North Dakota
Beam signing marks progress for Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
MEDORA, ND — State officials and guests gathered Wednesday at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library construction site for a beam signing ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the project’s four-year campaign toward completion.
The project has raised over $270 million in private donations, surpassing the initial $100 million needed to unlock a $50 million state endowment.
Gov. Doug Burgum, a vocal advocate for the endowment, emphasized that the state controls the $50 million, generating investment earnings. He highlighted that the library is on track for a grand opening on July 4, 2026, coinciding with the nation’s 250th birthday.
Manuel Holguin JR / The Dickinson Press
“This historic milestone that we have today is one of many that we’re going to have as this great project moves forward,” Burgum said during the Wednesday, Aug. 14 ceremony. “We’re on a journey to create the best presidential library in the nation. There are 14 others; this will be the best. This will have the biggest impact on generations to come, and it’s going to be a library worthy of carrying the name of our 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt.”
Sen. John Hoeven, who has played a key role in advancing the library’s establishment, attended the ceremony. Hoeven’s efforts include passing legislation that enabled the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (TRPL) Foundation to purchase U.S. Forest Service land in Billings County. He worked with local and state officials and the Medora Grazing Association to negotiate the land purchase agreement.
Hoeven also secured provisions in the Interior appropriations bill to support the loan of historic artifacts from the Smithsonian for display at the library. He introduced bipartisan legislation to preserve and display materials related to Roosevelt’s life.
Manuel Holguin JR / The Dickinson Press
“This library is a historic project for our state, honoring Teddy Roosevelt and the significant impact North Dakota had on his presidency,” Hoeven said. “Today’s milestone is a welcome step in the library’s construction, and we look forward to seeing this tremendous project come to completion.”
U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer also participated in the ceremony.
“It’s hard for me as a former tourism director to exaggerate the impact the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library will have,” Cramer said.
Guests toured the site, learning about the construction and status details. They gathered to sign and watch the beam be lifted and hoisted into position in what will be “The Arena” exhibit at the TRPL.
The Dickinson Press
The architecture firm Snøhetta designed the library to integrate seamlessly with the Badlands, reflecting Theodore Roosevelt’s deep connection to the landscape and his legacy of conservation.
Ed O’Keefe, the CEO of the TRPL Foundation, addressed the crowd and thanked all those present. O’Keefe has played a major role in the development and vision of the library.
O’Keefe, a North Dakota native with a rich background in journalism, aims to make the library one of the most sustainable museums globally, targeting zero energy, water, emissions, and waste.
Addressing the crowd, O’Keefe said, “As I look out today, it’s pretty amazing to see all of the people who are responsible for this incredible event. I think Theodore Roosevelt would have really enjoyed today.”
Manuel Holguin JR / The Dickinson Press
LeAnn can be reached by phone at 701-456-1212 or via email at lstasiowski@thedickinsonpress.com
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North Dakota
Randy Schobinger
![Randy Schobinger Randy Schobinger](https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/4f24641/2147483647/strip/true/crop/674x898+0+0/resize/800x1066!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.modulist.news%2Ffile%2F66bcfd5882b429000e877070.jpg)
December 15, 1969 – August 13, 2024
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Randy Schobinger, a cherished son, brother, uncle, friend, and dedicated public servant, who left us on August 13, 2024, at the age of 54. He passed peacefully at his home in Delano, Tennessee.
Randy was born on December 15, 1969, in Minot, North Dakota. He graduated from Dickinson High School in 1988, where he played football and baseball, showcasing his love for sports and competitive spirit. He continued his education at Minot State University, earning a degree in Economics.
For 15 years, Randy worked with dedication in the family moving and storage business in Minot North Dakota. In 2007, he moved to Arizona to join his brother and enjoy playing softball together – winning the Chandler, AZ city championship once and Tempe city championship twice. In 2009 he moved to East Tennessee where he settled into a new career in the insurance industry, where his hard work and commitment led to great success.
Randy was a passionate Tennessee Volunteers fan, a loyalty that began in the early 1990s. He celebrated their football national championship in 1998 and was thrilled to see their baseball team win the national championship in 2024. He rarely missed a game on TV, sharing his enthusiasm with those around him. Go Vols!
Randy’s political career was as dynamic as his personality. In 1994, while juggling two jobs and college, he turned a 1972 Toyota into a campaign vehicle and, against the odds, became the youngest State Senator in North Dakota’s history. He served in the Senate from 1994 to 2006, where he worked for lower taxes and to secure funding for important community projects. In 2016, he was elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives, serving until 2024. Known for his innovative and spirited campaigning, Randy brought a unique energy to his public service.
Outside of his professional and political life, Randy’s adventurous spirit shone brightly in his participation in the famed “Tough Mudder” competitions. These challenging obstacle courses tested his physical and mental limits, but he embraced them with enthusiasm, inspiring others with his determination and resilience.
While everything written above were the things that served him to find professional success, it was his love of “porch sitting” with his sweet darlin’ Jenny, his dogs, family, and friends where he was content. He simply couldn’t get enough of old-time country music, and that spectacular view of Chilhowee Mountain from his front porch.
Randy is survived by his parents Charlotte Dempsey (John) and Jack Schobinger (Myra), his significant other Jenny Sauer, his siblings, Jay Schobinger (Sandra), Nancy Klatt (Delvin), Pat Schobinger (Terri), TJ Dempsey (Eunice), Tiffany Gaydos (Rob), Tara Johansen (Spencer), and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was a devoted family member, always ready with a smile and a helping hand. He was a fun-loving beacon of knowledge, passion, and principles to all that knew him.
The family will plan a celebration of Randy’s life at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor his memory and share stories of his remarkable journey. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, a cause close to Randy’s heart.
Randy Schobinger’s legacy is one of service, determination, and a love for life. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew him.
“I did what I said I would do.” – Randy Schobinger
North Dakota
North Dakota State Begins Polasek Era
![North Dakota State Begins Polasek Era North Dakota State Begins Polasek Era](https://cdn.socast.io/6942/sites/15/2021/05/20070656/North_Dakota_State_Bison_logo.svg_.png)
The Bison went 11-4 last season losing its three regular season games to all three Dakota schools, but getting revenge against Sout
North Dakota
StartupBREW: gener8tor Takeover
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