After just more than a year in operation, the Maroney Commons in Howard is closing.  Due to financial concerns, the Miner County Development Corporation voted to cease operations at Maroney Commons as of September 3rd.  Maroney Commons includes Maroney’s Bar, the Forecast Restaurant, and the Windward Inn and gift shop/conference/training center.  Kathy Callies, Acting President for the Rural Learning Center, said the project was an ambitious one for a community of just more than one-thousand people.  She said that many individuals and partners “came together in this work” and that without their financial support, attendance, family and friends, it would not have been possible.  Callies said the boards of directors – made up entirely of volunteers – have given their best to the project and hope that it will continue under other ownership and remain a vital asset to the community.