Broadwater County Commission Advances Toston Road Abandonments, Courthouse Security Changes, and Eyes Silos Site for Emergency Services
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter
Broadwater County Commission Advances Toston Road Abandonments, Courthouse Security Changes, and Eyes Silos Site for Emergency Services
Rachael Brug
Staff Reporter
Broadwater County Commissioners covered a full slate of public safety and land-use issues at a recent November meeting, including courthouse security upgrades, road abandonments in Toston, and a possible emergency services hub at the Silos.
Commissioners opened with public comment from John Hedstrom, who urged the county to stripe a yellow centerline on Silos Road. Hedstrom said the lack of a marked centerline forces drivers into ditches to avoid oncoming campers and motorhomes and makes it difficult to determine fault after crashes.
The board then outlined upcoming courthouse security changes. Beginning December 1, the Broadwater County Courthouse will move to a single public entrance and exit through the parking lot door, which has elevator access and nearby handicap parking. Additional measures include internal door security and new service windows in several offices so the public can conduct business at a window rather than entering staff areas. Commissioners said the changes follow state security assessments and are intended to protect both the public and employees, even if they are less convenient. The county is seeking grant funding to help pay for the improvements.
In a public hearing, Clerk and Recorder/County Surveyor Angie Paulson presented a petition from Aaron Christensen to abandon portions of Pony Street, Hill Street, several alleyways, and High Street in the townsite of Toston. An on-site review by Paulson and Commissioner Jesse Swenson found garages, fences, trees, septic systems, and personal property encroaching into the rights-of-way and no loss of access for adjacent landowners. Because power lines run along High Street, a utility easement for Vigilante will be reserved. The commission unanimously approved the abandonment, with County Attorney Kevin Greer pledging to ensure quitclaim deeds are drafted and recorded to avoid future title problems.
The board also unanimously renewed the 2025–2026 inmate excess medical insurance agreement through MACo and Correctional Risk Services, with Jail Commander Johnny Spurlock noting a slight per-inmate daily rate decrease and continued coverage for medical claims and guarding costs.
Looking to the Silos, Commissioner Debbie Randolph led a discussion on the potential purchase of 111 Beaver Drive, a seven-acre commercial property with multiple drive-through storage buildings. The site is being considered for fire equipment, Search and Rescue, road and weed department storage, and a future community meeting and polling space. Residents, Search and Rescue members, and local groups strongly supported the idea, citing faster Canyon Ferry Lake response times, possible insurance savings from a closer fire presence, and the need for Silos Road widening and a pedestrian trail. No decision was made; negotiations and public input will continue.
