By Nicole Vander VorstStrasburg Public School

eighth graders learned about promoting German-Russian heritage at the Tri-County Tourism Alliance March meeting.

Strasburg Public School teacher and Welk Homestead Site Director, Brian Grove said that educating students about their culture and com-munity is important.

“Many of these students take the treasures we have right here in our back yard for granted,” Grove said. “Going to meetings like this can help them understand the rich history of our culture, while getting involved in the community.”

The students learned about many ways the Tourism Al-liance works to promote the Tri-County area. One of the items that was covered in-depth was a grant proposal to the Heritage Fund for an enhancement project for the Dinosaurs on the Prairie east of Napoleon.

UND communication class student, Daniel Pawlak, his advisor Nicole Derenne, property owners, Logan county commissioners, and NDSU Logan County Exten-sion Agent and Tri-County Tourism Alliance President, Carmen Rath-Wald, formed a team to work on the proposal.

Pawlak and Derenne joined the Alliance group via web-cam and provided details regarding the project. They said that the project would cost nearly $80,000. The plan would include a building near the “dinosaurs” with informa-tion inside, explaining the history of threshing machines and the area. Outside, a picnic area would invite individu-als to spend time enjoying the area, and a cobblestone walkway would be built along

the hillside. Rath-Wald said that the

tourist destination would bring business to the area, while being a place for people to take pictures and enjoy the outdoors and history. The increase in knowledge and interest in the area would be an economy boost for the entire tri-county area.

Other items on the agenda included dates and places where the “Women on the Plow” Photographic exhibit

would be on display, cultural and heritage events taking place across the state, and historical awards to nominate and apply for.

The March meeting took place at The Hague Cafe. The next meeting will take place at the Hazelton Coffee Shop on April 12.

Strasburg students attend tourism meeting

Strasburg Public School eighth graders attended the Tri-County Tourism Alliance meet-ing to learn about promoting the areas culture and community.

The Hague Cafe manager, Brad Wagner, welcomed the Tri-County Tourism Alliance to the cafe. He prepared a German lunch combo for guests to enjoy following the meeting.

Tri-County Tourism Alli-ance Treasurer Brenda Nolz, gave the treasurer’s report.

University of North Dakota communication class student, Daniel Pawlak and his advisor Nicole Derenne, joined the group via web camera to discuss an enhancement project for the Dinosaurs on the Prairie east of Napoleon. Alliance secretary, Acacia Stuckle, left, takes notes while Alliance president, Carmen Rath-Wald, facilitates the conversation.

After the meeting, the group sang and early Happy Birthday to Hague Cafe customer Peter Glatt of Strasburg, right, who was going to be turning 93 on Sun., March 10. Al-liance member Charles Gray of Wishek, led the group in song, while Alliance president Carmen Rath-Wald, congratulated Glatt.