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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced the 2024 Daktronics NAIA Fall Scholar-Athletes. This award recognizes student-athletes in football, men's cross country, men's soccer, women's cross country, women's soccer and women's volleyball who have excelled academically. 28 Montana Western athletes made the list. To qualify as an NAIA Scholar-Athlete, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, appear on the eligibility certificate for their sport, and have attended their institution for at least one full year. 2025-26 Daktronics NAIA Scholar Athletes - Football Aedan Baker, DB (Challis, Idaho / R-SO) Arie McLaughlin , DL (Florence, Mont. / R-FR) Benjamin George , OL (Battle Mountain, Nev. / R-FR) Bridger Polk , WR (Great Falls, Mont. / SR) Canyon Sargent , LB (St. Ignatius, Mont. / R-SO) Colter Ramos , WR (Missoula, Mont. / R-FR) Connor Dunlea , DB (Malin, Ore. / R-FR) Eli Nourse , WR (Dillon, Mont. / JR) Hayden Hedges , RB (Cut Bank, Mont. / SR) Jace Fitzgerald , LB (Dillon, Mont. / R-SR) Jacob Westberry , LS (Hamilton, Mont. / R-SO) Jonathan Kirkley , WR (Dillon, Mont. / SR) Layne Cooney , OL (Missoula, Mont. / SR) Matthew Heer , TE (Tekoa, Wash. / SR) Michael Palandri , QB (Maple Valley, Wash. / R-SR) Remington Scott , DB (Deer Park, Wash. / SR) Taten Ells , LB (Tacoma, Wash. / SR) Tyler Schoen , LB (Chinook, Wash. / R-SO) 2025-26 Daktronics NAIA Scholar Athletes – Cross Country Brody Henry , (Havre, Mont. / JR) Kylee Wyatt , (Omak, Wash. / SO) Noah Rovente , (Lopez Island, Wash. / SO) Olivia Heiner , (Ronan, Mont. / JR) 2025-26 Daktronics NAIA Scholar Athletes - Volleyball Dani Brown , OH (Fair Oaks, Calif. / JR) Jordan Olson , RS (Billings, Mont. / SR) Madisyn Frazier , L/DS (Kalispell, Mont. / JR) Savana Warburton , OH (Joliet, Mont. / SO) Sophie Worden , S (Vancouver, Wash. / JR) Taylor Ketchum , L/DS (Billings, Mont. / SO)

The University of Montana Western’s Chancellor, Michael Reid, has announced that he will retire at the end of this academic year after over 30 years in higher education. “I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to our incredible students, faculty, and staff. The work we do here is meaningful, rooted in community, and centered on changing lives. What makes Montana Western special isn’t just our mission or our block schedule—it’s the people and their dedication to our students, to one another, and to the spirit of this place that has made every day here a privilege,” said Chancellor Reid.  Reid first came to UMW in 2018 to serve as the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and would go on to become the institution’s Chancellor in spring of 2021. His educational background includes both an MBA and a BA in Finance from Utah State University. Over his 30 years of administrative experience, he has served for 20 of them as a Vice President/Chancellor for Administration and Finance at institutions including Pueblo Community College, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Angelo State University, the University of Montana, Sierra Nevada College and the University of Montana Western.  During Reid’s tenure as Chancellor of UMW, the university offered new programs including a Bachelor of Science four-year degree in Farm and Ranch Management and the online option of its Elementary Education B.S. degree. Numerous facility renovations and new construction projects have been completed including Bulldog Stadium, the Student Wellness Center, and the renovation of the campus grounds along Atlantic Street. Renovations to Block Hall that will provide state-of-the-art research labs and equipment and the expansion of academic space are on track to be completed this spring. Several areas of campus have also been updated, including the Short Administration Building, the Dining Hall, Student Union Building, the Veterans and Military Exchange Center, Heating Plant, and the Business and Technology Building. Improvements to the Birch Creek Outdoor Education Center are also underway that will bring more groups and classes to this unique facility.   “While so many exciting accomplishments have occurred during my time here both as Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and then Chancellor, I firmly believe that working with a dynamic team in all areas at the University collectively and openly are what lead to these goals becoming realities. It really comes down to the high caliber of people who are here to support our students and their hard work and determination that allows UMW to keep making improvements that will set us up for success in the years to come,” said Chancellor Reid. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know and form relationships with so many individuals from far and wide who support Montana Western and care greatly about its continued success.” “In addition to being able to support various efforts during my time at Montana Western focused on collaboration, community partnerships, and sharing the uniqueness of Montana Western’s Experience One immersion learning model, I’m really proud to have been able to be part of the UMW community as a whole and help mentor and support the next group of leaders for the university’s future who will be champions for our upcoming students and their success,” said Chancellor Reid.  “During Chancellor Reid’s tenure, the University of Montana Western experienced broad success across every aspect of campus life. Through his leadership, he has strengthened the university’s academic foundation and championed opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to excel. His guidance and vision for excellence will be missed,” said Commissioner of Higher Education, Clayton Christian. The Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education will hire a consulting firm and seat a Search Advisory Committee to assist with the search for the next Chancellor. Deputy Commissioner Tyler Trevor will serve as the search committee chair and begin the search process in early December.

HELENA, Mont. – The Frontier Conference announced its 2025 Football Academic All-Conference selections Wednesday, presented by Billings Clinic and Logan Health. Montana Western saw 22 players named to the list. To be eligible for the award, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore in standing and carry a minimum 3.25 cumulative grade point average (GPA). Football Jace Fitzgerald – Dillon, Mont. / R-SR Bridger Polk – Great Falls, Mont. / SR Taten Ells – Tacoma, Wash. / SR Connor Dunlea – Malin, Ore. / R-FR Eli Nourse – Dillon, Mont. / JR Colter Ramos – Missoula, Mont. / R-FR Canyon Sargent – St. Ignatius, Mont. / R-FR Benjamin George – Battle Mountain, Nev. / R-FR Aedan Baker – Challis, Idaho / R-SO Jonathan Kirkley – Dillon, Mont. / SR Tyler Schoen – Chinook, Mont. / R-SO Remington Scott – Deer Park, Wash. / SR Jacob Westberry – Hamilton, Mont. / R-SO Matthew Heer – Tekoa, Wash. / SR Arie McLaughlin – Florence, Mont. / R-FR Layne Cooney – Missoula, Mont. / SR Hayden Hedges – Cut Bank, Mont. / SR Michael Palandri – Maple Valley, Wash. / R-SR Jordan Jones – Bozeman, Mont. / SR Russell Smith – Woods Cross, Utah / R-SO Edward Dewart – Cut Bank, Mont. / SR Aidan Lammers – Shepherd, Mont. / R-FR

Dillon, Montana — November 17, 2025 — Barrett Hospital & HealthCare is pleased to announce that Rebecca Jones will serve as the next Executive Director of the Barrett Hospital Foundation, beginning November 17, 2025. Rebecca currently serves on the Foundation’s Board of Directors and brings extensive experience in community development, fundraising, and leadership to the role. Rebecca will succeed Mary Ann Nicholas, who has chosen to step down on November 28, 2025, after leading the Foundation through a successful period of philanthropic growth and community engagement. “Mary Ann has been a passionate advocate for rural healthcare and has strengthened the Foundation’s connection with donors, volunteers, and the broader Dillon community,” said Taylor Rose, Barrett Hospital & HealthCare CEO. “We are grateful for her dedication and vision, which have positioned the Foundation for continued success.” Rebecca Jones joins the Foundation with five years of leadership experience as Executive Director of the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce, Tourism & Development. Prior to that, she worked in professional development for the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, where she led foundation initiatives and advanced donor relations. “With Barrett Hospital & HealthCare expanding its expertise and growing its campus, I’m honored to help guide the Foundation’s next chapter,” Jones said. “It’s a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated community and to build on the legacy of generosity that supports exceptional healthcare in Southwest Montana.” The Barrett Hospital Foundation plays a vital role in ensuring access to quality healthcare for Dillon and the surrounding communities by fostering philanthropic support for Barrett Hospital & HealthCare. The Foundation’s efforts have contributed to major equipment investments, facility upgrades, and endowments that sustain the hospital’s mission to provide compassionate, advanced medical care close to home. Barrett Hospital & HealthCare and the Foundation’s Board of Directors thank Mary Ann Nicholas for her outstanding leadership and welcome Rebecca Jones as she steps into this important role during an exciting period of growth and opportunity for the organization.

