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KANSAS CITY, Mo. –  The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced the results of the NAIA Football GoRout Top 25 Poll No. 6. Montana Western Football moved up a spot in the rankings to no. 6 after defeating the No. 12 ranked Orediggers this past weekend 27-21. The Bulldog defense impressed, holding the Orediggers to one for 10 on third downs and a below average of 330 total yards of offense in the game. Senior  Braden Swank  highlighted with two interceptions in the first half, three pass breakups and two tackles. Montana Western will hit the road next week for a matchup against Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Mont. The game will kickoff at 1pm. Currently, Montana Western sits in eighth in the NAIA in yards of offense per game with 501.8 and third in passing yards per game with 346.5. Michael Palandri is second int eh NAIA for yards per game with 334.8. FRONTIER IN THE TOP 25 No. 6 Montana Western Bulldogs No. 10 Southern Oregon Raiders No. 12 College of Idaho Yotes No. 15 Montana Tech Orediggers

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. –  After an impressive weekend in Montana Western Athletics, the Bulldogs received four Frontier Conference Player of the Week awards with two coming football and two from women's volleyball. In addition, John Mears of Montana Western has been named NAIA Football Special Teams Player of the Week. Mears is the fourth football player to earn this honor under head coach  Ryan Nourse . Mears, a senior kicker/punter from Belgrade, Mont., is the Special Teams Player of the Week for both the Frontier Conference. Mears went to a perfect 2-for-2 on field goals in helping No. 7 ranked Montana Western defeat No. 12 ranked Montana Tech 27-21.  He hit a 49-yard field goal in the third quarter and a 22-yard field goal in the second quarter. Mears also went perfect 3-for-3 on PAT extra points kicks for the Bulldogs. He is currently perfect on the season, going 5-for-5 on field goals and 27-for-27 on PAT extra-point kicks. This is Mears' fifth career Erck Hotels / Frontier Conference Player of the Week award. Swank, a senior defensive back from Maple Valley, Wash., is the Defensive Player of the Week. Swank had an impressive game defensively for the No. 7 ranked Montana Western in their 27-21 home victory over No. 12 ranked Montana Tech.  He recorded two interceptions, with his second interception coming in the end zone and a return of 20 yards on the play. Swank also had three pass breakups and a pair of tackles as a defensive back. This is Swank's first career Erck Hotels / Frontier Conference Player of the Week award. Smith, a senior outside hitter from Mossyrock, Wash., was chosen as the Attacker of the Week. Smith had a historic week for 19th ranked Montana Western when she shattered the single-match school record of 31 kills in 3-2 victory over (RV) Valley City State (N.D.). She averaged 6.2 kills per set and hit .375. She averaged 4.6 kills per set and registered a .270 hitting percentage in the North Star Athletic Association/Frontier Crossover Tournament for the Bulldogs. This is Smith's first career Erck Hotels / Frontier Conference Player of the Week award. Goddard, a senior libero from Las Vegas, Nev., was named as the Defender of the Week. Goddard had a historic week for 19th ranked Bulldogs after she broke the single match digs school record, set by herself back in 2021 with 44 digs against Carroll.  She totaled 47 digs in 3-2 victory over (RV) Valley City Sate (N.D.), averaging 9.4 digs per set. Goddard averaged 7.1 digs per set on the week for Montana Western and added 47 receptions with 93.6 percent reception rate. This is Goddard's second career Erck Hotels/Frontier Conference Player of the Week award.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information, Photo credit Terri Haverfield BILLINGS, Mont. –  The no. 19 ranked Montana Western Women's Volleyball team (14-6) defeated the Dickinson State Blue Hawks (4-16) this morning in a five-set matchup this afternoon. Four Bulldogs reached double digits in kills with Jazi Smith and Jordan Olson each leading the Bulldogs with 11 kills. How It Happened Western came out hot in the first set and dominated while the Blue Hawks were held to a -.114 hitting percentage in the set. DSU hit their stride at the beginning of the second set, running on a 7-0 scoring run to open the set. A kill from Peyton Vogl broke the run, but Dickinson was unfazed and added another three straight points to take a 10-1 lead. A kill from Savana Warburton finally got Western back on their feet and Danyel Martin hit back to back kills to close the game to three points. It was Martin once again down the stretch who helped UMW to take their first lead of the set and go on to win 25-21. Despite leading the Blue Hawks late in set three at 20-18, the Blue Hawks showed fight and capped the set on their own 7-3 scoring run to win 25-23.  Dickinson State once again kept on pace with Western at the start set four. After a kill from Vogl paired with an error on the Blue Hawk side of the net, the Blue Hawks ran on a 7-0 run mid-set to take a 15-9 lead. The Bulldogs were unable to recover and lost set four 25-17.  Western left little room for questions in the final frame, winning the set 15-7 after recording five team blocks in the final set.   N otables The Bulldogs are 22-8 in the series with the Blue Hawks, dating back to 1991. They have also won nine of the last ten matchups and eight games in a row. Four Bulldogs reached double digits in kills with Jazi Smith and Jordan Olson each leading the Bulldogs with 11 kills. Martin recorded six blocks in the game along with 10 kills for a double double. Kaylee Fritz led the Bulldogs with 26 assists. Up Next Montana Western will be back in the Straugh Gymnasium on Oct. 17 at 7pm for a top 25 matchup against the Montana Tech Orediggers.

