"A Montana Perspective" for Final Reimagining Rural Session

By PR Extension Office

“Define success,” asked Mary Rumph, MSU Extension Agent, at the second night of the three-night virtual event called Reimagining Rural. Participants were asked to share a “successful” program, and participants listed many including the County Fair, the new day care, the historical museum and the Chamber website. Success means different things to different people.

The final night of Reimaging Rural will be held on Monday, October 4th, where folks from Winnett, Montana, will share their success in creating a more vibrant future for their small town, and Powder River County participants can develop a community development project for their community. The group will meet in the Courthouse Election Room from 6-8 pm; joining the speakers and other communities virtually.

Community members of Winnett, population 182, have taken their community from considering dissolving into the neighboring county to a hive of activity including a robust Beef to Schools program, new housing and a new community center. Three different members of the Winnett community will share the many positive developments in the town over the past several years including how their momentum grew as their list of successful projects mounted.

Community volunteers and leaders from across the state will be able to ask questions and share ideas for revitalizing their community with participants across the state. The evening will include local discussions of quick and easy projects that can be accomplished with the small grant that will be made available by the Montana Community Foundation and First Interstate Bank.

This session is the third and final in the three-part series, Reimagining Rural. The series is made possible by MSU Extension, the Burton K. Wheeler Center, Montana Community Foundation, First Interstate Bank Foundation and the WE and OP Edwards Foundation. Twenty-three communities across the state are participating in this first-ever venture.

For more information on how you can join the idea friendly conversation, contact MSU Extension – Powder River County at 436-2424.