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Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information Photo Credit Terri Haverfield HELENA, Mont. –  The Montana Western women's basketball team (13-11, 5-6) fought down to the wire with the Frontier-leading Carroll College (19-4, 10-1). Despite taking the Saints to overtime tied up at 65, the Bulldogs came up short and fell by a final score of 77-73. UMW came out hot from the start and played a solid defensive first half. The Bulldogs forced Carroll to 10 turnovers in the first two quarters. Despite the narrow half lead, the Saints found success in overtime and outscored the Bulldogs 12-8 to finish out on top. How it Happened The Bulldogs came out swinging early in the game, with Jordan Sweeney throwing jabs quickly at the strong Carroll defense. She would go on to put up eight in the first quarter and lead the Bulldogs to take a 21-14 lead after the first quarter. Up 33-25 with 2:23 left in the first half, Carroll rode a 7-0 scoring wave and benefited from a triple from Erica Nessan with just two seconds left on the clock. The Bulldogs would lead 33-32 heading into the second half. Maddy Moy and Shainy Mack combined for a pair of buckets to get the Bulldogs back out to a five-point lead, but the Saints came right back at the Bulldogs. Carroll snagged their first lead of the game with 5:31 left in the second half and found enough momentum to take a 47-43 lead with four remaining in the third. After a continued back and forth effort that left Carroll still in charge of the lead, Isabella Lund drew a foul and tied the game at 49 following a bucket from the charity stripe. Sweeney would then cap the quarter for Western with a fadeaway jumper from the top of the key to help keep Western up 53-52 heading into the fourth quarter. The two teams kept throwing punches in what would become a boxing match that would take the two into overtime knotted at 65. Despite the early overtime lead fueled by Joelnell Momberg , the Saints were able to outscore UMW down the stretch and take the game by a final score of 77-73. Notables In the first half alone, the Bulldogs forced Carroll to 10 turnovers. The Bulldogs would force a total of 17 turnovers in the game, a mark unseen by the Saints since early last November. The last time the two teams went to overtime was back in 2013 in Dillon. The Saints came out on top 64-60. As a team, the Bulldogs shot 50.8 percent from the field and held the Saints to 44.8 shooting. UMW also scored 16 points off of Carroll's 16 turnovers. Sweeney led the Bulldogs with 22 points, four assists, three rebounds and two blocks. Joelnell Momberg's four steals helped Western rack up a total of eight in the game. She also totaled 17 points after she went 7-12 from the field. Up Next Montana Western will be back in the Straugh Gymnasium to take on MSU-Northern for the last time this regular season. Tip-off is Thursday, February 15 at 5:30 pm MT.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information Photo Credit Terri Haverfield HELENA, Mont. –  The Montana Western men's basketball team (12-11, 5-5) lost for the third straight time this season to the Carroll College Saints (15-9, 9-2) by a final score of 83-73. The Bulldogs were outrebounded 37-25 in the game after they put the ball up nine more times than the Saints. How it Happened Tied up at eight all early in the ball game, Carroll took their first jump of the slow scoring half and rode a 7-0 run to take a 15-8 lead. Quincy Taylor found the hands of Jacob Ankeny who out it in the hoop for Montana Western to break up the run, but the Saints continued their push forward. The Saints would take as much as a 10-point lead into the final four minutes of the first half. In the final minute of the half, Western found some much desired success on offense and finished on a 7-0 run to trail the Saints 33-29 at the half. Though Carroll broke open scoring in the second half, Montana Western rode behind back-to-back layups from Kevin Bethel to tie the game at 35. Carroll continued to pace the Bulldogs, fighting to stay out in front. Trailing 53-52 with nine to go, Michael Haverfield drained a three-pointer and Kayden Toldson followed to flip the lead in the favor of the Bulldogs. The narrow lead was short-lived as a balanced effort from the field led Carroll to outscore the Bulldogs 21-7 across the next six minutes. Western came knocking at the door, bringing the game back to a six-point deficit following a jumper from Haverfield. Despite the last-ditch effort, Montana Western was on the wrong end of the score after falling 83-73 to the Saints. Notables The Bulldogs were outshot from the field 50.9 percent to 46.9 percent. With eight turnovers apiece, the Saints were able to capitalize on their opportunities and score 12 points. Western put up just four points on Carroll turnovers. Jalyn Stepney led the Bulldogs with 17 points, putting up three of four from the arc on the night. He also added four steals and three assists. Bethel followed with 10 points and five rebounds. Up Next Montana Western will be back in the Straugh Gymnasium to take on MSU-Northern for the last time this regular season. Tip-off is Thursday, February 15 at 7:30 pm MT.

