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The official newspaper of Cavalier County Theborderlandpress.com
Friday, December 27, 2024
Volume 3, Number 51
In this issue:
Life-saving lessons to be hosted at Langdon Prairie Health Ambulance director emphasizes vital role EMTs play in their communities By Hilary Nowatzki
News: Visitors’ favorite tree of 2024 named at Icelandic State Park, Pg. A2
Starting Jan. 9, Langdon Prairie Health will be hosting lifesaving lessons for those aspiring to help others and leave a lasting impact on their community. A comprehensive fourmonth program will begin, providing an opportunity for community members to become certified emergency medical technicians. These classes will equip participants with the ability to respond to a variety of medical emergencies, such as a heart attack, stroke, respiratory distress, or trauma related injuries, according to Chris Sanders, ambulance director at Langdon Prairie Health. Participants will also learn how to handle traumatic situations, including dealing with shock and injuries from accidents or falls.
Community: Catch up on Pembilier Nursing Center updates and Christmas activities, Pg. A5
"The EMT training program is a nationally and state recognized course that will allow you to obtain your emergency medical technician license on the national registry level, which is required for the state licensure," Sanders explained. "It teaches you about medical emergency response, trauma
response and ambulance operations and EMS operational response." Emergency medical technicians and EMS personnel play a vital role in their communities and are as crucial as police and firefighters, Sanders emphasized. “There's always a need for responders to go out and help take care of people, be it falls, accidents or a medical emergency, crisis. I just think it's so important,” Sanders stated. “It's an essential service, and just having that help there when you need it, to me, is very important." For Sanders, working in the field brings him personal fulfillment from knowing his efforts have made a difference in someone's life in their darkest moments. Helping others is integral to small communities, and becoming an EMT is a great way to do so. “You've had a hand In helping someone when they are at the worst point that they could be, like a medical
emergency or a trauma emergency, whatever the case is, you know that you are helping bring a little bit of help and assistance to those people,” Sanders said. “I get a lot of gratification just from helping people personally, and then later on, you see that person out and you know, you're part of a team effort that's gotten that person back to where they're able to be out or back to normal life. And I really find a lot of satisfaction with that." However, the role of an EMT doesn’t come without challenges. Sanders acknowledged that mental health and burnout are significant issues that first responders face nationwide. "Some of the challenges are, you know, just like with police and fire. Mental health is a big one, and you have to take care of yourself,” said Sanders. “The other thing, which is a nationwide struggle, is burnout, because in a lot of places, not so much here, but in a lot of places, people work long hours and a lot of overtime, so that's some of the nationwide challenges."
Regardless of the struggles, Sanders believes that working in emergency services can be incredibly rewarding. He encourages anyone interested in becoming a first responder to reach out and learn more about the opportunities available. "I would just encourage anyone, whether it's EMS police or fire, that might be looking for a career as a first responder. I think it's a great career. I would encourage them to reach out and get some more information on it." The EMT training at Langdon Prairie Health presents a chance for community members to gain the skills and certification needed to serve as first responders. By completing the program, participants will be able to provide vital assistance during medical emergencies and traumatic incidents, making a difference in the lives of their friends, neighbors, and fellow residents. Those interested in the EMT training program can contact Chris Sanders at 701-256-6136.
Local couple to open Smoke Wagon Meats with APUC grant
Lifestyle: Get a recap on top vegetable varieties in 2024 with Dakota Gardener, Pg. A7
Weather Dec. 27
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By Rebecca Davis Autumn and Travis Bennett, a dynamic husband-and-wife team, are making strides in the local agricultural industry with their new venture, Smoke Wagon Meats, LLC. Thanks to a $150,000 Agricultural Products Utilization Commission (APUC) grant, the Bennetts are well on their way to establishing a custom meat processing and retail business just west of Walhalla. Located less than two miles from the new campground at Pembina Gorge State Park and near the popular trail system at the State Recreation Area, Smoke Wagon Meats is poised to serve both locals and visitors. The facility will specialize in custom meat processing and retail sales, offering a variety of products, including steaks, roasts, sausages, and snack sticks. The Bennetts are building the facility on land that has been in Travis's family for generations, located across from their home. This project, the culmination of hard work and dedication,
is more than a business—it’s a family legacy.
pulling a covered wagon adorned with iconic Smoke Wagon pistols.
"The land will stay in the family no matter what," Autumn emphasized.
Starting a business in a rural area comes with its challenges, particularly during harsh winters. Construction delays have pushed their expected opening past their initial January date. Despite these hurdles, the Bennetts are optimistic. The APUC grant, which covers 75% of project costs, is funding vital equipment, including a commercial smoker, refrigerator and freezer. This state-of-the-art equipment will enable the business to meet North Dakota’s strict regulations for meat processing.
The couple has prior experience in the meat processing industry, having operated Heritage Meats in Walhalla, in 2017. That background, combined with a clear need for meat processing facilities in the region, inspired them to embark on this new venture. “When I was researching for the grant, I found that Pembina County doesn’t have a meat processing facility, and there’s a significant demand in the area,” Autumn explained. The name Smoke Wagon Meats was inspired by a combination of the couple’s love for traditional rib cook-offs and Travis’s gunsmithing background. The logo will feature a team of horses
While the Bennetts will initially focus on on-site retail sales, they hope to expand into local grocery stores and eateries in the future. They also see the potential for their five children to become involved in the family business, though they’re taking a wait-and-see approach.
Securing the APUC grant was no small feat, involving a detailed application, site visits, and a presentation to the committee in Bismarck. The couple’s perseverance paid off, and Autumn encourages other small businesses to explore similar opportunities.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it,” she said. Smoke Wagon Meats aims to enhance North Dakota’s agricultural landscape by providing quality meat products and meeting the needs of local farmers and consumers. "We know it’s a need in the state, and we’ll do our best to meet the demand," said Autumn. For more information regarding Smoke Wagon Meats, LLC you can reach Autumn by email at smokewagonmeats@gmail.com.
National 4-H Congress instills confidence in North Dakota delegates Pembina student travels out of state for National 4-H Congress NDSU Extension
Five North Dakota 4-Hers attended the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia, which was held Nov. 29 to Dec. 3. The North Dakota delegates were Elsa Axtman from Fargo, Preston Emerson from Pembina, Grace Goettle from Mandan, and Bryanna and Bianca Brudwick from Crosby. National 4-H Congress is an educational experience designed to help 4-H youth expand their leadership skills and make an impact in their own clubs and communities. This gives 4-Hers the opportunity to meet other youth from around the country, often for the first time. The 2025 theme was “Courage to Grow, Heart to Serve.” Goettle said that she’d highly recommend the experience to older 4-Hers: “The whole event made me feel more confident in my abilities as a leader,
and I hope to bring some of the things I learned back to the events I help lead in my state.”
“National 4-H Congress was a great event to expand and sharpen all of my leadership and communication skills and to force me out of my comfort zone,” Emerson said. Bryanna agreed that it taught her to step out of her comfort zone, too. “I’m mostly shy at big events, but I actually had some pretty fun conversations, and it was easy to start them at National 4-H Congress.” Hannah Nordby, a North Dakota 4-H volunteer from Amidon, accompanied the N.D. youth. “As a chaperone, it was fun to see the ‘light bulb’ moments when youth from
50 states plus Puerto Rico learn from each other,” said Nordby. “We reflected on the culture and diversity throughout the U.S.” Applications to serve as a 2025 delegate are due to North Dakota State University Extension 4-H Youth Development Center by Aug. 1, 2025. For more information, contact Rachelle Vettern, NDSU Extension leadership and volunteer development specialist, at 701-231-7541 or rachelle. vettern@ndsu.edu. 4-H is a program of NDSU Extension. The North Dakota 4-H Foundation sponsored this educational opportunity. Pictured, from left: (top) Elsa Axtman, Fargo; Preston Emerson, Pembina; Hannah Nordby, Amidon; (bottom) Bryanna Brudwick, Crosby; Grace Goettle, Mandan; Bianca Brudwick, Crosby. (NDSU photo)