North Dakota LIVING February 2012 by Forum Communications Printing

As an auto mechanic, Eric Nostdahl knows that using the right tool can make all the difference. So when he found out he needed surgery, he turned to Trinity Health and its da Vinci® Si™ Surgical System. “Not only did I have confidence in Trinity’s experienced surgical team, but I’m also impressed with the benefits of robotic surgery, like less scaring and quicker recovery.” -Eric Nostdahl Every day more patients like Eric are choosing the incredibly precise care that Trinity Health provides with its da Vinci® surgical system. We’ve performed hundreds of da Vinci® robotic surgeries to date and we were the first in North Dakota to bring this level of robotic precision to our patients. Cutting edge technology. The most experienced team. It’s how Trinity Health is delivering care that has the power to change lives.

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W H AT ’ S I N S I D E

North Dakota LIVING is published monthly by white type >>>

FEBRUARY 2012 Volume 58, No. 8

Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

North Dakota LIVING is published by North Dakota’s electric and telephone cooperatives, which take pride in advancing and enriching the quality of life in North Dakota.

ON OUR COVER COVER ART BY MICHAEL HAYNES, COURTESY DAKOTA INSTITUTE PRESS

Your Touchstone 3201 Nygren DriveEnergy NW Cooperative P.O. Box 727 Mandan ND 58554-0727 Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative (701) 663-6501  (800) 234-0518 Energy Cooperative NDARECYour is a Touchstone statewide association that represents North s 16 electric cooperatives. YourDakota’ Touchstone Energy Cooperative Visit our Web site at www.ndarec.com. Magazine Staff: Dennis Hill, CCC, editor-in-chief ................... dhill@ndarec.com Kent Brick, CCC, editor............................... kbrick@ndarec.com Edna Stoltz, center pages & publications services manager............ estoltz@ndarec.com Tammy Kear, editorial assistant ..................... tkear@ndarec.com J.C. Balcom, production & graphics services manager ............ jcbalcom@ndarec.com Carmen Devney, CCC, communications specialist............... cdevney@ndarec.com Public Relations Advisory Committee: Christine Peterson, chairwoman ............................. North Central Electric Cooperative Russ Berg ............................... Cass County Electric Cooperative David Sigloh .............. Upper Missouri G&T Electric Cooperative Don Franklund ........................... Innovative Energy Alliance, LLC Clayton Hoffman ........................ Innovative Energy Alliance, LLC Lauren Klewin .................................... Slope Electric Cooperative Jeanette Hoff ........................ Reservation Telephone Cooperative In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Advertising Sales: Clark A. Van Horn, ............................................ (800) 234-0518 advertising manager....................... cvanhorn@ndarec.com National Country Market ................................... (512) 441-5200 The Weiss Group ............................................... (480) 860-5394 Advertisements in North Dakota LIVING are paid solicitations. The publisher neither endorses nor guarantees in any manner any product or company included in this publication. Product satisfaction and delivery lie solely with the advertiser. Questions about advertising in this publication should be directed to Clark A. Van Horn, advertising manager. Magazine subscriptions: One year.................. $12.00 for members of subscribing co-ops One year.............................................. $14.50 for non-members Three years ......................................... $40.00 for non-members Single copy ........................................................................ $2.00 To subscribe: Call (800) 234-0518; or visit www.ndarec.com Circulation .....................................................................90,800 Corrections, clarifications: Send to: Editor, North Dakota LIVING, P.O. Box 727, Mandan, ND 58554-0727 Advertising: Space order by 1st of the month prior to publication month; copy due by the 5th. For advertising rates, contact Clark A. Van Horn, advertising manager, at (800) 234-0518. © Copyright 2012, by North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives. No portion of the advertising or editorial content of North Dakota LIVING may be reproduced without permission. The opinions expressed in editorial and advertising content in North Dakota LIVING do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of NDAREC. North Dakota LIVING (ISSN-1539-0063) is published monthly by the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, 3201 Nygren Drive NW, Mandan ND 58554. Change of address: Subscribing co-op members send notification of change of address to your local cooperative. Other subscribers, send mailing label with changes to: Subscription Department, North Dakota LIVING, P.O. Box 727, Mandan ND 58554-0727, or e-mail tkear@ndarec.com. Postage: Periodicals nonprofit postage paid at Mandan, N.D., and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to: North Dakota LIVING, P.O. Box 727, Mandan ND 58554-0727. 

Deep winter

Michael Haynes’ “Ft. Mandan Winter” artwork was created for “The Character of Meriwether Lewis — Explorer in the Wilderness,” Clay Jenkinson’s newest book. At Fort Mandan in 1804-05, near present-day Washburn, the Lewis & Clark Expedition had a much harder North Dakota winter than what the state is now experiencing. Jenkinson book ................................................ page 2

N E W S A N D F E AT U R E S T O R I E S Primed for winter, anytime now! ............................. page 8 Fishing, yurt lodging make this mild winter fun.

NDAREC opposing property tax ballot measure ... page 24 RECs ﬁnd repeal measure extreme, with big uncertainties.

Candidates must heed April 13 ﬁling deadline .... page 26 Reminders from N.D. Secretary of State go out to 2012 candidates.

SPECIAL SECTION : E D U C AT I O N A L PAT H S Mayville State sustains rural impact........................ page 14 Mayville State University’s technology helps students progress in an electronic world.

Teaching practical, progressive potential ............. page 18

Rasmussen College works with businesses to ﬁnd jobs for students.

D E PA R T M E N T S  News Connections

 Teen-2-Teen

 Editorial by Dennis Hill

 Calendar of Events

 Recipe Roundup

 Farm Byline by Al Gustin

 Marketplace Forum

 Advertisers’ Index

 Co-op Country

Wintry soul of Meriwether Lewis Cooperatives reinforce energy efficiency

 Country Line

Vangsness assumes NDATC presidency

 Inspired LIVING by Roxanne Henke

 Reader Reply

What’s your word?

“In this education issue, tell us about your North Dakota college experience. Which college or university would you recommend, and why?”

Don’t rush tough decisions

Quick and easy comfort food

Changes in grain transporation

Smile!

BONUS SUPPLEMENT 2012 North Dakota Travel Guide (Not in all editions. To order guide, call 1-800-HELLO-ND.)

Local electric cooperative news ........ C1 Community news provided by your local cooperative. (Not in all editions.)

NORTH DAKOTA LIVING  FEBRUARY 2012 1

NEWS CONNECTIONS

Wintry soul of Meriwether Lewis E

BOOK COVER COURTESY DAKOTA INSTITUTE PRESS

“The Character of Meriwether Lewis” is published by Dakota Institute Press, distributed by University of Oklahoma Press. 2

PHOTO BY J.C. BALCOM

merging from a deep Fort Mandan winter in 1805, Meriwether Lewis drove himself and the Corps of Discovery onward in an early, defining chapter in American history. Historical and biographical accounts have elevated Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to genuine American hero status. But, the short life of Meriwether Lewis was also marked by a troubled soul and personality. In his latest work, Clay Jenkinson looks closely at the inner conflicts and complexities of Meriwether Lewis, shedding light on why this American giant likely took his own life soon after the expedition’s return. Jenkinson’s book is “The Character of Meriwether Lewis: Explorer in the Wilderness,” with a foreword by David Nicandri and original illustrations by Michael Haynes. It is published by The Dakota Institute Press, Washburn, and distributed by University of Oklahoma Press. ISBN: 978-0-9825597-3-4. Jenkinson takes a fresh look at Lewis, going beyond hero worship, to de-

Author, Clay Jenkinson, left, portraying Meriwether Lewis, alongside Amy Mossett, re-enactor of Sakakawea and other key figures of Native American history.

scribe and explain a serious young man of great complexity who found the wilderness of Upper Louisiana exacting and exhilarating. Jenkinson sees Lewis as a troubled soul before he left St. Charles, Mo., in May 1804. Jenkinson asserts Lewis’ experiences in lands “upon which the foot of civilized man had never trodden” further fractured his sense of himself. Jenkinson sees Lewis’ 1809 suicide not as an inexplicable mystery, but the culmination of a series of pressures that extend back to the expedition and perhaps even earlier. “The Character of Meriwether Lewis: Explorer in the Wilderness” is a greatly expanded revision of an earlier book, featuring illustrations, maps and an eight-page folio of full color paintings by Michael Haynes commissioned for the book. Jenkinson, director of the Dakota Institute and of the Lewis & Clark Fort Mandan Foundation, is the author of nine books, a documentary filmmaker and

FEBRUARY 2012  NORTH DAKOTA LIVING

founder of the Theodore Roosevelt Center at Dickinson State University. He

is a renowned re-enactor of President Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis and other key figures in American history. The Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived at the Mandan-Hidatsa Indian villages on the Upper Missouri River – near present-day Washburn – Oct. 25, 1804. The Headwaters Fort Mandan Visitor Center, inspired by a Mandan earthlodge, provides modern facilities and learning areas, nestled in cottonwood bottomlands near Fort Mandan. These facilities are near the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, Washburn. Fort Mandan and the interpretive center, served by McLean Electric Cooperative, are open year-round. 

Try ‘CulturePulse’ for arts, features, events

he North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) wants everybody to know about CultureP ulse, the state’s leading online resource for arts and culture activities. NDCA encourages North Dakotans to use CulturePulse and add to it at www.CulturePulse.org. Amy Schmidt, NDCA public information officer, emphasizes CulturePulse is more than an events calendar. It is a resource which also features directories of area arts organizations, venues and profiles of local artists. At this site, artists can create profiles without charge; for those who do not have a Web site, it is a great way to get artist information online. At www. CulturePulse.org, regional

hubs are displayed; artists and patrons can list or see what is available in their area. NDCA strongly encourages artists and the public to make use of the resource, which began in 2006 in Grand Forks. Schmidt says w w w. CulturePulse.org, in a short time, has become the source of many event and artist listings all across the state. With the aim of inspiring even greater participation in the arts in North Dakota, NDCA has expanded the reach of CulturePulse to social media. CulturePulse is now also on Facebook; become a fan and “Like” the site at www. facebook.com/culturepulse. Also, follow Culturepulse on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ culturepulse.  www.ndarec.com

Be sure to attend the

International Crop Expo February 15 - 16

Alerus Center - Grand Forks, ND

e sure to attend Dr. Jay Lehr’s keynote presentation, “What

Agriculture Can Expect From Washington” on Wednesday,

February 15 at 1:00 p.m. sponsored by AgCountry Farm Credit Services. Dr. Lehr is an Economist/Futurist. His work with the farming industry has given him a highly sought after crystal ball with which he predicts the future based on precise knowledge of the past as well as distinctive current trends. Stop by the AgCountry booth (#603) for coffee and register each day for a $100 Scheels gift certificate.

