NEWS & NOTES

9/25/2023

• Hello Folks,
• October 8-13 will be Youth Mental Health Awareness Week in Valley City sponsored by numerous organizations.  Jeff Yalden, Teen Mental Health and Motivational Speaker will be headlining the event.  Should you want further information or want to help, please e-mail: josh.johnson@k12.nd.us . 
• We were certainly Blessed with some nice rain over the weekend.  Nearly all the land in our area was craving a “good drink of water”.  However, our road construction will likely suffer a slow down, so we’ll need to be a little patient with the inconvenience.
• Congratulations to the VCHS Seniors for achieving the #1 Ranking in the North Dakota Dept. of Public Instruction’s “Choice Ready” program which is a new component in the North Dakota Accountability System.  Thank you to the VCPS teachers and administrators who facilitated the achievement.
• Across the United States, October 1-7 celebrates Public Power Week.  Valley City, being a Municipal Power Community, affords us local control, favorable rates, reliability and adequacy.  Together with MRES, our citizens are provided power that is 87% carbon free.
• Winter Parking Regulations go into effect next Sunday, October 1st.  Please familiarize yourself with said regulations so you can avoid being ticketed.  If you have any questions, please call the Police Department at 845-3110.
• Sunday our Valley City Fire Department (VCFD) held its annual Family Day Picnic.  Golf and trap shooting were scheduled in the afternoon, but the weather only allowed the trap shooting to take place.  Later in the afternoon families gathered at the Eagles for games, a bouncy house, fellowship and food.  Thank you to all the fire fighters’ family members who arrange their lives so our VCFD can be staffed and protect us.  ** Just as folks sat down with their food, THERE WAS A CALL, so all the firefighters ran out the door while their families continued playing and eating!!
• Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                    

• “Teamwork doesn’t come naturally; it needs to be taught.”    ~ Pat Summitt                      

                                                                                                                                                                       Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

 NEWS & NOTES

9/18/2023

• Hi Everybody,
• What a great weather we were afforded last weekend!   Comfortable for many activities and “do-lists”.  I hope you enjoyed.
• Last week our Chamber hosted another “Coffee & Conversation”.  This session’s program focused on marketing and how to build attractive posters and develop eye-catching headlines.  It was especially interesting as each could use a laptop to build practical applications.  Watch for the next “Coffee & Conversation” and check with the Chamber Office as to how the program may help you.
• * Please pick up your dog’s poop!
• This Thursday the 21st at 4:30, noted Children’s Book Author Elizabeth Raum will appear at the VCBC Public Library.  One of her  books, about the 1997 flooding in our area, is noted as a “Junior Guild Gold Star Selection”.  For further information about Ms. Raum, please see: www.elizabethraumbooks.com
• A favorite event in the fall season is Homecoming and we have two of them in town this week.  Friday the Hi-Liners’ Homecoming Parade is at 4:00 followed by the football game with Horace at 7:00. “Go Hi-Liners”.    Saturday VCSU’s Homecoming Parade begins at 10:30 followed by the 2:00 football game with Mayville State University.  “Go Vikings”.   Tailgating begins at 11:00 AM.
• Saturday Valley City Public Schools will host the “Blue & White Bill Jansen Memorial Cross Country Meet”.  It is quite a sight as the meet is one of the largest in the state.  The first races begin at 10:30 so be there early to get a good viewing position.  “Go Hi-Liners”.
• We received another letter at our house about “Exterior Water Service Line Warranties”.  Even though it appears to have been sent from Valley City Public Works, it was not.  That said, it is a product for sale to the public from Service Line Warranties of America.  Please research thoroughly before making your decision.
• Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                    

• “A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment.”    ~ John Wooden                      

                                                                                                                                                                       Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

 NEWS & NOTES

9/11/2023

• Hello Folks
• We are in another beautiful time of the year in our area.  There are a few trees showing some yellow gold tints while other trees and grasses are vividly green.  Enjoy.
• It is also wasp season though.  What scent or smell keeps wasps away?  Wasps have a strong sense of smell and dislike plants like peppermint, spearmint, basil, eucalyptus, cloves, geranium, thyme, citronella, bay leaves & lemongrass.  ~ The Spruce.
• Repel wasps with apple juice in a pie pan with a few drops of dish soap.  The sweet attracts them and the soap kills them.
• Your Public Works Department will pick-up limbs and stick the last Thursday and Friday of September.  Call 845-1700 to request pick-up.
• Fun fact:  Last week, The Twins played the Rangers at Globe Life Field.  The average monthly stadium electricity bill is between $500,000 & $600,000, Yikes! ~ Google
• September is “National Recovery Month”.  If you or someone close to you is challenged with mental health or substance abuse, please know there is help out there for all.  Begin by contacting a health provider or someone in recovery with whom you can visit.  Stop your pain, get started; talk with someone.
• Winter parking regulations will be coming pretty soon, be watching so you can be prepared.
• The other day I was walking home and stopped to visit some folks relaxing on their first-floor balcony.  Do you remember when older homes had porches on the front and neighbors would stop by and visit?  Then came garages, electric garage door openers and decks on the backs of houses.  It seems all those things are handy, though sad to say, each challenges socializing…….. Make an effort to greet your neighbors.
• Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                    

