Ranchers, land managers, and community members are invited to attend “Increasing Ranch Profitability”, a two-day workshop and field trip focused on sustainable ranching in Southwest Montana. The event will take place March 25 and 26 at the Beaverhead County 4-H Building in Dillon, Montana. Hosted by the University of Montana Western, Montana State University Extension , Southwest Montana Sagebrush Partnership , Montana Rangeland Resources Committee , Beaverhead Conservation District , and The Nature Conservancy , the event will feature expert speakers, discussions on regenerative agriculture, and a hands-on field trip. March 25 – Workshop (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM) The workshop will explore strategies to improve ranch profitability and sustainability through grazing management, soil health, and market opportunities. Sessions include: 8:30 – 9:00 AM | Welcome & Sustainable Grazing Project Update 9:00 – 12:00 PM | Expert speakers, including Dr. Fred Provenza, Dr. Jeff Mosley, and Donnie Engelhardt, will discuss reducing costs and increasing vegetative production and nutrition. 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch Provided (Taco Bar) 1:00 – 5:00 PM | Sessions on carbon markets, enhancing ecosystem services through ranch success, and regenerative agriculture, featuring Kris Hulvey (Working Lands Conservation), Lora Soderquist (Impact Ag Partners), and Ford Smith (Kateri Carbon). March 26 – Field Trip (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Visit Open A Ranch north of Dillon Learn about winter grazing, soil health, cost savings, production increase and other benefits from Race King and Rob Van Deren. Carpooling available from the fairgrounds Registration for this event is free and can be completed online or by contacting Pat Fosse at 406-660-2386.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana 59725 PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING City Hall Council Chambers March 17th, 2025 9:00 AM AGENDA     1.     Call to Order   2.     Discuss/Recommend Patrol Car Purchase   3.     Poindexter Street Safety Issues   4.     Patrol Car Initiative Update   5.     Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the City.   6.     Adjournment     Committee Members: Diane Armstrong, Chair, Bill Shafer Don Deem

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers March 14, 2025 12:01 P.M. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE     A .        DISCUSS/APPROVE PAYMENT FOR WESTSIDE STREET IMPROVEMENTS                         a.         Decision to Close Meeting to the Public, per Section 2-3-203(3), MCA                         B.         RECONVENE IN OPEN MEETING                                                 C.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE  AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY   C.        ADJOURNMENT   PLEASE NOTE: The City of Dillon understands that citizens have the right under the Montana Constitution to observe and participate in local governmental affairs by personally attending all public meetings of the Dillon City Council and other City boards and committees. This meeting is open to the public as normal. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528, allowing permission for microphone and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245. Please mute your microphone until you desire to comment. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245.

The University of Montana Western English Department invites the community to the next event in the O. Alan Weltzien Writers Series on Thursday, March 27, at 7:00 p.m. in the Bulldog Lounge of the Student Union Building. UMW Professor Emeritus O. Alan Weltzien will share readings and discussions from his latest works, “The Taylor Triptych” and “Into the Khumbu". The O. Alan Weltzien Writers Series is a literary event that brings authors, poets, and writers to campus for readings and discussions. Named after Weltzien, a longtime professor and writer, the series highlights both emerging and established authors, often with a focus on literature connected to Montana and the West. Weltzien, Professor of English Emeritus, taught full-time for 40 years, including 29 years at Montana Western. A prolific writer, he has published eleven books and five chapbooks spanning memoir, poetry, and literary studies. His notable works include “A Father and an Island” (Lewis-Clark Press, 2008) and “On the Beach: Poems 2016 – 2021” (Cirque Press, 2022). When he is not writing, Weltzien enjoys traveling with his wife and hiking and skiing in the mountains of Southwest Montana. For this event, Weltzien returns to share readings and discussions from his latest works, “The Taylor Triptych” and “Into the Khumbu.” “The Taylor Triptych” (The Sea Letter journal, Fall/Winter 2024) – This prose chapbook explores Weltzien’s family history, focusing on a great-grandfather, great-uncle, and grandmother. Through imaginative narratives, he delves into their unique identities—including an astrologer and a vaudeville advance man—while reflecting on how their stories intertwine with his own life. “Into the Khumbu” (Cirque Press, 2025) – This poetry collection documents Weltzien’s trek through Nepal’s Khumbu region, home to Mount Everest. Through spare, evocative poems, he captures the challenges and beauty of the high-altitude landscape, depicting scenes of slate roofs, prayer flags, and the spirituality of the Himalayas. This event is free and open to the public, and books will be available for purchase. For more information, please contact UMW Associate Professor of English, Laura Wright, at laura.wright@umwestern.edu .

