WISER RIVER, MT  – Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity levels contributed to limited fire activity yesterday, with fire behavior restricted to creeping and smoldering. The area received between 0.10 and 0.30 inches of recent precipitation, but despite this, heavy fuels continues to smolder across the landscape. Fire behavior is expected to increase as forecasted warmer and drier conditions develop over the coming days. On the western edge, crews are continuing structure assessments along the Highway 43 corridor, with a boat supporting efforts to access the fire across the Big Hole River amid high-water conditions. Along the northern flank and extending south, smokejumpers identified helispot locations and performed reconnaissance, scouting potential control lines and opportunities for direct attack in the Tucker Creek area. A large skidgen has arrived to assist with water missions supporting the wildfire suppression efforts. On the southern perimeter, firefighters are progressing east from the Big Hole River along Toomey Creek, conducting mop-up operations. Two Type 1 hotshot crews are preparing containment lines toward the 2021 Alder Creek Fire footprint. Helicopters continue to support firefighting through cargo missions, and a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) is assisting with infrared and reconnaissance flights over inaccessible areas with hazard trees and snags. Infrared flights yesterday detected scattered heat around the entire perimeter. Forecasts project temperatures to return to the high 70s and low 80s through the week and into the weekend. A dry cold front moving across the area Thursday morning will bring gusty westerly winds, potentially increasing fire activity. Fire officials emphasize that ensuring firefighter safety and safeguarding lives and property remain top priorities. During the previous days, fire behavior ranged from moderate to extreme, with 3-5 foot flame lengths in sagebrush and isolated torching, group torching, and crown runs in timbered areas. Extreme fire behavior was noted when winds aligned with drainages, driven by extremely dry fuels typical of this pre-green-up period.

DILLON, MT  – Kinzy Creighton  shined for the Dillon Beavers, collecting three hits in four at-bats, as they defeated the Butte Central Maroons 14-4 on Tuesday. Creighton’s impressive performance included a home run to center field in the second inning, along with singles in the first and fourth innings. The Beavers took an early lead in the first inning thanks to an error that allowed one run, followed by a two-run single from Katey Vezina  and an RBI single from Bailey Blake . In the bottom of the second, they added three more runs. Tymber Barnes  tripled, driving in one run, and Creighton followed with a two-run homer. The fourth inning saw Dillon extend their lead with five runs on five hits. Tyler Gibson  singled to score one, Creighton added another RBI single, Blake contributed with a two-run single, and Lilla Guiberson  capped the inning with a single to bring another run across the plate. Dillon sealed the game in the sixth inning with a two-run homer by Kylie Konen . On the mound, Barnes started for Dillon, giving up seven hits and four runs (three earned) over six innings, striking out eight and walking two. B. Schelin  started for Butte Central, surrendering 12 hits and 14 runs (11 earned) over five innings, with eight strikeouts and two walks. The Beavers accumulated 12 hits in total, with Barnes contributing two hits in three at-bats. They also stole four bases, showcasing aggressive base running. For the Maroons, N. Osterman  and B. Schelin  each collected two hits, while Z. Otherbull  and K. McQueary  drove in one run apiece. Dillon Beavers’ next matchup will be against the Hamilton Broncs 2025  on Tuesday.

DILLON, MT  – Despite collecting five hits to the Butte Bulldogs’ four, the Beaverhead County Varsity Beavers fell 2-1 in a tight game on Tuesday. Andrew Bartlome , Trenton Moreni , Jase Alvarez , Taylor Handlos , and Cohen Hartman  each contributed one hit for the Beavers, who put up a strong fight against a talented Bulldogs team. Both pitchers delivered solid performances on the mound. Butte’s Jaxon Williamson  earned the win, allowing only three hits and no runs over five innings, striking out six and walking five. Beaverhead’s Will Hansen  pitched four innings of relief, giving up three hits but no runs, with two strikeouts and one walk. Hartman took the loss for the Beavers, working three innings and surrendering two runs on one hit, with four strikeouts and three walks. Gunner Bushman  recorded the save, closing out the game. At the plate, Andrew Bartlome led the Beavers with one RBI and went 1-for-3. The team showed patience at the plate, drawing eight walks in total, with Moreni, Handlos, and Hartman each earning two free passes. The Beavers turned a key double play defensively. For the Bulldogs, Matthew Donaldson  made a notable impact, driving in two runs and going 1-for-4. He led the offense, which managed a total of four hits. Will Stepan , Tegan Duffy , and Karsen Mcewen  each added one hit apiece. The Bulldogs were spotless defensively, committing no errors, with Gunner Bushman  handling the most opportunities with eight. The Beaverhead County Beavers will look to bounce back in their next game, hosting East Helena  on Saturday.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information MISSOULA, Mont. –  The Montana Western rodeo teams closed out regional competition last Saturday evening with the annual University of Montana Spring Rodeo. Both men and women secured second place finishes in the region to qualify for the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR). This is the first time since 2021 that both teams will be traveling to the CNFR in the same season. Region Winners After a strong season, the Bulldog men repeat as the reserve champions in the Big Sky Region and will return as a team to the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in June. The Bulldog women return to the finals this season after a four-year break. They will send Four women to represent the Bulldogs. Gavin Knutson  finished in second in the region in bull riding this season. This will be his third trip to the finals.   Cole Trexler (header) and Kyler Erickson (heeler) won the region title in team roping. Chase Martin finished third in the region for saddle bronc riding and will take his first trip to the CNFR in his career. After sitting out most of the fall season due to an injury, Trevor Kay came out strong this spring and finished in third in bareback riding to secure his third trip to the CNFR. Jake Deveraux placed second in the region in tie down roping and will round out the Bulldog men competing at the finals this summer. 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. Laura Haight and Charlee Resch 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.

Give your mom a fish, feed her for a day. Take your mom fishing, give her memories for a lifetime. Celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend on the water. Fishing licenses will not be required May 10 and 11, and the forecast looks fine.   In 2021, Gov. Greg Gianforte signed into law Senate Bill 61, which makes it free for anyone, resident and nonresident, to fish in Montana on Mother’s Day. Montanans have enjoyed free fishing on Father’s Day weekend for more than 10 years.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 5:45 P.M Public Hearing on the Dillon Town Lot Company, LLC Subdivision Application currently known as 343 North Montana Street 6:00 P.M Public Hearing on the End of The Road Subdivision Application currently known as 209 West Helena Street 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 April 14th, 2025 Special City Council Meeting 2.         Approve Minutes of April 16th,  2025 Regular City Council Meeting 3.         Approve Minutes of April 23rd,  2025 Special City Council- Resolution 1483 4.         Approve Minutes of April 23rd,  2025 Special City Council-Wendland Invoice   C.        PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS               1.          Confirm Officer Louie Ochoa III as a Full Time Officer with the Dillon Police Department 2.         Eric Wendland Invoice   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 25th, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes i.          Approve Resolution of Intent #1484 Setting a Public Hearing – Brundage Zoning 3.         Board of Adjustments - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz                         a.         Accept April 10th, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes 4.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey                         a.         First Reading of Ordinance #484 – Floodplain Regulations 5.         Police Department – Police Chief Jeremy Alvarez                         a.         Accept Report for April, 2025 6.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose                         a.         Accept April, 2025 Activity Report                         b.         Approve City Clerk Report for Fire Hall for April, 2025                         c.         Approve Budget vs. Expenditures Report for Fire Hall for April, 2025 7.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox                         a.         Accept Court Report for April, 2025 8.         Treasurer – Karen Kipp 9.         Library Board - Diane Armstrong, Council Member; Kim Denny, Library Director 10.       Tree Board – Mary Jo O’Rourke, Council Member                         a.         Accept Minutes of March 3, 2025 Regular Meeting             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 April 17, 2025 Regular Meeting                                     i.          Approve 10 Year Lease for Beaverhead Animal Shelter                                     ii.         Approve Sending Equipment to Barnes Auction 2.         Finance Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Diane Armstrong, Mary Jo O’Rourke                         a.         Approve Minutes of April 24, 2025 Regular Meeting                                     i.          Approve Fund Summary for Claims for April 2025                                     ii.         Approve Claims by Vendor Report for April 2025                                     iii.        Approve Mayor’s Report to the Finance Committee for April 2025                                     iv.        Approve Budget vs. Actual Report for April 2025 3.         Public Services – Diane Armstrong, Chair; Bill Shafer, Don Deem                         a.         Approve Minutes of April 21, 2025 Regular Meeting                                     i.          Approve sending UMW MOU to the Board of Regents                                     ii.         Approve City Nurse’s Quarterly Report 4.         Open Spaces – Raymond Graham, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Joleen Schultz                         a.         Approve Minutes of April 16, 2025 Regular Meeting 5.         Public Works – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Raymond Graham                         a.         Approve Minutes of April 9, 2025 Regular Meeting                                     i.          Approve WWC Work Order Options   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.

DILLON, MT  – The Bookstore will host a special meet-and-greet with author Mary Frances O'Connor  on Wednesday, May 7, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM . The former Dillon resident will be signing copies of her new book, The Grieving Body , a follow-up to her first book, The Grieving Brain . In her latest work, Dr. O’Connor explores how grief and other major stressors impact the human body. She is a professor of psychology at the University of Arizona, where she directs the Grief, Loss, and Social Stress Lab, focusing on investigating how grief affects the brain and body. Her first book, The Grieving Brain , will also be available for purchase. For questions or to reserve copies of her books, please call The Bookstore  at 683-6807 . Don't miss this opportunity to meet a leading researcher and author in the field of grief and stress!

WISER RIVER, MT  – Due to dry fuels, gusty winds, and challenging topography, firefighting efforts yesterday were limited, and no strategic firing operations could be implemented. Fire activity was primarily driven by dry vegetation and alignment of strong winds with drainage features. High winds, reaching up to 40-50 mph associated with passing thunderstorms, caused dangerous fire behavior, especially in timbered areas with heavy “dead and downed” trees and numerous snags. The fire has advanced east across Sawlog Creek toward the footprint from the 2021 Alder Fire, with the 2021 Christensen Fire footprint located to the south. Crews, supported by helicopter operations, initially attacked the fire directly, but weather conditions prompted or necessitated disengagement in the afternoon. A brief period of gusty outflow winds and downdrafts prevented further suppression efforts. No precipitation fell in the area. An overnight infrared (IR) flight has not updated acreage estimates, but helicopter mapping yesterday afternoon estimated the fire at approximately 1,500 acres . Today’s focus is on securing the perimeter, mopping up hot spots, and extinguishing lingering heat in key areas, especially on the west side of the river. As a precaution, firefighters with engines will provide structure protection for private properties along the Big Hole River’s western flank. An inbound crew of 8 smokejumpers will assist in scouting and controlling inaccessible portions of the fire, helping to limit impacts to critical values, including private land and infrastructure. Fire investigators continue to determine the fire’s cause. Neither the Forest Service nor the BLM conducted prescribed burns in this area. The fire is burning mainly in sagebrush and Lodgepole pine timber, with high concentrations of dead and downed fuels in the mixed conifer forest on north-facing slopes, increasing hazards for firefighters. Public Safety Notice:  The BLM has issued a temporary closure for the Sawlog dispersed camping area  at the Big Hole River ford site. Detailed closure information is available on the InciWeb Sawlog Fire page  under the Closures tab. Photo Credit Terri Haverfield Photo Credit Terri Haverfield Photo Credit Terri Haverfield Photo Credit Terri Haverfield

DILLON, MT  – The CMMX Montana Motocross Series is taking over Stone Creek Raceway this weekend. Adventure seekers and racing fans alike are encouraged to head out to the raceway for a high-energy, heart-pounding experience as riders compete to set the best times. The races are scheduled to take place tomorrow, May 4th. Bring a chair and prepare for adrenaline-fueled action as racers soar and twist their way through challenging courses. Vendors will be on-site serving food and drinks, making it a great day for families, friends, and outdoor enthusiasts. With forecasted high temperatures around the high 60s, it’s the perfect way to enjoy springtime in Dillon, Montana. Whether you’re a hardcore racing fan or just looking for some outdoor fun, you won’t want to miss these exciting races. Race results and more information can be found here .

DILLON, MT  – Adyson Creighton struck out 11 batters, leading the Dillon Beavers to a 9-2 victory over the Stevensville Yellowjackets on Saturday. The standout right-hander allowed just seven hits and two runs over seven innings without issuing a walk. Kylie Konen  powered the offense, collecting four hits in four at-bats. She doubled in the first and third innings, and singled in the fourth and sixth, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive production. The Beavers opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning when a wild pitch allowed Tyler Gibson  to score. The Yellowjackets responded in the third, tying the game at one after Molly Davids  singled to center following a seven-pitch at-bat. Dillon regained the lead in the bottom of the third inning when Kylie Konen  doubled to center field, driving in a run, and Adyson Creighton  grounded out to score another. In the bottom of the fourth, the Beavers erupted for five runs on five hits. Creighton singled to score three runs, Kinzy Creighton  singled, driving in one, and Konen singled again to add another RBI. Morgan Yeager  took the loss for Stevensville, pitching four innings and surrendering eight runs on eight hits, with four strikeouts and three walks. The Beavers’ offensive effort was strong all game, totaling 11 hits. Konen and Creighton each drove in two runs, while Bailey Blake  and Tymber Barnes  contributed multiple hits. Tyler Gibson  stole two bases, and the team swiped a total of four bases during the game. Dillon made one double play defensively. Molly Davids  led the Yellowjackets with a 3-for-3 performance at the plate and one RBI. Olivia Hanson  also collected two hits in three at-bats. The Dillon Beavers will next host the Butte Central Maroons  on Tuesday, aiming to keep their winning momentum going.

