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Time for change? Locals react to the push to remove daylight savings in North Dakota

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Time for change? Locals react to the push to remove daylight savings in North Dakota


BISMARCK, N.D. — Lawmakers in the North Dakota House have passed Bill 1259 that could make the state the third in the nation to permanently observe standard time, eliminating daylight saving time.

Arizona and Hawaii are the only states that already observe standard time year-round, and if the bill becomes law, North Dakota would join them.

The bill has sparked mixed reactions from residents, especially in Fargo-Moorhead, where the change would have a noticeable impact on daily life. According to Representative Dan Ruby, a co-sponsor of the bill, the benefits of no longer switching the clocks twice a year outweigh the potential disruptions.

“It’s maybe not preferable for the time that I would like to be on, as many other people would, but it is the advantage of not having to disrupt our lives twice a year. It kind of outweighs that,” Ruby said.

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However, students at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) have expressed concerns about the potential confusion. “It is just one hour, but it’s the mental, cognitive load to remembering that time difference in terms of planning on two different time schedules is going to be a little bit of an annoyance,” said Tony Urbanski, an MSUM student.

Some residents also worry about the complications along the North Dakota-Minnesota border. If the bill passes, residents in North Dakota would permanently observe standard time, while neighboring Minnesota would continue to follow daylight saving time. “If I lived in Moorhead, and worked in Fargo, my clock would fall back an hour when I cross the state line getting to work… for six months out of the year, and vice versa,” said one Fargo resident.

Others, like former State Senator Tim Flakoll, don’t see the value in the change. “I just don’t see the value in it from my perspective… I think a lot more people want to be out in the evening doing things than they care about being up at 4:30 or 5:30 in the morning to get things done,” he said.

Meanwhile, MSUM students voiced concerns about missing classes or flights due to the time change. “I think that would cause people a lot of trouble, especially since the Hector International is, is over there. I mean, I always fly through there… I could definitely see myself missing a flight because of that,” said Aiden Price, an MSUM student.

Ruby acknowledged the confusion but emphasized that the change would simplify life overall. “He had voted no on the bill on the floor, and said, ‘You know, I think I voted wrong, because I’m kind of thinking that in the spring, kids would be getting on the school bus with more light when, when that switches, it moves back, and kind of puts them back into darkness for a while when they’re going to school,’” Ruby said.

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As of now, the bill has passed in the House and is set to be discussed in the Senate, where Ruby will be gauging support in the coming future.

Ryan McNamara joined WDAY as a reporter in late 2024. He is a native of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and graduated from St. Cloud State University in 2024.

His time as a Husky included copious amounts of time spent at “The Herb” reporting on Husky hockey, or at Halenbeck Hall calling Husky basketball. He also spent two summers with the Northwoods League’s St. Cloud Rox. Along with his duties in news and sports, Ryan dons a headset for occasional play-by-play broadcasts for North Dakota and Minnesota high school sports.

When he’s away from the station, he’s most likely lifting, finding time to golf, or taking in as much college basketball as possible, in order to complete the elusive perfect March Madness bracket.

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North Dakota Democratic-NPL announces 2026 state convention plans

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North Dakota Democratic-NPL announces 2026 state convention plans


BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO/KVRR) — The North Dakota Democratic-NPL will hold its state convention in Bismarck on Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8, 2026.

They say all official business will take place on Saturday, March 7.

Delegates to the state convention are elected at their legislative district conventions.

If a district does not fill its slate, it may allow the district chair to appoint the remaining delegates.

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“At a moment when division threatens progress, we come together – across generations, communities, and regions – to reaffirm that democracy works best when everyone has a voice and a stake in what comes next,” North Dakota Democratic-NPL Secretary and Convention Planning Chair Kari Breker said. “This convention is about leadership rooted in hope, action over cynicism, and unity as the engine of lasting change. Together, we are not just defending democracy – we are building a future worthy of the next generation.”

The North Dakota GOP State Convention is scheduled to be held in Minot from March 26 through March 29 at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds.



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JRMC recognized as top recommended hospital in North Dakota

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JRMC recognized as top recommended hospital in North Dakota


JAMESTOWN — Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) has been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of North Dakota’s top recommended hospitals, an honor shared only by the Fargo VA Medical Center. This recognition is based on patients’ responses to the question: “Would you recommend this hospital to your friends and family?”

Inclusion on the top recommended hospitals list reflects a five-star rating for patient recommendations. Ratings are determined through the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“This recognition by Becker’s reflects our continued focus on exceptional patient care, clear communication and strong partnerships between patients and care teams,” said Trisha Jungels, JRMC chief nursing officer. “At JRMC, trust is built through listening, compassion and clinical excellence, and this honor reflects the dedication of our teams every day.”

JRMC’s inclusion on this list, along with other recent national awards and recognitions — such as its Pathways of Excellence designation and multiple top critical access hospital recognitions — further distinguish the medical center as a regional and statewide leader in care.

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To learn more about JRMC, visit

jrmcnd.com

or call (701) 952-1050.





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Make-A-Wish North Dakota unveils newly remodeled Wishing Place in Fargo

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Make-A-Wish North Dakota unveils newly remodeled Wishing Place in Fargo


FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Make-A-Wish North Dakota celebrated the grand reopening of its newly remodeled Wishing Place on Monday evening, January 12, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community leaders, donors, and volunteers.

The Fargo facility underwent renovations last summer to create a more child-focused, community-centric experience for families visiting the nonprofit organization.

“I want the Wishing Place to serve as a beacon of light for families and be something that they are proud of, and the community is proud of,” said Billi Jo Zielinski, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish North Dakota. “So, this is a place not only for kids to come in, explore, and dream and wish, but also for our volunteers to be trained and to be inspired.”

Wish alumna Emily Gard, who was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in 2003 and is now two years cancer-free, spoke at the event about the significance of the remodeled space.

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“This remodeled space is where those life-changing moments take shape,” Gard said. “Every wish that will eventually be honored on the wall of stars represents a story that has been written and is waiting to unfold for a child.”

The invitation-only event was hosted for members of the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, Make-A-Wish North Dakota donors, and volunteers.

Since 1985, Make-A-Wish North Dakota has granted more than 1,150 wishes for children across the state. The organization’s vision is to grant every eligible child’s wish.

According to Make-A-Wish, wishes provide joy in the present, hope for the future, and the transformation that comes from daring to dream beyond the confines of a critical illness.

Families interested in learning more about eligibility for a wish, referring a child, or volunteering can visit wish.org/northdakota.

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