May 15, 2003

 

Bringing the Latest Technology to Rural Communities

The Langdon Research Extension Center (LREC) began construction of the Vic Sturlaugson Learning Center on April 28, 2003. The new facility will provide resources that will allow the LREC to become more engaged in addressing problems facing producers and rural communities in northeastern North Dakota, according to Randy Mehlhoff, LREC director.

"Besides featuring our agricultural research projects, the new facility will serve as a hub for rural community economic development, workforce training, long distance education, and community development," Mehlhoff says.

The main features of the building include a large meeting room for producer educational gatherings and extension based workshops, a computer classroom to offer long distance education classes and workforce training, and new office headquarters for existing LREC staff.

The facility is named after past LREC Director, Vic Sturlaugson. Sturlaugson was director for 44 years, from 1925-1969. "Vic was personally dedicated to providing research and outreach to the farmers in this region for many years," says Mehlhoff, "and this facility is in recognition of him and his family."

The idea to create a learning center was initiated five years ago, when the Cavalier County Job Development Authority conducted a formal survey to gauge what local citizens felt were the most important needs in rural North Dakota. Feedback indicated a strong desire for some type of facility that would bring the latest technology to the area and help rural communities cope with modern day issues.

Consequently, fundraising for the project began in 2000 when Mehlhoff became LREC Director. A $300,000 appropriation was designated for the facility during the 2001-03 legislative session, but the remaining portion of the million-dollar project will be raised locally.

The intended completion date for the facility is Sept. 15, 2003. Mehlhoff hopes to work with North Dakota State University, Lake Region State College, Valley City State University, University of Mary and possibly others to offer college courses through Internet and video conferencing by the 2004 spring semester.

Mehlhoff is also excited about their partnership with Lake Region State College (LRSC) in hiring an adult farm business management instructor. The instructor will be LRSC faculty, but stationed in the NDSU learning center. Their duties will include meeting with farm families and managers to enhance marketing and financial record keeping skills. Mehlhoff notes that this is just one example of how developing partnerships has advanced the project.

"The floor plans are drawn up, the construction has begun and the future looks hopeful for the Vic Sturlaugson Learning Center and the people of northeastern North Dakota," Mehlhoff says. If you wish to contribute, donations are still being accepted. For more information, contact Mehlhoff at (701) 256-2582.

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Source: Randy Mehlhoff, (701) 256-2582, randall.mehlhoff@ndsu.nodak.edu
Writer: Teresa Oe, (701) 231-8371, teresa.oe@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu 

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