October 19, 2024 — Excitement filled the air today as kids lined up eagerly at the starting line for the 9th Annual Pumpkin Run, held at Chris Craft Park. Originally conceived as a political stunt by County Commissioner Mike McGinley, the event has transformed into a cherished community tradition over the past nine years. Fortunately, the weather was delightful this Saturday, with bright sunshine contrasting the snowstorms that had swept through earlier in the week. At noon, the sound of the lunchtime siren signaled the start of the race, sending children sprinting toward the field, all in pursuit of the perfect pumpkin. In just a minute, the field was a flurry of activity as excited participants emerged, each clutching their prized pumpkin. The event not only provided a fun-filled afternoon for families but also showcased the community spirit that has made the Pumpkin Run a highlight of the fall season. With each passing year, it continues to foster joy and unity among participants and spectators alike.

DILLON, MT  – Under the bright lights of Vigilante Field on Friday night, the Dillon Beavers showcased their dominance in a commanding 49-0 victory over the Butte Central Maroons. From the opening whistle, the Beavers asserted their physicality and offensive prowess, scoring five touchdowns on their first six drives. The sheer force of their performance left the Maroons struggling to keep pace. The highlight of the first half came when the Beavers reached a 35-0 lead with just under five minutes remaining in the second quarter, triggering a running clock for the remainder of the game. Notable Performances Senior running back Robbie Wharton set the tone early, opening the scoring with an impressive 47-yard catch-and-run touchdown. Returning from injury, Jrny Mata'afa added to the Beavers' lead with a pair of long rushing touchdowns, showcasing his speed and agility. As the second half commenced, the Beavers took the opportunity to bring in younger players, giving them valuable game experience while maintaining their defensive edge. Remarkably, the younger athletes did not allow the Maroons to score, solidifying the Beavers' defensive dominance. Sophomore Caden Morrisroe joined the scoring party, becoming the third Dillon running back to find the end zone, further emphasizing the team's depth and talent. Looking ahead, the Beavers will hit the road on Friday, October 25 , to take on the Libby Loggers. A victory in that matchup will secure the Beavers the number two spot in the conference and propel them further in their pursuit of the postseason.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information Photo Tessa McNeil DILLON, Mont. –  The no. 17 ranked Montana Western Women's Volleyball team (15-6, 5-3) earned a 3-0 sweep tonight over the no. 19 ranked Montana Tech Orediggers by scores of 25-17, 25-21, and 25-17. Tonight's win marks the first home win over the Orediggers since the 2011 season when the Bulldogs pulled out a 3-2 win over Montana Tech. Jazi Smith broke her second record of the season when she broke the Montana Western career kills record in the match. The record was previously held by Emily Erickson from 2011-14 at 932. Smith has a career total of 943 kills and counting. How It Happened Western was the first to jump out in the opening set, riding a 5-0 run to take a 10-7 lead. Montana Tech battled back and tied the set at 15 apiece, but the Bulldogs wasted little time and pushed out to a 21-15 lead behind the serve of Smith and backed by consecutive blocks from Jordan Olson and Danyel Martin . The Bulldogs would win the set 25-17. Western was once again on the march, this time with the help from a pair of aces from Taylor Petersen . Up 18-8, the Orediggers found their own momentum and took a 10-1 scoring run to close the gap to just one point. The Bulldogs utilized kills from Olson and Peyton Vogl to close out the set up 25-21. With all of the momentum riding into the third frame, Western was poised to finish the set on top behind 11 kills and just two hitting errors in the set. They would close the 3-0 sweep on top 25-17. N otables Tonight's sweep was the fourth sweep the Bulldogs have pulled out over the Bulldogs since the 2022 season. Smith led the Bulldogs in the win with 11 kills and 16 digs. Martin was a big help at the net, recording seven blocks at the net while also adding four kills. Olson followed with six blocks in the game, adding to the team's total of 12 blocks in the game. Kaylee Fritz and Petersen combined for 31 assists in the three-set game, good for 10.3 assists per set combined. Up Next Montana Western will be back in the Straugh Gymnasium on Oct. 19 to face the no. 13 ranked University of Providence. The Argos enter the set as the top ranked team in the Frontier Conference with an 18-4 record this season.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information KANSAS CITY, Mo. –  The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced the results of the NAIA Volleyball Coaches Top 25 Poll No. 4. Montana Western Volleyball remained in the top 25, inching up to the no. 17 slot. This week's poll features three Frontier teams in the top 25 with one Frontier team knocking at the door with receiving votes nationally. The Bulldogs are currently 14-6 this season and are 4-3 in Frontier Conference play thus far and sit in third in conference play. This week, UMW has a pair of big home conference matchups with no. 19 Montana Tech and no. 13 University of Providence traveling to Dillon. Western is seeking their first against the pair of programs this season. FRONTIER IN THE TOP 25 No. 13 University of Providence Argos No. 17 Montana Western Bulldogs No. 19 Montana Tech Orediggers OUTSIDE THE POLL RV Carroll College Fighting Saints

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont.  – In a preseason poll of Frontier Conference women's basketball coaches, the Montana Western women's basketball team was picked to finish fifth for the 2024-25 season. Providence was selected as the preseason favorite to win the 2024-25 Frontier Women's Basketball conference title, the preseason coaches' poll was announced Wednesday. Carroll and Rocky Mountain were tied for second in the preseason poll with 19 points each. Montana State-Northern placed fourth in the poll with 12 points, followed by Montana Western fifth with nine points and Montana Tech sixth with six points. Montana Western placed one on the Frontier Preseason All-Conference Team with senior Joelnell Momberg . Momberg, a senior guard from Box Elder, Mont., played in 28 games for the Bulldogs last season. She scored a total of 342 points, averaging 12.2 points per game, 3.4 rebounds per game, shot 79.6 percent from the free throw line and 38.4 percent from the 3-point line. She was named honorable mention all-conference honors after last season. 2024-25 Frontier Conference Women's Basketball Coaches' Preseason Poll Place School Votes 1 Providence (5) 25 T-2 Carroll (1) 19 T-2 Rocky Mountain 19 4 MSU-Northern 12 5 Montana Western 9 6 Montana Tech 6 First place votes in parenthesis 2024-25 Frontier Conference Women's Basketball All-Conference Preseason Team: Name School Position Class Hometown Ashlee Maldonado* Providence Guard Graduate Sunnyside, Wash. Kyndall Keller Carroll Guard Graduate Havre, Mont. Gracee Lekvold Rocky Mountain Guard Senior Scobey, Mont. Keanna Salave'a Providence Forward Sophomore Vancouver, Wash Sydney Dethman Rocky Mountain Forward Senior Brockton, Mont. Joelnell Momberg Montana Western Guard Senior Box Elder, Mont. Willa Albrecht Carroll Guard Senior Billings, Mont. *Preseason Player-of-the-Year

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana SPECIAL STREET & ALLEY COMMITTEE MEETING ~ AGENDA ~ Monday, October 21th, 2024 4:00 PM 1. Call to Order 2. Discuss/Recommend Montana Street Parking Lot 3. Discuss/Recommend Renaming of South Leggett Street 4. Discussion of Railroad Street 5. Discuss Whirlwind Sweeper 6. Public Comment on Items Not on Agenda but Within The Jurisdiction of The City 7. Adjournment Committee Members Russ Schwandt Joleen Schultz

Dillon, MT – Emergency services were dispatched to the intersection of East Bannack and Nevada Street following a two-vehicle collision on Wednesday. The accident resulted in airbags deploying in both vehicles and sent first responders to the scene shortly after. Fortunately, both drivers, while shaken, sustained only minor injuries, including bumps and bruises. The Dillon Fire Department arrived promptly to assist law enforcement in managing traffic around the accident site to ensure the safety of all involved. Additionally, responders noted a liquid substance leaking from one of the vehicles. Fire department personnel conducted checks to identify the substance and ensure there were no further safety concerns for the surrounding area.

The University of Montana Western will celebrate Homecoming from October 21-26, 2024. This week offers an exciting opportunity for alumni, friends, students, faculty, staff, and community members to come together and enjoy a variety of events hosted by Montana Western Alumni and Friends, Bulldog Athletics, the Associated Students of the University of Montana Western, and the Bulldog Life Office. Schedule of Events: Monday, October 21 Office Decorating Contest Begins Homecoming Royalty Nominations Open Bulldog Spirit Nominations Open Campus Food Drive Begins For event registration and deadlines, visit the  Homecoming webpage . Tuesday, October 22 Office Decorating Contest Registration Deadline: 5:00 p.m. Swing/Line Dance: 6:00 p.m. on the Legacy Plaza Wednesday, October 23 Game Day Poster Making: 4:00 p.m. in the Bulldog Lounge Homecoming Royalty & Bulldog Spirit Nomination Deadline: 5:00 p.m. Capture the Flag: 6:00 p.m. on Mathews Lawn Thursday, October 24 Pep Rally: 7:00 p.m. in Straugh Gymnasium Homecoming Bonfire: 8:00 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium Friday, October 25 Ultimate Fan Gear Friday: Check-in at Bulldog Life Office Campus Food Drive Closes: 5:00 p.m. Game Day Costume Prep: 3:30 p.m. in the Bulldog Lounge Saturday, October 26 ASUMW Tailgate: 12:00 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium Tailgating Area Montana Western Bulldogs vs. Arizona Christian Firestorm: 1:00 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium Montana Western Bulldog Volleyball vs. Rocky Mountain College Battlin’ Bears: 6:00 p.m. in Straugh Gymnasium The University of Montana Western would like to thank the Dillon community and surrounding areas for your continued support and hope you can join us for these exciting events. For more information, visit  https://www.umwestern.edu/montana-western-homecoming/  or contact Augustina Wofford at augustina.wofford@umwestern.edu .

HELENA – Two black bear cubs that were captured in August in Butte are on their way to a zoo for permanent placement. The two cubs were placed at the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wildlife Center in Helena in August following an incident in Butte where a female bear and two cubs were known to be feeding on unsecured garbage around town. The behavior had become habitual and presented a human safety concern. FWP officials euthanized the adult bear due to its food-conditioned behavior and took the cubs to the Wildlife Center for temporary care. Wildlife health staff observed garbage in the cubs’ scat initially after capture, and the bears did not show fear of humans at any time during their holding period—clear indications that the young bears were comfortable around people and not good candidates for being released into the wild. Be bear aware Placing young bears in zoos is not always possible, and keeping wildlife wild is preferred. Fortunately, attractant-related conflicts with wildlife are preventable. Residents, businesses and visitors should store food, garbage and other attractants securely indoors or in certified bear-resistant containers. Intentionally or negligently feeding wildlife, including bears, is illegal in Montana and can lead to fines and other penalties. Black bears can be found almost anywhere in Montana. Grizzly bear populations continue to become denser and more widespread in the state, increasing the likelihood that residents and recreationists will encounter them in more places each year. People should be prepared to encounter grizzly bears in much of the western two-thirds of Montana, including places where grizzly bears haven’t been present for decades. Avoiding conflicts with bears is easier than dealing with such conflicts. Here are some precautions to help residents, recreationists and people who work outdoors avoid negative bear encounters: Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately. Travel in groups whenever possible and make noise, which can help alert bears to your presence. Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears. Watch for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs, turned-over rocks and partly consumed animal carcasses. Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency. If you encounter a bear, never approach it. Keep garbage, bird feeders, pet food and other attractants put away in a secure building from March until December. Keep garbage in a secure building until the day it is collected. Certified bear-resistant garbage containers are available in many areas. Never feed wildlife. Bears that become food conditioned lose their natural foraging behavior and pose threats to human safety.

