701 Rundown: Feb. 21, 2022

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

Fessenden residents and firefighters face off at contentious city council meeting

At the Fessenden City Council meeting on Feb. 7, Fessenden Fire Protection District (FFPD) Board President Donald Muscha and FFPD Treasurer Neal Hayford, flanked by two dozen volunteer firefighters, addressed the council concerning the ongoing contention between the two entities.

That contention centered around firefighters parking on the grass behind the fire hall. Fessenden’s mayor, Kevin Roller, had asked the firefighters to stay off the grass to uphold a neat appearance in town.

“I have been an FFPD board member for 38 years,” said Muscha. “I am the last original board member. In my time on the board, I have served with every fire chief, including you, Mr. Mayor, ... Never was parking behind the hall a problem then, and it doesn’t have to be now.”

Muscha later proposed graveling the back of the fire hall to “keep it neat in appearance.”

Mayor Roller responded, “If you guys want to do that, so there’s not grass there, go for it! Do it!”

The Council moved to allow the FFPD to put in a gravel or similar parking lot behind the fire hall and allow firefighters to resume parking there for the remainder of the winter.

As the fireman started to leave, Roller called out, “I would like to make one more remark. I think we’ve got one of the best fire departments in the State of North Dakota. You guys do a hell of a job.”

Muscha agreed, “Yes, we do!”

(Story by Carrie Opdahl, The Herald-Press)

Opposition rising over location of proposed bean processing plant

A group of individuals who oppose the potential site for a proposed soybean crushing facility near the City of Casselton have formed an alliance, calling themselves the Casselton Citizens for Responsible Growth.

The group recently formed a Facebook group, expressing that it’s members are not opposed to the project, rather they would like to see it constructed in an area that ‘would affect fewer people.’

The proposed location for the bean crushing facility is west of Casselton, south of Hwy. 10, north of the NDSU Agronomy Seed Farm, near the BNSF main line.

Melissa Beach, Casselton Community Economic Development Director, said “This location was selected after an extensive nationwide search. ... Many things need to come together in a site selection process and this site is the only one that met North Dakota Soybean Processor’s requirements.”

The Casselton Citizens for Responsible Growth believe the plant would be too close to the City of Casselton, and that residents would be adversely impacted by increased truck traffic, noise and pollution.

(Story by Angela Kolden, Cass County Recorder)

Tribe part of lawsuit alleging violations of voting rights

The Turtle Mountain Tribe, along with the Spirit Lake Tribe, filed a 32-page federal court case against the State of North Dakota, alleging a violation of the Voting Rights Act.

The two tribes are contending that the state’s new legislative map weakens the voting strength of tribal members.

“Under the totality of the circumstances the current State Legislative plan denies Native voters an equal opportunity to participate in the political process and to elect their candidates of choice, in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act,” the court document stated. “Absent relief from this court, (the state) will continue to dilute the votes of the individual (tribal members).”

During the redistricting process in 2021, the Republican controlled legislature approved maps that created sub-districts for both reservations, which they argue was done specifically to avoid being sued by the tribes.

Turtle Mountain argues the split House district “packs” tribal members into a single subdistrict on its reservation (9A), while diluting their vote in the non-reservation subdistrict (9B).

(Story by Jason Nordmark, Turtle Mountain Star)

Therapy dog Maura a hit with Hillsboro students

A 4-month-old golden retriever that’s being trained to become a certified therapy dog at Hillsboro High School received glowing praise from school officials Tuesday.

The Hillsboro School Board screened a six-minute, student produced video at a school board meeting Thursday highlighting the positive impact that puppy Maura has had at the school.

Vo-ag teacher Levi Reese received a tentative nod from the board in December to begin training the puppy with plans to make Maura the district’s therapy dog.

High School Principal Terry Baesler said Maura has had an overwhelmingly positive impact at the school, especially over the lunch hour and with kids who may need emotional support.

“We know all the kids’ home lives and it’s amazing how with those kids who might have troubles at home, how they gravitate toward her,” said Baesler. “Kids who might be struggling at home will sit down and play with her.”

(Story by Cole Short, Hillsboro Banner)