The Borderland Press, Friday, Dec. 13, V3, N49

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The official newspaper of Cavalier County Theborderlandpress.com

In this issue:

Friday, December 13, 2024

Volume 3, Number 49

Small-town success comes from positive people and things Attracting younger adults, building infrastructure keys to success

By Michael Standaert/North Dakota News Cooperative

News: LPH Foundation hosts Lights, Stars, and Diamonds Ceremony, Pg. A2

Like many young rural people, broadcast journalist Cory Hepola left his small hometown of Perham, Minn., looking for bigger city success. He landed in Fargo and then bounced around the country with broadcasting gigs in Montana, New York and Texas.

An out-of-the-blue cold call in 2019 brought him back home to Otter Tail County to develop a series of tourism videos focused on local communities.

Called “Rural By Choice,” it won an Emmy award for “Outstanding Lifestyle Series.”

By then, he was hooked and moved back for good.

Ag: NDSU Extension to host ‘virtual fencing’ workshop, Pg. A3

“I think what really captured the audience's attention was that so often our rural communities are portrayed as dead, dying, there's nothing there for you,” Hepola said. “I didn’t think it was honestly reflecting the opportunity and the innovation and the beauty and the connectedness that’s happening there.”

The loss of a school, a post office, a grocery or a child care center often makes headlines because of how important these institutions are to maintaining a smaller community.

Region: RDFC awards grant to Dahlen Rural Fire Department, Pg. A10

Beyond that, however, the slow burning success stories are often missed.

It’s harder to capture how rural communities are increasingly attracting younger people, Hepola said, and how many who choose to stay or relocate rural are searching for something those towns often have: a strong

work-life balance.

Enter Hepola’s new project – “My Town.”

The first season of “My Town” is currently premiering on YouTube and features seven flourishing towns across four states in the Upper Midwest, including Rugby.

The episode on Rugby, “The Side of North Dakota You’ve Never Seen,” aired Dec. 2. It features the successful Heartland Bison Ranch, downtown fashion store Main Street Boutique, which also offers cooking and wine classes, and the Heart of America Medical Center’s new $62 million facility which held its grand opening at the end of August.

Positive people power Rugby is the perfect example of smalltown success, Hepola said. There, he found passionate, energetic leaders who were focused on everything the town does have, not what it doesn’t have.

Accentuating the positive instead of being mired in the negative is important for growth, according to those involved in development.

“Rural communities are bombarded with negative messaging, so it makes them feel like they are helpless, when, in fact, they hold all the power,” said Megan Langley, executive director of rural development nonprofit StrengthenND. “Some are very much so thriving,” she said. “They just may not be meeting

Cory Hepola [right] speaks with Kevin Leier of Heartland Bison Ranch.

Photo by The Brookshire Company.

typical indicators of success that we see in larger communities, meaning, thriving looks differently depending on the context of your community.”

StrengthenND is currently in phase two of a research project on how hope can be a motivator for rural communities. Langley said the group’s findings indicate that overall most are hopeful about their communities and it is their friends and neighbors working to improve the quality of life for all who make them feel hopeful.

This fits with the second aspect Heploa noticed in the communities he’s visited: prioritizing getting things done together as a community.

“It cannot be siloed off,” Hepola said of individual efforts to strengthen smaller communities.

“All of them need to be working together. Those are the successful communities.”

expand coverage to South Dakota and Nebraska, and will also include new episodes on two rural communities in North Dakota. Hepola expects those will be announced by mid-January.

Numerous studies in recent years show since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, younger adults are moving to rural areas at higher rates than have been seen since the 1970s, largely because of the work-life balance those communities can provide.

That work-life balance is something towns should be proud of and advertise, Hepola said.

“But you have to raise your hand,” he said. “You can't sit back anymore and just wait for people to find you, because they won't find you.”

Another important aspect is forward thinking and strategic planning, he said, looking out 10 years ahead instead of just patching things up as you go. That means focusing on housing

The second season of “My Town” will

cont’d. on page B7

app.

•Informing someone of your destination and estimated arrival time.

•Reducing speed and maintaining ample stopping distance.

•Keeping a winter survival kit in your car.

If your car becomes stalled, stay inside, signal for help, and use your survival kit to stay warm until assistance arrives.

Organization reminds families of winter safety tips

By Rebecca Davis As the winter season approaches, parents in the Borderland area are preparing to keep their children safe during colder months. Local nonprofit organization Safe Kids Grand Forks is stepping in to provide expert advice on ensuring child safety both in vehicles and during outdoor activities.

ing coats backward can also provide warmth without compromising safety.

Car seat safety Jasmine Wangen, the child passenger safety coordinator at Safe Kids, stressed the importance of proper attire for car seat safety. “The big thing we want to watch for with kids is vehicle safety,” Wangen explained.

“We want to talk about not wearing big puffy coats and snowsuits in a car seat because that’s going to make those harness straps not as close to the child as we want them to be.”

Pedestrian safety In addition to car safety, Wangen emphasized pedestrian safety, particularly during the darker winter months.

“We really don’t want children under 10 walking or crossing the street alone,” she said. She advises parents to ensure their children wear reflective gear and closely supervise younger pedestrians. Other recommendations include: •Keeping driveways and sidewalks clear of snow and ice to prevent slips.

•Applying rock salt or sand to improve traction.

•Avoiding play on snow hills near streets or parking lots, as children could slide into traffic.

Wangen suggests the “strap before you wrap” approach: dress children in lightweight layers under their car seat harness, then add blankets or coats over the top for warmth. Alternatives such as car seat ponchos or wear-

Frostbite prevention According to Wangen, protecting against frostbite is vital and dressing in layers is key: •Base layer: Thermal long johns and wool socks.

•Middle layer: Shirts, a sweater, and pants for insulation.

•Outer layer: A water-resistant winter coat, snow boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat that covers the earlobes.

Limit outdoor playtime, ensure kids come indoors periodically for warm beverages, and avoid extended outdoor exposure for infants. Recognize frostbite symptoms: redness or stinging in mild cases, yellow or gray skin tone in moderate cases, and waxy, numb skin in severe cases. If frostbite occurs, go inside, call a doctor, and warm affected areas against the body. Avoid massaging frostbitten skin to prevent tissue damage.

Winter driving safety Motorists must prepare themselves and their vehicles for winter conditions, especially with the recent blast of winter weather. Key tips include: •Keeping a full tank of gas.

•Checking road conditions before departing using tools like the NDRoads

Winter vehicle survival kit checklist To ensure safety in emergencies, Safe Kids Grand Forks recommends including the following items in your car: •Warm gear: Several blankets and warm clothing.

•Signaling gear: A bright orange or red cloth, a whistle, and a radio.

•Cooking gear: A heat source such as a heater or candle, matches (not lighters), a metal container for cooking, and a cup for eating or drinking.

•Food and beverage: Bottled water, hard candy, nuts, raisins, granola bars, jerky, and dried fruit.

•Miscellaneous items: Rope, toilet paper, reading material, and flashlights with additional batteries.

Winter sports safety Safe Kids Grand Forks also offers discounted multi-sport and winter helmets for $30, providing essential protection for skating, sledding, and skiing.

“These helmets are high-quality, with detachable ear pieces and a strap for ski goggles. At sporting goods stores, they’d cost around $100, but we offer them at a significantly reduced price,” said Wangen.

By following these winter safety tips, families can stay safe, warm, and prepared throughout the season.

For more information, visit Safe Kids Grand Forks https://safekidsgf.com/ safety.html.

MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO MURDER OF FORMER LANGDON RESIDENT

By The Borderland Press staff

The man accused of a fatal stabbing in March of 2024 in Grand Forks entered a change of plea in Northeast Central District court on Monday. During the change of plea hearing, Cazmere Haskins, 18, entered a guilty plea to the charge of Class AA Felony murder in the death of Anfernee Economy, 24.

On March 7, 2024, Haskins was ac-

cused of fatally stabbing Economy during a large brawl in front of Sterling Point apartments in Grand Forks.

Haskins fled the scene after the stabbing but was arrested a short time later that day, and the suspected murder weapon was seized by officials.

Economy was declared deceased at the scene. Haskins admitted to stabbing Economy but claimed it was in

self defense.

In court on Monday, Judge Jason McCarthy ordered a pre-sentence investigation which typically takes about 90 days to complete. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for March 7, 2025, coincidentally on the one-year anniversary of Economy’s death.

The prosecution in the case has signaled it will ask for a sentence of 40 years for Haskins. In North Dakota, the crime of AA-felony murder comes with a maximum punishment of life in prison. Prosecutors in the case however are asking for 40 years as part of a plea deal.

The Grand Forks Police Department

has announced they will not be pursuing any further charges either for Haskins or for the dozen or so people involved in the brawl.

Friday, December 13, 2024 - Page A2

News

The Borderland Press

News Briefs

‘Blue Christmas Service’ to be hosted at United Lutheran Church Dec. 15 Burgum gives last address as gov- Funds granted for tribal infraFrom The Borderland News Center

ernor Governor Doug Burgum on Wednesday submitted his final budget proposal and last address to the ND state Legislature’s organizational session as the state’s governor. His proposal would outline a $19.5-billion plan for the 2025-2027 biennium.

Gov. Burgum will be ending his role as governor, with Governor-elect Kelly Armstrong taking the reins on December 15.

Replacing Chinese-made drones Bismarck Representative Mike Nathe has submitted a bill ahead of the legislative session, proposing $15-million be used to replace Chinese-made drones within the state. These drones are used by multiple agencies including law enforcement, oil fields, and colleges. Nathe says this bill is over potential risks to state and national security.

President of LRSC to retire Dr. Doug Darling, the president of Lake Region State College in Devils Lake, has announced he will be retiring from his position in June 2025.

Dr. Darling has been employed at the LRSC for 36 years, first serving as interim president back in 2012 before officially taking on the role in 2013.

Pathogenic avian influenza confirmed in neighboring county The North Dakota Dept. of Ag last week confirmed three cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza being discovered in bird flocks in McHenry, Bottineau, and Ransom counties. The affected facilities have been placed under quarantine with depopulation procedures taking place to stem the spread. The virus is fatal for birds but poses low health risk to humans.

Dispositional conference held for man who fired on SWAT A final dispositional conference was held in Northeast Central District court last week for Jeffrey Jacob Simpson Jr., 30. Back on March 22, Simpson allegedly opened fire on members of the Grand Forks Regional SWAT team while they were inside of a vehicle. Simpson faces three misdemeanors and 12 felonies, including four counts of attempted murder.

structure The US Bureau of Reclamation has provided $32 million to a series of infrastructure projects in North Dakota’s tribal nations. Of that amount, over $28 million has been marked for five projects being done by the Turtle Mountain Public Utility Commission, while about $1-million will be dedicated towards three projects with Spirit Lake Rural Water.

To TikTok or not Social media juggernaut TikTok today has requested a federal appeals court to postpone a potential ban on the app. Back in April, Joe Biden signed a law enforcing TikTok’s parent company to either sell the app to a US business or have it be banned in the country. TikTok and ByteDance are planning to now present their case to the US Supreme Court.

TC backs out of project Tundra Calgary-based TC Energy is backing out of North Dakota’s Project Tundra.

The $2-billion project was aimed to capture CO2 emissions from the Milton R. Young power plant. A specific reason for TC Energy backing out hasn’t been disclosed, other than the company stating it wants to focus on projects closer to their commercial interests.

For many people, the approaching Christmas holiday does not bring with it the joy and happiness that is advertised on television or in greeting cards. Many are facing a holiday after the death of a loved one or after a divorce. Perhaps they have been unable to have a child or have suffered through an emotional trauma. Some are far from home or have no one coming home. Some suffer from illness, addiction, or separation. Some are lonely, struggling financially, or in conflict with another. Some hurt because of the great pain, need, and violence in our nation and world, and some just feel stressed and overwhelmed by everything going on in

their life.

To honor this season that can be a time of joy as well as pain, United Lutheran Church will be hosting a community Blue Christmas Service this year on Dec. 15 at 7 pm. We will gather in the midst of suffering to remember God is good. God is strong. God is near. We are not alone, and we have every reason to hold on to hope. It is God who heals the brokenhearted, sets the captive free, helps us walk when we can't stand on our own and helps us to see light in the midst of darkness. This service reminds us of the message of hope the seasons of Advent and Christmas bring.

The Blue Christmas Service is a place where many will have an opportunity to grieve but also to experience that hope. The service will include an emphasis on candles and an opportunity (but not an expectation) for each person to come forward and light a candle in memory of someone or to mark an event in their lives.

Everyone in the community is welcome. If for no other reason, Pastor Jodi Myrvik encourages individuals to take this opportunity to experience a quiet, peaceful and hopeful moment in the midst of a busy season.

Lights, Stars, and Diamonds Ceremony honors others, raises money for hospital

Canadian Post strike In an update to the Canada Post workers strike, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, the union representing the 55K striking workers, reportedly has dropped a pair of their demands. Specifically, the union has dropped their wage increase to just 19% over the next four years, as well as their demands to merge urban and rural bargaining units.

Man declared fit for trial Moorhead resident Isaac Arthur Arndt, 18, has been declared fit to stand trial for the murder of Jaelyn Walker, 14. Law enforcement found Walker’s body on the banks of the Red River back in August. Police say Arndt stabbed her multiple times before disposing of the body. Arndt is charged with first degree murder and is scheduled to appear in court in February.

Piles in the wrong places

By Hilary Nowatzki

With winter weather upon residents, Langdon City Council is reminding folks to be respectful of where they move their snow. The discussion was prompted by concerns raised at a recent city council meeting about people improperly piling snow. "[This is] just a reminder to place the snow on your own property. Don't drop it in the streets," advised Lawrence Henry, Langdon city commissioner.

"Be considerate through your neighbors. I guess that's our biggest thing."

Improperly piling snow can create

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hazards and inconveniences for both neighbors and city crews tasked with clearing roads. If residents have any questions about where and what they are responsible for cleaning up, they are advised to call city hall.

"If it's personal driveway stuff, I mean, that's up to the property owner to take care of," Henry explained. "For city street stuff, call city hall. The guys usually go out as soon as the snow is done. They do a pretty good job of getting stuff done as quick as they can."

The straight-forward message from city officials is for residents to keep snow on their own property.

"The biggest thing is just to keep the snow on your property and not make it a problem for your neighbors," Henry reiterated.

On Sunday, Dec. 8, the Langdon Prairie Health Foundation presented its Lights, Stars, and Diamonds Ceremony at the St. Alphonsus Joys of Christmas event. The Foundation announced they were able to raise $13,000 through the Lights, Stars, and Diamonds event, which will be used towards operations at Langdon Prairie Health. An encore of the reading of names will be December 18 at around 1:15pm on KNDK AM 1080.

Photos by Hilary Nowatzki.

Agriculture

The Borderland Press

Friday, December 13, 2024 - Page A3

Shareholders of American Crystal Sugar Company harvest another record-breaking crop

Boozman: Ag policy negotiations underway – The House Freedom Caucus is opposed to President Biden’s request for $100 billion in disaster relief. That action may also jeopardize a proposed farm assistance package.

Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman understands the concern about the growing national debt but hopes to see a resolution. “What we’re trying to do is negotiate out what we can get done, and these things are going on literally as we speak right now; negotiations are proceeding,” said Boozman. “At the end of the day, I think we’re going to be there for the farm community.

President Trump is going to be president because of the farm community.

He’s been very supportive of them, and we’ll continue to work hard to try and get this over the threshold.”

Grain market faces headwinds – AgResource Company President Dan Basse offered a realistic but pessimistic view of the markets during the BASF forum at the Agribusiness Expo in Fargo. At the time of Basse’s presentation, the Brazilian real and Russian ruble were trading at record low levels. “If you’re a farmer in Russia or down in Brazil, you’re looking at positive margins so you’ll keep expanding,” said Basse. “The market’s trying to send out the message that we need to cut farm production globally, and at least with those two countries, it’s not happening.” Basse believes the incoming Trump Administration

understands the importance of trade, but it takes time for those results to be realized.

Hope for the canola market – Vegetable oil markets are depressed, but Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson likes the canola market. “Stocks continue to be very tight because the canola oil, just like our soybean oil, is being used for renewable biofuels. That’s tightening up that supply, so fundamentally, the price of canola should be higher than where it’s at.”

Label changes on the way – For farmers and custom applicators, changes are coming for the herbicide label. EPA Region 8 Agriculture Advisor Taylor Dunivin addressed the North Dakota Agricultural Association and reviewed the agency’s new herbicide strategy. “The herbicide strategy is final, so we can expect the EPA will start to use that strategy as it reviews active ingredients moving forward,” said Dunivin. “Folks may start to see label language today on new ingredients.” The agency’s insecticide strategy is not final yet but is expected to be released by the spring. To protect endangered species and minimize future litigation, the EPA will require farmers to take more stringent measures to reduce spray drift or runoff.

Dunivin said farmers will be able to provide input as these changes happen.

NDSU Extension to host virtual fencing workshop

Ranchers interested in adopting precision livestock technologies will hear from NDSU experts on the latest virtual fencing research. (NDSU photo)

North Dakota State University Extension, in collaboration with South Dakota State University Extension and the Adams County Soil Conservation District, will host the No Wires, No Limits: Exploring Virtual Fencing workshop at the Hettinger Research Extension Center (HREC) on Jan. 28, 2025.

“Producers interested in adopting precision livestock technologies will hear from leading experts on key research utilizing this technology and from an interactive panel of progressive producers and virtual fencing experts,” said Aspen Lenning, NDSU Extension agent in Adams County. “Participants will also learn about the ins and outs of software management, technology implementation and proper collar placement with a live demonstration.”

The workshop will begin at 10 a.m.

MST at the new HREC Livestock Lab located at 106 1st Avenue West, Het-

tinger, N.D. “As ranchers continue to look for the most efficient way to run their operations, fenceless grazing is becoming a more realistic option,” explained Lenning.

“Adopting new livestock technologies can be challenging,” stated Rachel Gibbs, NDSU Extension livestock specialist at the HREC. “Our goal with this program is to provide producers with all the information they need to successfully implement these technologies and build a network of professionals to help them along the way.”

To register for the No Wires, No Limits: Exploring Virtual Fencing workshop visit ndsu.ag/virtualfencing. Registration is due by Jan. 17.

For registration questions, contact Aspen Lenning at 701-567-2735.

Last week on Dec. 5, American Crystal Sugar Company shareholders gathered in Fargo to reflect on an incredible sugar beet crop and look ahead with ‘Focused on the Future’-themed events and speakers. Shareholders reviewed crop and financial results from the 2023 crop year (2024 fiscal year ended Aug. 31), discussed market conditions shaping the cooperative in calendar year 2024, and forecasted results for 2025.

The 2023 sugar beet crop produced 31.9 tons per acre, and growers harvested a record total of 12.7 million tons of sugar beets. Sugar content was above average at 18.5 percent.

The increased sugar content and favorable sugar, pulp, and molasses markets increased the net payment per ton to $83.18.

Crop production in 2024 was unprecedented with a total of 13.2 million tons of sugar beets harvested this fall. Sugar beet storage and consistent slice rates remain a critical focus with unprecedented tonnage processing through our operations.

Though there is a new record for tons harvested and an exceptional sugar content of 18.5 percent, market conditions are expected to soften, and the forecasted net payment per ton is down to $75.79.

About American Crystal Sugar Company American Crystal Sugar Company is an agricultural cooperative owned by 2,550 shareholder entities in the Red River Valley involved in the growing and processing of sugar beets. American Crystal Sugar is the largest beet sugar producer in the United States.

American Crystal operates sugar factories at East Grand Forks, Crookston, and Moorhead, Minnesota, as well as Drayton and Hillsboro, N.D. Its Corporate Headquarters and Technical Services Center are located in Moorhead.

NDFU leads second year of USDA “Climate-Smart Agriculture” program

Six million dollars available to producers for high-value ag conservation practices North Dakota Farmers Union

North Dakota Farmers Union has announced the launch of its second year leading the Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture in N.D. The Alliance is a pilot program that provides $100 per acre or animal unit to producers who adopt high-value conservation practices. The program specifically incentivizes adoption or maintenance of no till, minimum till, prescribed grazing, cover crops, and other practices that curb greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2024, the program committed nearly $8 million in payments to over 300 producers. In 2025, the project will again be offered in partnership with seven soil conservation districts in N.D.: Cass, Foster, McKenzie, Mercer, Rolette, Stark/Billings and Ward.

The program will award roughly $6 million in producer payments to selected producers from those counties.

“Farmers and ranchers are the best stewards of our natural resources.

This pilot project rewards them for taking their stewardship to the next level,” said NDFU President Mark Watne. “We learned a lot of lessons from our first enrollment cycle and are eager to provide an improved, more producer-friendly experience for farmers and ranchers.”

producer outreach.

Producers are limited to enrolling a maximum of 320 acres or animal units per producer for a maximum payout of $32,000 annually. Producers who enrolled in 2024 are eligible to enroll again in 2025, but they can’t enroll the same acres for the same practice.

The Alliance is part of USDA’s $3.1 billion investment in the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, which supports 141 projects and seeks to provide direct, meaningful benefits to production agriculture, leverage the greenhouse gas benefits of climate-smart commodities and expand those markets for American producers.

Nationally, the program is led by Virginia Tech. The North Dakota Conservation District Employees Association and soil conservation districts are providing technical assistance for growers, while the North Dakota Grain Growers Association is assisting North Dakota Farmers Union with

The three-year project is funded through a USDA grant that will pay out a total of $57 million in 2024 and 2025 to roughly 4,000 producers in four states – Arkansas, Minnesota, N.D. and V.A.

To enroll or learn more about the program, visit allianceforcsa.org or contact your local soil conservation district. Farms and ranches must be located in one of the eight eligible counties to apply. The 30-day enrollment period opens Jan. 6.

DAKOTA DATEBOOK: North Dakota Poultry North Dakota is known as an agricultural state, a leader in the production of canola, corn, wheat, sunflowers, soybeans, and sugar beets. Beef cattle are also an important commodity, with the state home to more than 950,000 head. So, when it comes to North Dakota agriculture, chickens are not the first thing to come to mind.

On this date in 1907, the Hope Pioneer argued that chickens could be a valuable addition to agricultural production. At the time, a large number of eggs were shipped into the state every year. The newspaper saw this as an opportunity if more farmers understood the value of poultry production.

The Agricultural College reported that they received several inquiries about chickens every year, suggesting that farmers did need more information.

Professor J.H. Shepperd of the Agriculture College Experiment Station spent two years conducting experiments on raising chickens in North Dakota. The result of his work was a free bulletin about poultry that included a broad scope of information on breeding, feeding and housing. The article noted that hopeful chicken farmers could save themselves a great deal of trouble by requesting and reading the bulletin.

Some farmers took the advice to

heart. In 1908, the Golden Valley Chronicle observed that poultry was a profitable undertaking. In 1909, the Jamestown Weekly Alert noted that while poultry was a luxury in many cities, “North Dakota is a natural poultry yard.” In 1915, the Dickinson Commercial Club sponsored a poultry show. The purpose of the show was “to assist in directing the attention of farmers to the systematic and scientific conduct of this line of work and the benefits it brings.” The club offered prizes in several categories of breeds.

In North Dakota today, turkeys are the most important poultry. North Dakota

is only 40th among states for poultry and egg production, but 19th in turkey production, with over a million birds raised annually.

Dakota Datebook written by Carole Butcher “Dakota Datebook” is a radio series from Prairie Public in partnership with the State Historical Society of North Dakota and with funding from the North Dakota Humanities Council.

See all the Dakota Datebooks at prairiepublic.org, subscribe to the “Dakota Datebook” podcast, or buy the Dakota Datebook book at shopprairiepublic.org.

Friday, December 13, 2024 - Page A4

Opinion

The Borderland Press

Letter from the Publisher the house clean? Are you ready for overnight guests?

How’s the shopping coming along?

Are the gifts wrapped? Are the lights up on the outside of the house? How about the baking? Is

Sorry, I don’t mean to cause anyone to panic. This is just what runs through my brain several times a day.

I do tell myself it’s perfectly ok if not all to-do list items get checked off the list. When I was younger I would put a lot of pressure on myself, thinking everything had to be just so and would often become quite frazzled as Christmas Day drew near.

Then a few years went by, and then a few more. I’m much calmer about the situation now. I still think about the

list, but I don’t get too worked up or panicked. What gets done gets done; if not all the dust bunnies are gone by the time company arrives, I’ll get them on the next hunt. You may agree that as long as there’s a good amount of food and drink to be consumed with your guests and gifts to be opened, not much else matters. Calm down, and have that glass of wine you’ve been dreaming about. Rock your jingle bells.

Maybe you’d rather take a tour of your town’s Christmas lights, go ice skating at the Dakota Spirit Arena, read a Christmas classic or watch a

Christmas movie. Put on that funky Christmas sweater and freak out the grandkids. Is it warm enough for a hot chocolate nature walk? Just have some fun with your family and friends and celebrate the reason for the season.

Whatever you‘ve got going on at your house, or maybe you’re travelling this year, I wish you some non-stressful planning. I sure hope I can take my own advice!

Did I mention we have four December birthdays in our family? It’s not uncommon for us to have a birthday cake at Christmas dinner and presents wrapped in birthday wrapping paper. It adds to the fun, and Christmas babies deserve some extra TLC on their birthdays.

Diane Simmons

We were broke, and I had splurged on my huge ugly tree, so we decorated it with whatever things we could find.

Beer cans, shot cups, solo cups, and a zebra print lampshade as a beautiful tree topper. Any time someone came to our dorm, all they could do was laugh.

was successful.

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Publisher publisher@theborderlandpress.com

Letter from the Editor: upside down last February. It’s been a roller coaster ever since, and I haven’t felt truly secure since then. I’ve been learning how to do life alone, which is something I’ve not done in over five years. As a person with disabilities, it’s even more scary. Going to all of my doctors appointments alone…doing medication changes alone…dealing with the low lows and the unknown alone.

Hello, dear readers! Winter has made its fierce arrival, and Christmas is fast approaching. While this season is usually centered around the lights, festivities, and time of gratitude with family, you may have noticed there’s an announcement for a ‘Blue Christmas Service’ on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Lutheran Church in Langdon.

I try to keep my columns lighthearted, but this week I wanted to be vulnerable. My world was turned

My roommate moved out recently to report to her new duty station as a travelling nurse. Walking into an empty home is dreadful, but at least I have my dogs. When I read about the Blue Christmas Service, it brought tears to my eyes.

There was a point in my younger years where I was far more cheerful during the season. One of my favorite memories was my freshman year in college. Growing up, we always had a live tree in our house for the holidays.

I asked my dorm roommate if she

minded having a live tree in our already cramped dorm. She approved, but what she had in mind and what I walked through the door with were two different things. Addie, my roommate (God bless her poor soul for dealing with my crazy 18-year-old self) was expecting a little Charlie Brown tree, maxing out at three feet tall. Instead, I walked through the door with the scraggliest looking seven foot tree. A handful of friends and I went to a random parking lot where they sell trees, and I picked out the ugliest one, folded down the seats in my 2001 Toyota Camry and shoved that sucker in there. My trunk still wouldn’t close, so we tied it closed as best we could.

Not thinking about how I was going to fit three friends and a big tree in my car, one of the friends actually had to lay down in the back with the tree to get us all back to campus. I also figured this was a fire hazard, so I had my friends keep watch for any narcs and drug the tree up three flights of stairs to get to my floor.

Once winter break came, it was time to do something with my now half dead tree. Not wanting to get the pine needles all over the dormitory and realizing there wasn’t a screen in my dorm’s window, I had an idea. You know where this is going. Yes, while the parking lot was full of cars, parents, and students preparing to head home for the break, they all saw a random tree come flying out of the third floor of my dorm. The dumpsters were only a short 20 feet or so from where the tree landed, so once I shoved it out, I ran down the hallway as fast as I could to retrieve it and throw it in the dumpster without an RA (residential assistant, aka, narcs) seeing me. I

Nowadays, I think that I beat myself up and at times and feel guilt or shame for not being quite as cheerful as I used to be or as happy as everyone else right now. I’m writing about it because I want others to know they aren’t alone, and they aren’t doing anything wrong by simply doing the best you can. Just like the season, we will go through many versions of ourselves over the years. As much as I miss being that wild and crazy girl, I think it’s okay that I am in a boring season right now as a slightly confused, middle-aged woman with too many dogs.

Hilary Nowatski Editor

editor@theborderlandpress.com

The Morning Run: From Bottineau to Bismarck, the ‘Inside Out’ version later, we finally merged onto Highway 83 by Wilton, and I was mercifully back in familiar territory. The end goal was the Ramkota in Bismarck for state student council. I was dropping Catelyn off after a weekend full of hockey in Crosby and Bottineau.

By Sara Goodman Last Sunday I did something I’ve never done before and hope to never do again - I drove from Bottineau to Bismarck. I’m sure you’re wondering what prompted this 3-hour joyride through the middle of the state on various obscure roads, past a surprising number of homes around Brush Lake, past the tiny towns of Kief and Butte and right through the heart of Mercer where we took a right on Main Street to continue our journey. Approximately 87 right turns and one wrong turn

If you noticed, I mentioned one wrong turn in our journey, and now let me tell you a little something about Sara.

Sometimes my navigation skills are questionable, but this is only true, as you will soon discover, when I am being directed by the negative little souls in my brain. I’ll call these guys Impatience, Annoyance, Distraction, and Sleepy. Sleepy is pretty much always hanging around the fringes like an annoying gnat, so we’ll mostly ignore that one. Fighting against these are the positive little souls of Rationality, Sensibility and Woo. Woo doesn’t have much stake in this story, so I’m leaving that guy out, too. Now I have just given you the “Inside Out” version of Sara’s brain. Back to the story…

Ironically, Greg had driven from Bismarck to Bottineau just that morning after attending a bank board and employee Christmas party the evening before. Before I left Bottineau, he had told me that I probably didn’t want to take the same route that he had as it involved about 88 turns with numerous hills and valleys. Knowing my propensity for straight routes with very few turns, he suggested I take a different route. This new route is the one I entered into the navigation system on my phone. Twenty minutes down the road just as I was coming up to a crucial turn on my route, Gage called.

Of my three kids, Gage is by far my chattiest. I immediately felt a surge of impatience because I knew this would not be a quick call. As I was listening to Gage, I heard a beep on my phone, indicating a turn was coming. I quickly glanced at my phone. Since we were on a curve, I didn’t get a chance to really comprehend what I was looking for. Catelyn was wrapped up in listening to the student council campaign speeches she was missing, so I didn’t ask her to help me. I continued

to let impatience run my brain and by now, annoyance had joined the party. Feeling a little panicky when my phone beeped at me again, I finally let sensibility drive the bus and told Gage to hang on so I could take a good look at my phone. By the time I figured out where I was, I had missed the turn I had wanted to take. I realized with relief that I was still headed in the right direction but was now taking the route that Greg had suggested that I not take. Lovely. We would still get there around the same time. I would just have to make 87 more turns.

Langdon, would confirm my self-diagnosis of the dreaded Plantar Fasciitis.

For those of you who have had PF you know how annoying it is. Despite participating in some 30 marathons over the years, I’ve been pretty lucky as far as injuries go. My primary doc has now referred me to a podiatrist for a cortisone injection. That’ll hurt. I’m also scheduled for my colonoscopy.

Oh, well… ‘tis the season. In addition to my physical, I also saw the dermatologist for my annual skin check.

have for a piece of John Deere farm equipment. The doctors’ visits, the dermatologist, dentist, eye doctors, insurance, etc. - it’s all in the book.

Like many, I do try to take care of myself, but I also realize none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. What’s the old joke? If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.

Several years ago, I missed a turn while chatting on the phone with Greg and can only blame distraction for that little mishap. After leaving the farm to meet Greg in Grand Forks, I called him to find out the details of where and when I was meeting him. There are numerous options to get to Grand Forks from the farm, but I prefer the one where there are not many turns, which is not surprising based on my Bottineau to Bismarck story. As I was chatting away, I paused momentari-

ly when I saw the sign for Hoople. I mentioned this to Greg who wanted to know why I was going through Hoople. Well, I obviously missed the turn I had wanted to take because I was distracted by being on the phone with him. Thank goodness it was Greg, so I could blame him for distracting me!

Someday I’ll tell you about my Phoenix to the farm in Watford City story, and for double the money, I might throw in the great parking garage fiasco in Minneapolis to boot!

Sara Goodman is an avid runner who says her best ideas come to her between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. She grew up on a cattle ranch in Watford City, N.D. After recently retiring from 15 years of long-term care consulting, she now helps her husband, Greg, run the family farm near Milton and volunteers on many boards and committees in her church and community.

The Goodman house has three kids, two cats, and a dog.

The Book Of Bob I haven’t been running since late summer, although I do hit the weight room about five days a week. I’m certainly not getting the cardio I would normally. So what happened?

By Bob Simmons, CEO, Simmons Multimedia I had my annual physical this week.

Weight 181.6, BP 118/70, Cholesterol 180, HDL 51, LDL 94. My numbers actually surprised me, as

To make a long story short, one weekend this past summer I carried my two-year-old granddaughter, Rosie, to the park while wearing a pair of sandals. I’ve always heard sandals are not good for your feet, and I knew when we got home I had a problem.

Never being one to use common sense, the very next day I ran a 5k in Cavalier with my running cohorts, Bob Tapson and Dave Zeis. When I crossed the finish line, my right heel hurt, and I knew I needed to back off.

Eventually another running partner, Megan Overby, a nurse practitioner in

This time around there wasn’t anything to chop, freeze or burn off, so I got lucky there. My family members think I’m nuts, but I keep a book binder with all of my medical records going back years. It’s the ‘Book of Bob’, and I liken it to a service manual you might

Years ago our friend, Jake Kulland, came into my office, took a handful of my low fat popcorn, and promptly gagged. Jake looked at me and said, “What the hell; are you trying to live forever?!” Actually, I do have a plan to keep working after death, as I think being dead will be quite boring. I have the application to bequeath my corpse to the UND School of Medicine. So pardon me when I kick the

bucket as I won’t be hanging around for a viewing...I’ll need to report for work in the morning.

Community

The Borderland Press

Pembilier Nursing Center: Reminiscing

Walhalla Public Library news

By Heather Duerre, Life Enrichment Director

Hello from all of us at PNC! Christmas is fast approaching, which means it’s the perfect time to reminisce with friends.

I thought now would be the perfect time to reminisce with some of our residents about their memories of Christmas from their childhoods. It is crazy to think of how things have changed from when they were kids to the world as it is today. Many of the residents recalled having a meal very similar to Thanksgiving with turkey and all the trimmings for their Christmas feast.

However, one of our Norwegian residents happily remembered eating lefse and lutefisk for Christmas. For dessert, most of them enjoyed pie with crusts made with lard or special cookies that were made only during the Christmas season.

When I asked them if they remembered any special gifts they had received when they were kids, there were a variety of answers. Many of

the ladies remembered getting special dolls. One of them remembered getting a wooden doll with painted hair that she absolutely loved. Another lady remembered getting a doll that she affectionately named Mary Lou. There was one resident that recalled how poor her parents were, so she usually got a pair of earrings for her Christmas gift. One gentleman excitedly told me that one year he and his brother got a brand-new scooter to share. They rode it so much that they went through three motors! All the residents said that they usually only got one or two gifts for Christmas, which is quite different from most kids’ experiences these days.

By Tammy Olson, Director

Today was a beautiful reminder of why we celebrate Christmas. First and foremost, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but with that comes the celebration of love. This is the season when we are especially called to love our neighbors. Whether it be cooking a special dinner for your family, singing a song to your loved one, or simply smiling at a stranger, I hope you spread love this Christmas season.

The last question I asked was “Did you like Christmas better celebrating it as a kid or as an adult celebrating it with your own children?” It was unanimous amongst the residents that the best way to celebrate Christmas was watching their own children experience the joy of the holiday. They also agreed that it was more fun to give gifts than to receive them.

Once we were done reminiscing, I was walking down one of the halls, and I heard singing coming from one of the resident rooms. As I got closer, I could hear the daughter of one of the gentlemen singing “Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer” to her father. I wondered to myself how many times that father sang to his little girl years ago. Although the roles have reversed for them in many ways, the same love that is felt with the singing still exists between them.

The Christmas tree in the activity room at Pembilier Nursing Center.

Always more

Katie Henry, Family and Community Wellness Agent, NDSU Extension – Cavalier County in ourselves. If we want to be different, then we can start doing different, and that sometimes makes a world of difference in how we see the world and our contributions to it. Surround yourself with people that will help you do that.

During this extremely busy time of year, I was reminded the other day that it’s important to take a step back and just enjoy things for what they are. The end of the year is coming soon, and I can’t believe that the year 2024 is almost done. Where did it go? How did we get here? Time just disappears in the blink of an eye. I read the other day that it’s okay to have just survived the year. It’s more than okay if you didn’t do anything extraordinary or life altering. It’s okay if you got up every day and did your best, no matter what that looks like.

As the new year comes about, sometimes people get caught up in the stress of the holiday season or the fact that they didn’t accomplish all that they wanted to for the year.

Sometimes we miss dear friends and relatives that are either too far away to visit or have passed on from this world. Sometimes life is just plain hard. Sometimes we focus so much on “more” that it cripples us in happiness and life. There will ALWAYS be “more” - more we can do, more we can see, more we can have, more we can say. There will always just be more. It’s what we do with the “more” that makes a difference. Here is a little secret… we don’t have to do it all.

It’s perfectly fine to be comfortable in the life we have created. It’s perfectly fine to just do your best every day. It’s perfectly fine to manage what you can and let the rest go. It’s perfectly fine to not be perfect! When I say those things, I’m not referring to complacency. I’m referring to the fact that we don’t have to be anything other than what we are. Sometimes people push people out of their comfort zone because it’s what THEY think is best for that person. People don’t need to be pushed beyond their breaking point.

It’s best to support and encourage.

There is a woman that I see often, and she is absolutely unapologetically herself. You get what you get with her, and she doesn’t apologize for it.

She lives her life as best she can with care, understanding, and complete non-judgement for those around her.

She doesn’t expect anything from anyone except for people to be themselves, and it’s amazingly refreshing.

One thing we sometimes get caught in the cycle of is feeling like we aren’t enough or haven’t done enough - that we could do more and that we need to do as much as other people. When we compare ourselves to others, it puts us in a mindset that is often not helpful. If we enter in the mindset of doing what we can, when we can, and how we can, we feel more peace with-

I love my reality checkers. The group consists of a few people that are real with me and are a great sounding board. I don’t always like to hear what they have to say, but they always help me put things in perspective. The supportive nature of those people is truly heartwarming and helpful in my life. I also have my cheerleaders. I like to think of them as the positivity boosters. They are always helpful, hopeful, and thoughtful. Some of them are my reality checkers as well. All of my reality checkers and cheerleaders help me keep things in perspective. They help me with my “more.”

Whether you are thinking about making some health changes, or trying something new this coming year, give yourself some grace when planning and implementing the changes and additions. If you are looking for a book to read, maybe try ‘How Full Is Your Bucket?’ from Gallup’s Tom Rath and Don Clifton. It discusses interactions with others. It refers to building the positive and reducing the negative in personal and professional life.

Maybe you want to try to increase your physical health with diet or exercise. That could consist of taking three 10-minutes walks a day or finding an app or YouTube channel that has some 10-minute yoga activities.

Maybe you would like to try some easy stretching a few minutes a day.

Increasing vegetable intake might be on your list of getting healthier. That could include preparing more vegetables all at one time to have readyto-go snacks, making sure to follow MyPlate recommendations of making half your plate fruits and vegetables, or sneaking some veggies into sweet treats like the recipes below.

NDSU Extension can help you with finding your more and in a healthy way. If you would like to visit about finding your more, whether it be in leadership and civic engagement, human development and family science, or nutrition and health, feel free to stop in to our office at the Cavalier County Courthouse, call me at 2562560, or email me at katie.d.henry@ ndsu.edu. No matter what you do or how you are looking for your “more,” please be kind to yourself, make small changes that will gradually make a big difference, and just be yourself. You are already MORE. Recipes courtesy of NDSU Extension: Chocolate Avocado Mousse Avocados are high in healthy fats, and help you feel full longer. They also are full of nutrients like potassium, magnesium, vitamin E, fiber, and more.

Ingredients 2 large avocados peeled, pitted and halved 1/3 cup honey ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ¼ cup fat-free milk (or almond milk) ⅛ teaspoon salt (optional) Directions Blend all ingredients in a food pro-

Friday, December 13, 2024 - Page A5

cessor or blender. Process until completely smooth. Transfer to a sealable container and refrigerate one hour or until ready to serve. Serve with grated dark chocolate and/or whipped cream.

Mousse will keep for up to four days in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

You also can freeze the mousse and eat it like ice cream Nutrition & Dietary Information Makes 16 servings. Each serving has 70 calories, 4 g fat, 1 g protein, 10 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber and 20 mg sodium.

Potato Brownies Potatoes are rich in vitamin C. This is an antioxidant that aids in cell protection and cell health. They are also higher in potassium, and fiber (if the skins are left on).

Ingredients 1 2/3 cups sugar ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup flour 1 cup mashed potatoes 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips ¾ cup butter or margarine 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 eggs ½ teaspoon baking powder Powdered sugar Directions Preheat oven to 350 F. In a saucepan, melt chocolate and butter/ margarine on stove (or in a glass dish in the microwave). Cool slightly. Cream sugar, vanilla, salt and eggs. Add chocolate mixture and potatoes, flour and baking powder. Beat until creamy. Pour into a greased and floured 9-by13inch cake pan. Bake at 350 F for around 30 minutes. Let cool. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top.

Nutrition & Dietary Information Makes 24 brownies. Each brownie has 200 calories, 10 g fat, 2 g protein, 26 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber and 170 mg sodium.

We have had a lot of successful Story Hours with lots of kids. This week, Shayleigh Brown read, and she did a wonderful job. We made Santa ornaments for the Christmas tree, and the kids did a really good job.

Our featured author this week is Fern Micheals with ‘Holly and Joy.’ “The flames of memory have always seemed to glow a little brighter during the holidays. Perhaps that's why this time of year is so difficult for airline heiress Ivy Macintosh, as she faces thoughts of yet another festive season alone. Since the plane crash that claimed the lives of her husband and two children eight years ago, she's been submerged in grief. When 11year-old Holly Greenwood knocks on

her door, lost and frightened after a forbidden visit to her singing teacher, Ivy's self-imposed exile is shattered.

Holly has an extraordinary voice and wants nothing more than to perform in an upcoming Christmas musical. Holly's father, Daniel, doesn't allow music in their home, refusing to give a good reason why - just as he refuses to talk about Holly's mother. Ivy has no idea how closely she and Daniel are linked by their tragic pasts, yet she's drawn to the warmth she senses beneath his gruff exterior. And as Christmas nears, their shared concern for Holly begins to draw Ivy back into the world again...and toward a family who may need her just as much as she needs them…”

Friday, December 13, 2024 - Page A6

Community

The Borderland Press

Heritage and happenings - Dewey Decimal Day

By Kari Phillips

The other day, I wanted to find more information about macramé knots, so I picked up my phone and Googled macramé Christmas pattern ideas.

I also needed a recipe for crab rangoon dip, tips for dogs that itch all the time, and holistic remedies for better sleep. In minutes, I had all I needed— and then some. It’s amazing to think I literally have a library at my fingertips right on my phone.

It wasn’t all that long ago—back in my elementary school days—that finding information looked a lot different.

We’d use the card catalog in the library to look up everything we needed

to know. Those wooden cabinets filled with small drawers and neatly typed cards were the gateway to a world of knowledge. Each card held the title, author, subject, and call number of a book, pointing us to its exact location on the library shelves. If we wanted to know something, we had to work for it—no Google magic for us back then!

Using the card catalog required patience, determination, and possibly a prayer or two. You had to decide whether to search by author, title, or subject, flip through the cards in alphabetical order, and then jot down the Dewey Decimal call number to find the book’s home on the shelves.

It felt like a treasure hunt—but with a lot more paper cuts and fewer rewards. Still, there was something satisfying about the process—like solving a puzzle to uncover knowledge.

The card catalog system was part of Melvil Dewey’s organizational method, created in 1876—the Dewey Decimal System. This system divided all human knowledge into 10 broad categories from philosophy and science to literature and history. Each book received a specific number based on its subject, making it easier to group similar topics together. Libraries worldwide adopted the system, and for

generations, it became the backbone of how we accessed information.

December 10, National Dewey Decimal System Day, is a time to celebrate this revolutionary system and its creator. Melvil Dewey’s vision transformed libraries into organized hubs of knowledge, allowing anyone to walk in and find exactly what they needed.

While technology has changed how we access information, the principles of the Dewey Decimal System remain at the heart of library organization.

So, let’s raise a book (or an e-reader) to Melvil for keeping us organized, even if we still can’t quite figure out how to organize our own bookshelves at home.

(even if it meant losing a few hours of your life to that task).

Today, most libraries have traded their card catalogs for online databases. While the Dewey Decimal System is still in use, its digital transformation has made finding books faster and more efficient. With just a few clicks or taps, you can search for a book, check its availability, and even reserve it—all without leaving your couch. No more frantic searching through drawers— just a few well-placed keywords and voila! Still, there’s a certain nostalgia for the old card catalog with its tactile charm and the thrill of flipping through the cards in search of something new

Despite all these advancements, libraries remain grounded in their mission to provide access to knowledge and foster a love of learning. That’s why National Dewey Decimal System Day, on December 10th, is so important; it reminds us of the incredible legacy of libraries and systems like Dewey’s that make them accessible to everyone.

Hello from Edmore!

By Tammy Burg

Friday!!! They were able to hold them off until 9:00 a.m. when they raced to get their treasures.

I guess the biggest news this week is the school’s rummage/live auction of memorabilia this past Saturday. There were many sentimental items that the alumni reminisced and told stories about while walking around the gym.

Many alumni, both staff and students, showed up to take home a piece of history. There was a lineup outside at the door, ready to break in like Black

Overall, about 2/3 of the items in the gym were sold. Donovan Diseth was kind enough to donate his time and energy to auction off the memorabilia. They were hoping for a larger crowd for this great occasion, but the ones who did come sure appreciated getting their old uniforms, globes, maps, and the Edmore Viking rugs. Principal Diane Martinson says now more than ever the building really feels quiet and so empty. Other than the Edmore uniforms, the remaining items will be donated to nonprofit organizations, schools, daycares, and thrift stores. I know we sure miss hearing the kids outside for recess, especially this time of the year when they would help us decorate, share Christmas music, and Mrs. Schill’s delicious fudge. So many sweet memories.

Bruce and I were in Bemidji this past weekend. Our oldest grandson had his first formal, our version of Sadie Hawkins, as the girls invited the boys.

A few of his friends came over to get ready. Wow, we think girls’ perfume is sometimes pretty strong, but they had nothing on these young men and their cologne!! They all looked so handsome. From there, they picked up their dates and took pictures by the lake at a local hotel. Pretty chilly for the ladies. Our son and daughter-in-law, along with a few of the other parents, hosted supper for seven couples. The table and food were as beautiful as a fine restaurant. We were so proud of Lawson and his friends, as they were very kind and used their best manners; it was so nice to see. We were able to watch the Grand March, and the many couples were so pretty. We also spent time with our other grands and our great-granddaughter. Life is so good!!! Until next time... take care, and do something nice for someone!!

Libraries have also evolved to meet the needs of modern readers in other ways. Take audiobooks, for example.

Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or just relaxing at home, audiobooks offer a convenient way to enjoy your favorite titles. Many libraries partner with services like OverDrive or Libby, letting you borrow audiobooks and eBooks directly to your phone or tablet. It’s like having the library in your pocket but without the heavy lifting or the musty smell of old paper.

Who says modern technology can’t be both convenient and pleasant?

Here in Cavalier County, our library beautifully blends the charm of traditional library services with the exciting possibilities of modern technology.

Whether you’re a book lover, a history enthusiast, or simply curious, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Visit their website at cavaliercountyndlibrary.com, where you can log in to OPAC to explore their extensive collection of books, eBooks, audiobooks, DVDs, and more! For families with young children, the library also shares updates about their Storytime sessions, making it a great resource for pre-kindergarten activities.

One of my personal favorite spots is the North Dakota Room. It’s a treasure trove of history, offering old newspapers, genealogy resources, centennial books from local communities, and countless opportunities to dive into our area’s past.

Whether you’re flipping through a vintage novel, streaming an audiobook, or attending a community event, the Cavalier County Library offers something special for everyone. Make time to visit today; you never know what gems you’ll discover!

Kari Phillips is the Community Development Coordinator for Cavalier County JDA and can be reached at karip@utma.com or at 701-2563475.

A Saint’s Shoutout: The sounds of the season

By Carrie Hope

Some of the students settled on their choice of instrument right away and others had to try an instrument or two before they found the right fit. To see it click when they find the instrument that is meant for them is magical.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. I love the Christmas season.

There’s a special type of feeling and hope around this time of year. Music adds to that feeling. It elevates the feelings of hope and anticipation and makes us feel something inside our hearts. I am so proud of our St. Alphonsus School students for having two big nights of music performance this week. Our K-8th graders filled our gym with the sound of music on Wednesday evening, and our preschool and pre-K students followed up with heartfelt performances on Thursday.

We are so grateful to have a wonderful music department under the direction of Mrs. Becky Tollefson. Not only did Becky put together great music programs, she also got our fifth grade class involved in band this year. Every fifth grade student is playing this semester, and they’ve been working so hard to get ready for their first public performance - of course, they did great!

We posted a graphic on our school Facebook page earlier this year, and I think it really connects all the dots when it comes to music. It explained that music is math due to the rhythm and based on the division of time into fractions. Music is physical education because it requires the coordination of fingers, lips, and control of the back and stomach. Music is language - it’s a universal language. It’s history as it’s been present during every era of time; it’s art because it allows emotion to be created. Music is science because it’s about acoustics and frequencies produced by voices and instruments. Reading music requires a subset of skills which help maintain literacy.

And music is life. That’s why our hearts have beats.

Thank you to all of those who attended our Christmas concerts at St. Alphonsus School. It means the world to the kids to look out into the crowd and see the smiling, supportive faces that they love.

I hope the music of the Christmas season is touching your heart. Maybe this will help you hear a few classic songs from over the years in a new and different way.

Carrie Hope is in her 6th year as principal at St. Alphonsus School. To reach the school office, please dial 701-256-2354.

Lifestyle

The Borderland Press

Friday, December 13, 2024 - Page A7

Prairie Fare: Why have we heard so much about food recalls?

By Julie Garden-Robinson, NDSU Extension food and nutrition specialist

ed with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli were recalled. Tortilla strips were recalled due to undeclared wheat. Orange custard chocolate chip ice cream was recalled due to undeclared eggs.

Soft ripened cheese was recalled due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

In Oct. 2024, seafood salad was recalled due to undeclared soy. Smoked salmon and chicken street taco meal kits were both recalled due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

Let’s start with a quick quiz. Name a food that has been recalled in recent months.

Here’s your bonus question: what was the potential issue with the food?

You probably thought of more than one food that has been recalled due to a potential or actual safety threat to the public. Recalls are specific to certain brand names, not every product.

Visit the Food and Drug Administration website for details about recalls and other safety alerts.

Some of the recalls are specific to a small region in the U.S., while other recalls can be nationwide.

You probably remember the 19-state Listeria outbreak linked to deli meats.

Ten people died and 60 were hospitalized during the summer of 2024. Previously, lettuce, onions and tomatoes have been linked to outbreaks.

More recently, in Nov. 2024, organic whole carrots potentially contaminat-

Food recalls also can involve pet foods. For example, chicken chips dog treats were recalled due to potential salmonella contamination in Nov. 2024.

Not all of the recalled foods have been directly implicated in making people sick, but some products have.

Why do we hear about recalls more often? Information is circulated rapidly through various social media, TV news and many other forms of media.

Our food travels throughout the U.S. Recalls fall into three different categories, and companies can voluntarily conduct a recall. The FDA can request or order a recall.

According to the FDA, a Class I recall is a situation where the product can cause serious or fatal health consequences. A Class II recall is a situation where the product can cause temporary health issues but the chances for serious health consequences is rare. A Class III recall usually does not cause adverse health consequences.

If you were to discover a recalled food

product in your refrigerator, freezer or cupboard, what should you do?

Should you take your chances and eat a food potentially contaminated with bacteria such as E. coli or Listeria?

No, that is not a good plan. We cannot see, smell or taste bacteria or viruses, and tiny amounts could make us very ill.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture does not recommend that we throw caution to the wind. We should not eat the recalled food with potential bacterial contamination. We also should not feed the food to pets, who also can get food poisoning. We should not donate the food to a food bank.Avoid opening the food package. If you already opened the food, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Food recalls often are associated with specific instructions from the manufacturer. Most of the time, you are advised to return the food to where you bought it for a refund. If returning the food is not a possibility, then dispose of the food where no human or animal will consume it.

In 2023, more than half of food recalls were due to undeclared allergens. All foods are required to include the presence of nine allergens (milk, eggs, wheat, soy, sesame, fish, shellfish, tree nuts and peanuts). These allergens are responsible for 90% of food allergies, but there are many other potential food allergens.

Food allergies can be serious, even deadly, for people with allergies.

I am fortunate that I do not have food allergies. I would not be as concerned about missing allergen labeling for myself. However, most of us know people with food allergies, and we might be preparing food for them.

Therefore, handle foods with potential allergens similarly to those with potential bacterial contamination. Make an effort to return mislabeled foods to the store for a refund. Never donate it, because you do not know who might be eating the food.

Obviously, I won’t give you food preparation advice for recalled foods. Following food safety principles is important every day. Here’s a spread for crackers or bread perfect for a light appetizer at a holiday gathering. It was contributed by one of the volunteers in the Growing Together Community Gardens of Fargo–Moorhead.

carrot or celery sticks, bread (for serving) Rinse cucumbers thoroughly. Peel cucumbers if desired. Remove seeds

and dice. Combine with salt and allow to rest one hour, draining excess water. Combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill weed and onion. Fold in cucumbers. Use as a spread.

Makes 16 servings. Each serving of spread has 110 calories, 10 grams (g) fat, 2 g protein, 4 g carbohydrate, 0 g fiber and 160 milligrams sodium.

Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., R.D., L.R.D., is a North Dakota State University Extension food and nutrition specialist and professor in the Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences.

Cucumber Spread 4 large cucumbers (about 3 to 4 cups, diced) ½ teaspoon salt 8 ounces cream cheese, softened ½ cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons dill weed 1 tablespoon minced onion Chives, mint or parsley Crackers, Vegetables like carrots, lettuce, onions and tomatoes have all been linked to food recalls at some time. (photo by Pixabay)

Prairie Doc® Perspective Anatomical variations: connecting research and patient care

By Ethan Snow, PhD

Human anatomy is so intricate that the prevalence of an anatomical variation is thought to be certain in every individual; in this regard, what makes each of us unique is the very thing we have in common. Certain variations can elicit complex symptoms, muddle diagnoses, and complicate treatments. Fortunately, though, most anatomical variations are asymptomatic and pose little to no clinical concern.

Sometimes variations can even be beneficial; for example, an accessory muscle-tendon unit can be useful autograft material in musculoskeletal reconstruction surgeries.

The human body is composed of a typical pattern of anatomy, yet every structure varies in form from person to person. For example, humans develop with a standard set of defined muscles, yet the shape and mass of each muscle varies significantly among individuals. Sometimes, “anatomical variations” develop – that is, anatomical structures that do not conform to the typical range of regular morphology (for example, an entirely separate “extra” muscle that develops in one person).

Anatomical variations are challenging to study because they are often found incidentally. In surgery, clinicians operate in a limited window of visibility in order to complete procedures with minimal incisions. When surgeons find an unexpected variation in their operating window, they often only see part of it and are not able to expose the entire structure. Anatomists, however, dissect the entire body (as an embalmed cadaver) and expose variations in full detail. Cadaveric case analyses of anatomical variations pro-

vide clinicians with insights for adjusting protocols to suit variations during surgery and in noninvasive treatment plans, and they help anatomists teach clinically significant variations to students learning human anatomy.

Strategic anatomist-clinician collaborations foster the mutual exchange of expert-level skills to promote the highest-quality medical education and patient care, particularly involving anatomical variations. These collaborative relationships form the fundamental underpinning of evidenced-based medicine and embrace the “benchto-bedside” model for making translational research influential to patient care.

Modern technology has improved the study of anatomical variations.

Many anatomical case analyses now involve radiologic imaging, histopathology, digital modeling, and other contemporary techniques, making them more relevant to clinicians and patient care. In the fast-paced disciplines of education and medicine, innovations such as virtual reality (VR) are being used to advance anatomy

education and improve patient care.

While defined variations and clinical conditions can be simulated by technology and offer many impactful

benefits, tech-based programs are currently unable to generate accurate models of potential anatomical variations.

For nearly 2,500 years, human cadavers from whole body donors have served instrumental roles in establishing anatomical knowledge, including what is known about anatomical variations. Human cadavers are unparalleled for tactile feedback, unscripted anatomical variations, and clinical associations. They also convey more

Dakota Gardener: The origins of mistletoe kisses

By Esther E. McGinnis, Horticulturist - NDSU Extension gy provides some tantalizing clues.

Norse mythology tells of Baldur, the son of Odin and Frigg. Beloved by all, he has an omen that he is about to be killed. Desperate to protect him, Frigg extracts an oath from every living creature under or on the earth that they will not harm her son. Assuming that he was protected, the gods took turns throwing sharp objects at Balder.

Each object harmlessly bounced off him. Loki, the god of mischief, tricked Frigg into revealing that she had failed to make mistletoe take an oath. She overlooked it because it was high in a tree. Loki then fashioned an arrow out of mistletoe and tricked Balder’s I have never been kissed under a blind brother into shooting and killing sprig of mistletoe. However, mistletoe him with the arrow. Many different is prominently featured in Christmas accounts of this myth exist but none songs such as Frank Sinatra’s “Mis- adequately explain why mistletoe betletoe and Holly,” “I Saw Mommy Kiss- came synonymous with stolen Christing Santa Claus,” and more recently mas kisses.

Justin Bieber’s “Mistletoe.” The magical world of Harry Potter isn’t safe Other cultures have embraced mistlefrom mistletoe, as the main character toe. The ancient Greeks viewed it as a and Cho Chang learned. Is there an fertility symbol. Rome’s founding stointeresting origin story for this kiss-in- ry in Virgil’s “Aeneid” links mistletoe ducing plant or is this just a Hallmark to the sacred groves. The Druids celebrated an elaborate winter ritual of Channel plot device? harvesting mistletoe. They most likely Biologically, mistletoe is a less than romantic plant that parasitizes trees.

Birds eat the berries and excrete the sticky seeds that adhere to branches.

In fact, the word mistletoe is derived from the Anglo-Saxon words “mistel” and “tan” meaning dung-on-a- twig to signify the birds’ contributions. The seed germinates and penetrates the branch to absorb water and nutrients from the tree. Some mistletoe species develop leaves and can photosynthesize carbohydrates. Therefore, mistletoe doesn’t usually kill its tree host unless there are numerous parasitic plants.

While there is nothing to suggest a love story from its biology, mytholo-

revered the bright green leaves and berries as a life-giving force because they stood in bright contrast to bare, deciduous trees during winter.

The trail of mistletoe’s origin then goes cold for many centuries. In 1784, an English song was published that first refers to the tradition of men kissing young women under the mistletoe. Initially, this was a Christmas

cies of hairstreak butterflies rely on mistletoe for food.

Enjoy mistletoe for its romantic and decorative purposes. Although birds eat mistletoe, humans and pets should not ingest any part of the plant.

tradition among the servant class but quickly gained public acceptance.

As a horticulturist, I would be remiss if I didn’t pass along some practical knowledge. Worldwide, there are 1,300 species of mistletoe with over 40 species in the United States. The berries are an important food source for birds and provide nesting spots for spotted owls. Surprisingly, three spe-

European mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant that grows on trees and is most apparent in winter.

(Photo by Conger Design, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Rebecca Davis

than anatomy; they are considered by most students as their first patients and teach students about clinical anatomy, variation, disease, ethics, humanity, respect, and many other important values. Educators, clinicians, and students remain extremely grateful to whole body donors for their selfless contributions to advancing medical education, knowledge, practice, and patient care – particularly as related to anatomical variations.

Ethan Snow, PhD is an Anatomist and currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Innovation in Anatomy at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. Follow The Prairie Doc® at www.prairiedoc.org, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Threads. Prairie Doc Programming includes On Call with the Prairie Doc®, a medical Q&A show (most Thursdays at 7pm streaming on Facebook), two podcasts, and a Radio program (on SDPB), providing health information based on science, built on trust.

Health Tip

Provided by Cavalier County Health District Have you experienced a loss recently or in the past? Talking with others who have similar experiences is often healing.

United Lutheran Church is offering grief support group meetings on the second Monday of every month at 7 pm.

Friday, December 13, 2024 - Page A8

Church

The Borderland Press

From the Pastor’s Desk:

By Pastor Jodi

gifts difficult, if not impossible..The world around you may be buzzing with festivities, but inside, you might feel quiet, exhausted and overwhelmed.

The Third Sunday in Advent is often called the Sunday of Joy. This year it is celebrated on December 15. It’s the day we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath, but if you’re not feeling the joy of this Advent season, I want you to know...you are not alone!

The holidays are often a time of laughter, community and celebration.

If you’re grieving, these expectations can feel overwhelming and even painful. Whether your grief is from the loss of someone or the loss of something, the contrast between what you “should” feel... happy, festive and joyful... and what you actually feel... sad, exhausted and even disconnected... can create a sense of guilt or confusion.

Our culture often stumbles when we talk about grief even when we try to comfort one another in grief. It’s as though your grief comes with an unspoken rule that joy is off-limits, especially during the holidays. Grief in our culture assumes a timeline. Yet, grief is a human experience, not an illness.

Grief is not something you recover from; it’s part of an experience you go through. Therefore, we shouldn’t talk about grief as “moving on,” because there is no moving on. Life has changed from whatever circumstance caused your grief. Who you were before is not who you will continue to be.

Through grief, you move forward in life moment by moment and day by day.

That being said, grief is a deeply personal and often unpredictable journey. The holidays may bring a flood of memories, some painful and some sweet, all within a five minute time period. The empty chair at the dinner table or the absence of a loved one’s voice on the phone can make the season feel impossibly lonely. The lost income from being unemployed or extra doctor bills due to a chronic illness or recent diagnosis can make buying

As you navigate this season, remember that there’s no timeline for healing. You don’t need to rush through your grief to “catch up” to everyone’s festivities or to “meet” them in their joy and happiness. Instead, be tender and compassionate with yourself. You may experience days when you enjoy the holiday spirit, and you may experience days when you feel disconnected from it entirely. Both are okay. In moments when you feel sad or tired - let yourself rest and grieve. Healing means you’re adjusting to a new reality, and that takes time. Things are not the same, so you don’t need to pretend they are. If you feel joyful in the moment, don’t feel guilty.

Remember, you don’t have to please anyone. However, it does help to let people know how you’re thinking and feeling so they can plan accordingly. Vulnerability is often difficult, but telling a friend or family member what you need helps them know how to best provide for you in your grief.

That could mean letting them know that you need a day or a moment to be alone and have space, or it could mean sharing that you’d love to have them by your side when you hang holiday lights or favorite ornaments on the tree. You don’t need to “have it all together” this holiday season, but I hope you can experience moments of hope, peace, joy and love.

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Luke 2:11.

If you’d like to attend a service that offers a unique opportunity for worship, United Lutheran Church in Langdon will be hosting a Blue Christmas Service on December 15 at 7 pm to honor the joy and the pain the season brings. All are welcome!

Pastor Jodi has served at United Lutheran Church, Langdon since December 2021. Jodi is a North Dakota born and raised farm girl. She is married to husband, Paul, and they have a daughter, Sophie. Along with serving in ministry for the past 18 years, they farm near Edmore. Jodi is also a registered nurse. They enjoy gardening, yard work, camping and doing things together as a family.

Christmas Church Services United Lutheran Church Langdon Christmas Eve 3:00 pm Contemporary Service Christmas Eve 5:00 pm Traditional Service St Alphonus Catholic Church Christmas Eve 4:00 pm Carols; 4:30 pm Mass Christmas Eve 9:30 pm Carols; 10:00 pm Mass Christmas Day 10:00 am Carols; 10:30 am Mass. Community Christmas dinner at Noon in Parish Center. Everyone is welcome.

Langdon Presbyterian Church Christmas Eve 4:00 pm Emmanuel Evangelical Church Christmas Eve 4:00 pm Salem Bible Church in Munich -- Sunday School Christmas Program - Wed., Dec. 18th at 7:00 p.m.

-- Christmas Eve Service -- Tues., Dec. 24th at 5:00 p.m.

United Methodist Christmas Eve at 5 pm

Obituaries

The Borderland Press the faith, and has inherited the crown of righteousness which the Lord has promised to all who love Him (2 Timothy 4:7-8). On December 4, 2024, Jesus called Art home: “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master!”

Arthur Spenst

A celebration of life was held December 11, 2024, in Langdon, N.D., for Arthur Spenst, 91, of Wichita, Kan., and formerly of Langdon, who fought the good fight, finished the course, kept

Art was born June 12, 1933, in Langdon, N.D., to George and Mary (Toews) Spenst and graduated from Alsen High School. As a young man, Art surrendered his heart in love and faith to the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom he would be faithful in all of life. On August 4, 1957, in answer to his prayer, Art received the gift of his bride, Pauline Ewert, in marriage in Avon, S.D., and faithfully cherished her for 60 years. They made their

home near Langdon, N.D., where they farmed and raised their six children to love and serve Jesus. Art and Pauline also owned the Dairyland and managed the cafes at the curling club and courthouse in Langdon. Art would later serve the residents of Maple Manor Care Center as a nursing assistant. In 2015, Art and Pauline moved to Amarillo, Texas, and Art would later reside in Plainview, Minn., and Wichita, Kan. Art was a farmer at heart who especially loved harvest. He enjoyed fishing and gardening, taking special delight in sharing his raspberries and watermelon with his kids and grandkids. His children will remember him as consistent, compassionate, and Christ-like and a tenderhearted man of fervent prayer who lived his faith in

DAKOTA DATEBOOK: Small State of North Dakota December 13, 2024 – It has often been said that ties run close in North Dakota. It’s the biggest small town in the world—or so it seems.

On this date in 1968, the Minot Daily News published a story that illustrated that point in an unexpected way.

Mark Marsall, a former resident of Mandan, who was then living in California, met Robert E. Larson, of Minot, while in Mexico, out in the Pacific Ocean—when Larson saved Marsall’s life.

Larson was in Mexico on a business

trip with college friend Steve Bergren, from Chicago, who was fluent in Spanish and would serve as translator. On the night they arrived, they were relaxing around the hotel pool when a woman ran up to them and asked if they could swim. The two men could definitely swim—they had taken and passed a diving course while at Stanford. When they said they could, the woman told them that two men were drowning in the ocean.

According to reports, Marsall and his teenage son Joe had been caught in a stiff undertow, or rip current. Respond-

ing to the Marsall’s cries for help, Larson and his friend quickly swam to the two men. They found Marsall, but not his son—Marsall had told his son Joe to take off for the shore, to save his own life. Marsall meanwhile, was almost on his last breath. Larson towed him back to the coast while Bergren stayed behind to look for Joe. Towing a person with one arm and while swimming for two was difficult for Larson.

However, after about ten minutes, Marsall was sufficiently rested to hold onto Larson’s swim trunks, making it easier for them to get to shore.

Friday, December 13, 2024 - Page A9 every aspect of life. Art and Pauline were active members of Emmanuel Evangelical Church in Langdon.

Art is survived by his children: Paula (Henry) Nist of Moore, Okla.; Bonnie (Todd) Mask of Amarillo, T.X.; Terry (Stacey) Spenst of Wichita, Kan.; Nolan (Tracy) Spenst of Lander, Wyo.; Tyrone (Pauline) Spenst of Plainview, Minn.; and daughter-in-law Bonnie Spenst of Euclid, Minn.; 17 grandchildren and seven spouses of grandchildren who he also claimed as his own; and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Pauline, son James, sister Magdalene Toavs and brothers Erwin Spenst and Ralph Spenst.

Marsall’s son Joe made it back safely, too, and Bergren gave up his search and came in, so all four were accounted for and safe, and Bergren and Larson were heroes.

Water incidents and resultant injury and death can occur almost anywhere, but perhaps it’s not a death most North Dakotans are mindful of, living as they do in a land-locked region. But in this instance, meeting an old North Dakota neighbor was more than a lucky break—it was a saving grace.

Family and friends gathered to rejoice that Art has entered into his sabbath rest and that He has taken his place of honor among those who have finished the race. When the trumpet sounds and the Lord descends, Art will be raised to meet Jesus in the air.

His pilgrimage to a true and better homeland is complete. We grieve as those who have great hope, praising God for the work of grace He has completed in Art. Online condolences are available at www.brooksfuneralhomelangdon. com.

Dakota Datebook written by Sarah Walker “Dakota Datebook” is a radio series from Prairie Public in partnership with the State Historical Society of North Dakota and with funding from the North Dakota Humanities Council. See all the Dakota Datebooks at prairiepublic.org, subscribe to the “Dakota Datebook” podcast, or buy the Dakota Datebook book at shopprairiepublic.org.

New State Lab to improve PFAS, toxicology testing, state health officials say By: Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor A new State Lab under construction on the Capitol grounds will give North Dakota expanded capabilities to address public health and environmental concerns, including testing to detect forever chemicals.

North Dakota’s Department of Environmental Quality sends up to 100 samples each year to out-of-state labs to test for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, said Karl Rockeman, deputy director of the Department of Environmental Quality.

PFAS are widely used chemical components in consumer and industrial products that break down very slowly over time, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The chemicals have been found in animals and humans, and have been linked to harmful health effects.

Rockeman said the amount of PFAS testing required for states is continuing to increase as more information about the compounds becomes known.

“This is an emerging thing, so every state is kind of going through something similar,” Rockeman said.

The new State Lab will allow N.D. to test for PFAS locally. That could reduce the wait time for results from up to nine months to approximately two to four weeks if the new lab is fully staffed, equipped and certified, according to the department.

Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller highlighted the

Cavalier County Senior Menu Cavalier County Senior Meals & Services, Langdon

The new State Lab is under construction on the Capitol grounds in Bismarck on Nov. 21, 2024.

(Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

PFAS testing capability during an October ceremony that celebrated the placing of the final structural beam of the State Lab. “We want to establish a regional testing lab here by 2030 because PFAS testing options in this EPA region are very limited,” said Miller, who chaired the North Dakota State Laboratory Steering Committee.

Rockeman said the department has a testing program to look for PFAS in drinking water, regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The department also does periodic screenings at sites such as landfills and wastewater treatment facilities to

better understand the scope of PFAS contaminants and how they end up in different water systems, Rockeman said. He added PFAS is also found in firefighting foam.

“PFAS is in a number of products that we use in our homes,” Rockeman said. “Because of that, it ends up in our garbage. It ends up in our wastewater, so that is, of course, a concern.”

While there are hundreds, if not thousands, of PFAS compounds, Rockeman said quality testing can be done on only about 40 different PFAS chemicals nationwide.

Rockeman said after the department

Walhalla Senior Meals Menu Monday, Dec. 16 Country Fried Steak•Mashed Potatoes•Tropical Fruit Tuesday, Dec. 17 Sausage/Sauerkraut•Mashed Potatoes•Corn•Pears

Monday, Dec. 16 BBQ Chicken/Ranch Potatoes/ Creamed Corn/Fruit

Wednesday, Dec. 18 Swiss Steak•Baked Potato•Green Beans•Peaches

Tuesday, Dec. 17 Beef Stew Corn Muffin/Peas/ Fruit

Thursday, Dec. 19 Swedish Meatballs•Mashed Potatoes•Squash•Fruit

Wednesday, Dec. 18 Ham/Scalloped Potatoes/Baked Beans/Apple Crisp with Ice Cream Thursday, Dec. 19 Cabbage Roll/Garlic Mashed Potatoes/Pickled Beets/Fruit Friday, Dec. 20 Chef Salad/Grapes/Crackers EBT/SNAP accepted.

Full cost of a meal: $8.00. Suggested Donation: $5.50 for those over 60 years of age. Please contribute what you can. Those under 60 are required to pay the full cost of the meal. Menus are subject to change. Due to COVID-19, we have been experiencing shipping issues and food shortages.

Cavalier County Senior Meals & Services is located at 211 8th Ave. in Langdon and can be reached by phone at 256-2828.

Friday, Dec. 20 Meatloaf•Scalloped Potatoes•Mixed Vegetables•Mandarin Oranges This is a menu for the Walhalla Title III Older Americans Act Food Program. The full cost of the meal is $10.00. Suggested donation for those 60 and older is $4.00. EBT/SNAP accepted. Under 60 are required to pay $10.00. Meal site is Waters Family Restaurant, 1108 Central Ave., Walhalla. Call 701-549-2443 before 10:00 a.m. to place an order for congregate, pick up, or home delivered meals.

North Dakota Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller, chair of the Capitol Grounds Planning Commission, speaks during a commission meeting in Bismarck on Feb. 22, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

settles into a portion of the new lab, it could provide health officials with some budget savings.

“It’s not going to be huge compared to all the samples and things we do … but certainly there will be savings there,” he said.

The $70 million State Lab is anticipated to be complete in June 2026.

It will house about 50 staff from the Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Health and Human Services.

The new facility also will help the state

comply with new EPA rules surrounding the replacement of lead pipes to homes within the next 10 years. Miller said during the October event that the lab already conducts about 1,300 lead and copper tests per year, but that number is expected to increase to 8,000 tests.

The new facility also will allow the Department of Health and Human Services to provide additional toxicology services, which the department says will be essential for diagnosing and managing exposure to harmful substances that could cause significant health problems.

Friday, December 13, 2024 - Page A10

Region

RDFC awards grant to Dahlen Rural Fire Department

The Borderland Press

American Crystal Sugar Company announces board reorganization and executive promotion District, and as president. Younggren also served as president of the American Sugarbeet Growers Association (ASGA).

At the same meeting, Neil Rockstad joined the Board of Directors representing the Hillsboro factory district.

Rockstad is a fourth-generation farmer with operations near Ada, Minn., where they raise wheat, soybeans, corn, and sugar beets. Rockstad served on the RRVSGA, most recently as president, and on the ASGA Board of Directors, holding positions on various committees and as vice president. He also has held leadership roles with the Farm Bureau at local and state levels, as well as president of his local church. Rockstad had the honor of testifying for the sugar industry in front of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee and this year was elected president of the ASGA.

PARK RIVER – As a member of the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC), communities in our service area were eligible to apply for a grant of up to $3,000 for community-based projects. RDFC is making these funds available so that more people can become aware of their larger loan program that funds community-based projects and nonprofit entities with low-interest loans.

RDFC has recently granted its final $1,000 to the Dahlen Rural Fire Department. The fire department was incorporated in 1965 and services approximately 66 square miles. It provides fire protection for all residents of the City of Dahlen and outlying ar-

eas within the boundaries of its fire protection district. The Dahlen Fire Department also provides mutual aid to many other fire departments in the area, including Petersburg, Fordville, Lankin, Whitman, Michigan, and Inkster.

Grant funds will be used to expand the fire hall, which will accommodate larger equipment and maximize the effectiveness of first response efforts within the community and the fire district.

For an application, assistance, or questions concerning RDFC, please contact interim executive director Brenna Ohman at 701-667-6419 or

bohman@ndarec.com.

The Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC) is a nonprofit corporation that encourages economic diversification and community vitality through the generation of funding that supports sustainable asset building. Funding for RDFC programs comes from fee income generated by Dakotas America LLC, a community development entity providing New Market Tax Credits in economically distressed census tracts across the United States. The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives provides support to RDFC.

Self-care during the winter months

By Angie Martinez, FirstLink

Winter months can be tough. Shorter days means less sunlight, the colder weather means most of us would rather stay inside where it’s warm.

This is why self-care during winter is important for our wellbeing. We can reduce stress, beat seasonal affective disorder and create a sense of resilience. Here are some ways I practice self-care during a time when mother nature is my enemy.

1. Sleep – Aim to get the eight to 10 hours recommended of sleep per night. With the sun going down at 5 pm, our bodies are already ready for

bed early in the evening, take advantage and get some extra rest.

ing the scented candle afterwards is like a little reward.

2. Exercise – Get up and move! I always feel better after a workout.

Energy is up, motivation is up. I feel like I can tackle anything. This tends to lead me to my next way to practice some self-care.

4. Enjoy a warm bath – The candle is lit already. Add some Epsom salt, your favorite essential oil (be careful if you have fur babies, some essential oils are harmful to them), some bubbles, maybe some music, a book, a show or a movie. Just take some time for yourself and relax.

3. Declutter – Pick a junk drawer, a room, closet, anything. Cleaning tends to put some in a good mood, it even helps others calm any anxieties they may be experiencing. Bonus points once everything is clean, light-

The Board also elected Perry Skaurud from the Hillsboro factory district to return as board chairman and Mark Nelson from the East Grand Forks factory district was elected vice chairman.

5. Meditation – Start off with five to 10 mins a day to ease your mind or even try some guided meditation videos on YouTube.

6. Walking – If you are one willing to brace the cold, bundle up and take a walk. Enjoy the view of nature, get some fresh air, and get some of the little bit of sunlight we can get during this time.

7. Gratitude – Think about the past year, everything you have accomplished, everything you have gotten through. People you have met, new friends, new family, old friends, old family. Appreciating what you have in life.

8. Baking – You can’t tell me the smell of fresh baked cookies doesn’t put you in a better mood. Plus, if you don’t want to bake …

9. Invite friends and family over – they can be your baker. The holidays are here and for many of us that means spending time with our families, whether biological or chosen.

10. Remember you are special – Because you are. Winter will be over before we know it and the sun will be back shining in our face and bringing with it wonderful spring blooms.

MOORHEAD, Minn. - Dan Younggren joined the American Crystal Sugar Company’s Board of Directors following the cooperative’s annual shareholders’ meeting last week. Younggren farms with family in the Hallock, Minn., area and will represent the Drayton factory district. Their farming operation includes crops of sugar beets, wheat, soybeans, and canola. Younggren’s previous leadership roles have included various positions within the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association (RRVSGA) including serving on the Board of Directors for the Red River Valley Insurance Pool (now known as Agrasure), as president of the Drayton Factory

Also, this month, Ryan Wall’s promotion to vice president-administration follows the retirement announcement of Lisa Borgen. As a member of the executive team, Wall will contribute to the overall strategic direction of the cooperative while providing strategic leadership in the areas of human resources, safety, labor relations, communications, workforce development, and information technology. Wall holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from North Dakota State University. He has over 19 years of experience with American Crystal Sugar and has held the positions of factory manager at East Grand Forks, Hillsboro, and Crookston. Prior to that, he held superintendent roles in East Grand Forks in Production, Maintenance, and Engineering. He started with the company as a maintenance engineer at the Drayton factory. Wall previously served terms as a board member for the United Way in Crookston and the Crookston Chamber of Commerce.

Fraud Watch alerts from AARP Lastly, if you receive a text claiming ‘problems’ with a shipment, don’t engage with it; if you are concerned about the status of a package, contact the shipper directly.

Holiday scam survey As online holiday shopping ramps up, so do scam attempts. A new AARP survey shows that over 80% of adults have faced some form of holiday-related fraud, yet many of us are unaware of scammers’ tactics – especially online.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

The AARP holiday scams survey identified three specific threat areas: online shopping scams, gift cards with zero balance scams, and shipping scams. Here are tips to keep yourself safe from these deceptive tactics this winter.

Borderland

When shopping online, visit sites you know and trust, and avoid clicking on offers or advertisements for deep discounts on hot items. The safest way to give a gift card is by purchasing it online through the retailer’s website.

Check the balance when you receive a card and use it sooner than later.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Real Estate Broker

Meats

Winter

Grizzlies attend Thunder on the Mountain Tournament Here are the girls placing results from Dec. 7 in Belcourt: 100 Cheyenne Moore 5th, Maci 6th; 124 Marlie Stremick Champion; 136 Tia Huguley 6th; 136 Ava Kemnitz 5th; 250 Jaelyn Forrey 3rd. Great job to all the girls wrestling today!

This was an awesome and well run tournament to start off the season. Our team placed 6th out of 12 teams with 61 points. Go Grizzlies!

Ava Kemnitz stares ahead with great concentration as she gets the win in Belcourt on Dec. 7.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

G r i z z l i e s

SPORT S

Grizzlies Boys participate in H-CV dual Tournament Dec. 5

North Border Grizzles coach Mitch Greenwood scored his 250th career win at the meet in Hillsboro on Dec. 7. Zeke Symington and Kayden Rose were recognized as medalists for achieving records of 4-0 for the tournament.

Submitted Photo.

Jake’s Take on Sports nich on Dec. 16 to play Warwick.

Charlotte Crowston with a strength move picks up her Mayport opponent and brings her to the mat to grab a win. Photo by Larry Stokke.

By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor

Tia Huguley pins her opponent at the Belcourt Invitational on Dec. 7. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Boys basketball begins this weekend for our area teams The weekend and week ahead are something many sports fans have been looking forward to, which is the start of the boys basketball season.

The North Border Eagles will begin their year on Dec. 14 in a non-conference game versus Northern Cass in Pembina. There is a lot of excitement about Eagles boys hoops this year.

They were just a couple of plays away from a State B Tournament appearance last year and bring nearly everyone back from last year’s team.

For Langdon-Munich, they were a step away from a state play-in game last season. They lost two main cogs from last year’s team in Rayce Worley and Nick Kingzett but bring back a young, athletic group that, like North Border, should be a lot of fun to watch. The Cardinals open their season in Mu-

Cheyenne Moore stares ahead waiting for the referee to signal her win by pinfall.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

Marlie Stremick twists her opponent into a pin, winning her match. Photo by Larry Stokke.

There are new coaches throughout District 3 boys basketball this year.

Sandy Laxdal is the new head coach at North Border, taking over for Danny Moore. Josh Worley is the new head man in Cavalier, and Bob Young is new to our area and taking over the Park River-Fordville-Lankin program in place of Aaron Schramm. Young coached at Medina-Pingree-Buchanan most recently. Jacob Larson is also the new head coach at Drayton-Valley-Edinburg, taking over for Blake Laxdal. Tanner Groth is once again coaching the Langdon-Munich team. You can read full previews of the Cards and Eagles with rosters, schedules, coaches comments and more in this week’s paper.

Munich gym to be a busy place this week As we said above, the Langdon-Munich boys basketball team will be in Munich to open their boys basketball season. Also, as we have said before in this space, the Munich gym will be busier with high school basketball games. They were awarded the two games that had been played the last several years in Edmore. So, this year there will be two Langdon-Munich boys basketball games and two Lady Cards girls basketball games in Munich. The first boys game will be with Warwick on Dec. 16 then what should be a very entertaining girls game with state ranked Benson County will be played on Dec. 19. Two more games

will also be held in Munich in January.

It should be a blast to watch double the Munich Magic in Munich this season.

Romfo, Gellner playing very well in college hockey midway through the season We haven’t done a shout out here to our area hockey players that are playing in the college ranks. Langdon Blades Mason Romfo and Rudy Moser are in their first year of college hockey at Minnesota-Crookston. Romfo has had a great rookie year, as he has 20 goals on the season, which is 13th in the country in the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 2 stats.

Alex Gellner, Brody Steinmetz and Brady Regner are in their second year playing with the Lake Region Royals men’s team, and Gellner is second on the team with 11 goals so far this year. There is a lot of excitement for the Eagles and the Royals, who are set to play a game against each other on Feb. 14 at Dakota Spirit Arena in Langdon. This would be a first for hosting such an event at the venue.

Also, a shout out to Arianna Haraseth and Jaelyn Buckman, former Langdon Blades girls hockey players that are also doing well with the Lake Region women’s hockey program. It’s great to see former area players moving on and doing big things at the college level, and we hope it continues.

The Vikes are 11-2! Skol, and “See ya!” next week!

Friday, December 13, 2024 - Page B2

Grizzlies dual at tournament

PCN finished the day with a 2-2 record and moved to a 5-2 overall on the year.

Here is how they turned out for each team dual: PCN 24- NY Mills 49, PCN 33West Fargo 39, PCN 39- LaMoure 36, PCN 65- D-G-F 10

Sports

The Borderland Press

EAGLES LOOK TO TAKE NEXT STEP TO A STATE B TOURNAMENT BERTH

By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor

Abel Enerson gets the pin as former Langdon wrestler Marty Mikkelsen signals the pin.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

Front row (L-R) Colton Bailly, Kolter Kakela, Grant Cosley, Kaden Moore, Weston Cosley; back row: Coach Tim Moore, Preston Emerson, Brody Berg, Garret Willits, Kade Schafer, Cameron Saldana, Chase Mensch, and Coach Sandy Laxdal.

Johnny Robinson powers his Larimore opponent to the mat for a win by pinfall in on Dec. 5.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

The North Border Eagles had a marvelous season last year, finishing with a 16-9 record, finishing third in District 3, second in Region 2, and lost a heart breaker to Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier in a State B Tournament qualifying game. The Eagles lost talented senior Grayson Ohmann to graduation off that team but return everyone else. They look to have a fun season that they hope will result in a trip to the State B Basketball Tournament.

North Border is still a very young team with just one senior in Grant Cosley, who averaged 16.9 points per game last season. Grant was All-Region 2 and All-District 3 last year. Four juniors who expect to see a lot of court time this year are Kade Schafer, Brody Berg, Preston Emerson and Colton Bailly. Returning sophomores are All-District 3 player Kaden Moore, Weston Cosley, Kolter Kakela, Garret Willits, Chase Mench and Cameron Saldana.

Sandy Laxdal is taking over the Eagles program this year from Danny Moore, who coached North Border boys hoops the last 10 years. Laxdal is assisted by Tim Moore with Clint Huber coaching the junior high team.

When asked about this year's team, Laxdal, who will be in his 35th year of high school coaching and ran the Cav-

alier girls program last year, said, "We like to play at a fast pace with a lot of weapons that can shoot it from deep and use their athletic skills to get to the basket. Defensively, we will play multiple defensive looks and make it difficult to score in the paint area.

We're going to focus on the process.

We're going to compete to a standard every day, and we will need great toughness, working together, and a competitive desire to be coachable

and bring it every possession for the Eagles this season. We will build on the foundation that has already been established here, and we are coming back this year with some offensive players and many varsity kids who will be making a big impact on our team.

None of this happens overnight. Over time together, we will build this program to sustain success. The foundation for sustained success will be built on the teamwork of our players and their willingness to work to get better every day. These things seem simple, but these things are going to take all of us. Everyday mentality needs to be ‘ALL for ONE and ONE for ALL’ EAGLE PRIDE ON EVERY PLAY!!"

North Border is picked to finish first in both District 3 and Region 2 in The Hoopster boys basketball preview and are ranked third in the first media poll of the season, behind only defending state champion Westhope-Newburg and Minot Ryan. Barring injuries, this should be a very prosperous year for Eagles basketball.

Cardinal boys look for another nice season in 2024-25

By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor

Logan Werner takes his Thompson opponent off his feet and pins him for a win at the Larimore meet. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Oakley Brown wins with a pin over his opponent in Larimore Dec. 5. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Back row (L-R) Levi Olson, Oshun High Hawk, Braxton Lindseth, Caleb McDonald, Easton Schaefer, Cody Amble, Tanner McDonald, Levi Swanson, TJ Henderson, Maddux Stremick; front row, Jacob Sanders, Dawson Downs, Connor Mitchell, Jayden Lee, Kade Hansen, Karson Hansen, Grady Pankratz, Kaleb Foster, and Dylan Bott. Photo by Larry Stokke.

The Langdon-Munich Cardinals boys basketball team had a very successful season last year. They took third place in the District 3 Tournament and fourth place in the Region 2 Tourney. They were four points away from a State B qualifying game but lost to New Rockford-Sheyenne. The Cards finished over .500 with a record of 1312. Lost from the team to graduation are All-District and All-Region forward Rayce Worley and All-District guard Nick Kingzett.

Aiden Werner powers his opponent high in the air and brings him to the mat for a win.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

This year's Cardinals team will be like last year in that they also will have just two seniors in Cody Amble and Jayden Lee. Both are coming off very good high school football seasons, and the hope is it will translate to the basketball floor. There are three juniors on the team: Tanner McDonald, Levi Swanson and Kade Hansen.

Sophomores on the team include Maddux Stremick, TJ Henderson, Levi Olson and Oshun High Hawk; some

of them will be asked to play bigger roles this season. The biggest class on the team is the freshmen: Eastyn Schaefer, who became a starter and emerged as one of the Cardinals leading scorers last season as an eighth grader; Connor Mitchell; Caleb McDonald; Dawson Downs; Karson

Hansen; Grady Pankratz; Kaleb Foster; Braxton Lindseth and Dylan Bott.

The numbers for the future of the program are in great shape.

Tanner Groth is in his fourth season as head coach of the Cardinals. Josh

Schaefer is the new assistant coach, as he takes over for Tim Polansky, who is now the secondary principal in Munich. Katie Amble and Jamaal Williams are coaching the Cards junior high squads.

When asked about the upcoming season, Coach Groth wrote, "We're looking to build on the success that we saw near the end of last season.

The goal is to be playing our best basketball in the month of March. Prior years seniors have laid the foundation for success, and this year's group just needs to pick up where they left off."

Langdon-Munich's schedule features just two games before Christmas - at home in Munich versus Warwick on Dec. 16 then at Hatton-Northwood on Dec. 20. The Cards will also have one game over the holidays, at home in Langdon versus Cavalier on Dec. 30.

They should be a team that is fun to watch progress through the season.

Sports

The Borderland Press

LANGDON AREA/MUNICH BOYS BASKETBALL 2024-25 Name Grade Number Height Varsity Jayden Lee 12 0 6’0” Eastyn Schaefer 9 1 6’0” Tanner McDonald11 2 6'3" Cody Amble 12 3 6'3" Levi Swanson 11 4 6’1” Levi Olson 10 5 6’0” Maddux Stremick10 10 6’1” Connor Mitchell 9 11 5’5” Kade Hansen 11 12 5’8” Caleb McDonald 9 13 6’2” TJ Henderson 10 15 6’2” Dawson Downs 9 24 6’0” Junior Varsity Karson Hansen 9 Grady Pankratz 9 Dylan Bott 9 Kaleb Foster 9 Braxton Lindseth 9 Oshun High Hawk10

0 1 3 11 33 34

LANGDON AREA/MUNICH BOYS BASKETBALL VARSITY SCHEDULE Date Time Opponent Location Dec. 16 7:30 pm Warwick Munich Dec. 20 6:30 pm Hatton-Northwood TBA Dec. 30 7:30 pm Cavalier Langdon Jan. 6 7:30 pm Grafton Langdon Jan. 10 7:00 pm Larimore Langdon Jan. 13 7:30 pm Nelson County TBA Jan. 17 7:30 pm Park River Park River Jan. 18 5:00 pm Midkota TBA Jan. 21 7:30 pm Valley-Edinburg Langdon Jan. 23 7:30 pm Cavalier Cavalier Jan. 25 4:30 pm Northern Cass Langdon Jan. 27 7:00 pm Thompson Thompson Jan. 31 7:30 pm North Border Langdon Feb. 4 7:30 pm Midway/Minto TBA Feb. 6 7:30 pm North Star Langdon Feb. 10 7:30 pm Rolla Rolla Feb. 13 7:30 pm New Rockford Munich Feb. 18 7:30 pm St. John Langdon Feb. 20 7:30 pm Benson County TBA

LANGDON AREA/MUNICH GIRLS BASKETBALL 2024-25 VARSITY # Name Year Pos Height 1 Meggy Hetletved 9 Guard 5’5 3 Meredith Romfo 12 Guard 5’6 5 Kemi Morstad 9 Guard 5’8 10 Aubrey Badding 10 Forward 5’11 11 Erika Bakke 10 Guard 5’7 12 Mikaela Olson 12 Forward 5’7 13 Taya Feist 9 Forward 6’0 14 Hilary Haaven 8 Guard 5’4 24 Avery Lorenz 8 Guard 5’6 JUNIOR VARSITY # Name Year Pos Height 1 Meggy Hetletved 9 Guard 5’5 2 Mya Swanson 8 Guard 5’6 4 Ella Goodman 8 Guard 5’4 5 Kemi Morstad 9 Guard 5’7 11 Erika Bakke 10 Guard 5’7 13 Taya Feist 9 Forward 6’0 20 Lily Zimmer 8 Guard 5’6 21 Chloe Koons 7 Forward 5’6 22 AryAnna Schaefer 7 Guard 5’3 23 Hallie Overby 7 Forward 5’7 31 Fenja Lawson 8 Forward 5’10 JUNIOR HIGH # Name Year Pos Height 2 Mya Swanson 8 Guard 5’6 4 Ella Goodman 8 Guard 5’4 20 Lily Zimmer 8 Guard 5’6 21 Chloe Koons 7 Forward 5’6 22 AryAnna Schaefer 7 Guard 5’3 23 Hallie Overby 7 Forward 5’7 31 Fenja Lawson 8 Forward 5’10 Coach: Rob Scherr Assistant Coaches: Morgan Mikkelsen, Andrew Haaven Superintendents: Langdon: Daren Christianson, Munich: Robert Bubach Athletic Directors: Langdon: Ethen Askvig, Munich: Tim Polansky Principals: Langdon: Ethen Askvig, Munich: Tim Polansky School Colors: Cardinal Red & White School Song: College Boy

Friday, December 13, 2024 - Page B3

North Border Eagles 2024-25 Boys Basketball Roster Name # Weston Cosley 1 Kaden Moore 2 Kolter Kakela 3 Colton Bailly 10 Grant Cosley 11 Garret Willits 15 Brody Berg 21 Chase Mensch 25 Kade Schafer 33 Preston Emerson35 Cameron Saldana44

Grade 10 10 10 11 12 10 11 10 11 11 10

Height Position 6’0” F 5’10” G 5’8” G 6’0” F 5’10” G 6’4” C 6’0” F 5’11” F 6’1” F 6’1” F 6’2” C

Head Coach: Sandy Laxdal Assistant Coach: Tim Moore JH Coach: Clint Huber Stats: Jacy Fraser, Jaelyn Johnson and Amelie Willits Official Book: Kathy Kopf Managers: Hayes Hanson, Austin Smith, Asher Crosby, and Nixon Tryan

NORTH BORDER BOYS BASKETBALL 2024-25 SCHEDULE

DATE SQUAD PLACE OPPONENT TIME 12/14/2024 AB Pembina Northern Cass 1:30 12/17/2024 ABJH Walhalla DVE 4:30 12/20/2024 ABJH Pembina Larimore 4:30 12/27/2024 A Northwood Shootout TBA TBA 1/3/2025 ABJH Walhalla PRFL 4:30 1/7/2025 ABJH Rolla North Prairie 4:30 1/9/2025 ABJH Cavalier Cavalier 4:30 1/18/2025 AB Colfax Richland 1:00 1/21/2025 ABJH Pembina Midway/Minto 4:30 1/23/2025 AB Park River PRFL 4:30 1/25/2025 AB Walhalla Hatton/Northwood 12:00 1/27/2025 ABJH Walhalla Cavalier 4:30 1/31/2025 ABJH Langdon Langdon 4:30 2/4/2025 AB Walhalla St. John 5:00 2/6/2025 AB Pembina Nelson County 5:00 2/10/2025 ABJH DVE 4:30 2/13/2025 ABJH Mayville MPCG 4:30 2/18/2025 ABJH Cando Northstar 4:30 2/20/2025 ABJH Midway Midway-Minto 4:30 2/22/2025 A District Play-ins TBD TBA 2/28/2025 A Park River District Tourney TBA 3/3/2025 A Park River District Tourney TBA 3/4/2025 A Park River District Tourney TBA 3/10/2025 A Devils Lake?

Region Tourney TBA 3/11/2025 A Devils Lake?

Region Tourney TBA 3/13/2025 A Devils Lake?

Region Tourney TBA 3/15/2025 A Fargo-SHAC Region Tourney-State Play-inTBA 3/20/2025 A Minot State Tourney TBA 3/21/2025 A Minot State Tourney TBA 3/22/2025 A Minot State Tourney

Blades girls win at Crosby 7-0 to win first league game of the season

By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor

After an early season overtime loss at Hazen-Beulah, the Langdon Blades 19U girls hockey team played at Crosby on Dec. 6. The Blades scored six goals in the last two periods and won by a shutout over the Comets, 7-0.

The Langdon girls also played at a jamboree in Bottineau Dec. 7-8 and lost three games: 5-1 to Hazen-Beulah, 4-0 against Watford City, and 5-1 against a team from Notre Dame, Manitoba. The Blades will play at a tournament in Sidney, Mont., Dec. 13-15 then will have their first league home game of the season versus Watford City on Dec. 20. The girls are now 3-6 overall and 1-1 in North Dakota 19U league games.

The Blades junior gold boys hockey team also got their season underway, losing an exhibition game to the May-Port JV 6-2 on Dec. 5 then taking fourth place at the Damon McLaughlin Tournament in Sidney, Mont.

Langdon played well, tying Watford City in their game 5-5 on Feb. 6, losing to Billings, Mont., 3-2, shutting out Crosby Feb. 7, and then losing to the Richland Rangers 6-4 in the third and fourth place game of the tourney.

The Blades boys are off this upcoming weekend then play at Minot Dec. 21 and at Grand Forks Dec. 22.

In the Blades girls win over Crosby, they scored three of their first four goals on the power play. Hailee Hakanson scored the only goal in the first period on an assist from Graci Witzel. Remmi Bodnar, McKenzie Regner and Hayden Balsdon all lit the lamp in the second frame on assists from Hakanson, Bodnar and Maci Witzel. Langdon put the pedal down in the third with more scores from Graci Witzel; Bodnar, who had the first two-goal game of her career, then Kenadee Cluchie also found the net, assisted by Catelyn Goodman.

Ella Brekke is starting in goal for the Blades, taking over for the legendary Jaelyn Buckman, who is now the goalie for the Lake Region State College women's hockey team. Brekke had a great night with a shutout in goal with 12 saves. Langdon outshot Crosby 36-12 for the game.

Friday, December 13, 2024 - Page B4

Sports

The Borderland Press

Lady Cards lose first game of year at E-K-M in OT, bounce back with win over NC

By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor

Coming off a 44-point victory at Dunseith, the Langdon-Munich girls basketball team has had their schedule ramp up as they get closer to the Christmas break. The Lady Cards played at Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier on Dec. 6 and lost in overtime 53-52 then came back and defeated Nelson County in their home opener 59-34.

Langdon-Munich is now 2-1 on the season and has another home game against Larimore on Dec. 13, travels to Central Cass on Dec. 14, then has their last game before Christmas at home in Munich versus sixth-ranked Benson County on Dec. 19. Here is a recap of their last two games:

E-K-M came back with some huge 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, and they tied the game to send it into overtime. Cards senior Meredith Romfo hit two free throws in regulation to send the contest to an extra session then just missed another try from the charity stripe to extend the game to two OTs. Romfo led the Cards with 21 points in the loss, followed by Kemi Morstad with 11. They also both led the team with seven rebounds each, while Romfo also had six assists. Libby Mathern had 27 points and nine rebounds for E-K-M.

Turnovers -- LM: 24; EKM: 22 Field goal percentage -- LM: 18/49 (36.7%); EKM: 20/45 (44.4%) Free throw percentage -- LM: 14/23 (60.9%); EKM: 9/23 (39.1%)

Langdon-Munich VS. Nelson County 59 - 34 A close game after the first quarter turned into a runaway for the Lady Cards in the second. A light seemed to come on for the Cardinals defense, as they got into NC passing lanes and showed great timing intercepting passes. That turned into fast break layup after layup, as they broke out to a 27-19 halftime lead then a 48-23 advantage after three frames. The Cards outscored the Chargers 35-10 in the second and third quarters.

Aubrey Badding and Avery Lorenz were the top Cardinals scorers with 15 points each, while Meredith Romfo had 10. Kenley Blasey had 15 points for NC in the loss. Langdon-Munich also forced 28 Chargers turnovers.

LANGDON-MUNICH 59, NELSON COUNTY 34 NC -- 13 6 4 11 -- 34 LM -- 13 14 21 11 -- 59 Langdon-Munich -- Aubrey Badding 15, Avery Lorenz 15, Meredith Romfo 10, Hilary Haaven 7, Kemi Morstad 7, Mikaela Olson 3, Erika Bakke 2; Nelson County -- Kenley Blasey 15, Mya Luehring 6, Brandi Lippert 4, Hayden Rader 4, McKenna Anderson 2, Dagan Slade 2

Player of the Game Aubrey Badding had a 15 point game in the Cards win over the Chargers.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

Meredith Romfo drives the lane and drops in a basket in the Cards win over Nelson County.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier

VS. Langdon-Munich 53 - 52 (OT)

For their second game of the season, the Cardinals traveled 201 miles south to take on the Thunder. The game was close through the first half with Langdon-Munich taking a twopoint lead into the halftime break.

The Cards built that lead to nine after three quarters and had a couple of double digit leads in the second half.

EDGELEY-KULM-MONTPELIER 53, LANGDON-MUNICH 52 (OT) LM -- 7 12 16 12 5 -- 52 EKM -- 5 12 9 21 6 -- 53 Langdon-Munich -- Meredith Romfo 21, Kemi Morstad 11, Aubrey Badding 8, Hilary Haaven 6, Avery Lorenz 3, Mikaela Olson 2 Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier -- Libby Mathern 27, Olivia Brummond 9, Lexie Dallman 9, Elli Lloyd 5, Betsy Huber 4 Rebounds -- LM: 39 (Romfo, Morstad 7); EKM: 25 (Mathern 9) Assists -- LM: 9 (Romfo 6); EKM: 9 Steals -- LM: 9 (Badding 3); EKM: 12

The Cardinal cheerleaders kept the crowd fired up in the first home game against Nelson County. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Avery Lorenz drains a three point shot in the Cards win over the Nelson County Chargers. Photo

by Larry Stokke.

JOHNSON OFF TO NICE START WITH DVE TEAM

Jaelyn Johnson, now playing for DVE, had two 3 point shots and finished with a team high 13 points in the win over Cavalier. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Walhalla junior Jaelyn Johnson is playing girls basketball this season with the Drayton-Valley-Edinburg Titans, being North Border does not have enough players to field a team this year. Johnson had 13 points for DVE in a win over Cavalier on Dec. 6 and has had a nice start to her season while playing a big role in the paint for the Titans. Walhalla freshmen Adrienne Longtin and Mercedes Lafferty are also with the Titans program on the JV squad. Best of luck to them all on a fun season! Photo by Larry Stokke.

Classifieds

The Borderland Press

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Friday, December 13, 2024 - Page B5

Friday, December 13, 2024 - Page B6

Public Notices

The Borderland Press

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO PERFORM CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR CAVALIER COUNTY BRJ-0010(057), PCN 23704 Cavalier County will engage the services of a prequalified engineering firm to perform Construction Engineering on the following project in Cavalier County scheduled to be completed in 2025.

Structure 10-140-31.0 is located approximately 1 mile East and 6 miles South of Osnabrock, ND. Key project elements include removal of the existing structure. Installation of a double precast 16’ x 11’ x 52’ reinforced concrete box culvert with end sections (New Structure #10140-31.1), and aggregate surfacing, erosion control and incidentals.

10-123-31.0 is located approximately 2 miles East and 5 miles South of Loma, ND. 10-124-04.0 is located approximately 9 miles East and 2 miles South of Hannah, ND. 10-128-06.0 is located approximately 1 mile South of Mount Carmel, ND. 10-128-07.0 is located approximately 2 miles South of Mount Carmel, ND.

10-135-27.0 is located approximately 1 mile East and 5 miles South of Easby, ND. 10-135-28.0 is located approximately 1 mile East and 7 miles South of Easby, ND. Key project elements include removals of the 6 existing structures and incidentals.

Work to be performed by Consultant includes: Construction Services: Perform Project Management, Project Administration, Construction Observation, Construction Survey, Materials Testing, and Final Record Keeping. The work will need to follow NDDOT standards and procedures. Additional services, if required, may be negotiated and supplemental agreements issued based on the consultant’s performance, the consultant’s proposal and available funding.

Firms are invited to submit a proposal for the project listed above. The Proposals shall provide the following information:

Past Performance Ability of professional personnel Willingness to meet time and budget requirements Location Recent, current, and projected workloads of the persons and/or firms Related experience on similar projects Recent and current work for the County Project understanding, issues, & approach The proposal pages shall be numbered and must be limited to 10 pages in length. Proposals that exceed the 10 page length requirement will not be considered. The cover letter will not be counted as one of the 10 pages. The proposal should list the personnel who will be assigned to work on the project, including titles, education, and work experience. Cavalier County will only consider proposals received prior to 10:00 AM, January 13, 2025. Late proposals will be deemed unresponsive.

The consultant’s proposal may include an appendix. Resumes, references, a statement of qualifications

and other materials outlining experience may be included in an appendix.

The appendix will not be considered as a part of the 10 page proposal.

Each proposal will be evaluated by a selection committee.

Engineering firms interested in performing the work shall submit six (6) hard bound copies and an electronic pdf file of their proposal to:

Cavalier County will conduct interviews. The County plans to interview up to three (3) of the most qualified engineering firms based on whose proposals most clearly meet the RFP requirements. Interviews will take place on a date to be determined by the County. Firms not selected to be interviewed will be notified in writing.

901 3rd St STE #9 Langdon, ND 58249 BRJ-0010(057), PCN 23704 701-256-2161 tjohnsto@nd.gov

Fees shall be negotiated with the successful firm. If the fee cannot be agreed upon, the County reserves the right to terminate negotiations, and then negotiate with the second and third ranked firms in order, if necessary, until a satisfactory contract has been negotiated.

All costs associated with the proposal shall be borne by the proposer. The County reserves the right to reject any and/or all proposals and to not award contracts for any and/or all projects.

visor

Cavalier County Road Super-

Title VI assures that no person or group of persons may, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap or disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any and all programs or activities administered by the Department. For information regarding the Title VI Program see the NDDOT website at: http:// www.dot.nd.gov/divisions/civilrights/ titlevi.htm Published December 13th, 20th, and 27th, 2024

NORTH BORDER PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | October 16, 2024 |SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES A Regular Meeting of the North Border Public School Board was held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the North Border School-Pembina. Members present: DeWilliam Moore, Shannon Cosley, Jared Hanson, Kirk Morrison, Heather Duerre, Nick Chaput, and Ashley Schafer. Others present: Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Seth Engelstad, Principal Amb, Principal Gruenberg, Business Manager Trupe, and guests: Marcia Halldorson, Lisa Amb, Colin Schafer, Justine Masloski, and trainers from Be Legendary.

Members Absent: none

The meeting was called to order by Ms. Cosley at 6:10 p.m.

Public Participation: none Mr. Chaput motioned to approve the Agenda with the addition of the Be Legendary Board Self-Evaluation and moving the Dissolution of the Cross-Country Co-op with Cavalier to an item for discussion. Mr. Moore seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken; the motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Schafer motioned to accept the Be Legendary goals and objectives set forth in the board self-evaluation.

Mr. Chaput seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken; the motion

passed unanimously.

Ms. Schafer motioned to approve the Consent Agenda including the regular meeting minutes of September 18, 2024, the September bills and financials, the hiring of Olivia Rau – Para (P), Rene Costilla – Para (P), and Brittanie Mostad – Certified Occupational Therapist and the donations from: Pembina Methodist Church - $190 for student’s milk, public transportation, and haircuts/personal care items; Hank’s Ice Cream - $100 for student hardships; Walhalla Class of 1994 $700 in memory of Linda Zimmerman for Walhalla elementary classroom libraries; Anonymous - $660 in memory of Linda Zimmerman for Walhalla

student lunch balances. Mr. Moore seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken; the motion passed unanimously.

All administration reported the happenings in their buildings; reports are on file.

The board discussed the Business Manager Evaluation. Business Manager will conduct a self-evaluation at this time.

Mr. Hanson motioned to approve the Peg and Frank Moll donation for scholarships with $192,000 to be housed with NDCF to help manage the scholarship and $8,000 kept in house to start giving out scholarships to Pembina students. Mr. Morrison seconded

the motion. A roll call vote was taken; the motion passed unanimously.

The board discussed dissolving the Cross-Country Co-op with Cavalier. No motion was made to dissolve.

The next regular board meeting will be November 26, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in Walhalla.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

ATTEST: Shannon Cosley, President Kendra Trupe, Business Manager

NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF NORTHEAST REGIONAL WATER DISTRICT Each year, either 2, or 3, director’s term expire on the Board of Directors of Northeast Regional Water District.

On March 27, 2025, the terms of Arnold Peterson (Cavalier) from District 1, and Michele Schommer (Munich) from District 2, will expire. The two incumbents plan to petition to run again for director positions. If any member of the Northeast Regional Water District would like to petition, you will need to petition in the district in which you are a member. The District is divided into two voting districts, described as follows: District 1: That part of Northeast Re-

gional Water District originally established as North Valley Water District on January 1, 2000, now known as the North Valley Branch of Northeast Regional Water District (account numbers starting with 1).

District 2: That part of Northeast Regional Water District originally established as Langdon Rural Water District on July 1, 2000, now known as the Langdon Branch of Northeast Regional Water District (account numbers starting with 2, 3, 4, or 5).

All voting for directors and bylaw changes shall be by written ballot of all participating members. Any partic-

ipating member who desires to have his name placed on a ballot for the Board of Directors shall present a petition containing 20 signatures of participating members from within his voting district. This requirement will also include incumbents. All signers must be participating members. All petitions must be submitted to the secretary prior to January 15th at 12 noon prior to the annual meeting.

The secretary shall determine the authenticity of the signatures. The secretary’s decision will be final. A nominating committee may also be appointed by the Board of Directors.

Employees of the District and their immediate family members shall not be eligible for board membership. The candidate receiving the most votes shall be elected. Receipt of a majority of the votes cast will not be a requirement for election. In the event of a tie vote the winner will be determined by the toss of a coin. Ballots containing the names of the candidates for each district and all bylaw changes shall be circulated by the secretary to all participating members prior to the date of the annual meeting. The results of the vote will be reported at the annual meeting by the secretary.

All churches, schools, corporations, cooperatives, political subdivisions, and associations must designate in writing the name of the person authorized to vote on behalf of the entity for the purpose of electing directors, changing by-laws, or other matters to come before the annual meeting.

That designated person may grant a proxy to someone else after being selected.

In the event an election for directors is uncontested, no ballots will be mailed because the results will be predetermined. A motion for unanimous consent may be requested at the Annual Meeting.

Friday, December 13, 2024 - Page B7

The Borderland Press

Cont’d. From Page A1 Small-town success comes from positive people and things and other local amenities to attract and keep people in a town.

Several of Hepola’s recent episodes have also focused on how some of these smaller towns are attracting newcomers from across the country and around the world.

More specifically, episodes on Willmar, Minn., and Iowa Lakes, Iowa, highlight how those communities are welcoming immigrants from abroad.

“We go to these small towns in Iowa and they’ve opened their arms, and it's incredibly diverse, and the same thing with Willmar,” Hepola said.

This inclusion doesn’t come without challenges, Hepola said. It helps if people connect the dots by recalling their own immigrant heritages in these towns and how their ancestors were also once newcomers, he added.

“Trying to recognize that this town's history is based on people coming to this country for a better life is a positive thing, and all these small towns are looking to grow, and these businesses are looking for people to come and work, and when people come in, we should be having those open arms,” he said.

The things they need On the infrastructure side – schools, child care, health care, housing – others have been looking at what creates success as well.

North Dakota State University (NDSU) department of architecture student

Sydney Seamands recently crafted her master’s degree thesis around understanding how to save declining communities in the state.

During that process, she identified five core areas crucial to success: the availability of child care services, the availability of community and cultural amenities, the development of vibrant downtowns, access to single and multi-family housing, and access to educational opportunities.

While Seamands looked at Richardton, Garrison, Velva, Mayville and Rugby, she eventually honed in on Velva as the most promising community for implementing a basic rural revitalization strategy.

Velva’s proximity to Minot means access to larger health care facilities, she said, and having a historic main street and other existing infrastructure are focal points for building on its positive aspects.

It’s not about completely reinventing a town, she said, but determining how the existing strengths can be supplemented to attract new residents to keep it viable in the long run.

“Younger families aren't going to come if there isn't a school, or a place where they can bring their kids,” Seamands said. “Young professionals aren't going to come if they can't approach a job. It’s just about how to attract more people.”

On a personal level, Seamands has

small-town connections to Hettinger, and though now residing in Bismarck, she was trying to figure out whether a small town would be a fit for her after graduation.

Lack of professional advancement opportunities is possibly the biggest challenge for some communities in attracting a more youthful cohort, she said.

“The affordability aspect would really entice a lot of younger people. There just isn’t any opportunity for them to grow professionally,” she said of some communities.

Dr. Ganapathy Mahalingam, a professor at NDSU’s architecture school and Seamands’ thesis advisor, said the goal was not to select a particular town, but to come up with a strategy that could be applied to a variety of towns looking for development templates.

“Velva was just the case in point for how to illustrate the strategy,” Mahalingam said.

The North Dakota News Cooperative is a non-profit news organization providing reliable and independent reporting on issues and events that impact the lives of North Dakotans. The organization increases the public’s access to quality journalism and advances news literacy across the state.

For more information about NDNC or to make a charitable contribution, please visit newscoopnd.org.

DAKOTA DATEBOOK: James B. Power December 16, 2024 – James B. Power was born in New York State in 1833. After studying civil engineering, he spent a few years as the deputy state treasurer for Minnesota. But most of his working career was spent with railroads. The Northern Pacific Railway employed him as a clerk and later as a civil engineer. For the Great Northern Railway, he worked as a land commissioner, responsible for selling thousands of acres to bonanza farmers.

And Power himself was one of the first bonanza farmers in the Red River Valley. When the Northern Pacific Railroad went bankrupt in 1875, he used the opportunity to encourage eastern investors to acquire enormous tracts of land. Power purchased 6,000 acres. He then retired to his farm where he raised purebred cattle.

Power was appointed to the Board of Trustees of North Dakota Agricultural College. He was serving on the Board in 1893 when the college became entangled in politics. There were differences between the faculty and the politicians. The faculty believed the college should serve the state in a non-partisan fashion. But some legislators saw it as a source of political

patronage. Horace E. Stockbridge, the first NDAC president, was fired.

Power was caught up in the turmoil, accused of misappropriation of funds.

His accusers said he used the college as a market for his farm products.

Governor Shortridge removed him from the board, but Power insisted he was innocent and took the matter to court. The court ruled that Power was entitled to hold his position until the end of his term in 1895. He even became acting president for the colleg, a position he held until the appointment of John Worst.

One earlier accomplishment of Power’s was the acquisition of the land for Island Park.

This came during his time as land commissioner for the Northern Pacific Railroad.

A Fargo citizen made the suggestion, and Power convinced the railroad to donate the land

to the city.

James B. Power passed away on this date in 1913 at the age of 80.

Dakota Datebook written by Carole Butcher “Dakota Datebook” is a radio series from Prairie Public in partnership with the State Historical Society of North Dakota and with funding from the North Dakota Humanities Council. See all the Dakota Datebooks at prairiepublic.org, subscribe to the “Dakota Datebook” podcast, or buy the Dakota Datebook book at shopprairiepublic.org.

HHS seeks public comment on ND Medicaid Quality Strategy BISMARCK, ND - North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking public comment from members, providers, tribal partners, stakeholders and other interested individuals on a draft of the 2025-2027 North Dakota Medicaid Quality Strategy.

The three-year plan provides a summary of the work being done to assess, monitor and improve the quality of care and services provided by the state’s Medicaid programs to support and strengthen members’ overall health and well-being.

“This strategy supports the agency’s overall vision to make North Dakota the healthiest state in the nation,” said HHS Medical Services Division Director Sarah Aker. “It’s the framework we use to measure our Medicaid programs against federal quality standards with the goal to improve health outcomes for our members.”

The draft quality strategy is available online at hhs.nd.gov/healthcare/ medicaid/publications. Copies are available upon request.

Written comments will be accepted until noon, CT on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. They can be sent by mail to North Dakota Health and Human Services, Medical Services Division, Attn: Jared Ferguson, 600 E. Blvd. Ave., Dept. 325, Bismarck, ND, 585050250, by email jadferguson@nd.gov, by fax (701) 328-1544, or by phone (701) 328-2321, toll-free (800) 7552604, 711 (TTY).

Once the comment period ends, HHS will submit its final strategy to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for their review and feedback.

ND Medicaid provides health care coverage to eligible adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities. The program is jointly funded between states and the federal government. States administer the program based on federal requirements.

To learn more about ND Medicaid, visit hhs.nd.gov/human-services/medicaid.

Friday, December 13, 2024 - Page B8

The Borderland Press

Tips to help parents build connection and joy during the holidays BISMARCK, N.D. - The holiday season offers families a unique chance to create memories that last a lifetime, and North Dakota’s Parents Lead program is here to help parents make the most of this meaningful time. By focusing on connection, gratitude, and resilience, families can enjoy the season together and carry its spirit into the new year.

“Parenting during the holidays can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a chance to create meaningful traditions and teach children about the values of empathy, hope, and gratitude,” said Sara Kapp, Parents Lead program administrator. “By focusing on what matters most—connection and love—families

can make the season brighter and set a strong foundation for the months ahead.”

Simple ways to create meaningful holiday traditions •Set realistic expectations: Holidays don’t have to be picture-perfect to be memorable. Embrace imperfections and involve children in creating simple traditions that reflect your family’s unique personality.

•Start meaningful conversations: Use the season as a springboard to talk with your children about feelings, gratitude, and togetherness. Conversation starters can include: “What can we do to make this year special?”

“Let’s think of one way we’re lucky this year.”

“What’s one thing you’re excited about for the new year?”

•Model calm and gratitude: Children pick up on parents’ emotional cues.

By staying calm and focusing on gratitude, parents can help their children approach the holidays with positivity and resilience.

•Focus on what matters: Shift the focus from material gifts to experiences, kindness, and connection. Bake cookies, volunteer as a family, or take a moment to reflect on the joys of the past year together.

Keeping the holiday spirit alive year-round

As the decorations come down and routines return, keep the spirit of the season alive: •Continue family traditions into the new year, like gratitude journals or weekly family checkins.

•Support your child’s emotional health by maintaining open communication and being present for their needs.

•Remember the importance of selfcare—parents who take time for themselves are better equipped to care for their families.

Find free resources to make the season brighter Parents Lead offers a variety of free resources to help families thrive during the holidays and beyond. Visit parentslead.org for: Tips on creating gratitude, empathy, and hope year-round.

Activities to build family connections.

Support for navigating tough conversations or challenges.

This holiday season and throughout

the new year, take time to “Look. Listen. Love.” Celebrate your family’s unique journey and enjoy the moments that truly matter.

About Parents Lead Parents Lead is a North Dakota evidence-based program administered by the state’s Health and Human Services agency. It equips parents and caregivers with tools to support their children’s behavioral health. Through expert guidance, activities, and resources, Parents Lead helps families build stronger connections and thrive in every season. Learn more at parentslead.org.

Adoptable Pet of the Week Sugar is a 3-year-old spayed female. She’s super sweet and loves other people.

Sugar does well with other dogs. If you are interested in more information on Sugar, please contact Stray Safe Inn on Facebook or call Lauren Votava at 701-360-2549.