701 Rundown: August 26, 2024

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

Teammates in the classroom

For two new Carrington Public School District teachers, it's become second nature to know what the other is doing, and to coordinate their actions toward a shared beneficial outcome.

In the fourth grade at Carrington Elementary, new teachers McKenzie Johnson and Kadyn Mehring have lived the bonds of growing up together in the Central City, childhood-long friendship, and a goal of teamwork as educators, forged through their successes on the same court in Cardinal athletics.

"I was so excited when I found out that Kadyn was going to be one of the fourth grade teachers," Johnson says. "Knowing that I will have someone who I'm so close with makes me feel that much more confident going into my first year of teaching."

Johnson takes over fourth grade duties from Nikki Braaten, who took a similar position in Jamestown, and Mehring is a "floater" who took over Morgan Klocke's post, meaning she will follow this class up the grade levels. They will teach alongside Teresa Pierson.

Both Johnson and Mehring are 2019 graduates of CHS, played volleyball and basketball for the Cards, and each of them parlayed their masteries of their sports into the next level.

Mehring was a member of the 2022 NAIA national champion University of Jamestown volleyball team, while Johnson played basketball at Bismarck State College for two seasons before transferring to Dickinson State to finish her bachelor's degree in education.

The two look forward to giving back to the community that helped nurture them as young girls.

"The Carrington community has always been very supportive of Cardinal students, no matter what activity they participate in," Mehring said. "For me, it was sports, and I can't wait to help grow the next generation of Cardinal students and athletes."

"My goal as a teacher is to create a learning environment where my students feel confident and engaged in their own learning goals," says Johnson. "I strive to create a safe space for learning, and to make the educational experience fun."

(Story by Erik Gjovik, The Foster County Independent)

Clapp pleads guilty to menacing

Judge Barb Whelan accepted a plea agreement on the charges involving investment broker Matthew Robert Clapp, 43, of Grafton, in Northeast District Court on August 5.

Clapp was facing a Class C felony for robbery and two counts of disorderly conduct relating to activities surrounding a July 13 incident at Tom’s Lounge in Forest River.

It was alleged on the evening in question that Clapp walked behind the bar and attempted to grab an envelope full of cash, approximately $1,214, that was on a counter behind the bar.

It was further alleged that he attempted to leave the bar with the cash, but was blocked at the door. He attempted to leave the bar again and it was then authorities were called.

Clapp’s attorney, Mark Friese, reached a plea agreement with Walsh County State’s Attorney Kelly Cole.

In exchange for a guilty plea the robbery charge was dropped to menacing, a Class A misdemeanor. One count of disorderly conduct was also dismissed.

(Story by Todd Morgan, The Walsh County Record)

Mayville residents asked to scale back water use

City officials in Mayville are asking homeowners and businesses to conserve water while crews begin painting and making repairs to the city’s water tower.

City Auditor Gail Olstad issued a public service announcement Tuesday asking residents to discontinue or limit their water usage after city officials observed an uptick in the amount of water being used by residents.

“We can’t tell without reading everyone’s meters how much water they’re using, but we did see some people around town watering their lawns,” said Olstad.

Residents are being asked to keep water usage to a minimum while crews continue to work on the city’s water tower over the next four weeks, she added.

(Story by Cole Short, Hillsboro Banner)

Highway superintendent resigns in Emmons County

The Emmons County highway superintendent gave his resignation last month after elected officials gave him 30 days to move to the county.

In a letter addressed to the commission of Emmons County dated July 22, Skyler Prellwitz submitted his letter of resignation.

“My last day at the Emmons County Roads Department will be Friday, Aug. 2, 2024,” the letter reads.

“In the meantime, I will continue working with the road and crew on ongoing projects.”

The letter of resignation came after Emmons County commissioners gave Prellwitz less than 20 days to move into the county during their July 2 monthly meeting.

That July meeting lasted about seven hours as residents of the county voiced their concerns regarding Prellwitz and the condition of roads within the county.

Prior to his resignation, commissioners had voted in February of last year to take Prellwitz off probation.

He was also given a 3% raise like other county employees, and at the time, he was commended for going above and beyond what commissioners had expected from a highway superintendent who didn’t live in the county – even sleeping in the Hazelton shop without power during a snowstorm.

(Story by Kelli Ameling, Emmons County Record)