Congratulations to the Hi-Liners Girls Basketball Team for its back-to-back North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA) State Championships. The Hi-Liners fought back from a large deficit in the first half. With grit, determination, and a few shots falling, the game began to go their way. From there, thanks to some clutch free-throw shooting, the game was theirs. It is something the players, coaches, and all who had a part in “making it happen” will always remember, Hi-Liners – 69, Royals – 62.

“It is not whether you get knocked down, it is whether or not you get up”.  ~ Vince Lombardi

Geez, I just have to mention the weather. Sunday afternoon my phone showed 64 degrees with nice sunshine and a soft breeze.  One weather service showed the record high that day in Fargo to be 60 degrees. I am grateful and hope all who were able got out and enjoyed some of the good, clean air with which we were Blessed.

Due to a rise in litigation during the mid-1980s, insurance companies began canceling policies for individuals and local governments, leaving many without coverage. North Dakota was hit hard, leading local political subdivisions to form the North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund (NDIRF)—an insurance pool dedicated to local governments. Today, we are celebrating the NDIRF’s 40th Anniversary and the reasonably stable rates it provides to North Dakota communities. Congratulations and thank you to the forward-thinking individuals who made this a reality!  Some quotes are from “Participator”.

“Opportunity knocks? Get the door.”  ~ Anonymous

North Dakota League of Cities (NDLC) will hold its 2026 Spring Workshop and Elected Officials Training later this month.  Some of the topics covered are “3% Tax Refresher”, “Addressing Blighted Areas in Our Communities”, “Tornadoes: The Before During and After” and “The City Financial Quarterback: What Your Auditor Really Does” to name a few.  It is a great conference.  Thank you to Matt Gardner and the NDLC Team for their great work.

“Kids have the potential, Teachers unlock it”.  ~ Anonymous

Municipal electric power provides us with abundant power and great rates.

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

“Age is no barrier.  It is a limitation you put on your mind.”   ~ Jackie Joyner-Kersee

        Blessings, Prayer, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud