04.14.2026 Board of Equalization Agenda

CITY COMMISSION MEETING VALLEY CITY, NORTHDAKOTA

Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 4:00 PM

The City Board of Equalization Meeting will begin on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 at 4:00 PM at the City Commission Chambers, 220 3rd ST NE Valley City, ND.

The meeting is also available to view on-line https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88494745260 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 884 9474 5260

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

  1. Auditor to read Sections 57-11-01, 03 and 07 of the North Dakota Century Code pertaining to the duties of the Board of Equalization.
  • President declares the hearing open
    • Report from Assessor
    • Requests from Property Owners
    • Auditor’s report on any written communication
  • Motion to close hearing

Roll Call:         Bishop              Magnuson      Gulmon            Erickson         Carlsrud

  • Commission to review the assessment books. Motion to approve the assessment books as prepared by the City Assessor. (Note any changes to assessment books in separate motion).

Roll Call:         Magnuson        Bishop            Erickson           Gulmon          Carlsrud

ADJOURN

03.16.2026 Commission Meeting Minutes

City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Monday, March 16, 2026

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Magnuson, City Administrator Crawford (via Zoom), City Attorney Martineck, Deputy Auditor Johnson

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

No Changes

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Minutes from the 03.03.2026 Commission Meeting.

Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.

Approve House Movers License

     Carrington House Movers LLC

Approve Contractors License

     Cash Concrete

Approve Local Permit for Raffle

     Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce

Motion to approve by Commissioner Bishop, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes        Motion passed

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2522 A Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Paving 133

City Engineer Petersen reported on the bid opening and found Bituminous Paving Inc was the lowest bid at $1,484,694.00.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Erickson, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Roll Call: Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes       Motion Passed     

New Business

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,454,710.87.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Roll Call: Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes       Motion Passed

Approve Quotes for Custodial Maintenance Services and Authorize City Administrator to Negotiate and Enter into Contract According to Terms of RFQ.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Erickson, seconded Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes       Motion Passed

City Updates & Commission Reports

City Assessor Drabus reported on assessment notices being sent to all properties in Valley City, this will include the 2025 assessed value and the proposed 2026 assessed value.

Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 5:17pm

03.03.2026 Commission Meeting Minutes

City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, March 03, 2026

Vice-President Bishop called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.

Members present: Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson, City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Klein

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

No Changes

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Minutes from the 02.17.2026 Finance and Commission Meeting
  2. Approve Contractors License
    1. JLXterior LLC
  3. Approve Tree Removal Service License
    1. Carrs Tree Service Inc
  4. Approve Special Event Raffle Permit
    1. Disabled American Veterans Raffle Permit
    1. Education Foundation for Valley City Public Schools
    1. VCHS DECA

Motion to approve by Commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Gulmon-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Bishop-Yes      Motion Passed

New Business

Approve NDDOT Project No. SU-CRP-2-990(062)/SU-CRP-2-990(063)/HEU-2-990(064) – 2nd Ave NE/3rd St NE/3rd Ave NE Reconstruction and 8th Ave SW Flashing Beacon.

City Engineer Petersen recommended approval of the project with the understanding that Strata will provide assurance that repairs will be made to cracked sidewalk panels.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call: Magnuson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes      Motion Passed

Approve PW 2026 Budget Amendments as presented.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Gulmon-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Bishop-Yes      Motion Passed

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 5:13pm

02.17.2026 Commission Meeting Minutes

City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Magnuson, City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

No changes

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Minutes from the 02.03.2026 Commission Meeting.

Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.

Approve Tree Trimming License

Renewal – Morehouse Enterprises LLC

Approve Contractors License

Northern Plains Window LLC

Approve Special Event Permits – Raffle

Sheyenne Red River Rodeo Club

Dakota State Eagles

St. Catherine School

Motion to approve by Commissioner Bishop, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes       Motion Passed

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2520, A Resolution Declaring Sufficiency of Protest for Paving Improvement District No. 133.

4 protests were received, which remains under the total 50% needed to protest the project.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call: Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes       Motion Passed

Approve Resolution 2521. A Resolution Approving Final Plans, Specifications, and Estimation of Probable Costs for Paving Improvement District No. 133.

