Chamber Awards WPCO For Community Service
The Wolf Point Chamber of Commerce presented an award to the Wolf Point Community Organization prior to WPCO’s meeting on Monday, Sept. 21.
The honor presented was the Community Organization Recognition Award.
Chamber executive Elizabeth Deserly said the award was for WPCO in recognition of what they do in the community.
WPCO chairman Jason Hamilton reported that the organization’s Back to School Bash went very well as 315 backpacks, water bottles and school supplies were given. He added that the meal for the Carlisle children was extremely successful. “I want to thank everybody who volunteered and donated food,” Hamilton said.
During the WPCO meeting, four Tribal Executive Board members provided reports. The TEB members were George Blount, Vernice Chopper, Marva Chapman and Roxanne Gourneau. Chapman noted that she was in favor of the reservation’s new curfew for minors because parents need to be held accountable. She added that BLM officials were scheduled to talk with TEB members about the proposed Bridger Pipeline. She feels if TEB favors the pipeline, enrolled members should also vote to express their feelings about the proposal. Chapman said that $3.4 million went through the casino in Poplar from December 2025 to July 2026.
Blount said that the treasury department finished its investigation regarding the Fort Peck Housing Authority last week. The process began in June. He reported the old playground will be replaced at the West End. He said in order for the curfew to be effective, it needs to be enforced by law enforcement and parents must be accountable.
Regarding the critical letter to the editor written by tribal chairman Floyd Azure, Blount said TEB members urged Azure to discuss issues with them before making complaints in such a matter. “It hurts our community. It hurts our families,” Blount said.
Gourneau discussed building a new clinic facility in Wolf Point. She feels a community meeting is needed to hear what the public envisions the facility to feature. She said important elements for the area moving forward are having checks and balances, a wellness center, suicide prevention and having Indian Health Services paying hospital bills.
As far as the Poplar River Casino, Gourneau said casino distribution is the challenge. The tribes are receiving funds, but the casino needs to be able to pay its expenses. She feels distribution needs to be readdressed.
Wolf Point Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Perkins discussed the funding when WPCO makes donations to school’s athletic programs. He said donations must be equal between males and females. Donations shouldn’t be gifts for individuals, but funds to support a team. Questions should go to athletic director Cody Larson.
Approved donations included $3,000 to the Elks Lodge to hold a Halloween celebration for youth on Oct. 31. WPCO will partner with the Elks for the community event.
WPCO members also approved $500 for the Elks Hoop Shoot and $1,325 for registration fees to the city of Wolf Point for t-ball and baseball players. A total of $10,600 was spent on the Back to School Bash.
