Ahoj,   (Is a common word for hello in Slovak, pronounced “Ah-hoy”)

• Dangerous weather patterns have persisted recently. Given that January is known for extreme conditions, please take precautions; frostbite is a serious risk that can result in amputation.” 
• On a lighter note, Groundhog Day is celebrated annually in the United States and Canada on February 2. The tradition is derived from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den and winter will continue for six more weeks; if it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early. Punxsutawney Phil is the United States groundhog, and Wiarton Willie is the Canadian groundhog.  Cross your fingers everyone.
• There are exciting happenings in Valley City.  Bids for the new Valley City Public Schools building are expected to be let March 11, 2026. Steel is already up at the Tharaldson Family Athletic Center and the Public Works Service Center Complex. All three are impressive projects that will add beauty and functionality to Valley City. It is worth a drive-by to view the steelwork in person. 
• Think, “SHOP small, SHOP local.” Thank you.
• With recent high winds persisting, empty garbage bins have been blowing around streets and alleys. Record the RPC barcode number on your bin, which is registered to your address, so you can identify it in the event of a “mix-up.” 
• Dang, I wish I didn’t feel the need to write this again.  PLEASE respect people’s yards and boulevards, “pick up your pet’s POOP”! 
• The landfill we use raised mattress disposal fee to $15.00.  With that, there will be a $15.00 fee per mattress when brought out to the transfer station. For information, please call 701-845-0314
• Thank you to all who provided material and to Sue for proofing this column.
• “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”     ~ Princess Diana

        Blessings, Prayer, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Salute, (A greeting from a Latin word meaning “to wish health”)

• The Barnes County Service Unit of The Salvation Army is grateful to the Valley City and Barnes County communities for giving so generously to this year’s Red Kettle Campaign. The campaign raised a total of $70,022.22, which will be used to help those in need build bridges to stability in their lives, disaster relief, food, shelter, job training, and substance abuse rehabilitation centers. The Salvation Army has been noted as having one of the lowest overheads among charitable organizations so a greater percentage of donations go directly to vital services.
• “While walking through a wind shelter this Sunday afternoon, I was struck by the sound of the wind moving through the spruce, cottonwood, and elm trees. At times, it roared like a train crossing the Hi-Line Bridge; at others, it was the subtle creaking and cracking of branches. It was a truly amazing experience.”
• Missouri River Energy Services (MRES), in partnership with four other upper Midwest energy companies, has applied to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for a Certificate of Need for adding a second transmission line to the existing power line running primarily along Interstate 94 between Fargo and Alexandria.  The Fargo-to-Alexandria second-circuit project will help enhance electric reliability and improve system resiliency in the Upper Midwest including all MRES Members.
• The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) ran a social media campaign, “#ThankARef” during Officials’ Appreciation Week. The universities and fans thanked game officials for their dedication to student-athletes in various sports like basketball and football. Officials provide opportunities for kids to play as “Without officials, it is just a scrimmage”.  How about saying “thank you” to a “ref”?
• Tragically, federal prosecutors have secured indictments against 26 individuals accused of rigging college basketball games in the United States. U.S. Attorney David Metcalf stated that the scheme threatened “the integrity of sport itself and everything that sports represent to us—hard work, determination and fairness.” Hopefully, integrity will prevail as the legal process unfolds and those involved choose to do the right thing moving forward.
• Thank you to all who provided material and to Sue for proofing this column.
• Don’t let making a living prevent you from making a life.”               ~ John Wooden

        Blessings, Prayer, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Hei,    (A Norwegian “hello”, pronounced like “high”)

• Monday, January 19 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  Dr. King was the primary spokesperson for non-violent activisme during the Civil Rights Movement.
• Our region’s weather continually amazes me. Large temperature swings in a few hours, shifts from calm to high winds, and transitions from snow to rain seem to occur regularly!  Each season, however, has its own beauty, and I am grateful for the variety in our area.
• Are you looking for a career in the electrical industry? Please visit the Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) Scholarship page for industry information and current scholarship opportunities.  
• Please clean up after your pet! Picking up waste when it’s cold is easy, helps reduce the spread of bacteria and diseases. It is also the law. Thank you for your efforts in keeping our community beautiful and healthy.
• In the January 8, 2026, edition of the Times Record, Chelsey Schaefer wrote an informative article titled ‘The True Cost of Shopping.’ I found it quite interesting, and I hope you will too.
• During seasons with less sunlight, it is easier to feel a bit “bummed”, though there are things we can do to enhance feeling good. Staying active—as regular physical activity boosts mood and energy—maintaining daily routines, a consistent sleep schedule (7-9 hours), and choosing to eat healthy meals can help.
• Filtered cigarette butts are being tossed onto yards and streets. These filters are made of cellulose acetate, a type of plastic. In typical soil, it can take between 10 and 15 years to completely decompose. When submerged in water, a single filter can leach toxic chemicals for up to 10 years.  Please, “think before you toss”.  Use a fire-safe receptacle to hold cigarette butts and dispose of them appropriately. Thank you.  
• Thank you to all who provided material and to Sue for proofing the column.
• Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”               ~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

        Blessings, Prayer, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Greetings,

• Happy New Year everyone, I hope your holiday season was gratifying and safe for you, your family and friends. 
• That the “holiday season” was mentioned, I am looking forward to a weekday “just” being a weekday and a weekend “just” being a weekend for a while.  Being an older retired guy with holidays mixed in the week, I have a heck of a time keeping the days straight!  Hopefully, getting back to a “routine” will help.
• Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is this Thursday, January 9, 2026.  Please join the nation in honoring the dedicated women and men in law enforcement.  Whether wearing blue clothing or ribbons, sending thank you notes, or simply saying “thank you”, your support makes a difference. Let’s recognize the courage and sacrifices of our officers who keep our communities safe every day.
• Doug Leier, of North Dakota Game and Fish, regularly writes an outstanding column titled “North Dakota Outdoors”.  In the December 30, 2025, edition of the Times Record, he crafted a serenely written piece, “Embrace the Winter.”  I hope you look it up and enjoy it.
• The Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation (VCBCDC) is working tirelessly improving quality of life and place in all of Barnes County.  Please visit:  https://www.developvcbc.com/
• The “Good Life” in Valley City.  They say, “It Takes a Village”, we believe “It Takes A Valley”.  We live in a small town in North Dakota where city, county, and community work together to create a lifestyle that conveys the quality of place for our residents and visitors. Valley City is home to nationally recognized school systems, an array of apartment and housing options, numerous job industries, and a growing list of community events.  Learn more about why we believe Valley City is one of the best places to live and work in North Dakota.  For further information, you are invited to see:  https://www.developvcbc.com/goodlife
• To have the kind of year you want to have, something has to happen that you can’t explain why it happened. Something has to happen that you can’t coach.”              ~ Bobby Bowden

        Blessings, Prayer, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Hello Folks,

• Have you heard of Betty Reid Soskin?  Being a black woman, Betty couldn’t be a “Rosie the Riveter” during WWII as those positions were for white women.  That being said, she served our nation in numerous other ways; she was a *National Park Ranger, a union clerk, a legislative aide and historian to name a few.  Betty Reid Soskin, the National Park Service’s oldest active ranger, retired at the age of 100 and recently died at the age of 104.  For more, go to our Valley City Barnes County Public Library or search “Betty Reid Soskin”.
• Last Saturday after the ice melted from the interstate, I drove to Bismarck.  The sky was cloudy and there was a moderately thick, gloomy fog.  Just west of Jamestown the clouds lightened and near Windsor the clouds cleared and the sun shined brightly behind me.  It had been awhile since the sun had shown its splendor so it garnered my attention.  The hoarfrost was in its glory, shining a brilliant white with a vivid blue sky in the background. I was in awe, it was a blessing. 
• It has been busy for many groups of people during the time from Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas Holidays, and now into the New Year.  In addition to holidays, there is a plethora of NCAA Football Bowls and NFL Playoffs for the dedicated football fans.  In addition to the FBS & NFL Play-offs, there are approximately thirty other “bowl games” during which folks can gather for food, fellowship and football.  Enjoy.
• Exercise can be fun, social and good for us.  So, take a dance class, hit the hiking trails or try pickleball. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and just do it.  Bored? Try something new, or do something with friends or family.  ~ Mayo Clinic
• Remember to clean your sidewalks within 48 hours of a snow event.  Please do your best, thank you.
• Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
• “It’s not the will to win that matters. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.”     ~ Paul “Bear” Bryant

        Blessings, Prayer, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Christmas Greetings,

• As the Jewish Hanukkah Celebration winds down, the Christian Celebration of Christmas ramps up.  December 25th Christians commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ through religious and cultural traditions.  Around the world special church services are held with heartfelt caroling, focusing on love, peace, generosity and family.  In addition to church activities, families commonly gather to honor Jesus’ birth with food, gifts and companionship.
• Our Valley City Fire Department held its Christmas Party last week.  There was a great turn out with current and retired firefighters sharing the camaraderie and special bonds that have grown among them over the years.  The commitment includes, but not limited to their time away from family and hours of training which lead the way to lifelong relationships.  Blessings and be safe.
• Remember “The Reason for the Season”
• Even though significant winter weather events have missed us, there have been enough snow falls to create challenges with snow and ice.  Managing snow and ice on city streets is an “art” and our folks do a great job.  During my years with the North Dakota High School Activities Association, Sheryl and I traveled the state extensively and we felt there wasn’t another town with better snow removal than Valley City.  Thanks All.
• With Christmas Eve being Wednesday, perhaps it would be enjoyable for you to drive around and see residential and city Christmas lighting.  Many folks have done great work decorating around their properties while our city electrical crew has added some new decorations along with “revamping” older decorations making them look like new.  Great job, thank you guys.
• Clean snow and ice from around your garbage containers so they can be accessed for pickup.
• Merry Christmas from our house to yours and may your family gathering be filled with love, joy and peace.
• Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
• “Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.”     ~ Mother Teresa

        Blessings, Prayer, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Hello Everyone,

• At the time of this writing, gunmen had killed at least 15 people at a celebration of Hanukkah! What a horrible beginning to Hanukkah, a time that is to be one of “joyous victory” for the Jewish community.  Also, Christians are recognizing the Advent Season in preparation for the Christmas season celebrating Jesus’ birth. Pray that our world can find safety and peace for all people.  Please everyone, “Love your neighbor as yourself”.
• On the lighter side, football is in the air at the college and professional levels.  The FCS division is moving into its semifinal week while the FBS begins its first-round week.  The NFL had key matchups over the weekend clarifying some playoff spots and making some others more cluttered.  A great time for “Football Junkies”, enjoy.
• Holiday lighting is prevalent around town, folks have done nice jobs decorating their properties.  Thank you all for beautifying Valley City and remember “The reason for the season”.
• The 2025 Winter Solstice of the Northern Hemisphere is Sunday December 21st.  With that, our time of daylight increases beginning Monday the 22nd, WOO HOO!!
• In 1958 there was an electrical power shortage, somewhat like today.  Thus, the Mid-West Electric Consumer Association (MWECA) was formed.  The coalition served rural co-ops and public power districts that purchase federal hydropower from Missouri River Dams (Pick-Sloan Program) to ensure fair rates and reliable power.  Missouri River Energy Services (MRES), as an MWECA member, represents us in the coalition which is still working today.
• Exercise is critical for us, young and old alike.  If it is too cold for you to get outside and exercise, Google “Chair Exercises”.  They have beneficial exercises shown for all, why not try them?
• Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
• “Giving up doesn’t always mean you’re weak, sometimes it means you are strong enough and smart enough to let go and move on.”     ~ Surprise Church

        Blessings, Prayer, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud