Acr070116 by C.M.I.

S erving the R egion S ince 1907

Record ADAMS COUNTY

www.adamscountyextra.com

FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

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2014 NEWS, 2

N.D. farmland values continue quick decline

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SPORTS, 9

RESULTS: From the southwest N.D. 4-H Horse Show

County’s taxable sales, purchases continue decline By BRYCE MARTIN

N.D. Group Editor

North Dakota Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger this week released the 2016 first quarter taxable sales and purchases report, showing a continued decline in sales and purchases for Adams County. Taxable sales and purchases for the whole state were

$3.89 billion for January, February and March 2016, a drop of 33 percent over those months in 2015. “The first quarter decrease is a direct result of the continued downturn in the oil industry and low ag commodity prices,” said Rauschenberger. “Fundamentally North Dakota is just returning to a pre-oil boom economy. First quar-

ter 2016 is nearly 50 percent greater than the same timeframe in 2010.” Rauschenberger went on to explain that $3.9 billion is closer to what the normal taxable sales and purchases were prior to just five years ago. Compared with most of North Dakota, Adams County and its cities aren’t seeing as large of a decline in the

first quarter. The first-quarter taxable sales made within Adams County stayed relatively the same since 2015, totaling $4.57 million. Combined taxable sales and purchases decreased, however, by about 8.5 percent, from $5.26 million to $4.81 million. The first quarter report includes data for the largest 50 cities in North Dakota,

and all 53 counties. Of the 50 largest cities in North Dakota, the highest percent increases compared to the first quarter of 2015 were Beulah, Ashley, Ellendale, Beach and Jamestown. Counties with the highest percent increases compared with the first quarter of 2015 were McHenry, Sargent, Benson, Mercer and Sioux. Three of the 15 major

industry sectors reported taxable sales and purchases gains when compared to the first quarter a year ago. The most notable increase was in the arts, entertainment and recreation sector — an increase of 44 percent or $6.9 million — and the most notable decline was in the mining and oil extraction sector — a decrease of 66.5 percent or $716 million.

A YEAR IN REVIEW

Scranton graduate becomes newest FFA state officer Nighthawk basketball teams both down Harding County

pages 8-9

By BRYCE MARTIN

By SHELDON CHRISTENSON For the Pioneer

Harding County came to cranton on Dec. 18 and 19 to ake on the Nighthawk boys nd girls’ basketball teams, and eft going 0-2 for their efforts. Hettinger-Scranton’s boy’s asketball team faced the anchers first and pulled out 64-62 win. The Nighthawk’s ull court pressure initially gave he Ranchers trouble as they uickly fell behind 12-0. On top

of that, their 6’4” center Mason Teigen left the game late in the first quarter with three fouls and would not return until the 2nd half. The Nighthawks built a 13-point lead at the end of the first half which was highlighted by a buzzer-beating long range 3-point shot by Haden Sadowsky, which made the score 38-25. With the return of Teigen in the second half, better shooting and rebounding, they outscored Hettinger/Scranton 37-

The new role enables Steeke to continue serving N.D. Group Editor as an advocate for agricul26 but the Ranchers fell just Nighthawks. It was a true show of ture and FFA. short by two points. Sadowsky scored 34 for HS commitment when Colbey “I stay pretty busy,” he which five 3-pointThey had a chance to tie the Steeke politely declined an included said. He’s already spent sevgame with less opportunity than a minute ers and Brandon Pierce added to play colle- eral weeks in training semito go but, Samgiate Kludt blocked 21. I had Clayton Koch sports to continue his nars for his new office,leadlearning he Harding Co.towith 23 points. a close in shot by Teigen which involvement with what ing how further improve considered deepest pas-Nighthawk his communication skills more than likely savedhisthe The JV team also sion: FFA. — one of the cornerstones remains undefeated as they game from being tied. 18, ball of Rhame has ofHarding FFA — inCo. preparation The Ranchers Steeke, got the downing 63-53. for received numerous acco- the extensive public speakback with 10 seconds left but Harding Co. came into the lades throughout his high ing in his future as officer. game a 2-0 record could not get off a good shot. school athletic career but withAgriculture runsand thickrein Kludt was having a problem ceiving votes in the top five in his current path involves less Steeke’s blood — his famB ranks. finding his shooting touch but South time with a football or on Dakota ily runsClass a large agriculture his blocked shotthewas definitely The operation followingnearnight wrestling mat and more Rhame the and time in classrooms both girls his parents have been one of the key moments for the interactNighthawk downed the ing with FFA students. involved with agriculture The 2016 Scranton High education. But, per his School graduate was elected words, FFA is much more earlier this month as North than farming and ranching. Dakota FFA State Sentinel, According to Steeke fulfilling one of his lifelong only 3 percent of agriculgoals. ture is actually production “I’ve wanted to be a state agriculture (farming and FFA officer for as long as I ranching), meaning there could remember,” Steeke are many other avenues for said Tuesday. “FFA has im- education. “FFA is so much pacted me so much; now it is more,” he said. my turn to impact members It’s about developing betall across North Dakota.” ter leaders for the future,

defining career success and encouraging personal development. County girls w Harding The two biggest individcame in with a 1-3 record. ual goals he learned from Hettinger/Scranton girls a FFA were broadening his jumped out to an early communication skills and lead they were perseverance. head 16-1 after maintaining first stop,don’t andalways 25-15goat h “Things your way. true They heldThat on inholds the second h to life as well as FFA,” he although being outscored said.to pull off their second 21 will spend much ofSteeke the season to go along w of his time focusing on five losses. those crucial ideals with Casey Joppa tallied FFA members in the com- 19 Kinsey ing year. Jahner added 11 the Nighthawks. Both When his term ends nexthad June, Steeke will attend 3-pointers. Dickinson State University with a focus on agriculture education. He could follow in his parents’ footsteps to one day become a teacher. “That’s the plan right now,” he said. But things could change, he admitted. Another goal is to become an FFA advisor, like his mother. “FFA something I hold near and dear to my heart,” he said, “and I always will.”

AAA: Holiday weekend travel numbers will shatter records AAA projects nearly 43 million Americans will travel this Independence Day weekend. This represents the highest Fourth of July travel volume on record and a half million more travelers than last year. The holiday travel period is defined as June 30 to July 4. “Independence Day is always the most-traveled holiday of the summer, but this year it will be bigger than ever, primarily because of low gas prices,” said Joseph J. Richardson Jr., President and CEO, AAA The Auto Club Group. “Airports will be just as crowded as the roads, because low fuel prices are making it more affordable to fly. If fundamentals remain the same, this could be a record-breaking year for summertime travel.” U.S. drivers have saved about $20 billion on gasoline so far this year compared to the same period in 2015, which has made travel more

Weather

High: 79 Low: 63 Partly sunny and breezy

affordable than in recent years. A more confident consumer and rising economic activity also are offsetting a cooling labor market to help boost holiday travel. Eighty-four percent of holiday travelers – more than 36 million people – will drive to their Independence Day destinations, an increase of 1.2 percent over last year. Air travel is expected to increase 2.2 percent over last year, with 3.3 million Americans taking to the skies this Independence Day. Despite recent seasonal increases, gasoline prices remain well below recent years. The average price for a gallon of gasoline in North Dakota today is $2.27, which is 46 cents less than one year ago and $1.40 lower than this time in 2014. AAA says North Dakota drivers will pay the lowest Independence Day gas prices since 2005. Travel by other modes of transportation, including cruises, trains

Index Classifieds ..............6 Community............12 Opinion ..................4 Briefs ........................2

SPORTS, 10 Sports ......................10 Games .......................8 Obits ...........................8

Legion team drops first two at home

and buses; will increase 2 percent to 3.3 million travelers. Much of that growth is attributed to an increase in cruise bookings. AAA’s holiday cruise bookings are 35 percent higher than last Independence Day. AAA expects to rescue more than 370,000 motorists during the Independence Day holiday travel period, with the primary reasons being dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires. AAA recommends motorists check the condition of their battery and tires before heading out on a road trip. Also, have vehicles inspected by a trusted repair shop. Auto traveler totals will set a new record for the third consecutive year Gas prices are forecast to be the lowest in 11 years 3.43 million air travelers is 17.4 percent above the 2000-2015 average