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Letter to the editor,   The Beaverhead County Museum has accomplished many goals during the past three years through the efforts of volunteers, Museum Board of Trustees, County Commissioners, Friends of the Museum, donors, and the public at large.  I am taking this means to enumerate some of these accomplishments as the museum belongs to you, the citizens of Beaverhead County.    Through the efforts of the county commissioners, American Recovery Act money was used to paint the depot, main museum building, Argenta school, and storage shed.  The security system was upgraded, door locks fixed, and the theater seats repaired. Prior to this work, the depot and museum building roofs were re-shingled, and the outside railings replaced.      Two major exhibits were added to the historic depot.  The “Indigenous Peoples and Archeological History of Southwest Montana” exhibit curated by Ron Loge is a state-class exhibit.  The “Ride the Rails” exhibit led by Donna Jones describes the early railroad history of Beaverhead County.  Wayne Carlson and Joseph Schukle are in the process of upgrading the model train and the city of Dillon exhibit depicting the 1930s to 1950s. These exhibits complement the Smithsonian quality “Audubon Birds of Southwest Montana” exhibit curated by local taxidermist Dennis Jones and the Lewis and Clark diorama designed by Rudy Autio. This amazing diorama, installed many years ago, has wax sculptures of members of the Lewis and Clark expedition.   Other recent exhibits include an upgrade of Leona Sander’s national award-winning cabochon gemstone display and a historical mining-geology exhibit belonging to mining & geology expert John Breen.  A self-guided tour system was installed  to provide more in-depth information on the displays.  A roof was installed over the medicine tree by Mr. Thomas.   Finally, every year during the winter staff and volunteers work on new exhibits in the main museum building for the upcoming season.      Every year, school classes from multiple schools attend the museum on field trips and many people utilize the beautiful outside yard and rotunda. Volunteers Ann Egan and Chris Longley beautify the museum with plants and shrubbery around the museum. These dedicated women spend hours planting, watering, and weeding the flowerbeds at the museum during the spring and summer.   The museum is financed in approximate terms 40% by the county two-mill levy, 40 % to 50 % by donations to the Friends of the Museum, and the remainder by gate receipts, gift store receipts, research fees and bequest and memorial donations.  The Museum thrift Store, managed by volunteer Judy Carlson, has been a strong and important contributor to the Friends of the Museum group.  Maintenance, utilities, and salaries are the main cost components.    Going forward, the museum has begun to bring in both local and outside speakers to give talks the third Thursday of each month during the year on interesting historical subjects.  The research room materials are continually updated, and the museum has one of the most extensive archives and photo collections in Montana.   The museum is officially closed during the winter, with office hours from 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday and the research room hours Tuesday and Wednesday 11 am to 4 pm or by appointment. If you would like to visit the museum during the winter the museum director can organize a tour of the exhibits.    Sincerely,    Candi Whitworth, Executive Director on behalf of the Beaverhead County Museum Board of Trustees.

The Beaverhead County Courthouse will play host for the 2024 Beaverhead County Spelling Bee. Elementary and middle school spellers from around the county on will convene on Wednesday, January 24 at 1:30p in the courtroom upstairs in the Courthouse. Students from all the grade schools, plus those from Dillon Middle School and local home schools will contend for a trip to the Treasure State Spelling Bee on March 9th in Bozeman. County Superintendent of Schools Mike Miller is serving as the director for this year’s contest. “The six rural schools, Lima’s Elementary School, the area home ‘schoolers’, and the schools here in Dillon have all been invited to send spellers to challenge for a trip to Bozeman in March,” said Miller. “We may have as many as 30 area spellers entered in the contest this year, although some schools may choose not to take part.” Trophies for the top two spellers and certificates for all participants will be presented at the conclusion of the event along with donations from local financial institutions to help defray the costs for travel to Bozeman. Three local judges (Jamie Flynn, Deborah McCabe, and Dr. Katrina Kennett) have volunteered, and Dr. Laura Straus, an Education Department professor from the University of Montana Western will be pronouncing the words. The Treasure State Spelling Bee, now in its 59th year, is conducted along the rules of the Scripps National Spelling Bee organization which furnishes the spelling list used at local and state spelling bees. “At least one speller from each county can be entered in the state bee, while counties with much larger population are allowed more spellers. But it is expected that 60 spellers will converge on the campus of Montana State University at the Strand Ballroom for this year’s contest,” reported Miller. Only students from schools which are enrolled in the National Scripps organization are eligible to participate in the state bee, although registration is not required for the county bee. The Montana Television Network sponsors the event and local journalists will serve as judges.

On New Year's Eve Dillon was treated to a firework display like none other. People gathered in the parking lot at Ray Lynch Park for a ten-minute pyro technical display that really showed off the talents of local firework expert Raven Ross Anderson. The show was sponsored by local businesses as well as through the sale of T-Shirts commemorating the event. At 8 P.M. The show kicked off with two massive fireballs that used ten gallons of gasoline each. Followed by the national anthem synced to a firework display. The main event left the audience clapping and cheering for more. We sat down with Raven and got to know him a little better. Raven started trying his hand at firework shows in 2019. In 2021 he entered the Pyrotechnics Guild International competition and won 1st place and the best score for a competitor. Raven then placed 3rd in 2022 and 2023 against the top people in the USA. The planning for the New Years Eve show began around September. He said for bigger shows the planning can start 6 to 8 months in advance. This year he has at least 10 shows he will be working on and has worked on over 50 shows so far. Raven got his love of pyrotechnics through the family business. They own the Red, White, and Blue fireworks stand. Growing up he would help order the fireworks then stockpile his favorite ones. He would then get to light them off. He knew this is what he wanted to do for a living and now he gets to live out his dream job as he puts on firework shows across the state. Let’s hope the Dillon community gets treated to many more shows from this bright young entrepreneur.

DVFD responded to 19 calls for service during the month of December 2023.      12-04               Hwy 278 MM 9                      Vehicle Accident 12-05               Renaissance S                                     Ambulance Assist 12-05               W Helena                                Ambulance Assist 12-05               W Center                               Fire Alarm 12-05               W Center                                 Fire Alarm 12-07               Hwy 41                                   Vehicle Accident 12-07               S Idaho                                   Siren Test        12-08               Carrigan Ln                             MVA-UTL 12-08               Bannack Park                          CO Alarm 12-10               I-15 MM 41                            Vehicle Accident 12-10               W Center                                 Smoke Detector 12-10               N Oregon                                Alarm Activation 12-13               Carrigan Ln                             Vehicle Fire 12-17               W Center                                 Fire Alarm 12-22               E Chapman                             CO Alarm 12-23               Carrigan Ln                            Vehicle Accident/ Powerline down 12-26               I-15 MM 51                            Vehicle Accident 12-31               Snowcrest Trail                       Structure Fire 12-31               Sweetwater Rd                       CO Alarm   We had a quiet month of training in December.  We hosted a family potluck/fire trivia night which was very entertaining & informative.  Several of our members hauled Santa & even the Grinch for a couple of different holiday events. We hauled water with our tenders to fill the community skating/hockey rink. On New Years Eve several of our members staffed a wildland engine and a tender at the community fireworks display at Ray Lynch Park.  Thank you for your continued support of the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department.   Please be safe & take extra time while traveling this time of year as the road conditions can become dangerous without warning.

Floaters hoping for a Smith River permit can apply Jan. 2 through Feb. 15. However, a few changes are coming this year that applicants should be aware of. Celebrated for its spectacular scenery, remote location and excellent trout fishing, the Smith River is one of Montana’s most sought-after outdoor recreation experiences. 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. Parties of up to 15 people can float with one permit. A person applying for a Smith River permit must be a minimum of 12 years of age at the time they submit their permit application. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff will remove pit toilets at the float-in campsites along the Smith River during the spring of 2024. All float parties, private and commercial, 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 late 2023. 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. “Removal of the pit toilets will not only help reduce impacts to natural and cultural resources, but also allow more time for the river rangers to focus on other duties, such as public safety and recreation ecology projects like noxious weed control and stabilizing erosion at boat camp landings,” said Colin Maas, FWP Recreation Manager for the Smith River.       2024 is the first year 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 . For more information on bonus points, 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.

City Council Chambers  January 3rd, 2024 7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA   PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE   SWEAR IN NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS Ward 1 – Joleen Schultz Ward 2 – Dan Nye Ward 3 – Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham    A.           MINUTES 1.         Approve December 20th, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes 2.         Approve December 20th, 2023 Public Hearing Transcript 3.         Approve December 28th, 2023 Special Meeting Minutes   B.           PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 1.         City-County Health Board Interlocal Agreement – For Review Only   C.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Elect Council President 2.         Appoint Kristina Abbey as Director of Operations 3.         Reappoint City Officers             a.         City Clerk – Kami Hoerning             b.         City Treasurer – Karen Kipp             c.         Chief of Police – Jeremy Alvarez             d.         Fire Chief – BJ Klose 4.         Reappoint the Following to the Zoning Commission .           a.         Russ Schwandt, Council Member             b.         Mike Watson, Citizen Member             c.         Justin Rooley, Citizen Member 5.         Appoint the Following to the Planning Board:             a.         Bill Shafer, Council Member             b.         Don Hand, Citizen Member 6.         Reappoint Larry Volkening to the Planning Board as County Representative 7.         Approve Resolution #1452 -  Change in Zoning of West Side to Agriculture 8.         Public Hearing on Transportation Coordination Plan on January 17th, 2024 – For Review Only 9.         Discuss/Approve Changes to the Director of Operations Job Description 10.       Discuss Council Vacancy   D.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         Library Board 2.         Planning Board 3.         Zoning Commission    4.         Board of Adjustments              a.         Accept July 13th 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes 5.         Director of Operations 6.         Police Department – Police Chief Jeremy Alvarez 7.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose 8.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox 9.         Treasurer – Karen Kipp a.         Approve Cash Summary Report for October, 2023 b.         Approve Cash Bank Reconciliation Report for October, 2023 c.         Approve Stockman Bank Collateral Report for October, 2023 d.         Approve Cash Summary Report for November, 2023 e.         Approve Cash Bank Reconciliation Report for November, 2023 f.          Approve Stockman Bank Collateral Report for November, 2023 10.       Tree Board             E.         REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Judiciary Committee 2.         Finance Committee                a.         Approve December 28th, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes                                     i.          Approve Line Item Budget Report                                     ii.          Approve Fund Summary for Claims for December, 2023                                     iii.         Approve Claims by Vendor Report for December, 2023                                     iv.        Approve Budget vs. Actual Report for December, 2023 3.         Fire and Order Committee 4.         Health and Welfare 5.         Cemetery Committee   6.         Parks Committee        7.         City Hall Committee 8.         Street and Alley Committee 9.          Water and Sewer Committee   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

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information After racing to a quick start and putting up 29 points in the first quarter, the Bulldogs were able to cling to the lead and top Dickinson State (N.D.) 66-57 in the first day of the Hampton Inn Green and Gold Classic. Three Bulldogs hit double digits in scoring with Jordan Sweeney leading the way with 18 points and seven assists. How It Happened UMW was hot from the jump, putting together an 11-0 scoring run across the first two minutes of the game. Shainy Mack and Sweeney combined for four threes in the quarter as UMW hit 5-8 from the arc in the quarter. Up 29-10 heading into the second quarter, the Bulldogs' scoring slowed as Dickinson State found their footing and brought the game back to 41-24 heading into the half. Dickinson continued to chip away, but the Bulldog women stayed at arm's length through the game. A 5-0 run from the Blue Hawks cut the UMW lead to seven with five minutes to play. With three minutes to play, Mack drained another three that pushed the lead to 10 and the Red and Black held on to win the game 66-57 down the stretch. Notables As a team, UMW shot 43.1 percent compared to the Blue Hawks who shot 34.7 percent. UMW was perfect at the charity stripe in the matchup, hitting eight shots on four trips to the line. Sweeney led with a team high 18 points and dished out seven assists. She also pulled in five rebounds and grabbed two steals. After hitting three threes in the matchup, Mack totaled 15 points and went a perfect 4-4 from the free throw line. Maddy Moy scored 10 points and added three rebounds to her total. Up Next Montana Western is back in action tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. to take on Southern Alberta Institute of Technology for the second day of the Hampton Inn Green and Gold Classic .

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING December 29 th , 2023 12:00 PM ~ AGENDA ~ 1. Approval of December 2023 Claims 2. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction of The City 3. Adjournment Committee Members: Don Hand, Chairperson Dan Nye Russ Schwandt

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is soliciting public comment on several items that will be before the Fish and Wildlife Commission at its meeting Feb. 16. The following items are open for public comment through Jan. 23. A proposal to remove lake trout from Swan Lake. Grant funding for the Future Fisheries Improvement Program winter cycle Black bear regulations for the 2024 season Upland game bird regulations for the 2024 season Proposal to translocate some sage grouse to Alberta Final adoption of administrative rule changes for the Block Management Program Final adoption of administrative rule changes for the Elk Hunting Access agreements Information on all these items can be found on the commission web page . People who would like to comment can also do so on this page. Once public comment is received, individual commissioners may offer amendments to the FWP proposals. These amendments will be posted online and open for public comment. The commission will consider the amendments at the February meeting.

