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The University of Montana Western’s Environmental Sciences Department is proud to present “Measuring Snow: New Methods and Technology” by Kori Mooney as part of the “On the Rocks” lecture series. The presentation will take place on Wednesday, September 25, at 3:30 p.m. in UMW’s Lucy Carson Library. Mooney, who earned her master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Wyoming in 2024 and graduated from Montana Western in 2022, is a hydrologist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Snow Survey in Salt Lake City, UT. She will share insights into the NRCS SNOTEL network, discussing the use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to measure snow density, along with emerging technologies for snowpack measurement. This presentation is free and open to the public and will feature light refreshments. For more information, please contact UMW Associate Professor of Environmental Sustainability, Dr. Arica Crootof, at arica.crootof@umwestern.edu  or 406-683-7075.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information KANSAS CITY, Mo. –  The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced the results of the NAIA Football GoRout Top 25 Poll No. 1. Montana Western Football came in at no. 9 in the poll. Montana Western enters the week at 1-0 after lighting up the newly built Bulldog Stadium with a 59-21 victory over Eastern Oregon. The historic afternoon featured a massive offensive showing, with the Bulldog offense rattling off 49 points in the first half alone behind the arm of Bulldog quarterback  Michael Palandri . The veteran quarterback led the offensive attack, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for another three. He threw for 320 yards of offense and rushed for another 15 yards. The Bulldogs are slated with a massive top 10 matchup this week, taking on the no. 3 ranked College of Idaho Yotes for their home Frontier opener this Saturday. FRONTIER IN THE TOP 25 No. 3 College of Idaho Yotes No. 9 Montana Western Bulldogs No. 15 Montana Tech Orediggers No. 23 Southern Oregon Raiders

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. —  The no. 11 ranked Montana Western football team (1-0) opened the 2024 campaign in style after taking to the turf in the brand-new Bulldog Stadium and showing dominance in a 59-21 rout of Eastern Oregon University (0-1). The historic afternoon featured a massive offensive showing, with the Bulldog offense rattling off 49 points in the first half alone behind the arm of Bulldog quarterback Michael Palandri . "The guys really focused on improving every week that we have been preparing for game one and it showed in our performance," Head Coach Ryan Nourse said. "We made several mistakes we can really learn from after this game, as well as did many good things. Our ability to make explosive plays was a real positive and something I think we can continue to grow." How It Happened The Bulldogs came out hot from the start, seeing Palandri connect with Coby Tanioka early on in the first quarter on a 62-yard touchdown pass to take a 7-0 lead. It was Palandri who struck next, rushing in for a pair of back-to-back touchdowns to give UMW a 21-0 lead. Despite gaining a first down and some momentum, the Mounties were stopped in their tracks when defensive back AJ Ulrichs picked off EOU quarterback Quincy Glasper. With 11 minutes remaining in the first half, the Mounties then stopped the Bulldogs in their tracks to force the first Bulldog punt of the season. UMW's JK Shealey helped to keep the Bulldog offense on the field though after he forced a fumble to give the Bulldogs the ball at the Eastern 28-yard line. A pass from Palandri to Dylan Shipley for a 22-yard touchdown pass on the following play added to the Bulldog lead to put UMW up 28-0. The Mounties scored on their own pair of drives to bring the game to 28-14 with just under five minutes left in the half. The following kickoff saw Bulldog returner Tanioka take it to the house on a 100-yard kick return for a touchdown. A quick three and out by the Bulldog defense fueled another Bulldog drive that saw Palandri rush for his third touchdown of the matchup and close out the half up 42-14. A two minute, five play and 77-yard drive culminated in a touchdown pass from Palandri to Eli Nourse for another Bulldog score. UMW would score once more on their following drive behind Jake Humphrey who broke out on a 43-yard touchdown rush. The Bulldogs would lead 56-14 with just under four minutes left in the third quarter. EOU capitalized on their own two-minute drive with a touchdown to cap their score at 21 for the remainder of the game. Bulldog kicker John Mears drilled a 49-yard field goal to close out scoring for both teams and cement the 59-21 opening victory. Notables Today's win marks the first victory in the newly built Bulldog Stadium and the first game to ever be played on the campus of Montana Western. Veteran quarterback Palandri led the offensive attack, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for another three. He threw for 320 yards of offense and rushed for another 15 yards. The Bulldog defense held the Mounties to just 31 rushing yards in the matchup and racked up six tackles for loss in the game. Nourse led the Bulldog receiving corps, racking up 126 yards on nine receptions in the matchup. The Bulldog ground game worked together for a total of 243 rushing yards. Humphrey led the ground game with 73 yards rushing and a touchdown. Shealey and James Ochs led the defense with seven tackles apiece and a tackle for loss.   Up Next The Bulldogs move to 1-0 this season and will move into a big week ahead to prepare for the no. 4 ranked College of Idaho Yotes. Last season, the Yotes were the Bulldogs' kryptonite and were the lone Frontier team to defeat UMW. The last time the two team faced each other, the Yotes strung together a whopping 621 yards of offense and ended the Bulldogs' postseason run after a 49-42 final score. The Yotes enter the sept. 14 matchup with a 2-0 record and the hopes of making it a third straight win over the Bulldogs. UMW last downed the Yotes in a home battle on Oct. 22, 2022 by a final score of 40-35.

The Dillon Beavers opened the football season with a 55-0 blowout against the Stevensville Yellowjackets Friday night at Vigilante Field. The Beavers started the game in dominant fashion and had the clock running with 12 seconds left in the first quarter, finishing it 35-0. At halftime, the Beavers led 41-0. In the next two quarters, you saw the second-string and third-string players take the field. The Beavers finished the game with a 55-0 win. They will take on Columbia Falls next Friday at Vigilante Field.

We have four choir students selected to All State Music Festival Emma Lovaas- Alto 1 Kaycee Pilon- Alto 2 Christopher Valach Tenor 1 Casey Stanton- Bass 2  Hunter Wiggen is selected to  All State Band on Trombone These students auditioned in the Spring with about 1600 other students from around the state. They are part of a very elite group of about 350 musicians in All State Band, Choir and Orchestra.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Tuesday, September 10th, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. ZONING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Agenda   1.    Call To Order   2.    Review and Approval of the Minutes             a.         August 27th, 2024 Regular Meeting             b.        September 3rd, 2024 Special Meeting   3.    Director of Operations Report a.     Public Comment will be taken after discussion of item 4-5 by the Zoning Commission; followed by final discussion by the zoning commission; and final vote by the commission if necessary.   4.    Applications for Zoning Compliance Certificates for Review:   2024-026     Brown                   727 Thomsen Ave               Single Family Residence   5.    Discuss SB528 Regulations and Review Changes Necessary to Title 17   6.    Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the Zoning Commission.   7.      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), Raymond Graham, Russ Schwandt, Mike Watson

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Judiciary Committee Meeting ~ Agenda ~  Tuesday, September 10th, 2024 4:00 PM 1.            Call Meeting to Order 2.            Discuss/Review Title 8, Chapter 8.20 Vegetation 3.            Discuss/Review Title 12, Chapter 12.24 (skateboards) 4.            Discuss/Recommend Noise Ordinance 5.            Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 6.            Adjourn   Committee Members: Raymond Graham; Diane Armstrong

DVFD responded to 18 calls for service during the month of August 2024.      8-02                 S Montana                               False Alarm 8-03                 Hwy 91 S                                Grass Fire 8-05                 Clark & Laknar                       Illégal Burn 8-07                 N Montana                             Gas Leak 8-09                 Fox Ridge                               Gas Leak 8-09                 Antelope                                 Fireworks 8-16                 Hwy 41 MM 9                         Grass Fire 8-17                 Argenta Rd                             MVA 8-19                 Hwy 91& Bond                      Hay Fire 8-21                 E Bannack                               Smoke Alarm 8-22                 W Park                                    MVA 8-23                 Bloody Dick                            Wildfire 8-23                 Lemhi Pass                              Grass Fire 8-26                 I-15 MM 56                            Grass Fire 8-27                 Lincoln Dr                              MVA 8-30                 I-15 MM 42                            MVA-Cancelled 8-31                 Montana St                             Gas Leak   August monthly training included continued Structural FF-1 training and testing. Trained on the new tender operations.   Thanks to all of our firefighters & officers for their continued dedication to the City of Dillon & Beaverhead Fire District #2. Thank you for your continued support of the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department.   As the fall hunting season approaches, please be cautious as we are under stage II fire restrictions and it is very dry out there.

