As we look forward to what 2015 holds, let’s take a look back at some of 2014’s top stories.

JANUARY

The Pierce County area gets blanketed in an arctic air mass, prompting travel advisories and school closures.

The Heart of America Medical Center begins offering telemedicine services for diabetes patients.

Several area residents traveled to Frisco, Texas, to watch the North Dakota State University Bison take on the Towson University Tigers in the FCS Championship game. The Bison won their third consecutive title, beating the Tigers 35-7.

FEBRUARY

Luis Coca, of Rugby, announces a bid for the Pierce County Sheriff’s race.

Moller’s Inc., of York, closes its doors for good after 100 years of operation.

MARCH

After an undefeated regular season and winning the district and regional championships, the Rugby Panthers Boys Basketball team incurs its only loss in the final round of the state Class B tournament against Fargo-Oak Grove.

Incumbent Matt Lunde, Ward County, and former Pierce County, deputy Josh Siegler announce their bids for the Pierce County Sheriff’s race.

APRIL

Rugby Mayor Dave Cichos announced he will not seek reelection, Ward 4 Council Member Arland Geiszler announced a bid for mayor.

Tribune Editor Tim Chapman, Rick Srur and Rick Larson announced candidacy for Park Board. Larson also sought reelection for a District 3 seat on the Board of County Commissioners.

Mike Brossart challenged incumbent Joe Bohl for a District 1 seat on the Board of County Commissioners.

Joel Berg challenged incumbent Arden Warner for a Ward 3 City Council seat.

Chuck Longie, Doug Hauck and Craig Zachmeier sought a Ward 4 City Council seat.

MAY

Wolford School seniors took a trip to Washington, D.C.

Area farmers were forced to harvest corn in the spring, due to excess moisture in the fall.

JUNE

Zachmeier, Berg elected to City Council, Geiszler elected mayor.

Incumbents – States’ Attorney Galen Mack, County Recorder Lori Miron, Garrison Diversion Conservancy Board Member Dave Anderson, Ward 2 Council Member Dave Bednarz, Ward 1 Council Member Neil Lotvedt and District 3 Commissioner Larson – reelected.

Chapman, Srur and Larson elected to Park Board.

County Measure 1 passed, Pierce County Historical Society to receive $19,000 a year from the county for historical operations.

The Rugby Job Development Authority played host to the Economic Development Association of North Dakota’s summer conference. EDND was taken on tours at various sites, including the Lyric Theater and TBEI-Rugby Manufacturing.

Longtime business complex The Hub – which included a restaurant, hotel, convenience store and liquor store – closed its doors.

JULY

The Balta Street Dance made a return.

Lake Metigoshe’s Club de Skinautique performed at Buffalo Lake under the direction of 19-year-old Jenna Fossum, of Rugby. Fossum’s siblings, Madi, 15, and Brady, 17, were members of the club.

Several events, including the performance by Fargo-based band 32 Below, drew crowds at the 98th Pierce County Fair.

AUGUST

Hazen sisters Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh, also known as the band Tigirlily, drew huge crowds to Music in the Park in Rugby.

The Prairie Village Museum held a two-day Village Fair full of music, food and fun. The museum also held a “Bloch” party in July.

The Good Sam RV Club made its second consecutive summer stop in Rugby. They set up shop at the Pierce County Fairgrounds.

SEPTEMBER

Geographical Center Day brought vendors, music and crowds to Main Avenue in Rugby.

First International Bank & Trust of Watford City bought the Hub complex, with no word on plans.

City Auditor Dawn Hauck resigned, citing frustration with issues not being addressed.

The North Dakota Department of Labor & Human Rights received claims against the city made by former public works employee Joel Engeland.

OCTOBER

The Heart of America Correctional & Treatment Center received a glowing report after a Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation inspection. A noncompliance order remained in effect for five more months to ensure continued compliance.

Panther Volleyball clinched a district title after 6-0 run in the regular season. The Panthers fell to the Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood Mavericks at the regional tournament.

Panther Football goes into the postseason with an undefeated regular season record. Rugby then defeated the New Salem-Glen Ullin Holsteins in the first round of the playoffs, but lost to the Killdeer Cowboys in the second round.

NOVEMBER

All state measures with the exception of Measure 2 – a prohibition of mortgage or transfer of property taxes – are voted down by Pierce County voters.

Siegler won the Sheriff’s race.

Brossart won over Bohl, Migler retained his seat in the county commission races.

The Hub complex was demolished.

DECEMBER

Zachmeier resigned from the city council. In a letter submitted to council members, the mayor and local media, Zachmeier said: “It is with deep regret that I have decided to resign my position as Ward 4 City Councilman effective immediately. When seeking office, I did not anticipate the time it would take to research the various subjects affecting the city. Thank You all for being public servants and serving the citizens of Rugby.”

The City Council discussed trains preventing emergency services from accessing North Main Avenue for 48 hours; the possibility of televised meetings in the future; the aftermath of a botched controlled burn of a slough; a loss of $21,000 incurred by the city in trying to secure a grant for safe routes to school and sidewalk repair.

The Board of County Commissioners is prodded on pay, benefits for dispatchers.

– Tribune Staff Report