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UMW Sports Press Release The Montana Western rodeo team was back in the arena this weekend for a four-day event in Havre, Mont. hosted by MSU-Northern. The Bulldog Men came out on top in the first rodeo of the weekend. Gavin Knutson took the men’s all-around title after taking the top spot in bull riding and placing in both tie down roping and team roping. The Bulldog men finished in second in the second MSU-Northern Rodeo, while the Bulldog Women finished third in both events. “Proud of how our kids competed this week. We had several individuals step up and put themselves in good positions. We are excited and on to the next one,” Head Coach JT Robbins said. Top Performers Rodeo #1 • Trevor Kay finished in first in bareback riding with a 136 in the average. • Knutson was named men’s all-around for the first rodeo. He placed first in bull riding, putting up 160 points in two rides. He placed fifth in tie down roping with a 9.5/1 and fourth in team roping with a 22.1 with partner Cole Trexler. • Tavy Leno placed first in goat tying after she claimed a 14.9 in the average. • Jhet Murphy claimed first in team roping with a 12.4 with former Bulldog Ty Christensen. He also placed second in steer wrestling in the average with an 8.5. • Jake Deveraux placed third in tie down roping with a 24.6. • Cade Costello took third in saddle bronc riding with an average of 103. • Trexler claimed fourth in saddle bronc with an 81 in the average. • Erin McGinley placed third after she recorded a 6.1 in the average for breakaway roping. • Kylie Lund placed fifth in the average for breakaway roping with a 2.5/1. • TaLyn Neville snagged seventh with a 2.7/1 in breakaway roping. Top Performers Rodeo #2 • Kay took first in bareback riding with a 149 in the average score. • Knutson claimed the top spot in tie down with a 20.0. He also took the win in bull riding with an 83 in the average. • Desi Coombs placed second in breakaway roping with a 4.4. • Deveraux took fourth in the tight standings for tie down roping with a 21.6. • Costello finished fourth in the average for saddle bronc with a 74/1. • Leno placed sixth in goat tying with a 15.3. • Braleigh Garrett placed seventh in breakaway roping with a 2.4/1. Up Next The Bulldogs return for the Montana Western home rodeo this week. Action begins on Friday night with the first performance at 6 p.m. Saturday morning slack will kick off at 8:30 a.m. The short-go will be at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening. All events will be held at Harry Andrus Arena.

UMW Sports Press Release The Montana Western football team (3-1, 1-1) came out on top over the Southern Oregon Raiders (1-2, 0-1) by a score of 24-23. The Bulldogs scored two unanswered touchdowns in the fourth quarter and drove 94 yards to put the nail in the coffin over the Raiders with 42 seconds left on the clock. “I am just proud of the guys for fighting to the end and pulling out a game that we should not have won. We made so many errors in the first quarter alone. We had three first downs called back on penalties and a touchdown,” Head Coach Ryan Nourse said. “Just all of the errors and silly things that we did, our difficulty getting off the field on third down on defense, inability to get two-point plays hurt us. It is a game we should not win but you have to learn how to win games ugly. SOU is everything we thought, they are tough, physical and fast. I am proud of our games to be able to flush a really bad half performance and put together an average one and make plays at the end to win it.” How it Happened The Raiders were the first to put points on the board, scoring on their first play of the game on a pass from quarterback Matt Struck to receiver Jackson Clemmer for 46 yards. The Bulldogs struggled to find the end zone on their second drive, ending in an impressive 47-yard career-long field goal from John Mears. Down 7-3, the Bulldog secondary proved their mettle after a pair of timely breakups from Braden Swank and Brady Mounts forced a Southern Oregon three and out. The offense followed suit with another UMW scoring drive that was capped off by Mears’ second field goal of the game. Southern Oregon wasted little time in the second quarter, taking a 14-6 lead with 12:58 left in the half. The following drive saw the Bulldogs drive 65 yards in just under five minutes for their first touchdown of the game. Palandri hit Jon Kirkley for a 17-yard touchdown pass. The Raiders managed to run six minutes off the clock on their next possession before the Bulldog defense forced a fourth down on the Montana Western 16-yard line. Raiders’ kicker Brian Batres nailed a field goal of his own to boost SOU to a 17-12 lead. The Bulldog defense held strong for the second half, allowing just one more Raider score for the remainder of the game. Down 23-12 in the fourth quarter, Palandri connected with Eli Nourse on back-to-back drives for two Bulldog touchdowns. The first on a 28-yard pass with 9:24 left in the game. The second on a 14-play march down the field that put the Bulldogs ahead for the first time at 24-23 with 42 seconds on the clock. The Raiders made it interesting, picking up 57 yards on five plays. Despite the excitement, Raiders’ kicker Brian Batres missed a 49-yard field goal attempt as time expired to seal the victory for UMW. Notables • For the third game this season, Nourse racked up more than 100 receiving yards in a game. He totaled a career-high 169 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score with 42 seconds left on the clock. • Kicker John Mears nailed a career-long 47-yard field goal on his way to hitting two field goals in the game. Mears remains perfect on the season in PATs and field goals. • Palandri threw for 269 passing yards and completed 25 of 38 attempts. • Braden Swank and Aiden Prado worked magic for the Bulldog secondary, combining for six pass breakups and eight tackles. • DJ Kirven rushed for a team high 62 yards. • Braden Smith had a day, racking up 10 tackles on defense. Reese Artz added two tackles for loss to his count, along with six tackles. Up Next The Bulldogs take the week off to prepare for a matchup with the undefeated No. 15 ranked Montana Tech Orediggers (4-0, 2-0), who will likely move up in the rankings after they upset the No. 7 College of Idaho in today’s matchup. The Orediggers will take on Southern Oregon prior to the matchup. Click Image For Full Size

