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HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced today that 37 Montana communities will share nearly $1 million in grant funding to plan infrastructure projects that will create more affordable workforce housing in the state. The funding is provided by Commerce’s Montana Community Reinvestment (MCR) grant program. “As Montana’s population continues to grow and our economy steadily expands, the need for more workforce housing across the state is on the rise. We need to make certain our communities will be ready to provide more affordable homes for our citizens,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “This grant funding will help community leaders assess housing needs, as well as plan and prepare infrastructure projects that will enable more affordable homes to be built across the state.” The MCR program provides planning grants to local and tribal governments for planning and zoning reforms to develop community-based solutions to increase the number of affordable homes, with an emphasis on increasing workforce housing infrastructure in Montana. Communities receiving MCR grant funding: The City of Belgrade will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding for a city master plan. Big Horn County will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding for a comprehensive housing needs assessment. The City of Billings will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding for a growth policy update. The Town of Broadus will receive $24,750 of MCR grant funding for a growth policy update. Carbon County will receive $25,500 of MCR grant funding for a growth policy update. Cascade County will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding for a growth policy update. The Town of Circle will receive $16,000 of MCR grant funding for subdivision regulation updates. The City of Colstrip will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding for a growth policy update. The City of Columbia Falls will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding for a housing study. Custer County will receive $24,000 of MCR grant funding for a housing needs assessment. The Town of Ennis will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding for a growth policy update. Flathead County will receive $4,950 of MCR grant funding for a zoning regulations update. Gallatin County will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding for a zoning regulations update. The City of Great Falls will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding for a growth policy update. The City of Hamilton will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding for a subdivision regulations update. The City of Hardin will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding for an infill and redevelopment study. The City of Helena will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding for a growth policy update. The Town of Hysham will receive $21,648 of MCR grant funding for a growth policy update. The City of Kalispell will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding to conduct community outreach in support of its land use planning process. Lake County will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding for a subdivision regulations update. The City of Laurel will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding for a land use plan. The City of Lewistown will receive $20,150 of MCR grant funding for public engagement in support of its growth policy update. Lincoln County will receive $23,694 of MCR grant funding for a subdivision regulations update. Madison County will receive $24,000 of MCR grant funding for a subdivision regulations update. The Town of Manhattan will receive $28,000 of MCR grant funding to update its zoning and subdivision regulations. Meagher County will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding for a housing master plan. The City of Missoula will receive $24,000 of MCR grant funding for a housing feasibility study. Missoula County will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding for a growth policy update. Roosevelt County will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding to conduct a regional housing needs assessment. Rosebud County will receive $27,456 of MCR grant funding for a growth policy update. The City of Roundup will receive $24,000 of MCR grant funding for a housing needs assessment. The Town of Sheridan will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding for a zoning regulations update. The City of Three Forks will receive $27,500 of MCR grant funding for zoning and subdivision regulations updates. The City of Townsend will receive $24,000 of MCR grant funding for a preliminary architectural report. The Town of West Yellowstone will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding for a targeted area master plan for affordable housing. The City of White Sulphur Springs will receive $24,000 of MCR grant funding for a subdivision regulations/annexation plan. The City of Whitefish will receive $30,000 of MCR grant funding for an infrastructure capacity update to increase attainable housing. In 2023, the Montana Legislature passed the Montana Community Reinvestment Plan Act, House Bill (HB) 819 , to begin addressing housing needs in Montana. Section 22 of HB 819 appropriated $1 million to Commerce to provide grants and administer the MCR program. For more information about the MCR program, visit comdev.mt.gov .

