Notice of Public Meeting Notice is hereby given of the East Bench Irrigation District Regular Board Meeting Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.  The board will meet at the district office. ·         Call to Order ·         New Business ·         Old Business ·         Pay Bills ·         Adjourn

In a recognition of outstanding athletic achievement, several local athletes have received prestigious honors for their performances this season. Adyson Creighton, Kinzy Creighton, and Kylie Konen were distinguished as 1st Team All-Conference selections, highlighting their exceptional skills and contributions to their team. Their dedication and talent have set them apart among their peers and earned them top honors in the conference. Additionally, Tyler Gibson and Kaitlin Konen received honorable mentions, acknowledging their strong performances and efforts throughout the season. Congratulations to all these talented athletes on their well-deserved recognition!

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. –  The Montana Western men's and women's rodeo teams secured second place finishes in the Big Sky Region to qualify for the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR). This marks the first time since 2021 that both teams will be traveling to the CNFR in the same season. "On the men's team, I'm excited to take a group of veterans. Four of the six men have been there, and I think this group can do something special," Head Coach JT Robbins said. The men's team will be sending a group of six men to the finals, including four repeat finalists. "Our women's team had an impressive season, claiming victories at several rodeos within one of the most competitive regions in the country. They're young, driven, and dedicated to putting in the work—I'm excited to see what they accomplish next," Robbins continued. Four Bulldog women claimed bids to the finals after they finished in second as a team in the region. This year's finals will be a first for three of the four women competing at the CNFR. Entries Gavin Knutson from Polson, Mont. finished in second in the region in bull riding this season. This will be his third trip to the finals. Knutson finished the season winning four of the 10 rodeos this season and placed second in two more. Knutson is the fourth ranked Bull Rider in the nation and makes his third trip to the finals. Cole Trexler  (header) from Corvallis, Mont., and  Kyler Erickson  (heeler) from Rigby, Idaho, won the region title in team roping and earned their spot at the finals. The pair was unstoppable this season, winning three rodeos and placing in the top six in six rodeos this season. Trexler sits in 14th in the nation as a header and Erickson is in 13th as a heeler. Chase Martin  from Molalla, Ore. finished third in the region for saddle bronc riding and will take his first trip to the finals to represent Montana Western in the event. Martin won a pair of rodeos this season and placed in the top five in all but two rodeos this season. Martin enters the rodeo as the 24th ranked rider in the country. After sitting out most of the fall season due to an injury,  Trevor Kay , Chester, Idaho came out strong this spring and finished in third in bareback riding to secure his third trip to the CNFR. He enters as the 14th ranked rider in the country. Jake Deveraux from Newcastle, Wyo. placed second in the region in tie down roping and will round out the Bulldog men competing at the finals this summer. Deveraux earns his second trip to the finals for the Bulldogs and sits in 24th in the national standings heading into the CNFR. On the women's side, two Bulldogs won the region in their events.  Tavy Leno  won the region in goat tying and  Tynell Mclnenly  finished on top in breakaway roping. Leno from Sheridan, Wyo. returns to the CNFR for her second appearance in goat tying. Last season, she advanced to the short-go and finished 12th overall. This year, she delivered a consistently strong performance—placing in the top five in goat tying at eight of the ten rodeos—and captured first-place buckles at three events. She enters as the eighth ranked goat tyer in the nation. Mclnenly from Vulcan, Alberta takes her first trip to the finals after winning the region title in breakaway roping. She finished in the top five in six of the ten rodeos this spring, winning a first-place buckle at the second Montana State rodeo. She enters as the third ranked breakaway roper in the country. Laura Haight  from Blackfoot, Idaho and  Charlee Resch  from Stettler, Alberta each secured their spot on the team heading to the finals this summer, making this their first time at the finals. Haight finished in fourth place in the region in barrel racing and Resch finished in fourth place in breakaway roping. Up Next The College National Finals Rodeo will be in Casper, Wyo. from June 15 through June 21. The position draw for the event will be announced on June 8 for the athletes competing in the event. To view more about the event,  click here.

