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Letters to the Editor

Sacrifices allow country to settle disputes nonviolently

James Maxson, Minot I’m not naive enough to believe that my opinions will change many minds. Preconceived ideas are alive and well. Some believe that January 6th was merely the expression of opinion. That is true of those who never assaulted law enforcement officers, who never vandalized our nation’s capitol, and never entered it illegally. The problem I had with January 6th was that it became violent. Violence does have its place in the world. My own father was a participant in violence on the Pacific island of Guadalcanal in 1942-1943. Unlike his son who was a medical corpsman ...

Native prairie project offers bright future

Lori Nehlsen, Science teacher, Minot Public Schools, Minot I am thrilled to express my enthusiastic support for the recent decision made by the Minot Public Schools Board of Education on the unanimous approval of the Plum Creek Native Prairie at the former site of Ramstad Middle School. This visionary project holds immense promise, offering dual benefits of ecological restoration and educational enrichment. The 14+ acres of land, which lay dormant for the last 12 years, will soon provide habitat that will support a variety of wildlife species native to North Dakota that may not be ...

School lunch still an issue

Deven Mantz, Minot In case you weren’t aware, last spring the North Dakota Legislature avoided helping all North Dakota school children by denying them school meals. While some ground was gained and income eligibility limits were increased, more should have been done. This disappointment is compounded by news of a substantial surplus in the state’s general fund tax revenues. The Legislature’s projection of a $166 million surplus above initial estimates underscores the missed chance to invest in our children’s well-being. According to the ND Kids Count 2023 Legislative ...

Hostfest fun is almost here

Jessica Ackerman, Minot The 44th Norsk Hostfest is just weeks away. Your $44 admission ticket gets you access to free side stages, free demonstrations, and fun for all ages. Thanks to the generosity of Cornerstone Bank, kids under 12 receive free general admission to the festival. Kids and parents won’t want to miss Koo Koo Kangaroo. The Minneapolis-based duo will be rockin’ on the Skien Mezzanine, and they’ll have everyone on their feet boppin’ to their electric dance music. Koo Koo Kangaroo didn’t start as a kids’ band, but their interactive dance shows were such a ...

Where have teachers gone?

Charlotte Franks-Erickson, Sheyenne School has started or for some is starting soon and there’s a teacher shortage across the nation. It’s a well known fact that burnout is a common reason. I might have a solution or two that could be tried. K-2nd graders or older would be required to take and complete a summer course in self management, manners, showing kindness, ability to listen to a story, follow directions and other social skills they are coming to school without. You parents who are practicing unhealthy parenting can sit back and continue to do so but your children ...

Phones down, heads up

Pat Traynor, Executive Director, Dakota Medical Foundation Last week, Dakota Medical Foundation hosted its inaugural summit, and the turnout was truly heartening. Hundreds of concerned medical providers, parents, teachers, and community members from across the region came together in person and online to hear from Stanford psychiatrist Dr. Anna Lembke, who’s at the forefront of a silent epidemic ravaging our country: digital addiction. I’d like to share with you some concerning trends: – American adults currently spend about seven hours a day in front of a screen, and ...