Tuesday February 13 th , 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 January 23 rd , 2024 Regular Meeting 3. Director of Operations Report a. Public Comment will be taken after discussion of items 5 -11 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. Review/Update Zoning Fees 6. Update of the Clover View Minor Subdivision 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. zoning Commission Members: Tim Stoker, Raymond Graham, Russ Schwandt; Mike Watson, Justin Rooley

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information BOZEMAN, Mont. –  The Montana Western track & field team traveled to Montana State University this afternoon where they continued with their indoor track and field season. Today's meet was the second of the season with six Bulldogs competing at the meet that saw the Bulldogs compete alongside other Frontier teams, as well as Montana State University. Isaiah Thomas made his college track and field debut and did so in exciting fashion. He finished second in the men's final for the 60m dash after he recorded a time of 6.84 in the final race. His mark is below the B standard and he qualifies for the NAIA Indoor National Championship to be held later this month. Results Malia Cox , Justene Santi and Olivia Heiner represented the Bulldog women today in various events. Cox competed in both the women's long jump and the women's 200m race. In the long jump, she competed well but missed the final. She also recorded a 28.81 in the 200m race, good for fourth in the race. Heiner competed in both the women's 800m race and the women's mile. In the 800m, she placed sixth after she finished with a time of 2:43.26. She also finished eighth in the women's mile with a time of 6:05.55. Santi also competed in a pair of events in the meet. She ran in the women's 800m race and the women's mile. In the 800m, she finished with a time of 2:55.04, good for seventh place. She also raced in the women's mile where she finished in ninth with a time of 6:15.05. On the men's side, there were numerous personal records that were broken in the meet. Isaiah Thomas set personal records in both the 60m dash and the 200m dash. After taking the top spot in his first heat of the 60m dash with a time of 6.88, Thomas placed second in the event final with a 6.84. His mark qualifies him for the Indoor National Championships, a first in his career. Thomas also recorded a personal record in the 200m after he placed third in the field of 15 after recording a 23.22. Brant Heiner broke his indoor record in the men's mile race. He recorded a 4:49.16 and placed sixth. Heiner also raced in the men's 800m and finished ninths with a 2:18.15. Brody Henry and Drake Delude rounded out the Bulldogs in today's meet. Delude competed in the men's 400m race, taking seventh after running the race in a time of 55.58. Henry competed in both the men's 800m race and the men's mile. He finished seventh in the 800m with a time of 2:06.36. He also finished ninth in the mile with a time of 4:57.58. Up Next Montana Western will be back on the track with the Big Sky Tuner meet hosted by Montana State University on February 16.

Judiciary Committee Meeting ~ Agenda ~ Tuesday, February 13 th , 2024 4:00 PM 1. Call Meeting to Order 2. Discuss/Recommend Fees 3. Discuss Ordinances to Revise 4. Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 5. Adjourn Committee Members: Dan Nye (Chair); Raymond Graham; Diane Armstrong

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information. Photo Credit Terri Haverfield BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana Western women's basketball team (13-10, 5-5) defeated the RV Rocky Mountain College Battlin' Bears (14-8, 3-7) tonight by a final score of 66-60. Jordan Sweeney led the Bulldogs with an impressive 22 points, four rebounds, and four steals in the game. Her four steals is just one shy of her season high of five in a game. How It Happened The Bulldog women took a narrow 13-9 lead early in the first quarter behind a layup from Kyla Momberg . Rocky answered quickly behind Ky Oliver who knocked down a triple from the arc. RMC would ride a 7-0 scoring run to take a 16-13 lead into the second quarter. After forcing a Rocky turnover on the first possession of the second quarter, Sweeney found the hoop and Western went on to outscore the Battlin' Bears 16-11 in the second frame and take a 29-27 lead into the break. The third quarter was all Montana Western, with the Bulldogs hitting 69.2 percent of their shots from the field and holding the Battlin' Bears to just 4 of 15 from the field in the frame. Keke Davis made a layup following a steal from Sweeney to give the Bulldogs their largest lead of the game at 51-41 just seconds into the fourth quarter. Though trading jumpers across a four-minute stretch, the Bulldogs were able to a six-point edge late in the game behind Joelnell Momberg's three-point dagger to cap the game. The Bulldogs finished the game on top 66-60. Notables Tonight's win marks the sixth straight win for the Bulldogs over Rocky Mountain College. The Bulldogs' 52.7 shooting percentage marks their sixth game this season breaking 50 percent from the field. The last time they shot above 50 percent was at home against Rocky on Jan. 20. Western shot a season-low of nine threes after they hit three of nine from the arc. The next lowest mark is 16 threes shot in a game. Sweeney led all scorers on the night with 22 points. She also recorded four steals. Maddy Moy came two points shy of a career-high night after she totaled 12 points. She also had five rebounds. Up Next Montana Western moves to 5-5 in conference play and will be back on the road for a game against no. 8 Carroll College on Saturday Feb. 10. Tip-off is at 2pm MT.