DILLON, Mont.  – The No. 7 ranked Montana Western football team (4-1) squared off against the No. 12 ranked Montana Tech Orediggers (4-2) Saturday afternoon, emerging victorious with a final score of 27-21 in a closely contested matchup. The Bulldogs’ defense put on an impressive performance, limiting the Orediggers to just one conversion on 10 third-down attempts and holding them to a total of 330 yards of offense throughout the game. Defensive Stars Shine Senior defensive back Braden Swank was a standout for the Bulldogs, recording two interceptions in the first half, in addition to three pass breakups and two tackles. His efforts were instrumental in shifting the momentum in favor of Montana Western. Game Recap Montana Tech struck first, executing an efficient drive that culminated in a touchdown, putting them ahead 7-0 early in the game. The Orediggers carried that lead into the second quarter, but things quickly turned around. The second quarter saw a flurry of defensive plays, with three consecutive interceptions, including two from Swank. Following the second interception, the Bulldogs drove 80 yards down the field, capped off by a 41-yard touchdown pass from Michael Palandri to Jake Humphrey, tying the game at 7-7. The Bulldogs then forced a turnover on downs at the UMW 37-yard line, stopping the Orediggers on a crucial fourth-and-two. This led to another scoring opportunity, as Western quickly moved downfield on a seven-play drive, culminating in a 14-yard touchdown pass from Palandri to Coby Tanioka, giving the Bulldogs a 14-7 lead at halftime. Second Half Action The second half began with Bulldogs kicker John Mears nailing a 49-yard field goal to extend the lead to 17-7. Montana Tech responded with a touchdown rush from Landers Smith, closing the gap to 17-14 with just under five minutes left in the third quarter. The Bulldogs answered back decisively with an 85-yard drive resulting in a rushing touchdown by Palandri, bringing the score to 24-14. A quick three-and-out by the Bulldog defense was followed by Mears’ second field goal of the game, this time from 22 yards out, pushing UMW's lead to 27-14. Montana Tech managed a late-game touchdown with less than a minute remaining, making the score 27-21, but the Bulldogs held on for the victory. Notable Performances Palandri finished the day with 238 passing yards, completing 20 of 34 attempts, contributing two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. Humphrey was just shy of reaching 100 rushing yards, totaling 97 yards in the game. The receiving corps was led by Nourse, who racked up 94 yards on nine receptions. Defensively, Keegen Muffich led the Bulldogs with 10 total tackles, including one tackle for loss, while Jace Fitzgerald recorded nine tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one sack. Looking Ahead The Montana Western Bulldogs will be on the road next week for a matchup against Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana. The game is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m.

Dillon, Montana – October 11, 2024 – Barrett Hospital & HealthCare officials will gather with local leaders and partners to hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, October 15 to kick off a campus expansion project with the construction of a $5.6 million, specialty care clinic – a one-story state-of-the-art facility that will serve Dillon, Beaverhead County, and beyond for coming generations. This strategic move aligns with Barrett’s long-term vision to integrate all healthcare facilities seamlessly on one campus. Set to open in November 2025, Barrett Hospital & HealthCare will bring a new 7,320 square-foot, 10 exam rooms, 3 procedure / cast rooms specialty clinic facility for General Surgery, Orthopedics, Urology, Podiatry, and Gynecological care that will be attached to the hospital. The integration of the specialty clinic campus marks a significant progression toward a more unified healthcare experience. Patients will benefit from enhanced convenience, reducing the need to travel between different locations, streamlining the process of receiving care. "We are pleased to announce this important expansion aimed at improving the quality and convenience of patient care," said Taylor Rose, Chief Executive Officer at Barrett Hospital & HealthCare. “This expansion is both crucial and necessary to ensure our patients receive the high-quality care they deserve, while adding greater convenience which demonstrates our commitment to making healthcare access smoother and more straightforward for the community.” Lead architect MMW Architects designed the 7,320 square-foot specialty clinic to create an optimal healing environment that integrates seamlessly with the existing hospital campus surroundings, bringing nature, human-centered design and innovative medical care into one healing habitat.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information, PC Tessa McNeil BILLINGS, Mont. –  The no. 19 ranked Montana Western women's volleyball team (13-5, 4-3) defeated RV Valley City State (N.D.) this evening in a five-set thriller. Senior Jazi Smith shattered the Montana Western single game kills record held by Bulldog alumni Mikayla Ness set back in 2015 when she totaled 25 kills against Rocky Mountain College. Smith totaled 31 kills in tonight's match, good for 6.2 kills per set on a .375 hitting percentage. Kelsey Goddard broke the single game digs record, set by herself back in 2021 with 44 digs against Carroll College. She totaled 47 digs tonight with 9.4 digs per set. "The team did a great job of overcoming adversity today against a really good team," Head Coach Katie Lovett said. "Jazi and Kelsey being able to both get school records in kills and digs was an amazing accomplishment. All of that was able to happen because of the full team effort." How It Happened The Bulldogs came out hot in the first set, playing with a high level of energy to shoot to a 20-11 lead behind four kills from Smith. Despite the hot start, Valley City answered by going on their own 12-3 scoring run to tie the game at 23. A kill from Savana Warburton helped break the tie and the Bulldogs would win the set 25-23. Set two featured a gritty battle between the two teams. UMW went on a short 3-1 run to take a two-point lead at 17-15, but the Vikings flipped the script and took their own lead at 19-17 after a 4-0 run. After fighting to hang on, the Bulldogs fell in set two 25-23. Knotted up with a set apiece, Danyel Martin and Smith combined for a pair of kills apiece to give UMW an early 10-6 lead. Valley City continued in similar fashion and fought back to tie the game at 15 all. Smith and Jordan Olson paired for back-to-back kills, giving Western a two-point advantage at 17-15. Western hang tightly to the lead and win the set by the same score as the previous two sets, 25-23. Valley City forced a deciding fifth set after they won set four 25-22 over the Bulldogs. Though totaling more kills than the Vikings, Montana Western struggled behind a .195 team hitting percentage in the set. Knotted up at nine apiece, Olivia Rosborough broke UMW into double digits by grabbing a kill from the right side. Western would remain in the mix and fight on to win 16-14. Notables Montana Western has played in five five-set games this season, going a perfect 5-0 in all matchups. Western extends their win streak over the Vikings to six games, with Valley City winless in the series. Peyton Vogl and Olson each had impressive nights. Vogl totaled 17 kills and four blocks while Olson added 11 kills and a pair of blocks. Kaylee Fritz and Taylor Petersen combined for a total of 65 assists, good for a combined 13.0 assists per set in the 6-2 offense. Madisyn Frazier broke her own personal best with 28 digs tonight.   Up Next The Bulldogs will face a tough opponent tomorrow as they face the undefeated and no. 2 ranked Jamestown (N.D.). The matchup is set for 3 p.m. tomorrow afternoon in the Fortin Center in Billings, Mont.

HELENA, MT  – Hank Muntzer of Dillon was sentenced to two years in prison on Thursday for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. The sentencing took place in Helena following Muntzer's conviction for felony civil disorder and obstruction of an official proceeding earlier this year. In February, Muntzer was found guilty of civil disorder, but the charge of obstruction of an official proceeding was subsequently dismissed following a Supreme Court ruling. Additionally, Muntzer was convicted on several misdemeanor charges, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, and/or picketing in a Capitol building. As part of his sentence, Muntzer received 24 months in prison, followed by 12 months of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Jia M. Cobb also ordered him to pay $2,000 in restitution related to the damages incurred during the riot.

OpEd “Empowering Recovery: The Vital Role of Physical Therapy in Cancer Care” By: Stacy Regan PT, DPT, Barrett Hospital & HealthCare Cancer diagnosis and treatment are journeys fraught with challenges that touch nearly every aspect of a patient's life. From the moment the word "cancer" enters the conversation, individuals find themselves navigating a complex landscape of medical decisions, emotional turmoil, and physical strain. While the focus often zeroes in on the pivotal roles of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, one crucial ally in the battle for wellness and quality of life often remains overshadowed: physical therapy. Physical therapy (PT) serves as a beacon of hope for cancer patients, offering not just rehabilitation but a pathway to reclaiming a sense of normalcy and strength. It is a misconception that PT primarily addresses injuries or post-operative recovery unrelated to cancer. Recent advancements and clinical experiences have highlighted PT's profound benefits in the comprehensive cancer care paradigm. Physical therapy provides significant benefits tailored to each phase of cancer treatment. In the pre-treatment stage, PT helps in conditioning patients by enhancing their physical fitness and resilience. This preparation can make a notable difference in how individuals endure the rigors of surgery or the debilitating effects of chemotherapy. During active treatment, the role of PT becomes even more crucial. Cancer therapies can result in a suite of side effects, such as fatigue, neuropathy, and muscle atrophy, all of which may severely impact a patient’s daily life. Physical therapists devise personalized exercise regimens that combat these effects. These tailored programs help maintain mobility, improve circulation, and reduce fatigue, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of cancer treatments and improving patients’ mental health by fostering a sense of autonomy and control. In post-treatment recovery, physical therapy shifts to focus on overcoming sedentary habits developed during treatment and managing chronic issues that might have arisen. Lymphedema, a common side effect of certain cancer treatments, involving painful swelling, can often be alleviated through specialized PT interventions. Pelvic floor therapy can be helpful for pain and sexual functioning after treatment for prostate cancer. Moreover, physical therapy shines in its holistic approach to healing—a rarity in modern medicine that cancer patients deeply appreciate. The therapeutic interactions provide emotional support, addressing psychosocial dimensions by fostering patient-therapist relationships that contribute significantly to recovery. Such support is pivotal, especially when battling a disease that often makes individuals feel isolated from their "normal" lives. In conclusion, physical therapy should be an integral component of cancer care, not just an optional adjunct. As research continues to underscore its benefits, healthcare providers must proactively incorporate PT into cancer treatment plans. It empowers patients, restores dignity, and redefines recovery by viewing them not merely as survivors but as individuals capable of thriving beyond their diagnosis.

