Sunsets numbered for historic 107-year-old bridge at Blanchard

The Blanchard Bridge, recorded in history as one of the oldest bridges not only in Traill County but the state of North Dakota, as well, will soon be history.
History, as in never to be seen again.
James Sykes, a Wisconsin contractor, is expected to remove and move the bridge near Blanchard sometime this month.
The August exodus will bring an end to the debate between members of the Traill County Historical Society and the Traill County Board of County Commissioners. The Hillsboro Banner also entered the fray, supporting efforts to save the Blanchard Bridge.
All to no avail, Neil O. Nelson, editor of the Banner, grudgingly admits.
“We still do not understand why the bridge is being given away. The concerns of the people in the county who believe that history matters, that we must do everything in our power to preserve the history of Traill County, were dismissed across the board.”
In a postcard-perfect setting, 30 yards from a North Dakota highway, we have a picture of yesteryear, Nelson submits.
If there’s a picture that tells a 1,000-word story, it’s the Blanchard Bridge, Nelson continues. “This bridge and others were instrumental in the settling of Traill County. Unfortunately, it could be in the sunset of its days,” Nelson added.
“The Blanchard Bridge hasn’t cost the county one red cent in the last 50 years, and it would not cost a penny over the next 50 years.”
So, why does it have to be moved? Nelson asks, repeating the question asked often in recent months.
Before Sykes can remove the Blanchard Bridge, the Wisconsin contractor must agree to contract terms submitted this week by David Dornacker, whose land the Elm River snakes through and where the Blanchard Bridge is located.
Traill County road and bridge superintendent Scott Stammen expects Sykes will have a crane that will remove the bridge from a position on Highway 18.
Sykes nor his crew can move onto the Dornacker land without permission.
Any damage to farmer Court Hanson’s crops will also be paid for by the Wisconsin bridge collector, according to language in the contract agreement faxed to Wisconsin this week.
There is the possibility Sykes will not agree to the contract, Traill County states attorney Stuart Larson speculated this week.
Sykes has indicated to the county that he will remove the bridge by the end of August.
Marilu Person, Traill County Historical Society member, continues to be dismayed by the commissioners’ indifference to the historical value of the Blanchard Bridge.
“It’s sad there seems to be the opinion that there’s no value to the bridge. It’s of great value to the history of Traill County.”
Person mentioned again the fact that the 107-year-old bridge is listed with the National Register of Historic Places.
“And we have this bridge in Traill County, where it was built.”
The county doesn’t want it, but a man in Wisconsin does, she adds.
“The fact that he will spend mega bucks for the bridge should tell us that it is worth something.
“I don’t understand it, I’m still puzzled.”