Wibaux, MT

Community Change Project – The Federal Government gave the state millions of dollars to address the problem of drinking and driving through the lifespan and binge drinking with an emphasis on youth. No one in Wibaux would underwrite the project so because of Horizons, the school superintendent convinced the school board of the importance of this project and is serving as the fiscal agent. It has added another fulltime job to Wibaux and rented a building for this 3 ½ year grant. The ultimate goal is addressing the community norms of underage drinking. Wibaux County is part of a 5-county coalition working with Dawson, Richland, Roosevelt and Sheridan counties to affect community change.

by Ginny Archdale

The bathrooms in Wibaux’s city park are so icky little kids run across the street to the neighbor’s houses to use the potty rather than use the city ones.

City Council asked R & R Construction to draw up plans and submit a quote to build two new handicapped bathrooms in unused space within the existing park building. Last week, the council agreed to accept those plans and R & R’s quote. The Wibaux County Commissioners also have agreed to share part of the cost of the project.

R & R plans to begin work on the new bathrooms later this summer.

With its access to the interstate, close location to Medora, ND, an old west town just 30 miles away, and a rich colorful history featuring Pierre Wibaux, the community’s namesake, Wibaux has the potential to capitalize on tourism. It’s well known for good restaurants, good football teams and good people.

A priority of those involved with Horizons was taking care of eyesore abandoned buildings, for safety and well as community appearance. Needed is adequate housing for all ages, including one-level homes that would allow seniors to remain in the friendly compassionate Wibaux community.
2. Peggy Iba Says:
April 8th, 2008 at 1:03 pm

86 people (15%) filled out the survey in addition to the 20 written comments/ suggestions on how to improve Wibaux if you had $10,000 during Wibaux Appreciation Days Dec. 1 and the 35 who attended the visioning Dec. 3.

It was inspiring to read the surveys. 89% said Wibaux helps one another and it’s a real home. Wibaux’s top strengths or assets: places to eat, school. churches, helpful folks, western heritage.
People reported they would improve abandon building, youth drinking/drugs, housing, clean up, increase population, more jobs.
Top three things to improve quality of life from a checlist:
Liveable wage jobs 75%
Youth activities 60%
Improve the economy 44%

48% of surveyed said they were willing or very willing to help!

Top issues of the 8 listed that came out of Study Circles:
1. Expand business/ job opportunities
2. Housing
3. Increase Wibaux’s population
4. Medical care
5. Community Beautification

From friendly people to good schools, good restaurants, and a safe, caring community, the people who participated in the Horizon’s survey had a lot of good things to say about this community.

After nearly a year of work with small groups, conducting a survey, and getting input from everyone from high school students to senior citizens, Wibaux’s community has worked to create a vision for the community. December 3, 2007, a community visioning meeting developed the following statement:

Wibaux is an attractive and inviting community that has diversified businesses based on hospitality, our rich history, natural resources and global marketing strategy. Our community offers an unsurpassed quality of life that boasts affordable housing for all while providing an environment where everyone can prosper and develop into healthy productive citizens.