Adams County Record

26/07/2024

Things are really warming up lately! How have you been staying cool?

22/07/2024

President Joe Biden bows out of reelection campaign,
Harris vows to win nomination
BY: JACOB FISCHLER AND ASHLEY MURRAY, North Dakota Monitor
President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race Sunday, he said in a letter posted to social media, creating an unprecedented vacancy atop the Democratic ticket one month before he was scheduled to officially accept his party’s nomination.
In a follow-up post less than 30 minutes later, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place as the Democratic nominee.
Biden’s withdrawal came after a weeks-long pressure campaign from party insiders following a disastrous June 27 debate performance against GOP candidate former President Donald Trump.
The move throws an already-unusual presidential race into further chaos, and it was not immediately clear Sunday how Democrats would choose a replacement for Biden in November’s election, though Harris would have a strong claim to lead the ticket.
In a written statement, Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison said the party in picking a new nominee would proceed under “established rules and procedures.”
“The work that we must do now, while unprecedented, is clear,” Harrison wrote. “In the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November. This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.”
In his letter, Biden praised Harris as “an extraordinary partner” in the administration’s accomplishments.
Biden, who has been fighting a COVID-19 infection at home in Delaware since last week, was not specific about his reasons for stepping aside, but said he believed it was in the country’s best interest.
“It has been the great honor of my life to serve as your President,” he wrote in the one-page letter. “And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
Biden, 81, appeared frail and confused at several points throughout the debate, leading to worries among elected Democrats and the party’s voters that he was no longer up to the task of governing or contesting Trump’s bid to win back the White House.
As several congressional Democrats called for him to quit the race, others asked that he ramp up his public schedule and include more unrehearsed appearances that could demonstrate his fitness.
But a more robust schedule of news interviews, press conferences and campaign rallies did not sufficiently quiet the Democratic voices saying Biden’s candidacy was likely to throw the presidential race to Trump – whom Biden and others have described as an existential threat to U.S. democracy – and deeply handicap Democrats in other races up and down November’s ballot.
On Friday, Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico brought the number of senators calling on Biden to drop out to four. A day earlier, Montana Sen. Jon Tester said Biden should drop his reelection campaign and that Democrats should hold an open nomination process at their Chicago convention next month.
In the U.S. House, 29 Democrats had called for Biden to withdraw from the race by the end of the day July 19.
In a post following the announcement to his social media site, Truth Social, Trump said Biden was “never” fit to serve as president.
“Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve – And never was!” Trump wrote. “He only attained the position of President by lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement. All those around him, including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasn’t capable of being President, and he wasn’t – And now, look what he’s done to our Country.”
More details of announcement
In the letter, Biden praised his administration’s accomplishments over three-and-a-half years, saying he’d worked to make “historic investments” in the country, lowered prescription drug costs, nominated the first Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court and “passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world.”
“Together we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression,” Biden wrote. “We’ve protected and preserved our Democracy. And we’ve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world.”
Biden said he would “speak to the Nation later this week” about the decision.
He praised Harris and other supporters.
“For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected,” he wrote. “I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.”
In follow-up posts, Biden said he was endorsing Harris and added a fundraising link.
“My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President,” he said. “And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”
In a statement emailed by the Biden-Harris campaign, Harris called Biden’s decision a “selfless and patriotic act.”
“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.”
Trump gains in polls
The about face in what was to be a 2020 presidential election rematch leaves Democrats searching for a new candidate as Trump, who promises authoritarian-style leadership, has gained support in recent polls.
With just 107 days until Election Day, Biden’s move marks the latest date in modern presidential history that a candidate has withdrawn from the race.
President Lyndon Johnson announced in March 1968 that he would not seek reelection that year, leaving Democratic delegates to decide on a replacement – ultimately Vice President Hubert Humphrey – at the party’s convention that summer in Chicago.
Harris appears to be in a strong position to replace Biden as the party’s standard bearer, though questions remain about how the process will play out and who would become the vice presidential nominee.
Democrats praise decision
Reaction poured in shortly after the Sunday afternoon announcement, with Democrats largely praising Biden’s record and calling his decision courageous.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement that he understood Biden’s decision to step out of the race was “not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first.”
“Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he is a truly amazing human being,” the New York Democrat said.
Several high-ranking Democrats endorsed Harris as Biden’s successor.
“We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her,” former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a statement.
Statements from other party leaders, including Schumer, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama did not include endorsements.
Several Republicans called for Biden to resign his office.
“If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President,” House Speaker Mike Johnson wrote on X. “He must resign the office immediately. November 5 cannot arrive soon enough.”
A crescendoing chorus to step down
Biden faced calls for him to abandon his reelection bid from congressional Democrats, even as he tried to stabilize the debate aftershock by holding a series of campaign rallies, sitting down for interviews and holding a press conference at the annual NATO conference.
Democratic lawmakers largely presented a public front of support for Biden in statements and passing interviews in the U.S. Capitol hallways with reporters.
What began as a trickle of dissent from rank-and-file Democrats — beginning with Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas and a handful of doubtful senior House Democrats — steadily grew to a torrent by Friday.
50-year career in Washington
Biden’s exit marks the closure of a long, storied career in Washington, including 38 years in the U.S. Senate, featuring stints leading the Foreign Affairs and Judiciary committees, and eight years as vice president under President Barack Obama.
Biden’s presidency was punctuated with major economic wins for Democrats, beginning with nearly $2 trillion to combat the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
His leadership with a Democratic majority in Congress resulted in substantial nationwide infrastructure investments, drove financial incentives to tackle climate change and revive the U.S. global role in semiconductor manufacturing, and strengthened flagging tax enforcement.
However, low approval ratings followed Biden throughout his presidency as Americans aimed their frustrations over inflation at the White House and assigned blame for record numbers of border crossings as a divided Congress – after Democrats lost their House majority in the 2022 midterms – failed to pass immigration restrictions negotiated with the administration.
Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war also hurt his support among young and progressive voters as Israel’s continued offensive against Hamas militants in the Palestinian territory of the Gaza Strip killed tens of thousands of civilians. Protesters against the U.S. supply of weapons to Israel interrupted dozens of Biden’s reelection campaign events through 2024.
Ariana Figueroa contributed to this report.

