For Immediate Release

Press Releases

 

 

News releases from the community and our region.

pub-9418301962568207

Podcast 2 — Information on Expanded DACA

Podcast 2 Information on Expanded DACA Today’s topic is: Expanded DACA   Podcast 2 — Information on Expanded DACA.  This is an opportunity to learn more about President Obama’s announcement on immigration regarding DAPA and DACA.  This week’s podcast covers Information on Expanded DACA.    Please listen, share, and stay tuned to our weekly immigration …

Programa sobre la ayuda para inmigrantes indocumentados del Presidente Obama

IMPORTANTE ANUNCIO: Favor de leer y compartir! Programa sobre la ayuda para inmigrantes indocumentados del Presidente Obama El Proyecto de Personas en la Prensa (Peoples Press Project), en conjunto con Mexi-can y líderes locales sobre temas de inmigración estaremos emitiendo una serie de programas bilingües en Ingles y Español ademas de anunciar una junta de …

Weekly Podcasts on President’s Obama Relief for Undocumented Immigrants

ANNOUNCEMENT: Please Share! Weekly Podcasts on President’s Obama Relief for Undocumented Immigrants The People’s Press Project, in conjunction with Mexi-can and local leaders on immigrant rights and immigration policy will be hosting a series of informational bilingual podcasts and local town hall meetings to inform people about President Obama’s recent announcements on immigration. People who …

North Dakota Industrial Commission trying to slip one past the goalie

By Ron Schalow On Thursday November 13th, Department of Mineral Resources Director Lynn Helms presented the North Dakota Industrial Commission with proposed new standards (there never were any old standards), supposedly for the purpose of making the Bakken oil trains non-explosive, somewhat less explosive, kinda not explosive, get the height of the fireballs down into double …

Big Oil & North Dakota amass billions, while US citizens shoulder risk & disaster preparation costs

 By Ron Schalow <rschalow956@gmail.com> Firefighters, Lawmakers, and Emergency Managers:   As most are by now aware; the Bakken oil producers in North Dakota are perfectly capable of removing the highly explosive natural gas liquids, like propane, butane, and ethane, from the Bakken crude, before shipping by rail. It’s a process known as “stabilization” (aka degasifying, removing “light …

An Open Letter to Senator Franken

No More Irritating Updates from Microsoft?

The People’s Press Project has been Awarded a Low Power FM Radio License from the FCC

Local NonProfit Awarded a Low Power FM Radio License from the FCC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Duke Gomez-Schempp The People’s Press Project 701-367-0403 www.fmppp.org News Release————-News Release————News Release——— Local NonProfit Awarded a Low Power FM Radio License from the FCC January 28, 2014–Moorhead, MN –On January 28, 2014, The People’s Press Project (PPP) was awarded a Low Power FM Broadcast Station Construction Permit from the FCC. This …

No More Names: Why Walaker Won’t Go

Gabby Giffords Redefines the Discussion About Gun Control

Congressional Climate Denier Award Given to Senator John Hoeven and Congressman Kevin Cramer

Senator John Hoeven and Congressman Kevin Cramer Awarded The Congressional Climate Denier Award     The Award Ceremony was help on Monday, August 19, 12:00 Noon at 26 Roberts St N, Fargo, ND.

Independent News Convention ~ ND Free Press! March 23, 2013

Community News FOR the Community BY the People Independent News Convention ~ ND Free Press!   March 23, 2013, Jamestown Civic Center  ~ 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM Looking for a substitute for your daily newspaper? Thirsty for Media to ask questions until they get the answers? Do you want real journalism that gives us …

North Dakota Independent Media

North Dakota News: By The People and For The People The People’s Press Project (PPP) is looking for writers, journalists, social media contributors, multi-media gurus, photo journalists and North Dakota based stories by the people and for the people. The PPP is teaming up with the North Dakota Free Press to bring people who have …

PPP Banned from Public Access Television Studio and Equipment Use

The People’s Press Project Banned from Utilizing Public Access Television Studio in Moorhead On August 22, 2012, The People’s Press Project (PPP) was banned from utilizing the region’s only Cable Access Television studio, Moorhead Community Access Media (MCAM). The MCAM board of directors held a meeting to address a complaint that the PPP had submitted …

National Civil Rights Leader Weighs In on Cable Access Issue

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 16, 2012 Contact: Duke Gomez-Schempp The People’s Press Project 701-367-0403 National Civil Rights Leader and Center for Media Justice Executive Director Justice Organizer, Malkia Cyril, adds her voice to the issue of Local Cable Access Following the publication of The People’s Press Project (PPP) article Put the “P” back in Public …

Podcast Interview with Malkia Cyril

Interview with Malkia Cyril The People’s Press Project Podcast on Cable Access The People’s Press Project (PPP) had the opportunity to visit with Malkia Cyril to talk about Media Justice and PPP’s work on preserving Cable Access in the Midwest. Cindy Gomez-Schempp interviewed Malkia on August 18, 2012.

Put the “P” back in Public Access Television

Local Public Access is being threatened by MCAM Information about local government meetings is being restricted by the non-profit charged with the duty to inform the public. Here is what you need to know. The People’s Press Project (PPP) is a media justice non-profit operating in the largest midwest metropolis between Spokane WA, and the …

Tilton: Stop Restricting Public Access

For background on this letter, Visit this Page. To sign our Change.org petition, click here. August 14, 2012 Tony Tilton MCAM General Manager tony@moorheadaccess.tv Office: 218.284.2700 2300 4th Ave. S.  Suite 242A Moorhead, MN 56560 Dear Tony, Today I received your letter dated August 12, 2012, handed to me by your employee. The letter states …

Call to Action from The People’s Press Project

Call to Action from The People’s Press Project August 16, 2012 We have been contacting local and national leaders to support out community in a fight for Free Speech and our access to local Cable Access station and its equipment. We encourage you and your organization to support our work and “Weigh In” on this …

Heitkamp Challenges ND Media to Pull Ad

 Heitkamp Challenges the Lies From Karl Rove’s Crossroads GPS, Demands Ad Retraction Aug. 9, 2012, Contact: Brandon Lorenz, (701) 751-2629, Brandon@heidifornorthdakota.com MANDAN, N.D. – Former North Dakota Attorney General and U.S. Senate candidate Heidi Heitkamp set the record straight this morning at a press conference at the Attorney General’s office and released a letter from …

The Wedding Announcement They Didn’t Want You To See

Fargo Forum Refuses to Print Same Sex Marriage Announcement Here’s everything we could uncover about this local discussion. If the Forum won’t print it we will at PPP.  Others will too, just watch and SHARE! The site is also a blog site that takes comments.  Keep this visible on FB and the web:  http://thepeoplespressproject.org/?page_id=1336 MARRIAGE …

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  1. Lifeline and Strategies for Maintaining Affordable Telecommunications Services

    Join us for a Webinar on April 18

    Space is limited.

    Reserve your Webinar seat now at:

    https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/796742368

    At the end of 2011 and start of 2012, two large federal universal service programs underwent serious overhauls, the infrastructure subsidies to promote affordability in high cost and hard to reach areas and the Lifeline program, which provides over 7 million low-income households with discounted phone service.

    This webinar will highlight the major changes to the Lifeline program and the impact of the universal services orders on consumer protections and cover strategies to maintain phone service for seniors and where to go for help.

    Speakers are: Darlene Wong & Olivia Wein of the National Consumer Law Center

    Additional sponsorship for this Webinar is provided by a grant from the Administration on Aging. This webinar is part of a series of National Elder Rights Training Project webinars for the National Legal Resource Center.

    There is no charge for this webinar.
    All time listings are in Eastern Standard Time.

    If you have any questions email trainings@nclc.org

    Title:

    Lifeline and Strategies for Maintaining Affordable Telecommunications Services
    Date:

    Wednesday, April 18, 2012
    Time:

    2:00 PM – 3:30 PM EDT

    After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

    System Requirements
    PC-based attendees
    Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
    Macintosh®-based attendees
    Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer

  2. BECAUSE IN NORTH DAKOTA, IT’S TIME TO TALK … ABOUT SEXUAL VIOLENCE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 2012

    CONTACT: Jennifer Weisgerber
    Public Relations/Communications Coordinator, NDCAWS
    jweisgerber@ndcaws.org

    BECAUSE IN NORTH DAKOTA, IT’S TIME TO TALK … ABOUT SEXUAL VIOLENCE

    “Mandan woman accused of repeated sexual contact with boy”
    “Grand Forks man charged with attempted sexual assault”
    “Bismarck teacher placed on leave after being accused of sex with teen”
    “2 Moorhead day cares close in wake of sexual abuse charge”
    “Former Hebron teacher charged with sexual assault”
    “Prosecutors won’t fight plea withdrawal sought by doctor accused of raping, drugging wife”
    “Bismarck man accused of traveling to South Dakota for sex with teen”
    “Dickinson police confirm reported rape of 83-year-old woman over weekend”
    “Moorhead man admits to sex with same juvenile victim from earlier case”

    These headlines from North Dakota newspapers in March 2012 aren’t a complete list of the sexual assault-related stories in the media gathering attention lately. But these stories reinforce that North Dakota is not immune to violent crime, including sexual assault.

    April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) – a time to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and people on how to prevent sexual violence. In addition to the month-long campaign celebrated by crisis intervention centers throughout the state, the SAAM “Day of Action,” on Tuesday, April 3, will highlight nationally coordinated events to raise public awareness about sexual violence and specific ways people can get involved in its prevention.

    The recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness month also coincides with the formal release of the North Dakota Council on Abused Women’s Services (NDCAWS) statistics on sexual assault in North Dakota for 2011.

    “Sexual violence is a crime that affects victims across the lifespan – from childhood to adulthood,” said Janelle Moos, Executive Director for NDCAWS. “More than 35% of victims who received help from sexual assault crisis centers last year were children. It’s important communities learn not only how to stop but how to prevent sexual assault and other forms of violence.”

