Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative –
August 20, 2012
Lignite isn’t exacly on the list of top 10 vocabulary words or in the first 10 chapters of standard science books. But it is a very vital source of power in North Dakota, not to mention vital to the economny of the Peace Garden State.
Do you know what lignite is? If you don’t, check here or ask some of the friendly teachers of North Sargent School in Gwinner, N.D. Husband and wife Ardell and Lavonne Ptacek were two of about 130 educators who participated in the Lignite Energy Council’s annual seminar for teachers. At the seminar, teachers learn about lignite and the energy industry from different perspectives like science, history, economics, agriculture, etc., so they can then teach those lessons to their students.
The Ptaceks agreed: the lignite impressed. Especially how clean it was, said Ardell who teaches ag education, and how farmers could reclaim the land. Lavonne, who teaches family and consumer science, was interested in career opportunities for high school graduates.
The seminar is especially great because it’s free to our hard-working educators and also offers them two credit hours at an institution of their choosing. Many times, educators have to pay for those hours, so this seminar is especially valuable.
Read more about Lavonne, Ardell and the lignite seminar in September’s issue of North Dakota Living!