701 Rundown: Dec. 6, 2021

Here’s your weekly rundown of some of the most interesting headlines from newspapers across North Dakota.

Matt Thorpe Resigns as Ellendale Mayor; Flaherty

Appointed Acting Mayor

After much thought, I have decided to resign as mayor of Ellendale. The decision did not come easily, but I feel it is the best time for me to do this. I do appreciate all the time and work everyone has done over the past seven and a half years and I expect everyone will continue to do the same.

Thank you,

Mayor Thorpe

That was the letter of resignation read aloud at the Ellendale City Council’s regular monthly meeting this November. The members of the council accepted the letter, expressed thanks for Mayor Thorpe’s service, and then selected Don Flaherty to serve as acting mayor.

Time spent traveling as an employee of DRN and the need for more family time were cited as reasons for Thorpe’s resignation. Don Flaherty, who is currently the President of the Ellendale City Council, will serve as acting mayor for the remainder of Thorpe’s term.

The next mayoral election for Ellendale will be held on June 14, 2022.

(Story by Ken Smith, Dickey County Leader)

North Star school board discusses possibility of sports co-op with Leeds in future

The North Star School board recently brought up the idea of expanding a sports co-op with Leeds Public School to include football, volleyball, basketball and other sports.

Currently, the two school districts already share a baseball team, but the idea of expanding their relationship had not been brought up until now.

Those in favor of the move cited low numbers of participants in several grades in the Leeds school district, and that the success of the baseball team could spill over into other sports. Those opposed cited already strong numbers for the North Star school district, particularly in volleyball.

A name change, new mascot and different colors are also possible according to North Star Superintendent and Athletic Director Jeff Hagler. However, Hagler also noted that there’s still not enough information to make a decision.

“We’re not looking at anything in the immediate future, but down the road both communities would need to form a committee that includes administrators, school board members and parents to see what a co-op would look like, Hagler said.”

(Story by John Rosinski, Towner County Record Herald)

Traill County virus numbers the highest per capita in the state

For Traill County, the recent approval of booster shots for all adults couldn’t have come at a better time.

On Nov. 19, the Food and Drug Administration approved third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for everyone 18 and older, a move that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention supported later that day.

The move coincides with Traill Counties recent spike in COVID-19 cases. According to the North Dakota Department of Health, Traill County had 65 cases as of Tuesday, Nov. 23. With an estimated population of 8,036, that means Traill County leads North Dakota in positive cases per capita.

“Our numbers are reflecting that we as a county - and as a state and nation - are not taking COVID as seriously as we should,” said Brenda Stallman, director of the Traill District Health Unit.

Stallman added, “We’re seeing a surge (of positives) taking place in our schools and right now we have no countermeasures in place to slow that spread in our younger population.”

(Story by Cole Short, Hillsboro Banner)

Commission fills position with little discussion

After Archie Metcalf unexpectedly passed away, The Rolette County Commission moved quickly to fill his vacant seat on the board.

With little discussion, no interviews, and a tie-breaking vote, the board selected Alice Lunday to fill the seat. Lunday was one of 13 individuals who submitted a letter of interest for the position.

Commissioner Henry LaRocque opened the discussion by calling for the top handful of applicants to be interviewed, but Commissioner Craig Poitra had no intention of waiting. Poitra made a motion to nominate Lunday, which was seconded by Commissioner Allen Schlenvogt.

The roll call vote ended in a 2-2 tie, and Rolette County Treasurer Kandace Desjarlais cast the deciding vote. After a quick look at the other applicants, and with no additional comments, Desjarlais also chose Lunday.

Lunday will join the commission at next month's meeting and will serve with the county commissioners until her seat is voted on next November. She is the first female commissioner in Rolette County’s history.

(Story by John Rosinski, Turtle Mountain Star)