KANSAS CITY, Mo. –  The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced the qualifying teams and opening round matchups for the 2024 NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship presented by Marriott South Sioux City Riverfront and Explore Siouxland. Montana Western has received an at-large berth and will host the Opening Round matchup on Saturday Nov. 23. The 48-team event will begin with 24 championship opening round matches at campus locations across the country. The Bulldogs enter the tournament by way of an at-large berth as the no. 19 ranked team in the country. The Bulldogs enter the postseason with an overall record of 22-9. This will be their second overall appearance in the NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship and first home game. Oregon Tech enters postseason play as an unranked team with an overall record of 19-13. This will be their second appearance in the NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship. More information for the Opening Round game to be announced in the coming week, stay tuned to umwbulldogs.com and @umw_bulldogs on social media for the most up to date information.

Monday morning commuters in Montana were met with a blanket of snow, leading to hazardous driving conditions across the region. First responders have been busy attending to several accidents resulting from the slippery roads. At approximately 11 A.M., emergency services were dispatched to a wreck on I-15 Northbound near mile marker 43. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this incident. Shortly thereafter, another call came in regarding a rollover accident on MT 41 near mile marker 11. In this case, a van had slid off the road and ended up on its side. As of now, the Highway Patrol has reported that the extent of injuries from this crash remains unknown. Road crews are actively working to clear the roads, but drivers are urged to exercise caution and reduce their speed in these wintry conditions. As snowfall continues, staying safe on the roads should be the top priority for all motorists.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information LA GRANDE, Ore. – For the second year in a row, the Bulldogs take down Eastern Oregon to cap the season and win the outright Frontier Conference championship to earn the FC's automatic bid to the NAIA Football Championship Series. The no. 4 ranked Montana Western Bulldogs (9-1) held Eastern Oregon scoreless in the first half on their way to finishing off the regular season on a six-game win streak heading into the postseason. How It Happened Montana Western was first to receive the ball in the matchup, knocking eight minutes off the clock before John Mears banged in a field goal from 19 yards out to put UMW on the board. Montana Western didn't do much with its next pair of opportunities, but the Bulldogs' defense kept EOU at bay to give the UMW offense life heading into the second quarter. Montana Western would cash in for points as the Bulldogs used seven plays to punch it in off the 11-yard on a pass from Michael Palandri to Jon Kirkley to take a 10-0 lead. After an unsuccessful next Bulldog drive, UMW punter Eddie Dewart pinned the Mounties on their own 1-yard line to start their next drive. The following play saw the Bulldog defense force a safety to give Western a pair of points. Mears went on to hit his second field goal of the game prior to the half, this time from 40-yards out to send Western into the half up 15-0. Eastern Oregon opened the half with a 16-play, 63-yard drive that was stopped by the Bulldog defense after forcing a turnover on downs on Western's 24-yard line. This would fuel the offense on their following drive to score on a Palandri 39-yard pass to D'on Williams for his first career touchdown reception. Eastern Oregon would answer on their next drive, closing the gap to 22-7 after a 10-play 67 yard drive that was capped by a pass from Glasper to Lijewski. With a drive starting at 3:15 left in the third quarter, Montana Western worked its way downfield in no time, scoring just two plays later after Palandri hit Dylan Shipley in the end zone on a 51-yard touchdown pass. Western would go scoreless for the remainder of the game, but was able to hang on after a pair of scores from Eastern Oregon to finish the game up 29-19 to close out the regular season. Notables Western has won five straight games over EOU in the series and is 7-3 in the last ten matchups. Palandri led the Bulldogs with 253 passing yards after going 18-25 on the day and totaling three touchdowns. Pete Gibson led Western on the ground, racking up 75 net rushing yards. Shipley led Bulldog receivers with 97 yards and a touchdown. The Bulldog defense totaled an impressive seven tackles for loss with four being sacks. Landon Charlton and Jace Fitzgerald led Western's defense with nine tackles apiece. Up Next The Bulldogs receive the Frontier Conference automatic bid to the NAIA Football Championship Series and will await selection for the playoffs. The selection show is set for Sunday Nov. 17 at 5pm MT.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. –  The Frontier Conference has announced its 2024 Football Academic All-Conference lists, presented by Logan Health and Billings Clinic. Montana Western saw 28 players named to the list. To be eligible for the award, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore in standing and carry a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA. Football Aeden Baker - Challis, Idaho / R-FR Chucky Braverock - Browning, Mont. / R-JR Wesley Buchanan - Superior, Mont. / R-JR Eric Buck - Sumner, Wash. / R-FR Layne Cooney - Missoula, Mont. / R-SO Taten Ells - Tacoma, Wash. / R-SO Jace Fitzgerald - Dillon, Mont. / R-JR Pete Gibson - Dillon, Mont. / R-SR Bryce Gilliard - Big Fork, Mont. / R-FR Quinn Hanson - Helena, Mont. / R-FR Hayden Hedges - Cut Bank, Mont. / R-SO Matthew Heer - Tekoa, Wash. / R-SO Trevor Hoopes - Kennewick, Wash. / R-FR Bryer Hughes - Kennewick, Wash. / R-FR Jordan Jones - Bozeman, Mont. / R-JR Jon Kirkley - Dillon, Mont. / R-SO Tyrus McPhie - Richmond, Utah / R-FR John Mears - Belgrade, Mont. / R-SR Eli Nourse - Dillon, Mont. / SO James Ochs - Laurel, Mont. / R-JR Michael Palandri - Maple Valley, Wash. / R-JR Bridger Polk - Great Falls, Mont. / R-SO Noah Rimmer - Saratoga, Wyo. / R-JR Canyon Sargent - St. Ignatius, Mont. / R-SO Tyler Schoen - Chinook, Mont. / R-FR Coby Tanioka - Kanoehe, Hawaii / SO Eli Wells - Hyrum, Utah / SR Jacob Westberry - Hamilton, Mont. / R-FR

