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Bannack State Park will be switching to winter hours next week. Starting Monday, Oct. 16, the park will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The visitor center will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bannack will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25. Summer hours will resume on April 13. Clark’s Lookout State Park will close for the season on Nov. 1 and will reopen on April 1. About 20 miles west of Dillon, Bannack State Park is a National Historic Landmark and the site of Montana’s first major gold discovery in 1862. More than 50 historic buildings still line Bannack’s Main Street. Learn more at fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/bannack or call 406-834-3413.

UMW Sports Press Release After an impressive weekend, Montana Western linebacker Kameron Rauser earned ERCK Hotels Frontier Conference Player of the Week honors. Rauser made five tackles (four solo) and had two pass breakups as UMW upset No. 11 ranked Montana Tech in Butte. His key play was a 43-yard fumble return for a touchdown – the first for the Bulldogs since 2019 – midway through the first quarter. This is the second weekly honor of Rauser’s career. To view the full conference release, click here .

The Beaverhead Bale Maze and Pumpkin Patch is back for its sixth year of groovy fun. This year's theme is Scooby Doo and you track down the clues to find all six stations, the stations have little bits of history along with a scan bar that gives you some insight into the cartoon Scooby Doo. Once you have stamped all six stations you can go back and solve the riddle to win a prize. The maze is in a different location this year and does not have the corn maze section, but don't let that discourage you from going. They have all the same attractions they have had in the past along with a few new ones as well. The maze is located at 121 Top Rank Ln just a little ways past LS Ready mix on the left hand side as you head north. Admission is $7/person and children 2 and under are free. Hours of operation are Thursdays thru Sunday noon to 8 P.M. They have a pumpkin patch where you can pick a pumpkin for purchase as well as the Braap Shak that serves sodas, water, pulled pork nachos, french fries, and my personal favorite soft pretzels with cheese. The maze of brews will return this year on October 21st with the help of Fetty's Bar and Grill. As Halloween approaches they will set the dates for the maze of scares. If you are looking for a fun way to burn off the kids energy as well as get in your steps head out to the Beaverhead Bale maze and find all six of the stations and solve the clues to get your prize.

UMW Sports Press Release The Montana Western football team (4-1, 2-1) took down the No. 11 ranked Montana Tech Orediggers (4-2, 3-1) this afternoon after the Bulldog offense rattled off a total of 497 yards. The Bulldog defense also held the Orediggers to a single score in the second half. “Really proud of the guys and what they did during the bye week. Our three goals were to improve, improve and improve and that is what they did,” Head Coach Ryan Nourse said. “They went out and they improved on the details that they knew they would need to. This week, they were just focused and workmanlike. It was all straight up let’s do what it takes to win the game.” How it Happened The Orediggers were quick to score in the first quarter, picking up an early 7-0 just over two minutes into the game. Montana Western answered on their opening drive of the game, going 75 yards in four minutes to score a touchdown off of an 11-yard rush from Jake Humphrey. The following Oredigger drive was cut short following a fumble by the MT offense that was picked up by linebacker Kameron Rauser who recorded a scoop and score for a total return of 43 yards. With the Bulldogs up 14-7, the Orediggers worked to tie the game just before the second quarter at 14. UMW remained in control of the ball heading into the second quarter and capped off a 15-play 8-minute drive with a field goal from John Mears that gave UMW the lead once more. Following another successful drive for the Orediggers that gave them the scoring edge, the Bulldogs were able to capitalize just before the half on a pass from Michael Palandri to Eli Nourse for a touchdown. Up 24-21 at the start of the second half, the Bulldog defense held strong throughout the quarter. The Orediggers worked to get down to the Western 25-yard line, but were forced to kick a field goal after a big third down stop by the defense. Bulldog linebacker Braden Smith was able to get a hand on the ball and block the kick from Oredigger kicker Ryan Lowry. The Bulldogs capitalized and scored on the following drive as Palandri rushed it in 13 yards for a touchdown, claiming a 31-21 lead. The Bulldog defense held strong once more forcing a stop that fueled a 9-play scoring drive once more for the offense. Palandri’s hand-off to Nourse was good for a touchdown to bring the score to 38-21. Despite allowing the Orediggers to claim their lone score in the second half, the Bulldogs were able to claim victory by a score of 38-28. Notables • The Bulldog offense was on fire today, racking up 497 total yards and scoring on all but two drives. Palandri threw for a total of 224 yards, a touchdown, and rushed it in for a touchdown. • The Bulldog run game saw a total of 273 rushing yards across four different ball carriers. • Pete Gibson led the ground game with a total of 102 rushing yards with an average of 9.3 yards per carry. Humphrey followed closely with 98 total rushing yards and a touchdown. • Nourse led the Bulldog receiving corps with a total of 81 receiving yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for a touchdown and seven yards. • Brady Mounts and AJ Ulrichs led the Bulldog defense with eight tackles apiece. • Rauser recorded the first fumble recovery for a touchdown since the UMW’s 2019 season when J.D. Ferris scored on a 24 -yard fumble recovery for a touchdown against Southern Oregon. Up Next The Bulldogs will return to Dillon next week on Oct. 14 and host the Rocky Mountain College Battlin’ Bears for homecoming weekend. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Vigilante Field.

Before Friday night's football game against the Hamilton Broncs the athletes took to the field to receive an award from Northwestern Energy. Students involved in extracurricular activities in Beaverhead County High School have the highest G.P.A. over all other class A schools. The G.P.A. average was 3.605 Senior Jon Peterson of the BCHS Football accepted the award while surrounded by the football team and fellow contributing students. Those contributing to the award are all varsity letter winners in all MHSA sanctioned sports, all music students who received a superior rating at the district music festival, all speech/drama students who participated in the state meet, and all varsity cheerleaders.

Leading up to Friday nights game some polls had Dillon Ranked number 2 and Hamilton ranked in first place while other polls showed the Beavers in first place. Friday night Dillon took to Vigilante Field to prove they are number one. The game got off to Dillon scoring quickly and ending the first quarter 13 to 0. Hamilton would come back in the second quarter to put up 7 points on the board. Hamilton would not see the endzone the rest of the game as the beavers put 12 more points up to end the game with the win and a final score of 35 to 7. Click on image for full size

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks along with the Montana Department of Health and Human Services are advising hunters to have their deer, elk and moose tested for chronic wasting disease (CWD). FWP strongly recommends that hunters receive a negative CWD test result before bringing their deer, elk or moose to a meat processor or donating it to a foodbank. While it is not a requirement, FWP is asking hunters to have a negative CWD test result in hand before bringing their animal to a processor for donation. If the animal tests positive for CWD, FWP will advise the hunter on proper carcass and meat disposal and give instructions on how to request a replacement license. There is no known transmission of CWD to humans. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that hunters harvesting a deer, elk or moose from an area where CWD is known to be present have their animal tested for CWD prior to consuming the meat, and to not consume the meat if the animal tests positive. For more information on CWD, go to fwp.mt.gov/cwd .

Roxanne Engellant, from the University of Montana-Western Foundation Board of Directors, will be the guest speaker at the Dillon Rotary meeting on Wednesday, October 11th at noon. Roxanne will share an update on the "Sports and Activities Complex" accomplishments and future time line. Visitors are welcome to attend, and anyone interested in learning more about the Rotary organization is invited to be a guest for lunch. The Rotary Club meets in the Guild Hall of St. James Episcopal Church, located at 203 East Glendale Street. For more information about the Rotary Club, contact Gary Lorenzen, 406-683-2552."

The University of Montana Western Foundation, UMW Athletics Department, and several community volunteers will host the 31st Annual Bulldog Bash dinner and auction on October 14, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. in the Keltz Arena on the UMW campus. The day’s events start at 11:00 a.m. with a tailgate celebration at Vigilante Field followed by the Montana Western vs. Rocky Mountain College football game. Doors open for the Bulldog Bash at the Keltz Arena after the football game with dinner being served at 5:30 p.m. An impact video, silent auction, and live auction will take place during the Bash. “This year’s video feature shows the impact that the Bulldog Bash has on all of our student-athletes. We are so grateful for UMW alumna and member of the 2019 Women’s Basketball National Championship Team, Bri King, for allowing us to tell her story. She shares how much Montana Western means to her and the impact that scholarship support had on her ability to play the game she loved and complete her college education all while being part of the Bulldog family and developing friendships that will last a lifetime,” said Montana Western Foundation Executive Director, Roxanne Engellant. The Bulldog Bash, in conjunction with other fundraising efforts, provides scholarship dollars for UMW student-athletes, and funds projects to enhance facilities and other aspects of the student-athlete experience. In addition to providing financial support to programs, this event is a great opportunity for boosters, community members and families to connect with each other and the UMW Athletic Department staff. Live auction items for this year’s Bash include: a package including four tickets to the Broncos vs. LA Chargers football game and four tickets to the Nuggets vs. the Charlotte Hornets, two tickets to the Brawl of the Wild football game on November 18 with Yeti Cooler and tailgate amenities, signed Troy Anderson jersey and two tickets to the Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons game on December 17, tickets to the Oregon State vs. University of Washington football game on Nov. 18 with $500 cash for travel, Yellowstone Hot Springs and Bar B Bunkhouse vacation package, Rock Creek Cattle Co. Golf Outing for four with one night stay at the Benny Havens Inn, Alaskan Fishing Trip, Custom Painted Bulldog Statue painted by Klaire Kramer, Fishing Trip on the Madison or Yellowstone River, Deadwood Cabin Vacation, Hot Air Balloon Ride, and No. 18 Legacy Framed Jersey in honor of M.J. Simkins. To preview the live auction items, please visit https://tinyurl.com/4eaktmte . If you’d like to bid on an item but aren’t able to be present at the Bash, please contact Jolene Robbins to arrange a bid on your behalf: jjolene.robbins@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7303. Tickets to the Bulldog Bash are available for $40 for single, $75 for couple, and $20 for UMW students. Reserved tables of eight are available for $300 and limited availability front row tables of eight for $400. To purchase tickets or tables, please contact Kelly Allen in the University of Montana Western Foundation Office at 406-683-7306 or kelly.allen@umwestern.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/UMW-Bash2023 .

General antelope season opens this Saturday, Oct. 7, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 12. For information about what to expect this season, check out Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks hunting forecast . FWP provides online information about hunting access, including our popular Block Management Program, which provides hunting access to more than 7 million acres of private land. FWP’s interactive Hunt Planner is a mapping tool that allows users to look at information for various species, including hunting districts and regulations. The hunt planner interactive map is a great way to access our block management information. If you’re planning a hunt in a certain region of the state, you can see if there are Block Management Areas available to expand your opportunity. Remember, regulations may change a bit from year to year depending on hunting district. Double check the regulations to be sure. FWP’s Hunter FAQ is another great resource to help you prepare to go out into the field. Upcoming hunting season dates Youth Deer-Only – Oct. 19 – Oct. 20 Deer & Elk General Season – Oct. 21 – Nov. 26 Deer & Elk Muzzleloader – Dec. 9 – Dec. Dec. 17 Fall Mountain Lion – Oct. 21 – Nov. 26 Bison – Nov. 15 – Feb.15

The University of Montana Western will hold its Homecoming activities and Alumni Weekend events October 9-14, 2023. This week is an exciting opportunity for alumni, friends, students, faculty, staff, and community members to gather and enjoy a series of events hosted by Montana Western Alumni and Friends, Bulldog Athletics, the Associated Students of the University of Montana Western, and the Bulldog Life Office. Schedule of Events “Burn the Bears”: Homecoming 2023 Monday, October 9th Office Decorating Contest Begins Homecoming Royalty Nominations Open Campus Food Drive Begins Tuesday, October 10th Donut Forget about Registration: 11:20 a.m. at Legacy Plaza/Pioneer Federal Amphitheater Office Decorating Contest Registration deadline: 5:00 p.m. Capture the Flag: 7:00 p.m. on the Tundra Wednesday, October 11th Gameday Poster Making: 3:30 p.m. in the Bulldog Lounge Homecoming Royalty Nomination Deadline: 5:00 p.m. Swing/Line Dance: 6:00 p.m. in Auxiliary Gym (BARC 2nd Floor) Thursday, October 12th Pep Rally and Homecoming Royalty Voting: 7:00 p.m. in Beier Auditorium Burn the Bears Bonfire: 8:00 p.m. at Old Football Practice Field Friday, October 13th Ultimate Fan Gear Friday: Check-in at Bulldog Life Office Campus Food Drive Closes: 5:00 p.m. Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony: 4:30 p.m. in the Lewis & Clark Room, Mathews Hall Saturday, October 14th ASUMW Tailgate: 12:00 p.m. at Vigilante Field Tailgating Area Montana Western Bulldogs vs. Rocky Mountain College Battlin’ Bears: 1:00 p.m. at Vigilante Field Bulldog Bash: 5:00 p.m., Keltz Arena The University of Montana Western would like to thank the Community of Dillon and the surrounding area for your continued support and hope that you can join us for these exciting events. For more information, visit https://www.umwestern.edu/montana-western-homecoming/ or contact Montana Western’s ASUMW Program Coordinator, Augustina Wofford: augustina.wofford@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7211.

