Editors note: Written by owner of Southwestern Montana News Jeremy Crawford. I have seen the articles from our competitors on this subject and I feel a lot is missing. This is my side of the story and what I experienced and why I was running for Mayor.   I want to take a moment to explain what happened when I decided to put my hat in the ring for mayor of Dillon. Over the past month, several events have taken place that have led me to share my side of the story.   For years, many people asked me to run for mayor, but I lived on Schuler Lane—just a few hundred yards outside the city limits. When we moved into Dillon, I updated my voter registration and driver’s license address online. I was asked again if I would consider running for mayor. After taking a weekend to think it over, I decided to go ahead and do it. I love this town—my hometown—and I truly believed my ideas could benefit Dillon. I also thought bringing a younger set of eyes into city government could make a positive difference.   I visited the courthouse and filled out the application. At no point did it state that I had to be a resident for two years immediately prior to the election. I paid my filing fee and left. Just five minutes after leaving, I received a phone call informing me that my voter registration reflected my old address on Schuler Lane. I explained that I had updated it online and I now live within the city limits. I was asked to come back and fill out the registration form in person. I did so, and no other concerns were raised at that time.   A few days later, the official list of candidates was released. Around that time, I was warned by a city employee that someone had overheard another employee stating they didn’t want me as mayor. I brushed this off. Later, while working on my campaign ad, another city employee told me I needed to read the city charter.   One week later, I received a call informing me that I was not eligible to run for office because I supposedly did not meet the requirements. This was just a day after I published an article publicly questioning the licensing of Beaverhead Meats and their alleged unlicensed killfloor.   When I asked Stacy why I was allowed to file and why I was later disqualified, she told me she was not present during the time I dropped off my filing and that my filings would be used as training. I was never told I could appeal the decision; I was simply informed that the decision was final. She sent me a check for my filing fee.   I’ve written to the Secretary of State to understand how I can challenge this, since the law does not specify that a candidate must have lived in the city for two years immediately before the election. I have yet to receive a response. I am also aware that I could pursue legal action to be on the ballot, but I don’t believe that would happen in a timely manner.   I feel it’s important for the public to understand why I was ultimately disqualified from running for mayor—the timing of events and the lack of clear communication from our election officials. I was only trying to do my part for the community and was willing to step into a position that many feel no one else wants, but everyone believes they can do.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. ZONING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Agenda   1.    Call To Order   2.    Review and Approval of July 22 nd , 2025 Minutes   3.    Director of Operations Report   4.    Applications for Zoning Compliance Certificates for Review: 25CUP-002         Lewis                         Home Sales                          400 N Pacific St 25CUP-003         Scheffel                     Garage                                   423 S Pacific St   5.    Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda                   and Within the Jurisdiction of the Zoning Commission.   6.      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:   Justin Rooley (Chair), Mike Watson, Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Monday August 11, 2025 12:00 (Noon) P.M. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE     A.         APPROVE RESOLUTION 1492 SETTING PUBLIC HEARING ON 2025-2026 BUDGET                           i.          Public Comment                                                 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.

Dillon Public Library upcoming 2025 programs: August 28, 29, & 30 - Annual GIANT Book Sale at the Beaverhead County Fairgrounds - Commercial Building. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. There will be many books (new & used), and other items to purchase. Money earned goes towards our programs throughout the year. There will also be a phone charging station. The library will be closed August 28 - September 2 while staff is at book sale and for the Federal Holiday.  Beaverhead County Fair book is now online:  https://beaverheadcountymt.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025BeaverheadCountyFairBook.pdf   For those who do not have computers at home, the library will print entry forms FREE of charge. We will not print the book for you, but within reason, print the rules and needed information for the entries you are actually entering. We can also get you online on a public computer if you'd like to read it at your own pace. This is a way for the library to thank the Beaverhead County Fairgrounds for all that they do for us throughout the year.  September 17 - 5:30 p.m. at the Dillon Public Library - Women's Financial Literacy Workshop: These workshops are designed to cover a range of important financial topics, including budgeting, saving, investing, and credit management. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive personalized advice from financial experts. The workshops are free of charge. Registration is recommended, as space may be limited. To register, please contact your local library or use link: forms.office.com/r/SNGmPqhfi3 Some important links for our patrons with library cards: https://montana.overdrive.com/  MontanaLibrary2Go : 38,000 ebooks, 22,000 audiobooks and 4000 magazines online for free https://library.universalclass.com/index.htm ?  Universal Class: over 600 classes online for free. Knowledge is Power. Learn something new today! UniversalClass offers hundreds of online CE classes. Our courses are not just tutorials; they are real. They include lessons, exams, assignments, discussion boards and actual assessments of your progress. Call Dillon Public Library with any questions at (406)683-4544

