BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — Authorities recovered the body of an adult man from the island at Clark Canyon Reservoir on Thursday morning. According to a July 30 press release from the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of an unattended death at the reservoir. Deputies located and recovered the man’s body after arriving at the scene. The cause and manner of death remain under investigation. Authorities have identified the man, but his name is being withheld out of respect for his family and while the investigation remains active. The Sheriff’s Office said no further information would be released at this time. Additional updates may be provided as the investigation continues. “The Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office extends our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time,” Undersheriff Ceth Haggard said in the release.

DILLON, Mont. — Trenton Moreni drove in four runs as the Dillon Cubs rallied to defeat the Bitterroot Red Sox 5-4 Wednesday in their opening game of the State A Baseball Championships at Ray Lynch Park. The Cubs will return to tournament action Thursday at 5 p.m. Dillon trailed 4-2 entering the bottom of the fifth inning. Andrew Bartlome was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, bringing home a run and cutting the deficit to one. Moreni then delivered a two-run single that gave the Cubs their first lead of the game, 5-4. Moreni finished with three hits and accounted for four of Dillon’s five RBIs. He opened the scoring with an RBI double in the second inning, added a run-scoring single in the fourth and drove home the tying and go-ahead runs in the fifth. Bitterroot moved ahead in the top of the third when Jude Widmer hit a three-run triple, giving the Red Sox a 3-1 advantage. Widmer finished 1-for-3 and led Bitterroot with three RBIs. Bartlome earned the win for Dillon after allowing four runs on five hits over five and two-thirds innings. The right-hander struck out seven and walked four. Sawyer Tackett recorded the save. Cooper Clarke also contributed two hits in three at-bats for the Cubs. Wes Potter took the loss for Bitterroot after allowing three runs on two hits in one inning. Jackson Lubke started on the mound and surrendered two runs on three hits over three innings, striking out one and walking three. Joe Hixon led the Red Sox with two hits in two at-bats. Bitterroot played error-free defense and turned two double plays. The State A Baseball Championships continue Thursday at Ray Lynch Park in Dillon.

DILLON, Mont. — Dillon Public Library will conclude its Summer Reading program this week after setting a new participation record, with more than 570 people registered. The total surpasses last year’s record of 420 participants. The celebration begins Wednesday, July 29, with a free showing of “Zootopia 2” at 3 p.m. in the museum’s Depot Theatre. The Summer Reading Finale will take place Thursday, July 30. A parade will begin at 10 a.m. in front of Dillon City Hall, located at 125 N. Idaho St. Led by the Dillon Police Department, the parade will travel to Depot Park. Children are encouraged to wear tails, claws, headbands or other costumes they created during summer programs. Participants may also wear costumes of their own choosing. Reading logs were due Monday, but children may still bring completed logs to the library through the end of Wednesday. Children who did not submit a log are also encouraged to attend the finale. Participants will receive the rewards they earned through their summer reading. Dillon Public Library will be closed Thursday while staff members conduct the finale and clean up afterward. The library thanked Subway for its annual donation, along with Pioneer Federal Savings & Loan and Town Pump for grants that help support the Summer Reading program. Anyone with questions may call Dillon Public Library at 406-683-4544.

DILLON, Mont. — The University of Montana Western and the Women's Resource Center (WRC) are partnering to present After the Quiet, a monologue production that explores the realities of life after leaving domestic violence. As part of the project, survivors are invited to anonymously share their stories to help shape the production. After the Quiet will bring authentic survivor voices to the stage through a series of original monologues that reflect both the challenges and the resilience experienced after leaving an abusive relationship. By sharing stories of hardship, healing, hope, and personal growth, the production seeks to increase awareness, foster empathy, and educate the community about the lasting impacts of domestic violence. Survivors of domestic violence are encouraged to submit an original, anonymous monologue based on their experiences after leaving an abusive relationship. Rather than telling an entire life story, submissions should focus on one meaningful moment, event, or experience that reflects an important part of their journey. All submissions will remain anonymous and will be thoughtfully reviewed for inclusion in the production. "After the Quiet is about creating space for survivor voices to be heard," said Izzi Simonsen, Programs Manager at the Women's Resource Center. "By sharing their experiences, survivors can help educate our community, reduce stigma, and remind others that they are not alone." The University of Montana Western and the Women's Resource Center hope the production will encourage meaningful conversations about domestic violence, healing, and the strength it takes to rebuild a life after abuse. Survivors interested in contributing are invited to submit their stories anonymously through the After the Quiet submission form. For more information about the project or to request the submission link, please contact Izzi at izzi@wrcmt.org. Submission Form: https://form.jotform.com/WRCDillonMT/after-the-quiet-submission-form

DILLON, Mont. - Season tickets for the 2026 UMW Football season are now available for purchase, Bulldog Athletics Director Jason Ferris announced Monday. Montana Western's home schedule includes non-divisional matchups against familiar foes Montana Tech (9/12) and Rocky Mountain (9/19) as well as West-Division contests against Southern Oregon (10/3), College of Idaho (10/17), and Simpson (10/24). Season tickets are $105 each and secure a reserved seat in sections A-D in Bulldog Stadium. 2026 Bulldog Football Schedule Sept. 5 MSU-Northern Havre, Mont. Sept. 12 Montana Tech Dillon, Mont. Sept. 19 Rocky Mountain Dillon, Mont. Sept. 26 Dickinson State Dickinson, N.D. Oct. 3 Southern Oregon* Dillon, Mont. Oct. 10 Carroll * Helena, Mont. Oct. 17 College of Idaho* Dillon, Mont. Oct. 24 Simpson* Dillon, Mont. Oct. 31 Eastern Oregon* La Grande, Ore. Nov. 7 Arizona Christian* Glendale, Ariz. Bold designated home contest *Division matchup

TWIN BRIDGES, Mont. — The annual Twin Bridges Flotilla and Alumni Weekend brought residents, alumni and visitors together July 24 and 25 for two days of games, outdoor activities and community events. Festivities began Friday evening with pasture golf at the Madison County Fairgrounds. Registration opened at 5 p.m., followed by tee time at 6 p.m. Saturday’s events began with a farmers market at Twin Bridges City Park and the Walter “Lucky” Shular Horseshoe Tournament at the fairgrounds. A car show, food trucks and swap meet were held at Route 287 Trading Co. The car show attracted a strong turnout and featured a diverse selection of custom-built vehicles, classic cars and modern models. Other activities included “Fantasies” at the Twin Bridges Public Library, a community barbecue at the fairgrounds and free family activities at Jessen Park. Attendees could also enjoy snow cones and lemonade. Sauter Balloons joined the celebration by offering free balloon creations at locations throughout town. One of the weekend’s signature events was the Flotilla River Parade. Participants traveled down the river aboard decorated rafts, floats and other watercraft. The parade offered $100 and $200 People’s Choice awards. A rubber ducky race on the Beaverhead River followed the flotilla. Live music at Lost Cabin Bar and The Vault followed the car show. The weekend concluded Saturday evening with an alumni dinner at Twin Bridges Schools. The program included scholarship awards and Hall of Fame recognition. The Flotilla and Alumni Weekend provided an opportunity for former residents to reconnect, families to enjoy activities together and visitors to experience the Twin Bridges community. The event was sponsored by the Twin Bridges Community Association, Three Rivers Communications, Greater Ruby Valley Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture, Harrington Pepsi and American Legion Post 31.

Dillon Cubs couldn't keep up with Butte Miners and fell 16-6 on Friday. Butte Miners got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Kodye Kjersten singled, scoring one run, Calvin Cunningham tripled, scoring one run, Tegan Duffy hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run, and Matthew Donaldson tripled, scoring two runs. Butte Miners added to their early lead in the bottom of the second inning after Cunningham doubled to left field, Duffy singled down the left field line, and Colt Hassler tripled to left field, each scoring one run. Noah Powers earned the win for Butte Miners. The pitcher gave up seven hits and four runs (one earned) over four innings, striking out three and walking three. Landon Lovaas took the loss for Dillon Cubs. The right-handed pitcher went one and two-thirds innings, surrendering seven runs on seven hits, striking out one and walking none. Evan McEwen earned the save. Dillon Cubs piled up 11 hits in the game. Kanin Engelhardt and Cooper Clarke each collected two hits for Dillon Cubs. Sawyer Tackett went 1-for-4 at the plate and led the team with one run batted in. Trenton Moreni stole two bases. Dillon Cubs turned one double play in the game. Dillon Cubs were sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Tackett had the most chances in the field with five. Butte Miners accumulated 16 hits in the game. Cunningham provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led Butte Miners with five runs batted in. The third baseman went 3-for-3 on the day. Cunningham and Hassler each collected three hits for Butte Miners. Duffy, Gunnar O’Brien, Kjersten, and Logan Carden each collected multiple hits for Butte Miners. Cunningham and O’Brien each stole multiple bases for Butte Miners. Butte Miners stole six bases in the game.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — Beaverhead County Sheriff David Wendt is facing a lengthy and uncertain recovery after undergoing major spinal surgery for injuries sustained during a high-speed pursuit near Lima in August 2025. According to information Sheriff Wendt provided to SWMT News, the pursuit began at approximately 5 a.m. on Aug. 8, 2025, near mile marker 24 on Interstate 15, just north of Lima. Wendt said he attempted multiple times to stop an impaired driver who was driving erratically at speeds exceeding 120 mph. While traveling alongside the vehicle, Wendt observed that the driver was not wearing a seat belt. He determined that performing a pursuit intervention technique, commonly known as a PIT maneuver, could place the driver’s life in danger. With other vehicles traveling ahead of the pursuit, Wendt made the decision to move his patrol vehicle in front of the driver in an effort to slow the vehicle and protect other motorists. The driver initially slowed down but then accelerated rapidly and struck the rear of Wendt’s patrol vehicle at an estimated speed of 70 to 80 mph. The high-impact collision seriously fractured vertebrae in Wendt’s lower spine. After waiting several months to be scheduled with a neurosurgical specialist at University of Utah Health, Wendt underwent a six-hour operation on July 16, 2026. The procedure included spinal fusion and disc replacement. Wendt is now experiencing a long and painful recovery, both in the hospital and at home. At this early stage of healing, it remains unknown whether he will regain full mobility or require additional surgeries. The driver has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the incident and is awaiting sentencing. The incident demonstrates the potentially devastating consequences of impaired driving. One decision placed the driver, law enforcement officers and other motorists at risk—and may have lifelong effects on Sheriff Wendt and his family.

BUTTE, Mont. — The Dillon Cubs dropped their second game of the Montana American Legion Baseball State District Tournament on Friday, falling 5-2 to the Belgrade Bandits "A" despite outhitting Belgrade 6-5. The loss moves Dillon into an elimination game, where the Cubs will look to keep their postseason alive when they face the Butte Miners later today in Butte. Belgrade Scores Early, Holds Off Dillon Rally The Bandits wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, taking a 1-0 lead in the opening inning after Chance Stephens delivered an RBI single. Belgrade added insurance in the fifth inning when Max Zimmer connected on a two-run home run to left field, extending the Bandits' advantage. Although the Cubs continued to put runners on base throughout the game, they were unable to string together the timely hits needed to overcome the deficit. Moreni Battles on the Mound Trenton Moreni turned in another solid performance for Dillon despite taking the loss. The right-hander pitched 5⅔ innings, allowing five runs, three earned, on five hits while striking out six and walking four. Belgrade starter Memphis Wagner earned the victory after limiting the Cubs to two runs on six hits over 6⅓ innings, striking out six. Brayton VanDyken closed out the game to earn the save. Cubs Record Six Hits The Dillon offense produced six hits, with Trenton Moreni, Kanin Engelhardt, Gordon Broeder, Andrew Bartlome, Ben Peacock, and Landon Lovaas each collecting one hit. Moreni also drove in both Dillon runs, finishing 1-for-2 to lead the Cubs offensively. Zimmer Leads Belgrade Belgrade was led by Max Zimmer, who finished 3-for-4 with a two-run home run and two RBIs. Cade Thomas added pressure on the bases with two stolen bases, while the Bandits played strong defense by turning two double plays. Cubs Face Elimination Against Butte Despite the loss, the Dillon Cubs remain alive in the Montana American Legion Baseball State District Tournament and will return to the field later today for an elimination matchup against the Butte Miners.

DILLON, Mont. – UMW Rodeo has added former Western standout Tavy Leno as an assistant coach, head coach JT Robbins announced Thursday "We're really excited to have Tavy join the staff," Robbins said. "What she has meant to this program as a competitor and her knowledge of the women's side of college rodeo made this a very easy decision. I know she's going to make a difference for us right away." Leno moves into the coaching world after an impressive four-year collegiate rodeo career with the Bulldogs. In her senior season, Leno helped the Bulldog women's team to a third place showing in the Big Sky Region as well as the team title at the Miles CC Rodeo #1. She ranked fifth in the Big Sky women's all-around standings, sixth in the goat tying, and 11th among team roping headers. The Sheridan, Wyo., native earned four all-around titles in her collegiate career as well as a trip to the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in 2024. Leno finished with more than 10 top-five finishes in the goat-tying, including three event titles. She also has four top-five results in the breakaway and one team-roping title. She graduated from UMW in May 2026 with a degree in business and a minor in farm and ranch management.

