About 28 miles up U.S. Highway 75 heading north out of Moorhead - with nary a stoplight between - is a great little community named Hendrum, Minn. Signs north and south of town proclaim, "Hendrum - Next 9 Exits!" - which serves as an attention-getter, an indication that residents dare poke a little fun at themselves, but also as a humorous way of pointing out that, though a convenient distance from larger cities, Hendrum is free of a big city's traffic, noise, or hustle-and-bustle.
Hendrum is made up of approximately 350 folks - some who have lived here all their lives, others who came to the conclusion they would like a calmer, safer environment in which to live, perhaps raise children, and, in some cases, even work.
The community is eclectic, with folks of all ages and occupations. The common misconception of small towns being full of "old folks" is not accurate in Hendrum; many young families have moved here over the past few years, and the median age of residents is 34.
It might be said that the two hubs of community life are the elementary school and the church, though other businesses and organizations contribute greatly as well.
The existence of a local school system - Norman County West's elementary school is right in Hendrum, while junior and senior high students are bussed 7 miles north to Halstad - is surely an advantage for families with young kids. The school also provides employment for a number of local residents. Even community members without a direct school connection often enjoy attending basketball and volleyball games, theatre productions, concerts, and other events. When school is not in session, the outdoor recreational resources - playground, football field, and tennis courts are also available to the public.
Norman County West Elementary is especially proud of its status as a "Blue Ribbon School," awarded by the U.S. Department of Education in 2006 to only 292 schools nationwide and only 9 in Minnesota. The recognition was based on dramatic improvement in student achievement in the areas of reading, math, and writing over the prior three years.
In partnership with Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, the school district also runs a preschool, named West Adventure Center, which serves 40 kids and their families. While all the preschoolers share classrooms and activities without distinction, families register for childcare (at a reasonable daily rate) or Head Start (free), based on family income. Full and partial-week options are offered, running from 8:15 - 3:15 each day.
Another significant part of life in Hendrum is its one church. Immanuel Lutheran is a congregation over 130 years old which welcomes people of all faith backgrounds and serves the community through a Food Shelf, a monthly meal for senior citizens, and by opening its doors to piano students, dance classes, and use by the school (right across the street).
Over the last fifteen years, Hendrum City leaders have overseen the construction of a new lagoon, the installation of a new lift station, and the replacement or relining of 95 percent of the wastewater collection system.
After the Flood of 1997, a circle dike was built around the town. Its usefulness was clearly noticeable during spring floods in 2000 and 2006. Even so, community members turned out in force to fill sandbags along Main Street for the sake of folks in outlying areas - just one example of how this small town pulls together to help neighbors in need.
The Hendrum Fire Department was recently awarded a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters grant in the amount of almost $250,000 for the purchase of a new, custom-made fire truck. It will be built to specifications set by the Fire Department and requirements set by the grant program. Congressman Collin Peterson, in announcing the award, said, "These grant awards are crucial to our smaller departments that are in need of a new vehicle. The fire department and their volunteers who cover the Hendrum area are a vital part of public safety. Area residents are fortunate to have this critical service by dedicated volunteers."
Hendrum's leaders also look toward the future. An Economic Development Authority (EDA) was started in 1996 with the primary purpose of improving the quality of life here and making Hendrum a place more people will choose to call "home." The EDA has worked hard over the past 12 years to spearhead the building of the Hendrum Civic Center, providing lots for business expansion, and clearing old homes so that new ones can be built.
Besides houses and apartments available at a fraction of the cost of what you'd see in Fargo-Moorhead or Grand Forks, a new 21-lot development along the southeast edge of Hendrum is ready to welcome families who wish to build. The lots are priced at $9900 apiece, with the added benefit of no special assessments. Anyone interested in more information or a tour is encouraged to call the Hendrum City Hall at 218-861-6210 (a local call from Fargo-Moorhead). Local financing is available through Northwestern Bank. Call Danielle at 218-861-6211 for a fast decision; conventional, FHA, and first-time home-buyer loans are available.