The University of Montana Western English Department is pleased to announce an upcoming reading and conversation with author Jon Keller on Thursday, December 4, from 7:00–8:30 p.m. in the Bulldog Lounge, as part of the O. Alan Weltzien Writers Series. The O. Alan Weltzien Writers Series is a literary event that brings authors, poets, and writers to campus for readings and discussions. Named after Weltzien, a longtime professor and writer, the series highlights both emerging and established authors, often with a focus on literature connected to Montana and the West. This event will feature Jon Keller, a commercial fisherman, licensed sailboat captain, carpenter, and part-time teacher. After more than a decade as a backcountry guide and mule packer in Montana, he now lives in an off-grid cabin on the coast of Downeast Maine. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Montana and an MFA from Boise State University. In addition to his novel  Of Sea and Cloud , his writing has appeared in several hunting and sailing magazines. “Keller’s unique life experiences and his range of publishing make him a dynamic addition to our speaker series,” said UMW Associate Professor of English Laura Wright. “His first novel has been praised by authors like Debra Magpie Earling and Anthony Doerr. His newest project is a series of crime novels set on both the Maine coast and in Montana’s Rocky Mountains.” This event is free and open to the public and will include light refreshments. We hope you’ll join us for a great evening. For more information, please contact Dr. Wright at  laura.wright@umwestern.edu .

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE   A.           PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA   B.           MAYOR’S DECISION TO CLOSE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC, PER SECTION 2-3-203(4) MCA  RE: Litigation Captioned Eric Wendland and Alicia Wendland, v. City of Dillon,  DV-1-2025-14848-BC Montana                                     C.           DISCUSS A STRATEGY TO BE FOLLOWED WITH RESPECT TO SAID LITIGATION                                                 D.           RECONVENE IN OPEN MEETING   E.        MINUTES 1.         Approve the Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of September 24, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. 2.         Approve the Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of September 24, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. 3.         Approve the Minutes of November 5 th , 2025 Regular City Council Meeting   F.         PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS                 G.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Second Reading of Ordinance #489 2.         Update HB 231 & SB 542; Property Tax Changes 3.         Update on Job Recruiters 4.         Update on Kruer Contract 5.         Discuss/Approve Pavement Preservation Project   H.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         City Attorney – Ed Guza 2.         Planning Board - Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham                         a.         Accept the Minutes of the October 2, 2025 Regular Meeting                                     i.          Accept changes to Planning Board By-Laws 3.         Zoning Commission - Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley                         a.         Accept the Minutes of October 28, 2025 Regular Meeting 4.         Board of Adjustments - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz 5.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey 6.         Police Department –Police Chief Joel Stewart 7.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose 8.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox                         a.         Accept the Court Report for October 2025 9.         Library Board - Diane Armstrong, Council Member; Kim Denny, Library Director 10.       Tree Board              I.          REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Ordinances & Facilities – Bill Shafer, Chair; Joleen Schultz, Mary Jo O’Rourke                         a.         Approve the Amended Minutes of September 18 th , 2025 Regular Meeting 2.         Finance Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Diane Armstrong, Mary Jo O’Rourke 3.         Public Services – Diane Armstrong, Chair; Bill Shafer, Don Deem                         a.         Approve the Minutes of November 17 th , 2025 Regular Meeting                                     i.          Approve Job Descriptions for Dillon Police Department 4.         Open Spaces – Raymond Graham, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Joleen Schultz                         a.         Approve the Amended Minutes of October 15, 2025 Regular Meeting 5.         Public Works – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Raymond Graham                         a.         Approve the Minutes of November 12, 2025 Regular Meeting   J.         PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE  AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY   K.        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, unless noted otherwise. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528, allowing permission for microphone and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245. Please mute your microphone until you desire to comment. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245.

The University of Montana Western and Trout Unlimited are excited to host the 4th annual Community Water Conversations, “Making Sense of Surface Water: Groundwater Interactions” on Wednesday, November 19 , from 4:00–6:00 p.m.  in the Lewis & Clark Room . All are invited to attend this free event that is open to the public.  Event Schedule: 4:00–5:00 p.m.  – Overview 5:00–6:00 p.m.  – Q&A with panelists Panelists include: Clayton Elliott , Conservation and Government Affairs Director, Montana Trout Unlimited Jake Mohrmann , Water Sciences Bureau Chief, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Ginette Abdo , Ground Water Investigation Program Manager, Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Lorrie Carnes, PhD , Assistant Professor of Geomorphology, Department of Environmental Sciences, UMW David Schuett, DVM , Schuett Farms; Frontline Ag Solutions LLC; Assistant Professor, Department of Business & Technology, UMW

PUBLIC  NOTICE The Beaverhead County Road Department Will be closing the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway and the Lemhi Pass from December 1, 2025 to May 15, 2026.