BUTTE, Mont. — The Dillon Cubs opened the Montana American Legion Baseball State DistrictTournament in unforgettable fashion Thursday, erasing a six-run deficit before scoring seven runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to stun the Bozeman Bucks A, 9-8, on a walk-off hit in Butte, Montana. Trailing 8-2 entering their final at-bat, the Cubs delivered one of their most dramatic comebacks of the season to remain unbeaten in tournament play. Bozeman Builds Early Lead The Bucks controlled the game early, breaking it open with a six-run fourth inning. Isaac Ashcraft highlighted the rally with a home run to right field, while Jack Rainey added a sacrifice bunt, Treak Tasker delivered an RBI single, and Wyatt Biggerstaff, Jonah Santos, and Quinn Haarer each drove in runs as Bozeman built a commanding 6-0 lead. Despite the early deficit, Dillon chipped away and entered the bottom of the seventh trailing 8-2. Cubs Complete Incredible Seventh-Inning Rally The Dillon offense erupted when it mattered most. The Cubs exploded for seven runs on four hits in the bottom of the seventh to complete the comeback. Sawyer Tackett ignited the rally with a clutch two-run home run to left field, bringing the Cubs back within striking distance. After Dillon continued to put runners on base, Kanin Engelhardt stepped to the plate with the game on the line and delivered the biggest hit of the afternoon, lining a walk-off single that scored two runs and sent the Cubs pouring out of the dugout to celebrate the 9-8 victory. Engelhardt Leads the Offense Engelhardt paced the Dillon offense by going 3-for-4, continuing his strong postseason at the plate. Tackett's two-run homer proved to be one of the game's biggest momentum swings, helping fuel the remarkable comeback. Bartlome Shuts the Door in Relief Andrew Bartlome earned the victory after providing four innings of relief. Despite navigating heavy traffic on the bases, Bartlome struck out seven batters, allowing two hits and four runs, only two of which were earned. Starter Ben Peacock pitched the first three innings, surrendering four runs on three hits while striking out two. Bozeman starter Isaac Ashcraft kept the Cubs in check for much of the afternoon, allowing five runs over six and one-third innings while striking out six. Kyle Dierolf was charged with the loss after Dillon's game-winning rally in the seventh. Bozeman Offense Produces Early Treak Tasker led the Bucks with two hits, while Ashcraft, Tasker, Biggerstaff, Haarer, Santos, and Rainey each drove in a run. Bozeman also showed patience at the plate, drawing 11 walks during the contest. Dillon Opens State Tournament With Momentum The dramatic comeback gives the Dillon Cubs a 1-0 start in the Montana American Legion Baseball State Divisional Tournament and provides valuable momentum as they continue their quest for a divisional championship. After trailing by six runs midway through the game, the Cubs showed the resilience that has defined their season, delivering one of the most memorable walk-off victories of the year in Butte.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, July 28th, 2026 9:00 A.M. ~ AGENDA ~ 1. Discuss/Recommend To City Council FY 2026-2027 a. Discuss 2015 Waste Water Bond, Water Utility, Sewer Utility, and Police Retirement Bond Proposed Budgets b. Discuss Tree Board, Police Levy, and Senior Citizens Proposed Budgets c. Discuss Comprehensive Liability, Health Insurance, Permissive Levy, PERS Proposed Budget d. Discuss SID#38 Revolving and Capital Project Proposed Budgets e. Discuss General Fund Proposed Budgets 2. Discuss/Recommend Resolution #1512 Approve Preliminary FY2026-2027 Budget 3. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction of The City 4. Adjournment Committee Members: Russ Schwandt, Chairperson Mary Jo O’Rourke Jeremy Crawford

