Minot Daily News office is closed for today
The Minot Daily News office is closed today for the Fourth of July holiday. For circulation issues or questions, please call 857-1910 between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.
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Forestry dept. warns non-licensed tree contractors
Brian Johnson, city forester, would like to warn homeowners who are hiring tree contractors that there are some non-licensed contractors in the area. He said the non-licensed contractors may be cheaper than the licensed contractors, but they may not be properly licensed or have insurance.
Tree contractors have to take a test through the City of Minot forestry department before they can perform any work on a homeowner's trees on the property. Contractors are also supposed to show their license and proof of no less than a $1 million insurance policy, which is done to protect the homeowners.
The city ordinance states that no person shall be in the business of trimming, pruning, treating, or removing trees without the permission of the city forester.
Johnson said if a homeowner is not sure about a tree on their property or what kind of tree it is, the contractor has to do the best thing for the tree. "If the contractor improperly pruned a tree and later on it died, the contractor would be held liable," he explained.
Homeowners should ask the tree contractors for their license and proof of insurance, and homeowners can also call Johnson at the forestry department and ask if the tree contractors are on the list of licensed contractors.
Tree contractors are also supposed to haul all of the debris away, Johnson said, and if any of the rules or regulations are not followed, the forester can take away the contractor's license.
Johnson said the forestry department is trying to protect homeowners from bad practices used by non-licensed tree contractors.
- Jill Hambek
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Minot State golf event set for July 17
Minot State university alumni and friends are invited to play golf at the Garrison Golf Club on July 17. The event will be a four-person, nine-hole scramble. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. with a shotgun start at 5 p.m. A social to recognize area students receiving 2012-2013 scholarships will immediately follow golf's completion. Non-golfers are welcome to play.
The visit in Garrison is part of MSU's seventh annual "Summer Friend-Raising Golf Tour." The summer tour, which has the motto of "Golf One or Golf Them All," will stop in Kenmare on Aug. 2. Prizes and T-shirts will be awarded at each event.
Golfers are responsible for their own transportation, green fees and cart rentals. Meals and refreshments will be provided by the course and purchase is optional.
The Summer Friend-Raising Golf Tour is sponsored by the MSU Alumni Association, Advancement Office, Athletic Department, and the Marketing Office. Call the MSU Advancement Office with questions or to register at 858-3234 or visit the website at (www.minotstateu.edu/alumni).