While many small towns have lost local businesses in recent years, Buffalo has an unusual number of active businesses. According to Mayor Flint Kasowski, "People like to shop at home, keeping business here" , he noted. "We're close enough to Fargo, yet just far enough away."

Local businesses include: a trucking and brokerage company, hardware store, gas station and repair shop, cafe, bank, grocery store, two beauty shops, a bar, grain elevator, two insurance agencies, oil co-op, an auctioneer, daycare, spraying service, as well as several home-based businesses. A new company specializes in processing seed and selling chemicals. The largest single economic impact on the area's economy is agriculture. "Area farmers produce small grains, sunflowers, and corn, primarily", Kasowski observed.

The public school is one entity that has seen changes over the years. Now known as Maple Valley School District, its students come from three area communities: the towns of Buffalo and Fingal each have an elementary school, grades K-six, and high school students attend classes in Tower City. The high school has produced a number of exceptional Class B basketball players over the years.

Opportunities for recreation and family enjoyment abound in Buffalo! There's high-flying action on the baseball field and softball diamonds with teams for girls, boys, and adults. Many residents also make good use of the tennis and basketball court. There's a lovely, tree-lined city park with picnic shelters, and Brewer Lake is just 15 miles north; the ideal place to catch "the big one".

Buffalo supports three local churches: Catholic, Lutheran, and Presbyterian. The First Responders (emergency medical team), and the fire department make the neighborhood a safe place to live. The Community Center provides a meeting place for functions, including those of an active Senior Citizens group, Community Club, Wildlife Club, and many others. The popular Smoker hosted by the Wildlife Club is tentatively set for Nov. 15 this year(1996).

Another active community-supported organization is the Buffalo Historical Society, Inc . The Society is a nonprofit, tax-exempt volunteer group with the mission of "Preserving History for Our Community."

Dale Bentley, a spokesman for the Society, came to Buffalo with a couple of college friends looking for a house to fix up and resell. While uncovering the history of "Banker's House", they fell in love with the home and the community, which led them to become involved in "all things historic" including the Historical Society.

The group is currently developing a local Heritage Center. "The hub of (the Heritage Center) is the Old Stone Church, built in 1885", according to Bentley. The building was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, the federal government's list of properties worthy of recognition and preservation. The goal of the Heritage Center is to provide a museum, displays, archives, library, educational programs, musical entertainment, and much more.

"We have a rich history here to preserve", Bentley said. "That of many pioneers and immigrants whose hard work and perseverance shaped Buffalo into the community it is today."

The Center provides a means of sharing this hisotry and a way to keep the tradition of prairie arts and culture alive. It is currently open "by chance or appointment", Bentley said with a laugh. "We always enjoy sharing our treasures with visitors."

Aug. 11, 1996, is a special day in Buffalo as the community gathers for the 13th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival. Held at the Community Center from noon to 5 p.m., this fund raiser benefits the Historical Society. Featured items include crafts, artwork, collectibles, and much more. It's a family affair with something for everyone: games for the kids, tours of the Old Stone Church, classic autos, historic demonstrations, lunch, and a historic song program to provide musical entertainment. You shouldn't miss it!

The population of Buffalo will swell next year when residents host a huge reunion celebration next summer, June 21-22, 1997. According to Kasowski, it all started when members of the Class of 1947 decided to commemorate their 50th class reunion. Soon, the whole community was involved and it resulted in an all-school reunion for anyone who attened Buffalo-area schools. In conjunction with the reunion, Community Days, the 14th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival, and the 50th anniversary of the Wildlife Club, will also be observed.

"There is an excellent quality of life here", Kasowski concluded. He is proud to be an active part of this hard-working, fun-loving community, known for its hospitality. A warm welcome always awaits in Buffalo! GP