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On December 5, 2025, the English Department at the University of Montana Western inducted four students into its Alpha Epsilon Iota chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, an international English honor society. Founded in 1924, Sigma Tau Delta has grown to include more than 800 chapters worldwide. The society recognizes academic excellence in English language, literature, and writing, and provides members with opportunities for scholarships, internships, conferences, publications, and service projects that promote literacy and engagement with the humanities. Sigma Tau Delta strives to: confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels; provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities; foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing; promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members; exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and serve society by fostering literacy. Candidates for membership in Sigma Tau Delta have attained high academic achievement in English studies. This year’s inductees are: Ian Ferguson — Idaho Falls, ID Adeline Michels — Missoula, MT Cordelia Sinz — Duvall, WA Ella Wanamaker — Walkerville, MT The University of Montana Western congratulates these students on their success and hard work. To learn more about Sigma Tau Delta’s history, awards, and events, visit  www.english.org .

As holiday travel ramps up and winter storms begin sweeping across the West, the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) for Rural Traveler Information  is announcing significant expansion. The web application designed by Montana Tech Professor Dr. Doug Galarus with partners California Department of Transportation  and Western States Rural Transportation Consortium , provides real-time data to help drivers navigate in the following states: Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas were recently added in preparation for the holiday season. “As holiday travel approaches and weather changes are imminent, I encourage travelers in Montana and across the entire western United States to use the One-Stop-Shop to get seamless updates on current and forecast road-weather conditions,” Galarus said. The One-Stop-Shop was originally developed by Galarus’ former team at the Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University and has been funded by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Western States Rural Transportation Consortium. In 2014, the project won an international award from the Intelligent Transportation Society of America. The project is now in a maintenance phase at Montana Tech, and Galarus has incorporated it into his classroom work and undergraduate research assistants assist with the maintenance of OSS. "For over a decade now OSS has been a critical tool providing seamless traveler information to motorists, especially freight operators, traveling throughout the Western US improving the safety and efficiency of our regional transportation networks,” Caltrans Chief of ITS Engineering and Support Jeremiah Pearce said. OSS brings together real-time road, weather, and incident information from transportation departments across the western United States. The system, available at oss.weathershare.org , provides camera feeds, road conditions, alerts, and weather data on a single, user-friendly map. “Overseeing OSS gives me insight into its design, but it’s my firsthand experience as a frequent interstate RV traveler that truly affirms the value of this tool,” Rural ITS and Special Projects Research Branch Chief for Caltrans Andre Chavez said.“I rely on OSS to plan my routes both ahead of time and in real time—maximizing access to DOT rest stops and avoiding non-recurring RV challenges like wildfires, high wind zones, closures, and construction projects. It has consistently proven to be accurate, reliable, and indispensable on every road trip my family and I have taken.” This season, OSS is expanding its reach just in time for the year’s busiest travel period. Through a new partnership with the Northwest Passage Transportation Pooled Fund ( https://nwpassage.info/gallery/ ), OSS now includes data from North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota, adding critical visibility for travelers navigating I-94 and I-90 through the northern tier. The team recently integrated Iowa and Nebraska, which completed coverage of the entire Interstate 80 corridor from San Francisco through Iowa. “We now cover pretty much all the states in the Western U.S. and then some,” Galarus said. For years, OSS has been a go-to resource for drivers braving winter weather in California’s Donner and Siskiyou Passes. Traffic can surge to 1,000–2,000 simultaneous users during storms and heavy travel periods. During severe weather events, OSS may log up to 30,000 user sessions per day, as travelers seek a reliable source of real-time information. With integrated feeds from Caltrans, Oregon DOT, Nevada DOT, Washington State DOT, and many other transportation partners, as well as the National Weather Service, OSS offers a near-seamless view of cross-state travel conditions — something Galarus says is especially valuable during the holidays, when millions of drivers cross state lines and weather systems. “While Washington State DOT has long been a partner and beneficiary of the OSS, we are excited to see the continued growth of this valuable tool now linking up our partner states that represent the Northwest Passage pooled fund study along the I-90 corridor and beyond,” said Tony Leingang, program administrator of Intelligent Transportation Systems for Washington State DOT. The project has spanned more than 15 years and engaged hundreds of students across multiple universities. At Montana Tech alone, Galarus estimates that roughly a dozen students have worked on OSS and related projects through research positions, with more than 100 contributing through coursework or senior design projects. The work offers undergraduates hands-on experience with software engineering, computer science, data science, and real-world problem solving. “Students get the opportunity to work on something people actually use — often thousands of people a day,” Galarus said. “It’s a level of responsibility and impact that’s hard to replicate in a classroom. One of the most important things I tell my students is to “walk in the shoes” of the users of the software they are developing. I live in Elk Park, which is the coldest place in the Continental US at least once every year. While walking in that kind-of cold is dangerous, driving is a necessity. Interstate 15 borders my property, and my daily commute includes I-15 and I-90. I know first-hand why the One-Stop-Shop is valuable tool for safe driving in winter and year-round!” To view the system, visit oss.weathershare.org .

