Reindeer are REAL

Drayton ranch captivates the Christmas spirit with Santa’s backups

DRAYTON – “Up on the housetop reindeer paused, out jumps good ol’ Santa Claus…” is how the holiday classic song begins, but before every child learns those words they memorize the names of all the reindeer. The fascination with reindeer captivates the hearts of not only kids but adults as well. Vernon and Jan Hoselton of Drayton began the Reindeer […]

Kurtz hired as new SRO

Committee approves GPD vehicle purchase

GRAFTON – The Grafton Ways and Means Committee (WMC) gathered at city hall Monday for their regularly scheduled meeting. In attendance were Chris West, Greg Young, Connie Johnson, Nick Ziegelmann, Mary Stark, Dave Fellman, and Don Hutson. In regard to labor relation matters it was announced by Grafton Police Chief Tony Dumas that the new School Resource Officer, who began […]

Maus named North Dakota Superintendent of the Year

To be honored in Phoenix in February with other finalists

Jack Maus, superintendent of schools for Grafton Public School District, has been named the North Dakota Superintendent of the Year by the North Dakota Association of School Administrators (NDASA), as part of the ARAMARK—American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Superintendent of the Year Program. “It’s nice to be recognized by peers as a leader in the state,” said Maus in […]

Minto council briefed on drainage agreement for County Road 15

City to prepares for garbage rate increase in 2016

Once again the Minto City Council (MCC) found themselves in a conversation regarding rural surface water drainage that has the potential of impacting their small town along the Forest River. Brad Narloch, area farmer and Minto resident, reported on an agreement reached by 10 area property owners who have an interest in water movement along County Road 15. The plan […]

By the numbers: poverty in our city and county

Issues of poverty no longer a distant, urban concern

Editor’s note: The first of a three-part series on Walsh County poverty. Given the rich soil and entrepreneurial spirit of its agricultural community, Walsh County has, over the years, proudly laid claim to being a prosperous place where people could make a good living and comfortably raise a family. Yet, in what could be called an eye-opening moment during a […]

Walsh County court cases continue into 2016

Drug, sex crimes keep court busy

Cesar Salinas Cesar John Salinas , age 43, from Grafton appeared in Walsh County District Court on Monda y for his pre-trial conference with his attorney Stuart John Askew. Walsh County District Judge Richard Geiger granted a request for a continuance. The new date for Salinas’ pre-trial conference is Jan. 20 at 1 p.m.. Salinas face charges from one count […]

WinterFest’s Spirit of the Season activities Saturday



Grafton’s WinterFest will be bringing Spirit of the Season activities to Leistikow Park on Saturday afternoon, beginning at 1 p.m. and continuing until 4:30 p.m. The event will include kids’ crafts, snow shoeing and cross country skiing (weather permitting) and wagon rides from 1-3 p.m. Cider and cookies will also be served. The Family Jingle Dash half-mile walk/ run is […]

Community Helpers to host Kids Shopping with Santa



The Community Helpers Group of Grafton will host their eighth annual Kids Shopping with Santa event Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 16-19, at the Choice Financial Community Center. The event is open to kids through fourth grade in our area communities. Children will be able to shop for up to three family members for the price of $1 per gift item. […]

Police Blotter



Nov. 30, 3:22 p.m., animal complaint on Cooper Avenue. Dec. 1, 4:57 p.m., report of harassment on Fernwood Drive. Dec. 2, 8:38 a.m., report of traffic hazards on Highway 17 near Chandler Field. Dec. 2, 2:30 p.m., report of harassment at AmericInn. Dec. 2, 8:49 p.m., report of a civil disturbance at the Leonard Motel. Dec. 2, 9:44 p.m., report […]

Miss Empire Joelle Sunstrom conducting local toy drive



Miss Empire Joelle Sunstrom of Grafton is conducting a toy drive for area children who otherwise might not receive a present for Christmas. Drop boxes for toy donations are located at Hugo’s Family Marketplace and Shopko in Grafton. Sunstrom is seeking donations of new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages and both genders, as well as wrapping paper and […]