Communities across rural America are engaged in revitalization efforts to renew downtown areas and restore them to their former prominence as a center of community activity. In 2020, HomeSnacks named Oakes, pictured here, one of the 10 best places to live in the Peace Garden State. Photo by NDAREC/Liza Kessel

“It will never go back to the way it was,” says Becky McCray. “We have to start from here and move forward.”

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Then again, how do you feel about farming in the future – about being part of all that?

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As I tucked my 3-year-old Superman into bed (my first night of babysitting), he said, “Grandma, you forgot to sing ‘You are My Shwunshine.’” I enth

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The second habit is exercise. Make a goal of going outside for a walk every day.

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I ponder the different conditions seen over generations.

David Straley

FAMILY REUNION

Al Gustin

There is a Facebook group, “Dakotas Abandoned Images,” where people post pictures of old, abandoned farm buildings and horse-drawn farm implements.

The Roswech ranch supplies the beef for the South 40 Beef processing facility’s retail sales. Courtesy photo

Pointing out he had no prior ranching experience, John says a few area ranchers have take him under their wing, teaching him about the industry.

Josh Kramer

Do you ever have those moments?

Bismarck State College (BSC) lineworker students provide demonstrations at a May 6 event celebrating a 50-year partnership between BSC and the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives.

“I loved the job, loved who I worked with and being outside,” Kraft says.