Public Affairs – Page 31 – TheMinotVoice.com

Winnipeg: Warm weather, increased tourism boost food and drink spending

by: Josh Wolsky | November 30, 2016

Food and drink spending is proving to be a boon for the Canadian economy, and in our neighboring province of Manitoba, spending and growth is particularly strong. In the month of September, Manitobans spent $167 million on dining and drinking out, that was up 2.2% from the year previous. Commentary: it’s a story relevant to

Read & Share sourced from: Winnipeg Free Press

Congressman Cramer Appointed Republican Steering Committee

by: Josh Wolsky | November 30, 2016

Congressman Cramer will sit on the Republican Steering Committee. The full news release from his office follows below, but the position will allow our North Dakota Congressman to have a larger voice in shaping the legislative agenda. — Official News Release, Congressman Cramer — Congressman Kevin Cramer was elevated to an influential committee in the

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Commentary: A frantic flight from socialism

by: Josh Wolsky | November 30, 2016

With the death of Carribean dictator and a contentious ideologically-based election still close in our consciousness, this commentary from the Grand Forks Herald is worth a read. It’s a reminder of the higher ideals and opportunities this country represents and why so many among us defend it vigorously.

Read & Share sourced from: Grand Forks Herald

Whatever Else Comes From the #NoDAPL Protests, Let’s Get North Dakota Cops Some Body Cameras

by: Josh Wolsky | November 29, 2016

Rob Port at Say Anything Blog offers up two important conversation points in this article, one of them unintentionally. First, the protest actions have exposed the need for police to be using body cameras, so we should figure out how to get that done. And second — and though not explicitly stated — it’s time

Read & Share sourced from: Say Anything Blog.com

Drunk driving lands North Dakota on worst drivers list

by: Josh Wolsky | November 28, 2016

In North Dakota, we drink a lot — at least compared to other states. And according to new statistics, we get in the car and drive after drinking far too often as well. April Baumgarten with the Dickinson Press has more on the story.

Read & Share sourced from: Dickinson Press

ND attorney general says state can start tapping Legacy Fund earnings in 2017

by: Josh Wolsky | November 28, 2016

June 30, 2017, is an important date for the state’s Legacy Fund. After that, earnings from the fund can be transferred to the state’s general fund. Earnings from prior to that are considered part of the principal and can only be spent by two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the legislature. The fund currently

Read & Share sourced from: InForum

Canada: Rampant illegal night hunting puts Manitoba wildlife in peril

by: Josh Wolsky | November 25, 2016

Not too far North of us here in Minot, ranchers and game officials are struggling with increased illegal activity related to night hunting of wild game as well as the shooting of livestock. So far this year there have been 41 arrests, that compares to an average of 14 arrests on similar charges over the past

Read & Share sourced from: Winnipeg Free Press

Hoeven, Dalrymple, and Cramer Make Appeal to End DAPL Protest

by: Josh Wolsky | November 23, 2016

Senator Hoeven, Governor Dalrymple, and Congressman Cramer have signed a letter delivered to President Obama regarding the #NoDAPL Protests. The full news release per Senator Hoeven’s office and letter follow below. — Official News Release — WASHINGTON – In a letter to President Barack Obama, Senator John Hoeven, Congressman Kevin Cramer and Governor Jack Dalrymple

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Devils Lake Maintains Pit Bull Ban

by: Josh Wolsky | November 23, 2016

The Devils Lake City Commission voted to keep a 1987 ordinance banning pit bulls within city limits in place, but for opponents of the law, the efforts to have it removed will continue. Devils Lake is the latest North Dakota community to take up the issue, Bismarck and Dickinson have previously removed their breed-specific ordinances.

Read & Share sourced from: Dickinson Press

ND Attorney General: Dakota Access Land Purchase is Legal

by: Josh Wolsky | November 23, 2016

Earlier this fall, Dakota Acess purchased land near the site of the #NoDAPL protest camps from a private rancher. It was a move that sparked controversy because, at first look, it appeared to be in violation of North Dakota’s corporate farming laws. Now, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued an opinion that Dakota Access had

Read & Share sourced from: KMOT

Estevan City Council formally criticizes carbon tax and environmental policy

by: Josh Wolsky | November 23, 2016

The City of Estevan’s City Council is going on the record formally with a letter addressed to provincial and party leaders that outlines disappointment in environmental policies including a carbon tax that put the areas coal-fired power stations directly in the crosshairs. Estevan is home to two power generating stations, one of which — the

Read & Share sourced from: Estevan Mercury

Is MN buffer law broad-stroke overreach or common-sense benefit?

by: Josh Wolsky | November 22, 2016

A new law in Minnesota requires permanent vegetation strips to protect lakes and streams from farm field runoff. And reaction to the law? It’s a mixed bag. Some farmers will are embracing it and will be entering lost acreage into CRP programs, others are less receptive.

Read & Share sourced from: InForum

State’s marijuana measure creates uncertainty

by: Josh Wolsky | November 22, 2016

Voters gave medical marijuana the overwhelming stamp of approval, but the nuts and bolts of that law are creating headaches for those tasked with implementing it. Kim Fundingsland with the Minot Daily News has the story.

Read & Share sourced from: Minot Daily News

Where We’re Headed: North Dakota’s Lieutenant Governor-Elect Provides Insight

by: Josh Wolsky | November 22, 2016

The first priority is the budget. After that’s settled, the long-term goal for the Burgum Sanford team is getting to wrok on revitalizing our small towns and communities. KX News has the story that includes an interview with Lieutenant Governor-Elect Brent Sanford.

Read & Share sourced from: KX News

Editorial: Lessons learned from Grand Forks’ sales-tax vote

by: Josh Wolsky | November 20, 2016

In the Eastern part of the state, there were sales tax initiatives on the ballot in both Fargo and Grand Forks. One of them earned voter approval, one didn’t. In this editorial, the Grand Forks Herald staff step back and look at the differences between the two as an exercise in learning.

Read & Share sourced from: Grand Forks Herald

Grand Forks: $154 million water plant item heads to City Council Monday

by: Josh Wolsky | November 20, 2016

The Grand Forks City Council is set to make a big decision on a bigger water infrastructure project. A new water treatment plant is expected to cost more than a $150 million; local leaders are expecting a 50-50 cost share with the State of North Dakota.

Read & Share sourced from: Grand Forks Herald