With the Christmas break upon us, we here at Southwestern Montana News, thought we would post some links to some fun things to do over the Christmas break. Some of the links may bring back nostalgia for children of the 90's https://arcadespot.com/game/elf-bowling-1-2/ https://santatracker.google.com/ https://www.whychristmas.com/fun/

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information The Associated Press (AP) NAIA All-American teams were released on Wednesday and freshman Eli Nourse earned First Team All-American honors. This is the first All-American honor of Nourse's young career. The AP All-American teams are selected by a panel of sports writers and sports information directors. Nourse, a freshman wide receiver from Dillon, Mont., was in the top of all receiving categories for the Frontier Conference. He averaged 107.8 receiving yards per game, good for third in the NAIA. He also led the conference with 12 touchdowns. He also broke numerous records this season including total receptions in a season (90), yards per punt return (20.9) and longest punt return for a touchdown (85 yards). Nourse was third in the NAIA for total receptions, fourth in total yards, and eighth in touchdowns. He was also named first team all-conference and earned conference special teams player of the week honors back on Oct. 30.

Starting Jan. 1, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will require Hunter and Bowhunter Education students age 12 to 17 who take the online course to pass an in-person field day. Students in that age group must pass both the online exam and the field day to earn a course completion certificate.    For Hunter Education, the in-person field day will require students to practice and demonstrate key safety skills related to firearm handling, the four main rules of firearm safety, and the PROVE procedure, which stands for “Point, Remove, Observe, Verify, and Examine.” Students will demonstrate how to safely cross a fence with a firearm, hand off a firearm, and remove a firearm from a vehicle, among other practical safety skills. In addition, students will discuss hunting ethics, landowner relations, land ownership and access, FWP’s Block Management Program, wildlife conservation, and more. In-person field days for Bowhunter Education will similarly feature hands-on safety practice and demonstrations.  Students who are 12 to 17 and are currently in progress with the online Hunter or Bowhunter Education courses must complete their coursework before Jan. 1, or they will be required to complete an in-person field day. Montana law requires everyone born after Jan. 1, 1985, to complete a Hunter or Bowhunter Education course before purchasing or applying for Montana hunting licenses. Students 10 years and older can take an in-person course. Students 18 and older can take the online-only course.   Instructor-led in-person courses are an excellent way to provide new hunters with a hands-on learning experience and can be particularly beneficial for people who have minimal experience in the field or handling firearms. These courses are taught by dedicated volunteer instructors, often from local communities.   For more information on course options, becoming a volunteer instructor and to sign up for an in-person or online course, visit fwp.mt.gov/hunt .

The University of Montana Western invites all interested area high school seniors, community members and UMW students to attend a free FAFSA Completion Workshop on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Lucy Carson Library on the UMW campus. With several changes to this year’s FAFSA application, UMW wants to help everyone, no matter where they are planning to attend college, to successfully complete and submit the application which is required for applying for student loans, federal work study, grants, and some state, institutional, and private scholarships.   In addition to staff members from Montana Western’s Office of Financial Aid, Executive Director of the UMW Foundation, Roxanne Engellant, will be present to answer any questions about scholarship opportunities at UMW and how to submit an online scholarship application. Participants should create and bring their FSA ID to the workshop. The FSA ID is required to submit the FAFSA and needs to be created online at least three days prior to submitting the FAFSA.   Computer access will be available for workshop participants or attendees may bring their own laptops or devices. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend with dependent applicants. Copies of tax information can be brought to the workshop by participants in case this information needs to be referenced during the application process.   For more information about the FSA ID creation process or for other questions, please contact the University of Montana Western Office of Financial aid: 406-683-7511 or email  finaid@umwestern.edu .

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information The Montana Western women's basketball team (6-3) defeated the Benedictine-Mesa (1-7) Eagles today 83-66 in the opening matchup of the Cactus Classic. The Bulldogs were hot from the arc, going 10-20 from the three-point line. "The team did a great job of battling through adversity and keeping their composure. It was a great test for us," Head Coach Britt Cooper said. How It Happened Leading from the get-go, the Bulldogs rode behind four threes from Joelnell Momberg to a 44-31 halftime lead. UMW also combined for a 66.7 shooting percentage across the first two quarters. Benedictine got scoring off in the second half, combining their run from the previous half for a 9-0 scoring run on UMW. Shainy Mack broke the streak but BU added another five points to the board. A layup from Maddy Moy coupled with a triple from Kyla Momberg got UMW back in the groove and up 51-41. UMW rode a 9-0 stretch from the third into the fourth as they pushed their lead to 15 at 68-53. The Bulldogs went on to outscore the Eagles 19-13 in the final frame and hit on 8-10 opportunities from the charity stripe. Notables UMW combined for 10 threes in the matchup, with three players hitting for more than two. As a team, the Bulldogs scored 22 points off of turnovers and shot 57.4 percent from the field. They also were an impressive 50 percent from the arc, a stark different from the Eagles who hit just 6-21 from the three-point line. Jordan Sweeney led on the day with 23 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. She was also perfect from the free throw line, going 6-6 on the day. Joelnell Momberg hit four of nine from the arc and a team second-best of 16 points. Mack (11 pts) and Payton Hagy (10 pts) also hit double digits with Hagy going perfect on the day. Up Next Montana Western returns to the court tomorrow with a matchup against RV The Master's University at 12 p.m.

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information The 2023 Academic All‐District® Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation's top student‐athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. Six Bulldogs from the football team earned Academic All-District honors. The CSC Academic All‐America program separately recognizes honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA. To be nominated, the student-athlete must have a 3.5 GPA and higher, must compete in 90 percent of the institution's games/contests/sets played or must start in at least 66 percent of the games/contests/sets, and must be at least a sophomore academically and athletically. Academic All-District Selections Ben Howerton – Linebacker (Horseshoe, Idaho / R-JR) John Mears – Kicker (Belgrade, Mont. / R-JR) Tanner Harrell – Defensive Line (Shepherd, Mont. / R-SR) Reese Artz – Defensive Line (Battle Mountain, Nev. / R-SR) Angel Navarrete – Kicker (Rupert, Idaho / SO) Jon Kirkley – Wide Receiver (Dillon, Mont. / R-FR)

Dr. Spruce Schoenemann from the University of Montana Western Environmental Sciences Department and a team of climate and polar scientists have recently developed an innovative place-based curriculum for undergraduate students to participate in virtual field experiences in Greenland to expand learning opportunities in the polar sciences. Scientific researchers have made leaps and bounds in recent years gathering new data and insights on climate change in the earth’s polar regions, but there has been a lag in curriculum development for undergraduate students who are studying the geosciences and environmental sciences. Polar Places and Spaces (PolarPASS) have developed a science-based curriculum to help students learn about the scientific discovery process and to connect them with far-away places that they may not have the opportunity to visit in person. “As polar scientists, we are engaged with fascinating research that has important connections and impacts for people all over the globe,” said Dr.  Twila Moon,  lead principal investigator (PI) and deputy lead scientist and science communication liaison at the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). “Yet there wasn’t much curriculum to support polar learning with authentic data. The U.S. National Science Foundation recognized this need, and our team was thrilled to receive funding to help fill the gap. Deciding to use and test interactive environments and weave in GIS were key to pursuing the learning outcomes we were aiming for.”   PolarPASS  was developed by a team of professional educators and polar scientists from Western Washington University (WWU), the University of Montana Western (UMW), and NSIDC and the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder. It uses authentic geographic information system (GIS) data and 360-degree interactive environments to allow students to conduct “field research” of Greenland from anywhere in the world. The goals for the program are to bring real polar data into the classroom, strengthen students’ knowledge of polar science and build student connections to polar places. The lesson plans were constructed with upper-level undergraduate students in mind.  “The motivation behind much of the curriculum design was to share our awe and appreciation for the Greenlandic landscape and culture with students who will likely never have the chance to experience such a unique place on their own,” said Dr.  Spruce Schoenemann , Environmental Sciences Professor at UMW and co-PI of the project. “The integration of polar data, maps and stunning visuals provide students with an authentic experience to observe the rapid changes occurring in our polar regions.”    “We are in an exciting era of rapid data generation and retrieval from the polar regions across multiple scales,” said Dr.  Alia Khan , an affiliate research scientist at NSIDC, associate professor at WWU and co-PI of the project. “Bringing these data into the classroom allows students to gain hands-on experience with data analysis and geospatial data processing. They are developing skills that are sought after by employers upon graduation.”  The PolarPASS teaching materials feature two  modules  in which to immerse students in polar research, including “Exploring the Glacier Basin System” and “Long-term Spatial Transformations of the Glacier Basin System.” The lessons use immersive imagery and videos collected in the town of Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, and in glaciated environments nearby. The modules are being tested in a wide variety of classes and universities and they include supporting materials for instructors who have not previously used GIS or interactive environments. While there are no other modules planned at the moment, the PolarPASS team is open to collaborating with researchers interested in developing new lesson plans. In addition to the scientific research process, the PolarPASS modules also focus on place-based education, seeking to connect students emotionally to polar places that they have not visited. According to a study conducted by the PolarPASS team and published in  PLOS ONE  in October 2023, people tend to develop a connection, or a sense of place, through lived experiences or travel. However, engaging with virtual environments, such as the 360-degree interactive environments the team developed for the PolarPASS modules, can increase a person’s connection to an area, even if they have not physically been there.   “These immersive experiences allow students to virtually visit Greenland and explore the glacial landscape, an experience many may never have,” said Dr.  Anne Gold , lead author of the study, director of the CIRES Education & Outreach program and co-PI of the project. “Data collected from course participants show that they increase their sense of place and science content knowledge through their interaction with the course materials.”  PolarPASS is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation via a grant from the Office of Polar Programs Polar Special Initiatives.   For more information, please contact  twila.moon@colorado.edu  or  spruce.schoenemann@umwestern.edu .  This release was originally published on the National Snow and Ice Data Center website .

