Mayor's Notes

Happy Spring to all! It has been some beautiful weather, but would be nice to see some more moisture. Just thought it was time to share some notes from the Mayor and a few reminders.

It is spring and moving into summer. Please show your pride in the community and keep your lawns mowed and trimmed. Keep sidewalks clean. If you have an elderly neighbor, or a vacant property next to you, think about paying it forward and pitch in. Ekalaka has good people, so I have no doubt you are doing this already.

Carter County has a junk vehicle program. If you have vehicles that are not licensed and you want to get rid of them, call the county and let them know. You can also get more information from Kitty at the Town Office. They will come, FREE OF CHARGE, and remove the junk vehicles.

Remember that ALL garbage that goes to the landfill should be bagged. We have had complaints about garbage in the road ditches that have blown off and out of people’s dump loads. Please make sure your load is secure or covered. We want to make sure we keep our beautiful country clean.

At the time of this letter, I am afraid that Emswiler Pool Pool will not be open this year. We need lifeguards. Without them we cannot open. I would encourage anyone over 16 or/and adults or parents to apply in the future.

The council has looked at a few ordinances. One that we reviewed was the dog ordinance. The council wants to remind everyone that dogs should be leashed when on public property. They are also to be leashed or in control of owner when on private property. Please clean up after your dog when out on your evening stroll. It isn’t fair to those who do not own a dog to have to clean up after your dog.

Kitty continues to work on getting funding for projects. The water project and the levee project being very important. A group of individuals are also researching costs and scope of work to clean up property lines. They reported that we have had several sales of property that did not go through because people cannot get funding. They cannot get title insurance or the title insurance is insufficient for some funding sources. This, of course, is a very expensive process and lengthy to boot. It would definitely benefit the economy and the community. It would be a community project – we would need your help!

There are several events this summer to entertain your friends and family! 4th of July Bash, Dino Shindig, rodeos, bronc rides, Shakespeare in the Park, Bump and Run, the fair, just to name a few. I have always said Ekalaka is Montana’s best kept secret!

Enjoy the city park! In the last 4 years the city has put in new cement, play equipment and a beautiful large gazebo for family picnics. We have, however had vandalism occurring, so please report any suspicious activity.

In closing, I have been honored to be your mayor for the last few years, but will not be seeking re-election. I will finish my term in December. Please consider becoming a council person or the mayor. There are currently 4 positions and only 3 running. It is important that members of the community step into these positions and have an input on what is happening.

Enjoy your summer, Vicki L. Fix, Mayor