Columbus, MT

The Beautification Committee, a result of the Horizons Program, is dedicated to helping the people of Columbus create a more beautiful and attractive community. The primary purpose of this group is to raise awareness that the appearance of our community sends a strong message to town folk and visitors alike and to invite the entire community to participate in this effort.

Several areas in need been identified and the committee members are gathering information to move forward with these efforts. Among the ideas brought to the group were signs to bring travelers into the city from I-90 at the Springtime Road exit and Welcome signs at all entrances to town. A toxic chemical waste cleanup day, assistance with yard cleanup with the assistance of various organizations and youth groups, sponsoring city-wide clean-up days similar to the Billings “Bright and Beautiful”, campaign, working with a landscape architect to plan improvements on Pike Ave. and the parks. Other suggestions were new banners for main street and murals on blank buildings walls.

One of the long term goals of the group is to work closely with the Main Street Program as it develops. Melissa Kramer, Stillwater County Economic Development Coordinator, presented the outline for the Main Street Program, and how that program would go hand in hand with the goals of the Beautification Committee.

The group hopes to work closely with the City Council and the city ordinances to expedite the clean up of problem areas. Anyone interested in participating in these efforts should contact Mary Schimmele at 322-5250 for more information.

The “Welcome to Columbus” sign at the entrance to our town has always provided a warm greeting to visitors. However, over the years, the sign had become weathered and faded. After a little research and work, the ownership of the sign was turned over to the Columbus Community Action Network. They, in partnership with the Horizons Beautification Committee, applied for a Horizons grant in order to get the resources to repaint the sign and update the planter surrounding it.

As you can see, the updates have been well worth it.

                    Before                                                     After

The sign was taken down, sanded and repainted. Walt Marten, a local artist, oversaw the restoration project. Chris Schweigle, a local teen artist, repainted it. The posts were shortened to be in proportion to the size of the sign. Groundcover roses were planted, as well as low-growing evergreen shrubs. Red tulips will also be planted, which will bloom from early to late spring.

http://columbus.communityblogs.us/2007/10/31/welcoming-welcome-restored-to-columbus/