    At least 90% of the victims in 2011 were female, and at least 87% of the cases were male assailant/female victim. Because sexual assault also harms victims’ loved ones and families, more than 250 secondary victims sought help from sexual assault advocates. In at least 41% of all sexual assault cases, the assailant was a friend, acquaintance or date of the victim. And at least 39% of the assaults occurred in the victim’s or assailant’s home. Please review the 2011 statistics (along with past years) in their totality here: http://www.ndcaws.org/facts/sexual_assault/sexual_assault_stats.html
    More information about Sexual Assault Awareness Month and concepts behind healthy sexuality can be found here:
    http://www.nsvrc.org/saam

    ABOUT NDCAWS:
    The North Dakota Council on Abused Women’s Services/Coalition Against Sexual Assault is a membership organization representing the 21 domestic violence and sexual assault crisis centers throughout the state. It is the mission of NDCAWS/CASAND to provide leadership and support in the identification, intervention, and prevention of domestic and sexual violence. For more information, please visit http://www.ndcaws.org.

  3. FirstLink

    You Are Needed
    Today’s Date: April 3, 2012
    Publication Date: April 8, 2012

    Midwest Kid Fest
    Fargo Parks District is looking for volunteers to fill various positions for Midwest Kid Fest. Opportunities available are Information: answer questions, direct people, and pass out programs (only 1 person needed per shift), Belly Bumpers: supervise and play with kids using the bell bumpers in the Busy Bodies area (4 needed per shift), and Life Size Games: supervise and play with kids in the Life Size Games area which includes Scrabble, Tic Tac Toe, Kerplunk, Character Wheel, Cherry Tree, and Checkers (8 needed per shift). Individuals, families, large groups (up to 30 people), small groups (2-6 people), older adults, and youth age 14+. Volunteers are needed on June 15th with shifts available from 10:30 – 7 p.m.: 10:30 – 2p.m., 1:30 – 4:30 p.m., or 4 – 7:30 p.m. at Island Park; 616 1st Ave. S, Fargo.

    Medical Escort
    Rosewood on Broadway is seeking volunteers to escort residents to medical appointments. Responsibilities will be to escort the resident to medical appointments. The driver gets the residents into the vehicle and drives to the appointment. When they get to the appointment the driver gets resident into the building and the medical escort gets them to where they need to be for the appointment. The medical escort waits in the waiting room until resident is done, then they take the resident back to where they were dropped off and will call for the ride to come back and pick them up. The driver then gets the resident back into the vehicle and the medical escort rides back to Rosewood. When they arrive at Rosewood, the drive gets the resident out of the vehicle and back into Rosewood. It is an on call basis and no obligation. You can say yes or no when you are called. Individuals age 55+ and youth age 18+ are encouraged to consider this opportunity.

    Reception Desk Volunteer
    Hospice of the Red River Valley is in need of individuals, age 55+, to volunteer. Responsibilities include greet guests at the front reception desk at the Fargo HRRV office, direct visitors to appropriate staff person or meeting room, and complete office tasks while at the desk. The volunteer will not be answering outside phone lines. Morning and afternoon shifts are available for 4-5 hours per week.

    Fargo Marathon Volunteers
    HERO (Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization) is looking for traffic control volunteers to help at the Fargo Marathon. Families, groups and individuals over 16 are welcome to volunteer. Shifts are available from the early morning to the late afternoon on May 19th. They will donate $4 to HERO for each hour you volunteer. If we have over 50 volunteers, we will receive an extra $500.

    Spring Project Community Connect Volunteers
    FM Homeless Coalition is seeking individuals and small groups to fill volunteer positions for the Spring Project Community Connect event. There are a variety of positions available such as registration, guides, and taking appointments. Volunteers are needed Wednesday, April 25th from 8am to 4pm.

    Walk to End Alzheimer’s Volunteers
    Alzheimer’s Association is seeking volunteers to fill various positions for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event. Ongoing volunteer positions include committee member, a Team Captain, office help (mailings), and distribution of flyers. Day of Event positions include registration, advocacy, refreshments, parking, 5k finish line, or entertainment. Individuals, families, and small/large groups are welcome to volunteer for this event on Saturday, September 15th at Rendezvous Park.

    Senior Companion
    Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, Minot, ND – is looking for Senior Companions. This opportunity is to provide regularly scheduled visits to older adults who need some assistance to maintain their highest degree of independence. Adults age 55+ are encouraged to consider this opportunity. Volunteers are given a small tax-free stipend for hours volunteered.

    Foster Grandparent
    Tri-Valley Opportunity Council needs adults age 55+ to volunteer their time to work with children ages birth-young adult in supervised nonprofit settings such as schools, day cares, juvenile centers, and other nonprofits. Time asked is 15-40 hours weekly with stipend, holiday, vacation, sick leave, and other benefits.

    Musician for ALS Memorial Service
    The ALS Association is seeking volunteers to play soft and reflective music on piano, guitar, or harp for A Day to Remember, a memorial service honoring those who have passed away due to ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Individuals, small groups, or families are welcome to volunteer for this event on the evening of Tuesday, April 10th.

    Volunteer Driver
    Clay County Social Services is looking for volunteers to provide transportation in Volunteer Driver’s own vehicle for clients who lack safe and reliable transportation. Drivers are reimbursed for mileage at Clay County’s current rates.

    Thrift Store Retail Volunteer
    Heartland Industries, Second Time Around Thrift Store is seeking individuals to volunteer. Duties will include working the cash register, customer service, accepting donations, and various other tasks. Must be 18 years of age or older but would be a great place to get customer service experience! Volunteers are needed Monday-Friday from 10am to 6pm. Training is provided.

    Cleaning and Animal Care
    Hightail Ranch and Rescue needs volunteers to assist with cleaning and animal care. Volunteers are responsible for cleaning stalls, sweeping barns, feeding and grooming horses, grounds keepings, and many more activities needing to be done. Individuals, families, or groups are all welcome to volunteer. Minimum age is 13 and hours are flexible.

    Clothing Drive
    Easter Seals Goodwill is seeking volunteers to assist at the clothing drive. Easter Seals Goodwill has teamed up with Herberger’s for the spring clothing drive. This would be a great opportunity to have your children help out or buddy up with a friend. Business’s or student groups may take a whole day as a class project or business event. Assistance is needed at the Herberger’s located at the West Acres Mall and the Moorhead Center Mall. Many shifts are available.

    Heart Warmer
    Ronald McDonald House Charities needs ‘Heart Warmer’ volunteers once a week (M-F), for two hours between 9am and 5pm to assist guests and guest staff.

    Retail Specialist
    HERO is looking for individuals to assist customers and design displays of HERO product (wound care, personal hygiene, mobility items, etc.). Volunteer hours vary and HERO is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

    Food Distribution and /or Food Order
    Dorothy Day Food Pantry is in need of volunteers to help clients with picking up food, stocking shelves, unloading food orders, and shelving the food orders. They are in need Monday-Thursday 11am-4pm and 6-8:30pm. Volunteers should be age 10 or older.

    Big Brothers
    Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for male volunteers. Volunteers are asked to make a one year commitment and meet with a child every other week to participate in a variety of activities.

    Meal Delivery Volunteers
    Valley Senior Services is recruiting volunteers to assist with meal delivery in North, South, and West Fargo. It is about an hour time commitment and would be for the noon meal. Volunteers deliver the meals to homebound elderly in our community.

    If you are interested in volunteering for one of these volunteer positions, or for one of the many others not listed, call FirstLink’s Helpline at 235-7335 (SEEK) or 2-1-1

    24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    ? Information & Crisis Services ? Volunteer Center Services ? Community Outreach Services ? 4357 13th Ave S #107L Fargo, ND 58107-0447 FAX: (701) 235-2476 PHONE: (701) 293-6462
    24-Hour Helpline 235-7335 Suicide Line 1-800-273-TALK

  4. FirstLink

    You Are Needed
    Today’s Date: March 27, 2012
    Publication Date: April 1, 2012

    Fargo Marathon Volunteers
    HERO (Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization) is looking for traffic control volunteers to help at the Fargo Marathon. Families, groups and individuals over 16 are welcome to volunteer. Shifts are available from the early morning to the late afternoon on May 19th. They will donate $4 to HERO for each hour you volunteer. If we have over 50 volunteers, we will receive an extra $500.

    Spring Project Community Connect Volunteers
    FM Homeless Coalition is seeking individuals and small groups to fill volunteer positions for the Spring Project Community Connect event. There are a variety of positions available such as registration, guides, and taking appointments. Volunteers are needed Wednesday, April 25th from 8am to 4pm.

    Walk to End Alzheimer’s Volunteers
    Alzheimer’s Association is seeking volunteers to fill various positions for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event. Ongoing volunteer positions include committee member, a Team Captain, office help (mailings), and distribution of flyers. Day of Event positions include registration, advocacy, refreshments, parking, 5k finish line, or entertainment. Individuals, families, and small/large groups are welcome to volunteer for this event on Saturday, September 15th at Rendezvous Park.

    Senior Companion
    Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, Minot, ND – is looking for Senior Companions. This opportunity is to provide regularly scheduled visits to older adults who need some assistance to maintain their highest degree of independence. Adults age 55+ are encouraged to consider this opportunity. Volunteers are given a small tax-free stipend for hours volunteered.

    Foster Grandparent
    Tri-Valley Opportunity Council needs adults age 55+ to volunteer their time to work with children ages birth-young adult in supervised nonprofit settings such as schools, day cares, juvenile centers, and other nonprofits. Time asked is 15-40 hours weekly with stipend, holiday, vacation, sick leave, and other benefits.

    Musician for ALS Memorial Service
    The ALS Association is seeking volunteers to play soft and reflective music on piano, guitar, or harp for A Day to Remember, a memorial service honoring those who have passed away due to ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Individuals, small groups, or families are welcome to volunteer for this event on the evening of Tuesday, April 10th.

    Volunteer Driver
    Clay County Social Services is looking for volunteers to provide transportation in Volunteer Driver’s own vehicle for clients who lack safe and reliable transportation. Drivers are reimbursed for mileage at Clay County’s current rates.

    Thrift Store Retail Volunteer
    Heartland Industries, Second Time Around Thrift Store is seeking individuals to volunteer. Duties will include working the cash register, customer service, accepting donations, and various other tasks. Must be 18 years of age or older but would be a great place to get customer service experience! Volunteers are needed Monday-Friday from 10am to 6pm. Training is provided.

    Cleaning and Animal Care
    Hightail Ranch and Rescue needs volunteers to assist with cleaning and animal care. Volunteers are responsible for cleaning stalls, sweeping barns, feeding and grooming horses, grounds keepings, and many more activities needing to be done. Individuals, families, or groups are all welcome to volunteer. Minimum age is 13 and hours are flexible.

    Clothing Drive
    Easter Seals Goodwill is seeking volunteers to assist at the clothing drive. Easter Seals Goodwill has teamed up with Herberger’s for the spring clothing drive. This would be a great opportunity to have your children help out or buddy up with a friend. Business’s or student groups may take a whole day as a class project or business event. Assistance is needed at the Herberger’s located at the West Acres Mall and the Moorhead Center Mall. Many shifts are available.

    Heart Warmer
    Ronald McDonald House Charities needs ‘Heart Warmer’ volunteers once a week (M-F), for two hours between 9am and 5pm to assist guests and guest staff.

    Shelter Volunteers
    Volunteers are needed for Church Host Sheltering during the week of March 25-31. There are openings for both male and female hosts.

    Retail Specialist
    HERO is looking for individuals to assist customers and design displays of HERO product (wound care, personal hygiene, mobility items, etc.) Volunteer hours vary and HERO is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

    Food Distribution and /or Food Order
    Dorothy Day Food Pantry is in need of volunteers to help clients with picking up food, stocking shelves, unloading food orders, and shelving the food orders. They are in need Monday-Thursday 11am-4pm and 6-8:30pm. Volunteers should be age 10 or older.

    Big Brothers
    Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for male volunteers. Volunteers are asked to make a one year commitment and meet with a child every other week to participate in a variety of activities.

    Meal Delivery Volunteers
    Valley Senior Services is recruiting volunteers to assist with meal delivery in North, South, and West Fargo. It is about an hour time commitment and would be for the noon meal. Volunteers deliver the meals to homebound elderly in our community.

    If you are interested in volunteering for one of these volunteer positions, or for one of the many others not listed, call FirstLink’s Helpline at 235-7335 (SEEK) or 2-1-1

    24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    ? Information & Crisis Services ? Volunteer Center Services ? Community Outreach Services ? 4357 13th Ave S #107L Fargo, ND 58107-0447 FAX: (701) 235-2476 PHONE: (701) 293-6462
    24-Hour Helpline 235-7335 Suicide Line 1-800-273-TALK

  5. Fight the Misinformation

    Last year, a few extreme members in Congress did everything in their power to yank funding from NPR and PBS. But you fought back, and it worked.

    The newest polls show that Americans believe PBS is the most trusted institution in the country. (Congress, on the other hand, came in dead last in the same poll).1

    For the ninth year now the public has ranked PBS second only to military defense as an “excellent” use of tax dollars. These surveys show that the misinformation campaign against public media isn’t working.

    We have funding for public broadcasting in the United States because that’s exactly what the vast majority of Americans say they want. Now Congress needs to listen.

    Help us fight the attacks on public media by sending the facts to Congress today: Tell your lawmakers why public media matters.

    Public broadcasting is still under threat. In the last five years, states have slashed hundreds of millions of dollars from public broadcasters and in some cases launched plans to phase out funding altogether. In recent weeks, more states — including Maine, Oklahoma and Rhode Island — have called for cuts. Damaging legislation and federal budget cuts are chipping away at important funding streams for NPR, PBS and community media outlets around the country.

    Foes claim that funding public media is a huge tax burden — but for every dollar you will pay in taxes in 2012, only 0.015 cents will go to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.2 In fact, the United States has one of the lowest-funded public media systems in the developed world.

    We can’t let legislators bleed public media dry. Take action before the next budget threat.

    Are NPR and PBS perfect? No. But in the face of tough political and economic challenges they are investing far more than their commercial counterparts in quality news and educational programming. In many parts of the country big media corporations are laying off journalists and abandoning local news coverage. Often public radio and TV stations are the only truly local voices left on the air.

    Help combat the lies. Tell Congress that you’re ready to fight to protect funding for public media.

    Thank you,

    Josh, Amy and the rest of the Free Press Action Fund team

    http://www.FreePress.net

    http://www.SaveTheNews.org

    • Immigration Advocates Network on March 8, 2012 at 1:41 pm
    • Reply

    New Text Messaging Service for Immigrants Seeking to Naturalize

    CitizenshipWorks, a project of the Immigration Advocates Network, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, and Pro Bono Net, recently announced the launch of its nationwide text messaging campaign, which sends immigrants information about United States citizenship and helps them to access free or low-cost legal help in their area.

    Users can text “citizenship” (“ciudadania” in Spanish) to 877877 and receive the location and contact information of nearby legal services providers as well as information about the naturalization process. Available in English and Spanish, the campaign addresses the unmet need for information about becoming a U.S. citizen and directs users to local organizations providing naturalization assistance.

    Nationally, it is estimated that there are 8.5 million lawful permanent residents who are eligible to apply for citizenship. However, less than 1 million naturalize every year. For many immigrants, the complex laws and regulations that govern the process of naturalization are intimidating. Others simply lack the resources to hire an attorney to begin the process.

    Please help us to spread the word about this exciting new service in your community. A press release about this project is available in English and Spanish at http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb9257775.htm. If you have questions, email us at support@immigrationadvocates.org.

    About CitizenshipWorks:

    The CitizenshipWorks website (www.citizenshipworks.org) provides free, easy-to-use online tools to help individuals answer questions about their eligibility for naturalization, better understand the naturalization process, find legal help, and prepare for the naturalization tests. CitizenshipWorks is a project of the Immigration Advocates Network (IAN), a collaborative effort of leading immigrants’ rights organizations; the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, national experts on the naturalization process; and Pro Bono Net, a national nonprofit that develops innovative and collaborative technology platforms to increase access.

    CitizenshipWorks is funded by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, the Grove Foundation, the Knight Foundation, Open Society Foundations, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The CitizenshipWorks text messaging campaign leverages a national Immigration Legal Services Directory developed with funding from the Four Freedoms Fund.

    • Bob Hume on March 4, 2012 at 1:55 pm
    • Reply

    Governor Mark Dayton released the following statement today on the passing of Senator Gary Kubly:

    “I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Senator Gary Kubly. Gary was a dedicated public servant and an outstanding leader. He lived his life with quiet strength and principled dignity, as evidenced by the remarkable courage with which he faced his final illness. He is an inspiration to all of us, who knew and worked with him.

    I extend my deepest condolences to his devoted family.”


  6. SEEKING FARMERS AND SCHOOLS FOR FARM TO SCHOOL DIRECTORY

    Interested in networking to bring more locally grown produce to school lunches?

    (Medina, ND – March 3, 2012) – Farmers and school food service will soon have a new tool for networking with a North Dakota’s Farm to School directory. The directory will be available online with printed copies on request.

    This simple list of contact information is being compiled for school cooks, superintendents and business managers interested in partnering with local farms to bring fresh produce and education opportunities to their schools.

    Statewide school districts were polled as to interest in being a part of North Dakota’s farm to school movement. Many schools were unsure of how to locate farmers or how to go about purchasing food from farmers. Producers were asked a separate set of questions about products they offered and ability to deliver. A directory was created of those people interested in working together. Whether it is a farm tour, a school visit or a season of fresh produce for the school lunch program or Fresh Fruits and Vegetables grants, this directory will assist in making those first contacts between growers and schools.

    Safe handling produce training for farmers will be held in early April. More information about those training will be released soon.

    If you are interested in listing your farm, garden or school in this directory, please contact Sue B. Balcom, ND State Farm to School lead at FARRMS, 301 5th Ave. SE, Medina, ND 58467; or email: sbalcom@farrms.org or call 701-527-5169.


  7. Pam Gulleson Applauds Decision on North Dakota Regional Haze Program

    RUTLAND, ND—Pam Gulleson applauded today’s ruling by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect the primacy of the State of North Dakota.

    The decision throws out proposed plans by the EPA to supplant North Dakota’s Regional Haze Program to monitor and maintain air quality in the state, with a national one-size fits all program. After a lengthy comment period and a series of public meetings, the EPA decided to allow the state to move forward with parts of their State Implementation Plan (SIP) to regulate emissions in North Dakota, rather than implementing a new federal program.

    Gulleson testified at the October 13, 2011 hearing in Bismarck, and said in a statement today, “The dispute between the EPA and the State of North Dakota ran counter to both scientific evidence and the needs of the region, and went on for far too long. I am pleased that the implementation plan for managing visibility and haze as outlined by the ND Department of Health has been accepted by the EPA.”

    “Significant investments have been made by our lignite industry to manage emissions and ensure safe and clear air for North Dakotans,” said Gulleson. “Today’s decision will allow the State Health Department to move forward with plans to protect North Dakota citizens and its environment.”

    • George B. Sinner on March 3, 2012 at 10:38 pm
    • Reply

    For Immediate Release: Fargo businessman George Sinner announced today his candidacy for the North Dakota Senate seat from District 46

    “Today in District 46 we have one dominant and urgent issue, that of permanent flood
    protection for all of Red River Basin. With the re-mapping of the flood zone, most of the homes
    in District 46 will be in the new 100 year flood plain, meaning major increases in mandatory
    flood insurance premiums. In my district alone that could cost approximately $2.5 million per
    year until permanent flood protection is in place. You have my promise that flood protection
    will be a primary focus of my service to District 46.”

    “Another issue begging for action is the living conditions in western North Dakota’s oil patch.
    An economy that grows at this pace comes with major repercussions. Housing, roads, water
    and sewer treatment, schools, police and emergency services are all being compromised if not broken. Addressing these challenges are both local and state obligations. For most people
    life has become extremely difficult and the state must work to help our fellow citizens through
    these hardships.”

    “Also demanding attention is the treatment that NDSU received from the 2011 legislature,
    specifically removing equity funding from the governor’s budget. That action resulted in the
    students being punished with almost 9% tuition increase. Even local legislators had a role in
    this. We must do better.”

    “I have chosen to run for the legislature because I care about the people of this state and the
    future we are preparing for our children. I believe I have a background in the business world,
    community service and family life that prepares me for the job of serving the people of my
    district and my state.”

    George and his wife, Margaret Lamb, have two children, Kate and Patrick. He lives and works in District 46. George is employed by American Federal Bank and is the son of Governor George and Jane Sinner.

    • Beth M. Boustead on March 1, 2012 at 8:16 pm
    • Reply

    Taxpayers Beware of Scammers Targeting Your Refund and Personal Information

    BISMARCK, N.D. – It’s tax time and Tax Commissioner Cory Fong and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem are cautioning consumers about a recent email scam that claims to be official IRS correspondence.

    The scam email claims that the recipient’s “Income Tax Refund Appeal” has been rejected and instructs the taxpayer to resubmit the appeal by clicking on a link included in the email. This is the latest variation of the “phishing” scam emails.

    “Be very cautious when providing your personal information by email,” said Fong. “Neither the Tax Department nor the IRS use email to contact a taxpayer about a particular case nor to request confidential information such as bank account or social security numbers.”

    “There are numerous versions of these phony IRS emails and they are all scams. Do not click on any links within the email or open any attachments,” cautioned Stenehjem. “Instead, simply delete the email without response.”

    This time of year is particularly busy with scammers seeking to take advantage of taxpayers who are often anxious to learn about the status of their income tax return or refund. These scams are designed to try and trick people into revealing confidential personal information such as social security numbers, bank account numbers and dates of birth. Once the scam artists have this information, they can gain access to the taxpayer’s bank accounts.
    “We never request private information nor do we send you personal information through an email,” said Fong. “If you get an email that appears to be from the Tax Department, or the IRS, no matter how official it looks, if it asks for you to enter personal information, or to verify or confirm the status of your refund or account, it is a scam.”

    According to Parrell Grossman, director of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, consumers should be extremely cautious to avoid the dangers of “phishing” email attacks. “Never open emails from unknown senders, never click on links within emails unless you are positive the email is legitimate, and never provide personal information unless you are sure it is safe to do so,” said Grossman.

    Fong suggests that taxpayers who get a suspicious email that claims to be from the IRS or the Tax Department should call first in order to determine if it is legitimate. Taxpayers may call the IRS at 800.829.1040, the North Dakota Tax Department at 877.328.7088, or the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 800.472.2600. Taxpayers can learn more about tax-related scams by visiting the IRS web site at http://www.irs.gov.

  8. Florida Legislature officially calls for Congressional term limits

    Fairfax, VA – The Florida legislature today officially called on the U.S. Congress to pass and send to the states for ratification a constitutional amendment limiting Congressional terms in office. The resolution, passed by acclamation in both houses of the Florida legislature, will be sent to the president of the United States, Speaker of the U.S. House, president of the U.S. Senate and each member of the Florida Congressional delegation.

    “Florida is the first state to take this step, but it will not be the last,” said Philip Blumel, president of U.S. Term Limits. “With term limits polling at all-time highs and the Congress at record lows, pressure is building around the nation for Congress to take action.”

    Sen. Jim DeMint and Rep. David Schweikert have introduced a constitutional amendment (SJR 11 and HJR 71, respectively) limiting congressional terms in the Senate and House. While the Florida action does not specifically mention any specific legislative proposal, they are the first state to go on record in the past decade supporting a congressional term limitation constitutional amendment. Voters overwhelmingly supported Florida’s state constitutional limits on state legislators in 1992 with 77 percent support. Polling from Quinnipiac University in 2009 suggests 82 percent of Floridians continue to support term limits on public officials.

    Nationally, the support for term limits remains strong with 78 percent of Americans supporting congressional term limits according to a September 2010 poll conducted for FoxNews by Public Opinion Dynamics. Support is strong across partisan lines with 84 percent of Republicans favoring the idea while 74 percent of Democrats and 74 percent of Independents also support limiting congressional terms.

    U.S. Term Limits’ Blumel urged Congress to move forward with the DeMint and Schweikert amendments saying, “Passage of congressional term limits is a foundational reform needed to re-establish a sense of reality to Washington, D.C., where the entrenched political leadership no longer represents the current thinking or interests of the voters in their former home states.”

    Passage of the term limits constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate, and ratification by ¾ (38) of the states in order to become part of the Constitution.
    The Florida resolution was introduced by State Rep. Matt Caldwell (HM83) in the Florida House and Sen. Joe Negron (SM672) in the Senate.

    “The evidence is in. Term limits work,” said Rep. Matt Caldwell of Lehigh Acres. “New York, Illinois and Florida have all been faced with tough decisions on how to balance their state budgets over the last few years. Only one of these states has term limits and only one of these states has cut their budgets to match their revenues and refused to raise taxes.”

    “Congress is on a collision course with federal bankruptcy and our last, best hope is to bring serious and permanent change to Washington, D.C.,” he said.

    U.S. Term Limits is the leading national advocacy group supporting congressional term limits.

  9. Bring Murdoch to Justice

    The net is closing around media mogul Rupert Murdoch. Investigators in London report that senior News Corp. employees authorized hundreds of bribes to police officers and other government officials.1 And on Wednesday his disgraced son James stepped down from his role as executive chairman of News International.

    But these reports of rampant criminal behavior have yet to trigger a prosecution of Murdoch here in the U.S., where executives can be held liable for systematically bribing foreign officials.

    Don’t let Murdoch dodge justice.
    Demand a full U.S. investigation of News Corp.

    http://act2.freepress.net/go/8856?akid=3335.9774555.QNs5a-&t=6

    Murdoch’s henchmen are now trying to defang the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which makes it unlawful for a U.S. corporation to pay off a foreign official for the purpose of advancing or protecting a business interest.3 Their goal? Stopping U.S. prosecutors from reining in the culture of corruption that has overtaken News Corp.

    News Corp. has also sought to mute coverage of the phone-hacking and bribery scandals across its news empire.

    This is how Murdoch works. For years he’s wielded his enormous media power to build his empire, fight the public interest and place himself and his fellow News Corp. executives above the law.

    By urging Attorney General Eric Holder to fully investigate News Corp., you’re joining more than 200,000 people who have already rejected Rupert Murdoch’s campaign to avoid justice in the U.S. We’ll be delivering these messages to the Justice Department soon — please sign now.

    No media company, no matter how influential, should be allowed to dodge U.S. laws. Please add your name to this letter — and forward this email to all of your friends.

    Tim, Josh, Libby and the Free Press team

  10. FM DERBY GIRLS TAKE HIT FROM FORMER FELLOW SKATER

    The FM Derby Girls (FMDG) discovered in October 2011 that a trusted league member in a position of
    authority was filtering money out of the organization’s account for her own personal use.
    After the discovery was made, the skaters enlisted the help of a forensic accountant from Eide Bailly,
    offering his services pro-bono, and the investigation determined that a “considerable sum” had been
    stolen from the league. The exact amount is being withheld at this time, although it is in the thousands of
    dollars.

    Once the discovery of this embezzlement was made, FMDG immediately confiscated all of the league’s
    possessions from this skater, revoked her membership in the league, and took away access to the
    practice space they rent. They also alerted their financial institutions, vendors, and customers instructing
    them to only deal with a newly designated person from FMDG.

    The event has spurred the league to re-examine their organization and business structure, and to develop
    systems of cross-checking that will ensure all financial record-keeping and expenditures/withdrawals are
    monitored by multiple individuals. They know that, unfortunately, they are not the first or only non-profit
    organization to go through such a breach of trust and disappointing event. As FMDG’s Marketing/PR
    Chairperson, Tyia Patnaude states, “I think the worst thing about this whole situation is that we trusted
    her! This organization was built from just a few skaters with a love of roller derby. She knew how hard
    we all worked and how much of ourselves we put into making this work. We all worried about being able
    to make enough money in the league to pay rent, pay our bills, make our charity contributions….and she
    kept telling us we weren’t doing enough. We were doing enough – she was just taking the money!”

    The league is awaiting a court date as they intend to prosecute the former skater to the fullest extent of
    the law. They are cautiously hopeful that a ruling will enable them to recoup as much of the stolen funds
    as possible. While they are deeply saddened and angered on a personal level by the accused’s actions,
    they will pursue these steps in a professional manner, always keeping in mind their responsibility to the
    members of their league and to the volunteers, fans, businesses and organizations that support them
    within the community.

    This is a difficult time for the skaters within the league. However, they remain committed to ensuring the
    Fargo Moorhead Derby Girls remains a force for good within the community and a positive experience for
    their members, supporters, and fans, who have put so much of their heart and soul into the league.

    Any inquiries may be sent to me and I will forward them on to our Board of Directors.

    Tyia Patnaude
    Marketing/PR Chairperson
    FM Derby Girls

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