Sheyenne: March 11, 2024

Wednesday, Feb. 28, Patti Larson visited Shirley Westby and brought her birthday greetings. Also bringing birthday greetings to Shirley that afternoon were Rhoda Stenberg, Bonnie Deegan, Jan Loe, Dianne Hanson and Patti Clifton. These ladies brought birthday cake to enjoy with the visit and coffee. On Saturday, March 2, Sheyenne GRIT volunteers worked bingo. Sandy Hanson, Tara Hanson and Camden Rieger served lunch. Dianne Hanson called. Bob Hanson and Michelle Gilley volunteered in the bingo hall. The "free stuff" table was restocked and back by popular demand.

Sheyenne GRIT applied for a Rural Workforce Housing Grant from the North Dakota Department of Commerce. Thirty-two communities applied and eight were awarded at least partial funds. GRIT received money that is budgeted to address "blighted" properties. Before making their application, GRIT got estimates for tearing down structures. Board member Patti Larson explained that it is expensive to appropriately dispose of dangerous structures, depending on the size, trees, basement and accumulated junk. It costs more than $10,000 per property just for cleanup. This grant will help with GRIT's efforts to improve safety in the community where abandoned structures present a risk to children and harbor stray cats. Bowman County Housing Authority, Hankinson Community Development and Mayport Economic Development also received funds to act on blighted properties. Casselton Economic Development, City of Lincoln, Cavalier County JDA and Carrington Chamber of Commerce were granted funds to conduct studies of housing needs.

The sign board on the corner of Richter Ave. and Hwy. 281 is kept updated by volunteers. It serves as an important information source for events, celebrations and other notices. If you took the letters a couple of weeks ago, please return them by setting them on the ground near the board.

What a weekend! Rain, snow and wind! Sheyenne lost power for about four hours Sunday night.