High Plains Cultural Center at Killdeer reaches final stages

KILLDEER, N.D. More than most, Dunn County has taken one for the team in the ongoing oil boom.

Life has changed in good ways and some not-so-good, with intense oil drilling and rigs and trucks proliferating out in the countryside.

In a few weeks, the county will get something back, when the long-awaited dream of an events center with room to gather, exercise and celebrate special occasions finally opens to the public.

The High Plains Cultural Center, along N.D. Highway 22, is a beehive of construction activity these days. And similar to a hive busiest when the honey is in the final stages work is just about done.

The structure has been in the works for nearly a decade, starting with the concept, the funding and finally, construction.

Ken Roshau, who was hired to be the director and schedule events, instead stepped into the role of construction coordinator, or project manager. There were too many workers on site and not enough answers to go around, at the time, he said.

On a quick walk-through, he stops to talk to the various contractors, who are wrapping up the wiring, painting and flooring installation.

He reminds each one of deadlines that need to be met for the next piece to come together the ceiling tiles installed before the floor is painted, and the gymnasium/banquet room cleared of construction materials so the floor can be snapped together, for example.

Its hard to imagine, but Roshau figured by the weekend, all that would be left would be the installation of the kitchen appliances.

At that pace, it wont be long and oil companies will be able to use the center for training meetings and engaged couples will be able schedule wedding receptions for up to 500 guests.

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High Plains Cultural Center at Killdeer reaches final stages