Panel backs choices for N.D. higher ed board

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A screening committee has picked six finalists for two positions on North Dakota's Board of Higher Education.

Board Vice President Grant Shaft wants a second four-year term. Shaft, Kristin Hedger of Dickinson and Cindy Schreiber-Beck of Wahpeton are finalists for the spot.

Hedger is vice president of Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing and a former Democratic candidate for secretary of state. Schreiber-Beck is a Wahpeton businesswoman.

Board President Jon Backes (BAH’-kus) doesn't want a second term. His recommended replacements are Robert Lamp of Fargo, Terry Hjelmstad of Minot and Gary Wilz of Killdeer.

Hjelmstad is a former Minot school athletic director. Wilz is Killdeer's school superintendent. Lamp is president of trade groups that represent auto and farm implement dealers.

Gov. Jack Dalrymple will appoint the board members. They'll take office July 1.

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