Howe promotes tourism at Capitol
BISMARCK - As part of a North Dakota tourism day at the Capitol on Monday, Wendy Howe of the Minot Convention and Visitor's Bureau set up one of several tables in the legislative hall promoting tourism across the state.
"All of the cities and CVBs spend a few hours here to try to remind the legislators how important tourism is," Howe said. "It gives us a great opportunity to visit with them one on one."
Howe explained that there are several pieces of legislation that impact tourism in the state, including hunting and fishing issues, the tourism division budget and the bill addressing the grandstand at the state fair.
Sara Otte-Coleman, director of the state tourism division, said the theme of the tourism show was Propel North Dakota, "and tourism does just that."
Howe is also president of the Destination Marketing Association of North Dakota, which sponsored the show.
Gwen Bristol
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Doctor provides services at Capitol
BISMARCK - For about the third time this session, Kimberly Krohn, program director with the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Minot, was at the Capitol building on Monday serving as the doctor for the day.
Besides sitting in on a hearing for a bill that could ban the sale of small bottle rockets, Krohn came to the Capitol to "volunteer my time as doctor of the day and learn about the legislative process," she said.
The doctor's office is a small, outdated room with a mustard yellow table, just inside a reception area containing a few couches and desks. It sits quietly in the northwest corner of the Capitol building.
The need to provide physician services goes in streaks, Krohn said, but usually covers simple needs like writing prescriptions for legislators who have forgotten a medicine at home.
Krohn currently serves with the North Dakota Medical Association as vice president and council chair. She will begin a term as president of the organization in September.
Gwen Bristol
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House OKs measure to fight skipping
BISMARCK (AP) - North Dakota lawmakers are supporting new penalties against parents who let their children skip school.
The legislation allows for a fine of up to $500 against parents who allow their children to miss class. Repeat offenders could get 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Representatives approved the measure 75-18. The North Dakota Senate has already endorsed the idea, and it now goes to Gov. John Hoeven.
The bill is SB2217.
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Bill OKs 16-year-olds to donate blood
BISMARCK (AP) - Teenagers as young as 16 will be able to donate blood without parental consent under a bill approved by the North Dakota House.
Representatives voted 76-17 to approve the idea. Now it moves to the state Senate for more work. Earlier, senators voted to allow 17-year-olds to donate blood without a note from a parent.
The bill is SB2157.