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Merry and bright:
Friday, December 22, 2023
Volume 2, Number 50
Edmore Public School presents final Christmas program Photos by Larry Stokke.
Everyone was invited to join in the holiday spirit on Thursday, Dec. 14 at the Edmore Public School gymnasium. Students and staff members presented the school’s final Christmas program as the school is in its final year. Community: Pembilier Nursing Center update: the Christmas Season, Pg. A5
The program featured students and staff in festive costumes and combined speaking parts with singing. The program was live streamed on Facebook so those from far away could enjoy the show as well. It was met with glowing reviews from those who attended and watched online.
Community: Langdon’s Henderson wins Maverick Teacher of the Month award, Pg. A6
Sports: North Border’s Moore gets 100th varsity coaching win, Pg. A8
Wright appointed Cavalier County Sheriff By Sarah Hinnenkamp
iff’s office in October 2022. Wright began his law enforcement career in August of 2015 for the City of Walhalla. While working for Walhalla, he spent three years as a member of the Northeast Region Special Response team, which served Pembina County, Walsh County, and Cavalier County. While working for Walhalla, he was appointed to the position of chief by Mayor Belanus.
Matt Wright. Photo courtesy Cavalier County Sheriff’s Department.
Cavalier County commissioners on Tuesday appointed Matt Wright to become Cavalier County Sheriff effective Jan. 1, 2024. Wright has served as chief deputy since July 1 and started working for the Cavalier County Sher-
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Index: News Agriculture Opinion Community Sports Lifestyle Church/Obituaries Classifieds Public Notices
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Shane Gallagher held the position of chief deputy until July 1 when he became Cavalier County Sheriff by appointment after Sheriff Greg Fetsch’s retirement. Gallagher announced to the commission at its regular meeting on Nov. 21 that he was resigning his appointed position of sheriff, effective Jan. 1, to take a job in the private sector.
Legislature unlikely to make court deadline to redraw districts Judge tells lawmakers to go back to the drawing board over District 9 subdistricts By Nick Vorlage and Hilary Nowatzki-May On Friday, Dec. 15 an appeals court denied a request for more time to comply with a judge’s order to redraw legislative districts. A court deadline gave the Legislature until Dec. 22 to approve new district maps, but without an extension, most don’t think it’s possible. Last week, the North Dakota Redistricting Committee convened to look over alternatives to the current North Dakota district map after it was ruled in violation of the Voting Rights Act. In the two alternatives offered to the committee on Wednesday, Dec. 13, both would join Districts 9A and 9B into one unified District 9. However, both subdistricts are currently being served by a Representative – Democrat Jayme Davis in District 9A and Republican Donna Henderson in 9B. According to Erika White, state elections director, when the sub-districts are combined, restructuring will have
really shortens their timeline if we’re pushing past the January 1 deadline,” White said. The Borderland Radio News Center, a sister company to The Borderland Press, reached out to both Representatives Davis and Henderson for comment but have not heard back. Lawmakers have been ordered to have the changes in place by Dec. 22. On Tuesday, Dec. 12, North Dakota U.S. District Judge Peter Welte denied Secretary of State Michael Howe and the N.D Legislature’s request to delay a redraw of the N.D. redistricting map by Dec. 22. According to Judge Welte, the current map, drawn in 2021, was in violation of the Voting Rights Act. His Nov. 17 ruling was in agreement with the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and the Spirit Lake Nation, saying it pre-
into two sub-districts. North Dakota Republican Senator Kent Weston currently serves District 9. He says although he wasn’t serving at the time of the redistricting, he believes the decision was done correctly. “ T h e y checked with the tribes, and originally, everybody was good with it. If you look at the percentage of Native Americans in this Weston district, they do have the majority by quite a large margin. So it did pass all the mustard for the voting rights regulations, so I believe it was done fairly,” Weston said.
At the Tuesday meeting, Gallagher offered support of Wright’s appointment. “I appreciate the opportunity,” Wright told commissioners. “I mean, obviously, it's bittersweet for our department. To have Shane leaving is a loss to our department and the county. I think we’ll be able to work something out, too, where we can have him come in part-time for some things.” The department has a job opening currently posted for hiring a deputy position. “Shane, thank you very much. You’ve been a great asset, and I’m sure your recommendation will work out good,” Commissioner David Zeis said. The position of sheriff will be on the ballot in November 2024.
The new voting district map with Districts 4A & 4B (bottom left) and Districts 9A & 9B (upper right) has led to controversy. Map sourced from North Dakota Legislature.
to take place. “Affected districts will need to reorganize. If there are candidates affected, those candidates will obviously either need to be endorsed or circulate petitions to be placed on the ballot. That
vented equal opportunities for Native American voters. In the 2021 redistricting, District 9, which covered Rolette County, was expanded to cover Towner and most of Cavalier County and then broke up
As for having the map redrawn out by Friday, Weston says that’s not possible. “Even the way the judge asked us to do it is unconstitutional. We can’t cont’d. on page A15