Greetings Everyone,
- Likely, during my lifetime, there were stretches of mild February weather like we’ve had the last couple of weeks, but I don’t remember them per se. Perhaps the most interesting part to me was the duration. The amount of thick ice in the alleys that melted was amazing. Whatever thoughts we may have about the phenomenon, we can be grateful for “lots of good weather in the bank”.
- The 2026 Winter Olympics are nearly in the books. Two commentators were discussing which Olympics is more difficult: summer or winter. One said, “The Winter Olympics, because the contestants often have something attached to their feet.” Interesting! The skeleton competition is especially crazy; they go head-first on a tiny sled, holding their chins just an inch off the ice while traveling 80 to 90 mph. Congratulations and thank you to all who competed!
- If you think your garbage pickup has been missed, please wait until after 3:00 PM to call the Transfer Station at 701-845-0314. Collection times can vary due to uncontrollable events. For water, electric, or street issues after hours, please call Public Works at 701-845-0380, and an after-hours operator will connect you to the appropriate department for assistance.
- The Christian season of Lent and the Muslim season of Ramadan began last Wednesday, February 18.
- The American Public Power Association (APPA) 2026 Legislative Rally will take place February 23-25 in Washington DC. Missouri River Energy Services (MRES), along with APPA, monitors public power legislation at the state and federal levels to maintain favorable rates for us. Watch for an update next week regarding some specific issues for which we will be lobbying.
- * Please continue watching for the Disaster Mitigation Survey and complete the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BarnesCountyMHMP. For further information, please contact Daniel Schwartz at dschwartz@nexusplanco.com or Jessica Jenrich at jjenrich@barnescounty.us. Thank you.
- Thank you to all who provided material and to Sue for proofing this column.
- “If you don’t know what tomorrow holds, you need who holds tomorrow.” ~ Jesse Jackson
Blessings, Prayer, Respect and Gratitude,
Dave Carlsrud