PAGE 4 PRESS PERSPECTIVES JANUARY 2, 2013
F ROM TH E
EDITOR'S DESK...
BY ALLISON OLIMB
EDITOR, WALSH COUNTY PRESS
On occasion, around this time
of year. [ get a phone call asking
what is with the old news. Since
day one at the Press, I have found
that there is nothing more useful
than a Year in Review segment.
In almost (I stress tile almost)
each of the archive books that l
have in the back room there is a
year in review that hits on the sto-
ries of the year. Every now and
then, I get calls or visits from peo-
ple wanting to know about some-
thing that happened in year so-and-
so and let me add folks don't al-
ways have the details down. So,
step one is trying to figure out if 1
have the year. Step two is trying to
figure out when said year. l can
turn page by page in old issues
where there could be 20-some
pages with about 30 little stories
on each page and try to comb
through them all for a snippet of
something that may or may not be
in there, or I can turn to the first
and last issues of any given year
and check the year in review. It is
like a magical time capsule that
can relk-rence me to the proper
month where I can find the whole
story.
Another perk is that often peo-
ple see stories that they R)rgot
about or missed the first time
around and get the chance to relive
the year all over again.
Finally, it gives me a little bit of
a break. The last issue of the year
and the first issue of the year of-
ten stick me with deadline changes
and busy holiday goings on. I
imagine ill didn't have the op-
portuni to pull something out of
my proverbial magic hat, 1 would
be crying right about now. This
year deadlines have been bumped
up considerably lbr me in order to
make sure that your paper gets in
your hands exactly when it is
supposed to.
That little stroll down memory
lane is a tilne-honored tradition
that started long before I got here
and will continue if I have any-
thing to say about it. There are les-
sons in history that cannot be de-
nied and there is magic in past.
When it comes to the past, we
can either complain about it or
learn from it, but there is no deny-
ing that it happened and has for-
ever changed the orld because of
it.
l.il, e "' the Walsh Coun o, Press on f'ace-
hook and check out our blog ,tt Itttp.v",,'l'a&h-
t ounO'prcss, wordpress.com
Hello,
I've mentioned it before. And I
have to say it again. Get offthe In-
terstate and visit the small towns in
the Dakotas. I knov;' most of you
that get this column live in small
towns, so l'm kind of preaching to
the choir. But, don't overlook what
you have in your hometown.
We spend a lot of time on the
highway. Looking at cows and
horses and kids. And people. I eat
(a lot) at all kinds of restaurants. I
could do like that Ziggie Report or
whatever it is. You kmow. That rich
couple that got rich just by writing
about restaurants. That's probably
not the right name for it, but you
know what I mean.
I had heard about this German
restaurant in New Leipzig. In Pact,
l've even driven in there to eat be-
fore. And couldn't find the restau-
rant. Now, New Leipzig is pretty
small. And, grow n man should
have been able to find the caf6.
Main street is two blocks long at
the longest. And it is narrower than
' I tho,J-ht, there must not really
be a restaurant there. Then, one
day.; e fi',,md it. The "'Leipziger
Hof. i guess that is German lbr
restaurant or something.
Hat
It was like traveling across the
ocean without having to go
through airport security and cabs
and rude travelers. The "hoU ( I
hope that means caf6) was filled
with wonderful art and statues and
filled with a wonderful aroma.
Music from some kind of opera
played in the background The lbod
was fantastic and the service won-
derful. I had a big schnitzel with
peas and fries. Shirley had the lit-
tle schnitzel with peas and fries.
It's gone now. But I'm glad I saw
it.
At one time you could visit the
Owl and the Pussycat in Amidon,
the Buckskin in Killdeer, the Final
Go-Round in Morristown. The
Oasis in Buffalo. Some are gone
now. Lost to the fast food and
drive through restaurants, but a
few exist. Don't pass them by for
a big mac or whopper. You'll be
Tips
sorry you did.
Another thing about rural areas
is the people. We count on each
other. And that leads to this story.
We never get old. I can remem-
ber when thirty was old. And tbrty.
And fifty. Now sixty don't look
too bad. But most of us live in the
years when we were seventeen and
playing ball. Or riding broncs. And
going to the sock hop and the (hive
in movie. We age lhst slowly. If
that makes any sense.
We have a friend and neighbor
who ranches near you. He's get-
ting a little long in the tooth but
doesn't know it. Like most ranch-
ers in the winter, he looks a little
rough as he waits tbr the sun to
shrink those drifts away. Last week
he was hauling a load of cattle to
the sale and his pickup gelled up.
