Spawning closures take effect October 1   HELENA – Due to cooler temperatures, hoot-owl fishing restrictions are lifted on the Lower Madison River as well as angling closures on Sections 3 and 4 of the Big Hole River, from Dickie Bridge to Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site (aka Notch Bottom), effective immediately. The existing closures upstream of Dickie Bridge and downstream of Tony Schoonen remain in place.  The restriction and closures had been in effect for the rivers due to warm water temperatures on both rivers and low flows on the Big Hole River. Hoot-owl restrictions prohibit fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight each day. They are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when low flows and high water temperatures combine with other stressors, including catch-and-release fishing.    Anglers can reduce stress on fish at all times of the year by getting fish to the net or in hand quickly, keeping them in the water, and reviving them prior to releasing them back into the river.    Starting Oct. 1, annual fishing closures begin for sections of the Big Hole, Ruby and Beaverhead rivers to protect trout during spawning seasons.  To see where these spawning-related fishing closures apply, check the current fishing regulations  here .   To view drought-related fishing restrictions and closures in other areas, click  here .

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025 7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE   A.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA   B.        MINUTES 1.         Approve the Minutes from September 3, 2025 Regular Meeting   C.        PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS               1.         Letters in Support of Action Inc 2.         Signature Receipt Cards on Cease & Desist Letter   D.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Appoint New Police Chief 2.         Second Reading of Ordinance #488 3.         Discuss WWC Engineering Bid for SID 4.         Appoint Councilperson Don Deem to the City/County Health Board   E.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         City Attorney – Ed Guza 2.         Planning Board - Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham 3.         Zoning Commission - Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley                         a.         Accept August 26 th , 2025 Meeting Minutes 4.         Board of Adjustments - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz 5.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey 6.         Police Department – Police Chief Joel Stewart                         a.         Accept Incident Report for August 2025 7.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose a.         Accept August 2025 Activity Report                         b.         Approve City Clerk Report for Fire Hall for August 2025                         c.         Approve Budget vs. Expenditures Report for Fire Hall for August 2025 8.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox                         a.         Accept Court Report for August 2025 9.         Library Board - Diane Armstrong, Council Member; Kim Denny, Library Director               F.        REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Ordinances & Facilities – Bill Shafer, Chair; Joleen Schultz, Mary Jo O’Rourke 2.         Finance Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Diane Armstrong, Mary Jo O’Rourke 3.         Public Services – Diane Armstrong, Chair; Bill Shafer, Don Deem 4.         Open Spaces – Raymond Graham, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Joleen Schultz 5.         Public Works – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Raymond Graham                         a.         Approve the Minutes from September 10, 2025 Regular Meeting                                     i.          Approve DuraPatcher Purchase with Trade In for Asphalt Recycler     G.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE  AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY   H.        ADJOURNMENT   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.

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball | September 13, 2025 | Claire Gay DILLON, Mont. –  The Montana Western volleyball team (6-6, 4-1 FC) turned in a strong all-around performance to earn its second consecutive sweep (25-17, 25-17, 25-21) against Bismarck State (2-7, 0-5 FC) Saturday afternoon. "Today was an awesome way to finish off this weekend," Head Coach Katie Lovett said. "The team worked together and executed out game plan efficiently. Bismarck State had a great defensive team and they are very scrappy, so it was fun to play against a team with that energy." NOTABLES Maxine Hoagland shined again with a game best .583 hitting percentage while Jaiden Perez (.412), Dani Brown (.400), and Kennedy Lingenfelter (.385) also did their part offensively. UMW reached at least 60 digs (65) for the second straight contest and sixth time in the last seven. Western hit a season-best .298 clip as a team. MATCH SUMMARY The opening set saw five tied in the first 10 points before an 11-2 scoring spree by the Bulldogs helped give them the 1-0 lead. The second frame continued in a very similar manner, with a 10-3 run by UMW. BSU never got closer than five in the rest of the set. The visitors were not giving up without a fight, and used long rallies and tough defense to keep the final set close until Western managed to pull away and complete the sweep. LEADERBOARD Hoagland, Jaiden Perez , and Jordan shared the team lead with eight kills apiece. Megan Hardman registered a double-double with a team-best 18 assists and a career-high matching 13 digs. Taylor Ketchum earned a team-best 18 digs. Perez tallied a game-high 5.0 blocks.   SPLIT BOX Montana Western held the statistical advantage in nearly every category, including kills (47-31), assists (42-26), digs (65-58), blocks (8-4). The two sides tied in service aces with three each. LOOKING AHEAD The Bulldogs are back on the road for four-straight road contests. Up first they travel to Madison, S.D., to take on Dakota State (9/19) before heading to Nebraska to face off against #3 Bellevue.

UMW Sports Press Release GLENDIVE, Mont. –  The Montana Western men's  and women's rodeo teams both finished second at the Dawson CC rodeo Friday and Saturday. "I am proud of the way the teams competed," Head Coach JT Robbins said. "we worked through some injuries and tough draws and we are onto the next one." LONG GO RESULTS Barrel Racing Laura Haight placed first in the Barrels with a time of 17.01 seconds, earning 60 points. Goat Tying Tavy Leno won the Goat Tying event in 6.6 seconds for 60 points. Breakaway Roping Mackenzie Griffin and Kassidy Bremner tied for second in Breakaway, both posting 2.7-second runs and earning 45 points apiece. Team Roping Teely Bott and Bry Severe tied for fourth in Team Roping at 8.7 second, picking up 25 points for the Bulldogs. Bareback Riding Coy Montgomery took first in Bareback with a score of 78, earning 60 points. Saddle Bronc Riding Chase Martin tied for first in Saddle Bronc with a 65, earning 55 points. SHORT GO RESULTS Barrel Racing Laura Haight placed fifth in the short-go Barrels, turning in a 17.66-second effort for 20 points. Goat Tying Tavy Leno took home second in Goat Tying at 6.8 seconds while Mackenzie Griffin finished fifth with a time of 7.9 seconds. They earned 50 and 15 points, respectively. Team Roping Teely Bott and Bry Severe won the Team Roping in 8.3 seconds to earn 60 points.   Bareback Riding Coy Montgomery didn't miss a step in the Short Go, taking first with a score of 76 and tallying 60 points. Saddle Bronc Cade Costello tied for first in Saddle Bronc, scoring a 71 and earning 55 points.   Bull Riding Westen Wade placed second in Bull Riding with a score of 77 (50 points) while Gavin Knutson took fourth at 75 points (30 points). AVERAGE Barrel Racing Laura Haight's two-run time of 34.67 landed her in first place in Barrels and earning her 60 points for the team. Goat Tying Tavy Leno finished second overall in Goat Tying at 13.4 seconds, winning 50 points. Breakaway Roping Mackenzie Griffin and Kassidy Bremner tied four fourth, each earning 25 points. Team Roping Teely Bott and Bry Severe won the Team Roping with a total time of 17.0 seconds to take home 60 points. Bareback Riding Coy Montgomery's aggregate score of 154 put him in first in the Bareback event, earning UMW 60 points. Saddle Bronc Cade Costello finished second overall in the Saddle Bronc with a 127, tallying 50 points. LOOKING AHEAD The Bulldogs now set their sites on the Montana Western home rodeo, taking place Sept. 26 and 27 in Dillon, Mont.

DVFD responded to 16 calls for service during the month of August 2025.    8-01                 E Morse                                   Electrical Fire 8-03                 Montana St                             Traffic 8-03                 Medicine Lodge                     Grass Fire 8-03                 I-15 MM 37                           Grass Fire 8-06                 W Center                                 Fire Alarm 8-08                 Hwy 41 MM 15                      MVA 8-09                 Blacktail Rd                            MVA 8-09                 I-15 MM 71                            Grass Fire 8-10                 I-15 MM 51                            Grass Fire 8-11                 I-15 MM 84                            MVA 8-14                 I-15 MM 92                            Grass Fire 8-16                 Sweetwater Rd                       Wildfire 8-20                 Parkview Ct                            Gas Odor 8-21                 N Interchange                         Fire Alarm 8-27                 N Interchange                         MVA 8-31                 I-15 MM 93                            Grass Fire     August monthly training included training of probationary firefighters on PPE familiarization & firehall procedures.  We conducted training as well. We  cleaned the firehall as well as all of the apparatus in preparation for Labor Day Parade & our annual pancake breakfast.     Thanks to all of our firefighters & officers for their continued dedication to the City of Dillon & Beaverhead Fire District #2. Thank you for your continued support of the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department.

DILLON, MT  – On Friday evening, the Dillon Beavers football team hosted a game at Vigilante Field. Despite their efforts, the young team continued to face challenges and fell narrowly to their opponents, 14-7. The game was hard-fought, but the Beavers showed resilience against a tough rival. They will look to regroup and improve as they prepare for upcoming contests.

DILLON – A temporary closure will begin next week for a section of the Beaverhead River during construction on the Montana Hwy. 91 bridge near Dillon. The closure area extends from Cornell Park Fishing Access Site to Selway Bridge Fishing Access Site. Recreational floating in this section of the river will be closed, but wade fishing will remain open, except in the vicinity of the bridge. The closure will begin Sept. 16 and is expected to last through most of November. The closure was approved by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission in June for public safety during the Montana Department of Transportation’s construction project for the bridge. For more information about closures and restrictions at sites managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, click here .

405 N. IDAHO STREET DILLON, MT MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY September 16, 2025 5:00 PM AGENDA: I. Call to order II. Approval of Minutes from 8-19-2025 meeting Public Comment III. Approval of Warrants Public Comment IV. Old Business Public Comment V. New Business Public Comment VI. Chiefs Report Public Comment VII. Public comment on subjects under the jurisdiction of Beaverhead Fire District #2 that is not on the agenda. VIII. Adjournment

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Monday, September 15th, 2025 6:00 p.m. City Council Chambers Planning Board Meeting AGENDA   A.   Call Meeting to Order B.   Review and Approval of July 14 th , 2025 Meeting Minutes C.    Review Planning Board By-Laws D.   Current Growth Policy Update 1. Review Future Land Use Map E.   Review Draft Downtown Master Plan F.   Update on County Planning Board Activities G.  Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within the            Jurisdiction of the Planning Board. H.  Adjournment               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 .     Planning Board Members:       Don Hand, Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham, Dan Nye, Ed Mooney, Michael Saunders, Maria Emmer-Aanes

Montana Tech Press Release Butte, MT—Dr. John Metesh has been named the Executive Director of Critical Materials Initiatives at Montana Technological University. In this new role, he will provide leadership and coordinate external engagement for two of the university's premier research centers: the Center for Advanced Materials Processing (CAMP) and the Center for Environmental Remediation and Assessment (CERA).   “I am pleased to welcome Dr. John Metesh as the inaugural Executive Director of Critical Materials Initiatives at Montana Technological University,” said Interim Vice Chancellor for Research Dr. Katie Hailer. “Dr. Metesh brings extensive experience as a geologist and long-time leader of the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, where he directed major research efforts, secured competitive funding, and built effective partnerships with state and federal agencies. These skills align directly with the responsibilities of this new role, which include strategic planning, center coordination, and expanding Montana Tech’s research portfolio in critical materials and energy.  With his leadership, Montana Tech is well positioned to expand its role in critical materials research and contribute to the national conversation on rare earth elements and resource security.”   For 13 years, Metesh was the director and state geologist of the Montana Bureau of Mines (MBMG), where he previously worked as a research hydrogeologist, research division chief, and assistant director.   He received his master's degree in geological engineering from Montana Tech and a Ph.D. in geology from the University of Montana. Over his 36 years with the MBMG, Montana Tech, and the Montana University System, Metesh has published more than 50 reports, articles, and abstracts on hydrogeology and geochemistry. He's also written many unpublished reports that have been used to make important decisions about legislation, water rights, and natural resource development.   A registered professional geologist in Wisconsin, Metesh recently served as president of the Association of American State Geologists.   Metesh will lead strategic planning, capability development, and collaborative initiatives to expand Montana Tech’s research portfolio in critical materials and energy systems with the help of the Lance Energy Chair Bob Morris. Metesh will also be responsible for aligning internal capabilities with external opportunities, strengthening institutional partnerships, and driving the university’s engagement with key stakeholders in government, industry, and academia.   “Rapidly changing geopolitics has created a new vernacular to describe the world economy,” Metesh said. “Conflicts over oil supply have been joined by critical minerals - minerals critical in manufacturing technology for medicine, energy, and national defense.  The responsible development of Montana's mineral wealth has long been coupled with Montana Tech's wealth of expertise in geology, mining, and mineral processing.”   He added, “The mission is to support collaborations between our research centers, the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, and the private sector to expand Montana Tech's already strong presence in STEM education and research related to critical minerals.”   Montana Tech Chancellor Johnny MacLean said, "Montana Tech and Butte are uniquely positioned to lead Montana in meeting America's critical materials needs, and this has become one of the university's top priorities.  We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Metesh into this new role.  His decades of relevant experience, countless industry and governmental connections, and deep geological expertise will allow Montana Tech to take a huge step forward in this area."   Montana Tech Lance Energy Chair Bob Morris added, “I’m excited to partner with John to strengthen Montana Tech’s role in advancing energy and critical materials research and education. By aligning with national priorities and working closely with industry and government partners, Montana Tech is preparing the workforce and technologies needed for America’s energy and critical materials independence.”

The Dillon Jaycee Park playground will remain closed while renovations are underway. Beginning Monday, September 15, Northwest Playground will begin prepping the base for the installation of new turf. This new turf will replace the existing wood chips in the playground area. In addition to the playground updates, some store fronts in the park area will be refreshed and painted during this time. Please be advised to avoid using the park and playground while the updates are in progress for your safety.

UMW Sports Press Release BUTTE, Mont. –  The Montana Western volleyball team (3-6, 2-1 FC) were upended by Montana Tech (7-2, 3-0 FC) 3-0 Wednesday evening in Butte. "Tonight was a great opportunity for us to learn about the things we need to work on and the things we need to capitalize on," Head Coach Katie Lovett said. "The middles did a great job offensively and we are looking forward to playing at home this weekend." MATCH SUMMARY The teams traded points for most of the opening frame, however the hosts managed to pull away at the end, taking set one 25-20. Montana Tech got hot in the second, winning 25-14 to take the 2-0 lead. The Bulldogs put up a fight in set three, but the Orediggers once again pulled away at the end and earned the sweep 25-20. LEADERBOARD Jordan Olson paced the team in kills with seven while Jaiden Perez led the way in hitting percentage (.333). Sophie Worden and Megan Hardman recorded a team-high 12 assists each. Taylor Ketchum registered a team-best 11 digs. Kennedy Lingenfelter shared the game-high with 3.0 blocks. Worden, Savana Warburton , and Morgyn Harrison each landed one ace in the contest. SPLIT BOX Montana Western won the digs battle (47-44) but were outperformed in kills (30-39), aces (3-6), blocks (4-7), and assists (28-35). LOOKING AHEAD The Bulldogs return to the court this weekend when they welcome Dickinson State (9/12) and Bismarck State (9/13) to Straugh Gymnasium.

Grady attended Montana Western from 2004–2006 before joining the Army, where he was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during the “Surge.” He served as a Counter-IED NCO conducting route clearance and reconnaissance. After the Army, Grady worked as a Company Hand for Newfield Exploration until returning to Western in 2017 as a boiler engineer. He is currently completing his degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at Montana Western. “I’m excited to have this opportunity to continue serving Western and the Dillon community. I look forward to upholding our standards and values while supporting our great institution and students,” Holt said. Grady is married and has two children, a 12-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son. In his free time, he enjoys hunting and exploring the outdoors. He will begin his new role at Montana Western on September 22, 2025.

On September 9, 2025, at approximately 2:16 a.m., Lima Fire and Ambulance, along with the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office, responded to a semi-truck crash on I-15 at mile marker 5. According to reports, the northbound semi-truck went off the east side of the roadway on a slight incline. The driver overcorrected, causing the truck and its trailer to overturn and come to rest on its side. Fortunately, the driver only sustained minor scrapes and bruises and declined medical treatment at the scene. The vehicle was completely off the road, posing no obstruction to traffic lanes. The trailer, loaded with 33,000 pounds of dog food was destined for Billings. The Montana Highway Patrol is currently investigating the cause of the crash.

The University of Montana Western’s Biology Department speaker series, Life: Inside and Out (LIO), is underway for the 2025–2026 academic year. LIO invites scientists from across the country to share their research with the Montana Western and Dillon communities in a way that is accessible to students and the general public. LIO invites all to attend the next presentation, “High-elevation Pine Physiological Responses to Drought” by Dr. Danielle Ulrich, on Wednesday, September 17, in UMW’s Lucy Carson Library. The series offers opportunities to learn directly from experts about exciting biological research happening today and possible career paths students might pursue with firsthand knowledge. All are welcome to attend. The first LIO presentation, held on August 20, showcased the research of the Montana Western Biology faculty and highlighted opportunities for students to participate in scientific projects. Our students engage in a wide range of research, from investigating antibiotic-resistant bacteria in local waterways to studying parasites that infect fish, exploring the internal anatomy of sharks and horses, and examining chronic wasting disease in local deer populations (a project recently awarded $350,000 from NSF). LIO presentations take place on the first Wednesday of every block at 4:00 p.m. on the first floor of the Lucy Carson Library. The detailed schedule for the remainder of the academic year is listed below. For more information about undergraduate research opportunities or the LIO speaker series, please contact Dr. Michael Morrow, Chair of the Biology Department, at  michael.morrow@umwestern.edu . Life: Inside and Out 2025–2026 Schedule On Wednesday, September 17 , Dr. Danielle Ulrich, Associate Professor of Plant Ecophysiology at Montana State University, Bozeman, will speak on “High-elevation Pine Physiological Responses to Drought.” On Wednesday, October 15 , Dr. Yui Suzuki, Dorothy and Charles Jenkins, Jr. Distinguished Chair in Science and Professor of Developmental Biology at Wellesley College in Wellesley, MA, will speak on “The Evolution of Insect Metamorphosis: What Have We Learned Since Aristotle?” On Wednesday, November 12 , Dr. Mark Loewen, Resident Research Associate of Paleontology at the Natural History Museum of Utah at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, will speak on “Horned Dinosaur Evolution on the Shifting Shores of the Lost Continent of Laramidia.” On Wednesday, January 14 , Dr. Meradith Snow, Professor of Forensic Anthropology at the University of Montana, Missoula, will speak on “The Past, Present, and Future of DNA: How Ancient DNA Studies are Shaping Our Understanding of the Human Condition and Aiding in Building a Better Tomorrow.” On Wednesday, February 11 , Dr. Kristen Intemann, Professor of Philosophy in the Center for Science, Technology, Ethics and Society at Montana State University, Bozeman, will speak on “Challenges to Ethical Assessments of Prescribed Fires on Human Health.” On Wednesday, April 15 , Dr. Jennifer Forbey, Professor of Biology at Boise State University, Boise, ID, will speak on “Life: The Inside and Out of Herbivore Foraging – Where to Go, What to Eat, and When to Quit.”

From Representative Ken Walsh House District 69 Twin Bridges, MT — I’m announcing my intention to seek reelection to Montana’s House District 69. Serving this district has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished together—from strengthening water policy, protecting our health care system, supporting public education, enhancing conservation measures and infrastructure to ensuring fiscal responsibility and advocating for rural communities. While the election season is still months away, my focus remains where it belongs: on the responsibilities entrusted to me by the citizens of House District 69. I’m not campaigning—I’m continuing to serve. Every day, I’m working to advocate for our communities, respond to constituent concerns, and deliver results that reflect our shared values. Promises made, promises kept. Throughout my time in office, I’ve championed conservative values and common-sense governance—fiscal discipline, local control, and respect for Montana’s working families. On the Appropriations Committee, I’ve worked to ensure responsible budgeting and transparent governance, and I’ve remained a strong advocate for sustainable development, private property rights, education, and rural infrastructure. My approach has always been grounded in listening first, collaborating across party lines, and finding solutions that reflect the values of our district. I believe in thoughtful leadership and remain committed to serving with fairness, persistence, and respect for every voice in our communities. I welcome your input and encourage you to reach out directly at kmwalsh54@gmail.com or 406-596-0418. Constituents can learn more about my legislative priorities and campaign updates at www.walsh4montana.com  or on Facebook.com /kenwalshhd69 .

Beaverhead County Mental Health Local Advisory Counsel *LOCATION CHANGE* Barrett Hospital Board Room- 600 MT 91 S AGENDA Thursday, September 11, 2025, Noon to 2:00 p.m. Introductions - Establish Quorum Approval of Minutes – August 14, 2025, meeting ACTION ITEMS: 1. Discuss and Action- Time Limits on Presentations 2. Presentation on Hope Squad Seeking Funding 3. Beaverhead Tobacco Prevention Student Presentation UPDATES 1. Local updates 2. Public Health Update NEW BUSINESS ADJOURN

DILLON, Mont. –  Montana Western football player Tyler Walker was named Erck Hotels/ Frontier Conference Football Defensive Player of the week after a strong outing against MSU-Northern Sept. 6. This marks the first Player of the Week honor of his career. "Tyler's motor on the field is exceptional," Head Coach Ryan Nourse said. "It was awesome to see him put it together with technique and have a dominating performance for the ages."  Walker was a key part of UMW blanking MSU-Northern 52-0 Saturday afternoon. The Dillon, Mont., native earned a team-high 11 tackles, including a team-best six solo efforts. He recorded six tackles-for-loss totaling 33 yards. The senior defensive lineman also led the game with 4.5 sacks, 3.0 more than any other player, for 25 yards. With that mark, Walker set a school record for sacks in a single game. The previous record was set in 1980 by Dinny Bennet and matched by Greg Reynard (1984), Duane Earnon (1984), and Troy Lake (1990). His 4.5 sacks also put him first in the nation and in the Frontier Conference in the category. Walker's performance also aided the Western Defense in setting a school record for most team sacks in a single game with eight, nesting the previous mark of seven set last season against Arizona Christian. LOOKING AHEAD The Bulldogs are back on the road in two weeks when they travel to Billings, Mont., to take on Rocky Mountain September 20. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. MT.