[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15386]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              125TH ANNIVERSARY OF BOTTINEAU, NORTH DAKOTA

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I am pleased today to recognize a 
community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 125th anniversary. On 
June 18 to 21, the residents of Bottineau will gather to celebrate 
their community's history and founding.
  Originally founded in 1883 as Oak Creek, the town was designated the 
county seat in 1884. It changed its name to Bottineau, taking its new 
name from Pierre Bottineau, a pioneer, hunter, and frontiersman. 3 
years later, the town relocated 1\1/2\ miles so that it would be along 
the newly installed railroad tracks. The town lies in north-central 
North Dakota and is now home to over 2,000 residents.
  Today, Bottineau has many things to be proud of. The Bottineau County 
Fair is North Dakota's oldest county fair. The county also houses 
Bottineau Winter Park, often called the Jewel Above the Prairie, which 
remains a perennial attraction. And the town of Bottineau is known for 
``Tommy Turtle,'' the world's largest turtle, which stands 30 feet tall 
and is said to have been built as a symbol of the Turtle Mountains.
  The citizens of Bottineau clearly value education, as their town is 
home to Minot State University's Bottineau Campus. Apart from its 
academic success, the campus has also seen athletic success in recent 
years, with the Lumberjacks hockey team claiming three consecutive 
national championships in the last 3 years. Both the Lumberjacks and 
the Ladyjacks have had accomplished seasons in the past several years. 
Additionally, the campus has added new sports teams in recent years--
something that bodes well for the future of the school.
  In honor of the city and county's 125th anniversary, officials have 
organized a vibrant celebration that includes basketball and golf 
tournaments, art and quilt shows, class and city gatherings, games for 
the young and old, a dance, and a centennial parade.
  Mr. President, I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating 
Bottineau, ND, and its residents on their first 125 years and in 
wishing them well in the future. By honoring Bottineau and all other 
historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the great pioneering 
frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as 
Bottineau that have helped shape this country into what it is today, 
which is why this fine community is deserving of our recognition.
  Bottineau has a proud past and a bright future.

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