DILLON, Mont. — The Dillon Public Library is preparing for a busy week of family activities, including Teen Tuesday Pickleball, a free movie, and the 2026 Summer Reading Program Finale, which follows a record-breaking year with more than 570 participants. Library officials also announced the library will be closed Thursday, July 30, while staff host the Summer Reading Finale and complete cleanup following the event. Teen Tuesday Heads to the Pickleball Courts Teens ages 13-18 are invited to Teen Tuesday on Tuesday, July 28, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Pickleball Courts, located at 1537 Overland Road behind the bike camp. The evening will feature pickleball games, snacks, pickle juice popsicles, and ice water. One lucky participant will also win a pickleball set during the event. Free Movie at the Depot Theatre The library's weekly summer movie continues on Wednesday, July 29, with a free showing of Zootopia 2 at 3 p.m. inside the Museum's Depot Theatre. The movie is free to attend, and library staff remind families that no food, candy, or drinks are allowed inside the theater. Summer Reading Finale Set for July 30 The Dillon Public Library Summer Reading Finale will take place on Thursday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to noon at Depot Park, immediately following the annual parade. The parade begins at 10 a.m. in front of Dillon City Hall, located at 125 N. Idaho Street, and will once again be led by the Dillon Police Department. Children are encouraged to wear costumes they created during this year's Summer Reading activities, including dinosaur tails, claws, headbands, or other favorite costumes. Participants should remember to turn in their completed reading logs by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 27, along with any envelopes containing Library Bucks collected throughout the summer. Staff will count and exchange the money, calculate final participation numbers, and determine this year's top prize winners before the finale. This year's Summer Reading Program set a new participation record with more than 570 readers, surpassing last year's record of 420 participants. Community Support Makes the Program Possible Library officials expressed their appreciation to several local businesses for helping make the Summer Reading Program a success. Special thanks were extended to: Subway for its annual donation. Pioneer Federal Savings & Loan for continued financial support. Town Pump for its generous grant supporting the Summer Reading Program. Library Closure The Dillon Public Library will be closed Thursday, July 30, while staff host the Summer Reading Finale and clean up following the event. For more information about any of the week's activities, contact the Dillon Public Library at 406-683-4544.

DILLON, Mont. — Local author and professional actor Matthew Yetter will celebrate the release of his debut fantasy novel, The Forbidden Spire, with a book signing, author reading, and reception at The Bookstore in downtown Dillon on Saturday, July 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. The event marks the official launch of The Forbidden Spire, the first novel in The Infinite Saga, an epic fantasy series Yetter has spent nearly 40 years developing. The author will read an excerpt from the novel beginning at 4:30 p.m., followed by a book signing and reception where readers will have the opportunity to meet Yetter and purchase signed copies. A Longtime Dillon Resident Yetter has called Dillon, Montana, home since 2009. Many local residents may also recognize him as the creator of the popular Dillon Holiday House, known for its elaborate Halloween and Christmas light displays on Pacific Street that became a seasonal favorite for area families. A lifelong traveler, Yetter has visited all seven continents and traveled extensively throughout the United States. Those experiences helped inspire the cultures, landscapes, and sense of adventure woven into the fictional world of Necsis, the setting for his fantasy series. The Beginning of a 10-Book Fantasy Series The Forbidden Spire launches The Infinite Conflict, the first of three interconnected sub-series that together will make up the planned 10-book Infinite Saga. Yetter describes his work as character-driven fantasy that blends expansive world-building with emotionally grounded storytelling. Drawing on his experience as a professional actor, he emphasizes authentic dialogue, memorable characters, and stories where every choice has meaningful consequences. Event Details The community is invited to attend the free event: What: Book launch, author reading, signing, and reception Author: Matthew Yetter Book: The Forbidden Spire (Book One of The Infinite Saga) Date: Saturday, July 25 Time: 4:00–6:00 p.m. Author Reading: 4:30 p.m. Location: The Bookstore, Downtown Dillon Those wishing to reserve a copy of The Forbidden Spire or learn more about the event can contact The Bookstore at 406-683-6807. The event offers readers an opportunity to celebrate the launch of a major new fantasy series while supporting a local Dillon author whose creative vision has been decades in the making.

9-1-1/Communications Board Meeting Monday, July 27, 2026 11:00 a.m. Courthouse, Commissioner’s Room Dillon, MT 59725 AGENDA Ø Call to Order Ø Roll Call Ø Action on Previous Meeting Minutes o January 20, 2026 Minutes o April 20, 2026 Minutes Ø Old Business o Budget Update o Update on Recent Projects o Technical Advisory Committee Report Ø New Business Ø Public Comment Ø Next Meeting Date & Time ~ October 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. o Discussion: keep quarterly meetings or change to annual. Ø Adjourn

SOLID WASTE BOARD MEETING MONDAY, JULY 27, 2026 3:00 PM COURTHOUSE, COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING ROOM AGENDA Ø Establish a quorum Ø Review and Action on June 22, 2026 meeting minutes Ø Landfill Manager’s Report Ø Discussion & Action- Solid Waste Fee: · Pierce Rouse Property · Betty Grose Property · Armstead RV Property Ø Discussion & Action- Solid Waste Land Lease: · Rafter Ranch Company Ø Discussion & Action- Canister Dumping Violation Fee Ø Public Comment or other business Ø Next Meeting date – October 19, 2026 Ø Adjourn