BANNACK – The 50th anniversary of Bannack State Park’s signature event, Bannack Days, is scheduled for the third weekend in July, with many traditional attractions and activities celebrating Montana’s first territorial capital. Since 1976, Bannack Days has brought this iconic ghost town to life with music, gunfights, wagon rides, gold panning, re-enactments, artisan demonstrations, and other festivities. This special 50th anniversary of Bannack Days will be Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, July 19, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for individuals ages 6 and older, or $20 per family. Admission is free for children ages 5 and younger. Tickets can be purchased with cash at the park entrance or online at montanastateparks.reserveamerica.com here. Make sure to select either July 18 or 19 when purchasing tickets online. Food and drinks can be purchased from vendors at the park. Parking space is limited during this busy event. FWP staff will provide parking directions for visitors as they arrive. Shuttle vans will be available to and from parking areas farthest from park entrances. Visitors are encouraged to carpool and leave pets at home. About 25 miles west of Dillon, Bannack State Park is a national historic landmark and the site of Montana’s first major gold discovery in 1862. Bannack’s Main Street today is lined with more than 50 historic buildings, most of which are open and accessible to the public. For more information about scheduled events, activities and park rules for Bannack Days, click here or call 406-834-3413.

BOZEMAN — The Dillon Cubs traveled to Bozeman on Tuesday for an American Legion doubleheader against the Bozeman Bucks at Heroes Park at Legion Field. Despite a strong offensive showing in the opener, the Cubs were unable to come away with a victory as the Bucks swept the twin bill by scores of 11-9 and 12-2. Bucks Rally Late to Take Opener The first game was a back-and-forth battle that remained tied heading into the bottom of the fifth inning before Bozeman pulled away for an 11-9 victory. Dillon struck first in the opening inning when Andrew Bartlome drove in a run with a ground out. Bozeman answered quickly, scoring four runs in the bottom half of the inning. Dawsen Lewis highlighted the rally with a two-run triple while Jack Rainey added an RBI single. The Cubs responded in a big way in the second inning, scoring five runs on four hits to take a 6-4 lead. Tristan Alvarez delivered the biggest hit of the inning, blasting a double that drove in three runs. Bozeman regained the advantage in the fourth inning behind RBI hits from Lewis and Rainey before Brock Fors drove in another run on a fielder's choice. Dillon battled back once again in the fifth. Bartlome singled to center field to tie the game at 9-9, but the deadlock was short-lived. In the bottom of the inning, Quinn Haarer ripped a two-run triple to give the Bucks the lead for good. Kanin Engelhardt started on the mound for Dillon, striking out six batters over four innings. The Cubs collected 10 hits in the contest, led by Engelhardt, Bartlome, and Cohen Hartman with two hits each. Alvarez and Bartlome drove in three runs apiece, while Hartman reached base multiple times, drew two walks, and stole two bases. Bozeman finished with 11 hits. Lewis and Rainey each drove in three runs, while Haarer's late triple proved to be the difference. Bozeman Uses Big Innings in Game Two The Bucks carried their momentum into game two, using a pair of explosive innings to earn a 12-2 victory. Dillon grabbed an early lead when Trenton Moreni drove in a run with a ground out in the top of the first inning. Bozeman quickly answered with five runs in the bottom half of the inning. Isaac Ashcraft delivered the key blow, lacing a two-run triple to help the Bucks take control. The game broke open in the third inning when Bozeman erupted for seven more runs. Ryan Graham, Treak Tasker, Isaac Ashcraft, and Quinn Haarer all contributed RBI hits during the inning as the Bucks stretched their lead to 12-1. Brock Fors earned the win for Bozeman, allowing just two runs on five hits over five innings while striking out three. Breyden Vrooman took the loss for Dillon after Bozeman's strong offensive start. Cohen Hartman continued his productive day at the plate, collecting two hits and stealing two bases. Hartman and Moreni each drove in a run for the Cubs. Bozeman pounded out 12 hits in the nightcap. Ashcraft and Tasker each drove in two runs, while Jack Rainey added two hits. The Cubs will look to bounce back Friday when they return home to host the Post 56 Knights AA.