The University of Montana Western’s Residence Life team is excited to announce that this year's "Trunk or Treat" event will be held on Wednesday, October 25, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the BARC parking lot on campus. During this family friendly event that is fun for all ages, Montana Western students, staff, and faculty decorate their vehicles with different themes while handing out candy. Families in the community are invited to wear costumes and bring their children and grandchildren to walk through the “Trunk or Treat” event and enjoy the festivities. For those interested in decorating a vehicle for the event, please visit the Bulldog Life office located in the lower level of the Student Union Building with your chosen theme. Candy donations are greatly appreciated and can be dropped off at the Bulldog Life Office. Students who participate in this event will earn 300 Paw Prints points. “Residence Life looks forward to this event every year. Seeing the campus community come together to serve the larger Dillon community is rewarding and so much fun. Last year, approximately 500 people attended the event, and we can’t wait to see that many or more this year!” said Montana Western’s Director of Residence Life, Bonita Bontrager. For more information, please contact Bonita Bontrager: bonita.bontrager@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7520.

Notice is Hereby Given That Five or More Council Members are Scheduled to Attend the Annual Montana League of Cities and Towns Conference/Training in Helena, Montana October 11 th through the 13 th , 2023. No City of Dillon Business Will Be Conducted During the Above Training and the Public is Welcome to Attend and/or Observe. Should You Have Any Questions, Please Contact City Hall by Calling (406)-683-4245

Tuesday October 10th, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. City Council Chambers ZONING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Agenda 1. Call To Order 2. Review and Approval of the Minutes of the September 26 th 2023 Proposed Changes to Title 17 Public Hearing; Minutes of the September 26 th , 2023 Proposed Change to Zoning Map West of the Interstate Public Hearing; and Minutes of the September 26 th, 2023 Regular Meeting 3. Director of Operations Report a. Public Comment will be taken after discussion of items 4 through 6 by the Zoning Commission; followed by final discussion by the zoning commission; and final vote by the commission if necessary. 4. Applications for Zoning Compliance Certificates for Review: 5. Discussion/Recommendation of Proposed Changes to Chapter 17 6. Discussion/Recommendation of Proposed Change to Zoning Map West of the Interstate 7. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the Zoning Commission. 8. Adjournment PLEASE NOTE: A Zoom link is available. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528, allowing permission for mic and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528) and use Passcode 4245. Zoning Commission Members: Tim Stoker, Raymond Graham, Russ Schwandt; Mike Watson, Justin Rooley

The University of Montana Western would like to invite community members to apply to host a TEDx presentation by October 15. The University of Montana Western is excited to host its first TEDx event on March 23, 2024. This event will feature presentations by faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members in front of a live recorded audience. All presentations will have the opportunity to be featured on the TED global network. Speaker applications and nominations are open for those who have an “idea worth spreading” that will represent the campus and community during the event’s series of TEDx Talks. Those interested in hosting a presentation or nominating a speaker are invited to submit the online application: https://forms.office.com/r/80tNQiPgwZ . Applications are due by October 15, 2023. The selection committee will finalize the speaker list in December. This event is made possible by the UMW Foundation Fund for Experience One and will be facilitated by Montana Western’s Theatre Program. For more information, please contact Adjunct Assistant Professor of Theatre, Stephen Seder: stephen.seder@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7038.

U MW Sport Press Release Walla Walla, WASH. – The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association has announced the 2022-23 Scholar American recipients. Eleven Bulldogs from last season’s roster earned this recognition. The honor is bestowed on NIRA members that have earned points at a 2022-23 NIRA sanctioned rodeo, been in college for more than one term, earned a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, and have been nominated by their rodeo coach. Men’s Rodeo Brett Bartholomew Matthew Goings Trevor Kay Jackie Sceirine Garret Yeager Women’s Rodeo Hannah Haverland Tavy Leno Krista Marchand TaLyn Neville Brooke Richey Mikayla Witter The national headquarters of the NIRA are located in Walla Walla, Washington. More information on the association and results from recent events available on www.collegerodeo.com .

UMW Sports Press Release The Montana Western volleyball team (16-2, 3-1) came out on top with a statement sweep over the No. 9 ranked Montana Tech Orediggers (14-4, 3-1). The Bulldogs won sets by scores of 25-22, 25-19, 25-20. “The girls played really well tonight. Coming in to play Montana Tech, we knew it was going to be a tough environment. We knew it was a tough team,” Head Coach Katie Lovett said. “We really wanted to focus on ourselves and what we could do well and I think we did a really good job at that. Our serve receive passing was phenomenal tonight and it really set up a lot of different things for our offense. When our offense got their opportunities, they took advantage of it.” How it Happened The Bulldogs and Orediggers started the match neck and neck before the Bulldogs rode a 7-1 scoring run to take a 20-13 lead. The Orediggers fought to get back into the match and tied the game at 22. Kills from Jazi Smith and Peyton Vogl, paired with a block error from the Orediggers boosted the Bulldogs to a first set victory. The second frame saw UMW grab onto an early lead at 7-4 behind back-to-back blocks from Kaitlyn Van Well and Danyel Martin. The Bulldogs would remain in control for the remainder of the set, staying out in front of the Orediggers the entire way. UMW rallied in the third set to a 13-5 lead. The Orediggers answered with their own 7-1 run that brought the game back withing two points. Kills from Vogl, Smith, and KayLee Kopp pushed the Bulldogs along to a six-point lead. UMW was then able to ward off a late comeback from the Orediggers to claim the match at 25-20. Notables Tonight’s win marks the first victory in conference play over the Orediggers since 2011. The last win over the Orediggers came last season when the Bulldogs upset Montana Tech to advance to the conference tournament championship. Martin led the way with nine kills with no errors on 14 attempts, good for a .643 hitting percentage. She also led the front row with four blocks. Three Bulldog attackers recorded eight kills in the match: KayLee Kopp, Vogl, and Jordan Olson. Setters Kaylee Fritz and Sophie Worden combined for 33 assists. Worden also led with two aces on the way to a total of five for the Bulldogs. Kelsey Goddard had 23 digs alongside four assists. Up Next The Bulldogs will now travel to Great Falls, Mont. on Saturday Oct. 7 for a matchup against the University of Providence. Game time is set for 2 p.m.

HELENA, Mont. -- The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that $800,000 of federal grant funding is available to help small Montana businesses accelerate and grow international sales. The federal funding, from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), will be administered through Commerce’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). “Montana made products reach far beyond our geographic borders and stand out on an international stage," said Scott Osterman, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “Commerce will continue to create and support economic opportunities for Montana businesses to access global markets and provide those businesses with support from Commerce’s export team.” The STEP grant, through Commerce’s Export MT , will be used to support foreign trade missions, Montana Pavilions at international trade shows and other international marketing projects. Eligible Montana exporters can apply for 50 percent reimbursement up to $10,000 for eligible marketing activities such as trade show exhibition, market research and U.S. commercial service programs and foreign language translation. Other eligible marketing activities include international compliance testing, intellectual property protection, digital marketing and travel stipend. Eligible applicants may receive up to $30,000 in STEP awards per year. In October, Export MT will offer a “Grants for International Sales” training webinar on the STEP grant and international marketing activities. “Many Montana companies have tried out new international markets or implemented new export marketing plans because of the STEP grant,” said Angelyn DeYoung, International Trade Manager of Export MT. “When Montana companies export, they bring in new money to the state, increase their sales and diversify their markets.” Since 2011, Montana has received $5.79 million in STEP grant funds from the SBA, matching with $1.9 million in state funds, and has awarded 879 grants with a return on investment of $851 million and supported 1,508 jobs. In 2022, Montana exported $3.3 billion of products; that includes the top exported products such as cereals, mineral fuel, inorganic chemicals, meat and industrial machinery. The top countries that Montana companies export to are: Canada, Mexico, Korea, Japan and China. The current amount of available grant funding, the fourth highest amount in the nation, is expected to assist an estimated 241 exporters with international sales activities and training and contribute approximately $10.3 million in total export sales. For more information about Montana’s STEP program, visit exportmontana.com . To directly apply for STEP funding, visit the application site .

From Katie Raffety BCHS Band Teacher I'm SO pleased to announce that we had six students accepted into the All Star Band Festival at the University of Montana that will take place Nov. 10-12. These students are nominated by me for their musical achievements and are selected from hundreds of applicants from Montana, Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Wyoming. Highlights of their weekend will include being conducted by three-time Emmy winner for Best Musical Directing, Julie Giroux, getting to play with the Grizzly Marching Band during their game that weekend, and taking private lessons with members of the U of M music faculty. If you see these awesome kids, please congratulate them! Micaiah Kizzar, Euphonium Aubrey Hawley, Clarinet Ryanne Hutchinson, Clarinet Maddie Knight, Bari Sax Sev Meier, Flute Hunter Wigen, Trombone Below is a link to the festival website if you'd like to check it out! https://www.umt.edu/music/festivals-and-camps/all-star-band/