December 20th, 2023   6:30 PM PUBLIC HEARING ON WESTSIDE ZONING   7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA   PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE   A.           MINUTES 1.         Approve December 6th, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes   B.           PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 1.         Update from Univision 2.         Craig Cornell – Tully Springs Subdivision   C.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Discuss/Recommend City/County Settlement 2.         Update/Discuss City/County Law Enforcement Merger 3.         Appoint Kristina Abbey as Director of Operations   D.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         Planning Board- Don Hand, Dan Nye                         a.         Accept November 2nd, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes                         b.         Accept November 30th, 2023 Public Hearing Minutes 2.         Zoning Commission – Raymond Graham, Russ Schwandt     3.         Board of Adjustments – Mary Jo O’Rourke, Stephen Sievert  4.         Director of Operations -- Todd Hazelbaker 5.         Police Department – Police Chief Jeremy Alvarez 6.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief, BJ Klose 7.         City Court – Judge Virginia Cook 8.         Treasurer – Karen Kipp 9.         Tree Board – Mary Jo O’Rourke             a.         Accept November 7th, 2023 Meeting Minutes   E.        REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Judiciary Committee – Dan Nye, Chair; Diane Armstrong, Raymond Graham 2.         Finance Committee – Don Hand, Chair; Russ Schwandt, Dan Nye               3.         Fire and Order Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Mary Jo O’Rourke, Raymond   Graham    4.         Health and Welfare – Diane Armstrong, Chair; George Johnston, Stephen Sievert 5.         Cemetery Committee – George Johnston, Chair; Stephen Sievert, Diane Armstrong                         a.         Approve December 11th, 2023 Meeting Minutes 6.         Parks Committee –Stephen Sievert, Chair;  Mary Jo O’Rourke, Diane Armstrong                         a.         Approve December 13th, 2023 Meeting Minutes                                     i.          Discuss/Approve Tobacco-Free Vigilante Park Policy 7.         City Hall Committee – Raymond Graham, Chair; Stephen Sievert, Dan Nye                         a.         Approve December 12th, 2023 Special Meeting Minutes i.          Discuss/Approve Changes to Director of Operations Job Description 8.         Street and Alley Committee –Dan Nye, Chair; Don Hand, Russ Schwandt                         a.         Approve December 12th, 2023 Special Meeting Minutes                                     i.          Discuss/Approve Purchase of Street Sweeper 9.          Water and Sewer Committee –Don Hand, Chair; Russ Schwandt, George Johnston                         a.         Approve December 12th, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes   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.