Billings families are seeing a new wave of bright‑green safety signs appear at elementary schools across the city. The signs, which feature an eye‑catching character, were donated by the Lantz family and local volunteers to remind drivers to reduce speed and watch for children in school zones.
Family Vision Turns Into Community Project
The effort began after Sheri Pope lost her husband, Carey, in 2019. Determined to carry forward his commitment to helping others, Pope launched a project to improve road safety for students. “After my husband passed away, I wanted to dedicate something to the way that my husband lived,” Pope explained.
Since its inception, the initiative has produced more than 30 signs that have been installed at schools throughout Billings. The signs are bright green and display a simple, friendly figure designed to capture drivers’ attention and convey a clear message: slow down, stay alert, and keep children safe.
Positive Impact Reported by Residents
Parents and teachers say they have already noticed a change. “Some of the folks who contacted me have said that they have seen the signs and they have seen people slowing down and observing the safety signs,” Pope said.
Fourth‑grader Camryn Pope, Sheri’s daughter, shared how the project gives young people a chance to make a difference. “We decided to make one of those signs for every school because people just go so fast on roads and it could be pretty dangerous,” she said. “So we decided to make the world a better and safer place.”
Schools Embrace the Initiative
One of the newest signs is headed to Canyon Creek School. Teacher Sheena Cain praised the addition, noting that it is a community‑driven resource rather than a district‑mandated item. “It was really cool that we could use something at our school that isn’t part of the school district, and that we really could use something out here for ours,” Cain said.
For Cain, the sign also carries emotional weight. “Knowing that his legacy gets to be part of Canyon Creek, it’s heartwarming,” she added.
Mother’s Hope for a Safer Future
Chase’s mother, Mariya Lantz, expressed gratitude for the community’s response while emphasizing the ultimate goal of preventing further tragedy. “What happened to my kid was definitely a tragedy,” Lantz said. “But to see the support from the community and just the way that they’ve rallied around, having his legacy live on has honored my heart and made my heart feel full even just moments at a time.” She hopes the signs will do more than remember Chase; she wants them to stop another family from experiencing the same loss. “We want to see all the difference in those signs and school zones,” she added.
Growing Interest and Future Plans
As awareness of the program spreads, Pope reports a steady stream of requests for additional signs from other schools and community members. The project remains a family‑centered effort, with volunteers of all ages helping to design, produce, and install the signs.
Local officials have praised the initiative for its grassroots nature and its focus on protecting children—an issue that aligns with Billings’ broader commitment to safe neighborhoods and strong families.
The Lantz family’s dedication demonstrates how a personal loss can inspire a community‑wide movement, turning grief into a lasting safety legacy for Billings’ youngest residents.
Original reporting: KTVQ Q2 Billings (local) — read the source article.