• “A smart person knows what to say.  A wise person knows whether or not to say it.”    ~ Pinterest                        

                                                                                                                                                                       Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

 NEWS & NOTES

9/4/2023

Hi Everybody,

• Thursday the 7th is “Summer VIKES on Central” welcoming VCSU students and faculty back to Valley City for the new school year.  This week’s music will feature 32 Below, an ever-popular band in these parts.  “People will go where they are invited, but they will stay where they feel welcome” so we hope you feel welcome here.
• Valley City provides for its citizens a free 24/7 facility where you can dispose your leaves, grass clippings & branches.  There are only a few simple rules to follow, put your material on the correct piles, empty plastic bags and a maximum of 4” diameter limbs to name a few.  Please take care of your site and another point is, there are security cameras.
• One of our citizens visited with me last week wondering how he could become more involved in our city.  How refreshing.  Often we have openings on committees where we have to recruit people.  Please stop in the office and leave your name and your interest with Judi so we can reach you.  Thank you for your consideration.
• While on the involvement topic, thank you to the Valley City Commissioners for standing elections and serving you citizens.  Every two years we have city elections, please think about running for an office.
• Remember North Dakota has a primary seatbelt law now.  For me, it was in my head that I didn’t like the perceived hassle of buckling up.  As time passed, I began noticing how many drivers have a blatant disregard for stop signs in town which stimulated a better effort on my part.  After a while, it became a habit and I buckle up without further thought.  I believe in the safety aspect of buckling up and with texting now days ……  Be safe, consider buckling regularly. 
• Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                     

• “Never miss an opportunity to shut up.  Well-timed silence has more eloquence than speech.”    ~ Cowboy Logic                        

                                                  Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

NEWS & NOTES

8/27/2023

            Hello Folks,

• Schools in Valley City are in session.  VCPS, St. Kate’s, VCSU and Valley City Christian School began classes last week and it certainly livens things bit with all the students in and around town.  WELCOME and thank you for choosing Valley City.
• Along with classes, sports and fine arts activities have begun.  Get out and enjoy contests, concessions, and tailgating while the weather is nice.
• VCSU Football again has the “Paint Bucket” and happens to have 7 pairs of brothers on this year’s team!  That is special, we are glad you are here.  Many VCSU Football team members welcomed students the first day of school at Washington and Jefferson Schools.  Students will remember that gesture for a long time.  Thank you.
• Do you know our Volunteer Firefighters drill/train two evenings a month?  Their families graciously share personal time when firefighters could be home so they can provide fire protection for all.  Chief Scott Magnuson informed me there are a couple openings  on the VCFD.  Maybe you female/male thought about being a fire fighter when you were a kid; check it out.  Call Chief Magnuson at (701) 845-3351.
• Gosh, this is the last week in August already and that brings Labor Day September 4th.  I hope you all can find some time to relax and have some fun with family and friends over the holiday weekend. BE SAFE.
• August 24th was National Hydropower Day.  Hydropower has been producing energy for 135 years and according to the National Hydropower Association (NHA), represents approximately 91% of the nation’s energy storage which pairs perfectly with other renewables.
• Monday we interviewed finalists for our Police Chief opening, Nick Horner, Brett Westbrook and Sean Hagen.  Hopefully the naming of  the new chief will take place this week.  Thank you Carl, Gwen and all who have been part of the search process.
• Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                    

• “The world is full of kind people…. if you can’t find one, be one.”    ~ Shutterstock                        

                                                                                                                                                                       Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

NEWS & NOTES

8/21/2023

Hello Everybody,

• Our weather over the weekend, certainly reached opposite ends of the spectrum.  Warm/hot and sticky Saturday with Sunday being cool & cloudy.  Ah, the variety of North Dakota weather!
• Some have asked, “Why is the construction company rolling soil back and forth?”  A view from 10,000 feet is, due to rain, the soil is too wet to backfill, so it is worked to dry it.  It needs to be dry enough to backfill without air voids and moist enough to compact.
• Many of you have received letters referring to Permanent Flood Protection (PFP) CLOMR Mapping.  FEMA requires notification of all who may be affected by a change in the 1% (100-year) annual water surface elevation due to the PFP and qualify for certification.  If you are comfortable with the information, do nothing, if you have questions, follow the directions in said letter.
• Sunday morning following church, Sue Mindy (our dog) and I went for a walk.  There was the slightest breeze, colors were vivid and the river was flowing lazily down its stream.  It was surreal; think about going out and looking around our beautiful community.
• There are more and more Maple trees showing signs of Chlorosis.  If your Maple or other trees have symptoms, please have them checked to see if you can save them.  BEFORE you purchase and plant a tree, please consult with our city forester, our county agent or stop at city hall for a pamphlet to ensure you are planting a tree that will likely succeed in your soil.  
• Awhile ago I attended a high school class reunion.  Even though we are looking older, the conversations seem to pick up right where we left off years ago.  I am very grateful to have attended and saw so many “old” friends.  It was delightful.  Think about attending yours.
• Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                     

• “The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.”    ~ Calvin Coolidge                        

                                                  Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud