701 Rundown: Feb. 26, 2024

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

Commitment to sustainability

On a gravel road in rural Foster County is a family-owned agribusiness that never stops. It quietly and continuously operates, cold pressing and refining a variety of crops to produce oil and protein.

Now, this business has big news to share.

Healthy Oilseeds of rural Carrington recently announced that their hemp and flax products are Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC), marking a significant stride in their commitment to sustainability.

"We are excited to achieve regenerative certification for hemp and flax and collaborate with farmers dedicated to enhancing soil health," said Roger Gussiaas, Owner and President of Healthy Oilseeds.

"These farmers are key in improving the world's climate change by building organic matter and taking carbon out of the world's atmosphere."

Gussiaas explained that the premise of regenerative organic agriculture is attempting to produce an organic crop and at the same time improving the soil that the crop is grown on.

Growing cover crops, increasing the percent of organic matter in the soil, and increasing moisture holding capacity are among the methods used by ROC farmers.

Healthy Oilseeds is a family-owned company spanning four generations. From farm to table, Healthy Oilseeds takes pride in offering products that not only nourish the body but also contribute to building a more sustainable and regenerative future.

(Story by Amy Wobbema, Foster County Independent)

Schirado hired as new Linton superintendent

When Linton Public School grades 7-12 principal Michael Schirado was recently offered the job as superintendent, there was no hesitation at all on his decision.

“There’s no thinking or discussing,” Schirado told the school board at a special meeting on Jan. 31

“I’m just grateful to be part of Linton school. I will accept.”

After much discussion and careful consideration the board voted unanimously at the meeting to offer the job to Schirado, who brings with him 22 years of experience in education, the past 10 at Linton schools.

In its decision, the board set the position at a 12-month contract with a base salary of $110,000.

During his interview with the board, Schirado was presented with questions ranging from his working relationship and what he has learned from current Superintendent Rick Diegel to what his own goals would be as superintendent.

(Story by LeAnda Staebner, Emmons County Record)

City of Grafton to increase utility rates

Utility rates are increasing in Grafton and they are coming across the board encompassing electrical, water and wastewater.

On Monday, Feb. 12, the Grafton City Council unanimously approved the first reading of a rate increase in all three instances. The second reading and public hearing on the increases will be held March 11, at 6 p.m. Grafton Municipal Utilities users can expect to see increases on their April bill, said City Administrator Nick Ziegelmann.

The council was prepping for an increase in electrical rates at budget time.

“Wholesale wise we are not seeing a bump this year, but we’re anticipating one coming in 2025,” Ziegelmann said.

In an attempt to get ahead of the game, the city is increasing electrical rates for the first time since 2018.

The change in rates from then to 2024 are from $.115 to $.122 for all kWh, per kWh; the off-peak charge went from $.060 to $.067.

The residential customer charge remains unchanged at $28.50 a month. The off-peak meter charge, per meter, is set at $7.30. If a separate meter is used solely for off-peak loads, all energy metered by said meter will be eligible for the off-peak credit/rate.

Water rates, according to Ziegelmann, are going up about 10 percent. The city has some costs coming up for the south water tower and there is also some valve work that needs to be completed on the north tower.

The first 24,000 gallons per month, per 1,000 gallons, went up from $5.97 to $6.60 and the excess over 24,000 gallons per month, per 1,000 gallons, went from $5.07 to $5.59.

The customer charge and the rates have remained unchanged since 2017. Per customer charge will remain at $16.50.

(Story by Todd Morgan, The Walsh County Record)

Lincoln Ave. restaurant scene soon changing

Just when you thought Harvey was a desert when it came to sit-down places to eat, after the community lost Hornbacher’s cafe, the B-52 Roadhouse and LaFragua Mexican restaurant, the dining experience in the largest city of Wells County is about to change.

Melissa Faul and her business partners are back on track with plans to open a bar and restaurant in the former Spectator’s location a half block west of Lincoln Avenue on 8th Street.

Faul fully intended on opening her downtown business before Christmas, but unexpected setbacks forced her to change the timeline.

Meanwhile, back down the street at Lincoln & 9, Billie Jo Reutter found a Bismarck restaurateur who wants to move into Reutter’s Rhubarb Market and For Goodness Sake space in the Harvey mall and open a Mexican restaurant.

A Harvey friend and customer, familiar with the Charras and Tequila Mexican restaurant in Bismarck, put the Bismarck businessman in touch with the Harvey businesswoman.

“Would you be interested in turning your space into a Mexican restaurant?”

Stunned, Billie Jo replied, “Yeah, I guess so. Sure, why not.”

“It all happened so fast , but it is exciting,” Reutter later said.

Papers haven’t been signed, yet, so Reutter is cautioning friends and family not to get too excited.

Still, she’s making plans to “sell down” her inventory and move out by March 13.

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