MANNING, ND — On Friday, March 22, 2024, the Dunn County Commission held a meeting that highlighted broad community concerns and administrative adjustments. The agenda covered discussions ranging from rodeo festivities to mental health issues, and included a notable change in leadership of a key county department.
The session began with a tribute to local traditions, as the Killdeer Saddle Club obtained its annual gaming license for planned Killdeer Rodeo Arena events. In a similar vein, the Hilltop Heritage Foundation has secured a gaming license for a 50/50 draw, promising an exciting start to July in tandem with the Saddle Club.
The conversation then moved on to more serious topics. Sandy Rhode of Vision West of North Dakota highlighted the importance of the upcoming Behavioral Health Summit on June 19-20, 2024.
“Everyone knows that mental health is a hot topic and a major problem in this country,” Rhode said, emphasizing the importance and urgency of the summit.
Photo from the Dickinson press kit.
In response to Rhode’s presentation, the commission approved a $7,500 sponsorship for the event, affirming the county’s commitment to addressing mental health challenges.
The meeting also addressed an operational obstacle affecting the effectiveness of emergency responses. Sarah Duttenhefner highlighted discrepancies between the 911 mapping system and the navigation tools used by deputies.
“These mapping services are not always up to date with the Sandy response map,” Duttenhefner noted, highlighting a gap in emergency services.
Photo from the Dickinson press kit.
To address this issue, the commission considered a solution of providing first responders with access to a unified mapping system at a cost of $5,512. This decision aims to improve the speed and precision of emergency responses.
A significant transition within the Dunn County Tax Director’s office was also discussed. Nicole Carlson announced her resignation as Dunn County Fiscal Director, effective April 1, 2024, and introduced Holly Hutchison as her successor. Hutchison, deputy director of tax equalization, has served the department for eight years and will now lead it.
Carlson, in his statement, expressed confidence in Hutchison’s abilities. “Holly has been a great asset to the Tax Director’s office over the past eight years,” she said, affirming that Hutchison was ready to take on the leadership role.
Photo from the Dickinson press kit.
Commissioner JoAnn Marsh reflected on her experiences with Carlson and Hutchison. “I believe Holly has a good handle on what’s going on in this office,” Marsh concluded, supporting the transition.
To view the entire meeting, you can visit the Dunn County Youtube channel
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From the dirt roads of nowhere in Arizona, where I grew up on a family farm just a stone’s throw from the river, to the open plains of North Dakota, I hope to foster the small-town vibe of Dickinson that I I’ve already experienced. to like. Whether it’s connecting with a rancher on their property outside of town or attending the latest community gathering, I’m excited to share updates on events in our community. In doing so, I aim to become a valued member of the historic communities that grace the beautiful land where we live.
