Search Results

The University of Montana Western has officially transferred ownership of Vigilante Field to Beaverhead County High School, marking a new chapter in a partnership that has spanned over 75 years. With the completion of the new Bulldog Stadium, the Board of Regents of the Montana University System (MUS) approved the transfer earlier this academic year, which was officially recorded on March 7, 2025, by Flying S Title & Escrow . “Montana Western is thrilled to take this next step in our long-standing partnership with Beaverhead County High School,” said UMW Chancellor Michael Reid. “Deeding over Vigilante Field and Stadium ensures that BCHS will continue to benefit from this historic space, and we are grateful to all of our generous donors who made the new Bulldog Stadium a reality. This is exciting for both our university and the community we proudly serve.” While Vigilante Field is now under BCHS ownership, Montana Western will continue to use the track for its Track and Field program. “Having Vigilante Field officially titled to the high school is very exciting for us,” said BCHS Superintendent, Megan Conrow. “This stadium holds a special place in our school’s history, filled with countless memories for our students, alumni, and the entire community. We are so thankful and appreciative of everyone who worked on this to ensure that Vigilante Stadium can continue to be a cornerstone of BCHS school spirit and tradition for generations to come.” The Beavers and Bulldogs have had a long tradition of success on Vigilante Field. The last year that UMW and BCHS shared Vigilante Field, BCHS won a state football title and UMW won the Frontier Conference Championship for the first time since 1994, followed by another Frontier Conference Championship win in 2024 in the new Bulldog Stadium. “Having the opportunity to support the continuation of the legacy of Vigilante Field at BCHS and to create an additional community facility with Bulldog Stadium at UMW has been incredible, and it’s an exciting time as we look to the bright future ahead for both schools,” said UMW Foundation Executive Director and BCHS School Board Member, Roxanne Engellant.

GALLATIN COUNTY, MT  – The Montana Highway Patrol has released further details on the fatal collision that occurred on April 1st on US Highway 191. A GMC Sierra, traveling southbound, lost control on the icy roadway. As the vehicle spun counter-clockwise, it crossed into the northbound lane. A Dodge Ram 3500 pickup, hauling a cement mixer, struck the passenger side of the GMC. The impact sent the GMC off the highway, where it came to rest in a field and caught fire. The Dodge Ram stopped on the right shoulder. Tragically, the driver and a passenger of the GMC were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, a 49-year-old male from Las Vegas, NV, and the passenger, a 22-year-old male from Belgrade, MT, both succumbed to their injuries. Speed is suspected to have played a role in the accident. Authorities continue to investigate, emphasizing the importance of cautious driving in hazardous conditions.

From The Ennis Police Department Facebook Page Ennis, Montana – The Ennis Police Department, in collaboration with local and state agencies, is actively investigating an ATM theft that occurred earlier this week. The incident appears to be linked to a technologically sophisticated group of criminals, commonly referred to as a "Jackpot" crew, who have targeted multiple financial institutions across Montana and the region. ATM jackpotting is a growing crime trend nationwide. It involves the exploitation of both physical and software vulnerabilities in ATMs, enabling thieves to manipulate the machines into dispensing large sums of cash on command. Authorities are coordinating efforts across multiple jurisdictions to identify and apprehend those responsible. At this time, there is no known threat to the public, and no individual bank accounts have been compromised. The Ennis Police Department would like to thank all the local businesses who are assisting with the investigation. This remains an active investigation, and additional details cannot be released at this time. Anyone with information related to this crime is encouraged to contact the Ennis Police Department.

HELENA – A man, who previously resided in Beaverhead County, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl across southwest Montana following an investigation by Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) agents, Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today. Owen David James pleaded guilty in November 2024 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. In September 2023, agents with the DCI-led Southwest Montana Drug Task Force (SWMDTF) arrested James after finding he was trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine from Washington state to Butte. The investigation revealed he was in possession of approximately 800 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 2,000 fentanyl pills, and a stolen handgun. “Thanks to the work of law enforcement and anti-drug task forces across the state there are a lot fewer dangerous drugs on the streets of Montana and drug traffickers are being held accountable,” Attorney General Knudsen said. “Last week, I reported that fentanyl seizures and overdose deaths were down in 2024, but seizures of most other dangerous drugs increased. We cannot and will not let up in the fight against fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other dangerous drugs. At the Montana Department of Justice, we will continue to do our part to keep our communities safe.” James and several co-conspirators, including the individual in Washington state who supplied James with the dangerous drugs, had been under investigation by the SWMDTF since June of 2023. All but one co-conspirator has previously pleaded guilty and been sentenced in United States District Court in the District of Montana or the Western District of Washington. The SWMDTF is made up of DCI agents, a Butte Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department detective, a Homeland Security Investigations special agent, and includes the Granite County Sheriff’s Office, the Powell County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the Deer Lodge Police Department, and the Dillon Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana prosecuted the case.

