News Around Town

If you’re planning to remodel or improve your home or business, the City of Casselton offers a helpful tax incentive that could save you money. Through the Property Tax Exemption for Improvements program, qualifying projects on older buildings may receive a break on the increased property taxes resulting from the upgrade.

For example, let’s say your home was valued at $150,000 before your remodel, and after adding an attached garage and updating the kitchen, the new value is assessed at $200,000. Normally, you’d start paying property taxes on that $50,000 increase right away. But with the exemption, you’ll continue paying taxes based on the original $150,000 value for the approved exemption period—up to five years—giving you time to enjoy the improvements without immediately feeling the financial impact.

This exemption is available for both residential and commercial properties that are at least 25 years old at the time of application. The exemption applies only to the increased value created by your improvements—not the land value—and can last for up to five years, depending on what’s approved by the City Council.

What Types of Projects Qualify?

Your project may be eligible if it involves:

• Renovation: Restoring the building to a good state of repair
• Remodeling: Updating layout or style to correct functional problems
• Alteration: Making material changes to an existing structure
• Addition: Expanding the building with an attached new space

Whether you're adding a new bathroom, updating a kitchen, or getting new windows, this program could help reduce your tax burden during and after your project.

What Doesn’t Qualify?

Some projects aren’t eligible, including:

• Projects that begin before the exemption is approved
• Complete tear-downs and rebuilds
• New freestanding structures that aren’t attached to the original building

How to Apply

Getting started is straightforward, but timing is everything—follow these steps carefully to make sure your project qualifies for the exemption.

1. Apply before your project starts. This is key—the exemption only applies if approved in advance.  
   Click for Application
   
2. Submit your application to the Casselton City Assessor. They’ll confirm your building qualifies and your project fits the guidelines. Keep in mind the Casselton Economic Development office is also a resource to answer your questions and help you get started.
3. Wait for City Council approval. The exemption must be granted before construction begins.

Once approved, the exemption takes effect on the next property assessment and lasts for the approved number of years.

A Smart Way to Save

This exemption is a smart option for property owners looking to invest in improvements while keeping property taxes in check. If you're considering a project, talk to the Casselton City Assessor early in your planning process to find out if you qualify.

A special noon-hour open house at Essentia Health – Casselton gave Casselton Business Association members the opportunity to meet the local care team, explore the clinic, and learn more about the wide range of services available right here in town.

Those attending connected with the clinic’s seven-person team—including three doctors, two nurses, a lab technician, and a receptionist—who shared insights into the clinic’s role in the community. With nearly 40% of patients being children and students, and many others being seniors, the clinic plays a vital part in serving Casselton across all ages. The team accepts Medicare and emphasizes a commitment to accessible, compassionate care.

More Access Than You Might Expect

One key takeaway: same-day appointments are often available, giving patients a convenient option when health issues arise unexpectedly. Whether it’s a sudden illness, minor injury, or a time-sensitive need, the ability to see a provider quickly—without traveling out of town—makes a big difference for busy families and working individuals.

The clinic also offers additional conveniences that many patients may not be aware of. Virtual visits provide flexibility for those who prefer to connect from home. Lab work can be done at the Casselton clinic and can be scheduled online through MyChart, streamlining routine care. And with an on-site X-ray machine, patients can access imaging services without leaving town.

Services That Go Beyond the Basics

The Casselton clinic provides more than routine care. Just a few examples of available services include:

• ·        Vaccines
• ·        Blood pressure checks
• ·        Skin tag and mole removal
• ·        Suture removal
• ·        Weight management support
• ·        Alcohol use disorder treatment
• ·        Birth control consultations

“People are often surprised by how many services we can provide right here in Casselton," say Cassie Plante, APRN, FNP-C. “We want the community to know they don’t have to travel far to get great care.”

Care from People Who Know the Community

Beyond medical services, what stood out most was the deep community connection of the clinic staff. Two of the providers live locally and maintain strong ties with the school district, dental office, and other community organizations.

“We are here. We are available for the community, and we are connected to the community,” said Danielle Olsen, BSN, RN and Operations Manager. With ties to the school district and local healthcare organizations, the team brings a deep understanding of the town and its people. Patients are often more than just names on a chart—they’re neighbors, classmates, or friends, which makes the care feel more personal and meaningful, she added.