The Dillon Beavers played their second home game tonight at Vigilante Field against the Whitefish Bulldogs. The Beavers would put up a score on the scoreboard and not look back. The Bulldogs would struggle in the first half allowing the beavers to put up 39 points on the scoreboard. The Beavers would lead 39 to 7 after the first half. Second half of the game would see the mercy rule put into place and the Beavers second string come out to play. The Beavers would go on to win the game 45 to 7. Click On Image For Full Size

KALISPELL — Two grizzly bears were captured and euthanized after several conflicts with people in the Fortine and North Fork areas in northwest Montana. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks received numerous reports of an adult female grizzly bear and male cub getting into unsecured garbage in the Fortine area in Lincoln County in early August. FWP bear specialists captured the bears and moved them to forestland near Frozen Lake and Tuchuck Mountain. The bears traveled to the North Fork of the Flathead and began seeking food sources by breaking into cabins, garages, outdoor freezers, and a trailer. FWP staff responded and captured the adult female, estimated to be six years old, and the cub. Based on reports and video footage, the bears were severely food conditioned and habituated to people. The decision was made to euthanize both animals on Sept. 20 in consultation with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and by Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee guidelines. Food-conditioned and habituated bears are those that have sought and obtained unnatural foods, destroyed property, or displayed aggressive, non-defensive behavior towards humans. Once a bear has become food-conditioned, hazing and aversive conditioning are unlikely to be successful in reversing this type of behavior. Food-conditioned and habituated bears are not relocated due to human safety concerns. Please report bear conflicts immediately to FWP or your tribal wildlife management agency. Addressing conflicts promptly can help avoid bears from becoming severely food conditioned or habituated. In northwest Montana, contact: North portion of Flathead County and Eureka area - Justine Vallieres, 406-250-1265 South portion of Flathead County - Erik Wenum, 406-250-0062 Cabinet-Yaak ecosystem and Sanders County – Jennifer Wissmann, 406-291-1320 Flathead Indian Reservation - Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Wildlife Management Program, 406-275-2774 For livestock conflicts, contact USDA Wildlife Services at 1-866-4USDAWS Montana is bear country with populations of grizzly and black bears. Bears are increasingly active and seeking food in the fall months before denning season. Bears typically enter their dens for the winter beginning in late November. Tips in bear country Carry bear spray close at hand and know how to use it. Properly secure or remove food attractants, including fruit, livestock, livestock feed, garbage, and bird feeders. Travel in groups whenever possible and plan to be back to your vehicle in the daylight hours. Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers. Watch for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses. Make noise, especially near streams or in thick forest where hearing and visibility is limited. This can be the key to avoiding encounters. Most bears will avoid humans when they know humans are present. Never approach a bear. A properly constructed electrified fence is both safe for people, livestock and pets, and has proven effective at deterring bears from human-related resources such as beehives, garbage or small livestock. For assistance or more information, contact your local FWP bear management specialist. Learn more about bears at https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear.

The University of Montana Western’s Theatre Department is excited to announce the 21st Annual Ten Minute Play Festival to be held October 16-18 as part of the Bank of Commerce (BOC) Performing Arts Series. The 21st annual Ten Minute Play Festival will be held in Montana Western’s Small Auditorium in Main Hall 314. Showings start on October 16 and end on October 18. The evening showtimes will start at 7:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday and the matinee showings will start at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. This popular and exciting event shines a spotlight on students, faculty, staff, and community members. This year’s theme will be “Lights, Camera, Action!” and will feature student-produced short films. The production will be facilitated by Stephen Alan Seder and the students from two theatre courses: “Introduction to Acting” and “Play Production and Introduction to Directing.” To purchase tickets, please visit the BOC Performing Arts Series Box Office webpage ( www.umwestern.edu/bank-of-commerce-performing-arts-series/box-office/ ). Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for senior, youth, and military, and free for UMW students who present their Bulldog Cards. For more information on the Ten Minute Play Festival and all shows in the BOC series, visit the BOC webpage ( www.umwestern.edu/bank-of-commerce-performing-arts-series/ ) or contact Adjunct Assistant Professor of Theatre, Stephen Seder: stephen.seder@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7038.

Tuesday September 26 th , 2023 at 6:30 P.M. City Council Chambers ZONING COMMISSION Public Hearing Proposed Changes to Title 17 Tuesday September 26 th , 2023 at 6:40 P.M. City Council Chambers ZONING COMMISSION Public Hearing Proposed Change to Zoning Map West Of The Interstate Tuesday September 26th, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. City Council Chambers ZONING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Agenda 1. Call To Order 2. Review and Approval of Minutes of the August 29 th , 2023 Regular Meeting 3. Director of Operations Report a. Public Comment will be taken after discussion of items 4 through 9 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: 2023-21 Bitterroot Equities TBD Thomas Single Family 5. Discussion of Proposed Changes to Chapter 17 6. Discussion of Proposed Change to Zoning Map West of the Interstate 7. Discussion of Proposed Zoning and Annexation of Proposed Clover View Subdivision 8. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the Zoning Commission. 9. 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

Fall is in the air but that does not stop the events in Southwestern Montana. We have them all rounded up and in one convenient place for you. Friday, Sept 22 Tai Chi Free Classes Tai Chi (tie chee) meets on Tuesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. It is a gentle form of ancient Chinese exercise that was originally developed for self-defense (with rapid moves), but has evolved into what some call "meditation in motion." If you want to reduce stress and anxiety, while increasing flexibility and balance, come join this class. No charge. Butte Montana Hurling Tournament Butte Montana. This Fall. Register Today, make plans to watch. www.wolfetones.club Ruby Valley Brew Dan Henry will be at RVB in Sheridan, Montana September 22nd from 6-8pm. Own Your Worth Women's Event Inspiring speakers. Guided journaling sessions. Hands-on worshipping. Upper Miner Lakes Hike NEAREST TOWN: Wisdom MEETING TIME: 10 a.m. DIFFICULTY: Strenuous ROUND-TRIP MILEAGE: 8.2 miles LEADERS: Ilona Wilde & Aubrey Bertram → Free to attend, but registration required Montana Wildlife Federation and Wild Montana will team up for a hike to Upper Miner Lakes in the Beaverhead Mountains! Upper Miner Lakes are in the shadow of the Continental Divide and are surrounded on three sides by towering 10,000-foot ridges. This outing is a fun opportunity to see the Great Divide in all its glory while learning about conservation initiatives in the Southwestern Wildlands area. ► REGISTER: https://wildmontana.org/event/upper-miner-lakes-hike/ *If waitlisted, we'll reach out to let you know if other registrants drop out. This happens quite frequently, so don't hesitate to sign up for a waitlist! ► This outing is hosted by our Southwestern Wildlands Chapter. View more hikes in southwest Montana here → wildmontana.org/where/southwestern-montana/ ________________ About Wilderness Walks Since our first Wilderness Walk in 1960, thousands have joined our volunteer leaders on free outings in every corner of the state. Learn more about our Wilderness Walks here → wildmontana.org/walks Beavers VS Whitefish Vigilante Field game starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept 23 UMW Football VS Southern Oregon UMW Football takes on the Southern Oregon Raiders. Saturday Dillon Pop-Up Come see Cassie and Jess! We will be bringing special items for the day! Permanent jewelry, tons of new boot options, hair tinsel, new wild rags, and more!

