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HELENA  – If you’re interested in providing input on how Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is crafting fishing regulations for the next two years, now is your chance. FWP is taking public comment and asking for ideas on initial proposals for the 2025-2026 Fishing Regulations.   The initial 64 proposals are online now and available for review and comment. Just go to   fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/public-comment-opportunities/fishing-regulations .    FWP is also looking for ideas for regulation changes that aren’t captured in these initial proposals. To answer questions and get feedback on fishing regulations, FWP is hosting public meetings around the state. Staff will use the input to refine the regulation proposals that will go before the Fish and Wildlife Commission in October. The fishing regulations proposals that will be considered by commission will be available for public comment in August. The commission will adopt, amend or reject the proposals at its October meeting.    Montana’s fishing regulations are split into three districts – west, central and east. Each district has standard regulations. Many of the proposals remove exceptions to district standards that are no longer biologically relevant. Others are intended to increase fishing opportunity, enhance conservation efforts for some species, reduce confusion or improve enforceability. All regulation changes are based on criteria or objectives outlined in the  Statewide Fisheries Management Plan .   Specific statewide proposals include improving definitions of different types of hooks and adjusting regulations for cleaning and transporting fish.   In the Western Fishing District, proposals include adjusting northern pike possession limits, adjusting bag limits on the Blackfoot River and many tributaries, implementing gear restrictions on the Kootenai River below Libby Dam, and removing a lake trout slot limit on Whitefish Lake.   In the Central Fishing District, proposals include allowing spearing for northern pike on Hauser and Holter reservoirs, removing spearing for burbot at Tiber Reservoir and Lake Frances, removing exceptions for walleye in the Missouri River from Toston to Canyon Ferry and reducing walleye bag limits from Holter Dam to Black Eagle Dam.   For the Eastern Fishing District, proposals include clarification of paddlefish regulations because of the new fish bypass channel at Intake, the addition of a tag for paddlefish snagging opportunities in the Missouri River below Fort Peck Dam, regulations to conserve shortnose gar, and conservative crappie limits on Tongue River Reservoir.  Fishing regulations are now under a process like hunting regulations, going through a comprehensive public review every two years. Fishing regulations are printed during odd numbered years.      The meeting schedule is as follows:      Region 1: March 19, 6 p.m., Kalispell, 490 North Meridian Road    Region 2: April 10, 6:30 p.m., Missoula, 201 Spurgin Road    Region 3: March 28, 6 p.m., Bozeman, 1400 South 19th St.    Region 4: April 4, 6 p.m., Great Falls, 4600 Giant Springs Road    Region 5: March 14, 6:30 p.m., Billings, 2300 Lake Elmo Drive    Region 6: March 13, 6 p.m., Glasgow, 1 Airport Road    Region 7: March 21, 6:30 p.m., Miles City, 352 I-94 Business Loop     FWP will be collecting comments through April 26. The department will also host at least one virtual meeting during this comment period.

HELENA –  Montana’s first mussel-fouled watercraft of the year was intercepted at the Anaconda watercraft inspection station on March 10.   The pontoon boat was recently purchased used in North Dakota and was travelling along Interstate 90 west toward Ephrata, Wash. Mussels were found along the hull throughout the lifting strakes as well as the transom and gimbal areas. Inspectors performed a full decontamination on site, and the boat was locked to the trailer. Previous launch information was unknown, but the new owner believed it had not been in the water since last summer.  All watercraft (motorized and non-motorized) coming into Montana from out of state must be inspected. Watercraft must be drained of all water before transporting.  Watercraft inspection stations are Montana’s first line of defense to prevent the movement of aquatic invasive species (AIS) which can have devastating impacts on Montana waterways. Boaters must stop at all watercraft inspections stations they encounter.  Learn more at fwp.mt.gov/conservation/aquatic-invasive-species or call the FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau at 406-444-2440.

The University of Montana Western and the Dillon Public Library would like to invite the community to celebrate the Second Annual Japanese Festival in Western Montana with a series of events to be held March 22 and 23, 2024. Events and activities for all ages will take place throughout the city of Dillon including the University of Montana Western, Dillon Public Library, and many local businesses. This year, even more exciting events and workshops have been added. Nao Fukumoto, Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator, who came to Dillon last August, will help bring this event to life! Visit tinyurl.com/JFWM2024 to view the complete schedule of events. Festival event topics will include: Welcome Activities Japanese Doll, Cultural Display, and Crafts Table Furoshiki Workshop (Japanese Cloth Wrapping Techniques) Kamishibai (Traditional Japanese Storytelling) Sushi Sampling  Shinobue Workshop (Japanese Flute) Saito Family and Japanese History Exhibit Soran Bushi Dance Performance Taiko Workshop (Japanese Drum) Family Movie Night- Spirited Away Sake Tasting Samurai Undressed Demonstration Sado (Tea Ceremony)  Aikido Workshop (Japanese Martial Art) Japanese Jewelry Making Ikebana Workshop (Japanese Flower Arrangement ) Bonsai Demonstration Kumamoto Sister State Presentation Work in Japan with the JET Program Calligraphy, Japanese Toys, and Games Japanese Art Exhibit Miya Hannan Artist Presentation & Closing Reception: “Deep Echoes” Thank you to the generous sponsors and contributors who have helped make this event possible. For more information, please call 406-683-4544. Event passports will be available for pickup starting March 18 at the Dillon Public Library.

The University of Montana Western will honor two outstanding community members, Ashley Willett and Chris Mehring, with the 2024 Dr. Jane Helm Maddock Service Award on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, for their extraordinary service to UMW and the Dillon Community. The awards dinner and recognition ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Lewis and Clark Room in Mathews Hall on the UMW campus. Dr. Jane Helm Maddock was a Professor of English at the University of Montana Western for 17 years and was recognized as Professor Emeritus of English upon her retirement by the Board of Regents of the Montana University System. During her time at UMW, she established the Helm Honors Scholarship and the Helm Memorial Scholarship in memory of her parents. The service award is named in her honor and memory and presented to those who have performed extraordinary service to the campus and community. Montana Western will also recognize four inspiring UMW students for their high levels of civic and volunteer engagement. Tanner Harrell will be recognized for the Montana Athletes in Service award, Gracie Stanton will be recognized for receiving the Newman Civic Fellowship Award, and Alexis Cannon and Ahna Fox will each receive the Dr. Jane Helm Maddock Student Service Award. To purchase tickets to the Dr. Jane Helm Maddock Service Awards Dinner, please contact the Foundation and Alumni Office by calling 406-683-7306 by April 3, 2024. Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for Montana Western students and include drinks, dinner, and dessert.  Ashley K. Willett Ashley Willett grew up on a ranch north of Dillon and graduated from Beaverhead County High School in 2004. She continued her education at the University of Montana Western on a golf scholarship. In addition to being a student-athlete, Ashley also worked for her uncle Casey Keltz at the Lion’s Den and embarked on a career at Edward Jones. In 2007, Ashley earned a BS in Business Administration.  Following graduation, Ashley married Phil Willett and they have one daughter, Gabby. Although they briefly resided in Bozeman, Ashley and her family found themselves drawn back to Dillon. In 2014, Ashley transitioned into the field of health insurance and presently serves as the Benefits Producer at Mountainview Insurance. Ashley has become a pillar of the Dillon community, contributing her time, skills, and dedication to various community initiatives and organizations. Over the years, Ashley and her family have also served as a host family for Montana Western student-athletes.  Ashley’s commitment to community engagement is evident through her active involvement in various organizations and initiatives. As a member of the Chapter AD PEO, she dedicated four years of service as president. Currently, she serves on the committees for the Festival of Trees and the UMW Booster Bash. Her passion for golf led her to join the Dillon Junior Golf Board and the Beaverhead Golf Course Ladies Association Board. In addition to her roles in golf-related organizations, Ashley also contributes her time as a Dillon Junior Golf instructor, serves on the Beaverhead Chamber board, and continues to lend her support to Shine Studio. She was an active member of the Dillon Jaycee Auxiliary and served on the Southwest Montana Family Y Board. When not working or volunteering, Ashley finds joy in spending quality time with her family and attending Gabby’s dance and sporting events. Ashley’s passion for Montana Western, and the Dillon community is what makes her a deserving candidate of the Dr. Jane Helm Maddock Service Award. Christopher J. Mehring Chris Mehring was born and spent much of his childhood in Butte, Montana. He attended Butte Central until his sophomore year of high school before transferring to Twin Bridges where he ultimately graduated. After graduation, Chris attended Western Montana College where he received a degree in Secondary Education Business and Physical Education in 1988. Chris settled in Dillon and embarked on a rewarding career with R.E. Miller & Sons. In 1988, Chris married the love of his life, Wendy. Together, they welcomed two children, Alyssa and Darrin, who became the joy of Chris’s life. However, being a grandpa to Parker, Paislee, and Payton was truly the highlight of his days. Chris took great pride in being a resident of Beaverhead County and demonstrated his love for the community through volunteering. He dedicated his time to various sports activities, including coaching little league baseball and flag football. One of his favorite pastimes on Saturdays was serving as the ball boy for Montana Western Bulldog Football. Chris also played a significant role in nearly every sports field in Dillon. With the support of numerous friends, coworkers, and R.E. Miller & Sons, he spearheaded efforts to donate time, dirt and equipment for the construction and renovation of these fields. When the community raised funds for the updated Jaycee Park, Chris and many R.E. Miller employees pitched in. With the support of his company and friends, Chris was able to give back to Dillon in various ways. He took pride in every project and always ensured perfection. These efforts are just a fraction of the many ways he supported any program or person in need. Chris’s commitment to the community never wavered. He served on the City of Dillon planning board and the Beaverhead Golf Course board. He was also recognized as Dillon Jaycee’s Outstanding Young Man of the Year. With his passion for sports, Chris umpired little league games, played city league softball, and basketball, participated in flag football, and was deeply involved in Dillon Beaver football and Cubs baseball.  His impact was profound in so many ways and resonated deeply in the Dillon community. We are grateful for the opportunity to recognize his legacy and honored to present Chris and his family with the Dr. Jane Helm Maddock Service Award.

2023-24 SW A Girls Basketball All-Conference Name Year School Team 1 Mason Quinn 10 Frenchtown 1st Team All-Conference / All-State / MVP 2 Sydney Petersen 12 Dillon 1st Team All-Conference / All-State 3 Madison Kaufman 12 Frenchtown 1st Team All-Conference / All-State 4 Kenleigh Graham 11 Dillon 1st Team All-Conference / All-State 5 Sadie Smith 12 Frenchtown 1st Team All-Conference / All-State 6 Halle Fitzgerald 12 Dillon 2nd Team All-Conference 7 Taylor McCarthy 12 Hamilton 2nd Team All-Conference 8 Heather Haskins 11 Frenchtown 2nd Team All-Conference 9 Ashlynn McKern 10 Hamilton 2nd Team All-Conference 10 Leila Racicot-Stennerson 12 Dillon 2nd Team All-Conference 11 Shilo McLain Lampi 12 Stevensville Honorable Mention 12 Ella Varner 10 Corvallis Honorable Mention 13 Sage Tash 10 Dillon Honorable Mention 14 Lavana Wetzel 12 Hamilton Honorable Mention 15 Mollie Drew 12 Butte Central Honorable Mention 16 Ericka Jessop 12 Corvallis Honorable Mention SOUTHWEST “A” ALL-CONFERENCE NAME YEAR TEAM SCHOOL 1ST TEAM: 1. Canaan Magness 10 Co-MVP- 1st Team All-State Hamilton 2. Eli Quinn- 12 Co-MVP 1st Team All-State Frenchtown 3. Owen McPartland 11 1st Team All-State Butte Central 4. Carter Curnow 11 1st team All-State Dillon 5. Jack Keeley 12 1st Team All-State Butte Central 2nd TEAM: 6. Kyler Engellent 11 2nd Team All-Conference Dillon 7. Tyler Jette 11 2nd Team All-Conference Hamilton 8. Hank Smith 09 2nd Team All-Conference Frenchtown 9. Ryan Hutchison 12 2nd Team All-Conference Corvallis 10. Max Davis 12 2nd Team All-Conference Dillon HM TEAM: 11. Josh Sutton 09 Honorable Mention Butte Central 12. Derek Criddle 12 Honorable Mention Corvallis 13. Cole Dickemore 12 Honorable Mention Hamilton 14. Jackson Jessop 12 Honorable Mention Hamilton 15. Tristan Koerner 12 Honorable Mention Hamilton 16. Ryan Peoples 10 Honorable Mention Butte Central

Wisdom, MT. – Big Hole National Battlefield has switched to a new spring schedule, effective immediately. Under this schedule, the Visitor Center will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.   The park’s grounds and trails continue to be open every day, sunrise to sunset.     Big Hole National Battlefield is located 10 miles west of Wisdom, Mont. on Highway 43. Admission is free year-round. For more information, please contact Big Hole National Battlefield at 406-689-3155, visit www.nps.gov/biho , or check us out on Facebook www.facebook.com/BigHoleNationalBattlefield/ .

The 2024 Rural Schools Science Fair was held Friday, March 8, at the Keltz Arena on the campus of the University of Montana Western. Elementary school students from nine area rural schools presented some 65 science projects in categories ranging from Chemical to Young Inventor. The students were also divided along age/grade groups. On behalf of all the students, teachers, and families involved, this year’s Director Teresa Murdoch of Alder offered her great thanks to the volunteer judges who visited with the students during the morning’s presentations. Many were veterans of past fairs, while others took part for the first time. Awards were presented to the top three ‘scientists’ in each category and age group. In the Chemical Division, the following awards were presented: Kindergarten: 1) Fox Cottingham (Wisdom); 2) Zoey Larson (Wise River); 3) Daniel Gooch (Alder). Grades 1-2: 1) Oliva Rix (Reichle); 2) Evan Smail (Alder); 3) Billie Sue Ingram (Alder). Grades 3-4: 1) Madison Speer (Divide); 2) Ally Tarter (Reichle); 3) Oliver Stevenson (Wisdom). Grades 5-6: 1) Baylee White (Reichle); 2) Kooper Stevenson (Wisdom); 3) Aliyah Apland (Divide). Grades 7-8: 1) Lilly Cote (Divide); 2) Sidney Hansen (Polaris). In the Biology Division, Kindergarten: 1) Addi Anderson (Wise River) Grades 1-2: 1) Lyla Linch & Jon Barber (Melrose). Grades 5-6: 1) Fowler Cottingham (Wisdom); 2) Wylie Heiland (Wisdom). In the Earth/Space Division, Kindergarten: 1) Eowyn Thompson (Alder); 2) Lewis Tash & Mitchell Hansen (Polaris); 3) Ava Welch (Wise River). Grades 1-2: 1) Lariah Smith (Grant). Grades 3-4: 1) Thatcher Reis (Grant); 2) Luke Schmidlin (Grant); 3) Kimber Rose Anderson (Wise River). Grades 5-6: Rafe Mattison (Reichle); 2) Cody Ellis (Alder). In the Life Science Division, Grades 1-2: 1) Abrielle Mayer (Alder). Grades 5-6: 1) Kristian Reiber (Reichle); 2) a tie between Regan Reiber & Paityn Tarter (Reichle); 3) Lily Beebe (Alder). Grades 7-8: 1) Kingston Hansen (Polaris); 2) Cameron Breitzman (Divide). In the Physical Science Division, Kindergarten: 1) Jacky Kelly & Abigial Pierce (Reichle); 2) Anna Reeves (Alder); 3) Emi Calton (Wisdom). Grades 1-2; 1) Daniel Spillane (Grant); 2) Josephine Koehler (Alder); 3) Sam Gilman (Alder). Grades 3-4: 1) Maverick Beebe (Alder) 2) Jeff Rhoades (Reichle); 3) Tabor Calton (Wisdom). Grades 5-6: 1) Tyler Lyndes (Wisdom); 2) Madalyn Ellis (Alder). In the Young Inventor Division, Grades 1-2: 1) Walker Montana (Wise River). Grades 3-4: 1) Riker Malkovich (Jackson). Grades 5-6: 1) Zophia Diaz (Wisdom). Grades 7-8: 1) Travee Carpenter (Divide) In the Technology Division, Grades 6-7: 1) Zaiden Laurie (Wisdom). The teachers from Alder including Mrs. Murdoch, Skiela Eggers and Savannah Rossitor also wished to thank the Challenge cadets for setting up the tables and chairs, UMW Athletic Director Michael Feuling, Becky Stuart, the Director of Campus Events and Conferences at Montana Western, Beaverhead Ambulance, Vigilante Electric, and Debbie Sporich from the Bookstore. Thank you Debbie for the photos

HELENA – Landowners have until March 15 to apply for Unlocking Public Lands (UPL) Program or the Public Access Land Agreement (PALA) Program. These programs are designed to provide public access to state or federal land where access is either limited or doesn’t exist.   For enrollment in UPL, landowners will receive an income tax credit in the amount of $750 per agreement and up to a maximum of $3,000 in tax credits in exchange for allowing access across the private lands via roads or trails to reach inaccessible public land. Landowners must hold the public land lease and can decide how the public may cross their private property.    For enrollment in PALA, landowners will be paid, including money for possible infrastructure reimbursements (e.g., gravel, culverts, cattle guards) to facilitate public access to inaccessible public lands. Landowners must hold the public land lease. Payment amounts vary based on a variety of factors, with one landowner possibly holding multiple agreements. The governor-appointed Private Land/Public Wildlife Advisory Committee will review complete applications and make a recommendation to the FWP director.  More information about these two programs, including enrollment criteria, application forms, and fact sheets describing these FWP public access programs, can be found at: fwp.mt.gov/landowner .

