Thinking about the Paradise CAMP FIRE, My Past Home...

Hello to everyone on this beautiful day here in Carrington. For many of us, Sunday is a day where we thank God for our blessings...and pray for those who need help. For those of you who pray, I hope you will take a moment to pray for all the individuals and families who have lost family members, friends, homes, pets and most of their possessions in the Paradise Camp Fire. So heartbreaking... The death toll continues to climb... and many people who have no place to go are living in shelters in Oroville, Chico and other communities around the area. 

As many of you know, I lived in Paradise for many years before retiring from teaching and moving to Carrington. I have friends who are posting pictures, videos and messages about the catastrophe that has taken place there and how it is affecting the lives of thousands of people. 

However, amidst such devastation, the human spirit can soar and create joy where you wouldn't think it possible. An instance of this concerns two of my friends who own an art business and studio in downtown Oroville where there are many homeless children in very unpredictable circumstances. Ted and Robin Hanson opened up their business/studio to all community children for three days of art projects where they could come in free-of-charge to have fun with art and hopefully take their minds off the stressful situations they are experiencing. 

There are many such good, kind-hearted folks who are providing shelter, as well as food/clothing/money for friends (and strangers) who have lost everything. It is times like this when we truly see the basic goodness, kindness and loving feelings that exist in people. 

So, I want to thank everyone who is providing hope and help. God bless you all... and God bless all the victims of this fire with the courage and resilience necessary to survive this catastrophe.

Election Day in Carrington, ND

Here are a few pictures of Election Day in Carrington - November 6, 2018. What a blustery, snowy day for voting! I hope all the folks from the outskirts of Foster County drove in safely. 

                                      

Here are a few pictures along one of the main roads into Carrington... as well as some shots of Carrington City Hall where the voting takes place. 

Looked like a great turnout of voters when I was voting around 10am... around 500 by the time I voted. It was predicted to have a higher than usual turnout of voters in North Dakota... mainly because of the Senate race between Cramer and Heitkamp. 

Locally there was a lot of excitement about the Foster County State's Attorney race between Paul Murphy and Kara Brinster. 

                                    

As for the four measures on the ballot, it will be very interesting to see how they turn out. 

When it comes right down to it, I'm just happy to see so many people voting... one of most valuable rights! 

Election Results for Foster County State's Attorney:
Kara Brinster -- 933
Paul Murphy   -- 678

Write In           -- 3

Main Street Initiative - Meeting in Carrington, ND

Holly Holt from the North Dakota Department of Commerce

An informative meeting about Governor Burgum's "Main Street ND" initiative took place on Tuesday, October 2nd, in the new "commons room" at Carrington Elementary School. 

Denise Schuchard, Director of Economic Development for Carrington, introduced the main speaker, Holly Holt.

Denise Schuchard, Director of Economic Development

Holly Holt from the North Dakota Department of Commerce led the meeting which focused on the importance of creating an attractive Main Street community which would support the business and social needs of its current citizens, as well as attract newcomers to work and live in the area. 

As you can see from the pictures, many of Carrington's business and community leaders attended the meeting. 

Tom Erdmann - Mayor of Carrington, ND

Ms. Holt suggested that they go to the ND government website - http://www.mainstreetnd.com - where they can find many tools and resources to help with creating a "healthy, vibrant community." #carringtonnd #carringtonndnews#mainstreetnd #mainstreetinitiative

Winter's First Snow - Carrington, ND

Hello, Everyone! As you can see, it has been snowing here in Carrington... with a temperature of 32 degrees and wind gusts up to 39mph. Not a good day for traveling! 

You can see our our post-worman's footprints as she delivered mail this morning... not that much snow so far....



Locally, it's probably safe enough to drive on over to Northern Plains Electric Cooperative where they're celebrating their Membership Appreciation Day. Stop in for some coffee, cider and cookies from 8am to 3:30pm. 

Did you know that the co-op is having a new hat and mittens drive throughout October? Donations can be dropped off at 1515 Main Street where they will be distributed to kids in Carrington. Way to go, Northern Plains! 

It's really great the way our businesses and organizations sponsor programs like this for our children! 

Wherever you live, I hope you're having an awesome day! If you'd like to share your location and temperature, please do. I'll try not to get envious if you're having a warm, sunny day! 

By the way, thanks for visiting! 







:)#carringtonnd #carringtonndnews#ndweather #fostercountynd

WELCOME OCTOBER!!!

Thanks to Connie Austweak for sharing her photos!

Hello, Everyone! 

Hope your October has started off nicely and you're enjoying the abundance of pumpkins and Autumn scenery! 

These pictures were sent to me by Connie Austweak who is touring all around our area and taking pictures as she goes. She says, "Found this most awesome free-will Pumpkin patch yesterday! Gene's Pumpkin Patch North of Edgeley off of Highway 281. 

They furnish you with loppers to cut your own pumpkins and an awesome display for family photos! Big shout out to them for a great evening!"

Don't you love the autumn colors and the awesome sun in the background? Thank you so much, Connie, for sharing your photos with us! 

By the way, is there a pumpkin patch in or around Carrington? If you know of one, please let us know about it. 

Our first week in October is going to be rather cloudy all week long here in Carrington with showers off and on during the week. I'm hoping the sun will peak through often and emphasize the wonderful fall colors all around our city. 

Wherever you live, if you have any Autumn pictures to share with us, please do! By the way, I always appreciate you visiting my Carrington blog, and hope you are having an AWESOME day! 

Note:  I haven't been posting many articles for this blog lately, so I've decided to start sharing posts that I write for my Facebook site.

Carrington Water Tower in Autumn

Hi, Everyone! 

On the way back from church, I took this picture of our Carrington water tower. I tried to incorporate some autumn leaves into the picture so you can see how beautiful our trees are right now. It won't be long before their leaves will be blowing off all over town and our streets will take on the stark look of Winter. 

Currently, we're enjoying very light winds today with a high of 45 degrees... turning into freezing temperatures tonight. By the end of the week, we're expecting some snow showers... sigh. 

Wherever you live, I hope you are having a wonderful Sunday with beautiful sunshine. Every time the sun peeks through the clouds in Carrington today, it turns our city into gold!

Note:  I've been rather neglectful about posting things on this blog, so I've decided to incorporate posts that I put on my Facebook site.  

How Important Is "Main Street" in Our Town?

Everyone talks about how important it is to have an inviting Main Street... especially in a small town. So, what are we doing to improve Main Street in Carrington? What kind of businesses would be successful in those blank spots where buildings used to be? How about a bakery shop with all kinds of fresh-baked goods? Something unique that people love that you can't get elsewhere... Mmmmm.... #carringtonnd #carringtonndnews

In this article by Roger Brooks, he talks about the importance of Main Street in our towns... and why its upkeep should be a top priority.  He also praises Governor Burgum from North Dakota for making Main Street a major goal.

Phone Call Scams

Thanks to Foster County Sheriff Johnson for calling our attention to recent scam calls. It seems like they just don't stop! If you click on the link to the ND Attorney General's site, you'll probably find examples of the type of call you've been getting.

I keep getting a robot voice saying that I have serious allegations against my name and that they will press charges against me if I don't return their call... and they actually leave a different phone number each time. 😡

Another call I received was about a niece (which they named) who was in a foreign country in jail who needed money for bail and to get home. I immediately called relatives on another line and was told that she was just fine at home in North Dakota. I guess a lot of grandparents are receiving this type of call... and they actually follow the directions and send money.

Most of the people I've interviewed say if they don't recognize the number, they don't answer the call... that if it's important, someone will leave a voice mail. Have you noticed that many scam callers are using local state area codes now, so you think the call might be from someone local? Tricky scamsters!!!

How do you handle calls like this? #carringtonnewsnd #scamcalls

Congratulations to Nurgul Gussiaas!

CONGRATULATIONS to Nurgul Gussiaas of Carrington as she casts her first vote as a United States citizen! What an exciting occasion! 

Also, thanks to Auditor Solberg for posting sample ballots on the walls which make it so much easier for voters to understand the Primary ballots.

 As well, a huge THANKS to all the volunteers for helping today. You are all much appreciated! 

#carringtonnd #carringtonndnews #fostercountynd

Vote for Kara Brinster for Foster County State's Attorney

BREAKING NEWS for Foster County Residents --

Carrington News has just been informed by ATTORNEY KARA BRINSTER of Carrington that she would like to be a write-in candidate on tomorrow's ballot for Foster County State's Attorney. 

After numerous requests from Foster County residents, she has decided to campaign for the office. She mentioned that she is at a point in her life now where she feels comfortable that she can hold the office and do a good job for Foster County. 

In order to vote for Kara at the polling booth tomorrow, be sure to fill in the bubble on the ballot and write in her name: KARA BRINSTER. Better still, you might want to take the correct spelling to the polls with you, so the vote is entered correctly. 

From what we understand, Kara needs 27 or more votes in the primary election in order to be on the November ballot for Foster County State's Attorney. 

Thanks to Kara, we now have another choice for this important office. 

Remember: fill in the bubble and write KARA BRINSTER.

 #carringtonnd#carringtonndnews #fostercounty

Spring/Summer Blossoms around Foster County Courthouse - ND

Here are a few pictures of our Foster County Courthouse... taken today - Sunday, May 20, 2018. 

You can see the new leaves and blossoms on our trees in Carrington.

 It won't be long before we see flowers and blossoming trees all around the city. 

Note:  I just want to point out the beautiful restoration work done on the courthouse dome by Leo Straley who has a construction business - General Roofing & Construction - here in Carrington.  It's great to know that a local contractor has such awesome expertise in renovating a historic building like the Foster County Courthouse.  His exceptional work is being noted by architects and builders across the state.

Summer Weather Is Finally Here!

Happy Monday to you! Here in Carrington we're having wonderful weather... a little cloudy today with the sun shining through... with a high of 77 degrees. 

It's actually going to be in the 80's and sunny for the next two days.... Hooray! So happy warm weather is FINALLY here... to stay, I hope! 

This picture was taken on Sunday, May 13, 2018. You can see the buds on the trees in the background, and the grass is quickly turning green.

 It's amazing how fast things grow in the summertime here in North Dakota. It's like Mother Nature is saying, "Hurry, hurry, hurry before Winter comes again!" Hope you are having a wonderful day in your part of the world! #carringtonnd #carringtonndnews

American Legion Auxiliary BINGO - Carrington, ND

GREAT BINGO PRIZES!  $200, $150, $75 and many $50 prizes!  Buy a ticket for $10 and get three cards with a chance to win one or more of these prizes. The American Legion Auxiliary is sponsoring a FreeWill Supper and BINGO on Monday evening, April 30th at CrossRoads in Carrington, North Dakota. The meal starts at 5pm and BINGO starts at 7pm. 

This is the ALA's major fundraiser of the year... and an awesome organization to support.  These ladies do so much for our community... along with the VFW Auxiliary they produce a Memorial Day celebration/meal for the community in May, as well as  a Veteran's Day celebration/meal in November.  

They also contribute to many causes in our community, supply clothes for needy children, send care boxes to soldiers overseas, donate to our local/school libraries, feed community members who help put flags on veterans graves, give prizes to children who win their Americanism essay contest, give flag etiquette presentations to our local school children, make and give gifts to the veterans in our local nursing home, distribute poppies in memory of our veterans... and much more.  

A BIG THANKS to all of you who have already bought tickets.  You can still buy tickets at the door, but come early because there aren't that many left!  Hope to see you there, visit and have fun playing BINGO!!!  

Moondogs!!! Have you ever seen moondogs? I didn't realize there was such a phenomenon. I took this picture last night - New Year's Eve - speeding along between Carrington and New Rockford, so it's not a very good look at them. I was so amazed at what I was seeing that I didn't get my camera out till the moondogs almost disappeared. Did any of you local folks get a shot of them? I'm hoping they will appear again tonight.

According to Wikipedia: "A moon dog, moondog, or mock moon,... meaning "beside the moon"... is a relatively rare bright circular spot on a lunar halo caused by the refraction of moonlight by hexagonal-plate-shaped ice crystals in cirrus or cirrostratus clouds... Moon dogs appear as part of the 22° halo, roughly 10 Moon diameters outside the Moon. They are exactly analogous to sun dogs, but are rarer because the Moon must be bright, about quarter moon or more, for the moon dogs to be observed. Moon dogs show little color to the unaided human eye because their light is not bright enough to activate the cone cells."

(By the way today's moon - January 1, 2018 - is called a supermoon. That occurs when the full moon is at the closest point of its orbit to the Earth. If you don't get to see the super moon tonight, another instance will occur again on January 31st.)
#carringtonnd #carringtonndnews #moondogs