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information Photo Credit Terri Haverfield BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana Western men's basketball team (12-11, 5-5) defeated Rocky Mountain College (11-12, 2-8) for the second time this season in a road 78-72 victory. Tonight's win featured a career-high of 22 points for Michael Haverfield and marks the first win in Billings for the Bulldogs in two seasons. How It Happened The Bulldogs held their ground early in the game, taking an 11-6 lead in the first four minutes of the matchup. The Bulldogs then pushed their lead behind six from Kayden Toldson early. They would narrowly outscore Rocky by five across the next six minutes of play. Up 26-21 with eight minutes to go in the first half, Rocky flipped the lead and regained much needed momentum behind Elliott Brooks' six points. They continued on their own 13-2 scoring run to take a 34-28 lead into the final five minutes of the half. Christian Pitcher knocked down a jumper and the Bulldogs held Rocky to just a pair down the stretch. Pitcher continued on as he hit a triple with 48 seconds until half and the Bulldogs led 40-36 heading into the break. With Rocky taking a narrow scoring edge right at the start of the second half, the Bulldogs found their stride and took a 9-0 run to a 54-44 lead. Despite Rocky's offense gaining a spark from a pair of threes from Kael Robinson and Jesse Owens, Haverfield answered quickly to get the Bulldogs back on track. He would score eight points for UMW across the next two minutes. Rocky was never able to gain enough momentum to overcome the Bulldog lead and Western took the win by a final score of 78-72. Notables The Bulldogs held Rocky Mountain to a 38.8 shooting percentage, a mark that is much lower than their season average of 44.1 percent. Western outrebounded Rocky Mountain, totaling a season high of 45 team rebounds in the game. As a team, Montana Western totaled just seven turnovers in the game. In contrast, UMW forced 11 Rocky turnovers and put up 12 points off of turnovers. Michael Haverfield led the way with a career high of 22 points and four rebounds. He hit five of ten threes and went seven of 13 from the field. Quincy Taylor recorded a season-high of 11 rebounds in tonight's game. He also added six points and four assists. Up Next Montana Western moves to 5-5 in conference play and will be back on the road for a game against Carroll College on Saturday Feb. 10. Tip-off is at 4pm MT.

GREAT FALLS – The deadline for Smith River float applications is Wednesday, Feb. 14. The permit drawing will be held on Feb. 22. Permits are required to float the 59-mile section of river between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge and are issued each year through a lottery. To apply for a Smith River float permit online, go to the FWP  Online Licensing System . A $15 nonrefundable permit application fee is required. Successful Smith River applicants will be notified via email shortly after the lottery drawing is conducted.  This year is the first time applicants can buy a bonus point for the Smith River Permit. A bonus point is essentially an extra chance you can purchase for the permit drawing. These points accumulate year after year if you are unsuccessful in the drawing. Residents can purchase a bonus point for $5; nonresidents can purchase a bonus point for $50. The bonus point is applied to your application the year it is purchased. You can apply for a permit through FWP’s  Online Licensing System . . Another change this year, FWP staff will remove pit toilets at the boat camps along the Smith River this spring. All float parties will be required to pack out their human waste from the Smith River corridor. This requirement is similar to many other river systems in the West and necessary to keep the corridor pristine for visitors now and for decades to come. The rules implementing this pack-out system were passed by the Montana Parks Board in early 2022. Floaters will need to pack portable toilet systems. To see a list of FWP-approved, portable, hard-sided toilets that will be allowed,  click here . Alternative waste disposal systems, including bag systems, such as Clean Waste and RESTOP2, will not be allowed.  Floaters can clean and sanitize their portable toilet system with a SCAT (Sanitizing Containers with Alternative Technology) machine, which has been installed at the Eden Bridge take-out. To watch a video of how the SCAT machine works with FWP-approved toilets, click here . Finally, starting in 2024, the number of permits available for nonresidents may not exceed 10 percent of the available permits. This new law was passed as part of House Bill 846 in the 2023 Legislative Session. In addition to the permit lottery, the public may purchase as many $5 Super Permit chances as they wish. FWP issues one Super Permit each year through a separate lottery. The recipient of the Super Permit will be allowed to launch on any date of their choosing for that float season. The opportunity to purchase chances for the Smith River Super Permit will be available through March 22. The Super Permit drawing will take place on March 26. Super Permit chances may be purchased online through FWP’s  Online Licensing System . For more information about Smith River State Park visit:  http://stateparks.mt.gov/smith-river/

United States Attorneys Office District of Columbia WASHINGTON – A Montana man was found guilty today of several felony and misdemeanor charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election. Henry Phillip “Hank” Muntzer, 55, of Dillon, Montana, was found guilty in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia of obstruction of an official proceeding and civil disorder, both felonies, following a bench trial before U.S. District Judge Jia M. Cobb. In addition to the felonies, Judge Cobb found Muntzer guilty of misdemeanor charges of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. Judge Cobb will sentence Muntzer on June, 20, 2024. According to evidence presented during the trial, Muntzer traveled from Montana to Washington, D.C., to attend the “Stop the Seal” rally at the Ellipse on Jan. 6, 2021, with a group of friends in order to hear the former President’s speech. After the speech, Muntzer joined the crowd in walking from the Ellipse to the restricted Capitol grounds. Muntzer entered into the restricted perimeter around the Capitol and made his way to the West Plaza. After other rioters had breached the scaffolding erected at the West Plaza’s north side, Muntzer joined the mob in surging up the northwest stairs before reaching the Upper West Terrace at approximately 2:35 p.m. After reaching the Capitol’s Upper West Terrace, Muntzer recorded multiple videos in which he commented that he had passed “through all the tear gas” to “tak[e] the Capitol by storm.” From there, Muntzer entered the Capitol building via the Upper West Terrace Door at approximately 2:44 p.m. Muntzer then proceeded through the Rotunda and toward the Senate Chamber. Once inside the Chamber, Muntzer was involved in a series of physical confrontations with law enforcement officers. Muntzer then entered into the Rotunda by approximately 2:55 p.m. In the Rotunda, Muntzer joined a crowd of rioters in confronting a group of police officers blocking a doorway leading to the Capitol’s Upper West Terrace. Muntzer positioned himself at the front of this crowd and joined in a collective effort to push back the officers, who had their backs to a set of stairs. By approximately 3:03 p.m., police had begun attempting to clear the Rotunda of rioters and had established a line across the middle and instructed rioters to exit through the East Rotunda Door. However, the crowd of rioters, including Muntzer, resisted. Muntzer continued to resist police efforts to clear the Rotunda and was one of the very last rioters present in the area. Muntzer exited the Capitol building via the Rotunda Doors at approximately 3:22 p.m. Muntzer was arrested by the FBI on Jan. 18, 2021. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office, Helena Resident Agency, and Washington Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department. In the 37 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,313 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 469 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

Winter has finally arrived and with it so have the complications of snowy roads. Wednesday morning Southwestern Montana woke to 6 inches of snow on top of a frozen layer of ice from the melting snow the day before. I-15 south of Dillon saw a few slide offs in the morning. The first reported slide off was near Clark Canyon Dam on I-15 North mile marker 40. This was around 9:30 in the morning. Around 10:30 A.M. another slide off was reported on I-15 mile marker 57 in the southbound lane. A white Chevy Impala lost control and ended up in the median with the airbags deployed. The passenger and driver of the vehicle were out on scene talking with first responders.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. – The University of Montana Western football landed 24 signees in its 2024 signing class, the program announced Wednesday afternoon.  "Overall, this year's group has some quality speed and a ton of athleticism," Head Coach Ryan Nourse said. "The staff worked diligently to find really good student-athletes with high competitive character from all over the region." "We reloaded the battery on both offense and defense and feel very confident that in a couple of years these guys will be making a positive impact on and off the field for Bulldog Football," Nourse continued. 2024 Spring Additions Name, Pos. (Ht, Wt, Cl, Hometown, School, HS) Jace Fitzgerald, LB (6-1, 230, JR, Dillon, Mont., Beaverhead County HS, Montana State University) Tyrus Mcphie, OL (6-1, 285, FR, Sky View, Utah, ) Kaden Wilcox, DB (5-9, 170, FR, Natrona, Wyo., Natrona HS) High School Name, Pos. (Ht, Wt, Hometown, School, HS) Jose Alvarez, OL 6-3, 275, Washougal, Wash., Washougal HS Alvarez is an offensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from Washougal High School in Washougal, Wash. Alvarez was a four-year varsity athlete for the Panthers where they won a pair of league championships. He earned all-league honors and lineman of the year honors three times and was a team captain for two seasons. Alvarez also competed in wrestling for the Panthers. He is the son of Mary and Jose Alvarez and plans to major in biology while at Montana Western. Austin Cottrell, RB 5-11, 210, Rexburg, Idaho, Madison HS Cottrell is a runningback who joins the Bulldogs from Madison High School in Rexburg, Idaho. He was a two-year varsity athlete for the Bobcats where he recorded 437 yards on 68 carries throughout his career. Cottrell is the son of Jeff and Tahni Cottrell and plans to major in kinesiology while at Montana Western.   Jace DeShazer, LB 5-10, 215, Libby, Mont., Libby HS DeShazer is a linebacker who joins the Bulldogs from Libby High School in Libby, Mont. After competing for the Loggers for four seasons, DeShazer was named All-State in 2023 and was named all-conference on both offense and defense twice. He also competed in wrestling while in high school where he won the state championship in both the 182 and 205 weight classes in high school. He is the son of Doug and Ashley DeShazer and plans to major in kinesiology while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Wesley Donaghey, RB 6-1, 185, Bozeman, Mont., Gallatin HS Donaghey is a runningback who joins the Bulldogs from Gallatin High School in Bozeman, Mont. He was a three-year varsity athlete who earned second team all-conference and honorable mention all-state honors in 2023. During his high school career, Donaghey totaled 975 rushing yards on 159 carries, averaged 6.1 yards per carry and had 10 touchdowns. He also competed in track and field at Gallatin High School. He is the son of Robert and Kristie Donaghey and plans to major in business while at Montana Western. Connor Dunlea, WR 5-11, 180, Malin, Ore., Lost River HS Dunlea is a wide receiver who joins the Bulldogs from Lost River High School in Malin, Ore. He was a three-year varsity athlete for the Raiders where he collected numerous accolades throughout his career. He was named first team All-State defensive back twice and earned All-State last