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING ~ AGENDA ~ March 12, 2025 4:00 PM   1.           Call to Order 2.           Discuss/Recommend Street Improvements Requested by UMW 3.           Discuss/Recommend Street Abandonment – Timmons, Franklin 4.           Discuss/Recommend Street Acceptance – Franklin, North 5.           Discuss Water/Sewer/Street Fees 6.           Public Comment on Items Not on Agenda but Within The Jurisdiction of The City 7.           Adjournment   Committee Members Russ Schwandt, Chair Anneliese Ripley Raymond Graham .

Update This incident has been cleared. TWIN BRIDGES, MT  – First responders are currently addressing a single vehicle accident involving a semi truck on MT-41 near mile marker 19. The semi has tipped over, resulting in the loss of its cargo. As emergency personnel work to manage the situation, the highway has been reduced to one lane, with first responders controlling through traffic to ensure safety. According to the Montana Highway Patrol, there are reported injuries, although the extent of those injuries remains unknown at this time. In a post on the Madison County Sheriff’s Facebook page , travelers are advised to consider alternate routes, including Interstate 15 from Butte  or US Highway 287 from Ennis to Island Park , to avoid delays and ensure safe passage through the area. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

DILLON, MT  – Mark your calendars for March 14, as it’s Pi Day ! Join us at the Dillon Public Library  to indulge in a slice of delicious pie or even take home a whole pie. In celebration of this fun mathematical holiday, the library is hosting a delightful fundraiser where community members can support their local library while satisfying their sweet tooth. Be sure to stop by, grab yourself a slice of pie, and help contribute to this tasty fundraiser! Your participation will not only satisfy your cravings but also support the library's programs and initiatives. Don’t miss out on this sweet opportunity to celebrate Pi Day!

DILLON, MT  – On Friday, March 7th, students from rural schools gathered at the Keltz Arena  at the University of Montana Western to participate in the annual Rural Science Fair . The event provided an excellent platform for young scientists to showcase their creativity and curiosity as they worked in both groups and individually to develop scientific hypotheses. Participants conducted experiments to demonstrate their findings, resulting in a wide range of innovative projects. The projects spanned various themes, with entries ranging from a working catapult to experiments with bubbles and everything in between. Each project was carefully judged, considering the scientific method, creativity, and presentation. At the end of the day, awards were presented to the top performers. The top three in each category and grade received trophies in recognition of their hard work and dedication. The winners are:

Dillon, MT – March 8  – The Youth Connections Mentoring Program hosted its annual Polar Dip fundraiser at Blacktail Meadows on Saturday, drawing a small but spirited crowd brave enough to take a plunge into the frozen waters of the kids' pond. Despite the chilly conditions, local residents showed their support for the program by participating in the event. Among the courageous jumpers were members of the Dillon Jaycees and officers from the Dillon Police Department, both of whom opted to take the plunge rather than choose the "chicken out" route. Each of the two participants received a Golden Plunger Award, a lighthearted gesture celebrating their bravery. They donned humorous accessories, including water wings, swimmer's caps, and fishing poles, before plunging into the icy water. The frigid shock of the pond was met with laughter and cheers from onlookers as the participants surfaced, gasping for breath. Following their daring dives, they were welcomed back with warm cups of hot cocoa, a delicious reward for their efforts. The turnout may have been modest, but the enthusiasm and support for the Youth Connections Mentoring Program were evident. The event aims to raise funds to continue providing valuable mentorship opportunities for local youth, demonstrating the community's commitment to fostering positive development in young people. Thank you to all who participated and supported the event—your contributions help make a difference!

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Tuesday, March 10th, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. ZONING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Agenda   1.    Call To Order   2.    Review and Approval of Minutes             a.         February 25th, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes   3.    Director of Operations Report   4.    Applications for Zoning Compliance Certificates for Review:   2025-005            42 Thomas Drive      Benson L&L       Single-Family Residence 2025-006            316 S Railroad           Mitchell             Single-Family Residence 2025-007           69 Thomas Drive          Wall                Single-Family Residence     5.    Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda                   and Within the Jurisdiction of the Zoning Commission.   6.      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 University of Montana Western Environmental Science Department is proud to host Matthew Swarr as part of the “On the Rocks” lecture series. Swarr will present “Exploring the Evolution of Water Resources in the Western U.S. Using Space Geodesy” on Wednesday, March 26, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. in UMW’s Lucy Carson Library. Matthew Swarr is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Montana studying water resources using geophysics. His research uses high-precision GPS (the same technology your phone uses!) to measure changes in the Earth’s shape produced by gains and losses of water storage near the Earth’s surface. His research has taken him all over the western U.S., from the deeply wooded Bitterroot Mountains of Idaho to the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Presentation Abstract: Mountainous regions act as natural “water towers” by capturing freshwater during winter months and delivering it to low-elevation communities through streamflow generation and subsurface groundwater flow. However, the western U.S., coming out of the driest 20-year period of the last 1,200 years, faces challenges in that persistent declines in mountain water storage have been observed across the region over the past two decades, driven by warming air temperatures and variable winter conditions. Initial forecasts indicate that climate change could further exacerbate mountain water loss, threatening the sustainability of ecosystems and impacting resources relied upon by our society. However, shifts in precipitation as a result of climate change are predicted to become increasingly variable in the coming years, potentially supporting water storage in mountainous regions through extreme precipitation events such as atmospheric rivers. These events can channel significant quantities of water vapor through the atmosphere before being deposited in mountainous regions. Using high-precision Global Positioning System (GPS) surface displacements that reflect the solid Earth’s deformation response to loading and unloading, we quantify changes in water storage within the western U.S. over the past two decades, identifying significant periods of drought and recovery. Using our GPS estimates of water storage, we infer changes in groundwater storage within the Sierra Nevada of California and the Cascade Range of California, Oregon, and Washington, finding diminishing groundwater to be the dominant source of long-term water storage loss within both regions. Despite these findings, we find that periods of extreme precipitation, such as the winter of 2023, can significantly restore water lost during severe droughts. The gains associated with these wet periods are durable, persisting over several subsequent years despite modest winters following an extremely wet year. This indicates that brief but extreme precipitation events can provide refuge for adjacent lowland regions dependent upon mountain groundwater for several years post-event. In a future with increasingly variable precipitation, the strong influence of these extreme events may act to maintain mountain groundwater, sustain ecosystem health, and buffer adjacent areas against drought conditions during dry periods. For more information on UMW’s “On the Rocks” series, please contact UMW Associate Professor of Environmental Sustainability, Dr. Arica Crootof, at  arica.crootof@umwestern.edu .

A handful of watercraft inspection stations begin operation on March 8 to check snowbird boat traffic returning from mussel-positive areas such as the lower Colorado River, including lakes Mead, Havasu, Pleasant, Powell and Mohave. Boat owners coming to Montana must have their vessel inspected for aquatic invasive species (AIS) at a Montana watercraft inspection station prior to launch. AIS are plants, animals or pathogens that are not native to Montana and can cause harm to our environment and economy. AIS are often introduced accidentally. The stations near Dillon, Ravalli and Anaconda will open Saturday. Watercraft inspection stations are Montana’s first line of defense to prevent the movement of AIS, which can have devastating impacts on Montana waterways. FWP works closely with partners for station operation and contracts with the Beaverhead Conservation District for operation of the Dillon station and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes for operation of the Ravalli station.   This year, 17 watercraft inspection stations will operate around the state. Additional stations will open throughout the summer as boat traffic increases. Boat owners should ensure their watercraft, trailers and gear are clean, drained and dry before transporting them, and they need to be aware of Montana’s inspection rules: All watercraft coming into Montana from out of state must be inspected prior to launching. All watercraft traveling west across the Continental Divide into the Columbia River Basin must be inspected prior to launching. Anyone transporting watercraft must stop at all open watercraft inspection stations they encounter. And all boaters are reminded to always clean, drain and dry their boat, live wells, anchors, boots and gear when leaving the water.

