The Borderland Press, Friday, Nov. 29, V3, N47

>>> ROMFO MAKES FIRST TEAM ALL-STATE

The official newspaper of Cavalier County Theborderlandpress.com

In this issue:

Friday, November 29, 2024

Volume 3, Number 47

Card iac Card i nal s ! ! !

Langdon-Munich wins fifth volleyball championship in thrilling fashion, with three comeback wins at the State B Tourney

By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor

News: Beware of holiday scams: protect your cheer this season, Pg. A2

For the first time in three years, the Langdon-Munich Cardinals volleyball team made it to the State Class B Tournament after two frustrating region title losses in 2022 and 2023.

This year's Lady Cards team had several question marks after they lost All-State players Cora Badding and Jalynn Swanson, plus Jaya Henderson to graduation. This year's Cardinals squad, playing with just two seniors and having kids in the rotation from eighth graders on up, had the tenacity to get better every day. They were the definition of teamwork, and they used rallying cry “All In” throughout their 2024 season.

The work put in and the drive to improve and win got them all the way

strong, outstanding leadership from their two seniors, Meredith Romfo from Langdon High School and Payton Hall from Munich. The parents of both, Troy and Rachelle Romfo and Patrick and Jonna Hall, also grew up together in the Munich and Starkweather areas, which makes this title all the more special.

Out of all the memories from the tournament championship, ranging from the moms and assistant coaches wearing matching sequined jackets in the semifinals (plus a very memorable sequined red shirt worn by Coach Olson) to the West Fargo-Sheyenne kids (they were waiting for their team to play the State A title match) mix-

Overwhelmed with emotion, the 2024 Langdon Area-Munich volleyball team falls to the floor in celebration of their Class B State Championship win. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Ag: Central Dakota Ag Day brings federal ag policy insights to Carrington, Pg. A3

Community: Pembilier Nursing Center residents have enjoyed their Christmas Shop, Pg. A5

Helping for the holidays

Great Plains Food Bank discusses programs, ways to help others

By The Borderland Press staff

The Great Plains Food Bank, which serves hundreds of communities in North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota, has had another busy year with the organization serving over 145,000 people through fiscal year 2024. With the holidays right around the corner, there’s no sign of them slowing down anytime soon.

This week, Borderland News Center reporter Dijoun Bartley spoke to Darby Njos, the communications manager with Great Plains, to find out some of their latest programs and how people in our broadcast region can pitch in to assist those needing a little extra help over the holidays and what area families needing a bit of extra support over the season need to do.

"We've been having a really good year," Njos said. "This year, we're really excited as we're coming into the holiday season to serve our neighbors and community as a whole."

While the food bank itself does not prepare holiday baskets, it supplies the necessary resources to its 185 partner agencies, such as food pantries and soup kitchens, to ensure those in need have access to holiday meals.

"At the food bank, we do not prepare the holiday basket," Njos explained.

"However, we supply all of our food cont’d. on page A2

The 2024 Class B State Champs: Back row (L-R) Taylor Benneweis, Aubree Page, Hilary Haaven, Avery Lorenz, Aubrey Badding, Taya Feist, Emma Hall, Kemi Morstad, Rich Olson; middle row (L-R) Haven Radway, Mya Swanson, Ella Goodman, Meggy Hetletved, Hallie Overby, Raeleigh Ratzlaff, Erika Bakke, Viv Prouty, AryAnna Schaefer; front row (L-R) Meredith Romfo and Payton Hall Photo by Larry Stokke.

to the State B Volleyball Tournament held at the Fargodome Nov. 21-23.

Once there, they won the State B title with all three match wins that will not be soon forgotten by anyone who witnessed them. The Lady Cards had to comeback in all three matches: against Dickinson Trinity in the opening round, Thompson in the semifinals, and South Prairie-Max in the championship.

Langdon-Munich got all this done with

ing with the Cardinals in the student section and cheering together VERY loudly, the biggest one would have to be the Lady Cards monumental comeback over Thompson in the semifinals. Langdon-Munich was behind in the match 2-1 and down 21-16 in set four when they found a way, making play after play to comeback and force a fifth set. They had to survive a match point before they won the instant classic.

On winning the title, Romfo and Hall had this to say: From Romfo, "Being a state champion is one of the best feelings. It's something you always dream about doing and being able to in my senior year is so special." From Hall, "Being a state champion feels like nothing I've ever experienced before.

I don't think it will ever fully sink in."

Hall was on the serving line when she got an ace to win the title match over South Prairie-Max.

"To get an ace for the last point to win the title still gives me goosebumps to think about. In the moment I just dropped to the ground because I couldn't believe it. There was no other way I would have wanted it to happen," Hall said.

We asked players about the bond they have with each other in Cardinals athcont’d. on page B1

Two found guilty in human smuggling case which led to four deaths

By The Borderland Press staff

Last week in Fergus Falls, a federal court case found two men charged with four counts related to human smuggling guilty on all charges, as well as being found responsible for the death of four Indian nationals: 39-year old Jagdish Patel, Vaishaliben Patel (age assumed to be in mid-30s), and their two children 11-year-old Vihangi, and 3-year-old Dharmik.

The bodies of the Patels were discovered the frigid morning of Jan. 19, 2022, by Canadian Border Patrol Agents 40 feet north of the Canadian border. The four were part of a larger group attempting to cross the Canada-US border on foot but got separated by the rest of the group during the hours-long walk in complete darkness and wind chills reaching -30.

The two men found guilty last week are Florida resident, Steve Anthony Shand, 50, and his financier, Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel (no relation to the victims), aka “Dirty Harry,” 29, who is thought to have entered into the United States illegally around 2018.

The prosecution in the Shand-Patel human smuggling case brought forward numerous witnesses and experts to the stand last Tuesday.

Included among them was testimony from border patrol agent Christopher Oliver, who described his interactions with Shand, as well as N.D. state climatologist Daryl Ritchison, who described the blizzard-like conditions those crossing the border in open territory had to endure.

During the third day of the case, jury members heard witness testimony from Yash Patel, 23, (no relation to either the defendant or the victims) who survived the walk through blizzard conditions to enter into the United States. He was one of two Indian nationals found inside of Shand’s van by Pembina Port of Entry border agents.

Closing arguments were held on Thursday with the jury being dismissed for deliberations Friday. It took the jury a little over an hour to return with guilty verdicts for both Shand and Patel.

Following the trial’s conclusion, Minnesota US Attorney Andy Luger held a short news conference and spoke

on how the actions of these two men shone a light on the horrors of human smuggling.

“To earn a few thousand dollars, these traffickers put men, women and children in extraordinary peril leading to the horrific and tragic deaths of an entire family. Because of this unimaginable greed, a father, mother and two children froze to death in sub zero temperatures on the Minnesota Canadian border,” said Luger. “The words ‘immoral’ and ‘depravity’ are the best that I have to describe the conduct that led to this terrible, terrible result.”

A sentencing date for Shand and Patel was not available at time of writing.

News

Friday, November 29, 2024 - Page A2

'Holiday Open House' features crafts and refreshments at the Pembina State Museum PEMBINA, N.D. — The public is invited to the “Holiday Open House” at the Pembina State Museum, Saturday, Nov. 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kids (and kids at heart) can make holiday ornaments and beadwork art while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider, cookies, and cake. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

There is a limit of two crafts per person.

While you’re here, stop by the Mu-

seum Store for a great selection of books, clothing, food items, North Dakota merchandise, children’s games, mugs, and unique holiday gift ideas.

Gift cards are also available online at https://bit.ly/SHSNDGiftCard.

The Pembina State Museum, located at 805 Highway 59, Pembina, is managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. Admission to the museum is free. There is a $2 charge to visit the observation deck. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more information, contact Outreach Coordinator Brian Hardy, shspembina@nd.gov or 701-8256840. Find upcoming events sponsored by the State Historical Society at history.nd.gov/ events or call 701-3282666.

News briefs

From The Borderland News Center Langdon resident turns himself into GF authorities Langdon resident Jeffery Dalton Stanley is now in police custody. Back on Oct. 24, an arrest warrant was issued for Stanley for an alleged incident of indecent exposure, which occurred at the Grand Cities Mall in Grand Forks on Oct. 21. After eluding officials for weeks, Stanley turned himself into authorities and made his initial court appearance last Friday morning. He has since been released from custody on an unsecured appearance bond (a type of bail in which the accused makes a written promise to appear in court). He will have a final dispositional conference May 27.

Armstrong selects administration North Dakota Governor-elect Kelly Armstrong has announced more members of his administration, including Chris Schliken, who had previously served as executive director for Forward Devils Lake who will now serve as Commissioner of the Department of Commerce. Meanwhile, Grand Forks Democrat Corey Mock will work with Armstrong as chief information officer.

Woman charged with arson Thief River Falls resident Suzette Gray Thompson, 60, last week pled guilty to first-degree arson. Back on June 5, 2022, Thompson ignited a fire at the East Grand Forks Islamic Center. While the charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, Thompson was given an offer to serve only 120 days in custody. Her sentencing has been scheduled for Jan. 14.

State’s airports break records with passengers The North Dakota Aeronautics Commissions last week released their monthly report. For a sixth month in a row, the state’s eight airports have continued to see record breaking passenger numbers. October 2024 saw over 112,000 travelers pass through

N.D. airports, which is an 11% increase compared to last year.

Burgum expecting federal relief for wildfires North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum provided a news release last Thursday saying he is expecting the federal government to provide at least $8 million towards disaster relief following October’s wildfire outbreak. Burgum has further requested President Biden to announce the fires as a major disaster, thereby unlocking FEMA assistance.

Harvey man faces underage sexual imposition charges A Harvey resident, Carl Stanley Snedacker, was arrested on Sunday and charged with a pair of gross sexual impositions charges - victim under 15.

These charges are on top of another four sexual imposition charges Snedacker had been previously charged with during the course of an ongoing investigation. He is presently incarcerated in Rugby.

Canadian post workers strike during holidays Limited talks have transpired between the Canada Post and union representing 55,000 striking workers.

Canada Post has effectively been in a standstill for around 12 days at time of this report and, when considering last year’s numbers, would have delivered close to 5 million parcels if workers were not on strike.

Trump announces plans for tariffs on Mexico, Canada President-elect Donald Trump has announced he plans on imposing tariffs with some of the United States’ largest trading partners, including a 25% tariff on goods imported from Canada and Mexico, until both countries address open border issues such as drugs and illegal migration.

Prime Minister Trudeau has since announced he plans to speak with Canada’s premiers Wednesday evening.

The Borderland Press

Beware of holiday Plea deal appears to be met in Haskins scams: protect your murder case

By The Borderland Press staff cheer this season A change in plea hearing has been time of the murder, the severity of the

By Rebecca Davis

The holiday season brings joy, generosity and, unfortunately, scammers.

AARP’s recent survey reveals that 82% of U.S. adults have experienced fraud, including fake shipment notifications, counterfeit charity appeals, and gift card scams.

One of the most common scams involves phony shipment notifications with victims often tricked into providing personal information. Fraudulent online ads are another issue; 35% of respondents reported losses after purchasing through social media platforms. Meanwhile, gift card fraud remains prevalent, as scammers tamper with cards on store racks or drain electronic funds.

Charity scams also exploit seasonal goodwill. Over a third of respondents received suspicious donation requests, and only 40% of donors always verify a charity’s legitimacy.

Porch piracy and travel fraud—fake bookings for flights, hotels, or car rentals—round out the top holiday scams.

To protect yourself: Use Credit Cards: They offer better fraud protection than debit cards.

Verify Charities: Use trusted tools like Charity Navigator before donating.

Avoid Unsolicited Links: Only shop with reputable retailers and avoid suspicious emails or ads.

Monitor Accounts: Regularly review bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges.

Track Deliveries: Use official tools and secure packages promptly.

Be Cautious with Peer-to-Peer Apps: Only send money to trusted contacts.

Stay vigilant and educate yourself about common scams to ensure your holiday cheer isn’t stolen. Report suspected fraud to your bank, law enforcement, or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). For more tips, visit AARP.org.

scheduled for December 9 for Cazmere Haskins, 18, the man charged for the first degree murder of 24-yo Grand Forks man Anfernee Economy.

In the pre-dawn hours of March 7, 2024, Haskins, Economy, and close to about a dozen people met at the Sterling Point Apartments, when a brawl broke out. During the fights, Haskins allegedly stabbed Economy once in the chest, killing him. Haskins would flee the scene but would be arrested a short time later that day, and the suspected murder weapon seized by officials.

Despite being only 17-years old at the

By The Borderland Press staff

A man charged with multiple luring and indecent exposure charges in Cavalier County waived his preliminary rights on Thursday morning of last week, submitting “not guilty” pleas across the board.

Matthew Alyn McCarty, 34, who originally hails from the state of Kansas, appeared via Zoom from the Pembina County Jail. McCarty is the defendant in three separate cases with the alleged crimes occurring in 2016, 2017, and 2021. All the victims reside in Cavalier County.

Across the three cases, McCarty faces three counts of luring minors by computer, two counts of indecent exposure by electronic means, and a single charge of using a minor in a sexual performance. An EIGHTH charge of sexual extortion was dismissed by the court.

Local law enforcement, the North Dakota BCI, and Homeland Security all assisted in the years-long investigation in tying the three cases together to one suspect. McCarty was arrested in October this year.

A pretrial conference for McCarty has been scheduled for Feb. 20. He remains in custody on a $50K cash only bond.

Cont’d. From Page A1 Helping for the holidays pantries and partner agencies who prepare different holiday baskets."

The food bank's website features a "Get Help" button that directs visitors to a list of all the partner agencies hosting meal baskets or hot meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you click there, it will present a list of all of the food banks partner agencies who are hosting meal baskets for Thanksgiving or hot meals if an individual would prefer to go eat with others.

"We're showing up to support our partner pantries. We, at a food bank, we don't see a big increase during the holiday season, but we know our food pantries and our food partners, they do. They're seeing neighbors coming in looking for support a lot more often during this time of year."

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Haskins was originally scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday for his final dispositional conference, but a plea deal appears to have been met.

The prosecution will be asking for a sentence of 40 years, Haskins may ask for less, but will not be allowed to ask for less than 15 years. In North Dakota, a Class-AA murder conviction typically comes with a maximum punishment of life in prison.

Man accused of multiple luring and indecent exposure charges in Cavalier County

While the food bank's plans don't change drastically from year to year, Njos emphasized that they remain flexible to address the needs of the community.

Weather

crime led the court to try Haskins as an adult. He had previously plead “not guilty” to the crimes, claiming self-defense.

One way the public can support the food bank's efforts is through the "Grow, Give, and Gain" program, which allows farmers and ranchers to donate their commodities.

"Our Give, Grow, and Grain program is a way for farmers and ranchers to get involved by gifting commodities,” stated Njos. “So if you are in that sphere of farming or ranching and you're interested in giving to the Great Plains Food Bank, but you maybe need a different way to do it. The Give, Grow, and Grain program is a commodity gifting program where they can work with our team or with their tax or legal specialists to donate their commodities to us, and we would sell those commodities, take the money we earn and then go out and buy food with those donations."

In addition to the commodity donation program, the food bank also accepts

meat donations from local hunters.

"We encourage hunters, if they are willing or if they have extra or if they feel called to donate some of their meat. It has to be processed by a USDA certified butcher, and it has to be frozen for them to donate to us,” explained Njos. “If you meet those qualifications and you are interested in donating any type of meat, it is always welcome. They love getting fresh meat, because everyone knows that good taste, and so giving neighbors a source of protein is always helpful."

Monetary donations are also crucial to the food bank's operations, as they can stretch each dollar to purchase $2.02 worth of meals.

"For every dollar we raise, we're able to buy $2.02 meals for neighbors in need, because we have access to different bulk options where we could buy at a lower rate,” said Njos. “So that is always helpful for us to receive monetary donations where we can stretch those dollars farther."

Volunteers are another vital component of the food bank's efforts, especially during the holiday season.

"If you're interested in volunteering this holiday season, we can get food out when our volunteers are there to support us, and so having anybody available to help pack food or repackage food, sometimes we get very large, large bags of pasta or dry beans that need to be repackaged into a reasonable size that someone can take home. So passing them down to a five or a three pound bag can really be helpful. So getting volunteers to do that, either our Fargo location or a Bismarck location, can help us this holiday season and help us get food out to our neighbors in need.”

To listen to the extended version of Dijoun Bartley’s interview with Darby Njos, head to our community Focus page at myborderland.com / at mynorthvalley.net.

Agriculture

The Borderland Press

Friday, November 29, 2024 - Page A3

Why take steps to improve soil organic matter?

USDA Cabinet nominee announced – Texas native Brooke Rollins is the agriculture secretary nominee. President-Elect Donald Trump made the announcement last Saturday after speculation surfaced Friday that former Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler was the pick. Rollins is the president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute. She grew up on a farm, graduated with a degree in agricultural development at Texas A&M University and was a White House policy advisor in Trump’s first term. When making the announcement, Trump said Rollins would “spearhead the effort to protect American farmers.”

Bringing White House experience to USDA – Agriculture secretary nominee Brooke Rollins led President Trump’s Domestic Policy Council and has White House experience with domestic and global environmental issues. Policy Solutions President Jay Truitt appreciates her international credentials. “That was during the same timeframe that they were going through the Paris Accords, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera,” said Truitt. “She was probably one of the lawyers that would look through what they could legally do and not legally do; that was her job in the past and now she’ll be doing it from the Department of Agriculture.” Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been a vocal critic of modern farming practices and wants to crack down on how food is produced. Truitt believes Rollins will be able to stand up to Kennedy’s influence. “I think one of the

things she’ll bring to the table is making sure everyone stays in their lane.

I like the idea that Mr. Kennedy is going to have to see her before he can see anybody else, and that’s a good thing.”

GOP to seek one-year farm bill extension – In a closed-door meeting, House Republicans have agreed to pursue a one-year farm bill extension.

At the same meeting, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson rejected Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow’s farm bill text. Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman made a similar comment, saying Congress is running out of time to approve a farm bill before the end of the year.

Armstrong makes key appointments – Governor-Elect Kelly Armstrong is filling out his team. Roz Leighton will serve as Armstrong’s chief of staff. Leighton has had a similar role in Armstrong’s congressional office and has experience in the White House, Senator John Hoeven’s office and as executive director of the N.D. Republican Party. Aaron Weber will serve as policy director in the governor’s office. Weber is a senior advisor to Hoeven, focusing on agriculture issues. Weber’s resume also includes time as an agriculture advisor when Hoeven was governor. Armstrong also selected Corey Mock as N.D.’s chief information officer. Mock is a longtime Democratic state representative and served as minority leader.

NDFB President Daryl Lies calls for action at 82nd Annual Meeting Bismarck, N.D. – “What does advocacy for agriculture look like? It looks like NDFB!” declared NDFB President Daryl Lies, as he addressed attendees at the general opening session of the 82nd Annual Meeting, held Nov. 22-23 at the Bismarck Hotel and Convention Center.

In his opening remarks, Lies set the stage for a dynamic two-day event focused on policies that will shape the future of agriculture in N.D. He highlighted the importance of NDFB’s grassroots approach to advocacy, a process that empowers members to bring forward concerns and ideas that are vetted, discussed, and debated before becoming official policy.

“Our ability to address important issues comes from a robust grassroots policy process,” said Lies. “And the premier agricultural organization for this is NDFB!” Lies reflected on the organization’s enduring commitment to preserving individual freedoms and fostering collaboration among its members.

“With a foundation of firm philosophical beliefs rooted in our God-given freedoms and rights, we can celebrate and respect independent thought while coming together through our great organization to achieve common goals,” he added.

The annual meeting serves as a critical platform for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural advocates to reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture. Through rigorous policy discussion that starts at the county level, attendees shape the path for the organization’s future while reinforcing its role as the leading voice for agriculture in N.D. Lies emphasized that true advocacy for agriculture is exemplified by the work of NDFB, motivating members to remain committed to the organization’s mission of advancing agriculture and supporting rural communities.

NDSU Extension As fall brings cooler temperatures, parts of North Dakota are experiencing low soil moisture, affecting both plants and soil microbes. Lower temperatures and moisture levels slow soil microbial activity and decrease microbial populations. Taking steps to build soil organic matter can help to maintain soil health and ensure sustainable farming practices, according to North Dakota State University Extension soil and soil health experts.

The role of microbes in soil health Microbes play a vital role in decomposing crop residues, releasing nutrients that become available for plants.

Although this process may be slow, it is key to releasing the nutrients tied up in the crop residue. As the nutrients are released through microbial activity, they become plant-available and may be taken up by crops or cover crops.

However, when crop residues have a high carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio, microbes may temporarily tie up nitrogen, a process known as nitrogen immobilization. The ideal microbial diet has a C:N ratio of 24:1 (24 parts carbon for every one part nitrogen).

“Soil microbes that decompose high C:N ratio residues, such as corn stalks, will tie up more nitrogen from the soil than crops with more balanced ratios, such as legume cover crops,” said Brady Goettl, NDSU Extension soil science specialist.

C:N ratios for common crops are 57:1 for corn, 80:1 for wheat, 37:1 for cereal rye and 25:1 for soybeans.

Practices that build soil organic matter “Building soil organic matter and improving soil health is a long-term investment and requires consistent practices like having well-timed and purposeful tillage, planting cover

crops and implementing crop rotation and diversity,” said Carlos Pires, Extension soil health specialist.

Tillage accelerates the breakdown of organic residues, potentially releasing carbon back into the atmosphere rather than retaining it in the soil.

Avoiding soil tillage helps sequester soil organic matter in the soil, maintaining its health benefits.

Planting cover crops can provide plant material for microbes and prevent nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium from being leached or eroded by wind or water. Cover crops also increase organic residues, which become active soil organic matter.

This active portion of soil organic matter is crucial for water movement and holding capacity.

Employing a strategy for crop rotation and diversity helps to ensure a balanced C:N ratio in residues, promoting efficient decomposition and preventing long-term nitrogen immobilization.

“Investing in soil organic matter also contributes to better resilience against flooding, erosion and drought, ensuring that soils remain productive for future generations,” said Chandler Gruener, Extension soil health specialist. “Ultimately, while the benefits of building organic matter may not be immediately visible, they create a foundation for sustainable farming and ecosystem health in the long run.”

Benefits of soil organic matter Soil organic matter offers numerous benefits, including the following: •Chemical: Enhancing nutrient retention and availability, increasing cation exchange capacity, and stabilizing soil pH. •Physical: Improving soil structure, water infiltration and water-holding capacity; reducing compaction and

The above soil sample has less soil organic matter than the bottom soil sample due to management. (NDSU photo)

surface crusting.

•Biological: Providing food for soil organisms, enhancing microbial diversity and accelerating nutrient cycling.

Types of soil organic matter Soil organic matter can be classified based on the following decomposition levels: •Active: Freshly dead organic residue which microbes are actively consuming. Makes up 5-10% of the total soil organic matter and forms within months to years. Most influenced by land management practices.

•Slow: Comprises 20-40% of total soil organic matter and takes years to decades to form.

•Stable: The greatest portion of total soil organic matter, 60-70%. Results from the decomposition of active and slow soil organic matter, creating the dark topsoil rich in organic matter.

To learn more about soil organic matter and which strategies might work for your system, visit https://www.ndsu. edu/agriculture/extension/publications/soil-organic-matter-does-matter or contact your local Extension agent.

Central Dakota Ag Day brings federal ag policy insights to Carrington NDSU Extension This year’s Central Dakota Ag Day promises an outstanding lineup of speakers, including a keynote presenter who will address federal agricultural policies and their impact on local producers. The event, organized annually by North Dakota State University Extension, will be held on Monday, Dec. 16, at NDSU’s Carrington Research Extension Center.

decisions," said Jeff Gale, NDSU Extension agent in Foster County. "This is a terrific opportunity for producers to learn about what they can expect from future legislation.”

In addition to the keynote addresses, the daylong program also includes 18 concurrent sessions covering three main areas: agronomy, livestock and agricultural life.

Central Dakota Ag Day begins with coffee and doughnuts at 9:30 a.m. Introductions will begin at 9:50 followed by the first sessions at 10.

The Central Dakota Ag Day program is organized by NDSU Extension agents in Barnes, Eddy, Foster, Griggs, Sheridan, Stutsman and Wells counties, as well as staff from NDSU’s Carrington Research Extension Center.

Lies has been president of NDFB since 2015. He is from Douglas, N.D. and raises hogs, sheep, and goats with an emphasis in show animals.

He is the owner of Full Flavor Farms, Daryl's Racing Pigs and serves as a radio host.

The annual meeting will continue through Saturday, wrapping up with an evening banquet and guest speaker John Kriesel.

NDFB is the most effective general farm and ranch organization in the state of N.D., with more than 28,000 member families and 50 organized county Farm Bureaus.

The North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network will be among the topics during this year’s Central Dakota Ag Day. (NDSU photo)

Tom Brusegaard, field representative for Sen. John Hoeven, will present “D.C. Agriculture Update,” offering the latest developments on the farm bill and other legislative priorities affecting agriculture.

"We’re excited to have Tom Brusegaard, who will share valuable insights into federal agricultural policy

NDSU Extension crops economist Frayne Olson will conclude the day’s program with a one-hour general session titled “Now What? 2025 Crop Market Outlook.”

For more information about Central Dakota Ag Day, visit ndsu.ag/ag-day . Direct further questions to Gale at 701-652-2581 at jeff.gale@ndsu. edu.

No registration is required. Lunch will be provided. Certified crop advisors can receive continuing education units for many of the seminars.

The Carrington Research Extension Center is three and a half miles north of Carrington on U.S. Highway 281.

Friday, November 29, 2024 - Page A4

Opinion

The Borderland Press

Letter from the Publisher to bring that trophy home!! Thank you for representing Langdon and Munich at the state level and coming home winners! You make us proud!

What a busy week this has been and won’t be slowing down for a while.

Thanksgiving was a day of cooking, eating, playing and lots of laughter and thanksgiving! As I mentioned last week, I’m obsessed with leftovers, so this is a very good weekend for me.

First off, a big congratulations to the Langdon-Munich Cardinals volleyball team! This great group of girls and their coaches are state champions, again! What determination and dedication it must take

The Langdon Chamber of Commerce brings us the Parade of Lights tonight (Black Friday) and the first Christmas Cash drawing tomorrow (Shop Local Saturday), which continues on Dec. 6 and 13. Good luck to all! Sip Happens is thrilled to be the hub for that event, and we look forward to seeing

you! I’ll remind you that the Marketplace at Sip Happens will be open for shopping from 11am to 1pm those three Saturdays in addition to their regular hours! Next week is Deals After Dark on Thursday evening; that’s always a fun event. Let’s get out there and support area businesses and the Chamber of Commerce. They all work very hard to bring products and services to you!

There are more upcoming events in this issue of The Borderland Press, including surrounding towns and an unlimited list of reasons to get in the car and have some fun!

I’ll tell you why. These are the moms who are kind enough to go live on Facebook for entire games so that those of us at home can watch, as well. If you’re techy enough you can even watch it on your big screen in the comfort of your recliner in front of the fireplace…or your phone or your computer, whatever your choice is at that particular time. I watched two grands play a few games last weekend and was so thankful that opportunity was there. Thanks, ladies, you’re providing a wonderful service to those of us who must know what’s happening but can’t be present. I’ll continue to be a big fan.

On to my personal favorite, Langdon hockey. There’s a group of moms (mostly) who I’m very grateful for, and

I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention the snow, ice and wind. I’m dealing with it. I even enjoy the view out of my of-

will be printed in our Christmas issue, which will run on Friday, Dec. 20.

als! All of the information for those can be found and filled out on page B8.

fice window; the frosty trees are darn pretty. It sure started with a bang, though, causing schools to close for the first storm of the season. We’ll take it as it comes and talk about it every day to everyone we see. The fireplace is on at Sip Happens, a great place to warm up your backside when need be.

Have a great time deciding what events you’re going to take in, enjoy the season! And, thank you for all you do.

Diane Simmons

Publisher publisher@theborderlandpress.com

Letter from the Editor: over the last few weeks. Call me crazy, but I absolutely love to mix pumpkin pie, a big scoop of old fashioned plain oats, whipped cream, and chocolate chips and simply mix the ingredients together and eat it out of a bowl. I have the dietary habits of a child, I know…

Ready or not, the holidays have arrived folks! I sure hope you had a delicious and delightful Thanksgiving celebration and that all the fixins were to your liking! One of my favorite parts of this time of year is the amount of pumpkin pie that is readily available everywhere I go. I may or may not have picked up a few from the store to eat on my own

With Thanksgiving leftovers in the fridge, it’s time to buckle down and put up the Christmas tree (if you haven’t already!). Santa is on his way, and I hope our readers will check out our Santa Letters on page B8 which will be in each week’s issue leading up to Christmas. These can easily be filled out with the little one in your life, cut out, and dropped off at our offices on Third Street. You can also snap a photo of your prepared Santa Letter and shoot an email of it over to editor@ theborderlandpress.com. All of the Santa letters we receive by Dec. 13

I always get such a kick out of these cute letters. Kids really do say the darndest and funniest things. It’s an honor to get to print their magical wishes in our publication. Be sure to let your little ones know that Santa ALWAYS reads The Borderland Press.

I will be collaborating with area teachers soon to be sure that all of our students have an opportunity to write one as well.

I’m sure readers have noticed over the last few months numerous bylines from Rebecca Davis, our wonderful reporter. I’ve already bragged about her once or twice in this space, but did you know she designs things too?!

She made the Santa letters for us and also worked on something else that’s pretty important - subscription renew-

It’s around the time that subscriptions will need to be renewed, so be sure to call our offices or visit theborderlandpress.com to check your subscription status. You are also able to gift subscriptions of The Borderland Press to anyone you’d like! They do make pretty awesome stocking stuffers!

Last, but certainly not least, although it’s the most wonderful time of year for many, there are countless individuals who face grief, loneliness, and despair during the holidays. It’s no secret that I have a deep compassion for others who are in recovery, in the darkness of addiction, or in the perils of mental illness. Winter brings an increase in overdoses, and those who are suffering may be more likely to fall

into relapse around this season.

This week’s issue has some information and tips on how to be supportive of others during this sometimes difficult part of the year. It’s from Health and Human Services and can be found on page A9. As a person who does not drink alcohol, I can’t tell you what a relief it is to discover something as simple as a mocktail at a local venue or gathering (shoutout to Sip Happens!).

Be grateful, be kind, eat some pumpkin pie, and buckle up for the holidays! Until next week, dear readers.

Hilary Nowatski Editor

editor@theborderlandpress.com

The Morning Run: We razzle dazzled ‘em!

By Sara Goodman Here I am writing again about another state championship weekend. Last Saturday our girls’ volleyball team was crowned Class B state champions for the 5th time in program history. We are now tied with Thompson for the most wins by a team at the Class B level. It’s unbelievable how our small area towns keep churning out amazing athletes that can take their talents to the top - not only on more than one occasion but in multiple sports.

Trust me, we all know how special it is and do not take it for granted.

These athletes work hard on skills, leadership and stamina, and it’s truly the recipe for success.

This past weekend of state volleyball was a first for our family. We have been to state tournaments multiple times for football, Babe

Ruth, Legion and high school baseball, boys’ and girls’ hockey and for non-athletic competitions like drama, spelling and music. We’ve got closets full of t-shirts and sweatshirts; boxes full of awards; storage buckets full of signs, beads, cowbells and crazy outfits; and phone cameras full of memories. We’ve participated in pep rallies, send-offs, welcome home parties and late-night post-win celebrations. State tournament runs are equal parts amazing and exhausting.

This past weekend of state volleyball games was no exception, and I can now add a sparkly, sequin jacket to my bucket of paraphernalia.

If you watched the games last weekend, either in person or on TV, I could probably predict your roller coaster of emotions. First stress then relief back to stress then more stress then more relief - all while yelling, whooping and hollering, occasionally covering your eyes, wiping your sweaty hands on your pants, punching your husband’s arm and subconsciously stuffing popcorn in your mouth because we all become stress-eaters of over buttered, salted kernels during sports competitions.

What people often overlook when they’re outside looking in is the sheer grit, determination and never-give-up attitude that these girls had all season, and it shined through in the state tournament. If you watched or listened to the Grafton game earlier in

the season, you’d understand the progression of this attitude. We lost the first two sets of that match and then came back to win the last three - a reverse sweep if you will. On the faces of our players, both on and off the bench, you could see resolve, calmness, and a ready-and-willing attitude to dig in and turn the tables. The end of the match after winning the fifth set felt like a state championship; it was that extraordinary. The players carried the knowledge into the rest of the season and the state tournament that no matter what, there’s always a chance. You just can’t give up.

and gave it their best shot. They never gave up. Although the team didn’t make it past the preliminary round, they performed with grit and determination. A common theme it seems with our students.

As a parent, I’m extremely proud of all the amazing students and athletes this past weekend at the state tournaments. Kudos to the parents, coaches and all those that support them as well and a special shout out to the volleyball moms, aka the sparkle jacket

Another group of kids at a state competition, albeit without as much fanfare, were our drama club students.

Last week I wrote about their state competition run in Jamestown. Although they won first place at regionals and were guaranteed a spot at state, they almost didn’t go. One of the main characters, the narrator played by Kartheek Chapara, was not going to be able to join them due to a family trip that had been planned long before the state competition was a possibility. One of the other students, Brayden Harris, volunteered to memorize the numerous lines and fill in for Kartheek. This meant another student had to step in and memorize Brayden’s lines. Brock Freer volunteered for the part. With only two weeks to prepare for the state competition, the students dug in, learned lines and actions with new characters

squad. We razzle-dazzled ‘em!

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.

Sparkle jackets on point!

Stupid things I won’t do again, part five just her way, so it’s not personal, and I’m becoming accepting of her stoic, strict, no nonsense schoolmarm nature. I also can’t see over the dashboard, and the seat doesn’t adjust, so I’m very uncomfortable. Last week I left you after I had put the plane into a stall at 3,000 feet. Karen immediately seized back control of the aircraft as I almost put us into a fatal spin which could have meant curtains for us both.

By Bob Simmons, CEO, Simmons Multimedia To recap, it’s the 1980s, and I’m taking flying lessons. My instructor is a ‘Karen’, and she doesn’t think I’m the least bit funny. I’ve learned from other students that this is

After a few minutes of silence and regaining her composure, Karen said to do some touch and go’s. A touch and go is when the student pilot practices landing the aircraft and then immediately takes off again and repeats. So Care-Bear now explained the use of the flaps- the flaps which are a part of the wing are deployed at landing to increase drag, producing lift and

basically help the plane slow down.

I focused on those last words, ‘helping the plane slow down.’ I thought to myself - flaps are good! Use them to slow down! I radioed the control tower telling them that we were on our final approach.

Karen then said you’re coming in a bit too fast, so I grabbed the shift thingee that controlled the flaps and started pumping it up and down. Karen then screamed WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING NOW! To which I said, I’M PUMPING THE BREAKS! Karen yelled back ‘I TOLD YOU THIS ISN’T A CAR. THERE ARE NO BREAKS! YOU ONLY PUT THE FLAPS DOWN ONCE! TAKE YOUR HAND OFF THE FLAPS!’ Well, the way she described it, I figured the flaps were like the brakes, and if I pumped them a few times we’d slow down, making her happy. I was

wrong again and apologized, again.

Not deterred, I persevered and after a few touch and go’s gained a few ounces of confidence. I managed to somehow land the plane and park it perfectly on the tarmac in front of the hangar. Karen, who had been shaking her head in disbelief at my piloting skills, removed her headset, took off her seatbelt, grabbed her can of pop, opened her door, climbed out of the plane and turned to me and said, “I need a break, you’re ready to solo, come back in a half an hour.” To which I screamed - SOLO! YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME! I CAN’T EVEN SEE WHERE I’M GOING! I CANT SEE OVER THE DASHBOARD! I’LL BE KILLED! I immediately exited the aircraft and never looked back. Here’s the thing – she was likely a great instructor, and I was just a lousy student. I had the

desire to learn but wasn’t the least bit comfortable in that plane. I have since flown as a passenger in a number of Cessnas where I could adjust the seat and see over the dash perfectly, making me much more comfortable - nothing like that Piper Tomahawk.

Epilogue: About two weeks after I bailed on the flying lessons, the very airplane I had been practicing in crashed in a field. Luckily, nobody was hurt, but the plane sustained major structural damage making it a total loss. In my mind I think I dodged a bullet. So, do you think I’m done with my obsession with the wild blue yonder? Think again! Next time join me in my high flying adventures in a hot air balloon!

Community

The Borderland Press

Friday, November 29, 2024 - Page A5

Pembilier Nursing Center: Christmas Shop

By Heather Duerre, Life Enrichment Director

Greetings from your friends at PNC! First, I want to thank everyone of you out there that donated items to our resident Christmas Shop this year. I also want to give a big thank you to those of you who simply prayed for the safety of our staff that helped with the big shopping day. You may laugh, but Black Friday shopping at Wal-Mart has nothing on our Christmas Shop grand opening. I am happy to report that nobody got trampled or was left with wheelchair marks on them when the day was over.

Do you remember the days when Black Friday shopping was a hazard to a person’s well-being? The days of years have passed when people would camp out the Thursday before to save $100 on a new big screen TV. It didn’t matter what the weather was

like or if they had to go hungry. People were determined to stick it out in any condition to claim their Black Friday deal. It reminds me of the scene in ‘Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,’ where Gandalf arrives with an army to help in the battle of Helm’s Deep.

The part where Gandalf and the army from Rohan rush down the hillside is uncanny in similarity to the public rushing through the doors once they open on Black Friday. If a person was lucky enough to find their item and snatch it before the other people, a sense of pride and accomplishment rushed through their veins. I am sure it is very similar to the feeling when the troops held their ground at Helm’s Deep and the battle was won.

Anyways, this is almost the exact scene at PNC before our resident Christmas Shop opened. Once the doors opened, Kelsey was like Gandalf leading the troops in. OK, so not really, but the image makes for a good laugh. Even though none of the residents were wielding swords or pushing others out of the way, they took full advantage of their shopping day. For a moment they were brought back to a time when they shopped for Christmas gifts to bestow upon their loved ones. Once they enter the chapel doors (our shop) they are swept away to a department store filled with trinkets, treats, and lots of other things to

fill their wish list. Once again, we were overwhelmed by the generosity of our community and the donations that made our shop possible. The shopping experience was enhanced by a fireplace crackling on the big screen and Christmas music filling the air.

The residents left the shop with their treasures in hand and their hearts full. They had gifts for loved ones and even a few things for themselves. As for the stuff leftover, it will be saved to be used as prizes for the games we play. Even the kids’ gifts that were left will be put to good use. Those will be used as prizes for the students from North Border that will be joining us in some fun throughout the school year. Thank you, again, to all of you who make this very special day possible for our wonderful and well-deserving residents.

The Christmas Shop with plenty of shoppers inside.

The Christmas Shop all set up and ready for visitors!

Kelsey and Betty shopping.

Wandering in Walhalla

By Rebecca Davis

As I sit here writing, the windchill outside is a bone-chilling -14°F. I’m bundled in a blanket debating whether I should ask to borrow the space heater. Despite living in North Dakota for nearly four years, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the relentless wind and the frigid wind chill that comes with it.

Growing up in North Carolina, winter felt entirely different. Snow was a rare and magical event often bringing with it the thrill of a snow day. We were so unprepared for winter weather that the mere sight of three snowflakes would shut down schools and busi-

nesses for at least 24 hours. Mornings with even a hint of snow in the forecast had kids and adults alike glued to their TV screens eagerly watching the scrolling list of closures at the bottom like a stock market ticker.

Now, as I adjust to N.D. winters, we’re less than 30 days away from Christmas, and holiday shopping is already in full swing. This past weekend, I joined the festive crowds at the Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase in Grand Forks. Vendors from across the state gathered to showcase their goods,

and even Santa made an appearance straight from the North Pole to greet shoppers.

For me, one of the highlights of the Pride of Dakota event is sampling the variety of treats. Each year brings new and exciting options from flavorful adult beverages to irresistible bakery goods and unique seasonings. It’s the perfect way to discover local favorites while supporting small businesses—a reminder of just how vital it is to shop local during the holiday season.

Of course, no shopping adventure is complete without stumbling upon a personal treasure. This time, it was a giant pack of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes at Sam’s Club. If you know me, you know these are my ultimate favorite snack. And no, Zebra Cakes are not the same—it’s the Christmas tree cakes or nothing for me!

Let me know what your favorite snack is.

Rebecca Davis | Reporter rebecca@theborderlandpress.com

A Saint’s Shoutout: ‘Tis the season for gratitude

By Carrie Hope

here, but I have never felt such love, kindness, and support, and I want to thank you all.

I hope you are enjoying a calm and relaxing Thanksgiving weekend. After last week’s blizzard brought fresh snow to the ground, it’s starting to feel a lot more like Christmas is coming.

First and foremost I want to express my gratitude to the great communities of which we are a part of.

Langdon, Walhalla and beyond have shown up to help our family as I focus on my health. I always knew this area was wonderful, and we love living

We are transitioning from the season of gratitude and thanksgiving to the season of joy and hope. Our students enjoyed a Thanksgiving-style feast last Friday. They broke bread over a traditional meal of turkey and mashed potatoes, even enjoying a special dessert of carrot cake or a scotcheroo bar. It was a great way to get them into the spirit of gratitude ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

I am also so thankful for our amazing

staff at St. Alphonsus School. We have a dedicated team of extremely hard workers who are so skilled at getting things done! They’ve been rolling up their sleeves in preparation for our joyful school calendar. We have many ways to invite you into our school, and we hope you will make time to join us during this holiday season.

Our annual Festival of Trees event will take place from 4-7 p.m. on Sun-

day, Dec. 8. The theme is “The Joys of Christmas.” This event spreads Christmas cheer to our surrounding community, and we love seeing it come together. Each classroom decorates a Christmas tree and also provides a silent auction basket.

Our Kindergarten through 8th grade students will present their Christmas concert at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11 in the school gym. Our preschool

and pre-K students will present their concert at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12 in the school gym.

If you need anything, please call our school office at 701-256-2354. Julie will be happy to help you and direct your call to the correct person.

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

Community

Friday, November 29, 2024 - Page A6

The Borderland Press

Heritage and happenings - Black Friday

By Kari Phillips

light, linking it to profitability. By the 1980s, the term had become widely recognized, emphasizing how the day after Thanksgiving helped retailers turn a profit - or go “into the black” - from their previous deficits (“in the red”). Over time, it became synonymous with the beginning of the holiday shopping season, marked by deep discounts and early store openings.

Now that we’re stuffed with turkey and all the trimmings, it’s time to burn off those holiday calories by hitting the stores for some Black Friday deals! The origins of Black Friday date back to the 1950s when the term was coined in a more humorous way. Factory workers were notorious for calling in sick the day after Thanksgiving to extend their holiday weekend, and media outlets humorously dubbed this practice “Black Friday”- most likely due to businesses turning out the lights and closing the doors due to lack of staff.

By the 1960s, Philadelphia police officers began using Black Friday to describe the chaos caused by massive crowds flooding the city for holiday shopping and the Army-Navy football game. The term reflected the stress and long hours faced by law enforcement and retail workers during this period.

Retailers eventually sought to reinvent Black Friday in a more positive

Since then, Black Friday has historically led to chaotic and dangerous situations often making headlines.

Stampedes and trampling became one of the dangerous situations. One of the most infamous incidents occurred in 2008 at a Walmart in Long Island, New York, where an employee, Jdimytai Damour, tragically died after being trampled by a crowd of over 2,000 people when the store doors opened. Do you remember the Cabbage Patch Craze of 1983? It represented the beginning of extreme holiday shopping behaviors, and Black Friday took that energy and amplified it. These events prompted many retailers to adopt stricter crowd control measures.

