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ICE MELT CONTEST The clock stopped on March 19th ending the 17th Annual Ice Melt Contest!  Here are the WINNERS: FIRST PLACE winning $500 is Anna Cossel of Dillon Montana SECOND PLACE winning $250 is Rick Parke of Dillon Montana THIRD PLACE winning $100 is Bonnell Rosette of Box Elder, Montana Winners will be notified individually.  PRIZES will be awarded at the APRIL 3rd Rotary Meeting at St. James Episcopal Church-Guild Hall on Glendale St., in Dillon. Rotary Club uses the proceeds from this contest for scholarships and community projects. THANK YOU to our SPONSORS: Bank of Commerce Barrett Hospital & HealthCare Beaverhead Building Center Beaverhead Home & Ranch Beaverhead Motors Best of the West Realty Edward Jones-Dennis Schurg Flying S Title & Escrow High Peaks Federal Credit Union Gracie’s Secondhand Store for the use of Logan’s Lake Jill Gannon-Nagle Law Office Northwestern Energy Pioneer Federal Savings & Loan Ron & Valerie Fick Stockman Bank Taylor Realty Venture West Realty Vision Source Womack’s Printing Place Rotary Club’s next meeting will be Wednesday, April 3rd at St. James Episcopal Church-Guild Hall on Glendale St. in Dillon at 12 Noon!    Join us to congratulate the Winners and our speaker will be Dylan Zitzer about The Youth Employment Program specifically about our Landscape Conservation Program.  Dylan will talk about Rotary and YEP can partnership in youth leadership.  Here is a short video: " Nature leaders start out in the SageBrush ,"

From Maria Emmer-Aanes Hello. My name is Maria Emmer-Aanes, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new Rural Ambassador for the Montana Nonprofit Association (MNA) for Beaverhead County.  As we kick off the year, I would like to extend a warm invitation to our first monthly meeting, which will take place on Tuesday, March 26th from 12 pm to 1 pm. Lunch will be provided. Please follow the GOOGLE FORM HERE and register so we can get a count and know about any food restrictions.  The meeting will be held at The Village Playspace and Early Childhood Coalition 225 East Reeder Street in our new downstairs conference room.  During this meeting, Phasia Sanchez, Fund Developer and Grant Specialist of Pryor Consulting Services (see attached bio), will delve into various topics aimed at enhancing our collective understanding and skills in nonprofit management and grant writing.  Here's a brief overview of what you can expect to learn: Researching and Targeting Appropriate Funding Opportunities Building Relationships with Funders Writing Clear and Concise Proposals Monitoring Grant Performance Efficient Resource Allocation and Budgeting Adapting to Changing Grant Requirements and Priorities Fostering a Culture of Learning and Continuous Improvement Sharing Helpful Resources Your participation and insights are invaluable, and we look forward to seeing you at the meeting. Please RSVP by Monday, March 25th to ensure we have an accurate headcount for catering purposes. Thank you for your dedication to our community, and I am excited to embark on this journey with all of you. Very best,  Maria

Update Sunday 03/24 1:50 pm road is open. First responders are on scene of a overturned semi on Highway 41 MM 10. As of now the road is completely shutdown. Use caution when travelling in the early spring storms. This is a breaking story and we will update it as more information becomes available.

Saturday, March 23 the Dillon Beavers Softball team went against East Helena Lady Vigilantes in an away game 6 to 2. Starting pitcher Adyson Creighton chalked up 15 strikeouts for the Beavers, making her a dominating force in the game. She surrendered five hits, two runs, and one walk over the seven innings. Kylie Konen would triple in the fourth scoring two runs, and an error that would score a run as well. Highlights include Kinzy Creighton and Kylie Konen each collected two hits for the Beavers. Emily Brevig, Adyson Creighton, Tyler Gibson, and Kenzy Creighton each stole multiple bases. The Lady Beavers had patience at the plate, tallying five walks for the game. Beavers had nine stolen bases for the game.

