill Dwyer, Mark McGinley,                                                      Ed Mooney, Tim Stoker, Joleen Schultz – ex-officio   PLEASE NOTE: The City of Dillon understands that citizens have the right under the Montana Constitution to observe and participate in local governmental affairs by personally attending all public meetings of the Dillon City Council and other City boards and committees. This meeting is open to the public as normal. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528, allowing permission for microphone and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245. Please mute your microphone until you desire to comment. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245.

University of Montana Western Press Release DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western men's basketball team (10-5) improved to 2-0 in conference play, defeating Carroll College (5-10), 78-69 this evening. "I'm really proud of our guys for sticking together after the slow start," said Head Coach Patrick Jensen . "We got some big defensive stops, and the offensive rebounds were so pivotal for us tonight." Kyle Gruhler led the way for the Bulldogs scoring a career high 32 points on 13-16 shooting from the field. How It Happened It was a cold shooting start for the Bulldogs, who went 3-for-10 seven minutes into the game. Carroll, fueled by 60% shooting from the field, raced out to a 20-6 lead. Led by Gruhler, Abi Adedo , and Jacksen Burckley , UMW responded with a 9-0 run to cut the Carroll lead to 23-20. Kevin Bethel and Alan Kane each hit three-point baskets, and two free throws from Gruhler gave the Bulldogs a 34-33 lead at halftime. The second half began with four lead changes as both teams exchanged baskets. Behind seven straight points from Gruhler, UMW put together a 12-0 run to take a 50-40 lead. After a Carroll timeout, the Saints quickly answered with a 10-0 run to tie the game. A basket by Adedo halted the Saints' momentum. A steal by Kolter Merritt set up a three-point basket from Gruhler, sparking a seven-point run for the Bulldogs. From there, UMW never looked back, securing the victory. Notables Adedo scored 16 points on 8-11 shooting while collecting eight rebounds. Merritt collected seven rebounds and added four assists. Jalyn Stepney added seven points and pulled down four rebounds. After the cold start the Bulldogs finished the game shooting 50% from the field. UMW out rebounded Carroll 38-26. Up Next The Bulldogs will remain at home as they host University of Providence this Saturday, January 11 for a 4 p.m. tip-off.

Dillon, MT – January 10, 2025 – Senior Life Solutions, the renowned behavioral health program for older adults, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ashley Shields, BSN, RN as new program director to further enhance mental health services for seniors in the Dillon community and surrounding areas. Senior Life Solutions is an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of individuals typically 65 and older experiencing depression or anxiety related to life changes that are often associated with aging. In her role as program director, Shields will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of Senior Life Solutions, ensuring the delivery of compassionate, high-quality care tailored to the unique needs of seniors. She will work closely with a dedicated team of healthcare professionals to improve the overall well-being of patients as well as providing community education to create more awareness of the Senior Life Solutions program at Barrett Hospital & HealthCare. Shields graduated from Montana Tech with an associate's degree in nursing in 2014. In 2016, she earned her bachelor's degree. Over the past ten years, she has worked for Southwest Montana Community Health Center, now known as Blacktail Medical. Committed to Dillon and its surrounding communities, Ashley has dedicated her life to helping patients. Shields said, “I am very excited to start a new chapter in my nursing career and to be able to help a population that is often overlooked. Improving mental health is something I hold very close to my heart.” Anyone can refer a patient to the Senior Life Solutions program, including a physician, family member, the patient, or another healthcare professional. For more information about Senior Life Solutions, call 406-683-3145.

DILLON & TWIN BRIDGES, Mont. – The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is hosting one in-person and two virtual open houses to discuss plans to reconstruct approximately 7 miles of Montana Highway 41 (MT 41) between Dillon and Twin Bridges. This project, called Stone Creek-North, will widen a section of highway and make additional improvements to enhance safety along the corridor. MDT will host an in-person open house on Tuesday, January 21, at the University of Montana Western, STC Great Room (2nd floor), 710 South Atlantic Street in Dillon. The public is welcome to stop by anytime between 4 and 6 p.m. to learn more about the project and talk to MDT. For those unable to attend the in-person open house, two virtual open houses will be hosted online via Zoom on Wednesday, January 22, from Noon to 1 p.m. and from 6 to 7 p.m. Each open house will feature a presentation followed by a live question-and- answer session. The presentations will be identical. To register for a virtual open house, visit the project website at mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/stonecreeknorth . Questions and comments can be sent to Brandon Coates, Public Involvement Manager, by email at brandon@rbci.net or by phone at 406-465-3350. The Montana Department of Transportation will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in the Stone Creek-North public meeting or need an alternative accessible format of this notice. If you require accommodation, contact the Montana Department of Transportation no later than January 17, 2025, to advise us of the nature of the accommodation that you need. Please contact Matt Maze, Office of Civil Rights, P.O. Box 201001, Helena, Montana 59620; telephone 406-444-5416; Montana Relay 711; facsimile 406-444-7243; or e- mail to mmaze@mt.gov.