The Dillon Beavers fell to the Frenchtown Broncs 10-0 on Friday, as the visiting team showcased strong offensive and defensive performance. The Broncs opened the scoring early in the first inning when Ryan Lucier  hit a two-run homer to right field. They continued to build momentum in the bottom of the second, scoring five runs on three hits. Aspen Courtnet  doubled and drove in two runs, and Lucier followed with a center-field homer, scoring three more. The Broncs kept offensive pressure in the third inning, with Aspen Courtnet  grounded into a fielder's choice, scoring one run, and Maya Skinner  was hit by a pitch, also scoring in the inning. Adyson Creighton  started for Dillon and pitched two innings, giving up five hits and eight runs (all unearned), with three strikeouts and four walks. For Frenchtown, Ryan Lucier  was dominant on the mound, pitching five innings allowing just one hit and no runs, striking out 14 and walking one. Offensively, Bailey Blake  led the Beavers with one hit in two at-bats. On the other side, Courtnet and Lucier each had two hits for the Broncs. Lucier also led in RBIs with five, and the team recorded seven walks, showing patience at the plate. Delanie Magnuson  and Jezzy Palmer  each drew two walks. Defensively, Frenchtown was flawless, with no errors, and Aspen Courtnet  handling the most chances in the field with 14. The Dillon Beavers will host Stevensville  today at 1 for their next game, eager to bounce back from this loss.

DVFD responded to 13 calls for service during the month of April 2025.    4-2                   Antelope Dr                            Gas Odor 4-4                   Barnett St                                Chimney Fire 4-4                   I-15 MM 41                            Grass Fire 4-4                   N Interchange                         Trailer Fire 4-6                   Hirsch Ln                                Cooking Fire 4-09                 Anderson Ln                           Public Assist 4-16                 Gamblers Run                         Grass Fire 4-20                 Swenson Way                         Debris Fire 4-23                 Railroad                              Its Your Choice  Training** 4-23                 Buffalo Dr                               Fire Other 4-24                 Hwy 41                                   Fire Chicken House 4-25                 Fairway Dr                              Grass Fire 4-27                 I-15 MM 53                            MVA 4-28                 I-15 MM 59                            MVA                                                             Our April training included some members continuing to work on the Firefighter 1 class. Mental Health in first responder training with Heidi Peterson and Haley Hickcock. Medical training at Barrett Hospital, use of the stair chair, as well as familiarity of the ambulance components. We are gearing up for the upcoming wildland fire season.  Members also participated in “It’s Your Choice” distracted driving & impaired driving scenario for the BCHS students.   Thank you for your continued support of the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department.

WISER RIVER, MT  – The Beaverhead-Deerlodge Forest released an update Friday evening on the ongoing Sawlog Fire, located past Wise River. With 31 firefighters on scene and a light helicopter assisting with water bucket drops, efforts today focused on controlling the area where the fire was advancing east of Sawlog Road. Fire crews faced windy conditions until mid-afternoon, with relative humidity dropping to the mid-teens, complicating suppression efforts. Late this afternoon, the fire was mapped at approximately 475 acres . An additional 20-person crew is expected to arrive in the morning to support ongoing containment activities. Fire investigators continue their work as well, aiming to determine the fire’s point of origin. Their investigation will proceed tomorrow, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

DILLON, MT  – Tendoy Fine Arts Studio, located at 33 East Bannack Street in downtown Dillon, is excited to host the new exhibition by artist Jim Corr , titled "Series of Christ." Originally completed in 1975, the 33-piece series is a powerful culmination of a wide range of emotions, including grief, despair, agony, joy, and devotion. These poignant works reflect Jim’s personal experience following the tragic loss of his oldest son in a motorcycle accident, which deeply influenced the series. The exhibition opens tonight, May 2nd, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM , with the artist present to discuss his work and the meaning behind the series. If you can’t make the opening, don’t worry—the display will be available throughout the entire month of May. Come experience a heartfelt collection that captures profound human emotions through powerful art.