Downtown Dillon Spring Art Walk is Friday April 25, 2025 from 5-8PM. Local businesses will be hosting artists that will display their artwork. The community is invited to stroll Downtown Dillon, Montana, enjoying local art and entertainment. Hosted by Montana Events Foundation. For more information about getting involved, contact Cory Birkenbuel – corybirk@gmail.com

DILLON, MT  – The Beaverhead County Junior Varsity Beavers showcased an impressive performance on Tuesday, defeating the Lone Peak Junior Varsity Big Horns with a decisive score of 18-3, largely thanks to an explosive 11-run first inning. In that first inning, Parker Mills  contributed to the scoring with a sacrifice fly, followed by Levi Stonebraker , who singled to bring in another run. Chase Hutchinson  and MJ Hendrickson  each singled, combining for a total of three runs, while Garrett Tackett  added two more runs with his single. An error by Lone Peak allowed another run to score, and Stonebraker capped off the inning with a triple that brought in two additional runs. The Lone Peak Junior Varsity Big Horns managed to get on the scoreboard in the first inning after an error led to one run crossing the plate, but they struggled to keep pace with the Beavers. Beaverhead County continued to extend its lead in the bottom of the second inning. Ben Peacock  singled to the left side, Tackett  grounded out, and Mills  doubled down the left field line, with each play contributing an additional run. In the bottom of the third inning, the Beavers added to their tally once again. Brandt Nelson  doubled to right field, followed by another error from Lone Peak, and Logan Fox  singled down the left, adding one more run to the scoreboard. Peacock started on the mound for the Beaverhead County Junior Varsity Beavers, allowing two hits and three runs (two earned) over three innings while striking out seven and walking two. Ian Pecunies , pitching for the Lone Peak Junior Varsity Big Horns, gave up five hits and 11 runs (one earned) in just one inning, while striking out two and walking four. The Beavers finished the game with 10 hits. Stonebraker  led the team with two hits in three at-bats and drove in three runs along with Tackett . Peacock  demonstrated patience at the plate, drawing two walks, while the team overall recorded a notable six walks. Additionally, Fox stole two bases, contributing to the Beavers' aggressive base running strategy that resulted in a total of five stolen bases during the game. For Lone Peak, Pecunies  and Calder Dunn  each collected one hit, with Dunn going 1-for-2 at the plate while leading the team with two RBIs. The Beaverhead County Junior Varsity Beavers will look to continue their success as they play at home on Thursday against the Butte Central Catholic Junior Varsity Maroons  in their next matchup.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Friday April 4, 2025 9:00 A.M. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE     A.         FINANCE COMMITTEE  – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Diane Armstrong                         a.         Approve March 31, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes                         b.          Approve Line Item Budget Report                                     i.          Approve Fund Summary for Claims for March 2025                                     ii.         Approve Claims by Vendor Report for March 2025                                     iii.        Approve Mayor’s Report to the Finance Committee for March 2025                                                 iv.        Approve Budget vs. Actual Report for March 2025                                                 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.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western head rodeo coach JT Robbins announced the Bulldogs' 2025 spring rodeo schedule. DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western head rodeo coach JT Robbins announced the Bulldogs' 2025 spring rodeo schedule. This year's spring schedule includes six rodeos that will be spread across four weekends.  The first rodeo to kick off the season will be at Montana State University for the MSU Spring Rodeos #1 and #2 from April 10 through the 13. The weekend will see four days of rodeo action with four public performances.  Following the weekend in Bozeman, the Bulldogs will travel to Havre, Mont. where they will compete in the MSU-Northern Rodeo. They will follow up with the annual Miles Community College Rodeos #1 and #2 the weekend of April 24-27. The spring season will then culminate in the final rodeo that will be hosted by the University of Montana. The 2025 College National Finals Rodeo will be held June 15-21 this year if there are Bulldogs that qualify. Last year, the Bulldogs sent nine athletes to compete across the week, with eight competing for the men's team and a lone Bulldog from the women's side.  UMW rodeo has four athletes who are at the top of the leaderboards heading into the spring season. 2024 CNFR qualifier and top 15 placer Tavy Leno currently leads the region in goat tying.  Two-time CNFR qualifier and Big Sky Region champion bull rider Gavin Knutson currently leads in the standings. Team roping pair Cole Trexler (header) and Kyler Erickson (heeler) lead the region by an impressive 208 points heading into the spring season.  To view the full Big Sky Region team and individual standings as of September 30, click here.

DVFD responded to 13  calls for service during the month of March 2025.    3-03                 E Sebree St                             MVA 3-05                 Hwy 91 S                                Fire Alarm 3-05                 Aurora Ln                               CO Alarm 3-08                 I-15 MM 93                            Grass Fire 3-09                 Blacktail Rd                            Unpermitted Fire 3-10                 S. Washington St                    Public Service 3-12                 Center St                                 Fire Alarm 3-14                 I-15 MM 70                            Gas Odor 3-25                 Kentucky Ave                         Vehicle Fire 3-27                 10 Mile Rd                              Vehicle Fire 3-28                 Southside Blvd                       Gas Leak 3-29                 Sweetwater Rd                       Vehicle Fire 3-30                 Nissan Ln                                MVA                                         Our March training started off with FF1 knots training.   Four members attended Li-Ion battery training in Butte. We conducted a hazmat awareness class.  For our drill night the Montana DNRC instructed our members on the RT-130 Annual Wildland Refresher.   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.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Thursday April 3rd, 2025 7:00 p.m. City Council Chambers Planning Board Meeting AGENDA   A.   Call Meeting to Order B.   Review and Approval of Minutes from the February 25th, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes C.    Discuss/Recommend Bill from Craig Cornell Tully Springs D.   Review/Recommend The End of The Road Minor Subdivision Preliminary Plat             (Expedited)  209 W Helena St E.    Review/Recommend Dillon Town Lot Minor Subdivision Preliminary Plat             (Expedited)  343 N Montana St F.    Update on Growth Policy G.   Update on County Planning Board Activities H.   Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the Planning Board. I.    Adjournment               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 .   Planning Board Members:       Don Hand, Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham, Dan Nye, Ed Mooney, Michael Saunders, Maria Emmer-Aanes

Montana author, Sally Thompson will be signing books at The Bookstore on Saturday, April 5th, from 1:00-3:00 with a reading at 1:30. Sally is a gifted storyteller who uncovers the revelatory power of the past and weaves it together to reveal the rich fabric of the cultures and histories of the Rocky Mountain West. She grew up in Denver where the Front Range of the Rockies oriented her to the world. She will be reading from her newest book "Black Robes Enter Coyote's World: Chief Charlo & Father Der Smet in the Rocky Mountains. This book brings to life the complicated history of the Jesuit missionaries among Montana's Native peoples--a saga of encounter, accommodation and resistance during the transformative decades of the mid-to-late nineteenth century. Sally Thompson is an anthropologist and cultural heritage consultant. She formerly served as founder and director of the Regional Learning Project and as Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act specialist for the University of Montana, Missoula, where, on occasion, she teaches traditional ecological knowledge. Thompson is also the author of People before the Park: The Kootenai and Blackfeet before Glacier National Park and Disturbing the Sleeping Buffalo: 23 Unexpected Stories that Awaken Montana's Past. If you have any questions or would like to reserve copies of the books call The Bookstore at 683-6807

Article Credit to: Kolby Malesich, Commander   Beaverhead County Search and Rescue had a fun joint training Saturday March 29, with Ruby Valley Search and Rescue.  It was a great training and was fun to collaborate with other agencies including Ruby Valley SAR, Beaverhead County Sheriff Department, and Life Flight.   It was a great opportunity for our members to get some great training and meet other involved in the same types of events we are involved in…   BVHD SAR members participating in the event are:  David Broadhead, Steve Mock, Lance Hopman, Tara Remely, Brad Wagner, Adam Norlander, and Kolby Malesich.  A big thank you to Adam Norlander for Coordinating the event in partnership with Ruby Valley.  Tara Remely and Brad Wagner coordinated the food and cooked for the entire group. Ruby Valley FB Post: Saturday, March 29th, we were invited to participate in a join training with Beaverhead Search and Rescue. We had a great day with several different training stations. There was a station training on search techniques in an avalanche scenario. How to operate probe lines in the snow, the use of avalanche beacons. The second station trained on the treatment of hypothermia patients. And the third station was training on ice rescue and the use use of various equipment on thin ice. In the afternoon Steve Schmid from Life Flight Network came out and gave use some great information selecting a landing zone and how to coordinate helicopter landings with the pilot. Shortly after that Kevin, one of the pilots from Life Flight came out with the helicopter and we were able to practice loading patients into a waiting helicopter. Due to not having a full crew on the helicopter we were not able to practice hot loads, but we did talk about how to operate around a running helicopter and were able to practice as though it was a hot load. All in all, it was a great day of training and we couldn't have asked for better weather to train in. A huge thank you to Beaverhead Search and Rescue and Life Flight for making this training possible.

2025 Migratory Bird Stamp announced Stamp to help raise awareness for wetlands conservation   HELENA  – A trio of tundra swans winging their way through a gray sky in the shadows of Rocky Mountain peaks is captured brilliantly in the 2025 Montana Migratory Bird Stamp.   The winning artwork is by Florida artist John Nelson Harris. His painting of a three tundra swans was selected from among more than 50 submissions from artists around the United States. Harris is the designer of more than a dozen conservation prints and stamps, including duck stamps for California, Oklahoma and Washington. He’s been the winning artist for the Montana Migratory Bird Stamp for two years in a row.   FWP launched the Migratory Bird Stamp contest in 2024 to help raise additional awareness and appreciation for wetlands conservation and the benefits of intact wetlands to people and wildlife. The Montana Wetlands Protection Advisory Council selected the winner in of this year’s contest in February.  “Intact wetlands are critical pieces of habitat for wildlife and they’re important for landowners,” said FWP Director Christy Clark. “Water is critical and therefore wetland conservation is an important part of what we do as an agency.”  Wetlands are critical for many wildlife and aquatic species, as well providing critical ecosystem functions like flood control, groundwater recharge and water purification. FWP’s Migratory Bird Wetland Program helps landowners and other conservation partners develop and fund projects that protect, conserve, enhance or create high-quality wetland habitat.  The 2025 Migratory Bird Stamp is not required to hunt migratory birds in Montana.    This year, all hunters who purchase a Migratory Bird Stamp will be sent an email with the winning artwork and offering them a sticker sheet.   Additionally, people want to support wetland conservation but don’t hunt, they can purchase a sticker sheet and other promotional items through Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation .   For winning the 2025 Migratory Bird Stamp contest, Nelson receives a $2,000 prize paid for by contributions from Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation, Montana Audubon and Ducks Unlimited.  For more information of the contest and to view the submissions,  click here .

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers April 2nd, 2025 6:15 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING on CUP2025-001 TKJ Residential Multi Family Home at 421 E Glendale 6:30 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING on the Vacation of Streets in the West Side Subdivision 6:45 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING on the Acceptance of Streets in the West Side Subdivision 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 Minutes of March 19, 2025 Public Hearing Meeting 2.         Approve Minutes of March 19, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes 3.         Approve Minutes of March 24, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes   C.        PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS   1.         Review of Audit with Morgan Scarr 2.         Update from the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce 3.         Confirm Officer Jesse Randolph as a Full Time Officer with the Dillon Police Department 4.         Review Citizen Complaints 5.         Discussion on Plutt Subdivision Final Plat Approval by Beaverhead County Commissioners 6.         Review of Resolution No 1175 – Committee, Commissions and Board Agendas 6.         Discuss/Approve Brundage Garage Minor Subdivision Preliminary Plat and Findings of Fact 7.         Discuss/Approve Bid for 2010 Chevrolet Impala               D.        MAYOR’S REPORT   E.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         Planning Board - Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham 2.         Zoning Commission - Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley             a.         Accept March 11th, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes b.         Accept March 18th, 2025 Public Hearing – Zoning for Brundage Garage                              Minor Subdivision             c.         Accept March 18th, 2025 Public Hearing – Title 17.104             d.         Accept March 18th, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes 3.         Board of Adjustments - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz                         a.         Accept February 13th, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes                         b.         Accept March 4th, 2025 Public Hearing Minutes 4.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey                         a.         Approve Amended 2026 Transportation Coordination Plan 5.         Police Department – Police Chief Jeremy Alvarez 6.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose 7.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox 8.         Treasurer – Karen Kipp 9.         Library Board - Diane Armstrong, Council Member; (Vacant), Library Director                         a.         Accept Minutes of February 2025 Regular Board Meeting 10.       Tree Board – Mary Jo O’Rourke, Council Member              F.        REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Ordinances & Facilities – Bill Shafer, Chair; Joleen Schultz, Mary Jo O’Rourke                         a.         Approve Minutes of March 20, 2025 Regular Committee 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 Minutes of March 17, 2025 Regular Committee Meeting 4.         Open Spaces – Raymond Graham, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Joleen Schultz                         a.         Approve Minutes of March 19, 2025 Regular Committee Meeting                                     i.          Approve Using $45,728 from the Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund to                                                             Pay Steiner-Thuesen for the Irrigation Design at the Cemetery 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.

Celebrating our rich agricultural heritage and the precious resource right under our feet! In 2023, the   Montana Legislature passed a bipartisan resolution  designating the first week of April as  Montana Soil Health Week  and the first Wednesday in April as  Montana Soil Health Day . • Soil fertility is one of the most important soil characteristics for crop growth.  • Healthy soils help retain our limited water resources and keep our waterways clean. • Soil is the foundation of Montana’s most important industry- agriculture. Healthy soils create greater yields that require fewer costly inputs, helping ensure that agriculture can continue to be an economic driver in Montana for generations to come. • Healthy soils are a win-win for Montana. They increase the bottom line for our farmers and ranchers while making our environment and working landscapes more resilient.   For additional information and schedule of events visit:   https://montanasoilhealthweek.macdnet.org/