News

County finds high radon readings in buildings

Radon testing wasn’t part of the routine for Fergus County – in fact, no one currently employed knows whether it has ever been done. But recent test results may change that.

When Disaster and Emergency Services Coordinator Cathy Barta began her position with the county last year, she discovered air quality was part of her job.

Probation… is it working?

 

 

There are many concerns with criminal activity around the state, but there is also concern with the system, sparking a conversation between law enforcement, the Department of Corrections and others regarding the efficiency of probation and parole.

“Probation is a joke,” Lewistown Assistant Police Chief Ryan Berry told the News-Argus earlier this spring. “People on probation continue to violate their terms and conditions with little or no repercussions.”

Crowning achievement

 

 

Parents, faculty, extended family, siblings, underclassmen and others taking a seat in the Fergus High Fieldhouse this weekend can expect a louder, more colorful commencement.

Thanks to Lissy Southworth, the Fergus High Student Council, multiple signatures on a petition and an approval by the Lewistown Public Schools Board of Trustees, the class of 2018 will put a little more individuality on display during Sunday’s graduation.

For the first time in school history, graduates are allowed to decorate their caps for graduation day.

Missouri River rescue saves two boaters

 

 

 

The news of boaters gone missing is often followed by even worse news, especially at this time of year when weather is unpredictable and the rivers are running high.

Luckily for the two men involved, this story has a happy ending.

The two, Jeffrey DeNoma from Great Falls and Paul Volkmar from Billings, both in their 30s, were camping with friends at James Kipp Recreation Area when they decided to head down river on Thursday. All was well…until they ran out of gas.

School district business manager earns prestigious award

 

 

One might say Lewistown School District Business Manager/Clerk Rebekah Rhoades is in the top 10 percent of her class. At the April Board meeting, Rhoades received an award as a Montana Certified School Business Official by the Montana Association of School Business Officials. 

“Only about 10 percent of the clerks in the school districts of Montana pass the test to earn this award,” said Lewistown School Superintendent Thom Peck. “Our school district can say we have a very highly qualified business manager.”

Seeking Higher Education

 

 

As Paul Dodson received his Master of Theology from Mid-State Bible Institute last weekend, his wife, Chris, and stepdaughter, Kalla Schumacher, were seated in the front row, cheering him on. 

After shaking hands and receiving his diploma from Bible Institute Director Carl Whorley, Paul sat next to them, but the women didn’t stay seated for long. It was their turn to receive diplomas.

Side by side

 

 

If the Eckhardt family had a motto, it might be “the family that renovates together, stays together.” 

Proving there is no such thing as too much togetherness, Joe and Tammy Eckhardt will soon be doing business next door to each other, in newly refurbished Main Street spaces.

Tammy took the jump first, opening Lewistown’s Sew Pieceful quilt shop at 214 W. Main Street in the fall of 2016. 

American Legion leads Memorial Day events

 

The last Monday of May is always a tough one for Don Bost.

A Vietnam veteran and American Legion Post 16 Commander, Bost helps put together Memorial Day services at all the cemeteries in town, followed by an extended service at Veterans Park on East Main Street.

Bost does this because he understands the significance of the holiday to those who have served.

“Memorial Day is for veterans,” he said. “It’s an extremely important day for veterans to honor their dead. Other than Veterans Day, it’s the most important day of the year.”

Pool opens next month

 

 

Swimmers, take your mark. Wednesday, June 6 is the opening day for the Lewistown Aquatic Complex, otherwise known as “the pool.”

According to City Park and Recreation Director Jim Daniels, opening day is set aside as a special “thank you” day for the community and patrons of the pool. For that day only, anyone can use the pool and water slides all day for only a tiny fee.

“Sentimental Journey” plane visit to Lewistown cancelled

 

 

A rare visit by the B-17 bomber plane nicknamed “Sentimental Journey” has been cancelled, according to a press release from the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum.

The 1944 aircraft, one of only eight B-17s still flying, was due to land at the Lewistown airport on June 8. The visit was part of a 75th anniversary celebration planned for the Lewistown Municipal Airport, once a B-17 training ground.

Unfortunately, according to Travis Major, operations manager for the museum, required scheduled maintenance change the plans.

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