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Good choices for Hall of Fame

During the evening of Sept. 24, three more inductions into the Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame will take place in Minot and the field of inductees this year is a good one.

Most recognizable by name, perhaps, is former major league All-Star Darin Erstad. The Jamestown native will also be the featured speaker at the annual Joint Service Club Luncheon earlier that day.

You don’t have to be a baseball fan to have heard of Erstad. He was, as they say, in all the papers, having been the first-overall pick in the 1995 MLB Draft. Erstad went on to win a World Series title with the Anaheim Angels in 2002 and later coached the Nebraska Cornhuskers for eight seasons.

Erstad has been a hero to many a North Dakota youth hoping to play professional baseball someday. His inclusion in this hall of fame is a natural.

As are the other inductees, including the Wisness family, which has farmed and ranched on land near Keene for five generations. The farm was established in the early 1900s and family members have operated it since, sharing in the labor and incorporating the latest technology and farming practices. They raise both cattle and crops.

Finally, inductee Dr. Richard Lindstrom holds more than 40 patents in ophthalmology and reportedly is an internationally recognized leader in corneal, cataract, refractive, glaucoma, and laser surgery. The Minnesota doctor undoubtedly has changed many lives for the better, including patients from North Dakota.

Now that is a collection of Scandinavian-Americans that defies the stereotypes. As do previous inductees we all know, such as Bud Grant, and Gov. Doug Burgum who will present Erstad with his award.

The Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame was established in Minot in 1984 and is traditionally held just prior to the three-day Norsk Høstfest which this year runs Sept. 25-28.

Congratulations to the entire slate of inductees for 2019. It is an honor to host you in our city.

Congratulations also to Sidni Kast, 21, of Minot who was crowned Miss Norsk Høstfest on Sept. 7.

Kast, who is of Norwegian and German heritage, is the daughter of Scott and Brenda Kast and grew up in Minot.

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