North Dakota

Ferragut: Idiots on parade in the North Dakota Legislature

Published

1 year ago

April 2, 2023

Press Room

Only a fast word to begin out: that is for the myopic (sorry, you will need to look that phrase up) members of the

North Dakota Legislature.

Those that are intent on banning books in our faculties. It’s essential to know that in 1933, Adolf Hitler banned hundreds of books primarily based the creator’s proclivity (one other phrase to search for, sorry).

Books written by Dorothy Day, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jack London, JRR Tolkien, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson, Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck and Albert Einstein have been burned. I do know that you’ve focused the books of a few of these esteemed writers.

A particular shout out goes to a Sen. Bob Paulson, who, with admirable perception instructed: “…the colleges needs to be centered on educating the important abilities somewhat than divisive matters.” He continues: “My general view of schooling is that it is to show youngsters about studying, writing and arithmetic. That is the inspiration. I do not suppose that faculty is the place to introduce these controversial ideas.” Ahhh, the ole’ three “R’s”: Readin’ Writin’ (the place’s the “W”?), and “Rithmatic (the place’s the “A”?)

I might prefer to thank Mr. Paulson for wanting to organize our youngsters for any eventuality that we is likely to be dealing with right here within the nineteenth century. I am keenly conscious that Mr. Paulson’s good perception relies on parroting (look that one up too, Bob, I do not imply to confuse you) the MAGA state instructional stalwarts similar to Mississippi and South Carolina.

I’ve bought some information for you, the unhealthy boys of the North Dakota Legislature who want to preserve our youngsters from the horrible decadence of “To Kill A Mockingbird” or Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar”. These youngsters are uncovered to extra depravity, hateful, disgusting, immoral, hurtful conduct by spending eight hours a day on social media than studying “Grapes of Wrath”.

This is an attention-grabbing word: Now in my fifth 12 months as a Particular Ed ParaEducator at South Excessive, I’ve been blessed to take a seat in ten semesters in English lecture rooms. It is best to know that in preparation for studying Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” our wonderful English academics spend at the very least three days educating about William Shakespeare. His storied background, the accusations of his credibility, his use of iambic pentameter (sorry once more, fairly positive I misplaced you on that one), the over 1,100 phrases we use in our day by day dialogues. And that is earlier than the youngsters begin studying the play.

As soon as the studying begins, there are day by day worksheets designed for the scholars to find out plot evolution, character flaws and conflicts. However the very best half is watching these sophomores studying Shakespeare’s play out loud. Every pupil is assigned a personality and reads that half. After a day or two college students negotiate with the instructor to change characters, or change aspect between the preventing households: the Montagues or Capulets. A few of them strive their newly-acquired British accents.

I am prepared to wager there is not one, not one among you “thought police” legislators, who has stepped right into a classroom to see the marvel of discovery in these courses. These are youngsters you would not give a second nod to on the streets, however right here they’re, studying about then lastly studying the phrases of The Bard.

This invoice would require that folks would want to signal an approval doc permitting their child to learn such and such. Are you critical?! 52% of fogeys within the U.S. cannot learn above a sixth grade degree. They’re as hooked on their telephones as their youngsters. Their perception into the subtleties within the plot of “To Kill A Mockingbird” are akin to understanding a Bazooka Gum wrapper.

And at last, Mr. Paulson’s assertion “that eradicating all LBGTQ themes from college can be a very good factor.” Have you ever ever ever, ever met a transitioning teen face-to-face? Do you perceive the deep emotional, psychological and social challenges these youngsters endure? Why do you suppose the very best charge of suicide in youth is our LBGTQ youngsters? You, Mr. Paulson are completely, defiantly clueless. Step out of your secure little head and go to some faculties and courses. Actual life. You would possibly study one thing.

The previous expression “ignorance is bliss?” Couldn’t be extra applicable for these legislators. What a pity.

Ferragut is a particular ed para-educator for Fargo Public Faculties and a longtime contributor to The Discussion board’s Editorial Web page. Electronic mail him at jferragut50@gmail.com.

This column doesn’t essentially mirror the opinion of The Discussion board’s editorial board nor Discussion board possession.

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North Dakota

The most deadly time to drive is between Memorial Day and Labor Day

Published

5 hours ago

July 21, 2024

Press Room

The most deadly time to drive is between Memorial Day and Labor Day

NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — The hundred-day span between Memorial Day and Labor Day is marked as the most deadly period on the road here in North Dakota.

According to the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s 2022 crash summary report, fatal crashes are twice as likely during this time.

That’s why North Dakota leaders are urging drivers to not fall into a “false sense of security” during the bright and cheery days of summer.

According to Travel and Leisure, North Dakota has been marked as the state with the most reckless drivers.

There’s a range of reasons for this from drunk driving to speeding. But another reason is that when the snow clears, North Dakota drivers are eager to get out more and drive faster than they would in the snow, according to the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Division director.

And because North Dakota has some of the lowest citation fees in the nation, ranging from $5 to $100, the Highway Patrol’s safety and education officer says that drivers aren’t given enough deterrents to drive safely.

However, with growing concerns about safety, there could be talk of increasing citation amounts in coming legislative sessions.

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North Dakota

NDGF taking proactive measures to prevent aquatic nuisance species from spreading

Published

12 hours ago

July 20, 2024

Press Room

NDGF taking proactive measures to prevent aquatic nuisance species from spreading

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Aquatic nuisance species are nonnative plants, animals and pathogens that can threaten our aquatic resources. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is taking proactive measures to stop the spread of ANS into our waterbodies by conducting watercraft inspections at popular boat ramps statewide.

“We got watercraft inspectors that are working throughout this summer around the state of North Dakota to check boats, to educate boat owners to do the right things at ramps, make sure boats are all clean, drain, dry before recreating here,” said Ben Holen, NDGF Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator.

What can anglers or watercraft recreationists expect when they come to an ANS inspection?

“A watercraft inspector will ask a few questions, only takes a couple minutes, and then they look at the hull of the boat. They’re looking at the engine area, looking at the anchor and also looking at all drain compartments, making sure all water is out of that watercraft. Everything is drained. Everything is cleaned, drained, dry before you get on that water body,” said Holen.

These watercraft inspections are voluntary and most people are cooperative and thankful the Game and Fish Department is spearheading efforts to stop the spread of ANS.

“We see a lot of our fishermen are really educated about aquatic nuisance species. They’re pulling their plugs every time, removing vegetation, doing the right things. Occasionally there are slip-ups, but that’s why our inspectors are out here making sure that those boats are good to go,” said Holen.

It’s not only fishing boats that are inspected, it’s all watercraft.

“So whether you’re a jet skier, a kayak, a canoer, a wakeboarder, you all play a part in curbing the spread of aquatic nuisance species in North Dakota,” said Holen.

The purpose of these inspections is to educate the public so they can help curb the spread of ANS.

“We can’t be at every ramp, every single circumstance, so hopefully some of these recreationists can take the tools that they learn from watercraft inspectors and apply them on their own when they’re out there recreating on their own and do a self-inspection,” said Holen.

The Game and Fish Department is committed to safeguarding our natural resources for future generations to enjoy.

“So we really, really like to keep it that way and keep these resources pristine for a long time,” said Holen.

For more information on Aquatic Nuisance Species, visit gf.nd.gov

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North Dakota

How gas prices have changed in North Dakota in the last week – 7/19/2024

Published

19 hours ago

July 20, 2024

Press Room

How gas prices have changed in North Dakota in the last week – 7/19/2024

STACKER — The typically busy summer driving season tends to lead to more demand for gasoline and, in turn, higher prices at the pump. But that hasn’t happened this summer, and analysts aren’t sure of the reason.

“[Drivers] appear to be staying off the road, and the recent scorching heat is possibly to blame. Maybe things will pick up soon,” AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said in a statement Thursday, adding that prices could dip even lower.

Prices are several cents above their levels a month ago, but a gallon of gas is still cheaper than it was this same time last summer. The U.S. has been producing a large amount of gasoline to bolster domestic supply, another factor that can push prices downward. The total amount of gasoline in the U.S. supply is slightly above the five-year average, according to Energy Information Administration data.

Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in North Dakota. Gas prices are as of July 19.

North Dakota by the numbers
– Gas current price: $3.39
– Week change: $0.00 (0.0%)
– Year change: -$0.08 (-2.3%)
– Historical expensive gas price: $4.80 (6/15/22)

– Diesel current price: $3.65
– Week change: -$0.01 (-0.2%)
– Year change: -$0.13 (-3.3%)
– Historical expensive diesel price: $5.62 (6/25/22)

Metros with most expensive gas in North Dakota
#1. Minot: $3.48
#2. Bismarck: $3.48
#3. Grand Forks (ND only): $3.27
#4. Fargo-Moorhead (ND only): $3.24

States with the most expensive gas
#1. California: $4.72
#2. Hawaii: $4.70
#3. Washington: $4.27

States with the least expensive gas
#1. Mississippi: $3.00
#2. Louisiana: $3.10
#3. Texas: $3.12

This article originally appeared on Stacker, and was produced and distributed through a partnership with Stacker Studio. It has been republished pursuant to a CC by NC 4.0 License.

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