The University of Montana Western Fine Arts Gallery is honored to present “Our Working Hands”, a group show highlighting traditional western craftsmanship from Southwestern Montana. Featured artisans include Ross Miller, Freckers Saddlery, Schwarz Custom Boots, Justin Thorson, Terri Courtney, Mark Raffety, Loncey and Jessie Jo Johnson, Tony Panheiro, and George Holt. The gallery will host an opening reception and artist talk on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Gallery, located in Main Hall. Traditional cowboy culture is alive and well in southwest Montana. These valleys are filled with working ranches and landscapes that have remained the same since being settled. This is a way of life for many here, creating a need for tools and tack used in cowboying and ranching. The craft behind building tools of this trade is an art rife with talented individuals quietly carving out a name for themselves within the tradition of cowboy culture in the American West. These objects, while utilitarian, result from choices made for function and artistic beauty. Terri Courtney Terri Courtney’s lifelong passion for Western design, combined with her sewing and sculpting skills, resulted in the creation of Courtney Custom Boots. Her work is a testament to the fusion of function and artistry in Western footwear. Justin Thorson Justin Thorson has been crafting saddles since 2000. Over the years, he has created saddles for working cowboys, weekend warriors, and world champions, consistently delivering quality that meets the demands of each unique rider. Freckers Saddlery  Freckers Saddlery was founded by Kent Frecker (now passed) in 1981 and is now managed by his son and apprentice, Karsten Frecker. This family business has made saddles for both ranches and high-profile clients around the world, maintaining a legacy of excellence in saddle making. George Holt  George Holt, who has been making saddles since 1968, is recognized by the Montana Arts Council as part of the Circle of American Masters. He was also awarded Saddle Maker of the Year at the Academy of Western Artists 12th Annual Will Rogers Awards, in recognition of his role in preserving the traditions and heritage of the American cowboy. Schwarz Custom Boots Schwarz Custom Boots, run by husband-and-wife artisans Dan and Julia Schwarz, has been producing extraordinary boots and teaching the art of bootmaking since the early 2000s. Their craftsmanship continues to set a high standard in the industry. Loncey and Jessie Jo Johnson  Loncey Johnson brings his lifelong experience of ranching and working cattle on horseback to his saddle-making craft, focusing on creating functional saddles for the cowboy lifestyle. His wife, Jessie Jo Johnson, is a skilled rawhide braider and keeps the shop running while making tack items. Tony Panheiro  Tony Panheiro grew up in a ranching and farming family in California and has been a farrier for over 30 years. He began silversmithing a few decades ago, mentored by his friend Chuck Erwin. Since moving to Montana in 2015, Tony has continued his silversmithing at his home in Silver Bow. Ross Miller  Ross Miller, based in Dillon, Montana, is a trained hand engraver, silversmith, and goldsmith. Over the past 12 years, he has focused on making spurs, saddle silver, and Western jewelry. Before that, Ross spent 20 years making saddles, honing his craftsmanship through practice and training with top artisans. Mark Raffety  Mark Raffety has been braiding rawhide for about 12 years, inspired by owning a pair of finely made reins and romal by Vince Donley. He has attended Raw Braiders Retreats and has learned from some members of the Traditional Cowboy Artists Association (TCAA). The reception is free and open to all and will feature light refreshments and an artist talk at 6:00 p.m. The “Our Working Hands” exhibition will be open for viewing from November 1 to December 6, 2024. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Montana Western Fine Arts Gallery Coordinator, Jennifer Boysen, at  jennifer.boysen@umwestern.edu .