On 03/23/24 Montana Highway Patrol assisted a motorist right outside of Anaconda who had ran out of fuel. A short time later outside of Butte the same vehicle was pulled over by Highway Patrol where 3 passengers exited the vehicle and the driver fled and was not located. Around 11pm the car involved was reported as stolen.  Around 2:30 in the morning on 03/24 one of the Beaverhead County Deputies located a car that had slid off the interstate near the North Interchange. The vehicle that was involved in the slide off was the same vehicle that was involved with Highway Patrol earlier. The driver had a felony nationwide extradition warrant out of Mississippi for parole violation, felon in possession of firearm.  The driver then fled on foot into a field off of the interstate. Deputies, Dillon Police Officers, and Montana Highway Patrol responded and a search began. The male was subsequently arrested a short time later and the vehicle was seized, however his flip flops were never recovered.  The male was booked into the Beaverhead County Detention Center on the warrant, and pending local charges. We would like to thank all the agencies involved for their helping hand.

Tuesday March 26th, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. City Council Chambers   ZONING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Agenda   1.    Call To Order   2.    Review and Approval of the Minutes of the February 27th, 2024 Regular Meeting   3.    Director of Operations Report  a.     Public Comment will be taken after discussion of items 4 -6 by the Zoning Commission; followed by final discussion by the zoning commission; and final vote by the commission if necessary.   4.    Applications for Zoning Compliance Certificates for Review   5.    Introduction of TUP2024-01             a.         Set Public Hearing Date   6.    Introduction of Zoning and Annexation of Clover View Subdivision.                         a.         Set Public Hearing Date    7.    Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the Zoning Commission.   8.      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:   Tim Stoker, Raymond Graham, Russ Schwandt,  Mike     Watson, Justin Rooley

The Blue Devils would take the lead early Friday afternoon in the bottom of the first as Brandon Brenneman drew a walk, scoring one run, and Maurice Craun singled, scoring three runs. The Beavers would come back in the second and score five runs on one hit to take the lead 5 to 4. Trenton Moreni had the biggest play with a double that drove in three. The Blue Devils would come back in the bottom of the second and take the lead when Brandon Brenneman drew a walk, scoring one run, and Jake Leavitt singled, scoring three runs. At the end of the second the Blue Devils would take the lead 8 to 5. The Beavers will play Florence-Carlton Falcons at Ray Lynch Field on Friday April 5.

Helena, MT The lady Beavers fell to the Hamilton Broncs on Friday, the game came down to the final play. With the game tied at the bottom of the seventh when M. Johnson would single, scoring one run giving the Broncs a 6 to 5 win over the Beavers. The Beavers racked up points early in the first inning after an error scored one run, Emily Brevig homered to center field, scoring two runs, and Kylie Konen doubled, scoring one run. In the second inning Tyler Gibson scored one run with a solo home run. H Beall would hit a home run into left field at the bottom of the second inning tying the game up at five. Highlights for the Beavers are Tyler Gibson and Adyson Creighton both collected two hits for the Beavers. Tyler Gibson, Kylie Konen, and Emily Brevig each drove in one run. The Lady Beavers will take on Corvallis April 2nd Varsity at 3 P.M./JV 5 P.M.

The Japanese Festival is going on today and tomorrow in downtown Dillon. With events taking place all around downtown Dillon as well as at UMW, there is sure to be something for every one. Todays Festivities started with Welcome activities at the Dillon Public Library, followed by a Japanese doll, and culture display. Participants could try Sake at the Klondike, as well as Sushi at Asia Mix. The Depot Theater hosted a Taiko workshop, and the museum hosted a display of the Saito Family and Japanese History exhibit. Many events went on all throughout the day, but don't worry if you missed todays events we have a complete schedule of the events happening tomorrow.

BOZEMAN – Additional Hunter Education classes 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 course. The following Hunter Education classroom courses are scheduled in the region: Twin Bridges: starting March 25 Whitehall: starting April 3 Butte: starting April 8 Bozeman: starting April 8 West Yellowstone: starting April 13 Dillon: starting April 22 Logan: starting May 6 Helena: starting May 17 West Yellowstone: starting June 10 Logan: starting July 15 Livingston: starting Aug. 1 A Bowhunter Education classroom courses is scheduled in Twin Bridges starting April 8. Bowhunter Education classes in Butte and Ennis are also being planned but have not yet been finalized. Students ages 12 through 17 who take Hunter or Bowhunter Education online are required to pass an in-person field day. There will be a field day for online Hunter Education students in Logan on April 20. Hunter and Bowhunter Education courses are being planned in other areas. FWP’s website will be updated periodically as classes are arranged. To see what classes are available or to sign up, visit fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education . 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 archery 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. Sign up for a class!

Agenda - Library Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, March 26, 2024 - 5:00 PM @ City Hall 1. Call to Order – Roll call of Board members 2. Disposition of minutes from regular board meeting February 27, 2024 3. Financial reports/matters Warrants Budget 4. Committee Reports  Capital Campaign/grants/ windows/ boiler 5. Director’s Report  Grants: Humanities Montana; Pioneer Federal 6. Communications 7. Unfinished business 8. New business  April Closure/ Events  State Cost Share Formula  MLA Conference/Butte 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: Tuesday April 30, 2024 5pm (?) 11. Adjournment

The University of Montana Western’s 127th Annual Commencement Ceremony will feature speaker Dr. Steve Mock, retired Professor of Chemistry Emeritus and Climbing Instructor in the Environmental Sciences Department at Montana Western. Steve Mock’s journey from a small farming community in Indiana to his retirement in Dillon, Montana, is a testament to a life filled with adventure and dedication. Graduating from Manchester College in 1977, Steve and his wife, Jan, pursued their love for the wilderness, eventually settling in Missoula in 1978. Steve’s academic pursuits led him to earn a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Montana State University in 1989, later joining the faculty at the University of Montana Western in 1991. During his tenure from 1991-2019, Dr. Mock taught a variety of courses, including chemistry, earth science, and rock climbing. His dedication extended beyond the classroom, serving on numerous committees and playing key roles in administrative searches including search committees for the Provost in 1997 and Chancellor in 1999. In 2001, he assumed the role of Dean of Arts and Sciences at UMW, while also directing the Experience One pilot project from 2001 to 2005. Outside academia, Dr. Mock’s passion for climbing led him to significant involvement with the Khumbu Climbing Center (KCC), a project of the Bozeman based Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation (ALCF) and Denali Rescue Volunteers (DRV). Serving as Co-Director of KCC for ten years, he played a vital role in training Nepali citizens in climbing and guiding. He also participated in Denali Ranger patrols, earning him the President’s role at DRV in 2018. In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Mock received the Alumni Honor award from Manchester University in 2023 and the National Park Service Hartzog Award in 2022. Following his retirement in 2019, Steve and Jan continue to embrace their love for outdoor activities, remaining active in Dillon. They still enjoy hiking, hunting, canoeing, skiing, climbing and travel. Steve continues to immerse himself in the community by being part of the local Beaverhead Search and Rescue. Their journey exemplifies a life filled with exploration, service to others, and unwavering commitment. “We are honored to welcome Dr. Steve Mock back to Montana Western for our 127th Annual Commencement ceremony. Dr. Mock’s dedication to learning, teaching, and his adventurous spirit in the great outdoors provide a deep reservoir of experience and accomplishments to help inspire and celebrate our graduating students,” said Montana Western Chancellor, Michael Reid. “We look forward to his address, as he helps us celebrate their achievements and ignites a sense of possibility and excitement for their future.” Montana Western’s Commencement ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Straugh Gymnasium on the UMW campus on May 4, 2024. For more information, please contact the Montana Western Registrar’s Office by calling 406-683-7371 or visit  https://tinyurl.com/UMWComm24 .

It was a chilly, windy day Thursday, March 21, when the Beavers went against the Butte Bulldogs at Ray Lynch Park. It was a back and forth battle, as the Beavers collected 13 hits. The Bulldogs would get on the scoreboard in the first inning after Zack O"Connell homered to left field, scoring two runs, and then Matthew Donaldson hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run for the Bulldogs. Bottom of the second Kale Konen would triple, tying up the game. The Bulldogs would take the lead back in the third inning. The Beavers would be determined to come back in the bottom of the third, scoring six runs on five hits to take the lead 9 to 5. A ground out by Taylor Handlos would be the play to help with the lead. The Beavers would fall behind in the fifth to come back at the bottom of the sixth thanks to a single by Tackett, a walk by Andrew Bartlome, a hit by a pitch, and a single by Marcus Lagunas. The Beavers accumulated thirteen hits in the game. Konen, Moreni, and Lagunas each collected multiple hits for the Beavers. The Beavers' patience at the plate paid off with eight walks for the game. Beavers had four stolen bases, two of those belonging to Bartlome. With a back and forth battle through the whole game, the Bulldogs would walk away with a 19 to 16 win, giving the Beavers their first loss of the season.

Beaverhead County is planning a prescribed burn of the wood debris pile located within Beaverhead County Landfill. Beaverhead County has obtained a landfill burn permit, #LF-306 from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality in order to conduct this burn. One of the conditions of the permit is to notify all adjacent landowners. Another condition is to have adequate fire resources on the scene during the burn. The Beaverhead County Fire District #2 will provide the fire resources. The burn is planned for some time during April 4th to April 11, 2024, weather permitting. If for some reason the burn cannot take place during this time, it will take place as soon as possible after that date. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Nick Hoem at 406-925-1047. Thank you! Beaverhead County Solid Waste

HELENA – Tatum Murray, 11, is set to make waves March 21-24 at the 2024 Northwest Region Age Group Championships in Federal Way, Washington at the King County Aquatic Center. Murray, a member of the Helena Dolphins swim team, earned her spot in this prestigious competition with dedication and remarkable talent. The Helena swimmer qualified to compete in the 50-yard and 100-yard backstroke with bonus qualifying times in the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle.  The young swimmer is poised to showcase her exceptional abilities and compete against some of the region's finest young swimmers. "This meet is more than just a competition; it's an opportunity for Tatum and other talented swimmers to challenge themselves and push their limits," Head Coach Alana Cunningham said.  "Attending this championship not only showcases their talent but also fosters growth, resilience, and sportsmanship." Murray's participation in the 2024 Northwest Region Age Group Championships not only speaks volumes about her individual talent but also reflects the collective effort and support of her coaches, teammates, and community. As Murray gears up to take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, she remains focused and determined to leave her mark on the competition and inspire others with her passion for swimming. “ I am grateful for the support of my sister Kinleigh, my family, and my swim team,” Murray said. “I extend my thanks to my coaches for their continuous support, encouragement, and for showing what it means to be part of a swim family. ”  Athletes competing in the 2024 Northwest Region Age Group Championships are registered members of USA Swimming and represent various regions within the Northwest United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, Inland Empire, Montana, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Snake River, and Wyoming Swimming. For more information about the Dolphins swim team, visit  www.helenadolphins.com .

HELENA – Nearly 500 elementary, middle and high school students competed in the state archery tournament in Helena March 18 and 19. The tournament, which was held at the Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds, was hosted by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks as part of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP).   “For these kids, it’s more than just shooting bows and arrows in P.E.,” said Ryan Schmaltz, FWP’s NASP coordinator. “Many schools form archery clubs and teams and students go on to practice archery as a lifetime outdoor sport.” The archers represented 15 schools from across the state, including from as far away as Trout Creek and Hardin. The competitors represent only a fraction of the 10,000 Montana students in grades 4 through 12 who participated in Montana’s Archery in the Schools Program last year.   NASP offers safe, in-school archery curriculum and provides benefits such as improving student focus and academic discipline, building self-confidence and increasing the likelihood that students pursue archery and other similar sports as adults.  FWP provides basic archery instructor trainings and cost-shares for equipment for teachers interested in starting NASP at their schools.     To learn more about starting, or joining, NASP at your school, contact Schmaltz at 406-444-9946 or RSchmaltz@mt.gov   Team winners of the state tournament were: 3D Challenge Team Awards Elementary school – Arlee Middle school – Trout Creek High school – Paris Gibson Education Center, Great Falls Bullseye Team Awards No Elementary school winner Middle school – Trout Creek High school – Paris Gibson Education Center, Great Falls For more information on NASP and a full list of winners, go to nasptournaments.org/ .

