Police department gets grant to increase patrols, auction date set
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ST. IGNATIUS – St. Ignatius Police Chief Matthew Connelly announced during the city council meeting on Tuesday, June 6, that his department is getting a $5,000 grant.
The Montana Department of Transportation is allocating the grant to the police department through the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program.
Chief Connelly said the funds will allow the town’s two officers to work overtime from June to September to help crack down on drunk driving, speeding, and other issues. He said the town also received the grant last year and more than 20 people driving under the influence were stopped. He said traffic becomes more of an issue in the summer.
“We have a high volume of traffic and tourists come through in the summer, and this helps keep everyone safe,” he said.
In other news, the board approved the hiring of Amanda Richter as the town’s new librarian. The library has been closed until a person was found to fill that position.
Clerk Mary Leishman noted that a new water and sewer policy is in effect. She said that a handful of people pay their bill for the entire year, but if they sell their house, their account still has credit. She said she thought about what to do with the credit and determined with board approval that people can ask for a refund or leave that balance with the account on the home and it will be credited to the new owners.
Mayor Charley Gariepy announced he is not running for his position in the next Sept. 12 Primary Election. After more than a dozen years on the board, he is ready to take a break. He said his position will be open along with two additional council positions in September. If anyone wants to apply for the elected positions, they need to fill out an application at the Lake County Courthouse.
The St. Ignatius Volunteer Fireman’s Auction is being held on Saturday, June 24, at the Old Town Field across from the gas station. Proceeds from the auction are used to help run the department. Firefighters and volunteers hold up items for people to bid on during the live auction. People can also bid during the silent auction. Firefighters are taking donations of any kind. This year, two guns, a beef, and a whole hog will be raffled off. To donate items or purchase raffle tickets, call 406-745-4266 or 406- 531-4082.
