Commentary – Page 13 – TheMinotVoice.com

In Crookston, Housing and economic development organizations combine

by: Josh Wolsky | July 27, 2017

The challenges and methods for dealing with those challenges of cities across the region is strikingly similar. Job creation and economic growth are challenges that nearly every smaller community deals with, and in Crookston, MN, they’ve been managing those efforts from two different organizations. But a lack of resources and overlapping missions forced them into

Read & Share sourced from: Grand Forks Herald

Grand Forks recruitment campaigns are overdue

by: Josh Wolsky | July 25, 2017

The news on this topic is just above. Basically, the political sub divisions around Grand Forks are combining their efforts to frame the region in a more positive light. And the effort got the attention of the Herald’s editorial staff. In short, they like the idea.

Read & Share sourced from: Grand Forks Herald

Claims that renewable energy threatens the stability of the US power grid is ludicrous

by: Josh Wolsky | July 25, 2017

A common argument heard in North Dakota is the need to maintain coal-fired power plants because of their ability to provide the basic baseline power needs of the electrical grid. That we would attach ourselves to arguments that defend an industry important to our state is not surprising; I would say it’s a natural reaction.

Read & Share sourced from: Quartz

Our economic future depends on storytellers

by: Josh Wolsky | July 21, 2017

Heard a good story lately? It’s kind of a trick question, because if you did, you may not even know it. Storytelling is a time-honored art form, but we’re just now discovering the relevance it has to what we think, who we trust, and how we act. And our ability to spin a yarn may

Read & Share sourced from: Quartz

Let’s get started on rail relocation

by: Josh Wolsky | July 17, 2017

One of the reasons The Minot Voice focuses on news from other areas is because it’s rare that a community like Minot confronts a wholly new and unique problem. Whatever our challenge, and we have plenty, there are good odds that some community somewhere has faced a similar challenge. And the more we read around,

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The questions that come to mind from a courtroom squabble

by: Jim Maxson | July 17, 2017

I was out of state on vacation the week of July 4th. Upon my return, it was interesting to note an unprecedented media controversy involving the Ward County State’s Attorney’s office and Judge Stacey Louser. As a former Ward County Assistant State’s Attorney and a former criminal defense lawyer (including murder, attempted murder, and manslaughter),

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When it come to flood protection in Scotland, a wall makes a nice canvas

by: Josh Wolsky | July 13, 2017

With $330 million as our local cost for flood protection, there’s no distance too far to look when it comes to searching out good ideas that may tie into the project in some way. And though this idea isn’t directly related to saving life and property, it may be a way to enhance the project.

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The Time Is Right for a Debate About Closing Down Some of North Dakota’s Universities

by: Josh Wolsky | July 11, 2017

Rob Port at Say Anything Blog comments on a growing group of people talking about the need to reform and reevaluate the way and where of how North Dakota does higher education. His reform concept — close down a few of the state’s colleges and universities. That argument will no doubt trigger a debate, which

Read & Share sourced from: Say Anything Blog.com

Why don’t more women run for political office?

by: Josh Wolsky | July 11, 2017

When women run, they win just as often as men. But they don’t run as often. Follow the source link below and have a listen to a couple political operatives discuss why women aren’t running for political office.

Read & Share sourced from: Minnesota Public Radio

Lake Audubon drought Plan draws Red River Valley commentary

by: Josh Wolsky | July 10, 2017

A proposed Corp of Engineers plan to reduce the operating elevation of Lake Audubon during periods of extended drought has caught the attention of those in the Eastern part of the state. Back in 2005, the operating elevations between Lake Audubon and Lake Sakakawea reached 41 feet; the difference between the two lakes raised concerns

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A focus on graduation, not enrollment, is the right direction for UND

by: Josh Wolsky | July 10, 2017

Rob Port has been among the most outspoken critics of the state’s university system, but the language coming from UND President Mark Kennedy is getting his attention. Moving forward, Mr. Kennedy will focus UND’s efforts on graduation and providing value for students. That philosophy is a departure from focus on another common metric — enrollment.

Read & Share sourced from: Say Anything Blog.com

Downtown Fargo continues on a path of continuous improvement

by: Josh Wolsky | July 3, 2017

Over the past 20 years, Fargo has been successful in creating a downtown environment that is the envy of all the other cities in North Dakota. How did they do it? Fargo’s Downtown Community Partners President Tim Flakoll provides some commentary on the success; the ingredients Fargo used won’t surprise you, but they will point

Read & Share sourced from: InForum

The Government Shouldn’t Compete With Private Businesses for Profits

by: Josh Wolsky | June 30, 2017

Rob Port with the Say Anything Blog weighs in on the City of Minot’s proposed garbage pick-up policy revisions that would result in a mandated change of service from private haulers to City-provided garbage pick-up. The law change would capture about 1,200 multi-residential units. At a Committee of the Whole meeting this week, members of

Read & Share sourced from: Say Anything Blog.com

Opioid epidemic forces us into new territory

by: Josh Wolsky | June 28, 2017

In today’s Minot Daily editorial, Mike Sasses, editor of the Minot Daily provides some perspective on the new challenges created by opioid and drug abuse that’s more and more prevalent. When a judge has to consider whether granting someone bond may endanger their own life, we know we have a difficult problem to solve. Read

Read & Share sourced from: Minot Daily News

If you release fish, here are some tips on how to do it well!

by: Doug Leier | June 28, 2017

I’ve always preferred simple tackle for fishing – bobbers, jigs, spoons and hooks – though I’m not categorically against using the latest legal tools and technology. I call it low impact angling. Some call it bobbers and worms. Whatever you declare, it’s more about enjoying fish and less about trophy angling, no matter the cost.

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Using the arts to think bigger

by: Josh Wolsky | June 27, 2017

The Executive Director of Fargo’s The Arts Partnership is on a new mission to turn the entire Fargo community into an arts incubator. And in doing so, she believes the entire community from citizens to students and businesses to non-profits will benefit.

Read & Share sourced from: InForum