701 Rundown: Oct. 28, 2024

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

Fires burned nearly 90,000 acres

Fires that erupted on Oct. 5 and 6 have scorched nearly 89,000 acres in central and eastern Williams County, making it the largest fire in North Dakota. The flames stretched approximately 20 miles, with one main fire starting 12 miles north of the U.S. Highway 85 and U.S. Highway 2 intersection and extending past Ray, while another fire moved from northwest Ray to south of Tioga.

As of Thursday, the fires are reported to be 100% contained. In response to the damage, the Williams County Commission declared a state of emergency on Oct. 8.

Tragically, the fires resulted in two fatalities. Johannes Nicolaas Van Eeden, 26, a farmhand from South Africa, was the first victim. He was looking forward to the birth of his first child with his wife, Anke. Edgar Coppersmith, 47, of Tioga, who initially suffered critical injuries while rescuing his horses, later succumbed to his injuries.

The causes of the fires are under investigation by the state fire marshal. The full extent of damage to homes, farms and businesses remains unclear, though four oil wells have also reported damage linked to the fires.

Across western North Dakota, approximately 113,000 acres have burned in various fires, with the Bear Den Fire near Mandaree and the Elkhorn Fire south of Watford City reported at 85% and 75% containment, respectively, as of Monday. A new fire was reported near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, burning about 50 acres before being mostly contained.

(Story by Jordan Rusche, The Journal)

All-the-time daycare

A new tribal day care facility is currently under construction, near the existing Child Welfare complex. The facility will be staffed by approximately six to eight employees and aims to address the growing demand for childcare services in the community.

Funding for the project primarily comes from the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) through the Department of Health and Human Services, along with Tribal ARPA funds. Janice Azure, the tribe's Child Care Director, played a key role in securing financing and overseeing the construction.

Approved in late 2023, the construction of the facility began in spring 2024 due to North Dakota's short construction season. The targeted completion date is set for fall 2025, contingent upon weather conditions.

Currently, the Turtle Mountain Child Care Program has around 110 to 120 registered providers. The establishment of the new Tribal Day Care Facility responds to the specific needs of the community, particularly for those working non-traditional hours, such as graveyard and swing shifts. Azure pointed out that most daycares typically operate from 7 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, leaving a gap for families who require care outside these hours.

“Our goal is to serve not only low-income families but to follow the basic rule of supply and demand,” Azure explained. The facility will also accept drop-offs for families needing care on weekends or those who may be out of town for shopping or other activities.

With a grand opening planned for next fall, weather permitting, the new facility is presented to become a vital resource for families in the Turtle Mountain community, providing much-needed childcare options for working parents.

(Story by Jason Nordmark, Turtle Mountain Star)

Regional council hosts progress meeting

The Red River Regional Council (RRRC) held a regional forum last Wednesday in Minto, highlighting issues affecting Walsh, Pembina, Nelson and Grand Forks counties. Emceed by Nancy Wilson, the event featured multiple speakers, including U.S. Representative Kelly Armstrong, who is campaigning for governor. Armstrong emphasized the need for state-community partnerships to address challenges like housing and childcare, particularly in rural areas.

He pointed out the detrimental effects of housing shortages on family relocation, stating, "The burden shouldn't be on the state ... we have to figure out a way to do that." Armstrong noted that without adequate resources, young people are compelled to leave their communities.

Dawn Mandt, RRRC executive director, discussed childcare issues in Walsh County, highlighting a 2022 survey where 79% of respondents reported work disruptions due to childcare problems. The county is classified as a "childcare desert," with only 24% of the needed supply. Amber Osowski, owner of Rocking Horse Daycare, shared insights on partnerships to enhance childcare services amid funding challenges.

Lisa Rotvold, executive director of Red River CHDO, introduced the Spark Building Initiative, aimed at stimulating housing construction in struggling small towns. Barry Wilfahrt, RRRC vice president, noted that regional growth presents opportunities, including new hospital developments and the Red River Water Supply Project, which aims to provide drought resilience for half of North Dakota's population.

(Story by Todd Morgan, The Walsh County Record)

Diehl riding high after winning world title in mounted shooting competition

Michele Diehl expanded her collection of trophy belt buckles during her recent trip to Amarillo, Texas, where she competed in the AQHA Cowboy Mounted Shooting World Championships from Oct. 10-12. Diehl secured first place in her class and was crowned the senior ladies overall world champion.

Reflecting on her experience, Diehl expressed her excitement: "It was a great experience ... to win overall and beat people ranked higher than I was going in was amazing." Cowboy mounted shooting involves guiding horses through a course while shooting at balloons with revolvers loaded with black powder blanks.

Diehl, who has progressed from a level one to level five rider over the past decade, traveled to Texas with her horse, Deuce, arriving just in time for the competition. Nearly 350 shooters participated, with about 20 riders in Diehl’s division. The event presented challenges, including 95-degree temperatures and high pressure leading into the final day.

Diehl maintained a 3.5-second lead going into the last day, completing her final ride without missing a balloon. Her times outperformed even the level six riders, earning her the overall title. Diehl received two checks and a pair of belt buckles, including one measuring 6-by-5 inches. She plans to take a break from competition until next year, although she may compete in Crookston, Minn., later this month.

(Story by Cole Short, Hillsboro Banner)