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The Dillon Public Library has released its schedule of upcoming programs and activities, offering holiday entertainment, community gatherings, and educational workshops for all ages. December 17, 2025 Free Movie – 4 p.m. Location: Museum’s Depot Theatre Feature Film:   The Best Christmas Pageant Ever This free showing is open to the public and perfect for families looking to enjoy a classic holiday story. December 19, 2025 Santa Claus & The Grinch – 5 to 7 p.m. Location: Dillon Public LibraryThis festive evening will feature appearances by Santa Claus and the Grinch, along with: Dillon Fire Department & Police Department Elks Lodge #1554’s Famous Chili Ben Kenealey’s Balloon Creations Cocoa, treats, fire pits Santa’s Stocking Raffle , Book Sale , and more January 28, 2026 Special Presentation – Time & Location TBAPresenter:  Chris La Tray, Montana’s 2023–2024 Poet LaureateLa Tray will discuss his memoir Becoming Little Shell , part of the statewide One Book Montana  program sponsored by Humanities Montana. Copies are available for purchase or checkout at both The Bookstore and Dillon Public Library. Santa’s Stocking Raffle Tickets: $1.00 each Drawing: December 23 Prize: A stocking stuffed with toys and holiday surprises. 2026 Workshops (Dates TBA) Funded by the Montana Children’s Trust Fund Strengthening Families, Safeguarding Futures: A Community-Based Approach to Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect Presented in collaboration with Friends of the Library, Xuan Li of the University of Montana–Western, and Dillon Public Library.

DILLON, Mont. —  The Dillon Public Library is set to receive a $10,000 gift  from the Carnegie Corporation of New York as part of a national celebration marking America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The donation is one of approximately 1,280 gifts  being awarded to Carnegie libraries across the United States. More than a century after industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie financed the construction of 1,681 public libraries nationwide, many—including Dillon’s—continue to serve as vital community hubs. Dillon holds a special place in that history: the Dillon Public Library was Montana’s first Carnegie library , opening its doors on December 27, 1902 . It is one of 17 Carnegie-funded libraries established in the state. Library officials say the gift not only honors the library’s past but also supports its continued mission to serve the community more than 120 years after its founding. Community members can learn more about the initiative and explore the history of Carnegie libraries across the country by visiting the Carnegie Libraries Across America interactive map at carnegie-libraries.carnegie.org .

As December begins, the City of Dillon is facing mounting pressure to fill its soon-to-be-vacant city attorney position while multiple lawsuits loom over the municipality. The contract for the attorney currently representing the city is set to expire at the end of the year. With that deadline quickly approaching, the city has posted the position and is also exploring the use of a head-hunting agency in an effort to secure legal representation before year’s end. During Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, council members questioned whether any applications had been received for the position. Mayor McGinley confirmed that one application had been submitted but said his impression was that the applicant was not genuinely interested in the job, prompting further discussion among council members. After additional questioning, Mayor McGinley clarified that the individual had, in fact, applied and that he had spoken briefly with the applicant roughly two weeks earlier. He said he did not believe the applicant would accept the position even if it were offered. Mayor McGinley also stated that he did not feel he would be the appropriate person to conduct the interview process, remarking that he did not “like lawyers” and adding that “all lawyers are crooks.” In response to the situation, the mayor suggested forming a City Council committee to handle interviews and oversee the hiring process. Several council members expressed concern about the tight timeline, noting that forming a committee and coordinating interviews could further delay filling the position. The possibility of working with a head-hunting firm was discussed, though potential costs raised concerns. One firm reportedly requested a fee equal to 25 percent of the attorney’s annual salary, while another estimated the cost at more than $16,000. With the contract deadline approaching and legal challenges looming, city officials continue to debate the most efficient path forward to ensure the City of Dillon has legal representation in place before the end of the year.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — Beaverhead Search and Rescue responded to two separate search missions in recent days after a largely quiet hunting season, highlighting the importance of clear communication and trip planning in the backcountry. The first callout occurred on Nov. 29, when teams were dispatched to search for an overdue hunter and his daughter in the area near Wooster Mountain, west of the Big Hole Battlefield. The pair had been dropped off around 7 a.m. but did not return to their expected pickup location. Search and Rescue was notified at approximately 8:40 p.m. and deployed three teams to search designated areas by vehicle and on foot. The missing individuals were located at about 2:30 a.m. in good condition after getting into a family member’s vehicle. Officials said miscommunication among family members regarding hunting and pickup plans, along with GPS units that had run out of battery, contributed to the situation. Twelve SAR members participated in the operation, contributing a total of 105 person-hours to the search effort. A second mission took place on Dec. 2, involving a missing 80-year-old hunter who had been afield since Nov. 22 and was expected home by Thanksgiving. The hunter was not reported missing until Dec. 1. Limited information was available, including only a vehicle description and a general hunting area near Skinner Meadows. Four teams were deployed to quickly check common roads in the area to locate the hunter’s vehicle and establish a last known point. A hasty team was able to locate the individual a short distance off Skinner Meadows Road. Officials cited unclear communication between the hunter and his spouse, lack of cell service, and the absence of a GPS device as factors that delayed the search. Eleven SAR members responded to that callout, contributing 51 person-hours. Beaverhead Search and Rescue emphasized that both incidents serve as reminders of the importance of sharing detailed trip plans with family or friends and carrying reliable methods of communication when recreating in areas without cell coverage. SAR officials also thanked their members and the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office for their coordinated efforts during both searches. The statement was issued by Kolby Malesich, commander of Beaverhead Search and Rescue.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY STUDY COMMISSIONER MEETING FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025 BEAVERHEAD COUNTY COURTHOUSE DILLON, MT all times are approximate   11:00am               12:00pm ·        Call Meeting to Order ·        Roll Call- Establish quorum ·        Action- Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes ·        Discussion- Discuss Creation of the Final Report ·        Public Comments and Any Items Not Listed on the Agenda ·        Adjourn Meeting

DVFD responded to 12 calls for service during the month of November 2025.    11-03               Hwy 91 N                               MVA 11-04               Barnett Ave                             Structure Fire(Burnt Food) 11-05               Cattle Drive                             Grass Fire 11-07               Pioneer Dr                               Dumpster Fire 11-12               Carrigan Ln                             Grass Fire (burn permit not activated) 11-13               Blacktail Rd                            Wildland Fire (Warming Fire) 11-15               Sweetwater Rd                       Wildland Fire (permitted Madison Co.) 11-18               Blacktail Rd                            MVA 11-20               Crystal Ln                               Structure Fire 11-21               Laknar & Schuler                    MVA 11-29               Barnett Ave                             Oven Fire 11-30               N Montana St                          Gas leak     November monthly training included working with our new candidates on Structural FF-1 training.  Our first monthly training was TIM (Traffic Incident Management) & the command team worked on a leadership activity.  The second training was apparatus familiarization & truck check procedures.  We had members conduct a water shuttle while filling the community ice rink.  We worked with UMW staff to conduct fire drills around the campus.   Thanks to all of our firefighters & officers for their continued dedication to the City of Dillon & Beaverhead Fire District #2  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.

DILLON, Mont. —  Amy Layne Litzelman will be the featured author at The Bookstore during the Christmas Stroll on Friday, Dec. 5, with a book signing scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Litzelman, a Dillon-based author, journalist, singer-songwriter, and musician, is the author of seven books. In addition to her writing career, she is a teacher, worship mentor, mother, and grandmother. Her work often reflects a journey of faith rooted in simplicity, emphasizing a Creator who is present in the details of life, known through mystery, and trusted in every moment. Her seventh book, This Beloved Road: A Journey of Revelation and Worship (2nd Edition) , was recently honored with the 2025 Christlit Book of the Year Award  in the Devotional category. During the Christmas Stroll event, community members are invited to meet Litzelman, hear about her work, and have books signed. She will be available throughout the two-hour signing window to visit with readers and discuss her writing and spiritual journey. Those with questions or who would like to reserve copies of Litzelman’s books may contact The Bookstore at 683-6807 .

LIMA — Lima Fire Department responded to a mutual aid request early Sunday morning, Dec. 1, after a train caught fire in Clark County, Idaho. Lima Fire was dispatched at approximately 6:20 a.m. to assist Clark County Fire crews at the scene, located about two miles north of Humphrey. Upon arrival, firefighters found an engine fire on the train. Crews from Lima Fire and Clark County Fire worked quickly to extinguish the blaze, preventing the fire from spreading to additional engines. Authorities say the fire was caused by a major malfunction in the diesel motor. After the fire was extinguished and the scene was secured, crews cleared the area and the train was able to continue north. No injuries were reported. One of two pistons that blew out of the engine block

