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BEAVERHEAD COUNTY STUDY COMMISSIONER MEETING FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025 BEAVERHEAD COUNTY COURTHOUSE DILLON, MT all times are approximate   11:00am               12:00pm ·        Call Meeting to Order ·        Roll Call- Establish quorum ·        Action- Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes ·        Discussion- Discuss Creation of the Final Report ·        Public Comments and Any Items Not Listed on the Agenda ·        Adjourn Meeting

DVFD responded to 12 calls for service during the month of November 2025.    11-03               Hwy 91 N                               MVA 11-04               Barnett Ave                             Structure Fire(Burnt Food) 11-05               Cattle Drive                             Grass Fire 11-07               Pioneer Dr                               Dumpster Fire 11-12               Carrigan Ln                             Grass Fire (burn permit not activated) 11-13               Blacktail Rd                            Wildland Fire (Warming Fire) 11-15               Sweetwater Rd                       Wildland Fire (permitted Madison Co.) 11-18               Blacktail Rd                            MVA 11-20               Crystal Ln                               Structure Fire 11-21               Laknar & Schuler                    MVA 11-29               Barnett Ave                             Oven Fire 11-30               N Montana St                          Gas leak     November monthly training included working with our new candidates on Structural FF-1 training.  Our first monthly training was TIM (Traffic Incident Management) & the command team worked on a leadership activity.  The second training was apparatus familiarization & truck check procedures.  We had members conduct a water shuttle while filling the community ice rink.  We worked with UMW staff to conduct fire drills around the campus.   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.   Please be safe & take extra time while traveling this time of year as the road conditions can become dangerous without warning.

DILLON, Mont. —  Amy Layne Litzelman will be the featured author at The Bookstore during the Christmas Stroll on Friday, Dec. 5, with a book signing scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Litzelman, a Dillon-based author, journalist, singer-songwriter, and musician, is the author of seven books. In addition to her writing career, she is a teacher, worship mentor, mother, and grandmother. Her work often reflects a journey of faith rooted in simplicity, emphasizing a Creator who is present in the details of life, known through mystery, and trusted in every moment. Her seventh book, This Beloved Road: A Journey of Revelation and Worship (2nd Edition) , was recently honored with the 2025 Christlit Book of the Year Award  in the Devotional category. During the Christmas Stroll event, community members are invited to meet Litzelman, hear about her work, and have books signed. She will be available throughout the two-hour signing window to visit with readers and discuss her writing and spiritual journey. Those with questions or who would like to reserve copies of Litzelman’s books may contact The Bookstore at 683-6807 .

LIMA — Lima Fire Department responded to a mutual aid request early Sunday morning, Dec. 1, after a train caught fire in Clark County, Idaho. Lima Fire was dispatched at approximately 6:20 a.m. to assist Clark County Fire crews at the scene, located about two miles north of Humphrey. Upon arrival, firefighters found an engine fire on the train. Crews from Lima Fire and Clark County Fire worked quickly to extinguish the blaze, preventing the fire from spreading to additional engines. Authorities say the fire was caused by a major malfunction in the diesel motor. After the fire was extinguished and the scene was secured, crews cleared the area and the train was able to continue north. No injuries were reported. One of two pistons that blew out of the engine block

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Wednesday, December 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 of September 24, 2025 Special Meeting at 7:30 p.m. 2.         Approve the Minutes of November 19, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting 3.         Approve the Minutes of November 24, 2025 Special City Council   C.        PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS                 D.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Discuss SID #38   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 the Minutes of November 10, 2025 Regular Meeting 4.         Board of Adjustments - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz 5.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey 6.         Police Department –Police Chief Joel Stewart 7.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose 8.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox 9.         Library Board - Diane Armstrong, Council Member; Kim Denny, Library Director                         a.         Accept the Minutes of October 28, 2025 Regular Board Meeting 10.       Tree Board                         a.         Accept the Minutes of October 8, 2025 Regular Board Meeting              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 a.         Approve Minutes of November 29, 2025 Finance Committee-Budget                                     i.          Approve Fund Summary for Claims for November 2025                                     ii.         Approve Claims by Vendor Report for November 2025                                     iii.        Approve Mayor’s Report to the Finance Committee for November 2025                                     iv.        Approve Budget vs. Actual Report for November 2025 v.         Discuss/Recommend HB 231 & SB 542; Property Tax Changes                                     vi.        Approve Hiring a Job Recruiter 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   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.

The Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement (MCNCE) has recognized fourteen student-athletes with the Montana Athletes in Service Award (MAIS), including Montana Western’s Tori Murnion. For over 30 years, the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement and its campus affiliates have supported students, faculty, and communities across Montana with programs that encourage and recognize community service. The CEO Council of the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement is proud to honor these athletes whose extensive volunteer efforts have greatly benefited their communities. Each year, the  MCNCE honors one student-athlete from each affiliate campus  across the state who demonstrates exceptional dedication to serving their community while pursuing their college degrees or certificates and competing in collegiate sports. The 2025 MAIS award recipients are: Tori Murnion – University of Montana Western – Rodeo Kayle Addison – Little Big Horn College – Basketball Cameron “Cam” Blevins – Miles Community College – Volleyball Kennedy Venner – Carroll College – Softball Tayla Undem – Dawson Community College – Softball Walker Burshia – Fort Peck Community College – Basketball Owen Smith – MSU–Northern – Basketball Colton Seymour – Salish Kootenai College – Basketball Justus Peterson – Montana Tech – Football, Track & Field, Rodeo Blaine Shaw – Flathead Valley Community College – Logger Sports Brooke Stayner – University of Montana – Track & Field Nova Rosman – MSU Billings – Cheer & Stunt Amelio Blackhorse – Chief Dull Knife College – Basketball, Rodeo Taylee Chirrick – Montana State University – Basketball The recipients were recognized during halftime of the 2025 Brawl of the Wild game at Washington-Grizzly Stadium on November 22. Tori Murnion is a senior from Jordan, Montana, majoring in Business. Outside of rodeo, Tori is a senator in the Associated Students of Montana Western (ASUMW), an organizer for the Labor Day Rodeo in Dillon, and a peer mentor. Tori exemplifies a strong commitment to service, both in and out of the arena. Her dedication to helping others—whether through supporting her community or mentoring —makes her an inspiring role model for her peers and the broader community.

Montana attorney and University of Montana Western alumna Katie Verderber has been selected to represent Team USA in wheelchair mixed curling at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games. Montana attorney  Katie Verderber  has been selected to represent Team USA in Wheelchair Mixed Curling at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. USA Curling, the national governing body for Olympic curling and Paralympic wheelchair curling in the United States, announced the roster Monday, Nov. 24. Verderber joins Matthew Thums of Wisconsin, Oyuna Uranchimeg of Minnesota, Sean O’Neill of Massachusetts and Dan Rose of Wisconsin. This will be her first Paralympic appearance. An attorney with  Silverman Law Office , Verderber grew up in Valier and has long been committed to serving her state and country. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Montana Western, her law degree from Syracuse University College of Law, and commissioned as a Judge Advocate General officer in the U.S. Army. She provided legal counsel on issues ranging from military justice to national security and deployed to Afghanistan in 2019. Her military career was cut short by injuries that led to her medical retirement. During recovery, she discovered adaptive sports and wheelchair curling, which rekindled her competitive drive and opened the door to representing her country once again. “If anything comes from this, I want to share the message that you can still achieve whatever dreams you may have despite illness or disability,” Verderber said. After returning to Montana, Verderber served as a civil litigator for the Montana Department of Justice before joining Silverman Law Office, where she focuses on business, contract, real estate and probate litigation. The firm has offices in Helena, Bozeman, Butte and Big Timber. “We are incredibly proud of Katie,” said Silverman Law Office CEO Joel Silverman. “Her work ethic, character, and determination are evident in everything she does, both in the courtroom and on the ice.” The Paralympic Winter Games begin March 6, 2026, and will be televised on NBC and streamed live on Peacock. Article and photo from EINPresswire.com .

HELENA, Mont. - Montana Western men's basketball player Kyle Gruhler picked up his third Erck Hotels/ Frontier Conference Men's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week award of the season after leading the Bulldogs to a 2-0 start in league play. It is his fourth career player of the week award. Gruhler had another high-scoring weekend, guiding No. 24 ranked Western to road wins over Valley City State and Mayville State. He led all players in scoring in both contests. The senior dropped 26 points on 72.7 percent field goal shooting (8-of-11) in UMW's narrow 107-104 victory at VCSU. He drilled four three-pointers (66.7 percent) and sunk 6-of-6 at the line. He followed that up with a career-high matching 32 points on 52.2 percent (12-of-23) shooting in the 85-72 win at MSU. Once again, Gruhler made four threes while going 4-of-5 from the charity stripe. The Vancouver, Wash., native averaged 29.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. He was 20-of-34 from the field (58.8 percent), 53.3 percent (8-of-15) from downtown, and hit 10-of-11 free-throws (90.9 percent). LOOKING AHEAD Up next, the Bulldogs travel to Butte, Mont., Nov. 28 to face off against #6 Montana Tech. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. MT.

DILLON — A small crowd gathered Friday evening at Barrett Hospital & HealthCare to celebrate the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the facility’s new specialty clinic. Hospital CEO Taylor Rose addressed attendees, highlighting the growing need for expanded clinical space and how the new offices will create additional opportunities to better serve the community. Rose emphasized that the project represents a major step forward in improving access to specialized care for patients in Beaverhead County and the surrounding region. Several speakers also noted the efficiency of the construction timeline. The project broke ground approximately 14 months ago and was completed on schedule. Speakers recognized the efforts of the construction teams, planners, and hospital staff who helped bring the project to fruition. The new specialty clinic is expected to significantly streamline operations for visiting and local specialists. Previously, doctors often had to travel between off-site offices and the main hospital, increasing delays in patient care. With the new clinic located within the hospital campus, providers will be able to move seamlessly between appointments and procedures, reducing travel time and improving overall efficiency. Hospital officials say the clinic will enhance patient services, support better coordination between departments, and ensure that community members continue receiving high-quality care close to home.

East HELENA, MT — A late-night police pursuit ended in tragedy Saturday when a vehicle crashed into a residence, killing one person and injuring another, according to authorities. The incident occurred around 11:23 p.m. when officers attempted to stop an Audi A7 driven by a 52-year-old man. The driver fled from police along Lake Helena Drive, continuing at high speed before failing to navigate a T-intersection. The vehicle went straight through the intersection, plowed through a fence, and collided directly with a home. Investigators say the Audi entered a bedroom where two residents were. A 69-year-old woman sustained fatal injuries in the crash. A 76-year-old man, also in the room at the time, was injured and transported for medical care. His condition has not been released. Authorities report that drugs and alcohol are suspected to have been contributing factors. Statement issued by Montana Highway Patrol: On Saturday, just after 11pm, troopers initiated a traffic stop on a suspect vehicle for possible DUI. Initially, the vehicle stopped, and a passenger exited the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle then fled, heading southbound on Lake Helena Drive. MHP troopers initiated a brief pursuit. Shortly after the pursuit began, the vehicle failed to negotiate the intersection at Lake Helena Dr. and East Old Highway 12, left the roadway, and crashed into a home, killing an occupant of the home and injuring another. The suspect was apprehended and transported to the hospital with injuries. The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office are assisting in the investigation. Pending the results of the investigation, the case will be turned over to the county attorney's office for charges. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim's family after this tragic loss. Deciding whether to pursue a motor vehicle is among the most critical decisions made by troopers. It is a decision that must be made quickly and under difficult, often unpredictable circumstances. The safety of Montanans and the traveling public is always the top priority for troopers when engaging in a pursuit.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Monday, November 24, 2025 7:00  P.M. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE     A.         DISCUSS/APPROVE RESOLUTION TO PENDING LITIGATION Captioned Eric Wendland and Alicia Wendland, v. City of Dillon,  DV-1-2025-14848-BC Montana                                                  B.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE  AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY   C.        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.

University of Montana Western students Dakota Willis, John Fitzpatrick, Taylor Williams, and Landon 'Bird' Hayes recently placed third in the student competition at the Montana Section of the American Water Resources Association (MT AWRA) annual meeting in Great Falls. Their research project, conducted as part of UMW’s Applied Environmental Geophysics class, focused on mapping buried river channels in the Medicine Lake area of northeast Montana. The project was led by Dr. Neil Foley, Associate Professor of Geophysics, in collaboration with the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG). The Bureau is studying former river channels that were filled with sediment during the last glacial period. Before glaciation, northern Montana had an extensive river network, including the ancestral Missouri River. When the Laurentide Ice Sheet advanced, these channels were filled with glacial till, leaving them buried beneath today’s flat landscape. “MBMG is working to identify and map these buried channels because they may contain perched aquifers—shallow, isolated pockets of groundwater that can be easier to access and may contain fresher water,” said Dr. Foley. “Understanding where these features are located is valuable for agriculture and water management in the region.” Using equipment from UMW and Montana Tech, the students collected geophysical data to image below the surface and interpret subsurface structures. Their primary tool, an Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT)system, measures how easily electrical current flows through the ground to produce two-dimensional images that reveal variations in subsurface resistivity. By comparing these results with well log data, the team identified zones that likely represent ancient sand and gravel river deposits—signatures of buried channels. The students’ work in the field required persistence and adaptability. “We had a finite number of days to collect a lot of data, and the students worked hard to get it all in,” said Dr. Foley. “Fieldwork always comes with challenges—equipment failures, weather, long days—but they stayed professional and disciplined throughout.” The students also created their research poster for the MT AWRA conference while managing other coursework. “It’s a lot of extra effort to prepare for a conference presentation, and they did it on their own time,” Dr. Foley added. Beyond earning recognition at the competition, the project offered valuable real-world experience. “UMW strives to immerse students in authentic practice within their disciplines,” said Dr. Foley. “This project allowed them to partner with professionals, define a problem of local importance, and execute a field-based investigation. Those are exactly the kinds of skills they’ll use in their careers.” UMW’s small class sizes and emphasis on field experience give students hands-on access to professional-grade geophysical equipment. Combined with the university’s block scheduling system, which allows students to focus on one class at a time, these experiences prepare them for meaningful work after graduation. The research partnership between UMW and MBMG will continue next year, with plans already underway for a third field campaign in northeast Montana. For more information and this project, contact Dr. Neil Foley at  neil.foley@umwestern.edu .  For more information on the University of Montana Western and its programs, visit www.umwestern.edu or call 877-683-7331.

HELENA, Mont. – The Frontier Conference announced its 2025 post season football awards Thursday. 16 Montana Western players received recognition, including three superlative winners, six first team selections, eight second-team honorees, and two honorable mentions The all-conference teams are voted on by the league's head football coaches. Frontier West Player of the Year Michael Palandri – QB (Maple Valley, Wash. / R-SR) Palandri capped a record-breaking career 3,138 passing yards (313.8 yards per game) and 219 rushing yards in 2025. He tallied 42 total touchdowns (33 passing, nine rushing). The senior led the conference in both yards per game and touchdowns while ranking fourth and fifth in the nation, respectively, for the same categories. Frontier West Offensive Player of the Year Eli Nourse – WR (Dillon, Mont. / JR) Nourse totaled 78 receptions for 1,192 yards (119.2 yards per game) in his junior campaign. He earned 10 receiving touchdowns. His longest catch was 65 yards and he averaged 15.3 yards per reception. Nourse finished second in both the conference and the nation in yards per game. He also ranked fifth in the Frontier and 14th nationally in receiving touchdowns. Frontier West Long Snapper of the Year Jacob Westberry – LS (Hamilton, Mont. / R-SO) Westberry was a key member of the Bulldogs' special teams unit in 2025, appearing in every contest. His snaps set up nine successful field goals, including a 55-yarder that was third in the nation this year. He also aided in 48 made PATs and 34 successful punts. Frontier West First Team All-Conference Michael Palandri – QB (Maple Valley, Wash. / R-SR) Eli Nourse – WR (Dillon, Mont. / JR) Seth Shook – WR (Richland, Wash. / R-SO) Tyler Walker – DL (Dillon, Mont. / R-SR) Jace Fitzgerald – LB (Dillon, Mont. / R-SR) Maclain Burckley – K (Billings, Mont. / R-FR) Frontier West Second Team All-Conference Jakob Humphrey – RB (Walla Walla, Wash. / R-JR) Ethan Larson – OL (Deming, Wash. / R-SO) Douglas Jackson – OL (Butte, Mont. / R-SR) Dylan Christman – OL (Helena, Mont. / R-SO) Devin Crow – DL (Kennewick, Wash. / R-SO) Keegen Muffich – LB (Butte, Mont. / SR) Connor Dunlea – DB (Malin, Ore. / R-FR) Maclain Burckley – P (Billings, Mont. / R-FR) Frontier West Honorable Mentions Aidan Lammers – RB (Shepherd, Mont. / R-FR) Brady Mounts – DB (Bozeman, Mont. / R-SR)

Firefighters and first responders were called to a house fire on Crystal Lane Thursday morning. Quick action by the homeowner helped limit damage until crews arrived to extinguish the blaze. With colder weather approaching, officials remind residents to have furnaces serviced and to inspect and clean chimneys or wood stoves to help prevent winter fire hazards.

Commerce opens online voting portal for Montanans to choose the new highway signs that appear on entries to the state. Voting closes Dec. 31, 2025 HELENA, Mont. – In May 2025, Gov. Greg Gianforte and the Montana Department of Commerce unveiled Montana’s new brand at the World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale. Inspired by the new Montana brand’s primary purpose to represent the people, places and stories of the residents who call the state home, Commerce invites Montanans to be the decision makers in what the new highway signs will look like at each of the entry points to the state. “There’s no better feeling than crossing state lines back home to Montana,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Our highway signs give our families, friends and visitors the warm welcome they deserve. I am excited to see what Montanans choose.” Commerce’s website for voting on the sign designs, visitmt.com/welcome-sign  is live now and voting is open until Dec. 31, 2025. Three design options, inspired by Montana’s new brand, are available. Each includes unique aspects of the new brand and elements of the state. Current highway welcome signs were installed in 2014. With the help of the Montana Department of Transportation, it is expected that the new welcome signs will be installed across the state’s entry points in late spring as weather and access to sign locations permits. Visitmt.com , provided by the Montana Department of Commerce, allows residents and visitors alike to discover more about Montana. Go to visitmt.com to plan your next big weekend no matter the time of year! Be sure to share your experiences on social media using #montanamoment and tag us @visitmt. Learn more about Montana’s brand at visitmt.com/montana-brand . Montanans interested in submitting a vote for the new highway sign can click here .