Search Results

DILLON, Mont. — A traffic stop on Interstate 15 last week led to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of multiple suspected illegal narcotics, according to the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office. On March 28, 2026, deputies with the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Team initiated a stop after observing a vehicle with a malfunctioning taillight. The vehicle exited the interstate and was pulled over near the intersection of Atlantic Street and Southside Boulevard. During the stop, deputies reported observing behavior consistent with criminal activity, prompting further investigation. K9 Riker, handled by Deputy Dairy, was deployed at the scene and alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics within the vehicle. Deputies then detained both occupants and obtained a search warrant. According to the Sheriff’s Office, one of the individuals initially provided false identification but was later positively identified using law enforcement databases. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of multiple items of drug paraphernalia and suspected controlled substances, including heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana. Additional suspected narcotics were reportedly recovered during the booking process at the Beaverhead County Detention Center. Both individuals were taken into custody and transported to the Beaverhead County Detention Center, where they face multiple charges, including possession of dangerous drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, and obstruction. Authorities noted that all suspected substances have been submitted to the Montana State Crime Lab for testing, and charges may be amended pending the results. The Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office also issued a public safety reminder regarding fentanyl, noting that even small amounts of the drug can be deadly. Officials urge the public to avoid handling unknown substances and to report suspected drug activity to law enforcement. The Sheriff’s Office said it will continue proactive criminal interdiction efforts aimed at keeping dangerous drugs out of the community.

ENNIS, Mont. — A late push by the Beaverhead County Varsity Lady Beavers wasn’t enough Tuesday as they fell 18-15 to the Ennis Varsity Mustangs in a high-scoring showdown. Despite pounding out 11 hits, the Lady Beavers couldn’t overcome an early surge by Ennis, which finished with nine hits but capitalized on key opportunities and Beaverhead miscues. Tymber Barnes led the Lady Beavers at the plate, collecting three hits in five at-bats, including a two-run home run to left field in the fifth inning. She also added singles in the third and fourth innings. Ennis broke the game open in the bottom of the second inning, scoring nine runs on a string of hits, walks, and a hit batter. RBI singles from Hannah Hale, Adi Wood, Ruby Boggus, and Addi Rowe highlighted the inning, along with a bases-loaded walk and an error that brought in two more runs. The Mustangs extended their lead in the third inning with help from a walk, an error, and a double by Rowe. Beaverhead County responded in the fourth inning, plating five runs on four hits. Mya Creighton and Kaitlyn Konen each delivered RBI singles, while an Ennis error brought in two runs and Lilla Guiberson added an RBI double. Barnes continued to fuel the comeback in the fifth inning with her two-run homer, cutting into the deficit. The Lady Beavers made things interesting in the sixth, scoring four more runs. Konen launched a solo home run to left, Grace King tripled in two runs, and a passed ball added another, pulling Beaverhead within three runs at 18-15. However, the comeback effort stalled there as Ennis held on for the win. Adi Wood earned the victory for Ennis, allowing 15 runs—seven earned—on 11 hits over seven innings, while striking out four and walking two. Mya Creighton took the loss for Beaverhead County, pitching four and one-third innings and giving up 12 runs, five earned, on six hits. Barnes started in the circle, allowing six runs over one and two-thirds innings. Konen and Barnes each recorded three hits for the Lady Beavers, with Konen driving in a team-high three runs. Creighton added two hits in the loss. For Ennis, Rowe and Wood each collected three hits, while five Mustangs—Rowe, Wood, Hale, Boggus, and Kahryn Vaudrin—drove in two runs apiece. Ennis also drew five walks, with Katie Barney and Cassidy Hess each earning two free passes. The Lady Beavers will look to bounce back Thursday when they return home to face Park.

