TURNER, MT--In response to input received at the most recent Hogeland-Turner community forum, a meeting will be held Wednesday, April 28, 7:00 P.M. at the Turner School to discuss the potential for cohesive town development.  Those living in Turner, Hogeland and the surrounding areas are strongly encouraged to attend and help decide the direction for efforts.  The specific purpose of this meeting is to form an entity that can receive tax deductible donations from multiple sources, similar to a foundation or endowment fund.

There have been other attempts at community projects, and as successful as they’ve been due to the dedicated efforts and support from the community, the intent of this particular project is to decrease dependence on local contributions and encompass or unify into a larger, more diverse fundraising effort.

This entity will facilitate the channeling of philanthropic donations, memorial monies, alumni donations, grants, fundraising activities, and private donations, etc.  The function of the proposed group/entity will be to address the issues of declining school enrollment, decrease in state and federal funding, and waning community population.  A strong effort is needed to continue the benefits that smaller towns offer.  Ideally, this fund can be used to indirectly assist the school to defray general budget expenses.  Other possible projects for the organization might include assisting in community outreach programs and general economic development projects for the Hogeland-Turner area.  Currently a website is being developed for the Big Flat area. Ideas for economic development have been discussed, and the need for community development proves to be a concern of many area citizens.

Time is short and community attendance at this upcoming meeting is crucial.  All ideas will be welcome.  The specific policies of the group will be determined by the community members that attend--your attendance is strongly encouraged on April 28th.