News Source: Dickinson Press

Lawmakers look to cut outdated language from North Dakota Constitution

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

North Dakota’s Constitution has been around since statehood (1889), and though it has had some changes along the way, there remains some holdover language from a different time and sensibility. Several lawmakers have sponsored a bill to update terms and titles of mandated state institutions with language more fitting for the 21st Century. Get the

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North Dakota lawmakers propose tax exemptions for diapers, tampons

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

Diapers, children’s car seats, tampons, and sanitary pads are all subject to sales tax in North Dakota. But if two separate bills are successful in the upcoming session, that will change. Get the full story from Jeremy Turley writing at the Dickinson Press about two legislators who want a little less hypocrisy in the state’s

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Flaring in North Dakota causes thousands of hospital visits, costs millions in medical expenses, study finds

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

North Dakota has made improvements in the amount of natural gas flared as a result of oil production, but the impacts on those living closest to the activity are still significant.  Patrick Springer writing at The Dickinson Press has the full story on the down-wind health costs that researchers suggest are tied to flaring.

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For some northern climate greens growers, winter doesn’t halt their harvests

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

Fresh produce from Minnesota in December? No, it’s not a joke. From passive-solar powered greenhouses to hydroponic container farms, demand for local produce is inspiring small farmers to innovate. And in a place like Minot that has no shortage of cold and an economy built on agriculture, this is a trend we need to watch.

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No bids for North Dakota natural gas pipeline

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

The project is supported with a $150 million from the ND Industrial Commission; its goal is to bring natural gas from the West to the East. The problem, no contractors have submitted bids to build it. The deadline has now been extended twice. The situation will be a likely topic for an Industrial Commission meeting

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Can North Dakota really fix its labor shortage?

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

North Dakota has 16,000 listed job openings, but Job Service North Dakota estimates closer to 40,000 job vacancies, and no industry is spared. The upcoming legislative session will see lawmakers and Governor Burgum address issues where the state can make an impact; one area already identified is support for childcare. But all agree, the challenge

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Unofficially Dickinson says no to new school bonding

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

Tuesday was election day in Dickinson. The question: should property owners allow bonding for a new high school and a new elementary school? The results: yes — 2,076; no — 2,703. School bonding votes need 60% approval to be successful. Whether Dickinson builds new schools isn’t really a Minot topic, but voters appetite for additional

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Water budget bill moves to Governor amid speculation of veto

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

Among the biggest bills for Minot in this session is the Water Commission appropriation bill. This is the legislation that includes dollars for Minot’s flood protection. The version heading to the governor includes $82.5 million for Minot in the next two years. That’s less than Minot was seeking but more than was included in earlier

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Pit bulls fatally mauls 7-year-old boy in Massachusetts, authorities say

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

As Minot’s City Council is set to take up the conversation about the City’s breed-specific ordinance preventing pit bulls in town, we have a story out of Massachusets that provides a tragic reminder of why many cities have implemented laws like Minot’s existing ordinance.

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Lisbon wins tap water taste test in ND

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

When it comes to the non-taste of water, Lisbon takes the top spot on the podium. The taste-test competition takes place annually at the North Dakota Water & Pollution Control Conference.

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Winging it on a prayer: churches are trying new ways to attract young followers

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

There’s a lot in flux right now in our country — our economy, our political spectrum, the technology that shapes our daily lives — all of it is changing. And so are our churches; those that are growing are finding new ways to connect with parishioners.

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Judge Rules Ward County State’s Attorney’s Demand ‘Not in Good Faith’

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

Minot area criminal defense attornies and the Ward County State’s Attorney’s office have been squabbling in court recently. The incidents have brought considerable media coverage, and now a ruling against the State’s Attorney’s office. Andrea Johnson with The Minot Daily News has the coverage, but it’s not available online so you’ll have to find it

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Drought and burn restrictions could block fireworks next month

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

The Fourth of July is fast approaching, but a spring and early summer without much rain have many Western counties contemplating burn bans and fireworks restrictions. Ellie Potter with the Dickinson Press has the story, which more on the burn ban story which is more prevalent in the SW part of the state.

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DSUF settles with major creditors for $6.3M

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

An ugly chapter in the Dickinson State University Foundation saga is nearing a close. The Foundation mismanaged itself into speculative real estate deals and used scholarship dollars to cover operating costs. The case has resulted in new legislation and the creation of a new foundation, the Dickinson State University Heritage Foundation.

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Short Trapping Season for Otter likely in N.D.

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

North Dakota Game and Fish are taking comments on allowing a short season for otter trapping. Brad Dokken writing at the Dickinson Press has the story.

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Ted Takasaki offers walleye tips and techniques

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

If you’re a fisherman, you know getting a fellow fisherman to talk can be a bit of a challenge. Well, if you’re interested in gleaning some tips from a Walleye pro, check out this interview of fisherman Ted Takasaki on the Dickinson Press.

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