The Jarrod Thomas Show Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeqMSzFbSos https://believeandcreate.com/start-keeping-promises-to-yourself/ https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/news-events/spectrum/volume-16-issue-1-winter-2024/semaglutide-shows-promise-potential-alcohol-use-disorder-medication https://obesityassociation.org/?utm_source=google_search&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=obesity_association&utm_content=responsive-search-ad&utm_term=consumer&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23045771930&gbraid=0AAAAAD_Lb4YSS6JpFUWSbJTN7rzIPEi8e&gclid=CjwKCAjw6P3GBhBVEiwAJPjmLkAA_XiWdFs6Oi_z3AuGNCGEZRtjeoHysSRw12GZMlPQwlPANc3qYRoCG_cQAvD_BwE https://www.everlywell.com/blog/weight-management/understanding-emotional-eating/?g_network=g&g_productchannel=&g_adid=765781645146&g_locinterest=&g_keyword=&g_campaign=account&g_adtype=&g_keywordid=dsa-39587879683&g_ifcreative=&g_acctid=652-099-8287&g_adgroupid=188661881691&g_productid=&g_source={sourceid}&g_merchantid=&g_placement=&g_campaignid=22836475150&g_partition=&g_locphysical=1021449&g_ifproduct=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google_TestKit_GS_NB_DSA_Catch_All&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22836475150&gbraid=0AAAAADfqj4gmZpkuuX5IP_Wzmqe7MNYeX&gclid=CjwKCAjw6P3GBhBVEiwAJPjmLg3Rct0tMVT2lYtioOEt6VVHRFaryGWKvh9FeewnnaV9ckYq749WqBoC5GcQAvD_BwE https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a63957280/how-to-stop-food-noise-naturally/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_whm_md_pmx_hybd_mix_us_17871928004&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17865212551&gbraid=0AAAAACrQpnyYx2Y9IgD07OUvoVNh83DTd&gclid=CjwKCAjw6P3GBhBVEiwAJPjmLrqZTUO9GQagehZ6Fr-qBhU7aKjyhEp97ArWtV4VKX4Yql0jr4EjlhoCC8wQAvD_BwE https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-sugar-addiction https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g49816-d5846726-Reviews-The_Parrot_s_Cay-Grand_Forks_North_Dakota.html https://demnpl.com/our-party/party-leadership/ https://www.jamieselzler.com TikTok - jamselz Instagram - jselzler Facebook - Jamie Selzler YouTube - jselzler

https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/grand-forks-school-district-leaders-look-to-the-community-for-support-addressing-chronic-absenteeism https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/prep/bowman-county-hillsboros-claire-grinde-winners-at-border-battle-once-again     https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/und-hockey-to-play-in-belfast-northern-ireland-in-2027   https://nypost.com/2025/09/21/us-news/charlie-kirk-funeral-hits-capacity-as-200k-people-turn-out/   https://www.foxnews.com/us/what-will-be-tyler-robinsons-defense-strategy-experts-weigh-accused-charlie-kirk-assassin   https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-suspension-supporters-94b79634a19b2c4ce70a2b4195ef1175

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/09/10/us/charlie-kirk-shot-utah Charlie Kirk, Right-Wing Influencer, Shot in Utah Charlie Kirk, who founded the right-wing youth activist organization Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in the neck on Wednesday while speaking at a campus event in Orem, Utah. Tess Crowley/The ... www.nytimes.com https://knoxradio.com/2025/08/12/agristo-another-step-closer-to-setting-up-its-north-american-operations-in-grand-forks/   https://www.grandforksherald.com/business/grand-forks-celebrates-agristos-investment-in-regions-potato-industry   https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/local/a-civic-center-for-all-moves-to-reality-as-ground-is-broken-for-grand-forks-altru-sports-complex 'A civic center for all' moves to reality as ground is broken for Grand Forks' Altru Sports Complex - Grand Forks Herald | Grand Forks, East Grand Forks news, weather & sports 'A civic center for all' moves to reality as ground is broken for Grand Forks' Altru Sports Complex City leaders and community members came out Friday morning as the future indoor turf and ... www.grandforksherald.com https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/ben-strinden-wins-third-straight-iron-man-competition Ben Strinden wins third-straight Iron Man competition Ben Strinden wins third-straight Iron Man competition www.grandforksherald.com https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/we-feel-less-safe-nd-leaders-urge-respect-for-opposing-viewpoints-amid-spike-in-political-violence   https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/grand-forks-city-council-advances-five-year-tax-incentive-for-northridge-apartment-complex Grand Forks City Council advances five-year tax incentive for Northridge apartment complex - Grand Forks Herald | Grand Forks, East Grand Forks news, weather & sports Unlike the previously proposed 20-year incentive, the five-year incentive is within the purview of the council, and does not need approval from the Grand Forks School Board or County Commission. www.grandforksherald.com

https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/und-minnesota-hockey-tickets-sell-for-1-000-a-seat   https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/north-dakota/former-north-dakota-game-and-fish-director-arrested-for-sexual-misconduct-involving-child   https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/college/und-overpowers-portland-state-50-20-in-potato-bowl-home-opener   https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/grand-forks-public-schools-native-american-students-are-graduating-at-lower-rates-than-the-district-average      Grand Forks Public Schools Native American students are graduating at lower rates than the district average - Grand Forks Herald | Grand Forks, East Grand Forks news, weather & sports District leaders discuss the factors that led to graduation rate discrepancies and shifts in district policy moving forward. www.grandforksherald.com https://www.inforum.com/news/fargo/lead-teacher-program-to-be-tested-in-fargo-northern-cass-schools-has-potential-to-transform-education 'Lead teacher' program to be tested in Fargo, Northern Cass schools has potential to transform education - InForum | Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo news, weather and sports 'Lead teacher' program to be tested in Fargo, Northern Cass schools has potential to transform education A total of 15 North Dakota teachers will undergo training in Arizona for the program. www.inforum.com https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/baseball/phillies-home-run-ball-father-rcna229631     Father talks about viral moment Phillies fan demanded home run ball from his son - NBC News A Philadelphia dad scored a home run ball for his son at a Phillies game, but a viral confrontation with a fan dubbed "Phillies Karen" has sparked backlash over her etiquette. www.nbcnews.com https://www.google.com/search?q=has+philly+karen+been+fired%27&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS947US947&oq=has+philly+karen+been+fired%27&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigAdIBCDQ4NzFqMGo0qAIAsAIB&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

https://abcnews.go.com/US/minnesota-school-shooting-suspect-robin-westman/story?id=125029777

https://www.inforum.com/sports/prep/north-dakota-among-best-in-us-at-streaming-high-school-sports   Postseason and tournament coverage Professional media outlets must apply and register for specific credentials to cover NDHSAA state tournaments. For state tournaments, the NDHSAA has different tiers for broadcast rights. A long-standing agreement with Forum Communications Company grants them exclusive television broadcast rights for many events. Local streaming services and other media might have to pay rights fees to broadcast playoff or tournament games.  NFHS Network streaming The NFHS Network has rights to stream many NDHSAA events. Viewers typically pay a subscription fee to this service to watch games, which supports the NFHS and its partners.    https://www.inforum.com/opinion/columns/port-school-children-are-not-a-product   https://www.statista.com/topics/1330/radio/#:~:text=Radio%20is%20one%20of%20the,around%2082%20percent%20among%20adults.   https://x.com/D1_Rejects

https://www.aleruscenter.com/plan-your-visit/frequently-asked-questions   https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/banking/article/reverse-atm-142705138.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAADEt9ftM6jvVEY5gUFFeXmQYk4SU8t-JVvfvk6LejuZKq2wGJlySYT8v-KHmxrLA-fsBiRhwbACQTp4waY4WBTzJeQuILhYXpHVcw9zuxTMzN9snV5EBT7W6P5Z8GvWYIztJtS7ylBMtp2wgmhaZCJXqmdoc7iUJNaicudd2-s5c What is a reverse ATM? A reverse ATM is a freestanding kiosk that accepts cash deposits and dispenses a prepaid card in return. They’re common in places where cash isn’t accepted. But there are fees and other drawbacks to reverse ATMs. Read on to learn more about how they work. finance.yahoo.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LIbp62aMwg   https://www.aleruscenter.com/plan-your-visit/directions-parking     Directions & Parking - Alerus Center Parking for UND Football is $5 and $10 for most ticketed events. Directions to Alerus Center from Interstate 29 and Highway 2. www.aleruscenter.com https://www.inforum.com/news/fargo/sales-tax-to-improve-fargodome-unlikely-to-pass-lodging-tax-increase-tilts-toward-approval Fargodome renovation vote fails, convention center passes The sales tax would have financed $110 million of the project. In addition, the Fargodome planned to contribute $30 million of its savings to the $140 million project. Fargo Dome Authority ... www.inforum.com https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2012/02/14/146880432/the-truth-about-van-halen-and-those-brown-m-ms   https://knoxradio.com/2024/02/10/jonas-brothers-gf-concert-officially-cancelled/ Jonas Brothers GF concert officially cancelled There won’t be a makeup date for the postponed Jonas Brothers concert in Grand Forks. The Alerus Center released a social media post on Friday announcing that the concert is officially cancelled. The show was originally booked in July (2023) and scheduled for November 17th as part of what was billed as “THE TOUR.” The concert was postponed days before the scheduled date. The following is ... knoxradio.com

https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/local/grand-forks-county-expects-3-levy-increase-0-15-mill-increase-for-2026-budget      Grand Forks County expects 3% levy increase, 0.15 mill increase for 2026 budget - Grand Forks Herald | Grand Forks, East Grand Forks news, weather & sports In total, the county is expecting to levy $36,300,211, or 91.7 mills in property taxes for 2026. To keep the county in compliance with the new 3% cap passed by the Legislature as part of a ... www.grandforksherald.com https://knoxradio.com/2025/06/17/a-grand-forks-county-correctional-center-officer-arrested-for-taking-contraband-into-jail/   https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/local/grand-forks-man-sentenced-to-12-years-for-distributing-fentanyl-inside-jail    https://grandforks.org/top-10-april-2025/

https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/local/grand-forks-county-expects-3-levy-increase-0-15-mill-increase-for-2026-budget     Grand Forks County expects 3% levy increase, 0.15 mill increase for 2026 budget - Grand Forks Herald | Grand Forks, East Grand Forks news, weather & sports In total, the county is expecting to levy $36,300,211, or 91.7 mills in property taxes for 2026. To keep the county in compliance with the new 3% cap passed by the Legislature as part of a ... www.grandforksherald.com https://knoxradio.com/2025/06/17/a-grand-forks-county-correctional-center-officer-arrested-for-taking-contraband-into-jail/   https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/local/grand-forks-man-sentenced-to-12-years-for-distributing-fentanyl-inside-jail    https://grandforks.org/top-10-april-2025/

https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/mural-at-school-for-the-blind-stirs-controversy-in-grand-forks?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/und-unveils-new-hockey-jerseys-1?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar UND unveils new hockey jerseys CCM, the new manufacturer, has removed numbers from the front of the sweaters. www.grandforksherald.com https://www.grandforksherald.com/community/arts-organizations-express-concerns-over-potential-cuts-in-citys-2025-budget?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar https://www.grandforksherald.com/weather/what-is-causing-one-of-canadas-worst-wildfire-seasons-in-history?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar What is causing one of Canada's worst wildfire seasons in history? The blazes have burned nearly 15 million acres of land, and the fire season is expected to go into September. With it comes the threat of smoky days in Minnesota and North Dakota. www.grandforksherald.com Ozzy Osbourne played the Fargodome in Fargo, ND in 1996 and 2007. He first performed there in February 1996 on his "Ozzmosis" tour. His second visit was in October 2007, during his "Black Rain" tour. [1, 2, 3] https://www.foxnews.com/health/hulk-hogan-wwe-fame-faced-multiple- health-issues-leading-up-his-death WWE legend Hulk Hogan's death by cardiac arrest follows years of health issues | Fox News WWE superstar Hulk Hogan reportedly died from cardiac arrest after facing numerous health issues, including 25 surgeries and admitted steroid use. Experts discuss risk factors. www.foxnews.com    Alerus Center to Introduce “Cashless” Facility Beginning September 6 Grand Forks, ND (July 28, 2025) Oak View Group, the provider of Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality, and Partnerships at Alerus Center announces, in an effort to improve speed of service and elevate the overall guest experience, the Alerus Center will adopt a “cashless” model beginning this fall. Starting with the University of North Dakota Football home opener on Saturday, September 6, most purchases made inside the Alerus Center will be cash-free. Parking, along with a majority of concession stands, will now only accept debit, credit, pre-paid cards, and gift cards. The shift is designed to streamline transactions at concession stands and other point-of-sale locations in the arena and conference center, reducing wait times and improving operational efficiency. Limited cash options will be available for private events such as weddings, banquets, trade shows, and more. To ensure accessibility for all guests, cash exchange locations will be available at both the Transystems Box Office and Guest Services, where patrons can convert cash into pre-paid cards. Cash will still be accepted when purchasing tickets directly at the Transystems Box Office. “This transition allows us to provide a faster, more seamless experience for everyone attending events at Alerus Center,” said Anna Rosburg, Alerus Center General Manager. “At the same time, we’re committed to maintaining options for guests who prefer to use cash.” During the transition period, select concession lines and arena floor vendors will continue to accept cash. These locations will be clearly marked with signage, and Alerus Center staff will be on hand to assist with any questions. Guests are encouraged to follow Alerus Center on social media and visit aleruscenter.com for the latest updates and the full “cashless” policy. ### Alerus Center Alerus Center, a 13,500-seat arena that can accommodate 25,000 for concerts, is the home of the University of North Dakota football team. The multi-purpose arena also hosts family shows, sporting events, banquets, weddings, conventions, and trade shows. Alerus Center features 14-luxury suites and a club lounge, as well as an adjacent 160,000-sq. ft. of convention and trade-show space, including a 26,000-sq. ft. grand ballroom and 12 meeting rooms.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monique_Lamoureux  Monique Lamoureux - Wikipedia Monique Edith Lamoureux-Morando (born July 3, 1989), previously known as Monique Lamoureux-Kolls, [1] is an American former ice hockey player. She scored the game-tying goal in the final of the 2018 Winter Olympics before her twin sister Jocelyne scored the last shootout goal of the game to clinch the gold medal. She also captured silver medals for Team USA at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics ... en.wikipedia.org https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-auKH1ZRU3w   https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Make-History-Chasing-Fighting/dp/163576727X   https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/page/body/espn-body-issue-2017

https://fightinghawks.com/sports/football/roster/matt-vanderpan/1008   https://www.biav.net/resource-directory/johnston-willis-hospital-rehabilitation-unit/   https://www.altru.org/blog/2022/may/stroke-survivor-matt-vanderpans-altruism-story   https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/health-benefits-of-having-a-routine

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/12374/jean-philippe-lamoureux  Jean-Philippe Lamoureux - Stats, Contract, Salary & More - Elite Prospects Eliteprospects.com hockey player profile of Jean-Philippe Lamoureux, 1984-08-20 Grand Forks, ND, USA USA. Most recently in the ICEHL with Villacher SV. Complete player biography and stats. www.eliteprospects.com https://fightinghawks.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/roster/jean-philippe-lamoureux/3794 Jean-Philippe Lamoureux - Men's Hockey - Men's Hockey - University of North Dakota Athletics Enters 2007-08 season having started 25 consecutive games ...If he starts UND’s season opener, he will move into a tie for fourth with Rudy Lindbeck on UND’s all-time list for consecutive starts by a goalie ...Would need to start first four games to tie for third on school list for consecutive goalie starts ...Needs eight wins to move into a tie for 10th on UND’s all-time win list ... fightinghawks.com https://web.archive.org/web/20110928120014/http://www.fightingsioux.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=13500&ATCLID=749622   https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/jean-philippe-lamoureux-announces-retirement-from-pro-hockey Jean-Philippe Lamoureux announces retirement from pro hockey Lamoureux split time between the AHL's Abbotsford Heat and the ECHL's Utah Grizzlies during his third professional season. Then, he moved overseas to begin a 14-year run in Austria's top league ... www.grandforksherald.com https://www.amazon.com/Focused-Systems-Thought-Hockey-Goaltenders/dp/B0F2HMXMRK

Happy birthday America

https://www.grandforksherald.com/health/altru-breaks-ground-for-behavioral-health-center-expansion   https://www.grandforksherald.com/business/iconic-grand-forks-restaurant-italian-moon-to-close   https://www.inforum.com/news/fargo/amateur-boxer-with-meth-up-super-power-assaulted-officers-police-reacted-as-they-should-chief-says   https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/minnesota/in-the-wake-of-tragedy-minnesota-lawmakers-call-for-truth-respect-and-humanity   https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/minnesota/suspect-in-twin-cities-legislator-shootings-federally-charged   https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/minnesota/hortman-familys-dog-gravely-injured-in-attack-on-couple-has-died

https://www.si.com/edge/2015/06/26/nhl-draft-jack-eichel-boston-university-hockey-training   https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/as-leader-of-new-sanford-power-grand-forks-anthony-morando-wants-to-push-clients-through-barriers   https://www.mlb.com/news/yankees-swept-by-red-sox-behind-max-fried Yankees swept by Red Sox, their first time swept in 2025 - MLB.com BOSTON – Aaron Judge produced perhaps the lone highlight the Yankees would like to carry with them from a lost weekend at Fenway Park, a cinematic game-tying home run that capped a power-on-power showdown against Garrett Crochet of the Red Sox on Friday evening. That ninth-inning blast cleared the Green www.mlb.com https://www.sanfordsports.com/locations/grand-forks#contact   Anthony.morando@sanfordhealth.org    https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/prep/state-championship-celebrations-carry-on-for-east-grand-forks

https://bismarcktribune.com/news/nation-world/government-politics/article_dcf4d516-363f-52da-88b0-48711828c800.html#tracking-source=home-top-story   https://nypost.com/2025/06/02/tech/ai-could-devastate-earths-population-down-to-the-size-of-the-uk-by-2300-expert-warns-people-really-dont-have-a-clue   https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/local/hope-church-renovations-will-benefit-grand-forks-community-at-large-lead-pastor-says       https://www.gfhope.org/daretowonder General 2 — HOPE Church We believe that stepping out in faith is an act of worship. Dare to Wonder is more than a campaign—it’s an opportunity to trust God in new ways and invest in what He is doing through HOPE Church.. Consider how God is leading you to give. Your commitment is not about the size of the gift, but about responding in faith. www.gfhope.org https://news.gallup.com/poll/642548/church-attendance-declined-religious-groups.aspx https://www.churchtrac.com/articles/the-state-of-church-attendance-trends-and-statistics-2023 Explore the latest church attendance statistics in 2025 and discover surprising insights into the changing landscape of church attendance. | ChurchTrac Blog What is Generation Z Looking For in Church. According to Missional Marketing's 2018 study of non-churchgoing young adults (ages 18-30), Gen Z is looking for two things:. Faith practices that are immediately relevant to their daily life; Faith practices that make a positive impact on the world around them www.churchtrac.com

East Grand Forks considers ordinances regulating camping, conduct in public spaces The City Council is considering two ordinances, one for camping and another for conduct in parks. https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/local/east-grand-forks-considers-ordinances-regulating-camping-conduct-in-public-spaces EAST GRAND FORKS – The East Grand Forks City Council reviewed two proposed ordinances regulating conduct in public areas during its work session Tuesday night. The City Council is considering an ordinance that would restrict camping in public areas and another ordinance that would spell out rules and hours for public parks. Both ordinance changes have been in discussion at a staff level for some time and would add a way for the city to regulate unwanted and unlawful activities, city staff told the council. “We don’t have a huge issue here in East Grand Forks, but there certainly is a problem with occasionally camping in some areas where you're not supposed to be,” East Grand Forks Police Chief Mike Hedlund said. “We definitely have an issue with some of the Greenway areas.” Those issues are most pronounced near the Greenway, but issues have occurred elsewhere in the city, according to Hedlund. The camping ordinance, similar to one recently passed by the Grand Forks City Council just last week, would set a maximum $1,000 fine or 90 days in jail for violations. Violations would also be considered a misdemeanor, similar to other provisions in city code and how city code is generally enforced, said City Attorney Ron Galstad. The other ordinance, being brought forth by the Parks Department, would set hours at city parks from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., mirroring the hours of the Greenway. It would also spell out where motor vehicles could and could not go, which has been an issue. “I see them driving down there (by the Point Bridge) all the time in places I don’t know if they necessarily need to be there,” Council member Dale Helms said. Especially for the parks conduct ordinance, having proper signage is a top concern for the council. “I think most of the time the people this is going to apply to are going to be younger kids who probably aren’t aware of most city ordinances,” Council member Ben Pokrzywinski said. “So if we can have something posted, even if it’s just a QR code, I think it would be helpful.” Parks and Recreation Superintendent Jeremy King said that it was doable, and signs could be posted at the kiosks at the parks. The fee structure was also of some concern. Hedlund said that the camping ordinance would likely be used as an educational and warning tool day-to-day, but that it allows for escalation if issues continue to happen. For the parks ordinance, making the rules crystal clear was Mayor Mark Olstad’s suggestion.   “Here it just says misdemeanor, should we mirror it like the (camping ordinance) we just looked at?” Olstad said. “I’m just thinking that someone who reads it (may not understand the penalty).”   The council will consider the ordinances for preliminary approval as soon as its June 3 meeting.   Grand Forks district to offer stoles to Native graduates next year; parent group still seeks beading on caps   https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/north-dakota/grand-forks-district-to-offer-stoles-to-native-graduates-next-year-parent-group-still-seeks-beading-on-caps Grand Forks district to offer stoles to Native graduates next year; parent group still seeks beading on caps - Grand Forks Herald | Grand Forks, East Grand Forks news, weather & sports GRAND FORKS – The Grand Forks Public Schools Native American Parent Committee voted Tuesday to formally ask district administration to consider allowing Indigenous students to wear traditional ... www.grandforksherald.com   GRAND FORKS – The Grand Forks Public Schools Native American Parent Committee voted Tuesday to formally ask district administration to consider allowing Indigenous students to wear traditional beadwork on their graduation caps. The meeting came after students were notified beadwork on their mortarboards would not be allowed at their graduation ceremonies this year. It’s a longstanding district policy that no adornments are allowed on graduation caps, but parents say students have worn Indigenous beadwork without issue in years past. According to some in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting, the notification came too late for some families who had already begun beading their students’ caps – a prayerful cultural practice often done by older members of a family for their younger loved ones. Eagle feathers on graduation caps, allowed explicitly by state law, will still be permitted. Assistant superintendents Catherine Gillach and Matt Bakke and Central High School Principal Jon Strandell were on hand for the meeting. Gillach said the district intends to introduce stoles for American Indian students next year that families may bead however they want. The district had intended to provide the stoles to families this year, but ran out of time to have them delivered. Gillach emphasized that the district wants to find a way to celebrate and honor its Indigenous students’ cultural heritage, but that by hypothetically allowing some groups to decorate their caps and not others, the district runs the risk of violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. At minimum, she said, the district will have to proceed cautiously. “We don’t want to be the judge and the jury at the end,” she said. “Like this expression is OK, and this one is respectful, this is not.” Chad Ward, Native American liaison for the district, said there’s nothing wrong with the stoles proposal, but that the district’s response to the issue has left many Native American families feeling like something important is being taken away from the ceremonies. He described the profound impacts of colonization and assimilation on Indigenous families, and that beadwork is an important way for many Indigenous people to practice their culture in their day-to-day lives. For many, it holds great significance to incorporate the beadwork into a day as important as a graduation. “At the end of the day,” Ward added, “with all due respect, this is Indian Country.” In an hourlong dialogue, Indigenous parents discussed the significance of beading the cap specifically. Jayme Davis, a state representative from Belcourt, noted that many Indigenous families choose to bead the graduation cap because it is the symbol of graduation and the completion of a major milestone in the students’ lives, much more so than the stoles. “Stoles don’t equate the visibility that the cap has. That for me, is the difference between the stole and the graduation cap, is that meaning,” she said. “And to me – just for me – if this were coming down, it would say to me, ‘Yeah, you can be Native, but not too Native. We don’t want it too visible.'” “... It’s not just a racial thing, it’s a political and cultural thing, and it’s specifically for us, because we are the first peoples of this land,” Davis continued. “So we’re exercising this right, this sovereignty. We’re not necessarily asking for privilege to do this. It should be a right for us.” Following the NAPC vote, conversations about beading on caps will continue at the district level, Gillach said. Native American graduation rates Immediately following the NAPC meeting, the full Grand Forks School Board heard an update on Native American student graduation rates in the district. The district is on track to meet and surpass a graduation rate goal set during the 2022-2023 school year, according to Superintendent Terry Brenner. That year, the four-year graduation rate for Native American students in the district was 46%. The district hoped to see that number rise to 80% by September 2028. Last school year, the four-year Native American graduation rate was 73%. Brenner credited the improvement in large part to programs and practices instituted by Ward as the new Native American liaison and funded by the NAPC, including celebration ceremonies for Indigenous students completing kindergarten, fifth grade, eighth grade and 12th grade. Other interventions, such as counselor tracking of earned credits, credit recovery options and a partnership with UND to match GFPS students with Native American student mentors, were also highlighted as successes. There are still questions in the data, Brenner noted. Across district campuses, while 73% of Indigenous seniors are on track to graduate based on credits earned, only 42% of freshmen, 54% of sophomores and 53% of juniors are on track. (For comparison, when looking at the total student body across campuses, 77% of freshmen, 81% of sophomores, 83% of juniors and 84% of seniors are on track to graduate.) Why do so many Indigenous students appear to spend most of their high school careers not on track to graduate, only to suddenly catch up as seniors? The answer is chronic absenteeism, said district Chief Academic Officer Amy Bartsch. Some 58% of Native American freshmen in the district are considered chronically absent, Bartsch said. Bartsch called chronic absenteeism a “community issue that we all have to rally behind to support our families to make school accessible to all,” and Gillach noted that the School Board has discussed issues of transportation in the past. But she also said the district needs to consider how to ensure the school environment itself is conducive to the success of its Indigenous students. Those conversations are already happening at the campus level, she said. “Are we representing our students well enough in the curriculum?” she asked. “We work really hard on relationships, and yet we recognize there are some discrepancies between kids reporting that they feel safe and welcome, and feeling like they truly belong.” In other news: The district is poised to “open the virtual doors” to Grand Forks Virtual High School next school year, according to Gillach. Registration for the fully online program is now closed, and a p

JT and East Grand Forks Mayor Mark Olstad discuss upincoming projects the well being of EGF and Much more in this weeks episode of The Jarrod Thomas Show. Please Like and Subscribe, Leave a comment on who you think JT should have on next!!