The University of Montana Western is honored to present The Works of Kim Giannone, an exhibit celebrating the life and work of the late artist and student. This exhibit features work by Giannone from several different series, including “Sweat and Sagebrush,” “The Early Years,” journals, and other draft prints. The exhibition will open on Thursday, April 16, and will feature an opening reception from 5:00–7:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Gallery located in Main Hall. Kimberly Giannone, born in Philadelphia on December 23, 1979, whose life was cut short by advanced ovarian cancer, passed away on December 11, 2025. Kim was a resident of Polaris, MT, a student at the University of Montana Western majoring in Environmental Sustainability, and an incredibly talented photographer and artist. Her work documented the full visual and emotional spectrum of her life in an authentic and raw way that is rare to encounter. Kim was a force to be reckoned with and was a well-loved friend, partner, family member, student, and member of the Dillon, Grasshopper, and Big Hole communities. She worked at several local ranches and businesses and was a local powder hound at Maverick Mountain. Kim grew up in inner-city Philadelphia, in a loud, colorful world full of hustle and bustle, finding beauty and solace in singular moments of time. Photography became her main tool to explore, learn, and document. After studying photography in Boston in her early twenties, she traversed the country, working seasonal jobs and living on the road. As she grew older, a strong instinct to spend more time in sparse and natural places began to germinate. The endless countryside and the lives that dotted the vast landscape became her main interest. Her work is an inquiry into the relationship between human beings and the natural world we inhabit and continue to modify. Kim used photography, writing, audio recording, and mixed media journaling to process observations and interactions with communities within developed metropolises, the rural countryside, and the remote wilderness. In “The Early Years” series, Kim captures growing up in Philadelphia, reveling in the chaos of life in the city streets. She was given a camera in her late teens and found she could use this tool to freeze time—keeping moments and memories in her own small museum. She fell in love with the faces of strangers and the buildings and man-made objects that seemed to overtake anything remotely natural. Constantly observing her environment, she sought to capture and hold onto each moment, becoming focused on finding stillness within motion. She appreciated the juxtaposition of man-made creations with the natural world and found joy in how people could appear out of place in nature. She aimed to capture the changing color and light from the beginning to the end of each day. “Sweat and Sagebrush” portrays Beaverhead County, Montana—a vast, sparsely populated landscape of snow-capped mountains, sagebrush valleys, and dirt roads—where ranching has been the economic and cultural backbone since the 1800s. It celebrates multigenerational ranching families with deep knowledge of land and animals, self-reliance, craftsmanship, and hard work, while also revealing the often-overlooked labor behind the romanticized American West. Despite enduring traditions and passion, ranching feels increasingly threatened and may become more rare over time. Kim believed ranchers are among the most multifaceted and resourceful people, with extensive knowledge of land and animals. Living remotely requires a wide range of skills. They maintain their own equipment, buildings, and livelihoods. The fabric of their lives is deeply interwoven with time, tradition, pride, craftsmanship, and hard work. In addition to these two series, several draft photographs from other series will be on display, along with her journals, which are filled with drawings, collages, and writings reflecting her daily experiences. Kim will be profoundly missed in this community, at the University of Montana Western, and by her family and friends. She will be awarded a B.A. in Environmental Sustainability from Western this spring, and her sister will receive it in her honor. A scholarship will also be established in her name: the KG Environmental Sustainability Action Scholarship. This exhibit will be on display in Montana Western’s Fine Arts Gallery from April 16 to May 6. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00–11:00 a.m. and 12:00–3:00 p.m. There will be an opening reception on April 16 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Please join us to honor the life and work of Kim, share stories, and remember the curiosity and care she brought to those around her. The exhibit was made possible by Kim’s partner, Ryan Welty, and by the generous support of the UMW Foundation. For more information, please contact Montana Western Fine Arts Gallery Coordinator Jennifer Boysen at jennifer.boysen@umwestern.edu. To learn more about Kim Giannone’s impact on the Montana Western community, read our feature story, “Kim Giannone’s Lasting Impact at Montana Western,” on the university website.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 6:45 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING ON PER REPORT ON THE EAST SIDE 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 Amended Minutes of March 11 th , 2026 Special City Council Meeting 2.         Approve Minutes of March 18 th , 2026 Regular City Council Meeting   C.        PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS AND OTHER ACTION ITEMS         1.         Petition Regarding The Homestead Senior Development Property Tax Exemption and Set Public Hearing Date   D.        MAYORS REPORT 1.         Discuss/Approve Contract for Walter Congdon as City Attorney. 2.         Appoint Stephanie Kruer to Deputy City Attorney as City Prosecutor 3.         Second Reading of Ordinance #490 Title 2 – Administration and Personnel 4.         Accept Preliminary Engineering Report of the East Side Water System (this is online and there   is a public copy for review – document is over 800 pages)   E.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         City Attorney – Walter Congdon 2.         Planning Board - Raymond Graham, Tara Stevens                         a.         Accept the Minutes of February 19 th , 2026 Regular Meeting 3.         Zoning Commission – Joleen Schultz, Mike Brumbaugh                         a.         Accept the Minutes of February 24 th , 2026 Regular Meeting 4.         Board of Adjustments – Mary Jo O’Rourke, Don Deem 5.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey                         a.         Final Plat Approval – Noble Avenue Minor Subdivision 6.         Police Department –Police Chief Joel Stewart 7.         Fire Department – Interim Fire Chief Nick Hoem 8.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox 9.         Library Board –Russ Schwandt, Council Member; Kim Denny, Library Director 10.       Tree Board -  Jeremy Crawford, Council Member 11.       Treasurer – Karen Kipp             F.        REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Ordinances & Facilities – Joleen Schultz, Chair; Mary Jo O’Rourke, Don Deem 2.         Finance Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Mary Jo O’Rourke, Jeremy Crawford                         a.         Approve the Minutes of March 18 th , 2026 Meeting b.         Approve the Minutes of March 25 th , 2026 Regular Meeting                                     i.          Approve Fund Summary for Claims for March 2026                                     ii.         Approve Claims by Vendor Report for March 2026                                     iii.        Approve Mayor’s Report to the Finance Committee for March 2026                                     iv.        Approve Budget vs. Actual Report for February 2026                                     v.         Approve Allowing Early Payment of City Invoices                                     vi.        First Reading of Ordinance #491 Title 3-Revenue & Finance                                     vii.       Approve Finance Procedures & Policies                                     viii.      Approve Hiring Montana League of Cities & Cities for Payroll 3.         Public Services – Mike Brumbaugh, Chair; Don Deem, Tara Stevens 4.         Open Spaces – Raymond Graham, Chair; Joleen Schultz, Jeremy Crawford 5.         Public Works – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Raymond Graham, Mike Brumbaugh             a.         Set Sewer Rate at $5.50 Due to Water Leak at Sharon Lawyer’s Residence at             136 West Bannack.   G.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE  AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY   H.        MAYOR’S DECISION TO CLOSE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC, PER SECTION 2-3-203(4) MCA RE: Litigation Captioned Eric Wendland and Alicia Wendland, v. City of Dillon,  DV-1-2025-14848-BC Montana   I.          RECONVENE IN OPEN MEETING                                     J.         MOTIONS ON ANY DECISIONS MADE DURING CLOSED SESSION                                                 K.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE              AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY   L.        ADJOURNMENT

Mya Creighton went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, but the Beaverhead County Varsity Beavers came up short in a 9-6 loss to East Helena on Saturday. Creighton led the Beavers offensively with a single in the first inning, a double in the third, and another single in the sixth. Despite outhitting East Helena 12-7, Beaverhead County was unable to hold off a big inning from the home team. The Beavers jumped out early in the top of the first inning. Creighton singled to drive in a run, and an East Helena error brought in two more to give Beaverhead County a 3-0 lead. East Helena answered quickly in the bottom half of the inning, tying the game with a combination of a single and two walks. East Helena then took a 4-3 lead in the second inning after a run-scoring single by #23. Beaverhead County regained the advantage in the third inning when Bridget Lovaas hit a sacrifice fly and Reese Jensen followed with an RBI single to put the Beavers back on top, 5-4. The game turned in the bottom of the fourth inning when East Helena erupted for five runs on three hits to take a 9-5 lead. The key hit came on a two-run double by #23. East Helena’s #7 earned the win, allowing 12 hits and six runs—three earned—over six and one-third innings while striking out five and walking five. Creighton took the loss for Beaverhead County, pitching three and one-third innings and giving up nine runs, seven earned, on six hits while striking out four and walking eight. Beaverhead County totaled 12 hits in the game, with Lovaas, Creighton, and Jensen each driving in a run. Maisy Hutchinson showed patience at the plate with two walks as the Beavers drew five walks overall. The team also swiped four bases and turned one double play. For East Helena, #23 led the way with three RBIs and went 2-for-4 at the plate. Both #19 and #23 recorded two hits, while the team drew nine walks. #11 and #5 each had two walks. Beaverhead County will look to bounce back Tuesday when they travel to face the Ennis Varsity Mustangs.

MISSOULA, Mont.- The Montana Western women's track and field team placed fifth while the men's team finished sixth at the Al Manuel Invitational Saturday. Complete results can be found here . On the track, Justene clocked a 12:34.84 personal-best in the women's 3000m steeple chase to finish third. Olivia Heiner ran to a sixth-place finish in the women's 5000m with a season-best 18:59.52. In the men's 5000m, Luke Crossley bettered his own school record with a 15:19.86 personal record to place eighth. Cael Thilmony clocked a personal-best 17:16.85 (15th), Kreg Butler ran an 18:43.57 (16th), Noah Rovente posted an 18:50.90 (17th), and Mason Lynch ran to a personal-record 19:03.55 (18th) in the same event. In the men's 100m, Uzzaiah Kanewa finished 14th with an 11.34 personal-best. Jesse Vail also earned a personal-record with a 12.38, placing 19th. Kanewa earned his second PR of the day with a 23.53 in the men's 200m, finishing 15th. Haley Hodge set the modern-era school record in the women's 400m, running a 1:05.40 to finish eighth. In the men's 800m, Brody Henry placed ninth with a 1:58.33 while Tristan Von Bargen took 19th (2:09.77), Michael Reistroffer finished 20th (2:17.14), and Bridger Wheeler placed 21st (2:23.16, season-best). Reistroffer also placed 14th in the men's 1500m, clocking a 4:39.40. In the women's 1500m, Kylee Wyatt finished 18th with a 7:17.75. In the field events, Brielle Davis set the school record in the women's javelin, posting a 34.35m (112-08) to finish eighth. Stanley Stremick placed fourth in the men's triple jump with a 12.74m (41-09.75) leap and fifth in the men's long jump (6.57m, 21-06.75). Layne Cooney finished 12th in the men's discus with a 41.11m (134-10) while Justin Maier placed 19th (34.58, 113-05) and Tad Tackes earned a season-best 33.10m (108-07) to take 21st. In the women's discus, Cassie Green finished ninth with a 32.15m (105-05) throw. Braden Kopp placed 10th (31.20m, 102-04), Kendalyn Streck took 11th (28.30m, 92-10), and Davis finished 12th (26.50, 86-11). Cooney tossed a 43.64m (143-02) personal best in the men's hammer throw to place 11th. Kopp also took 11th in the women's hammer with a 33.793 (110-10) throw. Streck placed 10th (11.08m, 36-04.25) in the women's shot put while Cassie Green (10.67m, 35-00.25) finished 13th, Ellie Stutsman (9.21m, 30-02.75) took 16th, and Kopp (8.93m, 29-03.75) placed 17th. Cooney earned a season best with a 13.53m (44-04.75) in the men's shot put, finishing 12th. Maier tossed a 12.00m (39-04.50) personal-best to place 16th. Tackes took 17th with a 10.28m (33-08.75) effort. LOOKING AHEAD The Bulldogs will now prep for the first of three straight meets hosted by Montana Tech, set to take place next Saturday (4/4) in Butte.

HAVRE, Mont. — Mya Creighton delivered a standout performance at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 to lead the Beaverhead County Varsity Beavers to a 13-1 victory over the Havre Blue Ponies on Saturday. Creighton recorded a double in the third inning and added singles in the second and fourth innings, helping fuel a strong offensive showing for Beaverhead County. The Beavers got on the board early in the bottom of the first inning when Maisy Hutchinson doubled to center field and Kaitlyn Konen followed with a sacrifice fly, each driving in a run for a 2-0 lead. Beaverhead County extended its advantage in the second inning, capitalizing on a Havre error along with a sacrifice fly from Tymber Barnes to push the lead to 4-0. Havre’s lone run came in the top of the third inning when Bree Hanson launched a solo home run to center field. The Beavers quickly answered with a big inning of their own, erupting for six runs on five hits in the bottom of the third. Creighton’s RBI double started the surge, followed by an error that plated another run. Hutchinson added a two-run single, and Konen capped the inning with a two-run double to break the game open. In the circle, Tymber Barnes earned the win for Beaverhead County, allowing just three hits and one run over five innings while striking out eight and walking four. Olivia Keller took the loss for Havre, surrendering 13 runs—six earned—on nine hits over three and one-third innings. Hutchinson and Konen provided key production in the middle of the lineup, each driving in three runs, while Reese Jensen added two hits in two at-bats. Hanson led Havre offensively, going 2-for-3 with an RBI. Beaverhead County will look to carry the momentum forward as they travel to East Helena for their next matchup on Saturday.

DILLON, Mont. — Approximately 75 people gathered Saturday, March 28, at Kiwanis Park in Dillon for another “No Kings” protest, part of what organizers describe as a recurring nationwide demonstration. The event, held along Montana Street, is one of a series of protests that appear to take place quarterly in communities across the United States. According to the No Kings website, similar demonstrations were planned in more than 3,300 locations nationwide on the same day. Participants in Dillon held signs with messages including “No Kings,” calls to abolish ICE, and other concerns tied to policies and issues raised since President Donald Trump took office. A small number of counter-protesters were also present. Passing motorists frequently honked as they drove by the park, signaling both support and opposition. The Dillon Police Department and Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office were on site during the event. Law enforcement monitored the gathering to ensure it remained peaceful and assisted pedestrians crossing the busy Montana Street corridor by directing them to use designated crosswalks.

CORVALLIS — The Beaverhead County Varsity Beavers used a dominant second inning to power past the Corvallis Varsity Blue Devils 13-3 on Thursday in Corvallis. Beaverhead County broke the game open with a seven-run surge in the second inning. Cohen Hartman and Garrett Tackett each delivered triples that drove in two runs, while Levi Stonebraker added a two-run single. Andrew Bartlome contributed with a sacrifice fly to cap the inning. The Beavers got on the board early, scoring in the top of the first inning behind a string of singles. Bartlome drove in the first run of the game to give Beaverhead County the early lead. They continued to build momentum in the third inning, adding another run when Bartlome singled to right field, extending the lead to 12-1. On the mound, Sawyer Tackett earned the win for the Beavers. The right-hander allowed just one hit and one unearned run over two innings, striking out two without issuing a walk. Cohen Hartman was strong in relief, tossing two scoreless innings while allowing one hit and striking out four. For Corvallis, Bodhi Southwell took the loss after pitching one inning, allowing one run while striking out one and walking one. Creston Bowman started on the mound, surrendering five hits and four runs in one inning of work. Beaverhead County totaled 11 hits in the game, led by Bartlome, who drove in three runs and went 2-for-2 at the plate. Trenton Moreni and Garrett Tackett also recorded two hits apiece. Moreni added speed on the bases with two stolen bases as the Beavers swiped four bases overall. Defensively, Beaverhead County was flawless, committing no errors. Bartlome led the team with eight defensive plays. Corvallis managed four hits in the game, with Joe Hixon, Maurice Craun, Waylon Lendak, and Ryan Bourassa each recording one. Jake Leavitt and Southwell each drove in a run for the Blue Devils.

