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Friday, August 25 Great Harvest is Raising Dough! The sales will benefit the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department. Come by and meet our new bakery owners here for training. We are featuring our Autumn Apple Bread, Popeye Bread, Three Cheese Swirl Bread, Salted Caramel Cookies, Apple Spice Muffins & Teacakes, Biscuits, Dillon Cookies, and all of your favorites! Prairie Palooza Come join us out on the horse prairie! Located at a historic stage stop in the backcountry we'll be featuring local acts ranging from country to rock, with a few surprise guests, including Craig Campbell & Kendall Tucker, as well! FREE CAMPING all weekend with corn hole tournaments, beer, BBQ, vendors, music and good times! Come out for some home grown Montana fun! ABOUT PRAIRIE PALOOZA Our first of many annual Prairie Paloozas! Come join friends and family for a good ole Montana get-together out at the HORSE PRAIRIE STAGE STOP! Our lineup includes new and upcoming acts straight outta Montana, with surprise guests and possibly even a jam sesh or two. We're located at a historic stage stop, the last on the line before heading further west. It was here that miners, families and adventure seekers stopped to send their last wishes before attempting the crossing. The history runs deep, and some say it still abounds. We want to keep this tradition alive, as a gathering place out on the old Horse Prairie. Be prepared for fun, rain or shine, we've got miles & miles around of nothing but pure good times. Plan on enjoying some premier BBQ, beer, games, and camping. Let's light this prairie on fire! Craig Campbell, Kendall Tucker, Chad Okrusch & more! Dan Henry at Ruby Valley Brew Dan Henry returns to Ruby Valley Brew in Sheridan, Montana for live music and local brews August 25th from 6-8pm. Saturday, August 26 Geologic Hike with Dr. Rob Thomas Join us for an educational hike to learn about local and regional geology with Dr. Rob Thomas, Professor of Environmental Sciences at the University of Montana Western and Co-Author of “Roadside Geology of Montana, Second Edition” Bring plenty of water and dress appropriately for hiking in the August heat Meagher Of The Sword The Life & Times of Thomas Francis Meagher, the Irisg Rebel who became Montana's Territorial Govenor: This show chronicles Meagher's incredible life, from famine-ravages Irelans to post-war Montana. Here is everything modern audiences love: action, political intrigue,plot twists, death and destruction, running shooting Neil Lewing brings Meagher to life using traditional and original folk music. The program is a great mixture of music, history, lies, legends and a few laughs Dillon Farmers Market Join us every Saturday from June 24 through September 16 on Washington Street by Jaycee Park! Patriot Guard Riders of Montana Poker Run for SW Montana Veterans Food Pantry Starting in Deer Lodge at SW Montana Veterans Food Pantry and Services - 505 Main St. for FIRST HAND 2nd Hand - Anaconda @ Smelter City Brewing 101 Main St. 3rd Hand - Drummond @ Parkers Restaurant 32 Front St. 4th Hand - Helmville @ Copper Queen Saloon 320 N. Main St. 5th Hand - Deer Lodge @ Mount Powell Tap Room 320 Main St. Hands $10 - Raffles - 50/50 All Hands must be returned by 4:30pm Winner announced at 5pm Music by Neal Lewing Neal Lewing will be providing live music for your listening pleasure at the Dillon Elks Lodge on August 26th from 7 to 10 p.m. There is no cover charge. We will "pass the hat" for Neal. Please join us for an evening with a Montana singer/songwriter from Polson. Old favorites and originals, pop, country, jazz, blues, western, rock, folk, and some of his own (all but hip hop and oompah). 2023 Virginia City Gold Rush Welcome to the Virginia City Gold Rush - a 5k or 1.2k running/walking tour of historic Virginia City! Start in Discovery-Ellingsen Park and go to downtown Virginia City. 1.2k walkers and runners return to the park while 5k participants take a hillier route past many additional historic structures in Virginia City and also take in the view from Boot Hill Cemetery . Finally the 5k run returns to Discovery-Ellingsen Park for refreshments, awards, and a great time! Be on the lookout for the stage coach, narrow gauge train, and course marshals dressed in 1800's regalia! The Virginia City Gold Rush benefits the Virginia City Chamber of Commerce and it's continual effort to support tourism, local business, and it's community. This year we are adding to the Virginia City fun with the addition of a horse drawn parking shuttle! Park at the pond outside of town (just past the train depot). Matt & Shiloh Clover, of Vigilante Carriages, will be there to pick up a handful of runners at a time and take you for a ride to Discovery Park! Click here for shuttle MAP , parking is also available near the start/finish line on a first come first served basis.

