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COMMUNITY NEWS, CULTURE, COMMENTARY, COMMERCE u FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2012 u VOLUME I, ISSUE 25 u FREE
American Family rates are more competitive than you out. American Family rates are more competitive than you might think. Call me today to nd might think. Call me today to find out.
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Are you paying too much for auto insurance?
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St. Pats poetry contest winners announced

PAGE 8
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More than 100 billion pieces of advertising-related direct mail are sent out each year. Last year, the average household received more than 1,300 pieces of mail. The percentage of households who report they do not read advertising that arrives in the mail has risen 111% in the past decade.
Stand Out in the Crowd!
Despite all the doom and gloom news you hear about newspapers, the decline in readership that the pundits report as near death is about -2.5% nationwide in the past two years and the primary reason is that community newspaper readership is growing at an unprecedented rate.
Add to that the fact that 44% of all active Internet users visited a newspaper Web site last month, and youll realize that community newspapers and their affiliated Web sites deliver the largest loyal, local, repeat audience of any media in the marketplace. Newspaper advertising gets results. Call us today and well help you develop a plan to get a great return on your advertising investment.
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Bullriders-to-be had a chance to practice their budding skills during the 75th Anniversary of the North Dakota Winter Show, which concluded Sunday in Valley City. (Photo/Dennis Stillings)
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PAGE 2 the independent Jamestown College Choir presenting free Home Concert
ROUND UP
an accredited school or technical training program within six months of the scholarship award date. Within the priority areas for eligibility, this year, in addition to focusing on women raising the family members of others and those who have been out of the workforce for more than one year, the program has added a focus on older women veterans. Scholarships range from $500 to $5,000. For more information or to submit an application by the March 30 deadline, go to www.aarp.org/womensscholarship.
community
this type. School library preparation programs that attain national recognition status from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) have undergone a rigorous peer review process that examines a diverse array of data and key components tied to national standards recognized by the profession, said Carl Harvey, AASL President. Nationally recognized school library preparation programs have demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence on behalf of their candidates and the P-12 students and communities they serve. By virtue of their recent national recognition, VCSUs faculty and sta have positioned themselves as strategic leaders in 21st Century School Librarianship. Donna James, grant project director and Graduate Library Education Director at VCSU, said, One of our goals for the original IMLS grant was to develop a high quality program that would qualify for ALA/AASL recognition. It is certainly rewarding to receive this noti cation. James is an advocate for library education in North Dakota and former North Dakota Library Association (NDLA) president. e AASL reviews school librarianship programs a liated with NCATE-accredited units. e LIT concentration is designed for practicing librarians who wish to further their careers with graduate-level credentials, or teachers outside the library wishing to add new credentials to their backgrounds. e curriculum and assessment tools were developed by a team that included Konnie Wightman, Library Media Coordinator (retired) for Bismarck Public Schools, and Gay Galles, Program Manager for Library Media Services for the Moorhead Area Public Schools (both also evaluate student data and are adjunct instructors in the program). e curriculum was designed to meet the AASL standards for initial preparation of school librarians which focuses on preparing school librarians who teach 21st century information literacy skills, collaborate with colleagues, advocate for the schools library program, and lead the school community in the e ective and ethical use of information.
e Jamestown College Concert Choir will present its Home Concert at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 18 at the Basilica of St. James, Jamestown. e concert is free and open to the public. A freewill o ering will be collected. e concert follows the Choir's Spring Break Tour which included performances in Omaha, Neb.; Wichita, Kan.; Westminster, Colo.; Sturgis, S.D. and Hettinger, N.D. e program includes songs sung in English, German, French and Latin by composers ranging from the 1600s to present-day. For more than 90 years, the Choir has had a reputation for excellence in choral performance and has toured throughout the United States and internationally. J. Aaron McDermid is Director of Choral Activities at Jamestown College. Before coming to Jamestown, McDermid was the conductor and artistic director of the Tucson Masterworks Chorale. Establishing a reputation as a composer of both challenging and accessible works, McDermid has written 15 commissioned works for groups such as e National Lutheran Choir and e Dale Warland Singers.
VCs Lee wins full scholarshp
Low-income 50+ women eligible for educational scholarships
AARP Foundation is accepting applications for its Womens Scholarship Program. e scholarships provide funds to low-income women 50 and older who are seeking new job skills, or training and educational opportunities to support themselves and their families. AARP Foundation is committed to elevating opportunities for women, said AARP State Director Janis Cheney. e American Association of School Librarians (AASL) We are so proud of this program because it has helped division of the American Library Association (ALA) has hundreds of deserving women gain access to the educa- recognized the Library and Information Technologies tional opportunities that will advance their employment Concentration of VCSUs online Master of Education progoals and ensure they will have the nancial resources gram as a quality school librarianship program. VCSU is they need as they age. We hope women across North Da- the only university in a four-state region (MN, ND, SD kota will take advantage of this opportunity. and Montana) with a nationally recognized program of While many individuals bene t from the work of AARP Foundation, research shows that women are disproportionately at risk of having insu cient funds in the second half of their PORK LOIN & DRESSING & ALL THE TRIMMINGS lives due to lower earnings and di erent work patterns. Adults: $9 SERVING FROM AARP Foundation created 12-and-under: $4 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the Womens Scholarship Preschool: Free ALSO: Bake sale Program to help women 50 & Cutlery sale and older overcome nanTAKEOUTS AVAILABLE cial and employment barriers by allowing them to participate in education and training opportunities they could otherwise not a ord. Since 2007, the program has awarded scholarships to more Good wages & possible MUST HAVE CLEAN DRIVING than 800 women. To be eligible for the schol- benefits, depending on RECORD. CDL PREFERRED. CONTACT JOE HOLMGREN arships, applicants must be experience. 701-683-4472 female and age 50 or older as of March 30, be a U.S. citizen, 1015 S. Main St. Lisbon, ND be able to demonstrate nan800-499-4472 701-683-4472 cial need, and be enrolled in
Nicholas Lee of Valley City has been awarded a full tuition Wilson Scholarship from Jamestown College. Lee was selected among students participating in an on-campus interview, essay and examination process in February. e Wilson Scholarship provides full tuition renewable for four years and was established in memory of the late Dr. John L. Wilson and his wife, Palma. Dr. Wilson served on the Colleges Board of Trustees from 1957 until his death in 1983. Recipients of the scholarship must demonstrate commendable academic and leadership skills. Lee, the son of Richard and Terry Lee, plans to major in biology/pre-medicine and participate in track and eld and cross country. At Valley City High School, he has been active in cross country, track, Student Council, Student Congress, speech, school newspaper, National Honor Society, 4-H and Choir. He has served as student coordinator for Pack the HAC.
Librarianship program honored
HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH
ANNUAL SPRING DINNER

Sunday, April 1 in Fingal, N.D.
Every person. Every need.
One team.
Andrew Hvidston, MD
See Dr. Hvidston at Sanford Health Valley City Clinic (701) 845-6000 or read his bio at sanfordhealth.org
HELP WANTED Full-time Yard/Truck Driver
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fundraiser for the Barnes County Food Pantry runs from 5 to 6:15 p.m. at Our Saviors Luterhan Church in Valley City. Free will donation. More info: Emmy Isaackson, 845-1328 or rev.emmy@gmail.com Barnes County Senior Center Activities: noon, lunch (creamed turkey, noodles, peas/carrots, juice, bar).
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Cars l Trucks l Semis Trailers l Motorcycles Campers l Snowmobiles l Jet Skis l & so much more
Whats Going On around the Area

