North Dakota Living

More than 1,200 electric cooperative leaders gathered April 21-24 in Washington, D.C., to urge Congress to oppose the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) power plant rule and support full funding of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs that benefit rural America.

In May 2023, EPA proposed initial draft rules to limit carbon dioxide emissions from coal- and gas-fired power plants. Electric cooperatives oppose the rule, which they say is a threat to electric reliability and affordability.

What we eat and drink can affect our health, and studies suggest the foods we use to fuel our bodies can actually help reduce stress. Foods rich in good fats containing omega-3, fiber and probiotics can counteract negative stressors.

The next time you’re feeling stressed, reach for these stress-busting recipes.

Berries and oats are high-fiber ingredients in the berry baked oatmeal. Serve with yogurt, which offers natural probiotics to make your gut happy.

N.D. homeowners have until March 31 to apply for a new property tax credit up to $500.

The Primary Residence Credit (PRC) was established last year through the legislative process. Homeowners must apply online for the state property tax credit through the office of the state tax commissioner. Approved applicants will receive the credit as a reduction on their 2024 tax statement, which will be mailed in December.

Facing the challenge of finding and recruiting teachers to fill eight openings at the start of the 2023-24 school year, the Mott-Regent School District looked across borders to find talent in the Philippines. The rural school district eventually hired two North Dakotans and six Filipino educators, who are teaching kindergarten, first grade, science, math, music and special education this year. Beyond sharing their teaching talents, the Filipino teachers are also sharing their culture, with students, the school and the local community.

Unlock opportunities at UTTC
Discover the unique blend of culture and education at United Tribes Technical College (UTTC). Accredited since 1982 (through 2031), UTTC proudly leads as the first tribal college offering fully online degrees.

If you own a home in North Dakota and use it as your primary residence, you likely qualify for a new $500 property tax credit.

The Primary Residence Credit (PRC) was established last year through the legislative process. Homeowners must apply online for the state property tax credit through the office of the state tax commissioner. Approved applicants will receive the credit as a reduction on their 2024 tax statement, which will be mailed in December 2024.

North Dakotans will soon cast votes in the 2024 election cycle. While most legislative districts are the same, a recent court decision will change boundaries for Districts 9 and 15, which may impact voters there.

N.D. Secretary of State Michael Howe reminds interested individuals of important requirements candidates must meet for their names to appear on 2024 ballots. The filing deadline for all candidates is 4 p.m. CT April 8.

Todd Brickhouse has been named the chief executive officer and general manager of Basin Electric Power Cooperative by the board of directors, according to a Dec. 13, 2023, release. Brickhouse has served in the same capacity on an interim basis since July 2023 and previously was the cooperative’s senior vice president and chief financial officer.

The N.D. Game and Fish Department is encouraging anglers to refer to the 2022-24 North Dakota Fishing Guide for winter fishing regulations, available online at https://gf.nd.gov/fishing/regulations-guide/2022-24.

Some winter fishing regulations include:
• A maximum of four poles is legal for ice fishing. When fishing a water body where both open water and ice occur at the same time, however, an angler is allowed a maximum of four poles, of which no more than two poles can be used in open water.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Administrator Andrew Berke held a roundtable discussion with North Dakota electric cooperative leaders Dec. 4, 2023, in Fargo. Key topics included infrastructure, resiliency, reliability and serving rural communities.