THOMPSON, N.D. – You can bet it will be a Christmas to remember for this Thompson teenager.
Dex Avdem, 14, is a standout athlete for the Tommies. And last summer at the Class B Legion State Tournament, Dex went into cardiac arrest after he took a ball to the chest.
But not only did people step up to save Dex,his story led to schools and towns now getting backpack travel Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
The multi-sport athlete is known for his talents but also his fierce fight to survive.
“I just embrace it, you know. Last Christmas could’ve been my last. But God didn’t let that happen, so I am just really thankful,” Dex said from the high school in Thompson.
It was August, in the semifinals against LaMoure at the State Legion Tournament when everything changed.
In the sixth inning, Dex, a catcher, took a foul tip ball to the chest.
his parents knew something was wrong.
“He just fell different and there was something different about that moment,” Stacie Moen,Dex’s mother,said.”By the time I got to him, I realized, you could just see it in his eyes,” Ryan avdem, Dex’s dad, said.
Within seconds, a symphony of first responders in the stands came to help Dex whose heart had stopped.
“The breathing I will never forget and someone yelling, ‘get the AED’ and then the words ‘shock advised,’ ” stacie said.
The first base umpire was a paramedic, there were two nurse practitioners, a certified nurse, as well as nurses from other teams, the couple said.
“I can’t thank them enough. They rushed over there and saved my life, so I am really thankful for them,” Dex said.
Fargo man’s unique Christmas light display brings joy – and a challenge – to neighbors
Table of Contents
By Melissa Van Der stad, Forum News Service
FARGO – For some, decorating for Christmas is a simple matter of stringing lights and putting up a tree. For Fargo resident Kyle Anderson, it’s a full-blown, synchronized light show that has become a neighborhood spectacle – and a bit of a head-scratcher for some.
Anderson’s display, located at 4602 19th St. S, features over 10,000 lights choreographed to a medley of Christmas classics. What sets it apart isn’t just the sheer number of lights, but the intricate patterns and movements, all controlled by a custom-built computer program.
“It started small, just a few strands of lights,” Anderson explained. “But it kind of snowballed from there. I’ve always been into technology and Christmas, so I figured why not combine the two?”
The display has drawn crowds each night since it went up after Thanksgiving, with cars slowly cruising past to enjoy the show. Social media is buzzing with videos and photos, and Anderson has even created a Facebook page where he posts showtimes and updates.
Though, the dazzling display hasn’t been without its challenges. Some neighbors have expressed concerns about the brightness and the traffic it’s generating.
“it’s definitely shining,” Anderson admits. “I’ve tried to adjust the intensity and direction of the lights to minimize the impact on nearby homes. I’ve also been working with the city to manage traffic flow.”
He’s added extra parking spots and encourages visitors to park off-street whenever possible. He’s also mindful of showtimes,ending the display by 10 p.m. on weeknights.
Despite the concerns, many neighbors are embracing the festive spirit.
“It’s really fun to watch,” said Sarah Miller, who lives across the street. “My kids love it, and it’s a great way to get into the Christmas mood. It’s a little bright, but it’s only for a few weeks out of the year.”
anderson says he’s committed to being a good neighbor while still sharing his passion for Christmas lights. He hopes to continue improving the display in the years to come, adding new songs and effects.
“Ultimately, I just want to bring a little joy to people during the holidays,” he said. “if I can do that, then it’s all worth it.”
The light show runs nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. thru January 1st. You can find more facts on the “Anderson Christmas Lights” Facebook page.
Fargo’s DEX Heads to Nationals After State Robotics Win
By melissa Erickson, Forum News Service
FARGO – A team of Fargo high school students is heading to the national robotics competition after winning the state championship last weekend.
DEX, a robotics team comprised of students from Fargo North and Fargo South High Schools, took first place at the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) State Championship held at the Fargo Civic Center. The win qualifies them for the FIRST Championship Series, to be held in Houston, Texas, in April.
The team competed against 32 other teams from across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. This year’s challenge, called “CRESCENDO,” required teams to build a robot that could collect and shoot game pieces, climb a chain, and work cooperatively with other teams.
“It was a really intense competition,” said team captain, senior Ben Strand. “There were a lot of really good robots, and it came down to the wire in the finals.”
DEX secured the win with a strong alliance of teams, demonstrating not only their robot’s capabilities but also their ability to collaborate and strategize.
“Robotics isn’t just about building a robot,” explained mentor and teacher, sarah Nelson. “It’s about teamwork, problem-solving, and learning valuable STEM skills.”
the team is now focused on fundraising to cover the costs of travel and registration for the national competition. They are accepting donations through their website and social media channels.
“We’re really excited to represent Fargo and North Dakota at nationals,” Strand said. “We’ve put in a lot of hard work, and we’re ready to compete with the best teams in the country.”
Understanding property taxes can feel like deciphering a secret code. As a North Dakota resident,knowing how your property is assessed,what tax rates apply,and available relief options is crucial for financial planning. this guide breaks down the key aspects of North Dakota property taxes, offering clarity and resources to help you navigate the system.
How Property Taxes Work in North Dakota
North Dakota operates on a system where property taxes fund local government services. These services include schools, cities, counties, and special districts. Hear’s a step-by-step overview of how it effectively works:
- Assessment: The first step is determining your property’s assessed value. This is typically a percentage of its market value,and in North Dakota,it’s currently set at 50% of fair market value. Assessors consider factors like property size, location, construction type, and recent sales in the area.
- Taxable Value: Once assessed, your property’s taxable value is calculated. This is the assessed value minus any exemptions you may qualify for (more on those later).
- Tax Rates (Mills): Local taxing authorities (cities, counties, schools, etc.) set mill rates. A mill is equal to $1 of tax for every $1,000 of taxable value. So, a mill rate of 20 mills means you pay $20 in taxes for every $1,000 of taxable value.
- Tax Calculation: Your property tax is calculated by multiplying your taxable value by the total mill rate.
Understanding Your property Tax Bill
Your annual property tax bill will detail several key components:
* Assessed Value: The value assigned to your property by the assessor.
* Taxable Value: The assessed value after any exemptions are applied.
* Mill Rate: The rate set by each taxing authority.
* Tax Amount: The actual amount of tax due for each authority.
* Special Assessments: Charges for specific improvements like sidewalks or sewer lines.
Key Exemptions and Credits
North Dakota offers several exemptions and credits that can reduce your property tax burden:
* Homestead Exemption: Available to homeowners who occupy their property as their primary residence.This exemption reduces the taxable value of your home.
* Disabled Veteran Exemption: Provides property tax relief for disabled veterans.
* Senior Citizen Exemption: Offers tax relief for qualifying senior citizens.
* Circuit Breaker Credit: A state program that provides tax relief to low-income homeowners and renters. Eligibility is based on income and property tax paid.you can find more information and apply at the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner website.
Challenging Your Property Assessment
if you believe your property has been overvalued, you have the right to challenge the assessment. Here’s the process:
- Informal Review: Start by contacting your county assessor’s office to discuss your concerns. Often, a simple conversation can resolve the issue.
- formal Appeal: If the informal review doesn’t yield a satisfactory result, you can file a formal appeal with the county Board of Equalization. Deadlines for filing appeals are typically in the spring, so be sure to check with your county assessor’s office for specific dates.
- Further Appeal: If you disagree with the Board of Equalization’s decision, you can appeal to the North dakota Tax Commissioner and, ultimately, to the district court.
Resources for more Information
* North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner: https://www.nd.gov/tax/
* Your County Assessor’s Office: Contact information can be found on your county’s website.
* North Dakota Association of Counties: https://www.ndacounty.org/
Kevin Wallevand is a financial advisor with Forum Communications Company. He specializes in helping North Dakotans understand and plan for their financial future.
Related reading