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August 17, 2018

Three Region IV projects allocated 2018 CDBG funds, New Members, and Recognition

CDBG Awards The Red River Regional Council Board of Directors allocated its $202,711 in 2018 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to three projects in Region IV at its meeting August 17, 2018. The projects include:

  • $57,500 to the City of Minto for a housing rehabilitation project. The project will assist qualifying low and moderate-income homeowners with health and safety issues in their homes at no cost to the homeowner. Common repairs including roofing, windows, doors, plumbing, heating and electrical, and other safety and accessibility items. It is anticipated up to 12 homes will be rehabilitated and the work will begin in 2019.
  • $99,500 to the City of Walhalla on behalf of the Walla Theater project. The city will be the applicant for this grant which will address accessibility in the theater. The CDBG funds will be used to construct two ADA accessible restrooms, add ADA compliant doors and automatic openers at the entrances, and construct the ramp and stage at the front of the theater. It is the goal of the Gorge Arts and Heritage Council, which has been working on this project for 10 years, to give the area a community center and gathering space. The theater will be utilized by the school and public and will be able to host talent shows, youth rallies, senior citizen entertainment, high school plays, holiday programs, recitals and of course, movies.
  • $45,711 to the City of Grafton on behalf of the Tri-Valley Opportunity Council’s energy efficiency project at the facility in Grafton. Tri-Valley Opportunity Council supports a Migrant Head Start program at the facility in Grafton. The program serves children of migrant families from age 6 weeks to 5 years old. There are potentially 109 children enrolled for the 2018 season which is May to November. The project will consist of replacing 24 wood windows and heat exchanger for the building. New controls will be installed to more efficiently control the mechanical systems in the building.
These projects have been allocated funds from the Region IV allocation of CDBG funds. All projects will now complete the final application process before the release of funds from the ND Department of Commerce - Division of Community Services. Membership and Recognition Three new members were appointed to the Board of Directors including:  Mayor Gerald Uglem, Northwood, representing Grand Forks County mayors; Mayor Lacey Hinkle, Cavalier, representing Pembina County mayors; and Barry Wilfahrt, The Chamber of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, representing the private sector.  The Board recognized outgoing member former Mayor Ken Briese, Cavalier, and Mayor Ray Fegter, Larimore.  The Board also recognized Dawn Keeley, Executive Director, for 20 years of service with the organization.

Outgoing board member Mayor Ken Briese, Cavalier, recognized for his service by Chris Lipsh, President, and Dawn Keeley, Executive Director

Dawn Keeley, Executive Director, recognized for 20 years of service by President Chris Lipsh and Past President, Dan Stenvolds

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May 11, 2018

Application Deadline Approaching for 2018 Community Development Block Grant

The pre-application deadline for Region IV's (Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina and Walsh counties) Community Development Block Grant is June 28, 2018. Anyone interested in applying for a potential project is strongly advised to contact CDBG Program Manager Stacie Sevigny as soon as possible. The Red River Regional Council will have $202,711 available for distribution to projects in Region IV in 2018. WHAT IS CDBG? The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) was established by Congress in 1974 and is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The North Dakota Department of Commerce – Division of Community Services administers the CDBG program for the state with funding recommendations developed by the eight regional councils. The Red River Regional Council (RRRC) makes recommendations for Region IV, which includes Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina and Walsh counties. As defined by HUD, the primary purpose of CDBG is “the development of viable communities, by providing decent housing and suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income.” DEFINING LOW & MODERATE INCOME Low and moderate income (LMI) households are those that are up to 80% of the median household income based on household size. Data is derived from the 2010 U.S. Census and differentiates by household size and is defined as all persons living in a single household. Income of anyone age 18 or older is included in the total. To see what the current income limits are when defining LMI households, please review this chart: income limits. MEETING A NATIONAL OBJECTIVE In order to be eligible for CDBG funds, a project or activity must meet at least one of the national objectives:

  1. Activities benefiting low and moderate-income persons:
  • The benefits are available to all the residents in a particular area, where at least 51% of the residents are LMI.
  • Where the assistance is to a public improvement that provides benefits to all the residents of an area that is limited to paying special assessments levied against residential properties owned and occupied by LMI persons.
  • Any cities or counties having 51% or more of households meeting these criteria meet the definition of an LMI community. Please review the  LMI stat chart  for a complete list of Region IV communities and LMI percentages.
  • In a community with 51% or more LMI residents, CDBG funds can be used for construction costs on public facilities projects. If the community is under 51% LMI, CDBG funds can only be used to pay the special assessments of the LMI provided the total LMI assessments do not exceed available CDBG funds.
2.   Limited clientele activities. Limited clientele is defined as abused children, battered spouses, elderly, handicapped, homeless or illiterate persons, and migrant farm workers:
  • An activity which benefits a limited clientele, at least 51% of whom are LMI.
  • Project directed to removal of material and architectural barriers (ADA accessibility) in publicly owned and privately owned non-residential buildings and facilities.
3.   Housing:
  • An activity carried out for the primary purpose of providing or improving permanent residential structures which will be occupied by LMI households.
4.   Job creation & retention:
  • Create permanent jobs were at least 51% of which involve the employment of LMI persons.
  • For job retention, the city or county must document the job would be lost without CDBG assistance and the job is known to be held by a LMI person; and/or the job can reasonably be expected to turn over within the following 2 years and will be filled by, or steps will be taken to ensure it is available to, an LMI person.
5.   Prevention/elimination of slum or blight:
  • Resulting area must remain perpetual greenspace or if new construction the end result must meet a national objective.
POSSIBLE PROJECTS The 2018 CDBG allocation for Region IV is $202,711. The RRRC can split the allocation among public facilities, housing, and economic development, which will be determined by the needs and projects identified. Region IV communities have been awarded CDBG funds for a variety of projects such as:
  • Public infrastructure projects including: lagoon improvements, sanitary sewer lift station, reconstruction of street lights, replacement of fire hydrants, citywide street paving, etc.
  • Housing rehabilitation, conversion, construction
  • Removal of architectural barriers (handicap accessibility)
  • Economic development: Part of the North Dakota Community Development Loan Fund (CDLF), which targets both primary and retail sector businesses and job creation/retention for LMI. Used for new business gap financing, business purchase, equipment, working capital and infrastructure. Recent economic development projects funded in our region include: extension of water and sewer infrastructure to support the construction of a new business; and business purchase as well as heating, cooling and roofing updates in the building.
APPLICATION PROCESS Interested applicants must complete a two-step application process. The deadline for pre-applications to the RRRC for CDBG public facilities and housing projects is June 28, 2018, with the RRRC’s Community Development Committee reviewing pre-applications on or about August 16, 2018. Economic development applications are accepted at any time. An applicant may be allocated all, part, or none of its request from the RRRC’s CDBG allocation for public facilities and housing projects. Factors including the number of applicants, types of projects, and amounts of requests are considered when making funding recommendations. When/if the RRRC Board of Directors recommends a project for funding, the applicant will then prepare a full application for submission to the ND Department of Commerce-Division of Community Services. No work on the project, even portions not funded with CDBG, can begin prior to grant award from the state. Applicants should apply for CDBG the year PRIOR to the year the project will be implemented. If awarded 2018 funds, the construction timeline for public facilities projects would likely be fall of 2018 or spring/summer of 2019. Below is a partial list of CDBG considerations and requirements:
  • A city or county must be the applicant. The city or county must adopt a Resolution of Sponsorship, which must be included with the pre-application.
  • If the estimated project cost is $25,000 or more, the applicant must procure a licensed architect or engineer, including drawings or plans and preliminary engineering/architectural report. The RRRC can assist the applicant with bidding, etc., but the expertise of an architect/engineer is extremely helpful, especially when drafting bid specifications.
  • The applicant share is the engineering/architect fees and grant administration which is 10% of CDBG award for public facilities and economic development projects; 15% for housing rehabilitation and public facility special assessment projects.
  • An environmental review must be conducted for all projects prior to submission of the grant to the state. The process can take up to 60 days if the project is not in the floodplain. The review for projects in the floodplain can take 90 days or longer.
  • All applicants must conduct at least one public hearing and community needs assessment prior to submitting a grant to the state. At least one public notice regarding the intention to apply for CDBG will need to be published in the municipality’s official newspaper.
  • CDBG requires contractors working on a project to pay Davis Bacon wage rates which can increase the overall cost of a project. Contractors must pay employees weekly and submit weekly payroll reports to verify wage rate compliance.
  • If a contractor is awarded more than $100,000 on a project or the applicant receives more than $200,000, Section 3 requirements will apply. Section 3 requires specific steps be taken so that low and very low-income residents and Section 3 business concerns have an opportunity to benefit from the project.
  • Applicants that have not completed a Section 504 Self Evaluation Transition Plan (an evaluation of city/county owned facilities for accessibility) will be required to complete one prior to completion of the project. Communities that have a transition plan will be required to make any necessary updates. The plan requires local governments to evaluate their programs, activities, buildings and services to ensure they are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Please contact Region IV CDBG program manager Stacie Sevigny at 701-352-3550 with questions on a potential project and/or the CDBG process. All potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the RRRC as soon as possible to ensure project and applicant eligibility. CDBG Pre-Application Instruction Sheet CDBG Pre-Application 2018 - FILLABLE CDBG 2018 Housing Pre-Application - FILLABLE

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April 24, 2018

Walsh and Pembina Counties Seeking Applications for Funds for Community Betterment Projects

Walsh and Pembina counties are currently seeking cities interested in funding assistance for community betterment projects. Both Pembina and Walsh counties are accepting applications for projects as part of their Self-Help Programs. There are many ways communities can use these county funds for betterment projects. Examples of projects cities used the funds toward include: maintenance and mowing at a city park; baseball diamond repairs; sidewalk and street repairs; Senior Center programs; and building repair. The main objective is to promote development within communities of Pembina and Walsh counties. The Red River Regional Council manages the program on behalf of the counties. There are four program criteria:

  1.   Requests cannot exceed one-half of the total project cost, nor can the request exceed $1,500.
  2.   The county funds must be matched 1:1. Funds will be released on a reimbursement basis with supporting documentation.
  3.   A copy of a resolution or minutes of the meeting when the applicant authorized the project must be included with the application. The city must include in its minutes that it plans to apply for self-help funds for a specific project.
  4.   Any change in scope of the awarded project or if a City would like to use funds for a different project than awarded, the change must first be approved by the County.
The deadline to apply is December 14, 2018. Applications will be presented to the commissioners in Pembina and Walsh counties for review and funding decisions in January 2019. Applications can be submitted via mail to Red River Regional Council, 516 Cooper Avenue, Grafton ND 58237 or via email to Stacie@redriverrc.com. Applications can be found by following this link: 2018 APPLICATION - FILLABLE or by contacting the RRRC office at 701-352-3550. City mayors and auditors should have received notification of the opportunity to apply by mail. As a reminder, and communities that received 2017 self-help funds have until December 1, 2018 to submit your reimbursement request. All reimbursement requests and supporting documentation should be sent to the respective county auditor. Requests received after that date may not be funded. Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Stacie Sevigny at 701-352-3550 or Stacie@redriverrc.com.

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March 2, 2018

Potential housing rehabilitation project in Minto seeking applicants

In partnership with the City of Minto and the Walsh County Job Development Authority, the Red River Regional Council (RRRC) is currently seeking interested homeowners for a potential housing rehabilitation project for owner-occupied homes within the city limits of Minto. Applications are being accepted until March 30, 2018 to meet grant funding deadlines. The program assists low income residents with health and safety issues in their homes at no cost to the homeowner. Common repairs include roofing, windows, doors, plumbing, heating, electrical, and other safety or accessibility items. Federal funding sources also require lead paint, floodplain, and historic preservation issues be addressed. When complete, all homes must meet Section 8 Housing Quality and Safety standards. The RRRC is currently seeking interested homeowners to apply for the potential project in Minto. Similar projects were recently completed in Cavalier and Grafton. The RRRC is currently working with the City of Park River on a housing rehabilitation project in that city. Determining the potential number of applicants will assist in developing a possible funding package for the potential project which will include several federal grant funding resources. If grant applications are successful, any potential applicants will need to provide updated income documentation at that time, likely in the summer or fall of 2018. The project would likely start fall of 2018 or early 2019. Eligiblity In order to be eligible for this program, homes must:

  • Be located within the city limits of Minto
  • Be single-family
  • Be owner-occupied (no rentals)
  • Mobile homes are not eligible
  • Homeowners must not have outstanding debt/taxes with the City of Minto
  • The cost to rehabilitate a home must be conducive to its true and full value
To be eligible, current total gross household* income must be less than: 1 person              $44,050 2 people              $50,350 3 people              $56,650 4 people              $62,900 5 people              $67,950 6 people              $73,000 *Household is defined as anyone living in a household full-time. Income of anyone age 18 or older is included in household total. Additionally, the 2018 income limits are not yet available. When released, these income thresholds may change slightly. How to Apply To apply, a two-page application must be completed. Applications are available at the Minto City Office during business hours or by contacting the RRRC at 701-352-3550. In addition to the application, potential applicants must provide the following income documentation:
  • A copy of 2017 property tax statement to prove ownership.
  • A copy of the current homeowner’s insurance statement.
  • A copy of 2017 income tax statement. Please provide 2016 income tax statement if 2017 is not yet available.
  • The most recent two months of personal bank statements (personal and checking).
  • A copy of 2018 social security benefits statement, if applicable.
  • If employed, copies of pay stubs for the past three months.
Updated income documentation will need to be provided once grant funding sources are secured, likely this summer or fall. Potential applications and supporting documentation are currently being accepted until March 30, 2018 to determine the number of interested and eligible homeowners when securing grant resources for the potential project. For more information about the project or how to apply, please contact Lori Estad or Stacie Sevigny at the RRRC by calling 701-352-3550 or Minto City Auditor Carol Ebertowski at 701-248-3858.

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February 21, 2018

Pembina and Walsh counties award funds to cities for community betterment projects

Commissioners in Pembina and Walsh counties recently awarded funds to cities for community betterment projects as part of the ½ Mill “Self-Help” Program. The self-help program is administered by the Red River Regional Council (RRRC) on behalf of the counties. The main objective is to promote development within communities of Pembina and Walsh counties. There are three program criteria:

  • ½ Mill requests cannot exceed one-half of the total project cost, nor can the request exceed $1,500.
  • The county funds must be matched 1:1. Funds will be released on a reimbursement basis with supporting documentation.
  • A copy of a resolution or minutes of the meeting when the applicant authorized the project must be included with the application. The city must include in its minutes that it plans to apply for self-help funds for a specific project.
Applications for 2017 funds were accepted through December and were awarded in January in both Pembina and Walsh counties. Pembina County Pembina County Commissioners reviewed the requests from nine cities. Commissioners awarded the amount cities requested, with four cities receiving $1,500; and one city receiving $1,406.88. Pembina County cities and projects receiving funds are:
  • Bathgate: Graveling and blading on city streets
  • Cavalier: Automatic door opener on City Administration Building
  • Crystal: Replace sidewalks to comply with ADA requirements
  • Drayton: Street repair project
  • Mountain: Sidewalk replacement project
  • Neche: Graveling city streets
  • Pembina: Concrete at ice arena to make usable for all seasons
  • Thomas: Continued city beautification project, with concentration on city buildings
  • Walhalla: Jetting of sewer lines
Walsh County Walsh County Commissioners met to review 11 requests. Funds were awarded with 10 cities receiving $750 and one receiving its requested amount of $600. Walsh County cities and projects receiving funds are:
  • Adams: Tin roof on park picnic shelter
  • Edinburg: Repair pavement from frost boils
  • Fairdale: Maintenance and mowing of the city park
  • Fordville: Updates at Sluke Baseball Field
  • Forest River: New electrical panel at lift station
  • Grafton: Repair exit door of main theatre building at Heritage Village
  • Hoople: Replacement of sidewalks
  • Lankin: Renovation of former café into community space
  • Minto: Continuation of tree clean-up costs from 2016 summer storms
  • Park River: Replace fixtures in City Hall Auditorium restrooms
  • Pisek: Continued sidewalk repair on Lovcik Avenue
All cities in Pembina and Walsh counties are encouraged to apply for funds to assist with city betterment projects. Applications for 2018 funds will be sent to cities in April. Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Stacie Sevigny at the RRRC via phone (701-352-3550) or email (Stacie@redriverrc.com).

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December 11, 2017

TOURISM GROWTH EFFORT UNDERWAY IN NORTHEAST NORTH DAKOTA

For the past year, a group of approximately 15 regional leaders have been meeting to relaunch the Rendezvous Region Tourism Council which was first initiated 25 years ago.  Initially started as a partnership between the cities of Langdon, Walhalla, Cavalier and Pembina, the group has grown to include Cavalier, Pembina, and Walsh Counties.  At their meeting last Thursday at Frost Fire near Walhalla, the council adopted its new logo and is in the process of developing a marketing campaign to spread the awareness of the many recreational and cultural amenities in northeast North Dakota. The council’s mission is to build a cohesive tourism brand through education, marketing and amenity enhancement.  The new logo emulates an attractive destination and was designed to reflect the varied landscape of prairie, rolling hills, and the Pembina Gorge.  The logo tagline references a variety of outdoor recreation amenities, rich cultural and prehistoric history, and the serene nature. The group is currently developing a membership model to build annual revenue to invest in marketing of the area.  In 2017, the council had a six-page regional feature in the Fargo-based High Plains Reader, developed a Facebook page, and has secured a full-page ad in the 2018 ND Travel Guide which reaches more than 300,000 people.  The Cavalier County Lodging Tax Committee committed $1,250 towards the 2018 ND Travel Guide based on participation from Walsh and Pembina Counties.  The Pembina County JDA became a founding member of the revived tourism council with its $10,000 contribution at their meeting on November 8, 2017.  Tourism is a priority economic development strategy. On Prairie Software, a Walhalla based software development company, is also launching the “Find ND” smart phone application that people can use to plan their trip to the Rendezvous Region and learn more about the area.  The group is also exploring additional uses of technology to provide education availability at all times.  According to Nathan Smith, On Prairie Software President, “Technology gives visitors an immediate personalized guide to the region and allows us to be proactive in showing what the region has to offer.” Tourism is the state’s third largest industry, behind energy and agriculture.  According to a North Dakota State University study, tourism generated more than $25 million in 2015 within the Rendezvous Region.  In 2015, jobs in arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food service comprised 509 jobs in this region. “Tourism development is really about destination development and being high quality of place that draws both visitors and enhances the quality of life for residents,” said Dawn Keeley, a member of the group.  “Our heightened emphasis on destination development is aimed to assist in stopping a 70-year trend of population decline and filling the jobs openings that we have.” A recent Pew Research Foundation study revealed 51% of people prefer living in small towns and rural areas with the primary reason being safety and security, affordable housing, and relaxed life style. The peak population level in the Rendezvous Region was in 1940 with 50,341 people with the 2016 population estimated at 21,800.  Since 1990, these three counties have lost 25% of their population or 7,342 people.  This population loss equates to the current populations of the cities of Grafton, Cavalier, and Langdon combined. There are more than 1.2 million people within a two-hour drive of the Rendezvous Region.  Northeast North Dakota is the only part of the state with that significant population density to draw from for visitors which can equate to more business revenue for area hotels, campgrounds, restaurants and main street businesses. The region has an array of existing niche businesses within the region that provide interesting experiential shopping, activities such as painting, arts and crafts, design, as well as a variety of coffeeshops, bakeries, artisans, restaurants and recreation amenities.  There are numerous available buildings throughout the Rendezvous Region that could be filled with additional niche businesses to create more vibrancy on main streets. “Promoting the Rendezvous Region as a whole has a great impact on all of the communities within it.  Collectively, we have so much more to offer when we work together instead of standing alone,” said Rachel Morrison, Executive Director, Cavalier Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. Barb Mehlhoff, Langdon Chamber of Commerce, shared, “Langdon is proud to be the Western Gateway to the Rendezvous Region.  We are looking forward to the positive effects that marketing of the Rendezvous Region will bring to Langdon and all the communities in the three counties.  Marketing of this little treasure of northeast North Dakota is important for our communities to continue to grow and prosper by increasing tourism in the future.” Current members of the tourism council include:  Barb Mehlhoff, Langdon Chamber of  Commerce; Rachel Morrison, Cavalier Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism; Julie Campbell, Walsh County JDA; Kathy Stremick, Pembina County JDA; Mike Duerre, ND Parks and Recreation; Bill Dahl, Grafton Parks and Recreation; Marlys Boll, Ox Cart Trails Historical Society, Drayton; Nathan Smith, On Prairie Software, Walhalla; Zelda Hartje, Pembina County Historical Museum; Kristi Wilfahrt, Pembina Gorge Foundation; Kari Helgoe, NDSU Extension, Pembina County; Dennis Sevigny, Grafton Chamber of Commerce; Cheryl Osowski, RRRC/Walsh/Pembina Historic Preservation Commissions; Maggie Suda, RRRC/Pembina County JDA; and Dawn Keeley, RRRC/Pembina County JDA. More information can be found on the council’s Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/rendezvousregion/

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December 6, 2017

Bids solicited for Nelson County Health System elevator project

Nelson County, on behalf of Nelson County Health System, has been awarded a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for an elevator project at the critical access hospital located in McVille, ND. Bids are currently being solicited for contractors to complete the work. Bids are due no later than 4:00 PM on Thursday, December 28, 2017. A complete bid package is available here: BID PACKAGE - ALL DOCUMENTS. (Please note: The file is large and make take a few minutes to download.) Anyone with questions on bid package documents can contact Stacie Sevigny at 701-352-3550 or Stacie@redriverrc.com. Please be advised there are two bid worksheets to be completed. For on-site inspection or questions relating to specific bid items, please contact Steve Forde at Nelson County Health System at 701-322-4328, ext. 227.

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November 6, 2017

Regional Council Honors Four Award Winners

Nominees and recipients were recognized at the Third Annual Ideas to Actions Summit on November 2

Mayor Lane Kelley, Minto, welcomed the crowd

The Red River Regional Council (RRRC) honored 13 nominees and provided four awards at its 3rd annual Ideas to Actions Summit held November 2 in the Minto Community Center. Attended by more than 130 people, the event was designed to celebrate people striving to build their communities, provide an opportunity for leaders in the region to collaborate and discuss issues, and celebrating the big ideas and hardworking, creative people living in the small towns of northeastern North Dakota. “We are grateful for the Minto Community Center – it was a perfect venue to cultivate regional synergies and a classic example of the embodiment of our theme for this year’s Summit – Small Towns. Big Ideas,” Said Dawn Keeley, RRRC Executive Director.

Lt. Governor Brent Sanford briefed the caucus on the Main Street Initiative

A caucus of regional city and county leaders was held prior to the Summit. The caucus featured speakers including Lt. Governor Brent Sanford, Mark Schill of Praxis Strategy Group, and Blake Crosby, Executive Director of the ND League of Cities. The keynote event, in addition to the awards program, included presentations by Benjamin Winchester, Senior Research Fellow for the University of Minnesota Extension, Center for Community Vitality, and Christopher Ingraham, reporter for The Washington Post, as well as presentation of the awards. Winchester, in his presentation entitled “Changing the Rural Narrative” discussed how rural America is changing, not dying.  As agriculture became mechanized, labor and jobs changed. “Roll with the punches and figure out what we are doing next,” said Winchester.  “Newcomers choose the rural lifestyle for the following top three reasons:  a simpler pace of life, safety and security, and low housing cost.  Jobs were not in the top ten driving factors for relocation and therefore, economic development efforts need to change to a ‘resident recruitment’ strategy.  With 46% of North Dakota residents moving every five years, there are opportunities for recruitment.” According to Pew Research, 51% of people would like to live in a small town or rural area. Ingraham shared his professional and personal story after writing in the Washington Post that Red Lake County, MN, was the worst place to live in the United States in 2015.  Red Lake County promptly invited Ingraham to visit and his editor was “suspiciously enthusiastic” of the idea of sending him to MN. His first impression, upon arrival, forced him to pull over during his drive four or five times to take in the landscape. “The land was flat and the sky was huge – so peaceful,” said Ingraham.  “I was struck by the sense of community pride and that everyone here was trying to make it a better place.” Upon his mom’s suggestion to consider moving to MN, he and his wife considered and concluded it would be economically irresponsible not to move.  He, his wife, three sons, two rabbits and one beagle now live in Red Lake Falls, MN. After relocating in May 2016, Ingraham heard from people all over the world – some who had always wanted to make a similar move but had regretted not doing so. “People already want to live here, you don’t need to sell them – show them it’s possible,” said Ingraham. Great Ideas, Projects and Leaders Recognized The RRRC awards program was designed to recognize and reward the leadership and commitment demonstrated in communities across the Red River region. A total of 13 nominations from across the four-county region were received for the three categories. Winners were selected by the RRRC Board of Directors. The three categories included: Catalyst Award.  This award recognizes an individual who acts as a kick starter for an idea or project.

Cavalier Mayor Ken Briese (RRRC Board member) presents award to Dr. Laura and Dr. Doug Munski

The winner of the Catalyst Award was Dr. Doug and Dr. Laura Munski.  The Munskis have given a more than 30-year commitment to provide great STEM learning opportunities for students and STEM teacher resources in northeast North Dakota and across the state. Determination Award:  This award recognizes successful projects that create a significant impact on a community.

Thunder Robotics Team Members

Winner of the Determination Award was Thunder Robotics Team 876, Northwood/Hatton Schools.  This team includes students from five North Dakota counties and has made it to the FIRST Robotics World Championship each of the last three years. North Star Award:  This award recognizes ideas to illuminate opportunities or create a guiding light for progress within a community.

North Star Addition/Park River Development Corporation - Steve Rehovsky, Harold Myrdal, Nancy Thompson, Darrel Larson, and Gary Paulson

Winner of the North Star Award was North Star Housing Development by the Park River Development Corporation.  The addition was a private public partnership with North Star Cooperative that resulted in 22 residential lots for single-family housing.  In five years, 11 lots have been sold and nine homes have been constructed which are valued at more than $2 million. Intrepid Award:  The Intrepid Award is reserved only for the most audacious, bold organizations or thinkers who have transitioned a visionary idea to literal, concrete results.  The Intrepid Award was selected from the nominations in the other categories.

Career Expo - Eric Ripley, Mary Houdek, and Keith Lund

Winner of the Intrepid Award was the Northern Valley Career Expo.  The Expo is a collaboration of education, economic development, and workforce organizations in northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota to introduce approximately 7,500 high school sophomores to careers in the region with 90% responding that they are more likely to pursue a career in the region as result of attending. “We are so proud of the quality and quantity of individuals and groups of community builders that contribute so much to the communities of this region,” said Chris Lipsh, RRRC President. “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to celebrate them and their work that is so impactful.” The four award winners were presented hand-crafted glass creations by Jason Lindell, Sundog Glass Design, Park River. All nominees were also provided a “Community Builder” recognition keepsake from Dakota East of Grafton. For a complete list of all nominees, go to the RRRC’s website at www.redriverrc.com or the Red River Regional Council’s Facebook page. The overall purpose of the Ideas to Actions Summit is to provide an opportunity to inform the public of the goals and activities of the Council, to create excitement about the potential of the region’s communities, and to recognize the excellent work of the region’s people and communities. The RRRC serves a four-county region including Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina and Walsh counties. 2017 Event Sponsors include:
  • AE2S
  • Bank of North Dakota
  • City of Grafton
  • City of Grand Forks
  • Construction Engineers
  • Grand Forks Region EDC
  • Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson
  • Nelson County JDA
  • Park River EDC
  • Pembina County JDA
  • Red River Regional Council
  • Walsh County JDA

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October 17, 2017

Small Towns, Big Ideas: Third Annual Ideas to Actions Summit to focus on small towns and committed people

Lt. Governor Brent Sanford

Celebrating the big ideas and hardworking, creative people living in the small towns of our region is a focus of the 3rd Annual Ideas to Actions Summit, hosted by Red River Regional Council (RRRC).  The event will be held November 2, 2017, beginning at 4:00 pm at the Minto Community Center in Minto, ND. The Summit, in addition to its annual gathering and awards program, will include a Mayors Caucus. Invited to the caucus are all mayors, city and county auditors, city councilpersons, and county commissioners. The Summit and Mayors Caucus are open to the public. Lt. Governor Brent Sanford will kick off the Mayors Caucus with discussion on the Main Street Initiative and will be a special guest at the Summit. He is interested in feedback on potential state program and policy changes that would further strengthen and build healthy, vibrant communities.  Lt. Governor Sanford was the keynote speaker at the first Ideas to Actions Summit in 2015 while he was Mayor of Watford City. “We are excited to have Lt. Governor Sanford join us again this year and invest time learning more about our region from our city and county leadership,” Mayor Dan Stenvold, RRRC Past President and co-host of the first Mayors Caucus in January 2016.  “As a former Mayor, Lt. Governor Sanford brings an appreciation for the day to day work and the many partnerships required to develop a healthy, thriving community.” The Mayors Caucus will also include a “State of the Region” economics presentation by Mark Schill of Praxis Strategy Group and “Building Your City’s Economic EcoSystem” with Blake Crosby, ND League of Cities.  Officials will have the chance to discuss trends, challenges and opportunities for the four-county northeastern region of North Dakota.  The goal of the Mayors Caucus is to continue to build strength of regional unity through engaging our city and county leadership. Summit keynote speakers offer unique perspectives on the story that needs to be told of our small towns and rural life. Speakers include Benjamin Winchester, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Minnesota Extension Service, who has been working both in and for small towns across the Midwest for more than 20 years and has conducted applied research on economic, social, and demographic topics surrounding a theme of “rewriting the rural narrative.” Another speaker will be Christopher Ingraham, reporter for the Washington Post, who in 2015 called Red Lake County, MN "America's worst place to live," prompting a subsequent visit to the region, an apology tour, and finally, a change of heart that resulted in him moving there with his family the following year. The Summit agenda also includes celebrating the 13 nominees for the annual awards program.  All nominees will be showcased and four award winners.  The four awards include:  North Star, ideas that illuminate opportunities or create a guiding light for progress within a community; Catalyst, an individual who acts as a “Kickstarter” for an idea or project; Determination, successful projects that create a significant impact on a community; and Intrepid, the most audacious organizations or thinkers who have transitioned a visionary idea to literal, concrete results that impact the entire region. “We are excited to honor the 13 outstanding nominees that are actively working to better our communities every day,” said Chris Lipsh, RRRC President.  “Reviewing these nominations, we reflect and deeply value the time, talent, and commitment each of these folks have invested and are achieving results to advance our region.” The purpose of the Ideas to Actions Summit is to provide an opportunity to inform the public of the goals and activities of the RRRC, to create excitement about the potential of our region’s communities, and to recognize the excellent work of the region’s leaders and communities. The agenda for this year’s event starts with the 4:00 pm Mayors Caucus, a networking social, the keynote event, and the awards presentation. All events will be held at the Minto Community Center and are free and open to the public with RSVPs requested by October 23 at 701-352-3550 or lori@redriverrc.com. Agenda 4:00  Mayors Caucus
  • Welcome, Mayor Lane Kelley (Minto)
  • Main Street Initiative and Beyond, Lt. Governor Brent Sanford
  • State of the Region, Mark Schill, Praxis Strategy Group
  • Building Your City's Economic Ecosystem, Blake Crosby, ND League of Cities
5:00  Social and Light Meal 6:00  Ideas to Actions Summit
  • Welcome, Mayor Lane Kelley (Minto)
  • Opening Comments, Dawn Keeley, Red River Regional Council
  • Main Street Initiative Highlights, Lt. Governor Brent Sanford
  • Rewriting the Rural Narrative, Ben Winchester, U of M Extension
  • Community Builder Awards Ceremony
  • Living the Good Life in America's Worst Place to Live, Chris Ingraham, Washington Post

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October 2, 2017

Part 1 From there to here: A historic timeline of a centerpiece of this region

Role of LSTC evolves in 113-year history

Reprinted with permission of The Walsh County Record.  First appeared in the September 27, 2017 edition.  First of a four part feature series. by Cheryl Osowski Mission critical is defined as any factor of an existing system that is essential to its operation. Through its 113-year history, Grafton’s current Life Skills and Transition Center (LSTC) has operated with a mission critical to the continuum of services North Dakota has provided for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The facility provided a safe haven for a variety of people with no other place to go. When society’s knowledge and understanding of the needs of the people served evolved and behavioral treatment and training expanded, the Center’s philosophy of care changed. However, the resources provided did not keep up. Too few staff were charged with the care of too many people, some of whom had no diagnosis of intellectual or developmental delay. Services and alternative housing for these individuals were not available in the numbers required and family members were uninterested or unable to provide. In many cases, the Center was the recommended placement for their loved one. Over time, leaders of the state and at the Center shifted their philosophy of care. From protectionism and medically driven care, to limited education and training, and finally to a comprehensive view of care and education that included the expansion of services statewide that diminished the need for the Center’s living space. The most dramatic precipitator of change was the implementation order by U.S. district judge Bruce Van Sickle, issued in the 1984 lawsuit Association for Retarded Citizens of North Dakota v. Olson. Numbers tell the story of these philosophical and mandated shifts in care over the life of the Center. Statistics taken from the comprehensive book on the history of the Center written by Brent Askvig, Ph.D., professor of special education at Minot State University, tell the story of change. According the Askvig book, six people were admitted on May 2, 1904. By the first of November that year, 75 people resided at what then was named the Institution for the Feeble Minded. Grafton was chosen as the location for this facility in 1901, which was suggested by Walsh County Senator J. C. Cashel. Training programs were begun in 1904 and focused on training so the people could be happy, comfortable, and so that life there could be useful. The early years also were plagued by infectious diseases which caused over 78 deaths in the first six years the facility was open. Efforts to survey and consolidate people with disabilities were initiated in 1911, resulting in a census that predicted there to be 1,800 more people who would need institutionalization. The period between 1910 and 1930 noted for “paternalistic and protectionist approach” as Askvig notes in his book. By 1940, the population of the institution was up to 970 people. Although World War II severely limited expansion, the Refectory was added in 1949 and the hospital building in 1950. During this decade, the population rose to 1,091 people. During what Askvig terms the “Modernization” period of the 1950s, the population increased to 1,381 residents. During this period psychologists were added to the spectrum of professional care provided, as were educational efforts and a recreation program. The institution’s name had also changed to the Grafton State School. Spurred by greater public advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities, the decade of the 1960s represented the beginning of significant changes in the way services were viewed by the public and by policymakers. It was also the decade when a second institution opened to “provide custodial care to senile, geriatric patients” – San Haven, a facility which formerly housed North Dakota’s sanitorium for tuberculosis patients. The population at Grafton rose to nearly 1,500 people, while 150 people resided at San Haven. Between 1970 and 1980, the population at Grafton decreased from 1,351 to 988. San Haven’s population increased slightly from 225 to 248. The overall decline was partly due to the establishment of some community programs and a tightening of admittance procedures. Another lawsuit, a precursor to the 1980s suit, was filed by the ARC alleging denial of public education for students. Increasing public advocacy and changing state and federal law were having an impact. A 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Olmstead vs. L.C., ruled that the unjustified segregation of people with disabilities is a form of unlawful discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), asserting more pressure to deinstitutionalize. During the period from the 1980s to today, the change has been drastic. The facility’s name changed twice – the Grafton State School became the Grafton Developmental Center in 1989 and is now named the Life Skills and Transition Center. Residential buildings were remodeled and constructed to mimic group homes. While the number of people living at the facility dropped precipitously, staffing levels increased. In 1981, there were 674 staff positions, but that number increased to 1,072 in 1987. Today, there are 64 people served at the Center, with the number of full-time positions at 339.94. The current mission of the LSTC is to support people to be viable members of their communities by providing specialized services when their needs exceed community resources. In addition to supervising people living in community homes located adjacent to the original footprint of the institution, staff of the LSTC supervise a program of staff located statewide known as the Clinical Assistance, Resources and Evaluation Service (CARES). CARES is a team of specialists including clinical and direct support staff who provide a wide range of consultation services, including in-home and on-site supports meant to prevent admission or readmission to the LSTC and to assist in transitioning people from the LSTC. CARES logs between 150 and 225 service events per year. A CARES Clinic assures that people have access to physical, occupational, and speech therapy services and consults, in addition to providing adaptive equipment, dental and medical services to people under the care of other providers. Behavioral health services are also provided by LSTC staff on a fee-for-service basis statewide. Since 1989, the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) – a national organization dedicated to defining, measuring and improving the personal and community quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities – has accredited the LSTC. Its current accreditation extends to 2020. The LSTC is the only former institution in the U.S. to achieve this accreditation under the new standards. Yet, while no longer in the business of providing institutionalized care, the Center is now facing the headwinds of a movement to discard any remnants of the prior institution in favor of services provided by a network of providers in other locations across the state. A resolution advocating a study of the closure of the LSTC failed in the ND Senate in 2017. However, an interim committee study of behavioral services in the state was approved. The study includes a provision that requires “an evaluation of the funding, mission, and caseload at the Life Skills and Transition Center, including the center’s transition plan and number of clients eligible for community placement.” In addition to these legislative actions, the ND Department of Human Services (NDDHS) has moved a position from the Center to Bismarck. The position was retitled to Transition and Diversion Coordinator, with the responsibility to monitor vacancies across the provider network in ND and the readiness of people living at the Center to move into those vacancies. The author of the definitive history of the Center at Grafton, Dr. Brent Askvig, continues to give 3-4 lectures per year to students at Minot State University on the contents of the book. He states that his students gasp in horror when hearing how people were treated through the years at the institution. He is glad to say that we are doing pretty good right now. “I hope we continue to move forward,” Askvig said. “To say that we have solved all the problems at any given time would be inappropriate.” He is amazed at what is happening with technology and what it can offer in the future. “I get excited when I think about that, he said.” When asked about the nomenclature of the services discipline and the term institution, Askvig says he would refer to any large facility an institution, including those larger private providers in the state that supervise large congregated housing and training facilities. “The term is applicable to more than just the Grafton facility,” he said. In written testimony provided to the interim committee at their first meeting August 1, 2017, Sue Foerster, Superintendent at the LSTC, indicated that ongoing work is needed to transform the LSTC. A transition task force established in 2005 will continue to study the reasons people are admitted to, remain at, and transition home from the LSTC. She also wants to fully define the safety net role of the LSTC in a way that all stakeholders, NDDHS and community partners agree upon. She also testified that the work of the LSTC Professional Services Institute on Developmental Disabilities to support private provider capacity to support people with developmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges should be continued. The vacated buildings on campus create a separate and challenging dilemma to the future of the Center. The emptying of the oldest dormitory style buildings on the campus grounds drove a concerted effort by local developers and legislators to redevelop some building on the campus for housing. Dawn Keeley, executive director of the Red River Regional Council (RRRC), was part of the effort in the 1990s to convert two of the oldest buildings on the grounds, North A and North B, into rental housing units. Keeley noted that in 1993 a regional steering committee was formed to find alternative uses for the campus. With a $100,000 grant from ND Department of Economic Development and Finance to the Walsh County Job Development Authority, the work began. Several steps were taken to free up the process of transferring ownership of state building assets to new owners. Finance packages were worked out, market research was completed, and developers were sought. Construction was underway on the renovations of North A and North B in 1998 and 1999. Other buildings such as the newer administration building and hospital building were utilized by other service providers, including the ND Motor Vehicle branch, the Veterans Administration, Northeast Human Services, and day care providers. The auditorium utilized for recreational programming for clients was opened to the entire Grafton community as a community fitness center. Homes built for medical staff and the superintendent on the grounds were converted into independent supervised living arrangements for people still served by the staff at the Center. Today a collaborative effort including the City of Grafton, the Walsh County Job Development Authority, the Praxis Strategy Group of Grand Forks and the RRRC is underway, working on redevelopment efforts for the remaining vacated spaces. The agencies are also supporting an ongoing role for the LSTC in North Dakota’s core safety net and professional resource for the people who need the quality of care provided. “The development challenge is two-fold today – retention and redevelopment,” said Keeley.  “This threat of closure brings added political challenges that we did not have in the 1990s.” In the 1990s, the redevelopment efforts had bipartisan support at the highest levels with Sen. Harvey Tallackson as the chair of the redevelopment committee while at the same time serving as the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Lt. Governor Rosemarie Myrdal also serving on the redevelopment committee. US Senator Byron Dorgan worked to develop an outreach clinic for the Veterans Administration Hospital in Fargo as well as  retirement and skilled nursing beds. Sen. Tallackson recalls the work it took to find leaders who believed in the redevelopment efforts. “There were many people who just wanted to tear them down,” Tallackson said. His best advice for the current redevelopment task force is to never give up. “They should use all the pressure they can muster to get support for the foundational work of feasibility studies from the leaders at the Bank of North Dakota and the Department of Commerce,” said Tallackson. “It’s not an easy pull to get a lot of this stuff done.” Keeley’s recollection of the efforts match Tallackson’s. “I recall arranging countless tours, meetings, and trips to Bismarck while exploring many options for redevelopment including a veterans nursing home, housing, veterans’ clinic and more over a more than five-year period,” Keeley said. “A project of this magnitude requires steadfast staffing over a long term to develop the networking and partnerships necessary to result in a high-quality project.” According to Keeley, the RRRC provided approximately five years of staff time into the project, which resulted in 49 units of rental housing in what is known today as Villa DeRemer and Hancock Place. Next up in the LSTC series will be a review of the concerns of the legislators involved in the interim study, advocacy groups, and community providers. Current best practices in other states will be noted. The issue of cost of care will be reviewed. Redevelopment ideas will be outlined. Part 2:  Who are the players and what are their concerns? Part 3:  What do those currently receiving and providing services want and need? Part 4:  What happens now?

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