North Dakota could be getting its first-ever state rock: a cola-colored stone called Knife River Flint.

The idea came from a group of young geology enthusiasts from Bottineau Public Schools, who discovered last year that North Dakota is one of two states lacking an official rock.

Members of the so-called Bottineau Rockhounds club traveled to the Capitol last week to tell lawmakers why they should approve House Bill 1186 and give Knife River Flint that title.

The rock is only found in North Dakota, for one. Because it’s easy to shape, it has been mined by Native cultures for thousands of years.

“Knife River Flint is a smooth, durable rock that is made of very small crystals which makes it easy to chip in various forms and turn into useful tools,” fifth grader Grace Motl told members of the House Political Subdivisions Committee on Thursday.

It was traded widely and has been found in archaeological sites across the continent, according to the Rockhounds.

“It has been an important stone for trading by many different cultures throughout North Dakota’s history,” Avery Kitzman, a sixth grader, said.

Knife River Flint prevailed among four other suggestions proposed by the Rockhounds, said fifth grade teacher and club adviser David Cauley. Those included chalcedony, aventurine, moss agate and prairie agate.

They held an election to determine the winner.

“Since this last year was a big election year, we decided that it would be a really fun idea to have our own election that could teach students how elections work,” Cauley told lawmakers.

Cauley’s wife, Michelle — an instructor at Dakota College and another adviser to the Bottineau Rockhounds — said the college, three local high schools and Rockhounds clubs in Bismarck and Grand Forks participated in the contest, too.

The Bottineau Rockhounds even made campaign posters to hang up in the hallway.

“The school was just abuzz for the two or three weeks before the election,” Cauley said.

In all, 541 votes were cast. Knife River Flint emerged the victor with 56% approval.

Rep. Dan Vollmer, whose district includes Bottineau, is sponsoring the bill. Vollmer and Rep. Macy Bolinske, who carried the bill on behalf of the House Political Subdivisions Committee, brought samples of Knife River Flint to the House floor on Friday to show their peers.

The House voted unanimously to forward the bill. It’ll also need approval from the Senate.

GRAND FORKS — Frank Matus and Zach Peterson have been elected to leadership positions on the executive team of the North Dakota Unmanned Autonomous Systems Council.

Matus, director of UAS integration strategy and Airspace Mobility Solutions, Americas, has been named chair of the executive team. Peterson, director of business development at Vigilant Aerospace Systems, has been named vice chair.

Matus will bring decades of experience in aviation systems and digital infrastructure to the council, according to a release. His leadership will help “drive forward the council’s mission to advocate for cutting-edge policies, partnerships and solutions that benefit North Dakota’s UAS industry,” according to the release.

“Frank Matus is a visionary leader whose expertise in digital aviation and commitment to innovation will guide the council into an exciting new chapter,” said Matt Dunlevy, president of the NDUASC, in a statement.

“It’s an honor to serve as Chair of the NDUASC,” Matus said in a statement. “North Dakota has become a beacon of innovation in the UAS sector, and I look forward to working with the Council’s members to further enhance its leadership in this transformative industry.”

Peterson has been instrumental in advancing Vigilant Aerospace Systems’ safety and autonomous capabilities, the release said. In his role, he will foster partnerships, expand opportunities and support the council’s efforts to strengthen North Dakota’s UAS ecosystem.

“With Zach Peterson’s proven operational leadership and deep industry knowledge as Vice Chair, we are positioned to build on North Dakota’s reputation as a global hub for UAS advancement,” Dunlevy said in a statement. “Their combined leadership will inspire collaboration and progress across the UAS community.”

“I am thrilled to take on the role of Vice Chair,” Peterson said. “The NDUASC is uniquely positioned to lead the future of UAS innovation, and I’m eager to contribute to its mission of shaping a robust and thriving industry.”

The NDUASC is an interest group that advocates for policies to support North Dakota’s UAS ecosystem, including workforce development and innovation in the UAS industry.

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GRAND FORKS, N.D. (Valley News Live) – The North Dakota Men’s Basketball team is back in the win column thanks to a thrilling 76-72 victory Saturday to snap a two-game losing skid.

A back-and-forth contest, the second half scoring proved to be the difference, as UND outscored Kansas City 44-36 in the final 20 minutes.

The team was especially pleased with its defensive effort after a rough two games, allowing the Roos to only shoot only 41.3-percent from the field.

”I don’t know what flipped the switch, but it wasn’t anything different we did as coaches,” Head Coach Paul Sather said. “It’s the players that can make that difference and make that change.

“They’ve also got to take that, believe it, and trust it as a five man group, go out there and execute.”

North Dakota next hits the court Thursday when UND hosts USD at 7:00 p.m.

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