DICKINSON — Governor Kelly Armstrong returned to his hometown this week, spotlighting key initiatives in workforce development, industrial innovation and community engagement. His visit included stops at the Southwest Area Career and Technical Education (CTE) Academy, Robertson Metal Recycling, the Kind Hearts Project and Dickinson Ready Mix Co.

At the Southwest Area CTE Academy, Governor Armstrong toured the facility and engaged with students enrolled in programs aimed at preparing them for careers in trades, technology and applied sciences.

According to information shared by the academy, it serves over 1,100 students from seven area high schools and offers 73 different classes across 14 specialized programs including automotive technology, culinary arts, welding and cybersecurity.

The CTE initiative is designed to bridge the gap between secondary education and the workforce, addressing North Dakota’s growing demand for skilled labor. Students also benefit from concurrent enrollment opportunities with Dickinson State University through its Dual Mission Program which enhances access to post-secondary credentials.

Armstrong’s visit to Robertson Metal Recycling marked the commissioning of North Dakota’s first car shredder, a step forward in strengthening the state’s recycling infrastructure. The facility processes materials including scrap steel, tin, car bodies and batteries and has been recognized with the 2024 Stark Development Project of the Year award for its contributions to innovation, workforce growth and environmental responsibility.

In a community-focused gesture, Armstrong participated in the Kind Hearts Project’s annual bike giveaway, helping prepare some of the more than 100 bicycles scheduled to go to area children. The event, held at Dickinson’s Legacy Square, is intended to promote physical activity and mental wellness among local youth.

Driven by the motto “Be Kind,” the organization initially focused on spreading positivity. Today, their mission has grown to confront one of society’s most pressing crises: mental health.

Drawing from personal experience as an emergency room nurse, Kind Hearts Project leader Marriah Marsh has witnessed firsthand the alarming rise of mental health struggles among young people.

“We see kids getting younger and younger who can’t cope — turning to self-harm, sometimes worse,” Marsh said. “We have to be proactive, not just reactive. Teaching coping skills early is key.”

The Kind Hearts Project, a Dickinson-based nonprofit, has gained attention for its grassroots efforts to support well-being and community unity through charitable initiatives.

The day concluded with Armstrong attending the 75th anniversary celebration of Dickinson Ready Mix Co., a longstanding contributor to the region’s construction industry. The company supplies ready-mix concrete across southwestern North Dakota and has supported infrastructure projects including the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.

According to the company, it has implemented low-carbon concrete mixes designed to reduce global warming potential by nearly 50 percent compared to conventional materials, aligning with broader goals around sustainability and emissions reduction.

Governor Armstrong’s visit to Dickinson emphasized his administration’s approach to governance at the intersection of economic development, environmental stewardship and community health. By highlighting initiatives in education, industry and civic life, the trip underscored a broader commitment to building a resilient and inclusive future for North Dakota.

James B. Miller, Jr. is the Editor of The Dickinson Press in Dickinson, North Dakota. He strives to bring community-driven, professional and hyper-local focused news coverage of southwest North Dakota.