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Game Recap: Men's Basketball | October 26, 2025 | Claire Gay Olympia, Wash. –  The UMW men's basketball program (1-0) opened the 2025-26 season with a comfortable 76-61 win over Evergreen (0-1) Sunday. It marks the sixth straight year that the Bulldogs have won their season opener, going back to The 2020-21 season. "Proud of our guys for finding a way to win on the road when we didn't shoot the ball very well," head coach Patrick Jensen said. "We won the turnover and rebound battle and that got us the win today. Western shot 36.2 percent (25-69) from the field, 35.1 percent (13-37) from beyond the arc, and 68.4 percent (13-19) from the foul line in the contest. The Bulldogs held the statistical advantage in rebounds (41-31), assists (10-8), steals (8-3), and blocks (3-2). They also forced 17 turnovers from the Geoducks while committing 13 themselves. The two sides each scored 18 points in the paint, but UMW outscored Evergreen in points off turnovers (23-18), second-chance points (12-5), fast break points (4-2), and bench points (31-19). Kyle Gruhler went off for a game-high 31 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including 5-of-11 from downtown. He drained all six free-throw attempts and added a game-best seven rebounds and two assists. Emanuel Steward was also in double figures for Western with 13 points, 12 of which came from three. Other Bulldogs on the scoresheet include Quincy Taylor (eight), Billy Carlson (seven), Jacksen Burckley (six), Kolter Merritt (four), David Young (four), and Jacob Ankeny (three). Ankeny was second on the team in rebounds (six) and also tallied one block and one steal. Carlson dished out a game-best three assists in the contest while Mark Huber posted two. Merrit and Burckley shared the game-high with two steals apiece while Merritt led outright in blocks with two. Two quick threes by Kenzel Massey put the hosts up six to start the game, but the Red and Black went on an 11-0 run of their own to take the lead. Both teams swapped the lead a few more times before a three from Steward put the Bulldogs up for good. They built the cushion to as many as 11 over the rest of the period, leading by nine, 39-30, at the half. The Geoducks never got closer than 10 in the second half. Western increased their lead to as many as 18 late in the frame and cruised to the 15-point victory. Seven Bulldogs scored in the half, including 13 from Gruhler. The Geoducks shot 42.3 percent from the floor (11-27), 31.6 percent (6-19) from three, and 73.3 percent (11-15) at the line in the game. Tony Frohlich-Fair paced the team with 23 points while Massey added 10. Frolich-Fair also led the team in rebounds (six) followed by Jemoi Davis (five). Jayson Mathews earned a team-best two assists. Massey, Tyler No, and Zach Jefferson each recorded a steal in the game while Jefferson and Amari Jackson swatted one block apiece.   LOOKING AHEAD Western returns to Straugh Gymnasium Oct. 30-31 when they host the Montana Western Tournament. UMW welcomes Montana Tech, Warner Pacific, and Southern Oregon to Dillon for four games over the two days.

Police and first responders were called to the Safeway parking lot Saturday afternoon for a two-vehicle accident. A red SUV collided with the passenger-side front of a silver pickup truck. Both vehicles sustained visible damage. Beaverhead Ambulance personnel were on scene to evaluate both drivers for injuries. Only minor injuries were reported, and no hospital transports were necessary.

Twin Bridges, Montana — 10/13/25  — The Madison County Fairgrounds Improvement Foundation today announced a  $100,000 matching gift from the Walsh W Bar Ranch,  marking a major step forward in the campaign to renovate and modernize the historic Fairgrounds Pavilion. With this generous match, the Foundation is now just $241,000 away from fully funding the pavilion renovation —including year-round restrooms, a warming kitchen, and needed chinking and staining. The renovation plan will restore the 1936 log Pavilion to its original charm while adding key modern amenities to allow for year-round use and greater community comfort. Once completed, the upgraded Pavilion will better serve the 4-H and FFA programs, local schools, and countless community gatherings that define the fairgrounds’ role as Madison County’s “home stomping grounds.” “The fairgrounds have long been a place where generations come together—to celebrate hard work, community, and tradition. We’re proud to help ensure this space continues to serve future generations in a way that honors its past,” said   Ken Walsh, on behalf of the Walsh W Bar Ranch. The Fairgrounds Improvement Campaign is part of a broader vision to preserve Madison County’s agricultural heritage while supporting its growing population. The Pavilion renovation represents Phase 1 of the Foundation’s multi-phase plan, which also includes a future multi-purpose events center designed to accommodate youth programs, livestock shows, and year-round events for the entire region. With nearly than $1.4 million already secured, the Foundation invites the community to help close the final gap and take advantage of the Walsh W Bar Ranch’s matching challenge. Every new dollar donated will be matched up to $100,000, doubling the impact of each contribution toward this transformational project. Donations can be made to the Madison County Fairgrounds Improvement Foundation or to discuss a multi-year pledge, please email Chase Rose, Campaign Manager, at chase@bannackgroup.com About the Madison County Fairgrounds Improvement Foundation The Madison County Fairgrounds Improvement Foundation is dedicated to preserving the historic character of the fairgrounds while ensuring its facilities meet the needs of a growing community. The Foundation’s mission is to enhance the visitor experience, support youth programs, and promote economic vitality through year-round community events.

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball | October 23, 2025 | Claire Gay DILLON, Mont. –  The Montana Western volleyball team (11-14, 9-9 FC) defeated #24 Dakota State (14-9, 10-8 FC) in an electrifying five-set match (21-25, 30-28 , 25-14 , 18-25, 15-11 ) Thursday evening. It was the Bulldogs first win over a ranked or receiving-votes opponent since Sept. 5 when they beat then (RV) Valley City State 3-1. "Tonight was a great and gritty team win," Head Coach Katie Lovett said. "We had a lot of people contribute in different ways which really made a difference when it came down to the wire." NOTABLES Three Bulldogs hit at least .300 in the match; Kennedy Lingenfelter (.367), Olivia Rosborough (.304), Antonia Duncan (.300). Four players reached double figures in both kills and digs Duncan earned career highs in both kills (nine) and hitting percentage (.300). Megan Hardman recorded her seventh double-double in her last eight appearances. As a team, UMW hit a blistering .435 clip in the final set. MATCH SUMMARY The match was a nail-biter from the first set, with the two sides trading the lead until the Trojans managed to pull away 25-21 to take the 1-0 lead. The Bulldogs bounced back in the second and leveled things 1-1 with a marathon 30-28 win. The momentum was fully with UMW in the third frame, as the team cruised into the 2-1 lead with a 25-14 win. Dakota State proved their resilience in the fourth, forcing a fifth set 25-18. In the decider, Western took an early lead and held off the visitors, securing the win 15-11. LEADERBOARD Averi Look led the Bulldogs in kills with 16. Taylor Petersen tallied a team-high 31 assists. Madisyn Frazier earned a game-best 20 digs. Kennedy Lingenfelter posted game highs in blocks (6.0) and hitting percentage (.367). Frazier, Petersen, and Megan Hardman each landed one service ace.   SPLIT BOX Western held the statistical advantage in nearly every category, including kills (69-59), assists (65-54), digs (92-84), and blocks (11-8). Dakota State won the battle in service aces (5-3). LOOKING AHEAD The Bulldogs return to Straugh Gymnasium next weekend when they welcome Carroll College (10/31) and Rocky Mountain (11/1) for the final two home matches of the 2025 regular season.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. ZONING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Agenda 1. Call To Order 2. Review and Approval of October 14th, 2025 Minutes 3. Director of Operations Report 4. Applications for Zoning Compliance Certificates for Review: 2025-046 Stockman Bank Commercial Addition 2025-037 Amended Reynolds Garage 625 S Arizona St 5. Discuss Changes to Title 17.48 Parking with Ad Hoc Committee Recommendations and HB 492 Requirements 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. zoning Commission Members: Justin Rooley (Chair), Mike Watson, Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley

GRANT, Mont. - The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is announcing and inviting the public to comment on a proposal that will improve approximately 13 miles of Secondary Highway 324 (S 324) southwest of Grant. The project begins just north of Lemhi Pass Road and extends south to the Montana/Idaho border.    Proposed work includes milling and overlaying the existing pavement, reconstructing gravel sections of the road into a 24-foot-wide paved surface, upgrading drainage features and culverts, and adding new guardrails and fencing. Additionally, snow fencing may be included at select locations. These improvements will enhance safety features, improve traffic operations for motorists, and extend the service life of the roadway.   At this time, a construction year has not been selected, and is dependent on project design completion and availability of funding.   Partnering with the community is an important part of properly planning for future projects. MDT welcomes the public to provide ideas and comments on the proposed project. Comments may be submitted online at mdt.mt.gov/contact/comment-form.aspx  or in writing to Montana Department of Transportation, Butte office, PO Box 3068, Butte, MT 59702-3068. Please note that comments are for project UPN 10204000.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY/CITY BOARD OF HEALTH Beaverhead County Courthouse Commissioners Room Dillon, MT (Breakfast AT 8:30 A.M.) 9:00 a.m., Friday October 24, 2025 Call meeting to order ~ Establish Quorum 1. Beaverhead County Tobacco Prevention & Be The Change 406 Coalition Update a. Discussion regarding a resolution about local clean air act 2. Public Health Update a. Discussion about Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) 3. DES Update 4. Sanitarian Report 5. Public Comment DISCUSSION and/or ACTION ITEMS A. Old Business~ Approval of November 14, 2024 Minutes B. Nominations and Vote for Vice Chair Position C. Discussion and Action: Revision of By-Laws D. Public Discussion/Comments on Subjects Under BOH Jurisdiction Not on Agenda E. New Business F. Meeting Schedule~ Next meeting tentatively January 16, 2026 G. Adjourn the Meeting

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 5:00 p.m. City Council Chambers Planning Board Meeting AGENDA   A.   Call Meeting to Order B.   Review and Approval of October 2 nd , 2025 Meeting Minutes C.    Current Growth Policy Update D.   Update on County Planning Board Activities E.   Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within the            Jurisdiction of the Planning Board. F.   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, Maria Emmer-Aanes

Upcoming Dillon Public Library programs: Every Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Dillon Public Library - BOOKS & BABIES October 25, 2025 - 11:30 a.m. - FREE Computer Class  for anyone and everyone  with Tara Stevens  from Computer Rescue Service; at Dillon Public Library Bring your questions, get your answers! October 31 st  - 4 p.m to 6 p.m. - stop by the Library for a TRICK-or-Treat Haunted Library party!

LIMA —  On the morning of October 16, 2025, deputies from the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office, along with emergency medical personnel from Lima Ambulance, responded to a report of an unattended death in Lima. Upon arrival, first responders located a deceased child. Due to the circumstances at the scene, the death was considered suspicious, and assistance was requested from the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation. Following the initial investigation, one adult female who was present at the residence was arrested and charged with deliberate homicide . She was booked into the Beaverhead County Detention Center. Authorities say the investigation remains active, and no further information will be released at this time. The Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation for the work of all first responders involved, stating, “We sincerely thank all the first responders who assisted us in this case, and who put others before themselves every day.” Warning these files contain graphic information and may not be suitable for everyone.

Helena, Mont. –  Montana Western Men's Basketball tied for second in the 2025-26 Frontier Conference Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league office announced Monday.  The Bulldogs were edged out by reigning conference champion Montana Tech, who landed the top spot in the poll, while sharing second place with Carroll. "It is always nice to see our program recognized, but we know the real work lies ahead and this poll doesn't guarantee us anything," Head Coach Patrick Jensen said. "We're focused on improvement and proving what this group can accomplish when the season begins."  The Bulldogs are coming off a 2024-25 campaign that saw them finish fourth in the Frontier with a 16-13 overall record (8-7 in conference play). Coach Jensen returns eight student-athletes from last year's team, including senior Kyle Gruhler , who led the team in rebounds (6.5) and ranked second in scoring (14.7) in 2024-25.   Also back for the Bulldogs are redshirt-seniors Jacob Ankeny , Jacksen Burckley , Carson Denning , and Kolter Merritt , senior Quincy Taylor , redshirt-sophomore Billy Carlson , and redshirt-freshman River Hurley . Ankeny and Burckley both appeared in all 29 games for UMW last season. New to the squad this season are freshmen Kyler Engellant and Ben Erbacher , as well as transfers Joshua Whiteside , Trayce Atkins , David Young , Mark Huber , and Emanuel Steward . The new additions will add strength and big-game experience to the 2025-26 roster. LOOKING AHEAD The Bulldogs open the season on the road at Evergreen State Oct. 26 before returning to Straugh Gymnasium Oct. 30-31 to host the 2025 Montana Western Tournament. 2025-26 Frontier Conference Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll   Rank School (First Place Votes) Total Points 1 Montana Tech (11) 121 T2 Carroll 89 T2 Montana Western (1) 89 4 Providence 81 5 Dickinson State 75 6 Rocky Mountain 73 7 Bellevue 71 8 Mayville State 53 9 Dakota State 50 10 MSU-Northern 39 11 Valley City State 34 12 Bismarck State 17

Helena, Mont. –  Montana Western Women's Basketball was tabbed 11th on the 2025-26 Frontier Conference Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league office announced Monday. New conference member Dakota State landed in the top spot in the poll, with Carroll and Rocky Mountain sharing second place. "We know where we're starting, and that's okay," Head Coach Ryan Sullivan said. "For us right now it means the same for us to be ranked at the bottom as it would for us to be ranked towards the top. Just have a lot of unknowns with a first-year staff. Our players are buying into a new system, a new standard, and a new culture. We're not worried about where we're ranked right now, we're focused on who we're becoming. I believe in this group and the direction we're heading." The Bulldogs are looking to improve on the 2024-25 season, which saw them finish sixth in the Frontier with a 7-21 overall record (2-13 FC). First-year Head Coach Sullivan returned eight student-athletes from last year's squad, including seniors Isabella Lund and Keke Davis . Both Lund (9.9 ppg) and Davis (8.4 ppg) were in the top five scorers for UMW in 2024-25. Also back for Western are redshirt-freshmen Brooke Deyak , Kasey Hendren , and Kyle Pancost , as well as sophomore Sammi Love , redshirt-sophomore Mila Hawk , and Junior Ava Bellach . Bellach joins Davis as one of two returners to appear in all 28 games for the Bulldogs last season. UMW bolstered this season's roster with seven newcomers. True freshmen Rina Gottula , Kensi Dorn , and Grace Murgel will add depth in all aspects of the game while transfers Maile Wilcox , Gio Horner , Bailee Sayler , and Tayva Phillips will bring needed experience. LOOKING AHEAD The Bulldogs open the season at the Peggy Sarsfield Basketball Weekend, hosted by Montana Tech. They will take on Southern Oregon Nov. 1 in Butte, Mont., and play host to College of Idaho Nov. 2 in Dillon. 2025-26 Frontier Conference Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll Rank School (First Place Votes) Total Points 1 Dakota State (11) 121 T2 Carroll 101 T2 Rocky Mountain 101 4 Providence 91 5 Montana Tech (1) 81 6 Bellevue 68 7 MSU-Northern 58 8 Valley City State 55 9 Mayville State 37 10 Dickinson State 35 11 Montana Western 32 12 Bismarck State 12

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY DUI TASK FORCE AGENDA Tuesday, October 21, 2025 @ 12:00PM Beaverhead County Courthouse Welcome/Introductions/scribe – Pledge of Allegiance Approve of May 22, 2025 & July 10, 2025 minutes Treasurer Report Correspondence Recap: Sober Rides update Bar & Restaurant Incentive update Parade New Business: Adjourn Mark your calendars - next meeting _______________

Another “No Kings” protest was held Saturday at Kiwanis Park in Dillon. Demonstrators gathered near Montana Street, waving a wide variety of signs — some expressing frustration through profanity, others showing support for immigrants, and many declaring concerns that the nation is “now ruled by a king.” Protesters voiced anger toward the Trump administration’s recent deployment of troops in several cities, stricter immigration enforcement, and what they described as an overreach of power through executive orders. The Dillon event was one of many organized across the country this weekend as part of the broader “No Kings” movement. Officers from the Dillon Police Department and the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office were present to monitor the gathering, ensuring it remained peaceful and assisting with traffic control around the park.

The University of Montana Western’s Environmental Science Department is excited to host Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG) geologists Amanda Willingham and Raymond Salazar as part of the “On the Rocks” lecture series. Willingham and Salazar will present “Assessing Landslide and Earthquake Hazards Across Montana and Yellowstone National Park” on Wednesday, October 22, at 4:00 p.m. in UMW’s Lucy Carson Library. Willingham received her M.Sc . in Geology from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2012. She is a field geologist supporting both the STATEMAP and geohazards programs. She has a background in mineral exploration, geochronology, mapping, landslide hazards, and applying modern technologies to traditional geologic mapping (e.g., LiDAR, digital data collection, Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry). Her current projects include expanding the statewide landslide inventory and conducting geologic and geohazard mapping to support STATEMAP objectives. Salazar received his M.Sc . in Geology from Montana State University in 2023. His research focused on geologic mapping and updating the stratigraphy of Yellowstone’s most recent super eruption. He is now a field-based geologist using detailed mapping and chemical analysis to evaluate the volcanic and plutonic stratigraphy of Montana. The “On the Rocks” series is an excellent opportunity for students, faculty, and the public to engage with experts in the earth sciences and learn more about developments in hydrology and geomorphology. Each presentation will be preceded by a social gathering at 3:30 p.m., offering light refreshments. We look forward to seeing you! For more information, please contact UMW Assistant Professor of Environmental Science Dr. Lorrie Carnes at lorraine.carnes@umwestern.edu .

The University of Montana Western is proud to welcome Montana Repertory Theatre’s production of “Jabberdoggy: And Other Made-Up Words” on Friday, October 24, 2025, in Beier Auditorium. Join us as the Spruce Creek High School theatre club presents a play adapted from Lewis Carroll’s Alice stories. When AJ is cast as the fearsome Jabberwock, memorizing the famous poem awakens long-buried memories full of teeth, claws, and everything in between. As AJ prepares for opening night, an old hardship and an unlikely friendship collide—leaving AJ to wonder if fear has been telling the wrong story. With humor, heart, and a touch of Carrollian wonder, Jabberdoggy explores how the stories we tell—on stage and in our minds—shape our fears, and how friendship can help us rewrite them. Rated G, this moving and family-friendly performance is perfect for audiences of all ages. “Jabberdoggy: And Other Made-Up Words” will be performed in Beier Auditorium at 7:30 PM on Friday, October 24, 2025. Special school group and homeschool pricing is available by direct reservation only. To receive the discounted rate, please contact Assistant Professor of Theatre Stephen Seder at  stephen.seder@umwestern.edu  or 406-683-7038. Tickets for the general public can be purchased through the University of Montana Western box office webpage:  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. To learn more about the Bank of Commerce Performing Arts Series and this year’s productions, visit umwestern.edu/bank-of-commerce-performing-arts-series .