By Bridget Reed
In October 2025, the Big Flat Community Grain Bin gained two new members: Alan Van Voast and Brian Fox. According to President Shelly Harmon, the organization has been seeking more members, and still is. As a result of two vacant positions–founding member, Tricia Kimmel stepping down in 2024, and the sudden passing of Vice President and founding member, Johannas Brown in June 2025–the BFCGB, established in 2011, has had a “hard time” dealing with business. Presently, Andrew Jones holds two offices, Treasurer and Vice President, while Julie Welsh serves as Secretary. The five member board, including the new members, held a meeting in mid-January to recommence business for the new year.
New trustee Brian Fox explained that he joined the BFCGB due to encouragement from friend Andrew Jones and with community development in mind. He noted that joining the organization is a good opportunity to “give back to the community.”
Alan Van Voast, another community-minded individual, claims he was invited to join the Grain Bin, especially due to the “vacancy the organization is experiencing.” Van Voast also joined since his wife, Shannon, served for a few years, and he felt it was time to “take a turn” and “help out.” During his time in the Grain Bin, he hopes to “offer ideas” and “help however” he can.
President Harmon indicated the Grain Bin’s main goal, which is school and community service. She explained that the organization runs off donations from alumni and grants in order to provide grants for the Big Flat community and award scholarships to students. Umbrellaed under the BFCGB is the Stormchasers Booster Club, which focuses on school and athletic funding. The organization also publishes the community website, www.TurnerMontana.us
An additional grant from the Blaine County Community Foundation Fund contributed to the purchase of a tent for the All-Class Reunion this past summer. At the reunion, another large, generous donation was made to the BFCGB by an anonymous benefactor.
New energy in the form of new members and continued financial support ensure the community’s only 501(c)(3) organization will remain viable and active in the coming years.