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Despite the challenge of finding enough volunteers—or in some cases, because of that challenge—many rural ambulance services have come up with creative ways to serve their communities better. Read More »

The continued draw on the national propane supply that started in October has hit local pocketbooks in the midst of an extended cold snap. Read More »

The percentage of snowbirds in Dakota communities is quite small, if an informal survey of Dakotafire participating newspapers is any indication: Only about 1 percent of subscribers to those newspapers change their addresses for the winter. Read More »

Many area communities now offer an option that until a few years ago was only available in larger communities: A place to exercise, with specialized machines and sometimes classes available—and no need to exercise in the cold and snow. Read More »

As Common Core standards started going into effect in Dakota classrooms this fall, state education leaders probably expected to spend some time explaining what the standards are. But Ryan Townsend, director of academic standards for the N.D. Department of Public Instruction, said he’s spent a lot of time lately explaining what the standards are not. “A lot of it is based on misinformation, unfortunately,” he said. Read More »

The two Dakotas are similar in many respects, but at least for now have fallen on two different sides of this issue. With North Dakota enacting the Medicaid expansion, how will the two states fare differently if South Dakota does not expand Medicaid? Check out two infographics to see how Obamacare would affect you and your state. Read More »

Area hospitals transitioning to electronic health records (EHRs) are making progress, and their administrators say they are confident that they are providing or will eventually provide better care with EHRs, but the process hasn’t been without significant headaches—and there’s still a ways to go before EHRs reach the comfort level of those corner-worn manila files. Read More »

Some schools have had an easier time implementing school lunch changes than others. Here are some of the possible reasons why. Read More »

Many others in rural Dakota communities have also come to the conclusion that playgrounds are key components of good living for their families—but they are also learning that the process for putting them in place is not that simple. Read More »

Jeff Conly of Fort Worth, Texas, has high ambitions. He wants to bike across the known world, and he’s starting with the 48 contiguous states. Read More »