Commission approves final concept for Morton County Memorial Plaza; committee cleared to fundraise, seek RFP after $500,000 raised

The Morton County Commission approved a final concept June 24 for a renewed war-dead monument and plaza—now to be called the Morton County Memorial Plaza—and authorized the county committee overseeing the project to begin fundraising. The commission further authorized the committee to issue an RFP for construction services once $500,000 in contributions has been raised.

Why it matters: The proposed plaza replaces and expands the existing war-dead display at the courthouse with an elliptical-formed memorial area, three limestone walls for names and quotes, a bronze inlay featuring the county seal and service-branch emblems, and a silhouetted light effect of a saluting soldier that will be visible at night. Committee members and architects said the design also incorporates perimeter hardening (low walls and bollards) for security and a raised planting bed for community-maintained plantings.

The project team—architects Al Fitter and Jake Axman—presented renderings showing three primary walls: a central wall for veteran names (with space for future additions), two flanking quotation walls, a combat cross element, and an area for “Bridal of Honor” plaques near the courthouse entrance. Committee members described a careful, countywide public-input effort; staff said they collected 44 survey responses from across the county and held public input meetings in Mandan, Flasher, Hebron and New Salem.

Commissioner discussion noted historical references: one committee member reported the original zigzag shape of the previous wall likely referenced World War I trench lines; that shape was incorporated subtly in the new paver pattern. Commissioners discussed construction-phase security and agreed mitigation (temporary door reassignments, staged construction, and coordination with the sheriff) can address access during work. The committee recommended that preliminary fundraising and concept approval come first so detailed design and procurement can follow once funds are available.

The commission approved two motions: (1) authorize the war-dead committee to proceed with the final concept for fundraising; and (2) allow the committee to solicit RFPs for construction once $500,000 in contributions has been received. Commissioners noted the committee’s goal of keeping county funding separate from initial fundraising; the full project cost estimate discussed by the committee was described as roughly $1 million (planning-level estimate) but the county has not committed funds.

Next steps: The committee will begin fundraising and provide status updates; once the $500,000 threshold is reached the committee may issue an RFP for design/construction and return to the commission with contract recommendations. Staff and committee members said they will continue outreach to local service organizations and veterans groups.