City Engineer Petersen stated bidding will open at 10am on Wednesday March 11, 2026.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Bishop, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call: Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes        Motion passed

New Business

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $2,100,912.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call: Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes       Motion Passed

Approve Applications for Abatement of 2025 Taxes for the City of Valley City for parcel #63-5420600, 63-6040198, 63-400818, 63-3110126, and 63-4000296.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Roll Call: Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes       Motion Passed

Approve Applications for Abatement of 2025 Taxes for Thundering Saints Inc, Parcel # 63-3472265 and 63-3472274.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Erickson, seconded Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes       Motion Passed

Approve Application for Abatement of 2025 Taxes for Valley City Public School District No. 2 for Parcel # 63-3021259

Motion to approve by Commissioner Bishop, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes        Motion passed

Approve Recommendation from Renaissance Zone Authority Board to approve four applications from Bridgetown Development LLP for a 5-year State Income Tax Exemption and 5-year Property Tax Exemption Capped at $500,000, and designate them as VC-141, VC-142, VC-143 and VC-144.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call: Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes       Motion Passed

Approve Purchase of 1139 10th Street SW, parcel no. 63-3060183 for $19,580 Pursuant to Permanent Flood Protection Acquisition Plan.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Roll Call: Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes       Motion Passed

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford reported that the Public Works Service Center project is progressing as planned and remains within budget. 

Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 5:12pm

03.16.2026 Finance Meeting Minutes

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Monday March 16, 2026

Called to Order

President Dave Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30pm

Roll Call  

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson (called out from 2:54 – 3:11pm), Commissioner Gulmon. Commissioner Erickson

Others present: City Administrator Crawford (via zoom), City Attorney Martineck, Deputy Auditor Johnson

Agenda Items

Review monthly bills/reports totaling $1,454,710.87

Discuss Assessment Notices

City Assessor Drabus informed the commissioners of a letter being sent out with the 2025 city property value and proposed 2026 city property value.  These notices use to be sent by the county and are now being sent by the city.

Discuss Water Tower Logo

City Administrator Crawford reported to commission about water tower designs.

Discuss Request for $60,000 for two homes funded through the City Sales Tax dedicated to economic development and up to $20,000 funded through the City’s Enterprise Fund.

Department Reports

City Engineer Petersen reported on permanent flood protection phases 4, 5 & 6.

Sanitation Department Supervisor Swart reported the container count and gave update on Electric Clean up prices.  This year we did lose a little because prices went up for us to dispose of the electronics.

Water Department Water Superintendent Hesch

Electrical Department Electrical Superintendent Senf advised that there were no outages for February. The guys have been working on tree removal & clearing the lines. Spending a little time with cleaning up the Winter Show line and removing the platform currently used. Removing a 3phase line near the Fish Hatchery as well.

Fire Department Fire Chief Magnuson shared last month’s report with only 8 general calls for service however, there were 22 pages of Chief calls. Saturday night is the annual fundraiser for the Fire Department.

Police Department Police Chief Horner reported on calls for service for February. The department recently coordinated with the Highway Patrol to conduct a K-9 drug detection sweep within the school system. Lieutenant Rustebakke and Sergeant Knight have successfully completed the Leadership and Police Organizations (LPO) course. Progress is also being made on the implementation of the new SIREN radio system.

Street Department Operations Supervisor Klemischreported on a water line repair that was done last week.  Pothole filling will begin soon depending on weather.  Crew put some sandbags up on Loves Hill to try to help with water going over the road but the sandbags were hit and knocked around within a day or so.

City Administer Crawford gave a reminder to look at water towers and see what they like about designs.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 3:45PM.

02.17.2026 Finance Meeting Minutes

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

2:30 PM

Called to Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.

Roll Call

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon, City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein

Agenda Items

Review monthly bills/reports.

Discuss Water Tower Logo.  Valley City High School is not interested in placing a logo on the water tower at this time, as they are currently focusing their funds on new school construction.