UMW Sports Press Release DILLON, Mont. - — In the 2023 preseason cross country coach’s poll, the Bulldog Men’s and Women’s cross country teams were picked to finish fourth overall in the conference. Both men’s and women’s polls were identical with Carroll College picked to finish first overall. Montana Tech was picked to finish second followed by Rocky Mountain College. The Bulldogs slotted in at fourth, followed by the University of Providence and MSU-Northern. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams. First place was worth five points, a second place vote is worth four points, a third place vote is worth three points, a fourth place vote is worth two points and a fifth place vote is worth one point. There are 90 total points available Women Carroll College (4) 24 Montana Tech (2) 21 Rocky Mountain College 16 Montana Western 14 Providence 10 MSU-Northern 5 Men Carroll College (4) 24 Montana Tech (2) 22 Rocky Mountain College 16 Montana Western 13 Providence 10 MSU-Northern 5 The Bulldogs are under the direction of new head coach Taylor Grove. Grove joined the Bulldogs from Campbellsville, Ky. where she served as the assistant coach for both the men's and women's cross country teams and the track and field teams at Campbellsville University. "I think this is great opportunity for me as a coach to strengthen the program here at Montana Western and provide athletes with an amazing athletic experience and the opportunity to compete during college." Taylor Grove said. The Bulldogs will kick off the season on September 7 at the Conference Preview Meet in Great Falls, Mont.

HELENA – Starting August 24, all Montana property tax rebates will be sent by paper check in the mail. To reduce the risk of fraud perpetuated by scam artists, the Montana Department of Revenue removed the option for taxpayers to receive the property tax rebate by direct deposit. The department received applications where applicants entered banking information for direct deposit that does not match banking information in the department’s records. While some of these claims are qualified taxpayers that have changed banks, some are criminals filing fraudulent claims. “We expected fraud and already had measures in place to identify fraudulent applications,” said Montana Department of Revenue Director Brendan Beatty. “Sending the rebates by paper check will help us further reduce fraud.” By applying early at GetMyRebate.mt.gov , taxpayers can reduce the risk that criminals will use their information to claim the rebate. The application period is open and ends on October 1, 2023, but the department encourages Montanans not to wait. Please contact the Montana Department of Revenue if you believe someone has filed a fraudulent claim on your behalf. The Montana Property Tax Rebate provides qualifying Montanans up to $675 of property tax relief on a primary residence in both 2023 and 2024. The qualifications to claim the rebate are at GetMyRebate.mt.gov . The fastest way for taxpayers to apply for and get the rebate is by applying online. Claiming a property tax rebate online should take only a few minutes. Over 100,000 homeowners have successfully applied for their rebate online since the portal opened one week ago on August 15. The department anticipates it will take up to 90 days to process payments and send paper checks by mail.

FIRE & ORDER COMMITTEE MEETING City Hall Council Chambers Monday, August 28, 2023 9:00 AM AGENDA 1. Call Meeting to Order 2. Discuss/Recommend MOU for Dispatch and Facilities 3. Discuss Department Structure 4. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within Jurisdiction of the City 5. Adjournment Committee Members: Russ Schwandt - chairperson Mary Jo O’Rourke Raymond Graham

Marcia Melton, young adult author and former Dillon resident will be signing books at The Bookstore on Thursday, August 24th from 1:00-3:00. The featured title for the event is Joe Henry's Journey up the Missouri River. In this historical novel Joe Henry and his pa leave Kentucky boarding a steamboat headed to Fort Benton, Montana. They find their way to the gold camp at Bannack hoping to hit gold and send money back to their family. This novel accurately portrays the history of its time and place from the viewpoint of a child and wrapped in a story of adventure that will hold a young reader's interest. Melton's other books, Joe Henry's Return, The Boarding House, Nighthawk's Harmonica:A Montana Roundup story and Montanimals an ABC coloring book will also be available. This event is open to readers of all ages with an opportunity for kids to discuss the book with the author. Please join us. If you have any questions or would like to reserve a copy of the books please call Debbie @ 683-6807

Effective today, all fishing restrictions and closure on rivers in Montana are lifted, with the exception of hoot owl restrictions on the Madison River and Sun River. Hoot owl fishing restrictions prohibit fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight. On the Madison River, hoot owl restrictions are in effect from the confluence with the Jefferson River to the Warm Springs Fishing Access Site. On the Sun River, hoot owl restrictions are in effect from the mouth of Muddy Creek to the Highway 287 Bridge. Angling restrictions are implemented based on several considerations: stream flow, water temperatures, angling pressure and other angling restrictions in the area that may divert use to waterways where circumstances are increasing stress on the fishery. For current information on restrictions and closures, go to fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions/waterbody-closures .

INDIANAPOLIS (August 7, 2023/National FFA Organization) – The Beaverhead FFA chapter of Dillon, Montana, has been once again been recognized as one of the top FFA chapters in the nation through the 2023 National Chapter Award Program from the National FFA Organization. The program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters from throughout the country that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences that benefit the entire membership, their community, and the agricultural industry. Only the top ten percent of chapters from each state may apply to be ranked nationally, where they will receive a rating of one, two, or three stars. The Beaverhead FFA has received the highest three-star rating for the last five years in a row, and will be recognized on stage at the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo, November 1-4, 2023. Additionally, the Beaverhead FFA was selected as one of ten national finalists in the category of Strengthening Agriculture to recognize the long-running ‘Super Kids in Ag’ radio segment hosted by FFA members. Beaverhead FFA students will present to a panel of judges this fall to potentially advance to the top 3 chapters in this category. The Beaverhead FFA is the first Montana FFA chapter selected as a National Chapter Award Area Finalist in over a decade. Full award results will be announced this fall at the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo, November 1-4, 2023. The National FFA Organization’s National Chapter Awards Program is made possible by corporate sponsor John Deere.

DILLON, Mont., Aug. 21, 2023 – The University of Montana Western volleyball team and the Kiwanis Club of Dillon, Montana joined together for a mini street cleanup of Dillon on Wednesday, Aug. 21. “Our team made the decision to become more involved in the community,” head coach Katie Lovett said. “They understand the importance of giving back and this was a great first step.” The volleyball team roster was divided into three groups of six players per group to cover the three designated cleanup zones of downtown Dillon, north Montana Street and, Vine and North Walnut streets. When full, the heavy-duty trash bags were placed in the utility trailer of Kiwanian Donn Ross for removal to the landfill. “Our goal was to not have many full bags of trash,” club spokesman Wally Feldt said. “The team did a great job and picked up a lot junk. Hopefully this sparks everyone to do a better job of policing the trash and keeping Dillon clean. It’s a good reminder to us all to pick up the empty soda can or bottle instead of stepping over it.” At the conclusion of the cleanup, the team was treated to lunch donated by Dillon’s Town and Country Food store. The Kiwanis meet the first and third Wednesday of each month at 12 p.m. at the Beaverhead Brewery, 218 South Montana Street in downtown Dillon. The Kiwanis Club of Dillon has been serving our community since 1940.

The UMW Bulldogs took to the field today in the end of summer Red VS Black football scrimmage. We have a photo gallery of today's action. (Click on photo for full image.)

UMW Press Release The University of Montana Western will hold New Student Orientation from Thursday, August 24 to Sunday, August 27. Orientation at Montana Western is designed to welcome first year and transfer students to campus as well as prepare them for the academic year. Throughout the four days, students will have the opportunity to engage with their peers, faculty members, and staff through a series of interactive sessions, ice-breaker activities, and team-building exercises before classes begin on Monday, August 28. These experiences not only help build new friendships but also lay the foundation for a supportive network that extends throughout their academic journey. “By participating in New Student Orientation, students will be introduced to Experience One through immersive hands on activities, acquire skills to help them succeed in their university journey, and develop a sense of belonging and connection with other students, faculty, and staff,” said Mike Piazzola, Senior Director of Auxiliary Services. The weekend of festivities begins on Thursday, August 24, as students settle into their new homes in the UMW Residence Halls. Members of the campus and Dillon community are invited to volunteer on Move-In Day to help welcome new students to Montana Western. To sign up, please visit https://www.umwestern.edu/orientation/ and submit the “Montana Western Moving Company” online form. The ceremonial beginning of the academic year, Convocation, will take place on Friday, August 25, at 10:30 a.m. in the Straugh Gymnasium followed by the Legacy Plaza Ceremony with special guest speaker and alumnus B.J. Robertson, current MSU Associate Head Football Coach and Special Teams Coordinator. A Welcome Lunch for students, families, faculty, and staff will follow on the campus lawn in front of Mathews Hall. New for this year, an “Academic Exploration” session will be held at the Birch Creek Center on Friday afternoon. Students, faculty, and staff will venture north of Dillon for an afternoon of exploring the beautiful Pioneer Mountains with faculty. Orientation events will continue through the weekend with engaging sessions dedicated to student success, a football scrimmage, hike to the M, and many other activities designed for students to explore Dillon and the surrounding areas. For the full schedule of events, please visit https://www.umwestern.edu/orientation/ .

The University of Montana Western is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Estee Aiken as the next Dean of Strategic Initiatives. “It is an honor to welcome Dr. Aiken to her new role at Montana Western,” said UMW Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Johnny MacLean. “She is well positioned to lead existing and new strategic initiatives aligned with our institution’s mission. We look forward to the experience she brings to the role and the resource she will be to both the university and the community.” Aiken earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Macalester College, in St. Paul, Minnesota in 2001, followed by a Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary School from Colorado College in 2002. She earned her Doctor of Education in Education Studies from the University of Northern Colorado in 2012. Aiken currently serves as the Division Chair of Education at Montana Western, where she has also served as a professor since 2011. Having taught over 25 different education courses during this time, she has also been actively involved at the state level in roles including Montana Council of Deans of Education, Montana University System Teacher Scholar 2022-23, current campus lead for the Teacher Residency Demonstration Project, President of the Montana Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, past President of the Montana Association of Gifted and Talented Education, and past co-chair of the Montana Higher Education Consortium. She also has a variety of experience in grants authorship and project management from funding sources including the U.S. Department of Education, State of Montana DPHHS, Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, Montana Office of Public Instruction, and the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education. Aiken has published several peer reviewed publications and presented at conferences across the country. “I am so excited for this opportunity to be part of advancing our strategic plan and initiatives. Dr. Ripley has established a legacy of excellence as the current Dean of Strategic Initiatives, and I will do all that I am able to continue that legacy. I’m grateful that I get to grow professionally without leaving UMW or Dillon—I love being a part of Western, and my family loves being a part of the community,” said Aiken. Spending as much time as she can enjoying all that the Dillon area has to offer, Aiken and her family hike, camp, fish, ski, and take in the outdoors as much as possible. Additionally, she is a member of the Lark Quartet, which performs periodically around Dillon and also serves on multiple boards and committees. She will start the duties of her new position at Montana Western on August 28, 2023.

City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. August 21st, 2023 Notice is Hereby Given That Five or More Council Members may Attend the City of Dillon Finance Committee Meeting in Dillon, Montana August 21st, 2023 Only the Three Members of the Finance Committee will be making any decisions regarding the FY2023-2024 Budget Should You Have Any Questions, Please Contact City Hall by Calling (406) 683-4245

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. have substantially completed milling and paving operations on Interstate (I 15). The north Dillon Interchange (Exit 63) is now open. Crews plan to complete seal and cover (chip seal) operations next year on I 15. In coming weeks, sweeping and final epoxy striping work will occur downtown.

As Beaverhead County’s public schools move toward the first day of school, those parents who wish to home school their children are also preparing for the new school year. Parents must notify the superintendent of schools of the county where their homeschool is located that their child is (or children are) being homeschooled. The mandatory information parents need to provide the Superintendent’s office is (1) a written notice of the intent to home school and (2) the “Notification of Opportunity to Participate in Federally- funded Program” Form. These forms are available at the Superintendent’s office or may be requested through an email or phone call at 406.683.3737. The Superintendent’s email address is mmiller@beaverheadcounty.org . These forms take approximately 5-6 minutes to fill out and can be completed right in the office. Parents must file these documents as soon as possible, but certainly before 1 October 2023.

UMW Sports Press Release DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western Women’s Basketball team has welcomed four signees in its 2023-24 signing class, the program announced Thursday morning. “We are very excited to welcome our recruiting class. These four freshmen have the potential to make an immediate impact in our program. We cannot wait to have them on campus.” Head Coach Britt Cooper said. Ava Bellach | Manhattan, Mont. / Manhattan Christian High School Bellach is a 6 foot-1 forward who joins the Bulldogs from Manhattan Christian High School. Bellach played four seasons for the Eagles, earning first team all-conference honors twice, All- State honors twice, and made the state tournament all four years with Manhattan Christian. Bellach recorded 1,059 points for the Eagles during her career, ranking sixth in school history. She also averaged 16.7 points per game and seven rebounds per game. Bellach earned academic All-State honors all four years and has been on the honor roll for four years, while also competing in volleyball, track, and cross country. She earned a combined four All-State honors, five state championships, and a first team all-conference honor between the three sports. Bellach is the daughter of Jeff and Carly Bellach and plans to pursue a degree in business while at Montana Western. “Bellach has been a consistent threat in Class C at Manhattan Christian High School. She is a strong shooter who stands over 6 feet tall. She will be another dynamic element to our team.” Cooper said. Kyla Conley | Bigfork, Mont. / Seeley-Swan High School Conley is a 5-10 guard who joins the Bulldogs from Seeley-Swan High School. Conley played four seasons for the Blackhawks, winning the district championship four years in a row and winning the divisional championship twice. She also competed in cross country, volleyball, and track in high school. Conley was a state qualifier and placed second in cross country and earned all-league recognition in volleyball. She is the daughter of Owen and Dana Conley and plans to pursue a degree in business while at Montana Western. “Conley is joining us from Seeley-Swan High School. She is a lengthy guard with a tremendous amount of potential. We are excited to have her join us this upcoming year.” Cooper said. Marley Spencer | Idaho Falls, Idaho / Thunder Ridge High School Spencer is a 5-9 guard who joins the Bulldogs from Thunder Ridge High School. Spencer was a three-time varsity athlete for the Titans where she averaged 10.5 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists per game last season. She was named first team all-conference and All-State after her team finished eighth in 5A last season. She was named second team all-conference and All-State in 2022. Spencer is the daughter of Jeremy and Michelle Spencer and plans to major in psychology while at Montana Western. “We are excited to have Spencer join us this season. Her team at Thunder Ridge has a fast-paced mentality that is going to set her up well at Western.” Cooper said. “We are excited to continue to improve upon her versatility and continue to bring the same energy she is used to playing with.” Maddy Moy | Kalispell, Mont. / Flathead High School Moy is a 5-9 guard who joins the Bulldogs from Flathead High School. She was a four-time varsity letter winner in basketball where she was a member of the Bravettes’ 2023 second place finish at state and 2022 third place finish at state. She was named first team All-State, first team all-conference, and was an Academic All-State honoree last season. She averaged nine points, three steals, and three assists per game. She was a Treasure State All-Star game participant and a Montana-Wyoming All-Star game participant. Outside of high school, Moy played two years of AAU basketball for the Pfahler team out of Missoula, Mont. Moy also participated in volleyball and track in high school where she earned Academic All-State honors in volleyball and track and earned the most improved award last season in volleyball. Moy was a member of the honors society in high school where she served as vice president. She is the daughter of Erick and Jami Moy and plans to major in biology at Montana Western. “We are excited to have Maddy Moy join us for the upcoming season. She brings us skills from all aspects of the court.” Cooper said. “Maddy had an amazing career at Flathead High School and we are excited to see what she can do at the collegiate level.”

Dillon, Montana (August 16, 2023)- As Labor Day weekend approaches the city of Dillon is proud to launch their 2023 “Free Sober Rides' ' program, aimed at providing safe and responsible transportation options for local residents and visitors during the holiday festivities. This initiative, developed in partnership with the Beaverhead County DUI Prevention Task Force and local businesses and community organizations, reflects a commitment to promoting road safety and reducing instances of impaired driving. “Our mission is crystal clear: to ensure the safety and well-being of our community members. We firmly believe that no one should ever risk driving under the influence. To support this commitment, we proudly offer free sober rides to no only protect our citizens from the dangers of impaired driving, but to also foster a culture of responsibility and care. Let’s all make the choice to save lives, a choice for a safer Dillon, where every journey ends in the arms of loved ones, not in harm's way.” - Monique Schofield, Chair - DUI Prevention Task Force Labor Day Weekend traditionally marks the end of summer and a time for celebration with family and friends. With increased gatherings and events planned throughout the city of Dillon, the safety of all individuals on the road remains a top priority. Key program features include: Complimentary Rides Throughout the Labor Day Weekend from Thursday, August 31 - Sunday, September 3rd, from 4pm-2am, residents and visitors can avail themselves of free rides. This service is made possible through the generous support of our local sponsors: Pioneer Federal Savings and Loan, The Dillon Jaycees, Vigilante Electric Co-Op, the Beaverhead County DUI Prevention Task Force who are committed to the safety of the community. Safe and Reliable Transportation The program will utilize a network of pre-approved and law enforcement trained drivers to provide safe and reliable rides to individuals who may have consumed alcohol or are otherwise impaired. Extended Operating Hours The Free Sober Rides” program will extend its operating hours during the holiday weekend, with the goal of accommodating as many individuals as possible providing a convenient alternative to driving under the influence. Community Collaboration The success of this initiative hinges on collaboration between local businesses, community organizations, law enforcement agencies, and concerned citizens. By working together, the city of Dillon aims to create a safer environment for all residents. An omni channel awareness building campaign is in flight with targeted tactics including geo-targeted ads, billboards, campaign landing page, social media, public relations, print advertising, emcee announcements during events, PSA’s, bartender free ride cards, and radio interviews with DUI Prevention Task Force members, and community bulletin boards. The DUI Task Force will also have a digital Venmo wallet set up so riders are able to make donations to the campaign, and tip their drivers. “As we approach the Labor Day weekend, our primary concern is the safety of our residents and visitors. This initiative underscores our commitment to preventing impaired driving and ensuring that everyone can celebrate responsibly. By offering complimentary rides, we aim to provide a safe and convenient alternative to driving under the influence. Let’s all work together to make this holiday weekend enjoyable and accident-free.” - Chief of Police, Jeremy Alvarez, Dillon Police Department. The city of Dillon encourages everyone to take advantage of the “Dillon Free Sober Rides” program and make safety a priority during the Labor Day Weekend festivities. For more information about the program, please visit our website at, or contact: Maria Emmer-Aanes Free Sober Rides Campaign Manager Beaverhead County DUI Prevention Task Force mariaemmeraanes@gmail.com 360.255.3801 Social Media FB Follow us @Beaverheadcountyduitaskforce

Dillon, MT- The University of Montana Western held their groundbreaking ceremony for the new Sports and Activities Complex. In front of a large crowd of citizens, students, donors, and political leaders. Roxanne Engellant kicked off the event thanking the people who made it possible, most importantly John and Phyllis Erb, their gift of land made the dream possible for this facility. She stated that the work on the project is not done, and they have made a goal to raise one million dollars in additional fund-raising support to make sure the grand opening is at its completion when they finish in fall of 2024. The Director of athletics Michael Feuling thanked the donors and supporters of the project. He stressed how this project will be a game changer for the students. This will provide a service where our players will not have to dodge gopher holes, dog poop and other hazards that may injure them. Chancellor Michael Reid gave a speech thanking the donors who donated over $100,000 to the project. He touched briefly on the history of UMW when Poindexter and Ore donated the ground that Montana Western is seated on today. In the year 2024 it will be the 100-year anniversary that UMW has had football on their sports roster. The team started playing at the fairgrounds and they will be playing in the new facility in the fall of 2024 100 years later. He stressed how they would like to see the new facility become a cornerstone of our community hosting more than just college football but high school events as well as events put on by the Jaycees. Chancellor Reid concluded his speech by inviting those to come forward who were chosen to help with the groundbreaking ceremony. All dug in their shovel and gave a toss of dirt to a cheering crowd. Afterwards those attending cooled off with ice cold water and a few snacks.