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information KANSAS CITY, Mo. –  The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced the pairings of the 2024 NAIA Football Championship Series (FCS) this evening. The Montana Western football team (9-1, 7-1 Frontier), ranked no. 4 in the nation in the final week of the regular season, was selected for a first-round bye and will host an FCS second round matchup as the no. 4 seed. This is the second home NAIA playoff berth since the 1994 season and the sixth playoff berth in school history. It is also just the second time in program history that the Bulldogs have appeared in back-to-back championships (1994, 1995).   The Bulldogs finished the regular season 9-1 (7-1 Frontier) and have won six-straight games heading into the FCS. A top-10 ranked offense (482.8 yards per game, 7th), led by  Michael Palandri  who is fifth in the nation in passing (291.4 yards per game). On defense, the Bulldogs have allowed just 21.2 points per game on average and lead the conference in total sacks this season with 37. More information for the Second-Round game to be announced in the coming week, stay tuned to umwbulldogs.com and @umw_bulldogs on social media for the most up to date information including ticket information, live coverage and the game preview.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information HAVRE, Mont. – After going up 2-0 in the opening sets of the Frontier Conference Tournament Championship match, the no. 19 ranked Montana Western fell 3-2 in a tough battle with the no. 13 ranked University of Providence. Jazi Smith led the Bulldogs in the effort, totaling 16 kills and 23 digs in the match. How It Happened The University of Providence started with strong energy, taking a 3-0 lead to start. Danyel Martin and Peyton Vogl led the charge offensively, combining for three kills that got the Bulldogs on the board and into the fight. After a block from Jordan Olson and Vogl gave the Bulldogs a 13-10 lead, the Argos would capitalize on errors to match the score back at 13. Despite the tie game, Western wasted little time in claiming control of the set as they went on to outscore the Argos 12-6 to win the opening frame 25-19. Western continued to ride the wave into the second frame, easily running on to a 20-9 lead. A pair of Bulldog hitting errors helped the Argos begin to reclaim some momentum. The Bulldogs clung to their built-up lead to finish the set up 25-18 and take a 2-0 lead. The third was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading points throughout and taking jabs at each other on short runs throughout. Montana Western kept things tight with their aggressive offense, but the Argos refused to go down without a fight and managed to force a fourth frame after winning 26-24. Western came out in the fourth set like a much different team, struggling behind 15 hitting errors and a -.217 hitting percentage as the Argos easily took a 25-9 win to force a fifth set. After a tough fourth set, the Bulldogs battled hard to regroup in the fifth set. They fell to a 13-6 deficit before things began to click. With help from the net by Martin and Smith, the Bulldogs brought it within three at 14-11 but it was too little too late as the Argos finished off the game up 15-11. Notables The Bulldogs had another notable serving performance in the game, serving up six aces in the game as a team. They were led by Kaylee Fritz who had three total. Martin totaled 12 kills and four blocks in the effort. Taylor Petersen and Fritz combined for 43 assists in the game, good for 8.6 assists per set. Madisyn Frazier and Kelsey Goddard combined for 48 digs in the game. Up Next The Bulldogs now await an at-large berth to the NAIA Women's Volleyball National Tournament. The selection show is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 18.

This past month Beaverhead Search and Rescue had one of its pioneer members retire from the unit.  Parke Scott was one of the original members of this organization.   He joined the group in 1979 putting him at 45 years of dedicated service.  Parke is one of the greatest advocates of Search and Rescue you will ever find.  He served as Vice Commander for two years and then as Commander for two years.  Since then, he has been on the board of directors for numerous terms.  He also served on the equipment committee giving directions on what types of equipment the unit should be purchasing.  He was also a strong supporter of our two fund raisers, the annual ice fishing derby and the unit’s annual auction.  Parke was one of three members to attend a week-long class called “Managing the Search Function”.   It was held in Columbus, Montana back in the early 80’s.   He brought back with him valuable information on just exactly how to search for a lost individual.  It became a science.  This included using topography to limit the search area and contain the individual, knowing how different classifications of individuals respond when lost, as well as many other methods used to find lost people.   He helped put Beaverhead Search and Rescue on the map as being one of the top search units in the state.  Since that time, he has attended other “Search Management” courses and is retiring as one of the unit’s top ICs (incident commander). Parke also attended numerous other training courses.  One of these was “Man Tracking” put on by Ab Taylor, a renowned man tracker.   He attended the class held in Boulder, Mt and then another man tracking course put on up Birch Creek.  He has been through avalanche training, swift water training, ATV training, and on and on.  Parke takes with him a wealth of knowledge that will be deeply missed by the unit.  And his knowledge of Beaverhead County is unmatched by anyone else in the unit.    Thank you, Parke, for your years of dedication and service to this outstanding organization.  You and your experience will be greatly missed.  Please give Parke a hardy thank you when you see him out and about.   You can bet if the unit gets in a tight bind, we’ll be calling.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana  TUESDAY November 19th , 2024 at 7:00 P.M. City Council Chambers Regular Planning Board Meeting AGENDA     A.   Call Meeting to Order B.    Review and Approval of Minutes from the October 17th, 2024 Regular Planning Board Meeting C.    Discuss Growth Policy D.    Review Extension of Services Plan E.    Update of Beaverhead County Planning Board F.    Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the Planning Board. G.    Adjournment               Zoom link is available. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528,          allowing permission for mic and camera (if using a computer go to       https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245 .     Planning Board Members:       Don Hand, Bill Shafer, Dan Nye, Ed Mooney, Michael Saunders, Maria Emmer-Aanes

