Representatives of the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame described a planned modernization and expansion of the museum in Medora and requested county financial support; commissioners agreed to consider the request but tabled any funding decision to the next meeting.

Jean Harris, district chairman for District 2 (which includes Dunn County), and Rick (board representative) outlined the hall’s plan to add space, create a learning/event center, expand archival storage and build interactive exhibits for children. Rick said the project is in design-development and estimated a total cost of about $12.5 million. He said the hall has secured some regional county commitments and that design and bid work is approaching the construction phase.

Commissioners expressed general support but said they first needed to review county finances before committing funds. Commissioner Klayman moved to table the request until the next meeting so staff could analyze budget capacity; Commissioner Olson seconded and the motion carried.

No county funds were committed at the meeting. The hall’s representatives said they will return with additional details and asked counties to consider the regional cultural and tourism benefits of the project.