From Today's Associated Press - In Case You Missed it
State senator, former Minnewaukan mayor faces felony charges
The Associated Press
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
A state senator and former mayor of Minnewaukan faces felony charges involving his use of two city pickups, a matter he says caused the community no harm.
Authorities said Mike Every bought the trucks in 2004 and 2005 as surplus government property for city use. He is accused of using the trucks as personal vehicles while serving as mayor.
Every said Tuesday that the matter was partially the result of a misunderstanding, but added "I might have made some mistakes." He did not elaborate, but said he wanted to resolve the matter quickly.
"I had hoped that the issue was resolved. I assumed that it was resolved. Apparently, the Burleigh County state's attorney doesn't think that it is," Every said.
Assistant State's Attorney Brandi Sasse Russell said officials with the federal Office of Inspector General who investigated the case turned it over to her office in late October.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn Jordheim said such theft charges generally are left to state courts to prosecute, and that there is "no directly corresponding federal law that equates to the state law he's charged with."
Every, who resigned as mayor in May 2005 amid questions about the pickups, is charged with two Class C felony counts of theft of property and one misdemeanor count of fraudulent application for certificate of title. If convicted on the two felony counts, he would face up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Minnewaukan is in Benson County, near Devils Lake. Every was charged in Burleigh County because that is where he bought the two 1988 pickups for $500 each, and where the state Department of Transportation is located, Sasse Russell said.
The sale terms specified the trucks initially had to be used by a government agency, not as personal vehicles, authorities said.
The Minnewaukan City Council voted to turn the trucks over to the state, and officials last year said the vehicles were transferred to the Devils Lake Basin Joint Water Resource Board.
"The pickups were given back, the city did not lose any money," Every said.
He said he intends to cooperate with authorities. "Hopefully we'll get it resolved as quickly as we can," he said.
Every, who was elected to the state Senate in 2000, decided earlier this year not to run for re-election, citing a new job and family obligations. He was the Senate's Democratic assistant minority leader in the last two sessions of the Legislature. He currently is managing a Devils Lake restaurant.
Every also was the Democratic candidate for state tax commissioner in 2004. He stopped campaigning after disclosures that he had been late in making child support payments from his first marriage, and he lost to incumbent Republican Rick Clayburgh.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Monday, November 20, 2006
HOEVEN, INDUSTRY LEADERS HIGHLIGHT NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA MANUFACTURING CONFERENCE
FARGO, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven and officials from the state’s manufacturing industry today kicked-off the first ever regional manufacturing conference, Where Manufacturing Matters. The conference, which runs Monday and Tuesday at the Fargo Ramada Plaza Suites, is designed to present North Dakota and South Dakota manufacturers with real world tools, networking opportunities, and access to world-class experts in manufacturing.
Hoeven highlighted the fact that North Dakota was one of only three states in the nation to show growth in manufacturing jobs in 2005. Last year North Dakota gained more than 7,000 jobs and more than 640 new businesses, manufacturing was an important segment of that growth. Since 2001, North Dakota manufacturers have added over 1,900 new jobs according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), while manufacturing employment nationwide has declined.
“North Dakota has innovative and committed manufacturers and we are working hard to help them remain competitive and successful in our state,” Hoeven said. “The fact that we were one of only three states in the nation to grow manufacturing employment last year and in the last five years is a real testament to our manufacturers, their employees and to North Dakota’s outstanding business climate.”
Hoeven said manufacturing is vital to the state’s economy and is playing a key role in improving wages and providing attractive job opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that average annual pay for manufacturing jobs in North Dakota was $36,377 in 2005, up from $31,619 in 2001.
North Dakota Commerce Commissioner Shane Goettle said manufacturing is the fourth largest industry in the North Dakota, making up 10 percent of the state’s total economy in 2005 and contributing $2.2 billion to the state’s gross domestic product according to the BEA.
“Manufacturing plays a major role in generating new wealth for North Dakota, and has been a top contributor of economic growth and diversity to North Dakota’s economy in recent years,” Goettle said. “Every dollar in sales of a manufactured product supports $1.37 in other sectors of the economy.”
