Voices from the Past

November 29, 1923

Federal Post Road - Belle Fourche to Broadus

A federal post road from Belle Fourche, S.D. to Broadus, via Alzada, Piniele and Boyes appears as a strong possibility and such a project has been endorsed by the commercial clubs of Belle Fourche, Broadus and others. Such a road project is second in importance to a railroad, and would do much toward giving an outlet for the considerable tonnage that goes from this county, making it possible for farmers to find a market for their produce. Such a federal road project mentioned is a necessity and should be granted.

Senator Sterling of South Dakota who is an influential member of the Federal Post Roads committee, and who will be chairman of this committee during the next session of Congress paid a visit to Belle Fourche this past week. During his brief stay there, members of the Commercial Club drew his attention to the condition of the road connecting Belle Fourche with Alzada and other points in Montana. The federal aid road running northwest from Belle Fourche ends at the South Dakota line a distance of 12 miles; from this point through Colony, Alzada to Boyes is unimproved prairie road - impassable a large portion of the year. This road serves all towns and post offices in southeastern Montana and northeastern Wyoming.

The senator expressed the belief that this road can be designated as a federal post road and as such, sixty percent of the construction of a permanent highway would be paid by the federal government.

The worst stretch of road at the present time from Belle Fourche to Alzada lies within Crook County, Wyoming. It has been in damnable condition for a number of months-a shame and disgrace to the state and commissioners of that county. The grade between Belle Fourche and the state line during rainy weather is usually in frightful condition, but whenever dry enough, is kept dragged and in shape for travel. Montana’s stretch of the highway leading to Belle Fourche is usually bad enough but compared to the road through Wyoming is like comparing a silver-throated song bird with a braying donkey.

November 26, 1948

Business Firms Contemplate Paving Courthouse Square

State Highway engineer Earl Hill appeared before the Broadus Town Council on Monday evening to give an estimate for the paving of the four blocks around the courthouse square. Mr. Hill said that present dirt on the streets in the four blocks should be removed down to the base course of gravel and that an additional four inch base course of gravel should be placed on the streets. This should be covered with a two inch oil mat and a seal coat of oil and sand. He estimated the cost between $10,000 and $12,000.

Interested property owners around the square are contemplating the organization of a special improvement district to carry through the plan of paving the four blocks in question. The cost per lot for each of the lots facing the square would be approximately $125.

November 23, 1973

Meet The New Teacher

This week meet Mrs. Charlanne Lemke, an active member of the Powder River High faculty. As well as being a secretary for Principal Rod Lincoln, Mrs. Lemke teaches Shorthand 1.

Mrs. Lemke graduated from Broadus High in 1968 and attended Black Hills State College in Spearfish, South Dakota. She graduated from Black Hills State in 1972.

Being a successful secretary and teacher is Mr. Lemke’s primary ambition. She is 23 years old and prefers chili as her favorite food, especially when the weather is unfavorably on the cold side. Her main transportation is a 1973 green and white Ford pickup. Students that avoid filling out admit reports annoy Mrs. Lemke.

Working in one’s hometown area offers countless advantages and Mrs. Lemke enjoys being employed locally.

Seek Ideas To Pay For Blazers

The Music Boosters will hold their monthly meeting on November 29th at 7:30pm. in the music room at the high school. The main topic of discussion will be money making projects.

The Music Boosters have purchased kelly green blazers for the music department which will help eliminate the complaints of new dresses or other clothing which have been necessary for concerts in the past. Money must be raised, however, to pay for these blazers. The Music Boosters are encouraging everyone to attend the meeting and bring their ideas for financing the project.

With the green blazers the boys wear white pants and turtleneck shirts and the girls wear white dresses. Anyone who does not have the dress pattern may get one from Mrs Colleen Cook at the high school.