McLean County Independent News
Rice pleads not guilty in Knutson murder
A Velva woman who was arrested and charged with the 2007 death of her then-roommate has pleaded not guilty.

Homecoming Court
Seniors Mia Gehring, Tyler Huesers, Kaitlyn Zook, Connor Kerzmann, Karli Klein and TJ Syvertson were announced as Garrison High School's Homecoming Court last Friday. The homecoming king and queen will be crowned during the Garrison Lady Troopers' volleyball home game against Wilton-Wing on Sept. 16. (Submitted)
It runs in the family
Last month, Tristan Thompson took a step further to follow a career that he not only aspired to since he was younger, but in doing so cemented himself in a family tradition that dates back four generations.

Up in enrollment
Enrollment in schools throughout McLean County have increased for the most part as doors opened for the first day of classes over the past two weeks.
“A nightmare of a phone call to get”
PICKARDVILLE – A Turtle Lake-Mercer school bus transporting the fifth and sixth grade girls basketball team to practice in McClusky was involved in a three-vehicle accident here Friday afternoon.
Rural water users to see increase
GARRISON – Customers with Garrison Rural Water District will see an increase in their rates, starting Oct. 1.

Back to school
Bob Callies Elementary School principal Shelly Fuller greets students outside the school last Thursday morning. Classes in McLean County started up this past week, with White Shield and Max starting last Monday and Tuesday, respectively. (James C. Falcon)

A corny time at the park
Guests at the Aw Shucks! Festival were treated to a surprise appearance by Garrison mascot Wally the Walleye at Garrison City Park last Saturday. For more pictures from the festival, turn to page 12. (Ethyn Williams-Calvert)
Garrison councilmember eyes possible county police contract
Acting as a taxpayer and not under his official role as a city councilmember, David Jeffrey asks initial questions about Garrison going back to a contract with the county for police resources to help with future budget issues.

Getting the treatment
Construction carried on as usual at the Biota Treatment Plant being built just east of Max last Wednesday. Meanwhile, a tour group led by the North Dakota Water Education Foundation watched as part of the Northwest Area Water Supply (NAWS) Project took shape.