A number of key indicators for manufacturing have been increasing in the last five years including:
2001 2005
# of Manufacturing Establishments 793 824
Total Wages $760.2 mm $942.3 mm
Average Weekly Wage $608 $700
Sally Bosh, CFO of Phoenix International, a John Deere subsidiary based in Fargo, said North Dakota’s strength in the manufacturing sector is a result of several factors including an extremely productive workforce, low business costs and business owners who are committed to being here.
“Continuing the growth of manufacturing in the Dakotas is important in stimulating job opportunities, retaining young people in the state and even attracting them from out of state,” said Bosh, who is chairperson for the Dakota Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Dakota MEP). “It is important to help our manufacturers become more competitive and productive through commitments to becoming lean enterprises.”
Manufacturers nationwide, and in North Dakota, are under immense pressure to reduce costs. The Dakota MEP works to help improve productivity which helps wage gains while still being competitive in a world market. The state Commerce Department provides support to North Dakota manufacturers through the Dakota MEP. Randy Schwartz, director of the Dakota MEP, said the prices of manufactured goods in the U.S. have decreased 9 percent since 1995 while overall prices have increased 22 percent.
“Because of rapid advances in technology and stiff international competition, domestic manufacturers don’t have the latitude to raise prices that nearly every other industry in the country has,” Schwartz said. “In order to remain competitive our manufacturers must constantly be seeking ways to become more productive and efficient.”
The Dakota MEP provides technical assistance in a variety of areas, specializing in Lean Enterprise services. Between July 2004 and June 2006, the Dakota MEP working with the North Dakota Small Business Development Center has served 2,705 North Dakota clients. These companies have realized new and retained sales of $69.1 million, have saved $4.5 million in costs, have added or retained 916 jobs, and invested $48.4 million in modernization.
More than 200 people are registered to participate in the two-day conference which features presentations by nationally-acclaimed and industry-leading authors, consultants and business executives.
-###-
Hoeven highlighted the fact that North Dakota was one of only three states in the nation to show growth in manufacturing jobs in 2005. Last year North Dakota gained more than 7,000 jobs and more than 640 new businesses, manufacturing was an important segment of that growth. Since 2001, North Dakota manufacturers have added over 1,900 new jobs according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), while manufacturing employment nationwide has declined.
“North Dakota has innovative and committed manufacturers and we are working hard to help them remain competitive and successful in our state,” Hoeven said. “The fact that we were one of only three states in the nation to grow manufacturing employment last year and in the last five years is a real testament to our manufacturers, their employees and to North Dakota’s outstanding business climate.”
Hoeven said manufacturing is vital to the state’s economy and is playing a key role in improving wages and providing attractive job opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that average annual pay for manufacturing jobs in North Dakota was $36,377 in 2005, up from $31,619 in 2001.
North Dakota Commerce Commissioner Shane Goettle said manufacturing is the fourth largest industry in the North Dakota, making up 10 percent of the state’s total economy in 2005 and contributing $2.2 billion to the state’s gross domestic product according to the BEA.
“Manufacturing plays a major role in generating new wealth for North Dakota, and has been a top contributor of economic growth and diversity to North Dakota’s economy in recent years,” Goettle said. “Every dollar in sales of a manufactured product supports $1.37 in other sectors of the economy.”
A number of key indicators for manufacturing have been increasing in the last five years including:
2001 2005
# of Manufacturing Establishments 793 824
Total Wages $760.2 mm $942.3 mm
Average Weekly Wage $608 $700
Sally Bosh, CFO of Phoenix International, a John Deere subsidiary based in Fargo, said North Dakota’s strength in the manufacturing sector is a result of several factors including an extremely productive workforce, low business costs and business owners who are committed to being here.
“Continuing the growth of manufacturing in the Dakotas is important in stimulating job opportunities, retaining young people in the state and even attracting them from out of state,” said Bosh, who is chairperson for the Dakota Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Dakota MEP). “It is important to help our manufacturers become more competitive and productive through commitments to becoming lean enterprises.”
Manufacturers nationwide, and in North Dakota, are under immense pressure to reduce costs. The Dakota MEP works to help improve productivity which helps wage gains while still being competitive in a world market. The state Commerce Department provides support to North Dakota manufacturers through the Dakota MEP. Randy Schwartz, director of the Dakota MEP, said the prices of manufactured goods in the U.S. have decreased 9 percent since 1995 while overall prices have increased 22 percent.
“Because of rapid advances in technology and stiff international competition, domestic manufacturers don’t have the latitude to raise prices that nearly every other industry in the country has,” Schwartz said. “In order to remain competitive our manufacturers must constantly be seeking ways to become more productive and efficient.”
The Dakota MEP provides technical assistance in a variety of areas, specializing in Lean Enterprise services. Between July 2004 and June 2006, the Dakota MEP working with the North Dakota Small Business Development Center has served 2,705 North Dakota clients. These companies have realized new and retained sales of $69.1 million, have saved $4.5 million in costs, have added or retained 916 jobs, and invested $48.4 million in modernization.
More than 200 people are registered to participate in the two-day conference which features presentations by nationally-acclaimed and industry-leading authors, consultants and business executives.
-###-
Saturday, November 04, 2006
In Case You Missed It …. The Dickinson Press Endorses Jaeger, Stenehjem, Clark, Goehring and Fong
Editorial - Four should return to state office
The Dickinson Press - 11/04/2006
North Dakotans have five key state races to determine Tuesday, as the office of attorney general, secretary of state, ag commissioner, tax commissioner and a Public Service Commission seat are up for election.
We start our endorsements with incumbent Secretary of State Al Jaeger. Jaeger has worked hard to make the overall election process in this state more accessible, efficient and secure. He’s partnered with state auditors across the state in this regard and has sought their insight and advice to provide the best election system possible.
Overall, Jaeger and his staff are responsible individuals who go the extra mile each day to perform the duties of their office as they are assigned.
Jaeger’s challenger, Democrat Kristin Hedger, has loads of enthusiasm for public service and this state. Unfortunately, we do not believe Hedger is qualified to run for office given the questions regarding her residency status.
Jaeger deserves your reaffirmation Tuesday at the polls. (Emphasis Added)
Another individual who deserves to return is Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. Stenehjem’s track record is astounding, as he’s been a leader in fighting meth, sex offenders, consumer fraud and much more.
Stenehjem also has been an ardent supporter of open government, which is reflected in his work regarding open meetings and open records.
Stenehjem’s opponent, Mayville attorney Bill Brudvik, is a good guy with solid credentials as an attorney. However, Stenehjem’s performance leaves little to question.
Stenehjem deserves your vote Tuesday. (Emphasis Added)
Public Service Commissioner Tony Clark also has been a responsive public servant and deserves a second six-year term on the PSC.
Clark has played a major role in helping the public become better educated and better understand the functions and role of the PSC. He too, has been very open in sharing information to keep the public informed.
Clark’s challenger, Fargo attorney Cheryl Bergian, is primarily campaigning on the lack of cell coverage in our state. There is no disputing the problems with cell service in North Dakota, but the PSC has limited powers to address this issue.
Clark deserves you support at the polls Tuesday. (Emphasis Added)
Meanwhile, Republican challenger Doug Goehring again gets our support as he makes a second attempt to unseat incumbent Commissioner of Agriculture Roger Johnson.
Goehring fell just short of beating Johnson the first time around, which provided the motivation he needed to give it a second try. Goehring’s overall mindset regarding agriculture and operating farms and ranches from a strong business perspective are what is needed to compete in today’s global market.
The longer Johnson has been in office, the more defensive he seems to become when questioned about policy issues.
Goehring has the enthusiasm, experience and insight to be an effective ag commissioner and deserves your support Tuesday. (Emphasis Added)
Lastly, incumbent Tax Commissioner Cory Fong also has performed admirably since being appointed by Gov. Hoeven to fill the vacancy left by the departing Rick Clayburgh.
Fong has learned a lot since that appointment, and has acted very responsibly in overseeing and directing the duties of his office. We are expecting Fong to really show what he’s capable of in the short term now that his learning curve is behind him.
Fong’s challenger, Democrat Brent Edison, is a solid candidate with a great personality. But there have been no glaring shortcomings in Fong’s performance that would prompt an immediate need for a change.
Fong also deserves your support Tuesday. (Emphasis Added)
- END -
The Dickinson Press - 11/04/2006
North Dakotans have five key state races to determine Tuesday, as the office of attorney general, secretary of state, ag commissioner, tax commissioner and a Public Service Commission seat are up for election.
We start our endorsements with incumbent Secretary of State Al Jaeger. Jaeger has worked hard to make the overall election process in this state more accessible, efficient and secure. He’s partnered with state auditors across the state in this regard and has sought their insight and advice to provide the best election system possible.
Overall, Jaeger and his staff are responsible individuals who go the extra mile each day to perform the duties of their office as they are assigned.
Jaeger’s challenger, Democrat Kristin Hedger, has loads of enthusiasm for public service and this state. Unfortunately, we do not believe Hedger is qualified to run for office given the questions regarding her residency status.
Jaeger deserves your reaffirmation Tuesday at the polls. (Emphasis Added)
Another individual who deserves to return is Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. Stenehjem’s track record is astounding, as he’s been a leader in fighting meth, sex offenders, consumer fraud and much more.
Stenehjem also has been an ardent supporter of open government, which is reflected in his work regarding open meetings and open records.
Stenehjem’s opponent, Mayville attorney Bill Brudvik, is a good guy with solid credentials as an attorney. However, Stenehjem’s performance leaves little to question.
Stenehjem deserves your vote Tuesday. (Emphasis Added)
Public Service Commissioner Tony Clark also has been a responsive public servant and deserves a second six-year term on the PSC.
Clark has played a major role in helping the public become better educated and better understand the functions and role of the PSC. He too, has been very open in sharing information to keep the public informed.
Clark’s challenger, Fargo attorney Cheryl Bergian, is primarily campaigning on the lack of cell coverage in our state. There is no disputing the problems with cell service in North Dakota, but the PSC has limited powers to address this issue.
Clark deserves you support at the polls Tuesday. (Emphasis Added)
Meanwhile, Republican challenger Doug Goehring again gets our support as he makes a second attempt to unseat incumbent Commissioner of Agriculture Roger Johnson.
Goehring fell just short of beating Johnson the first time around, which provided the motivation he needed to give it a second try. Goehring’s overall mindset regarding agriculture and operating farms and ranches from a strong business perspective are what is needed to compete in today’s global market.
The longer Johnson has been in office, the more defensive he seems to become when questioned about policy issues.
Goehring has the enthusiasm, experience and insight to be an effective ag commissioner and deserves your support Tuesday. (Emphasis Added)
Lastly, incumbent Tax Commissioner Cory Fong also has performed admirably since being appointed by Gov. Hoeven to fill the vacancy left by the departing Rick Clayburgh.
Fong has learned a lot since that appointment, and has acted very responsibly in overseeing and directing the duties of his office. We are expecting Fong to really show what he’s capable of in the short term now that his learning curve is behind him.
Fong’s challenger, Democrat Brent Edison, is a solid candidate with a great personality. But there have been no glaring shortcomings in Fong’s performance that would prompt an immediate need for a change.
Fong also deserves your support Tuesday. (Emphasis Added)
- END -
Thursday, November 02, 2006
COMMISSIONER FONG: RECORD INCOME FOR NORTH DAKOTANS IN 2005
BISMARCK, N.D. - Tax Commissioner Cory Fong today announced that recently filed state individual income tax returns show record income for North Dakotans. 2005 individual income tax returns report adjusted gross income was up over eight percent for a record $13.563 billion. Adjusted gross income for 2004 state individual income tax returns was $12.516 billion.
"The growth in adjusted gross income is over twice the rate of inflation for the same time," said Fong. Inflation was 3.4 percent for 2005.
The Tax Department recently completed processing 2005 individual income tax returns that had an extension due date of October 15. For the 2005 tax year, the Tax Department processed over 330,000 individual income tax returns.
"North Dakota is making real progress these days and our economy is growing and expanding," said Fong. We've added thousands of new jobs and we see from the 2005 state individual income tax returns that wages are on the rise."
Recent reports from Job Service North Dakota show that North Dakota added nearly 4,000 jobs during 2005, suggesting widespread gains in employment and a reduction in the unemployment rate to a moderate 3.4 percent.
"Our economy is expanding," said Fong. "And it is consistent with good, sound tax policies that have led to solid job growth."
Fong attributed the success in job growth to the tax department working with other agencies to create opportunities for job creation as well as recent proposals to continue stimulating job growth and economic expansion.
Citing the biodiesel plant in Velva and the new ethanol plant in Hankinson, Fong said, "These are examples of the Tax Department being engaged with other agencies to cut through the red tape, solve problems, and find solutions to encourage new business ventures."
# # #
"The growth in adjusted gross income is over twice the rate of inflation for the same time," said Fong. Inflation was 3.4 percent for 2005.
The Tax Department recently completed processing 2005 individual income tax returns that had an extension due date of October 15. For the 2005 tax year, the Tax Department processed over 330,000 individual income tax returns.
"North Dakota is making real progress these days and our economy is growing and expanding," said Fong. We've added thousands of new jobs and we see from the 2005 state individual income tax returns that wages are on the rise."
Recent reports from Job Service North Dakota show that North Dakota added nearly 4,000 jobs during 2005, suggesting widespread gains in employment and a reduction in the unemployment rate to a moderate 3.4 percent.
"Our economy is expanding," said Fong. "And it is consistent with good, sound tax policies that have led to solid job growth."
Fong attributed the success in job growth to the tax department working with other agencies to create opportunities for job creation as well as recent proposals to continue stimulating job growth and economic expansion.
Citing the biodiesel plant in Velva and the new ethanol plant in Hankinson, Fong said, "These are examples of the Tax Department being engaged with other agencies to cut through the red tape, solve problems, and find solutions to encourage new business ventures."
# # #
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Botched Joke? - Not Funny Senator Kerry!
Conrad, Dorgan and Pomeroy Silent on Kerry Outburst
BISMARCK, ND – Today, North Dakota Republican Party State Chairman Ken Karls released the following statement in response to Senator John Kerry’s (D-MA) comments concerning the education of members of the Armed Forces.
“Senator Kerry is stuck in the 70’s. America’s Armed Forces are an all-volunteer force, and North Dakotans who volunteer to serve in the military deserve to be applauded for their patriotic commitment to protecting our nation, and not have their education level questioned by a US Senator. What is as disappointing as Senator Kerry’s comments is the near-deafening silence of Senator Conrad, Senator Dorgan and Congressman Pomeroy in denouncing Kerry’s insult to our military. Or do they agree with Senator Kerry?”
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA) HAS REPEATEDLY ATTACKED
U.S. TROOPS AT WAR
FACT: Sen. Kerry Implied U.S. Troops Were Uneducated:
Sen. Kerry: "You know education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework, and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't you get stuck in Iraq." (NBC 4's Website, http://www.nbc4.tv/video/10195506/index.html, Accessed 10/31/06)
FLASHBACK FACT: Sen. Kerry Said U.S. Troops Were "Terrorizing" Iraqis:
FLASHBACK: Sen. Kerry In Dec. 2005: "[T]here is no reason, Bob, that young American soldiers need to be going into the homes of Iraqis in the dead of night, terrorizing kids and children ..." (CBS' "Face The Nation," 12/4/05)
FLASHBACK FACT: Sen. Kerry Said U.S. Troops Were "Part Of The Problem":
Sen. Kerry In January 2005: "I agree with Sen. Kennedy that we have become the target and part of the problem today, if not the problem." (NBC's "Meet The Press," 1/30/05)
The Picture featured is one of US Troops reacting to Senator Kerry's Comments
- END -
In Case You Missed It ... Grand Forks Herald Endorses Stenehjem, Clark, Jaeger, Fong and Goehring
OUR OPINION : Forum Co. picks for statewide contests-11/01/2006
Our opinion: : This year, the Herald joins Forum Communications Co. in endorsing candidates for statewide office.
Earlier this year, the Herald announced that there would be no editorial endorsements this year. Events intervened, however. Forum Communications Co. bought the Herald in June. FCC endorses candidates in all of its newspapers. These endorsements represent the opinion of FCC.
Here are endorsements in North Dakota statewide races:
…….
For state attorney general: Wayne Stenehjem.
For secretary of state: Al Jaeger.
For commissioner of agriculture: Doug Goehring.
For public service commissioner: Tony Clark.
For tax commissioner: Cory Fong.
To view the full article please visit http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=15300§ion=Opinion
Our opinion: : This year, the Herald joins Forum Communications Co. in endorsing candidates for statewide office.
Earlier this year, the Herald announced that there would be no editorial endorsements this year. Events intervened, however. Forum Communications Co. bought the Herald in June. FCC endorses candidates in all of its newspapers. These endorsements represent the opinion of FCC.
Here are endorsements in North Dakota statewide races:
…….
For state attorney general: Wayne Stenehjem.
For secretary of state: Al Jaeger.
For commissioner of agriculture: Doug Goehring.
For public service commissioner: Tony Clark.
For tax commissioner: Cory Fong.
To view the full article please visit http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=15300§ion=Opinion
North Dakota Democrat’s Out-of-State Special Interest Donation Gravy Train Continues to Roll On
Democrats Try to Buy North Dakota Elections with Out-of-State Checkbook
BISMARCK, ND – According to documents filed with the North Dakota Secretary of State’s Office, the North Dakota Democrat – NPL Party reported raising an additional $53,000 in large donations from out-of-state special interests in the past 10 days.
“The North Dakota Democrat Party continues to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars from liberal out-of-state special interests. With their candidates and Party being funded almost entirely with these large out-of-state donations, the voters of North Dakota are beginning to wonder who the Democrats will represent – the people of North Dakota or their wealthy donors from New York, Texas and Washington D.C,” said Jason Stverak, Executive Director of the North Dakota Republican Party. “North Dakotans deserve to know what are the motives for these individuals to make such large donations and what access it buys with the North Dakota Democrats and their elected officials.”
Additions to the Who’s Who of Democrat Out-of-State Donors
Headwaters Inc PAC Utah $5,000
Richard Scruggs Mississippi $10,000
National Multi-Housing Council PAC Washington, D.C. $3,000
Malachi Mixon, III Ohio $10,000
Monte Friedkin Florida $5,000
Peter Angelos Maryland $20,000
- END -
BISMARCK, ND – According to documents filed with the North Dakota Secretary of State’s Office, the North Dakota Democrat – NPL Party reported raising an additional $53,000 in large donations from out-of-state special interests in the past 10 days.
“The North Dakota Democrat Party continues to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars from liberal out-of-state special interests. With their candidates and Party being funded almost entirely with these large out-of-state donations, the voters of North Dakota are beginning to wonder who the Democrats will represent – the people of North Dakota or their wealthy donors from New York, Texas and Washington D.C,” said Jason Stverak, Executive Director of the North Dakota Republican Party. “North Dakotans deserve to know what are the motives for these individuals to make such large donations and what access it buys with the North Dakota Democrats and their elected officials.”
Additions to the Who’s Who of Democrat Out-of-State Donors
Headwaters Inc PAC Utah $5,000
Richard Scruggs Mississippi $10,000
National Multi-Housing Council PAC Washington, D.C. $3,000
Malachi Mixon, III Ohio $10,000
Monte Friedkin Florida $5,000
Peter Angelos Maryland $20,000
- END -
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