by Shane Hylton
Columnist
The gun debate is still raging despite a huge lack of support in the Senate. Grand Forks Police has started to crack down on the influx of prostitution that appears to be a byproduct of the oil boom out west. UND Hockey players are in trouble once again for out of control parties. Winter is in full swing and temperatures and storms seem to be following what the Farmer’s Almanac predicted. And to top all of that off, we have a few events coming our way.
I am glad to see that a lot of the gun debate is finally starting to get realistic and realize that gun control only punishes the law abiding citizens and not the criminals. As a martial arts instructor, I am always asked what’s the best way to defend yourself and my response is get trained and educated in how to defend yourself. Training and education should include firearm usage as well. Why, is usually the next question, followed by my response of, it is better to have it and not need it then it is to need it and not have it. However, I am a very strong advocate for gun education and usually get some backlash from the gun owners that I am wrong. I honestly think that there should be a mandatory class on what it means to be American (kind of a citizenship class). Now I know we are supposed to get government in school. But this class would include not only gun ownership, but voting as well. Now that is where I get back lash from both sides. If you make it so that one group should have to register to exercise their right, then why not both. After seeing the way some people handle hand guns after they purchase them and then just shelve it with no further education, I can understand why there are so many gun accidents in this country. How do you solve that? Education, there is one reason I feel that there have not been any mass shootings in North Dakota. That is because most people here are put through hunter safety, where they are taught at an early age the proper way to handle a firearm, safely and effectively. Now, take that same approach to voting and gun (all guns) ownership and we will have more responsible people who will see to it that guns are taken better care of.
It would seem that a new element has moved into Grand Forks, that would be strippers and prostitutes. You can’t blame them, by that I mean there is no money to be had in Las Vegas or other big cities. So why should they not come here, they can make a lot more money in North Dakota than they could in LA or Vegas easily. So we are starting to see that now becoming a target by Grand Forks PD and it’s a good thing. Grand Forks PD last weekend set up a sting operation in which four men were arrested. I have a feeling that there will be more of these in the future, now if only they could target drunk driving a lot harder as well (not saying that they don’t).
Five UND men’s hockey players have been formally charged for a party that was broken up last September. The five players were charged with “unlawful delivery to certain persons”. What that means, I do not know. I am going to guess that it means they were caught serving alcohol to minors of some kind. The players have already been assessed a team penalty for the alleged violation by UND and this is just the community finally catching up. Which is too bad, these players do not realize how many kids in our community look up to them.
AROUND TOWN
UND SPORTS
The UND Track team will be in Fargo for the Herd Classic this weekend. Women’s Tennis will be taking on Montana, Montana State, and South Dakota State this Friday at Center Court. Women’s Hockey is at Minnesota State, while the Men’s Hockey team will be taking on Wisconsin at the Ralph. Men’s Basketball will be going against Idaho State in the Betty, while the Women’s team is away at Idaho State.
Skate the Alerus
Skate the Alerus is back this Sunday from 1pm to 4pm. Requirements: Helmet and Skates Please enter at Entrance 1. All will have the chance to win free t-shirts and registration for the 3rd Annual Inline Marathon set for this August 24th. For more information contact: 701-371-9154. Rollin on the River would prefer all inquiries to be directed to: info@rollinontheriver-inline.com
Lego League Tournament
The Lego League will be hosting a tournament this Saturday from 7:30 AM to 3 PM in the Memorial Union Ballroom on the UND campus. Register online at https://gofll.usfirst.org/ (Registration is limitied to 40 teams).
Greenway Ski Days 2013
The Grand Forks Park District is once again hosting the annual Greenway Ski Days. This event is FREE for all ages and open to the public!! All the fun-filled winter activities kick off with a Friday night Candlelight Ski and a full Saturday of skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, sleigh rides, a chili social and much more! The entire family can enjoy celebrating winter at Greenway Ski Days.
Greenway Ski Days Schedule of Events
(Times and shedule of event is subject to change.)
Saturday
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Fun all day long!)
10:00 AM Event begins with Cross Country Skiing, Sledding, Ice Skating and more! (Ski equipment and snow shoes available for use and sponsored by The Ski and Bike Shop)
11:00 AM Chili Feed (while supplies last) Donated by The Gate
12:00 PM Sleigh Rides begin – Sponsored by American Federal Bank
1:30 PM Cardbard Sled Race – Sponsored by Leighton Broadcasting
Cardboard Sled Race
Participate in our annual Cardboard Sled Race! You can pick up cardboard at the Ski and Bike Shop. This event is entertaining for both participants and spectators as sleds are creatively designed and decorated and raced down the sledding hill near Lincoln Drive Park. Cardboard donated by US Corrugated and the duct tape is donated by Home of Economy. Pick up supplies at The Ski and Bike Shop and create your very own cardboard sled and enter the race!