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We welcome all submissions for area events and activities that are free or low-cost and open to the public. Send a complete description of the event at least one week in advance. Include the events date, time, place, and other relevent information. Please also include a contact name and phone number and/ or email address. We prefer to receive information for listings by email, but will also accept submissions delivered by U.S. mail. Or use our easy online submissions form at www.INDY-BC.com Email your event listings to submissions@indybc.com or mail to The Independent, 416 Second St., Fingal, ND 58031. Be sure to verify event details before attending. The Independent cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of published listings.
701-845-1900
Service & Repair Sound & P.A. New & Used Musical Instruments
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Friday, March 16
The Valley City Sons of Norway Hjemdahl Lodge #481 meets at the Barnes County Museum in Valley City at 7 p.m. More info: Wes Anderson, 845-0966. Full Nelson Karaoke is at Punkys Bar in Dazey starting at 9 p.m. For
CSU Theatre hosts a new one-person play with professional actor Hardy Koenig in Theatre 320 on Saturday, March 24, at 7:30 p.m. Based on Allan Gurganus novella, Blessed Assurance was adapted for the stage by Steve Willis, Director of the Division of Humanities at Bennett College in Greensboro, N.C. The play tells the story of Jerry, who is almost 60 and is having trouble sleeping as he considers his past. Jerry put himself through college by selling funeral insurance to black people in North Carolina during the 1940s and 50s. Now in the mid80s, he is well off and has feelings of guilt as he tries to purge his feelings of shame by recounting and confessing this time of his life. Blessed Assurance engages the audience, traveling through time as Jerry tells stories of his past from the present comfort of his beach home. We see Jerry at 19 as he tells
Free one-man show at VCSU
255 E. Main, Valley City
MUSIC
701-840-5408
roy@ reallybigmusic.com
of his past as a young man and shows us the sometime joyful and sometime painful interaction with his parents, his boss who enticed him into the insurance game and, ultimately, the people he served, feared and cheated, but ultimately grew to love. Koenig is an AEA equity candidate and holds an MFA in acting from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. He is a faculty member at North Dakota State University with a focus in performance training, acting, voice and movement, and was recently appointed Artistic Director of the producing arm of Theatre NDSU in 2011. Koenig may be familiar to local audiences from his work in Theatre Bs The Seafarer, and Curtain Call, a new murder mystery web series. Admission for this performance is free, however, due to limited seating, advance reservations are recommended.Reservations can be made by calling the VCSU Theatre Box Oce at 701-845-7320.
1530 W. Main St. - Valley City
ExTEnDED HouRs foR YouR ConvEniEnCE

Dr. R.L. Thomsen Dr. Brent Thomsen
701-845-2481
We aCCept: Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medicare, Aflac & Combine insurance.
people 21+
Saturday, March 17 ST. PATRICKS DAY

Wheelworkers will gather at Medicine Wheel Park in Valley City
from 3:30 to 4:59 p.m. Anyone interested in helping clean up the Wheel and work on improvements is welcome to join the group. More info: Joe Stickler, 701-845-7334 or joe.stickler@vcsu.edu A spaghetti supper
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Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals hosts a Meet & Greet from 9 to 11 a.m. at Prosby Body Shop in Valley City. Meet pets available for adoption as well as volunteers, who can any questions about adoptable pets or the organization. Live Christian Band: Dakota Road performs in concert at 6:30 p.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 138 Third St. N.W., Valley City. More info: Emmy Isaackson, 845-1328 or rev.emmy@ gmail.com Live Band: Sideline plays at Valley City Eagles. For people 21+. Live Band: Moon Lake Orchestra plays at the Sheyenne Saloon from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Kathryn. For people 21+. Rubys Karaoke is at the Old 10 Saloon in Buffalo, starting at 9 p.m. For people 21+. A painting party hosted by Griggs County Arts Council runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sons of Norway in Cooperstown. Arts Council Members, $15; nonmembers, $20. Preregistration by March 16 required; contact instructor Gretchen Kottke,701-797-7678. fast fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Litchville Community Center. Funds raised will be used to help pay for the new fire truck. Freewill donation. Barnes County Senior Center Activities: 12:30 p.m., lunch (swiss steak in gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, cheesecake). Dakota Road Band leads special worship services at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Valley City, 138 Third St. N.W., at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. In between, Our Saviors hosts a pancake and sausage breakfast from 9:30 to 11 a.m. More info: Emmy Isaackson, 8451328 or rev.emmy@gmail. com
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Sunday, March 18
Public Open Roller Skating sponsored by the Optimist Club runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Sundays through April at the Rec Center in Valley City. The Litchville Fire Department hosts a Pancake & Sausage Break-
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baked potatoes, squash, pudding); 1:15 p.m., whist. 2012 GBC Titan football meeting for parents and players starts at 7 p.m. at the Hannaford Community Center.
03.16.12
THE INDEPENDENT of Barnes County
A publication of Smart Media LLC 416 2nd St. Fingal, ND 58031 Volume 1, Issue 25 All Rights Reserved
Monday, March 19
Buffalo Senior Citizens meet every Monday at the Community Center, Buffalo, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The artworks of Peter Beaugard are on display through April 20 in the VCSU Gallery. Barnes County Senior Center Activities: 10:30 a.m., exercise; 11:30 a.m., lunch (meatloaf, baby
Tuesday, March 20 FIRST DAY OF SPRING

An open house in honor of Anne Merrill, who is retiring after seven decades on the bank board of Quality Bank, is from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Fingal branch of Quality Bank.
m To highlight and publicize local contributions to education, the arts, and quality of life; m To provide quality news content relating to the activities and concerns of the local population; m To be a marketplace of ideas, and a forum for free debate; m To feature local talent and achievers; m To provide a venue for showcasing local products and services through attractive and stimulating advertising.
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Nikki Laine Zinke NLZinke@INDY-BC.com 701-840-1045 cell 701-924-8349 home Lori Froemke LoriAds@INDY-BC.com 701-320-0780 cell Your participation is welcome at all levels. Submit online at or via email at:
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THE BUILDING COMMUNITIES

Valley City Rotary meets every Tuesday at noon at the Valley City VFW Club. The artworks of Peter Beaugard are on display through April 20 in the VCSU Gallery. Sheyenne Valley Soccer Leagues hosts a parents meeting at 6:30 p.m. More info: James Adams, 490-2533 or James.m.adams@gmail. com; Russ Kauffman 8459194 or russmisti@yahoo. com; or Lance Jenison 845-6219, 845-1517 or jenison@csicable.net Barnes County Senior Center Activities: 11:30 a.m., lunch (beef roast, mashed potatoes/gravy, mixed vegetables, JellO with fruit); 1:15 p.m., pinochle. The Buffalo Fire Department meets at 7:30 p.m. in the firehall, Buffalo. meal is served. More info: Betty Gibbons, president; 701-840-0184. Texas Holdem Tournament every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at the Eagles, Valley City. Open to all player levels. More info: Richard Hass: 840-2612. Free, for people 21+. The artworks of Peter Beaugard are on display through April 20 in the VCSU Gallery. Racehorse Schmear is played Wednesdays at CMs Place, Wimbledon, starting at 7 p.m. Game winner gets a ham, turkey or bacon. For people 21+. Barnes County Senior Center Activities: 9:30 a.m., Bone Builders Exercise; 11:30 a.m., lunch (turkey, mashed potatoes/ gravy, corn, juice, Jell-O Poke cake); 1:15 p.m., whist.
community/calendar
Center. Weigh in from 8:30 to 9 a.m.; meeting at 9 a.m. The artworks of Peter Beaugard are on display through April 20 in the VCSU Gallery. Zumba for VCSU students is 7 to 8 p.m. in the Skoal Room of VCSU Student Center. Live Theater: Valley City Junior High Drama presents Lagooned at 7:30 p.m. in the VCHS Theater. Tickets: Adults, $8; students, $5; preschool, free when seated with an adult. Barnes County Senior Center Activities: 10:30 a.m., exercise; 11:30 a.m., lunch (sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, green beans, cookie); 1:30 to 4 p.m., dance to Country Lads. SUBMIT YOUR EVENT INFORMATION:
submissions@indy-bc.com
Wednesday, March 21
Valley City Kiwanis Club meets every Wednesday at 12:04 p.m. at the Valley City VFW Club. Open Mic at Duttons Parlour in downtown Valley City is every Wednesday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Entertainers (music, comedy, poetry, etc.) and audience-members welcome. No cost. Tower City Senior Citizens meet every Wednesday at the Community Center in Tower City from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A
Thursday, March 22
St. Catherine Quilters make quilts for those in need every Thursday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the St.Catherine gym basement, Valley City. Anyone is welcome - no experience necessary. More info: Lela Grim, 845-4067. Maple Valley Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) meets Thursday mornings at 8 a.m. Tops Club of Enderlin meets every Thursday morning at the Senior
y M e at S u p p e l l l a
Ya, you betcha: Nodaks got nice down pat

innesota Public Radio has been running an investigative series looking at what, precisely, Minnesota nice means. By Nikki Laine As radio stories, the Zinke pieces are lovely heavy on colorful anecdote, personality and opinion and Im enjoying listening to the conversation as the reporters try to get to the bottom of this thing thats loosely called Minnesota Nice. But.... I think we North Dakotans have em
beat. As a group, were a bunch of pretty neat folks whose expressions of care and concern for our family, friends, neighbors and communities translates into real live action. Of course, the whole of the nation witnessed our neighborliness, our generosity, our will and our spirit, during the major flooding events throughout the state these past few years. But, if you look, you can see all of these characteristics on any given day in any one of our neighborhoods: Regular people doing extraordinary things for others - just for the sake of it. And sure, weve got some great
agencies and charities headed up by some great people, but Im talking mostly about all the community groups and volunteer organizations and, even, individuals who, without the promise of a paycheck, see a need and step forward to fill it. A sampling of some of these great works is recorded weekly in The Independents Comunity Calendar. Take a good look, then marvel at all the extraordinary efforts of your friends and neighbors. I do. Every week.
Nikki Laine Zinke is editor and publisher of The Independent. Reach her by email: nlzinke@indy-bc.com
A Full Service Old-Fashioned Meat Market

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DRAMA NEWS
YOUR HEALTH: Why are you hurting yourself?

n Identifying self-injurious behavior in children, adolescents
By Judi Hillier & Vanessa Kocka School counselors, Valley City Public Schools My child has been hurting herself in ways that really worry me! Why is she doing this? Is she looking for more attention? Does she want to die? What can I do? Does she need professional help? Maybe you have felt like this with your teenager. If you have, you are not alone. Self-Injury is intentional, non-life-threatening, self-effected bodily harm or disfigurement of a socially unacceptable nature, performed to reduce and/ or communicate psychological distress. Dealing effectively with non-suicidal selfinjury can be a challenging problem. Of special concern is that self-injury has recently moved from clinical populations such as those served in hospital and group homes to the general population including middle, high school and college students. In community samples, a range of six to 25 percent of youth report self-injuring at least once. Females may be more likely to cut or pick; Males may prefer more aggressive methods such as self-hitting, punching walls. Spotting the signs and symptoms of self-injury may be difficult due to selfinjury often being kept secret. Self-injury symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic, may include: Scars, such as from burns or cuts Fresh cuts, scratches, bruises or other wounds Broken bones Keeping sharp objects on hand Spending a great deal of time alone Relationship troubles Wearing long sleeves or pants, even in hot weather Claiming to have frequent accidents or mishaps One of the most common forms of self-injury is cutting, which involves making cuts or scratches on your body with a sharp object. Other forms of selfharm include: Severe scratching Cutting Burning Poisoning Carving words or symbols on the skin Breaking bones Hitting or punching Piercing the skin with sharp objects Head banging Biting Pulling out hair Interfering with wound healing While self-injury is generally not about suicide,

the behaviors are distinct, both can occur within the same individual. Note though, that self-injury can be an important risk factor for suicide and should not be ignored. Other risk factors for suicide include, but are not limited to: suicide threats; previous suicide attempts; depression; out of character behavior (this can include but is not limited to abrupt changes in attendance); deteriorating academic performance; sudden failure to complete assignments; lack of interest and withdrawal; sudden changes in appearance; changed relationships with classmates; increased irritability or aggressiveness; preoccupation with death and suicide; despairing attitude;, and abrupt changes in eating and sleeping habits; and making final arrangements. Although there is really no suicidal type of young YOUR HEALTH: 14
VCSU theater ninors Tiffany Ferch and Burke Tagney attended a panel discussion for Acting for the Camera at the 2012 Fargo Film Festival held March 9. Rich Sommer of Mad Men and Fred Stoller, best known for his recurring role as Gerard on Everybody Loves Raymond, were the featured guests for the discussion.
(Photo/submitted)
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STADIUM WINNER 5 ACADEMY AWARDS! SEATING THE ARTIST - PG-13 Fri/Mon-Thur 4:40, 7:10, 9:10 WALL-TO-WALL Sat-Sun 2:00, 4:40, 7:10, 9:10 SCREENS JONAH HILL, CHANNING TATUM DAILY MATINEES 21 JUMP STREET* - R $6 BEFORE 6PM Fri/Mon-Thur 4:30, 7:20, 9:35 Sat-Sun 1:45, 4:30, 7:20, 9:35
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Special Advance Show -Tickets on sale now!
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Now serving pink slime in ground beef near you N

o doubt, if you have a computer, you have by now received an article or two about the recent whistleblowers ABC story on pink slime. No, not the slime of sci-fi movie fame, but an ingredient in ground beef products. In this particular feature the USDA was making a purchase for school lunches. Perhaps you were fortunate enough to see the photo which I might add looks like the photo of precooked chicken nuggets that was going around the Internet several years ago. Pink slime looks like pink toothpaste being extruded through a very large sausage stuffer. Not the least bit appetizing no matter where that stuff ends up. From the story: Pink slime is a term coined to describe the lowgrade trimmings or scraps of connective tissue and muscle By Sue B. Balcom gathered from slaughterhouse floors. While generally contaminated, the fragments once only used in dog food and cooking oil, according the movie Food Inc. are cured with a pink chemical and sprayed with ammonia-hydroxide gas to kill dangerous pathogens such as salmonella and E. coli. Because of this treatment, the USDA recognizes the meat as generally safe to eat. The resulting pinkish goo is then mixed in with traditional ground beef in hamburger patties and chuck. Sounds more like upchuck to me. My mother was a meat cutter in her younger days at Gackle Packing Company. Yes, there were a few unappetizing things going on in there, but I never witnessed anything that looked like this going into their ground beef. As always there are two sides to every story and shortly after the first article appeared the backlash from the meat industry began. Stories justifying how this chemical goo was made safe with ammoniahydroxide and its overall importance to the health and wellbeing of our children once again justifying serving it in school lunches. Drovers Cattle Network ran a rebuttal to the recent viral pink slime information suggesting that irradiating meat would make it just as safe for everyone to eat. From that article: Fortunately, theres a safe alternative. Its called irradiation and it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration more than a decade ago. In fact, irradiation is approved for use on food products in more than 40 countries to kill bacteria, including E. coli, and other contaminants such as viruses and insects. Now, I dont know about you, but somehow, none of this seems very natural to me. And being natural beings, do we want to be eating unnatural things? Is this the answer to safe food? Yes, I want food to be safe, but the issues with
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our food supply are ever growing as we try to band-aid these issues of food safety and handling with unnatural substitutes for an industry that has outgrown itself in terms TINY BITES: 14
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Each month, Valley City State University students and faculty share a sampling of creative works with readers of The Independent. This monthly feature, recently retitled wordsmith, is coordinated by Assistant Professor Lee Kruger (right) and members of the VCSU English Club.
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wordsmith
First Place Limerick
: a person who works with words; especially : a skillful writer. noun
Brain Drain Folks once read ne books for great gain, But that pastime is starting to wane, And now it seems Google, Has conquered our noodles, The computer has outsourced our brains. -David Serhienko
Second Place Limerick
There once was a man from Valley Who parked his car in an alley. Much to his chagrin, When he came back again, The tickets had begun to tally. -Lannis Larson
Honorable Mention Limerick When your vehicles running real poor, And your tires are worn to the core, Dont have the ts, Take it to Bitz, We cost you lessgive you more! -Dennis Stillings Honorable Mention Limerick There was a lady named Kellie Who stopped to visit a deli. She wanted some ham; They gave her a yam, And said put it on bread with some jelly. -Allen Siebert
Honorable Mention Limerick My least favorite things are socks. I wear them with shoes when I walk. But when I get home, And Im all alone, I kick them off quickly and rock. -Emily Waswick
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i ho, hi howe have a winnera few of them, actually. David Serhienko walked away with rst prize in this years inaugural VCSU English Club Limerickin Good contest, and as such will have his pick from the smorgasbord (oops, sorry for crosscultural reference what would that be in Irish? Pot luck?) of prizes below. Listed on all three ballots as either the rst or second choice, it looks like David captured the right balance of humor and social commentary for our panel, though the latter was certainly not a requirement for the competition. 2nd place winner, Lannis Larson will getyou guessed itsecond choice of the available prizes, and well ip coins for those who won honorable mentionDennis Stillings, Allen Siebert, and Emily Waswick. Each of these prize-winning authors found his or her way onto at least two ballots, and indeed these ve were the only ve to achieve that, so the results were pretty easy to shake out. at o ers no disparagement of our other contributors, thoughthe competition was pretty tough, with close to 30 limericks submitted by over 20 authorsso thanks to all who submitted, and as they say, Best oLuck next year. As far as the contest went, limericks were compiled by English Club president Angie Johnson, and judged by faculty members Jodi Shorma (since her last name sounds almost like shamrock), Lee Kruger (who once actually ew over Ireland), and student and English Club member Benjamin Haugeberg (because he claims he has an Irish glint to his eye and grew a beard once). Winners who wish to collect their prizes should contact Angie Johnson at angie.johnson@vcsu.edu for directions on how to collect (we deliver). David will face a tough choice between a box of Pot O Gold chocolates, a pan of Lucky Charms bars, a bag o corned beef (uncooked), ve pounds of potatoes (ditto), or a coupla cabbages (doubleditto), as Im sure will Lannis, with the unchosen prizes trickling down to the others in ne Irish fashion. In case the poems on this page inspire you to try a limerick for next year, just remember the formal requirements for a limerick involve ve lines in which the rst, second, and h lines rhyme, with each line consisting of three feet (six syllables), and the third and fourth lines rhyme, with each line consisting of two feet (four syllables). Most folks wont likely hold you strictly to that format, but still, its good to know. Regardless, enjoy the poems, and think of us next yearwell be sure to remind you. -Lee Kruger
Limerickin Good...
KRUGER SAYS...
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LIFE IN THE FAT LANE

Valley Citys Kyle Vareberg recently directed the theatrical production Life in the Fat Lane as his senior project at Valley City State University. Pictured above is the cast from the show. Notes VCSU Theatre Director: The set was a two-story cube great for the show a monstrosity to build!! Pictured at right is Alyssa Johnson, who played The Food Police in the production.
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New CRP sign-up, initiatives set

Producers interested in submitting bids to enroll land in Conservation Reserve Program acres have a deadline of April 6. Kevin Kading, North Dakota Game and Fish Department private land section leader, said applications received during the current sign-up period are ranked against others according to the Environmental Benefit Index. Producers can receive assistance from private land biologists with the Game and Fish Department, Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever, Kading said. Private land biologists can help producers find the best possible combination of factors that will positively influence their EBI score, and increase their likelihood of being accepted into the program. The Game and Fish Department also offers additional incentives and cost-share if producers enroll their CRP acres into the departments Private Land Open To Sportsmen program to allow walk-in access for hunting. This is an option producers should keep in mind when applying for the CRP, Kading said. Expired CRP acres, and land currently enrolled in CRP with an expiration date of Sept. 30 are eligible. In addition, landowners may also offer new acreage into this sign-up if cropping history and other eligibility requirements are met. In addition, U.S. Department of Agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack announced on March 2 a new CRP initiative that allows producers nationwide to enroll up to 1 million acres of land in a new CRP initiative to restore grasslands, wetlands and wildlife. This new allocation of acres will be available through a continuous sign-up rather than a general signup.
outdoors
N.D. OUTDOORS
State funding formula works for 75 years

n North Dakota, your fishing license, along with several other licenses inIn North Dakota the cluding general game, small game and WSFR programs furbearer, will expire March 31. provide 75 percent In the weeks following, tens of thousands of the costs for of North Dakotans will renew their licenses nearly all of our throughout spring with the onset of open game management By Doug water fishing, carrying on the tradition of surveys, research Leier anglers and hunters funding the future of rand harvest surour outdoor heritage across the nation. veys. (Photo/NDGF) But license dollars only account for part of this funding picture. Much of the rest of it comes from a manufacturers excise tax on fishing, hunting and shooting equipment, and gas used for boating. ole of the excise and boat fuel taxes are probably not as well And this year marks 75 years since President Franklin D. understood, even though WSFR dollars returned to the Roosevelt signed the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration states provide for nearly half of our state Game and Fish Act, the first of several landmark pieces of federal legislation Departments overall budget. that provide funds for wildlife and fisheries management as The next time you buy a fishing lure or box of shotgun well as fishing, hunting, shooting and boating recreational shells, remember that a small portion of that purchase conand educational programs. tributes to the future of fishing or hunting, just like license Today, all those programs together are called the Wildlife dollars. and Sportfish Restoration Program. Its a historic and unique formula worth special recogniSince its 1937 inception, WSFR has provided more tion after 75 years, and in every year to come. than $14 billion to support fish and wildlife restoration Leier is a biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. He grew up in and management, said Hannibal Bolton, the U.S. Fish and Valley City. Reach him by email at dleier@nd.gov Wildlife Services assistant director for the WSFR program. The program and its partners, including the sporting arms industry, conservation groups, and sportsmen and sportswomen, are coming together for this anniversary to renew owners: Brian & cole Mindt Powdercoating & Gold Plating their commitment to conserve fish and wildlife and enhance hunter, angler, and boater recreation. These funds, administered by the service, are combined with hunting license dollars in each state to fund important state wildlife conservation and hunting and fishing programs. From time to time, for one reason or another, Ill get an earful from someone who says, Im a taxpayer and I pay n custom-Built cables - stainless steel Braided and Black n Machine shop services your salary. When that happens, Ill politely correct that while State Game and Fish Department employees do work for the state of North Dakota, nearly all of the agencys budget comes from license fees and federal excise taxes, and none of it comes from the state general fund. PIZZA OF THE WEEK Its the consumptive users who fund Game Visit our Full Service TAK EO and Fish Department activities. The WSFR Print Shop E IN N I uT D programs provide 75 percent of the costs for nearly all of our game management surveys, research and harvest surveys while also proFull Color Digital viding 75 percent of the costs for management Printing Now Available of our wildlife management areas, and we have WINTER used these federal matching funds to help run HOURS Banners & Posters the popular Private Land Open to SportsMON-FRI: Custom Forms 11 AM - 1 AM men program, said Randy Kreil, department Marketing Materials Letterhead/Envelopes SATURDAY: wildlife chief. This funding program is huge Business Cards NOON - 1 AM for North Dakota and every other state, and Flyers/Newsletters without it state wildlife agencies wouldnt be Much More . . . $1 OFF mEDIum able to function. $2 OFF lArgE Greg Power, department chief of fisheries, Our PIZZA mENu WITH FlAVOrs FrOm ArOuND THE WOrlD - jusT CANT bE bEAT! Valley says a 1984 amendment that added motorboat In the Wagon Wheel Officeworks fuels and previously exempted sport-fishing Inn - Valley City, ND 351 Central Ave N equipment into the excise tax, is a major conPO Box 964 845-2525 Valley City, ND 58072-0964 tributor to the agencys fisheries budget. 701-845-5222 Office Supplies I think a lot of hunters and anglers under701-845-1833 Printing stand that their license fees help fund prowww.valleyofficeworks.com A smoke-free grams related to hunting and fishing. The So Your Office Works
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PISTOL LEAGUE
Valley City Rifle & Pistol Club Indoor Pistol League Results - Week 9
Team Standings (Wk Total/Total) AA.22: 1. CCI (567/1703); 2. Precision Shooting Group (563/1699); 3. Northwestern Industries (565/1692); 4. Carico Shooters (557/1690); 5. Al and Mikes (557/1687). A.22: 1. Socialites (555/1651); 2. Great Plains Plumbing (555/1647): 3. Quilting Goddess (564/1635); 4. AWS (532/1584); 5. Als (524/1571). Centerfire: 1. Weber Trucking (544/1673); 2. Valley City Auto Parts (558/1663); 3. Mikes (544/1662); 4. Northwestern Industries (568/1645); 5. Precision Shooting Group (560/1645). Revolver: 1. Tom Cruff (281/2547); 2. Aaron Carico (261/2464); 3. Ron Koslofsky (279/2452); 4. Travis Carico (270/2440); 5. Harvey Carico (254/2302). High Scores for this Week AA.22: Handicap - Garth Weber 286; Chad Couture 285; Ron Koslofsky 285; High Actual Score - Garth Weber 286; High Team Score - CCI 567. A.22: Handicap - Tim Lockwood 285; Tanya Couture 285; Linda Carico 285. High Actual Score - Tim Lockwood 258. High Team Score - Quilting Goddess 564. Centerfire: Handicap - Chad Couture 285; Harvey Carico 285; Garth Weber 283. High Actual Score Garth Weber 277. High Team Score - Northwestern Industries 568. Revolver: Handicap - Tom Cruff 281; Ron Koslofsky 279; Travis Carico 270; High Actual Score - Tom Cruff 270.
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New Town Angler Breaks Long-Standing Fish Record Royce Johnstons catch March 6 broke a state record that hadnt been touched in 30 years. e New Town angler reeled in a 16-pound, 6-ounce lake trout from the Garrison Dam Tailrace. e 33.5-inch sh broke the old record by more than two pounds. e previous record of 14 pounds, 4 ounces was taken from the Tailrace in 1982. Moose, Elk and Bighorn Sheep Seasons Set North Dakotas 2012 moose, elk and bighorn sheep proclamation has been nalized and applications are available at the State Game and Fish Departments website. e deadline for applying is March 28. A total of 301 elk licenses are available to hunters this fall, 200 fewer than last year. e number of elk licenses in units E3 and E4 is reduced by 200 due to the successful population reduction e ort by the National Park Service in eodore Roosevelt National Park. Jeb Williams, North Dakota Game and Fish Department assistant wildlife chief, said 100 any-elk licenses will be available in units E3 and E4. A total of 868 elk 642 adult cows were taken out of the park by the reduction e ort, and an additional 299 elk were taken by licensed hunters in E3 and E4 during the last two hunting seasons, Williams said. Based on a recent elk survey, the estimated number of elk in the park is 200. Williams said the successful elk reduction e ort in TRNP during the past two years, and the possibility of similar results this year, will continue to signi cantly reduce elk numbers in units E3 and E4. erefore, elk licenses in the future will be limited. e October and extended seasons have been eliminated in units E3 and E4. Certain private lands in units E1 and E2 could open to hunting of antlerless elk from Aug. 10 Sept. 30 if depredation problems occur and other measures are proven ine ective. A total of 143 moose licenses are available in 2012, a decrease of 20 from last year. Moose hunting unit M11 has been merged with hunting unit M10. Moose have dispersed from the Missouri River bottoms in M11 due to ooded habitat conditions caused by the increased water level in Lake Sakakawea, Williams said, while mentioning that a recent aerial survey revealed only 25 moose in the Missouri River bottom survey area, down from a high of 78 in 2009. A downward population trend in the northeastern portion of the state, which includes hunting units M4 and M8, as well as closed hunting unit M1C, is a continuing concern, Williams said. No antlerless licenses will be issued for M8, while licenses in M4 will remain the same, he added. We will continue to closely monitor moose numbers in M4 and consider a unit closure in 2013 if the trend continues.
ven in e Winter that Wasnt, signs of spring are welcome and with the surge By Nick of May-like Simonson weather on the southern breezes of early March, theyve been popping up everywhere, getting me excited for the season to come. Last November, I procrastinated my purchase of a new snowblower right up to Veterans Day. We were fortunate to not have any signi cant snow at that time, and I picked up a 10 percent holiday discount at the local Sears store as a result of holding out. But for two months, the machine sat idle in my garage and, despite my wifes urgings, I didnt even bother to re it up to see if it worked in the 30-day return window. Since then, Ive only used it three times, and once was because I was too lazy to shovel the inch of snow that fell in early February. is week, a er I set my clocks an hour forward and went out and drained the good-as-new-oil from the tank, I smiled as I heard the chorus of honks overhead, and I got up from the garage oor and went outside. Flock a er ock of geese streamed northward on the sti southern wind, heralding
Spring in fast forward
OUR OUTDOORS
An early spring means thoughts of shing trips to come, and the preparations required. From shing smallmouth bass to steelhead like this one, our timetables may be fast-forwarded this year. (Photo submitted/Nick Simonson)
their return to the northlands. eres something reassuring to the soul in those joyful honks, even when winter wasnt so bad, that spring is on its way. Another unexpected sign of the change from this past season of halfspring to full spring was encountered on a midweek walk with my lab, Gunnar. As we turned the corner by a house with three bird feeders (which kept the squirrels fat all winter), two apping gray forms bobbled their way up into the rst rays of sunlight. ey were mourning doves, the rst pair landing in the neighborhood. From the large
elm tree across the street, they cooed their displeasure at the interruption of their post-migratory breakfast. I pulled my phone out and checked the date March 7 - the earliest I had ever seen them. e branches of the old willow in the front yard
are bright yellow. e dogwoods in the nearby state park are beaming red. And the big auburn buds on the maple trees down the street seem to double in size and number with each passing day. ese colorful signs mean the SIMONSON: 14
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commentary
M2 proponents: depowering the taxpayer M2 opponents: fearful, ignorant, stupid

