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Body Grafton man submits guilty pleas A Grafton man named in a trio of criminal cases submitted guilty pleas on Monday. Mark James Votava, 63, was charged with eight criminal offenses – seven being drug related and the eighth being a refusal to halt misdemeanor.
Levi Bachmeier, State Superintendent of Schools, when asked about how he feels about the opportunities and challenges of AI in schools, said: “I think it’s inevitable. It makes me nervous. And it also makes me excited.” Photo provided by the DPI.

Levi Bachmeier, State Superintendent of Schools, when asked about how he feels about the opportunities and challenges of AI in schools, said: “I think it’s inevitable. It makes me nervous. And it also makes me excited.” Photo provided by the DPI.

Schools hope to embrace the best of AI, shun the worst

Body Educators navigate delicate balancing act amid swift AI development Talk with K-12 teachers and administrators about AI in schools and there’s a sense of exasperation. Not enough time to learn fast moving development of AI tools.

ND improves grade In financial literacy

Body BISMARCK, N.D. – State School Superintendent Levi Bachmeier lauded North Dakota’s improvement on a national financial literacy report card, saying the result strengthens efforts to make N.D. the nation’s most financially literate state.
DAKOTA DATEBOOK: Splitting Dakota

DAKOTA DATEBOOK: Splitting Dakota

DAKOTA DATEBOOK: Splitting Dakota

Body December 15, 2025 – This date in 1885 was one piece of the timeline moving Dakota Territory to statehood as John Sherman, president pro tempore of the 49th U.S. Congress, was presented with a constitution and memorial assembled by Dakota Territory's legislature.
The Grinch and company plays at Walla

The Grinch and company plays at Walla

The Grinch and company plays at Walla

Body Thanks to the Gorge Arts and Heritage Council, the Walla Theatre was bright and alive on Saturday, Dec. 6. This was a second fundraiser of the season, and a premiere of The Grinch was played on the big screen for movie-goers.
The North Border Pembina Honor Society is currently collecting pop tabs to benefit the Ronald McDonald House, a non-profit which provides support for families with children undergoing medical care.

The North Border Pembina Honor Society is currently collecting pop tabs to benefit the Ronald McDonald House, a non-profit which provides support for families with children undergoing medical care.

North Border Pembina National Honor Society launches pop tab collection drive

Body The North Border Pembina chapter of the National Honor Society has kicked off a community-wide fundraising initiative to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of the Red River Valley.
Joe, Amy, and Dale Phillips at a previous Walhalla’s Annual Christmas Dinner. Photo by Melanie Thornberg.

Joe, Amy, and Dale Phillips at a previous Walhalla’s Annual Christmas Dinner. Photo by Melanie Thornberg.

CARRYING ON COMPASSION AND COMMUNITY

Body Eleven years ago, Amy Phillips was leaving mass on Christmas Eve when she noticed the people that were behind her, and especially those who were alone. Questions flurried in her mind - where will they spend Christmas? Will they have a nice meal?