Submitted by: Mel Rice-Public Relations   The Beaverhead Search and Rescue held its monthly meeting Wednesday, January 8, 2025.  The meeting was called to order by commander Kolby Malesich at 7:10 PM with 33 members in attendance.  The treasurer’s report was giving and guests were introduced.  The first order of business was the 39th Annual Stan Shafer Memorial Ice Fishing Derby.  Tara Remely, derby chairperson, made note of ticket sales to date, passed around the sign-up sheet for working the derby, and asked for assistance on collecting door prizes.   The derby well be held Sunday, January 19th, at Clark Canyon Reservoir.  This year’s derby will have the same great prizes available to lucky anglers and ticket holders.  There will be 50/50 drawings for every $500 in ticket sales.  Usually there are at least 3 drawings.   We will also have drawings for door prizes that range from ball caps to cash money.  Most years there are around 100 door prizes generously donated to the derby by businesses in Dillon, around the county and neighboring counties.  Two fish that are caught/tagged and released a few days before the derby are worth $7000 and $9500 respectively.   Then the unit pays out cash awards of $400 for the largest trout by weight and $400 for the largest ling by weight in each category.  Second place in each category receives $200, third place $100, and 4th place $50.   There is also a kids’ contest for those 12 years old and younger which follows the same format as the adult competition except for the prize money amount and only 3 places are paid.  The largest kid trout is worth $75, largest kid ling $75, second place in both categories is $50, and third place $25.   Tickets are available at several merchants around town, from search and rescue members and at times there will be an S&R member selling tickets at Town and Country and Safeway.   Get those ice augers sharpened, ice poles and reels ready to go for another fun filled day on the ice with your Beaverhead Search and Rescue.  Next on the agenda was a recap of the incident of a small plane going down south of Dillon.  As previously reported the plane had icing issues and was forced to make an emergency landing in the sagebrush.  Both pilot and passenger were unharmed and were brought back to town.  Training officer, Adam Norlander, announced several training opportunities for members.  The first is a water rescue training sponsored by the Ruby Valley S&R.  That will be January 9th at the YMCA pool.  Next there will be First Aid and CPR training February 12th and 13th.  Members are required to hold a current card for both First Aid and CPR. The last training coming up will be on February 16th and will be a snowmobile operational training with an avalanche component.  The last order of business for the night was the election of officers for the year 2025.  Here are the results: ·         Commander- Kolby Malesich ·         Vice Commander- Shane Puyear ·         Secretary- Jaime Trivette ·         Treasurer- Brian Vinson ·         Communications- Brad Wagner ·         Equipment- Evan Helle ·         Training- Adam Norlander ·         Public Relations- Mel Rice ·         Board of Directors- Chuck Maddox, Cody Schnee, Steve Mock   The meeting adjourned at 8:15 followed by a short training video presented on rescues of individuals who have broken through ice and are in the water.    Get that fishing gear ready and come join us at Clark Canyon Reservoir for a day of fun and excitement.  “In the Business of Saving Lives”, your Beaverhead Search and Rescue.

