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DILLON, Mont.  — The Dillon City Council met Wednesday evening with only six members present, as two council seats remain vacant. The meeting opened with public comment, where former Mayor Mike Klakken  asked the council to reconsider holding closed sessions at the beginning of meetings, noting that members of the public are often required to wait outside in cold conditions. Next, Eric Wendland  addressed the council regarding what he believes was an illegal action taken by the City of Dillon and city engineer Jeremy Fadness . Wendland stated that an exploratory test hole was dug in work related to a Special Improvement District (SID) to verify whether it met code requirements. Wendland alleged that the city violated multiple laws by failing to obtain proper permits and by not providing the required 24-hour notice prior to digging. He requested that the city select a different engineer for the SID moving forward, stating that those involved would no longer work with Fadness. The council then moved on to the appointment of city officers. All positions passed unanimously until the vote for Director of Operations. When it came time to call the vote, no council member initially stepped forward. Councilman Dean ultimately brought the item forward, prompting discussion regarding the director’s performance. During the discussion, questions were raised about the scope of the director’s responsibilities and whether adequate training and direction had been provided by the mayor. Mayor McGinley acknowledged that he may not have provided sufficient direction but noted that the director had received extensive training through workshops. In recent meetings, tensions between the Director of Operations and certain council members have been visible, with some members expressing concerns about transparency. The council ultimately voted 4-2 against reappointing the Director of Operations. As a result, the city will now begin the process of seeking a new Director of Operations. The council also reviewed the reappointment of citizen board members, which proceeded without issue. However, the appointment of council members to various boards was tabled, as some council members stated they had not been given enough time to review the available positions and responsibilities. Public comment concluded the meeting, with Mayor Klakken again addressing concerns regarding discrepancies in the SID calculations. A local businessman also spoke, criticizing the council for voting against retaining the Director of Operations. The meeting was then adjourned.

The annual Colt Challenge and Sale, hosted by the University of Montana Western and the Montana Center for Horsemanship, will take place March 27–28, 2026, at the Montana Center for Horsemanship in Dillon, Montana. Students and colts compete in a series of events that demonstrate their wide range of abilities during the Colt Challenge, followed by a public preview and auction the next day. All sale proceeds are reinvested in the program to provide scholarships to Natural Horsemanship majors at the University of Montana Western. The event will also feature the Alumni Horse Sale, offering past Colt Challenge students the opportunity to showcase their horsemanship skills and their post-graduation accomplishments. Four alumni horses will be available for purchase, giving buyers the opportunity to invest in horses with additional real-world experience. Schedule of Events Friday, March 27 Colt Challenge: 9:00 a.m. Saturday, March 28 Preview: 9:30 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. Sale: 1:00 p.m. Each colt receives approximately 80 days of  training from equine students in the Natural Horsemanship/Equine Studies Bachelor of Science degree program at Montana Western, under the guidance of Montana Center for Horsemanship instructors. The 2026 event will showcase 25 quality colts donated by ranches from across the region. Throughout their training, the young horses are familiarized with a wide range of environments and scenarios, including working with cattle and ropes, loading and unloading from trailers, and other situations commonly encountered in ranch work and recreational riding. This process allows students and instructors to develop an in-depth understanding of each horse, which they share with prospective buyers. Leading up to the event, horses and students will be featured on Facebook and Instagram with details about each colt’s color, conformation, personality, and skills. More information about the 2026 Colt Challenge and Sale, including the sale catalog, will be available on the University of Montana Western website . Those interested in attending the auction may participate in person, online, or by phone. Online bidders must pre-register at least one day prior to the sale by visiting bid.northernlivestockvideo.com and selecting “Get Approved to Bid.” Approved bidders may participate online via desktop at  www.northernlivestockvideo.com  or through the Northern Livestock Auction mobile app on sale day. To bid by phone, participants must pre-register by calling Northern Livestock Video Auction at 866-616-5035 prior to the sale to obtain a bid number. Phone bidding will be available on sale day by calling 406-245-0889. The sale order will be posted on Friday, March 27, by 5:00 p.m. on the Montana Western Colt Challenge and Sale website and Facebook page . Corporate sponsors for the 2026 Colt Challenge and Sale include CHS Inc., New Generation Supplements, Rocky Mountain Supply, and Zinpro Performance Minerals, in partnership with the University of Montana Western and the Montana Center for Horsemanship. Saturday’s complimentary lunch is sponsored by Beaverhead Motors and Bryan and Marcia Mussard of Reminisce Angus. Stockman Bank is sponsoring the saddle for the Colt Challenge winner. The University of Montana Western thanks all sponsors for their continued support of the event and its students. The Equine Studies Department at the University of Montana Western offers the nation’s only Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Horsemanship, with options in management, psychology, science, and instruction, and has been ranked among the “Best Equestrian Colleges” by ThoughtCo.com . The Montana Center for Horsemanship is the first and only equine center in the United States devoted exclusively to promoting natural horsemanship. The center serves as the primary teaching facility for Montana Western’s Natural Horsemanship curriculum. The MCH teaches the La Cense Method, developed by William Kriegel, owner of Haras de la Cense in France and co-founder of the Montana Center for Horsemanship. The method blends traditional horsemanship with a progressive, step-by-step training approach that works with a horse’s natural behavior and instincts. For more information about the Colt Challenge and Sale, contact Head Natural Horsemanship Instructor Eric Hoffmann at eric.hoffmann@umwestern.edu or 406-925-1499.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA SWEAR IN NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS 1. Ward 2: Russ Schwandt & Don Deem 2. Ward 3: Mike Brumbaugh 3. Ward 4: Mary Jo O’Rourke   PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE   A.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA   B.        REAPPOINT CITY CLERK: KAMI HOERNING   C.        MAYOR’S DECISION TO CLOSE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC, PER SECTION 2-3-203(4) MCA  RE: Litigation Captioned Eric Wendland and Alicia Wendland, v. City of Dillon,  DV-1-2025-14848-BC Montana   D.        RECONVENE IN OPEN MEETING   E.        MINUTES 1.         Approve the Minutes of December 17 th , 2025 Regular Meeting 2.         Approve the Minutes of December 31, 2025 Special City Council Meeting   F.         PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS   1.         Approve Bid for 1996 Dodge Dakota 2.         Reference Documents Requested by Council   G.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Elect Council President 2.         Reappoint City Officers:                         a.         Director of Operations: Kristina Abbey                         b.         City Treasurer: Karen Kipp                         c.         Fire Chief: BJ Klose 3.         Reappoint the Following to the Zoning Commission                         a.         Mike Watson 4.         Appoint the Following to the Zoning Commission                         a.         Kevin Boileau                         b.         Mike Brumbaugh 5.         Appoint the Following to the Planning Board                         a.         Todd Godfrey                         b.         Emmett Jeschke                         c.         Nazarita Goldhammer 6.         Reappoint the Following to the Board of Adjustments                         a.         Mike Watson                         b.         Tim Stoker 7.         Appoint the Following to the Board of Adjustments                         a.         Justin Rooley 8.         Appointing the Following to the Tree Board                         a.         Logun Norris 9.         Discuss Council Vacancies   H.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         City Attorney – Ed Guza 2.         Planning Board - Vacant, Raymond Graham 3.         Zoning Commission - Vacant, Vacant 4.         Board of Adjustments - Vacant, Joleen Schultz                         a.         Accept the Minutes of October 23, 2025 Regular Meeting                         b.         Accept the Transcript of December 11, 2025 Public Hearing 5.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey                         a.         Accept the 2025 Report 6.         Police Department –Police Chief Joel Stewart                         a.         Accept the December 2025 Incident Report 7.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose a.         Accept the December 2025 Activity Report                   b.         Approve City Clerk Report for Fire Hall for December 2025                         c.         Approve Budget vs. Expenditures Report for Fire Hall for December 2025 8.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox                         a.         Accept Court Report for December 2025 9.         Library Board – (Vacant), Council Member; Kim Denny, Library Director                         a.         Accept the Minutes of November 25, 2025 Regular Board Meeting 10.       Tree Board             I.          REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Ordinances & Facilities – (vacant), Chair; Joleen Schultz, Mary Jo O’Rourke 2.         Finance Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Mary Jo O’Rourke 3.         Public Services – (vacant), Chair; Don Deem 4.         Open Spaces – Raymond Graham, Chair; Joleen Schultz                         a.         Approve December 17, 2025 Meeting Minutes 5.         Public Works – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Raymond Graham     J.         PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE  AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY   K.        ADJOURNMENT   PLEASE NOTE: The City of Dillon understands that citizens have the right under the Montana Constitution to observe and participate in local governmental affairs by personally attending all public meetings of the Dillon City Council and other City boards and committees. This meeting is open to the public as normal. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528, allowing permission for microphone and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245. Please mute your microphone until you desire to comment. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245.

Montana Technological University, the state’s STEM university, is reminding high school seniors that the deadline for many major scholarships awarded by the University is January 15. Montana Tech awards more than $1 million in scholarships to students annually.    “Montana Tech is incredibly proud of the scholarship dollars we can award through generous gifts from our alumni and industry donors,” Executive Director of Admissions and Enrollment Leslie Dickerson said. “It speaks to the value they place on a Montana Tech education and the quality of our graduates.” All scholarship applications are located in the student’s personal URL (PURL page), which is generated when they submit their application for admission. Scholarship applications will only appear on the PURL pages of students who meet the eligibility criteria for the scholarship. If students need help obtaining their PURL login information they can reach out at admissions@mtech.edu  or (406) 496-4791. Scholarships with deadlines closing soon include: Marie Moebus Presidential Award The Marie Moebus Presidential Award is Montana Tech’s premier four-year scholarship for incoming first-year students. It is a combination scholarship with a tuition waiver plus cash, and is renewable for up to four years. Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered: Must be an incoming first-time student Cumulative high school GPA of 3.75 or higher ACT >= 30 or SAT >= 1410 Actively engaged in community and school Must be pursuing a bachelor’s (four-year) degree at Montana Tech Items needed to apply include: A resume of school and community activities Two letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or mentors 600-word essay about an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. How will you apply this experience to the next chapter of your life at Montana Tech? Shirley Paxson Endowed Scholarship The Shirley Paxson Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a graduate of Butte High School or Butte Central High School, who demonstrates leadership and merit measured by community and school involvement. To apply, you will need: Two recommendation letters from teachers Resume of school and community activities Robert Toshoff Alumni Association Scholarship The Toshoff Alumni Scholarship is awarded to a Montana resident who will be entering their first year at Montana Tech and intends to graduate with a degree or certificate from Montana Tech. To apply, you will need to submit: A 600-word, one-page essay outlining how family values, community involvement, and volunteer activities have been an important part of your life, and how they have influenced your life decisions.   Solvay Engineering for Environmental Protection Scholarship The Solvay Engineering for Environmental Protection Scholarship is awarded to a Butte High School or Butte Central student who will be entering their first year at Montana Tech in an engineering program. The student must demonstrate leadership, community, and school involvement. To apply, you will need to submit: A resume of activities and A 500-word essay on the topic: " What role should engineers play in protecting and improving the environment? " Montana Tech also awards several Oredigger Merit Scholarships  based on GPA and test scores (if provided). No scholarship application is necessary and award announcement letters are mailed upon acceptance. Students must apply before March 1 to be considered for Oredigger Merit Scholarships. The Lance Scholars Program  annually provides 50 in-state students with the opportunity to receive a $4,000 per year scholarship, renewable for up to an additional three years (up to $16,000 total). Applicants will be asked in 3-5 sentences to answer the question: During your time at Montana Tech, what is one thing you would like to learn or experience that has the ability to effect change in the world? This scholarship has a February 15 deadline, however students must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) by February 1 for consideration.

Claire Gay, UMW Sports Information KANSAS CITY, Mo. –  Montana Western men's basketball player Kyle Gruhler earned Gared Performance Sports Systems NAIA Men's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week honors, the national office announced Tuesday morning. This award comes on the heels of his fifth Frontier Conference Offensive Player of the Week honor. "This is a huge honor for Kyle and we're very proud of the work he has put in to put himself in this position," head coach Patrick Jensen said. "Awards like this don't happen without his teammates and our group as a whole. Great honor and recognition for Kyle and our program." Gruhler led the Bulldogs to another 2-0 weekend on the road in Frontier play as they defeated Dickinson State (78-73) and Bismarck State (96-66). The senior led all players in scoring in both games, shooting 50.0 percent (18-36) from the floor and 52.6 percent (10-19) from distance while draining all five free-throw attempts.   He dropped 24 second-half points (8-16 FG, 4-7 3FG, 4-4 FT) to push UMW to a 13-point comeback over Dickinson State. The Vancouver, Wash., native followed that with a 27-point outing (10-20 FG, 6-12 3FG, 1-1 FT) in Western's commanding victory over Bismarck State. Gruhler also registered 10 rebounds (six offensive), four assists, a block, and a steal while committing zero turnovers on the weekend. In 2025-26, he is averaging 23.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. He is shooting over 50.0 percent from the field (54.9) and from three (53.2) and is hitting 83.9 percent from the foul line. LOOKING AHEAD Up next, the Bulldogs return to Straugh Gymnasium to host MSU-Northern and Providence.

Beaverhead County Mental Health Local Advisory Counsel County Treasurer’s Office – Corner of Washington St. & Center St. AGENDA Thursday, January 8, 2026, Noon to 2:00 p.m.   Introductions -  Establish Quorum   Approval of Minutes  – November 13 and December 11, 2025, meeting   ACTION ITEMS: 1.      Resource/Provider List Update 2.      Dillonite Ad Discussion 3.      Removal of member from LAC Roster 4.      Grant Funds Request Discussion   UPDATES 1.      Local updates a.      MESSA Update 2.      Public Health Update   NEW BUSINESS   ADJOURN

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — The Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office has released its 2025 Law Total Incident Report, detailing the scope and nature of calls for service handled throughout the year. In total, deputies responded to 4,017 reported incidents across Beaverhead County in 2025. The data shows that traffic-related calls made up a significant portion of deputy activity. Deputies conducted 1,200 traffic stops, responded to 188 traffic complaints, 141 traffic hazards, and assisted 102 stranded motorists. There were also 229 total traffic accidents reported across several categories, including four fatal crashes, 19 accidents with injuries, and 108 accidents involving unknown injuries. Public safety and welfare checks also remained a major focus. Deputies conducted 194 welfare checks, handled 179 suspicious person or circumstance calls, and responded to 75 civil complaints. Abandoned 911 calls (104) and medical-related calls, including 119 ambulance assists, were also common. Animal-related incidents accounted for a notable share of calls in rural Beaverhead County. Deputies handled 224 animal complaints, 21 found animals, 12 lost animals, 19 animal bites, and several noise and livestock-related issues. In the area of criminal and enforcement activity, the Sheriff’s Office reported: 38 DUI (alcohol or drugs) cases 28 theft cases 28 fraud cases 34 domestic disturbances 11 assaults, including one assault involving a firearm 13 sex crimes 18 violations of protection orders 26 wanted person calls Deputies also investigated 43 unattended deaths, 14 suicide-related calls, and one confirmed suicide, highlighting the ongoing mental health and welfare challenges faced by the community. Fire and emergency incidents included nine structure fires, eight vehicle fires, 12 grass fires, six wildfires, and responses to gas odors, fire alarms, and illegal burning. Search and rescue operations resulted in 18 lost or overdue SAR calls and six rescues during the year. Additional calls for service ranged from transporting prisoners (51) and vehicle inspections (40) to harassment, juvenile incidents, drug offenses, and disorderly conduct. The Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office noted that the annual report reflects the broad range of responsibilities deputies face daily, from emergency response and traffic enforcement to public assistance, animal control, and community safety. Officials encourage residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, drive safely, and utilize available community resources as the Sheriff’s Office continues working to keep Beaverhead County safe.

DILLON, Mont. — Award-winning author, poet, and storyteller Chris La Tray will be featured at a special literary event on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Museum Depot Theater, located at 125 South Montana Street. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., with the program beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event is open to the public. La Tray is an Anishinaabe/Métis storyteller, a descendant of the Pembina Band of the Red River of the North, and a citizen of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He is the author of several acclaimed works, including his most recent book, Becoming Little Shell: A Landless Indian’s Journey Home, published by Milkweed Editions in August 2024. His earlier work, One-Sentence Journal: Short Poems and Essays from the World at Large (2018), earned the Montana Book Award and a High Plains Book Award, while his 2021 poetry collection, Descended from a Travel-worn Satchel, further cemented his reputation as a leading literary voice in the region. La Tray served as the 11th Montana Poet Laureate from August 2023 through August 2025 and was the 2025 Kittredge Distinguished Visiting Writer at the University of Montana. He also received the 2025 Montana Heritage Keeper Award from the Montana Historical Society. In addition to his writing, La Tray has facilitated workshops with numerous organizations, including The Missoula Writing Collaborative, Yellowstone Forever, Freeflow Institute, Writing the Wild, Orion, and Torrey House Press. Becoming Little Shell: A Landless Indian’s Journey Home has been selected as the current statewide read for One Book Montana, which is being relaunched by Humanities Montana in partnership with libraries across the state. The program highlights the 2025 Great Reads from Great Places authors and runs from October 1, 2025, through February 28, 2026, inviting Montanans to read and discuss the book. Copies of Becoming Little Shell are available for purchase or checkout at The Bookstore and the Dillon Public Library. The event is sponsored by the Dillon Public Library, the Dillon Friends of the Library, The Bookstore, and the Beaverhead County Museum.

NOTICE Jackson Water & Sewer District Regular Monthly Meeting Thursday, January 08, 2025 5:30 p.m. at the LDS Church in Jackson, MT   AGENDA:             Call to Order:                         District Clerk Report:                         Approval of Minutes                         Financial Report                    Sewer System Upgrade Report:                         Water and Sewer Data collection                         Sewer System Report:             B J: leak repair, pump function                    Water Report:                         B J: Dechlorinator                         Susie: water test result             Old Business:                         Number of connections at Hot Springs Lodge             New Business:                         Annual Election of Board Officers             Public Comment:   Adjournment:

To earn this distinction, students must be enrolled full-time (a minimum of 12 semester credits) and achieve a grade point average of 3.33 or higher. An asterisk (*) next to a name indicates that a student has received Dean’s List high honors. The listing below is divided into In-state and Out-of-State/International students, alphabetically by city and state.  Dean’s List: Fall Semester 2025 For more information, please contact the UMW Registrar’s Office:  reg_office@umwestern.edu .

Claire Gay, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. –  The Montana Western men's and women's rodeo teams are set to compete in six regular-season rodeos this spring, head coach JT Robbins announced Monday.  SCHEDULE  April 9-10 – Montana State #1 Bozeman, Mont. April 11-12 – Montana State #2 Bozeman, Mont. April 17-18 – MSU-Northern Havre, Mont.  April 23-24 – Miles CC #1 Miles City, Mont. April 25-26 – Miles CC #2 Miles City, Mont. May 1-2 – Montana Missoula, Mont.  WHERE THINGS STAND  After four rodeos in the fall, the Bulldog men and women are both sitting second in the Big Sky standings. The men have racked up 2,316.50 points and the women have compiled 1,144.50.  Montana State leads the region for both men and women (3,583.50 and 1,379.50 points, respectively).

Claire Gay, UMW Sports Information HELENA, Mont. –  Montana Western men's basketball player Kyle Gruhler earned his fifth Erck Hotels/ Frontier Conference Men's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week award of the campaign, the conference office announced Monday. Gruhler led the Bulldogs to another 2-0 weekend on the road in Frontier play as they defeated Dickinson State (78-73) and Bismarck State (96-66). The senior led all players in scoring in both games, shooting 50.0 percent (18-36) from the floor and 52.6 percent (10-19) from distance while draining all five free-throw attempts.   He dropped 24 second-half points (8-16 FG, 4-7 3FG, 4-4 FT) to push UMW to a 13-point comeback over Dickinson State. The Vancouver, Wash., native followed that with a 27-point outing (10-20 FG, 6-12 3FG, 1-1 FT) in Western's commanding victory over Bismarck State. Gruhler also registered 10 rebounds (six offensive), four assists, a block, and a steal while committing zero turnovers on the weekend. LOOKING AHEAD Up next, the Bulldogs return to Straugh Gymnasium to host MSU-Northern and Providence.

Dillon, MT. — On December 31, 2025, at approximately 10:46 p.m., deputies with the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported civil dispute involving a firearm in a subdivision just outside of Dillon. According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived on scene and began processing the incident, taking statements from witnesses. The investigation determined that a resident had discharged a firearm into the air multiple times in response to nearby fireworks. Witnesses also reported that the individual had retreated into his residence and was unwilling to come to the door when contacted by law enforcement. Deputies on scene suspected alcohol was a contributing factor in the incident. The situation quickly escalated into an armed and barricaded subject, prompting deputies to request additional resources to assist with serving warrants on both the suspect and the residence. Three additional deputies and one U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer responded to assist, despite the call occurring on New Year’s Eve. Deputies established a perimeter around the residence and initiated contact with the suspect by phone. After a lengthy standoff and negotiations, the suspect ultimately exited the residence peacefully and was taken into custody without further incident. The individual was booked into the Beaverhead County Jail, and deputies recovered the firearm used during the incident. Authorities reported that no law enforcement officers or community members were injured. The Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office thanked the community for its patience during the response and reiterated the importance of following basic firearm safety rules. Officials emphasized knowing one’s target and what lies beyond it, reminding residents never to discharge a firearm unless certain of where the bullet may travel and what it could strike. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

DILLON, Mont.  — The Dillon Volunteer Fire Department (DVFD) responded to 16 calls for service  during the month of December 2025 , with incidents ranging from motor vehicle accidents and utility problems to gas alarms and a vehicle fire. According to DVFD, calls for service included: Dec. 2:  I-15 Mile Marker 45 — Multiple slide-off motor vehicle accidents Dec. 5:  North Montana Street — Gas odor Dec. 8:  West Center Street — Smoke alarm Dec. 11:  Kentucky Avenue — Visible smoke Dec. 15:  Highway 41 Mile Marker 4 — Motor vehicle accident Dec. 17:  Atlantic Street — Utility problem Dec. 17:  North Montana Street — Utility problem Dec. 17:  Laknar & Pioneer — Tree down in roadway Dec. 17:  Highway 91 North — Utility problem Dec. 17:  Laknar & Antelope — Utility problem Dec. 17:  Sunset Drive — Utility problem Dec. 17:  South Dakota Street — Gas alarm Dec. 17:  East Chapman Street — Utility problem Dec. 21:  South Atlantic Street — Electrical fire Dec. 25:  I-15 Mile Marker 65 — Motor vehicle accident Dec. 28:  Highway 278 — Vehicle fire In addition to emergency responses, DVFD reported that December training focused on continued FF1 coursework  for new firefighter candidates. During the department’s first monthly training of the year, firefighters also welcomed Magnolia , a First Responder Therapy Dog from the Gallatin Valley. DVFD members were active in community events throughout the month, including transporting Santa to the Dillon Public Library  for holiday festivities and participating in the annual Parade of Lights . The department closed its report by wishing the community a safe and blessed New Year, while reminding residents to use extra caution when traveling during winter months, as road conditions can change rapidly and without warning.

DILLON, Mont. — January 3, 2026 — Six young athletes — three girls and three boys ranging in age from 8 to 13 — were crowned champions Saturday at the Elks South District Hoop Shoot free throw contest, held at Straugh Gymnasium on the campus of Montana Western. First- and second-place trophies were awarded to both boys and girls in three age divisions: 8–9, 10–11, and 12–13. All participants earned their place at the district competition by winning their respective local lodge contests within the Montana South District, which includes Anaconda Elks Lodge #239, Butte Elks Lodge #240, Deer Lodge Elks Lodge #1737, and Dillon Elks Lodge #1554. The three first-place boys and three first-place girls from Saturday’s competition will now advance to the Montana State Hoop Shoot Contest, scheduled for February 14 at Park County High School in Livingston. There, they will face champions from the other four Elks districts across the state. From the state level, competitors who continue to advance will move on to the regional contest in Rapid City on March 7, followed by the national finals in Chicago on April 18. National champions earn the distinction of having their names digitally displayed at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The Hoop Shoot program is fully sponsored by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A. and is endorsed by hundreds of school systems nationwide. Funding for the program comes primarily through the Elks National Foundation, along with support from local lodges and state associations. Originally launched as a local initiative by the Corvallis, Oregon Elks in 1946, the Elks Hoop Shoot has grown into a nationally recognized youth program and is now in its 54th year of national competition. Over the years, Montana has produced several national champions, continuing the state’s strong tradition in the program.

PUBLIC NOTICE     The Beaverhead County Courthouse, The Treasure office, along with the Extension and Weed offices will be experiencing power outages most of the morning and intermittently throughout the day on January 7, 2026 due to scheduled electrical work.  During this time, phone services, internet access and electrical power at these buildings may be unavailable. We apologies for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

Polaris, Mont. — Skiers gathered Wednesday night at Maverick Mountain for the resort’s annual New Year’s Eve Torch Light Parade, a long-standing tradition that draws locals and visitors alike to help ring in the new year. Participants began loading the chairlift at approximately 5:30 p.m., making their way to the top of the mountain as fireworks were launched from various locations across the resort. Once darkness fell, skiers started their descent, lighting up the slopes with flashlights while fireworks continued to illuminate the night sky. The Torch Light Parade is held every New Year’s Eve at Maverick Mountain and has become a signature winter event for the local skiing community. Participants said this year’s parade saw one of the largest turnouts in recent memory, with a strong crowd both on the slopes and watching from below. The event provided a festive end to the year and showcased the continued popularity of the tradition as the community welcomed the arrival of the new year.

In November of 2019, Southwestern Montana News was launched with a simple mission: to provide timely, accurate reporting on stories impacting Dillon and the surrounding communities—stories that were often going unreported or delayed for days or even weeks. The decision to leave a full-time job and start an independent online news outlet was not an easy one, but it was driven by a growing need for faster access to local information. From breaking news and public safety incidents to sports and community events, the goal was to keep residents informed in real time. In the early years, Southwestern Montana News expanded beyond written reporting by incorporating video coverage and livestreaming of sports and community events, allowing people to stay connected even when they couldn’t attend in person. As the outlet grew, so did its understanding of what readers wanted most. Now entering its sixth year, Southwestern Montana News has undergone significant changes. Livestreaming was phased out as audience preferences shifted, and the decision was made to close the downtown office and operate fully mobile. These changes allowed the outlet to respond more quickly to breaking news and better serve the community. Looking back, 2025 marked the most successful year to date . During the past year, Southwestern Montana News reached more than 250,000 readers  on its website. In addition, videos shared on Facebook were viewed over 3 million times , reflecting strong engagement from the community across multiple platforms. As the outlet looks ahead to 2026, Southwestern Montana News remains committed to independent journalism and community-focused reporting. Local businesses also continue to play a vital role in supporting the outlet, with advertising opportunities starting at $35 per month —helping sustain locally owned media in Beaverhead County. Top 10 Most-Read Southwestern Montana News Stories of 2025 Teen dies from self-inflicted gunshot wound near Trapper Creek Man found dead after vehicle discovered in water near Wisdom Child’s death in Lima deemed homicide; one arrested UM Western student charged in fatal crash that killed 7-year-old Dillon boy Minor fatally injured in vehicle vs. bicycle collision in Dillon Tragic accident at Maverick Mountain; skier dies after collision with tree First responders on scene of semi-truck accident on MT-41 near Twin Bridges Fatal motorcycle crash on I-90 west near mile marker 233 Chase on I-15 near Lima ends with disabling crash, arrest of female driver Fatal single-vehicle crash on I-15 near mile marker 70 As Southwestern Montana News moves into the new year, the focus remains unchanged: serve the community, report the facts, and ensure local stories are told—accurately and on time .