Wonder-ful new management

As of January 1, the New Rockford Eagles Club has officially taken over operation of the Wonder Lanes Bowling Alley.

The shift in management comes as Wonder Lanes' sole proprietor for the past two years, Andrew Saucier, ended his time at the bowling alley on December 31.

Amanda Hegland, director of the New Rockford Area Betterment Corporation (NRABC) – which owns the bowling alley – said the local Eagles Club has agreed to lease the bowling alley beginning with the new year.

"We're really happy that the Eagles have even looked into it and are willing to take it on for the good of the community," said Hegland.

Josh Guler, a long-time member and trustee of the New Rockford Eagles Club, said they were approached about leasing the bowling alley in part because of their experience operating a local business.

The Eagles members got together on Wednesday, Dec. 6 to discuss the possibility and to ultimately take a vote, and with around 30 members present, nearly all voted in favor.

When asked why, Guler said it was all about keeping a prominent local fixture up and running.

"This is a small enough community where when you let something go, you could possibly lose it forever," he said, "and you've seen that happen in other small communities. ... You can't just drop things in towns like ours, you've really gotta fight to keep things going sometimes."

Once the future of Wonder Lanes was in trusted hands, the next step was to hire a manager who could operate the bowling alley on a daily basis.

For that responsibility, the Eagles hired Hannah Seil of Fessenden.

Seil is a 2023 graduate of Fessenden-Bowdon High School, and has been working in the deli at the Cenex Station in Fessenden.

Though still young, Seil said she's always been a "go-getter."

While still in school, she and her now-fiancé, Jakes Van Tonder, began a car washing business, which they kept going for two years and made enough money to purchase their first house at just 17 years old, which they're currently remodeling.

Now, Seil said she's excited to begin the next chapter of her life here in New Rockford, where she and her fiancé, who works at Yri Electric, eventually plan to move.

"I'm looking forward to getting in touch with more of the community and getting to know people, and hopefully making some friends along the way," said Seil.

"I grew up in a town where there's nothing to do except for get into trouble," she added with a chuckle. "So I'm just excited to provide somewhere to be."

That seems to be the general goal of not only Seil, but also the Eagles and the NRABC – to have the bowling alley open more often and give residents more opportunity to enjoy a classic recreational activity.

"We're really excited for her," said Hegland about Seil. "She's very energetic and has a ton of ideas and her main thing is having [Wonder Lanes] consistently open."

Before the bowling alley re-opens after the holidays, however, Seil will have to undergo training on the various systems at the bowling alley. She said the plan is to officially reopen for business on Monday, Jan. 8.

Once open, Seil and Guler said they're hoping to get bowling leagues back up and running as soon as possible, including a men's league and a youth league.

Hours of operation haven't been set in stone just yet, but Guler said the goal is to have Wonder Lanes open at least 40 hours per week.

To keep up to date on their hours, bowling leagues and other information, be sure to follow the Wonder Lanes Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/wonderlanesbowling.