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 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, 2025 Special Meeting at 7:30 p.m. 2.         Approve the Minutes of November 19, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting 3.         Approve the Minutes of November 24, 2025 Special City Council   C.        PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS                 D.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Discuss SID #38   E.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         City Attorney – Ed Guza 2.         Planning Board - Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham 3.         Zoning Commission - Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley                         a.         Accept the Minutes of November 10, 2025 Regular Meeting 4.         Board of Adjustments - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz 5.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey 6.         Police Department –Police Chief Joel Stewart 7.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose 8.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox 9.         Library Board - Diane Armstrong, Council Member; Kim Denny, Library Director                         a.         Accept the Minutes of October 28, 2025 Regular Board Meeting 10.       Tree Board                         a.         Accept the Minutes of October 8, 2025 Regular Board 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 a.         Approve Minutes of November 29, 2025 Finance Committee-Budget                                     i.          Approve Fund Summary for Claims for November 2025                                     ii.         Approve Claims by Vendor Report for November 2025                                     iii.        Approve Mayor’s Report to the Finance Committee for November 2025                                     iv.        Approve Budget vs. Actual Report for November 2025 v.         Discuss/Recommend HB 231 & SB 542; Property Tax Changes                                     vi.        Approve Hiring a Job Recruiter 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.

The Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement (MCNCE) has recognized fourteen student-athletes with the Montana Athletes in Service Award (MAIS), including Montana Western’s Tori Murnion. For over 30 years, the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement and its campus affiliates have supported students, faculty, and communities across Montana with programs that encourage and recognize community service. The CEO Council of the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement is proud to honor these athletes whose extensive volunteer efforts have greatly benefited their communities. Each year, the  MCNCE honors one student-athlete from each affiliate campus  across the state who demonstrates exceptional dedication to serving their community while pursuing their college degrees or certificates and competing in collegiate sports. The 2025 MAIS award recipients are: Tori Murnion – University of Montana Western – Rodeo Kayle Addison – Little Big Horn College – Basketball Cameron “Cam” Blevins – Miles Community College – Volleyball Kennedy Venner – Carroll College – Softball Tayla Undem – Dawson Community College – Softball Walker Burshia – Fort Peck Community College – Basketball Owen Smith – MSU–Northern – Basketball Colton Seymour – Salish Kootenai College – Basketball Justus Peterson – Montana Tech – Football, Track & Field, Rodeo Blaine Shaw – Flathead Valley Community College – Logger Sports Brooke Stayner – University of Montana – Track & Field Nova Rosman – MSU Billings – Cheer & Stunt Amelio Blackhorse – Chief Dull Knife College – Basketball, Rodeo Taylee Chirrick – Montana State University – Basketball The recipients were recognized during halftime of the 2025 Brawl of the Wild game at Washington-Grizzly Stadium on November 22. Tori Murnion is a senior from Jordan, Montana, majoring in Business. Outside of rodeo, Tori is a senator in the Associated Students of Montana Western (ASUMW), an organizer for the Labor Day Rodeo in Dillon, and a peer mentor. Tori exemplifies a strong commitment to service, both in and out of the arena. Her dedication to helping others—whether through supporting her community or mentoring —makes her an inspiring role model for her peers and the broader community.

Montana attorney and University of Montana Western alumna Katie Verderber has been selected to represent Team USA in wheelchair mixed curling at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games. Montana attorney  Katie Verderber  has been selected to represent Team USA in Wheelchair Mixed Curling at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. USA Curling, the national governing body for Olympic curling and Paralympic wheelchair curling in the United States, announced the roster Monday, Nov. 24. Verderber joins Matthew Thums of Wisconsin, Oyuna Uranchimeg of Minnesota, Sean O’Neill of Massachusetts and Dan Rose of Wisconsin. This will be her first Paralympic appearance. An attorney with  Silverman Law Office , Verderber grew up in Valier and has long been committed to serving her state and country. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Montana Western, her law degree from Syracuse University College of Law, and commissioned as a Judge Advocate General officer in the U.S. Army. She provided legal counsel on issues ranging from military justice to national security and deployed to Afghanistan in 2019. Her military career was cut short by injuries that led to her medical retirement. During recovery, she discovered adaptive sports and wheelchair curling, which rekindled her competitive drive and opened the door to representing her country once again. “If anything comes from this, I want to share the message that you can still achieve whatever dreams you may have despite illness or disability,” Verderber said. After returning to Montana, Verderber served as a civil litigator for the Montana Department of Justice before joining Silverman Law Office, where she focuses on business, contract, real estate and probate litigation. The firm has offices in Helena, Bozeman, Butte and Big Timber. “We are incredibly proud of Katie,” said Silverman Law Office CEO Joel Silverman. “Her work ethic, character, and determination are evident in everything she does, both in the courtroom and on the ice.” The Paralympic Winter Games begin March 6, 2026, and will be televised on NBC and streamed live on Peacock. Article and photo from EINPresswire.com .