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. –  Montana Western Football has released its schedule for the 2024 season. "Starting out with two home games this season then back to back road trips into Oregon makes the first part of the season balanced and challenging at the same time," Head Coach Ryan Nourse stated. The Bulldogs will play ten games this season, with a balanced slate of five home and five away games. The defending Frontier Conference champions will kick off the historic season on the new Bulldog Sports and Activities Complex, the first year Montana Western will not be playing on Vigilante Field. They will begin the season with a pair of home games, opening with a non-conference matchup against Eastern Oregon. They will follow up with their home conference opener against the College of Idaho. COI enters the season coming off of a deep playoff run that saw the Yotes top the Bulldogs in the second round of the playoffs, but then ultimately fall in the semifinal to Keiser University who was the national title runner-up. UMW will follow up the first two home games with a pair of road games in Oregon, but will return on October 12 for a rivalry matchup with the Montana Tech Orediggers at home. Down the line on Nov. 9, the Bulldogs will host the Carroll College Saints for the first time since the 2021 season. The Bulldogs have won four straight over the Saints at home, dating back to 2016. "To have two historic rivalry games at home this year versus Montana Tech and Carroll College, two well-coached and talented teams, gives our supporters and fans an awesome opportunity to see some of the best small college football played right here in Dillon Montana," continued Nourse. 2024 UMW Bulldog Football Schedule Sept. 7        Eastern Oregon    Dillon, Mont.       Bulldog Sports & Activities Complex Sept. 14      College of Idaho*   Dillon, Mont.     Bulldog Sports & Activities Complex Sept. 21      Lewis and Clark      Portland, Ore.    Griswold Stadium Sept. 28    Southern Oregon*  Ashland, Ore.      Raider Stadium Oct. 12      Montana Tech*    Dillon, Mont.      Bulldog Sports & Activities Complex Oct. 19     Rocky Mountain*  Billings, Mont.       Herb Klindt Field Oct. 26    Arizona Christian*   Dillon, Mont.      Bulldog Sports & Activities Complex Nov. 2    MSU-Northern*   Havre, Mont.     Blue Pony Stadium Nov. 9    Carroll College*   Dillon, Mont.    Bulldog Sports & Activities Complex Nov. 16    Eastern Oregon*   La Grande, Ore.  Quinn Coliseum

REMINDER: MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF CLERK & RECORDER’S SCHOLARSHIPS ARE DUE INTO THE CLERK & RECORDER’S OFFICE NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2024.    MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF CLERKS & RECORDERS   $1000 SCHOLARSHIP FORMS AVAILABLE     The Montana Association of Clerks and Recorders is sponsoring a $1000 and a $500 scholarship for a graduating senior who will be attending an IN STATE SCHOOL.   The last day of acceptance for applications is March 15, 2024 at 5:00 PM. Application forms are now available at the Clerk and Recorder’s office at the courthouse in Dillon or from the Guidance Counselors at the Beaverhead County High School or Lima High School. Completed application forms must be returned to the Clerk and Recorder’s office located at the Beaverhead County courthouse by Friday, March 15 2024. Applications will be judged on the basis of scholarship, need and school and civic involvement. The two winners and alternates will be notified after May 1, 2023 and the scholarship will be given directly to the school of the student’s choice after the school has accepted the student.     Stacey Reynolds Beaverhead County Clerk & Recorder

Vigilante Electric and Touchstone Energy offered free hot air balloon rides to customers early Friday morning. Customers were able to climb aboard and take a free tethered ride on the balloon. The balloon was tethered so customers would only be able to go up about 40 feet in the air to get a quick look around the town and then brought down. A great way to involve customers before Vigilante Electric hosted their annual meeting.

The University of Montana Western will host the Montana Board of Regents March meeting on campus March 14-15, 2024.   The meeting is open to the public and the agenda and livestream link can be accessed online: https://mus.edu/board/meetings/2024/march/index.html .   For more information, please contact Assistant to the Chancellor and Communications, Hillary Lowell: hillary.lowell@umwestern.edu  or 406-683-7151.

Dillon, Montana, March 07, 2024 – Barrett Hospital & HealthCare is pleased to announce that Nathaniel Readal, MD, a board certified urologist, has joined Barrett Hospital & HealthCare medical staff and is seeing patients at the Clinic at 30 MT HWY 91 S. in Dillon, MT. At the age of twenty-two, after being treated for testicular cancer and experiencing urologic care on a personal level, Dr. Readal became interested in urology as a career that would allow him to serve patients with urologic conditions. He has a special interest in adult and pediatric urology, treating the full spectrum of urologic disorders including both benign and cancerous disorders of the urinary tract, voiding disorders, urinary incontinence, kidney stone disease, fertility, and sexual disorders. Preventative care, disease treatment, office-based procedures, as well as minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery are some of Dr. Readal’s techniques. Dr. Nathaniel Readal completed his medical school training at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland and a Urologic Surgery residency at the Brady Urologic Institute at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He is board certified in Urology by the American Board of Urology. Dr. Readal was most recently affiliated with Intermountain Health in Butte, and he is one of only a few urologists in Montana who treats children for urologic issues. Taylor Rose, Chief Executive Officer at Barrett Hospital & HealthCare, said “Dr. Readal has been providing care to Southwestern Montanans since 2015. He is highly respected by both patients and medical professionals, and we are extremely pleased that he decided to join us to continue providing that specialized care in Dillon and the surrounding areas.” For more information on Urology services or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Readal, please call 406-683-3060.

The Montana Wildlife Society has recognized a UMW Biology student for contributions to the field of wildlife management and conservation for the second year in a row. Joe Lamb, the 2024 recipient of the society’s prestigious Western Meadowlark Award, and 2023 recipient, Hunter Bugni, have both been recognized for their leadership and academic achievements in the field of wildlife biology. The Montana Wildlife Society is a professional organization dedicated to the conservation and management of wildlife and their habitats in the state of Montana. It provides a platform for wildlife professionals, researchers, students, and enthusiasts to collaborate, share knowledge, and advocate for the protection of Montana’s diverse wildlife species and ecosystems. The society engages in various activities such as research, education, advocacy, and outreach to promote sustainable wildlife management practices and to ensure the long-term health and viability of Montana’s natural resources. The Western Meadowlark Award recognizes a student enrolled at one of the four-year Montana universities, with the exception of the University of Montana and Montana State University, who have made outstanding contributions to the field of wildlife management and conservation. Recipients of the Western Meadowlark Award are individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and achievement in their work to conserve and manage Montana’s wildlife and their habitats. “Many wildlife professionals start out as undergraduate researchers. It’s important for student researchers to realize they aren’t ‘just students’ or ‘just interns’ they’re early career scientists contributing to the furtherment and betterment of knowledge in their disciplines. The work they do is important to science, more important than they probably realize, and the Western Meadowlark Award acknowledges these achievements. Hunter and Joe are both promising young scientists, well deserving of this award,” said UMW Assistant Professor of Biology, Dr. Kyle Richardson. Hunter Bugni The 2023 recipient of the award, Hunter Bugni, is a top preforming student in every class he attends. UMW Professor of Biology, Dr. Michelle Anderson, would like to note his focus, discipline, and passion for wildlife biology that put him on a fast-track to complete his degree requirements. This, paired with interdisciplinary thinking, has led to internships working with Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Joe Lamb The 2024 awardee, Joe Lamb, has established himself as a very proficient and active student and researcher. Lamb has undertaken his own research, investigating local rattlesnake behavioral patterns in response to a changing climate. This work will help fill a gap in the current understanding of snake interactions and provide much needed insight into their behavior. “Montana Western is an institution built around the foundation of experiential learning. Both Hunter and Joe have utilized this methodology by serving as group leaders, motivating and assisting fellow students in learning both in the classroom and in the field,” said Dr. Richardson. For more information about the University of Montana Western’s academic programs and campus, visit www.umwestern.edu or call 877-683-7331.

Rehearsals are in full swing for this year’s Wapiti play. This year’s show is two one-act comedies by James McLure. The cast for Laundry & Bourbon  is Beth Casey as Elizabeth Caulder, Kami Hoerning as Hattie Dealing, and Karyn Dingley as Amy Lee Fullernoy. Audiences will enjoy the antics of these women as they fold laundry and sip bourbon. In Lone Star , the men shine with Jim Westbrook, Sr. as Roy Caulder, Ray Gross III as Ray Caulder, and Mike Tyler as Cletis Fullernoy. The audience will experience these men’s trials and tribulations as they hang out behind Angel’s Bar drinking Lone Star beer. Laundry & Bourbon  and Lone Star  are being presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. ( www.dramatists.com ) The Wapiti Players’ production will be held at the Dillon Elks’ Club on April 5 & 6 and April 12 & 13. The show starts at 8:00 pm. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres are available at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $25.00 and can be purchased at the Elks’ Club and Womack’s Printing Place.   [cast photo attached:  (front row, l to r) Kami Hoerning, Beth Casey, Karyn Dingley  (back row, l to r) Jim Westbrook, Sr., Ray Gross III, Mike Tyler

Beaverhead Search and Rescue News Submitted by Mel Rice, Public Relations   The March meeting of the Beaverhead Search and Rescue was held Wednesday night the 6th.  The meeting was called to order by vice-commander, Shane Puyear, at 7:03 PM.  After roll call and the treasurer’s report, old business was discussed.  There not being much for old business the meeting moved right along into new business.   Adam Norlander, training officer, talked about some training opportunities coming up toward the end of this month and next month.  The next order of business was to vote on three probationary membesr who have completed their year and are ready to become full- fledged members of the unit.  These individuals are: Charles Warton, Trevor Hyland, and Weston Helle.  Congratulations gentlemen, you have shown through your willingness to participate in many of the activities this last year you are truly interested in the happening of your Beaverhead Search and Rescue.  Welcome aboard.  If you happen to see these hard working men in your travels, please congratulate them and thank them for their volunteer service. There has only been one search this past month and it turned out to be more of a welfare check than a search.  A gentleman had driven up Thief Creek out of Birch Creek with his camper and pickup.  His intent was to cut firewood and return home after 2 or 3 days.  When he did not return home, the unit was paged to find his whereabouts and determine if he needed assistance.  Everything was fine with him and we were politely asked to leave him alone.  The meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM and was followed by “Hypothermia” training.  At this time Adam Norlander had a twenty minute presentation on the three stages of hypothermia and how to determine if a victim has developed hypothermia and if so what stage the individual is in.  It was also discussed how to handle the various stages of hypothermia, do’es and don’ts.  This is a very life threatening event and shouldn’t be taken lightly.  Even attempting to correct a situation, if done incorrectly, can cause death.  This twenty minute presentation was simply a review and reminder to members that it is a serious event and needs to be addressed properly when encountered… “In the Business of Saving Lives”, your Beaverhead Search and Rescue”.

125 N. Idaho St.   City of Dillon, Montana  Thursday March 7th, 2024 at 7:00 P.M.   City Council Chambers   Planning Board Meeting   AGENDA     Call Meeting to Order   Review and Approval of Minutes from the December 7th, 2023 Meeting   Election of Officers   Update of the Clover View Subdivision    Update of the Love’s Project   Update of Tully Springs Subdivision    Discussion/Planning of Updating the Growth Policy   Discussion of Updating Subdivision Application   Update of Beaverhead County Planning Board Activities   Public Comment on items of significant public interest not on the agenda and within the jurisdiction of the Planning Board.   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, Larry Volkening, Dan Nye, Ed Mooney

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. –  The 2023-24 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. Three Bulldogs were honored in this year's postseason awards. Bulldog first team all-conference selection: Jordan Sweeney – G (Oakley, Calif./SR) Bulldog second team all-conference selection: Shainy Mack – G (Three Forks, Mont./SR) Bulldog honorable mention selection: Joelnell Momberg – G (Box Elder, Mont./R-JR) Montana Western Champions of Character selection: Shainy Mack – G (Three Forks, Mont./SR)

WATER - SEWER COMMITTEE MEETING City Council Chambers March 7th, 2024 9:00 A.M.     1.          Call Meeting To Order   2.          Discuss West Side (AKA River Crossing) Bond   3.          Discuss/Amend Fees   4.       Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not On the        Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the City   5.       Adjournment   Committee Members: Bill Shafer (Chairperson), Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley