One of the more contentious budget issues before the 2013 legislature was the question of whether or not the State of North Dakota should buy the birthplace of famed band leader Lawrence Welk. The farm is located well off the beaten path, and it’s not at all clear that Welk himself cared much about it.…
Berg Column: What's That $mell? North Dakota's Money To Burn
Valley News Live – KVLY/KXJB – Fargo/Grand Forks TRANSCRIPT Good evening, I’m Chris Berg, thanks for joining us. Do you smell that? For the past few days everywhere I go in North Dakota, there is this weird smell. I am curiouis if any of you at home have noticed it too? Do me a favor,…
Video: State Treasurer Says Lawrence Welk Home Purchase Shouldn't Happen
Valley News Live – KVLY/KXJB – Fargo/Grand Forks According to North Dakota State Treasurer Kelly Schmidt, who appeared on Chris Berg’s Valley News Live program this evening, the controversial purchase of the Lawrence Welk homestead “sets a new precedent” for the state’s relationship with historic property. According to Schmidt, the state has never made such…
Surprise: Now That Taxpayers Are On The Hook, Welk Homestead "Wishlist" Bloats Up To Millions
Today State Treasurer Kelly Schmidt – who sits on the State Historical Society Board as a part of her elected duties – writes for SAB about why she voted against the purchase of the Lawrence Welk homestead. The State Legislature appropriated $100,000 to the State Historical Society budget to purchase the Welk property; no funds were…
Schmidt Column: Why I Opposed State Purchase Of Lawrence Welk Homestead
As a member of the State Historical Board, I am often tasked with reconciling the emotional side of our responsibilities with the financial components of a decision. The purchase of the Lawrence Welk Homestead was another example of that reconciling process. History is emotional. My Grandpa Jack’s purple heart and My Grandpa Clement’s railroad watch…
The North Dakota Taxpayers Now Own Lawrence Welk's Home
According to reports, the State Historical Society Board narrowly approved the purchase of Lawrence Welk’s homestead. State Historical Society Board votes 6-5 to buy Lawrence Welk homestead this morning.@SarahGustin2 @KXMB #kxnews — Tom Gerhardt (@bistom) January 10, 2014 Last year the state legislature approved $100,000 for the purchase. Since then an assessment by state officials…