Board Of Health Members Appointed

By Bill Vander Weele

The Roosevelt County commissioners approved the appointment of members to the county board of health during their meeting on Tuesday, April 29.

Re-appointed were Linda Hansen, Dennis Fourbear, Larry Heater and Julie Bach.

Commissioners said a business leader is needed on the five-member board of health. Anyone interested in serving in that capacity can contact commissioners or the health department for more information.

Commissioners approved accepting the plan benefits from JPT Health Insurance. Employees will have the option of three different plans. There are plans for singles, employees with spouses, families and retirees. Commissioners said the options remain the same as last year.

Presiding officer Gordon Oelkers said the motion at the meeting was to only agree on the health insurance plan. Motions regarding how to pay for the plan will be discussed at the next meeting.

Commissioners approved being part of the cooperate fire protection agreement with the state of Montana.

Acknowledgment of Grant Boysun’s retirement effective on Aug. 2 was announced. He has worked with the county’s road department since 2018. He was thanked for his service.

Commissioner Doug Marottek said he attended the suicide prevention conference held in Poplar. One of the hopes was to establish a suicide hotline in the state instead of just using a national service.

Oelkers said that suicide prevention and mental health are growing issues for counties to provide services. One project in eastern Montana is having law enforcement call mental health professionals when a resident needs urgent attention.

Commissioner Robert Toavs said has been working with acting road foreman Derek McNabb in order to make as smooth transition in that department as possible.