National Night Out returns to Havre next week

The Seventh Annual Havre's National Night Out is set for Tuesday, from 6 to 8 p.m. on the lawn of Montana State University-Northern's Student Union Building, hosted by the Havre Police Department.

The community- or block-based national program for neighborhoods to advocate for drug and crime prevention and raise awareness of drugs and crimes.

"Several service organizations in town come set up booths, so that people can be aware what services might be provided in town, as well as all the local law enforcement agencies," said Havre Police Sgt. Ryan Pearson, who has organized the event.

The local law enforcement agencies and service organizations include U.S. Border Patrol; Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks; Montana Highway Patrol; Search and Rescue; Havre Fire Department; District 4 Human Resources and Development Council's Domestic Violence Program; Buckle up Montana and more.

"This is a way for the community to meet the multiple law enforcement agencies outside of the work setting," Pearson said. "They can come up where we can talk to them about the different things departments offer, different equipment we have, or just to meet with us and talk with us."

A free barbecue will be prepared by Northern's food services and is sponsored by the Havre Lions Club. Live music will also be showcased by local band Blind Luck who has performed at the event the past several years.

"We do accept donations for the barbecue as a free-will donation, If people would like to donate any money during the barbecue portion we raise will go to the Havre High School food pantry," Pearson said.

He added that this event is a nationwide project, which's usually held the first Tuesday of August every year, but is being held on the last Tuesday this year because the Montana Army National Guard is able to attend and bring their rock climbing wall. A helicopter provided by an agency will also be featured along with a dunk booth, if the weather permits.

He said competitions between law enforcement versus civilians could potentially be held.

A gun raffle will also be held, hosted by the Havre Police Protective Association. Tickets will be $20 a piece or six tickets for $100 and the drawing will begin at 7:30 p.m. The types of gun one can win include, a Thompson Center Venture 30-06, Browning BPS 20 Ga. CZ-USA 455 American SS 17 HMR, CZ-USA P-09 9mm and more.

Crime Stopper's will also be hosting a raffle for one for $5 or five tickets for $20. The proceeds will go toward Havre/Hill County Crime Stoppers. The drawing for this raffle will be held during Havre Festival Days.

For questions and comments Pearson can be reached at the Havre Police Department at 265-4361.