The Montana Western Rodeo Team, along with Head Coach JT Robbins, is proud to announce that Anderson Fencing LLC will be recognized as this year’s “Friends of UMW Rodeo” honoree. The award will be presented on Friday, March 28, during the annual UMW Rodeo Banquet, the program’s largest fundraising event of the year. “Tim Anderson has been a tremendous supporter of Montana Western Rodeo for many years. I consider him a great friend, and his generosity has made a lasting impact on our team,” said Robbins. “Whether he’s donating to our banquet, helping us fix our bucking machine, or providing shirts for our CNFR qualifiers, Tim is always there. His support, along with that of our community and local businesses, is truly the backbone of our program. We wouldn’t be where we are without them.” Anderson shares the same deep appreciation for the UMW Rodeo program and the strong community that supports it. “[Montana] Western Rodeo has always been family to us, and it has always been a great rodeo team every year,” said Tim Anderson of Anderson Fencing LLC. “They set their goals to excel, and you can’t achieve greatness without all of the support the community gives.” The Rodeo Banquet raises critical funds that provide scholarships, practice opportunities, team travel and lodging, and support for Montana Western’s home college rodeo each fall. This year’s event will once again feature Vance Ruff as emcee, with special guest Morgan Seymour providing entertainment during dinner and King Friday performing live music. Guests will enjoy a prime rib dinner and a no-host bar provided by the Den. Attendees will also have the opportunity to bid on an exciting lineup of silent and live auction items, with proceeds directly benefiting UMW Rodeo student-athletes. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28, in the Keltz Arena, and ticket prices are as follows: Single ticket – $75 Reserved table of 8 (rows 1-4) – $500 Reserved table of 8 (rows 5-8) – $400 Tickets for the Rodeo Banquet can be purchased by contacting Kelly Allen in the UMW Foundation Office at (406) 683-7306 or by email at kelly.allen@umwestern.edu . For sponsorship opportunities or to donate items for the silent or live auction, please contact Jolene Robbins at (406) 683-7303 or jolene.robbins@umwestern.edu .

University of Montana Western Press Release DILLON, Mont. – The 2024-2025 All-Frontier Conference men's basketball teams and individual award winners have been announced. The award recipients are selected by the six head coaches in the conference, who are not permitted to vote for their own players.  Kyle Gruhler was named the Frontier Conference Newcomer of the Year, marking the second consecutive year a Bulldog has received the honor, following Jalyn Stepney's win last year. Jacob Ankeny was selected as the Frontier Conference 6th Player of the Year. Bulldog First Team All-Conference Selection: Kyle Gruhler – G (Vancouver, Wash./JR) Bulldog Second Team All-Conference Selections: Jalyn Stepney – G (Seattle, Wash./SR) Abi Adedo – F (London, England/SR) Frontier All-Defense Team: Kevin Bethel – G (Los Angeles, Calif./SR) Ankeny was selected by Head Coach Patrick Jensen as the recipient of the team's Champion of Character Award.

University of Montana Western Press Release DILLON, Mont. – The 2024-2025 All-Frontier Conference women's basketball teams and individual award winners have been announced. The award recipients are selected by the six head coaches in the conference, who are not permitted to vote for their own players. Two Bulldogs earned honors in this year's postseason awards. Trinidie Nichols was selected as the Frontier Conference 6th Player of the Year. Second Team All Conference Selection: Payton Hagy – G (Ephrata, Wash./SR) Isabella Lund was selected by Head Coach Britt Cooper as the recipient of the team's Champion of Character Award.

The University of Montana Western’s 128th Annual Commencement Ceremony will feature speaker Nathan J. Boll, a NASA Space Policy Analyst and 2013 Montana Western graduate. Nathan J. Boll is a Space Policy Analyst in the Science Mission Directorate at the headquarters of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Washington, D.C., where he specializes in intergovernmental affairs. He currently supports the Joint Agency Satellite Division as the lead interagency agreement manager and serves as the Executive Secretary of the NASA Advisory Council’s Science Committee. Boll previously served as a Senior Space Policy Consultant at the Aerospace Corporation, where he focused on commercial remote sensing satellite policy as an advisor to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Prior to his federal service, Boll was a Program Executive for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, where he led the development and launch of ASCEND, an annual technical, scientific, and engineering conference. He also served as an Associate Program Officer for the National Academy of Sciences, where he supported the drafting and publication of peer-reviewed reports that help guide U.S. space sector decision-making. Boll earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Montana Western, his Master of Science in Space Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan, and his Master of Arts in International Policy from George Washington University. “We are honored to welcome Nathan J. Boll back to Montana Western for our 128th Annual Commencement ceremony. His work in space policy and intergovernmental affairs at NASA demonstrates the impact of a Montana Western education and the incredible paths our graduates can pursue,” said Montana Western Chancellor, Michael Reid. “We look forward to his address as he shares his experiences and helps inspire our graduates to reach for new heights in their own careers.” Montana Western’s Commencement ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Bulldog Stadium on the UMW campus on May 10, 2025. For more information, please contact the Montana Western Registrar’s Office by calling 406-683-7371 or visit  https://tinyurl.com/UMWComm25 .

