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Click here for tickets Montana Western Athletics, in collaboration with the UMW Foundation and Alumni Office, is excited to announce the 2025 Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which will honor Kyle Rausch (Football), Jack Filcher (Track), Jenny Peterson (Coach), and the 2002 Bulldog Volleyball Team. This year’s event will be part of Montana Western Alumni Weekend. “Come cheer on our Bulldogs, join the tailgate, and help us honor this year’s Hall of Fame inductees,” said Jolene Robbins, UMW Special Events and Alumni Coordinator. “It’s a weekend to celebrate Montana Western together!” Alumni Weekend Schedule of Events Friday, October 31 3:00 p.m. – Men’s Basketball vs. Southern Oregon 4:30 p.m. – Alumni Social in the Keltz Arena 7:00 p.m. – Bulldog Volleyball vs. RMC Saturday, November 1 9:00–11:00 a.m. – Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Brunch (Lewis and Clark Room – Mathews Hall) 10:00 a.m. – Montana Western Alumni & Friends Tailgating 1:00 p.m. – Bulldog Football vs. Eastern Oregon (Bulldog Football Stadium) Tickets for the Hall of Fame brunch can be purchased online at  tinyurl.com/DAWGSHOF25 , or by calling 406-683-7306 to reserve tickets. UMW Athletics, the Foundation, and Alumni & Friends wish to thank the community for their unwavering support of our students and Montana Western. We look forward to celebrating with you this fall! To stay connected with Montana Western Alumni & Friends, call Jolene Robbins at 406-683-7303 or visit  umwfoundation.org/alumni-friends , where you can join our mailing list, connect on social media, and view upcoming events and announcements. Kyle Rausch Football – 1996–2000 A standout on the football field and a Bulldog through and through, Kyle Rausch played for Montana Western from 1996 to 2000. Known for his versatility and grit, he made his mark as both a defensive back and return specialist. He earned Second Team All-American honors at defensive back, an Honorable Mention All-American nod, and was twice named First Team All-Conference—once as a cornerback and once as a punt returner. In 2000, he led the Frontier Conference in interceptions, pass deflections, and punt return average, capping off his career as a key player on both sides of the ball and on special teams. A Frenchtown native, Kyle graduated from Montana Western in 2003 with a degree in Health and Physical Education, and later earned his master’s in Teacher Leadership from Grand Canyon University. He returned home to Frenchtown, where he has spent the past two decades teaching K–5 physical education in the school district and coached football for 12 years—including the 2009 season that ended with a state championship. Kyle’s on-the-field highlights are many—leading the conference in stats, earning Defensive Player of the Week honors, and sealing big wins—but what stands out most to him is the camaraderie. He’ll never forget the chance to play alongside both of his brothers and having his parents in the stands at every game. And then there’s the legendary moment when teammate Craig LeCoure accidentally ran over Kyle’s dad during a spring scrimmage—something that has never been forgotten! Kyle is married to Raquel, and together they have a family of five. Over the years, he has loved supporting his kids in all their sports and activities. Jack Filcher Track – 1968 Jack Filcher, a 1968 Montana Western graduate, was a true standout athlete who left his mark in both track and football. On the track, Jack dominated—he was a conference champion all four years, set a conference record in the triple jump, and qualified for nationals. In football, he was a First Team All-Conference defensive back in 1966 and helped lead his team to a conference championship that same year, scoring over 20 points in the title game. He also played a key role on Western’s undefeated mile relay team. Jack’s athletic success wasn’t just about wins—it was about versatility. At the NAIA District 5 Championship in Idaho, he racked up 27 points while competing in the long jump, triple jump, high jump, 400 meters, and the mile relay. He trained under coaches Casey Keltz (football/track) and