The State Historical Society of North Dakota has approved $273,000 in "cultural heritage grants" for 44 projects from Marmarth to Ellendale.

Examples of projects are renovations to the grandstand at the Wells County Fairgrounds and an effort to bring a Smithsonian Institution exhibit to Beulah.

The local organizations have to match the state grant, either with money or in-kind work. The grants range from $500 to $10,000.

"We are delighted with the tremendous response to this program," said Merl Paaverud, the society's director. "It was a challenging task to review and make the choices from so many outstanding proposals, and shows the real need locally for this kind of support."

- Associated Press