County Commissioners Meeting
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter
Article Published: 08/07/2026 Volume: 5 Edition: 05Rachael Brug
Staff Reporter
7/22/2026
Broadwater County commissioners advanced an ordinance raising the speed limit on Weasel Creek Road in Winston, approved a floodplain permit for removal of the old Toston Bridge, and accepted a $256,757 increase to the federal airport reconstruction grant during their July 22 meeting.
Winston speed limit advances:
Commissioners held the first reading of an ordinance raising the speed limit on Weasel Creek Road from 15 to 25 mph and approved it unanimously. The ordinance, adopted under MCA 61-8-310, covers the stretch between the westerly right-of-way of Highway 287 and the existing 35 mph sign west of town and repeals the prior 15 mph designation.
Chair Debi Randolph said the 15 mph posting did not match the minimum speed allowed for county roads under state law. She said she had driven the road, spoken with residents, and deferred to the sheriff's office, which told commissioners the previous week that 25 mph is safe. Public Works Director T.J. Gravely also drove the road to check conditions.
Audrey Walleser said neighbors recalled past plans for a returning train station and a larger school, and a 2001 incident in which someone was struck on the road, as possible origins of the low limit. Steve Dunbar also spoke.
Because county ordinances require two votes, the measure must pass a second reading on Aug. 5 to take effect. Commissioners noted they worked through the unfamiliar process with the county attorney. Randolph said only official signs placed by the road department should be posted, and the sheriff's office will handle any unauthorized signs.
Toston Bridge removal permitted:
Kevin England of Great West Engineering presented the floodplain permit for removing the old Toston Bridge, which commissioners approved unanimously. The project will remove the bridge structure and piers using a temporary work bridge and standard equipment, excavating two concrete footings — and possibly blasting — down to three feet below the channel bottom. Older timber footings from an 1890s bridge upstream will remain.
Recreational river access will be maintained throughout, with a signed boat lane and six-foot vertical clearance through any temporary structures. England said MDT's analysis shows the finished project will not raise river levels and will move the channel toward its pre-bridge condition. Contractors will need separate floodplain permits for the construction phase.
Community Development Director Nichole Brown said the public comment period was open about 28 days and she received no written or verbal comment. Trevor Little of MDT watched online.
Airport grant increased:
Lance Bowser of Robert Peccia & Associates requested a $256,757.70 increase to the FAA airport reconstruction grant — the county's 17th federal airport grant — bringing it from $385,885 to roughly $642,643. He said the original grant came out underfunded because FAA money distributed within Montana fell short, and that asphalt overruns of about 3.6 inches versus a 3-inch specification were within federal tolerances and owed to the contractor.
One more amendment, under $20,000, is expected once the FAA finalizes flight-check costs for runway lights and glide slope indicators. Commissioners praised the airport board and Bowser; Randolph noted former Commissioner Daryl Folkvord, a pilot, previously served as the commission's airport liaison. The motion passed unanimously.
BUILD grant missed; MDT open house set:
Commissioner Jesse Swenson reported that the county's joint application with MDT and Great West for a federal BUILD grant for the "Winston Northwest" project was not funded; the only Montana award went to a Missoula County bridge. The project will still proceed, he said — the grant would have moved it up MDT's schedule. Swenson also announced an MDT open house Aug. 20 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the commission room, with project displays and one-on-one access to representatives.
Commissioner Lindsey Richtmeyer reported from the National Association of Counties annual conference, where she is vice chair of the Montana Association of Counties' community, workforce, labor and economic development committee, and stressed rural Montana's voice in federal policy.
Fair and rodeo gearing up:
Fair Manager Jessica Erickson said fair pre-registration is up about 150 entries over last year, to 1,482, with horticulture entries still to come. Sponsorship raised $7,450.50, and six new metal rolling bleachers replaced aging wooden risers in the 4-H building. She warned premium payouts may exceed her $3,900 budget and she may need additional funds after fair week. MDT will post reduced speed limit signs near the fairgrounds for the weekend.
New 4-H assistant Kasen Greg outlined the 4-H schedule: dog show Aug. 4, horse show Aug. 5, pocket pet and poultry Aug. 6, with livestock shows and the buyer dinner Aug. 7. Animal entries reached 474, including 63 educational displays.
Rodeo club liaison Denise Thompson said the rodeo will debut a Jumbotron on Friday and Saturday, add handicap-accessible seating from a trust board grant, and install new sponsor signage. New parade director Carla Ahern, succeeding Kathy Tombs after 62 years, said the parade is Sunday, Aug. 9, at noon with cash prizes for the top three entries. Shane Romo has taken over grounds maintenance from the retired Lisa and Chuck Larson.
TIF application revised; vacancies noted:
Brown walked commissioners through edits to the Wheatland Targeted Economic Development District TIF application — adding a district map, an applicant signature line, and clarifying language. After consulting contracted TIF attorney Courtney Ellis, the word "may" was kept rather than "shall" in the development-agreement clause. The application is set for discussion and decision on July 29; no public comment has been received.
Commissioners also noted vacancies on the combined county-school library board and the county tax appeal board, which must be filled so tax appeals don't default to the state. The treasurer's monthly report was moved to the July 29 meeting, and July 15 minutes and claims were approved. Commissioners then adjourned.
