Gackle, ND

Patti Patrie and Laurel Jones from Bowdon, North Dakota, a fellow Horizons community, attended last night’s presentation by Miner County at the Gackle Legion Hall. Despite the last blast of winter on a -15° evening, they made the journey and joined us to dream and become inspired with Howard, South Dakota’s rags-to-riches story.

I didn’t get a chance to visit with them too much, but the fact that they were present is evidence that a network of relationships is building and a web of activity is taking place between and amongst the Horizons communities. We can only do so much and we have much to learn and share with each other. We have similar problems and keeping up with each other might generate a solution to our issues.

We appreciate their participation in our program and hopefully soon we can participate in one of theirs. The presentation below would be great for those of us who are going to be active with our farmers market.

Sunday, March 30 at 1 p.m. Dwight Duke will be speaking in Bowdon
on Growing Organic Vegetables/Fruit and Marketing at Farmers Markets!

Gackle is home to the Krieger Movie Theatre, which is one of the oldest family owned theaters in North Dakota. It first opened its doors in 1946 and has been at its present location since 1948. Movies are shown each weekend, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, (8pm) May - September.

Last fall, a visiting architect, Dr. Paul Gleye from NDSU toured the theatre and felt it was a “gem” to be preserved. Family illnesses have made it increasingly difficult for the Krieger family to easily operate the theatre and implement any improvements. Nobody wants the theater to close down and hopefully we can get together soon to discuss the state of the theatre and its future.

During our Horizons Community Conversations when people expressed their wishes for the town, the Krieger Theatre was identified as a great asset for local entertainment and an important main-street business. The youth were especially concerned that their theatre be “fixed-up.”

It’s a great thing to be able to walk a block from home and enjoy a 1st run movie in a town of less than 400! This is one of the few businesses in our town that actually draws people in from surrounding communities.

In my opinion, fixing the theatre up could have a spin-off affect on other businesses. Imagine, why not enjoy a movie in a freshly improved building but also a dinner in the cafe, bar or tastee freez.

And if we think a little “bigger” could an “improved” Krieger also be venue for community productions, local performers, and a comedy night or could the walls even be hung with an exhibition?

So where do we go from here?

Friends of the Krieger needed - volunteers and $$$ welcome!