Category Archives: Announcements

Agenda Available

9.16.2025 Finance Agenda

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City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

2:30 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 2:30 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 220 3rd St. NE, Valley City, ND. 

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84963788181 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 849 6378 8181

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

AGENDA ITEMS

  1. Review monthly bills/reports (Finance Director Klein)
  2. Discuss Valley City NW Water Tower. (City Engineer)
  3. Review CD Renewal Options (Finance Director Klein)

DEPARTMENT REPORTS. (3:30PM)

Department Spotlight – New Employees since 1.1.2025

  1. Sanitation Department
  2. Water Department
  3. Electric Department                                                                                         
  4. Fire Department/Blighted & Dangerous Buildings                                               
  5. Police Department                                                                                             
  6. Street Department
  7. Administration
    • Building Permit Report 
    • Court Report   

ADJOURN

Construction map for Sept. 10, 2025.

Construction Notice – Wednesday, September 10

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Construction Notice – Wednesday, September 10

To ensure safety and minimize traffic disruption, Valley City Public Works will be making road repairs at the intersection of Main St E & 2nd Ave NE on Wednesday, September 10, starting at 6:00 AM.

Work is expected to take 1–2 hours. The road will remain open to traffic during this time, but drivers are encouraged to use alternative routes if possible.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation!

Construction map for Sept. 10, 2025.
Dave Carlsrud

9.8.2025 Mayor’s Message

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Hello, 

  • In about 24 hours our North Dakota weather went from very hot & dry to a cold, windy, damp weather pattern.  Only in North Dakota! 
  • When Larry Robinson died last week, his family lost a beloved husband, dad and grandfather.  North Dakota lost an esteemed Statesman and friend while God lost “a good and faithful servant” on earth. Larry’s “fingerprints” are all over projects at Valley City State University,  the City of Valley City and the  state of North Dakota. For me, he was a mentor, an inspiration, a confidant and a friend. I am grateful for having had Larry in my life.
  • Friday and Saturday the Brady Larson Memorial Derby was held  on the North Dakota Winter Show grounds with two sessions of demolition derby, a Friday night concert by “Booz-n-Tuna” along with a Saturday night concert by “Saliva”.  Saturday afternoon the parking lots were packed and there was a great crowd.  Congratulations and thank you to all who honored Brady by facilitating this wonderful, touching event. 
  • We are really excited about the shared use path along Winter Show Road.  Thank you to Gwen and our city staff for securing the $100,000 grant and collaborating with the Visitors Committee to make it happen.
  • Thursday evening is “Summer Vikes on Central” welcoming VCSU Students and Faculty back for the 2025-26 school year.  It is a great evening for businesses to be open showing your wares and cultivating relationships.  Be there for the band and students’ “Viking Walk” at 5:45, visit local businesses and street vendors, enjoy music and visiting folks on Central.  Thank you to all who facilitated this year’s Summer Nights on Central events, you all did a great job.
  • Missouri River Energy Service’s “Smart Energy Squad Program” is a school curriculum designed for 5th graders to learn about different forms of energy, power delivery and energy conservation.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “Valley City has a come together attitude” and “The answer is somewhere in the middle.”     ~ Larry Robinson 

Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave Carlsrud

Construction Notice from Barnes County

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Construction Notice from Barnes County – A portion of Barnes County 17 South will be closed for a culvert replacement beginning on Tuesday, September 9th at 7:30 a.m. with a tentative reopening of 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10th.

No detour will be provided. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes.

A road closure map for Sept. 9-10, 2025.
Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

8.19.2025 Commission Minutes

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President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson.

Others: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Deputy Auditor Johnson, Police Chief Horner.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

OATH OF OFFICE FOR POLICE OFFICER CODY PERDUE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Add NB7. Approve Change Order for Sanitary Sewer Reline Project.

Add the District 24 Republican Raffle Permit to the Consent Agenda.

Commission Bishop moved to add the District 24 Republican Raffle Permit to the Consent Agenda, and to add NB7. Approve change order for sanitary sewer reline project, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Approve Minutes from the 8.5.2025 Commission Meeting.
  2. Approve Local Raffle Permits:
    1. VCSU Foundation – Booster Club
    1. Hi-Liners Booster Club Inc.
    1. CHI Mercy Health Foundation
    1. Barnes County Senior Citizens Council, Inc.
    1. District 24 Republican

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION

RES 2498. A Resolution Authorizing Filing of Application with the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality for a $600,000 Loan through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Motion passed unanimously.

RES 2499. A Resolution Authorizing Transfer of 832 4th Ave NE.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve contingent on keeping Mindy’s Garden, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $2,287,683.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Transfer of 832 4th Ave NE to Valley City Public Schools.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to remove this agenda item, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve the Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation request to fund the Recruiting & Retention Coordinator Position for 3 Years at $80,000/Year with funds sourced from City Sales Tax dedicated to Economic Development.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve the Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation request for an additional $10,000/year for 3 Years for the Resource Development Specialist Position with funds sourced from City Sales Tax dedicated to Economic Development.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Option Agreement and Form of Easement for State Interoperability Radio Network Tower to be constructed by Allo Towers.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve terms of license authorizing City to use a portion of the South Half of the Southwest Quarter 27-140-58 for additional soil remediation.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Change Order for Sanitary Sewer Reline Project.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve giving the City Administrator the authorization to approve change order up to $75,000 for the sanitary sewer reline project, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Motion passed unanimously.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

City Administrator Crawford reported last week at the State Water Commission Meeting we requested funds for 9.59 million dollars, for the continuation of the construction of phase 4 and design of phase 5 and 6 of our Permanent Flood Protection and that was approved. The metal portion of the new Service Center building will be delivered at the end of August. City Engineer Petersen was brought up to explain the removal of contaminated soil and DEQ requirements we follow. Based on his understanding talking to their Environmental Specialists working with DEQ, the intent is not to remove all the legacy contaminant soils on the site. Following the excavation of the material required for the project, baseline samples are taken from the bottom and/or the sidewalls of the excavation limits to document the remaining levels of contamination beyond the construction limits. This is done for future construction activity on the site that may encounter these soils.

Police Chief Horner spoke on what is allowed for passing school buses now that school is back in session. When there are flashing yellow lights you are allowed to pass the school bus but always be watching for the kids, when there is a red stop sign out and lights turn to red both lanes of travel must stop until the sign retracts and the lights turn off.

City Engineer Petersen gave an update on the Flood Protection Projects, as well as the Shared Use Path Project. Seal Coat work will start on Monday.

Commissioner Gulmon acknowledged and gave credit to Gwen and Chad Petersen of KLJ for all the work and time they put into securing 9 ½ million dollars in Permanent Flood Protection for Valley City.

Commissioner Erickson reminded residents there is a recycling center and to please use it.

Commissioner Bishop echoed onto Commissioner Gulmon’s report and thanks for the good job from Gwen and Chad. 

Mayor Carlsrud tagged onto Commission Erickson’s report and reminded those to use the recycling center. Thanks to whole staff still cleaning up from the storms this summer while doing their regular jobs. Thanks the Commissioners for serving.

Meeting was adjourned at 5:39 P.M.

Public Works Service Center Complex Update August 2025

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Lots 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, East Riverside Park Addition – 1416 Main Street East

August 2025 Service Center Complex Update

Delivery of building

  • On March 4, the Board of City Commissioners approved the purchase of a pre-engineered metal building, which when finished will house 40,438 square feet of equipment storage, shop space, and office facilities for the various public works departments.
  • Foundation work began over the summer.
  • Building components began arriving in August.
  • Construction is expected to begin this fall.

Soil remediation

  • Heavy rains on August 5 required additional mitigation for the land treatment site on Lot 3, Industrial Park Addition (south of former Four Bottle Drive).
    • Existing berms on Lot 3 were built to a height of four feet around the perimeter. This added two feet of buffer in addition to the two feet required by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ).
    • Additional bio rolls were placed outside of berms for added protection.
    • Weekly Storm Water Pollution Protection Plan inspections by McGough Construction continue, as well as additional inspections any time a rain event exceeds a quarter-inch.
  • NDDEQ sent permit approval for farming soil on additional land further west in Industrial Park Addition (Lot 5).
    • Berms on Lot 5 were built to five feet around the perimeter which included three feet of buffer in addition to the two feet required by the NDDEQ.
  • NDDEQ site visit.
    • City Staff took a member of the Solid Waste Program with the Division of Waste Management to all current sites so they could take pictures and document that NDDEQ requirements were being met. Sites included both the land treatment sites in Industrial Park Addition and new Service Center Complex site at 1416 East Main Street. Earlier that day they had also been to the temporary holding site at the landfill.
    • NDDEQ recommended that some of the stormwater be hauled off from the land farming detention ponds to make room for possible future rain.
    • The City contacted the Division of Waste Management and Hazardous Waste Program to update the existing lagoon permit to include industrial waste.
    • Approval was given to haul the held stormwater from the sites to the lagoon.
  • Permit requirements for berm setbacks limited land available to farm soil. This required the City to seek additional acreage to farm contaminated soil. Additional sites were identified.
    • South Half of the SW Quarter of Section 27, TWP 140N, Range 58W (Barnes County, immediately south of City limits).
      • Approved by Board of City Commissioners on August 19, pending final discussions with owner.
      • NDDEQ staff conducted a visit at the new proposed site. While they were here, they also inspected the temporary holding site at the landfill, the Service Center Complex site, and the permitted soil treatment sites.
      • During final discussions with the owner title issues arose which will take time to resolve. As a result, two more sites were selected (see below), while the original site is still available for a backup, if needed.
    • NE Quarter of Section 10, TWP 141N, Range 59W (a portion of 98.9 acres, Barnes County, private land 15 minutes north of City limits).
      • NDDEQ Solid Waste Program with the Division of Waste Management completed site visit.
      • Approved by Board of City Commissioners on September 2, 2025.
      • Permit application submitted to NDDEQ.
    • Auditor’s Lot 2 of the NE Quarter of Section 31, TWP 140N, Range 58W (31.45 acres, Barnes County, city-owned property near treatment lagoons).
      • NDDEQ Solid Waste Program with the Division of Waste Management completed site visit.
      • Approved by Board of City Commissioners on September 2, 2025.
      • Permit application submitted to NDDEQ.

Soil sampling

  • Soil sample test pits were taken within the proposed paved areas of the project site in mid-August. A total of 10 samples were obtained. Results from this testing were received by the City on September 3 with all samples exceeding the 100 mg/kg of total petroleum hydrocarbons threshold. This material had been previously accounted for in the land treatment quantities. Testing was done to determine if it could be excluded from the treatment.
  • Soil samples were also obtained from the bottom of the sand/salt tent excavation at a depth of 5 to 6 feet. Two base samples were obtained and submitted for lab analysis. Results were favorable with lab analysis results all below the total petroleum hydrocarbons threshold of 100 mg/kg and no other parameters were detected above the laboratory reporting limit.

The Public Works Service Center Complex project continues to move forward and remains within the approved budget.

Dave Carlsrud

9.2.2025 Mayor’s Message

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Greetings Everyone, 

  • I hope you all had opportunities for investing time with family and friends over the Labor Day weekend.  Many of us are “longer in the tooth” than others which often creates a more nostalgic view as we grow older.  Call some family and friends, tell them you love them.
  • Recently there was a horrible shooting in a Minneapolis church during worship, our hearts go out to all connected.  Please pray for the injured, their families and friends that they may heal completely, physically and emotionally.  
  • Fall sports, from elementary to university levels, are under way.  While our weather is favorable, why not attend afternoon or evening events that best fit your schedule.  The kids are excited to see you people attend their events.  “Make their day.”
  • We had many Valley City Employees working during our wind and rain storms this summer as it is “All hands on deck” during those times.  Some crews were keeping streets passable during the storms while linemen were working overhead maintaining and restoring power.  I believe our largest storm of the year was around June 20th.  We had some power outages, but being we are a Public Power Community, our crews were able to be on the job as soon as conditions allowed.  Even with the storm, our power was “on” 99.91213% of the time in June!  Additionally, our membership in Missouri River Energy Services, a Joint Action Agency, allows our electric rates to be consistency lower than Investor Owned Utilities or Electrical Coops. 
  • We are seeing more and more E-Scooters around town and I imagine they are really fun.  Some safety concerns have surfaced with scooters being ridden on streets, cutting across intersections and on sidewalks.  Please talk with your kids and friends about the importance of obeying rules of the road and the dangers of distracted drivers.  We want all to be safe.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “Worry doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”        ~ Leo Buscaglia

Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave Carlsrud

Agenda Available

9.2.2025 Commission Agenda

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, September 2, 2025
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 220 3rd St. NE, Valley City, ND.

The meeting is also available to view online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86913678203 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  869 1367 8203.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda (Roll Call Vote needed when changes made to the Agenda)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

 Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Minutes from the 8.19.2025 Finance & Commission Meetings.
  2. Approve Local Raffle Permits:
    1. Dakota Rider MC
    1. Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals
    1. Valley City USBC Association
  3. Approve Contractor License’s:
    1. Dakota Electric Construction CO. Inc. – Fargo
    1. Border Construction – Fargo
    1. Asphalt Surface Technologies Corporation dba ASTECH Corp. – St. Cloud, MN
    1. Pierce Lee Roofing – Fargo
    1. Western Products Inc. – Fargo
    1. All New Gutter Service Inc. – Fargo
    1. Singh Contracting Inc. – Bismarck
    1. Sprinturf LLC – Daniel Island, SC
    1. Peterson Sheet Metal, Inc. – Bemidji, MN
  4. Approve Contractor License Renewal:
    1. Construction Engineers, Inc.

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

Public Comments

This portion of the meeting provides a limited public forum for Valley City residents, property owners and business owners to address the Board of City Commissioners on topics related to City business.  Interested persons must submit a comment card with the individual’s name, address, and the topic to be commented upon. Non-residents must provide the address of the City of Valley City business the individual operates or works at or the address of real property which the individual owns within the City of Valley City. Comments cards must be provided to the meeting secretary and approved prior to speaking. Public comments are limited solely to business matters and concerns pertinent to the City.

The following rules apply to Public Comments:

  • Limited to five minutes per speaker.
  • Must not interfere with the orderly conduct of the meeting.
  • Must not be defamatory, abusive, harassing, or unlawful.
  • May be prohibited if an alternative procedure exists to bring that particular type of public comment before the City, the public comment includes confidential or exempt information, or the public comment is otherwise prohibited by law.

Submission of written comments: In lieu of speaking, a written comment may be delivered to the meeting secretary prior to the start of the meeting. Written comments are limited to two pages. Any member of the public seeking to comment without attending in person may submit written comments to jhintz@valleycity.us. Written comments hand delivered at the time of the meeting or emailed prior to 4:00 pm on the date of the meeting will be distributed to the Board for their information and maintained in City files.  Written comments are not read aloud at the meeting

Ordinance

ORD 1176. First reading of Ordinance 1176, an Ordinance to amend and reenact Section 8-04-06 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to tobacco license violations. (City Attorney Martineck)             

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

ORD 1177. First reading of Ordinance 1177, an Ordinance to create and enact Title 21 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to gaming. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

ORD 1178. First reading of Ordinance 1178, an Ordinance to amend and reenact Sections 15-01-09 and 15-01-16 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to public works accounts receivable. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

Resolution

RES 2500. A Resolution amending the Master Fee Schedule. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

New Business

NB1. Approve Agreement for Cost-Share Reimbursement for Valley City Permanent Flood Protection not to exceed $9,595,675. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

NB2. Consider Visitor Committee recommendation to approve the Image Enhancement Grant Application for Bakkegard and Schell in the amount up to $75,000 for the renovations and signage of their current building at 159 12th Ave SE. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

NB3. Consider Visitor Committee recommendation to change the current Image Enhancement Application and Guidelines to include “other buildings that meet the criteria of the Image Enhancement purpose as determined by the committee.” (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

NB4. Approve Application for Residential Improvement exemption – 605 Central Ave N. (City Assessor Drabus)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

NB5. Approve Application for Residential Improvement exemption – 638 3rd St. SE. (City Assessor Drabus)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

NB6. Review Valley City NW Water Tower Opinion of Probable Cost and Discussion Project Cost Saving Options.              (City Engineer Petersen)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

NB7. Approve terms of soil remediation at 98.9 acres in the NE Quarter of Section 10, TWP 141N, Range 59W, and Auditor’s Lot 2 of the NE Quarter of Section 31, TWP 140N, Range 58W. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

NB8. Approve Change Order for Sanitary Sewer improvement district 72 – Reline Project. (City Engineer Petersen)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

8.25.2025 Construction Notice – Seal Coat

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**UPDATE – SEAL COAT**

The start of the seal coat work has been delayed. Work is still anticipated to start in parts of the northeast and northwest the evening of Tuesday, August 26th, 2025. Work in the other areas will continue throughout the remainder of the week. Please pay attention to no parking and/or parking lot closures. Please contact KLJ at (701)845-4980 with any questions.

Construction Notice – Paving Improvement Districts 129 & 132 (Seal Coat)

Seal coat work on Paving Improvement District 129 & 132 is scheduled to begin the week of August 25th-29th. Work is tentatively scheduled to begin on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 and finish on Friday, August 29th, 2025, weather pending. No parking signs will be installed a minimum of 48 hours prior to the start to accommodate this work. The parking restriction only applies to daylight hours on the days the seal coat work is scheduled (6 am – 10 pm). Residents will have access to their homes and driveways. Intermittent interruptions are to be expected while driving on these streets but should be short.

The following City parking lots will be closed during the seal coat work (see map). These lots will be closed the morning of the seal coat work and reopened by the end of the day. Parking lot restrictions will only be in effect for one day. It is currently anticipated that this work will be completed on Tuesday, August 26th but is subject to change.

• Our Saviors Lutheran Church (Behind Central Ave Pharmacy/Valley Officeworks)

• Parking Lot in Southeast Corner of 2nd Ave NW/3rd St NW (Old Bloom N Craft lot)

• North of Post Office

• City Hall Parking Lot

• Veterans Memorial Park Lot

• Lot west of Senior Center

If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact KLJ at (701)845-4980.

Dave Carlsrud

8.25.2025 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everybody, 

  • Please be alert for school buses and youngsters around them.  When the “STOP Arm” is extended, you must stop! It is for safety and it is the law!  
  • Child Passenger Safety Week is Sunday, September 21, to Saturday, September 27.  Does your child or grandchild have an important need to be addressed in the event of an emergency? First responders need said information to provide correct and timely treatment. Barnes County residents, please contact Fire Chief, Scott Magnuson at: smagnuson@valleycity.us or 701-845-3351.
  • “Hydro is Here”! Sunday was National Hydropower Day and for over 140 years, hydropower has fueled the nation with clean, renewable energy. Valley City benefits as about 70% of its power is hydropower.
  • August 23rd is the Dakota Riders Hill Climb in scenic Valley City with riding beginning at 10:00 AM. It is entertainment for young and old so bring your lawn chair and enjoy a great event. See: https://www.newsdakota.com/2025/08/19/dakota-riders-hill-climb-august-23/
  • Cleaning house, moving or the like; you can rent dumpsters locally. Just call 701-845-0380.
  • Thirty-four-year-old Tommy Fleetwood won the PGA Tour Championship Tournament which is huge, but it was also his FIRST PGA Golf Tournament Sunday win! There were great expressions of love and sportsmanship by his competitors and fans, the way it should be.
  • The Central Avenue and 2nd Street traffic signal is somewhat skewed due to the wind. It will be straightened though it will be inconvenient for a bit. Please be patient, thank you.  
  • Transferring our garbage to landfills that will accept it is becoming more and more expensive. You can help reduce that cost by recycling as recycling costs less than if we send to landfills. Please try recycling for a month.
  • “Veteran” Major League Baseball (MLB) Fans may remember when numerous players played a whole career with one team. In 1970 Curt Flood successfully sued MLB (Flood V Kuhn) resulting in “Free Agency”. Beginning in 1976 said judgment allowed players to negotiate contracts with other teams when their current contracts expired. It was a huge change in MLB.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.”                   ~ Stephan Covey

Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave Carlsrud