We Get It
What It Means to Be North Dakota Nice Long before then-Governor Doug Burgum—or perhaps someone before him—coined the phrase “North Dakota Nice,” our parents were already teaching us the habits behind it. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about a group of people who challenged that mentality by behaving rudely and cutting into a […]
Same frequency, different format
Some of the people who read this article on a regular basis know that I have a hobby of listening to radio stations from beyond the line of sight. It’s called DXing, an old telegraph word meaning distance. When I started that hobby more than 50 years ago in Hazelton, the nearest FM radio stations […]
What’s your origin story?
I’m often asked how I became the girl who loves Minot. The one who finds the fun other people overlook, can’t keep quiet about a hidden gem, and is always ready with an unsolicited recommendation. This week, I was asked to share my “origin story” with a freshman class at Minot State University—an interesting assignment […]
Fire-Smart Starts Here: SPARKY’s September Safety Tips
Fall Color Walks You’ll Love
As the plane started its descent over Bismarck, my five-year-old opened the window shade. We’d been engrossed in a game together on a tablet borrowed from the library, but the dings overhead and reminders to “be sure your tray tables are in their full upright position” told us we were almost home. At first, the […]
Servicing a Four-Customer Base
As your School Liaison Program Manager, I interact or engage regularly with our “Core Four” or Commanders, Families, Schools, and Community Partners. The goal is to strengthen operational readiness by ensuring command teams are aware of local and state education challenges, supporting military parents and students through transitions, partnering with school staff to build stable […]
People love to fly… and complain
If you drive on North Dakota highways, you may notice that hardly anybody these days adheres to speed limits. The best example is the interstates. Since the speed limit was increased to 80 miles per hour, motorists are now creeping past 85 mph. Likewise on U.S., state and county highways. Why does everyone seem to […]
No Need To Defend What We Know Is Good
North Dakota Nice I am not attempting to pick out one state as an example of displaying rude behavior but this weekend I experienced three separate examples or being downright rude, all from people who were from the same eastern state. I know that the exception is not normally the rule, but these folks tested […]
School Lingo
One of the best ways you can support your student’s education is by understanding school jargon. Here are some common terms found in school communications: Core Subjects – Main areas: English/Language Arts, Math, Science, Social StudiesELA (English Language Arts) – Reading, writing, speaking, and listening skillsElectives – Optional classes like Art, Music, Physical Education or […]
Living with our fury neighbors
Because we live right on the Des Lacs River, we often get to see and hear animals and birds that everyone knows about but seldom see in their local areas. My explanation for this is the critters are around. I’m certain of it. And if you aren’t right on top of it, you won’t often […]