University of Montana Western alumna Dr. Beth Bennett, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Idaho State University, and Dr. Jessica Schad, Professor of Sociology at Utah State University, will present the results of Dr. Bennett’s 2024 Beaverhead County Community Survey on April 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the STC Great Room. During the summer of 2024, Dr. Bennett and Dr. Schad distributed a survey regarding attitudes and perceptions around community and land ownership change in Beaverhead County. The results point to the strong attachment residents have to their community. Seventy-one percent of respondents stated that they “very much” plan to remain in Beaverhead County, while 66% indicated concern for community change, noting that more and new people moving to Beaverhead County are changing the community. The greatest areas of concern for respondents are the loss of agricultural land to housing developments and very wealthy individuals purchasing land in Beaverhead County. Overall, residents supported land being used for agricultural production, to maintain open space, recreation, and wildlife habitat, but were uncertain of the role that landowners play in ensuring land is used for those purposes. During the April 20 event, they will share detailed results of the survey and hope the community will join to share their thoughts on the results. The event is free and open to the public. To learn more about the project, visit https://chass.usu.edu/sociology/canri or contact Dr. Beth Bennett at benneliz@isu.edu.

DILLON — The Dillon Public Library will host a workshop on Saturday, March 28 at 11 a.m. aimed at helping parents, caregivers, and community members better understand how domestic violence affects children. The workshop will focus on the emotional, behavioral, and developmental impacts domestic violence can have on youth. Attendees will learn about common reactions children may experience and explore practical strategies to support children while fostering safe and nurturing environments. Organizers say the session is designed not only to raise awareness but also to provide tools that individuals can use to support both children and themselves when navigating difficult situations. The presentation will be led by Izzi Simonsen, Programs Manager at the Women’s Resource Center. Simonsen has been with the organization since February 2020 after volunteering with the group for several years. Through her work, Simonsen supports survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families, giving her firsthand experience with how domestic violence impacts children. She is committed to creating trauma-informed environments where families can begin to heal and move forward. Simonsen holds bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, along with a Victim Advocacy Certificate from Montana State University Billings. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree through the University of Montana. As a mother, she also brings personal perspective to her work with children and families. The workshop is open to the public and is intended for anyone interested in learning more about supporting children impacted by domestic violence.

DILLON — The steady thump of helicopter blades echoed across Dillon on Wednesday, March 25, as the Montana Youth Challenge Academy teamed up with the Montana National Guard’s 189th General Support Aviation Battalion for its semiannual statewide Educators Airlift. For longtime residents, the sight—and sound—of helicopters circling above town is a familiar one. Twice a year, educators from across Montana are flown into Dillon for a day-long experience designed to showcase the impact and opportunities offered through the Montana Youth Challenge Academy, particularly for at-risk youth. This year, Southwestern Montana News joined the event firsthand. The day began on the ground, with participants gathering at the local stadium, watching the sky and waiting for the aircraft to return from fueling. When the helicopters finally approached, their arrival was unmistakable—cutting across the valley skyline before settling in with precision. After a brief but thorough safety briefing, it was time to board. Within moments, the doors were secured, and the helicopter lifted off the ground. From the air, Dillon and the surrounding Beaverhead Valley took on a different character—familiar landmarks reduced to patterns of fields, roads, and waterways. The flight path carried passengers south along Interstate 15 toward Clark Canyon Dam, offering sweeping views of the landscape before circling back toward town and the University of Montana Western campus. For many on board, it was more than just a scenic flight. The experience mirrored what cadets in the program get to take part in—an opportunity that blends education, discipline, and exposure to new possibilities. While the helicopter ride is a highlight, the Educators Airlift serves a broader purpose. It connects teachers directly with the mission of the Montana Youth Challenge Academy, giving them insight into how the program supports students who may be struggling in traditional school settings. It also provides cadets with a rare and memorable experience, reinforcing confidence and opening doors to new perspectives—both literally and figuratively. Southwestern Montana News captured video from the flight along with a photo gallery, offering readers a glimpse of the experience from above.

The University of Montana Western’s Theatre Program has entered into an agreement with the Montana Heritage Commission to operate the Virginia City Opera House this summer. Montana Western will produce the Virginia City Players’ 78th season, maintaining the company’s distinction as the longest continually running summer stock theatre west of the Mississippi. Virginia City holds a prominent place in Montana’s history, and the Virginia City Players contribute to the region’s longstanding traditions. The area offers a unique destination for visitors, where families and travelers can ride the historic train, explore preserved homesteads and architecture, pan for gold, enjoy local dining, and experience live theatre. The Virginia City Players specialize in turn-of-the-century melodrama and vaudeville. The theatre will be artistically directed by Stephen Alan Seder, a returning player (2012–2018, 2021, 2022) who has worked as a stage manager, designer, and performer. During his time with the Players, he trained under Bill Koch and the Koch family, gaining extensive experience in theatre operations and developing expertise in melodrama and vaudeville. Seder is now an Assistant Professor of Theatre and the Artistic Director of the BOC Performing Arts Series at Montana Western. The company will be managed by Adryan Miller Gorder. Gorder has been involved in theatre since childhood, beginning with Missoula Children’s Theatre and continuing through her studies at the University of Montana (2015) and Carnegie Mellon University (2019). A Montana-based scenic designer, her work combines design, construction, and performance to support immersive storytelling. She currently serves as Assistant Professor and Technical Director of the BOC Performing Arts Series at Montana Western. The cast and crew will include both new and returning players. The season will feature two turn-of-the-century melodramas adapted by Seder:  The Bat! A Murder Mystery Melodrama  and  Xantippe! A Western Melodrama . A special two-week revue,  Vaudeville’s Greatest Hits , will be presented mid-summer. The goal of the season is to continue the tradition of high-quality, family-friendly performances established by the Koch family while providing an engaging experience for visitors at the historic Opera House. Ticket prices are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, military, and college students, and $20 for youth. Season passes are available for $80 (adults), $65 (seniors, military, and college students), and $50 (youth). Tickets can be purchased online at: umwestern.edu/virginia-city-players Performance Dates: The Bat!   | June 17–July 19 Vaudeville’s Greatest Hits  | July 24–August 2 Xantippe!  | August 5–September 6 Auditions for remaining roles will take place throughout March. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit umwestern.edu/virginia-city-players/get-involved to complete an online form for consideration. For general questions about the Virginia City Players, please contact Stephen Seder at  stephen.seder@umwestern.edu  or 406-683-7038.

The finalists, Cole Bauer and Jason Ferris, will visit the UMW campus to meet with various departments and participate in a public forum. The campus and community are invited to attend and hear from each candidate, as well as ask questions. Public forums will be held in the Lewis & Clark Room on campus at 3:30 p.m. on April 2 and 3. Cole Bauer: Thursday, April 2, 2026 Bauer currently serves as the Associate Director of Athletics for Athletic Event Management and Internal Operations at Bemidji State University. Prior to that, he worked at St. Anthony Motors as a Finance and Insurance Manager and at Colorado School of Mines as Assistant Director of Operations, Events, and Student Development, as well as an adjunct instructor. Bauer earned a Master of Science in Health Promotion and Wellness Management from Missouri State University and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management from Columbia Basin College. Jason Ferris: Friday, April 3, 2026 Ferris currently works at Pioneer Federal Savings & Loan Association as a Loan Officer and Security Administrator in Dillon, Montana, a position he has held since 2022. He earned two Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Montana Western-one in Business Administration and one in Natural Horsemanship. Ferris is a Dillon resident and has been actively involved in the community for the past five years. Forum attendees are invited to submit their feedback about each candidate by using the online feedback form: umwestern.edu/athletic-director-finalist-feedback-form/ .

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS March 26th, 2026 City Council Chambers 6:00 P.M. AGENDA     1.         Call Meeting to Order 2.         Approval of Minutes             a.         Transcript of March 12 th , 2026 Public Hearing             b.         Regular Meeting Minutes from March 12 th , 2026 3.         Discuss Letter From Gail Kuntz 4.         Discussion/Approval of Mike Todd Variance Requests 2025-049, 2025-050, 2025-051            5.         Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the Board of Adjustments. 6.         Adjourn     PUBLIC HEARING   Appeal to Fence at 232 South Argenta Street   7:00 P.M.   Members: Tim Stoker, Don Deem, Mary Jo O’ Rourke, Mike Watson, Stephen Sievert, Justin Rooley

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana   FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING   WEDNESDAY, March 25th, 2026   9:00 A.M.                                                                                                            ~ AGENDA ~   1.           Approval of March 2026 Claims 2.           Review/Recommend Changes to Title 3 – Revenue & Finance 3.           Review/Recommend Finance Policy & Procedures 4.           Review/Recommend Contract With Montana League of Cities and Towns to Handle Payroll 5.           Review/Recommend To Allow City Clerk and/or City Treasurer to Pay “Regular” Invoices Early to Avoid Penalties 6.           Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction of The City 7.           Adjournment   Committee Members: Russ Schwandt, Chairperson Mary Jo O’Rourke Jeremy Crawford

Community members are invited to attend a free public presentation on cyber safety and fraud prevention on Tuesday, March 31, from 7–8 p.m. in the STC Great Room at the University of Montana Western. Rebecca Leary, Community Outreach Specialist with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, will present “Cyber Safety: Protect Yourself Against Exploitation, Fraud, and Scams.” The session will focus on recognizing online exploitation, financial fraud, and common scams affecting individuals and families. Attendees will learn practical strategies to safeguard personal information, identify red flags, and respond effectively if they or someone they know becomes a victim. Cybercrime continues to evolve, impacting people of all ages and backgrounds. This presentation is designed to empower community members with the knowledge and tools needed to stay safe in an increasingly digital world. “Education is key to protecting your families and communities from becoming victims of crime and fraud. Take the time to prevent the crime,” said Rebecca Leary, FBI. The event is free and open to the public. The presentation is hosted in partnership with the Women’s Resource Center (WRC), a nonprofit organization serving Beaverhead and Madison Counties with free and confidential services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The WRC extends sincere appreciation to the University of Montana Western for generously providing the STC Great Room to make this community education opportunity possible. For more information about the event or the services offered by the WRC, contact (406) 683-6106 or email  izzi@wrcmt.org .

The Dillon Public Library has released its schedule of programs and events for the week of March 23 through March 28, 2026, offering a variety of activities for all ages along with continued community education opportunities. Kicking off the week, the library is hosting its PEEPS Diorama Contest  with the theme “Peeple’s Favorite Fairy Tale.”  Entries must be turned in by March 25, and community members can stop by the library through April 3 to vote for the PEEPLE’S Choice Award.  Those looking for inspiration can browse examples of dioramas online. On March 25 at 10 a.m., the library will hold its Books and Babies  program, featuring a “Puppies” theme for young children and caregivers. Later in the week, a hands-on technology class will be offered. On March 27, the library will host Smart Phone 101 , presented by Tara Stevens of Computer Rescue Service. The free class will cover Android phones at 11:30 a.m. and iPhones at 12:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions, and advance sign-up is recommended by calling the library at 683-4544. The library is also continuing its “Strengthening Families, Safeguarding Futures: A Community-Based Approach to Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect”  series, made possible through a grant from the Montana Children’s Trust Fund. These presentations aim to raise awareness and provide resources for families in the community. Light snacks will be provided, and children’s activities will be available during each session. Two presentations are scheduled this week: March 24 at 5:30 p.m.  – Representatives from Child and Family Services and the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program will speak. March 28 at 11 a.m.  – Izzi Simonsen with Women’s Resource will present “Safe Childhoods: Understanding the Impact of Domestic Violence on Children.” All events are free and open to the public. For more information or to register for classes, contact the Dillon Public Library at 683-4544.