HELENA, Mont. - Montana Western men's basketball player Kyle Gruhler picked up his third Erck Hotels/ Frontier Conference Men's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week award of the season after leading the Bulldogs to a 2-0 start in league play. It is his fourth career player of the week award. Gruhler had another high-scoring weekend, guiding No. 24 ranked Western to road wins over Valley City State and Mayville State. He led all players in scoring in both contests. The senior dropped 26 points on 72.7 percent field goal shooting (8-of-11) in UMW's narrow 107-104 victory at VCSU. He drilled four three-pointers (66.7 percent) and sunk 6-of-6 at the line. He followed that up with a career-high matching 32 points on 52.2 percent (12-of-23) shooting in the 85-72 win at MSU. Once again, Gruhler made four threes while going 4-of-5 from the charity stripe. The Vancouver, Wash., native averaged 29.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. He was 20-of-34 from the field (58.8 percent), 53.3 percent (8-of-15) from downtown, and hit 10-of-11 free-throws (90.9 percent). LOOKING AHEAD Up next, the Bulldogs travel to Butte, Mont., Nov. 28 to face off against #6 Montana Tech. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. MT.

DILLON — A small crowd gathered Friday evening at Barrett Hospital & HealthCare to celebrate the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the facility’s new specialty clinic. Hospital CEO Taylor Rose addressed attendees, highlighting the growing need for expanded clinical space and how the new offices will create additional opportunities to better serve the community. Rose emphasized that the project represents a major step forward in improving access to specialized care for patients in Beaverhead County and the surrounding region. Several speakers also noted the efficiency of the construction timeline. The project broke ground approximately 14 months ago and was completed on schedule. Speakers recognized the efforts of the construction teams, planners, and hospital staff who helped bring the project to fruition. The new specialty clinic is expected to significantly streamline operations for visiting and local specialists. Previously, doctors often had to travel between off-site offices and the main hospital, increasing delays in patient care. With the new clinic located within the hospital campus, providers will be able to move seamlessly between appointments and procedures, reducing travel time and improving overall efficiency. Hospital officials say the clinic will enhance patient services, support better coordination between departments, and ensure that community members continue receiving high-quality care close to home.

East HELENA, MT — A late-night police pursuit ended in tragedy Saturday when a vehicle crashed into a residence, killing one person and injuring another, according to authorities. The incident occurred around 11:23 p.m. when officers attempted to stop an Audi A7 driven by a 52-year-old man. The driver fled from police along Lake Helena Drive, continuing at high speed before failing to navigate a T-intersection. The vehicle went straight through the intersection, plowed through a fence, and collided directly with a home. Investigators say the Audi entered a bedroom where two residents were. A 69-year-old woman sustained fatal injuries in the crash. A 76-year-old man, also in the room at the time, was injured and transported for medical care. His condition has not been released. Authorities report that drugs and alcohol are suspected to have been contributing factors. Statement issued by Montana Highway Patrol: On Saturday, just after 11pm, troopers initiated a traffic stop on a suspect vehicle for possible DUI. Initially, the vehicle stopped, and a passenger exited the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle then fled, heading southbound on Lake Helena Drive. MHP troopers initiated a brief pursuit. Shortly after the pursuit began, the vehicle failed to negotiate the intersection at Lake Helena Dr. and East Old Highway 12, left the roadway, and crashed into a home, killing an occupant of the home and injuring another. The suspect was apprehended and transported to the hospital with injuries. The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office are assisting in the investigation. Pending the results of the investigation, the case will be turned over to the county attorney's office for charges. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim's family after this tragic loss. Deciding whether to pursue a motor vehicle is among the most critical decisions made by troopers. It is a decision that must be made quickly and under difficult, often unpredictable circumstances. The safety of Montanans and the traveling public is always the top priority for troopers when engaging in a pursuit.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Monday, November 24, 2025 7:00  P.M. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE     A.         DISCUSS/APPROVE RESOLUTION TO PENDING LITIGATION Captioned Eric Wendland and Alicia Wendland, v. City of Dillon,  DV-1-2025-14848-BC Montana                                                  B.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE  AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY   C.        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.