Wibaux, MT

We have lots of nonprofit organizations in Wibaux but not one except the Wibaux Nursing Home Foundation has even applied for the IRS approved 501c3 status. MT Community Foundation grant funds were channeled through a non-profit out of town. One of the Horizons action plans is to get a 501c3 for Wibaux. The group has narrowed down the name to Wibaux CAN - Community Action Now, which allows flexibility for many projects from housing, beautification, historic, poverty, drug abuse and youth activity grants. This committee is spearheaded by people in the know including the Clerk and Recorder, Town Clerk and the County Attorney assistant. Work is progressing on the by-laws and officers will be elected in July. We hope to submit to the IRS in the fall. The results will benefit the community and address poverty by allowing us to apply for grants as most require 501c3 status.

Nowhere during Paul Lachapelle’s whirlwind tour of eastern MT did he have so many of the key leaders of a Horizons community represented. Paul was giving workshops on Montana Public Meeting laws and all who attended got “Serving on County Boards, Districts, Commissions and Committees in Montana: A Handbook for Members, Local Government Officials and Citizens”
In the small town of Wibaux on April 30th, 24 attended including all three commissioners, the mayor and town council member,fair board, new nominee for school board, Clerk & Recorder & Deputy, Clerk of Court, Historical Society, planning board, Disaster & Emergency Services and the newspaper editor who was well versed in public meeting law. The biggest concern was being sure not to make decisions without proper notification of meetings. We commend their interest in the training to prevent litigation or cause conflict — or maybe they came for the great lasagna for only $5!

From a waitress wondering where she can find a lot to move in a trailer to a minister trying to find housing for his family, housing is so tight in Wibaux, it squeaks!

The abandoned Milton used to house several bachelors as well as the owner’s family but has been vacant 5 years as the owner is in the Vet’s Home and standards for housing has changed.

Things are happening as of late June- a rental has been renovated down to the studs to add insulation and rewiring to make a home available for rent. Two new homes will be added to Wibaux Co.; one bringing in a lady from Astoria, OR who can no longer afford the taxes as land prices have risen there. The Lost in Time Ranch is adding a dorm for the teachers of this non-profit organization working with inner city kids to expose them to astronomy, paleontology, geology and wildlife during the summer months.

by Ginny Archdale

One of the highest priorities identified in the Horizons program survey was creating jobs and economic development in Wibaux. This also came up in study circles and leadership training segments. People were very positive about the idea of developing wind energy.

Wibaux County, the Eastern Plains RC & D, the Wibaux County Conservation District, and landowner Kory Scammon have partnered up to monitor wind data on a site southwest of Wibaux. This is the first step in determining whether a site is suitable for wind energy. Mike Carlson of the RC & D made arrangements for the county to borrow an 85-foot tower from a landowner in Jordan. The county paid for modifications to the tower and the county road crew helped Carlson put it up on a site that Scammon provided. Carlson also loaned the county an anemometer and data logger to put on the tower. Carlson has since retired, so the conservation district is now pulling the computer chip from the data logger periodically and sending it in to a state agency that then provides a report.

Data from the first three months was so positive that a wind development company put up its own 200 foot monitoring tower a half mile south of the first one.

Since August of 2007, the average wind speed at the site has been just over 17 miles per hour, and efficiency (how often wind would be adequate to produce energy) is above the 40 percent companies want to see. Overall, Carlson has described the site as rating about 6 ½ on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the best.

However, most companies want to see at least a year, and maybe two years, worth of data before developing a site.

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