Beaverhead County Weed Board Meeting Tuesday, June 3, 2025 – 6:00 pm Commissioner’s Room – Beaverhead County Courthouse   AGENDA: Public Comment: Items on the Agenda Approval of Minutes from November 26, 2024 meeting Financial Report Non-Compliance 2025 Project Awards Review bid packets and information from commercial applicators. Applicators that have bid on projects will have an opportunity to make a short presentation to the board.  Proposed action:  Board to award Big Hole/Wise River Oxeye Daisy Project, Beaverhead River, Jerry Creek, Eagle Rock, Grouse Fire Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Report Public Comment: Items not on the Agenda Adjourn

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and its partner Jeffery Contracting, LLC anticipate moving to the east side of Montana Street this week, weather and other unforeseen factors permitting . From Montana Street, there may be limited access to Skihi and Virgina Street. Crews expect to keep access closed to Virgina Street through Monday, June 2. Access to all businesses will be maintained. Crews plan to mill one lane of Montana Street next week. Expect delays. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Please continue to drive slowly through the work zones.   Stay connected on project updates with SMS or email by texting “DILLON” to 844-764-2126.

This summer, University of Montana Western student Cady Brown will take her passion for agriculture to the national stage through the American Farm Bureau Federation's Leadership, Education, and Engagement Internship in Washington, D.C. A dedicated member of the Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program, Cady has already made a meaningful impact in the Dillon community through agricultural education and outreach. Now, she’s preparing to expand her leadership and advocacy work by engaging with Farm Bureau professionals and members from across the country. “YF&R has given me a whole new sense of self,” Cady said. “It’s allowed me to meet people in our Dillon community and all over the country. I’ve learned so much, made incredible memories, and developed skills that I’ll carry with me into my career.” At UMW, the YF&R collegiate chapter is a vibrant part of campus life. Students organize food drives, lead educational outreach in local elementary schools, and connect peers with professionals in agriculture. The group’s mission goes beyond leadership development—they help students feel rooted in both Dillon and the broader agriculture community. The path to this prestigious internship began early in Cady’s college career. “Olie told me I should come to a meeting my first week at Western,” she explained, referring to club advisor Iola “Olie” Else. “I was really active in 4-H and FFA, and YF&R felt like the perfect next step. It gave me a place to continue growing and learning with people who share my passion for agriculture.” Now, as the chapter president, Cady plays a bigger role than ever—and she’s excited to bring what she learns this summer back to Montana. “I hope to learn about recruitment, retention, and how national programs operate. I want to bring that knowledge home to benefit MT Farm Bureau and UMW,” she said. Support from both the Montana Farm Bureau and Montana Western helped make the internship possible. “My involvement with YF&R connected me with MT Farm Bureau staff who encouraged me to apply,” Cady said. “Olie helped every step of the way—with my resume, application, cover letter, and interview.” For those interested in getting involved with YF&R, the group hosts a meeting every academic block and frequently shares updates on Instagram ( @umw_yfandr ) and through the Bulldog Bulletin. Community members can also get connected through their local or state Farm Bureau offices, or by reaching out directly to club advisor Iola “Olie” Else at  iola.else@umwestern.edu . Stay tuned for a follow-up article toward the end of the summer, where Cady will share insights from her internship experience in Washington, D.C., and how she plans to bring what she’s learned back to Montana Western. From local outreach to national leadership, Cady Brown’s journey shows what’s possible with passion, dedication, and hard work. To learn more about the University of Montana Western, please visit  www.umwestern.edu  or contact Admissions at 877-683-7331.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. -  Montana Western Volleyball welcomed five signees in its 2025 signing class, the program announced Tuesday afternoon.  "We are so excited about this group of five freshmen joining the Bulldog program. All of them bring different and unique qualities to the team both athletically and with their personality," Head Coach  Katie Lovett  said.  This year's recruiting class includes two student-athletes from Idaho, one from Nevada, one from Montana, and one from California.   Antonia Duncan | Pin/Middle | 5'11" | Spanish Springs HS / Sparks, Nev. Antonia is a pin and middle blocker who joins the Bulldogs as a 2025 graduate from Spanish Springs High School in Sparks, Nevada. During her career for the Cougars, Duncan earned a regional championship and a league championship in 2023. She ended up fifth in school history for all-time blocks in a season with 45 and fifth in single game hitting percentage with a .727. She earned All-State Academic honors throughout her varsity career. She also competed for the Tstreet Sierra Nevada club volleyball team where her team earned a national bid in the American Division. "Nia is a dynamic offensive player who can play pretty much anywhere in the front row. Nia has a high ceiling, and we are looking forward to seeing where she excels within this program," Lovett said. Duncan is the daughter of Mark and Tione Duncan and plans to major in Kinesiology while at Montana Western. Jayda Ward | Setter | 5'5" | Highland High School / Pocatello, Idaho Jayda is a setter who joins the Bulldogs as a 2025 graduate of Highland High School in Pocatello, Idaho. Ward was a two-time varsity athlete for the Rams. She earned second team all-conference honors after last season and honorable mention her junior season. She totaled 716 assists, 373 digs, 52 kills, and 48 aces throughout her varsity career. In addition, she earned the highest academic honors and earned a STEM diploma. Ward also played for the Crush AAU volleyball team for a season. "Jayda is a gritty setter that is able to make plays happen. We are excited about the defensive mindset Jayda has and her calm demeanor on the court during any situation," Lovett said. Ward is the daughter of Megan and Monte Ward and plans to major in Biology at Montana Western.   Kennedy Lingenfelter | Middle | 6'0" | Clovis North High School / Clovis, Calif. Kennedy is a middle blocker who joins the Bulldogs as a 2025 graduate of Clovis North High School in Clovis, Calif. During her career as a Bronco, she participated in four varsity seasons and was a California Division 1 Central Section champion last season and a 2022 Nor Cal Regional Champion during her career with the Broncos. She earned second team all-league honors three times and was named to the SLO Tournament of Champions all tournament team. Her senior season, she hit .364 and recorded over 200 kills as a team captain. She is a CSF lifetime member and competed in track and basketball while at Clovis North. Lingenfelter competed for the Valley Volleyball Academy for six seasons. "We are very excited about Kennedy joining the team. She has quick movements along the net that seem effortless and has strong, smart placement of offense," Lovett said. Lingenfelter is the daughter of Heather and Lance Lingenfelter and plans to major in natural horsemanship while at Montana Western. She also plans to compete for the Bulldog rodeo team during her time at Montana Western. Averi Look | Outside | 5'10" | Idaho Falls High School / Idaho Falls, Idaho Averi is an outside hitter joining the Bulldogs from Idaho Falls, Idaho and is a 2025 graduate of Idaho Falls High School. During her career for the Tigers, she was named First Team All-State and Second Team All-State honors while lining up in second in kills in the 5A division. She and her team finished in third place in state last season. In addition, Look played for the Idaho Crush AAU volleyball club. "Averi is a smart and powerful outside that is very competitive. Averi is an asset defensively as well at the net and in the back court," Lovett said. She is the daughter of Kim and Matt Look and plans to major in visual arts at Montana Western. Nora Dominick | Middle/Pin | 6'1" | Shields Valley High School / Wilsall, Mont. Nora is a middle blocker and pin hitter who joins the Bulldogs as a 2025 graduate of Shields Valley High School in Wilsall, Mont. She was a four-year varsity volleyball player who averaged 18 kills, 15 digs, 3 aces and a block per game her senior season as her team took third place at Divisionals. She earned All-State honors her senior season and all-conference honors in 2022. Dominick also competed in basketball and track while at Shields Valley while earning seven academic All-State selections, is her class valedictorian, and is ranked first in her class. She competed for the Empire Volleyball Club in Belgrade, Mont. And was voted Big Sky Most Improved Player in 2023. "Nora's strength and heavy swing are fun to watch and hard to stop. We are excited about Nora's growth and to see how her play evolves at this next level," Lovett said. Dominick is the daughter of Dale and Spencer Dominick and plans to major in mathematics at Montana Western. "Graduating five seniors who played an integral role in the growth of our program left us with some spots to fill, but we feel really confident not only with this group coming in, but with the returners as well," Lovett continued.  The Bulldogs are coming off a historic season highlighted by a stunning upset at the NAIA Women's Volleyball National Championship, where the no. 16-seeded squad knocked off top-seeded and previously undefeated Northwestern (Iowa) during pool play.  The team finished the year with an impressive 25-10 overall record, competing in 21 matches against opponents that were either nationally ranked or receiving votes.

DILLON, MT  – The Montana Events Foundation hosted the 8th annual Beaverhead Marathon today, featuring some exciting changes to the traditional course. For the first time, the race started and finished at the Beaverhead Brewing Company, offering a fresh twist on this popular event. The full marathon began promptly at 9 a.m., with Gerald Penn signaling the start with a two-gun salute. The runners set off on a course that challenged participants with steep hills and offered stunning views unique to Beaverhead County. An hour later, the half marathon entrants gathered at the starting line, also greeted by the two-gun salute. The half marathon route took runners through town and along the Blacktail Road to the turnaround point, then back to Dillon for the finish line. Participants across all distances praised the course’s breathtaking scenery, the challenging inclines, and the elevation gains throughout the race. Top Three In Full Marathon: Tyson Hintze Saratoga Springs, UT 3:28:34.3 Lorraine Carnes Dillon, MT 3:44:40.4 Arica Crootof Dillon, MT 3:50:14.5 Top Three In Half Marathon: Kelsie Zitzer Dillon, MT 1:22:57.6 Jeremiah Kauffman Bismark, ND 1:32:26.7 Kris Quandt Jackson, WY 1:39:27.3 For full race results click here

The Dillon Beavers Varsity team dominated on Friday, defeating the Stevensville Yellowjackets 9-0 in a game highlighted by strong pitching and timely hitting, especially from the bottom of the lineup. The Beavers opened the scoring in the first inning when a wild pitch allowed a run to score. They kept the pressure on in the second, with Tymber Barnes  singling to center after a six-pitch at-bat, driving in a run and extending the lead to 3-0. In the sixth inning, Dillon added four more runs to secure the victory. Kaitlyn Konen  hit a solo home run to center, Kinzy Creighton  tripled and scored two runs, and Bailey Blake  singled in another, bringing the score to 9-0. Adyson Creighton  started in the circle and pitched three innings of shutout ball, striking out six and walking none. Tymber Barnes  relieved and pitched four innings, allowing just two hits, no runs, and striking out none. Morgan Yeager  started for Stevensville, lasting six innings but allowing 10 hits and nine runs (seven earned) with 10 strikeouts. Offensively, the Beavers amassed 10 hits. Tymber Barnes  and Kaitlyn Konen  each had two hits, while Kinzy Creighton  and Barnes drove in two runs each. For the Yellowjackets, Emma Tan  and Hadlie Leonard  each recorded one hit.

Beaverhead County Compensation Board Meeting Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. Commissioners’ Room of the Courthouse, Dillon, MT AGENDA Action on Previous Minutes Review and Recommendation of Elected Officials’ Salaries Adjourn

On Monday, May 12, 2025, Governor Gianforte signed into law House Bill 207, “an act revising candidate filing laws”. With the bill having an immediate effective date, it has changed the candidate filing opening and closing dates for the 2025 Municipal Elections. The new candidate opening filing date has changed from April 17th to May 27th, however, for those who have already filed, there is no further action needed.   The candidate filing closing date has changed from Monday, June 16th to Wednesday, June 11th, 2025. The current municipal positions that are currently up for election in Beaverhead County are: The City of Dillon ·         Mayor, 4-year term ·         City Judge, 4-year term ·         Ward 1, 4-year term ·         Ward 2, 4-year term ·         Ward 2, 2-year term ·         Ward 3, 4-year term ·         Ward 4, 4-year term ·         Ward 4, 2-year term The Town of Lima ·         Mayor ·         2 Council member positions, 4-year terms   For more information, please contact the Beaverhead County Election Office at 406-683-3720. Stacey Reynolds Election Administrator

