VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Continental Congress passed the Declaration of Independence July 4th 1776. Since then, the 4th of July has been the day we celebrate the success of the American Revolution. Thank you to those leaders for freedom.

The 4th of July is at hand and fireworks can be very dangerous should one have a lack of concentration. If your fireworks show is near people or around our very dry ground that could ignite, please be extra careful during these times.

So far our water treatment plant is keeping up with water demands during this time of drought. Wade & Sherry at the water plant urge us to be prudent with our water use to avoid restrictions down the road.

Similarly, our municipal power is doing fine to date in spite of the hotter weather too. Please keep in mind you can help if you can minimize your electrical consumption from 7-8 AM, noon – 1:00 PM and 5-6:00 PM. By minimizing use during those times, we have a better chance of avoiding demand charges costing all of us more money.

I have been noticing the beautiful tree foliage around town even though we are dry. Take good care of your trees, water pruning, etc., as they need maintenance to be healthy.

If you are seeing normally green leaves yellowing on your trees, it could be chlorosis. Please contact our Barnes County Extension Office for help, 845-8528.

August 5th, be watching for “The Longest Table”. For details see: http://www.vclongesttable.org/

Dave Carlsrud

Mayor of Valley City