The University of Montana Western’s Environmental Sciences Department is pleased to present “Using Surface Processes to Understand Mountain Range Evolution” by UMW Assistant Professor Dr. Lorrie Carnes as part of the “On the Rocks” lecture series. This free, public event will be held at the Lucy Carson Library on October 23 at 4:00 p.m.   Dr. Lorrie Carnes, an Assistant Professor of fluvial geomorphology at Montana Western, will explore surface process analysis in her presentation. With a B.S. in Earth and Environmental Sciences from Lehigh University and a PhD in Geological Sciences from Arizona State University, Dr. Carnes will explain how erosion rates, soil production, and channel steepness are used to uncover the evolution of the Pinaleño Mountains, a metamorphic core complex located in southeast Arizona.   For more information on UMW’s “On the Rocks” series, please contact UMW Associate Professor of Environmental Sustainability, Dr. Arica Crootof, at arica.crootof@umwestern.edu .

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Thursday October 17th , 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 September 5th, 2024 Regular Planning Board Meeting C.    Discuss Growth Policy D.    Discuss Downtown Master Plan E.    Discuss/Recommend Montana Street Intersection Design F.    Update of Beaverhead County Planning Board G.    Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the Planning Board. H.    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

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont.  – In a preseason poll of Frontier Conference fmen's basketball coaches, the Montana Western men's basketball team was picked to finish second for the 2024-25 season. Montana Tech claimed the top spot in the 2024-25 Frontier Conference Men's Basketball Coaches' Preseason Poll.  The six Frontier head coaches voted on the projected order of finish and the preseason awards. Montana Western picked up the final first place vote and 20 points to finish second in the preseason poll.  Rocky Mountain came in third with 17 points, followed by Montana State-Northern fourth with 12 points, Providence fifth with nine points, and Carroll sixth with seven points. Montana Western placed two on the Frontier Preseason All-Conference Team with seniors Abi Adebo (forward) and Jalyn Stepney (guard).   2024-25 Frontier Men's Basketball Coaches' Poll: Place School Votes 1 Montana Tech (5) 25 2 Montana Western (1) 20 3 Rocky Mountain 17 4 MSU-Northern 12 5 Providence 9 6 Carroll 7 (first place votes in parenthesis)   2024-25 Frontier Men's Basketball All-Conference Preseason Team: Name School Position Year Hometown Michael Ure* Montana Tech Forward Senior Idaho Falls, Idaho Abi Adedo Montana Western Forward Senior London, England Jesse Owens Rocky Mountain Guard Senior Billings, Mont. Jalyn Stepney Montana Western Guard Senior Seattle, Wash. Hayden Diekhans Montana Tech Forward Junior Geraldine, Mont. Xavier Bailey MSU-Northern Forward Senior Renton, Wash. *Preseason Player of the Year

DILLON, MT  – On Tuesday morning, Barrett Hospital and Healthcare celebrated a significant milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony for a new state-of-the-art facility, valued at $5.6 million. This expansion project aims to enhance healthcare services for the residents of Dillon and Beaverhead County, incorporating the latest medical advancements. The new facility will span 7,320 square feet and will feature 10 exam rooms, along with three procedure and cast rooms. Additionally, it will house a specialty clinic that will provide services in general surgery, orthopedics, urology, podiatry, and gynecological care, all conveniently attached to the hospital. Surrounded by doctors, hospital staff, and community members, participants took shovels in hand to officially break ground, marking the beginning of a new chapter in healthcare for Dillon and Beaverhead County. The new facility is expected to enhance patient care and streamline services within the community, representing a significant investment in the region's health infrastructure. Construction is set to begin shortly, with the completion date anticipated in the coming months. Barrett Hospital and Healthcare looks forward to welcoming new patients to the cutting-edge facility, ensuring that the residents of Dillon and Beaverhead County receive the best possible care.