800-450-8933 • Fargo, ND • www.agcountry.com

EDITORIAL by Dennis Hill

RECs reinforce energy efficiency

PHOTO BY PHYNE PHOTOGRAPHY

orth Dakota’s unusually mild winter has taken some pressure off our pocketbooks. Warmer temperatures and light snowpack mean it takes a lot less energy (at least through mid-January) to heat our homes and businesses; warm up and drive our cars and trucks; and keep our roads and farmsteads open for daily travel. We shouldn’t rely on warm winters to save energy, however. That’s why North Dakota’s RECs maintain a yearround commitment to energy efficiency. The state’s electric cooperatives have long held that the cheapest kilowatt hour of electricity is the one that doesn’t get used. Energy efficiency investments and improvements allow consumers to keep the same standard of living, but use less energy in the process. Energy efficiency is thus a win/win for consumers and the utility. Here are a few energy efficiency programs and standards that North Dakota’s RECs believe have made a difference or are worthy of future consideration: Utility Rebate Program: North Dakota’s rural electric cooperatives received a grant from the N.D. Department of Commerce to administer a utility rebate grant program designed to provide incentives for cooperative consumers to make energy efficiency and conservation improvements. Similar grants were awarded to other utilities to encourage energy efficiency improvements. The money for these grants was provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The program is wrapping up, and so far we have processed about 2,300 rebates totaling more than $2.4 million for REC consumers. In addition to spurring investment, the program helped keep contractors busy throughout the past year-and-a-half. Because of this program, there are thousands of energy efficiency and conservation improvements in place across the state, which will save lots of energy each year for the life of the improvements. We’ll have a full reporting of the energy savings and economic benefit in a future issue of North Dakota LIVING.

Dennis Hill

Light up your life: You may have heard that light bulbs are changing in 2012. On Jan. 1, new standards took effect which give consumers new lighting choices that are 25 to 30 percent more efficient than the decades-old incandescent bulbs. Contrary to reports, incandescent lights are NOT being banned — they are simply becoming more efficient. Not only will these new light bulbs cut your energy bills, they’ll improve the environment by reducing emissions from power plants due to less energy consumption. Take the time to read a recent report from the Consumer Federation of America before you go shopping for light bulbs the next time. There are a number of factors to consider in making your lighting choices, which are spelled out in this easy-to-read report. You can find a copy of it on our North Dakota LIVING Web site at www. ndliving.com (click on editorial). Fill ‘er up less often: Last fall, Pres. Obama unveiled a proposed rule that would require automakers to increase the average fuel economy of vehicles to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. The president’s announcement was supported by auto manufacturers, auto workers, national security and environmental groups. The proposed rule could save consumers up to $6,600 in fuel costs over the life of a model year 2025 vehicle, and save more than 4 billion barrels of oil and 2 billion metric tons of carbon emissions. Cars and light trucks accounted for 1.1 billion metric tons of carbon emissions in 2009, approximately 65 percent of total transportation emissions. This standard is now under administrative review, and in our view, deserves thoughtful and favorable consideration. While fuel prices have been more stable of late, the cheapest gallon of gasoline is the one you don’t have to put in the tank to travel the same distance. In addition to these programs, you can still find a wealth of information about energy efficiency and conservation at TogetherWeSave.com, an information resource supported by North Dakota’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives®. Of course, your local electric cooperative also has a wealth of information and expertise on staff that can help you evaluate and make wise efficiency and conservation improvements. n Dennis Hill, editor-in-chief of North Dakota LIVING, is executive vice president and general manager of the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, Mandan.

Comments may be sent to: Dennis Hill, NDAREC, P.O. Box 727, Mandan, ND 58554-0727 or by e-mail: dhill@ndarec.com. 4

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COUNTRY LINE by Kent Brick

Vangsness assumes NDATC presidency S

PHOTO COURTESY SRT

tanley Vangsness, from near Berthold in western Ward County, is the newly elected president of the North Dakota Association of Telecommunications Cooperatives (NDATC). Vangsness represents SRT, Minot, on the NDATC board of directors. The NDATC board of directors elected Vangsness to this position last December. Vangsness said the rural telecommunications cooperatives in the state have a very effective voice in NDATC. “It keeps the telephone cooperatives in North Dakota communicating together,” Vangsness said. “We have a lot of the same challenges, and we need to work together as we serve our customers.” Vangsness said this unified approach is the basis for the effective messages the association’s general manager, David Crothers, and the member organizations communicate. “Legislators can hear our viewpoints and learn how things work in rural North Dakota and rural

Stanley Vangsness, NDATC President

America,” he said. In recent years, Vangsness has been a team leader for NDATC visits to Congressional offices encouraged by the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association. He said last year’s meetings with Congressional staffers from California, Florida and Massachusetts produced positive results. “They have rural areas and rural telecommunications like we do, and they know broadband expansion is a national issue, so they lend an ear and listen to us,” he said. “As president, Stanley Vangsness will provide excellent leadership for the NDATC board and our family of member cooperatives and local companies,” Crothers said. The NDATC membership and board named three new officers to join Vangsness as association leaders. They include: Ron German, first vice president, representing Red River Rural Telephone, Abercrombie; Jeanette Hoff, second vice president, representing RTC, Parshall; and Lorena Lambrecht, secretary-treasurer, representing Northwest Communications, Ray.

Rural values guide PHOTO COURTESY VANGSNESS FAMILY

The Vangsness family includes, from left, Marianne, Laura, Lindsey and Stan. 6

FEBRUARY 2012  NORTH DAKOTA LIVING

The Vangsness family can claim solid rural America credentials. They operate the farm which has been in the family for three generations. Stan, a Carpio High School and North Dakota State University graduate, took over the farm and its small grains production about 20 years ago. His spouse, Marianne, is employed with the North Dakota Human Services Center in Minot. Their children – Lindsey, 14, and Laura, 12 – attend school in Berthold, and are occupied with school, sports, music and 4-H. Vangsness says reflecting the rural way of life is a key part of the message NDATC delivers. This is important during this period of major change in the public policies that advance affordable telecommunications nationwide. In particular, telecommunications cooperatives are www.ndatc.com

taking strong stands concerning intercarrier compensation reforms and changes to federal Universal Service support. These changes are brought about because of the emergence of broadband as a dominant communications medium. “The main thing for us is that our rural customers get treated fairly so we get equal access to broadband. We can’t be left behind,” Vangsness says. With products and services from SRT, the Vangsness home and farm reflect the many ways modern telecommunications support rural families. Vangsness family members have a full complement of mobile and smart phones, landline phones, and broadband-enabled personal computing technology. The young girls use broadband capabilities for online schoolwork and research, accessing music and videos and using Facebook. Vangsness family members do a lot of e-mailing and texting, and Stan goes online for cooperative work, ag marketing, research and news reports.

SRT, NDATC have members in mind

Vangsness says helping SRT members and their communities recover from 2011 flooding calamities has consumed a great deal of the SRT board’s recent attention. He is pleased the cooperative is back to operating from permanent locations and that the mild fall and winter have helped residents make recovery progress. Vangsness, who has served on several ag-related boards, has been on the SRT board of directors for seven years. He sought the position because he felt new and important communication technologies were on the horizon. For Vangsness, being a successful director for SRT entails listening and learning. “We hear the wants and the needs of the people and try to provide for them. We do our best to serve all the people of SRT,” he said. He plans to bring that priority to his new leadership position with NDATC. “We’ll work together to keep providing reliable telecommunications services to our members and to represent rural North Dakota,” Vangsness said. 

NTCA seeks appellate review of FCC order The National Telecommunic ation Cooperative Association (NTCA) is seeking the review of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) National Broadband Plan order. NTCA has filed a petition for review with the U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit. In his statement concerning this filing, Michael Romano, NTCA senior vice president of policy, said NTCA is taking this step because it “…has determined that several aspects of the order require judicial review to ensure that reforms are consistent with the Communications Act and other provisions of law.” Romano said NTCA concerns with the FCC order center on access and compensation pricing, limiting Universal Service support, and blurred distinctions between regulated and non-regulated companies. “These provisions threaten to undermine the carefully constructed regulatory balance that has proven successful thus far in bringing telecommunications and advanced services to rural America,” Romano said. NTCA represents more than 570 locally owned and controlled telecommunications cooperatives and commercial companies throughout rural and smalltown America. NTCA provides its members with legislative, regulatory and industry representation; meetings; publications and educational programs. Visit NTCA at www.ntca.org.  Kent Brick is editor of North Dakota LIVING. He may be reached at kbrick@ndarec.com.

NORTH DAKOTA ASSOCIATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS COOPERATIVES 3201 Nygren Drive N.W. Box 1144 Mandan, N.D. 58554

(701) 663-1099 www.ndatc.com

Cooperatives

BEK Communications Cooperative .................................................Steele Consolidated Telcom Cooperative .............................................Dickinson Dakota Central Telecommunications Cooperative ....................Carrington Dickey Rural Networks .............................................................. Ellendale Nemont Telephone Cooperative .........................................Scobey, Mont. Northwest Communications Cooperative .......................................... Ray Polar Communications Cooperative.........................................Park River Red River Rural Telephone Association ............................... Abercrombie Reservation Telephone Cooperative .............................................Parshall SRT Communications Cooperative ................................................. Minot United Telephone Mutual Aid Corporation ................................. Langdon West River Telecommunications Cooperative .................................Hazen www.ndliving.com

NDATC Officers

Stanley Vangsness, President ..............................SRT Communications Ron German, First Vice President ................ Red River Rural Telephone Jeanette Hoff, Second Vice President ...............................................RTC Lorena Lambrecht, Secretary/Treasurer ....Northwest Communications Leo Meier, Director ............................................... BEK Communications Jon Hendrickson, Director ......................................Consolidated Telcom Rodney Suko, Director .......................................Dakota Central Telecom Kent Klima, Director ........................................... Dickey Rural Telephone Larry Mahler, Director................................................ Nemont Telephone Ron Steinke, Director .......................................... Polar Communications Lorne Field, Director .................................................... United Telephone Randy Christmann, Director .................................... West River Telecom NORTH DAKOTA LIVING  FEBRUARY 2012 7

PHOTO BY CRAIG BIHRLE

Pike and perch are abundant in numbers and popular targets for ice ﬁshers. This photo was taken at Long Lake, McLean County.

January’s short, dark days accumulated, A sNorth Dakota remained ready and waiting. After three years of long winter sieges, by early October, we had snowblowers and snowmobiles primed, skis waxed, sanding trucks serviced, survival kits placed, clothing layers prioritized and crockpots stoked to nourish our frozen souls. Then, we waited. And we waited. As winter refused to appear, some even retrieved stored golf clubs for rare December rounds. With late January temperatures climbing confoundingly close to 40 degrees, many North Dakotans collectively declared: “Hey, we’ll take

FEBRUARY 2012  NORTH DAKOTA LIVING

it!” At the same time, our sage skeptics countered: “You know, three hard months of winter could easily happen starting in February!” For the moment, cold or mild, white or brown, North Dakota offers plenty of outdoor and indoor recreation this time of year. For this special winter recreation package, North Dakota LIVING looks at several great experiences worth considering. Among them:  Ice fishing – plenty of fish, plenty of caution  At “yurt” service – new accommodations in state parks  Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park – after the deluge www.ndarec.com

PHOTO BY GREG GULLICKSON

Permanent ice houses need to be removed by March 15; moveable ice houses can be used after March 15, but must be removed daily. This photo was taken at Crooked Lake, McLean County.

On ice: fish and caution aplenty

From N.D. Parks and Recreation, North Dakota LIVING staff reports

he good news, says Greg Power, fisheries chief for the North Dakota Department of Game and Fish (NDGF), is 2012 opened with the state boasting about 350 fishing lakes – an all-time high. But, Power says “the catch” is traversing these waterways in this winter of mild temperatures. He said fish populations are thriving and that they are younger populations, meaning great opportunities for several upcoming seasons, winter and summer. Power said ice fishing has been greatly reduced the last three winters, due to hindered access to bodies of water. This winter’s modest snowfall has opened access to frozen ponds, and winter anglers are taking full advantage. “As good as this winter has started, it’s probably going to get better the next few winters, as long as we have access,” Power says. Power says perch and pike are the species ice fishers favor. “We’ve never had so many pike in the state before,” he says. He adds that an upcoming state fishing proclamation is expected to announce the increase in the daily pike limit from three to five. Power says perch numbers are also high and perch are fun and easy to lift out of the ice. Four lines per individual are allowed on ice, as opposed to two lines per individual during warmer times of the year. Regarding ice depths and this mild winter, Power says extra caution is required. While driving on ice lets fishermen greatly expand their options, choosing this alternative must be based on reliable information. NDGF does not compile information on ice thickness on waters around the state, so ice fishers should make inquiries locally or perform the measurements. Ice thickness can vary considerably within a body of water and is unpredictable. A general rule is four inches of ice will support a group of people walking single file; six inches of ice will support a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle; 8-12 inches of ice will support an automobile; and 12-15 inches will support a pickup truck. For ice evaluation and ice fishing success, Power urges the public to trust in groups. “If you’re a rookie at this, ask around, follow the masses, and do what they’re doing,” Power says. www.ndliving.com

Other ice fishing guidelines

 Clean up: “You have to clean up after yourself,” Power says. He says too many ice fishers seem to think garbage and fish refuse can be covered with snow and left. This just fouls waterways and creates eyesores in the spring. NDGF reminds the public that it is illegal to leave fish behind on ice. When fish are caught, anglers must either release them immediately unharmed, or take into daily possession.  Fish houses must be made out of materials allowing them to float. Old car bodies and camper rigs do not meet this criteria. A camper may be taken onto ice, but must be removed when not occupied. In addition, fish houses are not required to be licensed. Occupied structures do not require identification, but any unoccupied fish house must have proper identification. Permanent fish houses must be off the ice by midnight, March 15. Portable fish houses may be used after March 15 if they are removed daily. To learn more, visit http://gf.nd.gov. 

At ‘yurt’ service!

From N.D. Parks and Recreation, North Dakota LIVING staff reports

ross Ranch State Park (CRSP) is noted for the rich natural and human history of the area. Situated along seven west bank miles of the Missouri River south of Washburn, the park and adjacent Cross Ranch Nature Preserve provides rich primitive and enjoyable outdoor experiences. The arrival of yurt abodes are the latest in these offerings. A primitive yurt, at the end of a four-mile hike deep into Cross Ranch State Park, is the park’s latest basic overnight stay offering for the public. This back country yurt – today’s version of small hide-covered domes favored by ancient Mongols – is fully primitive, but ready for guests eager to enjoy the CRSP splendor that is accessible year-round. Laura Kohn, CRSP interpreter, says yurts came to CRSP and the state park system in 2010. She describes a yurt as a cylindrical structure, held up with wooden lattice and covered by vinyl. “It looks like a short, fat grain bin made out of wood and vinyl,” Kohn says. The park’s yurts have windows and a dome at the peak. “During full moon, it continued on page 10 NORTH DAKOTA LIVING  FEBRUARY 2012 9

Although this back-country yurt at CRSP is fully primitive and accessible only by foot, many comforts and amenities are availble within each unit.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Cross Ranch State Park Interpreter Laura Kohn says yurt overnighting is now a part of the natural splendor experience at the park.

grass prairie, river bottom forests and woody draws can be seen. Cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals are available. In addition, summer at CRSP features camping (primitive and electric), shower stations, cabins, a visitor center, boat ramp, canoe and kayak rentals, playgrounds and great fishing. As she looks across CRSP acreage in January, Laura Kohn, like most North Dakotans, is ready and waiting. “I’m hoping we eventually get some snow,” Kohn says. She says last winter furnished excellent crosscountry skiing. CRSP staff grooms and packs 10 miles of trail for cross-country skiers. “People think that we’re just open in the summertime, but our rental facilities are available yearround,” Kohn says. Kohn says she presents programs to school, scouting and public groups year-round, as well. Roughrider Electric Cooperative, Hazen, serves CRSP facilities. To learn more, visit www.parkrec.nd.gov. n

continued from page 9

can be hard to sleep there’s so much light that gets in,” she says. CRSP has two yurts in its main campground. Each has electricity and propane heat. The primitive, back country yurt is somewhat smaller, with no electricity, relying on wood stove heat. Lanterns provide light and the closest water source is the nearby Missouri River. That water, if collected, must be filtered for consumption. “You have to use your body to get yourself back here,” Kohn says, speaking from the primitive yurt’s location. “We don’t allow vehicles back here. It’s wilderness – out in the middle of nowhere.” One other yurt, a non-primitive version, is also available in Lake Metigoshe State Park. Over 16 miles of trails wind through CRSP and the adjacent Nature Preserve. An extensive trail system can be explored either on foot or on cross-country skis during the winter months. Trails wind through the 5,000-acre dedicated nature preserve where mixed 10 f e b r u ary 2 0 1 2 n N O R T H D A K O T A L I V I N G

Fort Lincoln n State Park: after the deluge

From N.D. Parks and Recreation, North Dakota LIVING staff reports

he vast popular campground along the junction of the Heart and Missouri rivers south of Mandan is not supposed to close in May. But that’s what happened last May 26, as the unprecedented, unimaginable, Missouri River flooding surged beyond banks, overtaking the campground of Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (FALSP). continued on page 12 www.ndarec.com

continued from page 10

“May 26, when we closed it down for the summer, was very depressing,” says Dan Schelske, FALSP manager. He says the anguish was prolonged for three months of no vehicular access. Spirits were not lifted when they could finally get vehicles onto the campground, navigating murky water, eyeing destroyed vegetation and mud-caked buildings, some ruined. Tough as this evaluation was, Schelske said, it sparked his staff and the entire support of the N.D. Division of Parks and Recreation. “We live here, we work here, we take a lot of ownership in what we do here, and we refused to let this hold us back,” Schelske says. He says the team at N.D. Parks and Recreation consists of veterans who have overcome fires, landslides, windstorms, thunderstorms, hailstorms and more. “We’ve survived many floods, and this was a bigger flood and a bigger challenge, but it was not going to beat us,” Schelske says. Jesse Hanson, planning manager for N.D. Parks and Recreation, said the disaster at the FALSP campground triggered a mobilization the department launched without hesitation. “We have our normal business, but when situations like this come up, we pool our resources and get things done that have to be done.” The FALSP staff with support from N.D. Parks and Recreation used the mild late autumn and early winter to breathe life back into the battered park. Mountains of debris, downed trees, and muck and mud were scraped

FALSP Manager Dan Schelske, left, and Jesse Hanson, N.D. Parks and Recreation, indicate how high flood waters rose in the state park.

PHOTOS BY KENT BRICK

FALSP Manager Dan Schelske shows one of the overnight cabins removed after flooding. 12 fe b r u ar y 2 0 1 2 n N O R T H D A K O T A L I V I N G

and removed. Two ruined “little gem” overnight cabins were removed, and rebuilding and replacement work begun. A central comfort station and bath house and the popular amphitheatre have been renovated, with spoiled materials and furnishings replaced. Schelske says electrical work for campground and campsite power is to occur in May. In addition, landscaping and playground refurbishing will occur. Schelske hopes to have at least the north half of the campground open by June 1. The campground is just one dimension of the many features at FALSP. The park is made historically important because within its boundaries are the ruins of On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village and the Fort Abraham Lincoln cavalry and infantry posts, including the Custer House. MorGran-Sou Electric Cooperative, Flasher, serves FALSP. The land itself was deeded to the state in 1907 by President Theodore Roosevelt. Park development started in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), who built the visitor center, earthlodges, blockhouses, shelters and roads, and placed cornerstones to mark buildings at the infantry and cavalry posts. Additional development took place in the late 1980s and 1990s, with the reconstruction of the commanding officer’s house, commissary storehouse, enlisted men’s barracks and granary, all on the cavalry post grounds; and the Council Lodge in the On-A-Slant Village. n www.ndarec.com

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EDUCATIONAL PATHS by Kent Brick

Mayville State sustains rural impact “As a small institution, we’ve always thought it’s our vision and mission to work for the benefit DR. GARY HAGEN, MAYVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT of the more rural areas of North Dakota.”

FEBRUARY 2012  NORTH DAKOTA LIVING

PHOTO COURTESY STEPHEN ELKINS

PHOTO BY KENT BRICK

orth Dakota founders established a public college in Mayville as a small, rural – but key – building block of education and progress in the new state. Today, 123 years later, Mayville State University (MSU), led by President Gary Hagen, continues to fulfill that mission. “As a small institution, we’ve always thought it’s our vision and mission to work for the benefit of the more rural areas of North Dakota,” Hagen says. “Many of our students come from very small towns, a lot of people who work here originally came from very small towns, so we’re concerned about rural North Dakota and about growing rural North Dakota.” MSU is one of North Dakota’s original colleges – its establishment was provided for by the state constitution of 1889. Back then, the state’s constitutional convention located the nine original state institutions, with resourcing to be left to the new state Legislature. Mayville, in Traill County, is about 40 minutes south of Grand Forks. Classes began in 1890 and the following spring the second state Legislature provided funds for a building. The first classes were held in “Old Main” in 1893. In 1925, the State Board of Higher Education gave MSU the authority to grant a bachelor of arts in education degree. Over time, the mission of the university evolved from teacher education to embrace several major study areas. In addition to a dozen separate education bachelor degrees, MSU offers bachelor and associate degrees in business administration, a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, and bachelor degrees in several social science, health science, education and university studies. Minor degrees are available in more than 30 disciplines. Its current enrollment hovers near 1,000 students. In MSU, Californian Stephen Elkins found a college experience where he could thrive. Elkins came to MSU as a scholarship football player and completed a computer information systems degree with business administration minor. He now resides in Stephen and Savannah Elkins Beulah, employed in the applications section of the Dakota Gasification Company. His spouse, Savannah, also a MSU graduate (from Stanley), is a Beulah school teacher. “It’s nice coming from a small school,” Elkins says. “Everything is one-on-one there. It’s more personable.” Elkins said his computer information systems class work was typically done as group exercises in class sizes of five or six. He says his business studies class numbers would reach 20, but the emphasis continued to be on

Mayville State University President Gary Hagen, raised on a farm near Aneta, is proud the university is preparing graduates for rural leadership roles. Hagen stands near Old Main, the historic and administrative heart of MSU, which is undergoing renovation to preserve its functionality and to create greater energy efﬁciency.

interpersonal communication and problem-solving. “Working in groups helped me make personal connections,” Elkin says. He credits the approach MSU takes for that. “You can have a really good experience at a small school.” Hagen says small group dynamics blended with robust technology assistance is the lifeblood of today’s MSU. “In terms of teaching, we’ve left the lecture mode for electronic versions and presentations and projects and problem-based learning. We can’t do any of that without technology and now, as we reach out further into the rural areas of North Dakota, we’re drawing more and more students. It’s the technology – the distance education – that allows us to do that.” Every student enrolled on the MSU campus is issued a notebook computer. Every faculty member – and even the university president – uses this same type of personal computer. Hagen says the rural business leaders and educators MSU develops must have high-technology proficiency “We saw students would be making a living in the information age, in a competitive, electronic world,” Hagen says. “So, we said every student that graduates from this university should have a very good understanding of www.ndarec.com

May ville State University snapshots :  Established in the original 1889 state constitution; classes in Old Main started in 1893.  Original mission of teacher education continues, while bachelor’s degrees in business, computer science and social sciences have been added.  Every new student on the campus receives a notebook computer and IT education.  Seventy percent of education graduates, 87 percent of non-education graduates reside in North Dakota.

technology. We built in coursework so that in the course of a four-year degree, all our graduates would earn an IT certificate. They don’t have to take any extra courses – they’re already there.” Distance learning via online offerings and collaborations is on the upswing for MSU. In recent years, online and distance coursework and degree pursuit has seen substantial growth. Community outreach and intercollegiate collaboration is also central to the MSU mission. Hagen is pleased the many dimensions of MSU service are producing positive results for North Dakota. “Seventy percent of our education graduates and 87 percent of our non-education graduates choose North Dakota as their place to live, to have their families and to own property. We’re proud of that,” Hagen says. On a compact campus tract, steeped in stately architectural history, MSU is involved with innovations designed to preserve landmarks and create modern facilities. The Old Main central campus building is undergoing a substantial remodel which will create greater energy efficiency, traffic flow, space utilization and technology deployment. A modern student housing center has been www.ndliving.com

completed to help succeed old residence halls. This academic year saw the opening of a new building dedicated to teacher education. Also, Lewy Lee Fieldhouse (built in 1960), the heart of the strong MSU athletic program, is also undergoing renovation. The dedication to rural community vitality is part of Hagen’s pedigree. He was born and raised on farm near Aneta, graduated from Northwood High School, and completed all collegiate and doctorate work in business education/administration at the University of North Dakota. He knows flight from rural to urban centers will continue, but he knows rural areas can remain strong “As we’ve seen North Dakota change,” Hagen says, “we do see population gravitating to the larger population centers, but we still see quality of life and value in a small community and the outlying areas. That’s our interest area and it’s an interest area with our students. We want people to go out and provide leadership in that regard – we always have.”  Kent Brick is editor of North Dakota LIVING. He can be reached at kbrick@ndarec.com. N O R T H D A K O T A L I V I N G  F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 2 15

PHOTO COURTESY MAYVILLE STATE

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N O R T H D A K O T A L I V I N G яБо F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 2 17

EDUCATIONAL PATHS by Carmen Devney

Teaching practical, progressive potential “We have constant communication with our online students, and that’s the key to our retention.”

BETTY LARGENT, RASMUSSEN COLLEGE FARGO/MOORHEAD CAMPUS DIRECTOR

Shadd Piehl (right) dean and general education program coordinator of Rasmussen College, Bismarck, recently met with Wells Fargo employees Ranette Erhardt (left) and Janelle Feist to discuss opportunities for student job placement with the bank.

(l-r) John Delamotte, Rasmussen College student and intern at Agency MABU, Bismarck, collaborates with MABU employees Jamie Vetter and Cecil Roth on a project that incorporates 3D animation.

PHOTOS BY CARMEN DEVNEY

ohn Delamotte is so certain he’ll find a job after he graduates from college that he bought a house. Thanks to an internship he secured through Rasmussen College, as well as the education and skills he is gaining inside and out of the classroom, the likelihood of Delamotte finding job placement in his local community is indeed high. Delamotte is studying multimedia at the Rasmussen College Bismarck campus, and specializing in threedimensional graphics. While most people may think of 3D as Hollywood movies or games, Rasmussen is teaching Delamotte that animation has practical, progressive potential right here in North Dakota. Mike Mabin, owner and president of Agency MABU (Marketing & Advertising Business Unlimited, Inc.), Bismarck, sees the potential of 3D — both for his company and for his clients. “Younger generations are accessing information in different ways. With all of the new media that’s out there, especially the Internet and mobile applications, how we deliver information is changing. Our need is to look at how really new media is going to play a part in marketing and communications,” Mabin describes. Mabin took his need to Rasmussen, and Ed Sargeant, the school’s multimedia instructor, lined him up with Delamotte, whom he hired as an intern. So far Delamotte has created Web site graphics and 3D animation for internal promotions and a client’s television commercial. 18

FEBRUARY 2012  NORTH DAKOTA LIVING

“One of the reasons we wanted to start the internship is to present new visions for clients in a way that this market hasn’t seen. In a sense, we’re ahead of the clients because they don’t know the potential,” Mabin states. “This internship is allowing us to open the eyes of the community and the client through Rasmussen and through John, into new ways of doing things. We’re hoping the client will follow.” Mabin has hired several interns from colleges and universities across North Dakota before, but this was the first time he approached Rasmussen. “Rasmussen has really looked forward in terms of what communications of the future are going to look like,” Mabin explains. “John is bringing all kinds of new skills and knowledge, especially in the area of multimedia production and 3D animation. I think John is a good example of someone who is pushing the edge of how communication is going to happen in the future.”

Sharing expertise through national network

Working with area businesses like Agency MABU to find good jobs for students is the heart of Rasmussen College. With 22 campuses across North Dakota, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin and Florida, Rasmussen offers educational programs unique to the communities it serves. About 1,000 students attend the North Dakota Rasmussen campuses in Bismarck and Fargo. Some of the programs available at the two sites include business www.ndarec.com

History of Rasmussen College Rasmussen College was founded in St. Paul, Minn., in 1900. Today, the Rasmussen community includes 22 campuses in five states, and offers more than 40 diverse online degree programs. The Fargo/Moorhead campus, served by Cass County Electric Cooperative, opened in 1998. The Bismarck campus, served by Capital Electric Cooperative, opened in 2003; both started as Aakers Business College. After the college attained regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, it merged with its sister college, Rasmussen, and took on the name Rasmussen College.

Rachel Clark (right), student, wanted to learn from instructors who have real-life experience. At Rasmussen College, Bismarck, Clark is studying multimedia from Ed Sargeant, instructor. He created special effects in some of the “Batman” and “Harry Potter” movies.

management, accounting, information technology and criminal justice, of which offer both bachelor and associate’s degrees. Betty Largent, Rasmussen College Fargo/Moorhead campus director, estimates that 80 percent of the students enrolled in-state are taking classes either partially or totally online, even though they may only live 10 miles from campus. “We have constant communication with our online students, and that’s the key to our retention,” Largent shares. Amy Beito, Rasmussen College director of student affairs at the Fargo/Moorhead campus, says the average age of students at the Fargo campus is in between 24 to 27. Many work full-time and have families, so the best way for them to get their education is online. “The beauty is that they can come across the street when they need help. We have a mentor center set up with peer and faculty tutors so they can get the face-to-face interaction they need. We also have online tutoring for those who don’t live across the street,” Beito summarizes. Online studies are also popular among the 15,000-plus Rasmussen students nationwide. Technology including the Internet, video messaging and Web cameras allows students who may be enrolled at the Tampa/Brandon campus in Tampa, Fla., to study multimedia presented on the Bismarck campus with Ed Sargeant, instructor. Sargeant, who has created special effects for some of the www.ndliving.com

“Batman” and “Harry Potter” movies, is one of the most talented and experienced instructors in 3D animation across the nation according to the college. Real-life experience is important to Rasmussen students. Along with providing seasoned instructors, Rasmussen has career service advisers who help students design resumes, create portfolios and conduct mock interviews. Then the advisers work with area businesses to match students with internship opportunities. Mary Swingle, Rasmussen College Bismarck campus director, says graduates also have lifetime career employment service as long as they remain in that career. Beito adds many employers utilize Rasmussen’s Web site to review resumes posted by graduates. From high school students who are taking free classes at Rasmussen and later enrolling and earning credits, to students who started college elsewhere and later transferred to Rasmussen, Largent says the college’s goal for the students is the same. “If a student has a desire to go on to school, we’ve got to help them,” she concludes. For more information on Rasmussen College, visit www.rasmussen.edu.  Carmen Devney is a communications specialist for the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, Capital Electric Cooperative and Mor-Gran-Sou Electric Cooperative. N O R T H D A K O T A L I V I N G  F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 2 19

EDUCATIONAL PATHS

CAMPUS BRIEFS National recognition drives VCSU

“The number one public regional college in the Midwest” – that’s where U.S. News ranks Valley City State University (VCSU) in the 2012 edition of its “Best Colleges” survey, the 14th year in a row that U.S. News recognized VCSU. This year, U.S. News also recognized VCSU’s online master of education in its first-ever edition of Top Online Education Programs. National recognition is just one reason that enrollment is setting records. New programs, including medical lab science, athletic training, fisheries and wildlife science, and business process integration management, are giving students more options than ever before. New varsity athletic programs, such as men’s and women’s golf, track and field and cross-country, provide greater opportunities for students. Facilities are also being updated. Two residence halls now offer apartment-style suites, and construction is under way on the $10.3 million renovation/expansion of the Rhoades Science Center, which will position VCSU as a premier destination for undergraduate science education and research.

Lake Region addresses law enforcement needs

When Lake Region State College’s (LRSC) 61st class of peace officer students graduated Dec. 15, 2011, it set a new record. “We have trained and graduated 92 eligible peace officers in 2011, which is a record,” said Lloyd Halvorson, director of the LRSC peace officer training program. “Many law enforcement career opportunities are available in North Dakota. With residential academies each fall in Devils Lake, summer academies in Fargo and Grand Forks, and now a spring academy in Minot, we’re fulfilling our mission of filling an industry and employer need in the state,” Halvorson said. Since 1987, LRSC has graduated more than 1,200 students from the peace officer training program, with a 100 percent employment rate for those graduates that actively sought employment as police officers or deputy sheriffs in the state of North Dakota. Graduates have been hired by 116 different law enforcement agencies.

DSU provides quality education

Located near the edge of the west, Dickinson State University (DSU) has been providing students with quality education since 1918. The top five majors at DSU include agricultural studies, teacher education, business administration, nursing and accounting. With over 60 programs to choose from, DSU is committed to delivering education to students of every age. In 2011, 99.2 percent of DSU’s spring graduates were employed or continuing education after graduation; and more than 100 DSU students publicly showcased their research projects at the annual Undergraduate Research Conference. DSU offers classes in a traditional classroom setting and also online, through interactive television and on the campuses of DSU, Bismarck State College and Williston State College. For more information on Dickinson State University or to schedule a campus tour, visit www.dickinsonstate.edu or call (701) 483-2175.

University of Mary makes education accessible

With a history of leadership in traditional and adult education, U-Mary offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, eight master’s degrees, and a doctor of physical therapy on its Bismarck campus. Busy adults can earn a degree in as few as 15 months – online or in once-a-week classes – at locations throughout North Dakota. Accelerated bachelor’s programs are offered in accounting, business, information technology management, organizational leadership and LPN/RN to bachelor of science in nursing. Accelerated master’s degree programs are available in business administration, counseling, education, nursing, project management and strategic leadership.

NDSCS in the palm of your hand

The North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) recently launched NDSCS Mobile, a suite of smartphone applications that gives students, staff, faculty and visitors the ability to tour the NDSCS campus, browse event calendars, get the latest news, view campus photos and more. With NDSCS Mobile, users get on-demand access to campus information when and where they need it. NDSCS Mobile is available free on the BlackBerry, Android, iPhone, iPod touch and iPad at www.ndscs.edu/mobile.

FEBRUARY 2012  NORTH DAKOTA LIVING

UND offers online courses

No matter where you live, you can continue your education with the University of North Dakota (UND). Choose from more than 45 online programs, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees as well as graduate certificates in fields such as business, engineering, education, nursing, psychology, social work and more. At UND, online learning is affordable. In fact, UND’s online master of business administration and master of public administration programs have been named “Top 10 Best Buys” by a national online education research firm. You may also choose from a variety of online college courses, career training courses, professional certifications and personal development courses in flexible “self-paced” formats, including a North Dakota real estate pre-licensure course. To learn more, call (800) CALL-UND or visit UND.edu/online.

DEAL loan at BND helps students

Higher education is a terrific investment in one’s future. Bank of North Dakota has assisted students to reach their educational goals since 1967. BND continues to serve the needs of students by providing the Dakota Education Alternative Loan (DEAL) for those students who are unable to obtain adequate funds through federal student aid programs. Students from North Dakota or who attend school here pay zero fees, have the option of low fixed or variable interest rates, and can count on quality local customer service. Other benefits of the loan include a 0.25 percent interest rate deduction for auto payment, a six-month grace period, deferment and forbearance options, and much more. To learn more about all of the benefits of the DEAL loan, go to mystudentloanonline.nd.gov.

RTC offers scholarships

Reservation Telephone Cooperative (RTC) will award nine, $1,000 scholarships to a student in each of its director districts and one at large. Scholarships will be awarded based on a drawing between qualified applicants. Applications must be postmarked to RTC by April 6. RTC also participates in the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) college scholarship programs. The FRS scholarship provides 30, $2,500 awards to rural high school seniors across the United States and the FRS Staurulakis Family Scholarship provides four, $5,000 awards giving preference to students in rural communities with an interest in science, math, medicine, or engineering. Applications must be postmarked to FRS by March 1. Applications are available on www.RTC.coop and at the RTC business office in Parshall or New Town.

Going beyond at Bismarck State College

A key element to the state’s continued prosperity, and the long-term health of the nation, is workforce availability and training, and Bismarck State College (BSC) meets that need. “The lynchpin of economic development in any community is the availability of workforce, and we train the workforce,” says Dr. Larry C. Skogen, BSC president. BSC has launched 12 new programs in the past five years, many that are energy related and in response to industry need. BSC also never loses sight of the other side of its community college mission: providing an affordable liberal arts foundation. Learn more about all the ways BSC helps people at all stages of life find their beyond at www.bismarckstate.edu.

Minot State stays affordable

Students and their families are choosing Minot State University (MSU) because it’s small and affordable, while offering strong academic programs. Whether students major in one of the new academic programs in energy economics and finance or bioinformatics, or choose a major in nursing, art, communications disorders, criminal justice, music, management or education, students will learn in environments where talented faculty engage their students. Recent campus enhancements strengthen the appealing campus. The new Wellness Center will open in April to provide a much-needed fitness and wellness facility. The Beaver Creek Care renovation offers students, staff and community members an “all-you-careto-eat” selection of delicious food choices. Distance education is also a strength. The flexible schedules provide adult learners an avenue to complete their degree. Minot State delivers six degree completion programs on the Bismarck State College campus in the late afternoon and evening. Campus tours are available daily, including Saturdays. To speak to a MSU representative, call (800) 777-0750 or visit www.MinotStateU.edu. Stay current with MSU’s happenings on Facebook. www.ndarec.com

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NDAREC opposing property tax ballot measure

PHOTO BY J.C. BALCOM

“We feel the sweeping prohibition contained in Measure 2 is an unsatisfactory approach to addressing property tax issues” — ROBERT GRANT, NDAREC

BOARD PRESIDENT

by Kent Brick

s an election year, 2012 presents North Dakotans with several significant ballot choices. On the June 12 primary ballot, one significant choice to be presented concerns Measure 2. This is an initiated measure which, if passed by a majority of voters, would amend the state’s constitution to prohibit political subdivisions from levying taxes on the assessed value of property. This proposed elimination of property taxes in North Dakota has triggered extensive study on the part of many governmental and business interests in the state, including the Legislature’s Property Tax Measure

Review Committee. The board of directors of the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives is among groups that have devoted considerable attention to Measure 2 and what it would mean if it’s approved by voters. At its July 2011 meeting, the NDAREC board of directors decided to oppose Measure 2. “We feel the sweeping prohibition contained in Measure 2 is an unsatisfactory approach to addressing property tax issues,” said Robert Grant, NDAREC board president. “We are also greatly concerned about the loss of local control over funding of vital services which the passage of Measure 2 will produce.” Grant, from near Berthold, represents MountrailWilliams Electric Cooperative, Williston, within NDAREC, the association

FEBRUARY 2012  NORTH DAKOTA LIVING

of 21 electric cooperatives statewide. The measure begins with this title language: “The initiated measure would amend sections 1, 4, 14, 15 and 16 of article X of the North Dakota Constitution and repeal sections 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10 of that same article, eliminating property taxes, poll taxes and acreage taxes, effective January 1, 2012. The measure would replace the lost revenues with allocations of various state-level taxes and other revenues, without restrictions on how these revenues may be spent.” Also at the beginning of measure is this language amending section 1, article X to read: “The legislative assembly shall be and all political subdivisions are prohibited from raising revenue to defray the expenses of the state or political subdivisions through the levying of a tax on the assessed value of real or personal property.” www.ndarec.com

Estimates indicate replacing lost revenue by eliminating assessed property taxes would require doubling the 5 percent state sales tax or tripling current income tax rates, or a combination of both.

Among NDAREC’s Measure 2 concerns are the following: While the vote on the mean sure will take place in June 2012, the measure states that it would take effect six months earlier, on Jan. 1, 2012. With the Legislature not scheduled to meet again until January 2013, there are many questions as to where the revenue will come from to continue providing local government services. Initial estimates indicate that n to replace lost revenue by eliminating assessed property taxes would require doubling the 5 percent state sales tax or tripling the current individual and corporate income tax rates in the state, or some combination of both. According to a key provision in n the measure, the Legislature would need to devise a formula to fully fund the “legally imposed obligations” of counties, cities, townships and other political subdivisions of the state. This would represent a significant shift in local control over expenditures to the state Legislature. Further, many programs such as senior services, road maintenance, fire protection, public health services, extension, recreation, and school busing are not statutorily required; therefore the Legislature would have no obligation to continue to fund them. Even such things as the level of law enforcement and the number of schools are not specified by statute and could be legally reduced. The measure only applies to n assessed property taxation and www.ndliving.com

does not address in lieu property taxes such as the coal conversion and oil production taxes, as well as those paid by electric cooperatives and telecommunications companies. In a report for the Property Tax Measure Review Committee, the North Dakota Legislative Council addressed this issue. The council said the approval of the measure would eliminate some, but not all, in lieu property taxes. The council said in lieu property taxes established by measuring factors other than assessment and imposition by the State Board of Equalization would continue to be collected, including the in lieu property taxes paid by electric cooperatives. It said elimination of property taxes for investor-owned electric utilities and the continuation of in lieu property taxes for cooperatives would create a “significant change” in the competitive positioning of these industry sectors. NDAREC is among many groups in the state declaring opposition to Measure 2. Included in the groups opposing Measure 2 is the North Dakota Association of Counties. That group – upon examination of an interim legislative committee, political subdivision audit and N.D. Legislative Council reports – and its deliberations, has developed these key reasons for opposing Measure 2: The measure is projected to n eliminate $852 million in property

tax revenue for 2012; in addition, there are $524 million in payments of in lieu of property taxes currently supporting local government, all or some of which may not be collectible depending on future legislative or court action. This nearly $1.4 billion in revn enue lost annually is used by local government for senior programs, teachers’ salaries, school busing, fire protection, law enforcement and jails, road and street maintenance, land records, public health, extension service, parks and recreation, and numerous other local services – many specifically requested by citizen vote. The state lacks sufficient funds n to replace the lost revenue. Increasing the state general fund spending from $3.5 billion to near $5 billion, or much higher, will require very significant increases in state taxes. Shifting the authority and n responsibility to tax and appropriate funds for all local budgets will shift considerable control of, and accountability for, local services from elected school boards, township officers, city and county commissions, to state legislators, who are elected in districts representing many local jurisdictions. n Kent Brick is editor of North Dakota LIVING. He may be reached at kbrick@ndarec.com.

N O R T H D A K O T A L I V I N G n f e b r u ar y 2 0 1 2 25

Candidates must heed April 13 filing deadline by Luann Dart

andidates for local, county, district and statewide office likely have two dates circled in red on their calendars: the June 12 primary election and the Nov. 6 general election. But some other dates are just as important, says N.D. Secretary of State Al Jaeger. Although commonly called the primary election, the June election is the general election for cities and many school districts. To appear on the June election ballot, a candidate must meet the 60-day filing deadline, which is 4 p.m. Friday, April 13. And getting on the primary ballot is especially important for some candidates, Jaeger stresses. For example, those running for a no-party county office must have their name first appear on the primary election ballot and win before they can be advanced to the general election. “They need to be aware that the process for the November election starts before April 13,” he says. “There is no other way, other than as a writein, to add your name on the fall ballot in a no-party position.” Most state-elected positions and all legislative seats are political partyaffiliated positions, while county and other local officials are elected on a “no-party” ballot. To be identified with a political party on the November ballot, a candidate must run and win in the party’s June primary election. Otherwise, they can only run as an independent in the fall election. To learn more about becoming a candidate, visit the secretary of state’s Web site at www.nd.gov/sos/electvote and click on “elections.” There, you’ll find details on how to run for office at any level, the necessary forms and the 2012 election calendar.

Voting options

With the 2012 elections, voters have several options to cast a ballot in North Dakota, Jaeger says. One, of course, is on election day. Also, any voter can request an absentee ballot, which is available up to 40 days prior to the election. An online

‘There are so many ways of voting that you don’t have an excuse that you didn’t have an opportunity.’ – N.D. SECRETARY AL JAEGER

STATE

application is available by clicking on “voting” at the same Web site as above. Absentee voters can also go to the county courthouse up to 20 days before the election and cast a ballot in person. Twenty-five counties in North Dakota also now use vote-by-mail balloting. “Vote by mail is at the kitchen table,” Jaeger says. County residents in those counties are automatically mailed an application for a ballot, which they return to the county

To learn more: For more information, visit www. nd.gov/sos/electvote. The site contains both election requirements, including details on the April 13 filing deadline, and voting information. You may also contact: Elections Division North Dakota Secretary of State 600 E. Blvd. Ave. Dept. 108 Bismarck ND 58505-0500 Phone: (701) 328-4146 Toll-free: (800) 352-0867, ext. 8-4146 E-mail: soselect@nd.gov

FEBRUARY 2012  NORTH DAKOTA LIVING

auditor. Then, a ballot is mailed to them. They also have the option of voting at a polling location on election day. Mail balloting is a county option and each county must still have at least one poll open on election day. Jaeger says mail balloting is typically used in rural counties where election costs have become prohibitive, election workers are difficult to find or where residents must drive longer distances to reach polling places. In 2010, almost 37 percent of the ballots were cast before election day. Of the 240,876 votes in the 2010 general election, 32,812 were cast as vote-by-mail ballots and 32,603 were absentee ballots. With legislative redistricting following the 2010 U.S. Census, voters should be aware that their polling places or districts may have changed, Jaeger says. While the number of districts remains at 47, most of the boundaries were adjusted. “They might be in a different legislative district than they used to be,” he advises. Voters can find their polling place and review a sample ballot specific for their residential voting address at a polling place locator at https://vip. sos.nd.gov. To be qualified to vote, a person must have lived in a precinct at least 30 days prior to the election, and provide an acceptable form of identification verifying a residential voting address. “There are so many ways of voting that you don’t have an excuse that you didn’t have an opportunity,” Jaeger says. “It’s never been a decision for me whether to vote or not to vote. It’s just something that you do.” “The election is to elect those people who are the closest to the voter who make those decisions about the roads and all of that. It really becomes part of our right of citizenship in a free country that we exercise the privilege that we have to vote,” he stresses.  Luann Dart is a freelance writer from Elgin. www.ndarec.com

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INSPIRED LIVING by Roxanne Henke

What’s your word? A

PHOTO BY KEN RADA

s I write this column, the new year has dawned. I don’t make resolutions these days, but many of my writer friends pick a “word” for the year, and set a goal with that single word. I’ve given this a fair amount of thought in the past few days and I have the perfect word for 2012. Let me explain: It could be any day. I’m sitting at my computer and the phone rings. “Hello-oh.” “Roxy?” “Yup, it’s me.” “Oh, good…” and the conversation begins. It could be my mom (who lives in an assisted-living apartment nearby and usually calls a couple times a day), or my daughter (who likes to check in from Austin, Texas, during her lunch break). It could be one of my two sisters, a good friend who lives a couple blocks away, or my husband (who often calls from work just to see how my day is going). It doesn’t really matter “who” is Roxanne Henke on the other end of the line. They have called to talk to me. They may want to ask me a question. They may want to tell me something that’s just happened to them. They might want to unload about something that is bothering them. For any of those reasons, my phone rings. In the recent past, the conversation may go something like this: My left ear is listening, my eyes dance toward my computer screen. I’m on Facebook. An acquaintance I barely know has posted something and I am compelled to glance at the post. “Uh, huh,” I say, only half-listening now. The truth is that I’ve divided my attention too many times. And I’ve been on the other end of the phone when I’m certain the person I’ve called (or has called me) is surfing the Web, too. There is the tap-tap-tap of computer keys in the background. The subtle click of a mouse. The delay in responding to what’s been said. Ever been there? Ever done that? I have. Too many times. I’ve called a friend, wanting to talk/vent/confide only to know they are half-listening while they cruise the Web. At times, I’ve specifically asked if they are busy. Do they have time to listen? “Yup, uh-huh,” they answer and I begin talking, only to realize, when I don’t get a response when expected that my listener isn’t listening. Many times, I’ve cut the conversation short, hung up the phone and, I’m a little embarrassed to admit, sometimes I’ve cried. Sometimes I just need to talk. Sometimes I just

fe b ruary 2 0 1 2 n N O R T H D A K O T A L I V I N G

need someone to listen. Really listen. And I’ve learned it’s hard to have a quality relationship without consistent, solid communication. Let me share a time that made me vow to change my behavior: My youngest daughter called one morning while I was tapping away at my computer. I have no idea what I was working on, but when she called, I kept working. Of course, I didn’t want her to know I wasn’t listening, so I cleared my throat when I needed to click the mouse. I thought I was doing a good job of doing both – listening and working. The conversation came to a close. I told her I loved her and hung up. I turned back to my computer thinking about the conversation we’d just had and realized I could not remember one single thing she’d said. Not ONE thing. Honestly, I was mad at myself! This is a child I would give my life for and I couldn’t give her five minutes of my undivided attention. In the whole scheme of things, what was more important? Adding a few sentences to what I was working on? I remembered one of those e-mail “forwards” going around that said, “Satan doesn’t have to do a thing to pull us away from God, all he has to do is keep us busy.” And the same holds true for my most important relationships. All he has to do is keep me distracted. After that, I vowed to treat my phone conversations differently. Oh, there really are times when I’m in the middle of something important and the phone rings. (Just so you know, I am completely genetically unable to not answer a ringing phone.) On those rare occasions, I now ask the person to wait one second while I finish typing a thought, or ask to call them back in one minute. And then, and here’s the really important part, I walk away from my computer. I pick up my phone and walk away. I go into my living room or kitchen, I take a seat or simply leisurely pace through my quiet house and listen – really listen. When I find my attention being pulled to my screen, I remind myself of another quote I read recently that struck home. “It’s easier to be busy than to be quiet.” And, for my purposes I would amend it to, “It’s easier to be busy than to listen.” Which brings me to my word for 2012: attention. I want to pay attention to those people in my life who are most important to me. And, if you’ll grant me two words I’ll say: undivided attention. And, now I ask you. What’s your word for 2012? Make it a good one! n Roxanne (Roxy) Henke writes from her home in rural North Dakota, where she lives with her husband and an annoyingly friendly English cocker spaniel, Gunner. Roxy is the author of eight novels. She can be reached by e-mail at roxannehenke@yahoo.com or you can find her on the Web at www.roxannehenke.com. www.ndarec.com

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R E A D E R R E P LY

This month, we asked our readers to submit replies to the following...

“In this education issue, tell us about your North Dakota college experience. Which college or university would you recommend, and why?” Dickinson State

I attended Dickinson State University of Mary Teachers College, Dickinson, on is a commercial a rural education scholarship customer of worth $300. I taught a year in a Capital Electric Cooperative, rural school and did not have to Bismarck. pay it back. My costs included a room shared with a classmate in Klinefelter Hall on third floor for $35 a month, books and meals in the cafeteria. I taught for two years in the same school, and then went back for a second scholarship under the same program. I earned a lifetime teaching certificate which is no longer offered. To earn extra money, I was a part-time secretary for three teachers, taking shorthand and typing letters. Very few students had a car so we walked downtown. The mile took 15 minutes for shopping, eating or church, regardless of weather. The DoNut Shop had delicious spudnuts. The Spur Bar was way out of town by itself at the time. Our parents always took us to college on Sunday and got us on Friday. I taught three years in rural schools where an average day had 32 classes of 15 minutes each, then two years for second grade. It seems any school in North Dakota would suit a student’s interests and needs. Some are more expensive than others, but each offers different curriculum for a student’s goal in life. Marlene Kouba, Regent Consolidated Telephone Cooperative

Minot State University

Over the past 38 years, I have attended nearly every college in North Dakota, getting continuing education credits and working on my various degrees in education. Each place is unique, but I would have to say Minot State University, Minot, wins my overall vote. You are treated as a person there, and not as a number. The fees are reasonable and the location is also great. Go BEAVERS!

Carla Hodenfield, Ray Northwest Communications Cooperative

University of Mary

The University of Mary, Bismarck, is widely known for academic excellence with a 16:1 teacher-student ratio, 53 undergraduate degree programs, nine graduate programs and a 96 percent placement upon graduation. I could continue on, but the University of Mary is so much more than a school with good statistics. 30

february 2 0 1 2 n N O R T H D A K O T A L I V I N G

The University of Mary follows six Benedictine values including community, hospitality, moderation, prayer, respect for persons and service. These values are essential for every professor and student. The University of Mary supports the belief that it is not about “you,” but rather what one’s impact will be on the world. The university provides quality classes and inspires individuals to live quality lives. The high importance placed on academic success is paired with an equal importance to become responsible, respectable adults who lead, serve and give back to the community. I have thoroughly enjoyed my many experiences at the University of Mary as a student, a member of the Harold Schaffer Leadership Academy, an ambassador, and as a student government senator. I would highly recommend my school. I will graduate in the spring of 2013 with a degree in history/social studies education. I am truly proud to wear the royal blue and flame orange, and to call myself a Marauder. I hope to be an inspiring teacher and will look back on my time at the University of Mary as the guiding foundation. Kristin Ripplinger, McClusky Verendrye Electric Cooperative

UPCOMING READER REPLY QUESTIONS: MARCH: “During the growing season, do you choose to purchase food from a grocery store or a farmer’s market? Explain your preference or tell us about an experience.” Deadline for submission: Feb. 14 APRIL: “In this ‘Take Care’ issue, tell us what your local schools are doing — from the cafeteria to the gymnasium and beyond — to encourage healthy kids.” Deadline for submission: March 15 INSTRUCTIONS: Submissions should be no more than 250 words, typewritten or in legible handwriting. Include your name, complete address, daytime phone number and the name of the rural electric or telephone cooperative to which you belong. Note: Magazine staff reserves the right to make slight editing changes and cuts; major changes will be discussed with sender. We pay $25 for each letter we print. Send to: READER REPLY, North Dakota LIVING, P.O. Box 727, Mandan ND 585540727. Or send responses via e-mail to: cdevney@ndarec.com. SUBMIT A QUESTION: North Dakota LIVING wants to hear topics of interest to YOU! If you or someone you know is interested in writing on a certain subject, let us know! Simply contact us at the address above; we want to hear from you! www.ndarec.com

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N O R T H D A K O T A L I V I N G ď Ž F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 2 31

TEEN-2-TEEN b y Katrina Leintz

Don’t rush tough decisions

“W

PHOTO BY LISA RANDOLPH

hat do you want to be when you grow up?” From the time we can think and speak, we ask ourselves this question frequently — and the answer often changes. In the fifth grade, I wanted to be a lawyer. Then I wanted to be an event planner or an interior designer. As a child, I had no clue. This feeling of confusion and uncertainty may get worse with age. This is evident in high school seniors who are making tough decisions. If you are a senior, you are likely busy applying for scholarships and sending in college applications. For some this can be Katrina Leintz tricky because a common essay question asks, “What major are you declaring and why?” This continuous request from colleges, teachers and parents can push students into making a hasty decision. What you may not realize is that you do not have to declare a major right away. If you don’t know what you want to do, wait and take in the college experience before you make your choice.

College advisers will tell you students often ask them, “What can I do with this major?” You should select a major based on your interests, skills and talents, and not because you heard you could get a high-paying job. When you choose a major and begin taking classes geared toward a career, you are tapping a plan into stone. What if you felt pressured to declare a major too early and years later change your mind? Switching majors is still the right thing to do, but it will be a major setback in time and money. For high school students who know exactly what they want to do after graduation, I wish them the best of luck. But if you don’t know what you want to do, it’s okay. Go to college. Take the general requirements, as well as classes of interest to you. Meet frequently with an adviser who will help you assess your classes and goals, and guide you toward a career plan. I recently finished my first semester of college at Minot State University. While I still don’t know exactly what I’ll be when “I grow up,” I’m enjoying college and feeling confident about the decisions I’ve made so far.  Katrina Leintz, 18, is a freshman at Minot State University where she is active in Public Relations Student Society of America and the Inner Residential Housing Committee. Katrina is the daughter of Lisa Randolph and Keith Leintz.

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FEBRUARY 2012  NORTH DAKOTA LIVING

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS february THROUGH Feb.13 n Cabin Fever Days, Jamestown. (800) 2224766 or (701) 251-9145. 9-11 n Prairie Isle Dog Trekking Challenge, 2 p.m. Thursday to 2 p.m. Sunday, Red Willow Bible Camp, Binford. (701) 3458554. 11 n Leather Jewelry Class, 10 a.m.-noon, Theo Art School, Bismarck. (701) 222-6452. 11 n Winter Adventure, Knife River Indian Villages, Stanton. (701) 745-3300. 11 n Winter Festival, 1403 River Rd., Center. (701) 794-3731.

13, 15, 20, 22 n Watercolor Workshop, 6-7:30 pm. Mondays and Wednesdays, Theo Art School, Bismarck. (701) 222-6452. 16-18 n Theatre Production, 7:30 p.m., Jamestown College, Jamestown. (800) 2224766 or (701) 251-9145. 17 n The BismarckMandan Symphony Orchestra Presents “Dixieland Jazz Mardi Gras Celebration,” National Energy Center of Excellence, Bismarck State College, Bismarck. (701) 258-8345. 17 n Workshop, “Connecting Generations to Build Your Business,” featuring Jason

Promote your communitY Event

North Dakota LIVING publishes calendar events free of charge. We only publish the date, name of the event, time, place and location, and contact telephone number. To submit an item, e-mail cdevney@ ndarec.com or mail to: CALENDAR OF EVENTS, North Dakota LIVING, P.O. Box 727, Mandan ND 58554-0727. North Dakota LIVING does not guarantee the publication of any event.

Dorsey, 7:30-11:30 a.m., Ramada Plaza & Suites and Conference Center, Fargo. (218) 233-1100. 17-18 n Family Winter Retreat, 1651 Jacob Dr., Binford. (701) 676-2681. 17-18 • Ice Fishing Derby, Pelican Point, Jamestown Reservoir, Jamestown. (701) 2525741. 17-19 n Sport and Recreation Show, 4-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Jamestown Civic Center, Jamestown. (701) 252-1400. 18 n Bread-Making Class, 10 a.m.-noon, James Memorial Art Center, Williston. (701) 7743601. 18 n Gumbo Cook-Off, Quality Inn, Dickinson. (800) 279-7391 or (701) 483-4988. 18 n Group Day, 9:30 a.m.-4 pm., Binford. (701) 345-8554. 20-21 n Exploring American Art Camp, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Theo Art School, Bismarck. (701) 222-6452. 24-25 n Bioethics Seminar: Stem Cell Research and Cloning, Embryo Experimen-

36 f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 2 n N O R T H D A K O T A L I V I N G

tation, Prenatal Testing, Embryo Adoption, 5:45-8:30 p.m. Friday and 9-11:45 a.m. Saturday, University of Mary and the Gary Tharaldson School of Business, Bismarck. (701) 355-8002. 24-25 n Choreographers’ Showcase: Going for Baroque, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Belle Mehus Auditorium, Bismarck. (701) 530-0986. 24-26 n Winter Becoming an OutdoorsWoman Workshop, 11 a.m. Friday-2 p.m. Sunday, Lake Metigoshe State Park, Bottineau. (701) 328-6312 or (701) 263-4514. 24-26 n Red River Valley Home & Garden Show, 1800 N. University Dr., Fargo. (701) 2325846. 25-26 n Men’s Show, Alerus Center, Grand Forks. (701) 792-1200. 28 and March 1, 6, 8, 13, 15 n Expressive Self Portraits, 6-7:30 pm. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Theo Art School, Bismarck. (701) 222-6452.

march 2-4 n Archery Shoot, Jamestown Civic Center, Jamestown. (800) 2224766 or (701) 251-9145. 6-10 n Film Festival, 314 Broadway, Fargo. (701) 239-8385. 9-11 n KXMC Sports RV & Boat Show, noon8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, 2005 Burdick Expy. E., Minot. (701) 852-2104. 10 n National Quilting Event, Frances Leach High Prairie Arts and Science Complex, Bismarck. (701) 224-1259. 14 n Performance of “Pop Goes the Rock” by Cirque Dreams, 7:30 p.m., 1800 N. University Dr., Fargo. (855) 6946367 or (701) 241-9100. 14-17 n RV Show, Civic Center, Jamestown. (800) 222-4766 or (701) 251-9145. 16 n 3C Christensen Ranch and NLC Ranch production sale, 1 p.m., at the ranch, Wessington, S.D. (605) 458-2218. 16-17 n Bioethics Seminar: Infertility and Means of Overcoming It, 5:45-8:30 p.m. Friday

and 9-11:45 a.m. Saturday, University of Mary and the Gary Tharaldson School of Business, Bismarck. (701) 355-8002. 17 n Putnam House Soup Bowl, 533 Main St., Carrington. (701) 652-1213. 17 n Running O’ The Green, 11 a.m. registration and 2 p.m. race, starts at Frontier Fort, Jamestown. (800) 2224766 or (701) 251-9145. 17 n Jelly- and SalsaMaking Class, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Gloria Dei Church, Williston. (701) 774-3601. 17-April 16 n Key Ingredients: America by Food – A Smithsonian Exhibit,” Williston. (800) 338-6543 or (701) 255-3360. 19 n Poetry Out Loud State Finals, Belle Mehus Auditorium, Bismarck. (701) 328-7593. 19-20 n Wild About Wheels, 2005 Burdick Expy. E., Minot. (701) 857-7620. 23-25 n Home Design & Garden Show, Alerus Center, Grand Forks. (701) 792-1200. 23-25 n El Zagal Shrine Circus, 1800 N. University Dr., Fargo. (701) 241-9100.

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N O R T H D A K O T A L I V I N G n f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 2 37

RECIPE ROUNDUP

Quick and easy comfort food by Martina Kranz

PHOTO BY TOM RAFFERTY

hen I moved to North Dakota as a member of the military in August 1997, I didn’t know if I would like it here. But I made new friends in my U.S. Army Reserve unit, and this eased my anxiety about living so far from my family in Pennsylvania. Thanks in part to my new friends, I quickly learned that North Dakotans are the salt of the earth. The people in this great state are mostly good, friendly and eager to help others. I also learned that the state’s winters are blustery and bitterly cold. During these legendary winters, I like comfort food to warm my body and lift my spirit. I babysit my granddaughter, Athena, three days a week. She isn’t old enough yet to help me cook, but she loves to be with me in the kitchen, opening drawers and playing with the utensils. She keeps me busy most of the day, so when I prepare meals for us, I use recipes that are easy and fast to make. I follow the adage, “keep it simple.” Especially this time of year, I tend to make recipes that combat the winter’s cold. With basic culinary equipment, a creative mind and the right recipes, you can, too. The first Campbell’s® soup recipe I recommend was published in the Parade magazine and altered. The original recipe listed deli roast beef and provolone for ingredients. I modified the recipe because the day I made these sandwiches, the deli roast beef was sold out and my husband doesn’t care for provolone, so I used Steak-umm® sliced steaks and Cheez Whiz®. What I produced was Hasty and Tasty Beef Sandwiches, featured in this month’s North Dakota LIVING magazine. This sandwich is easy and fun to make. A wonderful smell permeates the house, so you don’t need to visit a café to get the food or aroma. I also like casseroles because they remind me of family and friends who have said, “Ooh, doesn’t that look good.” Also featured in this month’s North Dakota LIVING magazine, my Easy and Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe is fun to make for a cold, wintry day’s supper. This reci-

When Martina Kranz prepares meals for her granddaughter, she chooses recipes that are easy and fast to make. One of those recipes is her Hasty and Tasty Beef Sandwiches, which she shares with North Dakota LIVING this month.

pe’s best feature is that it is made and cooked in one dish. I cut the chicken into smaller pieces, season it, and then mix it throughout the casserole before I bake it. This makes the entire casserole hearty. There are also few dishes to wash while the casserole bakes, and it makes the house warm, cozy and comfortable. These meals are comfort food at their best and quickest. I recommend these recipes for when we feel lazy and want to relax with family and friends, but need to act as host or hostess. They are also great when you need additional time for anything else, but want a decent homecooked meal. Canned soups and vegetables can help with meal preparation. I like to look on the back of vegetable or soup cans and read the recipes. As a busy homemaker, sometimes I “cook from the can.” In this cooking style, you can take shortcuts and add fresh ingredi-

FEBRUARY 2012  NORTH DAKOTA LIVING

ents for a healthier meal. For example, I combine a can of petit diced, seasoned tomatoes and tomato sauce with fresh sautéed mushrooms, onions and garlic. I let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes and voila! I have a quick pasta sauce for fettuccine or spaghetti. I think about the Campbell’s soup commercial in which a small boy is a snowman at the table. But he defrosts and smiles when he eats his soup. I feel like this little boy on some winter days in North Dakota. If you are busy like me and appreciate comfort food, give these recipes a try.  Martina Kranz is a freelance writer who lives in Minot with her husband, Edgar Jr., her son, Nicholas, and her stepson, Edgar III. She also has two daughters, Sidony and Bridget, who live in Pennsylvania and New York. A member of Verendrye Electric Cooperative, Martina also works part-time as a library assistant at the Minot Public Library, and enjoys reading, writing and cooking.

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H E A LT H Y H I N T S

HASTY & TASTY BEEF SANDWICHES 1 can (10 ½ oz.) Campbell’s® Condensed Onion Soup 1 T. low-sodium salt 1 box Steak-umm® sliced steaks 1 jar Kraft Cheez Whiz®

Try speed scratch cooking

Worcestershire sauce mild or pickled banana pepper rings hoagie rolls

Martina Kranz, Minot Verendrye Electric Cooperative

EASY & CHEESY CHICKEN & RICE CASSEROLE 1 10- oz. can Campbell’s® 2 cups frozen, mixed Cream of Chicken Soup vegetables 11 ⁄3 cups water 4 skinless, boneless chicken 3 ⁄4 cup uncooked regular, longbreast halves 1 grain white rice ⁄2 cup shredded cheddar 1 ⁄2 tsp. onion powder cheese 1 ⁄4 tsp. ground black pepper Stir the soup, water, rice, onion powder, black pepper and vegetables in a 2-qt. shallow baking dish. Season the chicken on both sides as desired. Top the rice mixture with the chicken and cover. Bake at 375 degrees for 50 minutes or until the chicken and rice are done. Top the casserole with cheese. Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes. Stir the rice before serving. Martina’s test notes: If you want to make this dish vegetarian, omit the chicken and use Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup instead of Campbell’s Cream of Chicken. If you’re in a pinch, use canned chicken in place of fresh chicken. If you don’t care for the mixed vegetables, you can substitute with green beans or another vegetable of your preference. Martina Kranz, Minot Verendrye Electric Cooperative

North Dakota LIVING still values North Dakota cooks! Readers, please continue to send us:  Cookbooks and recipes;  Tips on great dining spots across North Dakota; and  Family dining traditions. North Dakota LIVING pays $50 upon publication. To qualify, we need recipes unique to those we’ve published in the past, along with your complete contact information. Send your recipes to North Dakota LIVING, P.O. Box 727, Mandan ND 58554-0727, or e-mail your submission to cdevney@ndarec.com. We look forward to hearing from you!  www.ndliving.com

Julie Garden-Robinson is an associate professor and food and nutrition specialist with the North Dakota State University Extension Service. To learn more, visit www.ndsu.edu/food.

N O R T H D A K O T A L I V I N G  F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 2 39

COURTESY PHOTO

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Heat the soup and Worcestershire sauce in a 2-qt. sauce pan or a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add a few Steak-umms at a time and cook through, stirring occasionally. Split the hoagie rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Divide the beef among the rolls. Spoon some of the soup and onion mixture on top of the beef. Top the beef with your choice of cheese. Bake the sandwiches for 3 minutes or until the sandwiches are toasted and the cheese is melted. Top with the pepper rings and serve. Martina’s test notes: This meal is perfect for informal get-togethers or a peaceful indulgence. In the recipe, the soup cooks the beef, but also keeps it moist and juicy. You can substitute your favorite cheese, like provolone or cheddar, in place of the Cheez Whiz. Peppers give the sandwich a tangy crunch. Instead of hot dog or hamburgers rolls, use fresh-baked hoagie rolls from the bakery. In the oven, the rolls get warm and crusty; a perfect accompaniment to the melted cheese. You may use the warm onion soup for a dipping sauce. If you want extra sauce, use two cans of onion soup.

“I

prefer Hostess® Fruit Pies to pop-up toaster tarts because they don’t require so much cooking,” said humorist Carrie Snow a few years ago. Despite all the interest in cookbooks and a TV network dedicated to food, Americans do not necessarily have kitchen skills or the time to hone them. In a Betty Crocker kitchens cooking quiz, 70 percent of the participants Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., L.R.D. rated themselves “above average” in cooking knowledge. However, only 38 percent actually scored “above average” in cooking knowledge. Getting a nutritious dinner on the table fast — and somewhat homemade — doesn’t have to be a struggle. “Speed scratch” is the term given to the combination of ready-to-use, fresh foods with packaged or processed foods. For example, shop the salad bar vegetables for precooked chicken, presliced mushrooms, onions and sliced veggies to make Panini sandwiches or stir-fry. Add extra sliced veggies to fajita “kits” or frozen pizzas. Whether you cook from scratch or not, efficient meal preparation begins with planning and organization. Increase your efficiency with these tips:  Organize your kitchen so foods, utensils and equipment are arranged conveniently for fast-paced work.  Stock your kitchen with quick-to-fix ingredients such as pasta and ready-toheat sauce.  Assemble equipment, cooking utensils and ingredients before you start meal preparation.  Focus preparation efforts on one portion of the meal. If the main course is time-consuming, serve a side salad from a bag and pre-cut fruit for dessert.  Use the one-pot method. For instance, cut time by adding vegetables to pasta that is cooking.  Consider quick-cooking menu items. For example, team fish, which cooks in minutes, with mac and cheese and microwaved vegetables. Check out www.ndsu.edu/eatsmart for more ideas and, until next time, enjoy quick and healthy meals! 

FA R M B Y L I N E by Al Gustin

Changes in grain transportation L

PHOTO BY LAYN MUDDER

ast month’s centennial convention of the North Dakota Grain Dealers Association and the accompanying publication of “A Commemorative History of the North Dakota Country Elevator Industry” provided the impetus to think about changes I’ve witnessed in grain transportation. I remember, as a teenager, hauling barley to the Occident Elevator in Mandan with Dad’s 1950 Chevrolet three-quarter-ton pickup – 80 bushels fully loaded. Some of the farmers also waiting to unload had single-axle, one-ton farm trucks. But many like us had only pickups in the early ’60s. I remember, in the early 1970s, not long into my television broadcasting career, standing on East Broadway in Bismarck on the railroad spur that served a grain elevator that is, obviously, no longer there. I was doing an introduction for a TV report. Behind me was the elevator and next to it was a single, 40-foot, wooden boxcar. My report was about the perennial shortage of railroad boxcars, and the fact that, often, when boxcars were “spotted” alongside an elevator, they were in poor condition. Elevator managers lamented the

Al Gustin

fact that they had to repair the boxcars to make them grain tight. The state boasted about 500 country elevators in the early ’70s, just a fourth of the peak number in 1915. Now there are fewer than 400. The loss of country elevators was accelerated by branch line abandonment, also the subject of numerous TV and radio reports. By abandoning branch lines and through preferential freight rates, the railroads encouraged construction of subterminal elevators along the railroad mainlines. I recall standing atop a concrete silo at one of the first subterminal elevators as a 110-car train was being loaded with wheat, and I recall being told that the entire train of covered hopper cars could be loaded in 10 to 15 hours. That same subterminal might dump hundreds of semis in a single day. Today, many farmers have their own semis and haul grain and oilseeds directly to subterminals or to processing plants. It would take less than two of today’s semis to fill an old boxcar. I’m often asked about the biggest changes in agriculture that I have witnessed over these past four decades. The dramatic changes in grain transportation would surely be on that list.  Al Gustin is farm news director for KBMR and KFYR Radio in Bismarck.

l a n o i t a n r e t Agri In

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• Living Ag Classroom • Informational Seminars • Al Gustin's Farm Forum

For a complete schedule of events and seminar information, log onto KFYR.com or call 1-800-766-5267

FEBRUARY 2012  NORTH DAKOTA LIVING

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QUALITY • SERVICE SELECTION • VALUE

Grand Forks Bismarck Fargo Minot 701-746-6481 701-258-1267 701-476-4600 701-839-2263 800-732-4287 800-472-2640 800-437-4100 800-247-0673 Mon-Fri: 7am - 5:30pm • Sat: 8am - 5:30pm 9 Locations To Serve You In ND, MN and IA Sale Prices and Free Offers Expire 2-29-12 Unless Otherwise Specified Or While Supplies Last. We Reserve The Right To Correct Errors and Limit Quantities and Terminate Any Offer At Anytime.

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MARKETPLACE FOR • R E A L E S TAT E • FA R M & R A N C H • WA N T E D • F O R S A L E • GENERAL INTEREST TOWN — CHURCH ANNIVERSARIES — FAMILY & SCHOOL REUNIONS — Commemorative custom plates, spoons, bells, playing cards, pens, cups, Christmas balls, T-shirts, throws, napkins, sweatshirts, bookmarks and crocks. Liberal credit terms. FREE literature, samples available. Serving since 1972. KLEPETKA ADV., PO Box 931, Aberdeen, SD 57402. Ph. (605) 225-0621. REAL ESTATE FOR SALE • Approximately 300 acres of prime residential, commercial and industrial development land just west of Dickinson on Highway 10. • Absolutely beautiful Little Missouri River ranch west of Grassy Butte on 2,360 deeded acres, plus 250head national grasslands grazing permit. More than $500,000 in recent improvements, and features some of the best hunting in western North Dakota. • 141 acres of commercial- and industrial-zoned land two miles north of Dickinson on Highway 22. • Beulah sports bar/restaurant with very spacious banquet room/game room. This beautiful 7,500-squarefoot facility sells with all equipment, furniture, ﬁxtures and real estate. Listed for sale at $595,000, approximately 50 percent of replacement cost. Contact: Don Schmeling, Continental Real Estate, Dickinson. Call (701) 260-5555 or (701) 483-4400. View properties online at www.donschmeling.com.

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3C Christensen Ranch .......................... 37 Acme Tools ........................................... 41 AgCountry Farm Credit Services.......... 3 Aging & Disability Resource Link......... 29 Agri-Cover, Inc. .................................... 5 Bank of North Dakota ........................... 27 Basin Electric Power Cooperative......... 35 Best Western Ramkota Hotel, Bismarck 32 Bismarck State College ......................... 17 Cowell Steel Structures ........................ 37 Days Inn, Bismarck ............................... 29 Deadwood Gulch Gaming Resort ......... 33 Dickinson State University .................... 16 FC&A ................................................... 34 Grand International Inn, Minot.............. 31 Henry Building Systems ....................... 33 Janelle Kennedy ................................... 29 Jensen Travel ........................................ 29 Judy’s Leisure Tours Inc. ...................... 33 KFYR Radio .......................................... 40 Kvamme Travel & Cruises .................... 37 Lake Region State College..................... 13 Legacy Steel Buildings ......................... 27 Luter’s Supply....................................... 33 Mayville State University ....................... 13 Minot State University ........................... 16 Morton Buildings.................................. 31 Mutual of Omaha .................................. 23 Naomi Rossow Realty LLC ................... 21 ND Farmers Union Tours ...................... 32 ND Soybean Council ............................ 41 ND State College of Science.................. 16 ND Winter Show ................................... 36 RTC........................................................ 13 Radisson Hotel, Bismarck..................... 37 Rasmussen College ............................... 17 Satrom Travel & Tour...................... 21, 31 Spine & Pain Center ............................. 27 St. Alexius.................................Back cover Trinity Health ................. Inside front cover University of Mary ................................ 22 University of North Dakota .................... 11 Valley City State University .................. 21 WaterFurnace International....................Inside back cover

N O R T H D A K O T A L I V I N G  F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 2 43

CO-OP COUNTRY

Smile! A

s grey skies and chilly temps continue hiding hints of spring, nothing brightens the spirit and warms the heart like a smile. Thanks, North Dakota LIVING kids, for sharing your playful smiles.  GOOD DAY, SUNSHINE: Refreshed after her nap, Addison McKenzie is ready to listen to music, jump, scoot, and Skype with her grandparents. She is the daughter of Laurie and Boyd McKenzie, and granddaughter of Harlan and Ardis McKenzie and Ron and Shirley Lenz, who are all members of Northern Plains Electric Cooperative. Laurie submitted the photo. YES! (I WANNA RIDE!): The farm is an everyday adventure for tomboy Addie Christensen, who likes to ride the tractor with her dad and help “papa” Russell in the shop. Addie is the daughter of Tertia and Kyle Christensen, and the granddaughter of Russell and Shirley Christensen, Judi Mikkelson and Hugh and Julie Mikkelson. Tertia submitted the photo; she and Kyle are members of Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative. TAME TRESSES: Ella Grace Duchsherer beams on “wacky hair day” at day care, where she is learning her colors, shapes, numbers and animals. Ella is the daughter of Charles and Julie Duchsherer and granddaughter of Floyd and Luanne Duchsherer. Luanne submitted the photo; she and Floyd are members of Verendrye Electric Cooperative, North Central Electric Cooperative and SRT Communications, Inc. BIG SISTER: Sophie Scherweit loves to run and climb, and snuggle with her baby sister. Sophie is the daughter of Nicole and Steve Scherweit, who are members of Cass County Electric Cooperative. Nicole submitted the photo.

North Dakota LIVING is seeking photos of kids in playgrounds, bathrooms and sports! Of course, we also want other family favorites for upcoming Co-op Country pages. We’ll select and print them as space allows. Those whose submissions appear on this page will receive a check for $10 following publication of the magazine. We prefer high-resolution digital photos e-mailed to cdevney@ndarec.com, but you may also mail entries to CO-OP COUNTRY, North Dakota LIVING, P.O. Box 727, Mandan ND 58554-0727. Readers, North Dakota LIVING will not publish low-quality photos such as those taken on cell phones. When submitting photos, please include the following information: your complete name and address, your daytime phone number, and the name of your electric and/or telephone co-op. We will contact you prior to publication. NOTE: Please keep a duplicate photo, negative or file; the magazine is no longer able to return submitted photos.  44

FEBRUARY 2012  NORTH DAKOTA LIVING

www.ndarec.com

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