Eagles, Cardinals
take flight in District 3 match up, p. B1
The official newspaper of Cavalier County Theborderlandpress.com
In this issue:
Friday, February 7, 2025
Volume 4, Number 5
Cavalier County Library kicks off Winter Reading BINGO and Community Book Discussion
Giving Hearts Day
By Rebecca Davis
Ag: A Soybean Symposium is set for March, Pg. A3
Community: Start planning your garden with Katie Henry, Pg. A6
Cavalier County Library Director Shannon Nuelle has announced that Winter Reading BINGO is officially underway, running from Feb. 1 through April 1. Adults ages 18 and older with a Cavalier County Library card are encouraged to participate. "On the bingo card, there are different genres, books, and activities to complete," said Nuelle. "When you get a BINGO, bring the card back to enter your name for a prize. We also have a couple of ways to earn a free square, such as checking out one of our kitchen gadgets." All participants who achieve at least one BINGO will win a prize with a drawing taking place on April 3, 2025. Cavalier County residents are eligible for a free library card, while residents of surrounding communities can obtain one for a $10 yearly fee. In addition to Winter Reading BINGO, Nuelle invites the community to check out ‘Salem’s Lot’ by Stephen King
and take part in a Community Book Discussion on March 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cavalier County Library. The discussion will be facilitated by UND Professor Michelle Sauer and is hosted in collaboration with the Northern Lights Arts Council. A limited number of copies are available for check out at the library. According to King’s website, ‘Salem’s Lot’ follows author Ben Mears, who returns to his hometown to write about a house that haunted him as a child only to discover that the town is overrun with vampires. As the undead claim more victims, Mears rallies a small group of believers to fight back. The book has been adapted into a film, now streaming on MAX. For more information about Winter Reading BINGO or the Community Book Discussion, visit the Cavalier County Library, check out their website at www.cavaliercountyndlibrary. com, call 701-256-5353, or email cavaliercountylibrary@gmail.com.
New bill introduced to potentially assist Frost Fire By Nick Vorlage
Views from the Borderland: The Moonlighters lit up the snow last weekend, Pg. B10
NLAC News – February 2025
By Amber Benoit, Executive Director of Marketing/Programming Greetings from the Northern Lights Arts Council! Giving Hearts Day is coming up on February 13. We’re raising funds for the Roxy Theater to put in new carpet, aisle lights, an outdoor lighted movie poster display box, and a row of “premium” seating. You can visit https://app.givingheartsday.org/#/ charity/1664 to donate anytime now through Feb. 13. Donations will be matched up to $6,000 thanks to our generous match donors: Choice Bank (Langdon), Mostad Insurance, Bachman Goodman Ag Services, and Langdon Implement. The Roxy Theater will be open on Giving Hearts Day from 3:30-5:30pm. Stop in and purchase concessions or drop off check donations. We know you’re looking forward to the musical, and we’re excited to announce ‘And All That Jazz,’ Jazz Hits from Broadway & Beyond, a Musical Revue. The musical is directed by Emily Braunberger and accompanied by Lisa Schuler and Lane Lindseth. It stars Bryan Hanson, Ryan Magnus, Anna Lill, Tina Olson, Erin Bachman, Courtney Short, Sierra Ferdon, Madilyn Crump, Claire Chaput, Jonathan Lill, Kartheek Chapara, and Brayden Harris. Tickets go on sale Monday, Feb. 17 at Choice Bank in Langdon and online at our.show/andallthatjazz. And ‘All That Jazz’ will be showing at the Roxy Theater Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7:00pm, Friday, February 28 cont’d. on page B8
Last week in the North Dakota Legislature, a new bill was introduced to potentially assist Frost Fire Park. House Bill 15-23 was introduced by Republican Representative Dave Monson of Osnabrock. He testified on behalf of the bill before the State House Ag Committee last week. “This is a bill for a request for $500,000 from SIF that would be a match,” said Monson. “They would have to raise $500,000.” “SIF,” meaning the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund, would also be considered a one-time funding item. Monson explained the funds would be used towards repairs at the Park, pointing out the summer theater in particular. “The biggest problem was a couple years ago, the snow load on the outdoor theater roof caused it to col-
lapse,” Monson stated. Also heard during the testimony was Cole Garmen, the outreach chief for the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department. The Department is taking a neutral stance on the bill due to their position, but Garmen said improving Frost Fire Park could, in turn, assist the recently announced Pembina Gorge State Park. “Four season recreation is something that's slightly unique to N.D. The fact that we're building this new state park in the Pembina Gorge right down the road from Frost Fire definitely would be a symbiotic relationship for the Pembina Gorge State Park, for recreators to go during the day to Frost Fire and stay at night at the park,” explained Garmen. The committee did not immediately act upon the bill.
approaches By The Borderland Press staff Giving Hearts Day is a 24-hour fundraising event dedicated to supporting nonprofits across the Upper Midwest. Since its launch in 2008, it has helped local organizations raise an impressive $195 million through 2024. This year, Giving Hearts Day takes place on Feb. 13, continuing its mission to uplift communities. However, it’s more than just a one-day event; it’s a year-round initiative. The skills and strategies nonprofits develop while participating enable them to build sustainable fundraising systems for long-term success. The event is co-hosted by the Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF), the Impact Foundation, and the Alex Stern Family Foundation. DMF has invested over $100 million in health initiatives,
empowering regional nonprofits and fostering innovative solutions to improve community well-being. Through Giving Hearts Day, nonprofits also gain access to valuable resources from the Impact Foundation, including fundraising assessments, training, and coaching. By sharing best practices and proven strategies, the Impact Foundation helps organizations maximize their reach and impact. Giving Hearts Day also impacts numerous small town initiatives, groups, schools, and nonprofits. Donations made on Giving Hearts Day help these charities flourish throughout the year.
TRADE WAR AND TARIFFS TEMPORARILY DELAYED By Nick Vorlage
A potential trade war between the US and Canada has been delayed. Following a phone meeting between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Donald Trump on Monday, the looming tariff war has been halted for the time being. This comes after Trudeau’s second call to President Trump, even though Trump indicated there wasn’t anything Canada could bring to the table to change his mind. According to Trudeau, the tariffs have been delayed until March 1. Earlier in the day on Monday, it was announced that Mexico had worked out a deal to delay the tariffs against their country for one month, also.
Trudeau would detail part of the deal he and President Trump agreed to on the same day, all of which indicates a strong crackdown on the drug trade. Via social media, Trudeau announced Canada will, “list drug cartels as terrorists, ensure 24/7 [monitoring] of the US-Canada border, launch a Canada-US Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl, and money laundering.” Trudeau would further announce Canada will be appointing a Fentanyl Czar, as well as signing a new intelligence directive to focus on organized crime and fentanyl.
FANS DON’T LET FANS DRIVE DRUNK Make a game plan for the big game and commit to sober driving Langdon, N.D.— For the big game on Sunday, February 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Cavalier County Health District, and Cavalier County Sheriff’s Department are teaming up to remind drivers: Fans don’t let fans drive drunk. Get ahead of the game and create your plan now. If you’re going out to a party and you plan to drink alcohol, make sure you plan for a designated driver to get you home safely at the end of the night. If you’re hosting a party, prepare plenty of food and non-alcoholic drink options for your guests, especially for the designated drivers. If you’re a designated driver, be the night’s MVP and keep that commitment front and center. Host a winning party If you’re hosting a party for the big game, prepare plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks for your guests and the designated drivers. Ask your guests to designate their sober drivers in advance. Remind drinking guests that they have a long evening
ahead of them, and encourage them to pace themselves, to eat food, and to drink plenty of water.
ter drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Impairment clouds a person’s judgment.
Another important reminder: Never serve alcohol to minors. If an underage person drinks and drives, the person who provided the alcohol can be held liable for any damage, injury, or death caused by the underage driver.
If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive.
