Category Archives: Announcements

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

7.28.2025 Special Commission Minutes

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President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM.

Members present: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon

Members absent: None

Others Present: City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Klein, Deputy Auditor Johnson, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Horner, Assessor Current, Executive Assistant Bodine, Intern Krista Nord.

New Business

Discuss and Approve the 2026 Preliminary Budget

Finance Director Klein reported that we are expecting to have the value of a mill the first part of August. HB 1176 puts a cap on the dollars the City can levy. The cap of 3% plus new growth sets the maximum amount the City can levy for the General Fund at $1,630,697 (3.62% increase from 2025). The City’s Share of Specials Fund 203 is not subject to the 3% cap. The dollars levied for Fund 203 increased due to properties the City has acquired through delinquent taxes. The amount to levy in Fund 203 is $32,300. The Library Fund is subject to the 3% cap plus new growth which brings the amount to $199,149. The increase in expenditures in the General Fund is 4.7%. The 2026 Transfers In are the same as 2025 with $260,000 being transferred in from Fund 241 Property Tax Relief. Transfers Out total $361,608: Fund 225 Building Reserves $146,500, Fund 230 Renew & Replacement $215,108, Cash reserves are at $1,300,597 which is 28% of expenditures, this is within the guidelines set in the City’s Fund Balance policy.

The transfer from the Utility Fund to General Fund is $1,358,600. This brings the % of transfer compared to Public Works Revenues to 12.3%.

The proposed salaries in the 2026 Budget includes a 4.5% cost of living allowance (COLA) increase and a step increase in the 0-24-year salary schedule.

The increase in health insurance premiums for 2026 is 7.26%. We have budgeted for the City to pay 85% of the health insurance premium. In 2026 the City will also pay a $3,000 insurance incentive to those employees who are not on the City’s Health Insurance Policy through NDPHIT. The City’s contribution to the employee’s HSA accounts would remain the same, with the employees matching a portion of the contribution in order to receive the full amount.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve the 2026 Preliminary Budget as presented which includes the proposed salary structure and 4.5% COLA, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Commissioners Gulmon, Bishop, Magnuson and President Carlsrud voted Aye, Commissioner Erickson voted Nay. Motion carried.

ADJOURN

Meeting Adjourned at 8:40 A.M.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

7.15.2025 Commission Minutes

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President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson

Others: City Administrator Crawford (via zoom), City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Lt. Rustebakke, Administrative Assistant Hintz.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

No changes.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Approve Minutes from the 7.1.2025 Commission Meeting.

Approve Contractor Licenses:

Grafstrom Construction, Fargo

J+J Repairs & Roofing LLC, Harwood

Moritz Excavating LLC, Valley City

J+K Seamless, Inc., Valley City

Greystone Construction Company, Shakopee, MN

CC Steel, LLC, Fargo

Miller & Sons Drywall, Inc., West Fargo

Quality Coatings & Tile LLC, Fargo

Approve Contractor License Renewals:

Groundworks MN, LLC dba Innovative Basement Authority

Horsley Specialties, Inc.

Twin City Garage Door

Dakota Plains Mechanical

Approve Tree Trimming and Removal Service License Renewal:

Carr’s Tree Service

Approve Local Raffle Permit:

Shine, 8.29.25 @ Hanna Field

Ducks Unlimited Barnes County Chapter, 9.18.25 @ VC Eagles Club

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.

 

ORDINANCE

ORD 1172. Second Reading of Ordinance 1172, an Ordinance to amend and reenact sections 8-07-10, 11-02-08, and 11-03-10 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to mobile homes.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Motion passed unanimously.

ORD 1173. First Reading of Ordinance 1173, an Ordinance to amend and reenact chapter 11-09 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to standards for floodplain development.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Motion passed unanimously.

ORD 1174.  First Reading of Ordinance 1174, an omnibus ordinance to amend and reenact sections of the Valley City Municipal Code relating to the 2025 state legislative session.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Motion passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION

      RES 2497. A Resolution Approving Final Replat of Lots 6, 7, & 8, Block 2, Waterfront Meadows Addition.

      Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,460,673.     

      Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Motion passed unanimously.

Request for Extension to move house at 231 9th Ave NE.

Extension was granted for the house to now be moved by September 15th 2025 as long as the moving permit has been acquired by July 18th 2025.

      Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Recommendation from the Renaissance Zone Authority Board to Approve the Application from Bridgetown Development for a 5-year State Income Tax Exemption and a 5-year Property Tax Exemption Capped at $500,000 Valuation on a New Single-Family Home and designate it as VC-139.

      Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Recommendation from the Renaissance Zone Authority Board to Approve the Application from H&G Holdings LLC for a 5-year State Income Tax Exemption and a 5-year Property Tax Exemption Capped at $500,000 Valuation on a New Single-Family Home and designate it as VC-140.

      Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Motion passed unanimously.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

City Administrator Crawford gave a shout out to the staff for working extremely hard since the storm. July 24th will be the last round of tree pickup. We will only be going into alleys that are wide enough for our equipment to get in and out of. Working with the DEQ on the levels of contamination in the dirt.

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Attorney Martineck welcomed our new Executive Assistant Kari Bodine and wished her an early birthday.

City Finance Director reminded the Commission of the preliminary budget meeting on July 28th.

City Engineer Peterson gave a construction update. The seal coat pre construction meeting will be July 18th 2025. The shared use path project is going to be starting.

City Engineer Eslinger talked about prepping the plans for the North West water tower. There will be a meeting with the city held in mid-August.

Commissioner Erickson gave a shout out to the city workers.

President Carlsrud thanked everyone for their work with the tree pickup. Valley City citizens are lucky to have our crews.

ADJOURN

Meeting was adjourned at 5:20 P.M.

Dave Carlsrud

8.4.2025 Mayor’s Message

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Greetings Everyone,

  • Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the 9-year old cyclist who was killed in Moorhead.  Stop signs are in place for everyone’s safety, please stop fully.
  • Charlie Brown Field is a beautiful institution in Valley City with a carefully groomed playing surface making it fun and safe for players.  The great charm of the complex itself along with views of the Hi-Line Bridge are mesmerizing.  Thank you to all the folks who maintain this delightful facility.
  • The Valley City Public Works Service Center Complex is progressing on time and on budget. For the current status of said Complex, please read more here: https://www.valleycity.us/public-works/public-works-service-center-complex/.  For information about the anticipated soil mitigation, see: https://www.newsdakota.com/2025/07/30/valley-city-resident-raises-concerns-with-farming-out-site/
  • National Hydropower Day 2025 is August 24.  For over 140 years, hydropower has fueled the nation with clean, renewable and reliable energy.
  • Happy 90th Birthday Social Security, on August 14th, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act.  It has been a lifeline to tens of millions Americans including over 146,000 North Dakotans.  In the midst of the Great Depression, “Dirty 30’s”, legislators were pretty forward in their thinking.
  • One of the guys working on the crews cleaning our sanitary sewers in preparation for relining, stopped to visit one day.  He told me our sewers were “loaded” with “flushable wipes, feminine pads” and the like.  Not only that, when they returned a couple weeks later, it was “loaded” again!  PLEASE, these products have synthetic materials in them and are NOT made to be flushed!  When they plug a sewer, ALL citizens PAY to clean them out. DO NOT FLUSH, THANK YOU.
  • Be ready!  The final branch pickup for this year will begin September 25th.  For further information call: 701-845-1700 or see: https://www.valleycity.us/sanitation-garbage/
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “The answer to the big question in running is the same as to the big questions in life: Do the best you the best with what you’ve got.”  ~ George A. Sheehan

        Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave Carlsrud

Agenda Available

8.5.2025 Commission Agenda

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, August 5, 2025
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 5:00 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 220 3rd St. NE, Valley City, ND.

The meeting is also available to view online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84747209709 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  847 4720 9709.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda (Roll Call Vote needed when changes made to the Agenda)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Minutes from the 7.15.2025 Finance and Commission Meetings.
  2. Approve Minutes from the 7.28.2025 Special Commission Meeting
  3. Approve Contractor License:
    1. South Peak Holdings LLC dba Skinner Roofing, Grand Forks
  4. Approve Site Authorization Renewal:
    1. North Dakota Winter Show at North Dakota Winter Show Event Center
  5. Approve House Movers License:
    1. Carrington House Movers, LLC, Carrington
  6. Approve Local Raffle Permit
    1. Valley City Junior Golf Association

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

Public Comments

This portion of the meeting provides a limited public forum for Valley City residents, property owners and business owners to address the Board of City Commissioners on topics related to City business.  Interested persons must submit a comment card with the individual’s name, address, and the topic to be commented upon. Non-residents must provide the address of the City of Valley City business the individual operates or works at or the address of real property which the individual owns within the City of Valley City. Comments cards must be provided to the meeting secretary and approved prior to speaking. Public comments are limited solely to business matters and concerns pertinent to the City.

The following rules apply to Public Comments:

  • Limited to five minutes per speaker.
  • Must not interfere with the orderly conduct of the meeting.
  • Must not be defamatory, abusive, harassing, or unlawful.
  • May be prohibited if an alternative procedure exists to bring that particular type of public comment before the City, the public comment includes confidential or exempt information, or the public comment is otherwise prohibited by law.

Submission of written comments: In lieu of speaking, a written comment may be delivered to the meeting secretary prior to the start of the meeting. Written comments are limited to two pages. Any member of the public seeking to comment without attending in person may submit written comments to jhintz@valleycity.us. Written comments hand delivered at the time of the meeting or emailed prior to 4:00 pm on the date of the meeting will be distributed to the Board for their information and maintained in City files.  Written comments are not read aloud at the meeting

Ordinance

ORD 1173. Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1173, an Ordinance to amend and reenact chapter 11-09 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to standards for floodplain development. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

ORD 1174.  Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1174, an omnibus ordinance to amend and reenact sections of the Valley City Municipal Code relating to the 2025 state legislative session. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

New Business

N1. Approve purchase of property at 628 Main Street E. (Parcel 63-3110126) as a PFP Buyout in the amount of $38,170. (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Dave Carlsrud

7.28.2025 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everybody,

  • Crazy Days will be this Wednesday, July 30th in Valley City from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ……. Fun for all, enjoy!
  • The 13th and Final Annual Wiffle Ball World Series was held at Shane Roberts Field just South of Valley City last Saturday.  It was a great spectacle facilitated by a number of “Veteran Hi-Liners” and a wonderful team of dedicated people. The event has provided area charities with over $50,000 plus yesterday’s $11,500.00 check to “Landon’s Light” and contributions still coming in.
  • Yard signage for businesses, yard sales, political interests and the like are to be on private yards not boulevards.  So, a “rule of thumb”, place signs on your “yard side” of the boulevard sidewalk.  Thank you.
  • A sight impaired citizen asks that people please leave sidewalks clear when you park vehicles.  Vehicles on the sidewalk are dangerous for ALL, especially for the impaired and kids on toys.  We can also be ticketed for the violation.  Please be considerate, thanks.
  • How about making a “social phone call” to someone today?
  • A number of sidewalks uptown and in residential areas have weeds growing in cracks.  Will you please beautify your property by removing said weeds?  It will be appreciated.
  • Thank you to the talented artists who painted the charming mural across 2nd Avenue NE from the Post Office.  We are all to be grateful for their beautification.
  • Some people have been asking, “When will trees be picked up”?   Please keep in mind “tree pick up” is secondary to everyday work, but is in the queue.  Front boulevards have been first while public grounds will be later.  Please be patient as much has been done, there have been something over three million pounds hauled to the Transfer Station already.
  • Amy Ruley is #8 in Sports Illustrated’s Fifty Most Noted North Dakota Sports Figures.  Amy Coached the Bison Women to numerous NCAA DII titles.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “Young people need models, not critics.”  ~ John Wooden

          Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave Carlsrud

Public Meeting

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To discuss the proposed Sanitary Sewer Improvement District 72 Project in Valley City, North Dakota. The proposed project would consist of Sanitary Sewer Main Relining and Sanitary Manhole Rehabilitation.

July 24, 2025
5:15 p.m. Central Time

City of Valley City, City Hall
220 3rd Street NE, Valley City, North Dakota

OPEN HOUSE CONDUCTED BY:
City of Valley City and KLJ Engineering

Agenda Available

7.28.2025 Special Commission Agenda

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Preliminary Budget
Valley City, North Dakota

Monday, July 28th, 2025
8:00 AM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Monday, July 28th, 2025 at 8:00 AM, at City Commission Chambers, 220 3rd St NE, Valley City, ND.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85480243999 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 854 8024 3999.

Call To Order
Roll Call

New Business

N1.  Discuss and Approve 2026 Preliminary Budget. 

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

Adjourn

Dave Carlsrud

7.21.2025 Mayor’s Message

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Greetings Folks,

  • Thank you to all who are cleaning up our community and county from the storm.  The trimming, removal and planting of trees certainly changes the appearance of “what was” prior to said storm. Where beautiful hundred-year old trees were, the appearance will be different, however there will be a “new beauty” afforded us.  
  • Crazy Days will be celebrated July 30th in Valley City from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ……. Fun for all, enjoy!
  • Thank you to all our city employees for going the “extra mile” trying to keep up with regular work responsibilities along with hauling trees, cleaning streets, tracking emergency declaration requirements and the like. As of last week, over two million pounds of trees and branches have been accepted at the Transfer Station and deliveries continue. WOW!
  • Related to the previous bullet, root balls are accepted at the Transfer Station for burning though please shake as much dirt off as possible for better burning.
  • This time of the year, big numbers of bikers and kids on scooters, many of which are “electric assisted”, are on streets, sidewalks and alleys. Please, all of you and vehicle drivers, look out for one another.
  • Jeff Boschee from Valley City is rated the #30 most noted North Dakota Athlete by Sports Illustrated. He was the state’s first McDonald’s high school All-American and played collegiately at the University of Kansas.
  • It is budget season for North Dakota Cities so our city department heads and finance departments are busy figuring out how to best balance Valley City’s 2026 budget. Thank you for your great efforts everyone.
  • Might you have family or friends you haven’t seen or visited for a while? How about calling, emailing or texting one or two of them now? It could “make the day” for both of you. 
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “Problems are not the problem: coping is the problem.”  ~ Virginia Satir

Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

7.1.2025 Commission Minutes

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President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson. Commissioner Erickson

Others: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Police Chief Horner, Administrative Assistant Hintz.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

SERVICE AWARD PRESENTATION

City-County Health awarded Officer Jacobson with an Above and Beyond Service Award.

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APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Add Item NB3. Consider Recommendation from the Visitor’s Committee to Approve $33,600.00 from the Valley City Tourism Development Fund for the Barnes County Historical Society WWII Heritage Trail Project.

Remove Resolution 2495, A Resolution Determining Sufficiency of Protests for Paving Improvement District 131.

Add Item NB4. Accept Protests for Paving Improvement District No. 131.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Approve Minutes from the 6.17.2025 Finance & Commission Meetings and the 6.23.2025 Special Commission Meeting/Press Conference.                                                                

Commissioner Magnuson moved to change the wording from “taxable value of the home” to “single-family residence exemption cap” in the 6.17.25 Commission Minutes, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Contractor Licenses:

JT Lawn Services, Moorhead MN                                                                                   

Approve Contractor License Renewals:

Advance Garage Door Inc.                                                                                               

Braden Wenaas Construction LLC

Approve Tobacco License Renewals:

Dollar General Store #17856                                

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the Consent Agenda with changes, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.

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RESOLUTION

RES 2496. A Resolution to Adopt and Extend the Declaration of Storm Disaster Dated June 21, 2025.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Amendment to Employee Policy and Procedure Manual – Law Enforcement Officer Special Event Pay. Clarification of the rate of pay for non-exempt and exempt officers when working a special event. The Event requesting will pay this fee.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Task Order for Construction Engineering for Wintershow Road Shared-Use Path Phase 1 (NDDOT Project No. TAU-2-990(066), PCN 23917). Pre-project meeting will be in July.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call Vote: Bishop – Aye, Magnuson – Aye, Erickson – Nay, Gulmon – Aye, Carlsrud – Aye.

Motion Passed.

Consider Recommendation from the Visitor’s Committee to Approve $33,600.00 from the Valley City Tourism Development Fund for the Barnes County Historical World War II Heritage Trail Project. Mary Lee Nielson spoke about the plans for this project and how it will impact Valley City Tourism.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously

Accept Protests for Paving Improvement District No. 131.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

City Administrator Crawford shared an update with the clean-up still happening after the June 21st storm. Plan for this to take at least another two weeks to get caught up. Any Resident not wanting to wait may haul 24/7 to the site at no charge. We will be having another branch/tree pickup day on July 24th.

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

Police Chief Horner wanted to congratulate Officer Jacobson on his service award. He also thanked the whole force for all their extra time and effort over the past several months. They are a great group of Officers.  

Commissioner Gulmon went over the latest financials and shared that the City is doing well and the finances are trending nicely.

Commissioner Magnuson Is thankful for all the staff and how they have gone above and beyond throughout these past couple weeks. Super Proud!

President Carlsrud repeated Commissioner Magnuson’s thoughts. He also reminded the Resident’s to be patient as the staff is working on getting the town picked up and to be careful as they too work to clean their homes and yards. Be safe.

ADJOURN

Meeting was adjourned at 5:26 P.M.

Dave Carlsrud

7.14.2025 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Everybody,

  • Keep in mind, Valley City CRAZY DAYS will be held from 8:00  AM to 5:00 PM Wednesday July 30th.  Make a plan to go uptown, check the sales, food vendors and enjoy visiting with people.
  • What a great day Sunday was, sunny, comfortably warm and without smoke.  YAY, I hope you enjoyed it.
  • While driving last week, a motorcycle approached and it had a light bar about 18 inches long with gold lighting at handle bar height and running lights below.  The gold light was VERY EASILY visible so I had plenty of time to prepare safely for its approach.  If you ride a motorcycle and want to be seen, it may be for you.
  • Distracted drivers are numerous and all of us have had self imposed distractions such as food, passengers and phones which are dangerously distracting.  I saw an ad the other day, “Be safe, don’t drive intexticated”!
  • Byron Buxton, talented and oft injured Minnesota Twins baseball player, made history Saturday afternoon.  Buxton “hit for the cycle” which is extremely special in itself, but it is also the first time the cycle has been achieved in the lifetime of Target Field!  According to Wikipedia, hitting for the cycle is about as rare as pitching a no-hitter.
  • Kudos to all of you who continue ridding our community of the downed branches and trash from the hurricane strength winds.  *While we continue cleaning, please hold in your hearts and pray for people in Indiana, Kentucky, Texas along with other places around our country who are suffering from severe weather. Thank you.
  • Gary Player, the “Black Knight”, at nearly 90 years of age is a great story.  His Mom died young leaving 9-year old Gary and his Dad, they were very poor.  Player won more national golf titles – U.S., British and Australian Opens than Arnold, Jack and Tiger combined!  Guess how he created his brand, the “Black Knight”.
  • Answer………………“Have Gun Will Travel”, Paladin,
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”  ~ Arthur Ashe

        Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud