Happy New Year everyone, I hope your holiday season was gratifying and safe for you, your family and friends. 

That the “holiday season” was mentioned, I am looking forward to a weekday “just” being a weekday and a weekend “just” being a weekend for a while.  Being an older retired guy with holidays mixed in the week, I have a heck of a time keeping the days straight!  Hopefully, getting back to a “routine” will help.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is this Thursday, January 9, 2026.  Please join the nation in honoring the dedicated women and men in law enforcement.  Whether wearing blue clothing or ribbons, sending thank you notes, or simply saying “thank you”, your support makes a difference. Let’s recognize the courage and sacrifices of our officers who keep our communities safe every day.

Doug Leier, of North Dakota Game and Fish, regularly writes an outstanding column titled “North Dakota Outdoors”.  In the December 30, 2025, edition of the Times Record, he crafted a serenely written piece, “Embrace the Winter.”  I hope you look it up and enjoy it.

The Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation (VCBCDC) is working tirelessly improving quality of life and place in all of Barnes County.  Please visit:  https://www.developvcbc.com/

The “Good Life” in Valley City.  They say, “It Takes a Village”, we believe “It Takes A Valley”.  We live in a small town in North Dakota where city, county, and community work together to create a lifestyle that conveys the quality of place for our residents and visitors. Valley City is home to nationally recognized school systems, an array of apartment and housing options, numerous job industries, and a growing list of community events.  Learn more about why we believe Valley City is one of the best places to live and work in North Dakota.  For further information, you are invited to see:  https://www.developvcbc.com/goodlife

To have the kind of year you want to have, something has to happen that you can’t explain why it happened. Something has to happen that you can’t coach.”              ~ Bobby Bowden

        Blessings, Prayer, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud