701 Rundown: April 22, 2024

Here’s your weekly rundown of some of the most interesting headlines from newspapers across North Dakota.

Feral, stray cat management an ongoing situation

The Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program is preparing to start up their catch and release program concerning feral cats in the local area after having success with the program since 2022.

“TNR is the most humane and effective method known for managing feral and stray cats and reducing their numbers,” said Lauri Richard, lead volunteer in the TNR program.

“Our local program covers Bottineau and Lake Metigoshe, and it is our mission to continue spaying, neutering and giving rabies vaccinating to ferals and strays in our area in order to decrease the cat population over time.”

Richard added, “We have some great volunteers that help with setting up and cleaning the traps and holding kennels, feeding and watering the cats while being held before and after surgery and transporting them … .”

The TNR program started in September of 2022 and went on until October of that year when the program had to shut down due to winter. The program started up again in May of 2023 and continued again until October when winter came back.

“Weather permitting, we can trap, neuter and return for six months during this spring, summer and fall,” said Richards. “We will start right away in May, which is important because kitten season will be in full swing.”

Through the eight months the TNR program has been in service, the volunteer group has processed 188 kittens and cats.

Of that number, 107 were spayed and neutered, 81 were taken off the streets and 73 returned to their outdoor colonies.

(Story by Scott Wagar, the Bottineau Courant)

Wells County races developing

A two-person race has developed for the Wells County Commission, while in Harvey, the mayor’s race has been reshuffled.

Spencer Marchand, the first person to appear on the June 11 ballot for mayor, has pulled out of the race entirely, which leaves Dean Klier, who filed his paperwork last month, and Shelley Svoboda, who entered the fray more recently.

Meanwhile, the Reverend Jeff Solberg was circulating petitions to also run for Mayor of Harvey. Solberg is pastor of the United Pentecostal Church.

The race for the county’s District 1 commissioner, currently held by Danny “Boone” Maxwell, developed when District 2 Commissioner Leon Klocke filed for the seat held by Maxwell.

Klocke resigned as the county’s District 2 Commissioner, a position which will now be filled by appointment for the remaining two-years of Klocke’s term.

Meanwhile, Donnie Hoepfer, Gill Steedsman and Kerry Susag have filed for the three 4-year term positions on the Harvey City Council. Gary Kennedy is running for the one open 2-year term. Hoepfer, Steedsman and Susag are currently serving on the council.

There are also two positions open on the Harvey Park Board, one of which is being sought by Justin Heil.

In Fessenden, Vince Harshbarger is the lone candidate running for office. There are four alderman seats open on the council, in addition to the mayor’s position.

(Story by Neil O. Nelson, The Herald-Press)

Hot eats, cool treats – new owners

Once again a total family affair will be taking on the Dairy Queen in Park River.

Misty Praska, along with sister Macey and mom Tammy, are the proud new owners of the popular establishment that makes Park River a sweet summer destination.

However, the plans that the trio have will hopefully mean longer hours and, fingers crossed, a little bit longer season altogether.

Having worked at Dairy Queen in Park River when she was still in school, Praska is very familiar with the culture, and when the opportunity to become a bigger part of the business came around for the second time, it was impossible to ignore.

“It kind of all fell into place,” said Praska. “I worked at the Dairy Queen for eight years, all through high school and part way into college until I had my first daughter.”

In addition to extending their hours, Praska said that one of the new things they’re excited to implement is mobile ordering, which is done through the Dairy Queen app.

“We want to continue on as tradition because when I worked for Mary Bennington and the Larson family, I saw these traditions continue on and we hope to do the same,” said Praska.

(Story by Steph Cronje, The Walsh County Record)

Hutch closing shop, but Auxiliary soldiers on

One of the most visible symbols and fund-raising arms for the CHI St. Alexius Health Carrington Medical Center Auxiliary will be shuttered at the end of this month.

The Happy Heart Hutch gift shop has long provided patients and hospital patrons with a wonderful selection of items, as part of its loving service to area communities and the region.

With the news that the Hutch is planning to close for good, some in the Carrington area might be openly wondering what that portends for the future of the CMC Auxiliary.

Dorothy Fenske, longtime Auxiliary leader and volunteer, says that the organization's mission will continue unabated.

"We've had so many come up to the plate and help [over the years]," Fenske said.

The decision to discontinue the Happy Heart Hutch was not one that was taken lightly.

A dwindling number of volunteers to staff the Hutch meant that more work was being put on the plates of those who did volunteer, concerns which were brought to the attention of CHI Carrington leadership.

Without a foundation director, CHI Carrington would not have the staff to assist with running the gift shop.

Once the Hutch is cleared out, the gift shop's space will be converted to an office for the Auxiliary, and the entryway will become a sitting area for the hospital.

The Happy Heart Hutch is located at the south entrance of CHI St. Alexius Health Carrington Medical Center at 800 4th St. N.

It will be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. until Tuesday, April 30. The gift shop is offering up to 90 percent discounts on all merchandise.

Make sure to pick up something before it's gone!

Anyone who wishes to join the CMC Auxiliary may do so by contacting Fenske at (701) 652-5030 or Bernardine Anderson at (701) 652-3627.

(Story by Erik Gjovik, The Foster County Independent)