405 N. IDAHO STREET DILLON, MT MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY November 19, 2024 5:00 PM   AGENDA:   I.                   Call to order II.                Approval of Minutes from 10-08-2024 meeting         Public Comment III.              Approval of Warrants         Public Comment IV.             Old Business                      Public Comment V.                New Business          Public Comment VI.             Chiefs Report                      Public Comment VII.          Public comment on subjects under the jurisdiction of Beaverhead Fire District #2 that is not on the agenda. VIII.       Adjournment

DILLON – Game wardens with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are looking for information on a bull elk that was killed recently and left to waste south of Dillon. Wardens found the carcass on public land near Small Horn Canyon after a tip on Oct. 26 that the elk died and was left to waste as a result of a herd shooting incident. Game wardens are seeking information on who may have been involved. Hunters are prohibited from wasting any part of a game animal that is defined as suitable for food, which, for most game animals, includes the four quarters above the hock, the loins and the backstraps. Anyone with possible information about this incident is encouraged to visit tipmont.mt.gov to get in touch with a local game warden. You may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. Game wardens in the Dillon area have received additional reports lately of similar incidents that resulted in injured and wasted elk. “This is a reminder of one of the basic rules of firearm safety: Always be sure of your target and beyond,” said FWP game warden Cameron Wischhusen. “Shooting into a herd of animals is never a good idea and often results in wounded animals and wasted meat.”

The University of Montana Western and Trout Unlimited are excited to host the 3rd annual Community Water Conversations, “What’s Happening on the Ground: Restoration Efforts and Landscape Health,” on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in UMW’s STC Great Room. This free event, open to the public, will feature a panel discussion and Q&A session. It’s an opportunity to hear from a group of experts sharing insights on local water issues. This year’s panelists include: Dusty Crowe  – Assistant Field Manager, Dillon BLM Office Tana Lynch  – Associate Director, Big Hole Watershed Committee Heidi Anderson  – Southwest Montana Riparian Project Manager, The Nature Conservancy Chris Edgington  – Jefferson Watershed Project Manager, Trout Unlimited Katelin Killoy  – Riparian Ecologist, Arctic Grayling CCAA Programs, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MT FWP) Kaitlin Boren  – Hydrologist, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) “Year 1 focused on local water resources and challenges from changing snowfall and precipitation. In Year 2, we addressed water rights and exempt wells in response to community interest. For Year 3, we’re exploring how organizations and agencies work with landowners on restoration efforts to improve our local water resources,” explained Dr. Arica Crootof, UMW Associate Professor of Environmental Sustainability. Dr. Crootof’s students are involved in designing and hosting the event. “We need spaces where people can come together and learn together. This happens in the classroom, but we need opportunities beyond the classroom too—and what better topic to bring us together than water,” she said. Montana Western’s Community Water Conversations aim to create a space for students, practitioners, and community members to learn about the complexity of water issues and recognize the role each of us plays in shaping local water resources. We hope you can join us! Montana Western would like to thank Montana Trout Unlimited and each of the panelists for making this event possible. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions and ideas for this event and future community conversations. For more information, please contact Dr. Arica Crootof at  arica.crootof@umwestern.edu .

Submitted by: Mel Rice, Public Relations. On November 13th the Beaverhead Search and Rescue was paged out to aide two 70 year old gentlemen who were stuck in a 2 foot snow drift and had no provisions with them.   The Sheriff’s department received an emergency call from a SPOT locator in the Gallagher Mountain area Southeast of Dillon and notified SAR at 2:50 PM.  The two gentlemen from Polson were driving a road when the vehicle slid off in to a snow bank and they could not get themselves out.  The Spot notification provided the unit with the exact location of the two men.  Three hasty teams were deployed to the rescue area at 3:30.   One of the hasty teams arrived on scene at 4:57. A second hasty team arrived shortly after.  A quick assessment of the two gentlemen determined them to be in good health.  They were loaded into one of the rescue team’s vehicles and transported off the mountain back to town.  All three hasty teams were headed back to town at 5:20 and the rescue was complete with all members back in town and everything put away at 6:40 PM. Search and Rescue members participating on the IC team were Trent Cottom, Tara Remely, Brian Vinson, and Brad Wagner.  Hasty teams were made of S&R members Jack Bazemore, Smitty Smith, Steve Mock, Jason Erickson, Charles Wharton, Josh Yeadon, Graden Greenslade, and Lance Hopman.  Other members showing up for support were Mel Rice, Kolby Malesich, Weston Helle, and Russ Sigman.  Again, your Beaverhead Search and Rescue wants to remind everyone to be prepared for all types of weather conditions and situations you may find yourself in.  Whether it be lost, injured, or just stuck in a snow bank, be ready to spend some time out there by yourself. It takes time to get help out there to you.  “In the Business of Saving Lives”, your Beaverhead SAR.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana  59725 FIRE & ORDER COMMITTEE MEETING City Hall Council Chambers  November 18th, 2024 9:00 AM AGENDA     1.           Call Meeting to Order 2.           Discuss MOU with University 3.           Community Initiative Project 4.           New Police Vehicle Purchased through Grant 5.           Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within Jurisdiction of the City 6.           Adjournment     Committee Members: Russ Schwandt - Chairperson Mary Jo O’Rourke Bill Shafer

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. –  The 2024 Frontier Women's Volleyball Postseason Tournament, presented by First Interstate Bank, has been set for Friday and Saturday.  Montana State-Northern will host the two-day conference tournament at Armory Gymnasium in Havre, Mont., on Nov. 15-16. Montana Western received the No. 3 seed after finishing third in Frontier Conference action and will be taking on the No. 6 seeded Rocky Mountain College on Friday at 1:30 p.m. With a win, the Bulldogs will continue their road to the championship game by way of No. 2 seeded Montana Tech at 7:30 p.m. on Friday night. The 2024 Frontier Conference Women's Volleyball Tournament will crown a champion on Saturday when Friday's semifinals winners meet at 7 p.m.  The winner of the postseason tournament will receive the automatic bid to the NAIA Women's Volleyball National Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 23. All five matches of the tournament will be streamed on  https://www.youtube.com/@FrontierConference1934. For more information on the 2024 Frontier Conference Volleyball Tournament can be found at  https://fcsports.org/tournaments/?id=71&path=wvball .

HELENA – Representative Brandon Ler of Savage has been elected as Speaker of the House for the upcoming 69th Legislative Session   “We’re ready to get to work for the people of Montana,” Representative Ler said Tuesday . “We are going to dig deep into some difficult issues and work together for all Montanans.”   Representative Steve Fitzpatrick of Great Falls has been elected as Majority Leader.   “Montanans have entrusted Montana Republicans to come to Helena to solve problems,” said Fitzpatrick . I look forward to working for the people of Montana to address their concerns and make Montana a great place to live, start a business, and raise a family.”   Representative Katie Zolnikov of Billings has been elected as Speaker Pro Tempore. Amy Regier of Kalispell, Braxton Mitchell of Whitefish, Steve Gist of Cascade, Jedediah Hinkle of Belgrade, and Marta Bertoglio of Clancy have been elected as House Majority Whips.   The 69th Legislative Session begins January 6, 2024, when the members will be sworn in and committees will begin meeting immediately that week. Legislation is already being prepared and can be viewed on the legislative website.   More information on the 2025 Legislative session: https://leg.mt.gov

If you ever wondered what Dillon looked like 95 years ago then join us for a narrated black & white film featuring clips from home movies by Louis Schmittroth father of Ester Mooney and grandfather to Dillon’s local family the Mooney’s. Host Ed Mooney and friends will narrate clips of local sports, outdoor recreation, Dillon events, Barrett Hospital, Fox Farm, Elkhorn Hot Springs, Beaverhead County and much more! Thursday November 21, 2024, at the Old Depot Theatre, 125 S. Montana St. Doors Open at 6 pm and the program begins at 6:30 pm. Free Admission and Refreshments, Donations are welcome. For information: call 406-683-5027 or email bvhdmuseum@hotmail.com

