701 Rundown: May 30, 2022

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

Wells County awards $447,000 in ARPA funds

Local governments and organizations in Wells County are $447,000 richer, thanks to the Wells County Commissioners, who facilitated the money provided by the federal government’s $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package aimed at mitigating the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commissioners Leon Klocke, Dennis Dockter, Bryan Lautt, Danny “Boone” Maxwell and chairman Stan Buxa deliberated 90 minutes last week in appropriating and awarding funds to 14 local governments and organizations in Wells County.

Emergency Services manager Tammy Roerich and auditor Dan Stutlien were also involved in the deliberations and disbursement of funds at the May 5 meeting in the Wells County Courthouse in Fessenden.

At the end of the early morning meeting, the county’s five commissioners were unanimous in agreeing with District 2 commissioner Klocke’s motion to disburse the American Rescue Plan’s $447,641.

Among the recipients were the Harvey City water treatment plant, which received $100,000, and the Fessenden Fire Departments pumper truck, which received $50,000.

(Story by Neil O. Nelson, The Herald-Press)

Dog-gone issue:

Dunseith struggling to deal with stray animals

Law enforcement officials from Dunseith are spending an incredible amount of time trying to chase down wandering dogs.

The issue of unclaimed dogs throughout the community is nothing new, but according to Dunseith Police Chief Corden House, it has been causing more headaches this spring than in the past.

“It seems to be even worse than last year,” House commented. “We hear all the time of people who are living in town and from those who just came into town to walk and they are having to deal with these dogs. Or we hear from owners, who do have their pets licensed, that stray dogs are coming in their yard and disturbing them.”

The issue was touched on by the city council at a regular meeting this spring and the idea of hiring a dog catcher was discussed. House indicated hiring an individual who is tasked with catching stray dogs comes with some additional strings.

“We have been looking to hire someone but they would have to keep the dogs for 10 days and the surrounding agencies are having a problem finding room for them as well.”

House said he has reached out to Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue, but the local agency is already dealing with a rash of unclaimed animals.

(Story by John Rosinski, Turtle Mountain Star)

Two seniors find an easy way to give back

Today’s teenagers are all about hanging out. Whether it’s by meeting up for coffee or going shopping, here lately, seniors from Watford City High School (W.C.H.S.) have been linking up to give blood at the Watford City Civic Center.

After collaborating with the Vitalant Blood Drive several years ago, W.C.H.S. students have had the opportunity to earn a purple and yellow hero’s honor cord by donating blood or volunteering for the organization at least three times by the time they graduate, to wear with their cap and gown at graduation.

“This year, we had a record number of students earn it,” says Brooke Hestdalen, McKenzie County Public School District No. 1 communications coordinator.

“I think it was appealing to the seniors to have this extra cord they could wear at graduation,” says Rachel Meuchel, Watford City High School counselor.

This year, Meuchel says she and Hestdalen really made an effort to get the word out and were glad to create allurement for them.

(Story by Ashleigh Plemper, McKenzie County Farmer)

Dachshund races on the mark

The rumble of paw thunder and loud cheers from spectators echoed within the walls of the Wells County 4-H Show barn on the south end of the fairgrounds during the Bremen Friendly Neighbors 2nd Annual Dachshund Dash Wiener and Small Dog races in Fessenden May 15.

The event brought in over 30 dogs from various parts of the state, with most reigning from the Minot area. Around 150 people were in attendance to cheer on the racers.

Students Hannah Reutter, Ava Halderson and Alexa Halderson, all of Harvey, beautifully sang the National Anthem to start the races.

The Wiener Wannabe Diva Bell, a Russell Terrier, who is the reigning champion from last year reestablished her position as top dog at this year’s races.

Diva Bell, owned by Anna McDonald-Weltz of Martin, came out of the start boxes like a shot and was jumping into her owner’s arms in no time flat, being the fastest dog of the day.

(Story by Carrie Opdahl, The Herald-Press)

Hillsboro poised to elect first write-in candidate since 1980

The slate of candidates running for the Hillsboro City Commission in the June 14 primary has been set since the filing deadline for public offices closed in early April.

Voters head to the polls next month will pick either Terry Sando or Levi Reese as their city commission president in an intrigue-filled mayoral race.

Incumbent City Commissioner Dave Sather should be a shoo-in to keep his seat as well, since he’s the only one running for one of the two openings up for grabs in the city race.

But the absence of a second city commission candidate means Sather will be ushered into a new term alongside a still unknown write-in candidate.

Three and a half weeks remain until the election, giving commission hopefuls enough time to mount a quick campaign in their local paper or through social media.

(Story by Cole Short, Hillsboro Banner)

Mayoral race pits Erdmann, Miller

There can only be one mayor of Carrington, but two residents are vying for the seat.

The incumbent and current mayor of Carrington, Tom Erdmann, would like to be mayor for another term, while the challenger, Jeremy Miller, would like to prove he has what it takes to do the job.

Either way, whoever wins a seat at the table, the decision will be final at the primary election on June 14.

Erdman grew up in Goodrich, N.D., and used to swim at the pool in Carrington as a child.

He has lived in Carrington since 1977 and was part of the Carrington Economic Development board since 1990 and was chairman for many years as well.

Miller has lived in Carrington since 2016, coming from Washington State.

He currently works at Larsen Plumbing, but has also worked with Gussiaas Electric and Carrington House Moving.

Miller is married with two children and doesn’t plan on going anywhere.

(Story by Leasa A. Lura, The Foster County Independent)