Armstrong ceremoniously signed House Bill 1397 in the Capitol’s Memorial Hall. The bill was sponsored by Reps. Todd Porter, Dawson Holle, Bob Martinson, Karen Rohr and Nathan Toman and Sen. Don Schaible. It passed the House 92-0 and Senate 44-3.

House Concurrent Resolution 3008, designating Suchy as the first state troubadour, received final approval from the Legislature last week and does not require the governor’s signature..

“Chuck Suchy’s work as a songwriter has highlighted the stories, values, and history of North Dakota, resonating with audiences of all ages and backgrounds,” the resolution states.t

Suchy will hold the title of state troubadour for five years until a successor is named by the chair of the North Dakota Council on the Arts.

Submitted Photo Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed legislation Thursday making “Dancing Dakota” the state song. From left are: front, songwriter Chuck Suchy, Armstrong, bill sponsor Rep. Todd Porter; back, co-sponsors Rep. Karen Rohr and Rep. Bob Martinson and Jim Fuglie. Photo from the N.D. Governor’s Office.

In addition, Armstrong held ceremonial bill signings for Senate Bill 2277, which designates State Highway 200 as North Dakota Fallen Peace Officers Memorial Highway, and House Bill 1334, which designates rhubarb as the official state vegetable.

Jay and Tamara Steckler and their four children from Bismarck initiated House Bill 1334, sponsored by Rep. Matthew Heilman, R-Bismarck. It passed the House 81-11 and the Senate 24-22.

Submitted Photo Rep. Matthew Heilman, sponsor of a bill establishing rhubarb as the state vegetable, at right in front, joined the Jay and Tamara Steckler family of Bismarck for the bill signing Thursday by Gov. Kelly Armstrong, at center in front. Photo from the N.D. Governor’s office.