McLean County Independent News
Is snowfall record in sight?
The latest three-month climate outlook continues to reflect a continuation of the current LaNina affected weather pattern. The forecast continues to be for enhanced chances of below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation for western and central North Dakota. It’s enough to send shivers down one’s spine. But that forecast is what National Weather Service (NWS) officials are predicting as they look ahead to February, March and April.
Negative ads, they ‘gotta go’
White Shield fourth graders say they’ve had enough of the negative advertising they saw in campaign ads this past fall and in previous years – and they want to do something about it.
Economic development group celebrates 20 years
“I feel like I'm at home. I feel welcome.” Those are the thoughts of the owner of one of Garrison's newest businesses when talking about the community and help he received from members of the Garrison Area Improvement Association (GAIA).
Indoor rink to remain closed
The ice skates are hanging on the wall, ready for skaters. The ice is on the rink, ready to be used. And the phones have been ringing off the hook at Garrison’s indoor skating rink from people inquiring if and when the facility will be open. But there is no answer. There will be no ice skating in the indoor rink this year.
Garrison schools get tough on bullying
Principal Shelly Fuller had a hard time keeping the emotion out of her voice at a meeting Tuesday evening. She told the story of a friend’s school district in Alexandria, Minn. that experienced a teen suicide blamed on bullying. Fuller said she is trying her best in the Garrison school district to combat a student reaching a similarly hopeless stage.
Cost of making a choice
North or south? That simple question, when asked by a crewmember of the Garrison-Max Ambulance District, translates simply as “Minot or Bismarck?”
Teachers: average benefits up 9 percent in two years
Pay hikes for teachers grew in the single digits over the past years. If the governor has his way there will be more pay increases tied to students’ successes. Salary increases and benefit packages for area teachers increased an average of 9 percent in the past two years, according to recently released data from the state Department of Public Instruction.
There’s been a lot of ‘digging out’
It’s great to break records, to exceed beyond preset limits. While it is exhilarating when some records are broken others are best left alone. Among those that might fall int0 that category are those that have to do with weather extremes. Unfortunately, it appears that the winter of 2010-11 just could pan out to be another snowfall record-breaker for the local area. Setting a weather-related record means reaching an extreme. As a general rule, extreme weather is not a good thing!
Go local, save and cut taxes
North Dakota’s Legislature convened this week with a sizeable budget surplus that many residents believe should come back, in one form or another, to their own pockets. The North Dakota Prairie Poll last month surveyed residents of 11 rural communities to determine where they think the Legislature should place its spending priorities.
Board edgy over building tax hike
There was a minor case of cold feet at a recent Garrison School Board meeting. Board member Steve Seidler asked, “Is the community ready for a $5 million, $10 million bond issue?”