Commissioners Move Forward With Public Roads’ Regulations

Roosevelt County commissioners approved declaring the existence of seven county roads during their weekly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 20.

After a public meeting in Froid that attracted about 15 residents, the roads declared public roads to be used by the public were 1002, 1003, 1004, 2042, 2046, 2051 and 2055.

“We’re not treating it any differently, but it’s public access,” commissioner Gordon Oelkers said. “We’re just following Montana statute.”

At an earlier meeting, Oelkers explained that about 70 percent of Roosevelt County’s roads don’t have public roads easements or right-ofways.

Last November, the Roosevelt County commissioners approved an agreement with Bartlett & West for the county’s right-of-way project.

Commissioners have put $100,000 in this year’s budget for the project. The amount is coming from non-restrictive CARES funds.

Oelkers said there’s a great need for the project because title companies and lending institutions are requiring access for land before approving projects. Also during last week’s meeting, commissioners approved the purchase of six thermal imagers for the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office. Total cost will be $10,993.98. The imagers will help law enforcement detect heat sources while looking for a body or other items. The items will be paid through Operation Stonegarden reimbursements.

Jessica Kierstead was hired to be the new head librarian at the Culbertson library. She previously served as the assistant librarian.

Linda Hanson was appointed to the county’s board of health.