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CHRISTMAS MAGIC
Although I came from a “lots of kids, not much money” kind of family, we were never deprived of fun-filled Christmases.

One Christmas Eve, the family was gathered in the living room, listening to holiday music, watching the bubble lights on the tree and wondering what Santa would bring.

STATE BEVERAGE
Did you know milk is our state beverage? My favorite product made in North Dakota is milk and other dairy products. My family loves milk, butter, ice cream, cheese and all of the other wonderful foods made of dairy!

This summer, I enjoyed attending a breakfast on the farm at one of the largest dairy farms in North Dakota near Mandan to watch the process of milk production. It is sure hard work being a dairy farmer! I admire all they do, especially the long hours worked every day.

NOVEMBER: What is your favorite product made in North Dakota and why?
Deadline for submission: Oct.14

DECEMBER: Share a favorite Christmas memory.
Deadline for submission: Nov. 11

We want to hear FROM you:

Popcorn Bars

    1    stick (1/2 cup) butter or margarine
  16    oz. mini marshmallows
 1/3    cup cooking oil
    7    cups popped popcorn
    1    cup milk chocolate M&Ms (M&Ms in team colors can be ordered online or the classic brightly colored regular M&Ms are always fun!)

AUGUST: What’s the greatest challenge facing our state today?

Deadline for submission: July 13

SEPTEMBER: Share your favorite snack recipe for a sporting watch party or tailgate event.

Deadline for submission: Aug. 12

OPEN AIR VISITS
North Dakota’s best outdoor activity is talking with people who are outdoors. I enjoy my outdoor visits with the neighbor, whether they live next door to me or blocks away. And when I am working outside, I love it when those who are out for a walk or are driving around will stop and chat.

RETIRING WINTER GEAR
I think my favorite indication that summer is here is being able to put away the snowboots, snowpants, hats and gloves and take the extra blankets out of the car. They all come out with the first snowflakes of fall and stay through the unpredictable spring weather.

Dear farmers and ranchers,

I know this past year has been tough. We could barely grow crops. Our cattle barely had enough to eat. But this year, we are getting a lot more snow than last year. The ground shouldn’t be as dry, and our cattle can eat more grass. We’ll be able to get more hay for the animals next winter. So, whether you’re a farmer or a rancher, remember bad days can’t last forever.

Emelie Schaper, age 11
McKenzie Electric Cooperative

BREAKING A STREAK
It was on the football field in Anamoose on a September Friday night in 1984 where the cheering, whooping and hollering took place. The crowd was going crazy and the players were jumping up and down in jubilation. A bystander would have thought this team had won the state championship, due to all the excitement. But no!

PRACTICE BASIC KINDNESS
Coming up with my greatest wish for 2022 was a challenge. When I think about the last few years in our country – the anger, hatred and division – I am heartsick.

My wish for the new year comes from what I learned as a child:
• Treat others as you want to be treated.
• Love one another.
• Practice kindness.
• Take care of each other.
• Show compassion.
• Watch your words. Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing, but just because you can say something, doesn't mean you should.