August 2016

Police, city surplus becomes Central Montana treasures

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For the Lewistown Police Department, storage is not quite unlimited. In fact, it’s defined by a rectangle of fence behind the wastewater treatment plant. And when that space fills up, it’s time for the Police Auction.

Main Street gets sidewalk enhancements

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It seems as if every road in Central Montana is under construction right now, and Lewistown’s Main Street is no exception, with a project underway to improve street corner safety.

“We’re putting in new talking signal lights and fixing the corner ramps so they meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements,” said Rob Ferguson, president of Millennium Construction company out of Billings.

Millennium won the Montana Department of Transportation contract for the job, which is expected to last through early October.

Montana U.S. Attorney’s Office, Reentry Task Force, Great Falls Chamber host symposium

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana, the Montana Reentry Initiative Task Force and the Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce will present a program addressing offender reentry initiatives on Friday, Aug. 19.

Commerce Department announces new tourism marketing agency

Department of Commerce Director Meg O’Leary today announced the award of a new marketing agency contract for the state’s tourism promotion programs. The contract brings multiple services under a full-service agency to provide comprehensive and integrated marketing solutions.

The Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development recently completed a competitive RFP process for the contract. It received 11 bids, and Hoffman York was the highest scoring bidder at the end of the process.

Students explore health careers during MedStart Camp

Kaitlyn Lodahl of Lewistown and Kaitlyn Weinheimer of Moore were two of 25 high school juniors and seniors that recently participated in the 2016 Billings MedStart Camp on July 31 - Aug. 4. This five-day program is designed to encourage students to pursue their interest in a variety of healthcare careers, learn about college life and realize it is possible to pursue higher education. The Billings MedStart program is hosted by the Eastern Montana Area Health Education Center and RiverStone Heath.

Fishing restrictions lifted on Smith and Sun rivers

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has lifted fishing restrictions on two Central Montana rivers in the wake of recent cooler weather.

The rivers affected are:

• Smith River—from the confluence of the North and South forks to Eden Bridge south of Great Falls;

• Sun River—from Highway 287 Bridge to the mouth of Muddy Creek west of Great Falls.

Labor Day DUI patrols to increase across Montana

Drive sober or get pulled over

At part of the national Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown, law enforcement agencies across Montana will deploy extra patrols to prevent impaired driving during the final weeks of the summer season. Saturation patrols for DUI enforcement are set for Aug. 19 through Labor Day, Sept. 5.

Hedley James ‘Jim’ Arthur

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Hedley James “Jim” Arthur, 76, of Winifred, died surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016 at the Central Montana Nursing and Rehab Center under the care of Hospice. He was born Sept. 1, 1939 in Lewistown, the son of Hedley J. and Elizabeth “Tiny” (LaFountain) Arthur. He grew up on their ranch east of Winifred and attended grade school through high school in the Winifred area. Jim graduated from Winifred High School in 1957.

Evonne (Lee) Lodahl Geary

Evonne (Lee) Lodahl Geary, 79, passed away Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016 at the CMMC Hospice House in Lewistown. At Evonne’s request, cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time. An obituary will be shared when completed. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home.

News Briefs

Arts and Entertainment district association to meet Friday The Lewistown Arts and Entertainment District Association will have a discussion session at noon on Friday, Aug. 26, in the Chokecherry Lane Mall, 311 West Main Street. Among items to be discussed will be the preservation of various ghost signs around Lewistown. Those are the still-visible vintage business signs on older buildings. The meeting is open to the public. Barn square dance on Sept. 2 Jayson Shobe is calling a barn square dance on Friday, Sept. 2, at the Merrill Ranch barn.

Poll

Do you think Montana is ready to move on to the next phase of the governor's re-opening plan?