The accreditation process for any school is a time-consuming trek through a mountain of paperwork. But the Elgin-New Leipzig (E-NL) School District reached the summit.  The district is one of only two in North Dakota ...

By the time you read this, the North Dakota State Fair will have concluded. I hope you went. We try to go every year if for no other reason but to get fresh squeezed lemonade or watch the Budweiser …

While Holly Gaugler’s role at Jacobson Memorial Hospital Care Center (JMHCC) has evolved over the years, her commitment to com-munity and family has remained constant. Today, she dons her …

The University of North Dakota’s (UND) School of Medicine & Health Sciences (SMHS) conferred the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree on nearly 70 graduating medical students on May 2 at UND’s …

Four consecutive days of triple-digit temperatures in much of the region took a toll on crops and livestock last week. Temperatures searing the region spiked to 107 degrees in Amidon on Sunday, July …

There is no doubt in my mind that if you are a tourist, this is the best time to be in North Dakota. Those long, boring Interstate drives aren’t so bad in late July. Why? Because there is so …

There weren't many dry eyes inside the Elgin Community Center Saturday afternoon as 12 veterans, each wrapped in a handmade patriotic quilt by members of their own families, heard two simple words that carried a lifetime of meaning. "Welcome home." The Missouri River Quilts of Valor group honored a dozen area veterans during a moving ceremony recognizing their military service and sacrifice. For many who served, particularly during the Vietnam War, those words were never spoken when they first returned home. Saturday, they finally were. Family members gently placed each handcrafted quilt around the shoulders of their veteran as the audience looked on. The quilts, stitched by volunteers and local quilting groups, including members of the Elgin Bits and Pieces Quilt Club, are presented through the Quilts of Valor Foundation, whose mission is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. The Missouri River Quilts of Valor organization is staffed entirely by volunteers and relies solely on donations to continue its mission. The 12 veterans honored represented decades of military service in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force and North Dakota Army National Guard. Their service took them around the world, including Vietnam, Iraq, Kosovo, Bosnia, Germany, Turkey, Egypt and Korea. Among those honored was Hettinger resident Vern Erickson, who accepted his Quilt of Valor surrounded by family and friends. Like many of the veterans recognized Saturday afternoon, Erickson's emotions were evident as he reflected on what the quilt meant to him. "It means everything to me," Erickson said. "It's an honor to have this quilt given to me. I really appreciate it." When asked what he planned to do with the quilt, Erickson smiled and replied, "I'm going to use it when the cold weather comes." Although the handmade quilt will certainly provide warmth during the winter months, Erickson said the recognition itself meant even more. "It was awesome," he said of his military service. "It was my dream to serve in the military. The rifle range was where I fit the best at." Before the ceremony concluded, Erickson expressed his appreciation to those who organized the event and to everyone who attended. "I would like to thank everyone for everything today," he said. "This was such an honor." Erickson's gratitude reflected the emotions felt throughout the afternoon as veterans, family members and friends wiped away tears while each recipient was recognized for his or her service. Those receiving Quilts of Valor included Theodore Ledman, Vern Erickson, Adam Greff, Jennifer Greff, Brian Bleick, Daniel Devitt, Frank Fettig, Fred Eslinger, Jimmy Zimmerman, Larry Schlosser, Ralph Heim and Richard Ledman. The ceremony opened with an invocation by Pastor Mike Harrison and the presentation of colors by the Mott American Legion Post 71 Color Guard. Members of the Missouri River Quilts of Valor organization, including Mary Dunn, Shelly Doyle, Gloria Payne and Gale Nicholson, shared opening remarks before the quilts were presented. Delbert Weishaar, commander of George W. Snook American Legion Post 246 in Elgin, and Herb Quamme, commander of Mott American Legion Post 71, presented North Dakota Welcome Home Coins to each quilt recipient, with additional Vietnam Welcome Home Coins presented to veterans who served during that conflict. As the ceremony drew to a close, veterans, families and community members stood together to sing "God Bless America," accompanied on the piano by Annette Roth. The afternoon began with gratitude for military service. It ended with something even more meaningful—a community making sure 12 veterans knew they had not been forgotten and, for many, finally hearing the welcome they had waited decades to receive. Welcome home.

For one Flasher junior, chores took the back burner for three weeks this summer as she attended the North Dakota Governor’s School at North Dakota State University. For three weeks Cassy Hartman …

A candidate for Grant County state’s attorney has filed a civil complaint against five Grant County officials related to a ballot measure which asked voters to consider appointment rather than …

An Elgin resident, Brianna Ricks, has been charged with misapplication of entrusted property, a Class B felony. Ricks is a former employee of First International Bank & Trust (FIBT) in Elgin and …

What began as a simple conversation among friends has already made a lasting impact on the Elgin community. The inaugural Fairway Frenzy and Community Social exceeded expectations on Friday, …

My wife and I were talking recently about our next vacation and possible time hacks it would take to get someplace. In February and part of March we spent a month in Florida and rather than …

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office activity for May includes 13 calls for service in Carson, 41 in Elgin, seven in New Leipzig, 67 in Grant County, one at Lake Tschida and two other calls. …

Jacobson Memorial Hospital Care Center CFO Scott Ostenson has returned to the financial helm of the hospital after a four-year hiatus. Ostenson initially moved to Elgin after accepting the CFO …

Cayle Corey of Grand Forks was elected Governor of North Dakota Boys State, a gathering of 82 participants recently on the North Dakota State College of Science campus in Wahpeton. Sponsored by the …

Farmers growing corn and soybeans for biofuels can now quantify the carbon intensity of crops grown with certain regenerative agriculture practices, due to a recently finalized federal rule.  …

A unique youth event is being organized by Jacobson Memorial Hospital Care Center to promote healthy living, mental wellness, education and positive youth development in an engaging and welcoming …

With a majestic vista of North Dakota’s Badlands soaring to the sky as a backdrop, 25 horsemen rode into history during President Donald Trump’s visit to Medora to dedicate the Theodore Roosevelt …

As the newly elected members of the Elgin City Council took the oath of office, one city council member’s resignation was an-nounced. Brianna Ricks has resigned from the council following her …

Who says flea beetles can't be fun? The largest crowd recorded in the past 30 years looked like they were having a blast on Wednesday, July 1 collecting flea beetles at the Boy Scout Camp at …