Guest host Tim Flakoll steps into the chair for a snowy Thursday edition of the Steve Hallstrom Show. As the region braces for a heavy winter storm, Tim navigates a "drinking from a fire hose" news cycle featuring the leaders shaping North Dakota’s future. From the state’s educational roadmap with Superintendent Levi Bachmeier to the launch of a major new banking center at NDSU, this episode covers the essential developments in policy, commerce, and community. Plus, a deep dive into the need for civility in our current political climate and a look at why 90% of a major Minnesota housing program was reportedly consumed by fraud.
Key Moments
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The Calm Before the Snow: Tim and meteorologist Dean Wysocki break down the impending winter storm, forecasting 2-4 inches for the Fargo area and up to a foot in parts of northern North Dakota. Tim warns listeners to "drive with vision" on the slushy and slippery roads.
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Superintendent Levi Bachmeier’s Vision: In his first 87 days on the job, North Dakota’s new Superintendent of Public Instruction Levi Bachmeier joins the show from a high school parking lot in Beach. He discusses his 165-district tour, the challenges of teacher recruitment, and why investing in K-12 is the state's most vital long-term priority.
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A New Era for NDSU Business: Dean Katherine Birkeland of the NDSU College of Business unveils the "Center for Banking and Finance." This new hub, backed by major partners like Bell Bank and Gate City Bank, aims to prepare the next generation for the evolving world of fintech and risk modeling.
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The "One Job" Crisis: Tim discusses a jaw-dropping report regarding Minnesota’s "housing stabilization" program, where a former U.S. Attorney alleges that at least 90% of the $100 million initiative was lost to fraud.
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The Civility Debate: Representative Austin Schauer joins the studio to preview a community forum on local governance and civil communication. He reflects on his time in the legislature and argues that while political battles are inevitable, respect for the office and personal integrity must remain the standard.
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Watchdogs for the State: Public Service Commissioner Jill Kringstad explains the PSC’s role as the "watchdog" for citizens, overseeing everything from rail safety and gas pipeline inspections to the reclamation of North Dakota’s active coal mines.
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Rural Health Care Infusion: Representative Schauer details the high-stakes push to spend $200 million in federal funding on rural health care by October 1st, highlighting the logistical hurdles of ordering new ambulances and renovating small-town clinics.
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Searching for Isadora: A somber update on the search for missing West Fargo woman Isadora Wengel. Tim shares details on an upcoming community search party and the "horrific" new evidence revealed in charging documents against the accused killer.