The Beaverhead County Varsity Beavers easily defeated the Park Varsity Rangers 8-2 Friday in a strong showing on the mound and at the plate. The Rangers struck first in the top of the first inning when Ben Cipriani  doubled, scoring one run. However, the Beavers responded in the top of the third, with Andrew Bartlome  lining out to drive in one run, and an error allowed two more runs to score, giving Beaverhead County a 3-1 lead. Logan Fox  earned the win for the Beavers, pitching seven innings and allowing five hits and two runs (one earned), while striking out eight and walking none. Ben Cipriani  took the loss for the Rangers, pitching six and two-thirds innings and surrendering eight runs (five earned) on 11 hits, with four strikeouts and one walk. The Beavers totaled 11 hits in the game, with Kanin Engelhardt  leading the team with two RBIs. He also went 1-for-4 at the plate. Trenton Moreni  and Sawyer Tackett  each contributed two hits in the game, helping fuel the Beaverhead offense. For the Rangers, Coen Braham , Ben Cipriani , Brentin Allgood , Carter Nelson , and Hansford Tewell  each recorded one hit. Cipriani and Tewell were particularly effective in the lineup, driving in one run each. The Beaverhead County Beavers will next face the Butte Varsity Bulldogs  on Tuesday, looking to continue their winning ways.

Update 05/02 4:45pm The fire is now 423 acres per the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) WISER RIVER, MT  – The Sawlog Fire has expanded overnight to approximately 276 acres , burning on lands managed by the Forest Service  and Bureau of Land Management  (Montana/Dakotas). In response, an additional firefighting crew has been ordered, and a light helicopter  will arrive today to assist ground crews. The helicopter will help with water bucket drops and mapping operations to support containment efforts. Today’s operations will focus on keeping the fire west of Sawlog Road , with firefighters working to prevent further spread. Temperatures are expected to reach the high 60s to low 70s, with relative humidity dropping to the mid-teens to 20%. Wind gusts are forecasted to be from the west-southwest at up to 20 mph  in the afternoon.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. – The Frontier Conference announced the Men's and Women's Track & Field Academic All-Conference teams this afternoon, presented by Billings Clinic and Logan Health. Montana Western had seven student-athletes earn recognition. 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. Women's Track & Field Braden Kopp , Throws (Missoula, Mont. / SO) Justene Santi , Middle Distance (Townsend, Mont. / SO) Olivia Steadman , Distance (Ronan, Mont. / SO)   Men's Track & Field Carson Bain , Throws (Bozeman, Mont. / SO) Layne Cooney , Throws (Missoula, Mont. / JR) Brody Henry , Middle Distance (Havre, Mont. / SO) Harrison Silverio , Distance (Hamilton, Mont. / SO)

Butte, MT Despite out-hitting the Butte Central Catholic Varsity Maroons 7-3, the Beaverhead County Varsity Beavers fell short in a close game on Thursday, losing 5-4. Trenton Moreni  and Garrett Tackett  each contributed two hits for the Beavers, keeping the game competitive until the Maroons’ key double in the fifth inning. The Beavers opened the scoring in the first inning when Cohen Hartman  singled to drive in a run. They extended their lead to 2-0 in the top of the third after Moreni’s single. However, Butte Central Catholic responded in the bottom of the third, tying the game with a single from Beau McGree  and an error. In the top of the fourth, Kanin Engelhardt ’s fielder’s choice brought home the go-ahead run, making it 3-2 in favor of the Beavers. But the Maroons answered back in the bottom of the inning with a big hit from Hassler and several patience at the plate. Gunnar O’Brien  earned the win for the Maroons, allowing seven hits and four runs (two earned) over six and two-thirds innings, with four strikeouts. Cohen Hartman  took the loss for the Beavers, surrendering five runs (four earned) on two hits over four and a third innings, striking out seven. Beaverhead’s Moreni  and Hartman  each drove in a run, and the team was aggressive on the base paths with four stolen bases. For the Maroons, Colt Hassler  led with two RBIs and went 1-for-3. Beau McGree , Trapper Stajcar , and Treigh Hollow  each contributed singles. The team also showed patience at the plate, drawing six walks and turning one double play defensively. The Beavers will look to regroup as they head to Park  on Friday for their next game.