BOZEMAN – Hunter and Bowhunter Education events have been scheduled in several locations throughout southwestern Montana. Many of these classes are or will soon be open for registration. All in-person classes are free. Students must be at least 10 years old to take a Hunter Education classroom course. Students must be at least 11 years old to take a Bowhunter Education classroom course. Students ages 12 through 17 who take Hunter or Bowhunter Education online are required to complete an in-person field day. The following Hunter Education classroom courses are scheduled in the region: Butte: starting March 24 Twin Bridges: starting March 24 Clancy: starting March 27 Dillon: starting April 7 Helena: starting April 11 Bozeman: starting April 21 Logan: starting May 5 Helena: starting May 16 Belgrade: starting June 6 Clyde Park: starting June 30 Livingston: starting July 21 The following Hunter Education field days for online students are scheduled in the region: Bozeman: March 15 Helena: March 20 Helena: March 27 Butte: April 5 Logan: April 26 Logan: June 17 There is a Bowhunter Education classroom course scheduled in Livingston to begin April 1. Another Bowhunter Education class will be scheduled in Twin Bridges in April. A field day for students who complete Bowhunter Education online is scheduled in Helena for March 27. Hunter and Bowhunter Education courses are being planned in other areas. FWP’s website will be updated periodically as more classes are arranged. To see what classes are available or to sign up, click here . Hunter, Bowhunter and Trapper Education classes are taught by skilled volunteer instructors, offering hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for students to ask questions of experienced instructors. Students learn how to handle firearms and other equipment safely, basic survival skills, hunting ethics, wildlife management, game identification, landowner-hunter relations, and Montana hunting laws and regulations. Montana law requires that anyone born after Jan. 1, 1985, complete a Hunter Education class or qualify as a youth apprentice hunter before purchasing a Montana hunting license. All first-time bowhunters must complete a Bowhunter Education course or show proof of a prior year’s archery license from another state or province before purchasing a Montana bow and arrow license. To learn more about FWP education programs, click here .

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers March 5th, 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 Minutes of February 19th, 2025 Regular Meeting 2.         Approve Minutes of the February 19th, 2025 Public Hearing – Title 17   C.        PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS   1.           D.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Discuss/Approve ASI Contract for Street Preservation as Sole Source Provider 2.         Discuss/Approve Engineering Services Agreement with Manion Engineering for Technical             Update 3.         Discuss/Approve Corrected Quit Claim Deed for American Legion   E.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         Planning Board - Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham                         a.         Accept February 18th, 2025 Meeting Minutes                                           1.  Set Public Hearing Date for March 19th, 2025 for Brundage Garage Minor        Subdivision 2.         Zoning Commission - Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley                         a.         Accept January 28th, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes                         b.         Accept February 18th, 2025 Public Hearing Minutes 3.         Board of Adjustments - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz 4.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey 5.         Police Department – Police Chief Jeremy Alvarez 6.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose 7.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox 8.         Treasurer – Karen Kipp 9.         Library Board - Diane Armstrong, Council Member; (Vacant), Library Director                         a.         Accept Minutes of January 28, 2025 Regular Meeting 10.       Tree Board – Mary Jo O’Rourke, Council Member                          F.        REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Ordinances & Facilities – Bill Shafer, Chair; Joleen Schultz, Mary Jo O’Rourke                         a.         Approve Minutes of the February 20, 2025 Regular Meeting 2.         Finance Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Diane Armstrong, Mary Jo O’Rourke                         a.         Approve Minutes of the February 28, 2025 Regular Meeting                         b.          Approve Line Item Budget Report                                     i.          Approve Fund Summary for Claims for February 2025                                     ii.         Approve Claims by Vendor Report for February 2025                                     iii.        Approve Mayor’s Report to the Finance Committee for February 2025                                     iv.        Approve Budget vs. Actual Report for February 2025 3.         Public Services – Diane Armstrong, Chair; Bill Shafer, Don Deem 4.         Open Spaces – Raymond Graham, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Joleen Schultz                         a.         Approve Minutes of the February 19, 2025 Regular Meeting 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.