A Trusted Local Resource

From rapid access to care to a surprising range of in-town services, the Essentia Health – Casselton Clinic is an essential resource for the local community. The open house served as a great reminder that quality, compassionate care is available right here at home—with a team that truly understands Casselton.

Get Involved in Casselton Summerfest: Host an Event or Become a Sponsor!

Casselton Summerfest is powered by the creativity and generosity of our community—and there’s still time to get involved!

Host Your Own Summerfest Event

Does your business, club, or organization plan to hold an event during Summerfest weekend? Whether it’s a tournament, open house, class, or kids’ activity, we want to include it on the official schedule!

Register your self-hosted event here:
Event Registration | Casselton Summerfest

Self-hosted events don’t require any coordination or funding from the Summerfest committee, but registering ensures your event is:

• Included in Summerfest informational materials

• Promoted on the website and social media

• Easier for the public to find and attend

Not sure what to host? Here are a variety of ideas that work well for businesses, nonprofits, and local groups—big or small:

• Games or kids’ crafts – Create fun, low-cost stations families will love.

• Ice cream socials or lemonade stands – Great for youth groups or nonprofits looking to raise funds and smiles.

• Tours, tastings, or pop-up demos – Let people experience your product or service in a hands-on way.

• Fitness classes, fun runs, or community challenges – Lead a group walk, yoga class, or family-friendly race.

• Photo booths or themed selfie stations – Set up a fun backdrop and props for people to snap pictures and tag your business.

• Chalk art contests or sidewalk decorating zones – Let kids (or adults!) unleash their creativity while promoting your spot.

• Scavenger Hunt – A city-wide hunt featuring historical clues and fun challenges. 

• Pet Parade – Let families bring their pets with fun awards for best-dressed critter.

• Open mic, live music, or talent hour – Showcase local performers in your space or on your lawn.

• Try-it stations – Let people test out your products or services (samples, mini massages, chair fittings, etc.).

• Customer appreciation event – Use Summerfest as a chance to thank your regulars with refreshments or a small gift.

Summerfest thrives on community-led ideas. If you’re planning something, let us know!

Sponsor the Fun: Fireworks or Outdoor Movie

We’re currently looking for sponsors for a family friendly outdoor movie on Saturday night, July 26. If you or your business is interested in sponsoring, we’d love your support!

Become a Sponsor

Let’s work together to make Casselton Summerfest 2025 unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting an event, lending a hand, or stepping up as a sponsor, you’re helping create something special for our whole community.

One of the most beloved Summerfest traditions is right around the corner! The Casselton Summerfest Parade rolls through town on Saturday, July 26 at 11 am, and now’s the time to start planning your entry. With more than 100 floats, walkers, and creative displays each year, it’s a can’t-miss event for both participants and spectators.

The parade route will follow the same general path as in previous years. Final route details will be shared on the Summerfest website closer to the event.

Want to Participate? Register Now!

All types of parade entries are welcome—whether you're a business, club, church group, performer, or local organization. Just keep in mind:

• Walkers are allowed and encouraged alongside your entry, but please hand out items (don’t throw them from vehicles).

• The parade route is about one mile, not including lineup areas.

• Parade registration is $20 per entry, which helps cover management costs.

• Honored Guests & Special Entries: If you're a government official, elected representative, or first responder group, please email casseltonsummerfest@gmail.com to coordinate your honorary parade entry.

Register for the 2025 Parade

Whether you're lining the streets to cheer or rolling through town on a float, the Summerfest Parade is a Casselton favorite you won’t want to miss. Get your spot early and be part of the tradition!

Mark your calendar now for a fun and festive Saturday evening during Casselton Summerfest! On July 26, head to Tinta Tawa Park starting at 6pm for a laid-back night filled with food, games, and time with friends and neighbors. The fun continues until dark and is one of the highlights of the weekend.

What to Expect

• Community Supper – Enjoy a tasty meal served by local community groups. It’s a great way to fill your plate while supporting great causes.
• Inflatable Games + Laser Tag – Kids and kids-at-heart can jump, play, and challenge each other in a fun, safe setting.
• Outdoor Movie (sponsor needed) – We’re hoping to show a family-friendly outdoor movie after dark, but we need a sponsor to make it happen.
• Fireworks Show – We're lighting up the  sky and ending the night with a bang.

Let’s Make It Happen!

Casselton Summerfest is all about creating spaces where our community can come together, connect, and celebrate. These evening events rely on sponsors to bring them to life.

• If you or your business is interested in sponsoring the outdoor movie or fireworks, we’d love to talk! Become a Sponsor
• Community groups interested in serving supper can also reach out by emailing casseltonsummerfest@gmail.com.

Come hungry, bring the kids, and stay for the fun. Summerfest Saturday night is where Casselton gathers!

Get ready to shop local, explore handmade goods, and enjoy a full day of fun at the Casselton Summerfest Vendor Show! This year’s outdoor show runs from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, July 26 at the soccer fields east of the pool (401 2nd St S). Vendor setup begins at 8am—no earlier, please!

Expanded Hours + Family Fun Nearby

With extended Vendor Show hours this year, it’s perfectly timed around the Summerfest Parade. Come before or after the parade and stay for a full day of activities. Nearby attractions include:

• Free inflatable games for kids

• Nickl Park playground

• Afternoon open swim at the pool

Food Court on Front Street

Hungry while you shop? Grab a bite from Food Court vendors on Front Street, between Langer and 6th Ave N. Whether you're craving something sweet or looking for a meal, there's something for everyone.

Vendor Registration Details

Vendor registration is open now! The show is outdoors, and canopies with weights are strongly recommended. Each booth space is approximately 12’ x 12’. No tables, tents, or electricity are provided.

• $50 per booth (up to 2 spaces allowed)

• Max 2 booths per vendor (select “Quantity 2” if needed)

• Include a short description of your items in the registration form

• Vendors may sell nearly anything that fits in the space

• Food truck vendors are also welcome

Register for the 2025 Summerfest Vendor Show

Register for the 2025 Summerfest Food Court (for food intended as meals)

A Few Reminders:

• Casselton Summerfest does not provide insurance or assume liability—vendors must carry their own.

• Any vendor misrepresenting their booth or failing to follow guidelines may be asked to leave.

• Summerfest reserves the right to deny vendor registrations.

Whether you’re a shopper or a seller, we can’t wait to see you at the 2025 Vendor Show! Stay tuned for updates on other Summerfest activities happening throughout the day.

Something new is hitting Casselton parks this summer—outdoor family movie nights! For the first time, the Casselton Park District is bringing the magic of the big screen to three local parks. It’s free, family-friendly fun, and a perfect way to enjoy a summer evening in town.

Summer 2024 Outdoor Movie Schedule

May 21 – Governors Park (8:40 PM)
Movie: Moana 2
Kick things off with Moana’s latest ocean adventure. Grab a seat on the grass and enjoy ice cream from Alex the Ice Cream Man. Don’t forget to check out food specials from Red Baron and Pizza Ranch before the show!

June 25 – Reservoir Hill (9:00 PM)
Movie: Lilo & Stitch
A sweet and silly story about friendship, family, and aliens. Bring your blanket and enjoy concessions available at the park.

July 23 – Readitech Field (9:00 PM)
Movie: The Rookie
Round out the series with this inspiring baseball favorite. Perfect for sports fans or anyone who loves a feel-good true story.

What to Bring

• A blanket or lawn chairs

• Your movie crew—family, friends, neighbors!

• Appetite for snacks and summer fun

Bonus Fun

• Ice cream sales at Governors Park

• Concessions available at the June & July movies

• Follow the Casselton Park District Facebook page for weather updates and event details

This is a brand-new series you won’t want to miss—let’s make outdoor movie night a new Casselton tradition!

Case Muscha has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Casselton Business Association $1,000 Scholarship. A senior at Central Cass High School, Case was chosen for his strong academic performance, leadership experience, and commitment to both work and community service.

At Central Cass, Case has been involved in a wide range of activities—from DECA and National Honor Society to band, jazz band, track and field, and Science Olympiad. As a DECA competitor, he qualified for Nationals with top finishes in Business Law and Personal Finance role plays. As lead alto sax in the jazz band, he’s also earned recognition as an Outstanding Soloist.

He earned the rank of Eagle Scout after leading a 150-hour project to repaint and improve the Absaraka ballpark concessions stand.

“Case has been a great leader within Casselton Boy Scouts Troop 241,” says Alex Richard, committee chair for Troop 241. “He exemplifies leading by example. Case led a team to refurbish some facilities at Horton Ford Baseball Field in Absaraka for his Eagle Scout project. He was awarded his Eagle Scout this past December, an honor only awarded to 6% of all Boy Scouts.”

In addition to his school and volunteer commitments, Case works at two local businesses that are members of the Casselton Business Association—Dairy Queen and Lone Oak Farm. He says that at Dairy Queen, he learned the value of teamwork during rush-hour ice cream orders. At Lone Oak, he’s gaining experience behind the scenes of large events—skills he believes will serve him well in business.

He balances those jobs with a full schedule of extracurriculars and community service, including volunteer work at Martin’s Lutheran Church and through local Scout-led efforts.

Case plans to attend North Dakota State University this fall to major in Business Administration and Global Business. After gaining work experience, he hopes to attend law school. He is the son of Tom and Jolene Muscha of Ayr.

Casselton Business Association, with a recent vote of the CBA Executive Board, endorses the upcoming sales tax vote, seeing it as an opportunity to invest in our community’s future without raising taxes. This measure ensures funding for key projects without placing the full burden on local businesses and residents.

What’s Changing?

The proposed Sales and Use Tax Ordinance would:

• Keep the 2% Sales and Sse tax currently in place (1% paid off the Wellness Center).
• Increase the maximum tax on a single transaction from $25 to $50.
• Dedicate 100% of the city’s 2% Sles and Use tax to roads, utilities, and public buildings, parks and recreation, job development through business retention, expansion, and recruitment, and property tax relief, including assistance with special assessments.

Potential Uses of City Sales Tax Funds

If approved, here are a few examples of how the sales tax revenue could be used:

• Park Development in Prairie Skies – Expanding recreational opportunities for all ages
• Downtown Renovation and Updates – Enhancing the heart of our community
• Expansion/Relocation of City Hall and Library – Providing more functional spaces for residents

Why the Business Community Supports This Measure

A strong local economy depends on smart investments in infrastructure, business growth, and community development. This measure provides long-term funding for essential projects without increasing the sales tax or placing the full burden on residents and businesses through property tax increases and special assessments.

Here’s why the Casselton Business Association supports a YES vote:

• No Sales Tax Increase – The rate remains the same and is similar to neighboring shopping districts
• Non-Residents Help Pay – Those who use city services also contribute
• Supports Downtown Growth – Less reliance on special assessments for needed updates
• Strengthens Our Local Economy – Investment in infrastructure benefits everyone.

The Ballot Language and Text of the Proposed Ordinance can be found on the city website at https://www.casselton.com/notifications.

By voting YES, Casselton is choosing progress, smart investment, and a stronger future—without additional tax burdens. Casselton Business Association encourages all residents to support this important measure!

Vote YES for a better Casselton!

Casselton is about to get a little more colorful! Casselton Public Art Task Force is hosting a one-of-a-kind Yarn Art Event at Midnight Solution Dog Park on Saturday, May 17, and you’re invited to join the fun!

Whether you’re a crochet queen, a fiber newbie, or just someone who loves a good community project, this event is for you. We’re transforming the park’s chain-link fence into a giant canvas of color, texture, and imagination—and we need your creative touch to make it happen.

Here’s how it works:

• Sign up solo or round up a team (no need to have all your teammates confirmed yet!)
• Claim your section of the fence
• Use the yarn provided (or bring your own stash!) to create a masterpiece—patterns, pictures, or wild abstract designs are all fair game
• Bring your own scissors and any tools you love using

No experience? No problem! This event is open to all ages and skill levels, and it’s all about having fun and connecting with others through creativity.

“Public art doesn’t have to be permanent or traditional—it can be fun, unexpected, and accessible to everyone,” says Char Gust, a member of the Public Art Task Force. “This event is about bringing people together, celebrating creativity, and making our public spaces more inviting and engaging.”

Yarn donations welcome! Got some leftover yarn collecting dust? We’ll happily take it off your hands and turn it into something beautiful.

Spots are limited, so sign up now and be part of this colorful Casselton moment: https://tinyurl.com/dogparkart

About the Casselton Public Art Task Force
We’re a group of volunteers who believe art should be everywhere—especially in the places you least expect it. From pop-up projects to murals and creative installations, we’re all about making Casselton brighter, bolder, and more inspiring. Let’s make art happen, together.