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The University of Montana Western Education Department and Alumni Office, in partnership with Stockman Bank, are proud to present the 13th Annual Night of Stars Education Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, April 25, 2026. This year’s event will take place in the Lewis & Clark Room in Mathews Hall on the University of Montana Western campus. The evening will begin with no-host cocktails at 5:30 p.m., followed by an Italian buffet dinner at 6:00 p.m. The induction ceremony will begin at 7:00 p.m. The Night of Stars celebration honors Montana Western alumni who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and service to the field of education. During the ceremony, five alumni will be inducted into the Education Hall of Fame, and ten current education students will be recognized as Outstanding Teacher Candidates. “Night of Stars is always a meaningful evening for our campus,” said Jolene Robbins, Special Events and Alumni Coordinator at the University of Montana Western. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate alumni who have dedicated their lives to education, while also recognizing the next generation of teachers who are preparing to make a difference in classrooms across Montana and beyond.” The 2026 Education Hall of Fame inductees are Tim Love, Katherine Sunwall, Jamie Courville, Quinn Kelly, and Tricia Schumann. The 2026 Outstanding Teacher Candidates are Mariah Humble, Theo Harris-Kaczmarek, Hailey Pike, Ryleigh Pitcher, Angela Anderson, Taylor Lovaas, Kira Crete, Karmen Ward, Thomas Zak, and Isabella Lund. Tickets for the dinner and ceremony may be purchased by contacting Kelly Allen at 406-683-7306 or online at https://tinyurl.com/UMWNOS26 . For additional information, please contact Jolene Robbins, Alumni Coordinator at the University of Montana Western, at 406-683-7303 or  jjolene.robbins@umwestern.edu . Timothy Love Timothy “Tim” Love, a native of Townsend, Montana, graduated from Montana Western in 1999 with a BS in Education and later earned a master’s degree in K–12 Leadership in 2006. While at Western, Tim was actively involved on campus, serving as a member of the Student Senate and as vice president of the Spurs. He earned multiple honors, including the Golden Hammer Award, the Roy Evenson Leadership Award in 1998, and the Evenson Alumni Service Award in 1997. He also holds legendary status as a tenant of the third floor of Davis Hall during the 1994–1996 school years. Some of his fondest Montana Western memories include the lifelong friendships he formed, snowball softball tournaments, the success of the football team, and the spirited campus atmosphere of the 1990s. He describes his four years at Western as “all so special.” Following graduation, Tim launched a long and impactful 25-year career in education. He taught for 20 years in Augusta, where he led Industrial Arts (welding, woodworking, and construction) for grades 7–12, Business/Computer Science for grades 9–12, and 7th-grade math. Prior to Augusta, he spent two years at Kremlin–Gildford High School, followed by three years at Kalispell Junior High School. Throughout his teaching career, Tim also drove bus and coached athletics, serving as an assistant coach in football, basketball, and track for 25 seasons and contributing to four state championship teams. Beyond coaching, Tim dedicated 20 years as the SkillsUSA advisor and another 20 years as the CLAD advisor, mentoring countless students in leadership and technical skills. After retiring from teaching in 2025, he began a second career as an electrician. Tim’s commitment to education and community is evident throughout his career, and he has positively influenced generations of students. He is grateful for the support of his family, including his wife, Rebecca, and his stepdaughter, Natalia. Katherine Sunwall Katherine Sunwall is a 2007 graduate of the University of Montana Western, earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. During her time at Western, she excelled in the classroom, on the court, and in the community. A dedicated student-athlete, she graduated  magna cum laude  while competing in two collegiate sports, working in the campus cafeteria, and staying actively involved in student life. Katherine is most proud of how she balanced the demands of academics, athletics, work, and leadership—something she credits to her strong focus, determination, and faith. Her fondest memories of Western include time spent with friends, taking courses from inspiring professors like Rita Moore, being involved in Chi Alpha, and sharing summers in Dillon with her roommate, Kayla Olsen. Today, Katherine teaches kindergarten at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Great Falls, where she has spent the past 13 years. She is especially grateful for the colleagues and mentors who shaped her career, including longtime coworker Tina Mitchell and Barby Judge, her student-teaching mentor at Parkview Elementary. Barby taught her the value of patience, kindness, and celebrating every holiday with her students—lessons that still guide Katherine’s classroom today. Katherine’s favorite part of teaching is watching her students grow, learn, and experience those unforgettable “aha” moments. She feels blessed to work in a school where she can share her faith openly and create a classroom where every child feels loved and supported. She remains deeply grateful for the people and experiences at Montana Western that helped shape her into the educator she is today. Jamie Courville Jamie Courville, Class of 2002, is a proud graduate of the University of Montana Western and a lifelong advocate for education, leadership, and community service. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance from Montana Western in 2002 and later completed a Master of Education in Educational Leadership in 2008. Courville attended Montana Western from 1995–2002 as a student-athlete on a football scholarship and credits the mentorship of faculty, coaches, and staff for helping shape both his academic success and personal growth. He fondly remembers the camaraderie and lifelong friendships formed during his time at Western, often reflecting, “Once a Dawg, always a Dawg.” Currently, Courville serves as the middle school principal at Hellgate Elementary, a position he has held for 13 years, and is in his 18th year as a building principal. His career has also included roles as dean of students and athletic director for the Ronan School District, as well as leadership positions at Havre Middle School and Rocky Boy Jr./Sr. High School. A proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Courville has spent much of his life on the Flathead Reservation and previously served on the Salish and Kootenai College Board of Directors. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys life with his wife, Jennifer, and their family, and they are active supporters of 4-H, raising cattle, pigs, and chickens together. Most recently, Courville was named the National Distinguished Principal of the Year for the State of Montana (Class of 2025). Quinn Kelly Quinn Kelly, a native of Cut Bank, Montana, graduated from Western Montana College in 1998 with a BS in Education. While on campus, he distinguished himself academically and through leadership roles, including serving as treasurer of the SkillsUSA Club, earning a spot in  Who’s Who in Colleges  in 1997, graduating with honors, and serving as the lead woodworking student. Quinn enjoyed sharing his skills with fellow students, demonstrating proper power tool setups, and fostering skill development in the classroom. After graduation, Quinn began a rewarding career as a 7–12 middle and high school shop teacher at Cut Bank Public Schools, where he instructs students in woodworking, carpentry, drafting, technology, electronics, and STEM. He also teaches woodworking classes for adults, sharing his expertise and love for the trade. His community involvement extends to helping Boy Scouts earn the traditional woodworking merit badge. For Quinn, teaching and mentoring both students and adults has been an enjoyable and deeply fulfilling part of his life. Quinn has a long history of coaching athletics, including football, track and field, and wrestling, with the past 15 years spent coaching at the middle school level. His teams have achieved great success in track and field, reflecting his dedication as both a coach and mentor. Some of his favorite Montana Western memories include fly fishing in southwest Montana, working in the wood and metal shops, admiring the silver maple trees on campus, benefiting from the small-college setting that allowed easy access to faculty, and enjoying pitchers of beer at the bowling alley. Tricia Schumann Tricia Schumann, originally from Anaconda, Montana, graduated from Montana Western in 1994 with a B.S. in Elementary Education and later earned an M.S. in Teacher Leadership in 2010. One of the experiences she is most proud of from her time at Western was serving as an ambassador for the Admissions Office, where she learned firsthand how to connect with prospective students and their families. She also worked in the Alumni Foundation Office alongside Tom Yahres, Arlene Williams, Henry Stish, Dona Wallace, and Wally Felt—an opportunity that gave her early practice in building relationships and representing the university. Tricia remembers Montana Western as a place with a strong feeling of family and shared purpose, especially among students preparing to become educators. A few standout memories include representing Western on recruiting trips and serving as a Spur under the guidance of Dona Wallace, whose leadership left a lasting impression. Tricia recently retired after a long and meaningful career in education, most recently serving as the Alternative Education Teacher and Director at Mineral County High School in Nevada. Throughout her career, she held roles such as District Literacy and Learning Specialist, served on the UniServ Council of Nevada and the NSEA Board of Directors, and earned the NSEA Bernard J. Anderson Dedicated Educator Award in both 2018 and 2024. She continues to stay involved through the NSEA-Retired group and the Elizabeth Brown Scholarship Committee. Beyond the classroom, she started a community mobile bike parade for Armed Forces Day and created a third-grade bike program through a partnership with the local Sheriff’s Office. She and her husband, Rick, live in Hawthorne, Nevada.

