Ekalaka public schools have received a grant through Montana Disaster and Emergency Services in the amount of $64,631.50 to be used for a new generator. Carter County was not required to match the award with non-federal funds.

Carter County DES Coordinator Georgia Bruski applied for the grant which was approved in October of last year. The generator's cost came in under budget at $59,351.67. The remaining money was returned to the state for future grants.

The generator was installed May 22 and is located outside the elementary school which functions as Ekalaka's public disaster shelter. "This facility can be utilized by neighboring communities; it is a great asset for the town and community," said Bruski.

Both Bruski and Superintendent Dan Schrock expressed their thanks for the community's support in approving and installing the generator. Hopefully, Schrock said, the community will never need to use the generator in an emergency situation. "It's nice to have it in case you need it," he said.