Category Archives: Announcements

Dave Carlsrud

11.03.2025 Mayor’s Message

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Howdy Folks, 

  • VCSU hosted the Interim Higher Education Institutions Committee on its campus in Valley City.  The committee included ND Legislators, citizen representatives and University System Commissioner Brent Sanford.  President Al LaFave, faculty, and other administrators all made presentations sharing how VCSU administers its mission as per the North Dakota University System.
  • Safety, remember there are distracted drivers so please wear Hi-Viz colors and walk AGAINST TRAFFIC versus with traffic.
  • Valley City winter parking regulations are in force, see. Visit our website for more info
  • Our winter season will bring colder weather, oh boy!  Anyway, if we minimize our power usage between 6:00 & 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again from 5:00 to 7:00, we can save thousands of dollars in demand charges.  Please think about it.
  • It is amazing to me how trees determine when to drop leaves as this year similar varieties of trees have dropped leaves at so many different times.  Some triggers are, but not limited to, fewer hours of daylight, drought, heat, frost and water logging. Some Maples have been dropping leaves in the wind and drizzle while some have just dropped them straight down.  With the fall colored leaves dropping softly under the trees overnight, a delightful beauty is created.
  • The Pick Sloan Plan of 1944 afforded North Dakota with federal hydro-power dams along the Missouri River.  Said dams are critical to our clean, adequate affordable power along with indispensable flood control.  Missouri River Energy Services along with our U.S. Senators and Congresswoman continually impress upon both legislative bodies the importance of maintaining ownership of the dams.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.”             ~ George Sand

        Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave Carlsrud

Agenda Available

11.4.2025 Commission Agenda

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, November 4, 2025
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 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/81829777720 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  818 2977 7720.

Next Resolution No. 2507            Next Ordinance No. 1181

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

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

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Minutes from the 10.21.2025 Finance & Commission Meetings.    
  2. Approve Local Contractor Application:
    1. Escape Fire Protection, Inc. – Vadnais Heights, MN                        
    1. Tecta America Dakotas – Fargo, ND                                                          
  3. Approve Gaming Site Authorization License:
    1. ND Chapter of Delta Waterfowl, Inc                                               
    1. Valley Twisters Gymnastics Club, Inc.                                            

Roll Call:    Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        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

Public Hearing

  1. Open Public Hearing Regarding Application for Alcoholic Beverage License for Bon Bon Café.

(City Attorney Martineck)                                                                                                                                                                                            

Motion to Close Hearing.

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

Approve Application for Alcoholic Beverage License for Bon Bon Café.

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

Ordinance

Resolution

RES 2505. A Resolution Approving Conditional Use Permit Auditors Lot 1 and the 360’ of the E 820’ of Auditor’s Lot 2 NW1/4 Section 32-140-58. (City Attorney Martineck)                                     

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

RES 2506. A Resolution Authorizing the Issuance and Sale of $600,000 Wastewater Treatment Improvement Warrant, Series 2025.    (Finance Director Klein)                                                            

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

New Business

NB1. Approve changes to Employee Policy and Procedure Manual. (City Attorney Martineck)    

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson           Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10.10.2025 Special Commission Minutes

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Friday, October 10, 2025

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon.

Others Present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Deputy Auditor Johnson, Police Chief Horner and City Engineer Petersen.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Special Assessments for Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 55.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

ADJOURN

Meeting was adjourned at 9:04 AM.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10.7.2025 Commission Minutes

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

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

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon, City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Deputy Auditor Johnson, City Assessor Drabus, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Horner, City Engineer Petersen, City Engineer Eslinger.

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

Commissioner Gulmon moved to remove NB3. Approve Interim Financing Agreement, Series F, for Red River Valley Water Supply Project and NB4. Approve opening a CD in the amount of $2,000,000 at Dacotah Bank, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Minutes from the 9.16.2025 Finance and Commission Meetings.
  2. Approve Contractor Licenses:
    1. Advanced Striping, Inc. – Fargo
    1. Sieg Construction – Valley City
    1. Vita Roofing LLP – Fargo
  3. Approve Local Raffle Permit:
    1. Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce
    1. Trinity Lutheran WELCA
    1. St. Catherine School
    1. SHINE

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve contingent on Sieg Construction providing updated Liability Insurance form, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

Public Hearing

Declared Public Hearing Open Regarding Special Assessment Projects: Paving Improvement District No. 126, Water Main Improvement District No. 104, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 68, and Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 55.

Commissioner Bishop moved to close, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Special Assessments as recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Paving Improvement District No. 126, Water Main Improvement District No. 104, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 68 and Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 55.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the Special Assessments as recommended by the Special Assessment Committee with the exception of Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 55 which was tabled for further review, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

Declared Public Hearing Open Regarding Special Assessment Projects: Paving Improvement District No. 128, Water Main Improvement District No. 105, and Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 69.

Commissioner Bishop moved to close, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Special Assessments as recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Paving Improvement District No. 128, Water Main Improvement District No. 105, and Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 69.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Ordinance

ORD 1179. Second and final reading of Ordinance 1179, an Ordinance to create and enact Section 01-01-17 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to billing and fees for city services.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

ORD 1180. Second and final reading of Ordinance 1180, an Ordinance Adopting the 2026 Annual City Budget.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution

RES 2502. A Resolution authorizing filing of application with the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality for a loan under the Clean Water Act and/or the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

New Business

NB1. Approve Accepting Award for Back the Blue Funds.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

NB2. Approve Agreement with the ND Department of Health and Human Services for the Police Department to develop the Responsible Tobacco Retailer Training Project.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford covered updates on construction progress, including soil removal and groundwork for the Service Center building, with soil being consolidated to one location for efficiency. Also, announced there will be an open house event on Wednesday October 8th for PFP homes, allowing residents to view items for potential auction.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Finance Director Klein announced that Brady Martz will be giving a quick overview of our 2024 audit at the next meeting.

Police Chief Horner reminded residents about parking regulations for the winter months.

City Engineer Eslinger reported the bids for the Water Tower project have been posted and are due Wednesday October 15, 2025.

Commissioner Gulmon provided a financial update, noting that revenues were outpacing expenses, but sales tax was down compared to the previous year.

Adjourn – 5:44 PM

Dave Carlsrud

10.27.2025 Mayor’s Message

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Greetings All, 

  • Last week Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak visited Valley City for an “Energy Roundtable” discussion. That she serves on the Energy and Commerce committee she is interested in our municipal power challenges and all of today’s energy needs. With her expertise from serving as North Dakota Public Service Commissioner, hearing her overview of issues was invaluable. One noted need is to generate enough energy to supply large load industries as there is no excess energy on the market at this point. Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) representatives from Sioux Falls, Hillsboro, and a good contingent of Valley City Department Heads attended. All were invited to share concerns and ask questions. Thank you to all who facilitated the event.
  • Recently someone appears to have gutted a deer on a large piece of cardboard, left the guts along with a chunk of meat on the cardboard and placed it in one of the bins at the Recycling Center. Really folks, that is wrong! The good news is, a name is on the cardboard.  
  • Congratulations to all the folks in our Valley City Finance Department as the department received a positive independent  audit from the Grand Forks office of Brady Martz & Associates. Thank you to all for your work, “doing the next right thing.”
  • The 2025 Salvation Army Kettle Campaign is right around the corner. Bell ringing will begin Monday, November 24th and continue through Christmas Eve.
  • For your convenience, the Valley City Transfer Station is now accepting payments with credit cards. The garbage pickup times may vary some days, but pickup begins at 7:00 a.m.  If your containers aren’t out by 7:00 a.m. you are at risk of being missed.
  • For your safety, the turn signals on your vehicle are to warn people you will turn. Give them a chance to miss you, turn your signal “on” before you touch your brake. Be safe.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “Kindness and politeness are not overrated at all. They’re underused.” ~ Tommy Lee Jones

Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,
Dave Carlsrud

Dave Carlsrud

10.20.2025 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everybody, 

  • Our North Dakota weather always amazes as wind is forecast and it is calm, it is forecast for cloudy and it is sunny and…… aw, you know. Mother Nature has a mind of her own….. a La Niña Winter is forecast so we must wait and see. “Oh boy!”
  • North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA) fall tournaments are well under way with Fargo South winning the Boys’ Soccer Tournament Saturday. To research where, when and how to watch other high school tournaments, please see: https://ndhsaanow.com/  HAVE FUN. 
  • The week of 10/20/2025 is “Careers in Energy Week.” Career jobs in energy for WOMEN and MEN are numerous. With all the generation and transmission needs, linemen, engineers, electricians, technicians, welders and more are needed. With Valley City being a Municipal Power Community, we have people in the field who are great resources so research jobs in energy, they could be for you. See “Hire PowHER”, https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/.  
  • When I was a youngster, Sunday afternoon entertainment was attending “Town Team Baseball” games. With sunny, bright blue skies and a soft breeze Sunday,  the sounds of baseball reverberated from beautiful Charlie Brown Field where VCSU was hosting a game. It was serene.
  • Major League Baseball Playoffs are winding down. The National League Dodgers have “rolled” through their competition in the NLCS and have qualified for the World Series.  In the American League, the Blue Jays are battling with the Mariners (M’s are up 3 games to 2) for the remaining slot in the world series. At the time of this writing, game 6 is in progress, so following said game, the Mariners will be the ALCS Champions or a game 7 will be played.  
  • The Halloween “Season” is around the corner with a plethora of activities for the Trick-or-Treaters beginning this weekend. There will be much traffic on and around streets during the Halloween, be careful folks.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.” ~ John Wooden

Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,
Dave Carlsrud

Agenda Available

10.21.2025 Commission Agenda

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, October 21, 2025
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 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/86372152642 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  863 7215 2642.

Next Resolution No. 2504             Next Ordinance No. 1181

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

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

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Minutes from the 10.7.2025 Commission & 10.10.2025 Special Commission Meetings.
  2. Approve Extension of City Administrator’s Contract.

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          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 knord@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 2503. A Resolution Authorizing Bids for Cropland Lease – Auditor’s Lot 2 NE1/4 31-140-58 and Auditor’s Lot 1 NW1/4 32-140-58. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

RES 2504. A Resolution Establishing Fee for Water Tower Infrastructure. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

New Business

  • Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $3,569,764. (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

  • Approve 2024 Audit Report prepared by Brady Martz. (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

  • Approval of Master Police Officer position. (Police Chief Horner)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

  • Approve 2026-2030 School Resource Officer Contract. (Police Chief Horner)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

N5. Approve ND DWR Construction Cost-Share Application for Northwest Standpipe Replacement Project.  (City Engineer) 

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

N6. Approve Award – Northwest Area Water System Improvements. (City Engineer) 

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

N7. Approve Amendment to Section A.2.3.1 of Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment to Construction Manager at Risk Agreement with McGough Construction — Substantial Completion Date October 19, 2026.

(City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Agenda Available

10.21.2025 Finance Agenda

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City Commission Finance Meeting 

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

2:30 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 2:30 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 220 3rd St. NE, Valley City, ND. 

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87319137584 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 873 1913 7584

CALL TO ORDER

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Overview of the 2024 Audit Report by Brady Martz
  2. Review Monthly Expenditures Reports. (Finance Director Klein)
  3. Quarterly Engineer Report. (Finance Director Klein)
  4. Update on Viking Trailer Court (City Administrator Crawford)
  5. Discuss Renewing School Resource Officer Contract. (Police Chief Horner)
  6. Discuss Master Police Officer position. (Police Chief Horner)
  7. Discuss Series F, Red River Valley Water Supply Project. (President Carlsrud)
  8. Discuss extension of City Administrator’s contract. (President Carlsrud)
  9. Discuss Bids for Northwest Area Water System Improvements. (City Engineer)
  10. Discuss Water Tower Surcharge amount. (City Administrator Crawford)
  11. Discuss status of Phase IV PFP. (City Engineer)
  12. Discuss regulation of concrete work and storm water management. (City Administrator Crawford)

DEPARTMENT REPORTS. (3:30PM)

  1. Sanitation Department
    1. Water Department
    1. Electric Department
    1. Fire Department
      1. Fire Extinguisher Report
      1. Blighted & Dangerous Buildings
    1. Police Department
    1. Street Department
    1. Administration

            Building Permit Report

            Court Report

Adjourn

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

8.12.2025 Planning & Zoning Minutes

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August 12th, 2025 – MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF VALLEY CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Chair Mike Schell presided and called the meeting to order at 4:00 on Tuesday August 12th,2025.

Commissioners present: Ian Jacobson, Joe Tykwinski, Dave Carlsrud, Jeff Erickson, Bill Carlblom

Absent: Tim Durheim

Others: City Administrator Gwen Crawford, City Attorney Carl Martineck, City Planner Joel Quanbeck, Acting Secretary Brandy Johnson, Fire Chief Scott Magnuson, Building Inspector Nick Blevins,

Commissioner Carlblom moved to approve the minutes from the July 8th, 2025 meeting seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion passed with unanimous approval.

Building Inspector Report

Building Inspector Nick Blevins sent the permit list to the board of the current permits. Commissioners had no questions.

Discussion      An application to plat part or all of a 7-acre tract of land located in the SE¼ of Section 33, Twp 140N, Rng 58W in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of Valley City

City Planner Joel Quanbeck spoke on the finding of the presented plat information and re-platting auditors lots.

Public Hearing for Variance for holding tank 11678 35m ST SE – Kapaun

Chair Schell opened the public hearing.

Suzie Kapaun spoke on the project they would like to do at their home.

Commissioner Carlblom made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Jacobson

Internal discussion ensued.

Commissioner Jacobson made a motion to approve the variance for a holding tank. Seconded by Commissioner Carlblom followed by a roll call vote and unanimous approval.

Public Hearing – Temporary use permit ordinance

Chair Schell opened the public hearing.

City Attorney Martineck discussed temporary use permit ordinance 1175

Commissioner Carlblom made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Carlsrud

Internal discussion ensued.

City Attorney Martineck will add recommended changes from the board and bring ordinance 1175 back to the next planning and zoning meeting.

Adjourn

With no other items to discuss, Chair Schell called the meeting to close at 4:52pm

Dave Carlsrud

10.13.2025 Mayor’s Message

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Greetings All, 

  • Saturday VCPR held its annual “Parktober Festival” in Chautauqua Park celebrating the beginning of fall. There were numerous activities with something to interest most everyone in the large crowd. Thank you to the VCPR folks for facilitating another great event in Valley City. 
  • Fall is a beautiful, busy time in our area. Schools are in session, buses are on the road, construction zones are buzzing and harvest in progress to name few. All involved are trying to go “somewhere” and often under time constraints. Be careful, take a breath, take your time and get there safely.  
  • It was a good weekend for Valley City High School Football, Valley City State Football, University of North Dakota Football and North Dakota State Football as they all scored more points than the opponents.
  • Even though the sunshine doesn’t make it feel like October just yet, Officer McWaddles would like to remind everyone of the seasonal parking rules now in effect.
    • From October through March, certain streets—including downtown and many others—become no parking zones or restricted no parking overnight areas.  
    • Why? These restrictions allow city crews to safely and efficiently clear snow and ice, keeping our roads open and safe during winter weather events. It will help prevent snow build-up making travel easier and safer for everyone.
  • A big thank you to our city employees who, during these busy times, are working long hours at desks, providing customer service and to the folks who are regularly working in the freezing cold and 100-degree heat. Due to their dedication the lights come on when we flip the switch and when we turn the water on, we are blessed with the best tasting water in the state. Perhaps as important as anything, when we flush the toilet, it works!
  • The Seattle Mariners team is the only Major League Baseball team that has not played in a World Series. There seems to be a number of “good guys” on the team so I am a new Mariner enthusiast. It would be a nice story.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light. ~ Helen Keller

Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,
Dave Carlsrud