The University of Montana Western will host a special birthday celebration for Dr. Alan Zetler, a beloved educator, mentor, and loyal UMW supporter, during the Montana Western vs. Carroll College basketball games on February 8, 2025. Dr. Zetler, who is turning 95, is one of the university’s most dedicated fans and a cherished presence at UMW events. Dr. Zetler has a distinguished history of service to UMW, where he served as a professor and the director of the nationally acclaimed Montana Rural Education Center. Over the course of his career, he made significant contributions to education in Montana, holding roles such as Assistant Professor of Education, Associate Professor of Education, Director of Placement and Student Teaching, and Dean of Education. Under his leadership, the Montana Rural Education Center earned the prestigious G. Theodore Mitau Award for innovation in higher education. Despite his retirement, Dr. Zetler has remained actively involved in the educational community, chairing accreditation teams for Montana Teacher Education institutions. His passion for education, the university, and its students has never wavered. “Dad shows his love and appreciation for our community and family by volunteering, helping, building and cheering on talent. Our hearts swell when we envision all the people over the many, many decades that dad has positively benefited. He attends all home sports events at Western so having this celebration with so many people he cares about on his 95th birthday will be the best gift ever, thank you!” said Peggy Zetler. The birthday celebration will take place in the Hall of Fame Room above the Straugh Gymnasium, and the entire community is invited to join in honoring Dr. Zetler’s remarkable legacy! The women’s game starts at 2:00 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 4:00 p.m. A special recognition for Dr. Zetler will be held during halftime of the men’s game. The event will also include an alumni social featuring birthday cake, appetizers, and a no-host bar. “We are thrilled to celebrate Dr. Zetler’s 95th birthday with his UMW family. This celebration is a small way for us to thank him for everything he has done for the university,” said Roxanne Engellant, Director of the UMW Foundation. For more information about the celebration, please contact Jolene Robbins, Special Events and Alumni Coordinator at 406-683-7303 or  jjolene.robbins@umwestern.edu .

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that four Montana communities will share $100,000 in grant funding to regenerate Main Street businesses and downtowns. The funding is through Commerce’s Montana Main Street Program. “Montana Main Street Program funding helps communities strengthen and preserve their historic downtown commercial districts through community development, revitalization and historic preservation,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “The Main Street program promotes local efforts through a statewide network of educational outreach, coordination and organization to support Main Street communities throughout Montana.” The MMS Program works with local partners to identify and plan for a community’s greatest development needs and provides seed money to help implement high-impact projects. Communities that will receive MMS grant funding: The City of Bozeman will receive $30,000 for the I-Ho Pomeroy Peace Park project. The City of Butte will receive $20,000 for the Re-Lighten Up Butte Headframes project. The City of Glasgow will receive $30,000 for the Phase 5 Wayfinding project. The City of Sidney will receive $20,000 for a downtown master plan. In 2023, the City of Sidney received $50,000 of MMS grant funding for the restoration of the historical Yellowstone Mercantile building to install windows and doors. “As a result of the Montana Main Street Program, Sidney has made significant strides in revitalizing its community with the restoration of the historic Yellowstone Mercantile building, which serves as a vital landmark for the downtown area. By focusing on strategic planning and partnerships, we aim to continue leveraging MMS to create a downtown master plan that will enhance the region's appeal for local businesses and social capital,” said Kali Godfrey, Executive Director of the Sidney Chamber of Commerce. Currently, there are 38 Montana Main Street communities . Eligible applicants for MMS grants include MMS communities which currently do not have an active grant. The Montana Main Street Program was established in 2005 and is administered by Commerce’s Community MT Division. Funding for the program comes from  Senate Bill 540 . For more information, visit commerce.mt.gov .

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS January 9th, 2025 City Council Chambers  7:00 P.M. AGENDA     1.         Call Meeting to Order 2.         Approval of Minutes from the December 30th, 2024 Meeting 3.         Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the Board of Adjustments. 4.         Adjourn    Members: Tim Stoker, Joleen Schultz, Diane Armstrong, Mike Watson, Stephen Sievert

Winter is great time to get outside and recreate. Ice fishing, ice skating, hunting, snowmobiling or just taking a walk are all great activities. But be careful not to fall through the ice. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff reminds winter enthusiasts to make safety a top priority. Here are some safety tips: Anglers and other recreationists should be familiar with the water body they plan to fish or recreate on. Pay close attention to the changing conditions of the ice. If you have even the slightest doubt about the safety of the ice — stay off of it. Nothing is ever worth a fall into frigid water. Moving water — rivers, streams and springs — weaken ice by wearing it away from underneath. Avoid going on ice on rivers and streams, or where a river or stream enters a lake, pond or reservoir. Blue or “clear” ice is usually hard. Watch out for opaque, gray, dark or porous spots in the ice that could be weak, soft areas. Ice also tends to weaken more quickly at the shorelines or near structures protruding though the ice such as rocks, stumps and trees. Note areas on the ice that look “different” — they usually are. Many times, thinner areas of ice (caused by springs, gas pockets, sunken islands, points, etc.) have a different color or look to them. Use extreme caution or stay away from these areas. The following are recommended minimum ice thickness guidelines (for good, clear ice*): Under 4 inches: STAY OFF 4 inches: individual angler ice fishing or other activities on foot 7 inches: snowmobile or ATV 10 inches: small car** 12 inches: truck or SUV** *for white ice or “snow ice,” double the above minimums **not recommended, but if you must, proceed at your own risk Watch for pressure ridges. These are areas of weak or unstable ice where the ice has cracked and heaved due to expansion from freezing. Test the ice ahead of you with an ice spud bar or an auger. Don’t leave children unsupervised on the ice. Waterbodies do not freeze at the same thickness everywhere. For example, some ponds have windmills to aerate water for fish survival, and ice may be thin near these areas. The least safe ice usually occurs early and late in the season, when the weather is warmer and less predictable. Remember: NO ICE is 100 percent safe. Snowmobiling and ATV use on the ice will reduce steering ability. Groups should avoid crossing ice in a single-file group. If the first person breaks through, the rest of the group may not be able to stop or maneuver in time to avoid it. Some other common ice-safety reminders to keep in mind include: Consider changes in the weather (and ice conditions) during the prior 24 hours. Wind, rain and sun can drastically decay ice in a short time. It's a good idea to wear a life jacket (PFD) or carry a throwable floatation device or rope while out on the ice — safe ice anglers and recreationists do it all the time. Dress warm but practical. Many styles of ice-fishing jackets and bibs provide extra buoyancy to help keep you afloat if you do fall through. Before you leave the house, tell someone where you plan to go and when you plan to return. Carry a pair of ice picks (long spikes on a heavy string around your neck). If you break through the ice, you can use the spikes to grip the ice and pull yourself out of the water.

Submitted by: Mel Rice, Public Relations The Beaverhead Search and Rescue was called out to assist a downed aircraft Sunday morning, January 5th, at 11:59 AM.  A local pilot was flying a Fish Wildlife and Parks biologist around the area and was forced to make an emergency landing.  The incident took place on a ridge south and west of Clark Canyon Dam.   The aircraft apparently had some icing issues and was force to land.  It did not crash and both occupants of the plane were in good condition.  There were 4 SAR teams dispatched to the location to offer assistance.  The rescue teams were dispatched at 1:35 PM.  Each team unloaded their UTV’s at approximately 3:25 PM and headed to the aircraft’s location.  SAR personnel arrived on scene, retrieved the pilot and passenger and headed off the mountain around 5:30 PM.  By 6:45 all parties were back at their vehicles enroute for town.  Initially the pilot wanted S&R members to try and cut sagebrush and pack snow so he could make an attempt to take off.  After assessing the situation, it was determined that was not in the plan, not only because of weather conditions and time of day, but it is not within the scope of the unit’s mission.  It is not the policy of Search and Rescue to help get vehicles unstuck or off the mountains.   We are there to find and assist individuals in the quickest manner and get them to safety and a healthier environment.  Therefore, the pilot and FWP biologist were brought from the incident location back to town.  Members of the S&R participating in the event as hasty teams were: Tommy Goins, Cody Schnee, Tara Remely, Brad Wagner, Steve Mock, Wade Bush, Adam Norlander, Charles Weidow, David Broadhead, Jack Bazemore, James Mathews, and Josh Yeadon.   The management team was made up of Zane Woods and Anthony Grant.  “In the Business of Saving Lives”, your Beaverhead County Search and Rescue.

The University of Montana Western’s Theatre Department and the Bank of Commerce Performing Arts Series are thrilled to present the Missoula Children’s Theatre production of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” on Saturday, February 1, 2025. The Missoula Children’s Theatre presents “Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs”, an original adaptation of the classic fairy tale. A young princess named Show White finds herself in peril when her step-mother, the Queen, is told by her Magic Mirror that the princess is fairer than she! Aided by her two Henchmen and a band of evil Bats, the Queen plots to get rid of Snow White. Snow White escapes from the Queen and from the Black Forest Creatures with help from Witless the Woodsman, and finds a home with the Seven Dwarfs. When the Queen learns of Snow White’s whereabouts, she attempts to poison Snow White. But the Queen’s evil plans are thwarted when Snow White’s fearless Forest Friends, her father King Backwards, the Seven Dwarfs and the Prince come to her rescue. “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was written and conceived by Jim Caron, with music written and arranged by Michael McGill, additional music by Don Collins, and additional dialogue by Jeff Hall and Matt Loehrke. The Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) is the world’s largest touring children’s theater, bringing the magic of performing arts to communities across the globe. MCT provides young people with the opportunity to audition, rehearse, and perform in full-scale productions, all within the span of a week. Through its mission to develop life skills in children through participation in the arts, MCT fosters creativity, confidence, and teamwork in young performers, making theater accessible and meaningful to audiences of all ages. Performances will be held in UMW’s Beier Auditorium at 3:30 and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025.  To purchase tickets, please visit the BOC Performing Arts Series Box Office webpage ( www.umwestern.edu/bank-of-commerce-performing-arts-series/box-office/ ). Tickets are $16 for general admission, $12 for seniors (65+), youth (18 & under), and military, $10 for UMW faculty/staff, and free for UMW students with a student ID. For more information, please contact Assistant Professor of Theatre, Stephen Seder, at  stephen.seder@umwestern.edu  or 406-683-7038.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING ~ AGENDA ~ January 8, 2025 4:00 PM 1. Call to Order 2. Discuss/Approve AG Worker Health & Services Water Bill 3. Review Pavement Preservation Project 4. Public Comment on Items Not on Agenda but Within The Jurisdiction of The City 5. Adjournment Committee Members Russ Schwandt, Chair Anneliese Ripley Raymond Graham

Montana Technological University, the state’s only special focus university, is reminding high school seniors that the deadline for many major scholarships awarded by the University is January 15. Montana Tech awards more than $1 million in scholarships to students annually.    “Montana Tech is incredibly proud of the scholarship dollars we can award through generous gifts from our alumni and industry donors,” Executive Director of Admissions and Enrollment Leslie Dickerson said. “It speaks to the value they place on a Montana Tech education and the quality of our graduates.” All scholarship applications are located in the student’s personal URL (PURL page), which is generated when they submit their application for admission. Scholarship applications will only appear on the PURL pages of admitted students who meet the eligibility criteria for the scholarship. If students need help obtaining their PURL login information they can reach out at  admissions@mtech.edu  or (406) 496-4791. Scholarships with deadlines closing soon include: Marie Moebus Presidential Award The Marie Moebus Presidential Award is Montana Tech’s premier four-year scholarship for incoming first-year students. It is a combination scholarship with a tuition waiver plus cash, and is renewable for up to four years. Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered: Must be an incoming first-time student Cumulative high school GPA of 3.75 or higher ACT >= 30 or SAT >= 1410 Actively engaged in community and school Must be pursuing a bachelor’s (four-year) degree at Montana Tech Items needed to apply include: A resume of school and community activities Two letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or mentors 600-word essay about an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. How will you apply this experience to the next chapter of your life at Montana Tech? Shirley Paxson Endowed Scholarship The Shirley Paxson Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a graduate of Butte High School or Butte Central High School, who demonstrates leadership and merit measured by community and school involvement. To apply, you will need: Two recommendation letters from teachers Resume of school and community activities Robert Toshoff Alumni Association Scholarship The Toshoff Alumni Scholarship is awarded to a Montana resident who will be entering their first year at Montana Tech and intends to graduate with a degree or certificate from Montana Tech. To apply, you will need to submit: A 600-word one-page essay   outlining how family values, community involvement, and volunteer activities have been an important part of your life, and how they have influenced your life decisions.     Solvay Engineering for Environmental Protection Scholarship The  Solvay Engineering for Environmental Protection  Scholarship is awarded to a Butte High School or Butte Central student who will be entering their first year at Montana Tech in an engineering program. The student must demonstrate leadership, community, and school involvement. To apply, you will need to submit: A resume of activities A 500-word essay on the topic: " What role should engineers play in protecting and improving the environment? " Montana Tech also awards several Oredigger Merit Scholarships based on GPA and test scores (if provided) for students who apply for admission prior to March 1. No scholarship application is necessary and award announcement letters are mailed upon acceptance. This year, the University is continuing the Lance Scholars Program, which will annually provide 50 in-state students with the opportunity to receive a $4,000 per year scholarship, renewable for up to an additional three years (up to $16,000 total). Applicants will be asked in 3-5 sentences to answer the question:  During your time at Montana Tech, what is one thing you would like to learn or experience that has the ability to effect change in the world?  Students must also complete the FAFSA. This scholarship has a February 15, 2025 deadline.

