News
Ag producers assist Logrollers
Scott Wagar
08/28/2012
When a call came out to local agricultural producers to assist student athletes with scholarship money from Dakota College at Bottineau Logrollers Club, the area’s farming community came together and helped out with very generous donations.
Pat Artz, president of the State Bank of Bottineau, who is also a farmer and Logrollers member, originated a program titled “With Your Wheat, DCB Can Compete,” where farmers can donate a portion of their wheat or durum revenue to become a logroller member.
“A friend of mine came up with the idea to raise money for DCB Logrollers,” Artz said. “All proceeds go for athletic scholarships with the exception of the colleges men’s football and women’s softball program because they are both non-scholarship sport programs.”
The mission of the project is to get ag producers to donate 70 bushels or more to the Logrollers, which in turn, grants the producers a membership in the Logrollers at the Paul Bunyan level.
For two days, Pat Artz took a truck and drove around the area seeking out producers combining in their fields. When he located farmers in the fields, he pulled in and asked them if they would make a $500 donation. Artz also spent time on the phone, calling local ag producers and requesting if they would make a donation.
“The farmers either gave the grain from the fields they were harvesting right then and there or they just called the Bottineau Farmers Elevator or the Souris River Co-op Elevator who set-up an account with Dakota College at Bottineau Logrollers and basically cut the Logrollers a check,” Artz said. “And, the farmers have been generous with their crops. It always helps with commodity prices where they are at and a good crop, but most all the generosity of our local producers has been great.
At the present date, the amount raised for the project is over $10,000.
Brandy Simpson, director of Dakota at Bottineau’s Alumni Office, said she is pleased with how the project is working out.
“I feel the program has been really successful,” Simpson said. “Support has been real amazing to see. It all came together and it’s such wonderful support for the Logrollers.”
Artz said he is enjoying his time with the project and does it for one very important reason.
“It took a lot of time, and it was hard work, but anything to benefit the college and its programs is important to me because the college does a lot for the area,” he said. “I hope we can keep doing it because it was a lot of fun.”
For more information about the “With Your Wheat, DCB Can Compete,” or producers who would like to donate, contact Simpson at 228-5613 or Artz at 263-7117 or 228-3601.
According to the Logrollers website, the goal of the organization is to raise enough money for athletic scholarships to be competitive with other colleges.
“The organization fundraises through various projects to provide scholarships for the Dakota College at Bottineau athletic programs,” the website stated.
“To remain competitive with other colleges, the organization’s goal is to provide $45,500 for scholarships annually,” stated the website. “The Logrollers are always looking for new members. Join today and support Dakota College at Bottineau athletics. Call Brandy Simpson at the Foundation Office or download the Logrollers membership form and get started today.”
Individuals, who are interested in becoming Logrollers members at one of its level, can call Simpson at 228-5613, or go to www.dakotacollege.edu/logrollers.php online.
Levels include: Timberbeasts ($50 to $99), High Climbers ($100 to $249), Pride of the Wood ($520 to $499) and Paul Bunyan ($500 and Above).
Officers for the Logrollers include: Dennis Lagasse - president, Jeremy Hoerer - vice president and Marvel Thompson - treasure.