By Roger Bluhm 

The weather reports have me thinking we need a good dome.
I’m talking state-of-the-art, retractable roof, let rain, sun and other elements in – except for snow and cold weather.
We should close the roof and keep things a comfortable 69 degrees all winter long.
We can make the biosphere big enough to enclose both of Valley City’s golf courses, all the outdoor playing fields and shopping areas.
Think of the money we could save over the years! No more cleaning of city streets, no more salt and sand mixtures, no more spring cleaning as the snow melt reveals dirt everywhere.
And the exercise we’ll all be able to get. Golf year round, softball and baseball games outdoors, we can start a winter soccer league and everyone can eliminate the need for winter weather gear.
Now, we’re going to have to put toll booths up along I-94 and charge vehicles to enter the biosphere and exit the biosphere. By doing so, we can raise funds for the maintenance of the dome during the winter months. Also, wouldn’t winter travelers make Valley City a natural spot for an overnight stay on the off-chance of a winter storm hitting? Or, better yet, the chance to swim in an outdoor pool when the temperature is actually -30 degrees.
I know there are some downsides to the biosphere. Eventually we’ll all have to travel during winter and leave the warmth of our bubble. However, I think the good outweighs the bad – especially right now when there is a chance I could be traveling to work this morning in snow! On April 25th!
So, here’s my proposal. Work begins on the biosphere as soon as my family and I move in to Valley City. If the money is raised quickly, we can begin work immediately and have the roof closed by October 15th (give or take a few days). The goal is to be warm and snow free throughout the winter.
We can host all kinds of events to raise money throughout the year. January golf tournaments, Pee Wee football tournaments, horseshoe events, February picnics or how about a Christmas swim?
We can keep the pool open year around, the tennis courts can be played on throughout the winter and there is no reason to put the summer shorts away.
Now, this isn’t a new idea for me. Every time the temperature drops below 45 degrees, I start wishing someone would turn on the heat. If we’re thinking significant snowfall in late April, I not only want heat, I want a dome to keep the snow out!
If they can build a dome with a retractable roof for baseball teams, we should have the capability to do it for a town. We’re in a valley, so we should be able to do something, right?
We can be an oasis from the cold in North Dakota. Talk about a winter tourism destination. I bet the Chamber will jump on board with me on this.
Come on folks, I can’t be the only one ready to ditch winter forever. Besides, I like Valley City, so if we can stay here year round without snow and cold, who wouldn’t? No more traveling long distances to Arizona maybe? No more winter vacations to Key West to warm up. No more wishing you lived in the Bahamas.
Now, with this figured out, all I need to do is figure out how to make teenagers NOT crazy between the ages of 13 and 19.

Roger Bluhm is publisher of the Times-Record.