Around the State: May 27, 2024

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.

Commission accepts Beaver's resignation

The Griggs County Commission meeting was held on Monday, May 6.

On Tuesday, May 7, Griggs County Sheriff Michael Beaver tendered his resignation by letter to the board.

After an email from Beaver to the highway patrol was found to be altered, Beaver turned in his resignation to the commissioners saying his values and goals as a law enforcement officer do not align with the values and goals of Griggs County.

Sheriff Beaver's name is going to be on the ballot and cannot be removed. The election will be determined by write-in votes.

(Story by Lisa Saxberg, the Griggs County Courier)

Burgum as key administration possibility

Speculation is growing among national political observers that North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has a strong chance of becoming Donald Trump's Vice-Presidential nominee.

Trump himself is fueling the speculation.

Burgum has been a strong advocate for Trump this campaign season, routinely appearing on major TV networks with some of the media's toughest interviewers.

He also is now tied with South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, for the best odds in the VP race.

Burgum has spoken often on the campaign trail about how Trump made things easy for governors while Biden imposes oppressive mandates and large overreaches.

Political insiders tell The Farmer that one of the factors working in Burgum's favor is his connections to well-funded individuals who could provide financial support to the campaign. Recently, Trump held a private event at the Four Seasons Hotel in Palm Beach and at his Mar-a-lago estate with top donors and a list of "special guests." Burgum was in attendance.

(Story by Steve Hallstrom, the McKenzie County Farmer)

Uncovering Egypt's past

North Dakota native and anthropologist Dr. Mark Lehner's archaeological research in Egypt for several decades has turned up countless finds in uncovering the mysteries of the Giza Plateau, including the Great Sphinx.

Most recently, Lehner and his team uncovered a storehouse of Pharaoh that fed the pyramid builders. Initially, it was believed to be a palace where the king lived.

Lehner is director and president of Ancient Egypt Research Associates, Inc., (AERA) based in Boston, Massachusetts. His work has included mapping the Great Sphinx and discovering a major part of the "Lost City of the Pyramids" at Giza. The "Lost City of the Pyramids" is a large settlement where people lived and worked while constructing the Giza pyramids.

Lehner was in Minot recently to visit family and friends. He also gave a lecture on May 3 as part of the "Discoveries Set in Stone" archaeology conference at Minot State University.

The National Geographic episode, filmed in 2022, focuses on the discovery of a royal palace and harbor that operated as the nerve center for the building of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

"It was the investigation of a large - really huge-royal building, with the hypothesis it was a palace, possibly dating back to Khufu, who built the Great Pyramid," said Lehner, while in Minot. "The other two pyramids were built by Khafre (second pyramid) and Menkaure (third pyramid). Most of what we find dates to these guys.

"After we completed clearing the whole of the building it turned out to be a true storehouse of Pharaoh that fed the pyramid builders and not a palace, as in where the king lived," Lehner said.

Lehner retains his ties to North Dakota and Minot. His brother, David, lives in Minot.

(Story taken from the Pierce County Tribune)

Minot awaits Amazon site

Construction on a new Amazon delivery station to service the Minot area is expected to be completed by late fall, according to the construction manager.

Groundwork has started toward construction of a building of around 30,000 square feet in the industrial park in east Minot. Ackerman-Estvold Construction Management is the overseeing contractor.

Construction manager Paul Collini said the delivery station will be supplied by truck, with small vans making the deliveries. Operations staff numbers are likely to be in the 20 to 30-employee range, and delivery staff will vary from 30 to as many as 60 he said.

A similar delivery station has been reported to be opening this fall in Dunn County.

(Story taken from the Journal, Crosby)

Living in McKenzie County

McKenzie County Tourism and Economic Development has released a new publication aimed at helping both current and prospective residents become acquainted with the amenities and opportunities found within McKenzie County. This publication is titled "Living in McKenzie County" and it will be strategically located throughout the county to be accessible to the target audience.

Primary author and designer, John Suter, said, "This is a 48-page, front and back, publication that offers a wealth of information covering everything from local attractions and amenities, to career opportunities, health services, educational and child care options, all within McKenzie County. Additionally, readers can enjoy first-hand accounts from community members, and access online content through

QR codes that are littered throughout the magazine. These QR codes link to resources such as our resourceful websites and web pages, or Voices of Watford series, and videos that highlight the vibrant lifestyle in McKenzie County."

(Story by Kristen Jones, the McKenzie County Farmer)

It's just like riding a bike

Garrison Elementary kindergartners were surprised with a slew of new bikes to use during their physical education class.

Principal Shelly Fuller filled out a grant application that the school had gotten information about in January.

The grant was for a $9,000 fully funded project through All-Kids Bike.

"We have received a generous grant from Governor Burgum using the Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Funds. It is Governor Burgum's vision to place the All-Kids Bike Learn-to-Ride Kindergarten PE Program in every elementary school in North Dakota. There is zero cost to the school for this program because the grant will completely cover the $9,000 program cost," the grant application said.

(Story by Tyson Matthews, the McLean County Independent)