Brigid Reedy, a Montana Western student and talented singer, songwriter, and artist who has toured the country performing on some of the nation's biggest stages will now add to her impressive resume as she prepares to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Friday, March 22, 2024 as part of the “Roll On, Cowboys with Andy Hedges & Friends” show presented by the National Ranching Heritage Center. Reedy is a current fourth-year student at the University of Montana Western who is pursuing a BS in Natural Horsemanship (NH) and BA in English. Reedy grew up in the small ranching community of Waterloo, Montana (near Whitehall) where her upbringing was rich in art, poetry, and equestrianism. Since a young age, she has had a passion for performing and has developed into one of the most renowned young voices in Western Americana music and poetry.  Some of her accolades include a profile in Western Horseman and a story in Alta Magazine . She has been featured on Andy Hedges the “Cowboy Crossroads” podcast and appears on Hedge’s 2023 album “Roll on, Cowboys”. This album has led to Reedy performing around the country on some of the biggest stages, including the iconic Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Often referred to as the “most famous stage in country music,” the Grand Ole Opry has hosted some of the genre’s biggest stars including Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Willy Nelson, and Elvis Presley.  Now Reedy will have another opportunity to perform at one of America’s most historic music venues, Carnegie Hall . Since it opened in 1891, Carnegie Hall has set the international standard for musical excellence as the aspirational destination for the world’s finest artists. From Tchaikovsky, Dvořák, Mahler, and Bartók to George Gershwin, Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, Judy Garland, and The Beatles, an honor roll of music-making artists representing the finest of every genre has filled Carnegie Hall throughout the years. When asked if she was looking forward to her upcoming Carnegie Hall performance, Brigid humbly said, “I’ve been performing since I was two years old, and I’ve always treated every stage with the same amount of respect, excitement, and preparation whether I’m going to perform for four people or four thousand. I’m going to give them my best show and the best quality and I’m going to be constantly pushing myself to improve.”  Beyond being a talented artist, Reedy excels as a student at Montana Western and is committed to her academics despite her busy schedule as a musician. As a double major, she has taken on heavy course loads including a semester where she was enrolled in 24 credit hours.  Reedy was approached by Iola “Olie” Else, Instructor of Equine Studies, who encouraged her to consider pursuing a degree in Natural Horsemanship in addition to an English major due to her background in agriculture and experience working with horses. Olie recognized the cultural significance of Reedy’s career, affectionately referring to her two degrees combined as her “cowboy poetry degree.” As part of Reedy’s NH degree, she had the opportunity to participate in a unique capstone course as a guest instructor at The Thacher School , a private co-educational boarding school in Ojai, California. Here, she honed her teaching skills under the guidance of The Thacher School teacher and Horse Department Director, Trinity Seely. She also gained valuable experience as a clinic assistant with Tammy Pate at Great Sand Dunes National Park , focusing on rider awareness and horsemanship training. In Dillon, Reedy apprentices with local master saddle-maker, George Holt, where she spends time soaking up traditional leather-working skills and Holt’s experiences of a life in the saddle. An extensive exhibit of her leatherwork was recently curated and on display at Montana Western’s Fine Arts Gallery. Reedy expresses gratitude for the many opportunities UMW has provided her. She emphasizes the unparalleled support and communication from professors that enable her to pursue an ambitious academic journey. Montana Western’s unique block scheduling system allows Reedy to focus on one subject at a time, work ahead, and benefit from one-on-one time with professors because of the low student to faculty ratio. The flexibility of the block system has enabled her to balance her college life, family commitments, and professional career seamlessly. “The type of experience Western has afforded me is unlike anything I could’ve imagined getting at any other university,” said Reedy. To learn more about Reedy and her music, visit https://brigidreedy.com/ . For more information about the University of Montana Western, visit www.umwestern.edu or call 877-683-7331.

The Annual Colt Challenge and Sale, hosted by the University of Montana Western and the Montana Center for Horsemanship, will take place March 29 and 30, 2024, at the Montana Center for Horsemanship in Dillon, Montana. Students and colts compete in a series of events that demonstrate their wide range of abilities on the first day, and the following day, a public auction features the colts for sale, with all proceeds reinvested in the program to provide scholarships to Natural Horsemanship majors at the University of Montana Western.  Schedule of Events: Friday, March 29 Colt Challenge: 9:00 a.m. Saturday, March 30 Preview: 10:00 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. Sale: 1:00 p.m. Each colt receives approximately 90 days of Natural Horsemanship training from equine students in the Natural Horsemanship/Equine Studies Bachelor of Science Degree program at Montana Western, under the guidance and leadership of the MCH Natural Horsemanship instructors . This year’s event will showcase 22 best-bred colts donated by some of the finest ranches in the region. The young horses are familiarized with all settings inside and out, including enclosed areas and riding outdoors on the area’s many trails and in the surrounding mountains. They are also exposed to a variety of situations including working with cattle and ropes, loading and unloading from trailers, and many other scenarios a horse and rider might encounter in ranch-work or recreational riding. Simultaneously, both students and instructors develop an in-depth feel for each horse, enabling them to accurately convey this knowledge to potential buyers. The horses and students are featured on  Facebook  leading up to the main event with information about the colts including their color, conformation, personalities, and skills. More information about the 2024 Colt Challenge and Sale, including the sale catalog , is available on the University of Montana Western  website . Those interested in attending the auction can do so in person, online, or by phone . To bid online, participants must pre-register at least one day prior to the sale. To pre-register, please visit  bid.northernlivestockvideo.com  and click “Get Approved to Bid.” Participants can then bid online via desktop by visiting  www.northernlivestockvideo.com  the day of the sale or by downloading the Northern Livestock Auction mobile app. To bid by phone, pre-register by calling Northern Livestock Video Auction at 866-616-5035 before the sale day to obtain a bid number. Bidders can then phone in the day of the sale by calling 406-245-0889. The sale order will be posted on Friday, March 29 by 5:00 p.m. on the Montana Western Colt Challenge and Sale  website  and  Facebook  page. The Annual Colt Challenge and Sale corporate sponsors include CHS Inc., New Generation Supplements, Rocky Mountain Supply, and Zinpro Performance Minerals in partnership with the University of Montana Western and the Montana Center for Horsemanship. Saturday’s complimentary lunch is sponsored by Beaverhead Motors. Thank you to American National Insurance for sponsoring this year’s saddle for the Colt Challenge winner. We wish to thank our sponsors for their generous support of the event and the students in the program. The Equine Studies Department at the University of Montana Western offers the nation’s only Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Horsemanship with options in management, psychology, science and instruction, and was ranked among the “Best Equestrian Colleges” by ThoughtCo.com . The Montana Center for Horsemanship is the first and only equine center in the United States that is devoted expressly to promoting natural horsemanship. With its stables, arenas, riding areas, and instructors, the center serves as the primary facility and progressive teaching resource for Montana Western’s Natural Horsemanship BS curriculum. The MCH teaches the ‘La Cense Method,’ which was developed under William Kriegel, owner of Haras de la Cense in France. Mr. Kriegel is also co-founder of MCH, and he has been involved in Natural Horsemanship for many years. The La Cense Method is a progressive, step-by-step process that blends the best of traditional horsemanship training with the art of training and riding horses—all in a manner that works with a horse’s behavior, instincts, and personality. Taking a positive and respectful approach, the La Cense Method gradually builds trust, and frees the horses to be confident in all they are asked to perform. For more information about the Colt Challenge and Sale, please contact Head Natural Horsemanship Instructor, Eric Hoffmann:  eric.hoffmann@umwestern.edu  or 406-925-1499.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information ATLANTA, Ga. -  The Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCAA) announced the NAIA award winners for the 2023-24 season. Montana Western guard Jordan Sweeney  has been named an NAIA Coaches' All-American honorable mention honoree for her efforts in the 2023-24 season. Sweeney, a 5-7 guard from Oakley, Calif., was previously selected as a Frontier Conference first team all-conference selection after she led the Frontier with 20.6 points per game and 5.4 assists per game. She also joined Montana Western's 1,000 point club after two seasons with the Bulldogs after she dropped 43 points against Rocky Mountain College back on February 24 for a new UMW single game scoring record. "We congratulate the members of the 2024 WBCA NAIA Coaches' All-America team," said Executive Director Danielle M. Donehew. "These young women have worked to elevate their teams and themselves to an elite level of competition. Through their exceptional talents on the basketball court, they have also lifted the women's game. Though Sweeney has concluded her playing career with Montana Western, she recently was accepted into the once in a lifetime "So You Want To Be A Coach" program sponsored by the WBCA that will give her the opportunity to learn from the best as a part of the WBCA annual convention that will be held in Cleveland, Ohio — Wednesday, March 29, through Friday, April 5, 2024.