year as a runningback, kick returner, and punter. In addition, he earned numerous all-league honors as a runningback and defensive back in all three seasons. He earned 1A offensive and defensive player of the year last year as his team won the state championship twice. Dunlea totaled 994 return yards, had 10 interceptions and totaled more than 1,000 rushing yards while at Lost River and is a national honor society member. He also competed in baseball and basketball where he earned first team all-league honors twice in baseball. Dunlea is the son of Dennis and Jana Dunlea. Link to Highlights Eli Finlayson, RB 5-11, 190, Elko, Nev., Elko HS Finlayson is a running back from Elko High School in Elko, Nevada. As a three-year varsity athlete for the Indians, Finlayson was a three-time All-State athlete who also earned all-league and all-region honors. Across three seasons, he recorded 3,367 rushing yards and a total of 50 touchdowns. In addition, Finlayson also competed in track and wrestling where he was a state champion wrestler. He is the son of Matt and Piper Finalyson and plans to major in kinesiology while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Jaxson Green, TE 6-3, 235, Superior, Mont., Superior HS Green is a tight end who joins the Bulldogs from Superior High School in Superior, Mont. He was a three-year varsity athlete for the Bobcats where he was named All-State, first team all-conference, and grabbed second team all-conference honors. Green also competed in wrestling and track and field while earning his spot on the honor roll. He is the son of Brandon Green and Toni Labbe and plans to major in business while at Montana Western. Jamal Guy Jr., DB/WR 5-11, 180, Seattle, Wash., Chief Sealth HS Guy Jr. is a defensive back and wide receiver who joins the Bulldogs from Chief Sealth High School in Seattle, Wash. He was a four-year varsity athlete for the Seahawks where he was named second-team all-league defensive back three times and a first team all-league wide receiver. During his senior season, he totaled 540 receiving yards, 25 receptions, nine touchdowns, 32 solo tackles, 10 pass breakups, and a 40-yard interception return. Guy Jr. is the son of Jamal Guy Jr and Jaletra Mcknight and plans to major in business while at Montana Western. Bryce Hager, QB 6-1, 200, Torrington, Wyo., Torrington HS Hager is a quarterback who joins the Bulldogs from Torrington High School in Torrington, Wyo. He was a four-year varsity athlete for the Trailblazers who earned all-conference honors in 2021, 2022, and 2023. He earned All-State recognition after last season and was named 2A offensive player of the year after he led his team to a state championship. Hager also competed in wrestling and baseball in high school where he earned all-conference honors in baseball last season. Hager is the son of Dylan and Erin Hager and plans to study business at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Josh Jenkins, LB 6-0, 200, Bozeman, Mont., Gallatin HS Jenkins is a linebacker who joins the Bulldogs from Gallatin High School in Bozeman, Mont. He was a three-year varsity athlete who earned honorable mention All-State honors and second team all-conference recognition after last season. In his senior season, Jenkins totaled 66 tackles with 42 being solo tackles. Jenkins also competed in lacrosse for the Raptors. He is the son of Mike and Kathi Jenkins and plans to study business while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Koby Johnson, K/P 6-2, 185, Washougal, Wash., Washougal HS Johnson is a kicker and punter who joins the Bulldogs from Washougal High School in Washougal, Wash. He was a three-year varsity athlete for the Panthers who was a two-time league champion. He earned all-league as a kicker/punter twice and earned all-region honors his senior year. In addition to football, Johnson also competed in soccer and basketball where he was named team captain in soccer for three seasons. Johnson is the son of Derek Johnson and Holly Johnson and plans to major in business while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Bryant Kelly, OL 6-2, 315, Pocatello, Idaho, Highland HS Kelly is an offensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from Highland High School in Pocatello, Idaho. He was a three-year varsity athlete for the Rams who won a pair of conference championships in 2022 and 2023 and was also the 5A Idaho State Football Champions. He earned second team all-conference honors after last season and also competed in track and field while at Highland. Kelly is the son of Tyler Kelly and Lindsay Fehringer and plans to major in environmental science while at Montana Western.  Link to Highlights        Aiden Lammers, RB 6-0, 200, Shepherd, Mont., Shepherd HS Lammers is a runningback who joins the Bulldogs from Shepherd High School in Shepherd, Mont. Lammers had a successful senior season last year after he led the state of Montana in rushing with 210.3 rushing yards per game and a total of 26 touchdowns. He was named All-State and all-conference as a runningback and earned all-conference honors as a linebacker. He also became the all-time rushing leader at Shepherd High School after last season. Lammers is the son of Scott and Jessica Lammers and plans to major in business while at Montana Western. Fareed Lawal, WR 5-11, 160, Spokane, Wash., Ferris HS Lawal is a wide receiver who joins the Bulldogs as a graduate of Ferris High School in Spokane, Wash. He was a three year athlete for the Saxons where he earned offensive player of the year honors and was a team most valuable player. He also earned second team all-league honors. Lawal also competed in basketball, soccer and track in high school. He is the son of Idris Lawal and Olabisi Olubajo and plans to major in business while at Montana Western. Trevor Lewis, DL 6-1, 210, Hamilton, Mont., Hamilton HS Lewis is a defensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from Hamilton High School in Hamilton, Mont. He was named honorable mention all-conference in 2022 and 2023 and was a conference champion twice. Lewis also was a member of Hamilton's state championship team in 2021. In addition, Lewis competed in track and field and wrestling at Hamilton and was named to the honor roll in 2023. Lewis is the son of RC Lewis and Sarah Crider and plans to major in secondary education and k-12 education at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Arie McLaughlin, DL 5-10, 255, Florence, Mont., Florence-Carlton HS McLaughlin is a defensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from Florence-Carlton High School in Florence, Mont. McLaughlin spent four seasons on varsity for the Falcons where he was a member of Florence-Carlton's three consecutive Montana Class B State Championships. McLaughlin recorded 121 tackles with 73 last season alone. McLaughlin earned All-State honors last year and earned all-conference honors twice for the Falcons. In addition, he earned Academic All-State honors four times and was named to the honor roll twice. McLaughlin also competes in wrestling, rugby and track where he took fifth place in the 2022-23 wrestling state tournament. McLaughlin is the son of Chris and Brittany McLaughlin and plans to major in secondary education and k-12 education while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Kyle Mounts, DB 6-0, 175, Bozeman, Mont., Gallatin HS Mounts is a defensive back who joins the Bulldogs from Gallatin High School in Bozeman, Mont. Mounts was named all-conference and All-State twice for the Raptors in his three varsity seasons. In two seasons, Mounts recorded 146 tackles and five interceptions as the Raptors made it to the state semifinals twice. He also competed in track and field in high school. Kyle is the brother of Bulldog football alumni Trey Mounts and current defensive back Brady Mounts . He is the son of Karena Askeland and Carey Mounts and plans to major in kinesiology while at Montana Western. Elijah Naho'opi'i-Makakona, S 5-11, 160, Waipahu, Hawaii, Waipahu HS Naho'opi'i-Makakon is a safety who joins the Bulldogs from Waipahu High School in Waipahu, Hawaii. He was a three-year varsity athlete for the Marauders where he was a three-time OIA champion and a Hawaii state champion. He was named first team all-conference, second team All-State and earned numerous honorable mention recognitions. Naho'opi'i-Makakon is the son of Moani and Scott McMillan.  Tristan Olson, WR 6-3, 185, Spokane, Wash., Mount Spokane HS Olson is a wide receiver who joins the Bulldogs from Mount Spokane High School in Spokane, Wash. During his senior year, Olson recorded 28 receptions for a total of 680 yards and five touchdowns. He was named second team all league as a receiver despite his season being cut short due to injury. Olson is the son of Brooke Ballard and Marvin "Spike" Olson and plans to major in business while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Jacob Punivai, OL 6-0, 295, Kaneohe, Hawaii, Kahuku HS Punivai is an offensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from Kahuku High School in Kahuku, Hawaii. Punivai was a member of three state championships with the Red Raiders who were a top 25 high school team in the nation. Last year, the Red Raiders defeated the defending national champions of St. John Bosco. Punivai was named scholar athlete of the year and second team OIA open division. He is the son of Darellyn and Tevita Punivai.   Colter Ramos, WR 6-1, 180, Missoula, Mont., Big Sky HS Ramos is a wide receiver who joins theBulldogs from Big Sky High School in Missoula, Mont. He was a two-year varsity athlete for the Eagles who recorded a total of 123 receptions and racked up 1650 yards and eight touchdowns in his career. He was named first team all-conference twice, earned second team All-State and first team All-State honors. In addition, Ramos competed in basketball and track and has been named to the honor roll all four years at Big Sky. Ramos is the son of Jess and Heather Ramos and plans to major in business while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Jasper Robinson, TE 6-4, 220, Twin Falls, Idaho, Canyon Ridge HS Robinson is a tight end who joins the Bulldogs from Canyon Ridge High School in Twin Falls, Idaho. Robinson was a three-year varsity athlete for the Riverhawks who was a two-year captain, first team all-conference tight end, and a two-time state playoff participant. Robinson also competed in basketball and golf. Jasper is the son of JR and Kelsie Robinson and plans to major in business while at Montana Western. Wyatt Scott, DL 6-0, 260, Spring Creek, Nev., Spring Creek HS Scott is a defensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from Spring Creek High School in Spring Creek, Nevada. During his three years on varsity for the Spartans, Scott totaled 93 tackles, a pair of sacks, and a fumble recovery. He was named northern 3A second team all-east defensive line three times, second team all-north offensive line, second team All-State defensive line, and first team all-north defensive line. Scott's team also qualified for the state semi-final game in 2022. In addition to football, Scott also competed in track and field while at Spring Creek. Scott is the son of Jess and Tanya Scott and plans to study kinesiology while at Montana Western. Link To Highlights Matteus Senna, WR 5-10, 165, Kenmore, Wash., Inglemoor HS Senna is a wide receiver who joins the Bulldogs from Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, Wash. He was a three-year varsity athlete for the Vikings who totaled 985 all purpose yards, 12 touchdowns, 42 catches for 581 yards, and 55 tackles during his senior season. He earned his team's offensive player of the year honor after last season. Senna is the son of Arienne Cintra and plans to major in business administration while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Hunter Stewart, WR 6-2, 180, Hamilton, Mont., Hamilton HS Stewart is a wide receiver who joins the Bulldogs from Hamilton High School in Hamilton, Mont. After two seasons in Stevensville, Stewart transferred to Hamilton where he recorded 54 receptions in two varsity seasons, totaled 839 receiving yards and totaled 121 tackles. He earned All-State honors after last season and earned all-conference in two positions while his team went 17-4 across two seasons. In addition to his honors on the field, Stewart also earned academic All-State recognition twice while also competing in basketball. Stewart is the son of Bruce and Tiffanie Murray and plans to study business while at Montana Western. Elijah Thorness, TE 6-2, 200, Bigfork, Mont., Bigfork HS Thorness is a tight end who joins the Bulldogs from Bigfork High School in Bigfork, Mont. An All-State tight end, Thorness comes off of a big senior season where he recorded 761 receiving yards, scored 12 touchdowns, and broke two records at Bigfork High School after last season (all-time receiving yards and single-season receiving yards). Thorness also competed in basketball and track while in high school where he was named all conference in basketball. Thorness is the son of Eric and Charis Thorness and plans to major in business while at Montana Western. Link to Highlights Zach Welch, S 5-10, 180, Lynden, Wash., Lynden HS Welch is a safety who joins the Bulldogs from Lynden High School in Lynden, Wash. A two-year varsity athlete who earned all-league honors as his team was ranked first in division 2A last year. Welch also competed in track and field in high school. He is the son of Dane Welch and Sarah Rydman and plans to major in business while at Montana Western. Link To Highlights

Monday,  February 12th, 2024 3:00 PM   1.           Call to Order 2.           Discuss/Recommend Closure of Timmons and Franklin Streets 3.           Update of Street Sweeper 4.           Update of Skihi Street Survey 5.           SIDs – Wendland, Tully Springs 6.           Letters from Judith Carlson 7.           Public Comment on Items Not Agenda but Within The Jurisdiction of The City 8.           Adjournment   Committee Members Dan Nye, Chair Russ Schwandt Joleen Schultz

February 7th, 2024 6:45 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING ON HB355 FUNDING PROJECTS 7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA  PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE   A.           MINUTES 1.         Approve January 17th, 2024 Public Hearing Transcription 2.         Approve January 17th, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes   B.           PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS   C.        MAYOR’S REPORT             1.         Appointment of  Joshua Aguirre to the Position of Patrolman             2.         Appointment of Richard Balas to the Position of Probationary Patrolman                3.         Appoint Ed Mooney to the Planning Board as Citizen Member             4.         Appoint Diane Armstrong and Joleen Schultz to the Board of Adjustments as Council Members   D.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         Planning Board  - Dan Nye, Bill Shafer 2.         Zoning Commission -  Raymond Graham, Russ Schwandt 3.         Board of Adjustments  4.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey 5.         Police Department – Police Chief Jeremy Alvarez                         a.         Accept January 2024 Activity and Community Involvement Reports 6.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose                         a.         Accept January 2024 Incident Activity Report                         b.         Approve City Clerk Report for Fire Hall for January 2024                         c.         Approve Budget vs. Expenditures Report for Fire Hall for January 2024 7.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox                         a.         Accept January 2024 Court Report    8.         Treasurer – Karen Kipp 9.         Tree Board – Mary Jo O’Rourke             a.         Accept December 5th, 2023 Meeting Minutes              E.         REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Judiciary Committee – Dan Nye, Chair; Raymond Graham, Diane Armstrong 2.         Finance Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Dan Nye, Anneliese Ripley                         a.         Approve January 25th, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes                                     i.          Approve Line Item Budget Report                                     ii.          Approve Fund Summary for Claims for January 2024                                     iii.         Approve Claims by Vendor Report for January 2024                                     iv.        Approve Budget vs. Actual Report for January 2024 3.         Fire and Order Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Bill Shafer, Mary Jo O’Rourke 4.         Health and Welfare – Bill Shafer, Chair; Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz 5.         Cemetery Committee – Diane Armstrong, Chair; Mary Jo O’Rourke, Anneliese Ripley 6.         Parks Committee – Raymond Graham, Chair; Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz    7.         City Hall Committee – Raymond Graham, Chair; Dan Nye, Mary Jo O’Rourke 8.         Street and Alley Committee – Dan Nye, Chair; Russ Schwandt, Joleen Schultz 9.          Water and Sewer Committee – Bill Shafer, Chair; Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley   F.         PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE  AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY   G.        ADJOURNMENT   PLEASE NOTE: The City of Dillon understands that citizens have the right under the Montana Constitution to observe and participate in local governmental affairs by personally attending all public meetings of the Dillon City Council and other City boards and committees. This meeting is open to the public as normal. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528, allowing permission for microphone and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245. Please mute your microphone until you desire to comment. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245.

BUTTE – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff recently captured elk in the Highland Mountains south of Butte as part of a multi-year Targeted Elk Brucellosis Surveillance Project. All 122 blood samples collected from captured elk tested negative for brucellosis. Capture operations in the Highland Mountains were conducted in late January. Thirty elk were outfitted with GPS collars that will be active for one year to help wildlife managers better understand their seasonal ranges, migration routes and potential mixing with other elk herds. The goal of these operations is to evaluate the presence and understand the movement of brucellosis in Montana’s elk populations. The research also helps wildlife managers and animal health officials understand the overlap between elk and livestock on the landscape. Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that can infect humans, cattle, bison and elk and can result in abortion or the birth of weak calves. The disease is primarily transmitted through contact with infected birth tissues and fluids. The Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) administers a brucellosis surveillance program for livestock in an area of southwest Montana called the designated surveillance area (DSA). Requirements within the DSA protect the state and national livestock industry from the spread of brucellosis. Livestock within the DSA are at risk of exposure to brucellosis from infected wildlife and are therefore subject to additional brucellosis testing requirements for movement and change of ownership, as well as additional traceability requirements. Live elk captures in and around the perimeter of the DSA inform decisions on boundary adjustments by DOL. The Highland Mountains are outside of the DSA. The recent test results from the Highland Mountains provide support for keeping the current DSA boundary unchanged. Montana’s Targeted Elk Brucellosis Surveillance Project is a joint effort between DOL and FWP, with support from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. In addition, this project and capture operation would not be possible without the generous support and permission from landowners to capture elk on their property. More information about the surveillance project can be found online at fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/elk . For more information about how brucellosis is managed in Montana livestock, visit liv.mt.gov/Animal-Health/Reportable-Animal-Diseases/Brucellosis .

From Kevin Engellant (Dillon MT, February 4, 2024) – On Saturday February 3, three girls and three boys, ages 8-13, were crowned Champions at the Montana Elks State “Hoop Shoot”® free throw contest, which took place at Park High School in Livingston, MT. First, second and third place trophies were awarded to each boy and girl in three categories: ages 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. The contestants who participated at the Montana State Contest were crowned District Champions from the five districts in Montana. The 30 state finalists journey began in the fall of 2023 where Montana Elks Lodges hosted a Lodge Contest. By winning their Lodge Contest, they advanced to their District Contests where they earned the title District Champion, allowing them to travel to Livingston, MT to compete at the State Contest. The six state champions will represent Montana in the Regional Semi-Finals in Rapid City, SD on Saturday March 9, 2024. They will compete against the State Champions from North Dakota and South Dakota. The Regional Champions will advance to the National Finals in Chicago, IL, April 20, 2024. The nation winners will have their names digitally inscribed at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA. This program is totally sponsored by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A It is endorsed by hundreds of school systems around the country. The Elks fund the program primarily through its National Foundation and the support of the local lodges and state associations. Travel and lodging expenses for the contestants and their parents are paid by the Elks. The Elks “Hoop Shoot”®, began as a local program by Corvallis Oregon Elks in 1946, is in its 52nd year of national competition. Over one million boys and girls are expected to participate this year. • For more information on the Elks National “Hoop Shoot” Contest, visit www.elks.org/hoopshoot

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.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. February 7 th , 2024 Notice is Hereby Given That Two or More Committee Members of the Water & Sewer Committee are Scheduled to Attend the Pre-Bid Meeting at the City of Dillon Waste Water Treatment Plant in Dillon, Montana February 7 th , 2024 No City of Dillon Business Will Be Conducted During the Above Meeting and the Public is Welcome to Attend and/or Observe Should You Have Any Questions, Please Contact City Hall by Calling (406) 683-4245

Cover Photo Credit Terri Haverfield State Qualifiers Girls Clancy Setzer – 4th Divisional Tyler Gibson – 1st Divisional Faye Holland – 1st Divisional   Boys Tel Holland – 3rd Divisional Hank Hagenbarth – 2nd Divisional Beaudry Payne – 1st Divisional