North Dakota

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.

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.

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.

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.

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