The Backstory from the North Dakota News Cooperative

Local journalism has changed dramatically over the past three decades. Reporters who once edited tape by hand and carried pounds of television equipment can now record, edit and broadcast stories from a smartphone. In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with Tom Gerhardt, executive director of Dakota Media Access and a member of the North Dakota News Cooperative’s board of directors. Gerhardt reflects on his more than 20 years in television news and how technology has changed the way journalists cover and share stories. “I always felt like I was working for the communities that I served.” - Tom Gerhardt Gerhardt traces his path from writing for his high school newspaper to working at KMOT-TV in Minot and spending approximately 17 years at KXMB-TV in Bismarck. He also discusses covering the Dakota Access Pipeline protests as the story drew national and international attention, just as Facebook Live and other mobile broadcasting tools were beginning to change television news.  

Extreme cold, shifting ice and hundreds of miles without roads or medical resources made crossing Greenland a test of preparation, teamwork and leadership. In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with Dr. Jon Solberg, a North Dakota emergency physician who served as the expedition physician for a team traveling across Greenland in specially modified trucks. “Adventures are so important to keeping us fresh and excited about life.” - Dr. Jon Solberg Solberg discusses the specialized wilderness and mountain medicine training that prepared him for the journey, how the team responded when a crevasse opened beneath its equipment and what it took for seven people from different backgrounds to live and work together under extreme conditions. Read Michael Standaert’s full story about the expedition and the upcoming documentary screenings:  https://www.newscoopnd.org/real-life-greenland-odyssey-celebrated-in-documentary/  

North Dakota farmers are heading into harvest with diesel prices above $5 per gallon, fertilizer costs still elevated, and renewed trade tensions with Canada adding another layer of uncertainty. In this episode of The Backstory, NDNC reporter Michael Standaert and host Sabrina Halvorson discuss how those pressures are affecting farmers and why the consequences extend beyond the farm.

North Dakota requires 60% voter approval for school bond measures. That threshold recently came into play in both Bismarck and Surrey, where bond proposals received more than 58% support but failed to reach the supermajority needed to pass. In Surrey, the measure fell short by just five votes. In this episode of The Backstory, NDNC reporter Michael Standaert and host Sabrina Halvorson discuss why school bond measures can receive support from a majority of voters and still fail. Standaert looked at school bond elections over the past decade and found 48 failed measures, including 13 that came within five percentage points of the 60% threshold. He also discusses what the requirement means for districts trying to address aging buildings, accessibility needs and other facility improvements, and how recent changes to when bond elections can be held affect districts that want to return to voters. “In most voting, it would have passed, but with the 60% requirement, those still didn’t pass.” — Michael Standaert, North Dakota News Cooperative reporter Read the full article here:  https://www.newscoopnd.org/school-districts-struggle-to-sell-bond-measures/

In part two of this Backstory interview, conservation photographer Mike Forsberg and Andrew Caven of the International Crane Foundation reflect on the North Dakota portion of their completed 2,500-mile bicycle journey from Texas to Canada. Forsberg describes riding through the Missouri Coteau southeast of Bismarck as moving through a painting, with rolling hills, wildflowers, grazing cattle and calling birds. Caven says the area was among the most ecologically intact landscapes they encountered during the trip. But elsewhere in the state, they saw the effects of continued grassland and wetland conversion. Caven says some birds and plants he expected to find in northwestern North Dakota did not appear until the cyclists reached Saskatchewan. The conversation also examines the importance of restoring native plants. Caven explains how grasslands dominated by introduced species differ from native habitat and can affect the birds and other wildlife that depend on them.

A few weeks ago, the North Dakota News Cooperative reported on a 2,500-mile bicycle journey following the migration route of the endangered whooping crane. Now that the ride from Texas to Canada is complete, conservation photographer Mike Forsberg and Andrew Caven of the International Crane Foundation join The Backstory to reflect on what they saw, what they learned and what the journey revealed about the challenges facing whooping cranes and the landscapes they depend on. Forsberg and Caven recently completed a 2,500-mile bicycle ride from Texas to Canada, following the migration route of the endangered whooping crane. They explain how traveling the route under their own power helped them better understand the daily challenges migratory birds face as they search for food, water and safe places to rest. The journey also gave them a close look at habitat conditions throughout the Central Flyway. They describe long stretches where wetlands and grasslands have disappeared and discuss how the loss affects whooping cranes as well as monarch butterflies, shorebirds, grassland birds and other species that depend on the same landscape. “Their story in the Great Plains in North America on migration is very much our story, too.” – Mike Forsberg, conservation photographer The conversation also examines the connections among conservation, agriculture and rural economies, including the role sustainable ranching and working lands can play in protecting grasslands and wetlands. Part two will focus on what Forsberg and Caven encountered while riding through North Dakota and how residents can support conservation close to home.

Changing the clocks twice a year can be disruptive. But would permanent daylight saving time actually be better for North Dakota? In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with North Dakota News Cooperative reporter Michael Standaert about the Sunshine Protection Act and what year-round daylight saving time could mean for the state. “I was a little bit surprised how dark it will be in some of the months if this does go through,” Standaert said. “In the darkest months, some of the sunrises could be closer to 9:30 or 9:45 in the morning. Kids will already be in school when the sun comes up.” Permanent daylight saving time would affect the state differently than many parts of the country. Winter sunrises could come around 9 a.m. in Fargo, 9:30 a.m. in Bismarck and 9:45 a.m. in Williston. Halvorson and Standaert discuss what those dark mornings could mean for students, schools and the body’s natural rhythms, as well as the benefits and complications of permanent standard time. They also look at whether continuing to change the clocks may still be the best option for North Dakota.

In this episode of The Backstory, Sabrina Halvorson talks with NDNC reporter Michael Standaert about Grand Farm, a 600-acre agricultural technology campus near Casselton where companies test new tools under real-world farming conditions. Grand Farm is currently focused on technologies that could help farmers address herbicide-resistant weeds, including drones, satellite mapping, smart sprayers and small autonomous machines capable of targeting individual plants. The goal is to make the equipment reliable and easy to use before farmers are asked to adopt it. “Most farmers don’t have the time to go try these things out themselves,” Standaert said. “A place like Grand Farm is good for getting those things tested and making sure they’re operable and easy to use.” The work could also reduce the amount of herbicide and pesticide applied to fields by allowing farmers to target only the areas where treatment is needed. Beyond the farm, Grand Farm has helped bring agricultural technology companies to North Dakota and could contribute to new industries and career opportunities in the state. Read more on the topic here.

In this episode of The Backstory, Sabrina Halvorson talks with North Dakota News Cooperative reporter Michael Standaert about a proposed pig iron processing facility in Minot and what it could mean for the region. The project would reclaim discarded iron ore from northern Minnesota, transport it by rail to North Dakota and process it into pig iron for steel manufacturers across the country. “It’s just cool to see projects like this that will offer very good jobs to people. I think that’s important for communities.” — Michael Standaert, North Dakota News Cooperative reporter Standaert explains why pig iron is important to producing high-quality steel, why Minot was selected for the facility and how the project could reduce the nation’s reliance on imported pig iron. He also discusses the estimated 650 permanent jobs in Minot, thousands of construction jobs and the additional economic activity the project could generate throughout the state. Read more on the topic here: https://www.newscoopnd.org/project-to-position-minot-as-significant-cog-in-u-s-steel-supply-chain/

What was it like to cover one of the biggest events North Dakota has seen in years? In this episode of Backstory, NDNC reporter Michael Standaert takes listeners behind the scenes of the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, including President Donald Trump's visit, the intense security, and the atmosphere throughout the community. "I think Medora was a special place before for a lot of people, and I think it's accentuated." — Michael Standaert, NDNC reporter Michael shares what it was like to report from the ground during three days of events, from watching the presidential motorcade and train arrival just yards away to talking with Medora residents about how the opening could shape the town's future. He also discusses the realities of covering a major presidential event, spending long hours in the summer heat, navigating security checkpoints, and finding the stories beyond the headlines.

North Dakota hit the big leagues of agricultural innovation, but it's stayed quiet until now. In this episode of The Backstory, Sabrina Halvorson talks with reporter Michael Standaert about how North Dakota quietly secured a position as one of the nation’s premier agricultural technology hubs through a massive federal initiative. Listen now:   Standaert discusses the National Science Foundation’s backing of the state's AgTech Engine, which brings up to $160 million in grant funding over a decade to accelerate precision agriculture and autonomous equipment. The conversation details how the engine serves as an advisory bridge for startups without taking intellectual property, relying on key local partnerships with NDSU Extension, Grand Farm, the Fargo-Moorhead Chamber, and the Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation. “Ag tech has been kind of a buzzword for a long time, but they hope that something like this will really help things go forward a lot faster.” - Michael Standaert, North Dakota News Cooperative Reporter Read the full article here. 

In this episode of The Backstory, Sabrina Halvorson talks with Julie Garden-Robinson, NDSU Extension Food and Nutrition Specialist, about the programs helping North Dakotans learn more about food, movement and health at every age. Garden-Robinson discusses Extension’s Field to Fork program, On the Move to Better Health, Nourish, youth health programs, and the work being done to update nutrition curriculum for students. She also explains how Extension reaches rural communities through county agents, online classes, statewide partnerships and resources available through the NDSU Extension website. “Food connects to everything." - Julie Garden-Robinson, NDSU Extension Food and Nutrition Specialist The conversation also touches on Garden-Robinson’s background as a food scientist and dietitian, her long-running Prairie Fare column, and the recipes and educational materials that help make food and nutrition information accessible to people across the state. Read more on the topic here.

A federal push for rural wellness is underway, aiming to tackle state health concerns and get North Dakotans moving. In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with reporter Michael Standaert about his latest article on the Rural Health Transformation Program and the "Make North Dakota Healthy Again" initiative. The conversation highlights how federal funding is being used for grassroots solutions like community gardens, school "zero-hour" PE programs, and local walking groups, while exploring the challenges of rural health access and the power of social connectedness in creating "Blue Zones" of longevity. “This is a big piece of these areas that are blue zones, the people are very connected with their communities, they're out farming together, walking together,” Standaert said. The discussion also dives into the practical realities of rural wellness, such as how to keep a walking program active when it drops to 20 below zero in January, and why state officials are looking for innovative, community-led ideas to help the program expand.

Why do so many men struggle in silence before reaching out for help? In this episode of The Backstory, Melissa Markegard, Suicide Prevention Administrator for North Dakota Health and Human Services, discusses the factors that can increase suicide risk, the warning signs friends and family should recognize, and the role communities can play in supporting mental health before a crisis develops. "We need you here. No matter what your brain is telling you, your family, your friends, your community, they all need you here. They are not better off without you." - Melissa Markegard, Suicide Prevention Administrator for North Dakota Health and Human Services The conversation stems from a recent North Dakota News Cooperative article by Michael Standaert examining male suicide and the challenges that can keep men from seeking support. Markegard discusses the unique pressures facing farmers and veterans, how major life stressors can compound over time, and why reaching out to someone who may be struggling can make all the difference. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 FirstLink 211 Helpline: Dial 211 or 701-235-7335 Mental Health America of North Dakota Help Line: 701-255-3692 or 888-705-5763

The latest North Dakota Poll takes a closer look at how residents are responding to major national issues and reveals some notable divides across the state. In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with reporter Michael Standaert about the latest North Dakota Poll results, which examine presidential approval ratings along with opinions on issues such as the war in Iran, immigration, and the economy. The conversation highlights how responses break down across party lines, regions, and independent voters, groups that often signal shifts in broader public opinion. “People were pointing out this kind of east-west divide and what it might mean going forward,” Standaert said. He noted that approval ratings differed sharply between Fargo-Cass County and western parts of the state. The results show that while party affiliation remains a strong predictor of opinion, independent voters and regional differences continue to shape the political landscape. In particular, the contrast between eastern population centers and western communities offers insight into how demographic growth may influence future elections and policymaking. The episode also underscores how statewide polling helps move beyond assumptions about North Dakota as a single group of voters, offering a clearer picture of how residents across different regions view national issues and leadership.