September 4th, 2019
By Raul Gomez, Publisher
raul@hpr1.com
I have come to think of the High Plains Reader, not as an extension of John Strand or myself, but as its own living breathing entity that wants and feeds and strives for its own personal fulfillment. And sometimes when I look back at where it started, I feel a closeness to it. We share a bond, like a parent or gay uncle, and I’m proud of what it’s become.
When I first saw the Reader I was in Grafton, North Dakota, fresh on my second week of…
September 4th, 2019
I was pretty depressed. I was new in town, very much alone and my main entertainment was going to the supermarket. I walked there to make it last longer.
On March 7, 2007, I overcame my shyness and walked up the stairs and into the headquarters and only quarters of the High Plains Reader, to volunteer my services. John Strand, the co-proprietor, asked me what I’d like to do. I said that for starters, what nobody else wants to do, and he put me to work answering the phone.
That’s…
September 4th, 2019
There has always been a certain allure about motorcycles. Even after they have become a fixture on roads everywhere they still evoke a sense of freedom, rugged individualism, and danger. It is that aura of mystique that has enthralled Dan Jacobson Sr. aka “Dangerous Dakota Dan”, well-known motorcycle celebrity emcee, ever since he was twelve and still holds him in its thrall to this day. This passion inspired him to spearhead the first ever downtown motorcycle show to be held in…
September 4th, 2019
North Dakota is often known for its multigenerational family farms; not so much for its animal rescues and sanctuaries. But Jessica Hawkes, a New Rockford local, is currently working to convert a 600-acre, fifth-generation homestead into the Hawkes Homestead Animal Sanctuary.
“We currently house approximately 125 animals,” Hawkes says. “I say approximately because they are always coming and going—last week we adopted out five cats and four chicks, and this morning three more…
September 4th, 2019
By Kris Gruber
perriex1@gmail.com
The High Plains Reader spoke to Markus Krueger, Programming Director for the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, about the upcoming march and social honoring the 100th anniversary of our nation’s ratification of the 19th amendment.
HIGH PLAINS READER: Can you discuss your involvement in the planning and development of the Suffrage March and social?
Marcus Krueger: The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County has teamed up with the League…
September 4th, 2019
By Jill Finkelson
jsfinkelson99@gmail.com
This week, we gained 174 New Americans in the state of North Dakota. They come from 46 different countries around the world and became citizens of the United States at the Sanctuary Event Center in downtown Fargo.
As our communities grow and become more diverse, not just here in Fargo but across the United States, there’s a movement to welcome our new neighbors and bring them into the fold. One of these organizations is Welcoming Week USA and…
August 28th, 2019
When on stage, long-time comedian Lewis Black has a well-earned reputation as a curmudgeon liable to set off in a furious rant at a moment’s notice. However, in the context of an interview he is actually quite the friendly and engaging conversationalist (albeit peppering the chat with the occasional expletive). I had the opportunity to converse with Black about his upcoming show at the Fargo Theatre, his life and times as a comedian, and how his craft has evolved over time without…
August 14th, 2019
The 2019 North Dakota Senior Games begin this Thursday, August 15 and will continue through Saturday, August 17. There are 20 events scheduled for the Senior Games, which take place at various locations around Fargo and West Fargo.
The games are open to any North Dakota resident over the age of 50 and Fargo Parks promises they will have events for nearly all ability levels. There will be individual and team competition available.
The North Dakota Senior Games showcase the benefits of…
August 14th, 2019
By Jill Finkkelson
jsfinkelson99@gmail.com
Next May, the Avalon Events Center in town will host the largest runway fashion and trade show in North Dakota. This Saturday, they’re throwing a launch party and fashion show at Drumconrath Brewing to give us all a little taste of what’s to come.
I reached out to the lady that seems to do it all- Jani Skala, founder of the event and CEO of SKADI Enterprises. She wanted to bring a fashion show to Fargo back in 2016 and has been hard at work…
August 7th, 2019
Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) youth in North Dakota attempt suicide at a rate 58 times higher than the estimated national average for suicide attempts. Nearly half of North Dakota’s LGB youth experienced bullying for their identity. Eight percent of all youth in our state reported being bullied because other students thought they were gay.
This data comes from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) which is a statewide survey of 10,000 middle and high school…
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By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comNorth Dakota communities will join a “nationwide day of defiance” against authoritarianism and President Donald Trump’s policies on Saturday, June 14. A range of "No Kings" events…
Back-to-school season is on the horizon, but there's still plenty of summer left. Check out our favorite August attractions and events in North Dakota and western Minnesota. And if if you missed them, here are a few excellent May…
June 21, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.Fargo Theatre, 314 Broadway N., Fargo“We Watch Shudder,” Fargo’s favorite horror podcasters, bring on the darkness during the longest day of the year. The Darkest Day of Horror Film Festival features…
Fighting the good fightBy Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.com Over two thousand rallies took place nationwide June 14 as part of the “No Kings" protest. Ten of those protests were held in North Dakota, with thousands in attendance.…
By Ed Raymondfargogadfly@gmail.comA syndrome is defined as a group of signs and symptoms that collectively indicate or characterize a disease, psychological disorder, or other abnormal condition and any complex of symptoms of an…
By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com Holiday wine shopping shouldn’t have to be complicated. But unfortunately it can cause unneeded anxiety due to an overabundance of choices. Don’t fret my friends, we once again have you covered…
By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com The weather warmed up quickly here in the upper Midwest this spring, sparking prime eating season. This means burger battles, food trucks and lake-season food travel. The 2025 Downtown Fargo Burger…
By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comThe Moorhead Public Library will offer three free, all-ages outdoor concerts featuring regional bands this summer. The series begins on June 12 with the Meat Rabbits, a group that blends…
By Greg Carlsongregcarlson1@gmail.com As we continue to deal with the ongoing horrorshow of racism, misogyny and transphobia embraced by the current administration, films like “Sally” can serve as an important reminder that…
By Deb Wallworkdwallwork@icloud.comI first met Catherine Mulligan at a party at her house. It was a small gathering, spontaneous, just a few people over for dinner. Directed toward a stack of plates and bowls and a big pot warming…
North Dakota play about mental health launches Midwest tour in AugustBy Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.com A new one-act play inspired by patients buried in the Old Cemetery at the Jamestown State Hospital will tour festivals in…
By Annie Prafckeannieprafcke@gmail.com AUSTIN, Texas – As a Chinese-American, connecting to my culture through food is essential, and no dish brings me back to my mother’s kitchen quite like hotdish. Yes, you heard me right –…
By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comNew Jamestown Brewery Serves up Local FlavorThere’s something delicious brewing out here on the prairie and it just so happens to be the newest brewery west of the Red River and east of the…
The drug that keeps re-purposing itselfBy Ellie Liveranieli.liverani.ra@gmail.com There is a drug that is getting a lot of attention nowadays all over the world. It has various commercial names (Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus), but…
By Alicia Underlee NelsonProtests against President Trump’s policies and the cuts made by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are planned across North Dakota and western Minnesota Friday, April 4 and…
By Vern Thompsonvern.thompson@rocketmail.com Working in the Bakken oil fields of the Williston Basin is so different from my home in Fargo. I'm not judging, because the people working and living in western North Dakota are very…
