The impactful people, projects and ideas that make this region strong will again be celebrated at the fourth annual Ideas to Actions Summit, an event hosted by the Red River Regional Council (RRRC). The event is set for November 15, 2018 at the Minto Community Center. “We are excited to continue with the Ideas to Actions Summit take a bit of time to recognize people, ideas and projects moving communities forward throughout the region,” said Dawn Keeley, Executive Director of the RRRC. The RRRC is seeking nominations for the 2018 North Star, Catalyst and Collaboration Awards. The North Star Award will go to an idea that illuminates opportunities or creates a guiding light for progress within a community; the Catalyst Award will recognize an individual who acts as a kickstarter for an idea or a project; and the Collaboration Award will recognize a successful project that involve teamwork and create a notable impact. The purpose of the Ideas to Actions Summit is to create excitement about the potential of the region’s communities, and to recognize the excellent work of the region’s leaders and communities. The agenda includes a networking social, a keynote presentation, and the awards presentation. All events will be held at the Minto Community Center and are free and open to the public. More information about the award criteria and how to complete a nomination form can be accessed several ways - at the RRRC’s website at www.redriverrc.com; the RRRC’s Facebook page; by calling the RRRC office at 701.352.3550 to request a form be mailed to you; or by emailing cheryl@redriverrc.com . The deadline for nominations is October 1, 2018. All nominees will be recognized at the Summit. The RRRC is one of eight regional planning councils in North Dakota established in 1973 to enhance the ability of local governments to jointly plan, address issues, and seize opportunities that transcend individual boundaries.  The RRRC serves Region IV which includes Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina, and Walsh Counties.  More information can be found at www.redriverrc.com. Ideas to Actions Summit Awards Nomination Form 2018 - FILLABLE WORD

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CDBG Awards The Red River Regional Council Board of Directors allocated its $202,711 in 2018 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to three projects in Region IV at its meeting August 17, 2018. The projects include:

• $57,500 to the City of Minto for a housing rehabilitation project. The project will assist qualifying low and moderate-income homeowners with health and safety issues in their homes at no cost to the homeowner. Common repairs including roofing, windows, doors, plumbing, heating and electrical, and other safety and accessibility items. It is anticipated up to 12 homes will be rehabilitated and the work will begin in 2019.
• $99,500 to the City of Walhalla on behalf of the Walla Theater project. The city will be the applicant for this grant which will address accessibility in the theater. The CDBG funds will be used to construct two ADA accessible restrooms, add ADA compliant doors and automatic openers at the entrances, and construct the ramp and stage at the front of the theater. It is the goal of the Gorge Arts and Heritage Council, which has been working on this project for 10 years, to give the area a community center and gathering space. The theater will be utilized by the school and public and will be able to host talent shows, youth rallies, senior citizen entertainment, high school plays, holiday programs, recitals and of course, movies.
• $45,711 to the City of Grafton on behalf of the Tri-Valley Opportunity Council’s energy efficiency project at the facility in Grafton. Tri-Valley Opportunity Council supports a Migrant Head Start program at the facility in Grafton. The program serves children of migrant families from age 6 weeks to 5 years old. There are potentially 109 children enrolled for the 2018 season which is May to November. The project will consist of replacing 24 wood windows and heat exchanger for the building. New controls will be installed to more efficiently control the mechanical systems in the building.

Outgoing board member Mayor Ken Briese, Cavalier, recognized for his service by Chris Lipsh, President, and Dawn Keeley, Executive Director

Dawn Keeley, Executive Director, recognized for 20 years of service by President Chris Lipsh and Past President, Dan Stenvolds

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