Cecil Kent (track) and competed alongside teammates Fred Snook, Ed Ferris, Dick Ferris, Jim Clairmont, Carl Henderson, Wayne McEwen, and Ken Walt. After graduation, Jack carried his love of sports and competition into education and coaching. He spent five years teaching in Entiat, Washington, where his track teams won conference championships every year. Back in Montana, he became a head coach in football and track, winning a conference championship in football by his third year. For the past 25 years, he has been a cornerstone in Stevensville, Montana, coaching football, basketball, track, and golf. His golf teams even finished second in the state three years in a row. Outside of sports, Jack and his wife, Cecelia, have raised two daughters, Tonia Omlid and Kara Brown. His legacy as an athlete and coach continues to inspire the Bulldog community. Jenny Peterson Volleyball & Basketball Player, Head Volleyball CoachCoach 1993–2005 Jenny Peterson left a lasting legacy at Montana Western as both a standout student-athlete and a Hall of Fame coach. As a Bulldog, she was a two-sport athlete, excelling in volleyball and basketball. In volleyball, Jenny earned All-Conference, All-District, and NAIA All-America Honorable Mention honors, and was named Frontier Conference MVP her senior year. On the basketball court, she was an All-Conference selection. Academically, she earned Academic All-Conference and NAIA Academic All-American honors and was selected to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. After graduating from Western in 1991, Jenny spent two years teaching and coaching in Darby before returning in 1993 to take the reins of the Bulldog volleyball program and serve as the Wellness Coordinator. Over 12 seasons, she led the Bulldogs to 171 wins, including a 27–13 overall record and 12–2 Frontier Conference mark in 2003 that earned her Frontier Co-Coach of the Year honors. She coached numerous athletes who went on to their own Hall of Fame careers, always emphasizing hard work, toughness, and pride in being a Bulldog. Reflecting on her career, Jenny says her time as both an athlete and coach at Western shaped her life in countless ways: “Nothing is too small for you. Whether it’s a work study job, practice, or a game—whatever you do, give your best. No one has success without hard work.” Jenny is married to Jesse Peterson, a former Montana Western rodeo athlete. Together, they have two sons: Justus, who played football at Montana Tech, and Jace. 2002 Montana Western Volleyball Team The University of Montana Western is proud to induct the 2002 Bulldog Volleyball Team into the Athletics Hall of Fame. More than two decades ago, this team carved its place in school history with one of the most successful seasons ever recorded. The Lady Bulldogs finished with a 25-13 overall record and captured a share of the Frontier Conference regular season championship with a 12-2 mark. Their outstanding play carried them to the NAIA Region I Tournament, where they stood among the region’s elite programs. Guided by head coach Jenny Peterson, the Bulldogs were celebrated for their grit, teamwork, and relentless energy on the court. Seniors Katie Stokes, Kasey Smith, Amy Smith, Emily Smith, Annawyn Ballou, and Kristi Chidesteranchored the lineup and provided the leadership that helped shape the program’s growth. Stokes had a standout season, earning Conference MVP, First Team All-Conference, All-Region honors, and NAIA All-American Honorable Mention. Emily and Kasey both earned Second Team All-Conference and All-Region recognition, highlighting the depth of talent among the veteran players. Katherine Sunwall also made an immediate impact, being named Frontier Conference Freshman of the Year after leading the league in blocks. With this mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, the Bulldogs achieved a remarkable balance of toughness, skill, and team unity that powered them through one of the most memorable seasons in program history. Today, the 2002 Lady Bulldogs are remembered not only for their championship banner and postseason run, but also for the lasting legacy they left behind — one that continues to inspire Montana Western volleyball.

Beaverhead County Mental Health Local Advisory Counsel County Treasurer’s Office – Corner of Washington St. & Center St. AGENDA Thursday, October 9, 2025, Noon to 1:00 p.m.   Introductions -  Establish Quorum   Approval of Minutes  – September 11, 2025, meeting   ACTION ITEMS: 1.      Discussion Regarding State of Mind Community Meeting Data   UPDATES 1.      Local updates 2.      Public Health Update a.      BH Coordinator Position Update   NEW BUSINESS   ADJOURN

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING ~ AGENDA ~ Wednesday, October 8, 2025 4:00 PM 1. Call to Order 2. Presentation from Ward 4 3. Discuss ASI Bid for Pavement Preservation 4. Discuss/Recommend Vac Trailer for Water/Sewer Department 5. Public Comment on Items Not on Agenda but Within The Jurisdiction of The City 6. Adjournment Committee Members Russ Schwandt, Chair Anneliese Ripley Raymond Graham.

Football October 6, 2025 Claire Gay HELENA, Mont. –  Montana Western defensive back Connor Dunlea picked up Erck Hotels/ Frontier Conference Football Defensive Player of the Week Honors, the conference office announced Monday. It is the first player of the week nod of his career. Montana Western has now received a conference player of the week award for performances in its past four contest. Dunlea joins Tyler Walker (Defensive, 9/8), Maclain Burckley (Special Teams, 9/22), and Seth Shook (Offensive, 9/29). "It was awesome to see Connor make another big jump this week," Head Coach Ryan Nourse said. "He made important plays to help our defense be successful and our team get a win. His growth as a player has been impressive and he is becoming a force in our defensive backfield." Dunlea was a key part of the Bulldogs defensive efforts in their 40-20 victory at Southern Oregon. He put on a strong showing against the Raiders, posting a team-best nine tackles including a career-high six solo take downs. The Malin, Ore., native also tallied one interception and a game-high two pass-breakups. His interception was on the Raiders first pass of the second half and led directly to a Bulldogs TD that put them up 30-14. Dunlea is currently tied for second in the Frontier in passes defended (seven) while ranking third in pass breakups (six) and tied for fifth in solo tackles (18). He is also tied for ninth in total tackles (34) and tied for 10th in tackles per game (6.8). LOOKING AHEAD UMW returns to Bulldog Stadium Saturday (10/11) when they host #17 Carroll. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. MT.

BANNED BOOKS Week - October 5-11   Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship See outdoor display at the library. Please note there is a bar at bottom of gate that needs to be stepped over.                            There are signs posted at this area. Please do not trip. Friends of the Library meeting - October 7 at 6:15 p.m. at Dillon Public Library Books & Babies at 10 a.m.  on Wednesdays.  Computer Class - Saturday, October 25 at 11:30 a.m. at Dillon Public Library. Taught by  Tara Stevens from Computer Rescue Service. FREE to the Public HALLOWEEN - October 31 st  - YES, we are doing something fun - still in the planning stages. FREE to the Public Dillon Public Library will be CLOSED Saturday October 11 through the 13 th  for Indigenous Peoples Day and Columbus Day

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball | October 4, 2025 | Claire Gay DILLON, Mont. –  The Montana Western volleyball team (8-10, 6-5 FC) fell to #3 Providence (18-1, 11-0 FC) 3-1 Saturday afternoon in Straugh Gymnasium. "The team played tough today and were able to be competitive in a lot of adversity," Head Coach Katie Lovett said. "We are looking forward to having three home games next week to get the second round of conference going." NOTABLES Maxine Hoagland and Olivia Rosborough both registered career highs with 7.0 blocks apiece. Megan Hardman recorded her second straight and fourth overall double-double (28 assists, 11 digs). UMW recorded their second straight 10+ block effort with 11.0 total blocks in the match.   MATCH SUMMARY The opening set was a battle, with Western showing their determination in the extra-points 31-29 win. Providence displayed their offensive firepower in the remaining three sets. In the second frame the UP jumped out to an early lead and despite their best efforts, the Bulldogs couldn't close the gap and the Argos tied the game with a 25-15 win. They took the lead in a similar manner, taking set three 25-16. The visitors didn't let off the gas in the final frame, earning the 3-1 victory with a 25-16 win in the fourth. LEADERBOARD Dani Brown led the Bulldogs with 13 kills. Megan Hardman earned a season-best 28 assists. Taylor Ketchum recorded a game-high 23 digs. Maxine Hoagland and Olivia Rosborough shared the game high in blocks with 7.0 each. Sophie Worden , Madisyn Frazier , Morgyn Harrison , and Megan Hardman all landed one service ace.   SPLIT BOX UMW outperformed Providence in service aces (4-3), but were bested in kills (49-57), assists (47-52), digs (74-82), and blocks (11-13) LOOKING AHEAD The Bulldogs are back next week for three more home contests. Up first, Montana Tech on Oct. 8. First serve is set for 7 p.m.  MT