Discuss appointment of Municipal Judge to fill remainder of term: June 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028.  Thomas Goven, the current Municipal Judge, has submitted a letter of resignation, effective June 1, 2026. Discussion to appointment replacement to fill the remainder of his term. Letters will be sent to interested parties, and letters of interest will be requested for review at the March Finance and Commission Meeting.

Discuss appointment and terms of Planning and Zoning Commissioners.  Terms for any appointed committee will begin July 01.

Review Finance Committee Recommendations for Year-end Transfers and Reserve Policy.

Finance Director Klein reviewed 2025 year-end transfers that were discussed by the Finance Committee: Transfer in the amount of $229,876 from 601 (Electric Fund) to 611(Service Center Loan Reserves). Transfer in the amount of $100,000 from Fund 100 (General) to 608 (Street). Transfer in the amount of $537,354 from 601 (Electric) to 608 (Street). Discussed that remaining funds from Refunding Bonds in Funds 357 & 358 will be transferred to Fund 290 (R&R Infrastructure Funds) in 2026 when bonds are paid in full. Discussed Reserves Policy and recommend to strive to maintain 30% operating reserves for both the General Fund and Enterprise Funds. If reserves drop below 25% take measures to either generate additional revenue or reduce expenditures, or a combination of both.

Discuss Employee Holiday and Overtime Pay.

City Administrator Crawford provided an overview on how other cities calculate and pay overtime and holiday hours worked. Our policy is being reviewed by staff and will be brought before the Commission for approval.

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart wanted to remind everyone to please have patience with the garbage pick-up.  We are training new drivers along with planned and unplanned events may cause delays or changes in routes which means your garbage will not be picked up at the same time every week.  Please wait until after 3pm to call if you believe your garbage has been missed.

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch reported Valley City took 2nd place for the ND water tasting contest at the ND Rural Water Expo.

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported on planned work for February, 2025 complete summary outage log, and 2026 outages.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson reported on chief calls and that the fire department held a pinning ceremony and went well. 

Police Department

Police Chief Horner reported on calls for service, 2025-year end report, and updated commissioners on upcoming trainings for officers.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported on the 2025 Water Expo Convention he attended and updated Commissioners on waterpipe regulations and new requirements on updating water pipe systems.

Administration

City Administrator Crawford reported that Phase II of the walking path project has been approved to go out for bid in October.

At the Renaissance Zone meeting, discussion was held regarding placing greater emphasis on incentives for single-family homes. Members also discussed possible approaches to assist property owners with homes in disarray and/or the conversion of multifamily homes into single family homes.

A reminder was given that the City’s social media accounts are not monitored for questions or concerns. Residents are encouraged to contact Public Works directly. Calls may be made at any time, and after-hours calls are rerouted to the City’s after-hours phone service to address emergency needs.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:38 PM.

Dave Carlsrud

04.07.2026 Mayor’s Message

“Howdy Folks”,

  • “Howdy” is an informal, friendly greeting primarily associated with the Southern and Western United States, especially Texas 🙂
  • Thank you to Columbia Grain International for its continued investment in Valley City.  Last week, a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held to celebrate the new Edible Bean Processing Facility.  President & CEO Kurt Haarmann emceed a short program headlined by Senator John Hoeven and Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak. Thank you to our legislators and staff members for arranging their visit to Valley City.
  • Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”  ~ TS Eliot
  • Sadly, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was confirmed in Fargo this winter.  EAB was also detected just north of Edgeley, ND in the summer of 2024.  Unfortunately, it’s only a matter of time before it reaches Valley City and impacts our ash trees. 
  • To help mitigate the effects of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), we’ve been proactively removing ash trees over the past five summers. With the aid of grants, we are replacing them with a diverse mix of new species. This approach should make the eventual loss less noticeable and reduce long-term impacts. If we’re fortunate, we may have around five years before the EAB arrives here, giving us additional time to continue removals and replanting.
  • Last week, I drove out to Bjornson Park Municipal Golf Course to see how the bridge construction is progressing. It’s a great-looking structure that will greatly enhance the beauty of the area. Industrial Builders appears to be doing a nice job; there were numerous work zones operating as efficiently as possible for a bridge project of this scale.
  • What could have been our largest snowfall of the year may also have been the prettiest. Snow in our area often falls “sideways,” but this snow fell gently and piled up beautifully on fence posts. With street and sidewalk surfaces being warmer, the snow on them melted rather quickly, exposing the bare concrete and asphalt surfaces while leaving a stunning covering of snow on the grass. It was a nice treat.
  • Thank you to all who provided material and to Sue for proofing this column.
  • “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.”   ~ Henry Ford

        Blessings, Prayers, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

04.07.2026 Commission Meeting Agenda

City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, April 07, 2026
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, April 07, 2026 at 5:00 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 220 3rd St. NE, Valley City, ND.

The meeting is also available to view online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85785163977 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  857 8516 3977.

Next Resolution No. 2524            Next Ordinance No. 1187

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

MAYOR FOR THE DAY – Elsie Jorissen

Congratulations to Ms. Elsie Jorissen on her winning essay for Mayor for a Day Contest. Elsie is a 3rd Grade Student in Mrs. Breckheimer’s Class at Jefferson Elementary.

GOVERNMENT WEEK PROCLAMATION

Proclaim April 6 – 10, 2026 as City Government Week in Valley City

Department of Water Resources Presentation (Director of DWR, Reice Haase)

Approval of Agenda (Roll Call Vote needed when changes made to the Agenda)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Minutes from the 03.16.2026 Finance and Commission Meetings.
  2. Approve Contractors License
    1. Valley Lawn & Landscaping LLC
    1. All States Flooring INC
    1. TMI Corporation
    1. Carpco INC/Carpenter Homes
  3. Approve Local Raffle Permit
    1. Kiwanis Valley City
    1. St Kates Knights of Columbus #6438
    1. Valley City Lions Club Raffle
    1. VCSU Foundation – Track & Cross-Country Raffle
    1. VCSU Foundation – Scholarship Auction Raffle
    1. VCPS Music Boosters

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

Public Comments

This portion of the meeting provides a limited public forum for Valley City residents, property owners and business owners to address the Board of City Commissioners on topics related to City business.  Interested persons must submit a comment card with the individual’s name, address, and the topic to be commented upon. Non-residents must provide the address of the City of Valley City business the individual operates or works at or the address of real property which the individual owns within the City of Valley City. Comments cards must be provided to the meeting secretary and approved prior to speaking. Public comments are limited solely to business matters and concerns pertinent to the City.

The following rules apply to Public Comments:

  • Limited to five minutes per speaker.
  • Must not interfere with the orderly conduct of the meeting.
  • Must not be defamatory, abusive, harassing, or unlawful.
  • May be prohibited if an alternative procedure exists to bring that particular type of public comment before the City, the public comment includes confidential or exempt information, or the public comment is otherwise prohibited by law.

Submission of written comments: In lieu of speaking, a written comment may be delivered to the meeting secretary prior to the start of the meeting. Written comments are limited to two pages. Any member of the public seeking to comment without attending in person may submit written comments to tplecity@valleycity.us. Written comments hand delivered at the time of the meeting or emailed prior to 4:00 pm on the date of the meeting will be distributed to the Board for their information and maintained in City files.  Written comments are not read aloud at the meeting

 

Resolution

RES 2523.  Approve amendment to Resolution 2523, A resolution establishing rates and fees for solid waste services.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

New Business

NB1. Approve Valley City Tourism Grant for City of Valley City for $93,000 for shared use walking path to be paid $46,500in 2026 and $46,500 in 2027. (Visitors Committee Chair, Mary Lee Nielson)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

NB2. Approve Valley City Image Enhancement Grant for $5,800.00 for Mobility Plus Rehab LTD for signage ($2,000) and fencing ($3,800). (Visitors Committee Chair, Mary Lee Nielson)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

NB3. Approve Request for Funds for the Single-Family Home Buyer Assistance Program by the VCBC Development Corporation in the amount of $60,000 from City Sales Tax dedicated to Economic Development. (Jennifer Feist)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

NB4. Approve Request for Funds for Single Family Home Buyer Assistance Program by the VCBC Development Corporation in the amount of $20,000 from the City’s Enterprise Fund. (Jennifer Feist)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

NB5. Approve Changes to Employee Policy and Procedure Manual Regarding Overtime and Holiday Pay (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports

NW Water Tower Construction Schedule (City Engineer)

Adjourn

Dave Carlsrud

03.30.2026 Mayor’s Message

Greetings All,

  • April 2026 is National Lineman Appreciation Month with April 18th as Lineman Appreciation Day.  Regardless of weather conditions, electric line workers perform critical, often very dangerous tasks, building, preparing and maintaining the power grid on our behalf.  Thank you to Valley City and area line workers for all you do. 
  • It is encouraging to see daily temperatures rising, bringing more bikers, pedestrians, and motorcyclists out onto our sidewalks and streets. As a driver, I know I need to take extra care for everyone’s safety. Let’s all do our best to stay safe out there!
  • The longer days and higher sun have been pulling some frost out of the ground. There are a few areas where it’s still too wet. Other areas are dry enough that the city has already been able to blade the alleys. Thanks, guys.
  • Potholes are on the list to be fixed as soon as the weather clears and hot mix becomes available. Hot patches last much longer than cold patches, so they are well worth the wait! Thanks for your patience. 
  • Golf season is here! Man blames fate for all other accidents but feels personally responsible when he makes a hole-in-one.”       ~ Bishop Fulton J. Sheen
  • Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) is continually looking for smart investments that will help slow our members’ peak load growth, save them money and delay the need to invest in additional generating resources. Bright Energy Solutions BES is a unique portfolio of energy efficiency cash-incentive programs for residential and business customers.  See:  https://www.brightenergysolutions.com/
  • One of the best things we can do for our property’s appearance and value is to keep it clean and trimmed this summer. Take pride in your “place” and help keep it beautiful!
  • Thank you to all who provided material and to Sue for proofing this column.
  • “Happiness is not about having everything you want, but loving what you have.”   ~ Charlotte Chopin, age 102

        Blessings, Prayers, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Dave Carlsrud

03.23.2026 Mayor’s Message

G’day Mate, (An Australian Greeting, “hello friend”)

  • Last Saturday, the Valley City Fire Department (VCFD) held its annual fundraiser.  Some of the proceeds are invested in personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard rescue and firefighting personnel and to ensure a more efficient response for our community and the surrounding area. Thank you to everyone who supported so generously.
  • Our VCFD Rescue Squad consists of fourteen dedicated members who undergo specialized training and respond to over 50% of our total calls. Vehicle crashes are frequent and often require the squad to extricate trapped individuals—a skill that requires certification above and beyond their regular monthly drills. These members often witness difficult scenes that stay with them long after the call is over. We are deeply grateful for their service, Blessings and be safe.                    
  • “Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.” ~ John Lennon
  • Last week, the city staff of Dickinson, ND, did a great job hosting the North Dakota League of Cities (NDLC) Spring Workshop. We attended numerous educational sessions for city employees and elected officials, along with the opportunity to tour the City of Dickinson’s Public Works Center, the Police and Fire complex, and the Dinosaur Museum—all of which were terrific.  While the Dinosaur Museum may not look large from the outside, the inside is carefully laid out with a plethora of displays; it is well worth the visit. Another day, we were Blessed with a walking tour of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Having walked near the facility last summer, we already thought it was special, but being able to go inside this time was truly spectacular. It is certainly a destination for everyone. For more information, search “trlibrary.com”.
  • North Dakota High School Activities (NDHSAA), with offices right here in Valley City, winter activities have pretty concluded with some exciting competitions.  Now, the spring plays, speech, music and a plethora of sports are underway indoor and outdoor as weather permits.  Enjoy and be safe everyone.  “Victory is in the quality of competition and not the final score” ~ Mike Marshall
  • Thank you to all who provided material and to Sue for proofing this column.
  • “Be happy, Be bright, Be you.”   ~ Kate Spade

        Blessings, Prayer, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud