• The Barnes County Service Unit of The Salvation Army is grateful to the Valley City and Barnes County communities for giving so generously to this year’s Red Kettle Campaign. The campaign raised a total of $70,022.22, which will be used to help those in need build bridges to stability in their lives, disaster relief, food, shelter, job training, and substance abuse rehabilitation centers. The Salvation Army has been noted as having one of the lowest overheads among charitable organizations so a greater percentage of donations go directly to vital services.
  • “While walking through a wind shelter this Sunday afternoon, I was struck by the sound of the wind moving through the spruce, cottonwood, and elm trees. At times, it roared like a train crossing the Hi-Line Bridge; at others, it was the subtle creaking and cracking of branches. It was a truly amazing experience.”
  • Missouri River Energy Services (MRES), in partnership with four other upper midwest energy companies, has applied to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for a Certificate of Need for adding a second transmission line to the existing power line running primarily along Interstate 94 between Fargo and Alexandria.  The Fargo-to-Alexandria second-circuit project will help enhance electric reliability and improve system resiliency in the Upper Midwest including all MRES Members.
  • The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) ran a social media campaign, “#ThankARef” during Officials’ Appreciation Week. The universities and fans thanked game officials for their dedication to student-athletes in various sports like basketball and football. Officials provide opportunities for kids to play as “Without officials, it is just a scrimmage”.  How about saying “thank you” to a “ref”?
  • Tragically, federal prosecutors have secured indictments against 26 individuals accused of rigging college basketball games in the United States. U.S. Attorney David Metcalf stated that the scheme threatened “the integrity of sport itself and everything that sports represent to us—hard work, determination and fairness.” Hopefully, integrity will prevail as the legal process unfolds and those involved choose to do the right thing moving forward.
  • Thank you to all who provided material and to Sue for proofing this column.
  • Don’t let making a living prevent you from making a life.”               ~ John Wooden

        Blessings, Prayer, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud