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125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana  59725 CEMETERY COMMITTEE MEETING  December 17,  2024  4:00 P.M. AGENDA       1.            Call To Order 2.            Update on Irrigation System 3.            Update on Columbarium Tiles/Veteran Headstones 4.         Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 5.         Adjournment       Committee Members: Diane Armstrong, Chairperson Mary Jo O’Rourke Anneliese Ripley

TUESDAY December 17th, 2024 5:00 PM     AGENDA:   I.                   Call to order II.                Approval of Minutes from 11-19-2024 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

Dillon, MT  — In a compassionate response to a recent tragedy, R.E. Miller & Sons has stepped in to assist Tim and Sabrina Nichols, who lost everything in a devastating trailer fire on December 6th. The Nichols have been working tirelessly to secure essential supplies and find stable housing since losing their home. Adding to their challenges, the burned trailer, which was declared a total loss, needed to be safely removed from the property. R.E. Miller & Sons has generously offered to haul away the trailer next week at no cost to the Nichols. This act of kindness highlights the strong sense of community in Dillon, as residents come together to support one another in times of need. The outpouring of help and generosity reminds us all of the strength found in our community during difficult times. Thank you, R.E. Miller & Sons, for your commitment to helping those in need!

Santa Claus and the Grinch Visit the Dillon Public Library Tuesday - December 17th 2024 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Hot Chocolate, Cupcakes, Chili from the Elks Lodge #1554, Gift from Santa, Ben Kenealey’s Balloons Santa’s Stocking raffle - $1.00 each ticket Book Sale for last minute gifts Community welcome to join in on the fun!

Author, Karen Watson McMullin will signing copies of her book, "Love Wins Ennis, Montana" A true story of Tragedy, Heroes, and Healing in a Small Town at The Bookstore on Saturday, December 14th from 1:00-3:00 In Ennis , Montana on an early summer night in 2003, a group of young friends in a small Montana town gathered for a night out. But their summer celebration soon turned into a nightmare. Throughout the evening, a sullen stranger had verbally harassed them. They were grateful when the man finally left around closing time. Then George Davis returned carrying a gun. He opened fire, wounding six and killing one. News coverage at the time focused on the police chase that led to Davis’ capture. But little light was ever shined on what really happened to the young people and the town. This is their story. Love Wins is a tender portrait of community recovery. It recounts the heroic acts of civilians, EMTs, police, and small-town hospital staff. Then it highlights how the Ennis community wrapped its arms around the survivors and the grieving family for months and years to come. The people of this small mountain town are a living definition of the best of humanity, when confronted with the worst. Their actions remind us of the heroism, selflessness, and generosity we all can show to our fellow human beings. Their story confirms that when the unfathomable occurs, survival depends upon living among people who care. If you have any question or would like to reserve a copy of Love Wins please call Debbie @ 683-6807

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information SIOUX CITY, Iowa  – Following a historic season that saw the No. 16-seeded Bulldog women's volleyball team make history by upsetting top-seeded Northwestern (Iowa) during the NAIA Women's Volleyball National Championship pool play, the Bulldogs earned their first all-tournament team selection in Jazi Smith . Smith, a 5-11 outside hitter from Mossyrock, Wash., led the Bulldogs throughout the tournament after she combined for 3.0 kills per set and 3.45 digs per set on defense. In the upset win over Northwestern, Smith led UMW with 19 kills and just one error as she hit .360 in the game. Smith  was just named an AVCA All-Region First Team selection for her contributions this season after she led the Bulldogs with 469 kills and 3.35 kills per set. Smith caps off a historic career becoming UMW's career kills leader with a record 1164 total. She also holds the single season kills record with 469 in a single season after this year. Smith also was a force on defense, totaling 574 digs in the back row and totaling 63 blocks this season. For the complete list of all-tournament selections,  click here.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information KANSAS CITY, Mo. –  After what proved to be an impressive season and posting their second outright conference championship season in a row and their deepest playoff run since the 1994 season, the Montana Western football team had two players named as AFCA NAIA All-Americans. The AFCA's NAIA All-America Selection Committee is made up of two head coaches from each of the AFCA's seven districts, one of whom serves as a district chairman, along with another head coach who serves as the chairman of the selection committee. The coaches in each district are responsible for ranking the top players in their respective districts prior to a conference call between the district chairmen and the committee chairman on which the team is chosen. UMW offensive lineman  Marcus Lombard earned a selection on the AFCA NAIA Coaches' All America First-Team. Lombard, a 6-1, 300lb redshirt senior offensive lineman from Laie, Hawaii, earned his first first-team All-American honor and his second All-American nod in his career after another impressive season on the offensive line. He was also previously named Frontier first team all-conference offensive line. This season, the Bulldog offense broke the total offense in a season record set in 2021 at 5,399 yards. They totaled 5,773 yards of offense this season and broke the record for passing yards in a season with a previous record set in 1994 at 3,535. They also broke the total points scored record that was set in 2021. They totaled 3,735 passing yards and totaled 498 points this season. UMW wide receiver  Eli Nourse earned a selection on the AFCA NAIA Coaches' All America Second-Team. Nourse, a 5-10, 170lb sophomore from Dillon, Mont. earned his first AFCA All-America second-team nod and his second career All-America nod as he led the Bulldogs this season with 1205 receiving yards and averaged 100.42 yards per game. He broke his own single season record for receiving yards of 1,186 in the final game of the season, totaling 1,205 yards this season. Nourse finished eighth in the country in yards per game and sixth in total touchdowns with 12 this season. To view the full release and complete list of recipients, click here.

Capture the Joy of the Season with Santa at Barrett Hospital & HealthCare!   Join us for a festive day filled with holiday fun! Bring your smartphone and snap some memorable pictures with Santa. Don’t forget to indulge in some hot chocolate to warm up as you celebrate the season!   Date: December 19th Time: 4-6 PM Location: Barrett Hospital & HealthCare-Hospital Main Entrance   We can’t wait to share this magical experience with you. See you there!

Butte, MT- A 38-year-old man lost his life in a vehicle accident on Tuesday afternoon, as reported by the Montana Highway Patrol. The driver was operating a Ford Taurus traveling westbound on Old US Highway 1 at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle. According to authorities, the Taurus veered off the right side of the roadway, crossed over a culvert, and struck a rock, which caused the vehicle to roll and ultimately land on its roof. Emergency responders pronounced the driver dead at the scene. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities suspect that drugs and alcohol may have played a role in the accident.

Lima, Montana – December 10, 2024  – At 7:39 PM, Lima Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to respond to a serious accident involving a semi-truck on the west side of Interstate 15, near mile marker 17, just outside of Lima. The emergency call came from a passerby who reported the accident but did not stop at the scene. Sheriff Wendt arrived on the scene just two minutes later, where he discovered the Texas-based driver had been ejected from the vehicle as a result of the crash. Sheriff Wendt pronounced the driver deceased at the scene. Montana Highway Patrol has been called in to investigate the incident, and as of now, the cause of the crash remains undetermined. The 18-wheeler involved in the accident was carrying pallets of water softener salt and salt licks. Authorities have stated that the driver's name will not be released until family is notified. Further updates regarding the investigation are expected as more information becomes available.

HELENA – Hunters have until Dec. 22 to purchase lottery chances for a guided bison hunt on the Blackfeet Reservation. The drawing will be held on Dec. 23. The lottery is a way FWP partners with the Blackfeet Tribe to demonstrate a shared commitment to managing fish and wildlife across the state and to facilitate hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities. The lottery is open to all hunters – tribal members, nonmembers, Montana residents and nonresidents. Chances are $10 each, and hunters can purchase up to 20 chances. At least 400 bison chances need to be sold or the winner pays $500. Successful hunters can keep the bison’s head, hide and meat. To enter the drawing, go to  fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply . Lottery opportunities can also be purchased at a license provider or an FWP office. For more information, contact the Blackfeet Fish and Game office at 406-338-7207.

The University of Montana Western is proud to announce that Iola "Olie" Else has been honored with the Montana Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her unwavering commitment to agricultural advocacy. Olie has been an integral part of UMW’s Equine and Natural Horsemanship Program since its launch in 2000. A two-time National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Coach of the Year, she guided UMW Rodeo to seven national titles before retiring in 2018. As Department Chair, Olie continues to shape the future of agricultural education by teaching, advising students, and overseeing internships. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, with Olie fostering community engagement through the Collegiate Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Club. Her students regularly visit local Dillon schools to share agricultural knowledge, reading books and providing snacks, while teaching students about the origins of their food. The YF&R club also introduces elementary school students to livestock, reinforcing the importance of agriculture in Montana’s culture and economy. Olie’s work with the Young Farmers and Ranchers Program has had a lasting impact on many of her students, some of whom have gone on to compete in the Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet Competition and at national Young Farmer & Rancher Conferences. Through her guidance, many of them have discovered new career paths and become active participants in their family farms and ranches. Montana Western's Lola "Olie" Else receives Distinguished Service Award from District 2 Director J.M. Peck (left) & Montana Farm Bureau President Cyndi Johnson (right). P.C. Montana Farm Bureau Federation In accepting the award, Olie emphasized the importance of keeping young people engaged in agriculture, stating, “Montana Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Program is vital in keeping young people active in agriculture. While there are challenges, many of my students have returned to be integral parts of their family farms and ranches.” Olie’s lifetime of dedication to agriculture, education, and community engagement continues to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders in the industry. For more information about Experience One and the University of Montana Western, or to schedule a tour, visit  www.umwestern.edu  or call 877-683-7331.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana WATER - SEWER COMMITTEE MEETING City Council Chambers December 11th,  2024 4:00 P.M.     1.          Call Meeting To Order   2.          Discuss/Review Montana Coal Endowment Program Planning Grant     Award   3.          Discuss/Approve East Side Water System Work Order #5   4.          Review/Approve Forms               a.       Property Owners Agreement for city Utility Services               b.      Property Manager’s Authorization               c.       Meter Reading Request for Property Settlement   5.       Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not On the        Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the City   6.       Adjournment   Committee Members: Bill Shafer (Chairperson), Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information LEXINGTON, Ky. –  The American Volleyball Coaches' Association (AVCA) announced the All-Region teams for each level of the NCAA, NAIA, and junior college members, where the Montana Western volleyball program saw two players named to the awards list. Jazi Smith  was named an AVCA All-Region First Team for her contributions this season. Smith, a 5-11 junior outside hitter from Mossyrock, Wash., was also selected first team all-conference after she led the Bulldogs with 469 kills on the season and 3.35 kills per set. Smith caps off a historic career becoming UMW's career kills leader with a record 1164 total. She also holds the single season kills record with 469 in a single season after this year. Smith also was a force on defense, totaling 574 digs in the back row and totaling 63 blocks this season. Jordan Olson  was named an AVCA All-Region Honorable Mention for her contributions this season. Olson, a 6-1 junior opposite hitter from Billings, Mont., was also selected first team all-conference after she totaled 358 kills on the season and 2.20 kills per set. She also was impressive on the block this season, totaling 101 blocks for UMW. To view every NAIA All-Region Team and individual award winners, click  HERE .

By Mel Rice, Public Relations The Beaverhead County Search and Rescue held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, December 4th.  Commander Kolby Malesich called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM.  Roll was called with 27 members in attendance, treasurer’s report was giving, and minutes of the last meeting were approved.  First order of business was the discussion of training opportunities coming up for the unit.  On Saturday, December 7, there was another rope training that took on a new twist.  Most training that we do is completed during daylight hours.  However, most of our recoveries, rescues, etc., happen in the dark.  So, Steve Mock put together a training exercise that took place in the dark of night.   Other training opportunities that are being set up by training officer Adam Norlander will include basic snowmobile riding and safety, First Aid, CPR which is a requirement for membership, and avalanche training, provided we get some snow.  The SAR unit has had 4 call outs that were critiqued by individuals who participated in each incident.  The call outs required responses on Gibbons Pass road, Medicine Lodge, Everson Creek, and Gallagher Mountain.  The next order of business was the “39th Annual Stan Shafer Memorial Ice Fishing Derby to be held on January 19th, 2025.  We received a report that Clark Canyon was completely iced over as of Wednesday, December 4.   The derby will have all the same payouts as in the past along with 50/50 tickets being sold on the ice the day of the derby.  Your can purchase your tickets from SAR members, various merchants around town, or at the dam on derby day.  Tickets make great stocking stuffers during this Christmas season.  So, get those poles out, augers sharpened, and let’s get ready for some fun… During the December meeting, nominations opened for next year’s officers. At the January meeting more nominations can be accepted and the election of officers will take place.  Offices include commander, vice commander, secretary, treasurer, communications, equipment, public relations, training, and 3 board members at large.    In the past month there have been 3 probationary members accepted to full membership status.  These three individuals are: Keri Carson, Aaron Beard, Lance Hopman.   We also had two individuals retire from the organization after many years of service and they are: Parke Scott and Clint Rouse.   Please take the time to thank these individuals for their dedicated service.  “In the Business of Saving Lives”, your Beaverhead Search and Rescue.

DILLON — On Friday night, while many were gearing up for the annual Christmas Stroll, disaster struck as alarm bells rang out, signaling a fire emergency. The Dillon Volunteer Fire Department quickly responded to reports of a trailer fire off North Railroad Street. Despite their best efforts, the trailer was deemed a total loss. The fire has left Sabrina and Timothy Nichols without their possessions, clothing, medical supplies, and a home. The community's immediate response has been heartwarming, as family and friends turned to social media, reaching out for assistance just a day after the fire. In response, residents have mobilized to collect donations, asking for items to help the Nichols family get back on their feet. Community members are encouraged to donate clothing, particularly men’s 2XL shirts, colostomy supplies, fragrance-free laundry supplies, women’s clothing sizes up to 5XL, and women’s size 10 wide shoes. They are also in need of a bi-pap machine. Big Sky Cinema has taken the initiative to serve as a drop-off location for donations after 3:30 PM. In addition to their immediate needs, the Nichols family is faced with the challenge of removing the wreckage of their old trailer from the rented lot. For those who wish to contribute financially, the family can be supported through Venmo at Sabrina-Nichols-1 (last four digits of phone number: 0127) and Cash App at $sabrinanich24.

December 7, 2024 | Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information Cover Photo Tim Tushla SIOUX CITY, Iowa –  The no. 16 seeded Montana Western women's volleyball team (25-10) closed a historic 2024 season this afternoon with a 3-1 loss to the no. 8 seeded Corban University (Ore.) in the NAIA Women's Volleyball National Championship quarterfinal matchup. After winning the opening set 26-24, the Bulldogs fell in three straight sets by scores of 25-20, 25-16, and 25-22. How It Happened The opening set was a contested match from the start, with both teams trading points in a neck-and-neck battle that resulted in 13 ties. The deadlock persisted until 14-all, when a kill by Emma Bischoff for Corban ignited a 7-3 scoring run. However, Montana Western stayed within striking distance, eventually tying the score at 22 thanks to a service ace by Kelsey Goddard . The back-and-forth power struggle continued, with ties at 23 and 24, before UMW clinched the set 26-24 with a kill from Peyton Vogl and a Warriors attack error. Corban opened the following set with the initial lead. The Bulldogs then tied things up at nine apiece following a kill from Jazi Smith , but a four-point run for the Warriors gave them enough space to keep the Bulldogs out at an arm's reach. Despite going down 24-16, the Bulldogs made a last-ditch effort and benefitted from a pair of kills from Jordan Olson to go on a 4-0 run before eventually falling to the Warriors 25-20. Despite the late set magic in the second frame, the Bulldogs struggled get it into drive in the third set. They hit a mere -0.53 in the set while totaling an unfortunate 11 hitting error, with nine coming in the first 14 points of the set. Set four was just as intense as the opener, featuring 10 ties and seven lead changes. Neither team managed to pull ahead by more than four points throughout the set. The Warriors broke the deadlock at 14-all with a decisive 6-2 scoring run, ultimately sealing the match with a 25-22 victory in set four. Notables UMW combined to hit .162 in the game, compared to CU's .238 across the match. Corban's strong offensive play and solid defense at the net (16 total blocks, 14 assisted) proved to be the difference in the match. Olson led the Bulldogs in today's matchup with 13 kills on a .267 hitting percentage. Smith also had a strong performance with 11 kills of her own, as well as 15 digs in the back row. Taylor Petersen directed the offense with 17 assists and Goddard added 22 digs.  Final Notes The Bulldogs cap their season with an overall record of 25-10, playing in 21 games against teams that were either ranked or receiving votes. Six Bulldogs earned their way into the record books following this season. Smith caps off a historic career becoming UMW's career kills leader with a record 1164 total. She also holds the single season kills record with 469 in a single season. Kaylee Fritz broke the career service aces record as she caps her impressive career. She now leads in the record books with 104 service aces. Danyel Martin broke the career blocks record last season for UMW and added 140 blocks this season to her total. She leads the record book now with 419 total. Goddard broke both the career digs record and the single season digs record this season as she ends her career at Montana Western. She now leads both with a career total of 2321 and a single season record total of 699 this season. Petersen broke the single season service aces record during the upset win over No. 1 Northwestern. She holds the top spot with a total of 42 service aces. Vogl is now the single season block leader after she totaled 152 blocks this season.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. –  The no. 4 ranked Montana Western football team (10-2) capped the season this afternoon with a 31-24 loss to the no. 6 ranked Morningside University (12-1) after a season that saw the Bulldogs win the outright Frontier Conference championship and make the NAIA FCS Quarterfinals. After leading 24-10 at the half, the Bulldogs were held scoreless in the second half as the Mustangs racked up 21 unanswered points in to close out the game on top. How It Happened After forcing the Mustangs to punt on their opening drive, the Bulldogs were quick to get on the board. Michael Palandri hit Dylan Shipley in stride for a 58-yard reception that put the Bulldogs on the Morningside 1-yard line. Jake Humphrey would finish the job on the following play to put Western up 7-0 early in the game. As Morningside began to pick up steam on the following drive, UMW's James Ochs picked off Morningside's quarterback Zack Chevalier to fuel a quick scoring drive. Palandri went on to hit Eli Nourse from 32-yards out to send Western into the second quarter up 14-0. Shortly after the start of the second quarter, Morningside's kicker Trevor Paulsen put it through the uprights to put the Mustangs on the board at 14-3. The Bulldogs then used 15 plays to go 64 yards down the field and eat up eight minutes off the clock to score on a 24-yard field goal from John Mears . They would then go up 17-3 with four minutes to play in the first half. Morningside answered on the following drive with their first touchdown of the game, but the Mustangs left just shy of two minutes on the clock for the Bulldogs. UMW would utilize the time left with a quick one-minute drive to score on a rush from Nourse and take a 24-10 lead into the half.   Following a fumble that gave the Mustangs excellent field position after Western's opening drive of the second half, Morningside needed just three plays to score, narrowing the gap to 24-17 against the Bulldogs. Despite their best efforts, the Bulldog offense was unable to piece together a scoring drive for the remainder of the game. Morningside would go on to score twice more to take the lead and finish on top 31-24. Notables Today's loss marks the first loss for the Bulldogs at home this season. Both teams struggled on the ground, with the two teams combining for just 151 rushing yards in the game. Western led with 85 yards on the ground. Palandri threw for 368 passing yards and a touchdown. He went 27-41 in the game and was sacked four times. Nourse led the Bulldogs in the air, totaling 96 yards through the air and recording a touchdown. He also added a touchdown on the ground in the game. Aiden Prado and Keegen Muffich led the Bulldog defense with seven tackles apiece. Prado totaled seven solo tackles and a pair of pass breakups. Muffich had three solo tackles and a sack for a loss of eight yards. Season Recap The Bulldogs cap their season with an overall record of 10-2 and their first season in their new home at Bulldog Stadium. Palandri completed 68.26% of his passes this season, surpassing the previous record of 64.9% set by Jason Truman in 1995. He also broke Truman's single-season passing yards record from 1994, eclipsing the former mark of 3,503 yards with an impressive 3,670-yard total. Additionally, Palandri amassed 3,972 total offensive yards and threw 34 touchdown passes, shattering Truman's 1994 records of 3,758 total yards and 33 passing touchdowns. Nourse broke his own single season record for receiving yards of 1,186 in today's game, totaling 1,205 yards this season. As a team, the Bulldogs broke the total offense in a season record set in 2021 at 5,399 yards. They totaled 5,773 yards of offense this season after today's game. They also broke the record for passing yards in a season with a previous record set in 1994 at 3,535 and total points scored that was set in 2021. They totaled 3,735 passing yards this season and totaled 498 points this season.

Update: Fire was reported out at 7:27 P.M. and all units are heading back to the Fire Hall. Dillon, MT On Friday late afternoon, first responders rushed to the scene of a fire at a trailer on Railroad Street. When they arrived, the occupants had successfully escaped the flames but reported that two dogs remained inside the burning structure. Witnesses noted that the trailer was fully engulfed in flames, prompting nearby residents to take action by using hoses to douse the fire from their properties. Firefighters arrived shortly after and immediately began battling the blaze, working diligently to contain it to the single trailer. Despite their efforts, the trailer has been declared a complete loss. The emotional toll on the occupants is significant, especially regarding the pets left inside. This is a developing story, and we will provide further updates as more information becomes available.