The University of Montana Western Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of the Ronald J. Woods Charitable Trust Annual Scholarship. This scholarship aims to support and recognize students attending Montana Western who are pursuing a degree in education. Ronald J. Woods, a Notre Dame graduate in chemical engineering, established a company in the 1960s that played a pivotal role in advancing modern injection molding technology. After selling the company in the 1980s, Mr. Woods dedicated his time to philanthropy and ultimately found his way to Montana, where he founded a nonprofit high school for students needing additional support. The school, which was tuition-free, made a lasting impact on the lives of many young people. Though the school has since retired, the Woods Scholarship, established in 2015, has supported over 34 deserving students across Montana. The Ronald J. Woods Charitable Trust Annual Scholarship will offer four $5,000 scholarships to first-time, full-time teacher education students who are Montana high school graduates. Applicants must meet certain financial criteria and complete three essay questions for review by the Woods Charitable Trust Committee. This scholarship proudly honors Mr. Woods’s legacy, upholding his vision of empowering hardworking students who are committed to making the world a better place. The University of Montana Western Foundation is proud to recognize this year’s recipients of the Ronald J. Woods Charitable Trust Annual Scholarship. Each recipient embodies a commitment to positively impact their communities and contribute to the future of education. 2024 Ronald J. Woods Charitable Trust Annual Scholarship Recipients: Halia Peterson , from Conrad, Montana, is majoring in art education with the goal of being a positive influence in the lives of her future students and helping them unlock all of their artistic potential. “It means so much to me to be able to continue my education and pursue my dream of becoming an art teacher without financial burdens,” says Halia. Spencer Zavala  graduated from Powell County High School and aspires to be an elementary teacher. His experience working in a special education classroom during high school has motivated Spencer to pursue a master’s degree in special education. He believes that every student deserves to feel loved and supported, especially in school. Natalie Campbell , a 2024 graduate of Corvallis High School, is studying teaching and early childhood education with plans to specialize in trauma-informed care and behavioral support. “This scholarship will significantly ease my financial burden and allow me to focus more on my studies,” says Natalie. Ashley Stokes , from Conrad, Montana, is pursuing a degree in elementary education and would like to teach in a rural Montana school. She shares, “Western is an amazing college, and this scholarship will be very helpful in paying for my freshman year.” The University of Montana Western Foundation would like to remind students that the Foundation scholarship application will open on November 12, 2024, with a priority submission deadline of February 1, 2025. We encourage all eligible students to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to support their educational goals. To access the application, please visit  umwfoundation.awardspring.com . For more information about the Ronald J. Woods Charitable Trust scholarship, please contact Roxanne Engellant at 406-683-7305 or by email at roxanne.engellant@umwestern.edu .

Help Us Make a Difference!   A Diaper Drive and a Food Drive are being held at Barrett Hospital & HealthCare to benefit the local Community Food Bank. Let's come together to support those in need and make a meaningful impact! When to Donate: November 15th - December 20th Where to Donate: Drop off your donations in the collection boxes located in Barrett Hospital’s main lobby or at our Clinic location on the first or second floor. Your contributions can provide essential support to families in our community. By donating diapers, baby wipes, or canned and non-perishable goods, you are helping to lighten the load for many during this season of giving. Let's unite in kindness and generosity. Every single donation can make a difference and help bring hope to those facing challenges. Together, we can spread joy and support throughout the community!   Thank you for your generosity and compassion. Let's make this holiday season truly special for everyone.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS November 14th, 2024 City Council Chambers  7:00 P.M. AGENDA     1.         Call Meeting to Order 2.         Introduction of Zoning Application COU24-004 Requesting Variance and Establishment of Public Hearing Date 3.         Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the Board of Adjustments. 4.         Adjourn     Members: Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz, Mike Watson