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. – University of Montana Western bull rider Gavin Knutson was drafted on May 29 in the 2024 PBR New Rider Draft as the 23rd overall pick by the Nashville Stampede. Knutson, a sophomore from Polson, Mont., is a two-time CNFR qualifier who is slated to compete at the College National Finals Rodeo starting June 9. "We are really excited to bring Gavin on board with the Nashville Stampede. He's a great young man with really strong fundamentals. He's the kind of guy that has the potential to be a great bull rider and help a team win championships." Nashville Stampede Head Coach Justin McBride said. Knutson has been an all-around cowboy for the Bulldogs for the past two seasons, placing sixth in the men's all-around standings this season in the Big Sky Region. Knutson enters the CNFR as the fifth ranked bull rider in the nation. "It's exciting to me because I am fulfilling my dreams of becoming a PBR bull rider and learning from some of the best. To to see it come true has me a bit taken back. I have watched the PBR since I was a little kid and one of my PBR Idols growing up will now be my coach, Justin Mc Bride," Knutson said. "I am very fortunate to have this opportunity. I can't wait to see what the PBR future has in store for me." "We look forward to working with Coach Robbins to help Gavin reach his goal of becoming a National Champion and preparing him for success as a professional bull rider," Nashville Stampede Assistant General Manager Keith Ryan Cartwright said. "This is a great opportunity for a college program like Montana Western and a professional team like Nashville to work together toward a common goal of developing bull riders." Knutson will continue to pursue his degree at Montana Western and will also continue to compete for the Bulldogs in the NIRA Big Sky Region. "We are excited for Gavin. Our goal is always to help these kids get to the next level and the Stampede is a great fit for Gavin. They have a fantastic roster and Justin McBride is a great coach. I think the sky is the limit for Gavin." UMW Head Rodeo Coach JT Robbins said. Knutson is one of eight men set to compete at the CNFR in just a few weeks, with a full men's team slated to compete as a team at the finals. The Bulldog men are currently ranked as the 10th team in the country by points after this season. "I am now headed to Texas to get on some bulls with my new Stampede teammates and coaches. This will prepare me for the CNFR physically, mentally and emotionally." Knutson finished.

WHITEHALL — More interpretive programs have been scheduled at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. The park's Friday and Saturday evening events will each begin at 8 p.m. at the campground amphitheater and last about an hour. May 31: Bear Aware: Join us for a talk about bears and discover how to stay safe while recreating in bear country.  June 1: Tick Talk: It's tick season in Montana. Learn about these creatures we love to hate and how to venture forth safely in tick country.  June 7: Ancient Volcanism in Southwestern Montana: Guest speaker Dr. Jesse Mosolf will discuss the tempo and style of volcanism in southwestern Montana, stretching from the Archean Eon to the present, and the tools scientists use to investigate it. June 8: Goodness Snakes Alive!: Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is home to the prairie rattlesnake, the most widespread of all rattlesnakes. Join park staff to learn about these remarkable creatures and how to stay safe when exploring rattlesnake country.  Guided hikes are planned for the first two Sundays in June. Visitors are encouraged to bring water, sunscreen and study shoes for some quality time outside. Both hikes will begin at 9 a.m. at the main visitor center. June 2: Stroll with us through the campground and see how many of our feathered friends you can spot. Binoculars will be provided for anyone who needs them.  June 9: Flower Power: The park might seem like it's all just sagebrush, grass and juniper. But a closer look reveals the glorious wildflowers that are blooming right now. This 90-minute moderate hike will offer you a new look at the colors of spring in southwestern Montana.  Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is about 15 miles southeast of Whitehall, along Montana Highway 2. For more information about the park, click here  or call 406-287-3541.

Tuesday afternoon was a very busy day for local law enforcement with multiple wrecks and a fire in Sheridan requiring multiple agencies help. A Ford Explorer was pulling a camper on Stone house road when the driver got to close to the edge of the soft shoulder, the camper was sucked off the road. When the driver tried to pull the camper back onto the road they overcorrected loosing control of the camper. The camper began to fishtail behind the vehicle and rolled landing on its roof. No one was hurt in the incident, the driver of the vehicle was cited for driving on a suspended license.

Monday, May 27 the Dillon Cubs played their final game in the Butte Miners Memorial Day Tournament. The Cubs faced off against the Kalispell Sluggers winning 8 to 4.   The Cubs were the first to get on the scoreboard Monday afternoon with one run. The Sluggers would come back and tie it up in the bottom of the first.   In the top of the second Kanin Englehardt singled, scoring two runs. Marcus Lagunas followed to extend the lead 4 to 1.   Cohen Hartman hit his first home run as a Cub to left field bringing a point in for the Cubs in the fifth inning.   Kanin Englehardt earned the win for the Cubs. Giving up five hits and four runs (two earned) over six innings. Kanin struck out two and walked five.   Kanin Englehardt led the team with three hits in four at bats. Marcus Lagunas, Cohen Hartman, Tristan Alvarez, and Kanin Englehardt each drove in one run for the Cubs. The Cubs had seven walks in the game, Marcus Lagunas, Cohen Hartman, and Jase Alvarez led the team with two walks each. Andrew Bartlome had three stolen bases. The Cubs turned one double play in the game.   The Cubs home opener will be Saturday, June 1st against the Livingston Braves.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING May 30, 2024 9:00 A.M. ~ AGENDA ~ 1. Approval of May 2024 Claims 2. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction of The City 3. FY2024-2025 Budget Items  Cemetery (funds 2240,4003,7010)  Parks & Animal (funds 4002, 1000 accounts 43000-460400) 4. Adjournment Committee Members: Russ Schwandt, Chairperson Anneliese Ripley Diane Armstrong

Shots from around Dillon on this Memorial Day

From Ronnie Lake My parents Harvey and Boots Lake along with my Uncle Eugene Longie have kept this memorial's upkeep, now I am by myself. SW Vets memorial is non-profit, but need help with new retaining wall, new liner for waterfall, lights. Any donation is tax deductible, goes thru our treasury, anyone can request where funds were used. send to South West Vets co Harvey Lake, 365 N. Parkview, Dillon, Mt. 59725. (406)683-4514

The Dillon Cubs took on the Burley Green Socks Saturday afternoon in Butte, Mt at the Miners Memorial Day Tournament. The Green Socks would come out strong in the first inning defeating the Cubs 9 to 3. The Green Socks got on the board early in the first inning after Jacoby Roe singled, scoring one run, Ike Redder singled, scoring one run, Damon Skradski induced Josiah Robbins to hit into a fielder's choice, but one run scored, and Jackson Funk singled, scoring two runs. Damon Skradski opened the game for the Cubs, allowing nine hits and seven runs (six earned) over five innings. Damon struck out five and walked two. Damon Skradski led the cubs with one run batted in, he went two for four on the day. Damon Skradski and Cohen Hartman each collected two hits for the Cubs. Monday's games for the tournament have not been announced yet.

Saturday, May 25, Butte MT, the Dillon Cubs went against the Kalispell Sluggers Saturday morning in the Butte Miners Memorial Day Tournament, the Cubs would lose 8 to 7. The Sluggers jumped into the lead early in the first inning after Kaeden Kahler doubled, scoring two runs, and Haden Mayer singled, scoring one run. The Cubs would come back in the bottom of the second to take the lead. Kale Konen doubled, scoring two runs, Damon Skradski singled, scoring one run, and Marcus Lagunas singled, scoring one run. Eli Coopman would single, tying the game in the top of the fourth. The Sluggers would take the lead in the top of the fifth. Jordan Griffin doubled, scoring two runs, to give the Sluggers the edge 7 to 5. Andrew Bartlome pitched four and two-thirds innings for the Cubs. He surrendered seven runs on seven hits, striking out three and walking four. Marcus Lagunas had three runs batted in, Damon Skradski collected two hits for the Cubs with four at bats. The Cubs will play again today at 4 PM.

Friday, May 24, Billings, MT the Lady Beavers played their final game of the softball season against the Dawson Red Devils. The Beavers would fall 1to 6.   The Red Devils would get on the board in the first inning after Jaelin Jimison singled, scoring two runs.   The Red Devils would add to their lead in the bottom of the second inning after the Beavers committed an error, and Abby Barnick doubled scoring a run.   Tymber Barnes pitched four and one third innings for the Beavers. Tymber surrendered four hits and two runs while striking out three and walking four. Adyson Creighton for one and two thirds’ innings. Adyson surrendered six hits and four runs, striking out two, and walking one.   Emily Brevig and Kylie Konen each collected one hit for the Lady Beavers. Emily Brevig had two stolen bases. Congratulations to the Lady Beavers on making it to state.

