The Townsend Star, Townsend MT, Broadwater County News

Local business people are busy this week, making last minute preparations for the Townsend Murder Mystery Weekend scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday. This will be the third consecutive year for the Townsend Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored event.
The local community murder mystery concept became a reality in 2006, when local business owners were in search of such an event that might spark more commerce for the community during this ussually slow time of year. They gained the chamber’s support and hosted Townsend’s first community-wide murder mystery. That year the event had an old west theme that was popular with the participants and the handful of investigators it attracted.
Last year, the theme was changed to the “Roaring Twenties” and with increased publicity,

MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING OF BROADWATER COUNTY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
JANUARY 16, 2008
The meeting was called to order by President Elaine Mann at 12:30 p.m. at the USDA building meeting room. Present were: Beth Ihle, Jane Knudsen, Bob Saxby, Gail Vennes, Kelly Anderson, Ernie Forrey, John Hahn, Fred Froelicher, Elaine Mann and Mary Upton, acting Secretary.
Minutes of the Budget meeting of Dec. 19th, 2007 were approved as moved by Jane, second by Beth and carried and minutes of the regular Dec. 19th, 2007 Board meeting were approved on motion of Jane, second by Kelly and passed.
The Treasurer’s report, by Jane, (copy attached) after discussion and clarification, was placed on file per motion by John, second by Ernie and carried.
Mike Richter, President of the State Bank of Townsend, was present in response to John’s request as to how the Bank might be able to help local residents who wished to repair or replace their sidewalks, along Townsend’s interior streets. He said the Bank had earmarked one (1) million dollars for loans to residents, within the City limits, at a lower interest rate, with monthly payments and a term of up to five years. Applications will be needed, credit worthiness required and certain other conditions, including that the sidewalks meet City specs, are contemplated. The Bank’s commitment is for the year 2008. Mary wished it on record that there were no special agreements between the Bank and the City and Mr. Richter said he understood that customers of any other financial institutions might prefer to go there

for there loans. John indicated that several local providers of this type of service were interested in working with those who needed sidewalks and methods of letting people know what would be available were discussed.
It was noted that Pat Plantenberg is back in the hospital and all present wished him well soon. He has asked for help with his projects while he is in the hospital and recuperating. Pat would like to have an Arbor Day celebration and needs ideas and help. Pat is still looking for funding for current projects and future projects. Pat is working with MSU MT Park Program in the design for Highway South MDT project. Pat says hello to everyone.
Beth, John, Brian, Jane & Laura will attend a meeting with the County Commissioners January 28th @ 11:15 a.m. to keep them up to date on what BCDC is doing and hoping to do in the future. Brian will update; MBAC (new director), Gateway info., Beth & Jane will update projects and future info.
The suggested budget prepared by the budget committee was reviewed and questions answered about additional provisions for the possible use of the sign from the former Pop Inn. A copy of the proposed budget is attached and approval was moved by Mary, seconded and carried.
Beth and Jane reported on ideas for a BCDC newsletter, to be sent on a regular basis; feeling it should be a professionally prepared item that showcases our aims and accomplishments, presented in an attractive manner. Quotes have been asked from several printers, methods and times of circulation were discussed. It was agreed that they continue looking at the possibilities and report back next month.
Beth said that Parks and Rec. Council survey should be going out fairly soon.
The Annual Dinner Committee

announced problems with getting the speaker and the location together, but has confirmed Shawn Higley, City and county Planner as speaker and is presently looking at Neil Salmi’s hanger on Feb. 13th, 2008 as the location. Invitation will be issued when everything is confirmed.
Elaine, due to health reasons, asked to resign as President but remain on the Board and as our representative to Gold West and to look for grants, work on projects, research & etc. Mary moved that her resignation be accepted with regret, and that she remains on the Board, this was seconded by Jane and carried. Wayne Mitchell has been asked to join the Board. (Resignation letter attached)
On assumed motion of the chair it was agreed that the annual dinner committee would also be the nominating committee.
Confirmation that the reader board sign at the former Pop Inn had been given to the Chamber of commerce was received and efforts are being made to establish the cost of its removal and re-installation. Funds will be asked from local organizations, business and grant options being pursued. The billboard at the I90 junction is still under consideration.
Local business updates:
Clarification that the closing of the RY Mill did not include the planer and was expected to be for only two weeks.
The USDA building had been sold to John and Lori Moos.
There is a need for more professional offices in Townsend.
Butch’s Bargain Barn has been asked by Elaine to join BCDC.
The new concrete block building on the South side of the 400 block of Broadway is to be a new Barber Shop.
DBEC is a civil engineering firm and is moving to Lower Deep Creek and Flynn Lane.
The meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m.

the event attracted a pretty good crowd of investigators.
This year, the event will have a 1950’s theme, in which investigators will have to help solve the mystery of the missing game warden Chet Langdon. As of Tuesday, there were 33 investigators signed up to participate in the fun this weekend.
It’s not too late for any local clue hounds that wish to participate. The chamber is accepting entries through Thursday, Feb. 14. What a great way to suprise your valentine with a fun weekend. To find out more information or to sign up for the event call 266-3491.

The Montana Department of Transportation would like to notify the public and seek comments regarding the original project to reconstruct 8.2 miles of U.S. Highway 287 in Broadwater County. Due to increases in cost and limited funding, the project will be constructed in two phases.
The first phase of the project will begin at milepost 78.1 at the south end of Townsend, and continue south to milepost 82.4.
Proposed work will include widening the shoulders in order to provide left- turn lanes at various locations, and an approximate one-mile long passing lane within this section of the project. Also included in the project will be the building of a new bridge over Deep Creek (at milepost 80.1), and upgraded pavement markings on the roadway.
The project is tentatively scheduled for construction in 2009, depending on availability of funding and completion of design.

The second phase of the project, from milepost 82.4 to milepost 86.3 on U.S. Highway 287, is scheduled for construction beyond 2012.
For more information, please contact Butte District Administrator Jeff Ebert at (406) 494-9600 or Engineering Services Engineer, Joe Olsen at (406) 494-9636. For the hearing impaired, the TTY number is (406) 444-7696 or 1-800-335-7592, or call the Montana Relay at 711. People may submit written comments to the Montana Department of Transportation Butte district office at P.O. Box 3068, Butte, MT 59702-3068, or online at www.mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml, noting comments are for project CN 1420000. Alternative accessible formats of pertinent information will be provided upon request.