That number two diesel farm fuel
will do that.
It was cold and miserable. He
got out and started walking. Nov;
here is a rough looking guy,
dressed in his work coat, which
has been ripped on barbed wire
and patched up with twine, walk-
ing across the reservation. Picture
the grizzled rancher with a three
day beard and a little placenta on
himself and his clothes. And a lit-
tle used hay and oats.
This young lady with a small
child comes flying by. Gets a quar-
ter mile down the road. Stops.
Turns around. Comes back and
asks if she can help. He says,
"probably not, unless you are a
mechanic. But I could use a ride."
This young lady gives him a
ride to a farmhouse. Nobody
home. So, she goes out of her way
to give him a ride to town.
This rancher, who, like I said, is
getting a little long in the tooth, but
still thinks is" the seventeen year
old bull rider, had to ask. "'Wily did
you turn around and come back?"
The young lady replied, "My
parents taught me to always help
old people in trouble!"
Getting old is hell, but it beats
any other options!
Later, Dean
00G,qod Happenings at Our
! sa, mantan Good Samaritan
I
( # bOoc_tT.
" ,'7-", MonicaSimon ADC
H: .....
-.:,,i,,,. , ".'..'.;: . ..... ,,,a.. , ,?, r ,.!
Happy New Year tO Everyone fromthe resident s and staff of the Park
River GSC. We have had such a blessed holiday season with many
people sharing their time and talents with us. We would like to thank
the Forest River Colony Singers, St. John's Alter Society, Laura and Josie
Brodina, Sheryl Kjelland's piano students, Park River Cub Scouts, The
ESP Children, The Bethal Baptist Church Singers, Jeanette Bemtson and
Friends and the 5th Grade class of Park River. We certainly enjoyed all
the wonderful music, lbod and other activities you provided our residents
during thi s busy season.
December 19 the family Christmas party was held and delicious meal
was served by our dietary department and musical entertainment was
provided by Father Gary Lutein, Bruce Heggen, Betty Koening and Joan
Larson. Piano music was provided by Laura Brodina.
January events include:
Jan. 3 2:30 Monthly Communion Service
Jan 3 3:00 Music with Father Lutein
Jan 10 3:00 Monthly Birthday Party Bechyne Church
Jan 11 7:30 Mennonite Singers
Jan 24 3:00 Auxiliary Lunch and Program OSLC Park River
By Lloyd Omdahl
Extension Agent Brad Brummond
Devotional leaders were Lois Ydstie, Lorene Larsom Rev. David
Hinrichs, Sue Faggerholt, Kay Alkofer, Corrine Ramsey, Monica Simon,
Jan Novak and Dorthy Novak. Accompanists were Monica Simon, Jan
Novak and Mary Seim. Sunday Services were led by Rev. Antal and
Rev. ttinrichs. Fatehr Lutein led Mass and Shirly Sobolik led Rosary.
We thank everyone who gave of their time and talents this week. Thank-
you!
General Information on the ND Smoke Free Law
Went into effect December 6, 2012
No smoking in all enclosed areas of public places and places of
employment such as restaui'ants, bars, truck stops, guest rooms within
hotels and motels, health care facilities, long term care centers, assisted
living centers, licenses adult day care facilities, retail tobacco stores,
hookah establishments, workplace vehicles, charitable gambling and
gaming licensed lacilities, and places of public access that may be
leased tbr private functions.
No smoking within 20 feet of entrances, exits, operable windows,
air intakes and ventilation systems of an establishment where smoking
is prohibited by the law.
Electronic cigarettes/pipes/cigars are prohibited in all places where
smoking is not allowed under the law.
Business owners must:
Remove ashtrays from any area where smoking is prohibited
Post smoke free signage in business and workplace vehicles
Regularly educate all employees on the smoke free law, including
how to cahnly and respectfully interact with a person who is smoking
in violation of the law
Reporting a Violation
Violations to the new smoke free law can be reported to law
enforcement. You local public health unit is available for consultation
if you have questions. There are fines for infractions by individuals
and business owners who violate the law.
For more information on the new smoke-free law or access to
smoke fiee signage information go to:
hnp://breathend.com/partners/
Curbing Conflicts of Interest in
Campaigns
Some citizens in Dunn County
have been trying to initiate a
grand jury to consider the con-
flict of interest involved in cam-
paign contributions to Governor
Jack Dalrymple by energy com-
panies regulated by the Industrial
Commission.