DILLON — Tuesday afternoon, former Beaverhead County High School standout and current NFL player Troy Andersen returned to his hometown once again to host his annual youth football camp at Vigilante Field in Dillon. Andersen, a Beaverhead County High School graduate, built an impressive football career in Dillon before continuing his success at Montana State University, where he became one of the most decorated athletes in Bobcat football history. His outstanding collegiate career led to him being selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite reaching the highest level of football, Andersen has never forgotten where he came from. Each summer, he returns to Dillon to provide local youth with an opportunity to learn the game he loves while giving back to the community that helped shape him. The free camp is open to children entering third through eighth grade and draws young athletes from across the area. Throughout the day, participants rotate through football drills, skill stations, mini games, and fundamental training exercises designed to help improve their athletic abilities while having fun. In addition to learning football fundamentals, campers have the unique opportunity to interact with Andersen, other NFL players, Dillon Beavers athletes, and local volunteers who help make the event possible. The camp focuses not only on football skills but also on sportsmanship, teamwork, and encouraging young athletes to work hard toward their goals. For many local children, the annual camp has become a summer tradition they eagerly anticipate each year. The chance to spend time with a hometown hero who has achieved success on the national stage provides inspiration and motivation for young athletes dreaming of following in Andersen's footsteps. As another successful camp came to a close Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of smiles, memories, and lessons learned served as a reminder of the positive impact Andersen continues to have on the Dillon community. While his football career has taken him to NFL stadiums across the country, Troy Andersen's commitment to giving back to his hometown remains as strong as ever.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING THURSDAY, June 25th, 2026 9:00 A.M. ~ AGENDA ~ 1. Approval of June 2026 Claims 2. Discuss/Recommend FY 2025-2026 Amended Budget Items 3. Discuss/Recommend Premier Plumbing Estimate to Replace City Hall Boiler 4. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction of The City 5. Adjournment Committee Members: Russ Schwandt, Chairperson Mary Jo O’Rourke Jeremy Crawford

The Dillon Public Library has another exciting week of summer programming planned with activities for teens, families, and children of all ages. Tuesday, June 23 Teen Tuesdays – BINGO! Teens ages 13-18 are invited to the Elks Lodge at 6 p.m. for an evening of BINGO, prizes, snacks, and fun. Participants will have opportunities to win a variety of prizes, including: Portable DVD Player Action Camera Mini Karaoke Machine Waterproof Speaker Light-Up Flying Disc Individual Ice Cream Maker And more! Snacks and drinks will be provided. Wednesday, June 24 FREE Movie – ICE AGE Families are invited to enjoy a free showing of the animated favorite Ice Age at 3 p.m. at the Depot Theatre. Join Manny, Sid, and Diego on their prehistoric adventure in this family-friendly film that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages. Thursday, June 25 Sticks & Stones & Dinosaur Bones Young explorers can stop by the Dillon Public Library from 10 a.m. to Noon for Sticks & Stones & Dinosaur Bones. This hands-on program will give children an opportunity to learn, create, and have fun while exploring the fascinating world of dinosaurs and prehistoric discoveries. The Dillon Public Library's Summer Reading Program continues throughout the summer with weekly activities, movies, crafts, educational programs, and special events designed to encourage reading while providing fun for the entire community.

DILLON — The Dillon Cubs traded traditional baseball for entertainment and excitement Sunday afternoon as they hosted the Salmon Savages in a Father's Day showdown featuring the Cubs' first-ever game of Banana Ball. For those unfamiliar with the rapidly growing baseball phenomenon, Banana Ball is a fast-paced version of America's pastime designed to keep fans engaged and the action moving. Created with entertainment in mind, the game features a unique set of rules that are much different than traditional baseball. Among the most notable rules are that teams earn points by winning innings rather than simply scoring the most runs in the game, no new innings can begin after the two-hour mark, batters can steal first base on wild pitches or passed balls, and fans who catch foul balls record an out for their team. There are also no mound visits, no bunting, and if a pitcher issues ball four, the batter takes off around the bases while the defense must touch the ball with every player on the field before attempting a tag. Sunday's game wasn't just about the unique rules. Players embraced the spirit of Banana Ball by sporting non-traditional hats, colorful sunglasses, and even masks as they entertained the crowd throughout the afternoon. Perhaps the biggest star of the day wasn't wearing a uniform at all. Umpire Shawndee Gratton kept the game moving while providing plenty of laughs and interaction with fans, helping create the fun atmosphere Banana Ball is known for. The Father's Day crowd was treated to an afternoon filled with baseball, comedy, and plenty of memorable moments as the Cubs and Savages put their own spin on the game. When the final point was tallied, the Salmon Savages came away with a 7-4 victory over the Dillon Cubs. While the Cubs fell short on the scoreboard, the afternoon proved to be a winning experience for players and fans alike as Dillon welcomed Banana Ball to town for the first time. With its unique rules, energetic atmosphere, and focus on fan entertainment, Sunday's contest offered a refreshing twist on baseball and may have left many fans hoping Banana Ball returns to Dillon in the future.

CASPER, Wyo. - Montana Western's Gavin Knutson finished fourth on aggregate in the bull riding Friday evening to advance to Saturday's championship round of the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR). Seven other Bulldogs closed out their 2026 campaigns in Casper. To qualify for the final round, competitors had to finish inside the top-12 in their respective events. Despite falling short of the eight-second mark in the third round of bull riding, Knutson's successful rides in rounds one and two got him over the mark to compete in the short go. Cardell Laughery (78.25) and Cade Costello (64.50) both laid down clean rides in the third round of saddle bronc, however they both finished outside of the top 12. In the team roping, Cooper Pavkov and Bry Severe tallied a 15.1 in the third round while Knutson and Luke Garrison earned a 19.2. Jeremy Kay received no score on his final attempt in the bareback, also just missing out on the championship round. Jake Deveraux no-timed in his final tie-down roping attempt as well. Full results can be found here.

SOLID WASTE BOARD MEETING Monday, June 22, 2026 1:00 PM COURTHOUSE, COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING ROOM AGENDA  Establish a quorum  Discussion- Clenera Lease  Discussion- Budget  Public Comment or other business  Next Meeting date – July 20, 2026  Adjourn

HELENA, Mont. - Montana Western Athletic Trainer Zach McCarthy was recognized as the 2025-26 Frontier Conference Athletic Trainer of the Year, the league office announced Thursday. McCarthy was honored for his commitment to student-athlete health, safety, and performance. "I'm very honored to receive this award," McCarthy said, "Although it says my name on the front, I believe this is a staff award. I couldn't do the job I do without my two colleagues Nate (Schieffert) and Savannah (Lyver). I'm proud to be an athletic trainer and to work with them. I want to say thank you to the committee that nominated me, but most importantly, thank you to all the Western staff. Coaches, and athletes as well. Go Dawgs!" McCarthy joined the Montana Western athletic training staff in 2017, and has since earned a reputation for outstanding care in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and more. Since coming to UMW, he has helped countless student-athletes remain healthy and competitive in their respective sports. In his time with the Bulldogs, McCarthy has worked with every athletic program, including playing a key role in Montana Western women's basketball's NAIA national championship-winning season in 2018-19. McCarthy has continued to elevate his care with additional advanced trainings and certifications, including blood flow restriction therapy, cupping therapy, and Graston soft-tissue mobilization techniques. In addition to his clinical expertise, McCarthy was instrumental in helping Montana Western navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, working diligently behind the scenes to protect the health and well-being of student-athletes and staff. His proactive approach, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication have made a lasting impact on the Bulldog athletic department. Fellow Frontier Conference athletic trainers commented that McCarthy has been an integral part of the league. His work at the national level has benefited the athletic trainers in the conference. He has also been a great host for traveling teams and staff. The conference athletic trainers added that McCarthy is an extremely nice and respectful person who treats everyone with the utmost care and kindness. He represents and advocates for the profession.

DILLON, Mont. - Montana Western women's basketball head coach Ryan Sullivan announced Thursday that recent UMW graduate and 2025-26 all-conference performer Isabella Lund will return as an assistant coach ahead of the 2026-27 season. "We are absolutely thrilled to bring Isabella back to Montana Western in this new role," Sullivan said. "As a player, she exemplified the elite drive and unwavering integrity that we want our program to be about." A four-year Bulldog, Lund appeared in 120 games in her career. She shot 42.9 percent from the floor, and 70.4 percent from the foul line while scoring over 850 points. In her senior campaign, Lund averaged 31.9 minutes per game while posting 12.3 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game. She led UMW in both assists (117) and steals (51, 1.8 per game). She scored in double figures 17 times, including four with 20 or more points, and dished out at least four assists on 12 occasions. Lund capped her career with Second Team All-Conference honors as well as receiving Academic All-Conference, CSC Academic All-District, and NAIA Scholar Athlete recognition. "Leading the league in assists and earning all-conference honors shows her basketball IQ, but her character is what makes her truly special. She will be an incredible leader and mentor for the young women we bring onto our campus, and I cannot wait to work alongside her on the sidelines," Sullivan said. The Tumwater, Wash., native graduated from Western in May 2026 will pursue a master's degree from the University of Montana beginning in the fall.

