North Dakota

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.

“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.

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.
 

Curiosity captured Chris Riedman with each trip to Gateway to Science. As a toddler, he visited there often with his mother, Karol, who served on the board of this volunteer venture.

As he grew older, his interest grew, too.

Jenee Munro said hello to North Dakota 10 years ago, and she has no plans to say goodbye.

The Plentywood, Mont., native appreciates the wide-open spaces, abundant outdoor opportunities and natural wonders North Dakota offers. What’s more, she’s found a community she loves in Rolla, and one she says cares about her family, too, including her husband, Josh, and their three children.

If you’re a garden lover in North Dakota, the planting season may not be long enough to satisfy your yearning to connect to the earth.

However, you can extend the season by planning and preparing prior to planting.

Considering the season’s last frost usually happens between May 16 to 30, depending on where you live in North Dakota, you have some time over the next two months to get a few things ready to make your growing season more productive.

 
TAKING CARE OF YOUR TOOLS

Dual-credit courses lead to NDSU
North Dakota State University’s Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABEN) now offers online dual-credit classes, so high school students can earn dual credits, and start a college degree while still in high school.

Rhonda Gilbertson-Evans wrote those words in a poem called “Why I Do This Work.” The poem explains her reasons for serving people experiencing homelessness, including a man dear to her heart.

“It’s not that easy for many of our community members who are homeless. Some hills are unsurmountable,” she said.

Editor’s note: Property tax is promised to be a hot topic before the state Legislature this year. Republican lawmakers put forth property tax relief proposals in advance of the Jan. 3 start of the legislative session. This story cuts through confusing property tax terminology to help taxpayers understand property tax, how it’s calculated and where it goes. This story originally appeared in the December 2022 issue of the Union Farmer.
 

Technology in 2023 will continue to advance rapidly. In particular, there will be many new and emerging technologies available to the public, including augmented reality, artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles.
I am excited to see what 2023 brings. Most of these advances in technology will help us live a healthier and better life.