Fighting and violence was also another problem. In Palm Desert, California, two men were fatally shot in 2008 at a Toys “R” Us following a confrontation between their companions. Similarly, fights over discounted items are common, such as an altercation at a Los Angeles Walmart where a woman used pepper spray to get ahead in line, injuring 20 people​.

Another issue was parking lot collisions and accidents. With parking lots packed with impatient shoppers,

fender benders and accidents are frequent. In some cases, fatigued shoppers—having spent hours waiting or shopping—were involved in severe car accidents, such as a tragic incident in San Bruno, California, where a father fell asleep at the wheel, resulting in fatalities​.

Finally, injuries due to overcrowding were quite frequent. Beyond stampedes, the sheer volume of people can lead to slip-and-fall injuries, particularly in icy parking lots or crowded aisles. The crush of people scrambling for deals often results in minor to severe injuries.

Incidents like these eventually influenced how retailers manage crowds and stock products today, striving to balance excitement with safety.

The arrival of e-commerce revolutionized Black Friday, fundamentally changing how consumers engage with the shopping event. The rise of Cyber Monday in 2005 marked a shift toward online retail as a necessary part of the holiday shopping season.

Initially, Cyber Monday focused on online-exclusive discounts and promotions from retailers who wanted to complement Black Friday’s in-store chaos with digital convenience. Major retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, adopted month-long sales events, allowing consumers to shop at their leisure and avoid crowded stores. Shoppers could compare prices across retailers instantly, making online shopping more appealing. The increased use of smartphones and mobile apps further enhanced online shopping by enabling consumers to make purchases anytime and any-

where.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to e-commerce, making online Black Friday deals even more critical. In 2020, many retailers eliminated in-store doorbusters entirely, focusing exclusively on online promotions. Cyber Monday gained ground-breaking significance as consumers avoided in-person shopping due to health concerns.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday now blend seamlessly into each other, forming a “Cyber Week” that extends into December with continued discounts and promotions. The focus on online retail has also fueled the growth of other e-commerce events, such as Amazon’s Prime Day, further breaking up the holiday shopping season and giving us more time and more ways to shop.

I’ve never been a big fan of the chaos of Black Friday shopping. Years ago, I made the trek to Grand Forks on Black Friday, and I hated every minute of it. Even online shopping has lost some of its charm for me lately, mainly due to slower shipping times and issues with lost packages. These days, I find myself gravitating toward local shopping events. There’s something truly special about supporting our small businesses and enjoying a much calmer and more personal shopping experience.

That’s why I’m really looking forward to the local shopping events in Langdon, starting on Black Friday, Nov. 29.

One exciting addition to our downtown scene this year is Sip Happens, which will be hosting live piano music

by Danselle Neufeld starting at 3:30 pm. Don’t wait until the evening to get started! Earlier in the day, Main Street will be buzzing with great deals and opportunities to shop locally.

Let’s not forget about Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30—another perfect day to shop and support local businesses! Sip Happens is also introducing a new Christmas Market pop-up event, running every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm starting Dec. 5 with the last pop-up event being Saturday, Dec. 21. It’s the perfect chance to get in the holiday spirit and find unique gifts right in our own community.

There’s so much to enjoy during the holiday season right here in our hometown! From local shopping events to festive activities such as the annual Parade of Lights in Langdon on Nov. 29 starting at 6pm, it’s a great time to embrace the spirit of giving back by supporting our small businesses. Shopping locally helps strengthen our community, keeps money circulating within the town, and provides a more personalized experience than the big-box stores or crowded online marketplaces. Let’s make this holiday season memorable by making the most of everything our local businesses have to offer. From unique gifts to special events, there’s truly something for everyone, and every purchase makes a difference!

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

A guest series: ‘His Brother’s Flag’ - part two of three

By Tina Stradal

Note from the Editor: We would like to introduce you to this beautifully written piece from Tina Stradal. ‘His Brother’s Flag’ was written throughout a series of years and countless hours of research conducted by Stradal. Of all of her family members, Stradal took an intense interest in this story and hopes it, along with the memory of these brave soldiers, will be preserved for generations to come. Stradal currently resides in Mora, Minnesota, but the soldiers in this story resided on the family farm which was a few miles outside of Langdon on County Road 1.

May 1, 1947 The package came addressed to his father but Eddie knew “the old man” couldn’t read so he opened the thick envelope. The letter was the first thing he pulled out. Next came a handful of photos of people Eddie did not recognize; they were all soldiers. The pictures fluttered to the table along with a second letter from his hand. As he looked down, Eddie knew instantly that the handwriting was from his sister. He started reading.

Pa, I already sent copies to Walter, Kate, and the others. Here are the pictures I told you about. I marked on the back of the ones I thought Louis was in. I also sent the letter that came with them.

Mary.

Eddie laid the letter down and stared at the pile of photos. Instead of looking through them, he stuffed it all back into the envelope. He only wanted to go through them once, so he would wait for his father to join

him. For the first time, Eddie walked with purpose to the shelf on the wall near the fireplace. He reached out and touched the cold glass of the enclosed box. Though he couldn’t touch the material, he knew how the blue field and white stars would feel under his fingertips.

Eddie dropped his hand and turned away from the shelf. He could not share the same space with the flag for more than a few moments. Any longer and the anger, pain, and deep sadness would take over. Instead, he placed the package in a safe place and walked out to the pasture to be among his animals. The animals could always help heal him and gift him with a smile. The horse rolling around in the grass and the hens chasing the pesky rooster gave him much needed laughter.

Finally, it was time to go through the letters and photos. The other letter in the package helped explain the photos. It detailed that a soldier in Louis’s unit had taken the photos of everyday life the young men were experiencing. The photographer had asked for the addresses of every soldier in the pictures. The letter was written by the soldier’s mother. She explained and apologized for taking so long to send the photos to the families. Her son, the photographer, had died in combat just a few weeks after he sent her the film. Due to her grief, it had taken her this long to find the addresses hidden in her son’s military effects.

Louis's family did not expect their reaction to the story and photos. While they felt grief they also felt that part of Louis was home again, finally.

Over the next few years, Eddie wandered, trying to find direction. He finally settled down to live with his brother Walter. The brothers worked construction together and Eddie spent time fishing with his nephew Marlow.

As time went on Louis’s family grew, changed, and moved forward. The flag moved with his father to another state. Some of his siblings stayed in the place of his birth while the rest scattered to the four winds. Eddie became “Ed” and following his father, he met the love of his life, a young strawberry blonde named Betty. They married in 1950 and made their first home in the open spaces of the north.

His oldest brother, Walter, his family, including the ever growing and impish Marlow, moved away as well. Walter became a leader in his community as well as the local chapter of the Boy Scouts. Young Marlow enjoyed every moment he spent with his father during their time with the scouts.

Every summer, as many members of Louis’s family that could, would gather for a reunion. Good food and lots of laughter surrounded the family.

One of the siblings would eventually locate and bring forth the burial flag and the conversation would turn to a time when their beloved brother was still alive. Sometimes the flag was unfurled and hung up for the world to see, and other times, it stayed contained in the familiar tri-cornered fold.

Each sibling would touch or hold the flag and turn to give the flag to their father, who would return it to its case.

Then something changed. Louis’s father stopped bringing the flag out at family gatherings.

Late Spring 1957 The family of Louis Kram was having another family reunion. Brother Ed retrieved the flag from the house.

He and Walter were about to open it when their father shouted at them to put it back. The flag was returned, but a strange feeling fell over the family.

Ed and Betty, along with their children, were among the last to leave.

His father stopped him and gave him a box, asking Ed to open it at home.

At home, Ed opened the box to find a letter and more ornate box inside.

Eddie, Your Pa is giving this to you for safe keeping. Your words helped make an extremely painful decision easier to bear. Guard it well and keep it safe.

Your Pa and stepmother, John and Loretta.

Within the ornate box was a trifold flag with a field of blue with white stars showing. This is how Ed became the lifetime custodian of his brother's flag.

Showing his wife, he knew he would not cry but he also could not speak.

The precious gift remained with Louis’s loving brother for the next 50 years.

June 1957 Early in the summer of 1957 began a journey of Louis’s family that would take five years and the amazing love of a complete stranger to fulfill. Later that summer there was to be a worldwide Boy Scout Jamboree at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Scouts and leaders from all over the United States and countries from around the world would gather together for two weeks of training and scouting adventures.

Walter and his son Marlow were excited the Jamboree was happening, but they sadly could not attend. They were given a chance to host scouts from other nations for a week before

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the Jamboree. Father and son did not know exactly from where the other scouts would be coming but they were excited regardless.

Troops would gather at the Hok-SeLa Campsite in Lake City, Minnesota, for a week. The preparations for the adventure would take almost two weeks and Walter was put in charge of part of the arrangements. Besides what was already on hand from the troop, Walter enlisted local businesses for donations to help bring the week of celebrations together. Little did he know, because of the scouts, a chance meeting would take place that would bring change to the lives of everyone in his family.

June 18, 1957 Walter and his son Marlow were putting the final touches on the bonfire that would welcome all of the scouts together. Walter had gotten a message to his brother Ed in the hopes the brothers could work together again. Ed would have dropped everything to participate, but life had different plans. He and Betty were expecting another child and he was trying to find them another home and a better job closer to their families.

Troops started to arrive as the fire took hold of the wood. Scouts and their leaders gathered around the rising flames. Most of the boys were locals, but a few came from neighboring states and two of the troops were from different countries. What happened next was described in a letter to Ed from his nephew Marlow.

Uncle Ed, I’m so sorry you missed all the fun time we had at the scout meeting. We had hot dogs and fish and cake and all kinds of great things to eat. Some scouts cooked or built campfires or did all kinds of stuff to earn their badges. I got my cooking badge serving burnt fish. My dad had a lot of fun with the other leaders. There was one he talked to for a whole lot. His name was Mr. Joe Mortera. He came from a place called Manila. Dad was real quiet after the troops left. He wanted me to tell you high and then he would send a letter to you too.

Bye, Marlow

Community

The Borderland Press

Friday, November 29, 2024 - Page A7

Misery

Katie Henry, Family and Community Wellness Agent, NDSU Extension – Cavalier County you about the day after Thanksgiving, I think, or pretty close to it. There is plenty of time to help yourself after the over-indulgence. It just takes a few tiny adjustments to get us all back on track.

The other day I heard that the average person eats about 4500 calories on Thanksgiving Day, about 3000 of those at the main meal. I’m honestly not even sure how a person could get that into their body unless they are overly stuffed like the turkey they are eating. I think a lot of it is the sugary drinks people consume during the main meal and the treats they consume all day long. The extra large servings people take also contribute.

Let’s face it, there is a price to pay for that extra piece of pie. I, for one, had a miserable experience of overeating about 20 years ago and will never look at pumpkin pie the same again…

Overeating leads to a lot of discomfort during the holidays. There are several things that contribute to the discomfort, and it’s easy to avoid if we are conscious of what we are putting in our bodies. This article should reach

People often blame the nap time in the afternoon of Thanksgiving on the fact that they ate turkey, which contains tryptophan. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid (which means we have to get it from our diet). It helps make melatonin and serotonin, both of which help regulate our sleep.

In order to induce a nap in us, there would have to be something like eight pounds of turkey eaten at one time.

That’s pretty much impossible. The sleepiness and nap are more likely due to the fact that the body has consumed too many calories and is exhausted from having to work overtime to process all of that food. This can continue all weekend if we don’t make some changes after our over-indulgence. The amount of carbohydrates consumed during the Thanksgiving meal is usually extremely high (think of mashed potatoes, dressing, bread rolls, sweet potatoes or candied yams, pie and other desserts, not to mention sparkling grape juice, lemonade, or alcoholic beverages).

That consumption of carbohydrates causes a rapid spike in blood sugar, which also means there is a crash later. Your body also needs to focus

Letter to the Editor: Youth at their finest The critics reviews are in, the Langdon High School band & choir performances of Nov. 19 were outstanding.

What enthusiasm, proficiency & ensembled talent. Instructors and parents, you have every right to puff up your chest. Declare, “that is my student, that is my child. Way to go!”

its attention on the stomach, which means less focus on awareness and other tasks.

All of that seems to be common on Thanksgiving Day, but what about the day and weekend after? What can we do to get ourselves back on track when the day before was an overload that wore our body’s out?

One thing we can start with is to drink water - lots and lots of water. It will help flush out our systems and help get us back on track. We can also refrain from the urges to finish up those cookies…or pie…or gravy…or (fill in the blank). It would be a great idea to buy freezer safe containers and place a whole meal in a dish to freeze for another day. The hard work is already done, and all you would have to do is thaw, reheat, and enjoy! You can also use your leftovers to make healthier options for meals the rest of the weekend. One example is a recipe brought to us by “Celebrate Your Plate,” an organization in Ohio determined to bring our awareness of food to a healthier state. I encourage you to check out what they have to offer.

This recipe for Turkey Cranberry Wrap is not only delicious but easy to make and very nutritious.

Turkey Cranberry Wrap Serving Size: 1 whole wrap as main dish; ½ wrap as side dish or snack

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: N/A Total Time: 15 minutes Equipment: Cutting board Utensils: Measuring cups and spoons Ingredients 1 large whole wheat tortilla 2 tablespoons reduced fat cream cheese 2 tablespoons reduced sugar dried cranberries 1/2 apple, cored and thinly sliced 2 ounces sliced oven-roasted turkey breast 2 tablespoons chopped red onion 1/2 cup fresh baby spinach Instructions Before you begin, wash your hands, surfaces, utensils, and produce.

Place tortilla on a plate. Spread cream cheese over tortilla and tops with dried cranberries and sliced apple.

Layer turkey on top of fillings. Sprinkle with chopped red onion. Top with spinach and any additional toppings.

To tightly roll wrap, tuck 2 inches on each side inward toward center. Then grip the bottom, untucked side of the tortilla and roll forward. Cut in half and serve.

Tips Try other sandwich toppings on this dish, such as avocado, cucumbers, lettuce, kale, cabbage, or broccoli.

Use other fresh fruit in season instead

By Joanie Holm, CNP

Would you like to sleep better, have a healthier heart and less aches and pains? How about a lower blood pressure, a higher self -esteem and enhanced relationships? Would you believe that the Mayo Clinic and Harvard University, as well as other scientists all say these benefits can be yours with very little effort. And it doesn’t require a change in your diet or excessive exercise!

Patty Schon and Paul Liebersbach/ Nekoma, N.D.

Let’s get started on this journey of gratitude. Thank you for reading this essay and for watching On Call with the Prairie Doc. Thanks to all of my friends and family for the love and support you give me daily. Thanks to my church family for your spiritual support.

Now it is your turn….

So, what is this magical therapy?

GRATITUDE!!

Gratitude comes from the Latin word ‘gratia,’ which means grace, graciousness or gratefulness. Psychologist’s Robert Emmons of University of California, Davis and Michael McCullough, University of Miami, were early researchers in this field. They found that 10 weeks of practicing gratitude can result in the outcomes listed above as well as: an increased happiness score, increased optimism, increased exercise, decreased physician visits, increased focus, increased patience and strengthened social connections.

Wow, who doesn’t want these health and relationship benefits?

Photos by Brandi Mittleider.

It’s also a great time to make some turkey broth to freeze for later use or make a turkey vegetable soup with the leftovers in order to have a lighter, healthier meal for the rest of the weekend. Remember, movement helps us stay healthy as well. You won’t regret getting some fresh air and movement, even if it is only for 10 minutes. It will rejuvenate you, help your body digest your food, and keep you energized for the rest of the holiday. Remember to keep half your plate fruits and vegetables, and use some will-power to refrain from eating too many sweets and leftovers on the days after the holiday. You can always reach us at 256-2560, katie.d.henry@ndsu.edu, or stop in the Cavalier County Courthouse if you have questions or want to visit. In any case, I hope you enjoyed your holiday and will be free from misery for the days to come!

Prairie Doc® Perspective Giving thanks are many ways to increase your gratitude muscle such as writing thank you notes, saying thank you to others in person or just mentally, writing a gratitude journal, praying and meditating.

Other experts mention benefits from a brief, positive chat with a friend, a kind gesture toward a stranger and a peaceful stroll in nature. A change in mindset can help you feel better, for example, feeling grateful for a helpful friend rather than feeling frustrated that you can do the task alone.

Not for the faint of heart. Well done, Langdon-Munich Cardinals volleyball team. It was a volley after volley, edge of your seat sporting drama, with nothing left on the court. I never knew volleyball could be so exciting, team oriented, and physically skill demanding. Well deserved first place!

of apple: pear, strawberry, blueberry, peach.

Use other dried fruit instead of cranberries: raisins, apricots, apple.

Use baked tofu instead of turkey for a low-cost protein boost.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving): CALORIES, 380; TOTAL FAT, 11g; SODIUM, 920mg; TOTAL CARBS, 56g; PROTEIN, 16g Source: https://celebrateyourplate. org/recipes/turkey-cranberry-wrap

Gratitude is like a muscle that you can build with exercise and practice. There

Rebecca Davis

Joanie Holm, CNP is the Prairie Doc Board President and co-founder of Prairie Doc Programming. 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, providing health information based on science, built on trust.

Friday, November 29, 2024 - Page A8

Church

The Borderland Press

From the Pastor’s Desk: Two babes in a manger

By Pastor Sue Mackey

In 1994, two Americans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics (based on biblical principles) in the public schools. They were invited to teach at prisons, businesses, the fire and police departments, and a large orphanage. About 100 boys and girls who had been abandoned, abused, and left in the care of a government-run program were in the orphanage. They relate the following story in their own words: It was nearing the holiday season - time for our orphans to hear, for the first time, the traditional story of Christmas. We told them about Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem.

Finding no room in the inn, the couple went to a stable, where the baby Jesus was born and placed in a manger.

Throughout the story, the children and orphanage staff sat in amazement as they listened. Some sat on the edges of their stools trying to grasp every word.

Completing the story, we gave the children three small pieces of cardboard to make a crude manger. Each child was given a small paper square, cut from yellow napkins I had brought with me. No colored paper was available in the city. Following instructions, the children tore the paper and carefully laid strips in the manger for straw. Small squares of flannel cut from a worn-out nightgown an American lady was throwing away as she left Russia were used for the baby’s blanket. A doll-like baby was cut from tan felt we had brought from the United States.

The orphans were busy assembling their manger as I walked among them to see if they needed any help.

All went well until I got to one table

where little Misha sat. He looked to be about 6 years old and had finished his project. As I looked at the little boy’s manger, I was startled to see not one but two babies in the manger. Quickly, I called for the translator to ask the lad why there were two babies in the manger. Crossing his arms in front of him and looking at this completed manger scene, the child began to repeat the story very seriously. For such a young boy, who had only heard the Christmas story once, he related the happenings accurately - until he came to the part where Mary put the baby Jesus in the manger.

Then Misha started to ad-lib. He made up his own ending to the story as he said, “And when Maria laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me and asked me if I had a place to stay. I told him I have no mamma, and I have no papa, so I don’t have any place to stay. Then Jesus told me I could stay with him. I told him I couldn’t because I didn’t have a gift to give him like everybody else did, but I wanted to stay with Jesus so much, so I thought about what I had that maybe I could use for a gift. I thought maybe if I kept him warm, that would be a good gift.

So I asked Jesus, ‘If I keep you warm, will that be a good enough gift?’ And Jesus told me, ‘If you keep me warm, that will be the best gift anybody ever gave me.’ So I got into the manger, and then Jesus looked at me and he told me I could stay with him - for always.’”

As little Misha finished his story, his eyes brimmed full of tears that splashed down his little cheeks. Putting his hand over his face, his head dropped to the table and his shoulders shook as he sobbed and sobbed.

The little orphan had found someone who would never abandon nor abuse him, someone who would stay with him - FOR ALWAYS. Pastor Sue Mackey is a native North Dakotan and an ordained United Methodist minister. In her 43-year career, she has served United Methodist, UCC, and Lutheran congregations in the area, and now serves the Langdon Presbyterian Church (since 2012). She lives in rural Hampden, has two sons and seven grandchildren. An avid reader, she also enjoys playing baritone horn in the Devils Lake Elks Band.

Friday, November 29, 2024 - Page A9

The Borderland Press

HHS shares tips for staying happy and healthy this Thanksgiving season spection Service.

To learn more about food safety tips or possible foodborne illness, visit the HHS Foodborne and Gastrointestinal Illness webpage.

Preventing illness Thanksgiving gatherings often bring together multiple generations, including vulnerable individuals. Preventive measures, such as making sure you are up to date on recommended health screenings and routine immunizations are the best ways to protect your health this season.

Here’s how to protect yourself and others from severe illness: Get vaccinated: It’s never too late to talk to a trusted health care provider about common respiratory illnesses, including the flu and protective routine vaccinations.

BISMARCK, ND - To help North Dakotans enjoy good health and well-being as they gather this Thanksgiving season, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is sharing these tips on food safety, supporting friends and family in recovery, practicing gratitude and staying up to date on vaccinations.

Thaw your turkey safely. Turkeys can be thawed in the refrigerator, in a sink of cold water with the water being changed every 30 minutes or in the microwave. No food should thaw on the counter. Find safe thawing tips for different sized turkeys at Turkey Basics: Safe Thawing | Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Food safety Foodborne illnesses are more common than one may think. Roughly one in six Americans become ill due to foodborne diseases each year. Below are tips on how to safely prepare and handle food to enjoy a healthy holiday: Wash hands with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds before, during and after preparing food, as well as before eating. Dry hands with a clean towel.

Prevent cross-contamination of foods.

Keep raw meats, poultry, seafood, eggs and other food from coming into contact with each other.

Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils and countertops with hot, soapy water, especially after they have come into contact with raw meat, poultry, seafood or eggs.

Cook food thoroughly. Test food with a food thermometer. A turkey should be cooked to at least 165° F. Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature at 165° F or until food is hot and steaming. See a safe minimum internal temperature guide for various foods at Cook to a Safe Minimum Internal Temperature | FoodSafety.gov.

Store leftovers quickly. Never leave food unrefrigerated for over two hours. Learn more at "Danger Zone" (40°F - 140°F) | Food Safety and In-

Walhalla Senior Meals Menu Monday, Dec. 2 Lemon Pepper Fish•Sweet Potatoes•Mixed Vegetables•Applesauce Tuesday, Dec. 3 Hamburger on WW Bun•Lettuce, Tomato, Onion•Vegetable Soup•Baked Beans•Pear Crisp with Topping Wednesday, Dec. 4 Beef Tips in Gravy•Noodles•Buttered Beets•Broccoli•Tropical Fruit•1 WW Bread Thursday, Dec. 5 Tater Tot Casserole with Mixed Vegetables•Coleslaw•Cherries•1 WW Bread Friday, Dec. 6 Chicken Kiev•Rice Pilaf•Romain Salad with Dressing•Peas•Fruit 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.

Expressing gratitude for mental well-being Thanksgiving offers an opportunity to reflect on what we are grateful for—a practice that can benefit mental health and overall well-being.

Research shows that gratitude can improve mood, reduce stress and

strengthen relationships. Here are some ways to bring gratitude into your celebration: •Share positivity: Take a moment before the meal for everyone to express something they’re thankful for. This simple act fosters connection and encourages positive reflections.

•Focus on the present: Limit screen time and enjoy the moment with loved ones, helping everyone feel connected and valued.

•Give back: Acts of kindness, like volunteering or helping a family member, can also boost happiness and reduce feelings of anxiety.

If you're still feeling overwhelmed or need additional support, visit the North Dakota Mental Health Directory for resources that can help guide you toward professional care and support services. You’re not alone—help is available. Also, if you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. It is free and confidential.

Supporting loved ones in recovery For those in recovery from alcohol or substance use disorders, holiday gatherings can sometimes be chal-

lenging. Here’s how to create a supportive environment for all guests: •Offer nonalcoholic options: Consider including festive, alcohol-free drinks to ensure everyone can comfortably participate.

•Respect boundaries: Avoid pushing anyone to discuss topics they’re uncomfortable with, especially regarding their recovery journey.

•Show understanding and encouragement: Small gestures of support, like checking in or offering a private space for a guest to take a break, can go a long way.

If you or someone you know is looking for support during the holiday season, Recovery Talk is a free, confidential service available 24/7, staffed by trained peer support specialists. Call or text (701) 291-7901 anytime to connect with someone who understands.

Stay connected to health resources For additional health information, tips and resources, visit the North Dakota Health and Human Services website at hhs.nd.gov.

Friday, November 29, 2024 - Page A10

Rolette County Commissioner arrested, charged with corruption of minor

By Jason Nordmark/Turtle Mountain Star

will not handle the matter due to the obvious conflict of interest. Instead, Assistant Attorney General Kathleen Murray will oversee the case.

The Star’s attempt to contact Murray with questions week before last was met with a one sentence answer.

Region

The Borderland Press

Devils Lake man charged with a trio of terrorizing felonies

By The Borderland Press staff

A bond hearing was held last week for a Devils Lake man charged with a trio of terrorizing felonies. According to court records, on Nov. 11 Matthew David Buckles, 23, allegedly brandished a kitchen knife at the three victims one adult and a 16 and 17-year-old.

During the course of events, Buckles would repeatedly stab a kitchen

counter, eventually breaking off a part of it; block the main entrance of the residence while still brandishing the knife; strike the adult victim, causing bruising around the collarbone; and then would eventually punch and rip a door off its hinges in the presence of two infant children.

Buckles has been charged with two counts of terrorizing a child victim, one count of terrorizing an adult victim, as well as a count of simple assault and disorderly conduct.

A $5,000 PR Bond was issued for Buckles. He is scheduled to appear in Northeast District Court on Dec. 2.

“At this time with a court order restricting the case, I am not able to answer your questions or comment upon the case,” she said.

Rolette County Commissioner Craig Poitra was jailed in Bottineau County after being arrested for the felony charge of corruption of a minor.

(Photo courtesy of the Bottineau County Correctional Facility)

Sitting Rolette County Commissioner Craig Poitra was arrested last week and charged with corruption of a minor age 15 to 17 by an adult age 22 or over, a Class C felony which carries a sentence of at least one year in prison.

Poitra was jailed in Bottineau County after being arrested. He is assumed innocent until proven guilty.

Corruption of a minor is defined as engaging in, soliciting, or causing another to engage in a sexual act with a minor. The age of consent in North Dakota is 18.

Soon after the arrest, Poitra’s name and accompanying criminal charge were taken down from the state’s online information page. According to Rolette County Clerk of Court Tracy Davis, the commissioner’s case was classified as “restricted,” meaning that access to information about the case is limited to certain individuals — usually only the parties involved and their attorneys — and is not available to the general public.

The Rolette County State's Attorney

The restriction means parts of the case are kept confidential and cannot be viewed by anyone not directly involved due to the court order, often to protect sensitive information like personal details. According to legal explanations, this could be due to reasons such as protecting a minor's identity.

In North Dakota, the penalty for corruption of a minor age 15 to 17 with an adult 22 or older is a class C felony, which carries a sentence of at least one year in prison. The court may sentence the defendant to less than one year if they did not take a substantial step toward meeting with the minor.

Poitra issued no public statements about the arrest. The Rolette County Commissioner was also a recent candidate for the Turtle Mountain Tribal Associated Judge position in which he garnered 930 votes, the third most out of the six-person race.

A website lists Poitra’s current job as a support specialist for the Turtle Mountain Tribe. He also served as the director of social services in both Rolette and Benson counties, with neither position lasting more than a year.

A decade ago, Poitra worked for another tribal program that included case management and surveillance of sex offender activities.

Answers on Pg. A5.

DAKOTA DATEBOOK: Too Much Horseplay December 5, 2024 – William Ross loved horses. For his whole life he was a horse trader and handler. Unfortunately, his love of horses grew so big that he became a successful horse thief. That is, until July of 1905. Ross was employed by Thomas Walsh, a farmer in his 60s who lived outside of Willow City, North Dakota. He had a group of very fine and strong horses that Ross could not keep his eyes off of.

So, on July 5, 1902, Ross stole Walsh’s horses after shooting Walsh dead through his screen door. However, Ross was not careful enough and was soon captured. He caved in during questioning and admitted to his crime. He was taken to trial in Bottineau where he was convicted and sentenced to hang on this date.

Everything was going as planned until the day before his execution. Ross admitted to a second murder, saying he and a Minot man, Carl Hanson, had been working on a ranch when they found Napoleon LeMay, camping overnight with several strong and appealing horses. After LeMay refused

to trade the horses, Hanson shot him in the back and they hid the body. Officials were intrigued enough to stall Ross’s execution in order to investigate this new murder. They located Hanson near Williston, and even though he denied taking any part in the murder, Ross’s confession was enough to convict him.

If Ross had been hoping to be let off by releasing this information, his hopes were squashed when they rescheduled his execution for March 6th, 1903. However, Father C.M. Turcotte had begun to visit Ross, and through study and prayer, had him converted over to Catholicism.

horses. She hardly talked to anyone and nobody knew her name, but after she left, there was a tombstone over William Ross’s grave, bearing the word, “BROTHER.” Dakota Datebook written by Lucid Thomas “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.

It seemed this new faith was helping Ross cope with his impending demise. He is reported to have joked around with many of the jail staff, and continued to read his prayer books right up to the date of his successful execution.

After the hanging, Ross was laid to rest in an unmarked grave in a Bottineau cemetery. A few weeks later, a woman rode into town with a team of

Borderland BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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FALL

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C a r diac Card in als ! ! !

Cont’d. From Page A1 CARDIAC CARDINALS letics and what it meant to win a title program history with a record of 38-5 and ended the year on a 19-match together. winning streak. From the two seniors "To do this with Payton was amazing. mentioned above to 13-year-olds HilShe is so fun to be around every day, ary Haaven and Avery Lorenz, freshand we couldn't have ended our vol- men Kemi Morstad and Emma Hall, leyball careers any better. We have sophomore Aubrey Badding, and judedicated a lot of time to the program nior Raeleigh Ratzlaff, this is a team and the sport over the years, and to and championship that all of Cavalier see all of our hard work pay off - it's a County can truly be proud of. great feeling," said Romfo.

Hall summed it up perfectly. "There are not enough words for me to describe what Meredith means to me. She is not only a great leader and level-headed volleyball player on the court, but she showed up for me off the court as well. We knew going into this season that there was a specific team we wanted to create, and we worked the whole season to do it. There is no one else I would have wanted to do it with.

I love Meredith like a sister."

Both girls wanted to express their appreciation of everyone who supported the team this season - from coaches to family and fans, they both said this could not have happened without all of them.

Langdon-Munich finished what is one of the most memorable seasons in

The Cardinals celebrating their Class B State win! Photo by Larry Stokke.

Hilary Haaven takes a massive leap to make contact with the ball. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

Payton Hall sets the ball for a teammate.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

The Langdon Area-Munich girls volleyball team getting pumped up during the Class B State Tournament. Photo by Larry Stokke.

During a roller coaster of a game, the bench oscillated between stressing, screaming, and cheering in support of their teammates. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Meredith Romfo makes contact with the ball at the Class B state championship.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

Raeleigh Ratzlaff reaches low to pass the ball over the net. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Avery Lorenz sends the ball over the net.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

The Cards had an enormous amount of support from their fans, friends, and families.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

Aubrey Badding leaps into the air to spike the ball over the net against Thompson in the state championship game.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

Friday, November 29, 2024 - Page B2

Sports

The Borderland Press

Jake’s Take on Sports

By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor An unreal experience at the State B Volleyball Tournament We start this week by congratulating the Langdon-Munich Cardinals volleyball team on their 2024 State B Championship. It was fantastic to

watch, broadcast and be a small part of watching the Lady Cards come back time and time, and even another time, again, to win their fifth state title on their 23rd State B Tournament appearance. It’s just amazing to say a team is a state champion when a majority of their team either can’t drive yet or just started to get behind the wheel. We congratulate and thank them all for some everlasting memories and a season that will not be soon forgotten. Congrats as well to Lady Cards senior Meredith Romfo for making the All-State team. It’s curious that she is the only one on the team that got that honor, as others seemed to be very deserving, especially Payton Hall and Hilary Haaven.

All-State teams have and always will be political popularity contests, unfortunately. They will be all-staters to everyone around here.

Now the baton gets handed to

winter sports The Lady Cards state title brings an end to fall sports for 2024, and what a year it was. Along with crowning a state champion, we saw very memorable years for the Langdon-Munich and North Border football teams, saw the Cardinals Brock Freer make the All-State team in cross country, and so many, many more.

once again this year by Rob Scherr, assisted by Morgan Mikkelsen and Andy Haaven. The Cardinals are again ranked 10th in the state in girls hoops to start the season by the Miss Hoopster. You can hear the Lady Cards basketball team’s first game from Dunseith on 95-7 My FM, myborderland.com and on the MyBorderland App.

Now, we head to the winter sports season, where we will start our winter sports broadcasts with girls basketball. It’s crazy, but most of the girls who just got done with winning a state volleyball championship headed right to the basketball court for practice just two days later.

Boys basketball - the last shoe to start practice for the winter All other sports have either had practice or are about to start up activities, and now boys basketball is ready to get underway. Dec. 2 is the first practice for both Class A and B boys hoops. Langdon-Munich will again be coached by Tanner Groth this season, but he has a new assistant. Like in football, longtime assistant boys basketball coach Tim Polansky is now high school principal in Munich, so he has stepped away from the program.

Langdon-Munich will begin their season right after Thanksgiving with a non-conference game at Dunseith on Dec. 2. As we told you last week, the Lady Cards hoops squad is coached

Josh Schaefer will be the JV coach for the Cards, stepping up from the junior high ranks, and Harley Brown is coming out of retirement for the 75th time to coach the junior high team with Kaitlyn Amble.

North Border has a new head boys coach; Danny Moore retired after last season. Veteran coach Sandy Laxdal, in his 35th season, will take over the Eagles program and be assisted by Tim Moore, who is back, as is Clint Huber, who will run the North Border junior high team.

Both squads are hoping for big things this season, which should make for a fun winter for our area.

Hey, the Vikes are 9-2! Skol, and “See ya!” next week!

Samuelson named A look back at the Lady Cards State Championship

By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor

Region 4 Volleyball Senior Athlete of the Year

The Langdon-Munich Cardinals volleyball team won the State B title at the Fargodome on Nov. 23, winning over South Prairie-Max for the fifth title in program history in their 23rd appearance. The Lady Cards finished the season with a record of 38-5 overall and had a 19-match winning streak to end a very memorable season. To get the title, the Cardinals also had wild five set victories over Dickinson Trinity in the opening round and Thompson in the semifinals.

For Cards head coach Rich Olson, it was his 20th time taking a Langdon-Munich team to a state tourney.

We asked him to give his thoughts on this year's team's magical and heart attack-inducing run to a state championship.

Congratulations to Madi Samuelson, who is a senior at Rolla High School and lives in rural Sarles. Madi was named Region 4 Senior Athlete of the Year, and her North Prairie Cougars team took third place at the regional tournament.

She went over 1,000 career kills this season and will be attending Lake Region State College, where she will be playing volleyball for the Royals college volleyball team. She is the daughter of Jesse and Nicole Samuelson of Sarles. Way to go, Madi! Photo by Larry Stokke.

"The 2024 State Volleyball Tournament is one we will never forget. The 2024 season will go down as one of the most amazing in Cardinal volleyball history! At state our players handled the highest level of pressure they had faced all season. We needed contributions from everyone on our team to be able to pull this off. This state championship season happened through teamwork. We are more proud of our players than anyone could imagine. Looking back, this team brought a high level of toughness and teamwork into every practice and match. These traits showed up big throughout the season with some of the most amazing comeback wins in our program's history. Our coaches and players worked well together all season, as we kept on improving and building our confidence every day. All of this was fueled by the leadership in our gym and the desire we witnessed from every player. Our players were extremely coachable. They showed humility, and they brought energy to their teammates every day. We had two amazing senior leaders that were our captains this year in Payton Hall and Meredith Romfo. Their leadership is a huge part of why this championship season happened! We love them both and will miss them like no other. I am convinced that our players imagined this dream season awhile back. I am also convinced they wanted it with all of their hearts and expected it to come true. This is what

winners do. This season we started out as a group of players, and we finished as an amazing TEAM! A State Championship Team!" Olson shared.

Here is a look back at the Lady Cards three wins at the state tournament, plus overall tournament stats: Langdon-Munich 3, Dickison Trinity 2 (25-23, 25-20, 25-27, 13-25, 15-8) In their first match of the tourney, the Lady Cards got off to a great start against the Titans. Langdon-Munich battled to a two-set lead, but after missing out on a set point that would have won the match by a sweep, they saw DT come back and win the third set 27-25 and dominate the fourth 25-13.

In the fifth set, the Cardinals got down early but got three huge plays from Meredith Romfo to help take and expand the lead and win 15-8. Langdon-Munich had 53 unforced errors in the match with 50 of those in the first four sets, compared to 39 for the Titans.

Hilary Haaven had a game high 17 assists for the Cards, while Romfo had 15 and Aubrey Badding 11. Payton Hall led the team with 38 assists and 32 digs, while Badding had seven big stuff blocks.

Haaven led the team in kills once again with Badding getting 11. Eighth grader Avery Lorenz, who had a great state tournament, finished with a career high 11 kills. Payton Hall had 44 assists, while Meredith Romfo ended with 27 digs.

Langdon-Munich 3, South Prairie-Max 1 (15-25, 25-16, 25-15, 2516) The championship match turned out to be somewhat anticlimactic compared to the first two five-set roller coaster rides. This one did have some drama early, however, when the Royals surprised the Lady Cards by winning the first set 25-15 with the help of 11 Cardinals unforced errors.

Langdon-Munich settled down and played great volleyball from there, rolling through the next three sets to win the championship.

Payton Hall had 31 assists to lead the way to the title in her last-ever high school volleyball match and also had an ace on the final point, which was remarkably her only service ace of the tournament. Hilary Haaven had a tournament high 20 kills on the night followed by Meredith Romfo with 15.

Haaven and Aubrey Badding led six players in double figures in digs with 16 each.

Emma Hall leaps high and sends the ball over the net to their opponents.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

From (L-R) Hilary Haaven, Meredith Romfo, and Payton Hall embrace each other in excitement after the championship win.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

Langdon-Munich 3, Thompson 2 (25-19, 19-25, 19-25, 25-23, 16-14) The semifinal match versus the Tommies was one for the ages, as Thompson got the upper hand with a two sets to one lead. It looked like they were on their way to the championship after taking a 21-16 lead in set four, but the Cardinals, behind the serving of Hilary Haaven and some setting issues by the Tommies, went on a 7-0 run to win set four 25-23. They then fought off a couple of match points by Thompson and got it down with more clutch kills by Haaven, including an emphatic swing to win the match in set five, 16-14.

Cardinals State Tournament stats: Kills -- LM: Hilary Haaven 53, Meredith Romfo 41, Aubrey Badding 26, Avery Lorenz 21, Payton Hall 8, Kemi Morstad 8, Emma Hall 1 Assists -- LM: P. Hall 113, Morstad 14, Haaven 4, Romfo 3, Badding 2, Lorenz 1, Raeleigh Ratzlaff 1 Aces -- LM: Haaven 7, Ratzlaff 7, E. Hall 6, Romfo 3, Morstad 2, P. Hall 1 Blocks -- LM: Badding 10, P. Hall 3, Romfo 3, Haaven 3, Morstad 2, Lorenz 2 Digs -- LM: Romfo 69, P. Hall 68, Haaven 64, Badding 51, Morstad 41, Ratzlaff 36, Lorenz 10, E. Hall 10

Sports

The Borderland Press

Friday, November 29, 2024 - Page B3

Romfo makes first team DAKOTA DATEBOOK: Post Routes of Class B All-State Volleyball Team

By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor

The 2024 Class B All-State volleyball team has been released by the North Dakota High School Coaches Association. Senior Meredith Romfo from State B champion Langdon-Munich made first team, the only Cardinal to get an All-State honor.

Other area players honored include Lauren Bell from Park River-Fordville-Lankin, Molly Bjornby of Grafton and Kiaza Carlson from May-Port-C-G on the first team and Ava Peterson of New Rockford-Sheyenne and Jordan Tozer from Thompson on the second team.

Congrats to Meredith! Here are her season stats and comments from Lady Cards head coach Rich Olson on

her making the All-State team: Meredith Romfo 2024 stats: 394 kills, 64 aces, 19 assists, 31 blocked shots, 609 digs Coach Olson's comment: "Meredith is one of the top players in the history of Cardinal volleyball. Congratulations on being selected to the 2024 All-State team! Meredith played at the highest level in her career this past season as she became one of the top six rotation outside hitters in the state. Her leadership and clutch performances in 2024 are a big part of why we were able to achieve so much success. Meredith is one of the best team captains we have ever had. We are very proud of her and will most certainly miss everything she brought to our program!"

December 2, 2024 – Now that Thanksgiving has passed, for those of us who aren’t early birds or late ducks, it’s time to get the Christmas cards sent out. You know the drill. Some people hate it, some people love it, but we just can’t stop the tradition. So sit down, write out those cards, slap on a stamp and an address, and use a little of your leftover Thanksgiving spirit to give thanks for the post offices and postal routes.

In 1903, sending Christmas letters— or any letters, really—could be a lot harder. There were no computers, of course, so everything was carefully done by hand. Making it even more difficult for people in North Dakota was that some families didn’t even have a nearby postal route!

The government had established a rule stating that there needed to be 100 families who would use a route, before it could be established. However, in North Dakota and many other

Paleontology student Tyler Lyson came across the remains of a dinosaur on his family’s property in 1999.

There was no indication the remains were anything special, but for several years, Lyson continued to investigate the site. He ended up discovering not only the bones of a dinosaur, but also fossilized soft tissue. This is extremely rare.

DAKOTA DATEBOOK: Mayville State University’s Beginning December 4, 2024 – It was this week in 1890 that Mayville State University first began classes as the Mayville Normal School with seventeen students and four teachers on the second floor of the city’s firehouse.

Although Mayville State University first opened its doors in December of 1890, its history is intertwined with the State’s founding a year earlier. In the summer of 1889, as leaders from the various territorial counties met to discuss a new state constitution, arguments arose between the delegates over the location of choice state institutions.

Many delegates conditioned their support for the new constitution on the granting of at least one of the institutional gems to their community.

The delegates from Bismarck insisted on their city being the state capital, Grand Forks sought the location of the State University, and Fargo the Agricultural College. Mayville implied that their support for the constitution rested upon the creation of a teachers’ school in their city. In October, the people of North Dakota approved the new Constitution, which included the creation of ten new state institutions of higher learning ... the pride and joy of their respective communities.

However, the state government simply did not have enough money to fully fund them. Mayville was no exception to the state budget crisis of the early 1890s. To make up for a lack of funds, the school looked to its local citizenry for assistance. Mayville’s population rallied to the cause and donated furniture and equipment; the local government provided space on the second floor of the Fire Station/ City Hall for the first classes, and the school’s first principal even donated his time to help with classes until more teachers could be hired. The school began advertising in October

of 1890, attracting three teachers and seventeen students for classes beginning in December.

Although Mayville Normal School began life as a bargaining chip for the ratification of a state constitution, it has evolved into a full University and is known for its nationally recognized teachers’ education division. Additionally, the University boasts more than 80 academic programs, and is proud of the personal attention given to each student. Mayville State University, a shining gem in North Dakota’s educational system, first got off the ground in a Fire Station this week in 1890.

Dakota Datebook written by Lane Sunwall “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.

up to twenty-five farm hands, making a much higher number of those to be served by the route.

By way of comparison, the United states as a whole had 12,000 rural postage routes, which averaged out to about 30 routes per congressman.

But in North Dakota, it was only 17 for each congressman. On this date, after the two congressmen from North Dakota had taken the issue to the postmaster general, a bit of a buzz was created, as reported by the Hankinson News.

They applied for almost a hundred more routes to be added to their established postal system at a time when letters were the only way of staying in touch with family and friends back home. And by the next year, many Dakotans would be able to send their own Christmas greetings a little bit easier than they had before.

Mr. Burleigh F. Spalding, representative for North Dakota, held talks with the postmaster about the population and routes. He agreed and said (the post office) would “take it up at once.”

Spalding said that the rule for 100 families worked fine in “thickly settled farm communities, where the average of five in a family holds good.” He claimed that especially in the Dakotas and Montana, each family also had

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.

DAKOTA DATEBOOK: Dakota the Dinosaur December 3, 2024 – North Dakota is no stranger to dinosaurs. The state has a fascination with them. Fourteen dinosaurs are on display at the Dickinson Dinosaur Museum, including a 37-foot tyrannosaurus rex. In June, 2014, “Discover the Dinosaurs” presented an exhibit of animated dinosaurs at the Bismarck Civic Center.

It proved to be very popular. The Hell Creek Formation in North Dakota is well known for dinosaur discoveries.

Fossils can be seen in museums all across the state. But the most spectacular North Dakota dinosaur was only recently put on display.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

states, families were very spread out.

At the time, North Dakota had only 34 rural “free delivery mail routes.”

Noted British paleontologist Phillip Manning teamed up with Lyson.

They excavated the site in 2006 and revealed an extraordinary 67-million-year-old duckbill dinosaur mummy. The presence of the soft tissue allowed scientists to estimate the size and speed of the dinosaur. They concluded that it was 35 feet long, weighed 3 ½ tons, and could run 28 miles per hour. A CAT scan showed that it had much more powerful hind legs than scientists previously believed.

On this date in 2007, Manning and Tyson formally unveiled Dakota the Dinosaur. It is the best preserved dinosaur found in a century. Although it has been described as a mummy because of the soft tissue, the entire dinosaur had long since been turned to stone. The remains were found near what had been a river, but scientists do not know how Dakota died.

Scientists have agreed that Dakota the Dinosaur has altered their understanding. Only a few pieces of dinosaur skin have been found, and most of them are very small. Scientists believe the scales on Dakota are evidence of camouflage coloring. The dinosaur also had a pad on its palms and hooves on its feet. Dakota is on display at the State Historical Society of North Dakota and serves as a cornerstone of the museum’s expansion.

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, November 29, 2024 - Page B4

Small Business Saturday and the season of small business

By Al Haut, SBA North Dakota District Director

ed $17 billion at small independent retailers and restaurants during small business Saturday last year. Holiday shopping often creates the largest revenue stream for many small businesses and the impact can carry a small business throughout the year.

Tis’ the season….small business season. Saturday, Nov. 30 marks Small Business Saturday and is the official kick-off for SBA’s “Season of Small Business” which runs through the end of December. During the Season of Small Business, we encourage consumers to support small businesses throughout the entire holiday season.

This year is the 15th anniversary of Small Business Saturday originally organized by American Express as a way to support independent small businesses. SBA joined the party in 2011 to help drive support to local small businesses during the financial crisis.

According to an American Express survey, consumers spent an estimat-

I truly believe small businesses are the backbone of the economy. They continually support our local communities through creating innovation, generating new jobs, and giving back to our youth programs. However, they need our support as well. Please consider shopping at a local small business for your Christmas gifts and remember to eat at a locally owned restaurant.

The 76,290 small businesses in N.D. and 547,493 small businesses in Minn. will thank you for shopping and eating at a small business on Saturday and every day through the holiday season.

Alan Haut is the SBA’s North Dakota district director based in Fargo. He oversees the agency’s programs and services across the entire state.

The Borderland Press

HHS to host back-to-back events on opioid and substance use prevention BISMARCK, ND - North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will host two events to address the opioid crisis and substance use prevention on Dec. 9 and 10, at the Bismarck Event Center. Both events are open to in-person and virtual attendees, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate, learn from experts, and develop actionable plans to address substance use challenges in N.D. The North Dakota Opioid Best Practice Summit will be held on Monday, Dec. 9, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. It will focus on strategies to prevent opioid misuse, reduce overdose deaths, and enhance treatment and recovery sup-

ports.

On Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the N.D. Day for Prevention will provide actionable insights on prevention strategies, community engagement, and data-driven approaches to reduce substance use, misuse and related consequences.

Attendance is free and open to all and geared towards behavioral health professionals, public health staff, educators, law enforcement, policymakers, recovery providers, coalition leaders and students in related fields. Both events offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) approved by the North Dakota Boards of Addiction Counsel-

ing, Social Work Examiners, and Certified Peer Support Specialists.

These events align with the HHS mission to promote community well-being and expand access to services, supporting its strategic priorities of fostering strong, healthy families and communities, increasing access to high-quality behavioral health services closer to home, and enhancing collaboration with partners to improve outcomes statewide.

More information and links to register can be found at hhs.nd.gov/news/behavioral-health-trainings.

North Dakota Game and Fish updates Hunters should be aware of early ice The North Dakota Game and Fish Department cautions hunters to be wary of ice conditions. In some parts of the state, there are smaller waters that show the appearance of safe ice.

Hunters should be cautious of walking on frozen stock ponds, sloughs, creeks and rivers.

Ice can form overnight, resulting in unstable conditions. Ice thickness is not consistent, as it can vary significantly within a few inches. Hunters walking the edge of a cattail slough will not find the same ice thickness in the middle, as the edges firm up faster than farther out from shore.

A few reminders: Snow insulates ice, which in turn inhibits solid ice formation, and hides cracks, weak and open water areas.

Avoid cracks, pressure ridges, slushy or darker areas that signal thinner ice. The same goes for ice that forms around partially submerged trees, brush, embankments or other structures.

Daily temperature changes cause ice to expand and contract, affecting its strength.

Late season hunting dates The statewide duck and white-fronted goose seasons close Dec. 1. However, duck hunting in the high plains unit reopens Dec. 7 and continues through Dec. 29. In addition, the season for Canada geese closes Dec. 16 in the eastern zone, Dec. 21 in the western zone and Dec. 27 in the Missouri River zone. Light goose hunting closes statewide Dec. 27.

Archery deer, fall turkey, sharp-tailed and ruffed grouse, partridge and pheasant hunting seasons continue through Jan. 5. The season for tree squirrels closes Feb. 28.

Classifieds

The Borderland Press

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Friday, November 29, 2024 - Page B5

Friday, November 29, 2024 - Page B6

Public Notices

LASD BOARD BILLS NOVEMBER Vendor Name Invoice Description Amount Activities Fund - Misc. Account Fall 2024 Sports Worker 1,020.00 Advanced Business Methods November 2024 Copier/Printer Leases 3,386.79 Askvig, Ethen FB @ Killdeer Meals 36.00 Askvig, Jayla Per Diem Meals 50.00 Bakke, Erika JH VB Clock Oct 21, 2024 40.00 Bata, Jacy Playground Equipment 170.61 Benneweis, Taylor LETRS Training Fuel 59.42 Bernstrom, Devin Elem BBB Ref 11/12/24 300.00 Best Western Roosevelt Place Hotel Standard Based Grading Training Hotel 99.00 Blick Art Materials Watercolor Paper 55.68 Bread Pan, The AR Rewards 125.00 ByteSpeed LLC IBoss Zero Trust/Cloud Storage/Support 2,212.50 CarQuest of Langdon Oil and Filter for Mini Bus 77.21 Catholic Charities North Dakota Oct 2024 Contracted Counseling Services 3,300.00 Christianson, Daren Elem BBB Ref 10/25/24 300.00 Christianson, Sarah Elem BBB Clock 11/12/24 150.00 City of Langdon Oct 24 Water/Sewer/Garbage/Lights 2,533.50 Crump, Madilyn Varsity VB PA Oct 21, 2024 25.00 D & B Motors Mount/Balance Tires/ Replace Sensor 1,184.00 Dakota Wood Designs Manufacturing Class Material 300.00 Danielson, Carter Fall 2024 Sports Worker 205.00 Delvo, Gerald Fall 2024 Sports Worker 120.00 Dollar General- Regons 410526 Duct Tape/Candy/Dishcloths 8.56 Downs, Brandon Fall 2024 Sports Worker 75.00 Edmore Public School District #2 Blue Chairs 260.00 Equitable Financial Life Insurance October/November 24 Premiums 9,214.69 Company ofAmerica Everspring Inn - Bismarck Hotel Business Mgr Training 198.00 Everspring Suites - Bismarck Hotel JR 198.00 Expressway Suites-Fargo NDSU Choir Festival Hotel Rooms 481.50 Farmers Union Oil Co. October 2024 Fuel Expenses 1,504.37 GOPHER Sports PE Supplies 560.36 Grand Forks Public School District #1 Border Battle Entry Fee 300.00 Griggs County HS East Region XC Entry Fee 135.00 Hakanson, Travis Fall 2024 Sports Worker 25.00 Hall, Payton JH VB Ref Oct 21, 2024 80.00 Hartley's School Buses October 2024 Contracted Busing 38,032.32 Helland, Gary JH/V VB Ref Oct 21, 2024 290.76 Helland, Jessica JH/V VB Ref Oct 21, 2024 344.32 Hiway Laundry September 24 Towels, Rags, Mops, Aprons 454.95 Hurtt, Mortenson & Rygh CPA Preparation of 6/30/24 Audit 10,500.00 Illerbrunn, Lindsey Fall 2024 Sports Worker 92.46 Johnson, Jesse Fall 2024 Sports Worker 50.00 Kakela, Kacy Teacher Name Badges 215.00 Kram, Amy FACS Supplies 97.95 Langdon Area Education Association Fall 2024 Sports Worker 400.00 Langdon Building Center Rebar/Titebond/Truss 119.83 Langdon Hardware and Rental Misc. Tools/Strainer/Power Strip/Water 365.28 Langdon Prairie Health DOT Physical JA 121.00 Leevers Foods October 2024 Groceries/Supplies 342.09 Lill, Dan Mini #1 Oil Change/Check Fluids 40.00 McDonald, Steve Fall 2024 Sports Worker 25.00 Midwest Technology Products Classroom Supplies - Amy Kram 105.48 Montana-Dakota Utilities November 2024 Natural Gas Bills 1,305.40 Mostad, Jeff Fall 2024 Sports Worker 145.00 NASCO Knives, Training Station, Sharpener 1,247.25 ND Bureau of Criminal Investigation BW Background Check 82.50 Network Services Company Custodial Supplies October 2024 1,832.81 North Dakota School Boards Association, Inc. Legal Services - Aug and Sept 2024 292.50 Ottertail Power Company September/October 2024 Electric Bills 25,637.83 Pengilly, Jessica Fall 2024 Sports Worker 45.00 Popplers Music Store Saxophone Repair/Music 340.95 Region IV Music and Speech Dues 125.00 Revel Hotel Minot SureStay VB Hotel Rooms 474.00 Rime, Patrick Fall 2024 Sports Worker 25.00 Rollness, Kyle Fall 2024 Sports Worker 220.00 Romfo, Meredith JH VB Ref Oct 21, 2024 80.00 Sanford Health Plan In/Out SD Health Ins. 24-25 4,254.14 Schneider, Shauna Per Diem Meals Oct. 23-25, 2024 66.00 SDI Innovations 2024 Student Planners 1,092.39 Smith, Brandon Fall 2024 Sports Worker 25.00 Start 2 Sew Hand Sewing Kits 139.01 United Communications November 24 Telephone/Fax Expenses 725.31 United State Postal Service Posatge 500.00 VISA - Cardmember Service Elem BB to Rolla 4,491.98 123,533.70 Building Fund Vendor Name Invoice Description Amount Daikin Applied Chiller Maintenence 2,833.00 Hansel Plumbing & Heating Winterize FB Field 1,030.00 Langdon Activity Center October 2024 BB/VB Bldg Rental 1,255.00 Marcotte's Builders Supply ES Door Supplies 954.08 Scholastic Equipment Company, LLC. Replacement Benches HS Commons 10,033.83 Trio Environmental Consulting, Inc. 3 Year Asbestos Re-Inspection 880.00 16,985.91

LANGDON AREA SCHOOL BOARD SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES November 7, 2024

Present: Dave Hart, Tiffany Hetletved, Tyler Feist, Dawn Kruk (by phone), Abby Borchardt, Daren Christianson (Supt.), and Shauna Schneder (Bus. Mgr.) Absent: Daren Bachman, and Loren Fetsch Chairman Dave Hart called the November 7, 2024, Special Board meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited

by all attendees.

Shauna Schneider reviewed the updated recommendation from Farmers Union regarding Medicare enrolled employees. Tiffany Hetletved made a motion that employees who are enrolled in Medicare will have the option to enroll in the school provided health insurance plan but will not be eligible for the District’s HSA plan per federal law, or the option to have the District

reimburse their annual cost for Medicare parts B, C, and D, with monthly payments through payroll, in the amount equal to or less than the individual cost the District pays for a single health insurance plan plus HSA. Abby Borchardt seconded the motion.

Motion was unanimously carried.

Tyler Feist made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Tiffany Hetletved seconded the motion. Motion was unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:38 a.m.

Board President Business Manager Received by The Borderland Press November 22, 2024

The Borderland Press

LANGDON AREA SCHOOL BOARD MEETING MINUTES October 21, 2024 | Langdon Area School Board Meeting Room Present: Dave Hart, Dawn Kruk, Tiffany Hetletved, Abby Borchardt, Loren Fetsch, Tyler Feist, Jacy Bata (Elementary Principal), Ethen Askvig (MS/HS Principal), Daren Christianson (Supt.), and Shauna Schneider (Bus. Mgr.) Absent: Daren Bachman Visitors: Catelyn Goodman Chairman Dave Hart called the October 21, 2024, Board meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all attendees. Chairman Dave Hart welcomed the visitor attending the meeting.

Preview of Agenda: Additional bills for approval were added to New Business.

Communications: Catelyn Goodman with Student Council gave an update to the Board on activities and events that have happened this year already and future activities and fundraising ideas.

Chairman Dave Hart asked for approval of the consent agenda. Tyler Feist made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included the September 16, 2024, Board Minutes, Bills, Business Manager Report, Activity Committee Minutes, Budget Hearing Minutes, and Pledge of Securities.

Abby Borchardt seconded the motion.

Motion was unanimously carried.

Administrators’ Reports: Daren Christianson’s report was reviewed by the Board. Topics of discussion included Principal Goals, Cognia, Elementary Chiller, Professional Development, Mandated Cyber Security Training, Admin Meetings, and ICS. Ethen Askvig’s report was reviewed by the Board. Topics of discussion included Students, End of Quarter, Cognia, Semester Test Exemption Policy, and Cardinal Time. Athletic Director report included Uniform History, Game One Contract, 3 Class Volleyball, New Districting for VB/BBB/GBB, Elementary Boys’ Basketball Numbers, and NDHSAA Postseason Online Tickets. He added that beginning the 2025-2026 season, Thompson will be in our region for football, and Bottineau will move west.

Jacy Bata’s report was reviewed by the Board. Topics of discussion included Elementary Sports and Activities, Academics, Events, and Drills. She added that the new staff at the Elementary have been great additions and staff overall is very positive.

Old Business: Daren Christianson stated that there has been some COVID. There will be an immunization clinic at the school.

New Business: School Board Convention is October 24th-25th in Bismarck. The Superintendent evaluation was reviewed by the Board with no changes or additions. Tiffany Hetletved made a motion to approve the Superintendent evaluation as presented. Loren Fetsch seconded the motion. Motion was unanimously carried. Shauna Schneider reviewed with the Board the recommendation from Farmers Union with our Medicare enrolled employees. The Board discussed options and concerns. Tiffany Hetletved made a motion to have Medicare enrolled employees covered under our health insurance and pay for their Medicare supplement part B up to $2,500. Tyler Feist seconded the motion. Motion was unanimously carried. Policies were reviewed by the Board. Loren Fetsch made a motion to rescind policy BDAA-Contracts Supersede Policy and Regulations.

Abby Borchardt seconded the motion. Roll call vote was unanimously carried. Dawn Kruk made a motion to amend and waive the second reading of policies FDE-Education of Special Education Students/Students With Disabilities, DGHA-Lactation/Breastfeeding, ABBB-Community Use of District Property, and DE-Staff Code of Conduct to reflect updated information to remain in compliance. Tiffany Hetletved seconded the motion. Roll call vote was unanimously carried.

Dave Hart reviewed additional bills needing approval. Loren Fetsch made a motion to approve additional bills as presented. Abby Borchardt seconded the motion. Motion was unanimously carried. Daren Christianson discussed with the Board Cardinal Vision current issues and future planning.

The Board consensus is to bring options back for discussion and approval. The Board has meetings with ICS on October 28th and 30th to review information and findings.

The next Board meeting will be Monday, November 18, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Loren Fetsch made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Dawn Kruk seconded the motion. Motion was unanimously carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:43p.m.

Board President Business Manager Received by The Borderland Press November 22, 2024

LANGDON AREA SCHOOL BOARD SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES October 28, 2024

Present: Dave Hart, Loren Fetsch, Tiffany Hetletved, Tyler Feist, Dawn Kruk, Daren Christianson (Supt.), and Shauna Schneder (Bus. Mgr.) Absent: Daren Bachman and Abby Borchardt Visitors: Jacy Bata, Hilary Nowatzki, DJ Bartley, Lynn Dyer, and Lori Christensen Chairman Dave Hart called the October 28, 2024, Special Board meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all attendees. Chairman Dave Hart welcomed the visitors attending the meeting.

Lori Christensen and Lynn Dyer with ICS reviewed and presented the Listening Session and Educational Adequacy Results with the Board.

Loren Fetsch made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Dawn Kruk seconded the motion. Motion was unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 6:01 p.m.

Board President Business Manager Received by The Borderland Press November 22, 2024

LANGDON AREA SCHOOL BOARD SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES October 30, 2024

Present: Dave Hart, Loren Fetsch, Tiffany Hetletved, Tyler Feist, Dawn Kruk, Abby Borchardt, Daren Christianson (Supt.), and Shauna Schneder (Bus. Mgr.) Absent: Daren Bachman Visitors: Jacy Bata, Ethen Askvig, Hilary Nowatzki, Mark Ondracek, Lori Christensen, and John Powers (virtual) Chairman Dave Hart called the October 30, 2024, Special Board meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all attendees. Chairman Dave Hart welcomed the visitors attending the meeting.

Lori Christensen, Mark Ondracek, and Lynn Dyer with ICS reviewed and presented the Facility Assessment Results and Demographics with the

Board.

The next step will be solutioning and prioritizing. ICS will be at the November 18th, 2024, meeting with an assessment overview presentation.

Loren Fetsch made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Dawn Kruk seconded the motion. Motion was unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 6:39 p.m.

Board President Business Manager Received by the Borderland Press November 22, 2024

Friday, November 29, 2024 - Page B7

The Borderland Press

State needs citizen help to get the lead out Lead service lines replacement started; schools, child care facilities not prioritized

By Michael Standaert, North Dakota Newspaper Cooperative

Like all states, North Dakota has been in the process of gathering records from municipal water systems and information from citizens about whether old lead service lines bring drinking water to homes.

This is part of a process of implementing the latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules on lead in service lines. The rules aim to protect people from exposure to lead in drinking water in their homes from pipes directly connected to municipal water sources before lead was banned in the 1986 Safe Drinking Water Act. Exposure to lead at an early age or within the womb has been shown to cause a range of serious health impacts, including irreversible effects on brain development in children.

This means higher rates of ADHD and behavioral issues that have impacts later in life, including delinquent, antisocial and criminal behavior, according to recent studies.

“Young children, because they’re growing so fast, the need for minerals and vitamins, their intake is very high,” said Sandra Washek, N.D. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). “The more you’re exposed to it, the more you suck it in.”

Around $25 million in federal funding has come to North Dakota’s state revolving fund this year to help cover the costs to replace those lines.

Nationally, $15 billion of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been invested to identify and replace lead service lines.

North Dakota receives approximately $28 million per year over five years for the program, with the first disbursement of $20 million coming in 2022.

Identifying the problem According to DEQ, a total of 5,170 lead service lines in North Dakota had been identified by mid-November and will need to be replaced. Another 430 galvanized lines previously connected to lines containing lead where lead deposits have formed will also need replacement.

With another 124,014 lines, however, it is unknown whether lead exists in those lines and could take resident reporting to discover the true number.

Altogether, there are 276,390 lines identified in the 310 public water systems across the state.

of $7,000 to $12,000 per line, with the portion borne by homeowners now capped at $1,000.

The EPA estimates over 22,000 lead service lines exist in the in North Dakota, according to a Freedom of Information Act request from the environmental law nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) that covered all states.

“I think reaching each and every household is just a challenge,” Parvey said.

By comparison, Minnesota’s estimates are for around 360,000 lines, South Dakota over 7,000, and Montana over 10,000.

DEQ has been working to understand the 800 plus pages of EPA rules on lead and copper lines to help public water systems comply.

Officials say more help from residents is needed to narrow down the number of unknown lines.

“We got round two, three and four of this inventory coming. So, if (water authorities) are out there, and if they're being asked on these surveys, being knocked on the door and stuff, please help these engineers and the public works people do this,” Washek said.

“Because if we can downsize those unknowns, and their line is non-lead, we can remove them off the list.”

Replacement will come with some costs to homeowners, however, with bills up to around $2,000, depending on how extensive the replacement is.

“Some cities are assessing those costs so they can be spread out over a longer period of time,” said Shannon Fisher, who is managing the program funds for DEQ. “A lot of homeowners, even if it’s $2,000 or whatever, that’s still a lot.”

Fisher said some municipalities are considering capping the costs for homeowners, contributing their own funds in addition to the federal money.

So far, Bismarck and Grand Forks have started replacing lead service lines, while Fargo and Dickinson are likely to start replacement in the near future, according to DEQ. Waiting lists have grown already in areas where replacement is underway, however, since the number of contractors is limited.

Grand Forks started its replacements in 2022, following the lead of Bismarck. A total of 51 homes have been scheduled for replacements, but challenges include cost and contractor availability, said Melanie Parvey, the city’s water director.

A total of around 1,000 lead service lines have been identified in Grand Forks, and another 700 are unknown.

Parvey estimates replacement costs

Outreach, which has included postcards and letters, has yielded only a 10% response rate.

The city has also advanced its meter replacement project, which will allow engineers the ability to check lines as meters are swapped.

“I think the biggest thing is we're willing to come out and help them figure out what they've got,” Parvey said.

“We don't charge anybody. We just come out and meet with them and help them figure out if it is a lead service line, and then if it is, we've got some funding, so we can help them if they have an interest.”

Schools, child care facilities not yet tested Separate from the lead service line replacement, but potentially as important, is a program for schools and child care facilities to check for lead pipes and fixtures in their water systems.

DEQ offers a lead hazard survey for any school to voluntarily check for lead levels, with federal grant funding available since 2017 to help pay for sampling and testing.

However, schools – and later child care facilities – faced a number of disincentives in going forward with testing and potential remediation.

If they did choose to test, they’d have to set up a website and hold meetings to educate staff and parents. If testing found a problem, they’d have to fix it themselves, Washek said.

Only one school in the state started its application process for testing water systems, Washek said, and a handful looked at testing lead paint, but no schools ever went through the full process.

“We had funding, but no one wanted it,” Washek said. “We had some surveys sent back to us on lead paint, but we’d ask, ‘Did you turn around and do this? Did you do this?’ … stuff like that. They sent it back, but a lot of them weren’t interested in testing.”

Under the new EPA lead and copper rule improvements, public water systems will be mandated to test schools and child care facilities once it goes into full effect in the state and within the next ten years.

Currently, only 10 states have requirements for mandatory testing at schools and child care facilities, including neighboring Minnesota.

Another nine states had mandatory testing rules, but these expired and were replaced by voluntary reporting systems.

The new EPA rules will eventually trigger public water systems in North Dakota to offer yearly testing, first at kindergarten and elementary schools since they’re at higher risk, then child care facilities, whether they’re inhome or stand alone, unless a building was constructed after the lead ban in the 1980s, Washek said.

Washek hasn’t seen much activism by parents pushing for testing at schools, but has seen some from parents living in rental units where children have tested for higher levels of lead in their blood.

Erik Olson, senior strategic director for health at the NRDC, said it is important for parents to take an active role in pushing for schools to test or potentially offer other solutions to make drinking water safe.

“A lot of parents aren’t aware that when you do the testing, in virtually every school that’s been tested anywhere in the country, you end up finding lead,” Olson said. “I think a lot of parents aren’t aware and would be very concerned if they learned that.”

Michigan, which has had major problems with lead, including finding high

lead exposure in around 100,000 residents in Flint a decade ago, has recently adopted a policy to “filter first” instead of simply ripping out and replacing systems where lead is found.

The Michigan policy calls for providing one filtered drinking water station per 100 students in public schools in the state.

Olson said the cost versus benefits are much greater with filtering than replacement. Good filtration catches all lead, even what might be missed during a replacement.

Over 10 years, filtering in Michigan schools would cost around $166 million compared to testing and fixing water lines, which is estimated to cost upward of $497 million, NRDC estimates.

“So it's basically a filtration station.

You can fill your water bottle or you can drink from the fountain. It filters out all the lead,” Olson said. “You know the kids are getting lead free water and you don't have to spend all your money ripping out pipes, and you don't have to spend all your money retesting and testing constantly, and you immediately know that the kids are getting safe water.”

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.

Friday, November 29, 2024 - Page B8

The Borderland Press

Poll: Broad support for funding childcare, school lunches, affordable housing Policies potentially forthcoming in next legislative session

By Michael Standaert, North Dakota News Cooperative A new statewide poll shows North Dakotans largely support state involvement in providing free school meals, funding childcare initiatives and helping build more affordable housing.

This support of big government expenditures comes despite a generally conservative political climate that favors curtailed spending and less government in North Dakota.

The poll, commissioned by the North Dakota News Cooperative, could also provide insight for legislators at the upcoming 69th Legislative Assembly which convenes on Jan. 7, 2025, on key areas of concern for state residents.

Large support free school meals An overwhelming majority of respondents support state involvement in providing free school meals for children, with 82% in favor and only 14% opposing. A total of 65% strongly favor providing free meals at schools.

That support is generally high among all age groups with the most opposition coming from men over 55 years of age.

Within party affiliation, 95% of Democrats, 82% of Independents and 76% of Republicans supported providing free meals at schools.

During the last legislative session, House Bill 1491 fell short of passing by one vote in the state Senate after passing the House. That bill would have provided free lunches for children from families at 200% of the federal poverty level - comparable to a family of three making around $60,000 at the time - and would have cost $6 million over the two years it was funded.

An earlier version of that bill had called for universal free school lunches - with a price tag of $90 million - but was modified to increase its chances of passing.

Yearning for more on childcare Broad support also appears to be growing for more state involvement in solving the childcare crisis. Major workforce challenges persist, creating gaps between supply of childcare spaces and strong demand. As more families move to the state to fill open positions, solving that crisis will be paramount to attract talent.

A total of 61% of respondents support state involvement in childcare, with 31% opposed. Support here was slightly more mixed, with 34% strongly supporting state involvement, and 21 percent strongly opposed. Support and opposition remained generally steady across all age groups, though the most support comes from respondents between the ages of 18-34.

Among party affiliation, 82% of Democrat, 57% of Republican and 55% of Independent respondents favored the state doing more.

In 2023, the legislature passed House Bill 1540, which provided $66 million in state funds for helping to alleviate workforce and other childcare challenges. At the time, some groups said it would take at least double or potentially triple that amount to really make a difference in addressing the crisis.

Respondents support affordable housing People also want the state to tackle the affordable housing crisis, with 68% believing the state should give more support and 22% opposing that support. A total of 48% definitely believe the state should do more in this area.

In mid-November, Gov. Doug Burgum released a proposed $96 million in recommendations for addressing housing needs. This included around $39 million for financing options to help cover gaps in developing single and multi-family homes, $23 million for grants toward rural and urban housing projects, and another $10 million for addressing homelessness.

The office of the governor will submit the recommendations to the legislature in December.

Splits on school choice For a question looking at whether North Dakotans would be in favor of using public dollars to support private schools, respondents were split: 45% in support, and 44% in opposition.

The numbers were evenly split on those who strongly supported or opposed school choice as well: 27% strongly support school choice, and 28% strongly oppose.

The latest poll also shows a move away from the two major parties when it comes to party affiliation. Only 29% consider themselves staunch Republicans and only 11% strong Democrats, while 37% identified as Independent.

Diving further into those numbers shows potentially where those trends are going: 47% of those between the ages of 18-34 consider themselves Independent.

For women ages 18-54, 45% see themselves as independent from either major party.

Among other poll questions related to government or government policy, North Dakotans took a generally positive view of state government. A total of 51% believe North Dakota lawmakers behave ethically compared to 35% who do not believe so.

On whether people see the state government as too big or not, the picture is mixed: 39% believe it is too big, and 38% do not believe so. A large chunk, at 23%, didn't know or refused to answer.

The North Dakota Poll surveyed 500 adults between Nov. 17-19, and has a margin of error of +/- 4.4%. The poll surveyed roughly equal numbers of men and women, as well as equally from the eastern and western halves of the state. The poll was conducted by national research firm WPA Intelligence.