Butte, MT the Dillon Cubs opened their season on the road at the Butte Miners Memorial Day Tournament. The Cubs kicked off the tournament against the Idaho Falls Night blowing past them with an 11 to 1 win. The Cubs racked up nine runs in the second inning. Josh Belnap induced Kevin Englehardt to hit into a fielder's choice, but two runs scored, Kale Konen singled, scoring one run, Damon Skradski singled, scoring one run, Cohen Hartman tripled, scoring two runs, Marcus Lagunas singled, scoring one run, an error scored one run, and Tristan Alvarez grounded out, scoring one run. Cohen Hartman earned the win for the Cubs. The right-handed pitcher surrendered zero hits and one run over five innings, striking out nine and walking six. Damon Skradski went 2 for 3 at the plate leading the team with three runs batted in. Marcus Lagunas led the Cubs with three hits with three at bats. Kale Konen collected two hits with four at bats. The Cubs take on the Kalispell Sluggers tomorrow at 8:30 am.

The Lady Beavers were unable to keep up with the Billings Central Rams on Friday afternoon losing 2 to 15.   A single by Emily Brevig on a 0-2 count would put the Lady Beavers on the board in the top of the first.   The Rams would jump back into the lead in the bottom of the first inning after the Beavers committed an error, Gianna Haney would single, and the Rams would score another on a wild pitch.   A single by GG Hastings extended the Rams lead 4 to 2 in the bottom of the second inning.   The Rams would score seven runs on seven hits in the bottom of the third inning. The momentum would keep with the Rams finishing the game with a win over the Beavers.   Emily Brevig led the Lady Beavers with two runs batted in.

The Lady Beavers took on the Fergus Golden Eagles in Billings today in their first game in the State Tournament. The Beavers would be tied at the bottom of the seventh and play a total of 10 innings before winning 8 to 7.   The Beavers would get on the board in the second inning when Tymber Barnes singled, scoring one run.   In the bottom of the third the Beavers would add to their lead when Kinzy Creighton grounded out, scoring one run, Kylie Konen singled, scoring two runs, and Emily Brevig hit into a double play, scoring one run.   The Golden Eagles' Kiera Southard would hit a grand slam to left field in the top of the fourth inning making it 5 to 4.   In the top of the fifth the Golden Eagles would take the lead 7 to 5.  The Beavers would come back in the bottom of the fifth to tie the game thanks to a double by Emily Brevig.   The Beavers would end up scoring the winning run in the bottom of the 10 innings.   The Lady Beavers amassed fourteen hits in the game. Kylie Konen led with three runs batted in. Emily Brevig, Bailey Blake, Bridget Lovaas, and Tytler Gibson each collected multiple hits. The Beavers had five stolen bases in the game. The Beavers turned one double play as well.   The Beavers will take on Billings Central later in the day.

A couple of local archers took home first and third place in the NFAA Marked 3D National Championship held May 3rd through the 5th in Redding CA. Sarah Pfister, owner of Badger Archery located here in Dillon, placed first in her class, Adult Female Bowhunter. Billy Clemmer placed third in the same class, and this was her first archery shoot. The ladies competed against 35 other females in the class. The Western Classic is the world’s largest 3-D archery competition and draws archers of all skill levels from around the world looking to compete in the tournament that has been dubbed “the go-to shoot” of the year, according to the Straight Arrow Bowhunters club who host the tournament. Contestants not only got to shoot at 3-D targets, but they also had a 101-yard Bigfoot, the 88-yard elk herd, and the 4-yard butterfly target. If you would like to know more about the archery events held in and around Dillon you can stop in to Badger Archery located at 41 East Glendale and talk to Sarah.

