Groundwork Advances on 3,400-Acre Solar Project
Abercrombie, ND · October 17, 2026
Step outside early and you will definitely want a heavy fleece, but quiet sunshine and a 70-degree afternoon are right behind it. It is prime territory for an autumn walk or catching up on weekend chores across the township.
The Lead
The 295-megawatt Abercrombie Solar installation spanning roughly 3,400 acres across the township represents one of the largest infrastructure developments in Richland County history. Civil site work is moving ahead this month—from grading access roads and preparing the substation yard to driving structural support piles into the Red River Valley soil. Acquired by Otter Tail Power, the $450 million facility will generate an estimated 658,000 megawatt-hours annually, powering tens of thousands of homes while delivering an estimated $23.8 million in local and state tax revenue over its lifespan. For neighboring landowners, the gradual transition from open cropland to photovoltaic racking will reshape several familiar section corridors south of Colfax. Subcontractors plan to wrap up medium-voltage trenching before the seasonal ground freeze, setting the stage for extensive panel mounting once spring arrives.
Local Pulse
- Colts Battle Hard in Tight Season Finish Schools Richland dropped a competitive 27–19 contest against Wyndmere-Lidgerwood Friday night as regional football competition wrapped up.
Today's Outlook
- High 70°F · Low 36°F — Clear
- Chilly morning air quickly yields to pleasant afternoon warmth under crystal-clear blue skies.
What's On Around Town
Today
- Maplewood State Park Hike Rise Studio (413 1st Ave N), Wahpeton, 8:00 AM · $39 Six miles of rolling autumn trails and scenic park vistas.
Tomorrow
- Knights of Columbus Breakfast St. John's Church (115 2nd St N), Wahpeton, 8:00 AM–12:30 PM
Monday
- Rotary Community Blood Screenings CHI St. Francis Health (2400 St Francis Dr), Breckenridge, 6:00–9:30 AM · $60
Spotlight & Story
- The Great Aber Bike Ride
- Founded as a kickoff tradition for the annual Aber Days celebration, this community ride gathers neighbors every August on Friday evening. Cyclists cruise down Broadway and across the Red River bridge into Minnesota, ending back at the park pavilion for dessert.
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