by April Scheinoha
Editor

The Pennington County Board has accepted a bid for the former Human Services Department building and affiliated parking lot. At their meeting Tuesday, May 27, commissioners accepted a $215,000 bid from Movement Evolution LLC, contingent on the dance studio securing financing through a local bank.

Movement Evolution LLC, owned by Julie Bugge and Michelle Duffy, is located next door to the former Human Services Department building, 318 Knight Ave. N. in Thief River Falls. The affiliated parking lot is located across the street.

Commissioner Bruce Lawrence, who serves on the county’s Building Committee, said the bid was less than county leaders wanted. However, he said it was fair.

Commissioner Dave Sorenson also serves on the Building Committee. “It’s not a bad price,” he said. “There’s no commission in there.”

County leaders sought bids three times for the building and parking lot. During the prior two instances, no one submitted a bid.

In January, commissioners authorized the sale of the building and affiliated parking lot. At that time, it was noted there are issues regarding the heating system and building layout. As of the 2023 assessment year, the building was valued at $235,000 and the parking lot was valued at $35,000.

In 2024, Knight Avenue staff moved into offices on the third floor of the Government Center. Courtrooms and the Court Administrator’s Office were formerly located on that floor. The Child Support Division was already located at the Government Center and has since moved to the third floor of the building.