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Articles by Dave Thompson
Springtime at Lions Gate: A season of renewal and connection
The beautiful grounds of Lions Gate Springtime at Lions Gate always brings noticeable changes. You can see it, feel it, and hear it all across the campus. After the colder months, when daily life naturally shifts indoors, spring opens everything up again. Trees begin to bloom, the grass turns greener, and the community takes on a brighter, more colorful look. But the change goes beyond appearance. There’s just a different feel to the days. People are out more. They’re more relaxed.
Life, transitions, and the chapters still ahead
A “transition” is defined as “a change or shift from one state, subject, place, etc. to another.” It’s a simple definition, but it describes something we all experience, often more than we expect. My Transitions. A few years ago, I wrote a column about transitions…how life rarely stands still, even when we wish it would slow down for a moment. Today, that idea feels especially real to my family and me. I am now officially a grandfather.
Lions Gate at 18: A community built on strength, vision, and heart
Lions Gate is more than just a senior living community. It’s a place where Jewish values, vibrant living, and compassionate care come together. It’s a place where people form deep friendships, discover new passions, and live with meaning and purpose at every stage of life. But getting here wasn’t easy. Building a full continuum of care rooted in Jewish tradition was a bold and complex undertaking.
Soybean Harvest `Good,` but Concerns About Prices -- and Tariffs
By Dave Thompson The executive director of the North Dakota Soybean Council says 2024 was a good year for soybeans. "We ended up a little dry, but overall I think we increased our bushels over last year," said Stephanie Sinner. "That's always a welcome sight." Sinner said with a big crop in the bins, the focus turns to trade and exports. "We hosted quite a few trade teams this fall, that came in to see the harvest," Sinner said.
Lions Gate invites you to donate to the “Meet Our Match” campaign
Did you know that the average life expectancy in the United States is 77.5 years? At Lions Gate, we’re proud to have 130 residents (82%) aged 80 and above living in our Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing communities. Among them, five are over 100 years old! In fact, Lions Gate is home to 11 centenarians. We believe this is a testament to the exceptional care we provide, helping our residents live longer and healthier lives.
Lions Gate adopts Elite Comfort Matters® Care Program
Dementia can be daunting, but here’s a remarkable fact: Even when other cognitive functions falter, the part of the brain responsible for experiencing “comfort” remains intact. This insight is invaluable for families navigating a dementia diagnosis. Despite memory challenges and difficulty recognizing loved ones, individuals can still derive comfort from their presence.
Memory Care at Lions Gate is a hidden gem
To address the growing need for residential memory care, in 2022 Lions Gate began work to expand our Safe Haven Memory Care Neighborhood. I am proud to announce that the expansion is complete, and Safe Haven now features 21 private resident apartments, each with its own private bath. Safe Haven also includes a community living room, an activity room, a restaurant style kosher dining room, and a secure outdoor courtyard.
Music is a cornerstone of life at Lions Gate
Here at Lions Gate, we strive to help seniors live healthy, fulfilling lives by supporting their body, mind, and soul. Residents work out in the fitness center, attend stimulating classes, and enjoy live musical performances. Whether it’s performing a little karaoke or listening to a concert, there are few things that stimulate the brain the way music does.
Capitol construction project could impede lawmakers' return
Construction at the North Dakota Capitol could be a potential impediment to a special legislative session. The state Supreme Court’s recent ruling that the Office of Management and Budget bill is unconstitutional because it has more than one subject means lawmakers will need to return to Bismarck to redo the legislation. But the House and Senate chambers may not be ready.
Hill to Receive Roughrider Award
Professional boxer Virgil Hill will be the latest to receive the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award. Gov. Burgum’s office made that announcement on Thursday. Hill was raised in Grand Forks and Williston. He won a silver medal in the middleweight boxing division in the 1984 Olympics. He was a five-time world champion in professional boxing. Hill is also a member of the National Boxing Hall of Fame and the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
ND seeks to plant seed for fertilizer plant
North Dakota's Development Fund has opened loan applications for companies looking to build a fertilizer facility in the state. "We have one, pretty small, fertilizer plant, which is Dakota Gasification," State Commerce Director Josh Teigen said, referring to the Great Plains Synfuels Plant at Beulah, where lignite coal is mined and converted into natural gas and other products, including ammonia for fertilizer.
North Dakota seeks to plant seed for 2nd fertilizer plant
North Dakota’s Development Fund has opened loan applications for companies looking to build a fertilizer facility in the state. "We have one, pretty small, fertilizer plant, which is Dakota Gasification," State Commerce Director Josh Teigen said, referring to the Great Plains Synfuels Plant at Beulah, where lignite coal is mined and converted into natural gas and other products, including ammonia for fertilizer.
Life at Lions Gate: Find your best self when you are BUSY!
I looked at my planner today, and all I could see was a wall of appointments. It seems everyone you meet is BUSY from morning to night, and no one is happy about it. We all run from meeting to meeting, dash out to shuttle our kids to after-school activities, and run through the drive thru to pick up dinner. Our weekends are packed with home projects and errands. If we’re lucky, we might be able to squeeze in a date night with our spouse or a get-together with friends.
Ramp ministry builds 1,000th walkway
When Sherry Studdard’s husband, Jimmy, had heart surgery in September, accompanying complications put him in serious condition. Since his last hospital stay ended in December, he’s been unable to leave their Paducah residence whether for medical or any other reasons. “He’s not breathing good. He’s just getting really weak, and I couldn’t get him outside,” Studdard, 63, said.
We’ve expanded our memory care unit to better serve the community
There’s BIG NEWS at Lions Gate—We have expanded our Safe Haven memory care community! As the CEO of Lions Gate, it is my privilege to announce that this community expansion means we can offer our outstanding care to more seniors than ever before. By reallocating space within our building, the Lions Gate community now has more than doubled the number of private apartments that make up our tight-knit memory care community.
Gas Prices Falling in ND
UNDATED – (NewsDakota.com) The average price of gasoline has fallen more than 18 cents in North Dakota. Gas Buddy dot Com says it now averages $3.29 per gallon. That’s more than 30 cents lower than a month ago, but are still 14 cents higher than a year ago. Gas Buddy says the cheapest station in North Dakota was selling gasoline at $2.94. The most expensive prices was $4.29. The national average price is $3.52 per gallon – down more than 12 cents per gallon compared with last week.
Academy of Cleaning Selects Leroy Harper as a Finalist for National Rock Star Custodian
Leroy Harper is a frontline custodian at Hickory High School in Chesapeake, VA., one of the five finalists for the 2022 National Rock Star Custodian Award. I don't have to worry about whether Hickory will get the care and attention it needs. Mr. Harper runs Hickory High School as if he was the CEO.” — Samuel W.
Seniors and faith: Finding deeper meaning and connection as you age
Abraham Joshua Heschel, one of the leading Jewish theologians and Jewish philosophers of the 20th century, once said, “Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement….Get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.” What an inspiring way to look at religion—to open our hearts and minds to amazement and wonder.
State departments of Health, Human Services to become one on Sept. 1
North Dakota's state departments of Human Services and Health officially merge on Sept. 1, becoming the state Department of Health and Human Services. The 2021 Legislature approved the merger but gave the agencies time to work out any problems. Human Services is the state’s largest agency, with a $4.5 billion two-year budget and more than 2,200 employees. The Health Department has more than 200 employees and a $181 million budget.
Chancellor Hagerott gets contract extension, raise
The state Board of Higher Education has given North Dakota University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott a two-year contract extension and a raise. Hagerott will get a 2.7% raise, bringing his salary to just over $400,000, Prairie Public reported. "He has been a great leader. We see him as visionary," Board Chair Casey Ryan said. Hagerott said his success derives from staff and the college presidents. "The presidents are the most thoughtful, collegial group on the front line," he said.
Chancellor Hagerott gets contract extension, raise; BSC leader also gets raise
The state Board of Higher Education has given North Dakota University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott a two-year contract extension and a raise. Hagerott will get a 2.7% raise, bringing his annual salary from $389,516 to $400,033, Prairie Public reported. "He has been a great leader. We see him as visionary," Board Chair Casey Ryan said. Hagerott said his success derives from staff and the college presidents. "The presidents are the most thoughtful, collegial group on the front line," he said.
NDHP Increasing Aviation Special Enforcement
By Dave Thompson, Prairie Public Radio BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – Law enforcement agencies have seen increased numbers of motorists who flee when officers attempt to stop them. Because of that, the North Dakota Highway Patrol has been participating in special enforcement details in Bismarck, Fargo, and most recently Minot. The patrol uses aircraft, which are outfitted with a camera system that can observe and track targets both visually and in infrared from several miles away.
Board of Higher Education Votes for "Test Optional" Admission
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Work Continues On New State Radio System
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Consultant Makes Recommendations for New State Hospital
By Dave Thompson, PPR JAMESTOWN, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – A consultant hired by a Legislative interim committee to help with a study of acute psychiatric care in North Dakota is recommending a state hospital with 75 to 85 beds. The committee is looking at building a new state hospital. Renee Schulte told the committee says it’s not just the number of beds, but the facility will need different types of beds. She says the state hospital has been moving toward specialization of beds.
Man Dead After Wednesday Shooting in Bismarck
By Dave Thompson, Prairie Public Radio BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – A 21-year old Bismarck man is dead after a shooting in northwest Bismarck. Police say they received reports of shots fired at around 8:50 am. When they arrived, they found the man, dead of apparent gunshot wounds. Police call it a “targeted attack.” They remain on-scene, following up on leads. Investigators are asking neighbors if they have any video evidence from doorbell cameras or home surveillance.
Mandan Woman Faces Charges After Kidnapping Case
By Dave Thompson MANDAN, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – A Mandan woman faces a number of charges after being accused of kidnapping. Mandan police say 26 year old Tyann Bravebull was arrested early this morning after a 28 year old woman reported that she had been kidnapped and held against her will. The victim told police the suspect forced her into a pickup, and they drove to a location in a neighboring county. She said the suspect picked up a relative and returned to Mandan.
State Investment Board Exploring Investments in Russian Companies
By Dave Thompson, Prairie Public Radio BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – North Dakota’s State Investment Board is working on jettisoning investments in Russian companies. The SIB manages the Legacy Fund, as well as other state pension and insurance funds. The state’s Retirement and Investment Office says less than one half of one percent of those funds is invested in funds with at least some ties to Russia. That’s $10 million. And that’s down from January, when the amount was $15 million.
Law Enforcement Agencies Dealing with Recruitment Issues
By Dave Thompson BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – Law enforcement officials from state and local governments are telling an interim Legislative committee about the issues they’re having with recruitment and retention of personnel. The interim Government Finance Committee is studying the issue. Travis Engelhardt is the human resources director with the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
State Gas Prices Lower Than National Average
By Dave Thompson, Prairie Public Radio BISMARCK, N.D. (PPR) – The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in North Dakota is now $3.26. That’s up 5.3 cents per gallon in the past week. It’s 19.8 cents higher than last month, and 95 cents higher than a year ago. That’s according to “Gas Buddy dot Com,” which surveys 493 gas stations in North Dakota. The national average price is $3.42 per gallon – and that’s more than 97 cents higher than it was a year ago.
NDFU Backs "Right to Repair" Legislation
By Dave Thompson, Prairie Public Radio BISMARCK, N.D. (PPR) – As technology continues to advance methods of farming, concerns over how to fix stalled or broken-down equipment are rising with it. Mark Watne is President of North Dakota Farmer’s Union. He says equipment manufacturers are getting too much power when it comes to the technology on equipment. He says the farmer has paid for a service, but when it comes to making timely repairs an alternative is needed.
COVID Up Among Staff & Residents in State Correctional Facilities
By Dave Thompson BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – COVID-19 cases have increased among workers and residents of the state’s Correctional facilities. North Dakota Department of Corrections spokesperson Kayli Richards says this comes as cases of the Omicron variant have spiked across the state. Richards says active cases among residents totaled 151, as of January 17th.
N.D. Attorney General Won't Seek Another Term
By Dave Thompson of PPR VALLEY CITY, N.D. (PPR) – North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem will not seek another term. His current term end in 2022. Stenehjem made the announcement at a Bismarck news conference on December 17th. https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/1065/2021/12/17124243/030409.wav Before being elected in 2000, Stenehjem served in the state Legislature.
N.D. State Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger Resigns
BISMARCK, N.D. (PPR) – North Dakota State Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger will be resigning his office, effective Jan.3rd, 2022. This after Rauschenberger was taken to detox in Bismarck Monday after he was found intoxicated in a Bismarck hotel room. Four years ago, Rauschenberger, a Republican, was arrested for DUI after he was stopped by the Highway Patrol. He apologized and later pleaded guilty. Last August, he was cited for open container in Bismarck.
Governor Burgum Pardons Turkey Ahead of Thanksgiving
By Dave Thompson BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – A tradition in North Dakota – and elsewhere: The “pardoning” of a turkey prior to Thanksgiving. This year’s pardon recipient is “Ben”, a 43 pound Tom. Governor Burgum did the honors at a ceremony, held in the Heaven’s Helpers Soup Café in Bismarck.
Grant Available for Farm Stress & Mental Health
By Dave Thompson BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – The North Dakota Department of Agriculture has received a $500,000 federal grant to help address farm and ranch stress and mental health. https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/1065/2021/11/08074006/03009.mp3 Agriculture Commission Doug Goehring says farmers recently have had a tough time.
NDDOT Launches "Name A Snowplow" Contest
By Dave Thompson BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – North Dakota’s Department of Transportation is launching a “Name the Snowplow” contest. https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/1065/2021/11/04081302/03023.mp3 Travis David is a DOT snowplow operator in the Bismarck district. He says people can submit the names by e-mail at dot.nd.gov. David says the names should be “appropriate” – and should have 15 characters or less.
North Dakota Special Legislative Session Meets Nov. 8
By Dave Thompson BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – Legislative leaders are preparing for next week’s special session. That session will deal primarily with redistricting, and how to spend the latest federal coronavirus relief money. But there may be other issues. A number of bills have been filed, many dealing with items such as vaccine mandates and critical race theory.
Legislature Agrees on COVID-19 Relief Money Spending
By Dave Thompson BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – The Legislature’s Appropriations Committees have come to an agreement on spending the latest federal COVID-19 relief money through the American Recovery Plan Act.
Changing the Mindset of Rural Schools & Communities
Ben Winchester (Photo: University of Minnesota Extension) By Dave Thompson BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – A rural sociologist who is with the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Community Vitality says rural communities should be more welcoming to a younger generation that’s interested in moving to those areas. Ben Winchester of St. Cloud says we’re seeing a change in who is moving into rural communities. He says that’s especially true of people in their 30s.
North Dakota's Unemployment Rate Rebounding
By Dave Thompson BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – North Dakota’s September not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.6 percent. That compares with 3.2 percent in August, and 4 percent in September 2020. https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/1065/2021/10/25064010/03046.mp3 Marcia Havens is the Labor Market Information Manager for Job Service North Dakota.
LIHEP Program Available for Heating Assistance in North Dakota
By Dave Thompson BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – The director of the state Department of Human Services’ Economic Assistance Division says it’s too early to tell if the demand for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will be stronger this year because of higher natural gas prices. Michelle Gee says the program began accepting applications October first.
Highway Patrol Trooper "Justified" in September Shooting Incident
By Dave Thompson MANDAN, N.D. (Prairie Public News) – The Morton County States Attorney’s office has determined that a North Dakota Highway Patrol trooper was justified when he shot and killed a Billings, Montana man after a reckless driver pursuit. The incident happened September 7th about 13 miles west of Mandan on I-94. State radio received a report of a reckless driver eastbound. The patrol and Morton County Sheriff’s deputies were involved in the pursuit.
Long-term Care Facilities Facing Massive Staff Shortages
By Dave Thompson BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public News) – The president of the North Dakota Long Term Care Association says most, if not all, facilities are short-staffed. Shelly Peterson says the Association recently surveyed its members about staffing. https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/1065/2021/10/06091124/03018.mp3 Peterson says existing staff have been asked to work longer hours, and facilities are contracting for workers from temp agencies.
Canonizing the Disco Classic Donna Summer's
I Feel Love: Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, and How They Reinvented Music Dave Thompson Backbeat August 2021 One of the best things that books about pop music can do is send readers to their favorite streaming service or, better yet, a local record store to seek out artists and albums they somehow missed the first time around. Even the most encyclopedic, obsessive music nerds can still discover new-to-us artists and albums.
Consultant Hired to Study Behavioral Health Treatment Needs
Photo: North Dakota State Hospital By Dave Thompson JAMESTOWN, N.D. (Prairie Public News) – An interim Legislative committee is hiring a consultant to look at behavioral health treatment needs in North Dakota. That includes looking at the need for a new state Hospital for in-patient treatment.
Harvey's Bret Dockter Named Teacher of the Year
(L to R)State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler, Teacher of the Year Bret Dockter, and Governor Doug Burgum. Photo: North Dakota Department of Public Instruction By Dave Thompson BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – Bret Dockter has been named the 2021 North Dakota Teacher of the Year. State school superintendent Kirsten Baesler made the announcement at the Capitol today. Bret Dockter is a sixth grade teacher and coach at B. M. Hanson Elementary School in Harvey.
PSC Approves Service Area Agreement for Crypto-mining Facility
By Dave Thompson BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public News) – The Public Service Commission has approved a “service area agreement” between Otter Tail Power Company and Northern Plains Electric Cooperative on who will serve a new crypto-currency facility planned for Stutsman County, just north of Jamestown. That helps pave the way for Advanced Blockchain to build its facility on state highway 20. It would be built in an area normally served by Northern Plains.
North Dakota Loses Second in National Oil Production
By Dave Thompson, Prairie Public Radio BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – North Dakota Mineral Resources Director Lynn Helms had this description Friday for the July oil production numbers. https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/1065/2021/09/20080220/03043.mp3 Helms says that’s because oil production went down in July, compared to June. He says he expected things to be up. But he said that’s not the case.
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan Change
By Dave Thompson BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public News) – The state Health Department says increased demand and limited supply of COVID-19 treatment have led to a change in how the treatment will be distributed. It’s called “monoclonal antibody treatment.” Department Health Resources and Response Chief Tim Wiedrich says instead of health care providers ordering it directly, the Health Department will get the allocations.
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