University of Montana Western Press Release DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western men's basketball team (9-5) opened Frontier Conference play with a victory against the Montana State University Northern Lights (6-8) 58-42 this afternoon. "Our guys competed and locked in on the defensive end for 40 minutes," Head Coach Pat Jensen said. "Really proud of their effort to get a conference road win."   Alan Kane and Kyle Gruhler each had 14 points to lead the Bulldogs in scoring. How it Happened The Bulldogs capitalized on seven first-half turnovers by the Lights, converting them into six points, with Kane spearheading the defensive effort with two steals. Both teams endured a nearly four-minute scoring drought in the first half, but Kane and Gruhler provided the offensive spark for UMW, each scoring eight points to give the Bulldogs a 29-25 lead at halftime. In the second half, the Bulldogs' defense took control, holding the Lights scoreless for seven minutes and forcing nine turnovers. UMW also dominated the boards, outrebounding MSUN 18-13 in the second half and turning their efforts into 10 second-chance points, while limiting the Lights to none. Abi Adedo led the Bulldogs' offense in the second half with seven of his 11 points, helping UMW secure a hard-fought victory to open conference play. Notables Gruhler and Kolter Merritt each led the team with seven rebounds. Kevin Bethel was 2-2 from beyond the arc.   Kane finished the game with four assists and a game high three steals. UMW recorded 11 steals. The Bulldogs outscored the Lights 36-22 in the paint. Up Next The Bulldogs will return home as they take on Carroll College on Thursday, January 9 in the Straugh Gymnasium for a 7 p.m. tip-off.

University of Montana Western Press Release DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western women's basketball team (5-8) dropped their Frontier Conference opener to the Montana State University Northern Skylights (10-4) 83-62 this afternoon. Trinidie Nichols led the Bulldogs with 18 points, while Keke Davis chipped in with 10 points. How it Happened Davis got the Bulldogs off to a strong start with an opening jump shot, but UMW struggled offensively, enduring a 9:44 scoring drought without a field goal. The Bulldogs finished the first quarter shooting just 14% from the floor. Nichols sparked UMW's offense in the second quarter with back-to-back baskets, while Madie Moy added five points and Sami Love made her presence felt on defense with three steals. Despite their efforts, the Bulldogs went into halftime trailing 23-31. Davis and Kenzi Pedersen led the Bulldogs in scoring during the third quarter, helping UMW narrow the gap to just three points. However, the Skylights responded with a decisive 18-8 run to close out the quarter. Fueled by 5-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter, the Skylights pulled away to secure the game. Notables Davis led the Bulldogs with 11 rebounds. Nichols and Payton Hagy each led the team with four steals. The Bulldogs forced the Skylights to turn the ball over 24 times. UMW shot just 36.7% from the field.  Up Next The Bulldogs will return home as they take on Carroll College on Thursday, January 9 in the Straugh Gymnasium for a 5 p.m. tip-off.

(Dillon, MT, January 4, 2025) – On Saturday, January 4, three girls and three boys, ages 8-13, were crowned Champions at the Elks South District “Hoop Shoot”® free throw contest, which took place at Straugh Gymnasium on the Montana Western campus in Dillon, MT. • (SEE ATTACHED: RESULTS-SOUTH DISTRICT ELKS HOOP SHOOT) First and second place trophies were awarded to each boy and girl in three categories: ages 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. The contestants who participated at the District Hoop Shoot Contest were crowned Champions at their local Lodge Contest within the Montana South District, comprised of Anaconda #239, Butte #240, Deer Lodge #1737, Dillon #1554. The three first place boys and girls in age categories 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13 will advance to the Montana State Contest at Park County High School in Livingston, MT on February 8, 2025. They will compete against the Districts Champions from the other four Montana districts. With continued success, the six Montana State Champions will advance to the Regional Contest in Rapid City, SD, on March 8; the National Finals in Chicago, IL, April 26. The names of all the national winners will have their names digitally displayed in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. This program is totally sponsored by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A. It is endorsed by hundreds of school systems around the country. The Elks fund the program primarily through its National Foundation and the support of the local lodges and state associations. The Elks “Hoop Shoot”®, began as a local program by Corvallis Oregon Elks in 1946, is in its 53rd year of national competition. Over three million boys and girls are expected to participate this year. In the past, Montana has crowned several National Champions.