21/07/2024

19/07/2024

Sheep starter flocks available for North Dakota youth

For the 16th year, North Dakota State University Extension and the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association are offering North Dakota youth an opportunity to become involved in the sheep industry and build their own flock.
Youth chosen for the Starter Flock Discounted Loan Program will receive an interest-free loan to purchase 10 yearling Rambouillet ewes from the association. The association will buy the ewes from NDSU’s Hettinger Research Extension Center.
“It is tremendous to see young people get involved in the North Dakota sheep industry,” says Dave Pearson, Hettinger Research Extension Center shepherd. “These Wyoming-bred ewes are a great opportunity to learn with less initial input costs and no interest.”
Youth receiving the ewes will be assigned a mentor, who will be available to answer questions and help them with recordkeeping and setting management goals. The youth also have the option of arranging for a mentor on their own.
“Sheep production offers youth an opportunity to grow a business, learn record keeping and manage finances,” says Travis Hoffman, NDSU and University of Minnesota Extension sheep specialist. “We have more than 140 young producers that have learned about sheep in North Dakota with this program. A young sheep enthusiast can get a start by receiving 10 ewes with limited risk through a great loan program.”
The youth must pay back 70% of the value of the ewes. The first payment is due by Nov. 1 of the second year the youth have the ewes. The youth have two more years to pay off the balance of the loan.
To be eligible to receive ewes, youth must be 10 to 18 years old by Aug. 10 of the year they apply for a loan.
Go to https://ndsheep.org/starter-flock/ for an application or more information about the loan program. Applications can be sent to Curt Stanley, preferably via email to [email protected], or mailed to 7050 156th Ave. NW, Bismarck, ND 58503. Questions can be directed to Stanley at 701-333-8009.
Applications are due by Aug. 10 via mail or email. Youth selected for the program will pick up their ewes at the NDSU Hettinger Research Extension Center on Saturday, Sept. 21.
For more information, contact:
• Stanley at 701-333-8009 or [email protected]
• Hoffman at 970-222-7569 or [email protected]
• Pearson at 701-928-1410 or [email protected]
• Luke Dukart at 701-880-0358 or [email protected]
• Chance Porsborg 701-390-2357 or [email protected]

The Starter Flock Discounted Loan Program is a program initiated by the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association and the NDSU Extension Service with the intent to encourage and assist young people to enter the sheep and wool industries and help sustain this important food and fiber industry....

10/07/2024

Register for Game Warden Exam
Individuals interested in taking the exam to select candidates for district game warden positions must register by July 10. Exams are scheduled for 10 a.m. Central time at the following locations:
• July 17 – Game and Fish office, Williston.
• July 18 – Game and Fish office, Bismarck.
• July 19 – Cass County Sheriff’s Department, Fargo.
Applicants must register by submitting an online application through the North Dakota State Job Openings website.
Applicants must be at least 21, have a bachelor’s degree at time of hire or an associate degree with either 2 years of law enforcement or wildlife experience, have a valid driver’s license and a current North Dakota peace officer license, or eligible to be licensed. Candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background check and must not have a record of any felony convictions.
Salary through training is $5,120 per month. For more information, see the district game warden testing announcement on the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov.

01/07/2024

The Adams County Sheriff's Office is asking the public to contact 911 if the man pictured below is seen. According to their post, the person of interest is driving a silver 2010 Chevy Impala with Montana license plates.

26/06/2024

Keep a watchful eye on the sky on Thursday and stay safe!