Bill Carroll Post 9040 VFW Auxiliary is again asking YOU the Dillon Community for help with the CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS for Veterans project!!! Stockings will be delivered to Veterans in Pioneer Care and Rehab, Bicentennial Apartments, the Renaissance facilities, Legacy, the Southwest Montana Veterans Home in Butte, and individual Veterans at their homes here in Dillon.  If you have a Veteran that you would like to be included, please let Joan know at 406-925-1871 or drop their information off at 3-D Store. Donations of new items such as gloves, hand sanitizer, beanies, warm socks, Christmas Stockings – both filled and empty, bandanas, toiletries, handkerchiefs, playing cards, Kleenex, puzzle books, pens and pencils, magnifying glasses, nail kits, candy and snack items.  Again, Thank You! For giving a Veteran a Christmas surprise.  Hugs, handshakes and Thank You to the community from the recipients!

MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY November 18th, 2025 5:00 PM   AGENDA:   I.                   Call to order II.                Approval of Minutes from 08-19-2025, 09-16-2025 & 10-21-2025 meetings         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

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana 59725 PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING City Hall Council Chambers Monday, November 17th, 2025 3:00 PM AGENDA     1.     Call to Order 2.     Review/Recommend Changes to Job Description for Police Department Personnel 3.     Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the City. 4.     Adjournment     Committee Members: Diane Armstrong, Chair Bill Shafer Don Deem

Coming in January: The Bookstore, Dillon Public Library, the Friends of the Library and the Beaverhead County Museum will have the Montana's Poet Laureate (2023-2024),  Chris La Tray, as a special presenter on January 28th, 2026. This is part of One Book Montana: The state of Montana is coming together, to read the book “Becoming Little Shell: A Landless Indian’s Journey Home” by Chris La Tray.      This memoir is La Tray’s third book. The book is centered on the efforts of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana to become federally recognized in 2019. The tribe, made of Ojibwe, Métis, and Cree people in Montana, does not have a reservation and members live throughout the state. Chris La Tray was appointed as Montana Poet Laureate in 2023. One Book Montana, hosted by Humanities Montana, has purchased over 200 online copies, so listening through the Libby app is easy. Dillon Public Library has a number of copies available to check out and Debbie at The Bookstore has ordered copies for purchase.   Books & Babies - Every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. - November 19th theme is: Native Americans   December events: dates TBA Polar Express Movie with Santa Clause Santa Claus and the Grinch visit the Library   Beginning in 2026, Xuan Li of the University of Montana-Western, Debbie Sporich from the Bookstore, the Friends of the Library, and the Dillon Public Library will be offering programs, workshops and presenters concerning Child Abuse and Neglect. This will be through a grant received through Montana Children's Trust Fund.

BOZEMAN – Montana’s five-week general hunting season for deer and elk reached a midpoint this week, with seasonably mild weather and lower-than-average hunter success rates in southwestern Montana. Wildlife biologists with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks use check stations to collect data on hunter participation and success, as well as the species, sex and age class of the animals harvested. This supplements data collected through hunter harvest phone surveys each year. Hunters are required to stop at game check stations they encounter, regardless of whether they harvested an animal. On Nov. 8 and 9—the third weekend of the general season—biologists operated five check game check stations in Region 3, including Alder, Cameron, Divide, Gallatin and Lakeside. They met with 1,099 hunters, who collectively harvested 40 elk, 28 mule deer and six white-tailed deer, among other species. Hunter numbers were above average at the Divide and Cameron check stations, and below average at Alder and Gallatin. Hunter numbers ranged from 109 hunters at the Gallatin check station to 403 hunters at the Cameron check station. Hunter success rates were within the long-term average at the Gallatin check station, and below average at Alder, Cameron and Divide. Hunter success rates ranged from 5.7 percent at Cameron to 12 percent at Alder. This was the first time the Lakeside check station operated on the third weekend of the general season, so long-term averages have not been established. Seasonably mild weather can make travel conditions favorable for hunters, but it can also make it challenging for hunters to find game. Harvest usually increases as winter weather leads to herds moving into lower elevations and other areas more accessible to hunters.

