North Dakota

Eamon Alido lifts the canola plants from a tray, enthusiastically explaining hydroponics as a technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil.

In the music room, Mikaela Fattorini ripples her fingers over the piano keys, then settles into singing “Let It Be” to the heavens.

While Alido and Fattorini ventured from a world away to teach in the rural community of Mott, science and music know no boundaries.

Each year, 24% of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement and 15% happen during snowfall or sleet, the Federal Highway Administration reports. North Dakotans can help mitigate risks posed by severe weather by following these winter driving best practices.

It’s National Co-op Month! A time to celebrate cooperatives and their role in shaping and supporting the communities where we live, work and play.

While cooperatives operate in many industries and sectors of the economy, seven cooperative principles set them apart from other businesses: voluntary and open membership; democratic member control; members’ economic participation; autonomy and independence; education, training and information; cooperation among cooperatives; and concern for community.

There is a rich cooperative history in North Dakota, and North Dakota Living has championed cooperatives of all kinds throughout its 70-year history.

A free concert and an Ag Education Center are two new additions to the 43rd annual Big Iron Farm Show presented by the Cass County Farm Bureau.

The annual celebration of agriculture includes informational exhibit booths, innovative field demonstrations and opportunities to see the latest in agriculture unveiled. And admission and parking are free!

Last winter arrived early and stayed late, and its influence on wildlife across North Dakota was evident, most notably in the state’s deer herd as the N.D. Game and Fish Department (NDGF) cut the number of deer gun licenses by nearly 11,000 compared to 2022.

Death and tragedy permeate Tim Mahoney’s hardest days on the job as mayor of Fargo.

First, it was the 2014 death of his friend and predecessor, former mayor Dennis Walaker, an undisputed giant in Fargo’s history.

Then, it was Fargo police officer Jason Moszer, who died in the line of duty in 2016.

With a pervasive teacher shortage affecting North Dakota statewide, communities, schools and education professionals are carving out innovative solutions to ensure all students have access to high-quality teachers. North Dakota has developed a “grow your own” model to recruit and retain teachers, with a package of initiatives supported by the N.D. Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

A common theme among these programs is of communities looking to solve problems by looking inward.
 

“You’re letting her do that?”

Bret Dockter was asked this question when his daughter, Emma, decided to pursue a career in teaching.

“Absolutely,” Bret responded, knowing he hadn’t looked at the profession through rose-colored glasses. Twenty-six years in teaching – and 27 as a football coach – will do that. Still, he loves it.