February 1st was National Change Your Password Day, but today isn’t too late! Cyber criminals are experts at cracking passwords, so ensure yours are secure. Security experts recommend using at least 12 to 16 characters, including a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid easy-to-guess information like birthdays, anniversaries, pets’ names, or your favorite sports teams. 

In our weekly devotional recently, we talked about change – change in the weather, the seasons, our bodies, our families, business, and our lives in general. Change occurs to some degree every day; watch for it.

We are seeing significant change in the newspaper industry throughout our nation and right here in Valley City. Beginning this week, the Times-Record will provide its printed editions on Tuesdays and Fridays. For greater detail concerning this change, please see the lead story in the January 29 edition of the Times-Record.

According to the internet (we know it must be true!), Valley City had about 8 hours and 40 minutes of daylight December 21st and January 31st about 9 hours and 39 minutes.  Even with that minimal increase of daylight, the sun is getting high enough to feel a little warmth on one’s face.  There will likely be more “winter”, but we are moving closer to spring.

Congratulations again to all those who made the new Valley City Public School building possible and to everyone who supported it. Last week, I saw an architect’s rendition of the upcoming school, and it is beautiful. It will certainly be a welcome change for the students and educators who currently battle uncontrollably cold rooms in the winter. Thank you, everyone.

The Washington Redskins (now the Commanders) defeated the Denver Broncos 42–10 in Super Bowl XXII on January 31, 1988, at Jack Murphy Stadium. Washington made history by scoring a record-breaking 35 points in the second quarter to overcome a 10-point deficit. Quarterback Doug Williams was the MVP, Bob McElwee served as the referee, and 73,302 people attended. 

Thank you to all who provided material and to Sue for proofing this column.

“Change does not change tradition.  It strengthens it.  Change is a challenge and an opportunity; not a threat.”~ Prince Phillip of England

Blessings, Prayer, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud