BISMARCK — North Dakota Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden pardoned her first turkey on Monday, carrying on a decadeslong tradition in the state that stretches back to Gov. Art Link in the 1970s.

Ruben, a 20-week-old, 40-pound turkey from Sundale Turkey Farms in Milnor, belligerently gobbled his way through Monday’s pardoning ceremony in Memorial Hall at the State Capitol in Bismarck. He interrupted multiple speakers with his warbling call and appeared unconcerned with the gravy-soaked fate he narrowly avoided as he puffed out his feathers for those in attendance.

The annual turkey pardon brings awareness to the state’s agriculture sector and the work of two local charitable organizations. This year, the North Dakota Turkey Federation will donate 24 turkeys to both the Heaven’s Helpers Soup Cafe

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