Game Recap: Football | October 4, 2025 | Claire Gay The Montana Western football (4-1, 1-0 FC West) earned its second straight 20-point win at Southern Oregon (1-4, 0-1 FC West) Saturday with a commanding 40-20 victory. It was Head Coach Ryan Nourse's first-ever win in Ashland. "Great win for the team in a place that's really hard to get a win at,"  Nourse said. "SOU fought hard and made it tough. We ran into an entirely new defense doubling Nourse on every play, and I am so proud of our offensive line and running backs for stepping up in running the ball and dominating the game. We played really well in the defensive backfield, they got after the ball and secured a bunch of interceptions. It was a good team win." The UMW offense totaled 470 yards of total offense, marking its fourth straight game with over 450 yards. The Bulldogs earned 21 first downs and converted on six third downs and one fourth down. Western ran for a season-best 207 rushing yards and added 263 passing yards. The Red and Black scored on five-of-six red zone chances Quarterback Michael Palandri threw for 263 yards and two touchdowns, including a 70-yard toss to Seth Shook for UMW's second score of the game. Shook was the Bulldogs leading receiver, tallying 86 yards and two touchdowns on three receptions. Jonathan Kirkley (65) and Eli Nourse (62) also got in on the action, though uncharacteristically, neither managed to find the end zone. With the Raiders' defense focused on slowing down Western's prolific passing game, the Bulldogs ground game took off. Aidan Lammers rushed for a game-best 79 yards and one touchdown while Jakob Humphrey added 64 yards and two TDs, including a 58-yard effort to put UMW up 21-7 at the end of the first quarter. Maclain Burckley went two-of-four on PATs and two-of-three on field goals in the contest. He also averaged 50.0 yards per punt, including a monster 66-yard effort, which is the longest in the Frontier Conference in 2025. Nourse led all returners with 68 yards and a long of 64 yards. Connor Dunlea led the Bulldog defense with nine total tackles, including six solos. Tyler Walker , Reece Stanish , and Devin Crow recorded 1.0 tackles-for-loss apiece. Crow also earned a team-best 1.0 sack for nine yards. Dunlea, Brady Mounts , and Jace Fitzgerald each snagged and interception in the game. It was Mounts third interception in as many games. LOOKING AHEAD The Bulldogs return home next Saturday when they face off against Carroll College. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. MT.

BUTTE, Mont. —  A 49-year-old woman was killed in a single-vehicle crash Monday on Interstate 15 near Butte. According to the Montana Highway Patrol, the woman was driving a Honda Ridgeline southbound near mile marker 132 when the vehicle veered off the roadway, went down an embankment, and struck a delineator post before overturning. Investigators say the driver was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was ejected from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation by the Montana Highway Patrol. The woman’s name has not yet been released pending notification of family.

Cross Country October 3, 2025 Claire Gay POCATELLO, Idaho – Montana Western's Brant Heiner and Olivia Heiner were the top Bulldog finishers at the Bengal Invitational Friday in Pocatello. Brant Heiner clocked a 27:29.1 to finish 37th out of 72 competitors in the men's 8k. Olivia Heiner ran a 20:46.4 to take 49th out of 61 runners in the women's 5k. The other finishers on the men's side included Harrison Silverio (54th, 29:33.1), Cael Thilmony (55th, 29:45.2), Kreg Butler (59th, 30:23.4), Tristan Von Bargen (62nd, 30:44.1), Noah Rovente (64th, 31:42.1), Mason Lynch (66th, 32:37.9), Brody Henry (67th, 32:46.1), and Bridger Wheeler (70th, 35:06.3). Brant Heiner , Thilmony, and Von Bargen all achieved season bests in the 8k. On the women's side, Madison Faulkner (60th, 27:40.7), and Kylee Wyatt (61, 28:15.3) rounded out the Bulldog finishers. LOOKING AHEAD The Bulldogs are back in action next week when they compete in the Yellowjackets/ Battlin' Bears Invite in Billings. The women's race begins at12 p.m. MT with the men following at 12:45 p.m. MT

The Beaverhead Trails Coalition (BTC), in partnership with the City of Dillon, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the reopening of the Normal Street Bridge on Friday, October 10 at 1:00 p.m. (MT) . Community members, partners, and the media are invited to attend on site at the bridge on Normal Street between Washington and Pacific Streets. The new span restores a vital walking and biking connection across the Dillon Canal. The Normal Street Bridge has long served residents on Dillon’s southwest side and is a key link in a safe walk/bike route that connects historic neighborhoods, the University of Montana Western campus, and the hospital. After years of deferred maintenance, the previous bridge was deemed unsafe and removed in the winter of 2022–23; the new structure reestablishes that connection and advances BTC’s vision of a community with easy access to active transportation.

HELENA  – When the Montana Legislature passed House Bill 328 earlier this year, it expanded hunting privileges for Montana residents 75 years of age and older.  Currently, residents aged 62 and older can purchase various hunting and fishing licenses at half price, such as conservation licenses, fishing licenses and tags for different game animals.  The new provision allows residents who are 75 years or older to use a general elk license to harvest an antlerless elk on private lands during any season in a hunting district where youth under 15 may harvest an antlerless elk.   The hunting districts where residents 75 years of age and older can harvest an antlerless elk on private land with general elk licenses are located in western and southwest Montana. They are:  Region 2   Region 3   201, 204, 210, 211, 212, 213, 215, 216, 217, 240, 261, 270 (North of Rye Creek), 280, 281, 285, 291, 292, 293   All hunting districts in Region 3, except 309, 310, 313, 324, 388, 391, 392.   Hunters looking to take advantage of this opportunity should be familiar with the regulations. Youth hunt opportunities that are equal to these opportunities for resident hunters and 75 years and older can be found in a chart on page 126 of the 2025 Montana Deer, Elk, Antelope Regulations .

HELENA –  Waterfowl season across Montana opens on Oct. 4. This includes ducks, mergansers, geese and coots. Swan hunting is allowed only by special permit. Last year, FWP introduced a new Migratory Bird Stamp to raise awareness of wetland habitats in the state. The stamp is commemorative only and not required to hunt in Montana. Proceeds from migratory bird license sales will support wetland habitat conservation and restoration. Reminders for the 2025 season: The Central Flyway is divided into two “zones” in order to increase opportunity (see map on page 8 in the Waterfowl Regulations ). The two zones have different season dates. Zone 2, includes Big Horn, Carbon, Custer, Prairie, Rosebud, Treasure and Yellowstone counties. Zone 1 includes all other counties in the Central Flyway portion of Montana. Be aware of split seasons and carefully note closed and open days for hunting and note zone differences. All split seasons have been eliminated except for Central Flyway Zone 2. Special restrictions apply when hunting at Canyon Ferry. See exceptions on page 7 of the Waterfowl Regulations . To purchase a license, go to fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply .

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 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 the Minutes from September 17 th , 2025 Regular Meeting   C.        PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS               1.         Statement from the Police Commission 2.         Reading of Protests on SID 3.         Discuss/Approve Citizen Complaints   D.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Resolution of Intent #1500 To Set a Hearing Date For Affirming and/or Establishing City Fees and Setting Date for Final Action 2.         Resolution #1501 Creating SID #38 3.         Discuss/Recommend HB 231 & SB 542; Property Tax Changes   E.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         City Attorney – Ed Guza                         a.         Discuss City Council Attendance Requirements for Contract Attorneys 2.         Planning Board - Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham                         a.         Accept the Minutes of July 14, 2025 Regular Meeting 3.         Zoning Commission - Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley                         a.         Accept the Minutes of September 9, 2025 Regular Meeting 4.         Board of Adjustments - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz 5.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey 6.         Police Department –Police Chief Joel Stewart 7.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose 8.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox 9.         Library Board - Diane Armstrong, Council Member; Kim Denny, Library Director                         a.         Accept the Minutes of July 29, 2025 Regular Board Meeting 10.       Tree Board                         a.         Approve May, 2025 Minutes                                     i.          Approve Changes to By-Laws             F.        REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Ordinances & Facilities – Bill Shafer, Chair; Joleen Schultz, Mary Jo O’Rourke                         a.         Approve the Minutes of September 18, 2025 Regular Meeting 2.         Finance Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Diane Armstrong, Mary Jo O’Rourke a.         Approve Minutes of September 25, 2025 Finance Committee-Budget                                     i.          Approve Fund Summary for Claims for September 2025                                     ii.         Approve Claims by Vendor Report for September 2025                                     iii.        Approve Mayor’s Report to the Finance Committee for September 2025                                     iv.        Approve Budget vs. Actual Report for September 2025 3.         Public Services – Diane Armstrong, Chair; Bill Shafer, Don Deem 4.         Open Spaces – Raymond Graham, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Joleen Schultz 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.

Beaverhead Search and Rescue News Submitted by Kolby Malesich: Commander   Beaverhead Search and Rescue was called out for a search for a missing hiker early evening Thursday September 11 th .  A hiker had gotten separated from her family climbing Comet mountain late that afternoon.  A storm came thru and family members could no longer see or hear their missing family member and nightfall was near.   The unit dispatched 4 teams who connected with local Grasshopper Valley VFD volunteers and then searched throughout the night on foot and with UTV’s, drones, and member vehicles.   The unit also leveraged Air National Guard resources from Malstrom AFB to search the area…they were unable to locate hiker as hiker lacked flashlight or other signaling methods that would have enabled a quick recovery.  The missing hiker was eventually found alive & uninjured Friday mid-morning and S&R teams assisted them off the mountain.   The hiker was fortunate for relatively mild temps and conditions overnight.  A total of 18 members participated in this search that took approximately 18 hours start to finish.   Thanks to Steve Mock, Josh Yeadon, Dusty Crowe, Jack Bazemore, Adam Norlander, David Broadhead, Charles Weidow, Kolby Malesich, Cole Cottom,  Evan Helle, Mark Smith, Alex Dunn,  & Charles Wharton for responding as well as Brad Wagner, Zane Wood, Jason Erikson, and Tara Remely for serving as Incident Command.  Special thanks to Grasshopper Valley Fire Department for helping coordinate the initial phase of the search and for use of their building to support resource coordination.      On September 18 th , S&R was called out in the morning to find a hunter who was hunting alone in Gibbonsville area west of Wisdom.  He’d been messaging his family via Garmin InReach 2-3 times a day during his trip but then unexpectedly stopped day prior, causing concern for out of town family members.   S&R dispatched 4 teams and the hunter was eventually found safe & sound near his campsite.   It was later determined that the hunters InReach had needed a reset and had become unable to send additional messages.   Thanks to MD Peterson, Darby Peterson, Jake Peterson, Steve Mock, Josh Yeadon, Jack Bazemore, James Matthews, Trent Cottom, Jason Erickson for responding and Brad Wagner, Russ Sigman, and Tara Remely for serving as Incident Command.   On Sunday September 28 th , S&R hosted approximately 17 young people for our first annual Youth First Aid & CPR training.   Janelle Handlos taught the CPR & First Aid portions of the training, and S&R members also touched on some basic principles for how to not get lost in the wilderness but also some basic steps to take if you do.  It is our hope to offer this to youth in our community annually.   Thank you to Janelle Handlos for partnering with S&R on this event and to the S&R Events Team for hosting a great event.

DILLON, Mont. — [September 30, 2025] — Bicentennial Inc. has officially opened its 2025 grant cycle to support programs and services that improve the lives of senior citizens in Beaverhead County and the Ruby Valley of Madison County. Applications have been mailed to past grant recipients, and new applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline of October 31, 2025. From 2022 through 2024, Bicentennial Inc. distributed more than $640,000 in grant funding to organizations serving local communities. “Supporting senior citizens has always been at the heart of our mission,” said Fred Morganthaler, spokesperson for Bicentennial Inc. “Through these grants, we are able to continue investing in programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors throughout Beaverhead County and the Ruby Valley.” Bicentennial Inc. was formed following the 2022 sale of Bicentennial Apartments Inc. The apartments were originally established in 1976 as a community collaboration to provide safe, affordable housing for seniors in Dillon, Montana. The building was constructed on the site once known as the “cabbage patch” on West Center Street and for decades served as subsidized housing for countless local residents. When the Board of Directors made the difficult decision to sell the property, proceeds from the sale were used to establish Bicentennial Inc. as a foundation dedicated to continuing this legacy of service. Grant recipients for the 2025 cycle will be announced at the Bicentennial Inc. annual banquet on December 5, 2025. Representatives of recipient organizations must be present at the banquet to receive their awards. For more information about the grant process, please contact: Fred Morganthaler Vice President bicentennialinc@gmail.com 406-670-1586

UMW Sports Press Release DILLON, Mont. –  The Montana Western women's rodeo team earned a share of the team title with 425 points at its home rodeo and final event of the Big Sky Region fall slate. The men's rodeo team placed second with 380 points. "I am very happy with the way the kids competed," Head Coach JT Robbins said. "I think we are leaving the fall season healthy and in a good place. We are excited for the spring." LONG GO RESULTS Barrel Racing Laura Haight placed first in the Barrels with a time of 17.17 while Maddie Eskew finished in fourth at 17.36   Goat Tying Brooke Richey's 7.4-second run was good enough for a fifth place showing.   Breakaway Roping Brooke Richey and Teely Bott tied for third, each posting 3.2-second tries. Josie Robbins placed just behind them, tying for fifth with a time of 3.5 seconds.   Team Roping Tavy Leno and Clay Pendergrass took fourth with a 10.0 second run. Kaylee Kesl and Teagen Arnold finished fifth at 10.4 seconds.   Tie-Down Roping Teagen Arnold's 11.3 seconds in the Tie-down earned him second in the long round. Steer Wrestling Bry Severe placed third in the steer wrestling with a 5.5-second effort. Bareback Riding Coy Montgomery took first in Bareback with a score of 71 Bull Riding Westen Wade finished second on night one of the Bull Riding, scoring a 73.   SHORT GO RESULTS Barrel Racing Laura Haight placed fifth in the short-go Barrels, turning in a 17.41-second effort. Goat Tying Tavy Leno took home second in Goat Tying at 7.1 seconds. Breakaway Roping The Bulldogs swept the Short Go Breakaway. Tynell McInenely won the event in a swift 2.9 seconds, followed by Josie Robbins in second (4.1 seconds) and Jacee Winward in third (5.5 seconds). Team Roping Konnor Ward and Carson Daniels placed third in the Team Roping with a time of 18.1 seconds. Tie-Down Roping Cooper Pavkov's 12.3 second effort earned him fourth in the tie-down (30 points). Teagen Arnold turned in a 17.9 second run to take sixth. Steer Wrestling Cooper Pavkov took home third in the Steer Wrestling with a time of 5.6 seconds. Bareback Riding Coy Montgomery improved upon his day one score, posting an 80 to take the Short Go Bareback title. Saddle Bronc Cade Costello took second in the Saddle Bronc (72) while Chase Martin finished fifth (63)   Bull Riding Gavin Knutson finished second in the Short Go Bull Riding with a 79 with Westen Wade following right behind in third at 78 AVERAGE Barrel Racing Laura Haight's two-run time of 34.58 landed her in first place in Barrels average and earning her 60 points for the team. Goat Tying Tavy Leno posted a two-round time of 14.8, good enough for third place and 40 points for the Bulldogs. Breakaway Roping UMW had five riders earn points in the average breakaway. Tynell McInenly won the average with a combined time of 6.5 seconds (60 points). Josie Robbins (7.6 seconds, 50 points) and Jacee Winward (9.1 seconds, 40 points) rounded out the top three. Brooke Richey and Teely Bott tied for sixth with single-round scores of 3.1, earning five points each.   Team Roping Konnor Ward and Carson Daniels placed third in the Team Roping with a two-run time of 30.3 seconds for 40 points. Tavy Leno and Bry Severe's one-round time of 10.0 seconds earned them sixth for 10 points. Bareback Riding Coy Montgomery's aggregate score of 151 put him in first in the Bareback event, earning UMW 60 points. Bull Riding Westen Wade placed second overall in the Bull riding with a combined score of 151, winning 50 points for the Bulldogs. LOOKING AHEAD The Bulldogs will return to action in the spring with six more regular-season events.

UMW Sports Press Release HELENA, Mont. –  The Montana Western volleyball team (7-9, 5-4 FC) were clipped 3-1 by (RV) Carroll College (10-6, 6-3 FC) Friday. Errors hurt the Bulldogs against the Fighting Saints, with UMW committing 34 to Carrolls 23. MATCH SUMMARY Carroll jumped out to an early four-point advantage in set one, and though the Bulldogs closed the gap to just two at one point, the Fighting Saints snagged the 1-0 lead 25-21. UMW bounced back in the second frame with a commanding 25-15 win to even things at one set apiece. The third set was a back-and-forth affair, but the host managed to pull away at the end, winning 25-18 to make it 2-1. Montana Western's offense stalled in the fourth, allowing Carroll to run away with the match with a 25-14 victory in the final frame. LEADERBOARD Averi Look paced the team with 11 kills, followed by Jordan Olson with 10. Megan Hardman tallied a team-best 17 assists. Taylor Ketchum posted a game-high 21 digs. Jaiden Perez led the way at the net with a game best 6.0 blocks. Savana Warburton , Madisyn Frazier , and Jayda Ward all recorded one ace. SPLIT BOX UMW outperformed Carroll in kills (42-40), assists (41-37), digs (73-66) and blocks (7-5), but were bested in aces (3-5). LOOKING AHEAD Western is back home for five straight matches in Straugh Gymnasium. First up is MSU-Northern Oct. 3.