A public concern about safety at an intersection south of Minot is prompting a closer look at the situation.

Molly Schoen, coordinator for the northwest region for Vision Zero, told Ward County Commissioners Tuesday that a public meeting is being planned to discuss the South Prairie school intersection with U.S. Highway 83.

“We have had some concerns brought forth from various people about the South Prairie intersection, mainly when people are exiting or entering the school, because of the Highway 83 traffic,” Schoen said.

Concerns with the intersection relate to the heavy traffic and high speeds on the four-lane highway at times when buses and vehicles are entering and exiting the school grounds. The school reports the situation has created a high risk intersection with near crashes having occurred.

Schoen said Vision Zero is organizing the meeting to bring together representatives of the North Dakota Department of Transportation, law enforcement and others to brainstorm solutions, whether infrastructure, education or other remedies.

Established by the state in 2018, Vision Zero’s strategy is to establish a culture of shared responsibility in which motor vehicle fatalities and serious injuries are recognized as preventable. The mission is to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on North Dakota roadways.

As of Sept. 13, North Dakota had recorded 65 traffic fatalities for the year, down from 72 for the same period in 2023, Schoen said. Regional coordinators have been helping schools set up Vision Zero educational programs that directly involve students. Ward County has two Vision Zero schools – Des Lacs-Burlington and Nedrose.

In other business, the Ward County Commission agreed to seek the State’s Attorney’s opinion on options to address the deteriorated Hotel Irvin in Kenmare, which some commissioners toured Sept. 11. The property came into the county’s possession last year because of $14,783 in delinquent taxes.

The county, working with the Kenmare Community Development Corp., had sought a state grant for demolition but was denied. Commissioner Jim Rostad said Ward County is not eligible for the grant because it has a population exceeding 10,000 residents. He suggested turning the building over to the City of Kenmare, which then could apply for the grant.

Typically, the county cannot give away property, but because the city is owed $300 in special assessments on the property, that may create an exception. The commission is looking to the State’s Attorney for direction.