**OUTDATED**

UPDATE for Thursday's severe weather potential: confidence has increased in both the damaging wind threat and the tornado threat, so western and parts of central North Dakota have been upgraded to an Enhanced Risk (level 3 out of 5). Numerous severe thunderstorms are likely late Thursday afternoon into Thursday night. Make sure you keep an eye on the weather tomorrow and have multiple ways to receive warnings!

25/06/2024

WMA Regulations Prohibit Fireworks, Camping Restrictions Lifted for Holiday
Outdoor enthusiasts should note that possession or use of fireworks on state wildlife management areas is prohibited.
The primary objective of a wildlife management area is to enhance wildlife production, provide hunting and fishing opportunities, and offer other outdoor recreational and educational uses compatible with these objectives. Only activities that would not disrupt the intentions of how these areas are managed are encouraged, and fireworks are not compatible.
In addition, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department will lift the Tuesday-Wednesday no-camping restriction for the Fourth of July holiday week, which will allow overnight camping July 2-3 on those WMAs that otherwise have this two-day restriction.
A complete list of WMA regulations is available on the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov.

25/06/2024

Spring Turkey Hunters Had Successful Season
Hunter success during the spring turkey hunting season was 49%, according to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
The department issued 8,137 licenses for the 2024 spring season, and a record 6,847 hunters took 3,336 birds, the highest spring harvest on record.
RJ Gross, upland game management biologist, said spring turkey hunting success in North Dakota is usually driven by weather.
“This year the weather was very mild with no snow on the ground, and that lead to more hunters out on the landscape,” he said. “Also, turkeys had above average production last year, according to our late summer roadside counts and hunter observations of large groups of jakes this spring. Along with high overwinter survival, this led to an abundant population of turkeys."

25/06/2024

Deer Lottery Held, Licenses Remain
North Dakota’s deer gun lottery has been held and more than 3,800 licenses remain. Only resident applicants who were unsuccessful in the lottery can apply for remaining licenses.
Licenses will be mailed to successful applicants in early August.
More than 70,000 individuals applied for a deer gun lottery license, in addition to over 13,000 gratis applicants. The 2024 deer gun proclamation allows for 50,100 deer gun season licenses.
Unsuccessful applicants can apply online for remaining licenses beginning June 26. The deadline for applying is July 10.
Remaining Deer Gun Licenses
(B = Any Antlerless C = Antlered Whitetail D = Antlerless Whitetail)
Unit Type Available
3A1 B 579
3A2 B 384
3D1 D 49
3D2 D 59
3E2 D 81
3F1 B 107
3F1 D 348
3F2 B 1,055
3F2 C 246
3F2 D 799
4A D 16
4F D 111

11/06/2024

Today is Election Day! Go out and exercise your right to vote. Each vote makes a difference.

08/06/2024

The Whiskey Road Gallery open house is going on now! Check out this new exhibit on Main Street in Hettinger!

23/05/2024

Severe weather will be possible this afternoon into this evening over parts of southwest, central, and eastern North Dakota. Be sure to monitor the latest forecast updates, especially if you have outdoor activities planned.

22/05/2024

Fishing for Free June 1-2
North Dakota residents who want to give fishing a try can fish for free June 1-2.
That is the state’s free fishing weekend, when all residents 16 and older can fish any North Dakota water without a license. Residents 15 and younger do not need a fishing license at any time of year.
The weekend provides a great opportunity to try fishing for the first time or take someone new.
Information on regulations, where to fish and what equipment is needed is available on the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website at gf.nd.gov.

19/05/2024

Congratulations to Hettinger High School's graduating Class of 2024!👩‍🎓🧑‍🎓

25/03/2024

NO SCHOOL in Hettinger today due to snowy conditions.

25/03/2024

Adams County is under a No Travel Advisory due to blowing snow, icy roads, and reduced visibility.

25/03/2024

Hettinger Public School will start at 10:00am Monday, March 25, 2024 due to the current weather system.

19/03/2024

High chances (80-90 percent) for at least two inches of snow in the red shaded areas on the map of western and central North Dakota Wednesday through Thursday night, with the potential (40-70 percent chance) of at least four inches from parts of western ND southeast through the James River Valley.

17/03/2024

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Contributed by the McIntyre Family.

11/03/2024

Just ONE WEEK LEFT to nominate your favorite farmer to win this prize package. Let us know why you think your hard-working favorite farmer deserves the award as we celebrate National Ag Week March 17-23. Reminder to submit your nomination to [email protected].

11/03/2024

Contributed by the McIntyre Family.

03/03/2024

**Update: Power has been restored in SW ND**

MDU has advised current power outages in Hettinger, Haynes, Lemmon, Dickinson, and Zap with unknown times of restoration.

29/02/2024

Reminder! Today is the last day to submit your vote for the Adams County Sheriff's Office Junior Patch contest. You can find voting boxes at numerous businesses in Hettinger as well as the Sheriff's Office!

For any questions, call 701-567-2530

27/02/2024

No travel advised in Adams County due to limited visibility and ice covered roads.
Please avoid traveling if possible.