1. Fargo, Grand Forks could pick up most of North Dakota's $50M natural gas bill from Texas freeze
For many months after Texas froze over and blackouts plagued its residents, customers in the Upper Midwest will shoulder a share of the cost for the Lone Star State’s power grid failures.
In North Dakota, where the added impact of the natural gas price spike totals around $50 million, the hit to customers could vary substantially depending on which part of the state they live in and who provides their gas.
Read more from The Forum's Adam Willis
2. Minnesota businesses that broke COVID rules seek amnesty
ADVERTISEMENT
From MPR News via Forum News Service
When Jane Moss opened the Boardwalk Bar and Grill late last year to dine-in customers against state COVID-19 orders, the East Grand Forks restaurant owner knew the defiance could invite sanctions.
“What is being done is illegal and unconstitutional and I need to do what is my right for my employees and my patrons,” Moss said in December.
The opening did have almost immediate ramifications. A state agency suspended the establishment’s liquor license and the attorney general’s office moved to impose fines and go after any money brought in during the four days Boardwalk was improperly open. A court case is still pending.
3. Fargo moving forward with 'hate crime' laws
Perhaps Fargo City Commissioner John Strand summed it up best.
ADVERTISEMENT
It was a big night for Fargo in what could be the beginning of more racial justice in the city.
Not only are hate crime laws in the city apparently headed for passage, but the city also approved hiring its first director of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Read more from The Forum's Barry Amundson
4. May 2021 is the driest May on record for Fargo-Moorhead
The grass is gradually starting to brown at some of Fargo's parks. Larger parks, like Lindenwood and Oak Grove, rely on the weather to keep it green.
"It's kind of that way, we leave it be just because the amount of property that we have that is non-irrigated, we just couldn't possibly irrigate that," explained Fargo Park District Director Dave Bietz. "So we really count on Mother Nature for that drink."
They are counting on her for many of their larger parks while maintenance staff keep up with the many plants and golf courses in the city. Bietz said staff are working hard to keep up with the dry spell, and if this keeps up, it could mean lots of overtime.
ADVERTISEMENT
Watch the story from WDAY's Nick Broadway
5. Fargo school board votes to keep masks on for the last week of school
A lively debate about ending the Fargo Public Schools Smart Restart plan early — including mask requirements — culminated in a 5-4 vote in favor of keeping mitigation strategies in place for the last week of the 2020-21 school year.
The Fargo Public Schools Board of Education held a special meeting on Tuesday, June 1, after three board members raised the issue. The district's Smart Restart plan was put in place last year, and after a May 11 vote by the school board, the plan is scheduled to end on June 7, four days after the last day of classes.
