What If North Dakota Towns Could Make New Year’s Resolutions

As we close out another year in the 701 I can't help but reflect how lucky I am living in North Dakota.

I'm virtually a lifelong resident of the Peace Garden State (born and raised) and I truly enjoy living here.  With that being said, there are a few things I wish were different from time to time.

New Year's resolutions are a tradition for people but what if cities could make those as well?

Let's explore these options right now and see how we can make North Dakota even better as we head into 2024.

If a North Dakota city could make a New Year's Resolution here's what it would likely be.

Minot, North Dakota:

(Birthplace to Josh Duhamel) Work on your manors.  Minot is known as the "rudest" city in all of North Dakota.  You can read all about that here.

Lincoln, North Dakota:

Learn how to signal when you exit a roundabout.  It's the law.  Even some of the cops in Lincoln don't do it, however, they will pull you over for not doing it.  I see it on almost a daily basis.

Mandan, North Dakota:

Quit taxing the residents.  It's getting out of control.  The city of Mandan has really stepped it up over the last ten years.  Lots of new buildings, businesses, and even a new high school is set to open.  With all that growth comes taxes.  The citizens of Mandan need a break.

New Salem, North Dakota:

Get rid of ND Country Fest.  Much to my surprise there is some disdain in the community for this 4-day country music festival.  Apparently, some of its residents don't enjoy the party, and droves of people who invade their city every July.  If New Salem truly doesn't want ND Country Fest, we would take it in a heartbeat in Bismarck.  Just sayin'!

Flasher, North Dakota:

Rename the city.  Otherwise, people tend to think there is an "exposure" problem in this small town southwest of Mandan. In fact, Flasher was named the worst-named town in all of North Dakota and Minnesota.  You can read all about that here.

Devils Lake, North Dakota:

Be nicer at the boat ramps.  The people of Devils Lake are known to be very rude to outsiders at the boat ramps.  It's not even unusual to see fisticuffs break out.  Take a chill pill and relax.

Fargo, North Dakota:

Learn to drive.  People in Fargo drive like maniacs.  You're all Minneapolis wannabes.  Go back to Drivers Ed and take a refresher course, please.

Grand Forks, North Dakota:

Do something about the way your town smells.  Yes, you have The Ralph and a great hockey program, but your city stinks for several reasons.  Read more about that here.

Bismarck, North Dakota:

Start booking more concerts.  Throw us a bone a little more often.  We had one country show in January of 2023 (Chris Janson) and that was it.  We have a pretty nice Event Center.  How about we use it a little bit more?  Hint, Hint, Hint.

Honorable mention New Year's Resolution for Bismarck?  

Do something about the outside appearance of the Capitol building.  It looks like a war-torn building from the Hunger Games.