HELENA, Mont. –  The Frontier Conference announced its 2025 Volleyball Academic All-Conference selections, presented by Billings Clinic and Logan Health. Montana Western saw eight players named to the list, To be eligible for the award, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore in standing and carry a minimum 3.25 cumulative grade point average (GPA). Women's Volleyball Dani Brown – Fair Oaks, Calif. / JR Madisyn Frazier – Kalispell, Mont. / JR Maxine Hoagland – Whitehall, Mont. / R-SO Taylor Ketchum – Billings, Mont. / SO Jordan Olson – Billings, Mont. / SR Taylor Petersen – Evanston, Wyo. / R-SR Savana Warburton – Joliet, Mont. / SO Sophie Worden – Vancouver, Wash. / JR LOOKING AHEAD Montana Western travels to Helena, Mont., this week to compete in the 2025 Frontier Conference Volleyball Tournament. The eight-seed Bulldogs will face top-ranked Providence Thursday (11/13) at 12 p.m. MT.

The Bookstore will be hosting a reception and book signing with the Big Hole Valley Historical Society on Saturday, November 15th from 1:00-3:00. Volume III of the Big Hole Valley history book is now available. Together, the members of the historical society and the communities along the river bring the reader a new chapter in the History of the Big Hole series, introducing their towns, businesses, and families with stories yet untold.   The west never grows old in a valley where neighbors still lend a hand during branding and haying, where frigid winter temperatures make horses more practical than tractors for feeding livestock and where cell service is mostly non-existent. The hot water where Lewis and Clark parboiled their dinner still springs from the ground just as hot as in 1806. By virtue of the remote character of the land, and the pristine wilderness and picturesque pasturage, the people have come to resemble the country: resilient, confident in their tradition, and at ease in their sense of place under a big sky.   Few places in Montana retain their character the way the Big Hole Valley has.  Please join us as we celebrate the release of Volume III -- Call 683-6807 if you have any questions or would like to reserve your copy.

Beaverhead County Mental Health Local Advisory Counsel County Treasurer’s Office – Corner of Washington St. & Center St. AGENDA Thursday, November 13, 2025, Noon to 1:00 p.m. Introductions - Establish Quorum Approval of Minutes – October 9, 2025, meeting ACTION ITEMS: UPDATES 1. Judy Ulrich- testimonial on experiences with services 2. Local updates 3. Public Health Update NEW BUSINESS ADJOURN

Divide, Mont. — A fatal crash occurred late Saturday night, November 8, on Interstate 15 near mile marker 99. According to authorities, a Kenworth semi traveling southbound left the roadway while negotiating a curve. The passenger side of the semi struck a guardrail, causing the vehicle to overturn onto the barrier and slide several hundred feet on its top before coming to rest. The tractor came to a stop on the right shoulder, with the trailer remaining partially on the guardrail. Emergency responders arrived on scene and found the driver deceased. The crash remains under investigation.

DILLON, Mont. — The Montana Western Bulldogs closed out their regular season in spectacular fashion Friday, steamrolling Arizona Christian 66–14 on Senior Day at Vigilante Field. The win capped the Bulldogs’ regular season at 7–3, setting a high note heading into postseason consideration. Quarterback Michael Palandri delivered a performance for the record books, throwing eight touchdown passes and racking up 423 passing yards, breaking his own single-game touchdown mark of seven set last year—also against the Firestorm. Western raced to a 42–7 halftime lead and never looked back. The Bulldog receiving corps was unstoppable. Eli Nourse hauled in 154 yards and a touchdown, while Seth Shook added 117 yards and two scores. Aidan Lammers, Jakob Humphrey, Jonathan Kirkley, and Mason Rasmussen each found the end zone as well, spreading the offense’s dominance across the field. On the defensive side, Western’s unit set the tone early and never relented. The Bulldogs totaled 75 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss and three sacks, while forcing three fumbles and recovering one. Keegen Muffich led the way with 12 tackles and a sack, while Reece Stanish added seven tackles and another sack, with six stops behind the line. Arizona Christian managed just 295 total yards and was held to 35% on third down, not scoring again until the game’s final 14 seconds. “This was a great way to finish the season off,” said head coach Ryan Nourse. “This team has practiced and prepared well all season—one of the best I’ve ever had in that regard. They deserved to get a resounding victory in their last home regular-season game.” With momentum and confidence on their side, the Bulldogs now turn their focus to what’s next—potential postseason play and a chance to keep their red-hot offense rolling.