VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – FINALLY, a nice break in the weather!  We have endured a tough stretch, kudos to all of you.

Thank you to all the city, county and state employees who work  outdoors keeping roads passable, water and sewers flowing along with a plethora of other tasks as well.

Last week we attended “Capitol Connections” in Bismarck where a number of state associations gathered.  The North Dakota League of Cities (NDLC), the North Dakota Association of Counties (NDACo), the North Dakota School Boards Association (NDSBA), the North Dakota Township Officers Association (NDTOA) and the North Dakota Recreation and Parks Association (NDRPA) were present.  That there were over 1,000 bills introduced this year, it was an opportune time to network and collaborate on bills affecting the groups.  A number of our legislators and governor graciously made time to address the group and answer some tough questions concerning numerous bills.  Thank you to the organizers, legislators and other presenters, it was an invaluable event.

A North Dakota personality about whom you may enjoy reading is Darin Erstad of Jamestown High School, University of Nebraska Football & Baseball and Los Angeles Angels.  Google “Darin Erstad” and enjoy.

Thank you to Deb Birgen with Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) who drove from Sioux Falls solely to testify in Bismarck at the ND  Legislature supporting Valley City and all North Dakota Municipal Power Communities.

The North Dakota High School Activities Association’s (NDHSAA) State Wrestling was held at the FargoDome over the weekend.  It is great event in a wonderful venue where you can easily watch wrestling to your heart’s content and for us old timers to re-hash “old war stories”.  Some stories may be somewhat embellished …… imagine that!

Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.

“Once you have wrestled, everything else in life is easy.”  ~ Dan Gable

Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful, Dave Carlsrud mayor of Valley City.