There are a few ways to get your drawing results. Visit fwp.mt.gov , click on MyFWP Login in the upper righthand corner, then click on “Lookup Draw Results, Register for Lists” tab on the left-hand menu, or login to your MyFWP account . You may also sign up for an account at fwp.mt.gov/MyFWP . Applicants may also call any FWP regional office or the licensing office at 406-444-2950. Most FWP offices with license sales are open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All State   Sawyer Olsen (Belgrade) Jaxson Iddings (GV)  Cade Thomas (Belgrade) Trapper Stajcar (Butte)  Brayton VanDyken (GV) Andrew Hazen (Belgrade) Catchers Andrew Hazen (Belgrade) Andrew Bartlome (Dillon) Infielders Jaxson Iddings (GV) Harvey Kimmel (Boz) Ryas Olson (Bel) Tocher Lee (Butte) Trenton Moreni (Dillon) True Acher (Boz) Chance Stephens (Belgrade) Outfielders  Sawyer Olson (Belgrade) Trapper Stajcar (Butte) Jase Alvarez (Dillon) Rolen Quezada (Boz) Lucas Peterson (GV) Will Stepan (Butte) Utility Cade Thomas (Belgrade) Jace Wiseman (GV) Pitchers Brayton VanDyken (GV) Josh Arrants (Bel)  Cody Smith (Boz)  Tyler Kaiser (Hel)  Matthew Donaldson (Butte) Zach Kaiser (Hel)  Jaxson Iddings (GV)  Scott LeMay (GV)  Grayson Herz (Boz)

DVFD responded to 14 calls for service during the month of July 2025.    7-03                 I 15 mm 50                              MVA 7-05                 S Railroad Ave                       Dumpster Fire 7-07                 Bannack State Park                 Fire Alarm 7-08                 Wendy Lane                            Smoke Call 7-11                 W Center St                            Fire Alarm 7-12                 I 15 MM 56                             Grass Fire 7-17                 Riverside Dr                            Grass Fire 7-17                 Meadowlark Dr                       Camper Fire 7-18                 Hwy 278                                 Grass Fire 7-25                 Blacktail Rd                            MVA 7-26                 I-15 MM 66                            MVA 7-26                 I-15 MM 64                            MVA 7-27                 Laknar Ln                               Fire Alarm 7-29                 Bond Rd                                 Grass Fire   July training included vehicle extrication and structural engine pumping of New Engine 1. We had members assist the Dillon Jaycees with the 4 th  of July fireworks. The annual  Hose Testing was completed for all of the Structure engines and we also worked with the new probationary FF on proper procedures.   Thanks to all 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 extra careful when you are out & about as it is wildfire season & the fuels are extremely dry.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 6:45 P.M. JOINT PUBLIC HEARING ON ACCEPTANCE OF BUTTE STREET 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 Amended Minutes from July 2, 2025 Regular Meeting 2.         Approve the Amended Minutes from July 9, 2025 Regular Meeting 3.         Approve the Minutes from July 16, 2025 Regular Meeting   C.        PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS               1.         Review Citizen Complaints 2.         In Accordance with the Montana Code Annotated and the Dillon City Charter, Discussion and Decision as to Whether Councilman Graham Should be Removed from Office Due to a Finding by the Election Administrator that He Does not Reside Within the City Limits.   D.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Approve Resolution #1491 Western Region Hazard Mitigation Plan (Plan can be reviewed at             https://des.mt.gov/Mitigation/Mitigation-Planning ) 2.         Approve Resolution #1492 to Set SID 3.         Second Reading of Ordinance #485 4.         Discuss FY25-56 Budget   E.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         City Attorney – Ed Guza 2.         Planning Board - Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham                         a.         Accept the Minutes from June 12, 2025 Regular Meeting 3.         Zoning Commission - Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley                         a.         Accept the Minutes from July 8, 2025 Regular Meeting                                                 1.         First Reading of Ordinance #487 4.         Board of Adjustments - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz                         a.         Accept the July 10 th , 2025 Meeting Minutes 5.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey 6.         Police Department – Police Chief Jeremy Alvarez                    7.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose                         a.         Approve City Clerk Report for Fire Hall for July, 2025                         b.         Approve Budget vs. Expenditures Report for Fire Hall for July, 2025                         c.         Approve New Members to the Volunteer Fire Department 8.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox 9.         Library Board - Diane Armstrong, Council Member; Kim Denny, Library Director                         a.         Accept the Minutes from June 24, 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 July 10, 2025 Finance Committee-Budget                         b.         Approve Minutes of July 24, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting                                     i.          Approve Fund Summary for Claims for July 2025                                     ii.         Approve Claims by Vendor Report for July 2025                                     iii.        Approve Mayor’s Report to the Finance Committee for July 2025                                     iv.        Approve Budget vs. Actual Report for July 2025                        3.         Public Services – Diane Armstrong, Chair; Bill Shafer, Don Deem                         a.         Approve the Minutes from July 21, 2025 Regular Committee Meeting                                     i.          Approve the Purchase of New Patrol Car                                     ii.         Approve the Beaverhead County Fire District #2 Volunteer/Employee                                                 Handbook     4.         Open Spaces – Raymond Graham, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Joleen Schultz                         a.         Approve the Minutes from July 16, 2025 Regular Committee Meeting                                     i.          First Reading of Ordinance #486 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.

On the evening of August 3rd, a wildfire erupted near Clark Canyon Reservoir, prompting a large-scale response from multiple emergency agencies. The Lima Volunteer Fire Department, Grasshopper Valley Volunteer Fire Department, EMS Montana DNRC, Dillon Volunteer Fire Department, and the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office all responded to the scene. The fire initially started around 10 p.m., quickly drawing a significant response. Over 15 engines and tenders were mobilized to contain the blaze. Thanks to the coordinated effort of these agencies, the Roe Fire was brought under control by approximately 3 a.m., covering an estimated 360 acres. Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the fire, but the swift and collaborative response prevented more extensive damage. The agencies remain on alert for any additional flare-ups or new fire starts in the area. This incident highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in managing wildfires and protecting local communities and natural resources.

Notice of Public Meeting Notice is hereby given of the East Bench Irrigation District Regular Board Meeting Tuesday, August 5 th , 2025 at 5:00 p.m.  The board will meet at the district office. ·         Call to Order ·         New Business ·         Old Business ·         Pay Bills ·         Adjourn

University of Montana Western Press Release DILLON, Mont. — The defending Frontier Conference Champion Montana Western Bulldogs are ready to hit the field for another thrilling season — and now is the time for fans to secure their seats for every moment of the action. Season tickets are on sale now,  $100 each and will be available until noon on Friday, September 5 . Season ticket holders enjoy the best way to experience Bulldog Football and will have the exclusive opportunity to renew their seats each year, ensuring they never miss a play as Montana Western continues its tradition of excellence and excitement. Reserved seating will be on bleachers, and fans are encouraged to bring seat cushions, seat backs, and or blankets to enhance their comfort. The 2025 home schedule: Saturday, September 6 – vs. Montana State Northern Saturday, September 27  – vs. Dickinson State University Saturday, October 11  – vs. Carroll College Saturday, November 1 – vs. Eastern Oregon Saturday, November 8  – vs. Arizona Christian  Single game tickets will go on sale August 18 , but season ticket holders get the ultimate value and the best way to back the Bulldogs all season long. Don't miss your chance to be part of the atmosphere, the pride, and the camaraderie that comes with Montana Western Football. For more information or to purchase your season tickets, click here.

Friday morning, the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department responded to a reported fire on East Morse Street. The caller informed dispatch that the gutter on the side of a homeowner’s garage was on fire. Fortunately, the homeowner acted quickly by using a garden hose to help extinguish the flames before the fire department arrived. Thanks to the homeowner’s prompt action, the fire was contained, preventing extensive damage to the garage. Firefighters arrived shortly after and assessed the scene. Little damage was reported, and the fire was fully extinguished. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but authorities suspect it could have been sparked by a short circuit or a spark from a nearby power line. Further investigation will determine the exact origin of the flames.

August 2 nd  Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at Dillon Public Library - COMPUTER CLASS at the Library - anyone needing computer questions answered are welcome to attend. Presented by Tara Stevens from Computer Rescue Service. This class is FREE to the public. Bring your questions in early and place in the box at front desk. August 28, 29 & 30 th  9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Commercial Building at the Beaverhead County Fairgrounds. Dillon Public Library's Annual Labor Day BOOK SALE will be going on. So many books to buy as gifts or for your personal collection. The library will be closed during this time while staff is busy at the fairgrounds. (and Kim gets her yearly 4-H hamburger(s))  We will have a charging station for your phones and other items for purchase.  Books & Babies will begin again in September. First date will be announced soon. September 17 at 5:30 p.m. at Dillon Public Library: WOMEN'S FINANCIAL LITERACY WORKSHOP.  This summer, RDI Financial Wellness, the Montana Cooperative Development Corporation, and the Montana State Library are proud to announce a collaborative effort to empower women across Montana through a series of financial literacy workshops. These workshops aim to provide the essential tools and knowledge to manage finances effectively and confidently. Five workshops will be held at various libraries across the state, offering convenient opportunities for people in different communities to participate. Covering a range of important financial topics, including budgeting, saving, investing, and credit management. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive personalized advice from financial experts. Sign up early at: forms.office.com/r/SNGmPqhfi3

The University of Montana Western is excited to welcome new students to campus during New Student Orientation, taking place Thursday, August 14, through Sunday, August 17. Orientation at Montana Western is designed to welcome first-year and transfer students to campus and prepare them for the academic year. Over the four days, students will engage with peers, faculty, and staff through interactive sessions, icebreakers, and team-building activities before classes begin on Monday, August 18. These experiences help build friendships and lay the foundation for a supportive network that extends throughout students’ time at UMW. “By participating in New Student Orientation, students will be introduced to Experience One through immersive, hands-on activities, acquire skills to help them succeed in their university journey, and develop a sense of belonging and connection with other students, faculty, and staff,” said Mike Piazzola, Senior Director of Student Life. Festivities begin on Thursday, August 14, as students move into the UMW residence halls. Members of the campus and Dillon communities are invited to volunteer for Move-In Day to help welcome new students to Montana Western. To sign up, visit  https://www.umwestern.edu/orientation  and complete the “Montana Western Moving Company” form. The ceremonial start of the academic year—Convocation—will be held on Friday, August 15, at 10:00 a.m. in the Straugh Gymnasium, followed by the Legacy Plaza Ceremony. A Welcome Lunch for students, families, faculty, and staff will follow on the campus lawn in front of Mathews Hall. Orientation events will continue through the weekend with activities such as hiking to the “M,” axe throwing, floating the Beaverhead River, and other opportunities to explore Dillon and the surrounding area. The weekend will conclude with the Bulldog Feast and the return of an alumni favorite: the Bulldog Brain Teaser! For the full schedule of events, visit  https://www.umwestern.edu/orientation . For more information, please contact Bulldog Life at 406-683-7565.

The Bookstore will be hosting author Donna Erickson Saturday, August 2nd from 1:00-300 for a book signing.  The reading will begin at 1:30 followed by a discussion.  Her book  Rooted at the Edge: Ranching Where the Old West and the New West Collide   paints a portrait of a ranching community steeped in history, conflict, and beauty. In this narrative nonfiction work, Donna Erickson explores the hilly skirt of ground at the northern boundary of Missoula, Montana, separating the town from the wilderness beyond. The North Hills region represents the critical—and often highly personal—issues at play at the edge of many western towns. The urban-rural fringe is both valuable and vulnerable. Across the West, a way of life and a way of work are vanishing. Ranch land is simultaneously cherished by families for the lives they’ve made there and coveted by urban neighbors for open space. Community residents may love a place for its scenery and wildlife habitat while others wish it converted to a commercial parking lot. Complex ecological relationships can be bulldozed in a single afternoon. Rooted at the Edge  conveys, in a way that statistics cannot, what’s at stake when ranches at the urban fringe are threatened. Donna Erickson was raised riding horses, putting up hay, and herding cattle at Skyline Ranch.  Her family’s nearly 1000-acre ranch lies in the North Hills at the edge of Missoula, Montana.  As a young adult she ranched there and on other leased ranches in western Montana.  Many decades later, her life as both a rancher and landscape planner gives Donna a unique perspective on ranching at the edge of a growing western town.  She wrote this book to share stories about a century of change in this iconic landscape and the threats it faces going forward.   If you have any questions or would like to reserve a copy call The Bookstore at 683-6807.