By Ladd Erickson Rural McLean County o hear tell, the passage of Measure 2 next June will mean new state-funded schools for all who want them. Better roads. Full funding of local government. The ATM will be open for whatever your local fire department, ambulance service, school, weed board, water board, park board, township, county, or city requests all on the states dime. Despite all the Nigerian-style Youll win the lottery claims, in the end, Measure 2 radically changes our State Constitution and deletes 120 years of history in how we fund basic health, safety and private property protections. Some sobriety in the discussion would be nice. Two disclosures for whatever they might be worth: First, I am the McLean County States Attorney which means my salary is paid, in part, by property taxes. Also, I occasionally have to deal with property tax issues and disputes when they arise in my county. Second, Measure 2 is opposed by a spectrum of groups from across the states ideological divide. I am not a spokesman for any group. I have a lot of practical questions about Measure 2, and may detail more of them later. For now, Ill start with some transparent concerns when I read Measure 2: Why give nonresidents a free ride? Measure 2 proponents claim that, with its passage, schools and essential local government functions will be funded at the same (or an increased level) by substituting state tax revenues for local property taxes. As some people have pointed out, however, there is a tremendous amount of nonresident property tax payers who currently pay few, if any, other taxes in our state. Yet, when a nonresidents property starts on fire, local fire departments show up. Local police officers patrol and protect that property from vandals. The roads to and from that property are maintained by local governments. Under Measure 2, nonresidents keep these benefits and we pay the costs. Doing the math, in McLean County, 11.7 percent of the parcels of land are owned by nonresidents, who this year will pay $947,803 or 10.5 percent of the property taxes levied. Every county varies in this regard. Cass County levied over $19.4 million or 10.9 percent of the taxes levied; Grand Forks County over $13.5 million or 16.3 percent; Barnes County over $4.8
MEASURE 2 PROPERTY TAX ABOLITION

