Commissioner Meeting - 9/9/2026
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter
Article Published: 09/18/2026 Volume: 5 Edition: 11Commissioner Meeting
Rachael Brug
Staff Reporter
9/9/2026
Broadwater County Commissioners Address Highway Safety, Celebrate Fair & Rodeo Success
The Broadwater County Commission met on September 9 to hear updates from county departments and address community concerns about public safety on Highway 287.
Highway 287 Safety Concerns Take Center Stage:
Public safety on Highway 287 between Silos and Townsend dominated the meeting's public comment period. Rob Escridge, a local resident, urged the commissioners to declare a public safety emergency and work to lower the speed limit from 70 mph to 55 mph on the problematic stretch.
Escridge described multiple near-miss incidents on the highway and questioned whether accurate fatality statistics exist for the road. "It's the daily use that we experience on this roadway that's the justification for a public safety emergency," he told commissioners. He recommended a coordinated working session that would bring together representatives from the Governor's Office, Montana Department of Transportation, local law enforcement, and the Montana Highway Patrol to address the issue.
Commission Chair Debi Randolph clarified that recent conversations with Sheriff Mark Wood revealed confusion about the scope of incidents being discussed, noting the sheriff had interpreted earlier comments as referring to a broader stretch of highway from Townsend to East Helena.
Fair and Rodeo Deemed Successful:
County Fair Manager Jessica Erickson reported strong results for the 2026 fair, which saw a total of 1,345 entries—nearly double the 2024 count of 596 entries. The 4-H program matched last year's record number of exhibitors, while open class entries increased significantly with 62 open-class-only exhibitors participating.
Erickson highlighted infrastructure improvements made to the livestock barn, including a new certified scale and covered shelter area completed by the 4-H livestock committee. The improvements are expected to better serve the program's needs and support potential year-round weighing operations.
Carla Ahern, parade director for the 2026 Broadwater County Rodeo, reported successful attendance and reception for her first year in the role. The rodeo drew approximately 3,000 attendees, and several commissioners praised the introduction of a Jumbotron display as a successful addition to the event experience.
Denise Thompson, speaking on behalf of the rodeo board, emphasized the community support and economic importance of the event. "We have to make it a big deal because it is a big deal," she said, noting the rodeo's role in attracting visitors and honoring local agriculture.
Sheriff's Office Reports Growth and Partnerships:
Under Sheriff Jamie Buck presented updates on department expansions. New deputies and a dispatcher are nearing completion of their field training and will attend the Montana Law Enforcement Academy in January. The department has also secured new contracts with the U.S. Marshall Service for federal inmate housing and with the Bureau of Reclamation for lake patrols, generating additional revenue.
Deputy McBride and K-9 recently certified as a drug detection team. The Sheriff's Office also received a $25,000 donation from Greymont to support a K-9 vehicle replacement grant.
Training Contract Approved for Treasurer's Office:
The commission discussed a six-month consulting contract with Scrier Consulting to provide training and support to the Treasurer's Office during the transition to a new elected treasurer. County Administrative Officer Bill Jarocki emphasized that proper training on the county's accounting software system would ensure continuity and protect county resources under new leadership.