GREENWOOD, Ind. –  Montana Western Volleyball players Taylor Ketchum and Savana Warburton received College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Volleyball Team Honors, the organization announced Tuesday The CSC Academic All-America program recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined achievements on the field and in the classroom. Honorees are selected across four divisions: NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA. To qualify for nomination, student-athletes must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and be a starter or key reserve on their respective team. 2025 CSC Academic All-District Volleyball Team Taylor Ketchum – L/DS (Billings, Mont., SO) Savana Warburton – OH (Joliet, Mont., SO)

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 6:45 P.M. Public Hearing on the Draft Preliminary Engineering Report of the Dillon Water System 7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE   A.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA   B.        MINUTES 1.         Approve the Minutes of September 24 th , 2025 Special Meeting at 7:30 p.m. 2.         Approve the Minutes of December 3 rd , 2025 Regular Meeting   C.        PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS   1.         Kelly Sullivan – Q&A on HB231 & SB52    D.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Approve Guza and Associates Contract Extension for Civil Prosecution 2.         Approve Kruer Law Contract for Criminal Prosecution 3.         Approve Job Recruiter for the City Attorney Position    4.         Discuss Financial Reporting Report   E.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         City Attorney – Ed Guza 2.         Planning Board - Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham                         a.         Accept the Minutes of December 4, 2025 Regular Meeting                                     i.          Resolution #1504 Adopting Downtown Master Plan 3.         Zoning Commission - Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley 4.         Board of Adjustments - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz 5.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey 6.         Police Department –Police Chief Joel Stewart                         a.         Accept the November 2025 Incident Report 7.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose a.         Accept November 2025 Activity Report                   b.         Approve City Clerk Report for Fire Hall for November 2025                         c.         Approve Budget vs. Expenditures Report for Fire Hall for November 2025 8.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox                         a.         Accept Court Report for November 2025 9.         Library Board - Diane Armstrong, Council Member; Kim Denny, Library Director 10.       Tree Board                         a.         Accept the Minutes of November 3, 2025 Regular Meeting.             F.        REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Ordinances & Facilities – Bill Shafer, Chair; Joleen Schultz, Mary Jo O’Rourke 2.         Finance Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Diane Armstrong, Mary Jo O’Rourke 3.         Public Services – Diane Armstrong, Chair; Bill Shafer, Don Deem 4.         Open Spaces – Raymond Graham, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Joleen Schultz 5.         Public Works – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Raymond Graham   G.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE  AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY   H.        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.