Update: No more tips are needed at this time. Thank you to everyone that provided information. MISSOULA– Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens are seeking information on the identity of a person that trespassed on the Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in mid-April, a month before it opened to the public for the season. The trespasser was caught on camera, traveling across the main road of the WMA on foot, with two dogs and searching for shed antlers. The WMA does not open to the public until noon on May 15 as the area is important winter habitat for elk. FWP game wardens say that wildlife crimes like this one are often solved because of leads from the public and encourage anyone with information to make a report. To provide information about this case or other crimes involving fish, wildlife, or parks regulations, visit myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/tipmont  or call the FWP violation reporting hotline at 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668). Callers may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Tuesday, May 28th, 2024 - 5:00 PM @ City Hall 1. Call to Order – Roll call of Board members 2. Disposition of minutes from regular board meeting April 30th , 2024 3. Financial reports/matters Warrants Budget 4. Committee Reports  Capital Campaign/grants/ windows/ boiler  Read-A-Thon at YMCA with Friends of the Library  5. Director’s Report  Boiler – switch changed  Cameras  Summer reading - volunteers  Book sale 6. Communications 7. Unfinished business 8. New business May Closure/ Events –  Juneteenth  Library Director Position description/search committee  Summer Reading  Schedule next budget special meeting if needed 9. Public discussion *Public comment on items of significant public interest not on the agenda and within the jurisdiction of the Dillon Public Library Board of Trustees. 10. Set date of next meeting: June 25th, 2024 5pm 11. Adjournment

On 5/22 at 7:24 pm. Lima fire and ambulance responded to a one vehicle accident on I-15 MM 3 near Monida. Snow and slush covered the road and a Greatfalls man lost control and rolled a 2023 jeep wrangler in the median. The driver and his daughter were both cleared by Lima Ambulance with no injuries. Montana Highway patrol investigated the crash. On 05/23 as of 9:15 AM the Montana Highway Patrol map reports a crash with no injuries on I-15 mm 85. Also reports of a jack knifed semi trailer on Moose Creek hill, and a crash at MM99 with no injuries.

The Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office is exited to announce the beginning of a new K9 Program. Beginning in fall 2024 to spring 2025, we will be adding two dogs to our patrol team, who will be assigned to existing deputies as their handlers. We are adding two dogs to provide the best possible service to the citizens of the Beaverhead County Area. Our dogs will be trained in Tracking (Criminal and Search and Rescue), Narcotics Detection, and Human Remains Detection. In 2022/2023, Law Enforcement in Beaverhead County responded to: 71 -Assaults 7 -Assaults with firearm 27 -Break Ins 26 -Burglary 2 -Robbery 57 -Criminal Mischief 62 -Disorderly Conduct 54 -Drug Offense 217 -DUI – Alcohol/Drugs 1 -Escaped Prisoner 45 -Search and Rescue 27 -Missing Person 9 -Shooting 38 -Shots Heard 59 -Trespassing 73 -Unattended Death 85 -Wanted Person 826 -Welfare Check 10 -Probation Violation 40 -Assist Probation and Parole In Total, Dispatch received 15,169 Calls for service in this time frame. This list only covers a small amount of our call volume where having a K9 available could prove necessary. In 2024, we are already exceeding previous call volume for many categories and are seeing an increase in drug related activity in Beaverhead County. We are currently seeking funding for our program through grants, community support, and local government funds. We hope to make our program self sufficient through funding acquired outside of the budget of Beaverhead County to ensure the long-term success of the program. For more information about the K9 Program, please email: Deputy Dan Fields at dfields@beaverheadsheriff.com or Deputy Cade Dairy at cdairy@beaverheadsheriff.com.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING May 23rd, 2024 9:00 a.m. ~ AGENDA ~ 1. Discuss/Recommend FY 2024-2025 Budget Items a. Human Services i. Senior Citizens ii. DNRC - Tree Board iii. Bus Replacement b. Bonds & SIDs i. 3001 ii. 3540 iii. SID #36 iv. Remaining(Close outs) c. Public Safety i. Police ii. Fire hall/Department iii. Reserves iv. Gas Tax 2. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction of The City 3. Adjournment Committee Members: Russ Schwandt, Chairperson, Anneliese Ripley, Diane Armstrong