701 Rundown: December 2, 2024

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

The American Dream: Hi-Way Drive-In closes doors, future uncertain

The proliferation of the automotive culture post-World War II led to the budding popularity of the archetypical symbols of Americana: the drive-in fast food restaurant.

With rock-and-roll music, slicked-back hairstyles, poodle skirts and roller-skating waitresses ruling the scene, one of Carrington's most popular food stops, the Hi-Way Drive-In, began its existence in 1959.

On Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, the continuous 65-year history of the drive-in came to an end when the last burger came off the grill to a satisfied customer.

Curt and Twila Klein, owners of Hi-Way since February 1999, have decided to retire from the business, and future plans for either the restaurant or the building itself are not definite at this time.

In recent years, the difficulties in finding employees to take shifts at the drive-in have taken a noticeable toll on the restaurant's ability to serve their customers efficiently.

The Kleins, along with daughters April and Amber Kruse, are appreciative of the relationships they have built with the Carrington community, school, athletic programs and service organizations throughout the region.

In a Facebook post by Amber Kruse dated the day of closure on Nov. 17, she noted that Hi-Way went through 150 pounds of onions over the final week of business.

A reunion of former Hi-Way Drive-In employees, planned and organized by Kruse, was held Saturday, Nov. 16.

The smell of their seasoned fries, juicy burgers, chicken and their tasty soft serve ice cream may have passed into history for now, but the community's steadfast love and support of the Highway 52-281 eating establishment over the decades will certainly live on.

(Story by Erik Gjovik, The Foster County Independent)

State Fire Marshal reports October wildfires in McKenzie County linked to nearby flare stacks

Two devastating wildfires erupted on Oct. 5, 2024, leaving a trail of destruction in Keene and New Town.

The Midnight Run Fire and Dinwoodie Fires, fueled by strong winds and dry vegetation, rapidly consumed thousands of acres of land.

According to recent reports from the N.D. State Fire Marshal, both blazes were likely traced back to flare stacks at nearby oil and gas production sites.

The wildfire that scorched over 7,000 acres near Keene, N.D., on Oct. 5, has been ruled accidental.

The blaze, dubbed the Midnight Run Fire due to its location near a well pad of the same name, was investigated by a team that included the N.D. State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and local fire departments.

Investigators determined the fire originated near the flare stack at the east well pad of the Midnight Run oil site.

A second wildfire, dubbed the Dinwoodie Fire due to its location near the AN-Dinwoodie H4-8 Oil and Gas Production Site, was also ruled accidental.

It too was determined to have started by a flare stake at its namesake facility.

(Story by M.K. French, McKenzie County Farmer)

Mosquito breeding ground targeted

Gil Steedsman, Harvey city councilor and JDA member, takes pride in the city’s appearance.

If there’s something he doesn’t approve of, doesn’t like, or would like to see changed or improved, he’ll voice his discontent before suggesting how, whatever the situation is, it could be changed, certainly improved, with or without a great deal of work, financing or hoops to jump through.

Steedsman is taking exception with the depressed piece of land immediately west and south of Leevers Foods along Elm Street in its descent toward the swamp before it angles upwards again to Advent St., eventually running into Highway 52.

The bottom ground where the Sheyenne River begins its winding path through Harvey’s south side is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, Steedsman contends.

If that wasn’t bad enough, beavers have moved in, wreaking havoc like no other animal can according to Steedsman, a lifelong resident of Harvey.

Steedsman has a hard time understanding how the city deals with its mosquitoes, a costly endeavor, he knows.

The city sprays its neighborhoods for mosquitoes all summer long, Steedsman tells, but they’re still spreading across town.

The suggestion was also made that a culvert and landscaping could be a way to address the mosquito problem while beautifying the area.

Regarding the beavers, it was decided Game and Fish would be contacted, as well as local trappers.

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