JPA agrees to back Wilkin County Fair gate‑fee program if private funds fall short

The Richland Wilkin Joint Powers Authority on June 9 approved a contingency to cover gate fees for the Wilkin County Fair—$20,000 per year for five years—if private contributors do not provide the support. Jon Braton made the motion and it was approved unanimously.

Braton told the Board that private businesses had expressed interest in supporting gate‑fee coverage but proposed that the JPA commit the funds if private support does not materialize. The Board discussed the idea and agreed to the contingency.

At the same meeting Brad Edwardson appeared on behalf of the Wahpeton Park Board seeking Emergency Revitalization Fund (ERF) assistance to refurbish the Wahpeton Community Center basketball court. Nathan Berseth and Perry Miller noted the JPA typically does not fund maintenance or infrastructure projects for taxing entities and suggested Edwardson explore City of Wahpeton sales tax funding; no action was taken on the ERF application.

Separately, Bruce Yaggie raised concerns about potential competition between The Infinity Center and the SPARC in Wahpeton. Brad Edwardson described the SPARC design and, after discussion, Berseth encouraged the two groups to resolve business concerns directly, noting the JPA’s only interest is a potential property sale to the City of Wahpeton within the Legacy Lakes development.

The Board’s actions included the contingent Wilkin Fair funding commitment and taking no action on the Wahpeton Park Board ERF application.