CITY HALL COMMITTEE MEETING City Council Chambers    October 17th, 2024   4:00 PM   ~ AGENDA ~   1.   Call to Order 2.   Review/Approve Surplus/Junk to be Sold 3.   Review/Approve Limits on City Bus 4.   Review/Approve Garage Doors 5.   Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 6.   Adjournment   City Hall Committee Members:              Raymond  Graham (Chair); Mary Jo O’Rourke

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –  The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced the results of the NAIA Football GoRout Top 25 Poll No. 6. Montana Western Football moved up a spot in the rankings to no. 6 after defeating the No. 12 ranked Orediggers this past weekend 27-21. The Bulldog defense impressed, holding the Orediggers to one for 10 on third downs and a below average of 330 total yards of offense in the game. Senior  Braden Swank  highlighted with two interceptions in the first half, three pass breakups and two tackles. Montana Western will hit the road next week for a matchup against Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Mont. The game will kickoff at 1pm. Currently, Montana Western sits in eighth in the NAIA in yards of offense per game with 501.8 and third in passing yards per game with 346.5. Michael Palandri is second int eh NAIA for yards per game with 334.8. FRONTIER IN THE TOP 25 No. 6 Montana Western Bulldogs No. 10 Southern Oregon Raiders No. 12 College of Idaho Yotes No. 15 Montana Tech Orediggers

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. –  After an impressive weekend in Montana Western Athletics, the Bulldogs received four Frontier Conference Player of the Week awards with two coming football and two from women's volleyball. In addition, John Mears of Montana Western has been named NAIA Football Special Teams Player of the Week. Mears is the fourth football player to earn this honor under head coach  Ryan Nourse . Mears, a senior kicker/punter from Belgrade, Mont., is the Special Teams Player of the Week for both the Frontier Conference. Mears went to a perfect 2-for-2 on field goals in helping No. 7 ranked Montana Western defeat No. 12 ranked Montana Tech 27-21.  He hit a 49-yard field goal in the third quarter and a 22-yard field goal in the second quarter. Mears also went perfect 3-for-3 on PAT extra points kicks for the Bulldogs. He is currently perfect on the season, going 5-for-5 on field goals and 27-for-27 on PAT extra-point kicks. This is Mears' fifth career Erck Hotels / Frontier Conference Player of the Week award. Swank, a senior defensive back from Maple Valley, Wash., is the Defensive Player of the Week. Swank had an impressive game defensively for the No. 7 ranked Montana Western in their 27-21 home victory over No. 12 ranked Montana Tech.  He recorded two interceptions, with his second interception coming in the end zone and a return of 20 yards on the play. Swank also had three pass breakups and a pair of tackles as a defensive back. This is Swank's first career Erck Hotels / Frontier Conference Player of the Week award. Smith, a senior outside hitter from Mossyrock, Wash., was chosen as the Attacker of the Week. Smith had a historic week for 19th ranked Montana Western when she shattered the single-match school record of 31 kills in 3-2 victory over (RV) Valley City State (N.D.). She averaged 6.2 kills per set and hit .375. She averaged 4.6 kills per set and registered a .270 hitting percentage in the North Star Athletic Association/Frontier Crossover Tournament for the Bulldogs. This is Smith's first career Erck Hotels / Frontier Conference Player of the Week award. Goddard, a senior libero from Las Vegas, Nev., was named as the Defender of the Week. Goddard had a historic week for 19th ranked Bulldogs after she broke the single match digs school record, set by herself back in 2021 with 44 digs against Carroll.  She totaled 47 digs in 3-2 victory over (RV) Valley City Sate (N.D.), averaging 9.4 digs per set. Goddard averaged 7.1 digs per set on the week for Montana Western and added 47 receptions with 93.6 percent reception rate. This is Goddard's second career Erck Hotels/Frontier Conference Player of the Week award.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information, Photo credit Terri Haverfield BILLINGS, Mont. –  The no. 19 ranked Montana Western Women's Volleyball team (14-6) defeated the Dickinson State Blue Hawks (4-16) this morning in a five-set matchup this afternoon. Four Bulldogs reached double digits in kills with Jazi Smith and Jordan Olson each leading the Bulldogs with 11 kills. How It Happened Western came out hot in the first set and dominated while the Blue Hawks were held to a -.114 hitting percentage in the set. DSU hit their stride at the beginning of the second set, running on a 7-0 scoring run to open the set. A kill from Peyton Vogl broke the run, but Dickinson was unfazed and added another three straight points to take a 10-1 lead. A kill from Savana Warburton finally got Western back on their feet and Danyel Martin hit back to back kills to close the game to three points. It was Martin once again down the stretch who helped UMW to take their first lead of the set and go on to win 25-21. Despite leading the Blue Hawks late in set three at 20-18, the Blue Hawks showed fight and capped the set on their own 7-3 scoring run to win 25-23.  Dickinson State once again kept on pace with Western at the start set four. After a kill from Vogl paired with an error on the Blue Hawk side of the net, the Blue Hawks ran on a 7-0 run mid-set to take a 15-9 lead. The Bulldogs were unable to recover and lost set four 25-17.  Western left little room for questions in the final frame, winning the set 15-7 after recording five team blocks in the final set.   N otables The Bulldogs are 22-8 in the series with the Blue Hawks, dating back to 1991. They have also won nine of the last ten matchups and eight games in a row. Four Bulldogs reached double digits in kills with Jazi Smith and Jordan Olson each leading the Bulldogs with 11 kills. Martin recorded six blocks in the game along with 10 kills for a double double. Kaylee Fritz led the Bulldogs with 26 assists. Up Next Montana Western will be back in the Straugh Gymnasium on Oct. 17 at 7pm for a top 25 matchup against the Montana Tech Orediggers.

