I’m not following the directions exactly, but I am going to try a rain garden this year.
As far as I can tell, a rain garden is a low spot that collects rainwater and runoff water.  The area contains plants that use the water.
Read more about the concept here.

This AP article published by Minot Daily News states that North Dakotans have been spending money for things like motels, restaurant dining and other fun things…an indication that the economy here so far is doing relatively well.
State taxable sales are up 21 percent.

North Dakota, which has struggled with a declining population, has seen a turn-around.
According to this article, North Dakota has had a 3.6 percent increase in births.  It appears that several new young families have been drawn to the state by the oil boom.

Swine Flu, or the H1N1 virus reached North Dakota around Mother’s Day, according to this KX News article.  So far there have been four confirmed cases in the state. 
The North Dakota Department of Health has posted this page showing swine flu statistics and a map of where the cases have occured.