The Dillon Cubs earned a split in their Tuesday doubleheader against the Belgrade Bandits "A" in Belgrade, using a powerful offensive performance to win the opener before falling in game two. Cubs Take Game One Behind Tackett's Four-Hit Night Sawyer Tackett put together a perfect day at the plate, collecting four hits in four at-bats as the Dillon Cubs defeated the Belgrade Bandits 12-8 in the opening game of the doubleheader. Tackett tripled in the second inning, doubled in the first, and added singles in both the fourth and fifth innings to lead a 16-hit offensive attack by the Cubs. Dillon wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Andrew Bartlome drove in a run with a single in the top of the first inning before Trenton Moreni followed with a two-run double. Cooper Clarke capped the inning with a sacrifice fly to give the Cubs an early advantage. The Cubs continued to add to their lead in the second inning when Bartlome singled home another run and Moreni added an RBI sacrifice fly. Tackett also earned the win on the mound, allowing three runs, two earned, on four hits over three innings while striking out four and walking three. Moreni came on in relief to earn the save. Moreni drove in three runs to lead the Cubs offense, while Kanin Engelhardt, Bartlome, and Parker Mills each recorded multiple hits. Belgrade was led by Trace Thomas, who finished 2-for-5 with three RBIs. Thomas, Chance Stephens, Max Zimmer, and Law Preasmyer each collected two hits for the Bandits. Belgrade Responds in Game Two The Bandits bounced back in the second game, using a huge second inning to defeat the Cubs. Belgrade jumped on the board in the first inning when Max Zimmer delivered an RBI triple. The game broke open in the second as the Bandits scored 12 runs, taking advantage of walks, hit batters, timely hits, and a wild pitch. Among the key plays in the inning were RBI singles from Brayton VanDyken, Law Preasmyer, and Cade Thomas, while several runs scored via walks and hit batters. Belgrade added three more runs in the third inning on RBI singles from Trace Thomas and Zimmer to extend its lead. Zimmer earned the victory, allowing just one hit and two runs, one earned, over five innings while striking out six and walking four. Andrew Bartlome took the loss for Dillon after Belgrade's explosive start. Parker Mills accounted for Dillon's lone RBI in game two and finished 1-for-2 at the plate. Defensively, the Cubs played a clean game without committing an error. Bartlome led the team with seven defensive chances. Zimmer paced the Bandits offense, finishing 2-for-2 with four RBIs. Cade Thomas, Brayton VanDyken, Chance Stephens, and Zimmer each collected two hits as Belgrade totaled 10 hits. The Bandits also showed patience at the plate, drawing 11 walks during the contest. With the split, Dillon continues its summer schedule and will return home Sunday to host the Salmon Savages Summer League team.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers June 17, 2026 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 May 20, 2026 Regular Meeting 2. Approve Minutes of June 3, 2026 Regular Meeting C. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS AND OTHER ACTION ITEMS D. MAYORS REPORT 1. Second Reading of Ordinance #492 Title 2 Administration & Personnel 2. Discuss/Approve Fourth of July Fireworks Sales and Display Times 3. Accept Michael Klakken’s Letter of Resignation E. REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1. City Attorney – Walter Congdon 2. Planning Board - Raymond Graham, Tara Stevens 3. Zoning Commission – Joleen Schultz, Mike Brumbaugh a. Accept the Minutes of April 28th, 2026 Regular Meeting 4. Board of Adjustments – Mary Jo O’Rourke, Don Deem 5. Director of Operations 6. Police Department –Police Chief Joel Stewart a. Accept Incident Report of May 2026 7. Fire Department – Fire Chief Jay Epperson a. Accept the May 2026 Activity Report b. Approve City Clerk Report for Fire Hall for May 2026 c. Approve Budget vs. Expenditures Report for Fire Hall for May 2026 8. City Court – Judge Bill Knox a. Accept Court Report for May 2026 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. Discuss/Approve Amortization Schedule for Cubs Field Loan From Water R&D for $65,000 at 4% annually for 5 years 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 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 University of Montana Western Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Cheeki Skrub Scholarship by Isaiah Powell, Class of 2026. Created to support students who may benefit from additional financial assistance, the scholarship reflects Isaiah's desire to help ease the financial challenges many students face while pursuing their education. Named after his longtime nickname, "Cheeki Skrub," the scholarship reflects his commitment to giving back to the Montana Western community that helped shape his success. Isaiah currently serves as the Area Coordinator for Bulldog Life at Montana Western and has been deeply involved in campus life throughout his time at the University. As a student, he participated in the Education Club, assisted with the Homework Help Program, was active in the Drama Club and Improv Troupe, competed on the cross country and track teams, served as a Resident Assistant, and participated in intramural volleyball. “The main thing that inspired me to establish the scholarship was the fact that I was fortunate enough to experience college without significant financial burdens, and I found myself in a position where I could help eliminate a little bit of that burden for other students,” said Isaiah. “I don’t really have a specific hope for students who receive the scholarship; I just want it to benefit them in some way.” “It is inspiring to see a recent graduate choose to invest in future generations of Montana Western students,” said Roxanne Engellant, Executive Director of the University of Montana Western Foundation. “Isaiah has been deeply involved in campus life and understands how meaningful support and community can be to a student’s success. His generosity reflects the spirit of Montana Western, and we are grateful for the impact this scholarship will have on students for years to come.” The Cheeki Skrub Scholarship awarded its first scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year and will provide a $1,000 annual award. The inaugural recipient is Tyler Raine, a senior majoring in Physical Education K–12 with a minor in History. Tyler is a member of the Bulldog Track team and is actively involved in campus clubs and extracurricular activities. To be eligible, students must be enrolled full-time, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate active engagement within the Montana Western community. Preference is given to students majoring in Mathematics, Education, or Visual Arts, as well as students involved in cross country, track and field, Residence Life, and those who reside on campus. Reflecting on his decision to establish the scholarship, Powell emphasized the role community played in his own success. “I can credit my success as a student to most of the people I surrounded myself with,” said Powell. “Whether this scholarship has a major impact or a minor one, I just want it to be helpful.” For more information about scholarship opportunities at Montana Western, please contact Roxanne Engellant at (406) 683-7205, roxanne.engellant@umwestern.edu, or Stacie Watkins at (406) 683-7296, stacie.watkins@umwestern.edu.

DILLON — Families gathered at Jaycee Park on Sunday, June 14, for the second annual Tweedy Mountain Fun Club’s Stick Horse Stampede, an afternoon filled with friendly competition, imagination, and community fun while raising money for The Village. Children of all ages saddled up on their trusty stick horses and took to the makeshift arena to compete in a variety of events, including stick horse races and barrel racing competitions. Riders showcased their speed, agility, and creativity as enthusiastic spectators cheered them on from the sidelines. Keeping the excitement rolling throughout the event was master of ceremonies Sky Jones, who entertained the crowd with humorous commentary and colorful introductions for both the young competitors and their loyal stick horse companions. Jones even invented a few tall tales and fictional accomplishments for the riders and their “illustrious” steeds, drawing plenty of laughs from the audience. The festivities extended well beyond the competition ring. Debbie from The Bookstore delighted children with cowboy- and cowgirl-themed story readings, while the Dillon Public Library offered hands-on crafts and activities for families to enjoy. Attendees could also have their faces painted, satisfy their sweet tooth with cotton candy, or grab a bite to eat from Maria’s food truck. The annual event serves as a fundraiser for The Village and once again drew an impressive turnout from the community. With plenty of spirited competition, creative costumes, and smiling faces, the Stick Horse Stampede proved that you don’t need a real horse to have a true rodeo adventure. From racing around barrels to showing off their prized stick horses, this year’s participants demonstrated enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and plenty of imagination, making the second annual Stick Horse Stampede another memorable success for Dillon families.

The 53rd Annual Jaycee Demolition Derby drew a large crowd Saturday evening as drivers and spectators gathered for one of Dillon's favorite summer traditions. This year's event was held later in the day than usual due to the absence of the Jaycees' annual Summer Kickoff Concert. Despite the schedule change, the action-packed evening featured plenty of excitement both on and off the derby track. Competition began with two qualifying heats, followed by a consolation match featuring three vehicles. All three drivers from the consolation round advanced to the main event, setting the stage for an entertaining championship battle. Fans were also treated to the popular UTV barrel races and lawn mower races, where competitors completed 10 fast-paced laps around the arena, providing nonstop thrills and plenty of close racing. Bubba StMarks claimed victory in the UTV barrel race with a winning time of 46.14 seconds. New to this year's event was a special UTV vs. Lawn Mower Race, adding another unique attraction to the evening's lineup and drawing enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. When the dust settled in the demolition derby main event, Gage Hoerning captured first place honors and was also named the Mad Dog Award winner for his aggressive driving. Tim Denson, driving car No. 777, finished in second place, while Nicole Hull earned third place. The annual Jaycee Demolition Derby once again showcased high-octane entertainment and community spirit, continuing a tradition that has been a summertime favorite in Dillon for more than five decades.

The Dillon Cubs put together an impressive weekend in Burley, Idaho, going a perfect 4-0 to capture the championship at the Burley Wood Bat Tournament. Along the way, the Cubs showcased timely hitting, clutch pitching, and late-game heroics to bring home the tournament title. Dillon opened tournament play Thursday with a 4-1 victory over the Burley Green Sox A at Burley High School. After falling behind 1-0 in the second inning, the Cubs answered in the third when Tristan Alvarez stole home and Kanin Engelhardt delivered an RBI single to take a 2-1 lead. Sawyer Tackett earned the win, allowing just one unearned run over 5 2/3 innings while striking out seven. Andrew Bartlome closed out the game for the save, and Engelhardt led the offense with a 3-for-4 performance and two RBIs. The Cubs carried that momentum into Friday with a dominant 10-2 win over Coyotes Legion Post 46. Dillon exploded for seven runs in the opening inning, highlighted by Sawyer Tackett's three-run double. Tackett finished 3-for-3 with a double and two triples, while Trenton Moreni earned the win after striking out eight batters in four innings. The Cubs pounded out 10 hits and played flawless defense without committing an error. Later Friday, Dillon faced its toughest challenge yet, edging Idaho Chivos by a 7-6 score in extra innings. After the teams traded leads throughout the contest, Tristan Alvarez delivered a two-run triple in the top of the eighth inning before Sawyer Tackett followed with an RBI single to provide the winning margin. Ben Peacock was outstanding in relief, tossing four innings while striking out six to earn the victory. Offensively, Trenton Moreni and Jase Alvarez each collected three hits as the Cubs totaled 12 hits and turned three double plays in the field. The championship game on Saturday provided even more drama as Dillon walked off Kuna Tribe for a 3-2 victory. Trailing 2-1 entering the bottom of the seventh inning, the Cubs rallied when Sawyer Tackett singled to set the stage for Kanin Engelhardt's game-winning RBI single, sending Dillon to the tournament title in thrilling fashion. Engelhardt also earned the win on the mound with 2 2/3 innings of relief, while Andrew Bartlome delivered a strong start. Engelhardt and Cooper Clarke each had two hits in the championship victory. Throughout the four-game run, Dillon received contributions from up and down the lineup. Sawyer Tackett starred both at the plate and on the mound, Tristan Alvarez delivered key clutch hits, Kanin Engelhardt produced timely RBIs and the championship-winning hit, while Trenton Moreni, Jase Alvarez, Ben Peacock, Andrew Bartlome, and the rest of the Cubs combined for outstanding all-around play. By finishing the weekend undefeated with victories over Burley Green Sox, Coyotes, Idaho Chivos, and Kuna Tribe, the Dillon Cubs claimed the Burley Wood Bat Tournament championship and carried valuable momentum into their next matchup against the Belgrade Bandits "A."

