Lamb: North Dakota on a sub-mission to find good crest

The USS North Dakota is looking for an image. Sure, we know what the state-of-the-art submarine already looks like. The basic exterior design of a sub hasn’t changed much over the years.

• USS Minnesota crest
• John Lamb

Leier: Mild winter has been a good thing for ND wildlife

Winter officially began in December, and except for a few days of normal cold, it didn’t even feel like winter throughout January.

Doeden: Cooking method elevates much-derided Brussels sprouts

On a recent dinner outing with friends, I was pleasantly surprised to see Brussels sprouts on the restaurant menu. I gave the chef points for offering a vegetable that, for the past several years, has been No. 1 on the list of vegetables consumers all over the world dislike the most.

• Recipe Card: Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Apples
• More from Sue on Brussels sprouts on her blog
• Use your chef’s knife to slice trimmed Brussels sprouts
• Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Apples

Now Eat This!: Cajun classic goes on a diet for Fat Tuesday

Mardi Gras is the sort of celebration that can make every city in America want to be New Orleans. Between the parties and parades and all those rich foods, what’s not to love?

• Cajun classic jambalaya gets a healthy makeover

Peterson: Independent status may help DAC schools this year

Fargo - While Valley City State and Jamestown College are still associated with the Dakota Athletic Conference name, the AII is the acronym that matters most for both schools.

• Image

Parenting Perspectives: SheSays writer, family ready for new season

Sixteen years ago, I left my busy life as a newspaper reporter to fully embrace my new life as a busy mother.

• Roxane B. Salonen

Lind: Neighbors chats with a ‘Chopper’

Minnesota Woodchoppers fans have sent in many memories of that musical group which used to perform in the area. Now, here’s word from the band’s drummer.

• Bob Lind

Money Talk: 50/30/20 more difficult to achieve in high-cost area

Q: You’ve written about the 50/30/20 budget structure that people should strive to achieve. As you said, it’s a difficult feat. But here’s my question: How does one even come close when you live in a major metropolitan area?

• Liz Weston

Wagner: Outdoors can provide wonderful running backdrop

For the better part of the past week, the great outdoors has been more than a winter wonderland.

Omdahl: Tuition drives debt load

At a time when the nation needs to capitalize on the natural talents of all of its young people, skyrocketing tuition and borrowing have become major barriers for young people wishing to get a college degree. Even though a college degree is worth every dime in the long run, the upfront costs are forbidding.

• Lloyd Omdahl

Eriksmoen: North Dakota governor chosen as a ‘hero of his generation’

In 1960, North Dakota was asked to choose someone who would be honored with a statue in the new Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol.

• John Burke

Minnesota Political Notebook: GOP says that Dayton rejected appointees, too

ST. PAUL - Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton’s stinging criticism of Senate Republicans last Monday, saying they are “not fit to govern,” still hurt as the week ended.

• Don Davis

Lind: Neighbors solves case of unknown fiddler

As they often do, Forum readers again have provided the answer to a question.

• Jimmy Wells
• The Dakota Roundup band

Ask Your Government: Reader asks about Medicare card number

Dear Teri, My question is: Is there a way to have a different number on one’s Medicare card?

• Teri Finneman

Diversion Discussion: Timing of Cass County tax remains questionable among diversion critics

FARGO - Some Cass County residents still harbor bitter feelings over the county’s half-cent sales tax that’s helping to pay for the Red River diversion.

• Diversion Discussion blog
• Kristen Daum