12/20/2006 – News
Volume 123, Number
Local people attend FU convention
Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Company delegates and policyholders voted Saturday to oppose a proposal by the ND Farmers Union board of directors to move the organization’s headquarters from Jamestown to the Bismarck/Mandan area. The vote received a simple majority — 5,384 to 4,949 — but failed to achieve the two-thirds majority needed to change the bylaw allowing the move.
More than 600 delegates and guests met on the campus of Williston State College for the organization’s 80th annual convention December 8 and 9.
Had the vote passed by a two-thirds majority, it would have gone before NDFU delegates and members for a majority vote. The timing of that vote, however, was uncertain as farm organization members had not received 30 days written notice on the proposed bylaw change, as required under state law.
In the waning minutes of the convention, NDFU delegates passed a motion from the floor to allow the organization’s board of directors to continue to study the feasibility of a move.
NDFU President Robert Carlson said the board of directors discussed and agreed that further study will not shed new light on the proposal. The organization will continue to serve members from its Jamestown location.
Carlson was elected to his ninth term as president. Vice President Richard Schlosser was also re-elected in a contested race against former board member Larry Novak of Alexander.
Delegates attending from Benson County were Karla and Duane Peiler, Richard and Darlene Jorgenson, Gary Smith, Ron Erickson, Alice Engkvist, Matt Gilbertson, Milt and Darlene Erickson, Wayne Knatterud, Matthew Pepple and Jean and Bernard Meyer.
Delegates elected from District 1 to attend the National Farmers Union Convention in Orlando, Fla. March 2-5 are Myron Jacobsen of Rock Lake, Jan Haslekaas of Milton and Roger Held of Egeland.
Alternates are Terry Jacobson of Wales and Matt Gilbertson of Maddock.
Thirty-nine youth also received the organization’s highest youth honor, the Torchbearer Award. The award recognizes students for their involvement in Farmers Union’s youth education program. This includes completion of five years of senior class work that enhances communication, leadership and teamwork skills, as well as business knowledge on cooperatives. Receiving this award from Benson County was Trish Simon, daughter of Nancy Simon of Maddock.
Among those attending the ND Farmers Union 80th annual convention in Dickinson were, left to right, standing, Karla Peiler, Duane Peiler, Richard Jorgenson, Gary Smith, Ron Erickson, Alice Engkvist, Matt Gilbertson and Milt Erickson. Seated are Darlene Jorgenson, Darlene Erickson, Matthew Pepple and Jean Meyer. Not pictured are Wayne Knatterud and Bernard Meyer.
Harlow VFW receives $10,000 from Memorial Day Walk-A-Thon
Jon Hermanson, center, Commander of the Robert Tovsrud VFW Post 756 of Harlow is pictured with Lyle Warner, left, Past Commander, and Kim Fagerlund, co-manager of FINO Management of Cando, as Hermanson accepts the first installment of $10,000 from the VFW’s Memorial Day Walk-A-Thon.
"The money’s in the bank" stated Hermanson. "While we raised over $11,000, it takes some time to collect it all. Some individuals wanted to wait until after fall’s work or just before the end of the year and we sure want to accommodate everyone and we couldn’t be happier. We feel confident to be finishing the event, collecting 98% of the pledges given," he added.
Hermanson continued, "I also want to inform everyone that the costs charged by our fundraising partner, FINO management of Cando, were approximately $500 for their hard cost on things like printing and stamps. The entire office donated many hours on the fundraising plan, designing the forms, getting things printed, driving back and forth from Cando to Harlow, organizing the pledges, sending out notices and doing the record keeping. Wow! We couldn’t have partnered with a better organization because their interests were in making the fund raiser a success, not in making a profit for themselves, so we owe them a big thanks."
"We are listing all the wonderful people who answered our call and made a donation to our VFW organization in the Farmers Press and assure them the funds will be used wisely," added Lyle Warner. "We are currently working on shoring up the floor in the hall and realize we have a bigger repair bill than we first figured. The funds couldn’t have come at a better time as we couldn’t have even begun this repair given our resources earlier this year. We are looking at other options and hopefully we will be able to secure a grant, as the repair could eat up all or most of the funds raised." Said Hermanson, "We are not certain exactly what we will be doing in 2007 to continue some sort of community event to raise money for the club, but it was clear nearly all those who did participate in 2006 want to see us back next spring! We might walk again, we might do an auction of donated items, we might do both." he concluded.
Receives honor
John Beckstrand of Warwick, center, was recognized for his past years of service and since August of 2006 as a member of the Devils Lake Basin Joint Water Management Board. Presenting the certificate of appreciation is Robert Shirek, left, chairman of the Joint Board. On the right is Ken Hoffert of Knox, Benson County Water Board member, who will be taking Beckstrand’s place on the Joint Board in January of 2007.
Apartments get flag
The Theo. A. Togstad American Legion Auxiliary Unit 123 of Maddock presented an outside US Flag to the Moeller Apartments. Left to right are Moeller Apartments director Leola Davidson; Moeller Apartments board members Jim Gilbertson, Gene Neumiller and Odell Hakanson; Auxiliary President Lucille Westby; and Auxiliary VA&R chairman Carmen Paulson.
Flag presented
The Theo. A. Togstad American Legion Post 123 of Maddock and its Auxiliary presented an 8×12′ US Flag to the Multi-Purpose Building in Maddock. Left to right are Donna Rice, Jimmy Gilbertson, Lois Johnson, Auxiliary President Lucille Westby, Legion Post 123 Commander Lonnie Nelson, Multi-Purpose Building board member Pastor Lu Mathison, David Daeley and Odell Hakanson.
Postal employees in 1919
Employees of the Maddock Post Office gathered in front of the post office before the five rural mail carriers set out on their routes in 1919. Left to right are Alfred Engen, Herman Rice, Carl Dyste, Postmaster Perry Roath, clerk Mary Roath, Mark Dyste and Harry Bickle. The building was built as a post office by Postmaster G.O. Haugen, who was also an attorney. His law office was in the rear of the building and was entered through the south door. Note the open vehicles used by the carriers and the heavy coats they wore. The building has been home to a bakery for many years.
See the tremendous specials offered by Riggin Motors this week