The Dillon Beavers Varsity team put up a strong fight but ultimately fell 5-4 to the Polson Lady Pirates on Thursday. Though the Beavers out-hitted Polson 7-4, the Pirates edged ahead late in the game. The Beavers scored first in the third inning when Kinzy Creighton  doubled, driving in two runs. Polson responded in the bottom of the fifth, taking the lead with a big inning. Olivia Jore  doubled to center field, followed by Opal Nash ’s double, both scoring two runs to give Polson a 4-2 advantage. The game was tied at four in the top of the sixth when Kylie Konen  doubled and Bridget Lovaas  singled, both bringing in runs to knot the score. In the bottom of the sixth, Polson regained the lead. The Lady Pirates held Dillon scoreless in the top of the seventh to secure the victory. Adyson Creighton  started on the mound for Dillon, pitching six innings with four hits allowed, five runs (one earned), four strikeouts, and four walks. Samantha Rensvold  pitched the full seven for Polson, giving up seven hits and four runs with seven strikeouts and no walks. Offensively, Creighton led the Beavers with two RBIs and went 2-for-3 at the plate. Jaja Nichols , Liz Cunningham , Opal Nash , and Olivia Jore  each collected one hit for Polson, with Nash and Jore each driving in two runs.

On Thursday, May 22, a woman rushing her husband to the hospital after a farming accident was involved in a serious vehicle crash on Medicine Lodge road. The woman, driving a Toyota SUV, was making a sharp right turn when she lost control of the vehicle. The SUV left the roadway, rolled, and appeared to have flipped multiple times before coming to rest approximately 75 yards from where it exited the road. Both passengers sustained injuries from the crash and were transported from the scene by ambulance. The incident remains under investigation, and authorities remind drivers to exercise caution, especially on gravel and dirt roads.

The Dillon Beavers opened their run in the state state tournament with a dominant 11-0 victory over the East Helena Vigilantes on Thursday. With their eyes set on postseason success, the Beavers showcased a blend of powerful offense and solid defense in this important matchup. The Beavers scored six runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, sealing the game. The inning featured key plays such as Adyson Creighton  grounding out to score a run, Kinzy Creighton ’s triple to drive in a run, and Tymber Barnes ’s single that brought in another. Errors also contributed to the rally, adding two more runs to the tally. Dillon got on the board early, with Tymber Barnes  grounding out to score the first run in the bottom of the second, followed by Tyler Gibson ’s single to center, scoring one. The Beavers extended their lead in the third inning with RBI doubles from Katey Vezina  and Kaitlyn Konen . Adyson Creighton  earned the win from the circle, pitching three innings with just one hit and no runs allowed. She struck out five and walked none. Keeley Hamilton  started for East Helena, allowing three hits and five runs (one earned) in two and two-thirds innings. Tymber Barnes  pitched two innings of shutout ball, allowing just one hit with three strikeouts. The Beavers finished the game with a total of 10 hits. Tyler Gibson , Tymber Barnes , and Kaitlyn Konen  each had two hits, contributing to the team’s offensive strength. Katey Vezina and Barnes each drove in two runs. Patience at the plate was evident, with the team drawing five walks. defensively, Dillon committed no errors, and Kinzy Creighton  made the most plays with nine. For East Helena, Sara Dearing  and Taylor Field  each recorded one hit.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. ZONING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Agenda   1.    Call To Order   2.    Review and Approval of April 22nd, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes   3.    Director of Operations Report   4.    Applications for Zoning Compliance Certificates for Review:   2025-0136     20 Harrington                   The Housing Co                    Senior Community   5.    Review Work Camps Regulations in Zoning  - Set Public Hearing Date   6.    Review Impact Fee Proposal   7.    Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda                   and Within the Jurisdiction of the Zoning Commission.   8.      Adjournment               PLEASE NOTE : A Zoom link is available. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528,   allowing permission for mic and camera (if using a computer go to            https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245 .   z oning Commission Members:   Justin Rooley (Chair), Mike Watson, Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and its partner Jeffery Contracting, LLC anticipate moving to the east side of Montana Street this week, weather and other unforeseen factors permitting . From Montana Street, there may be limited access to Skihi and Virgina Street. Crews expect to close access to Virgina Street on Tuesday, May 27 for up to seven calendar days. Access to all businesses will be maintained. Memorial Weekend: Crews will pause construction activities for the Memorial Day weekend by 3 p.m. on Friday, May 23 and will resume on Tuesday, May 27. Normal working hours are typically Monday through Friday 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Please continue to drive slowly through the work zones.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. -  Western Bulldog and Dillon Beaver football player M.J. Simkins, whose life was tragically cut short prior to the start of his senior year, wore the number 18 with pride. The number had tremendous significance because it showed his love for Dillon and\ Beaverhead County, which is Montana county number 18.  MJ wore the no. 18 for three seasons 2014 to 2016. His brother Nathan carried forward the tradition and values of the no. 18 throughout his epic Bulldog career (2017-2021). The number 18 has since became a legacy number for the Bulldog Football team. "18 is a true legacy number. It denotes the best of what it is to be a Bulldog, integrity, work ethic, loyalty and leaving it better than you found it. Every player on this team aspires to someday wear 18," Head Coach Ryan Nourse said. The number was and will be given to a senior student athlete who represents the spirit and values of M.J. and what Bulldog Football is all about. Now, for the 2025 season, it has been awarded to Dillon native and senior linebacker Jace Fitzgerald .   "Growing up in Dillon, I always knew what the no. 18 jersey meant. It's more than just a number, it's a legacy. M.J. Simkins wasn't just a great football player. He was someone who genuinely made the people around him better. His quote, 'leave it better than you found it' has stuck with me for years. It's a mindset I try to live by, whether I'm on the field, in the classroom, or out in the community," Fitzgerald said. Fitzgerald, an upcoming senior on the 2025 football team, started his career playing at Montana State University. He transferred to the University of Montana Western before last season and earned first team all-conference honors in his first season for the Bulldogs. He was second on the Bulldog defense in tackles with 81 total tackles on the season and recorded 40 solo tackles and nine tackles for loss. He was a 2021 graduate of Beaverhead County High School and is a Dillon, Mont. native. "Wearing this number means honoring everything he stood for, loyalty, work ethic, selflessness, and pride in where you come from. It also means honoring the players who wore this legacy number before me, their dedication, leadership, and impact that they had on the program and doing my part to make sure the legacy continues to inspire and make a difference both on and off the field," Fitzgerald continued. The Bulldogs capped off an impressive season in 2024 with a 10-2 overall record, winning the Frontier Conference Championship for a second season in a row and secured their first NAIA playoff victory in over 30 years. "Jace is who he says he is and does what he says he will do and he operates with integrity. When he looked to move on from MSU, he didn't take the popular path like most of them, he chose to come home. This showed his loyalty to his community and to Montana Western, which gave him instant respect amongst his peers," Nourse said. "Earning what you get is a hallmark of being a Bulldog and Jace has earned everything he has accomplished here." The upcoming season for the Bulldogs will be the first in the revamped Frontier Conference, with the 14 football playing schools being divided into East and West Divisions. Montana Western will open the season at Montana Tech on Aug. 28. "I am excited and looking forward to continuing to raise and uphold the standard of this program," Fitzgerald said. "As a team we want to play disciplined, physical football and stay consistent week after week. To put our team in the best position to compete for another Frontier Conference title and beyond. " Click to check out  Engine 18  or the No. 18  homepage.