BUTTE, Mont. — Frontier Credit Union has announced the acquisition of First Citizens Bank of Butte, marking a historic milestone as the first credit union to fully acquire a bank in the state of Montana. The transaction is scheduled to close on February 1, 2026, with full account conversion and systems integration expected to be completed by August 2026. With the acquisition, First Citizens Bank customers will become members of Frontier Credit Union, combining First Citizens’ long-standing local presence with Frontier’s expanded financial resources, technology, and more than 90 years of community-focused service. Expanded Services for Customers Following the transition, former First Citizens Bank customers will gain access to Frontier Credit Union’s full range of financial products and services, including expanded mortgage and auto lending options, credit cards, and enhanced digital banking tools. “Having grown up in Dillon, bringing Frontier home to Montana is something I’m deeply proud of,” said Dan Thurman, President and CEO of Frontier Credit Union. “For over 90 years, Frontier has been dedicated to building better lives through trusted, community-first financial services. Welcoming First Citizens Bank into our family is a natural next step.” Cindy High, Chief Operations Officer at Frontier Credit Union, said the transition reflects a shared commitment to local service. “We’re excited to welcome the Butte branch team and community into the Frontier Credit Union family,” High said. “This move expands access to a broader range of financial products and digital tools while maintaining the friendly, local experience members value.” What Customers Can Expect According to Frontier Credit Union, customers should expect minimal disruption during the transition: No immediate account changes: Accounts, checks, debit and credit cards, and online banking services will remain unchanged until conversion is completed in August 2026. Expanded branch access: Customers will gain access to Frontier’s 15 branch locations throughout Idaho, in addition to the Butte branch, which will remain open and continue operating. Enhanced banking options: Members will have access to more financial products and 30,000+ surcharge-free ATMs through the Credit Union CO-OP network. Continued federal insurance: Deposit insurance will transition from the FDIC to the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, administered by the National Credit Union Administration, with the same $250,000 per account category coverage. There are no anticipated changes to branch hours at the Butte location. Frontier Credit Union’s headquarters will remain in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and the Butte branch will become Frontier’s 16th location. “Our top priority is making this transition as seamless as possible for our new members in Butte,” said Angie Hyatt, Vice President of Branch Operations. “Our teams are working closely behind the scenes to ensure continuity while expanding services and digital tools.” More Information Additional updates and frequently asked questions are available at frontiercreditunion.com/welcome/ . About Frontier Credit Union Founded in 1935, Frontier Credit Union is Idaho’s oldest credit union. It operates 15 branches across Idaho and provides nationwide ATM access through the CO-OP network. Frontier is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative focused on personalized service and community investment.

LIMA, Mont. — In the early morning hours of January 31, 2026, Lima Fire / Ambulance and the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a reported structure fire on Peat Street in Lima. Upon arrival, responders confirmed that the sole occupant of the home had safely exited the residence and sustained minor injuries. Fire crews were able to mostly contain the blaze; however, suppression efforts were complicated by the home having four layers of roofing, with fire burning between the layers. A local contractor assisted by bringing a telehandler to the scene, allowing firefighters to lift and separate the roofing layers so water could be applied directly to the concealed fire. Crews remained on scene for several hours to fully extinguish hot spots before clearing the incident. Photo credit: Beaverhead County Sheriff

DILLON, Mont. — The Beaverhead County 4-H Building will host the 2026 Beaverhead County Spelling Bee on Tuesday, February 10, at 1:30 p.m. Elementary and middle school students from across Beaverhead County will compete for a chance to advance to the Treasure State Spelling Bee, scheduled for March 21 in Bozeman. Participants will include students from all county grade schools, Dillon Middle School, Lima schools, and local homeschool programs. Beaverhead County Superintendent of Schools Mike Miller is serving as director for this year’s contest. “The six rural schools, Lima’s Elementary School, the area homeschoolers, and the schools here in Dillon have all been invited to send spellers to challenge for a trip to Bozeman in March,” Miller said. “We may have as many as 30 area spellers entered in the contest this year, although some schools may choose not to take part.” Trophies will be awarded to the top two spellers, with certificates presented to all participants at the conclusion of the event. Local financial institutions have also provided donations to help offset travel costs for students advancing to the state competition. Four local judges — Jamie Flynn, Deborah McCabe, Kristi Borge, and Dr. Katrina Kennett — have volunteered their time for the event. Deb Sporich, known to many as “Debbie from The Bookstore,” will serve as the official pronouncer. Parents, family members, and community supporters are invited to attend and cheer on the competitors. Now in its 61st year, the Treasure State Spelling Bee follows the official rules and word lists of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Each county is guaranteed at least one participant at the state level, with larger counties eligible to send additional spellers. Approximately 60 students from across Montana are expected to compete this year at Montana State University, where the event will be held in the Strand Ballroom. Only students from schools enrolled in the Scripps National Spelling Bee program are eligible to participate at the state level, though enrollment is not required to compete in the county bee. Sponsored by the Montana Television Network, the Treasure State Spelling Bee determines Montana’s representatives to the national competition in Washington, D.C. Contestants and their families attending the state event will be provided a complimentary lunch and reception.

Airport Appeals Board Meeting Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Courthouse Dillon, Montana     AGENDA   Ä  Reorganization of Board   Ä  Action on February 12, 2025 Minutes   Ä  Administrator’s Report   Ä  Update on Dillon Airport FBO   Ä  Unfinished Business/Other Topics of Discussion   Ä  Public Comments   Ä  Adjourn

When Kyle Mann was a high school student in Billings, he found himself trying to decide if college was right for him, and if so, what he would major in. Montana Technological University’s Tech Day made a difference. “I really enjoyed the environmental engineering session and the department,” he said. “I also liked the small size of Montana Tech. Going to Tech Day and doing the tours and everything really helped me settle on which college I wanted to attend and my major.” Montana Technological University, Montana’s STEM university, is inviting students who want to make a difference through careers in science, technology, engineering and math to Spring Tech Day on Friday, March 6, 2026. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Spring Tech Day is a one-of-a-kind, hands-on college visit designed for prospective students who want to experience Montana Tech’s programs up close. Participants will spend the day on the university’s historic Uptown Butte campus, exploring academic areas of interest through interactive lab sessions, campus tours, and conversations with faculty and current students. Sessions offered will include seven engineering sessions, three healthcare sessions, one occupational safety and health session, one business session, and one session focused on certificate, associate degree, trade, and workforce programs at Highlands College. A full descriptive list and link to the sign-up page is included at the end of this press release. “Definitely try it out,” Mann said. “I was still at the point of figuring out if college was the right fit for me, but Tech Day worked out great. I loved it, and it was a lot of fun.” Now a sophomore, Mann is vice president of the Environmental Engineering Club and has a summer internship at Spring Creek Mine outside of Decker, Montana under his belt. He hasn’t decided yet what type of environmental engineering he wants to pursue, but he is encouraged by Montana Tech’s excellent placement rates and the wide range of jobs available. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes the median pay for environmental engineers in 2024 was $104,170, and the industry is projected to grow 4% over the next decade. “There is a huge spectrum of what you can do after you graduate,” Mann said. Dr. Raja Nagisetty, head of the Environmental Engineering Department, will lead one of the sessions. Montana Tech’s Environmental Engineering Department structures its session around a central theme. “The question that we try to answer is ‘What do environmental engineers do?’” he said. To answer that question, the department sets up three workstations. Students first learn how cutting-edge drone-based remote sensing is used to collect water, soil, and air quality data. Nagisetty explains how he and his students use drones to map cold water patches in the Upper Clark Fork River, providing data valuable for fish habitat improvement projects. A second station introduces students to a drinking water treatment system design and living filtration membranes grown by brewing kombucha. “They talk about the challenges and need for low-cost, sustainable drinking water treatment systems and experience how everyday things can be engineered to solve global problems,” Nagisetty said. The third station highlights resource recovery. “They talk about phytomining, extracting critical minerals from mine tailings,” Nagisetty said. Director of Admissions Kelly Horsley says Tech Day is a great place for students like Mann who are trying to find their path. “Tech Day is perfect for students who aren’t quite sure what they want to study, deciding between a couple of different majors, or want to learn more about their chosen major,” Horsley said. “Plus, it’s a free event and we provide lunch for students and their guests.” Students can tailor their day by choosing from a variety of immersive breakout sessions, including: Business and Information Technology (BIT): Learn how to use Microsoft Power BI, one of the world’s leading business intelligence apps, and win prizes playing BIT-themed Jeopardy. Cadaver Dissection Lab: Witness and interact with human cadavers and participate in a hands-on exploration of cadaveric organs and tissues. Learn more about the Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Exercise and Health Science programs from current student ambassadors. Limited to 24 students. Computer Science and Software Engineering: See how a classic game leads to discussion of advanced games, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and ethical and moral dilemmas related to AI applications. Electrical Engineering: Learn binary code and program a robot to follow a line on the floor. Students interested in electrical engineering, robotics, and computer science are encouraged to join. Environmental Engineering: Explore drone-based remote sensing, advanced wastewater treatment, and phytomining for critical mineral extraction. Exercise and Health Science: Observe and participate in exercise electrocardiograms (EKGs). Led by current EHS students with discussion and Q&A afterward. Limited to 20 students. Geological Engineering: Discover activities involved in engineering the earth, including groundwater resources, contamination, rock strength for construction, and mineral and oil exploration. Drone technology will be showcased. Mechanical Engineering: Participate in activities and demonstrations in mechanical testing, fluid mechanics, and more to understand how mechanical engineers build equipment for performing work. Metallurgical and Materials Engineering: Learn how materials are manipulated through casting and thermite welding demonstrations, plus a steel forging competition. Mining Engineering: Experience what happens when chemical energy is released and learn about mining safety through a virtual reality experience. Nursing Simulation: Visit the simulated hospital environment and observe a nursing simulation scenario, then interact with high-fidelity manikins. Limited to 30 students. Occupational Safety and Health (OSH): Explore the diverse world of OSH technology, a highly employable health science field with jobs worldwide. Limited to 20 students. Petroleum Engineering: Tour state-of-the-art laboratories with demonstrations. Highlands College Campus Tour: Explore associate and certificate program lab spaces at Highlands College. Attendees must provide their own transportation to 25 Basin Creek Road. Parents and guests will not be allowed into Nursing and Cadaver Lab sessions due to space limitations. Montana Tech will also host sessions for students interested in its other academic programs. For questions, contact the Admissions Office at admissions@mtech.edu or (406) 496-4754. To sign up, click here.

GREENWOOD, Ind. –  Western football players Jace Fitzgerald , Eli Nourse , and Jacob Westberry were named College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-Americans, the organization announced Tuesday. The CSC Academic All-America program recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined achievements on the field and in the classroom. Honorees are selected across four divisions: NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA. To qualify for nomination, student-athletes must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and be a starter or key reserve on their respective team. 2025-26 CSC Academic All-Americans Jace Fitzgerald – LB (Dillon, Mont., R-SR) The redshirt-senior linebacker boasts a 3.95 GPA and was a key member of the Bulldog defense in 2025. He tallied 66 total tackles, including 30 solo efforts and also posted one interception and one fumble recovery. Fitzgerald was named a Victory Sports Network (VSN) All-American Honorable Mention and earned Frontier First Team All-Conference honors. He Picked up Frontier Academic All-Conference, CSC Academic All-District, and NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athlete recognition. Eli Nourse – WR (Dillon, Mont., JR) The wide receiver earned a 3.76 GPA while leading the Bulldogs with 78 receptions. He tallied 1,192 receiving yards and averaged 119.2 receiving yards per game (15.3 yards per reception). Nourse caught 10 touchdowns in 2025. He broke the school record in career receptions (256 and counting) and career receiving yards (3,583 and counting). The junior received Frontier Conference West Division Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference honors and was named to the AP All-American Second Team, AFCA All-American Second Team, and VSN All-American First Team. He also picked up Frontier Academic All-Conference, CSC Academic All-District, and NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athlete honors. Jacob Westberry – LS (Hamilton, Mont., R-SO) The redshirt-sophomore long snapper posted a 3.58 GPA. Appeared as a long snapper in every game this season while also tallying three tackles. Westberry received Frontier Conference West Long Snapper of the Year honors and was named to the AFCA All-American First Team. He earned Frontier Academic All-conference, CSC Academic All-District, and NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athlete recognition.

DILLON, Mont. — The Dillon Public Library will host a free community presentation, “Healthy Parents, Healthy Children – Mindfulness for Families,” on Saturday, February 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The presentation will be led by Margaret Kachadurian, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in teaching mindfulness skills that help individuals and families build lasting inner strengths. This event is part of the Strengthening Families, Safeguarding Futures: A Community-Based Approach to Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect grant. The grant was awarded by the Montana Children’s Trust Fund to Xuan Li of the University of Montana Western, Dillon Friends of the Library, and the Dillon Public Library. Presentations in this series will continue through fall of 2026, and everyone is welcome to attend. About the Presenter Margaret Kachadurian is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Montana Mindfulness Project, whose mission is to foster mental health and well-being in Montana communities and schools by helping grow a healthier, kinder world. What the 90-Minute Presentation Will Cover: What mindfulness is and is not, and the benefits of practicing mindfulness skills Using everyday activities—breathing, sitting, moving, eating, talking, and relating—as mindfulness practices How slowing down and engaging the five senses can reduce frustration, anxiety, and depression Replacing negative emotions and behaviors with positive ones Mindful parenting techniques that support parents’ well-being so they can be more present with their children As Kachadurian explains, “If the parent is healthy, strong, and happy, the child is healthy, strong, and happy — and family life becomes a warm heart-place where love flows, no matter what’s happening.” Additional Opportunity A free, six-week online Mindful Parenting course will begin Wednesday, February 11, and will run weekly from 7:00–8:00 p.m. Participants may sign up for one or more weeks. More information and free recorded mindfulness practices are available at mtmindfulness.org on the Resources page.

