Steele, ND

One of the loveliest places on the prairie lies just southeast of Steele on the Kidder and Stutsman County line.  In 1977  the Central Grasslands Research Extension Center (CGREC) was built 6 1/2 miles northwest of Streeter. It serves 18 counties in what is known as the Missouri Coteau region, an area bound by the Missouri River on the west and the James River on the east. This is a land of rolling hills and shallow wetlands.  Hence the name so familiar to birders “the Prairie Pothole region”.

 Although I was swamped with things to do last Thursday I decided to attended the Grasslands annual field tour and I came away with a much deeper appreciation for the land and it people.

I love the prairie with its changing seasons.  Spring always brings the birding migration of literally hundreds of birds.  When I tell you I need a check list to just to keep track of how many different species I see while birding I am not kidding.  Summer brings the smell of clover and alfalfa being made into hay under the blazing prairie sun and clear blue sky.  Sometimes the heat is so intense that just for a split second it takes your breath away. Then fall comes and trees shimmer with gold, red, and green leaves as the migrating birds say good by and make the long trek to warmer lands in the south.  And who can not love winter? The howling winds, the dark nights snuggled under a quilt drinking hot chocolate and watching all the movies you didn’t have time to catch in the summer. 

Perhaps living here I may miss out on some “cultural” opportunities that large cities offer but my life is rich and full. 

Bill Well from Medina summed up my feelings with this quote, “I came to Medina to teach Vocational Agriculture in 1956 and I’m still here.  The Coteau is where my wife Janet and I built our homestead and raised our family.  The Coteau offers such a variety of opportunities to raise crops and livestock that is almost unequaled.  The wildlife and migratory bird populations on the Coteau has been a definite influence on our family as they grew and started careers in agriculture and education here in North Dakota on the Coteau.  I wouldn’t have traded my life and my experiences on the Coteau for anything.”

During a recent visit to the Kidder County Community Health Clinic in Steele, I asked a waiting patient what it meant to her to have the clinic.  “I love it and I’m glad we have the clinic.  It is very much needed and it saves in time and travel,” said Dora.  Since I had heard the great story of how the community came together to open the clinic I wanted to see the clinic first-hand.  Both patients and clinic staff talk about the benefits of having the clinic.  According to Anna, the clinic receptionist, “The clinic offers a service that really benefits the community.  From our elderly population to our young families, the clinic provides access to basic health care.  It’s also about being convenient, keeping jobs in the community, and saving long distance travel expenses for our patients.”  The Clinic opened in December of 2006 and the people of Kidder County will tell you it was a true Christmas present.         

If you are looking for a fun family sport try disc golf.  I found a new twelve-hole disc golf course nestled in Steele’s Four Seasons Community Park.  The twelve hole disc golf course is designed for a novice beginner like me and the most avid Frisbee golfers.  Named after the heritage of many local area residents and funded in part by the Horizon Program, the ‘Norse Course Disc Golf Santuary’ is also becoming a popular spot for birding information.  I found information on 48 different birds that can be found and heard around the Steele area.  At first, the word ’sanctuary’ seemed a odd word for a place to throw a flying disc into a basket.  However, the more I tried to get the fewest number of disc throws into the baskets throughout the course, the more I was also learning about birds.  The combined challenges of improving my Frisbee skills and expanding my knowledge of birds brought about a new appreciation for the the word ’sanctuary.’   I could have spent the entire day in Steele at the Norse Course Disc Golf Sanctuary.  It’s free to the public.  Bring your own discs, family and friends and enjoy a great day of golfing and birding in Steele. 

Congratulations to the community of Steele on your recent selection as one of the top three finalist for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines’ Capital Community Award.  This award recongizes Steele’s strong commitment to economic development and their efforts to creating innovative solutions to small community challenges and building a lasting future for their residents.  It is exciting to hear that Steele was selected from a five state nomination list that included the states of Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota.  More details on the award are available at www.fhlbdm.com

I have enjoyed the whole experience of the Horizons project.  It has not only challenged me to totally re-evaluate my thinking about the definition of poverty but it has challenged me to grow as a person.  So I must admit that at times I feel a bit dazed.

Think what this program has done for our community. 

Over 40 people, young and old, took part in a six week study circles.  27 people took the LeadershipPlenty Training.  Over 200 people took part in the community survey.  Our library is stocked with some of the best self help books in the country. These are marvelous resources. We have an extremely efficient, user friendly, digital camera to take pictures for the blog, which I plan on mastering in my life time.

The Kidder County Food Pantry stepped out from under the umbrella of the Ministerial Association to create their own board to better serve those in need.

Last fall we reached beyond our own comfort levels  nearly a hundred people listed to Carrie Gross describe her role in keeping homeless kids in school in Bismarck.

We have a gorgeous new disc golf course and the school will be helping us sell the Frisbees here in Steele.  This course is at one of our most beautiful parks.  What a great way to utilize the park!  What a great way to spend family time! 

The Ministerial Association is planning to start a SADD chapter to give kids the tools to make better life choices.

And the movie theatre project is slowly moving along in spite of various challenges.  We will be holding a town hall meeting in the near future to get volunteer input.  So watch for ads in the Ozone on times and dates.

Many thanks to all of you who have made Horizons happen.  July 9th will be the wrap up meeting in Bismarck at the Ramkota so please let me know if you would like to attend.  We can all be proud of the hard work that has taken place!

During a recent community rural forum, representatives from Steele discussed what it took to keep medical services available in the community.  The partnerships formed and the combined efforts of individuals and businesses to open a medical clinic to ensure access to basic medical care deserve applause.  Their story is an inspiration for those who want to learn what it takes to retain basic services in a rural community.

Hi Kathy,

Thanks for the post. 

We are very proud of our community clinic and we were one of the first cities in ND to earmark 1% of our city sales tax for health care.  I’m not sure if you are of aware of this but the repayment of medicare and medicaid do not keep up with today’s cost of medical care.  Health care facilities are only reimbursed a percentage of the actual billing.  So having this little cushion of tax money every quarter is most helpful.  Plus being able to use our sales tax money like this lets everyone in the community support the clinic.  Each time we fill gas, buy groceries or eat at the cafe we can say we have “donated” to the clinic.

Alva

I have long been a great fan of rural communities.  I was born in one.  Raised in one. And when our children were old enough to start school my wife, Alva, and I made a decision that we wanted our children to receive their education in one.

At first the transition to rural living from city life was a little difficult.   But I became ingrained in the slower pace of rural living. Over the years my joy in living here has continued to grow until, now, I find it hard to picture myself living anywhere else. 

On Friday June 13th Alva and I attended a rural community forum in Bismarck sponsored by the ND Community Foundation and facilitated by Cher Hursrud.  The purpose was, not only to give rural communities a chance to share their success stories, but to encourage us to network and problem solve. The room at the Heritage Center was infused with the kind of positive energy that successful adventure always brings. 

We heard how Reeder, population 150, has renovated their old school into a multi purpose building that houses rental rooms for hunters, a first class work out room, commercial kitchen, and a gym.  It is the gathering place for the community.  We were cheered by the success of New England in starting a community owned store.   We marveled at the creativity of North Dakota folks as Annette Schilling from ND Tourism, shared information on learning based vacations now offered in the state.  We were challenged by Cheryl Planert of Beach and her quest to  organize organic farmers and spread the word about the benefits of knowing where our food is grown.  (Consider this fact: most of the potatoes we buy are sprayed 10 times before they find their way to our local grocery stores.)  Patti Pettri inspired us with her report the Bowdon Development Group who are working on keeping their meat locker plant and grocery store open since the owner suddenly died this spring. And, lastly, we were given pertinent information about starting a community Foundation by Patricia Bowen of Ellendale.

Yes, Friday was a refreshing day.  A day that was spent with great people who have great vision.  I am more certain than ever that the future is bright for rural communities who will accept the challenge of finding new ways to grow.

We would like to share our community vision with you.  It is a combination of the 1999 Steele Strategtic plan and the Horizon community surveys you completed last fall.  Please blog your comments and suggestions.  Also about how consider volunteering for one of the committees?  Many hands make light work.

Steele, North Dakota

Strategic Plan Summary 

Vision Statement:   

An ideal place to shop, live, and raise a family and a clean, safe, prosperous, and growing community that welcomes new residents provides excellent shopping and leisure-time activities, offers choices of quality employment and housing, and maintains the highest level of services, including health, education, and public infrastructure to all its citizens.   

 Goal #1:  Mobilize local assets in business and tourism development to help ourselves and each other and to provide access to services for everyone living and working in the community.  

Action Steps:      

Develop a ‘Shop Steele Campaign” to keep money and jobs in the community and demonstrate other benefits to the community when shopping is done locally.       

Develop promotional material, advertisements, brochures, and presentations to be distributed to surrounding communities and used at local and special community events.       

Partner and work with the North Dakota State University Extension Services, the Tourism Committee, and the Economic Development Business Sector Committee to identify needed services and retail business to meet the needs of citizens and to help build and retain community assets.        

Study the feasibility to develop a small industrial park that would serve the needs of new industries and businesses.          

Partner with the North Dakota Department of Commerce, Lewis and Clark Regional Development Council, North Dakota State University Extension Services, and the Community Economic Development-Ag Committee to discuss agricultural-related and value-added expansion and development opportunities from dairy operations and irrigating to organic farming.        

 Coordinate and partner with available resources in developing a business-to-business training program to help people be successful and to build leadership potential among all ages and income levels.       

Offer adults education classes in partnership with the Department of Public Instruction and the North Dakota University System to help people obtain computer skills for job placement or retrain to ensure skills are meeting job requirements.        

Get the word out about the quality of birding in the community so more people will travel to Steele.       

Communicate to potentially new businesses the benefits the community offers to help facilitate the creation of more and better jobs.     

Goal Responsibility: 

 Community Promotion Committee in coordination with the Economic Development Business Sector Committee, the Economic Development-Ag Sector Committee and the Tourism Committee. Expected Goal Outcome(s):      

Our economy is diversified and we have quality jobs and a trained and educated work force.        

Shopping and buying opportunities have expanded and essential services are readily available to everyone living and working in the community.      

Keeping money in the community is helping everyone and people and business are benefitting from the development of leadership and technology skills.      

The community has teamed up to get the word out about local business and services and more people are buying at home.  

More leaders are stepping to the plate and new people are getting involved in recruiting and training leaders in business development.     

Business owners are mentoring new business owners and passing on important skills to be successful.  

 Goal #2:  Provide safe and affordable housing choices for all residents to ensure basic needs are met at all income levels. 

 Action Steps:       

Develop a housing study and work with state and local resources to identify immediate housing needs and to create affordable housing for low-income people.  

Explore the development of affordable single-and multi-family housing so shelter is available for everyone living and working in the community.     

Capitalize on expanding community assets to include available housing for people choosing to live in Steele and commute to work in surrounding communities. 

 Goal Responsibility:  Housing Committee Expected Goal Outcome(s):  

Available housing in Steele is meeting the needs of all families at all income levels. Ø      More people are building and owning their own homes. 

Federal, state, and local officials are working with the community to develop a basic resource in meeting shelter and housing needs for the well being of everyone.     

Goal #3:  Provide and maintain safe, adequate, and efficient public services, activities, and facilities to ensure basic resources are available for all people living and working in the community.                                           Action Steps:       

Explore options to develop and expand the Community Center as a community asset and facility that provides space for businesses, special activities and public services for everyone.       

Develop an in-door movie theatre and disc golf course to ensure different activities are available for all ages and income levels. 

Partner with local, state, and federal entities, from our local schools to the State Historical Society and USDA to leverage resources in providing and maintaining public access to services and facilities. 

Develop and structure the local food pantry to maintain continued operation and help people meet their urgent needs.  

Start a local ‘Students Against Destructive Decision’ (SADD) Chapter to help youth and families deal with conflict and to face hard issues. 

Form a welcome committee to greet and welcome new families of all different cultures to the community and to provide a list of resources where people can go to get help if needed.  

Goal Responsibility: 

Community and City Coordination Committee  

Expected Goal Outcome(s): 

Community assets are strengthened and the historical value of the Community Center is maintained. 

More people are donating food and other basic essentials to the food pantry. 

Access to services and assistance is available to everyone in the community.

Poverty is being addressed at the grass roots level and the number of partnerships, volunteers, and leaders continues to grow through comprehensive effort to provide basic services.  

Everyone has access to affordable leisure activities and entertainment which helps maintain the well being of every community member at every age and income level.    

Jr. Betterment previously known as Kidder County Jaycees has become part of the Steele area Betterment group. The Jr. Betterment will continue to have the goals of being leaders in our community by helping in anyway they can.

Monthly meetings will be held every 2^nd Thursday of the month.

Jr. Betterment will kick off the New Year by heading the “Steele City Clean Up Week”. The tentative schedule is going to be April 30^th for City Clean Up Day and May 3^rd for the curb side pick up. Last year was such a success and we are hoping for another great year.

Anyone interested in joining Jr. Betterment please feel free to contact Sonya Larson at 387-4784 or Alva Schoepp at 475-2133.

Because I am a very fortunate person I live in a small town of under 800 people.  Because I live a small town I know everyone, their Moms and Dads, kids and dogs.  Because I live in a small town I know in the afternoon that someone sneezed at the Coffee Cup in the morning.  So because I live in a small town it was my privilege to know Edna.

I say “was” because this good, gentle lady lost a battle to cancer yesterday and just before lunchtime she slipped away to be with Jesus.

Edna was 80 years old physically but in her heart she was still 21; looking forward to many grand adventures.  This summer we planned on taking her to the Mandan Speedway so she could watch a stock car race.  She had a little trouble understanding why anyone would sit and watch cars drive around in a circle. (The Daytona 500)  But Bob assured her once she saw a real race the sound of cars thundering around the turns, shaking the bleachers, would be in her blood forever.

If a word could personify her it would be Compassion.  That was what moved her to start a little food pantry in her own kitchen…even if she had nine healthy children of her own to feed.  Although it had long since moved out of her home, the Food Pantry and volunteers helped give away over a 100 food baskets to the needy at Christmas time this year. Later when her children were grown, Compassion said “Edna, the folks in Steele need a Senior Center.”  So she worked tirelessly with her friend Arlene and many other volunteers on the project. Today, many years later, we have a beautiful center that provides congreate dining to the elderly and meals on wheels for the shut ins.  Not so very long ago, she was only 78 then, she received her CNA license so she could help take care of other people who needed care in their own home.  Last year she helped facilitate a Horizon study circle.

I learned some valuable life lessons by watching her.

She took the time to bake me a birthday cake and I learned that little things in life make it special.

I listened to her pray and learned that, God not only hears, but answers every prayer, even if it wasn’t the way we thought it  should be answered.

I saw her give time and money to people who had nothing and I learned we must always give to those in need. 

I saw tears in her eyes when she heard others share their pain and I learned we are responsible to bear each other’s burdens.

Sometimes she would call and miss me at home or work and leave a message on the answering machine that always ended with “It’s just Edna”.  I will miss Edna’s voice and smile but I rejoice knowing she’s safe at home.  One can only imagine what adventures she will experience as she explores Heaven.