Community Notes

ALBERTON — The Montana Department of Transportation would like to notify the public and seek comments on a proposal to resurface about 9.8 miles of Interstate 90 (I-90) in Mineral and Missoula counties.

The project begins about 0.6 miles west of the I-90 Alberton interchange at reference post 74.4 and heads east on I-90 past Alberton for about 9.8 miles, ending about 0.8 miles west of the Huson interchange at reference post 84.2.

Proposed work includes a seal and cover (chip seal), a fog seal, a bridge deck crack seal for the bridges within the project limits and upgraded pavement markings. The purpose of the project is to take a cost-effective action to prolong and preserve the existing pavement.

The project is tentatively scheduled for construction in 2020, depending on completion of all project development activities and availability of funding.

No new right-of-way or utility relocations will be needed.

For more information, contact Missoula District Administrator Ed Toavs at 406-523-5802 or Project Design Engineer Nathaniel Walters at 406-523-5833. Members of the public may submit written comments to the MDOT Missoula office at P.O. Box 7039, Missoula, MT 59807-7039, or online at mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml.

State launches REAL ID website

HELENA — As part of its ongoing efforts to inform the public about REAL ID, the Montana Department of Justice’s Motor Vehicle Division has launchedmtrealid.gov. The site provides answers to frequently asked questions and allows interested individuals to sign up for MVD’s email notification list when appointments are available to obtain a REAL ID compliant license.

During the 2017 Legislative Session (Senate Bill 366), Montana’s legislature and governor directed MVD to create an optional driver license that complies with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005. Montanans can apply for a REAL ID beginning in January 2019.

“Over the last year, we’ve been working toward REAL ID implementation by acquiring the necessary equipment to issue compliant credentials and producing outreach materials like this new website,” MVD Administrator Sarah Garcia said. “Before the end of the year, we will launch a public service announcement campaign, created through a partnership with MSU-Billings students. We want to give Montanans ample time and accurate information to decide if a REAL ID license is right for them.”

Last fall, Montana received an extension from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for REAL ID implementation. The extension expires Oct. 10, 2018. At this time, Montana drivers licenses are accepted by the Transportation Security Administration to board domestic commercial flights and access federal facilities. MVD has requested another one-year extension and is awaiting the decision. MVD continues work closely with DHS to ensure full compliance with the law. For more information, visit mtrealid.gov.

‘Run for the Pool’ set for Sept. 29

There will be a 5K “Run for the Pool” on Saturday, Sept. 29 starting at 9:29 a.m. at the Old School in Superior. Registration is due by Sept. 12. Drop off entries at the Superior Elementary School or at Cheryl’s Backstreet Salon. Information on the “Pool in the Park” is on the Facebook page.

Joe Hanson Benefit Sept. 15

There will be a benefit for long-time Alberton resident (and former mayor and town council member) on Saturday, Sept. 15 at the Alberton Community Senior Center from 5 to 8 p.m. The benefit is to help with some medical bills and includes a live and silent auction, bluegrass music and a potluck dinner. Adult beverages are available for purchase. Auction items are currently being accepted as well as contributions. Visit Joe Hanson Benefit on Facebook for more details.

Talk Like a Pirate Day is Sept. 19

The Mineral County Library will host “Talk Like a Pirate Day” on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 4 p.m. in Superior as part of an international event. Visit mineralcountylibrary.org for information.

Free hearing aid service clinic

Hearing Aid Institute (HAI) personnel will be at the Mineral Community Hospital Specialty Clinic on Wednesday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon for FREE hearing aid service. Hearing aids will be cleaned and checked. Any make or model can be checked. Also, there is a free check for ear wax build-up. Walk-ins are welcome.

HAI will also be available for hearing testing. If you are having trouble hearing or understanding conversation, if you find you are missing certain sounds that you used to hear, call for an appointment to have your hearing checked. There is no charge for this service.

HAI has been in business in the state of Montana for 74 years. Mike Van De Riet has 29 years of experience in the industry and in the Sanders County area.

Please call the HAI office at 406-543-5025 to schedule an appointment.

Farmers markets

The Alberton Farmers Market is held every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Community Center parking lot.

The Superior Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon on River Street until Sept. 26.

Senior Centers

Superior Senior Center serves free dinners to residents who are 90 years old and older. Dinner is every Wednesday starting at 4:30 p.m.

St. Regis Senior Center menu: Sept. 13, Chicken and Dumplings; Sept. 20, Spaghetti; Sept. 24, Ham and Beans; and Sept. 27, Pizza.

The Alberton Senior Center serves lunches each Tuesday and Thursday at noon.