|
The
seminar began with presenter Mel Nelson of Executive
Management Systems. He helped the group to read and
understand the leadership assessments that had been by
completed by a panel of people selected by the
participants. North Dakota District Representative Pam
Gulleson of
Rutland spoke about the history of Oakes, the progress of
rural North Dakota communities, and opportunties for further
growth. The group then loaded a bus to attend a dinner
gathering hosted by the South Dakota Agriculture Rural
Leadership group at the Flame Restaurant in Aberdeen, South
Dakota. A controversial film called "King Korn" was shown
by author and publicist Peter Carrels of Aberdeen and a
lively discussion was held after the movie. This was the
first showing of the movie in the midwest states.
Friday
began with a wrap up session regarding the Leadership
Assesments component with Mel Nelson. Sharon Query, 4-H
Youth Development Specialist of NDSU, spoke about Ethical
Leadership and the Six Pillars of Character. The group then
toured the newly built Oakes Hospital with CEO
 Daon
Kapfer, the JF Palmer and Sons Onion Plant with Manager Mark
Myatt, and the West Station Grain Elevator
owned by Crete Grain Company, Sonja and LeRoy Meehl. The
group wrapped up the evening with dinner at the Ranch House
in Fullerton, where RLND Class of 2007 Alumni Patricia
Bowen, Economic Development Director of Ellendale, spoke
about her experiences in the RLND program. Each class
participant then presented his or her project proposal, most
of which are just in the initial planning stages.
Saturday was a busy day beginning with an extensive tour of
the Maple River Hutterite Colony near Fullerton. Everyone
loved the freshly baked buns and learned what life in the
Colony was like on a day to day basis. Our hosts, Betty
Hofer and Annie Wahlman were very gracious and we ended the
tour very impressed by the organization and modern
facilities we had seen at the Colony.
The
group met in Ellendale to tour the relic Opera House, which
is being
restored in several phases. We viewed a wonderfully
eclectic art exhibit, were treated to fresh rolls from the
local bakery, and given an outstanding tour of the massive
building by Grant Crabtree of O.P.E.R.A., a group that is
working to refurbish the theater. We received a goodie bag
from the Ellendale Civic Association
Photo by Catherine
Dalzell
loaded with all kinds
of goodies. Then we headed to Roger's Outdoor Store, owned
by Roger Lenius, to take a look at one of the newest
businesses in downtown Ellendale.Fresh, gourmet coffee beverages could also be purchased for
the final leg of the tour at the Coffee Bean owned by Becky
Tatum.
We met
at the new Tatanka Wind Farm project west of Forbes, North
Dakota where we viewed the 65 completed wind towers and the
construction of the remaining 59 towers. A company called
Acciona from Spain is the funding the project. The project
when completed will supply enough energy for 50,000 U.S.
households. The wind farm project started in May and is
scheduled for completion in mid-winter. This will be the
largest wind farm in North and South Dakota spanning over
14,000 acres. The presence of the wind towers is enormous
and has helped to boost the local economy.
 The
last stop for the group was Sand's Custom Saddlery, where we
were shown the fine art of creating a custom built saddle.
The shop was once an old home that was built from a Sear's
kit for $800.00 in the early 1900's. It was recently moved
10 miles at a cost of approximately $3,000.00. The owner,
Cody Sand is a self taught saddle
Photo by Catherine
Dalzell
maker who also designs custom chaps and other accessories
for the equine enthusiast.
by Kelly Larson |
