North Dakota
Armstrong spotlights jobs, education and youth health in visit
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.
Courtesy: Gov. Kelly Armstrong/Facebook
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.
Courtesy: Gov. Kelly Armstrong/Facebook
Courtesy: Gov. Kelly Armstrong/Facebook
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.
Photo by Josiah C. Cuellar / Buffalo Eye Photography
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.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach State athletics for the 2025-26 season is sponsored by Marilyn Bohl.
Long Beach State hosted North Dakota State on March 10 where they suffered a 5-2 loss. Freshman Nina Sepulveda had two hits in the loss. Long Beach State will resume Big West play this weekend when they travel to UC Riverside for a three-game series starting Friday, March 13.
GRAND FORKS — Four area athletes were selected to the North Dakota Division A all-state girls basketball team, which was released by the North Dakota High School Coaches Association on Tuesday.
The North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association will release all-state teams later this month.
Thompson’s Addison Sage led the way as a first team all-state pick, as well as receiving the division’s Outstanding Senior Athlete honor. Her coach, Jason Brend, was the Coach of the Year.
All-state second team choices from the area are Devils Lake junior Tylie Brodina, Four Winds-Minnewaukan sophomore Suri Gourd and Thompson senior Kya Hurst.
Sage, a 5-foot-6 guard, averaged 22.3 points per game, 3.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 3.2 steals per game. Sage has more than 1,900 career points and holds the Tommies’ all-time scoring record.
Brodina, a 5-8 guard, averaged 18.8 points and 2.6 steals per game. She shot 82 percent from the foul line and 32 percent from 3-point range.
Hurst, a 5-6 forward, averaged 16.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. She added 3.7 steals and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 39.5 percent from 3-point range. Hurst has scored more than 1,600 points and grabbed more than 840 rebounds in her career.
Gourd, a 5-8 guard, averaged 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 4.4 steals per game. Gourd has more than 1,600 career points in her career with two more seasons to play.
Gourd led Four Winds-Minnewaukan from a 5-17 record last season to a 16-8 mark this year.
Funeral Mass for Annabelle Weber, 95, of Dickinson will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Queen of Peace Church with Msgr. Thomas Richter celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, with Rosary and Vigil service taking place at 6:00 PM. Annabelle passed away Friday, March 6, 2026 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Annabelle S. Weber was born on December 8, 1930, in Killdeer, North Dakota, to Frank and Eva (Kowis) Schmalz. She grew up in Killdeer and graduated from Killdeer High School in 1947. At the age of 17, Annabelle began working at Zimbrich’s Department Store in Killdeer. She later moved to Dickinson, where she worked at S&L in retail sales and spent many years at Kessel’s Bridal Shop. While working at the Esquire Steak House, she met Gerald Weber, the love of her life. The couple was united in marriage on November 1, 1954, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dickinson, where they made their home and built their life together. Annabelle was a woman who loved staying busy and caring for her family and home. She enjoyed hunting and fishing, along with hobbies such as crafts, sewing, and gardening. She was well known for keeping an immaculate home and took great pride in caring for those around her. Faith was an important part of her life. She joined the Catholic Daughters in 1957 and was active in church circles, often helping with funeral dinners and parish gatherings. Annabelle’s greatest joy was her family. Annabelle is survived by her sons, Greg (Barbara) Weber of Grand Forks, Russ (Rhonda) Weber of Dickinson; daughter, Sharon (Tony) Allen of Andover, MN; nine grandchildren, Christi (Ryan), Tiffani (Tim), Shane (Kayla), Tonya (Adam), Samantha (Scott), Kevin, Tracey (Analisa), Stacie, Tyler; 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Eva Schmalz; husband, Gerald Weber; siblings, William (Evelyn) Schmalz, Elaine (John) Buresh, and Vernon (Dolores) Schmalz; and daughter-in-law, Coleen Weber (Krance). Remembrances and condolences can be shared at www.stevensonfuneralhome.com.
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