Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
As fall gave way to heaps of snow and frigid temperatures in Eddy County, discussions centered around street improvements, special education, and much more.
Below are some of the Transcript’s most interesting headlines from September to December 2021.
Construction commences at North American Bison
After four years of planning and waiting, North American Bison, LLC broke ground and moved forward with a major expansion project on Sept. 16 as the entire staff of their New Rockford plant participated in an early morning ceremony to commemorate the beginning of construction.
School officials study softball and snow days
At their first in-person meeting in months, New Rockford-Sheyenne School Board members entertained adding a softball program to the school’s athletic department. Athletic Director Elliot Belquist presented a rough cost proposal of about $16,800, and expressed doubt that the school could find the necessary coaches. Belquist recommended starting a summer fast-pitch program instead, and board members seemed to agree. They made a motion not to create a new softball program, and to continue to explore other options.
New Rockford street repairs estimated to cost up to $8.75 million
On Monday, Oct. 4, Wade Senger of Interstate Engineering unveiled street repair alternatives for New Rockford city officials to consider. The firm conducted a visual observation of all the city’s streets and reviewed historical data from previous street improvement projects completed within city limits. Of the three alternatives, the city commissioners chose to proceed with Alternative 1, which involves the most improvements, and has the highest price tag ($8.75 million).
Officials contended that doing less work now will result in more repairs needed in five to seven years, at likely an even higher cost. After a 30-day public protest period, officials voted to move forward with the repairs. The three-member special assessment committee they established will use a benefit analysis to determine an equitable way to distribute the cost amongst all property owners.
Judge rules in favor of school district
Good news came Thursday, Oct. 14 for the New Rockford-Sheyenne School District, as Southeast District Judge Troy LeFevre rejected Klemetsrud Plumbing and Heating’s request for an temporary injunction halting the boiler replacement project.
New legislative districts approved
On Dec. 1 it became official - Legislative District 23 as we knew it, which had contained Eddy County for nearly two decades, was dissolved. Meanwhile, most of Eddy County will now be encompassed by District 14, a massive district that begins with Kidder County and runs as far north as Pierce County. The northeast chunk of Eddy County comprising the Spirit Lake Reservation will join Ramsey County in District 15.
NR-S considers alternative to East Central special ed
The NR-S school board considered withdrawal from the East Central Center for Exceptional Children Special Education Unit (East Central) on Monday, Nov. 15.
After hearing emotional testimonies, and with dozens of concerned citizens in attendance, the NR-S school board unanimously voted for a motion that effectively delayed the decision to dissolve their relationship with East Central. Shortly before year-end, Lake Region Special Education, the alternative presented by Superintendent Jill Louters, decided not to consider new members.
Senator Heckaman announces retirement
After well over a decade in office, Senator Joan Heckaman of New Rockford announced her retirement from the North Dakota Legislature in December. Heckaman and many others were not happy about the circumstances surrounding her retirement, but she pledged to keep fighting for District 23 residents until her term expires in December of 2022.