million or 29.7 percent of their property tax levies came from nonresident property owners. In many rural counties the dollar amounts drop, but the percentage of nonresident property tax revenue increases. For example, nonresident property tax levies this year in Mountrail County were over $5.2 million or 53.7 percent of the property taxes levied; McKenzie County over $2.1 million or 46.8 percent; McHenry County over $1.6 million or 35.8 percent of their levies were paid by nonresident property tax payers. All tolled, nonresidents will pay over $126 million in property taxes in North Dakota this year. If, then, as is claimed, funding levels for local governments and schools will be the same (or more than) our current property tax funding, $126 million in revenue currently from nonresident land owners across the state will have to be replaced by North Dakota residents. How is transferring nonresident tax burdens to North Dakotans good tax policy? Even urban residents will have their sales and income tax dollars transferred out to rural areas to make up for lost nonresident property tax revenues. Why is that a good idea? How does Measure 2 not just compound the losses in revenue we already incur from having 50 percent of our mineral owners being from out of state, and all the millions of dollars in land rents and farm program payments going out of state? How is governing by lawsuit going to be funded? On some radio shows, Measure 2 sponsor Ms. Charlene Nelson has repeatedly claimed that schools and local governments will be fully funded under the measures language. She states that lawsuits can be filed and judges will order the state to provide full funding if the legislature fails to do so. Ms. Nelson further claims these lawsuits will work similar to the suits some school districts brought against the state over school funding. It is true that some school districts spent years off and on between the courts and legislature tweaking a formula for state contributions to local school districts based on their enrollments. However, when the school districts pooled their resources and sued the state they had a property tax base to fund their lawsuits. Under Measure 2, there wont be any property taxes or nonstate funding to pay for the lawsuits. The ERICKSON: 13 By Robert Drake Valley City have been reading a lot lately about Measure 2 both for and against. It seems that the facts are getting lost in translation somewhere along the line. I have read the book Property Tax Revolution. I have read Measure 2, and in my own little way have had something to do with getting Measure 2 on the ballot. So having said that, I feel confident in saying this. There are three reasons not to cheer for Measure 2. They are: Fear, Ignorance and Stupidity. The three things that usually keep the truth from getting involved in any thought full conversation. Mr. Omdahl has written many articles on Measure 2 and every one he writes he shows me more reasons to vote yes and promote Measure 2. For example, in his latest attempt at scare tactics concerning Measure 2, he brings to the table another reason to get rid of property tax. In Mr Omdahls letter in The Independent dated Feb. 10, he first states that Measure 2 will dump the mess on the laps of the state legislators. That statement is 100 percent true and correct.That is right where it should be dumped. Mr. Omdahl, the mess that you mention is one that you and your friends are responsible for, the mess is called property tax. The mess that got dropped in your lap Mr. Omdahl is being dropped there not by a special interest group or some subcommittee, or from any of you legislators. It is being dropped in your lap by thousands and thousands of property tax paying voters who have taken control and are now telling you in a very loud and clear voice saying you have failed as elected officials in your duty to us and now we the citizens of North Dakota are telling you to get out of the way and let us do it!!!! Not only are we telling you that you have failed in your duty to us as legislators, we are also telling you Measure 2 is how we want you to fix the property tax problem once and for all. Mr. Omdahl has clearly not read Measure 2. He is clearly one of the scared and ignorant that I mentioned in the beginning of my letter. He is certainly not one of the stupid ones. He is scared of the changes he and the rest of North Dakota will have to make. He is scared of the transition from one system to another, and he is ignorant
M2
I
to all the benefits Measure 2 brings to the table, which is unfortunate. Mr Omdahl seems concerned about how funding for our schools and other sub divisions in North Dakota will take place after Measure 2 is voted in and becomes law. Well, how is funding done now. It is done through varying degrees of checks and balances that are already in place and working fine. They are called budgets. Every group Mr. Omdahl mentions in his letter, well lets mention them again, every county, city, township, fire district, school district, park, soil, water district and scores of ambulance districts all submitted a budget for approval, before one penny was given them. For example, our school system is funded at a 70 percent level right now, and where does that money come from? The State of North Dakota right and it is divided between all the schools in the state how? By budget! How will the funding system change if the state pays 100 percent for education ? It will not change, just the source of revenue will change from property tax to whatever the legislators come up with according to the requirements of Measure 2 and whatever the North Dakota State Constitution will allow according to law. Mr Omdahl goes on to say (t)hat all we need do is look at the number and the complexity of our local governments to understand the problem in developing a pay back formula. Lets take a look at that statement for a moment. Again why re-invent the wheel? The same pay system can and should be used after Measure 2 becomes law. The requirements of our local subdivisions and local governments are the same. They all need budgets that have to be approved by someone else before the state pays a penny. That is what happens now, only the source of the money will change under Measure 2. He goes on to say North Dakota has more local governments per capita than any other state in the union. My answer to that is that is why our property taxes are so high - the bureaucracy in North Dakota is top heavy from the state level all the way down to local governments. That is another reason to stand up and cheer for Measure 2. Lets streamline our government from the top down. DRAKE: 15
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commentary
ERICKSON: From 12 state would have to fund lawsuits against themselves. In other words: Appropriations committee:I see here youre requesting $100,000 for a new fire truck and some rescue equipment? Local official: Yes, we would like to replace our old truck and get a new jaws of life. Appropriations committee: Well, based on the money we have and all these requests you will just have to get by with what you have. Local official: Okay, since you arent going to fully fund our request as the public was told you would by the sponsors of Measure 2, we request you add $75,000 to our budget so we can hire a lawyer to sue the state to have a judge determine if we should have a new fire truck in order to be fully funded. Appropriations committee: Haha.halol lol You have a great sense of humor. You expect us to fund a lawsuit against us so a judge can secondguess us on whether you get a new fire truck? Measure 2 sponsors try to overcome the skepticism that the legislature will not provide adequate funding for schools and local governments by claiming lawsuits will keep the legislature in line. Since this is a central issue to the sponsors claims, my questions are: Being the state will be the funding source for schools and local government under your measure, do you honestly expect the legislature to fund lawsuits against the state? Even if the lawsuits somehow got funded, how is it in the interest of North Dakotans to have their local governments in court against their state government in conflicts over budgeting issues? Lawsuits can easily take a couple years from filing to completion of appellate review. In that time, a political subdivision could be both asking legislators for their next budget and still be in court challenging the decisions of those same legislators from their last budget. Hows that supposed to work? What about proper civics? In a blog post titled, Abolishing Property Taxes Through Measure 2 Solves School Funding Issues, a Measure 2 sponsor named Mr. Robert Hale stated: Six months after being flooded Minot is still trying to find out how it will fund the rebuilding of Eric Ramstad Middle School and replace Lincoln Elementary. Had Measure 2, (the measure on the ballot June 12, 2012, to abolish property taxes), been in place this would not be an issue. Measure 2 requires the state to fund the rebuilding and replacement. The school district would have the authority to decide where and how they wanted the schools rebuilt. The states responsibility would be to pay for them. (SayAnything Blog) What Mr. Hale is stating here is Measure 2 decouples the decision to spend tax dollars - The school district would have the authority to decide where and how they wanted the schools rebuilt - from the legislature that would be forced (under this sales pitch for the Measure) to pay for whatever the Minot school district decided they want to build for schools -The states responsibility would be to pay for them. I cant think of an economic or political philosophy that advocates decoupling those who decide to spend money from those responsible for the bills? Minot school district, all you have to do is decide how much and how big and how nice, and how many swimming pools and weight rooms you want and the legislature will have you covered. Sounds great. Schools and local government boards will be getting their youve won the lottery letters as soon as Measure 2 passes. Unfortunately, there is nothing in the Measure 2 language that supports Mr. Hales reading of it. In regard to how schools will be funded, paragraph 2 states: The legislative assembly shall direct as much [various types of taxes] as necessary to fund the share of elementary and secondary education not funded through state revenue sources before 2012. A plain reading of this section, and the Attorney General has already stated that is how Measure 2 should be read, means the legislature is only required to replace whatever property taxes that were levied by school districts before 2012 which means the 2011 property tax levies, and those were set in 2010. Therefore, in order for the legislature to be constitutionally mandated to fund new schools in Minot to replace flooded ones, the Minot School District would have to have anticipated the 2011 flood in 2010 when their property tax levies were set, and levied for new schools at that point. Under Measure 2, if Williston needs more classrooms with the influx of oil workers, the price of school bus fuel or other costs spike, etc. - nothing requires the state to fund those added expenses if they werent levied for in 2011. As time goes by, Measure 2 is transparently designed to squeeze out public education funding and local input into education because the only revenue schools will get is from the state, and that state funding is fixed in time. (Thats why its terrible civics to datestamp things into our Constitution.) Ask yourself this: If Measure 2 had passed and fixed state revenues at 1980 levels, how many schools would still have the funding to be functional with all the inflation and cost increases over the past 30 years? Thats what fixing state revenue in the constitution at 2011 levels does it moves our public school system into sort of a voucher program the further out you get from 2011. The sales-pitch term full funding is derived in paragraph 3 of the measure, which states: The legislative assembly shall direct [various types of taxes] not allocated to elementary and secondary schools to counties, cites, and other political subdivisions according to a formula devised by the legislative assembly to fully and properly fund the legally imposed obligations of the counties, cites, townships, and other political subdivisions . A plain reading of paragraph 3 is: 1) Schools take their cut of state revenue off the top until they reach 2011 school property tax levy amounts as mandated in paragraph 2 of the measure; 2) The legislature decides what legally imposed obligations on each class of political subdivision will be. (Like they do now, political subdivisions are created by state statutes) 3)The legislature designs formulas for each class of political subdivision, whether they be fire departments, park or weed boards, cities, counties, etc.; 4) The legislature the decides what fully and properly fund of each class of political subdivision is. Perhaps the biggest fallacy Measure 2 sponsors have been laying on the voters is the state will have to fully fund local government before they fund state functions. Alright Dorothy, but lets get back to Kansas for a moment. The legislature has sole discretion under the measure to decide what legally imposed obligations are, and what fully funding of those functions will be. If, for example, the legislature decides fully funding of local road departments should be half their current levels there isnt much anyone can do about it. Additionally, we can put a provision in our Constitution that says All farmers will get 100 bushel wheat. But that doesnt

make it practical just because it is constitutional language. How in the world is the legislature going to design funding formulas for the expenses of our over 350 cities that range in size from Fargo to Marmarth? Our 53 counties ranging from Cass to Slope? Some counties have lots of paved roads and high maintenance costs for them, some counties have very few paved roads how do you uniformly formulate those maintenance costs? Some counties have jails of varying sizes, others have none? Big cities have park boards with staffs, opposed to small city park boards that count on volunteers? Political subdivisions have courthouses, maintenance shops, libraries, fire and ambulance barns, and other buildings or structures in various states of age and repair. How do you create a formula for repair or replacement of all these buildings? Whats this doing in the measure? A couple sections in Measure 2 seem to have gotten scant discussion, but strike me as a bazaar request to have the voters change. The concerning sections deal with general obligation bonds and are found in sections 3 and 4 of the measure. Measure 2 seeks to amend current constitutional language to require the government to place values on everyones personal property when bonds are issued. I am not going to reprint all lengthy verbiage in each section, you can read them here if you want: Ill focus you in on the concerning proposed changes: Go to page 2 under Section 14, paragraph 2, and see where it says full and true market value of all taxable property. You will find a like provision in Section 15 where on the second line it states assessed market value of taxable property So everyone is on one page, when you see words crossed out or underlined the passage of the measure either deletes or adds those words accordingly. If memory serves me correctly, I believe a lot of these particular sections in our Constitution date back to the old McKenzie Political Boss machine and railroad monopolies wherein it was believed that local and state governments were being corrupted by powerful insiders.As part of the populist address to this, limits were placed on how much long term debt the state and local governments could hold. For example, on page 3, Section 15 you will see that political subdivisions are limited from issuing bonds in an amount greater than five per centum of the assessed value of taxable property unless the public votes by at least 2/3 to increase a political subdivisions debt up to 8%. This way, political bosses couldnt get their government stooges to vote for large bond issues to fund projects that benefited their railroad buddies - at least that was sort of the idea. Currently this is how this works in practice: Lets say the Red River Joint Water Board (RRWB) wants to issue $500 million in general obligation bonds to pay for Fargo area flood protection. The first thing they have to do is get the assessed value of taxable property, which is already on file with the county auditors for property tax purposes. As long as $500 million is less than 5 percent of the assessed value of taxable property within the RRWB jurisdiction the bonds can constitutionally be issued. (There are statutes beyond this that also have to be complied with.) If $500 million fails between 6-8 percent, 2/3 of the voters from within the RRWB jurisdiction have to approve the bond issue. Under Measure 2, the substitution of assessed for market and the deletion of taxable in front of property means: To comply with the constitutional debt limit of 5 percent, the RRWB has to hire assessors to determine the market ERICSKON: 14

SIMONSON: From 11 world of brown around us (with just a hint of white left) is about to change weeks ahead of schedule. My timetable is shifting too. It wont be long until Im back home setting the hook on the first smallmouth of the year. Theres a good chance Ill find myself on the north shore of Lake Superior chasing chrome running up the Baptism River. And maybe, just maybe, this warm and docile start to spring will spur on a healthy hatch for birds across the pheasant belt and we can look forward to improved hunting next fall. In the meantime, Ill need to turn out a few more jigs to be ready for early North Dakota bass. The egg flies will have to get hatching in my vise for spring Steelhead. And some early time at the trap range will give me an extra advantage next fall. As the signs of spring keep rolling in (I expect my first robin next week sometime) and anticipation builds, I know Ive got to get ready for the coming changes brought on by this early end to the winter that never was, and a long, warm introduction to the next set of seasonsin our outdoors.
Nick Simonson grew up in Valley City.
YOUR HEALTH: From 7 person, the statistics on youth suicide do suggest that there are certain behaviors or characteristics that can alert you to an elevated risk of possible suicidal ideation. According to The Jason Foundation, these can include, but are not limited to: perfectionists; depressed teens; loners; low self-esteem changes in school status; abused, molested, or neglected youth bullying; gay/ lesbian youth; learning disabled; and students in trouble and abusers of drugs/alcohol. If you suspect your child or another child you know is intentionally harming themselves, they could be attempting to reduce and/or commu-
nicate psychological distress. Dont wait. Your school counselors are available to answer questions that you have. For more information on youth suicide prevention, go to www.jasonfoundation.com. Prairie St. Johns in Fargo offers mental health services for children and adolescents. To schedule a confidential assessment at no charge, call 701-476-7216 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Help is available.
A workshop on suicide and self-injury held recently at Prairie St. Johns in Fargo was attended by several professionals from the Valley City area, including Valley City Public School counselors Judi Hillier and Vanessa Kocka, who prepared this article in coordination with Prairie St. Johns staff. YOUR HEALTH is coordinated by Mercy Hospital.
TINY BITES: From 7 of safety. Of course, this is only my opinion. So, make the decision for yourself. But be informed. Ask questions and vote with your dollar. Its the only way we can bring about change. On a final note, as part of my job with FARRMS, I work with the National Farm to School Network and we have just partnered with the Entrepreneurial Center for Horticulture at Dakota College in Bottineau to host two, maybe three, food safety workshops in April. These workshops will focus on the safe handling of produce and attendees will be awarded a certificate of completion to use in marketing their produce to schools and other institutions. It is an intensive one-day workshop. There will be details about topics, cost and a special offer regarding Farm to School Week in North Dakota. So stay tuned (end of commercial). I would love to hear what you have to say about the pink slime issue. Please email me.
Reach Sue B. Balcom via email at sbalcom@farrms.org
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ERICKSON: From 13 value of any property within their jurisdiction. This does a couple things. First, it dramatically increases the amount of debt the government can issue because property no longer will be just real (taxable) property, but also include Walmart and Gander Mountains inventory, the equipment a beet farmer owns, each residences personal property, etc. The second thing it does is quash the argument that Measure 2 should be passed because it is expensive to implement our property tax system. In other words, if you think our current system is expensive because we have to hire assessors to put values on all the real property for tax purposes, then how is it a cost savings for the government to have to hire assessors for both all the real, and now everyones personal property so the market value of taxable property can be ascertained? Talk about big government getting into your kitchen. These proposed amendments to bonding are so crazy I cant help but think the measure drafters werent clued in with what changing these words mean in practice? But, then again, if their agenda was to fully fund schools they could have done that in the language, but choose not to. What made the sponsors think our people want the government assessing the market value of everything you own? It reminds me of Ben Franklins famous warning: When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic. Are the Measure 2 sponsors trying to get the people to vote themselves money, or is there some agenda here to end our republic? Honestly, I dont get it? How is Measure 2 going to be paid for? The sponsors claim that sales, income, and oil taxes will replace property taxes. But those numbers dont come close to adding up without massive increases in at least some of those taxes. In Mr. Hales blog post he states: The Legacy Fund is growing at the rate of more than $1 million each day! The state can borrow from this fund if it wishes and charge itself either nothing or a very low interest rate. Nothing could be a sounder investment than our school buildings. Or it can go into the bond market to borrow. Revenue to repay either is secure, available, and will be for decades to come. Even if Mr. Hales plan came remotely close to paying the costs of Measure 2, which it doesnt, I dont
recall any discussion during the debate over the Legacy Fund that advocated that it could or should be used to loan shark off future generations to pay current debts like Mr. Hale envisions. In essence, borrowing against the Legacy Fund to pay for current spending makes North Dakota no better or wiser than Congress when it borrows from the Social Security Trust Fund to pay for current federal spending. Maybe its me, but I dont like the idea of importing Washington D.C. budget gimmicks. Another method the sponsors claim will be used to pay for Measure 2 is by dramatic cuts in state employees. In support of this, the sponsors rely on a report from an agenda think tank called the Beacon Hill Institute (BHI). The BHI is apparently supposed to provide the intellectual backing for Measure 2. One of my undergrad degrees is in mathematics, where I learned you can create whatever fictional future projections you want with linear models. Its all in the assumptions, data and variables you chose to get the result that supports your preconceived ideological predilections. BHI models three scenarios to pay for Measure 2 - ranging from not increasing sales taxes and cutting 11,908 mostly state public sector jobs; to 100 percent increase on sales taxes and a cut of 4,492 public sector jobs. (All of these numbers are as of 2010.) Even under these models, however, the BHI report admits that these projected cuts and/or sale tax increases still leaves them 21 percent short of funding Measure 2 to 2010 property tax funding levels. All of the flaws in BHIs projections might take more space than their actual 11 page report, so Ill just point out some glaring miscalculations. On page 3 of the BHI report it states: While [eliminating property taxes] would pose challenges to local governments, the money used to pay property taxes does not disappear from the state economy. As we know, thats not true. At a minimum, $126 million in current nonresident property tax revenue would in fact leave our economy each year. In addition, North Dakota is an agricultural state. In this and other business sectors property taxes are expenses on income tax forms. When you eliminate property tax expenses you remove that income tax expense from the tax schedules (Schedule F for farmers and ranchers), which sends millions more dollars out of our economy to Washington. Failing to account
for this lost money from our states economy facially invalids all the BHI modeled projections. In addition, eliminating 11,908 public sector jobs does not add what BHI projects as $622 million to our states economy. Those public sector jobs are part of our states economy as it is. Teachers, snow plow drivers, highway patrolmen, and others shop, buy houses and cars, and pay taxes just like everyone else. Its a false premise that cutting public sector jobs somehow euphorically adds all kinds of money to our economy as a whole. Granted, cutting public sector jobs can increase private sector spending power if those cuts decrease taxes and the loss of public sector jobs arent necessary to support or protect businesses. But, its misleading to claim that the loss of public sector jobs increases the states economic wealth on some quid-proquo basis because public employees are also part of the tax and consumer base. In other words, if you follow BHIs false premises, closing NDSU wouldnt impact Fargos private sector economy, nor would firing every state employee that works in Bismarck impact the Bismarck/ Mandan private sector economy because those are just public sector jobs. My questions are: Since all of these projections (that dont add up) to pay for Measure 2 call for massive cuts in public sector employees, what employees do you think should be cut? We all would like to take a scalpel to the state budget to cut things we dont like. And it is easy to argue for cuts in the abstract by saying there should be fewer state employees to pay for Measure 2. But, do we get rid of highway patrol slots? Teachers? DNA chemists? Correctional officers? Highway department people? The UND medical school? Sexual predator evaluators? Our colleges and universities are constitutionally protected institutions so we cant close them. Do we just shell them out? In other words, paying for Measure 2 isnt in the same ballpark as Ed Schafer 10 percent budget cuts; nor some special interest projects or being upset with Higher Ed things many people can agree with. Youre talking about paying for Measure 2 by cutting core state functions that people now take for granted because many of those jobs are needed for roads to get oil and wheat to market safely, to care for the mentally ill or sexually deviant, to stop poachers or other criminals, etc. So what specific 40-50% of the states public sector workforce do you think should be cut?
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Newer front-load washer and dryer. LG brand. $800. Call 701-7890449. FOR SALE: 64 string harp guitar, 1915 model in original box. Call 845-1525. 40-plus 4X6 Rubber Mats. Only $40 each. call 701-789-0228 Pews for sale. Contact Donelda to make arrangements to see. Four antique pews to choose from. Plus an ornate high-back chair. Call 845-3845. Light-blue davenport for sale. Like new. $225. Will negotiate. Grace, 8450877. Pair of 225/70/15 studded snow tires mounted on rim. Fit Ford or Dodge. $150. 845-1525. For Sale: Clam Kodiak Fishouse. New in box never opened. $250 obo 701-769-2318 evenings or leave message. Phone: 701-769-2318. For sale: Pullman piano; make offer. Entertainment center, make offer; Rear bumpers for Ford and Chevy pickups. Make offer. Call David, 701-845-1375. For Sale: 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette Mini Van, good condition, 83,000 miles. Call 701-7624226.
1997 Chev Blazer $2500 1997Chev Blazer $3200 1996 Chev Blazer $3500 1988 Chev Pickup 2X4 $2800

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Litscher Training Stables is a full service training facility with Indoor-Outdoor arenas. Offering training, lessons, showing, sales, and more. Contact Jenna for more information and to reserve your spot for this spring. Hurry! Stalls are filling up fast. 701-8302120. Buying Farm Scrap & Car Bodies. Rock & gravel sales available. Tandem truck to haul. Will trade barn cleaning for scrap. Will pick up car bodies in town and rural. Call Elroy Patzner, Jamestown, 701-2522533 or 701-320-2239 (cell). Wanted Scrap Metal of All Kinds. Buying farm scrap, cars and snowmobiles. Always buying batteries. Call 701-8400800. T.C. Salvage. Dont pay high heating bills. Eliminate them with an OUTDOOR WOOD FURNACE from Central Boiler. RLH Enterprises 701-4123143.
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WANTED TO BUY. Gun collector wants to buy old Winchesters and other antique guns. Fair prices paid. Call 605-352-7078. Want to buy: Winchester 1894s most any year, also firearms of most any type. Also Kawasaki 3 cylinder 2 stroke motorcycles. Call 701-845-5196. The Independent gets it done.
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DRAKE: From 12 Tell me why, if you can Buying old batteries. Mr. Omdahl, why does $5 auto; $8 tractor; $1 North Dakota have so lawn mower or mo- many local governments? torcyle. Call 701-840- Maybe its time to look at 0800. T.C. Salvage. the system from a different point of view. Why not consolidate some of them? FOR RENT I used to live in Streeter, and the state wanted NEWLY REMODELED N.D., to consolidate the schools FOR RENT: 2-bedroom with Gackle. You would of apartments for rent in thought they wanted to sell Litchville, utilities inthe children into slavery cluded, laundry facilities or something. Both towns are available. Income fought it for years. Hundetermines amount of dreds of thousand dollars rent. Parklane Homes, were spent keeping both Inc., Litchville. Sandy schools going and guess Sandness, Mgr, 701-762what, now they are together 4496. Parklane Homes, and both communities are Inc., temporarily rents better off and the children apartments to all persons are better educated because without regard to income of that move. Is that always restrictions. the answer? I would say no, This institution but Measure 2 will put it on is an equal the table. opportunity provider & Mr. Omdahl continues to employer. make our point for approval of Measure 2. He states: we Classified Box have 53 counties, 350 cities, Ad. 1100 townships, 300 fire departments, Size: 1 column 175 school districts, Single office units x 2 tall. 200 park districts, 50 soil conservation disfor rent in small tricts, 75 water districts office complex. Quiet, Rate: $6.50/ and scores convenient location column inch of ambulance districts. Each of these local in downtown Valley governments has a unique City. $150 or $200 Run Dates: financial structure with a per month. till further varying degrees of reliance Call: 701-845-3390 Notice on property taxation. That is 100 percent correct, Mr. Publishers Notice Omdahl, so what is your AllClient: real estate advertising in this Dutton Office 134 - George problem? newspaper is subject to the Fair Every one of those groups Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise ``any prefer- has a budget they provide ence, limitation or discrimination to the next higher authority based on race, color, religion, in the governmental chain sex, handicap, familial status or of command. Not a few, national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, not some, but everyone of limitation or discrimination. them has a budget that they Familial status includes children are required to bring to the under the age of 18 living with table for approval, and if parents or legal custodians, it is out of line it is denied pregnant women and people securing custody of children un- and sent back to be redone. der 18. This newspaper will not The same will happen when knowingly accept any advertis- Measure 2 is passed by the ing for real estate which is in vio- voters of North Dakota. lation of the law. Our readers are Mr. Omdahl goes on hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspa- and mentions local conper are available on an equal op- trol. This again tells me portunity basis. To complain of he has not read the bill or discrimination, call North Dakota does not understand it. The Fair Housing Council Toll-free 1-888-265-0907. HUD Toll free state already controls the 1-800- 669-9777. The toll-free purse strings on 70 percent telephone number for the hear- of our school budget now, ing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. right? No one is screaming we have lost local control www.indy-bc.com have they? Nope. You try to
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build a new school without state approval and see what happens. The state also controls all mill levies. Local governments or counties do not control the rate of taxation, the state does. Just a little bit of information you might not be aware of: the state of North Dakota has raised taxes on farm land by 27.42 percent in 2010-2012 and on residential property in the same time frame raised taxes by 13 percent. Now tell us, Mr. Omdahl, why, when we have a surplus in our state do you raise taxes? I can tell you why. Because you can and that is the simple truth! Measure 2 will make you and the rest of your crowd be accountable for your actions. The way it is now property taxes are the legislators personal ATM card that has no limit and no responsibility or consequence for misuse. Measure 2 will also put a stop to that! Again that is a good thing. Mr Omdahl states that Measure 2 is a simplistic approach to state and local finance. Compared to what? You, Mr Omdahl and your buddies at the state capital have changed the property tax code over 135 times in the past 30 years, and you still have not solved the problems and inequities of property taxes. Maybe a more simplistic approach is what we need. All through your columns, Mr. Omdahl, you fail to realize that we the people of North Dakota are not asking for permission to change the property tax system. We are demanding that you do it and do it through Measure 2. Stop telling us it cant be done. Stop complaining that it will take 10 years to do. What about the elderly, that every year they fear a property tax increase; will this be the year I have to move out of my house or can a stay one more year, maybe I can cut one meal out a day to help pay my property taxes. If you do not think that is happening all over North Dakota you are further out DRAKE: 16

DRAKE: From 15 of touch than I thought you were. What about the younger generation? ey are kept from getting a home because of the high property taxes. You have not even mentioned them in your letters! All we hear from you is no, no, no, it cannot be done, it will be to hard. Perhaps, Mr. Omdahl, it will be to hard for you. I thank you for your service but please step aside and let someone with a better vision for the future of North Dakota take the reins - someone who feels that it will be a great day in the history of North Dakota to be the rst state in the union where the term home owner is a factual statement. Not only will North Dakota survive Measure 2, North Dakota will prosper in ways we dont even know yet. at is the only unintended consequence of Measure 2, Mr. Omdahl. e taxpayers have given the marching orders. My suggestion to the legislators in North Dakota concerning Measure 2 is this: lead, follow or get the out of the way. at attitude is what made America great! at is the spirit we need in Bismarck to make Measure 2 a reality. If your attitude is like Mr. Omdahls, please take the time to nd out for yourself about Measure 2. Do not listen to a bunch of scare tactics, nd out what you need to know about Measure 2. Be a apart of History vote yes for Measure 2.
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COMMUNITY NEWS, CULTURE, COMMENTARY, COMMERCE u FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2012 u VOLUME I, ISSUE 25 u FREE

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