Breaking News

Letters to the Editor

Wind farm process violates transparency, citizen rights

Larry Danduran New Rockford As many readers know, I have been described as a “vocal critic” of the proposed wind conversion project in Eddy County. However, my actions are not rooted in opposition to renewable energy. They are driven by a duty to protect the people of this county from manipulation, coercion, and the misuse of public authority for private gain. Recently, I filed a formal appeal with the help of an attorney and a separate Pro Se complaint in our District Court. Both filings challenge the legality of the County Commission’s and Zoning Board’s actions ...

Kudos to park district for pumpkin walk

Rob Schutt Minot For the sixth year, my family has attended the Minot Pumpkin Walk at the Woodland Trails. We would like to say well done to the parks department for putting on another great event. This event has been run very well every year and it is great to see the community getting out to support this event. It is wonderful to see people of all ages and families heading to the event and all the community support carving the pumpkins to make this so enjoyable. Our family has helped one of the many organizations carve pumpkins the last several years and have had a lot of fun ...

Class rings are good as gold these days

Duane Brekke, Minot I, Duane Brekke, was in the high school class ring business the years of 1961 to 2000. Forty years of being blessed and in North Dakota. I was called “The Ring Man.” In the first 12 years of my career, gold was $35.00 per ounce, making the price of a class ring $17.00 to $21.00. Many parents thought this ring was excessive and unnecessary. Over the years, I have said to many of my former customers that I would buy back any ring for double what was originally charged – mostly in jest. I had only three takers. While at the 2025 Norsk Hostfest, three people ...

Raise voice before they raise rates

Josh Askvig, State Director, AARP ND, Bismarck No North Dakotan should have to choose between paying their utility bills and putting food on the table or refilling their prescription medications. However, when utility companies seek to raise their rates annually and the North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC)permits it, then choices like these become reality. Utility costs remain top of mind for many older North Dakotans and their families, who are already concerned about making ends meet. On their own, these increases may appear minimal. However, these costs accumulate, and ...

Local preference ordinance is shortsighted

Harley Nesehm, Berthold I have followed with informed interest the news reporting as Minot considered giving local contractors preference when bidding City funded construction projects. When consideration evolved into development of an ordinance, I contacted the Public Works Department and stated the construction industry does not favor preferences in any form, in part because “what goes around comes around.” I said the city will expend a great deal of effort and likely incur legal costs in trying to plug the “loop holes.” But when I read the draft ordinance and saw that ...

South Dakota has it right

Patricia Marquard, Minot The Governor of South Dakota and the legislature are listening to the voice of their constituents and protecting property rights and the health of the people. North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley wants to sue South Dakota over a bill that was passed and signed to reflect the citizens’ concerns. The bill will make it harder to construct CO2 pipelines. The predominant greenhouse gas is water vapor by far, which is not being sequestered. Why is a less important gas being buried? Eminent domain refers to necessary utilities providing electricity, water, ...