North Dakotans Come Together to Oppose Measure Three

By The North Dakotans Against Measure 3

Today North Dakotans Against Measure Three, a broad-based, grassroots co­alition of religious leaders, medical and legal professionals and concerned citizens, announced the launch of a campaign to defeat Mea­sure Three, which is slated to appear on the June 12th primary ballot.

“We all believe strongly in reli­gious freedom, but Measure Three is vague and confus­ing and just goes too far,” said Tom Fiebiger, a former North Dakota State Senator and an attorney with more than 25 years of experience in helping North Dakotans fight discrimination. “This measure is so poorly written that it will open the door to endless litiga­tion and legal wrangling, clogging our already crowded courts and costing tax payers more of their hard-earned money.”

“We don’t need Measure 3. Re­ligious Freedom is already protected by the very first amendment to the U.S. Constitution and in Article 1, Section 3 of the North Dakota Constitution,” said Pastor Wade Schemmel of Bismarck.

“Unlike existing law, Measure 3 puts an individual’s religious beliefs ahead of the common good of all North Dako­tans. That’s not how things work in our state.”

“In America, we are all entitled to our own religious beliefs, but that doesn’t give any­one the right to harm other peo­ple,” said Fiebig­er. “If Measure 3 passes, it could allow a person to take advantage and use personal religious beliefs to claim the right to break important laws that are meant to protect all of us, like laws against abuse and discrimination.”

“For example,” Fiebiger explained, “a person could take advantage and claim that domestic violence laws don’t apply to him because his religion tells him he can discipline his wife as he sees fit.”

It’s very concerning,” said Schem­mel. “This law could be manipulated and harm others, and that’s why we are opposing this Measure Three.”

Not a Grassroots Movement

Betty Mills

Despite some rude and ugly behavior on the part of some of the Tea Party participants, the notion of a grass roots movement concerned with government was a comforting one. The low voting rate of our citizens has been a black mark on the national report card and here were people willing to stand up and be counted, even be mouthy.

Well, burst that bubble.

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New Media Project Describes Oil Country, One Story at a Time

When you’re working in the oil patch thousands of miles from home, friends are more important than ever. Just ask Kelvin Lacey, Alfredo Cantu and Julio Pulido. Photo courtesy of Todd Melby

Meet Todd Melby, a portraitist who constantly repaints the common man. With words. He’s covered all kinds of stories, from break­ing news to features, but his specialty is helping people tell their own stories, one at a time.

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“Blessed Assurance” Coming to Bismarck in May

Dakota Stage Ltd. is pleased to welcome North Dakota State University Associate Professor of Acting, Hardy Koenig, in the original one man show “Blessed Assurance” by Steve Willis and Allan Gurganus.

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The “Fighting Sioux” vs. “The Fighting Trolls”

Reprinted by permission of the author and The High Plains Reader, Fargo, ND

Sioux eyes are smiling”
- Grand Forks Herald

“Ole says: ‘It’s awful to grow old by yourself. Lena hasn’t had a birthday in seven years.’”
- Red Stangland

“Troll: a dwarf or giant in Scandina­vian folklore inhabiting caves or hills.”
- Merriam Webster Dictionary

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Northern Plains Dance Presents Cinderella

 

Northern Plains Dance will present Cinderella at the Belle Mehus City Audito­rium in Bismarck Saturday, May 19 at 2:30 and 7:30 and Sunday, May 20 at 2:30. A great show for fami­lies, Cinderella features more than 70 performers from the Northern Plains Dance Academy. Cinderel­la is certain to please all ages with elaborate costumes and original choreography.

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NDDOT Seeks Comments on Transportation Improvement

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) is seeking comments on an amendment to the 2012-2015 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for inclusion of this previously-unpublished project in 2012.

State Project:

US Highway 85 – Watford City to Williston (Four-Lane Undivided Roadway) – Environmental Document

Total Cost: $2,500,000

The public is invited to view the current STIP on the NDDOT website at www.dot.nd.gov by clicking on the Manuals and Publications icon on the left-hand side, then clicking on the “Final STIP 2012-2015” link under the Plans and Reports section.

Comments should be sent no later than May 15, 2012 to Chad M. Orn at NDDOT, 608 E. Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505-0700, or sent via email corn@nd.gov with “2012 State Federal-Aid Roadway Projects” in the subject line.

Understanding Measure 2

The North Dakota League of Cities published a paper entitled “Words Matter: Understanding Mea­sure Two” that raises several unanswered issues regard­ing the measure to eliminate property taxes in North Da­kota. This Measure is a con­stitutional measure that is to be decided by the voters of the State and as such they should look at the following concerns before voting on the measure.

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Dakota Stage Ends the Season With a Wedding?

By Amber Bernhardt

Dakota Stage Ltd. is proud to end their season with Getting  Sara Married, a riotous romp  of a rom-com.  This peppy play stars a colorful cast of stage favorites including Rebecca Maloney, Stuart Savelkoul, Renee Brady, Amanda  Pitzer, Mark Hasbargen and new comer  Ryan Masset. Directed by DSL veteran Deb Carpenter, this playful, delightful piece is a must see.

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Garden to Table Summer Youth Program

All youth ages 8-11 are in­vited to participate in the Burleigh County 4-H Garden to Ta­ble Summer Youth Program.

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