DILLON, Mont.  – The No. 7 ranked Montana Western football team (4-1) squared off against the No. 12 ranked Montana Tech Orediggers (4-2) Saturday afternoon, emerging victorious with a final score of 27-21 in a closely contested matchup. The Bulldogs’ defense put on an impressive performance, limiting the Orediggers to just one conversion on 10 third-down attempts and holding them to a total of 330 yards of offense throughout the game. Defensive Stars Shine Senior defensive back Braden Swank was a standout for the Bulldogs, recording two interceptions in the first half, in addition to three pass breakups and two tackles. His efforts were instrumental in shifting the momentum in favor of Montana Western. Game Recap Montana Tech struck first, executing an efficient drive that culminated in a touchdown, putting them ahead 7-0 early in the game. The Orediggers carried that lead into the second quarter, but things quickly turned around. The second quarter saw a flurry of defensive plays, with three consecutive interceptions, including two from Swank. Following the second interception, the Bulldogs drove 80 yards down the field, capped off by a 41-yard touchdown pass from Michael Palandri to Jake Humphrey, tying the game at 7-7. The Bulldogs then forced a turnover on downs at the UMW 37-yard line, stopping the Orediggers on a crucial fourth-and-two. This led to another scoring opportunity, as Western quickly moved downfield on a seven-play drive, culminating in a 14-yard touchdown pass from Palandri to Coby Tanioka, giving the Bulldogs a 14-7 lead at halftime. Second Half Action The second half began with Bulldogs kicker John Mears nailing a 49-yard field goal to extend the lead to 17-7. Montana Tech responded with a touchdown rush from Landers Smith, closing the gap to 17-14 with just under five minutes left in the third quarter. The Bulldogs answered back decisively with an 85-yard drive resulting in a rushing touchdown by Palandri, bringing the score to 24-14. A quick three-and-out by the Bulldog defense was followed by Mears’ second field goal of the game, this time from 22 yards out, pushing UMW's lead to 27-14. Montana Tech managed a late-game touchdown with less than a minute remaining, making the score 27-21, but the Bulldogs held on for the victory. Notable Performances Palandri finished the day with 238 passing yards, completing 20 of 34 attempts, contributing two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. Humphrey was just shy of reaching 100 rushing yards, totaling 97 yards in the game. The receiving corps was led by Nourse, who racked up 94 yards on nine receptions. Defensively, Keegen Muffich led the Bulldogs with 10 total tackles, including one tackle for loss, while Jace Fitzgerald recorded nine tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one sack. Looking Ahead The Montana Western Bulldogs will be on the road next week for a matchup against Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana. The game is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m.