Around the State: June 6, 2022

The counties and cities within the state of North Dakota hold many interesting news stories.

Here are just a few of the feature stories that others are reading in communities around the state.

Students Gay/Straight Alliance revoked

A Watford City High School club that was created three years ago to support students has been revoked by the McKenzie County Public School District No. 1 school board. And the teacher who was a volunteer and served as the club’s advisor has been removed and teaching duties reassigned.

According to Steve Holen, district superintendent, the board received information on actions taken and make the decisions during a special meeting.

“We had concerns brought forward on May 11, regarding a teacher/advisor and actions taken without parental consent that directly and indirectly involved the GSA club,” stated Holen. “We did an investigation of the situation and what had happened warranted the removal of the advisor and the immediate revoking of the club based on issues brought to light in the investigation.”

As part of the district’s investigation, Holen said that while the club was created to provide a support group for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students in the school, over time the club became more than what the district has intended and lacked levels of oversight to ensure parental knowledge and potential concerns could be addressed with club activity.

“Statistics show that these students need a support system,” stated Holen. “We’re here to support kids - all kids in whatever capacity. But we don’t cross the line between what is the parents’ role. We’re not her to replace parents.”

(Story by Neal A. Shipman, the McKenzie County Farmer)

Nuns end 80-year presence at Little Flower

The Franciscan Sisters of Dilligen ended an 80-year presence at Little Flower Parish and Catholic School with the close of the school term on May 20.

Sisters Jean Louise Schafer and Mary Ruth Huhn, both with the order, have been busy preparing for their move to their mother-house in Hankinson. Although both have returned to Hankinson for the summer every year since they’ve be been with Little Flower Parish, they will not come back to Rugby in August, as they had for several years.

Schafer talked briefly about the order’s history.

“Our community began in Dilligen, Germany, in 1241. That’s 15 years after St. Francis died. So, we have a long and varied history,” said Schafer.

“In 1913, 24 sisters came from Germany to Collegeville, Minn., to do domestic work for the priests of that parish and diocese. More sisters came in waves and expanded their reach to German-speaking communities in the region, moving west to Hankinson. They then built their convent there in 1928.

“Then about 14 years after the convent’s construction in Hankinson, Rugby’s Little Flower Parish built its school,” said Schafer.

(Story by Sue Sitter, the Pierce County Tribune)

New procedures prompt complaints to NTPD

New Town Police Chief Jacke Halonon fielded complaints about new procedures on traffic stops being used by some of her officers.

Council member Nathaniel Mayer quizzed Halonon on the new procedure saying he had received complaints about drivers being asked to sit in the police officers vehicle and quizzed with questions about drug use.

According to Halonen, the procedure is one that has recently stated being taught in North Dakota’s Peace Officer Training programs. She said an officer who has started using the technique has had a number of drug arrests as a result. She said she realized some citizens may feel profiled as a result, but she discussed the technique with the Chief of TAT Law Enforcement, who had no problem with NTPD using it with tribal members.

(Story by Jerry W. Kram, the New Town News)

Howling Wolf sentenced to five years

A Parshall woman accused of allowing an infant in her care to starve to death two years ago, has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Twenty-seven-year-old Paige Howling Wolf, pleaded guilty in December to charges of involuntary manslaughter and three counts of child neglect in an agreement with prosecutors.

Law enforcement and medical personnel in June 2020, responded to a call of an unresponsive infant at a Parshall residence. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office an autopsy showed the child died from chronic starvation. Officials say four other children were taken from Howling Wolf and three had methamphetamine in their systems.

(Story taken from the New Town News)

$16 million plan okayed in Tioga

Tioga city commissioners voted 3-1 at a recent meeting to approve a $16 million expansion of the community center.

The expansion plan, first revealed to the public in March, will add a new gymnasium, two racquetball courts, more activity rooms and expand the library.

(Story by Jacob Orledge, the Tioga Tribune)

Administrator resigns abruptly

Harvey School Superintendent Mitch Strand has resigned his position at the school after one year on the job.

Strand, 36, said it was for personal reasons he’s resigning, effective July 1, 2022. He tendered his resignation on Friday, May 13.

The Harvey School Board “regretfully” accepted the resignation at a special board meeting Monday morning, according to board president Ken Schild.

Strand’s resignation was not asked for nor was it demanded, Schild said.

The abrupt resignation puts the school board in a difficult position, admitted the board president. It’s late in the game to be searching for a tenured or quality school administrator.

“Our options are pretty tight. We’ll just have to advertise and see what we can find, it’s all we can do.”

Strand was under contract for the 2022-2023 school year when he admittedly came to the realization that he didn’t believe he could continue the position and be fair to his health and his family.

But the position of superintendent, he said, has taken a mental, emotional and physical toll.

Originally from Regent, N.D., Strand was elementary principal at Bowman for three years before moving to Harvey last year. He also taught at Beulah and Maddock.

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