Residents Discuss Town’s Appearance With County

Tori Matejovsky, executive director for the Great Northern Development Corporation, and Wolf Point Chamber of Commerce officer Nicole Miller spoke to Roosevelt County commissioners about possible steps to improve the community’s appearance during a meeting on Tuesday, March 4.

Matejovsky mentioned the plight and number of abandoned properties in Wolf Point. She noted that aspect of Wolf Point impacts businesses and future development.

Miller, the general manager of the Sherman Inn, reported that some construction crews and other potential patrons have decided to stay in Glasgow or Sidney because of the houses’ dismal appearances across the street from the hotel.

One online review read that the Sherman was located in a “sketchy neighborhood.”

Matejovsky said the hope was to have an open dialogue with commissioners. A similar presentation will be delivered to the Wolf Point City Council.

County Commissioner Robert Toavs sees community involvement as being a key factor to improve the appearance. “This is not falling on deaf ears,” Toavs said.

Commissioner Gordon Oelkers explained that first properties need to be cleared of taxes before they can be sold. Resident Bill Juve wondered if landowners could be contacted to pay the taxes in order to speed up the process.

In other business, commissioners reported that Roosevelt County will receive a $692,000 grant to redo a bridge on County Road 1010 north of Bainville.

Jacqueline Olson was appointed to be a member of the fair board.

Commissioners gave approval for Oelkers to attend the Western Interstate Region Conference for the National Association of Counties scheduled for May in Rapid City, S.D.

Commissioners tabled a request from the health department to hire a recruiting firm.

During a commissioners’ report, information was provided regarding the trip to the state capitol by Oelkers and Toavs.