Stapleton visits Carter County on Things That Matter Outreach Tour

Montana Secretary of State Corey Stapleton spent June 26 in Ekalaka learning from local officials and the business community about ways his office can better promote democracy, help commerce thrive and record history for future generations. He said Ekalaka was the thirty-fifth county seat he has visited since taking office and has plans to visit all 56 as part of his Things That Matter Outreach Tour before the end of his term.

"These visits have had a profound impact on our office and for our customers," he said.

Secretary Stapleton met with elections officials regarding recent updates passed by the Montana legislature affecting elections. They also discussed the push to update elections equipment including his offices work to award grants to counties to assist these efforts.

Since taking office, Stapleton has worked heavily to fix errors within the Secretary of State website and has reduced call-waiting times at the office.

"The error rate has dropped from 30 percent to 0 percent; 50,000 fewer errors," he said.

He then joined county commissioners to discuss the Montana Land Boards work to improve commerce by approving the additional oil and gas leases and working to protect Montana farm and ranching families with agriculture and grazing leases.

Stapleton also toured Dahl Memorial Healthcare, where he met with CEO Ryan Tooke for a tour of the existing facility and learned about the current plans for the new facility. He also had time to take in a performance from Dahl's hand bell choir.

Since he came during the middle of summer vacation, Stapleton did not have a chance to talk to high school students, something he said he really enjoys when traveling around the state.

A lunch at Wagon Wheel Café did offer him a chance to meet more locals though.

"I really enjoy the people here," he said.

After leaving Ekalaka, Stapleton headed to Broadus, number 36 on his 56 county trek across Montana.