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CITY, ND – (NewsDakota.com) Barnes County Commissioners declared April 18-22 as County Government Week. County employees have several activities planned, with Wednesday, April 20, being the main focus for public events.
Many of the offices will set up displays throughout the courthouse during the week long observance. Visitors will find information ranging from weed control and gardening to property taxes, Medicaid, voting requirements, veteran services, and public health issues.
City-County Health District will offer free blood pressure testing at their office (415 2nd Ave. NE) throughout the week from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants should be prepared to sit for about five minutes prior to being tested.
Wednesday, April 20th activities will start off with free walking tacos served by county employees and commissioners from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the rotunda, with root beer floats being offered from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on second floor. Free popcorn will be available in the first floor entryway.
The public is invited to register for three $25 drawings for Chamber Bucks during the week. One drawing will be held each day on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. City-County Health will conduct a drawing for a free total lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL/LDL, triglycerides and blood sugar) on Friday.
Area first graders will have the opportunity to tour the courthouse with Commissioner Mike Metcalf on Thursday, April 21. Metcalf and other county workers will explain to pupils the function of county government and how it affects them and their families.
On Friday afternoon, April 22, Sheriff Randy McClaflin’s staff will offer 8th graders a chance to test their abilities while simulating being under the influence of alcohol through the use of special Fatal Vision goggles. This demonstration is planned from 11:50 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Local deputies who are trained in the areas of DUI and impaired driving detection help participants better understand the physical effects of alcohol consumption. Students will be asked to perform field sobriety tests while wearing the special goggles, which vary in levels of intoxication.
In conjunction with County Government Week, Barnes County Social Services is sponsoring a 5K Superhero Fun Walk Saturday, April 23. Everyone, from children to adults (strollers welcome), are encouraged to dress up as their favorite superhero character. The fun starts at 10 a.m. at Pioneer Park in Valley City. The registration fee (non-refundable donation) is $10 for an individual or $15 for a family or business. Race day goodie bags will be handed out after the race. Door prizes will be given out the week following the race. Proceeds benefit Barnes County Social Services Foster Care Recruitment & Retention Fund. Participants are urged to check the Super Hero 5K Fun Walk Facebook page for weather-related race updates or cancellations.
Social Services is also recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. A Diaper, Wipe and Pull-Up Donation Drive is currently under way at the courthouse. Donations may be dropped off in Room 102 throughout the month. Monetary donations are also accepted. If you are unable to drop off your donation, please contact Dana Lindemann at 845-8521. Donations will be distributed to families and children in need in Barnes County.
The North Dakota Heart Gallery will be at the courthouse April 18-30 and will be set up in the rotunda. The ND Heart Gallery is a non-profit organization that was started in 2008 with a mission to reach out to the public and encourage the adoption of children waiting for forever homes. Through artistic photography, this organization showcases children’s personalities and spirit, showing potential families a glimpse inside a child’s heart. Children featured in the gallery are from throughout North Dakota.
To round out the April observance local singer Joe DeMasi will be putting on a free children’s concert at The Vault in Valley City on Tuesday, April 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.