Search and Rescue News Submitted by: Mel Rice, Public Relations   On Friday night, the 30th of August, the Beaverhead Search and Rescue was called out to the east side of the Big Hole Valley.  The page was received around 1:50 AM to aid in a rescue of a 70 year old gentleman and a 60 year old gentleman from Wisconsin who were riding their 4 wheelers in the Bryant Cr, Alder Creek drainages.  Two deputies, one from Dillon and one from Wisdom, were dispatched to the area in order to locate the victims.  When the two riders found themselves in a precarious position, they tried turning around.  At that time the older gentleman’s 4 wheeler started to roll and it threw him down slope.  The buggy went flying over the top of him and wound up resting against two trees.  The elder gentleman received minor injuries to his ankle and ribs.  Ian Ternes, the Dillon deputy, was the first to arrive on scene and provided exact coordinates of the victims’ location and assessed their condition.  He then tried to walk both gentlemen to Ferguson Lake, a short distance away, but because of the down fall and their condition they couldn’t go any further.  They sat down on a log and waited for additional help.  Meanwhile, Ken Peterson, the Wisdom deputy, remained at the trail head for communication relay. A hasty team of two S&R members had been deployed and at 4:59 AM they unloaded their buggies and proceeded up Bryant Cr to the Ferguson Lake trail head.  When they arrived at the trail head, they proceeded down the trail to the lake.  The area had experienced a forest fire about 2 or 3 years ago and the down timber was horrible.  Both S&R members went through two tanks of chainsaw gas cutting their way to the victims, about 1.5 miles.  At 7:41 AM the hasty team made contact with the two individuals and the Sheriff’s deputy.  They evaluated the individuals’ conditions and proceeded to evacuate all involved at 7:50 AM.   The two SAR members, two victims, and one deputy arrived at the trail head at 9:00 A.M. using 2 four- wheelers and an ambulance sled.  After passing off the two victims to the sheriff deputies, the two SAR members, Adam Norlander and Trever Hyland, headed back to town… They arrived at the S&R building at 10:41 AM.    The I.C. on this incident was Brad Wagner.  Thanks gentlemen for spending the start of your Labor Day weekend helping those in need.        “In the Business of Saving Lives” , your Beaverhead Search and Rescue.

ELLISTON – An adult male grizzly bear was euthanized last week after a series of conflicts with chicken coops, garbage, and other attractants near homes over the last month. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wildlife specialists reported that the conflicts began in early August in the Elk Park area north of Butte where the three-year old male grizzly found chicken feed and then broke into a chicken coop. FWP worked with local residents to install electric fencing and secure other nearby attractants to prevent more conflicts. The bear was deterred by the electric fencing, but still remained in the area, persistently looking for other attractants around homes. FWP, in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), set a trap to capture and relocate the bear away from the area. A few weeks later the bear showed up again, this time in the Elliston area, looking for garbage, chicken food, and chicken coops. FWP worked with local residents to secure these attractants, but the bear remained, spending time near people, homes, and small livestock. The bear was exhibiting bold behavior that indicates it was conditioned to unnatural food sources. This is a habit that is very hard to break and causes human safety concerns, as bears actively pursue food and other attractants in and around homes, ranches, and other occupied areas instead of returning to natural food sources. USFWS authorized removal of the bear, and the bear was trapped Aug. 28 and euthanized. Grizzly bears are protected under the Endangered Species Act, and the USFWS has final authority regarding management actions. People can help reduce the risk of bear conflicts by using electric fencing around small livestock. Pet and livestock food, garbage, barbecue grills, and bird feeders can also all be attractants and should be secured to help prevent bear conflicts. FWP and USFWS specialists work to help landowners and communities avoid bear conflicts. If you see a bear or sign near your residence that may result in a conflict, call your local bear specialist at the contact number found on FWP’s website:  fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear/contact .  For more information on living, working, and recreating in Montana’s bear country, visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware .

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana STREET & ALLEY COMMITTEE MEETING ~ AGENDA ~ Tuesday, September 9th , 2024 4:00 PM 1. Call to Order 2. Discuss/Recommend Montana Street Parking Lot 3. Discuss/Recommend Traffic Control at Kentucky & Oliver 4. Discuss Street Projects a. Widen Vine St Between Kentucky and Thomsen b. Glendale Street c. Intersection of Center & Walnut d. Others 5. Public Comment on Items Not on Agenda but Within The Jurisdiction of The City 6. Adjournment Committee Members Russ Schwandt Joleen Schultz

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information KANSAS CITY, Mo. –  The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced the results of the NAIA Volleyball Coaches Top 25 Poll No. 2. Montana Western Volleyball moved up to No. 13 on the first poll backed by preseason matchups. This week's poll features two Frontier teams in the top 25 with three more teams knocking at the door with receiving votes nationally. The Bulldogs are currently 8-2 this season with numerous big wins, including a 3-2 win over the preseason ranked No. 5 Viterbo (Wisc.). The Bulldogs have claimed two conference players of the week with an NAIA National Player of the Week nod in Danyel Martin . Martin also leads the Frontier in hitting percentage with a .344 hitting percentage and sits third in blocks per set with 0.99. After cleaning up shop at the OUAZ Invitational this past weekend, the Bulldogs will kick off Frontier action on Sept. 13 for their home conference opener against MSU-Northern at 7 p.m. The Skylights enter the matchup with an overall record of 5-4. FRONTIER IN THE TOP 25 No. 13 Montana Western Bulldogs No. 15 University of Providence Argos OUTSIDE THE POLL RV Rocky Mountain College Battlin' Bears RV Montana Tech Orediggers RV Carroll College Saints

HELENA –  Montana’s two-day, youth-only deer hunt is coming up Oct. 17 and 18, and general deer season opens Oct. 26. Now is a good time to consider signing up for the Apprentice Hunter Program and the application is available on Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ website at  fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/apprentice-hunter .  The apprentice hunter program allows people ages 10 and older to hunt as apprentices with a mentor for two seasons without completing a Hunter Education course.  People interested in the Apprentice Hunter Program should visit the  website  and read the packet on the  Apprentice Hunter Program  before seeking certification. The packet outlines guidelines for both the apprentice and the required mentor, including what apprentices can and cannot do, who can act as a mentor and how the certification process works. Reading up on it beforehand may prevent possible confusion and save people from making an extra trip to an FWP office.  Some key details to note:  There are three ways to get certified:  Online at  https://ols.fwp.mt.gov/   At an FWP office – forms can be downloaded ahead of time from the website  By mailing the form to the licensing office. This process takes longer.  A person must be certified before purchasing appropriate licenses, which will then show apprentice status.   There are limited license opportunities available for nonresidents. Nonresident youth (under age 18) may qualify for an over-the-counter general combination license that requires a separate form and payment to be completed at an FWP office or by mail. Nonresidents ages 18 or older do not qualify for an over-the-counter general combination license, but there are opportunities to purchase unlimited over-the-counter Deer B and Elk B licenses in certain areas of the state.  Licenses for an apprentice under 18 can be purchased by a parent or relative as long as they present a copy of the parent’s driver’s license, along with a completed Apprentice Certification Form.  A youth need not accompany the adult to certify as an apprentice, but he or she does need to fill out paperwork and understand the guidelines.   The last four digits of the youth hunter’s social security number is required; be sure to have this information.  An apprentice MUST:  Be at least 10 years old at the time of license purchase.  Fill out a certification form at an FWP office and pay a $5 certificate fee (forms available online at  fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/apprentice-hunter .  Hunt with a certified mentor who is at least 21 and who has completed Hunter Education if born after Jan. 1, 1985.  Have the appropriate current Montana hunting licenses for the species being hunted; the licenses must show that he/she is Apprentice Hunter certified.  Stay within sight of the nonhunting mentor at all times.  An apprentice MAY:  Be a resident or nonresident.  Obtain apprentice certification for no more than two license years before he or she must complete a hunter safety and education course.  Purchase General Elk, General Deer, Deer B, Elk B, Turkey and Upland Bird licenses, depending on the age and residency status of the apprentice hunter as well as the availability of the specific license.  An apprentice is NOT ELIGIBLE to:  Obtain a special bow and arrow license without first completing a Bowhunter Education course (must be 11 years old to take bow ed) and be 12 years old or turning 12 by Jan. 16 of the upcoming year.  Obtain a resident hound training license for chasing mountain lion.  Participate in a hunting license or permit drawing with a limited quota.  Obtain any bighorn sheep, black bear, mountain lion or wolf license.  Obtain an elk license if under 15 years of age.  A mentor MUST:  Be 21 or older.  If the apprentice is under 18, the mentor must be related to the apprentice by blood, adoption or marriage; or be the apprentice’s legal guardian or be designated by the apprentice’s legal guardian.   Have completed Hunter Education if born after Jan. 1, 1985.  Have a current Montana hunting license.  Complete the Apprentice Hunter Mentor form and carry the form in the field.   Agree to accompany and supervise the apprentice hunter and remain within sight of and direct voice contact with the apprentice at all times while in the field.  Confirm that the apprentice possesses the physical and psychological capacity to safely and ethically engage in hunting activities.

The University of Montana Western’s Theatre Department and the Bank of Commerce Performing Arts Series are excited to present the Missoula Repertory Theatre’s production of “Monster + Farmer: A Frankenstein Tale” on Monday, September 30, 2024. Step into the world of Riley, a teenage science whiz living on a Montana ranch near the Mission Mountains. Inspired by Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” Riley decides to create her own DIY creature—all while chronicling the process on her YouTube channel. When her creation goes haywire, Riley and her brother Aidan must manage the chaos (and save the cows!), all under the watchful eyes of the world through their smartphones. “Monster + Farmer” explores themes of creation and connection in our increasingly digital world. This dynamic and educational theatre experience includes a captivating performance, an enlightening talkback session, and optional workshops designed to deepen students’ understanding and engagement. Suitable for 6th graders and above, the performance is sure to spark curiosity and foster meaningful discussions. “Monster + Farmer” is written and directed by JM Christiansen and is part of the Montana Repertory Theatre’s Fall 2024 Educational Outreach Tour. The  Montana Repertory Theatre  is a professional theater company in residence at the University of Montana’s School of Theatre and Dance in Missoula, MT. The company is renowned for its touring productions, which bring high-quality performances to communities across Montana and the United States. Performances of “Monster + Farmer” will be held in UMW’s Beier Auditorium at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Monday, September 30. Additionally, two free workshops, “Stage Combat” and “Character Analysis,” will be offered at 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., respectively. Student and school group pricing is available. Please contact Assistant Professor of Theatre, Stephen Seder, at stephen.seder@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7038 to reserve seats for your students, as seating is limited. To purchase tickets, please visit the BOC Performing Arts Series Box Office webpage ( www.umwestern.edu/bank-of-commerce-performing-arts-series/box-office/ ). Tickets are $16 for general admission, $12 for seniors (65+), youth (18 & under), and military, $10 for UMW faculty/staff, and free for UMW students with a student ID. For more information on the BOC series, visit  www.umwestern.edu/bank-of-commerce-performing-arts-series/ .

Tuesday turned out to be almost as busy as the Labor Day weekend for local first responders. Dealing with multiple rollovers in the afternoon and heavy hail and rainstorms, they finished it off with a call to a house fire on Fox Ridge Drive. Around 4:30, reports came in of a house that had been struck by lightning on Fox Ridge Drive. Smoke could be seen coming from the roof of the house. The lightning strike had also caused some of the siding to be blown off the house. The fire was able to be stopped from spreading and destroying the entire house.

A trailer overturned on exit ramp 63 to I-15 Tuesday afternoon. The truck was pulling a gooseneck trailer getting ready to head southbound on I-15. The truck took the corner coming off the ramp too fast causing the trailer to tip over and come loose blocking the entrance onto the ramp. Montana Highway Patrol reported no injuries.

Dillon, MT - Tuesday September 3, an overturned excavator closed a portion of the Blacktail road. The Driver of the truck hauling the excavator made the final turn on the black tail road heading towards Hwy 91 S. It appears the force of the turn may have caused the trailer to roll. The excavator came loose from the trailer and ended up in the ditch beside the road. The trailer rolled over and blocked part of the road. Crews are on site working to get the road open and the equipment moved. Traffic is being diverted at the head of the Blacktail Road.  Montana Highway Patrol has no injuries listed in the accident.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Thursday September 5th , 2024 at 7:00 P.M. City Council Chambers Regular Planning Board Meeting AGENDA A. Call Meeting to Order B. Review and Approval of Minutes from the August 5 th , 2024 Regular Planning Board Meeting C. Introduction of New Members of the Planning Board D. Update on Growth Policy E. Update of Beaverhead County Planning Board (Next Meeting Sept 12 th , 2024 at 1:00 p.m.) F. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the Planning Board. G. 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, Dan Nye, Ed Mooney, Michael Saunders, Maria Emmer-Aanes

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. —  After a weekend of going 3-0 in Arizona, Montana Western right side hitter Jordan Olson was voted the ERCK Hotels Frontier Conference Attacker of the Week. Olson totaled 31 kills (3.10 kills per set) in the Bulldogs' 3-0 weekend, adding an efficient hitting percentage of .357 from her right side position. Olson tallied a career-high 17 kills in a four-set win over (RV) Embry Riddle (AZ).  This is Olson's first career Erck Hotels / Frontier Conference Player of the Week award.