Open Thread #64

Ready. Set. Comment!

New man on campus

It's official. UND's next president has been named.

The next leader of the University of North Dakota will be Dr. Robert Kelley who was formerly the dean of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Wyoming. Kelley will start at his new post on July 1, succeeding the retiring Dr. Charles Kupchella who has led UND for the past nine years. Kelley will be the 11th president of the state's oldest public institution of higher learning.

Kelley should have a full plate of issues to deal with. UND's enrollment has been slipping as of late - Kelley will need to deal with this quickly and decisively. UND also is lagging when it comes to salaries and Kelley has indicated he will need to work on this. UND has big plans for fundraising and for increasing its research portfolio. Kelley will be very busy with these and other issues...oh yes...and then there is athletics...

Many of the issues facing Kelley in some way are connected to athletics. UND is moving all of its teams up to NCAA Division I. In addition, a new athletic director must be chosen to lead UND's athletic programs. Perhaps the most controversial issue facing Kelley is the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo debacle. If UND is unable to gain tribal support for the continued use of "The Fighting Sioux" imagery and moniker (which now seems unlikely), Kelley will need to transition UND to a new logo and nickname and retire the Fighting Sioux.

What do you hope to see Dr. Kelley do when he takes the helm at UND? What issues do you want him to deal with? Do you see any particular strengths or weaknesses? How about Dr. Kupchella...how would you rate his time at UND? Please share you thoughts.

New poll: Target space uses

Time for a new poll question! The new question is "What would you like to see go in the old Target space?" Read all about this story in Ryan Schuster's Herald article.

I'm anxious to see what my readers have to say about their desires for the old Target space. This is a big space and, if done properly, a renovation of this space could potentially reinvigorate Columbia Mall.

Cast your vote and come here to discuss your thoughts! By the way, unlike in previous polls, you can choose multiple answers this time around.

Poll result: an "A" for snow removal

When asked "How would you grade the ongoing snow removal program in Grand Forks?" a majority of votes gave the city an "A." (results)

Selection		Votes
A	60%	217
B	13%	49
C	8%	28
D	7%	25
F	12%	45
364 votes total

Postcard: St. Mary's

Here's another classic Grand Forks postcard. St. Mary's Catholic Church still stands at 216 Belmont Road just south of downtown. I really like this postcard. Notice the fact that, in the old picture, there are very few large trees around the church - this part of town now has so many large trees lining the streets. The park setting across the street from St. Mary's still exists today and is the home of the Grand Army of the Republic statue. I would like to have provided some historic background on the church, but I've been having a tough time finding much out. Does anyone know when St. Mary's was constructed? When was the school building added? Check out this page on Flickr for some more interesting St. Mary's photos from the present day.


Interior shot - Denise Drake Interior Design

Open Thread #63

All your news, rumors, and general gossip go here, folks. Let 'er rip.

WDAZ's new digs

WDAZ debuted their new set on Thursday. If you didn't get a chance to see it, check out one of the day's newscasts. I must say, I really like the new set so far. Previous sets have looked very...well, let's just say the new set looks much more professional than its predecessors. Me like.

I'm glad to see WDAZ/Forum Communications finally spend a little bit of money to improve the station's visual appeal. I realize that a flashy set doesn't in itself make a better newscast. However, it does provide for a more professional looking overall package and I think that makes a difference.

What do you think of the new set? Do you miss the lovely carpet on the wall? How about the new graphics and opening sequence?

Open Thread #62.

Go ahead, bloviate.

New English pub coming to GF

The Marcil Group, a local real estate company, has announced plans to open as many as 60 English-style pubs in the Midwest. The chain that Marcil is partnering with is The Firkin Group of Pubs. The Marcil Group plans to have locations in both Grand Forks and Fargo open as early as this summer. (Marcil press release) (Herald story)

What do you think of this announcement? Take a look at their menu...opinions? Any idea where this Firkin Pub is going to go in Grand Forks? How do you think this will affect our other English-style pub, Tavern United?

Denny's opens

The new Grand Forks Denny's location opened on Sunday. I'm interested to hear from people who have visited the new restaurant. How is the food and the service? Will you be a frequent customer?