701 Rundown: June 10, 2024

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

Stepping away from the track

Thirty-four years at the helm of the Carrington track and field program has yielded much in the way of individual and team success for Greg Hoeckle, who is now retiring.

Since starting his head coaching tenure in 1990, Hoeckle's Cardinal squads have consistently been among Class B's finest.

Nine state girls' championships from 1999-2004 and 2012-14, four runners-up trophies (three girls', one boys'), numerous regional team crowns and a countless number of standout athletes can all testify to the attention and preparation Hoeckle devotes to the sport.

"You kind of remember the first and last years, and in between is kind of a blur," he says. "It's been a great experience, with some great friends I've worked with both on the track and school staffs."

In those three decades and a half, Hoeckle's greatest assets are the relationships he's developed with his athletes, past and present.

"There have just been so many," he says. "I want to help them build a strong mentality, work ethic, focus and determination."

Hoeckle received one last honor before leaving the stage for good, and that was the Class B Coach of the Year award at the 2024 State Track Meet.

He will attend the national coaches' convention for the North Dakota High School Coaches Association (NDHSCA) on June 22-27 in Bismarck, where he is a finalist for National Coach of the Year for girls' track and field, and will also be found on the golf course at the State Class B Boys' Golf Tournament at CrossRoads as one of the official starters.

In "retirement," Hoeckle hopes to drive a bus route, and may be asked into helping out with a track meet or two in the future.

(Story by Erik Gjovik, The Foster County Independent)

Bighorn sheep found wandering within Watford City put down by WCPD officers

Residents of Watford City were surprised to see a bighorn sheep wandering the neighborhood around Jacobson Park the evening of May 14.

According to the North Dakota Department of Game and Fish, “Bighorn sheep are the rarest game species in North Dakota, with a population of around 330 animals.

“The 2023 survey by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department found 364 bighorn sheep in the grasslands of western North Dakota, which is 5 percent more than 2022 and 16 percent more than the five-year average. The agency’s goal is for the population to reach 500 bighorn sheep.”

The animals usually reside in the badlands, and it’s extremely uncommon to find them roaming around Watford City, which is approximately 15 miles north of their preferred habitat.

A concerned citizen called the Watford City Police Department (WCPD) and notified them of the animal’s presence in Watford City, and that it appeared to be injured.

According to a press release from the WCPD, “Upon arrival, it was observed that the animal appeared to be significantly injured; blood was observed on the animal’s mouth, neck, and chest.”

He continued, “It is common practice to dispatch injured wild animals with city limits. N.D. Game and Fish requested local law enforcement to dispatch this animal.”

(Story by Kristen Jones, McKenzie County Farmer)

Benson County deputies receive awards for saving lives

At the Benson County commissioners’ regular May meeting, Sheriff Ethan Rode presented awards to two of his deputies for their efforts at saving lives.

Deputy Travis Carlson was presented a Lifesaver Award for his efforts on Aug. 12, 2023, to locate an elderly male who had been reported missing by his wife while at White Horse Hill.

He had apparently wandered off, and the tracking skills of K-9 Officer Ares led Deputy Carlson to the missing man.

When found, the man was suffering from the warm weather conditions and might not have been found in time without Ares’ assistance.

Temporary Deputy Corey Donaldson was also presented a lifesaver award for a saving a man reported missing.

On this occasion, it was the cold weather that presented the most danger.

When found, the man was not suitably dressed for the cold weather; he was given aid and transported to a hospital.

(Story by K.L. Glover, Benson County Farmers Press)

Future of Harvey Public Library on the line June 11

Rather than refer to it is D-day, Harvey Public Library directors are calling the fast approaching June 11 Election and its Measure No. 1 as a “wake-up call” for the Harvey community and Wells County, in general.

The measure, if passed, will establish a joint city and county library in Harvey.

The June 11 primary ballot is also asking taxpayers for up to two mills for the library to keep its doors open.

If the mill levy measure fails, the library’s days are numbered.

Director Milo Baltrusch anticipates the library will be forced to close in two years if it cannot access the infusion of a county-wide mill levy.

“This would make us solvent,” said Baltrusch, who added that the library is currently burning through its reserves.

The Wells County Commission and the City of Harvey are supporting the joint library concept and mill levy request.

One mill would generate approximately $47,000, while two mills would generate approximately $94,000.

One and a half mills would give the library about $70,500 to work with.

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