BISMARCK, N.D. – Today, the North Dakota Information Technology Department on behalf of the Health Information Technology (HIT) Advisory Committee has released guidance for North Dakota Healthcare Providers to apply for a low interest health information technology-revolving loan. In 2009, Senate Bill 2332 established a health information technology planning revolving loan fund with Bank of North Dakota for the purpose of providing low-interest loans to health care entities to build their health information technology infrastructure. The purpose of the loan fund is to assist healthcare providers with the purchase, install and support of fully functional, standards based, interoperable electronic health information technology systems. Application information can be found at: http://ruralhealth.und.edu/hit/loanfund/

The mission of the North Dakota Health Information Technology Advisory Committee is to facilitate the adoption and use of health information technology and exchange to improve healthcare quality, patient safety and overall efficiency of healthcare and public health services in North Dakota. Lisa Feldner, North Dakota Information Technology Chief Information Officer chairs the advisory group. The Health Information Technology Advisory Committee consists of a broad range of public and private health information technology stakeholders. A list of members appears on the HIT Advisory Committee Web site at http://ruralhealth.und.edu/projects/sorh/pdf/hit_advisory_committee_list.pdf. Information about the North Dakota HIT Advisory Committee is on-line at http://ruralhealth.und.edu/projects/sorh/hit.php.

North Dakota Loan Program

In 2009, Senate Bill 2332 established a health information technology (HIT) planning revolving loan fund with the Bank of North Dakota for the purpose of providing low-interest loans to health care entities to build their health information technology (HIT) infrastructure. To apply for a loan, applications must be submitted to the North Dakota HIT office (Step one). The HIT Director, in collaboration with a subcommittee of the HIT Advisory Committee shall review the loan applications and recommend applicants to the HIT Advisory Committee for approval. Applicants approved by the HIT Advisory Committee will be required to complete an on-site readiness assessment (Step two). Applicants with an on-site readiness assessment approved by the Advisory Committee will be invited to complete the Bank of North Dakota loan application. Upon approval of the application by the Bank, the loan will be made from the revolving loan fund (Step three).

Important Deadlines:

• Release of Guidance and Application: 03/05/2010
• Questions and clarification requests due by 3 pm CDT: 03/12/2010
• Technical Assistance Q&A Conference Call: 03/16/2010
  • Call in number: (877) 843-1738
  • Time 3:30 PM Central Time
• Initial Application due by 3 PM Central Time: 04/06/2010
• Application review completed by: 04/20/2010
• Notifications released: 04/30/2010

The High Five Camp is a collaborative effort between High Five Inc., Badlands Human service Center, United Way, and Dickinson Public Schools. The camp provides a fun, structured experience for emotionally, socially, and behaviorally challenged youth ages 6 to 13.

If you would like to join the High Five Inc Board please contact Renee Rettinger at (701) 227-7583. If you have questions regarding the board or the camp please contact Candace Johnson at (701) 227-7583

Kim Goldsmith
Web & Social Media Manager

Hawk’s Point will be celebrating it’s third anniversary this Wednesday by holding an open house. The open house will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. There will be entertainment, refreshments, and door prizes. If you would like more information, you can call Hawk’s Point at (701) 225-9173.

Kim Goldsmith
Web & Social Media Manager

North Dakotans are invited to a unique opportunity to learn from tribal, rural and University of North Dakota peers on Saturday, April 24 at a community-university forum. Finding Common Cultural Ground: Heritage, Education, Tourism is the theme for the Third Annual Community Connect Forum, to be hosted by Cankdeska Cikana Community College in Fort Totten, ND. The event is free and open to the public.

The forum is part of the Community Connect Project, coordinated by the UND Center for Community Engagement. Dozens of communities and organizations across the state, as well as UND faculty and students, have been involved over the past few years in conversations to connect regional communities. The first two forums, Generating Ideas through Partnerships (Grand Forks, 2008) and Focus on Community Entrepreneurship (Rugby, 2009), gathered several hundred participants to discuss topics of mutual interest. The schedule for this year’s forum is below.

8:30-9:15 Coffee, registration, exhibits
9:15-10:00 Traditional Opening Ceremony
10:00-10:45 Keynote Address and Training Session: Community Conflict
11-12 noon Break Out Sessions
Cultural Heritage & Education, Exhibits & Roundtables, Campus Tours
12:15-1 p.m. Lunch (provided), Community Connect Meeting
1:00-2 p.m. Keynote Panel and Discussion: Cultural Tourism
2:15-3:15 Break Out Sessions (repeat)
3:30-5 p.m. Reception and Cultural Event by the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation

Those interested in sharing community projects on cultural heritage, education or tourism, are encouraged to register an exhibit or propose a roundtable discussion. Exhibiters can showcase projects on display boards, and discussion facilitators are asked to prepare talking points to direct the conversation. Registration requests for exhibits and roundtable discussions are due March 15. Registration for attendees is due April 9.

All are welcome! Registration form for attendees and participants is attached to this e-mail.
For more information visit www.communityengagement.und.edu , call (701) 777-0675

Tonight Reporter Sarah Gustin takes you to Medora. train The snow covered streets aren’t busseling

It’s a common sight throughout the town, closed for the season outdoor music, but not all business falls with the temperatures walk in door (Doug Ellson / Medora Business Owner) “To be honest, this time of year sometimes we are open on request. We get the lights and music playing so people know we are open.” It’s North Dakota’s most well known summer vacation destination

Medora

Even when the coldest of temperatures hit the historic town still draws a few tourists

Western Edge Books, Artwork and Music is one of only about 10 Medora businesses to keep it’s doors open year round

(Doug Ellson / Medora Business Owner) “It’s still a misconception that medora claoses in the winter time. Some of the businesses close. But business is still pretty vibrant all year. We still have all of our services. You can get a room, get a meal, shop.” Owner Doug Ellison says about 80 percent of their business is done during the busiest part of the tourist season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. (Doug Ellson / Medora Business Owner) “If we see 5 to 10 people a day, that’s a good day in the winter time.” Ellison says they keep their doors open because some tourists enjoy visiting during the off season

When they can avoid the crowds and enjoy the snow covered badlands. walk out of door car drive by Finding a place to stay isn’t a problem. Not many are taken

(Mike Beaudoin / Hospitality Manager Theodore Roosevelt) “Normally there is a little oil activity going on in the area right now, so there is a few rooms, not alot. 5-10 a night.” The Rough Riders Hotel is to open soon

The Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation hopes this new attraction will make Medora a year round destination. (Mike Beaudoin / Hospitality Manager Theodore Roosevelt) “We will do mystery theaters and dinner theaters and wine tastings and we will do different winter get aways. Romatic getaways over Valentines Day, we are excited, really there has not been alot going on in the winter throughout the past, so really this is our first step in that direction.” The Rough Riders Hotel will be ready for guests during the 2010 tourist season

In Medora for KX News I am Sarah Gustin.

Beaudoin says along with the new hotel being open they hope to have more shops stay open and plan more community events for the 2011 winter season

“Original Article”

The RRP rule applies to all renovation work performed in residential houses, apartments and child-occupied facilities such as schools and day-care centers built before 1978. Training, certification, and work practice requirements in the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule are effective April 22, 2010. Pre-renovation education requirements are effective now.

Firms must have one or more “Certified Renovators” assigned to jobs where lead based paint is disturbed. To become certified, a renovator must successfully complete an EPA or State-approved training course conducted by an EPA or State-accredited training provider. Gary Snow & Associates, Inc. is an approved trainer in conjunction with UND.

All renovation workers must be trained. Renovation workers can be trained on-the-job by a Certified Renovator to use lead safe work practices, or they can become Certified Renovators themselves.

HUD LEAD SAFE HOUSE RULE

HUD’s Lead Safe Housing Rule (24 CFR Part 35) covers pre-1978 federally-owned or assisted housing and federally-owned housing that is being sold. It does not cover child-occupied facilities outside of residential housing. The requirements of HUD’s rule are similar to EPA’s RRP rule, details, including:

Exemptions. HUD’s rule does not allow owners of federally-assisted housing to opt out of its requirements.

Training Requirements. HUD does not recognize on-the-job training. To conduct lead hazard control in federally-assisted housing, either all workers must have completed a HUD-approved course, or the crew must be supervised by a Certified Renovator who is also a Certified Lead Abatement Supervisor.

Minor Repair and Maintenance. HUD’s definition of minor repair and maintenance that is exempt from its rule is different than EPA’s (2 square feet interior and 20 square feet exterior or 10 percent of the surface area of a small building component type).

The RRP course(s) will cover other differences between the EPA and HUD rules concerning lead-based paint, testing, practices, clearances testing and waste disposal.

Music Mart - Now Located in Prairie Hills Mall

Starboard - Opening Soon in Prairie Hills Mall

For more information about either of these businesses or to get more information about the Prairie Hills Mall you can contact the mall manager, Peggy O’Brien, by calling (701) 227-0462 or emailing pjobrien@ddr.com.

Kim Goldsmith
Web & Social Media Manager

These classes are open to the public and to any individual or business who wants to further their knowledge on the accounting software. Although the classes are intended for beginning to intermediate users, those with all levels of experience are welcome.

QuickBooks® class will be held on Friday, Feb. 19 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Quicken® class will be on Saturday, Feb. 20 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Refreshments will be provided for the two break sessions. One hour will be given for lunch. Lunch will not be provided. Class fees are $35 per person, per class.

For questions or to request a registration form please contact Mark Versen at the Strom Center (701) 483-2756 or Mark.Versen@dsu.nodak.edu

The Child Care Grant Program was initiated by the 61st North Dakota Legislative Assembly providing $500,000 of one-time funding to assist North Dakota child care providers with infrastructure and technical assistance/business plans. The first round of grants awarded $265,000 to 96 child care providers. The remaining $235,000 will be awarded by June 1, 2010.

The North Dakota Development Fund was also authorized to provide financial assistance to childcare providers through loans.

If you are interested in more information, please visit the Childcare Loan Program at this link: http://www.business.nd.gov/businessInformation/nd-development-fund/child-care-loan-program/

or contact:

Denise Spanjer
Executive Director
Center for Technology & Business
North Dakota Rural Development Council
PO Box 2535
115 N 2nd Street
Bismarck ND 58502
(701) 223-0707

www.trainingND.com

Dickinson Young Professionals (DYP) is once again holding their Annual Chili Cook-Off. The event will be held on February 22, 2010 and will kick off with a social at 5:00 pm. The officially tasting will begin at 5:30 pm. It will be held at the Strom Center (1679 6th Avenue West) in Dickinson, ND.

Attendees will have the chance to win prizes as well as eat some amazing chili! There will also be the opportunity to play games and socialize. Even if you haven’t yet been to a DYP event, come join us!

Kim Goldsmith, DYP Recruitment Chair
Web & Social Media Manager