The University of Montana Western invites all prospective and incoming students, along with their families, to attend Experience Montana Western, a free fall preview day on Friday, November 15, 2024. This exciting event offers prospective students a comprehensive introduction to UMW’s campus life and academic programs. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the campus, explore Montana Western’s innovative Experience One (X1) block scheduling system, and meet with faculty, staff, and community members. Additionally, participants will learn about UMW’s diverse range of courses and academic programs. As a special bonus, all attending students will be automatically entered into a drawing to win a $500 scholarship. Attendees will also receive free admission to the UMW Women’s Basketball game that evening. To learn more about Experience Montana Western and to register, visit  apply.umwestern.edu/portal/ExperienceUMW . Schedule of Events: 9:00 – 10:00 AM | Check-in at Keltz Arena Get registered and ready for a day full of exciting activities. 10:00 – 10:30 AM | Welcome & Introduction to Experience One (X1) Learn about UMW’s innovative block schedule that allows students to focus on one course at a time. 10:30 – 11:30 AM | Campus Tour Explore the Montana Western campus, including classrooms, labs, and student spaces. 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Academic Exploration Attend a majors fair where faculty and staff will share insights into academic opportunities. 12:00 – 1:30 PM | Lunch 1:30 – 2:30 PM | Experience One Forum Join a Q&A session with current students, faculty, staff, and community members. 2:45 – 3:00 PM | Admissions & Financial Aid Overview Get an overview of the admissions and financial aid process, plus a chance to win exciting prizes. All attending students will be entered to win a $500 scholarship. 3:00 PM | Post Preview Day Events Housing tour led by UMW residential staff Visit to UMW’s new football stadium Tour of the Natural Horsemanship Center (located about 5 minutes from campus) Free admission to the UMW Women’s Basketball game at 5:30 PM against Mayville State If you are unable to attend in the fall, don’t worry! You can join us for our spring preview day on March 21, 2025, or schedule a personalized campus tour to meet with an admissions representative. Campus tours also offer the chance to connect with professors or student support staff. To schedule a tour, please complete the  Campus Visit Form . For additional information about Experience Montana Western 2024, please contact UMW Admissions Representative, Jordyn McKay, at jordyn.mckay@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7450.

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today the launch of a new grant program designed to support rural and tribal agricultural businesses and promote economic diversification across the state. The funding is through Commerce’s Agritourism Grants Program. “This new grant program will help Montana farmers and ranchers expand operations by developing new or enhancing established agritourism revenue streams. Our goal is to create agritourism opportunities with a focus on rural, under-visited and tribal locations and generate tourism revenue that will benefit local economies across the state,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. The Montana Department of Commerce invites all interested individuals to register and join a webinar on Oct. 15, 2024. Participants will learn more about how to apply for an agritourism grant, scoring criteria and timelines. In 2023, the Montana Legislature authorized Commerce to establish the Agritourism Grants Program by enacting Senate Bill 540 . All applications for this program must be submitted by midnight on Oct. 24, 2024. For more information, visit commerce.mt.gov .

DVFD responded to 19 calls for service during the month of September 2024.    9-01                 Hwy 41                                   MVA 9-02                 Big Sheep                                Grass Fire 9-02                 I-15 MM84                             Grass Fire 9-02                 Ten Mile Rd                          Grass Fire 9-02                 Bannack Bench                       Grass Fire 9-03                 Blacktail Rd                            MVA 9-03                 I-15 N Interchange                  MVA 9-03                 Fox Ridge                               Structure Fire 9-07                 S Bozeman                              Gas Odor 9-11                 I-15 MM65                             Traffic Control 9-12                 Anderson Ln                           Alarm Activation 9-18                 S Montana                               Alarm Activation 9-22                 I-15 MM 42                            MVA 9-24                 Bannack St                              Gas Odor 9-24                 Bannack St                              Gas Odor 9-26                 Southside                                Fire Alarm     September monthly training included continued Structural FF-1 training, New Engine   1, Porta tanks and Scene Set up,   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, MT – October 9, 2024   On Wednesday afternoon, a male cyclist experienced a medical incident while riding his bicycle along Thomsen Street, resulting in a crash that brought an immediate response from nearby residents and emergency services. Witnesses reported seeing the cyclist suddenly lose control and fall to the ground. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, bystanders quickly called 911 for assistance. Their swift actions likely contributed to providing timely help to the individual. Within minutes, multiple officers from the City of Dillon Police Department, along with personnel from the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office and an ambulance, arrived on the scene to attend to the victim. Emergency responders assessed the individual’s condition and provided necessary medical care before transporting him to a local hospital for further treatment. The quick response from both citizens and emergency services highlights the importance of community vigilance and support in times of crisis. The injured cyclist's current condition has not been disclosed. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Family Night will be held on December 6,2024, at the Dillon Elk’s Lodge. Family night will coincide with the Christmas Stroll. We are thrilled to have Shine Studio dancers performing and Children’s games for all ages. Santa will arrive after the Christmas Parade. The Fun Evening is Free to everyone and starts at 5 p.m. Festival of Trees will have a silent auction during Family Night. The Auction concludes at 8:00 p.m. Festival of Trees Gala will be December 7,2024 at the Lewis and Clark Room on the U of M Western Campus. A social hour will start at 5 p.m. followed by a Tuscan chicken dinner. This event will have a silent and live auction. Tickets for the Gala are available at the Bookstore. Ticket prices are $40.00 for individual tickets and $320.00 for a table of eight. Mark your Calendars for these fun Events! 2024 Recipients: Dillon Elk’s Lodge 1554 Beaverhead Meals on Wheels

From The Shop, Identity Salon & Spa, Dust N’ Daisies Dear Friends and Community, As many of you know, the recent hurricanes have devastated countless lives, leaving families in urgent need of assistance. We have a direct contact who is working tirelessly to deliver essential items to the victims, and we want to rally our community to support this important cause. We are collecting donations of sealed items that can help these families get back on their feet. Sealed packages from baby food to snacks are being requested! While every gesture may seem small, collective efforts can make a significant difference. A heartfelt note or act of kindness would undoubtedly bring comfort to those affected. If you'd like to participate, please let me know and we can collaborate on the package and give them a little taste of Dillon Montana!! If you would like to and are able to contribute, please drop off your donations at one of the salons to arrange a convenient pickup time and place in Dillon or call the amazing lady who started all of this, (Devi) @ (406) 274-4296. In addition to items, we are also looking for help with shipping costs. We have already raised $108 to assist with shipping, and any additional support would be greatly appreciated. At the end if we have extra money from shipping we will purchase items to add to the box’s. We would like to ship these off by Monday October 14th! Let’s come together to give the hurricane victims a taste of Dillon and show them the strength of our community spirit. Every little bit helps, and your generosity will make a world of difference. Thank you for your support!

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information KANSAS CITY, Mo. –  The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced the results of the NAIA Football GoRout Top 25 Poll No. 5. Montana Western Football moved up two spots in the rankings to no. 7 despite the bye week. The Bulldogs are now preparing for another top 25 matchup this weekend against the no. 12 ranked Montana Tech Orediggers.  The Orediggers enter the matchup at 4-1 this season, with their lone loss coming after a road trip to take on the no. 15 ranked College of Idaho. The game ended in overtime after the Yotes intercepted a pass to close out the game.  The Orediggers recently took down the undefeated Southern Oregon Raiders by a final score of 42-35. The Bulldogs are 4-1 in the past five matchups with the Orediggers and have won two straight in the series. FRONTIER IN THE TOP 25 No. 7 Montana Western Bulldogs No. 12 Montana Tech Orediggers No. 13 Southern Oregon Raiders No. 15 College of Idaho Yotes

The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that a second round of grant funding to help eligible Montana communities increase their appeal and resilience as visitor destinations and enhance their tourism assets and infrastructure will be available Nov. 1, 2024. The funding is through Commerce’s Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program. “Tourism creates a significant impact to Montana’s economy each year,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “Through this program, communities can cultivate regional visions, identify strategies to harness the positive impact of visitation and develop unique experiences for the community and tourists alike.” In June, Ronan was awarded $2.75 million of Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program funding to increase its economic vitality, improve transportation options and walkability and enhance downtown design and beautification. “We see ourselves in five years having a vibrant and well-traveled downtown full of murals and street art with occupied businesses, new lighting and new wayfinding signage. We envision a safe, inviting and business-laden downtown that will be sustained for many generations to come,” said Jennifer Ruggless, Mission West Community Development Partners, Grant Facilitator/Project Manager and Montana Farmers Union Ambassador. The Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program is a State-funded opportunity authorized by the 2023 Montana Legislature’s enactment of Senate Bill 540 . Eligibility of entities to apply for funding is established by Section III of the Pilot Community Tourism Grant guidelines . For more information about the Pilot Community Tourism Grant program, visit commerce.mt.gov .

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information cover photo Jim Potter HAVRE, Mont. –  The no. 19 ranked Montana Western women's volleyball team (12-5, 4-3) won their second straight game this week after they reverse swept the MSU-Northern Skylights this afternoon by scores of 19-25, 18-25, 25-18, 25-19, and 15-8. Senior Jazi Smith hit a milestone in her Bulldog career, hitting 1,000 career digs after she racked up 23 digs in the game. "One of the team's goals today was to be resilient and they definitely achieved that goal. Being down two sets is a tough way to come back but they were able to get refocused and really have some grit against a really good team," Head Coach Katie Lovett said. "Northern played lights out and made us work for each and every point." How It Happened The Skylights got out to an early lead in the first set, jumping out to a 12-6 lead early on. Back-to-back kills from Peyton Vogl got the Bulldogs back in the game and they were able to close the gap to just two points. MSU-N fought back for some momentum and utilized their own 7-2 run to take a lead big enough to keep them in front of the Bulldogs for the remainder of the set, winning it 25-19. Set two mirrored the first, seeing the Skylights take a massive 17-10 lead from the start. The Bulldogs got back into it and tied the game at 17 all behind a 7-0 run that saw Taylor Petersen serve up back-to-back aces. A kill from Jordan Olson to tie the game at 18 was the last points UMW would be able to pull as the Skylight ran on a 7-0 run to win the set 25-18. Western got the jump early in third, seeing another pair of aces from Petersen early in the set. The Bulldogs then went up 14-9 as Dani Brown banged in a pair of kills from the outside. The Skylights brought the game within four late in the set, but UMW capped off the set win at 25-18. A 7-1 Bulldog run got Western out to another early 10-7 lead in the fourth frame. After combining for a .241 hitting percentage and a set high 19 kills in the set, the Bulldogs would force a deciding fifth set after winning 25-19. After jumping out to a 9-3 lead behind three kills from Olson, the Bulldogs were able to run away with the reverse sweep and win the final frame 15-8. Notables The Bulldogs have won six straight matches against the Skylights and seven of the last eight since the 2022 season. Senior Smith hit a milestone in her Bulldog career, hitting 1,000 career digs after she racked up 23 digs in the game. She also added 16 kills in the matchup. Olson had another impressive game, leading the Bulldogs after a career-high 17 kills and seven blocks in the game. Petersen impressed with four service aces and led the offense with 29 assists. Kelsey Goddard led in the back row with 30 digs and added 13 assists. Up Next The Bulldogs will take a week off from Frontier play and will compete at the North Star/Frontier Crossover hosted by Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Mont. The Bulldogs will take on RV Valley City State (N.D.) on Thursday Oct. 10 at 5 p.m.

The University of Montana Western Theatre Department and the Bank of Commerce Performing Arts Series are thrilled to present “The Witching Time: Shadow Immersive”, an interactive experience showcasing the untold stories of nine historical figures, women who were persecuted for witchcraft, between the years of 1657 and 1693. This event will be held on November 4 and 5, 2024 in UMW’s Beier Auditorium. Enter a mesmerizing world of immersive shadow theatre, where the captivating stories of real-life witches unfold through interactive media, live performances, dance, and enchanting melodies. Spectators will explore the untold narratives of these witches through short vignettes, repeated like echoes of history laid bare. Audience members will be transported back in time to witness these stories of courage and resilience that reverberate through the ages. Students from nine courses, including  Theatre Workshop ,  Stagecraft , and  Witches of the Atlantic World , will contribute to the design, research, and performance. The production will be directed by Stephen Seder, with historical guidance from Dr. Jessica Fowler. Art direction and technical design will be led by Nathaniel Freeman and Adryan Miller-Gorder. The exhibit will be open for viewing at UMW’s Beier Auditorium on Monday, November 4, and Tuesday, November 5, with sessions beginning at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. each day. Audience members will be guided through the exhibit in groups of 10, with tours starting every 7 minutes. Due to limited tickets, attendees are highly encouraged to arrive early or purchase tickets online in advance to secure a spot in one of the groups. To purchase tickets, please visit the BOC Performing Arts Series Box Office webpage at  www.umwestern.edu/bank-of-commerce-performing-arts-series/box-office . Tickets are priced at $16 for general attendees, $12 for seniors (65+), youth (18 & under), and military personnel, $10 for UMW faculty/staff, and free for UMW students with a student ID. For more information about the BOC series, visit  www.umwestern.edu/bank-of-commerce-performing-arts-series/  or contact Assistant Professor of Theatre, Stephen Seder, at stephen.seder@umwestern.edu .