DILLON, Mont. — Teens looking for an evening of fun and adventure are invited to participate in the Dillon Public Library's Teen Tuesday: Bannack Hide-N-Seek event on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The event is open to teens ages 13 to 18 and will begin at 6 p.m. at the front parking lot of Bannack Ghost Town. Participants will spend the evening exploring the historic site while taking part in an exciting game of hide-and-seek. Every teen who attends will receive a surprise gift and a ticket for the library's free lunch raffle. Parents or guardians are responsible for transporting participants to and from Bannack. In addition, all attendees must have a liability waiver completed prior to the event. Waivers are available at the Dillon Public Library. Organizers encourage teens to come prepared by bringing a jacket and bug spray. Ice water and a snack will be provided during the evening. For more information or questions about the event, contact the Dillon Public Library at (406) 683-4544.

Claire Gay, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. – UMW head football coach Ryan Nourse announced the hiring of former Bulldog Tyler Murray as Offensive Coordinator Friday. "We are excited to have Tyler join our football team," Nourse said. "I knew from when Tyler was a player for me that he would be an outstanding football coach. As we became colleagues over the past 9 years, it was clear to me he had the skill set to be an excellent college coach if that was a direction he wanted to go." Murray returns to Western after a successful stint as the head coach at East Helena High School, where he built the program from the ground up (2021-2026). He led the team to back-to-back Class A playoff appearances (2024,2025) and a Class A state semifinal run (2025). At East Helena, his team averaged nearly 40.0 points per game and over 350 yards per game in both 2024 and 2025. He also coached nine all-state players, 40 all-conference selections, and had eight players move on to play college ball. "Tyler has done hard things and been successful at them," Nourse said. "His ability to lead the development of East Helena's football program from inception to becoming one of the top-class A programs in the state of Montana proves his capacity to lead, coach, teach and develop young men to be their best." Prior to his time in Helena, Murray served as the head football coach and athletic director at Mission High School in St. Ignatius, Mont., from 2017-2021. He inherited a program that went winless in 2016 and turned it into back-to-back Class C-8 playoff appearances (2019, 2020). At Mission, he coached four all-state players, 21 all-conference selections, and three eventual collegiate football players. The Hamilton, Mont., native was a 2017 graduate of Montana Western and earned his degree in K-12 health enhancement with a minor in coaching. He was a four-year letter winner for the Bulldog at wide receiver and was a member of the National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor society in 2017. "This is an awesome opportunity to bring in an excellent coach and loyal, dedicated Bulldog alumni to help us continue to sustain the success we have had and to grow the program to be able to attain new heights," Nourse said.

DILLON, Mont. — The University of Montana Western men's rodeo team is set to compete on college rodeo's biggest stage as eight Bulldogs head to Casper, Wyoming, for the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) beginning Sunday, June 14. The week-long championship brings together the nation's top collegiate rodeo athletes, with competitors vying for individual national titles and a coveted spot in Saturday night's Championship Round. Montana Western enters the CNFR after a strong regular season, finishing second in the Big Sky Region with 6,256.5 points, good for 10th in the national standings heading into the finals. Eight Bulldogs Ready to Compete Representing Montana Western at the CNFR are: Cardell Laughery – Saddle Bronc Riding Cade Costello – Saddle Bronc Riding Jake Deveraux – Tie-Down Roping Jeremy Kay – Bareback Riding Gavin Knutson – Bull Riding and Team Roping Luke Garrison – Team Roping Cooper Pavkov – Team Roping Bry Severe – Team Roping Competition begins Sunday with the Bulls, Broncs & Breakaway sessions before moving into slack rounds on Monday and Tuesday. Evening performances will take place Tuesday through Friday, culminating with the Championship Round on Saturday, June 20. Four Bulldogs Making Their CNFR Debut This year's finals will mark the first appearance on the national stage for four Montana Western athletes: Luke Garrison Jeremy Kay Cardell Laughery Bry Severe Veteran Experience Returns The Bulldogs also bring significant championship experience to Casper. Gavin Knutson is making his fourth consecutive CNFR appearance, while Jake Deveraux is competing for the third time. Cooper Pavkov and Cade Costello are each returning for their second national finals. Championship Round the Goal Throughout the week, competitors will be working to earn one of the top 12 positions in their respective events, which would qualify them for Saturday night's Championship Round. Fans can follow the action throughout the week with live results, while evening performances from Tuesday through Saturday will be streamed live on ESPN+. With a mix of seasoned veterans and talented first-time qualifiers, Montana Western will look to build on an impressive season as the Bulldogs compete against the nation's best at the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo.