Dakota Beacon

SPORTS BETTING  “We aren’t necessarily pro-gambling. We are for laws that legalize the obvious will of the people. North Dakotans already are gambling legally, and they have numerous ways to do it.“ — A GF Herald editorial was solidly behind sports betting.  The Herald pointed out there were already numerous legal and illegal ways Nodaks can participate in sports betting.  Meanwhile, ND does not share in the revenue stream.  A Herald poll found 54% favored betting, while 46% were opposed.  Minnesota and South Dakota do not permit sports betting.   

TRIBAL CONCERNS  A sports betting proposal died in the last ND legislative session, in part, because the University System Chancellor thought betting on college sports would pressure ND student athletes.  The tribes also pushed back against legalizing sports betting — ND’s six tribal casinos may already have authority to offer such betting.

T. ROOSEVELT LIBRARY  ”Anybody who thinks this is a done deal is crazy.” —  Former governor Ed Schafer said it won’t be easy to put the library on federal land adjacent to Medora.  He said, "Almost every federal thing you do — that's a barrier.”  The Library Foundation is having turnover in its senior leadership positions as it reaches a key point in raising $100 million.  Library momentum, which seemed strong a few months ago, seems to be slowing.

AG CASH RECEIPTS  Agriculture is a large part of ND’s economy, but based on ag cash receipts the state ranks #17.  California is #1 by a considerable margin and has around 11% of the nation’s ag cash receipts.  Corn states Iowa and Nebraska are #2 and 3, Texas is #4 and Minnesota #5.  South Dakota is #10 and Montana and Wyoming are out of the money at #33 and 38.  Rankings fluctuate based on prices and production.

DAKOTA DIFFERENCES  ND is the only state without voter registration.  South Dakota has voter registration and is proposing to amend its statutes to allow for online voter registration in time for the 2020 elections.

THE ND HIGHWAY PATROL is the first in the nation to have federal permission to operate drones in populated areas.  The Minot Daily News says there is a solid case for using drones “for search and rescue operations and locating missing persons or fleeing suspects” and it makes sense for the NDHP to be a testing ground.  But the MDN sees drone use as “a slippery slope” that could lead to the use of drones for questionable surveillance and recommends strong oversight.

CORRECTION  Last week, it was mentioned there were about 100 full-service grocery stores in ND.  That estimate seemed low and a Bismarck Tribune article this week clarified that the number applies to towns with fewer than 2,100 people.  The context is an interim legislative study of rural food distribution.  A Forum poll asked readers if the state should take action to protect rural groceries: Yes 53%, No 47%.

HOPES IN JAMESTOWN bounce up and down.  This week a Massachusetts company announced an intention to build a cellulosic ethanol plant near the city.  The plant would convert straw and corn stalks into ethanol.  There is a logistics issue involved — that is, bringing 275,00 tons of biomass to the plant each year.  The $175 million plant would start operations in 2022.  After many setbacks, cautious optimism is the word.

CONGRESSIONAL CONTRARIANS  Mike Jacobs provided a chronicle of the 47 individuals ND has sent to Congress.  As a group they were independent and contrarian.  Individuals were described as critics who were bitter, vocal and notorious and one was labeled a “quirk maverick.”  Jacobs is less impressed by the present delegation, characterizing them as “docile.”

A STANDING ROCK OFFICIAL, Vice Chairman Ira Taken Alive, said the DAPL protests resulted in a overall net gain for the tribe.  “It brought all eyes to Standing Rock.  It brought attention to treaty issues, historical trauma issues, federal Indian policy that has been a detriment to our communities for a century.”  Others say his is an effort to put a pretty face on an event that financially and politically rocked the reservation.  Efforts are being made to improve relations between the tribe and the state, particularly, Morton County, whose ranchers and law enforcement bore the brunt of the demonstrations.

BE CAREFUL ABOUT FREE STUFF  “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.” — Margaret Thatcher.  The quote was used in Bette Grande’s column in the Forum.  Grande is a former ND Republican legislator who advocates for conservative causes.  Her column was about “free stuff” being offered by Democratic presidential candidates.  She contends free stuff comes at a cost and candidates “do not discuss how the government will pay for the free stuff, and sadly far too many of us do not bother to ask.”

CLOSING THE CIRCLE  The father of Hal Gershman once had a steakhouse, later a liquor store, in downtown Grand Forks.  Gershman is a former City Council president and now the president of Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops which are celebrating a 75th birthday this year.  He recently purchased the site of his father’s steakhouse and is considering a new, but classic 1940s-style steakhouse.  A state Renaissance Zone program allows property and income tax exemptions for developing the property.

DICKINSON HIGH SCHOOL highlights the growth pains of schools in or near the Oil Patch.  DHS reached record enrollment of 1,050 this year and classes are being stretched to and past their limits.  Space is a huge need.  The school has seen a sharp increase in incidents requiring intervention by school resource officers.  Enrollment is expected to increase over 15% in the next five years.  Williston and Watford City have built new schools to accommodate increases in their enrollments because of the oil boom, but are also overcrowded. 

DAKTOIDS:  As the race for a Democratic presidential candidate shapes up, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders leads the race for donors in ND . . . Minot has the facilities to host 2,000 big vehicles at the Family Motor Coach Association Convention this week . . . The UND Alumni Foundation raked in a record $68 million for the year ended June 30.