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Horizon's III Program Enters Its Next Phase
Pope County Tribune - Starbuck Times
Written by Chad Koenen - Starbuck Times New Editor   
Thursday, 14 May 2009 07:31


As part of the next phase of the Horizon's III Program, citizens will now help develop one of the many goals identified as part of the Horizon's III Action Forum held on January 5. The current phase of the Horizon's III Program entitled Community Visioning will run through August. After the Community Visioning phase is completed, the next phase will put the action groups plans in action.

Anyone who would like to be part of an Action Team and help with the implementation of one of the various goals is encouraged to contact Jeannie Pederson at 634-3909 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Some of the Horizon's III short-term goals as identified at the Horizon's III Action Forum are listed below.

Buying Local


A field trip to another community sparked excitement for what could be accomplished in Starbuck. Realizing the importance of buying items locally, the committee is encouraging community members to support existing and new businesses/services.

By first purchasing items locally, community members can support the existing businesses and keep the local businesses viable through even the toughest economical times.

Food Shelf


After committee members spoke to Pope County Hearts and Hands Food Shelf Director Frank Schmainda and visited the food shelf, they learned first-hand of the many regulations and paperwork necessary to run the food shelf.

The committee said there is currently a need for volunteer drivers to bring people from their homes to the food shelf. It was noted people can do this in addition to other duties at the food shelf.

In addition to the food shelf, committee members also organized a list of programs available in Pope County for those in need. The available programs include:

• Nutrition Assistance Program for seniors which provides "commodities" to senior citizens on a monthly basis. For more information on the program contact Pope County Senior Services at 634-5725.

• Meals on Wheels for seniors. For more information contact the Glenwood Senior Nutrition Center in Glenwood at 634-4004 for home delivery.

• Senior meals at T. Vincents Cafe in Starbuck for lunch from Monday- Friday and make a suggested donation of $3.

• Woman, Infants, and Children Program for children up to five-years-old, breast feeding or postpartum mothers. For more information contact Pope County WIC Program at 634-5720.

• Mothers and Children Program is for mothers and children up to six-years-old. Those who qualify receive a nutritional food package once a month. For more information contact 634-5720.

• Reminder of free and reduced lunch program for school age children.

• United Way Back Pack Program is for school age children. Fore more information contact Jessica Boyer of the United Way at (320) 763-4840.

Welcome Wagon


Those who move to Starbuck will be greeted with a new "Welcome Bag" and personal visit from a group of community members. The committee members will great the new residents and present them with a bag filled with Starbuck treats, coupons, business cards, flyers, and other services available in Starbuck.

Not only will the "Welcome Bag" greet new people to town, but will give area businesses a chance to promote shopping locally.

Other action groups


Two other action groups were discussed at the Community Visioning Rally include a Thursday Evenings in the Park and Plant an Extra Row.

The first concept would bring the community together for one Thursday evening for a night of entertainment in the city park. A variety of games, caterers and groups could join in the planning and implementation of the concept. Those who are interested in being a part of this idea should contact the Starbuck Chamber of Commerce at 230-4220 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The other concept is based on a request by the United way Community Impact Coalition who is asking everyone with a home garden to plant an extra row for those in need of food. When the food in the garden is ready to harvest it can be donated to a local family in need.

For more information on this concept contact Pederson at 634-3909