DILLON, Mont. — The No. 23 Montana Western men’s basketball team continued its strong Frontier Conference play Sunday evening, never trailing in a 91–69 victory over Mayville State inside Straugh Gymnasium. The Bulldogs (9–3, 5–2 FC) were tied just twice in the opening three minutes before seizing control for good. Western led by as many as 26 points and cruised to its third win in the last four games. Montana Western shot an efficient 46.6 percent (34-of-73) from the floor and connected on a season-best 14 three-pointers, finishing 48.3 percent (14-of-29) from beyond the arc. The Bulldogs also went 9-of-10 (90.0 percent) at the free-throw line. Kyle Gruhler led all scorers with 31 points, shooting 64.7 percent (11-of-17) from the field and knocking down nine three-pointers. Emanuel Steward added 11 points and dished out a game-high six assists. Joshua Whiteside controlled the glass with 10 rebounds, while David Young anchored the defense with four blocks. Gruhler, Billy Carlson, and Kolter Merritt each recorded two steals. Western finished with 40 rebounds, 17 assists, 12 blocks, and seven steals, marking a season high in blocks and the third time in four games the Bulldogs have reached the 40-rebound mark. The Red and Black also posted 32 points in the paint, 18 points off turnovers, 19 second-chance points, and 31 bench points. The Bulldogs took a 9–7 lead early in the first half and steadily pulled away, stretching the advantage to 17 points by halftime. Western entered the locker room leading 45–28 after shooting 44.7 percent from the field and an impressive 56.3 percent from three-point range in the opening half. Montana Western maintained the pressure in the second half, building the lead to as many as 26. Mayville State never closed the gap to fewer than 20 points over the final 20 minutes. For the Comets (5–6, 1–5 FC), Christian Bowen-Webb scored a team-high 19 points. Ollie Fell grabbed eight rebounds, Devin Griffin dished out five assists, and Amon Moore and Darius Brant each recorded two steals. Looking Ahead Montana Western travels to Pocatello, Idaho, on Thursday for an exhibition matchup against NCAA Division I Idaho State.

DILLON, Mont.  — The Montana Western women’s basketball team improved to 6-5 overall and 4-3 in Frontier Conference play with a dominant 70-46 win over Mayville State on Sunday afternoon in Dillon. Western jumped out to a commanding start, building nearly a 20-point lead after the opening quarter. The Comets never got closer than 16 points the rest of the way as the Bulldogs controlled the game on both ends of the floor. “It was great to get two home wins this weekend,” head coach Ryan Sullivan said. “Any time you can do that in our conference is huge.” Stat Breakdown The Bulldogs shot 35.4 percent (28-79) from the field, including 23.7 percent (9-38) from three-point range, while converting 71.4 percent (5-7) from the free-throw line. Western finished with 53 rebounds, 19 assists, 15 steals, and three blocks. The Bulldogs scored 38 points in the paint, 21 points off turnovers, 19 second-chance points, and received 33 points from their bench. Leaderboard Bailee Sayler led all scorers with 19 points, followed by Isabella Lune with 13 and Ava Bellach with 11. Keke Davis grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds, while Isabella Lund paced Western with five assists and a team-high four steals. Sayler also matched her season high with three blocks. Notables Western held its opponent under 30 percent shooting from both the field and three-point range for the second straight game. The Bulldogs eclipsed 50 rebounds for the first time this season. Sayler shot 50 percent from the floor (6-12) and from beyond the arc (4-8). Davis recorded double-digit rebounds for the second time this year. Game Summary The contest was tight through the first four minutes before Western turned up the pressure defensively. The Bulldogs limited Mayville State to just four points the remainder of the opening quarter while stretching their lead to 19. The Comets shot better in the second quarter, but Western continued to build its advantage and carried a 42-20 lead into halftime. Mayville State cut the deficit to 16 in the third quarter, but the Bulldogs quickly responded and re-established a 22-point cushion. Western stayed aggressive in the fourth, pushing the lead to as many as 30 before cruising to the 24-point victory. The Opposition Mayville State shot 25.4 percent (15-59) from the field and 16.7 percent (3-18) from three, while going 81.3 percent (13-16) from the free-throw line. The Comets totaled 42 rebounds, three assists, 11 steals, and three blocks. Bella Kanz led Mayville State with 12 points, followed by Hannah Stark with 11. Laela Jensen and Taylor Hill each pulled down nine rebounds. Whitney Whelk recorded a team-best two assists, while Hill added two blocks and a game-high five steals. Looking Ahead Montana Western returns to action Thursday, Dec. 18, when the Bulldogs host Briercrest. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MT.

The University of Montana Western is pleased to announce the hiring of Michael Piazzola as Dean of Students. “I’m pleased to share that Mike Piazzola has accepted the position of Dean of Students at the University of Montana Western. For over 20 years, Mike has invested in this campus and its people, and he brings a steady hand and deep experience to this new leadership role. I’m excited to welcome him aboard and confident he will help move UMW into its next chapter,” said Montana Western Chancellor, Michael Reid. Piazzola earned a B.A. in Secondary Education from the University of Montana Western in 2004, followed by a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Montana in 2016. A proud alumnus and longtime campus leader, Piazzola brings more than 20 years of experience in student affairs, most recently serving as Senior Director of Student Life. In this role, he has provided leadership for Residence Life & Housing, Orientation, and the Bulldog Card Center, Bookstore, Student Wellness Center, Student Leadership Academy, and other key student programs. Known for his student-centered approach and deep commitment to experiential education, Piazzola is dedicated to strengthening student engagement, wellbeing, and success at Montana Western. “Montana Western shaped who I am—first as a student and then as a professional—and it is truly the honor of my life to serve as Dean of Students at my alma mater. I am deeply committed to creating an inclusive, caring, and engaging campus where every student feels supported, connected, and empowered to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.” Spending much of his free time enjoying all that Southwest Montana has to offer, Piazzola and his family stay active in the outdoors through camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and side-by-side rides through the Montana mountains with his father, exploring the beauty of the region they call home. He rarely misses a chance to take part in local community or campus events and has deep roots in Dillon. A devoted animal lover, he is also the proud owner of four dogs and serves as Vice Chair of the Beaverhead Animal Shelter Board, reflecting the same values of connection, service, and belonging that guide his work at Montana Western. Carrying on cherished Italian food traditions, he also enjoys cooking time-honored family recipes and sharing them with others as a way to bring people together. He will start the duties of his new position at Montana Western on January 5, 2026.

Beaverhead County Tax Appeal Board Meeting December 16, 2025 Commissioners’ Room Beaverhead County Courthouse Agenda 9:30 A.M. Reorganization of the Board Action on Previous Meeting Minutes 10:00 A.M. Strizic Tax Appeal Hearing Deliberation Action - Tax Appeal Board Decision 11:30 A.M. Peshehonoff Tax Appeal Hearing Deliberation Action – Tax Appeal Board Recess 1:00 P.M. Frank Tax Appeal Hearing Deliberation Action – Tax Appeal Board Decision

DILLON, Mont. — The Bookstore will welcome local author Sally Cobau for a special reading and reception on Monday, December 15, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Cobau will present selections from her newly released book, “Animals in the House: 18 Sonnets,” with the reading beginning at 5:30 p.m. Cobau—an accomplished writer, teacher, mother, yoga practitioner and avid hiker—earned her MFA in poetry from the University of Montana in Missoula. Her work has been widely published in journals and anthologies including Rattler, Hole in the Head Review, Ekphrastic Review, Writing in a Woman’s Voice, Tulip Tree Review, and Poems Across the Big Sky (Volumes I and II). Her poem “Weasel in Winter in the Summer Cottage” received an Honorable Mention in the Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition. She has also published prose in Room Magazine, The Sun, and Oyster River Pages. Her new collection explores the intimate spaces where memory, love, grief, whimsy, and wilderness converge. Cobau often writes about the people who shape her life—her husband, children, parents, grandparents, friends, students, and past loves—creating a shifting emotional landscape that moves between playfulness and poignancy. Even her “characters” who have passed on remain present in ghostlike ways, inhabiting the old homes and memories that fill her poems. The animals that share these spaces form a gentle counterbalance to the human world, deepening the earthy, lived-in texture of her work. Many of Cobau’s poems are rooted in Dillon and the surrounding community, drawing inspiration from ranchers, river guides, professors, and dog lovers who bring life and character to the region. Guests attending the December 15 event will have the opportunity to meet the author, listen to her read from her new collection, and enjoy refreshments during the reception. Copies of “Animals in the House: 18 Sonnets” will be available for purchase, and The Bookstore encourages anyone wishing to reserve a copy to call 683-6807.

DILLON, Mont. — A Dillon mother is sharing the extraordinary medical journey of her son in hopes of securing the specialized rehabilitation he now urgently needs. After surviving a rare and life-threatening medical event, Ryan Foster, 30, has spent nearly two years fighting his way back from the brink—first in major hospitals, and now in a rural nursing facility unequipped to meet the next stage of his recovery. Ryan’s ordeal began on April 20, 2023, when he suffered a sudden AVM rupture/stroke, a rare congenital condition affecting less than one percent of the population. He was life-flighted from Montana to Utah for emergency treatment, where doctors performed a 22-hour brain surgery in a race to save his life. Over the next year, Ryan endured four additional life flights, more than 20 medical procedures, three craniotomies, three shunt revisions, and two serious post-surgical infections. Throughout much of this time, he was unable to participate in physical therapy due to the severity of his condition. “Many people told us he would never talk again,” said his mother, Ronda Huffman. “But Ryan has never stopped fighting.” After a prolonged stay at the University of Utah Hospital, the only facility in Montana willing to accept him was a nursing home in his mother’s hometown of Dillon. While the move brought the benefit of being near family, it also placed Ryan in a setting without the advanced neurological therapy he requires. Despite these limitations, Ryan has made unexpected progress. Nearly two years after the medical emergency, he has begun speaking again and regaining mobility—milestones his care team once believed might never come. Now, the family says they are at a critical crossroads. According to Huffman, Ryan is finally strong enough to leave the facility and transition into a more independent environment. However, Montana lacks the specialized rehabilitation technology and hands-on neurological therapy needed for the next stage of his recovery. The family has also struggled to find handicap-accessible rental housing in the Dillon area. After months of searching, they have identified a promising opportunity in Salt Lake City, Utah: an accessible apartment that meets Ryan’s needs and proximity to an advanced outpatient rehabilitation program. While Ryan was initially denied inpatient rehab, the Utah program has assured the family that once he establishes Medicaid coverage in the state, he will be eligible for comprehensive outpatient therapy—including transportation to and from sessions. For the family, the challenge now is making the move possible. Relocating out of state means navigating months of expenses while waiting for Medicaid eligibility and caregiver income programs to take effect. Huffman describes this period as the most difficult hurdle yet, but also the one with the greatest potential payoff. “We truly believe this move will be life-changing for Ryan,” Huffman said. “If we can get through the first six months, he will finally have access to the tools and therapies that give him a real chance at recovery.” The family is now turning to the community for support as they work to relocate and secure the therapy Ryan needs to continue progressing. “Ryan has worked so hard to get to this point,” Huffman added. “We’re asking for help to give him the opportunity he deserves—a future with hope, independence, and continued healing.” Go Fund Me link is here

DILLON, Mont.  — What began as a frustrating act of holiday theft turned into a feel-good community moment on Tuesday afternoon when Dillon residents banded together to recover a stolen snowman decoration — proving local Facebook pages can be used for far more than complaints about city government. Earlier in the day, resident Mike Feldt  reported that his snowman Christmas decoration had been taken from his front porch. The post quickly spread across local community pages as residents shared the alert, determined to help bring “Frosty” home. Southwestern Montana News was tagged in the post and helped amplify the search. Before long, “Operation Save Frosty” was in motion. While out working, I overheard a scanner report of a Ranger pulled over near Big Sky Cinema. Believing it might be connected to the theft, I drove by to investigate — only to find it was merely a side-by-side, not the suspect vehicle. Moments later, however, luck changed. As I headed back through town, I spotted the very truck believed to be involved in Frosty’s disappearance parked at the Little Town Pump . I parked across the street, began recording the license plate, and prepared to contact police. At the same moment, another vigilant citizen pulled up, already on the phone with law enforcement. Thanks to the quick response of community members and Dillon Police, the suspect was contacted and Frosty was safely recovered . The snowman was soon returned to his rightful place on Mike’s front stoop — much to the delight of neighbors following the saga online. In true holiday spirit, what started as an act of Grinch-like mischief ended as a small Christmas miracle, reminding Dillon residents that this community looks out for one another — and that nobody gets away with stealing Frosty in this town.

Beaverhead County Mental Health Local Advisory Counsel County Treasurer’s Office – Corner of Washington St. & Center St. AGENDA Thursday, December 11, 2025, Noon to 1:00 p.m.   Introductions -  Establish Quorum   Approval of Minutes  – November 13, 2025, meeting   ACTION ITEMS:   UPDATES 1.      Discuss possible funding for the RAC 2.      MESAA Update 3.      Local updates 4.      Public Health Update   NEW BUSINESS   ADJOURN

MONTANA  — The Montana Department of Justice’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is alerting the public to a growing scam involving fraudulent websites posing as county jails in an attempt to deceive and steal from families of inmates. According to OCP, fake sites — including one impersonating the Musselshell County Detention Center at musselshellcountyjail.org  — falsely claim to offer inmate lookup services, mailing instructions, money deposit information, and other facility details. These sites are not affiliated with any Montana county and are designed to mislead users into providing money or personal information. State officials say several similar scam websites have been identified across Montana. How to Spot and Avoid the Scam The Office of Consumer Protection urges Montanans to verify links before providing any information. Legitimate government websites will end in . mt.gov  or be hosted through an official county domain. Residents should also watch for red flags, including: Requests to send money orders to P.O. Boxes , which no Montana jail uses Inmate lookup tools requiring payment (legitimate lookup services are always free ) Unfamiliar or unofficial website addresses Funds for inmates should only be sent through approved services such as Access Corrections, JPay, TouchPay , or by paying directly at the jail . When in doubt, officials advise contacting the jail using the phone number listed on the county’s official website. How to Report a Scam Montanans who encounter suspicious websites or believe they may have been targeted can report the scam to the Office of Consumer Protection by email at contactocp@mt.gov , by phone at 406-444-4500 , or online through the DOJ’s consumer protection portal.

DILLON, Mont.  — Christmas is quickly approaching, and for families who missed Santa during this past weekend’s Downtown Dillon Christmas Stroll, there are several more chances to meet the man in red before the holiday arrives. Santa will be visiting Dillon and surrounding communities throughout December, offering children and families multiple festive opportunities to share wish lists, enjoy holiday activities, and take photos. Upcoming Santa Appearances Meet Santa at Barrett Hospital & HealthCare – December 12 Barrett Hospital & HealthCare will host Santa on Thursday, Dec. 12, from 3 to 5 p.m., providing another opportunity for families to meet him in a warm, welcoming environment. Crafts with Santa – December 13 Santa will stop by Vibrant Lives Yoga , located at 212 East Bannack Street, on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. Children can enjoy an afternoon of holiday crafts while getting a chance to visit with Santa. Santa & The Grinch at Dillon Public Library – December 19 The Dillon Public Library will hold a festive evening on Thursday, Dec. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. featuring appearances by both Santa Claus and the Grinch. The event will also include: Dillon Fire Department and Police Department Elks Lodge #1554’s famous chili Ben Kenealey’s balloon creations Cocoa, treats, and fire pits Santa’s Stocking Raffle Book sale and additional family activities Skate with Santa – December 20 Families can join Santa on the ice on Friday, Dec. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Virginia City Ice Rink. This annual event combines winter fun with the magic of the season. A Month Full of Holiday Cheer With events scheduled across the county, families will have numerous chances to celebrate the holiday season and make memories before Christmas Day. Local organizations and volunteers continue to help bring festive traditions to Beaverhead County and surrounding areas each year.

