Terry, MT

Prairie County is starting a community foundation to help sustain the community long after current citizens are gone. Cathy Cooney of the MT Community Foundation met with the new board May 29 to review the benefits and the responsibilities. With Prairie County being the oldest median population in the state at 49.5 years old, the transfer of wealth from one generation to another is coming faster than average to Prairie County. This is a way to give back to the community that helped raise your family and supported your business. It is a way to help the community prosper as the foundation will give back the interest and special incentive grants to local projects. Officers include Dale Hellman Chair, Ron Kiosse Secretary, Tim Rittal Treasurer and board members Larry Bond, Rolane Christofferson, Ann Marie Davis, Sandra Brown and Jim Ross. They are looking for an other agriculture based member. Donations may be made to Prairie Benefits at Box 82, Terry, MT

The short term project chosen after Terry conducted Study Circles is now visible to the world. Terry wanted to make their community look inviting to encourage people to venture into town off the interstate… beyond the 4 Corners gas station. Sandra Brown was the spearhead behind this project that got many more partners involved in contributing money, time or resources like heavy moving equipment to make it happen. The work has paid off and lights are in the future — really not necessary in the summer months when it’s light until nearly 10PM but will make the community look welcome in the dead of winter. This is also next to the new Backcountry Byway, Highway 253 now paved all the way to Brockway.
Hope other can list all the partners who helped make this inviting entry into Terry.

VISION for PRAIRIE County Communities of TERRY & FALLON

Prairie County communities are adaptable, self-sufficient and diversified; providing livable wage jobs and opportunities to live in a safe, clean environment. Young and old have access to ample affordable housing in family-friendly communities that offer year around recreation activities and events that attract people from near and far.

7 7 Prairie County Residents shared their thoughts through a community survey last December, 2007. 87% thought Terry was a community that helped one another and 91% felt it was a real home.

Strengths were education, helpful friendly people, hospital and medical care, businesses that invested in Terry, small town atmosphere, park, museums, clean appearance. Things people would change is adding more students and people to town, improve road maintenance, full time restaurant, jobs and locals more welcoming to new folks.

53% of respondents were willing or very willing to help with community projects.

Top 3 areas to improve the quality of life in Terry were livable wage jobs 63%; education system 48% and youth activities 43% and health care 34%.

From the 15 items listed on the survey that came up during Study Circles, the top issues were
1. Value added agriculture
2. Recruit professionals
3. Assisted living facility
4. Expand recreational opportunities

Add the ages of all of Prairie County’s residents and divide by the 1199 residents and you will find Prairie County’s median age is 49.3, the oldest in the state. 47 families or 202 individuals are below poverty but if say 200% of poverty 262 of the 353 households have incomes under $25,000. 577 of the population are employed –208 or 36% in agriculture; 128 or 22% in education, health and social services which includes the two largest employers are the Terry Public Schools and the Prairie Co. Hospital District - the hospital, nursing home and clinic–both listed as strengths in the local survey.
Even though the county has 24% over age 65 (twice the national average), items that became priorities during this process were the city park and pool, improving trails, getting the drive in theater going again as well as enticing young professionals to return. This goes against the perception that the older generation aren’t supportive of youth. Is sure doesn’t show in Terry as that’s where they are putting some of their energy and resources. The former owner of the drive in is willing to make special arrangements this year with someone willing to run the drive-in which is in need of repair before it can reopen. A newsomer has expressed interest. Let’s make it happen! All us nostalgia folks as well as the youth are rooting that it happens.

Eleven people gathered on April 30th to guage progress on community projects.

Great progress is being made on establishing a community foundation to benefit Prairie County. The directors of Friends for Cherry Creek Dam met in March to change their bylaws and name to Prairie Benefits. Officers and a board of directors were also elected. Prairie Benefits will work with the Montana Community Foundation to manage the funds. Prairie Benefits will provide an opportunity for ongoing funds for community projects.

The Prairie County Commissioners are working with Julie Jones of Singletree on an assisted living facility in Terry.

The value-added ag committee reported that they hosted a forum for ag producers on April 23rd that focused on the ethanol industry, raising natural beef, and backgrounding systems for calves. The need for continued education on ag diversification opporutunities such as camelina production was noted.

Another meeting is planned for June 4th at 5:30 p.m.