Dawn Terrill takes seat on Mineral County Commission

Dawn Terrill was sworn in Oct. 7 as the newest commissioner for Mineral County.

Terrill replaces Laurie Johnston who resigned before her second term ended, so Terrill will assume the next two years under Johnson’s term. She has already expressed that she looks at this appointment as a long-term position.

“I believe I can add perspective and a strong voice to the issues facing our county. I admire the hard work of Commissioner Laurie Johnston and I think with the support of my fellow commissioners I can continue with Laurie’s work and passions,” she stated.

Siz residents in the central district had applied for the position and all were interviewed by Roman Zylawy, chairman of the Mineral County Commissioners, and Duane Simons, vice-chairman. The appointment decision and Oath of Office was witnessed by everyone in attendance of the weekly commissioners meeting as Terrill expressed her trust.

“I also believe in the work of teams and I’m confident that joining this team of seasoned commissioners will bring continued growth and positive public relations.”

Because Terrill is currently the Human Resources Director and Administrative Assistant for the county commissioners, some juggling will be taking place.

“We’ll open a part-time commissioners assistant for minute taking, managing calendars and setting agendas and I’ll have office hours one day a week for Human Resource duties along with being on site for community members to bring forth concerns or questions, or just a time to chat about ideas for our present and our future,” she smiled.

Earlier in the day, Diane Magone was appointed the new Mineral County Director of the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority, relieving Zylawy of this responsibility as he has an overflowing plate with his regular commissioner responsibilities and as the new state president of MACo (Montana Association of Counties).

Zylawy was appreciative that Magone would take his place while the BSPRA builds momentum and his upcoming travel commitments might leave little representation for the county.

“The main reason that I wanted to be on the BSPRA board is because I believe in public transportation as well as the advantages train travel provides for people whether they be tourists, students, professionals, or just casual riders who want to see our great state. Also, we have an aging population in Montana who would benefit from an alternative method of travel, including many people who no longer drive,” explained Magone.

The first hurdle is to secure the federal funding for the southern route as there are several states competing for the chunk earmarked for restoration of passenger rail service in their areas. Meaning, if Montana isn’t chosen as a recipient, the money goes to another authority in another state.

Keeping a positive and optimistic attitude, Magone is looking at her next step after BSPRA receives the funding.

“One of my main focuses will be to convince the rest of the board that the new passenger train should come through Mineral County, thus creating an economic benefit to the area by not only bringing in tourists and visitors but also by creating a limited number of jobs. While it is highly unlikely our county will get a full-fledged station, we can certainly campaign for a whistle stop using vans and busses allowing for access to the area. I am so excited to have this opportunity of working to bring back the passenger train to southern Montana!”

The next BSPRA meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 2 to 3:30 p.m., and members of the public are encouraged to join and listen in by going to their website at bigskyrail.org/meetings.