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.

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

About 15 people met on April 23 to learn more about the ethanol industry, raising natural beef, and beef backgrounding systems. This educational session, sponsored by Horizons, was designed to help educate ag producers about oppotunities that are available to them.

Butch Krutzfeldt spoke about what it would take for an ethanol plant to locate in the Yellowstone valley. Adequate crop supply, a market for the ethanol, and a flexible, efficient plant would all be necessary for an ethanol plant to locate in our area. Fred Wacker spoke about his experience in the natural beef industry, outlining the protocols that must be followed as well as production considerations for livestock producers. Rachel Endecott spoke about backgrounding calves. She discussed different systems that would allow livestock producers to add weight in an effort to add value to their calves when they are marketed.

Initial committees were formed in February to begin planning a timeline for action within five areas:
(1) establishing a local community foundation to fund community projects for the long-term;
(2) promoting value-added agriculture projects such as natural beef and ethanol/biodiesel development;
(3) creating incentives for businesses to expand or locate in Prairie County;
(4) complete city pool and bath-house upgrades; and
(5) to have ample and affordable housing for all ages and income levels.

Committees were to meet individually in March to progress with action planning. All committees and other interested individuals are invited to meet on April 30th to discuss their progress and future plans. The meeting will take place at the USDA Service Center in Terry from 5:30-6:30 p.m. We hope you are able to attend!

A series of speakers have been invited to Terry to speak to ag producers to about opportunities in agriculture on Wednesday, April 23rd from 3:00-6:30 p.m. at the American Legion in Terry.

Agriculture, specifically livestock production, is the number one industry in Prairie County. This provides the opportunity to add value to the products already produced in Prairie County, increasing the economic benefit to producers which ultimately benefits the rest of the community.

Butch Krutzfeldt will be the first speaker at 3:00 p.m. He will talk about the potential for ethanol production in Eastern Montana and other opportunities that that industry may present for area producers. Fred Wacker will be the next presenter at 4:15 p.m., discussing what it takes to market cattle as natural beef and opportunities within that industry. The final speaker at 5:30 p.m. will be Rachel Endecott. She will discuss different cattle backgrounding systems that livestock producers may want to consider.

Area ag producers are invited to come and learn more about the cutting edge of ag industry in Montana. This program is being sponsored by Horizons and the Prairie County Extension Service. For more information, contact the Prairie County Extension Office at 635-2121.

Check out the link titled “Training Opportunities” on the right side of this page under the heading “Pages” for some great upcoming training opportunities!

The Horizons Community Action Forum that took place on February 26th generated some great ideas for community projects.

You have an open invitation to pursue any of the ideas that came up in the Study Circles process. Projects could include:

-Adding value to local agriculture commodities (Biofuel production, oilseed crop production, producing specialty meat products, backgrounding cattle, etc.)

-Establish an endowment foundation and/or “angel network” of investors to invest in local business ventures

-Develop recreation opportunities (could lead to opportunities for local entrepreneurs) such as motorcycle/ATV trails, hiking trails, river floating, birding, and photography

-Revive the drive-in theater as a for profit or non-profit

-Recruit professionals and entrepreneurs to Terry (especially young people)

-Put Prairie County opportunities on www.comehomemontana.org

-Locate a warehouse business or product assembly business in Prairie County (for example, Amazon.com has warehouses located throughout the country to ship from)

-Start a shuttle bus service (transportation for medical, dental, sporting events, etc)

-Build an assisted living facility for senior citizens

-Start a second hand store (could be operated as a for profit business or to benefit a community organization like the Attic in Glendive does)

-Explore the possibility of building a hotel/convention center/restaurant

-Create a dog exercise park (for travelers and locals)

-Start a Bed & Breakfast

-Plan recreational tournaments (youth and/or adult basketball, softball, corn toss, etc.)

-Create more signage for Terry (along interstate, old Cenex sign, etc.)

-Establish a credit union in Terry

-Create historic tourism opportunities for travelers (attract tourists to local historic sites)

-Address community housing needs

There are a number of other community organizations that are committed to supporting community projects like the Prairie County Conservation District, the Prairie County Economic Development Council, and the Prairie County Chamber of Commerce.