Valley City  (CSi)  Barnes County has  announced that April 2-6 is County Government Week.

County employees have set a number of activities with Tues April 3 the main focus for most public events.

Many of the offices will set up displays throughout the courthouse during the week-long observance. Visitors will find information ranging from weed control and gardening to property taxes and assessments, Medicaid, SNAP vouchers (food stamps), voting requirements, marriage licenses, passports, and veteran services.

City-County Health District (CCHD) will be observing National Public Health Week, offering  free blood pressure testing at their office (415 2nd Ave. NE) throughout the week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants should be prepared to sit for about five minutes prior to being tested.

Through the Substance Use Prevention program, a “take back” event is planned April 2-7, where residents are encouraged to bring in their expired or unused prescription drugs (excluding liquids and syringes/needles) to any Valley City pharmacy, the Valley City Police Department or the Sheriff’s Department. Expired over-the-counter medications can also be dropped off.

Barnes County North will also host a Take Back site for those in the county who cannot get to Valley City to drop off their prescriptions. The event at BCN will be held April 6, 7:30-9:30 a.m. and 2:30-4:30 p.m. A sheriff deputy will be present.

Tuesday activities begin  with free walking tacos served by county employees and commissioners from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the rotunda, with free ice cream floats offered from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on second floor.

The public is also invited to register for two $25 drawings for Chamber Bucks on Tuesday. And City-County Health will conduct a drawing for a free total lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL/LDL, triglycerides and blood sugar) on Friday. Visitors may sign up for the lipid profile at the CCHD office.

Mock Trials, a student activity arranged by Carl Martineck, Barnes County States Attorney, haven’t been finalized at this time. If offered, this would allow selected area students to participate in the judicial process.

In conjunction with County Government Week, Barnes County Social Services is holding a Diaper, Wipe and Pull-Up donation drive at the courthouse. Donations may be dropped off in Room 102 throughout the month of April. Monetary donations are also accepted. For more information contact Dana at 701-845-8521. Donations will be distributed to families in need in Barnes County.

During past observances, Social Services brought the North Dakota Heart Gallery to the courthouse. This is a non-profit organization that was started in 2008 with a mission to reach out to the public and encourage the adoption of ND children waiting for forever homes. However, due to scheduling issues, the gallery will be displayed at the courthouse April 23-27.