Madeline Bradbury, Class of 2025, has been accepted into both the Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine and the University of Washington School of Medicine. She has chosen to begin her medical training at UW in July 2026 and is interested in pursuing OB-GYN/maternal-fetal medicine, emergency medicine, or surgery (possibly trauma, orthopedics, or plastic surgery), while remaining open to other specialties. A native of Washington, Madeline initially came to Montana Western to study art education but always planned to pursue medical school. Her undergraduate pathway as a Biology major in the Pre-Professional Medical and Veterinary Sciences option area allowed her to complete all required and recommended coursework prescribed by the UW School of Medicine. These courses—offered at Montana Western through its distinctive Experience One format—included genetics, bioethics, developmental biology, microbiology, medical physiology, and developmental psychology. When asked which course she considered especially influential in her path to medical school, she stated, “The most impactful course I took was Human Anatomy, taught by Dr. Wood and Dr. Handlos.” She later added, “Despite sleepless nights and exhaustion, I realized I wanted to be there, pushing myself and growing as a scholar. By meeting the demands of anatomy, I discovered what I could accomplish.” Maintaining her interest in the arts, Madeline also completed a minor in Glass and spent countless hours fabricating in the UMW Emerick Art Studio. Madeline conducted original undergraduate research in microbiology with Dr. Michael Morrow and in anatomy with Dr. Bradley Wood. Her work led to presentations at two national meetings of the American Association for Anatomy in 2024 (Toronto, Canada) and 2025 (Portland, Oregon). In addition to opportunities at Montana Western, Madeline participated in the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) and the Neuroscience Summer Student Program, both hosted by the UW School of Medicine. A licensed EMT, Madeline reflects that her experiences at Montana Western “made me a more confident person, enabling me to present at international research meetings and serve as an EMT in a challenging rural environment.” In recognition of her academic achievements, she also received the Zella K. Flores Top Female Student Award for 2025, an award presented annually to the top female student in the graduating class at the University of Montana Western. As she prepares to begin medical school, Madeline feels well prepared for the rigor and pacing of professional coursework thanks to UMW’s block schedule and Experience One approach. “Medical school is a very different beast, but they use a similar block schedule in the foundations phase (Years 1 and 2). I believe that my time studying in the UMW block schedule will help me adjust quickly to the fast-paced, intense medical school curriculum.” Madeline’s advice to students currently on the medical path is, “Don’t compare your path to medicine with others. I know this is hard, but there is no perfect pre-medical student or application. Pursue activities that you are interested in and passionate about. You will find your unique path to medicine.” To learn more about pre-med and pre-vet pathways or other health career options for undergraduates at UMW, please contact Dr. Michael Morrow, Chair of the Biology Department, at  michael.morrow@umwestern.edu , or Dr. Bradley Wood, Chair of the Health Careers Advisory Committee, at  bradley.wood@umwestern.edu .

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Tuesday, January 27th, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. ZONING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Agenda   1.    Call To Order   2.    Review and Approval of November 18 th , 2025 Minutes   3.    Organization of Zoning Commission/Election of Officers   4.    Director of Operations Report             5.  Applications for Zoning Compliance Certificates for Review: 2025-049                 Todd                           304 N Walnut St                  Duplex 2025-050                 Todd                           308 N Walnut St                  Duplex           2025-051                 Todd                           312 N Walnut St                  Duplex 2026-01                      Jessop                       18 Thomas Drive                 Single Family             6.  Update of CUP-003 Scheffel Garage and Set Public Hearing Date   7.    Review/Discussion of Zoning Commission By-Laws   8.    Review Example Zoning Application   9.    Discuss/Approve Changes to Title 17.48 - Parking Due to HB 492   10. Discuss Changes to Title 17.60 – Residential Districts Due to HB 492   11.  Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda                  and Within the Jurisdiction of the Zoning Commission.   12.  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:   Joleen Schultz, Mike Brumbaugh, Mike Watson, Kevin Boileau

Excuse our mess! Installation of the new Wheelchair Lift is happening, beginning Monday - January 26, 2026. Library services and programs will still continue as usual. Thank you to the Community and Friends of the Library for making this Lift replacement happen!   January 28 - Chris La Tray at the Museum's Depot Theatre, doors open at 6 p.m. presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.: The Bookstore, Dillon Public Library, the Friends of the Library and the Beaverhead County Museum will have the Montana's Poet Laureate (2023-2024),  Chris La Tray, as a special presenter on January 28th, 2026. This is part of One Book Montana: The state of Montana is coming together, to read the book “Becoming Little Shell: A Landless Indian’s Journey Home” by Chris La Tray. This memoir is La Tray’s third book. The book is centered on the efforts of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana to become federally recognized in 2019. The tribe, made of Ojibwe, Métis, and Cree people in Montana, does not have a reservation and members live throughout the state. Chris La Tray was appointed as Montana Poet Laureate in 2023. One Book Montana, hosted by Humanities Montana, has purchased over 200 online copies, so listening through the Libby app is easy. Dillon Public Library has a number of copies available to check out and Debbie at The Bookstore has ordered copies for purchase.   Books & Babies - Every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. - January 28 theme is: "Shelfie Day"   January 28 - National Library Shelfie Day - stop by and get your'shelf', and your favorite book photographed and be entered in a drawing   Blind Date Books - each purchase of a Blind Date book for $3.00 gets an entry into the "21 and over" Blind Date Basket - drawing February 13, 2026   February - 3, 10, 17, 24 - Fly Tying class with Joe Aanes at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ongoing classes with a limit of 10 spots   Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness workshops continue in 2026. The first program was January 24 and we have numerous presenters coming up. Watch for the February schedule with more presentations. This is through a grant received through Montana Children's Trust Fund. Xuan Li of the University of Montana-Western, Debbie Sporich from the Bookstore, the Friends of the Library, and the Dillon Public Library will be offering programs, workshops and presenters concerning Child Abuse and Neglect.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers January 27, 2026 4:45 P.M. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE   1.          Discuss/Approve Council Subcommittee Assignments   2.         PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE  AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY   3.         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 mic and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245 .  Please mute your mic until you desire to comment.  Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245.

HELENA  – Due to outdated equipment and the need to allow for more flexibility for businesses looking to sell hunting and fishing licenses, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is moving to a new License Ambassador program this spring. The program is a partnership between FWP and local businesses around Montana who want to offer hunting and fishing license sales services to their customers. By moving to a modern, web-based system, the License Ambassador program allows more retailers to offer licensing services without the need for specialized, outdated hardware. “This change will ultimately provide more businesses where hunters and anglers who like to buy or apply for licenses in person, can go for help,” said FWP Director Christy Clark.   For the past several months, FWP has worked with existing license providers on transitioning to the new License Ambassador program. FWP has created a License Ambassador kit that will include signage options, regulations, and other information for customers and to allow License Ambassadors to promote this additional customer service.   FWP has already signed up new outlets to sell licenses with the new License Ambassador program and will be shipping out License Ambassador kits to local businesses in the coming months.  Why the change? The transition replaces an aging provider system that relied on proprietary equipment that is no longer repairable or replaceable. By using FWP’s secure online portal, License Ambassadors can now serve customers using standard internet-connected devices. “This change is necessary because we are simply unable to keep the old system going with outdated license provider equipment that we can’t fix when it breaks or replace when it’s unusable,” said Emily Cooper, FWP Licensing Bureau Chief.   Hunters and anglers can also go online to buy or apply for licenses and permits. The online licensing system used by the public will be the same system used by License Ambassadors to sell licenses to customers in their stores.

DILLON, Mont. –  The Frontier Conference has released its 2026 football schedule, the league office announced Thursday. The conference will continue its two-division format, which began last year. Both the East and West divisions of the FC will be granted one automatic qualifying berth to the NAIA Football Championship Series, as well as a chance to earn one or more at-large berths. The teams with the best record against Division opponents will win the automatic bid. 2026 Bulldog Football Schedule Sept. 5           MSU-Northern          Havre, Mont. Sept. 12         Montana Tech         Dillon, Mont. Sept. 19         Rocky Mountain     Dillon, Mont. Sept. 26         Dickinson State        Dickinson, N.D. Oct. 3             Southern Oregon*  Dillon, Mont. Oct. 10           Carroll *                    Helena, Mont. Oct. 17           College of Idaho*   Dillon, Mont. Oct. 24           Simpson*                Dillon, Mont. Oct. 31           Eastern Oregon*      La Grande, Ore. Nov. 7             Arizona Christian*   Glendale, Ariz. Bold designated home contest *Division matchup

SOLID WASTE BOARD MEETING Monday, January 26, 2026 3:00 PM COURTHOUSE, COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING ROOM AGENDA Ø Establish a quorum Ø Review and Action on November 5, 2025 meeting minutes Ø Landfill Manager’s Report Ø Discussion- Update from Dillon Disposal Re Madison County Ø Public Comment or other business Ø Next Meeting date – April 20, 2026 Ø Adjourn