ANACONDA — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks confirmed Arctic grayling in Warm Springs Creek near Anaconda this month after anglers reported catching two grayling in the area. Arctic grayling, although native to Montana, are not native to Warm Springs Creek. As a follow-up to the angler reports, FWP fisheries staff surveyed the immediate area and found two grayling, indicating that there are likely more grayling in the creek than found but not in high density. FWP says that the grayling likely escaped into the creek from the nearby Washoe Park Fish Hatchery in Anaconda. Arctic grayling are raised in the Washoe Park isolation facility as part of the grayling recovery program. They are also kept in the display tank in the visitors center. Escapement from the hatchery is being evaluated and will be corrected prior to additional grayling being brought into the facility. Grayling feed primarily on insects, so they are not a significant predation threat to other fish and do not mate with other fish in Warm Springs Creek, so they are not a hybridization concern. However, FWP fisheries management calls for keeping naturally occurring fish in Montana rivers and streams, and although grayling are native to Montana, they were not historically found in the Clark Fork drainage. FWP will move grayling out of the hatchery while they assess and address their escapement from the facility. If you catch a grayling in the area, FWP is asking anglers to not return it to the creek. Keep the fish and report it to FWP at 406-493-2694. Freezing the fish is a good way to store it until it can be given to FWP. Under Montana’s mid-20th century fisheries management direction, FWP stocked Arctic grayling in Warm Springs Creek and mountain lakes in the area from the 1930s through 1950s, as well as in Flint Creek and Georgetown Lake. However, the fish did not persist, so FWP says that a future established population of Arctic grayling is unlikely.

The University of Montana Western will offer two study abroad courses for students during Block 8 of the 2024 spring semester: “Geology of Greece” and “Iceland: Climate Change and Arctic Ecology.” GEO 194: Geology of Greece Discover over 200 million years of geologic history in Greece and how it helped shape the development of humans and civilizations in this historic region of the world. Students in this study abroad experience will learn how to identify different types of rocks and minerals, geologic structures, the plate tectonic processes that formed them, and how the most recent geological activity has shaped the human experience in this part of the world. Students will leave early in Block 8 and return about two weeks later. The course will conclude with a photo journal, geohistory summary, and public presentation. Interested students should contact Professor of Geology, Dr. Rob Thomas, no later than September 29, 2023, at rob.thomas@umwestern.edu . Iceland: Climate Change and Arctic Ecology: Geological, Ecological, & Sustainability Investigations During this study abroad experience, students will have the opportunity to tour a large portion of Iceland while learning the geology and ecology of this unique environment and will explore glaciers, geothermal activity, arctic vegetation, and native wildlife. Students will travel abroad for two weeks of Block 8. Interested students should contact Professors Dr. Wendy M. Ridenour or Dr. Spruce Schoenemann at wendy.ridenour@umwestern.edu or spruce.schoenemann@umwestern.edu as soon as possible to register.

DVFD responded to 19 calls for service during the month of July 2023. 07-01 S Argenta Powerline Down 07-01 Southside Blvd Fire Alarm 07-01 S Dakota Powerline Down 07-03 I-15 S MM 86 MVA 07-04 Hilltop Dr Grass Fire 07-05 Southside Blvd Fire Alarm 07-05 Southside Blvd Fire Alarm 07-08 I-15 N MM 90 MVA 07-11 Stone creek Rd Hay Fire 07-13 N Montana Powerline Down 07-14 I-15 S MM 74 MVA 07-16 I-15 S MM 49 Grass Fire 07-19 Old Armstead/ Red Rock Grass Fire 07-20 E Morse St Gas Odor 07-21 Old Stage Rd Grass Fire 07-22 Southside Blvd Gas Odor 07-25 Grandview Ln Structure Fire 07-26 Montana Fire Alarm 07-31 Hwy 41 MM12 Grass Fire We had members train on Haz-Mat waste operations Emergency Response refresher, First Responder Trauma, Resiliency & also had members take a 40 hour aircraft accident & response class. July is also when members tested the hoses on the 4 structure engines that our department has. Please come support the DVFD at the Great Harvest Bake Days on August 23,24 & 25th. We look forward to seeing you at the Annual DVFD Pancake Breakfast on Labor Day.

Various polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons present, source unknown BILLINGS – The Fish Consumption Advisory Board, consisting of representatives from Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS), Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), has issued a consumption advisory on all fish species in the Yellowstone River from Indian Fort Fishing Access Site (FAS) near Reed Point to the Highway 212 bridge in Laurel. Various polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, were detected at levels high enough to warrant this advisory for all fish species, both game and nongame. Sampling Results FWP crews collected longnose suckers, shorthead redhorse, rainbow trout, brown trout and mountain whitefish from areas upstream and downstream of the June 24 train derailment site at Twin Bridges Road railroad bridge. Multiple species showed levels of various PAHs high enough to warrant an advisory to avoid all consumption. Specific PAHs found in these fish include naphthalene, found in multiple species, and 1- and 2-methylnapthalene and acenaphthylene found only in mountain whitefish. Fish were collected 6.5 river miles upstream of the derailment site near Indian Fort FAS, and 6.2 river miles downstream near Holmgren FAS. FWP crews previously collected rainbow trout and mountain whitefish from the Yellowstone River below the derailment site to assess human consumption restrictions as a follow-up to the train derailment. This sampling showed elevated levels of phenanthrene, another PAH, in mountain whitefish and a consumption advisory was put in place on Aug. 11 to avoid all consumption of this fish species and motivated the agency to conduct additional sampling. Phenanthrene was not found in any fish during the most recent sampling. Many species of fish, especially brown and rainbow trout, found in this section of the Yellowstone River migrate seasonally for spawning and to find colder water in the warmer summer months. Out of an abundance of precaution and unknown conditions in adjacent sections of the river, those with specific concerns may want to avoid consuming all species of fish from the Yellowstone River at any location until more is known on the severity and prevalence of this contamination. Next Steps The source of the PAHs remains unknown. Determining a specific source could be challenging, as PAHs, including those found in these fish, are present in many common materials. Some PAHs occur naturally in the environment, especially in the shale rock common in the Yellowstone River Basin. PAHs are also found in products such as oil, gas, plastics, and pesticides—and are produced through combustion of these products. Further testing is still needed to determine the potential contamination source and long-term guidance. FWP plans to expand sampling on the Yellowstone River to further understand the extent of PAHs for human consumption concerns. Final plans for this additional sampling are still being discussed by FWP, DEQ, and DPHHS, but will include sampling fish from locations on the Yellowstone River further upstream and further downstream of the derailment site. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have classified naphthalene, 1-methylnaphthalene, and 2-methylnaphthalene as possibly cancer-causing in humans. The other two PAHs that have been detected in fish tissue samples, phenanthrene and acenaphthene, have not been classified as cancer-causing chemicals. Other health effects from ingesting high levels of PAHs that have been shown in animal studies include effects on the gastrointestinal system, immune system, reproductive system, kidneys and skin. These effects from eating fish have not been recorded in humans. For more information on PAHs, including the specific PAHs found in the fish tissue samples, visit: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/polycyclic-aromatic-hydrocarbons/health_effects.html .

Throughout my four terms in the Montana House of Representatives I have had the absolute honor of serving you. Thank you for putting your trust in me to go to Helena and work on your behalf. Although each session has had its successes, the 2023 session provided the opportunity for me to sponsor a record property tax rebate bill and work on legislation to successfully lower the overall income tax rate for all tax paying Montanans – which felt like a great way to cap off the 2023 session in the Montana House of Representatives. A key piece of legislation I introduced was HB 221 to revise the income tax rates for net-long term capital gains. If a Montanan sells any capital asset, including their home, livestock, or investments, for more than the price they paid, they are required to pay capital gains tax. This tax impacts farmers, ranchers, homeowners and retirees, and many others. The process is complex and confusing for Montana capital gains taxpayers. The calculation is currently made using seven tax rates and credits. Conservatives believe the tax code should be simple, straight forward, and understandable; and that the tax code should encourage, not punish investments. This is why HB 221 simplified the rates used to make the calculations and narrowed it to two rates, instead of seven. Another bill I sponsored was HB 379 to assist pharmacies in rural or underserved areas in Montana who need access to low-cost pharmacy services, so that they can continue to provide these services. Access to care and medication is a growing concern for many and I was glad I could sponsor this legislation to ensure the services continued. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments at tom.welch@legmt.gov. Tom Welch, R-Dillon, is the Representative for HD 72 (Beaverhead and Silver Bow Counties) and is the Vice Chairman of the House Taxation Committee and a member of the Human Services Committee.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY MUSEUM Board of Trustees Agenda, Regular Meeting Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 @ 5 PM 15 S Montana Street 1. Introduction of Guests: 2. Approval of consent agenda, August 23, 2023, Minutes 3. Trustees (7): John  Breen, Lorraine King, Lee Graves, Mark McGinley, Aggie Helle, Donna Jones, Kristy Pozega a. Director, Present: Candi Whitworth 4. Trustees Excused Absent: Lorraine King 5. Treasurer’s Report: a. Budget update – John Breen 6. Association Report: Lynn Giles 7. Old Business: a. Keypad locks on the schoolhouse & cabin, plexiglass, and security gates on the model train exhibit b. Clean the depot basement and move items from storage on Thomsen Ave. 8. New Business: a. Accession, deaccession of items 9. Director’s Report: Candi Whitworth a. Research Policy 10. Other Business: 11. Public Discussion: Public comment on items of significant public interest not on the agenda and within the jurisdiction of the Beaverhead County Museum Board of Trustees. 12. Set date of the next meeting: (TBD) 13. Adjournment: (The above minutes are from written notes taken by the Museum Director or an assigned individual during the meeting. These minutes are not a transcript, but rather a summary of the proceedings of the meeting.)

The University of Montana Western has been ranked #7 in Top Public Schools, #8 in Best Value Schools, #23 in Best Regional Colleges, and #46 in Top Performers on Social Mobility in the Western region by U.S. News & World Report in their 2023-24 rankings. Now in its 39th year, the rankings evaluate more than 1500 colleges and universities on up to 19 measures of academic quality. Each year, they provide prospective students and their families with helpful data and information to help them make informed choices on selecting institutions of higher education. “For 40 years, students and their families have come to count on Best Colleges as a vital resource as they navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives,” says Eric Gertler, executive chairman and CEO of U.S. News. “The significant changes in this year’s methodology are part of the ongoing evolution to make sure our rankings capture what is most important for students as they compare colleges and select the school that is right for them.” The Western region is comprised of 15 states including Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Montana, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Alaska, and Hawaii. U.S. News calculates each ranking based on a specific methodology, using factors including overall graduation rates, academic quality, Pell grant graduation rates and social mobility, first generation graduation rates, student support services, financial support, and academic resources for faculty. The fields of academic study at Montana Western include Biology, Business and Technology, Environmental Sciences, Education, English, Equine Studies, Health and Human Performance, Fine Arts, Mathematics, and History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences. Students at the University of Montana Western enjoy a tight-knit community atmosphere and small class sizes where they work closely with peers and professors alike. The 20-acre campus is an excellent choice for students to take advantage of the experiential learning offered by the Experience One program, where they can build on critical and creative thinking skills to prepare for real-world job and graduate school opportunities. Montana Western’s commitment to engagement and support offer an incredible experience for students while maintaining a high standard of academic excellence and low tuition costs. To view the University of Montana Western’s full rankings listing, visit https://tinyurl.com/2p884snf . For more information about Experience One and the University of Montana Western, or to schedule a tour, visit www.umwestern.edu or call 877-683-7331.

Saturday afternoon was the Bulldogs first home field game at Vigilante Field. They let Lewis & Clark College know that with a 49-13 win. The Bulldogs started off a little slow allowing Lewis and Clark to score on their first two drives of the day. The Pioneers would take a 10-0 lead early in the game but the Bulldogs would wake up and flip the switch by starting it off with DJ Kirven rush for a 75 yard touchdown. In the second quarter down 10 t0 7 Michael Palandri would throw a 37 yard touchdown to Dylan Shipley giving the Bulldogs the lead and from there they would keep the lead. Some highlights of the game courtesy of Lindsey Branch are: The Bulldog defense forced a three and out on the following drive, featuring a sack by Tanner Harrell. This ignited another Western scoring drive that was capped off by a 15-yard rush by Pete Gibson. UMW continued in their second quarter barrage with an eight play, 64-yard drive that was capped off by a five-yard touchdown rush from Kirven. Just before the half, the Pioneers added their final points of the game in a field goal from 44- yards out. UMW went into the half up 28-13. Western wasted no time in the third quarter after Coby Tanioka returned the opening kickoff for 68 yards. On the following play, Eli Nourse caught a 32-yard pass from Palandri for a touchdown. With UMW up 35-13, Aiden Prado added some excitement after he picked off Pioneer quarterback Cruz Montana. The following play saw Pete Gibson rush the ball in for another Bulldog score, putting the Bulldogs up 42-13. The final score of the game came in the fourth quarter after Bradley Eleton rushed for nine yards for a touchdown. The Bulldog defense hung on to keep the Pioneers scoreless for the entire second half as Montana Western finished the game on top at 49-13. Notables The Bulldog defense stepped up to the plate as they recorded four sacks, two interceptions, and 9 tackles for loss in the win. Bulldog running back Kirven led the way after he rushed for a career high 137 yards and two touchdowns. Nourse recorded 117 receiving yards with a touchdown. Palandri threw for 280 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Kameron Rauser and Prado each recorded an interception in the game. Rauser for a return of 28 yards and Prado for a return of 23 yards. The Bulldogs are back at home next week for a Frontier Conference matchup against Southern Oregon University. Kickoff is set for 1p.m. at Vigilante Field. Click on image for full size

This week has been homecoming week for Beaverhead County High School and last night the Beavers took on the Frenchtown Broncs. The first home game for the Dillon Beavers and they brought it for the hometown crowd. The Beavers came out ready for action after receiving the kickoff they would make their way across the field to put the first score on the board 7 to 0. With 2min 24 left in the first quarter Frenchtown would score and miss the extra point. The beavers would hold Frenchtown to those six points ending the second half with a score 27 to 6. The homecoming halftime would see the crowning of the queen and king. The Beavers would come back to hold Frenchtown at 6 while adding more points. The fourth quarter would see the starters pulled and replaced with Sophomore and Freshman getting in some playing time. Ending the game with a homecoming win of 46 to 14. Click on image for full size

Article UMW Sports Press Release Photos By SWMT News The Montana Western volleyball team (10-1) lost their first game of the season this evening after a hard fought five-set battle against the No. 11 ranked Montana Tech Orediggers (8-2). How It Happened Montana Western got off to a hot start, firing on all cylinders. A pair of kills from Peyton Vogl paired with an Oredigger error put the Bulldogs up 12-9 in the first set. A service ace from the hands of Morgyn Harrison gave UMW a boost for a 16-11 lead. The Bulldogs went on to outscore the Orediggers 9-5 down the stretch to win the first set 25-16. The Orediggers jumped out to a quick 7-1 lead in the first set. UMW struggled to overcome the Oredigger front, not scoring more than two points in a row throughout the entire set. Montana Tech would win the set 25-16. Montana Western came out to play from the start for the third frame. A block from Danyel Martin and Jordon Olson gave the Bulldogs a lead at 5-4. The two teams continued to trade points, with Montana Tech taking a slight edge at 17-15. UMW capitalized on a pair of Oredigger errors along with a kill from Martin to take the lead once again at 19-18. Down 23-22, the Bulldogs went on a 3-0 run to cap off the set on top at 25-23. The fourth frame proved once again to be a challenge for the Bulldogs. A kill from Jazi Smith coupled with a block from the pair of Olson and Vogl tied the game at 7. The Orediggers followed up with a run that flipped the momentum from UMW. The Orediggers won the fourth set 25-20, forcing a fifth and deciding set. The fifth frame saw a big kill from KayLee Kopp to give the Bulldogs an edge at 6-5. Despite best attempts, Montana Western was unable to flip the momentum back in their direction and was outscored 10-1 down the stretch. The Orediggers finished the matchup on top at 15-7. Notables • Tonight’s matchup showed the two team’s powerful fronts, with the two teams posting a combined 25 blocks in the game. • Montana Western posted their lowest hitting percentage night of the season after they hit just .043 across the five-set game, with three sets in the negative column. Montana Tech hit just .120. • The Bulldogs were led by Kopp who totaled 12 kills and 17 digs. • Kelsey Goddard totaled 29 digs. Kaylee Fritz had 27 assists. Up Next The Bulldogs are back in action tomorrow with a matchup against the University of Providence Argos at 6 p.m. in the Straugh Gymnasium. Click on image for full size