AROUND NORTH DAKOTA: Minot State tightens admission rules ... Pride of Dakota may form store ,... Women's health summit today ... more

Minot State tightens admission rules

MINOT — Minot State University is tightening admission requirements for incoming freshmen starting next year.

Prospective students will need a high school grade point average of at least 3.25 or a score on the ACT college entrance exam of at least 18 to be admitted to the university without restrictions.

The Minot Daily News said those who don’t meet the requirements still could take classes at the school through a special program or with limitations on credit hours.

President David Fuller said the goal is to bring in students who are better prepared to succeed and help those who are less prepared. He said that will help students not only start a college education but also complete it.

>b?Pride of Dakota co-op store viewed

MANDAN — The new general manager of a fledgling North Dakota cooperative said it could open a retail store and order shipping center in Mandan as soon as November.

Agweek reports that Stephanie Sullivan of High Plains Cooperative wants to open the store before the holiday season. She said the newly formed cooperative seeks to market products from members of Pride of Dakota.

Pride of Dakota, affiliated with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, helps its 400-plus members with marketing and business plans but can’t sell their products.

Some Pride of Dakota members have joined together to establish the new cooperative. Its Mandan retail store would allow consumers to buy products from co-op members at one site, rather than contacting each member individually.

Women’s Health Summit is today

BISMARCK — Women from across North Dakota will be gathering in Bismarck for a conference on women’s health.

First lady Mikey Hoeven and the group North Dakotans Partnering for Women’s Health are hosting the 2010 Women’s Health Summit today at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel.

Hoeven said it’s an opportunity for women to get up-to-date information on health issues.

Texting/driving ban hearing slated

BISMARCK — The Bismarck City Commission has scheduled an Oct. 26 public hearing on a proposal to ban drivers from texting while behind the wheel.

The Bismarck Tribune reported that commissioners also have rejected a motion to allow only the use of hand-free devices while driving.

Opponents said that would result in a ban on talking on a cell phone while driving.

Tags: north dakota, minot state university, tightening admission requirements, pride of dakota, high plains cooperative, womens health summit, daily updates, news, texting