Lincoln Ambulance, Sheriff 's Office prepared for busy Fourth of July

With a number of July 4th events canceled around Montana, Lincoln stands to see a major influx of visitors hoping to experience a traditional Independence Day Parade and Rodeo.

Christ Lewenight, president of the Lincoln Rodeo Club said the rodeos that have moved ahead in the state so far this year have seen a good turnout, with some high-level pro riders showing up, since there aren’t as many rodeos this year.

“We could end up with some really good riders this year,” he said.

The expected increase in visitors has prompted some COVID-19 related changes for businesses and organizations, but most are continuing to observe the protocols already in place.

“I am expecting an overload of people, so we’ve got a couple crews,” Lincoln Volunteer Ambulance President Aaron Birkholz said. This year, rather than having four or five people at the rodeo, they will have two medical responders stationed there, with a second ambulance on hand for other issues that may arise due to crowds.

Birkholz said the ambulance will continue to follow their current protocols when responding to calls.

“We’re under protocol right now from the county to wear masks and eye protection,” he said, and added that the 911 dispatch center now asks callers questions now about whether patients have been out of the state in the last 30 days, any time spent around people known to be infected with COVID-19, or if they’ve had a fever or symptoms.

The ambulance asks the same questions a second time and limits exposure by sending only one person up if they’re unsure.

People should also expect to see an expanded presence from the Sheriff’s Office again this year, with eight deputies expected to be assigned to the community for the weekend.

Given concerns about coronavirus, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton said his deputies will use their normal precautions.

“They don’t typically wear masks because it makes a difference if the people they approach can see the deputy’s face,” he said. “If somebody is clearly symptomatic, or coughing and sneezing, they have masks, they have hand sanitizer, …all of those things if they need. I’ve left it with their discretion, but they won’t be wearing it all the time.”

Dutton also made sure to note that enforcement of social distancing is not the responsibility of his deputies.

“So, please, don’t even think we’re doing that,” he said. “If you feel comfortable being within the three feet or six feet of someone, it’s your responsibility to stay healthy.

Despite the presence, Dutton said Deputy Jeff Stoltz, who is leading the detail, has customer service in mind and doesn’t intend to be heavy handed in their approach.

“Typically, we’ve been real light with the rodeo grounds,” he said. “The Rodeo Club asked us to look at minor-in-possessions. We’ll take walks through there, but it’s not going to be oversaturation.”

He said Stoltz may adjust staffing downward if things remain peaceful.