Congratulations, Fergus Falls High School Marching Band!

Even as this entry is being written, the Fergus Falls High School Marching Band is standing in formation ready to march in today's inauguration parade in Washington DC.

Just five weeks ago the band found out that they had been chosen to perform in the parade. Since that time, people, organizations and businesses from around the community, the region and the state have helped quickly raise the funds to cover the substantial costs of transporting, housing, caring and feeding this group of talented students.

Students and band directors are keeping loved ones at home in the loop through the use of technology. From the Fergus Falls High School site, people can learn the latest about the band using Twitter, Flickr and FirePin.

Alexandria/Fergus Falls named top "micropolitans"

Site Selection magazine recently listed Alexandria and Fergus Falls as two top "micropolitans" for 2007. A micropolitan is an urban area with a population of at least 10,000 but less than 50,000, with a number of construction or expansion projects.

Alexandria was ranked one of the 10th fastest growing micropolitans in the nation with eight business expansions that occurred in the last year. Fergus Falls was also recognized for its three business expansions.

The Fergus Falls community chimes in

WCI staff didn't have to travel far for their latest community breakfasts--they were held right in Fergus Falls at the WCI offices. About 25 people at each of the two breakfasts enjoyed egg bake and caramel rolls as they shared their ideas and concerns about the Fergus Falls community.

Fergus Falls folks like the safeness of the community, the good school system, the beauty of the area, the quality of healthcare and the fact that, even as a rural community, there's easy access to metropolitan areas, thanks to the proximity to the interstate. Older people--especially those who grew up in the area or have a lake home--are retiring here. People are generous, too. And it's a good place to do business.

Folks in Fergus Falls think regionally. Government officials from neighboring communities gather regularly to learn from each other and collaborate. Many people think nothing of driving 30-40 minutes to eat at a good restaurant--and that's true for people coming to Fergus Falls as those from Fergus Falls.

There are challenges, though. Long-timers may not be as positive about Fergus Falls as newcomers are. The sidewalk sometimes seems to roll up after 5 p.m. and on weekends. Shoppers may not come to the city if they perceive nothing will be open. Even with a Minnesota State Community and Technical College campus in town, there doesn't seem to be much for young adults to do. "How do we keep young people in town?" some people asked. "We don't. We let them spread their wings and experience the world," others replied. "Then, when they are older and married and having kids, they'll think what a great place Fergus Falls is to live and raise a family."

What are some areas to concentrate on?

• Start building a quality workforce to replace those retiring in ever greater numbers.
• Make Fergus Falls a retail destination, especially on Saturdays.
• Invite businesses and entrepreneurs to invest (and reinvest) in the community.
• Be a welcoming community, especially in terms of the possibility of the Regional Treatment Center turning into an international school.
• Stop worrying about shrinking school enrollment and start figuring out how to make the new, smaller model a model for success and excellence.
• Pay attention to aging infrastructure issues.
• Push for making Fergus Falls an arts mecca for the west central region.