Compiled by LAUREN DONOVAN

Bismarck Tribune

Bowman is set to slide into a lot of fun, but maybe not in time for this summer.

A new slide area will be added to the Rouzie Rec pool, including a 140-foot water slide, two flume slides as well as a hippo slide and sprinkler in the kiddie pool area.

The project will cost nearly $290,000 and work will start this summer, but probably will not wrap up until the pool closes for the season.

In the meantime, kids and others will be able to use the pool during slide installation and construction.

Bowman's recreation director, Glen Moser, along with park board representatives, pitched the idea to the board of commissioners last week.

The Bowman pool loses money every season, but a similar project in Watford City reaped a $10,000 annual profit to the pool's operation. The idea is that the improved pool facilities will boost the local economy and give kids more to do in the summer.

Bowman plans to add a concession, as well.

The commissioners agreed to spend $250,000 of funds from the Bureau of Land Management, money that goes to governments in lieu of taxes and in share of oil royalty payments.

The park board will come up with the remaining $40,000 and will meet with Bowman city officials next to discuss financial options.

Conversation touched on covering the pool to make it year-round, but the commissioners noted the high price tag and the uncertainty of recovering their investment.

- Bowman County Pioneer

No more blood

An election on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation ended with thumbs up to a new enrollment standard and thumbs down for a larger tribal council.

Only 70 votes out of 960 votes cast swung the balance in both questions settled by a secretarial election earlier in the week.

Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes agreed to change the way tribal membership is defined.

Instead of using a blood quantum, which had to do with how much American Indian blood each member had, the new definition means any person born to a tribal member will be eligible for enrollment.

Notwithstanding any election challenges, the membership change could go into effect today. Anyone who can prove they are a descendent of one of the original enrollees from the 1930s would be eligible.

Enrollment officer John Charging said about 10,200 people are enrolled in the tribe. He said there may be an initial increase in the number, but he doesn't expect any major increase over the long term.

He said the change guarantees the Three Affiliated Tribes will exist "into perpetuity."

On the other question, voters declined the opportunity to expand the tribal council from seven to nine members.

A Bureau of Indian Affairs committee and tribal members tallied the election results at the 4 Bears Casino. Howard Bemer, BIA superintendent for the reservation, served as election chairman.

- New Town News

The store that could

The New England Community Store achieved a milestone some thought it would never see.

It survived its first year of business.

While that doesn't seem like much of an accomplishment, the idea of raising investments, remodeling and stocking a store, using mainly community volunteers, was a bit daunting at first.

But a committee stuck to it and the store has now had its first anniversary.

It probably doesn't hurt that high gas prices make it more encouraging to shop in New England, rather than down the road in Dickinson.

But more, people like finding items on the shelves they only asked for in passing.

Manager Francine Koffler said more inventory is outpacing sales, resulting in a good inventory and better selection.

Co-op president Mark Koller said Koffler and a number of willing volunteers who do everything from unpack groceries to deliver to shut-ins, are doing an awesome job.

"As the store grows, she's growing with it. The biggest need a co-op has is a good manager, and we've got that," Koller said.

People are noticing.

Last year, the average customer count was 60 a day. Now, that count is up to 85 a day, and in April, the store saw 2,124 customers.

The first stockholders meeting in June should prove interesting.

People can still become member stockholders at $100 a share, which includes a $5 gift certificate to the store.

- The Herald