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Dakota Download Governor Burgum's Weekly Update - May 7, 2023

Burgum announces 2023 Governor’s Band and Chorus programs from Washburn and Williston

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that the Washburn High School Band and Williston High School Chorale have been selected as the 2023 Governor’s Official State Band and Choral Programs.

“These two exceptional groups of young people do an outstanding job representing their schools, their communities and the state of North Dakota through their musical performances,” Burgum said. “Congratulations to the Washburn High School Band and Williston High School Chorale for being fantastic examples of the incredibly talented musicians who enhance the vibrancy and cultural richness of our North Dakota schools and communities.”

The Washburn High School Band, a 31-student ensemble, is currently under the direction of Dustin Moe. In the past year, Washburn band students have been represented at the Northwest Music Festival in Minot, the University of North Dakota honor festival, the University of Minnesota honor festival, the North Dakota All-State Festival and the Concordia College honor festival. The group performs in concerts and community events year-round, including during the annual Memorial Day program in Washburn for over 100 years.

The Williston High School Chorale, under the direction of Katie Rooke, is comprised of 34 students at Williston High School. Students in Chorale have been selected for area choir festivals including the Northwest Music Festival in Minot, the University of North Dakota honor festival, the University of Minnesota honor festival and the North Dakota All-State Festival. In past years, students from this choir have also been selected for the All-National Honor Choir in Florida. Several members of the current ensemble are active members of the Williston High School chapter of Tri-M Music Honor Society.

The Governor’s Band and Chorus were selected from applications submitted by school and civic groups from across the state based on musical talent, achievement and community involvement. They may be invited to perform at official state functions throughout the year.

Lt. Gov. Miller helps honor Red E LLC owners as North Dakota SBA Persons of the Year

On Friday, Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller joined the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in celebrating Red E LLC in a ceremony at the company headquarters in Fargo. The owners, Matt and Jesse Faul, were named the 2023 North Dakota SBA Persons of the Year.

U.S. SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzmon announced the 2023 Small Business Person of the Year from each of the 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Matt and Jesse Faul created Red E, a growing engineering services company with a global footprint, in 2010. The company has multiple professional engineers on staff, a fabrication shop and 3D printer. Red E also has an agriculture branch that offers aftermarket air seeding and precision planter solutions. Its goal is to extend the life of existing farm equipment.

Burgum meets with newly elected Spirit Lake Nation Chairwoman Lonna Street

On Friday, Gov. Burgum met with Lonna Street, the newly elected chairwoman of the Spirit Lake Nation, at the North Dakota Capitol.

Street has served as secretary-treasurer of Spirit Lake Nation since 2017. She succeeds Chairman Doug Yankton, who has served as chairman since 2020.

"Congratulations to Lonna Street, the newly elected chairwoman of the Spirit Lake Nation!" Burgum posted on social media after the meeting. "Looking forward to working together to grow our state-tribal partnerships and relationships built on understanding and mutual respect. Also deeply grateful to outgoing Chairman Doug Yankton for his outstanding leadership and partnership."

During her administration, Street plans to focus on voting rights, health care, education and child care to support working families, among many other initiatives.

Burgum waives hours of service for haulers of agricultural inputs during compressed spring planting season

Gov. Burgum on Friday signed an executive order granting a waiver of hours of service requirements for drivers of commercial vehicles transporting agricultural inputs including fertilizer, liquid fertilizer, anhydrous ammonia, pesticides and seed.

Late winter storms and record-breaking snowfall have resulted in a compressed time frame for planning and treating fields, forcing truck drivers to move greater amounts of agricultural inputs in a shorter amount of time to allow producers to complete planting and other work.

The 30-day waiver is effective today. All road safety and vehicle compliance regulations still apply.

The order can be viewed here.

SAVE THE DATE!

Strengthening Government to Government Partnerships and Relationships

June 21 & 22, 2023 | Bismarck Event Center

#InnovativeEd Award nominations are now open!

Help us recognize the efforts of North Dakota educators who are embracing innovative practices by submitting a nomination for the #InnovativeND Awards!

https://forms.office.com/g/VYGgGx9jBw

  • July 15: Nominations due
  • August 15: Recipients announced at the Summit on Innovative Education in West Fargo