The Good Badlands
I’ve visited, photographed, and written about the Badlands many times, yet always feel the efforts are inadequate. That’s the effect the Badlands has on me. Others too. The myriad of misarranged rugged buttes, variety of vegetation and wildlife, and stunning scenery in all directions is overwhelming. Far more than can be portrayed in photographs or […]
What A Teacher!
I have answered several surveys that query the name of my favorite teacher, and why. The question brings pause as I begin to think and narrow the list based on the good things and not so good things that I can remember about my classroom days. 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, nothing stands out […]
Global Thunder 23
Annual Nuclear Command and Control Exercise Begins at Minot U.S. Strategic Command commenced its annual nuclear command and control exercise, Global Thunder, April 11, 2023.Global Thunder 23 (GT23) involves personnel throughout the strategic enterprise including USSTRATCOM components and subordinate units. The purpose of GT23 is to enhance nuclear readiness and ensure a safe, secure, and […]
You Said Onions?
A friend of mine, Marvin Baker, has a garden in Carpio. In North Dakota having a garden would certainly not make him unique, except that Marvin runs North Star Farms where he raises and sells naturally grown prairie produce. Marvin and I met some years ago as he used to be the weekend editor of […]
Potholes and Road Work
The snow is gone—for now. The streets are dry—for the most part. That crazy ice dam near Jersey Mike’s and Noodles & Co has melted. Signs of winter are fleeting—although the forecast still insists on including a chance of snow flurries, just to keep us on our toes. And while many of us are joyously […]
Maple Sugaring Day
A horse drawn wagon, flannel shirts, floppy eared caps, smiling faces, the smell of fresh pancakes, and sweet maple syrup.Vermont?Nope. Fort Stevenson State Park a few miles south of Garrison. Standing under one of the park’s most reliable box elder trees, Park Manager Chad Trautman, was talking to park visitors.“I know. We’re crazy,” said Trautman. […]
Part II: North Dakota, more diverse than you think…
When looking at farm and ranch statistics from the USDA Census of Agriculture, a person could take all day picking apart the various numbers, crops, livestock and even ag processing. There are farms themselves, which in 2017 totaled 26,374 that included 39.3 million acres. The average size of a North Dakota farm was 1,492 acres […]
PCS & Personal Property Prep
A major stressor during a PCS is what to do and how to schedule the moving of your personal property. Personal property resources are available at https://www.militaryonesource.mil under the “Moving & PCS” section. Online tools include the Defense Personal Property Program (DPS), https://dps.move.mil/, where you can upload your orders, ship household goods, manage unaccompanied baggage, […]
Calling First Time Car Buyers: Tips & Tricks for Financial Success
Everyone has to start somewhere in the game of life. Every adult has been a first-time buyer with little to no credit. Venturing out into life can be confusing and really stressful for some. Adulting is not an easy business and the first few steps a person makes in their financial journey can be the […]
Minot AFB SFS officer receives top level award
The North Dakota Air National Guard’s (NDANG), 119th Wing, known as the “Happy Hooligans,” recognized the organization’s top officers, noncommissioned officers and Airmen of the Year last month, during a ceremony at the Hilton Garden Inn, Fargo, N.D. Airmen were nominated for the awards based on their military and civic service throughout 2022. The Outstanding […]