Local News

DEA urges social media awareness

OMAHA, Neb. – As students prepare to return to school, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Field Division is reminding communities about the hidden threat of drug trafficking through social media platforms, while also encouraging families to have conversations about the potentially lethal consequences of drug experimentation. It’s estimated that 95% of American teenagers between the ages of 13-17 have access to a smartphone. With this in mind, the DEA recently released a series of short videos, “Hidden on Your Kid’s Phone,” as a way to raise awareness to the ...

Esmond man dies in vehicle-train crash

HARVEY - A 74-year-old Esmond man died when the pickup he was driving and a BNSF train crashed northeast of Harvey Saturday, Aug. 22. According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, about 2:48 p.m., a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado was stopped on the railroad tracks on 35th Avenue Northeast, facing north, 5 miles northeast of Harvey. An eastbound BNSF train struck the driver’s side of the Silverado. The railroad crossing was uncontrolled and marked with yield signs. The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado died from injuries sustained in the crash, according to the Highway Patrol. The driver ...

Festivities conclude at Fjord Folk Fest

State certified as Recovery Friendly Workplace

BISMARCK – The State of North Dakota has been certified as a Recovery Friendly Workplace, one of only two state governments to receive the national certification from the National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute, Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced. “Creating a supportive workplace for people in recovery is more than just good policy for filling open jobs in state government – it’s also the right thing to do,” Armstrong said. “We’re honored to receive this national Recovery Friendly Workplace certification and thankful for everyone in our administration and those who came ...

Fjord Folk Fest carries on tradition

Fjord Folk Fest brought the community together Friday, Aug. 21, for a celebration of Scandinavian heritage, featuring cultural performances, food, vendors and artisans. Attendees embraced their roots throughout the first day of the festival, with many wearing traditional clothing and sharing ...

Festival maintains cultural importance

Volunteers with First Lutheran Church were serving rommegrot Friday at the first Fjord Folk Fest, just as church volunteers did for many years at the previous Norsk Hostfest. Hostfest ended a long run after its 2025 event. Fjord Folk Fest bears similarities to Norsk Hostfest, including many of the same vendors selling food and other goods. First Lutheran Church has been involved with previous Scandinavian festivals, such as the Ethnic Food Fest as well as Norsk Hostfest. The church was founded by Lutheran Scandinavians, originally hosting services in Norwegian, said Carolyn Bodell, one ...