DILLON, Mont.  — On Friday afternoon, Bicentennial Incorporated hosted its fourth annual senior dinner and grant awards presentation at the Frontier Event Center, celebrating both community support and the season of giving. Bicentennial Incorporated’s mission is to provide support for services that enhance and improve the lives of senior citizens in Beaverhead County, the Ruby Valley, and Madison County . This year, the organization awarded 33 grants  to nonprofit groups serving these communities. Attendees enjoyed a free holiday meal along with entertainment by the BCHS Teen Tones  and harp music performed by Kelly Weinacht . Throughout the afternoon, gift cards were drawn as door prizes, and speakers shared the history of Bicentennial Incorporated and how its grant program began. 2025 Grant Recipients Beaverhead Food Pantry; BASS Bus; Ruby Valley Food Bank; Twin Bridges Food Pantry; Dillon Community Thanksgiving Dinner; Soroptimist; Ruby Valley Wood Bank; Beaverhead Wood Bank; Pink Heels; Wise River VFD; Grasshopper FD; Dillon VFD; Sheridan Rural FD; Twin Bridges Fire; Beaverhead Senior Center; Twin Bridges Senior Center; United Way; Bill Carroll VFW; Twin Bridges VFW; Montana Youth Challenge; Dillon Elks; Women’s Resource Center; Twin Bridges Library; Dillon Concert Association; Jackson Gardens; Friends of the Museum; Friends of JC Park; Dillon Friends of the Library; Girl Scout Cookies program; Food gift cards for BIC residents. How the Grants Will Be Used Grant funds will support a wide range of local projects. Dillon Public Library  plans to apply its award toward Phase Three of its improvement project, including the installation of a wheelchair-accessible ramp. Beaverhead Senior Center  received funding for its food program, and Bicentennial Incorporated will also sponsor the center’s final meal of each month, providing seniors with a free community dinner. Montana Youth Challenge Academy  will use its grant to support scholarships for cadets. As the holiday season approaches, Bicentennial Incorporated continues to make a significant impact across southwestern Montana, strengthening the organizations that serve local seniors and families.

PHILIPSBURG, Mont.  — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens are investigating the illegal killing of a cow elk and a spike elk that were shot and left to waste on private property between Georgetown Lake and the East Fork Reservoir, south of Philipsburg. The elk are believed to have been killed on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 29. According to FWP, both animals died close to where they were shot, and boot prints at the scene suggest the suspect walked within just a few yards of one of the elk before leaving them behind. Wildlife officials emphasize that cases like this are often solved thanks to tips from the public. Anyone with information is asked to contact Game Warden Ezra Ginzberg  at 406-240-0835 . Tips can also be submitted online at tipmont.mt.gov , where residents can learn more about reporting natural resource crimes and find contact information for their local area. Those who provide information leading to a conviction may be eligible for a reward.

Claire Gay, UMW Sports Information BOZEMAN, Mont. - Western Track and Field wrapped up the first indoor meet of the season Thursday, with the men's team taking fifth place as a team. The Bulldog women's team only had two student-athletes compete, and therefore did not have a team score. "While we didn't have a lot of athletes competing today, I think it was a good starting place for those that were," head coach Taylor Grove said. "It is good getting to see where we were at after training all fall. Ty (Raine) was able to run close to his PR and Stan (Stremick) PR'd in the long jump and had a really good start in the triple jump." Brody Henry ran to a second-place finish in the 800 with a 2:03.56. Mason Lynch placed second in the 5000m 19:17.26. Tyler Raine clocked an 8.80 in the men's 60-meter hurdles to place sixth. Stanley Stremick leapt to a fifth-place finish in the men's triple jump (11.96m, 39-03.00). He also finished ninth in the men's long jump with a personal-best 6.52-meter (21-04.75) jump. Jocelyn Seefried ran a 8.65 in the women's 60-meter dash to place 22nd. Maya Gorth placed 24th in the women's 60-meter dash with a 9.04. Uzzaiah Kanewa clocked a 7.27 in the men's 60-meter dash to finish 31st. LOOKING AHEAD Following the Bobcat Preview, the Bulldogs head to Pocatello, Idaho Dec. 12 to compete in the ISU Winter Open.