They allege that such contri-
butions are a form of bribery in-
tended to buy influence in the
Governor's decisions. The same
issue has also been raised in re-
gard to members of the Public
Service Commission.
Those on the receiving end of
these contributions have denied
that campaign contributions have
influence on their decisions.
However, Ed Bender, executive
director of the National lnstimte
on Money in State Politics, dis-
agrees.
When corporations make con-
tributions, "it's a business deci-
sion, not a political decision," he
claims.
So while the recipients of these
contributions argue that these
contributions have no influence
on their decisions, the contribu-
tors are thinking otherwise. As
hard-nosed businesspeople, they
aren't dissipating the company's
resources on politicians without
expecting some kind ofpayback.
From their perspective, the in-
tent of these contributions is un-
mistakable - to reap more than
they plant. After all, they are not
charitable organizations. They ex-
pect an investment in politicians
to return much more than the con-
tribution.
This claim can be validated
when we see that contributions
go only to politicians who can in-
fluence business operations.
Elected officials holding offices
that have no economic impact on
corporations get no contributions.
Take the office of state treas-
urer, for example. Candidates for
this office do not attract campaign
contributions because they don't
make decisions that can reward a
contributor. The same is true
about the state auditor and, to
some degree, tile tax commis-
sioner.
The low level ofcontributions
to ()ffices without economic de-
cision-making authority tells us
that campaign contributions are a
matter of business and not poli-
tics. So it is appropriate to worry
about conflicts of interest.
But it is unfair to single out
the Industrial Commission or the
Public Service Commission be-
cause conflicts of interest are
more widespread than just a few
state offices.
Every official with the capac-
ity to make decisions with eco-
nomic impact has a conflict of in-
terest when accepting
contributions. This includes state
legislators as well as county and
city governing board members.
The first cure that comes to
mind is to outlaw campaign con-
tributions by businesses, unions
or others that could benefit from
governmental decisions. If we
could pass laws prohibiting cor-
porate or organization contribu-
tions, there probably would not
be enough money to run a decent
campaign.
The idea of public funding of
campaigns has been around for a
long time. Several states are do-
ing it. But this is North Dakota
and our frugal taxpayers would
never countenance the use of
public funds for political pur-
poses.
Considering all of the politi-
cal, legal and constitutional re-
straints involved in eliminating
conflicts of interest created by
campaign contributions, it makes
sense to tuna to something that is
achievable - instant disclosure of
campaign contributions.
Our present campaign reports
'are too slow to be useful in polit-
ical campaigns. By the time a sus-
picious contribution is reported,
the campaign is over and the re-
ceiving candidates escape ac-
countability.
With the high-speed Interact, it
has become feasible to require
daily posting of reports of cam-
paign contributions. This would
make it possible for improper
contributions to be a matter of
debate during the campaign.
Voters could then consider
whether or not a candidate has
created a conflict of interest serf
ous enough to be turned down in
an election.
Extension Exchange
Weather Winter Safely
The weather outside may be
fiightful, but with a few safety tips,
the family fun can last all year
long!
Winter weather brings special
challenges and is a time to pay at-
tention to your health when exer-
cising outdoors. Trying to stay
warm and protect your skin from
the sun is important even if the air
and wind are brutally cold. In ad-
dition, maintaining an active
lifestyle can also be a challenge
when the weather turns chilly. Be-
low are a few tips for protecting
yourself and your family when ex-
ercising outdoors during the cold
winter months:
Be aware of the wind chill
factor before planning an out-
door activity. Dress warmly in sev-
eral layers of loose-fitting, tight-
ly woven clothing. Add a water-
proof coat, hat, gloves, a scarf or
knit mask to cover your face,
and waterproof boots when plan-
ning on spending time outdoors.
Eat and drink wisely. Well-
balanced meals will help you stay
wamler. Do not drink alcoholic or
caffeinated beverages - they cause
your body to lose heat more rap-
idly.
Use a palm-full ofsunscreen
of SPF 15 or higher everyday be-
fore going outdoors. Be sure to
reapply sunscreen every 2 hours
while exercising outdoors.
Teach children not to venture
out onto frozen ponds and lakes
without checking with an adult
about the safety of the ice.
Take a buddy and an up-to-
date emergency kit when you are
participating in outdoor recre-
ation. Your emergency kit should
include first-aid supplies, a snack,
bottled water, and a small flash-
. )
light. If doing an outside activity
ialone notify friends and family be-
fore you go.
Work slowly when doing
outside chores.
Take a break when you begin
to feel fatigue. Watch for signs of
cold weather health problems
such as hypothermia and fi'ostbite.
Symptoms of hypothermia in-
clude shivering, confusion,
drowsiness, weak pulse and shal-
low breathing. Frostbite may be
present when an individual feels
tingling and loss of sensitivity to
the affected skin. Get help if any
of these symptoms or conditions
appear.
Other wise-winter tips to keep
in mind throughout the chilly
season:
Avoid traveling when the
weather service has issued advi-
sories.
If you must travel, inform a
friend or relative of your proposed
route and expected time of arrival.
Keep a winter emergency kit in
your car in case you become
stranded. Include blankets; food
and water; booster cables, flares,
tire pump, and a bag of sand or cat
litter (for traction); compass and
maps: flashlight, battery-p0wered
radio, and extra batteries; first-aid
kit; and plastic bags (for sanita-
tion).
Carry a cell phone.
Be prepared to check on fam-
ily and neighbors who are espe-
cially at risk from cold weather
hazards: young children, older
adults, and the chronically ill. If
you have pets, bring them inside.
If you cannot bring them inside,
provide adequate, warm shelter
and unfrozen water to drink.
Source: NJ Cooperative Extension
Around the County
Walsh County EXtension Office '
Park River - 284-6624
Do Your Homework
before You Tile
The Lake Region Roundup I
would argue is the most compre-
hensive educational opportunity
for agriculture professional and
producers. If you are a certified
crop advisor you will be able to get
a fist full of CEUs in any area you
are short. The topics will be any-
thing fi'om what is land worth, crop
production, pest management,
soils and fertility and the latest
teclmology. I hope you will join us
for the program. I have the pro-
grams in my office if you are in-
terested. If you make just one
meeting this year this would give
you the widest exposure to what is
happening in agriculture in North-
eastern North Dakota
Is Extension Relevant?
I guess everyone else has had
their shot at this one so here is one
more opinion on the subject. So
what makes me qualified to talk
affout Extension? I grew up on a
farm in SE North Dakota that
used Extension quite extensively
and I was a 9 year 4-H veteran and
it also gave me my career. I am a
30 plus year veteran as a County
Agent and I have served in Traill,
Hettinger, Kidder and Walsh
Counties. I guess I have seen just
about it all. I also sit on the North
Dakota board of certified crop
advisors and I am their secretary
and work on their tests and con-
tinuing education milts that are re-
quired by the program. 1 am also
a national Vice Director for the na-
tional county agents association. I
have many more titles but I think
that will suffice.
I think what many of the dis-
cussions forget is tliat is Extension
is about changing the lives of the
people it serves. It was true in the
beginning and is probably truer
now than when it started. One
can't be a county agent and do
their job well if you do not develop
very close and personal relation-
ships with the people you serve. I
have fought for "my people" over
the years in many areas. I not only
serve the small but the big and
have gone to bat for them more
than a few times.
I have long heard the argu-
ment that the large farmers now
have crop scouts and industry
people and they do not need Ex-
tension. My answer to that is,"
Who trains the crop scouts and
who keeps industry people hon-
est"? That would be Extension. 1
have stood up against industry peo-
ple many times when their rec-
ommendations were not backed by
sound research based informa-
tion or were just plain wrong. It
takes a lot of courage to do that be-
cause when you standup against
them you are taking money out of
their pockets and that can make
things nasty. Ifwe are not willing
to stand up for the truth and re-
search based information, who
will?
We are also community builders
in our counties if we are engaged.
It is impossible not to become in-
volved in your community if you
care. I have served in many ca-
pacities in communities I have
served in. we also have one of the
finest 4-H programs and fairs in
the state of North Dakota right here
in Walsh County. Who says you
can't do agriculture and 4-H at the
same time and do it well? I have
watched Walsh County leaders
develop from our 4-H youth and
today I have former 4-H members
as 4-H leaders and fair directors.
They are a very progressive group
that really understands the joy of
rural North Dakota.
Dates to Remember:
I/8-9 Lake Region Roundup: Ramsey County Courthouse
and Memorial Building Devils Lake, North Dakota 9:30 a.m.
both days; breakfast at 8 a.m.
!/9 Walsh County Annual Fair Meeting; Extension Office
Park River; 6:30 p.m.
I
PAGE 4 PRESS PERSPECTIVES JANUARY 2, 2013
F ROM TH E
EDITOR'S DESK...
BY ALLISON OLIMB
EDITOR, WALSH COUNTY PRESS
On occasion, around this time
of year. [ get a phone call asking
what is with the old news. Since
day one at the Press, I have found
that there is nothing more useful
than a Year in Review segment.
In almost (I stress tile almost)
each of the archive books that l
have in the back room there is a
year in review that hits on the sto-
ries of the year. Every now and
then, I get calls or visits from peo-
ple wanting to know about some-
thing that happened in year so-and-
so and let me add folks don't al-
ways have the details down. So,
step one is trying to figure out if 1
have the year. Step two is trying to
figure out when said year. l can
turn page by page in old issues
where there could be 20-some
pages with about 30 little stories
on each page and try to comb
through them all for a snippet of
something that may or may not be
in there, or I can turn to the first
and last issues of any given year
and check the year in review. It is
like a magical time capsule that
can relk-rence me to the proper
month where I can find the whole
story.
Another perk is that often peo-
ple see stories that they R)rgot
about or missed the first time
around and get the chance to relive
the year all over again.
Finally, it gives me a little bit of
a break. The last issue of the year
and the first issue of the year of-
ten stick me with deadline changes
and busy holiday goings on. I
imagine ill didn't have the op-
portuni to pull something out of
my proverbial magic hat, 1 would
be crying right about now. This
year deadlines have been bumped
up considerably lbr me in order to
make sure that your paper gets in
your hands exactly when it is
supposed to.
That little stroll down memory
lane is a tilne-honored tradition
that started long before I got here
and will continue if I have any-
thing to say about it. There are les-
sons in history that cannot be de-
nied and there is magic in past.
When it comes to the past, we
can either complain about it or
learn from it, but there is no deny-
ing that it happened and has for-
ever changed the orld because of
it.
l.il, e "' the Walsh Coun o, Press on f'ace-
hook and check out our blog ,tt Itttp.v",,'l'a&h-
t ounO'prcss, wordpress.com
Hello,
I've mentioned it before. And I
have to say it again. Get offthe In-
terstate and visit the small towns in
the Dakotas. I knov;' most of you
that get this column live in small
towns, so l'm kind of preaching to
the choir. But, don't overlook what
you have in your hometown.
We spend a lot of time on the
highway. Looking at cows and
horses and kids. And people. I eat
(a lot) at all kinds of restaurants. I
could do like that Ziggie Report or
whatever it is. You kmow. That rich
couple that got rich just by writing
about restaurants. That's probably
not the right name for it, but you
know what I mean.
I had heard about this German
restaurant in New Leipzig. In Pact,
l've even driven in there to eat be-
fore. And couldn't find the restau-
rant. Now, New Leipzig is pretty
small. And, grow n man should
have been able to find the caf6.
Main street is two blocks long at
the longest. And it is narrower than
' I tho,J-ht, there must not really
be a restaurant there. Then, one
day.; e fi',,md it. The "'Leipziger
Hof. i guess that is German lbr
restaurant or something.
Hat
It was like traveling across the
ocean without having to go
through airport security and cabs
and rude travelers. The "hoU ( I
hope that means caf6) was filled
with wonderful art and statues and
filled with a wonderful aroma.
Music from some kind of opera
played in the background The lbod
was fantastic and the service won-
derful. I had a big schnitzel with
peas and fries. Shirley had the lit-
tle schnitzel with peas and fries.
It's gone now. But I'm glad I saw
it.
At one time you could visit the
Owl and the Pussycat in Amidon,
the Buckskin in Killdeer, the Final
Go-Round in Morristown. The
Oasis in Buffalo. Some are gone
now. Lost to the fast food and
drive through restaurants, but a
few exist. Don't pass them by for
a big mac or whopper. You'll be
Tips
sorry you did.
Another thing about rural areas
is the people. We count on each
other. And that leads to this story.
We never get old. I can remem-
ber when thirty was old. And tbrty.
And fifty. Now sixty don't look
too bad. But most of us live in the
years when we were seventeen and
playing ball. Or riding broncs. And
going to the sock hop and the (hive
in movie. We age lhst slowly. If
that makes any sense.
We have a friend and neighbor
who ranches near you. He's get-
ting a little long in the tooth but
doesn't know it. Like most ranch-
ers in the winter, he looks a little
rough as he waits tbr the sun to
shrink those drifts away. Last week
he was hauling a load of cattle to
the sale and his pickup gelled up.
That number two diesel farm fuel
will do that.
It was cold and miserable. He
got out and started walking. Nov;
here is a rough looking guy,
dressed in his work coat, which
has been ripped on barbed wire
and patched up with twine, walk-
ing across the reservation. Picture
the grizzled rancher with a three
day beard and a little placenta on
himself and his clothes. And a lit-
tle used hay and oats.
This young lady with a small
child comes flying by. Gets a quar-
ter mile down the road. Stops.
Turns around. Comes back and
asks if she can help. He says,
"probably not, unless you are a
mechanic. But I could use a ride."
This young lady gives him a
ride to a farmhouse. Nobody
home. So, she goes out of her way
to give him a ride to town.
This rancher, who, like I said, is
getting a little long in the tooth, but
still thinks is" the seventeen year
old bull rider, had to ask. "'Wily did
you turn around and come back?"
The young lady replied, "My
parents taught me to always help
old people in trouble!"
Getting old is hell, but it beats
any other options!
Later, Dean
00G,qod Happenings at Our
! sa, mantan Good Samaritan
I
( # bOoc_tT.
" ,'7-", MonicaSimon ADC
H: .....
-.:,,i,,,. , ".'..'.;: . ..... ,,,a.. , ,?, r ,.!
Happy New Year tO Everyone fromthe resident s and staff of the Park
River GSC. We have had such a blessed holiday season with many
people sharing their time and talents with us. We would like to thank
the Forest River Colony Singers, St. John's Alter Society, Laura and Josie
Brodina, Sheryl Kjelland's piano students, Park River Cub Scouts, The
ESP Children, The Bethal Baptist Church Singers, Jeanette Bemtson and
Friends and the 5th Grade class of Park River. We certainly enjoyed all
the wonderful music, lbod and other activities you provided our residents
during thi s busy season.
December 19 the family Christmas party was held and delicious meal
was served by our dietary department and musical entertainment was
provided by Father Gary Lutein, Bruce Heggen, Betty Koening and Joan
Larson. Piano music was provided by Laura Brodina.
January events include:
Jan. 3 2:30 Monthly Communion Service
Jan 3 3:00 Music with Father Lutein
Jan 10 3:00 Monthly Birthday Party Bechyne Church
Jan 11 7:30 Mennonite Singers
Jan 24 3:00 Auxiliary Lunch and Program OSLC Park River
By Lloyd Omdahl
Extension Agent Brad Brummond
Devotional leaders were Lois Ydstie, Lorene Larsom Rev. David
Hinrichs, Sue Faggerholt, Kay Alkofer, Corrine Ramsey, Monica Simon,
Jan Novak and Dorthy Novak. Accompanists were Monica Simon, Jan
Novak and Mary Seim. Sunday Services were led by Rev. Antal and
Rev. ttinrichs. Fatehr Lutein led Mass and Shirly Sobolik led Rosary.
We thank everyone who gave of their time and talents this week. Thank-
you!
General Information on the ND Smoke Free Law
Went into effect December 6, 2012
No smoking in all enclosed areas of public places and places of
employment such as restaui'ants, bars, truck stops, guest rooms within
hotels and motels, health care facilities, long term care centers, assisted
living centers, licenses adult day care facilities, retail tobacco stores,
hookah establishments, workplace vehicles, charitable gambling and
gaming licensed lacilities, and places of public access that may be
leased tbr private functions.
No smoking within 20 feet of entrances, exits, operable windows,
air intakes and ventilation systems of an establishment where smoking
is prohibited by the law.
Electronic cigarettes/pipes/cigars are prohibited in all places where
smoking is not allowed under the law.
Business owners must:
Remove ashtrays from any area where smoking is prohibited
Post smoke free signage in business and workplace vehicles
Regularly educate all employees on the smoke free law, including
how to cahnly and respectfully interact with a person who is smoking
in violation of the law
Reporting a Violation
Violations to the new smoke free law can be reported to law
enforcement. You local public health unit is available for consultation
if you have questions. There are fines for infractions by individuals
and business owners who violate the law.
For more information on the new smoke-free law or access to
smoke fiee signage information go to:
hnp://breathend.com/partners/
Curbing Conflicts of Interest in
Campaigns
Some citizens in Dunn County
have been trying to initiate a
grand jury to consider the con-
flict of interest involved in cam-
paign contributions to Governor
Jack Dalrymple by energy com-
panies regulated by the Industrial
Commission.
They allege that such contri-
butions are a form of bribery in-
tended to buy influence in the
Governor's decisions. The same
issue has also been raised in re-
gard to members of the Public
Service Commission.
Those on the receiving end of
these contributions have denied
that campaign contributions have
influence on their decisions.
However, Ed Bender, executive
director of the National lnstimte
on Money in State Politics, dis-
agrees.
When corporations make con-
tributions, "it's a business deci-
sion, not a political decision," he
claims.
So while the recipients of these
contributions argue that these
contributions have no influence
on their decisions, the contribu-
tors are thinking otherwise. As
hard-nosed businesspeople, they
aren't dissipating the company's
resources on politicians without
expecting some kind ofpayback.
From their perspective, the in-
tent of these contributions is un-
mistakable - to reap more than
they plant. After all, they are not
charitable organizations. They ex-
pect an investment in politicians
to return much more than the con-
tribution.
This claim can be validated
when we see that contributions
go only to politicians who can in-
fluence business operations.
Elected officials holding offices
that have no economic impact on
corporations get no contributions.
Take the office of state treas-
urer, for example. Candidates for
this office do not attract campaign
contributions because they don't
make decisions that can reward a
contributor. The same is true
about the state auditor and, to
some degree, tile tax commis-
sioner.
The low level ofcontributions
to ()ffices without economic de-
cision-making authority tells us
that campaign contributions are a
matter of business and not poli-
tics. So it is appropriate to worry
about conflicts of interest.
But it is unfair to single out
the Industrial Commission or the
Public Service Commission be-
cause conflicts of interest are
more widespread than just a few
state offices.
Every official with the capac-
ity to make decisions with eco-
nomic impact has a conflict of in-
terest when accepting
contributions. This includes state
legislators as well as county and
city governing board members.
The first cure that comes to
mind is to outlaw campaign con-
tributions by businesses, unions
or others that could benefit from
governmental decisions. If we
could pass laws prohibiting cor-
porate or organization contribu-
tions, there probably would not
be enough money to run a decent
campaign.
The idea of public funding of
campaigns has been around for a
long time. Several states are do-
ing it. But this is North Dakota
and our frugal taxpayers would
never countenance the use of
public funds for political pur-
poses.
Considering all of the politi-
cal, legal and constitutional re-
straints involved in eliminating
conflicts of interest created by
campaign contributions, it makes
sense to tuna to something that is
achievable - instant disclosure of
campaign contributions.
Our present campaign reports
'are too slow to be useful in polit-
ical campaigns. By the time a sus-
picious contribution is reported,
the campaign is over and the re-
ceiving candidates escape ac-
countability.
With the high-speed Interact, it
has become feasible to require
daily posting of reports of cam-
paign contributions. This would
make it possible for improper
contributions to be a matter of
debate during the campaign.
Voters could then consider
whether or not a candidate has
created a conflict of interest serf
ous enough to be turned down in
an election.
Extension Exchange
Weather Winter Safely
The weather outside may be
fiightful, but with a few safety tips,
the family fun can last all year
long!
Winter weather brings special
challenges and is a time to pay at-
tention to your health when exer-
cising outdoors. Trying to stay
warm and protect your skin from
the sun is important even if the air
and wind are brutally cold. In ad-
dition, maintaining an active
lifestyle can also be a challenge
when the weather turns chilly. Be-
low are a few tips for protecting
yourself and your family when ex-
ercising outdoors during the cold
winter months:
Be aware of the wind chill
factor before planning an out-
door activity. Dress warmly in sev-
eral layers of loose-fitting, tight-
ly woven clothing. Add a water-
proof coat, hat, gloves, a scarf or
knit mask to cover your face,
and waterproof boots when plan-
ning on spending time outdoors.
Eat and drink wisely. Well-
balanced meals will help you stay
wamler. Do not drink alcoholic or
caffeinated beverages - they cause
your body to lose heat more rap-
idly.
Use a palm-full ofsunscreen
of SPF 15 or higher everyday be-
fore going outdoors. Be sure to
reapply sunscreen every 2 hours
while exercising outdoors.
Teach children not to venture
out onto frozen ponds and lakes
without checking with an adult
about the safety of the ice.
Take a buddy and an up-to-
date emergency kit when you are
participating in outdoor recre-
ation. Your emergency kit should
include first-aid supplies, a snack,
bottled water, and a small flash-
. )
light. If doing an outside activity
ialone notify friends and family be-
fore you go.
Work slowly when doing
outside chores.
Take a break when you begin
to feel fatigue. Watch for signs of
cold weather health problems
such as hypothermia and fi'ostbite.
Symptoms of hypothermia in-
clude shivering, confusion,
drowsiness, weak pulse and shal-
low breathing. Frostbite may be
present when an individual feels
tingling and loss of sensitivity to
the affected skin. Get help if any
of these symptoms or conditions
appear.
Other wise-winter tips to keep
in mind throughout the chilly
season:
Avoid traveling when the
weather service has issued advi-
sories.
If you must travel, inform a
friend or relative of your proposed
route and expected time of arrival.
Keep a winter emergency kit in
your car in case you become
stranded. Include blankets; food
and water; booster cables, flares,
tire pump, and a bag of sand or cat
litter (for traction); compass and
maps: flashlight, battery-p0wered
radio, and extra batteries; first-aid
kit; and plastic bags (for sanita-
tion).
Carry a cell phone.
Be prepared to check on fam-
ily and neighbors who are espe-
cially at risk from cold weather
hazards: young children, older
adults, and the chronically ill. If
you have pets, bring them inside.
If you cannot bring them inside,
provide adequate, warm shelter
and unfrozen water to drink.
Source: NJ Cooperative Extension
Around the County
Walsh County EXtension Office '
Park River - 284-6624
Do Your Homework
before You Tile
The Lake Region Roundup I
would argue is the most compre-
hensive educational opportunity
for agriculture professional and
producers. If you are a certified
crop advisor you will be able to get
a fist full of CEUs in any area you
are short. The topics will be any-
thing fi'om what is land worth, crop
production, pest management,
soils and fertility and the latest
teclmology. I hope you will join us
for the program. I have the pro-
grams in my office if you are in-
terested. If you make just one
meeting this year this would give
you the widest exposure to what is
happening in agriculture in North-
eastern North Dakota
Is Extension Relevant?
I guess everyone else has had
their shot at this one so here is one
more opinion on the subject. So
what makes me qualified to talk
affout Extension? I grew up on a
farm in SE North Dakota that
used Extension quite extensively
and I was a 9 year 4-H veteran and
it also gave me my career. I am a
30 plus year veteran as a County
Agent and I have served in Traill,
Hettinger, Kidder and Walsh
Counties. I guess I have seen just
about it all. I also sit on the North
Dakota board of certified crop
advisors and I am their secretary
and work on their tests and con-
tinuing education milts that are re-
quired by the program. 1 am also
a national Vice Director for the na-
tional county agents association. I
have many more titles but I think
that will suffice.
I think what many of the dis-
cussions forget is tliat is Extension
is about changing the lives of the
people it serves. It was true in the
beginning and is probably truer
now than when it started. One
can't be a county agent and do
their job well if you do not develop
very close and personal relation-
ships with the people you serve. I
have fought for "my people" over
the years in many areas. I not only
serve the small but the big and
have gone to bat for them more
than a few times.
I have long heard the argu-
ment that the large farmers now
have crop scouts and industry
people and they do not need Ex-
tension. My answer to that is,"
Who trains the crop scouts and
who keeps industry people hon-
est"? That would be Extension. 1
have stood up against industry peo-
ple many times when their rec-
ommendations were not backed by
sound research based informa-
tion or were just plain wrong. It
takes a lot of courage to do that be-
cause when you standup against
them you are taking money out of
their pockets and that can make
things nasty. Ifwe are not willing
to stand up for the truth and re-
search based information, who
will?
We are also community builders
in our counties if we are engaged.
It is impossible not to become in-
volved in your community if you
care. I have served in many ca-
pacities in communities I have
served in. we also have one of the
finest 4-H programs and fairs in
the state of North Dakota right here
in Walsh County. Who says you
can't do agriculture and 4-H at the
same time and do it well? I have
watched Walsh County leaders
develop from our 4-H youth and
today I have former 4-H members
as 4-H leaders and fair directors.
They are a very progressive group
that really understands the joy of
rural North Dakota.
Dates to Remember:
I/8-9 Lake Region Roundup: Ramsey County Courthouse
and Memorial Building Devils Lake, North Dakota 9:30 a.m.
both days; breakfast at 8 a.m.
!/9 Walsh County Annual Fair Meeting; Extension Office
Park River; 6:30 p.m.
I
