The Equity Co op Elevator was founded in 1910 with a capital investment of $3000 by a few area farmers. These people had a dream and motivation to make a reality come true. That dream and reality of that elevator are still in existence.

The Equity elevator is now expanding and growing under the leadership of John Rick, the elevator’s manager. John, the Board, and the employees are working hard and diligently to improve the elevator for the town and for it’s patrons. The other day, I had the chance to speak with John about the elevator expansion.

In 2007, the co op tore down three large, concrete tanks to make room for the larger, steel tanks which hold about an extra 10,500 bushels for storage. On the south side of the elevator the new construction consist of a grain dryer to enhance the customer service. They are also constructing three new steel bins with a capacity of 200,000 bushels of grain. “The added storage will be a great benefit to our patrons in the future.”John said.

The Board consists of farmers in the Sheyenne - Oberon area.

Dan Birkeland - President

Neal Rud - Vice President

Doug Schmid - Secretary

Kent Myhre - Member

Todd Buehler - Member

Stuart Johnson - Member

Greg Rue - Member

We commend these people for their hard work and dedication.

The Elevator is a full service elevator dedicated to it’s patrons. If you are interested, they have set up a website, www.sheyenneequity.com. This has information on commodity prices and all of their services. You can also contact them via e-mail, coop218@gondtc.com.

This elevator has taken a chance and has proven once again that when we all work together a lot can be accomplished. As John Rick says, “We plan to be here for a long time.” Now THAT is some North Dakota spirit!

Now that Spring is blowing in, I’ve been thinking about gardens and fresh produce. Is anyone else interested in getting a local farmers’ market started this summer/fall? With our town’s location on Hwy. 281, we have prime real estate for such a venture. Plus, it would help generate income and exposure for local growers/gardeners/crafters and would provide good, fresh produce for area folks who aren’t able to grow their own.

At the March Horizons meeting, those in attendance were asked to complete a short survey about where they purchased various items and what sort of services they would support if available in Sheyenne. The results of the survey are listed below and seem to indicate that it might be probable that a small store would be advantageous in Sheyenne and would possibly keep more shopping dollars in Eddy County. There does not appear to be a strong enough need for a delivery service. What do you think?

1. Where do you purchase most of your groceries?
a. Devil’s Lake 10
b. New Rockford 19
c. Carrington 4
d. other 1 (wherever)

2. Where do you purchase most of your household and cleaning supplies?
a. Devil’s Lake 20
b. New Rockford 7
c. Carrington 2
d. other 1 (Base)

3. Where do you purchase most of your personal care items?
a. Devil’s Lake 20
b. New Rockford 8
c. Carrington 2
d. other 1 (Base)

4. Where do you purchase most of your household hardware items?
a. Devil’s Lake 21
b. New Rockford 15
c. Carrington 1
d. other 0

5. Would you purchase basic items in the above categories if available in Sheyenne?
a. Yes 22
b. No 2
c. Sometimes 2

6. Would you use a delivery service if available?
a. Yes 11
b. No 13
c. Probably 0
d. Probably not 2

7. If given the option would you prefer a general store or delivery service?
a. store 25
b. delivery 1

8. What % more would you pay for the convenience of shopping in Sheyenne?
a. 0% 0
b. 2% 5
c. 5% 16
d. 10% 8

Comments/Suggestions:
“I supported our store in Sheyenne about 90%.”

“Hope to see either Cenex or a new store carry convenience items.”

“Would be wonderful to have a store.”

“With working in New Rockford M-F—more convenient to pick up there because of time getting home is often after 5 pm.”

“It would be great to have a general store in Sheyenne that carried basic items, especially with gas prices increasing.”

Number of Respondents: 26
*Note: Not all totals for each question equal the number of respondents. Particularly for questions 1-4 people often responded to more than one location. Devil’s Lake was used whenever a specific store (such as WalMart or K-Mart) was designated.

Greg Kolstad has opened Wild Things Taxidermy on main street of Sheyenne. Greg has beautiful works on display and has many plans for the future. Please stop in and watch this talented man at work!