Government leaders discussing plans about Highway 59, issues with school traffic

by April Scheinoha
Reporter

Upcoming Highway 59 improvement projects, as well as traffic issues outside of Challenger Elementary School, are on the minds of local government officials.

The Thief River Falls City Council, Pennington County Board and Thief River Falls School Board discussed those issues at a joint meeting Monday, Aug. 29.

This summer, the Minnesota Department of Transportation plans to resurface Highway 59 from Brooks to four miles north of Plummer. Next year, the highway will be reconstructed from one mile south of Pennington County Road 2 (south of Thief River Falls) to a half-mile south of Pennington County Road 62.

Thief River Falls Public Works Director Travis Giffen asked whether the county had discussed realigning Highway 59 near the intersection with Pennington County State Aid Highway 8 in connection with that MnDOT project. County commissioners planned to speak with County Engineer Mike Flaagan to determine whether a potential realignment in the county’s plans.

Giffen suggested now would be the time to consider slightly realigning the intersection, which is located near Sheldon’s Used Auto Parts. He referred to a slight realignment similar to the city’s realignment of Oakland Park Road at the intersection with Highway 32.

In 2029, MnDOT plans to make improvements to Highway 59 on the east side of Thief River Falls. That project has a sliding start date, so it may start earlier or later than 2029.

While city leaders are concerned with traffic and pedestrian safety on Highway 59 in that area near Holiday and L&M Fleet Supply, city leaders’ first concern is drainage. They want to get ahead of any potential issues before the project begins. They have already hired HDR Engineering to identify potential problems that should be addressed and considered for the project.

Traffic jams remain a concern outside of Challenger Elementary School.

Council member Mike Lorenson lives near the school. He referred to problems with motorists trying to exit the subdivision east of his home. There is only one exit out of the subdivision, which is directly south of the school.

Lorenson added that he wasn’t a fan of the barricades erected on the south side of the school, which cause parents to drop off their children in a single-file line. The barricades often lead to longer lines that continue past the roundabout and even sometimes past the roundabout near Greenwood Cemetery.

Michelle Westerman, who serves as the clerk on the school board, said the barricades were erected to keep the kids contained to an area near the front of the school.

Ryan Walseth, who chairs the School Board, said the district continues to seek a long-term solution. He said district leaders have talked considerably about potential traffic solutions. However, they are limited by finances.

Interim Superintendent Paula Henry also referred to the possibility that she and police officers may monitor the situation once school starts and see if there are better ways that drop-offs may occur.

CES isn’t the only school where there have been safety concerns and traffic jams. Walseth thanked the Thief River Falls Police Department and the City of Thief River Falls for patrolling the area near Franklin Middle School. Students are to be dropped off and picked up on the same side of the street as the school. The patrols have helped ensure parents continue to follow those safety rules.

The city and school district have also partnered together to fund the cost of a school resource officer for the district. Council member Rachel Prudhomme asked about the possibility of funding another school resource officer. She referred to safety concerns having one school resource officer who is responsible for more than one school.

Westerman replied that the school district has looked at different ways to manage student behaviors. A lot of school district’s COVID-19 monies were used toward the cost of behavioral interventionists and more professional development for staff in managing student behaviors.

Pennington County and the City of Thief River Falls are waiting to receive portions of the state’s settlement with opioid manufacturers. The county has heard different amounts of $600,000 and closer to $800,000, said County Chairperson Bruce Lawrence. The county has heard different time frames as to when the money will start being awarded. Cities may also apply for portions of the opioid settlement.

Lawrence indicated that the money will be provided to the county over the course of 18 years. “It’s supposed to be front loaded at some level,” he said.

Even though it will be some time before the county will receive the funding, county officials have already established a committee to determine how to potentially spend the money. Henry also serves on the committee.

“Reform is one thing,” said Lawrence, who noted that 1 to 2% of individuals completely reform from alcoholism and drug abuse. He added that the board wants to focus more on youth and preventing opioid abuse.

Mayor Brian Holmer talked about the possibility of purchasing mechanical devices to assist law enforcement in detecting fentanyl.