Be the DD MVP If you’re planning to be a designated driver, know that you’re the night’s MVP. Commit to a sober evening. If you are attending a party or are at a bar or restaurant, enjoy the food, the company, and the nonalcoholic drinks. Your positive influence could help keep others on the right track. If someone you know has been drinking and tries to drive, take their keys and help them get home safely. Remember: You’re the night’s quarterback, and others are relying on you. Drivers should be safe during the big game by planning ahead if they intend to drink. They shouldn’t wait until af-
Take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots a drunk driver, contact the Cavalier County Sheriff’s Department by calling 911. For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/ drunk-driving.
News
Friday, February 7, 2025 - Page A2
News briefs
From The Borderland News Center Deepfake legislature In the North Dakota Legislature on Monday, House Bill 13-86 passed on the House floor with a definitive 91-2 vote. The bill looks to criminalize deepfake child sex abuse material created with AI technology, whether it be image, video, or audio. The bill, if signed into law, would make possessing such material either a class C or class B felony. Dunseith woman sentenced On Monday, Dunseith resident Darla Rae Belgarde, 37, was sentenced to 20 years with the North Dakota Department of Corrections, first serving six, for drug related offenses. In October 2024, Belgarde was arrested in Grand Forks County while transporting a group from Detroit to the Turtle Mountain Reservation while in possession of 195 grams of fentanyl. Bill looks to end funding for Prairie Public The North Dakota House on Monday voted in approval of House Bill 12-55, which looks to end the state funding Prairie Public Broadcasting. Lawmakers in favor of cutting funding to the state’s public broadcasting channel accuse Prairie Public of being biased in their reporting. The House vote was 61-32; it now heads to the Senate. FBI offers reward in decade old case The FBI has announced they are offering a $5,000 reward for information which leads to the arrest and conviction in a case nearly 10 years old. In December 2015, officials on the Turtle Mountain Reservation discovered the body of Michael Wilmot Azure, 31, of Belcourt. To this day, no suspects have been named. People with information are asked to call 763-5698000.
Proposal of public charter schools House Bill 13-58, which looked to create 27 public charter schools in the state by 2029, failed to pass on the House floor on Monday. The final vote on the House floor was 45-44 in favor, but it required at least 48 votes to pass. A similar bill, Senate Bill 2241, which looks to establish a charter school framework, was heard in a committee hearing on Monday. Grand Forks in favor of new casino The Grand Forks City Council earlier this week voted 4-2 in favor of a letter of intent from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa towards the eventual construction of a resort and casino outside of Grand Forks. The letter is only the first of many steps which will need to be completed by the tribe, including the passage of new bills currently being reviewed by the state legislature. Burgum officially sworn in Doug Burgum has been officially sworn into the position of the Secretary of the Interior. In this new title, the former N.D. governor will work with the newly formed National Energy Council and, according to President Trump and Burgum himself, will be focusing on deregulations, primarily to speed up how the country produces energy. Man submits guilty pleas for federal crimes Grand Forks resident Ian Paul Kramchuck, 20, has submitted guilty pleas to federal crimes. Back in August, Kramchuck was involved in an armed robbery of a gas station on University Ave. Kramchuck is scheduled to be sentenced in May. Kramchuck is also named in a district court case where he faces 28 other charges connected to a string of robberies and thefts.
Northern Lights Arts Council is blending creativity with nature By Rebecca Davis
The Northern Lights Art Council (NLAC) is offering a unique opportunity for local art enthusiasts with its upcoming Pottery and Plant Class. Designed for adults of all experience levels, the class will guide participants through the process of hand-crafting ceramic planters and glazing their creations before an optional fourth night at a local garden center to select plants for their handmade pottery. The idea for this class originated from a high school art project led by Mindi Lill, who has taught K-12 art at Langdon Area Schools since 2008 and has advised the LAHS Art Club since 2016. Lill initially introduced the concept as a creative activity for her students, having them craft their own ceramic planters and later visit Langdon Hardware’s Garden Center to purchase plants for them. When photos of the project were shared on-
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line, community members expressed strong interest in a similar class for adults. This enthusiastic response led to the development of the NLAC Pottery and Plant Class. Over the course of three evenings, participants will learn various hand-building techniques to create two to three unique planters, which they will also glaze. An optional fourth session at the garden center will allow students to choose and purchase plants to complement their new pottery pieces. Although the class has already reached full capacity, a waiting list is available, and plans are in place to offer a second session later this spring or summer. Those interested in future offerings can follow the NLAC Facebook page for updates on upcoming classes and events.
The Borderland Press
Grafton farmer faces civil lawsuit for wrongful death By Mike Alan Steinfeldt
A Grafton man is now facing a civil lawsuit over the death of a Wheatland, N.D. man, stemming from an accident that occurred in Walsh County in November of 2022. Chris R. Thompson was originally charged with criminal vehicular homicide in the death of Jason Schatzke, 48, after the accident which occurred on Nov. 12, 2022. According to the complaint in the case - sworn by Schatzke’s widow, Tonya Thompson was driving a 2022 GMC Yukon owned by the Schatzke’s on the night of the accident. Tonya Schatzke claims that Thompson agreed to be the sober driver of the Yukon and on the night in question failed to exercise reasonable care in operation of the vehicle, resulting in the accident that killed her husband. Tonya contends that Thompson, instead of abstaining from alcohol, drank throughout the night at several different establishments in Walsh County as the group of six traveled the county, stopping at several bars. At one point in the evening, Thompson was driving the Yukon on Walsh County Road 9, east of Edinburg, when he lost control of the vehicle on a curve in the road and struck a tree. Moments before the crash, Jason
Schatzke had unbuckled his seat belt to make a cell phone call. The force of the collision with the tree threw Jason into the second-row driver's side window of the vehicle. Jason died on scene moments after the crash. Following the accident, Thompson agreed to a breath test at the scene, and it revealed a blood alcohol level of .134. Thompson was arrested and originally charged with driving under the influence causing injury or death, a class C felony, and driving under the influence vehicular homicide, a class A felony, resulting from the accident. Just days before the accident, Thompson had been elected to the Walsh County Board of Commissioners. Following his arrest, he resigned his seat. At the time of his death, Jason was the treasurer of the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association and Thompson vice president of the Sugarbeet Research and Education Board. In the litigation process that followed, a coroner determined that Schatzke didn’t die as a result of the accident but died from a heart attack caused by a heart condition. Thompson’s lawyer asked for the charges against Thompson to be dismissed, since it
couldn’t be proven conclusively that Jason died from the impact of the crash. After a months-long process, the more serious charges were dismissed. Thompson was then charged with the class A misdemeanor of reckless endangerment and pled guilty in Sept. 2023 and was sentenced to 18 months of probation. On Jan. 23, Tonya would file a civil lawsuit in Northeast District Court in Grafton on the grounds of wrongful death. A re-construction of the accident scene by a North Dakota Highway Patrol trooper alleges that Thompson was traveling between 18 and 34 mph above the recommended speed coming out of a curve in the road where he lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree. Jason was survived by his wife, Tonya, and their three children. Tanya is seeking damages in excess of $10 million and is requesting a trial with six jurors in Walsh County. A trial date has yet to be set.
NDSU Extension 4-H Youth Development initiative awarded $250,000 CHS Foundation Grant NDSU Extension’s Center for 4-H Youth Development has announced that the Next Chapter at NDSU initiative has been selected to receive a $250,000 grant from the CHS Foundation. Only one program per college is eligible to compete for the award. The Next Chapter at NDSU initiative is a career readiness curriculum for youth as young as eighth grade. Through hands-on activities participants explore their passions, develop critical life skills and map out pathways toward post graduation goals. The curriculum features 17 adaptable and updated lesson plans. Topics include goal-setting, time management, resume writing and financial management. Delivered in the classroom, after school and in 4-H club settings, the program aims to prepare youth to succeed in their future careers and lives. “This recognition highlights our and the CHS Foundation’s unwavering commitment to empowering youth and cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders,” said Leigh Ann Skurupey, assistant director of 4-H Youth Development.
The Next Chapter at NDSU initiative is a career readiness curriculum designed to help youth succeed in their post graduation endeavors. (NDSU photo)
The Next Chapter at NDSU initiative is a response to a national survey of high schoolers indicating they do not feel prepared for a job after graduation and want an educational pathway that is shorter, more affordable and connected to a career.
port North Dakota 4-H and its Next Chapter at NDSU program,” said Megan Wolle, CHS Foundation president. “This work is both creative and grounded in research for youth development. We’re grateful for the strong program leadership that will help develop the next generation of agriculture leaders in N.D.”
“The CHS Foundation is proud to sup-
In 2023, CHS was recognized as an
NDSU Foundation Partner in Excellence. CHS’s past contributions include the CHS Endowed Chair in Risk Management and Trading in 2015, a grant to support NDSU’s precision agriculture program in 2022 and 10 annual CHS Foundation Scholarships for students pursuing a degree in the NDSU College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources.
Agriculture
The Borderland Press
Friday, February 7, 2025 - Page A3
NDSU Soybean Symposium set for March 20
Sooner rather than later – House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson did not give a timeline for the farm bill but said it would happen sooner rather than later. “The longer we wait into the fall, the more likely we’re going to have to come back next December and ask for more economic disaster relief,” said Thompson. “Producers don’t want that, and we don’t want to do that; we won’t have to do that if we get this farm bill that has such a strong safety net component in it passed sooner than later.” Cramer defends RFK Jr. despite ag concerns – Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services has stirred controversy, particularly within the agriculture industry. Kennedy’s past remarks, including calling glyphosate a ‘poison’ and large-scale hog farmers a greater threat to democracy than Osama bin Laden. A ’Farm Journal’ survey showed that 90 percent of respondents believed his leadership would negatively impact agriculture. North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer disagrees, arguing that despite Kennedy’s controversial past statements, he is likely to take a practical approach that considers the needs of farmers. “He has concerns about the food processing, he has concerns about transparency,” said Cramer. “He, and more importantly, President Trump and the
people around him, certainly understand that you cannot feed a growing, hungry population in the world on the same number of acres in the world without understanding that you have to have big agriculture.” A crop insurance change in canola – Northern Canola Growers Executive Director Barry Coleman expects canola acres to be down slightly in 2025. The reduction in acres in northeastern N.D. will likely be offset somewhat by a slight increase in the southwestern corner of the state due to a crop insurance change. “We’re very pleased that RMA granted an extension of the final plant dates, so in the southwest part of the state growers will have until May 25 to get the crop in the ground which is an extra 10 days from last year,” said Coleman. “Forty counties in the state were changed with the dates, so there’s an extra week in some areas, an extra five days in others, so it’s going to help growers with their planting this year and getting the crop in the ground.” Regina Ag projects suspended – Federated Cooperatives has suspended its plans for a renewable diesel plant and a joint venture canola crushing project at its proposed Integrated Agriculture Complex in Regina, Saskatchewan. Regulatory and political uncertainty were given as the reason for the decision.
Scientists of all disciplines are invited to participate in accelerating soybean innovation during the fifth annual NDSU Soybean Symposium on March 20 at the NDSU Memorial Union in Fargo, N.D. The symposium begins at 8 a.m. and concludes at 6 p.m. Supported by the North Dakota Soybean Council, the symposium strategically bridges multiple disciplines: soybean pathology, production and agronomy, breeding and new-uses research to foster collaboration. Participants can expect to build exchanges and develop new networks for cutting-edge research. “The main goal of the symposium is to bring a mix of specializations together, including new research and end-use partnerships,” said Ana Carcedo, NDSU Extension broadleaf crops agronomist and symposium organizer. The symposium features keynote speakers Daryl Ritchison, North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network director and North Dakota State Climatologist, and Barry McGraw, Airable Research Lab founder and chief lab officer. The day will conclude with an engaging farmer panel, where N.D. farmers will share insights into soybean production and discuss the future of the crop. Students are invited to submit an abstract of their soybean-related research for a chance to present at the
The goal of the NDSU Soybean Symposium is to bring a mix of specializations together, including new research and end-use partnerships. (NDSU photo)
symposium, either as a poster or an oral presentation. Students are eligible to win a cash prize while contributing to the future of the soybean industry. Abstract submissions for the competition are due on Feb. 28. There is no fee to participate, but registration is required. To register for the
symposium and submit an abstract, visit ndsu.ag/soybeansymposium. For more information, please contact Ana Carcedo at 701-831-5796 or a.carcedo@ndsu.edu, or Richard “Wade” Webster at richard.webster@ ndsu.edu.
Forage Matters: Keep the cow herd rumen healthy during winter drylot By James Rogers, Forage crops production specialist, NDSU Extension
NDSU crop budget projections show minimal returns for 2025 The North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension projected crop budgets for 2025 are available for the state’s farmers, said Ron Haugen, NDSU Extension farm management specialist. The projected profits vary by region and crop. “In general terms, these budgets are guides for large multicounty regions,” said Haugen. “Returns and costs can vary considerably between producers within a region. Also, the budgets estimate returns to labor and management with no consideration of price and yield variability or risk. A perfect comparison of crops is not achieved because different levels of labor, management and risk exist.” “Regarding the 2025 budgets, soil fertility levels for the state are lower than average,” said Haugen. “The heavy rains and good crop yield last year contributed to this. The fertilizer prices are flat to down slightly, but the application rate will be higher because of the lower fertility. Thus, the overall fertilizer cost will be somewhat higher than 2024.”
Health Tip
Provided by Cavalier County Health District Feb 7: February is National Heart Month. Taking care of your heart can be as simple as the ABCDE’S. Talk with your healthcare team about taking Aspirin as directed by your healthcare provider, Blood pressure control, Cholesterol management, Diet, Exercise, and quitting Smoking.
“This year in most regions and for most crops the projected profitability is low or negative,” Haugen shared. “Costs, as a total, are somewhat higher, but lower commodity prices are the main contributor to the lower profitability.” “Chemical expenses are generally flat. Fuel costs, interest costs and crop insurance premiums are down. Ownership costs and repairs are up. Some specialty crops may show a positive return, but usually have limited contracts and acreages, and also may have higher risk,” he continued. These budgets are intended to be used as a guide. Each individual is encouraged to develop their own budgets with their specific estimates. The NDSU Extension budgets are available online at ndsu.ag/cropbudgets, or by searching online for NDSU Crop Budgets. Online, a PDF version is available as well as Excel spreadsheets for producers to fill in their own estimates. Hard copies are available at NDSU Extension county offices.
Over the holiday season, humans may experience stomach churning caused by a change in diet to rich holiday food. Stomach churning is not enjoyable for humans to experience and calls for a bottle of antacid. Stomach churning is a good thing, however, for cows. A cow’s stomach churning indicates a healthy rumen system, which is the movement of the rumen and reticulum to mix all the ingested food with rumen fluid and microbes. Additional indicators of a healthy rumen are a balance of fiber- and starch-digesting bacteria and a neutral pH. Cow herds across the Northern Plains spend the grazing season out on a pasture and range consuming forages with rumen fiber-digesting microbes. Once the grazing season is over, many cow herds spend the winter months in a drylot. Moving from pasture and range to a drylot is a major diet change and, if done incorrectly, can damage the rumen in a way that a bottle of antacids can’t fix. A management goal for the cow herd during the drylot period should be to maintain a healthy rumen environment. Once grass returns in the spring and the cow herd is returned to grazing, the rumen is churning and a re-adjustment period back to grazing is not required.
This diet shift can mean changing from forages containing 80% moisture to dry hay with 15% moisture. Depending on the nutrient content of the hay, a supplement may compensate for any nutrient deficiencies. There is no way of knowing forage nutrient content without forage testing. This means that the cow herd must adjust to the type of forage being consumed and the supplement type, grain (which has high starch content) or co-product (which has high digestible fiber content). Moving from a high forage to a high concentrate (starch) diet can cause rapid changes in the rumen environment. If a change in diet occurs too quickly, the rumen walls can get damaged. This causes a decrease in rumen pH, a shift in the type of rumen bacteria and a decrease in stomach churning, which can lead to bloat, acidosis or founder. This can happen when a starch supplement is fed beyond 0.5% of body weight daily. This effect can be avoided if a cow is fed highly digestible fiber such as in soybean hulls, corn gluten feed or dried distillers grain. Another management strategy to control drops in rumen pH is to ensure adequate fiber in the diet. Fiber stimulates cud chewing and saliva production, which buffers a drop in rumen pH. Fiber that supports rumen health
is related to particle size and is referred to as “effective fiber” or scratch factor. Many producers will grind or chop hay that has low nutrient content and blend it with a supplement that is fed together as a mixed ration. Effective fiber is reduced, however, if the hay is ground too finely. To maintain effective fiber, a half-inch chop is recommended. A huge part of maintaining a healthy cow herd is maintaining a healthy rumen. Cows are stressed when their diet is changed. Once the cow herd has transitioned to a drylot, maintain a steady, consistent dry matter feed intake. Ensure there is adequate fiber in the diet to stimulate rumen-churning and cud-chewing and always have ample water supplies available.
James Rogers is a North Dakota State University Extension forage crops production specialist at the North Central Research Extension Center near Minot, North Dakota.
Opinion
Friday, February 7, 2025 - Page A4
The Borderland Press
Letter from the Publisher ogize in advance if you run into me and I start the whining. I’ll try to rein myself in before it becomes too terrible, but if you go first, I’m going to join right in with you.
When people around me complain about the cold, I usually say to myself, “what do you expect, it’s winter in North Dakota.” Well, this winter something in my brain has snapped, and all I want to do is complain about the cold, the wind and the driving conditions. I apol-
Recently, I experienced two root canals at an endodontist in Grand Forks. I’m not a fan of dentistry, but I have to admit neither were a bad experience in any way. As usual, when you have it in your mind that something is going to be the worst experience of your entire life - it never really is as bad as you expected. Now, this means I need two crowns and will be travelling to Grafton this week for those. (An active community with endless opportunity, according to the website.) I’ll post a link to my gofundme page shortly. I’m kidding, but cripes! I could book a nice long weekend at the beach for
what these procedures are costing. I took in a couple peewee hockey games last weekend at the famous Dakota Spirit Arena, right here in Langdon. Both games ended 2-2 and went on to overtime. The first game had a 10 minute OT, and it was still a tie at the end of that. They then moved on to a shootout with three players on each team taking their best whack at the net, one on one with the goalie. This is a goalie mother’s nightmare. Trust me, I’ve experienced this a few times. We won the shootout, so we all cheered in relief and praised the team. The second game also ended 2-2, another 10 minutes went up on the board. Well, we didn’t have to wait long. Just eight seconds into the 10 minutes we scored, bringing down the house again! You can’t beat the
entertainment provided by our local hockey teams and the LRSC Royals playing two games here also did a great job and packed the house. Don’t you just love soup season? I’ve made a couple soups in the crockpot since the new year, and we take great comfort in them. The first was a vegetable beef recipe that uses V8 as the broth. It’s a recipe that Holly Lyons has in one of the community cookbooks, and it’s a real doozy - so easy and makes a big batch so you can freeze some. The second was a chicken taco soup that we devoured in two days. Not sure which one will be next - maybe a cabbage roll soup that I haven’t tried yet but have had the recipe for a while with good intentions. The in-
ventor of the crockpot should be President of the United States, right? No further comment on that subject. I hope you’ve managed to dodge the flu or whatever this crud is that’s having its way with our school children and many others in our community. Rest and stay hydrated. I need to take my own advice on that. So far, so good. Thank you to all of you for reading and supporting The Borderland Press!
Diane Simmons
Publisher publisher@theborderlandpress.com
Letter from the Editor: The cat vomit heater and a broken laptop perfect location, inside the vents of the underbelly of my laptop.
Well, my Tuesday morning is going anything BUT smoothly. I woke up with a raging headache, and once I fought that off enough to get into the office, I opened up my laptop to learn that it had crashed. When I got done working for the evening yesterday, I sat it in the nook between my nightstand and bed, as usual. At some point during the night, I spilled a glass of water that was only about a quarter full in the
Now I’m at the office trying to type on my friend’s laptop, and my fingers seem to have no idea where they are going on this unfamiliar keyboard. Before I hopped on this laptop, though, I made a last ditch effort to see if I could salvage my old one. That thing survived a car accident that my left eye didn’t even survive; I still have hope for it. I have built somewhat of a shrine to the technology gods in the middle of the office floor. I took the back off of my laptop and removed the battery and hard drive; thanks to Nick Vorlage for having the right tiny tools to do so with. I then laid down a couple of plastic bags and a mountain of white rice, upon which I laid the exposed underbelly of the laptop on.
A few feet away from the shrine is our office heater. This isn’t any old space heater. It has this neat effect where every 15-30 seconds you will regularly hear the sound of what you would swear is a cat preparing to vomit. It’s never the same sound twice, which makes it even more bizarre, and I constantly feel the need to look for my cat, Charlie, somewhere hacking up a hairball.
top saga.
I’m hoping the combination of rice and cat-vomit sounding heat will dry up whatever moisture is left in there. I will keep you posted next week to see if it revived or if I made a trip to Best Buy over the weekend.
tion. We will see.
I left my computer for a minute while I was in the middle of writing this column to go donate blood at St. A’s. (If you don’t donate and can, you should!) When I came back, my heart was warmed when it came to the lap-
Rather than having an altar in the middle of the floor to the technology gods, Nick had nicely cleaned up my makeshift drop cloth (two grocery store bags), along with a bit of rice that I’m sure had scattered on the carpet. Instead, my computer was safely stored with its rice in a container that actually fit it, and it had a lid. Hopefully this will aid in water absorp-
If you’ve never met Nick, you’re missing out. Although he is elusive, he is the greatest guy ever and certainly the most grounded of all of us at Simmons, including Bob. Nick is our
radio news director, and he spends countless hours behind the mic providing the radio with news, agricultural updates, and local happenings. He wears way too many hats and is an asset to us!
Hilary Nowatski Editor
editor@theborderlandpress.com
My new and improved science experiment thanks to Nick Vorlage.
The Morning Stroll and Cuppa Joe: Love affair with Lauermans
By Sara Goodman If there’s one thing I’ve learned through my 15 or so years of youth sports, it’s to always be prepared mainly with warm clothes, blankets, and copious amounts of snacks. It doesn’t matter if it’s baseball season in mid-July or basketball season in mid-January, layers are key. You’re headed to a baseball game in July and it’s 90 degrees at first pitch? Don’t be fooled into thinking that your tank top and shorts will last until the end. By the time you’re in the 3rd inning of the second game, the sun is setting, and you’re in North Dakota. Time to bust out the sweatshirts and lap
blankets. Basketball and volleyball games are no exception. I’ve been in many gyms where I never take my coat off.
back almost 30 years to Fargo and a well-known (at the time) establishment near the NDSU campus called Lauerman’s Number Two Saloon.
Along with warm clothes and blankets, I always pack snacks. There have been a few occasions when I’ve left the house without my snack cooler, and this is always when the concession stand runs out of food and the gas stations are closed or non-existent. Everyone is hungry, and the only thing I can scrape up is a half full bag of stale sunflower seeds. This is the worst-case scenario. I can usually dig out a smushed protein bar from between the seats, but there have been a few times when the seed bag gets emptied because I forgot the snack cooler.
The first time I was introduced to the interior of Lauerman’s Number Two Saloon I was with my older, wiser, more adventurous sister. She was practically foaming at the mouth when we sat down; she was so excited to order us schooners of beer along with a side of pretzels, ranch, and pickled eggs. I took one bite of egg, dipped a few pretzels in ranch, washed it all down with a sip of icecold beer from my massive schooner, and I was hooked. I knew then that this was going to be where I spent the majority of my downtime in between studying and going to church.
This past weekend, a fellow hockey mom with just as many years of youth sports experience mixed up a batch of spicy pretzels to add to goody bags for the players. On the way home, Catelyn dug into her bag of treats and started munching on the pretzels. Before she could devour the entire bag, she unwillingly let me try one. I felt my eyes glaze over as the pretzels took me
Soon after meeting Greg my junior year, we headed to my favorite establishment for a date night. On the way in, Greg mentioned that he knew one of the waitresses. We took about two steps into the bar when said waitress, Angie, noticed us walk in, yelled at Greg, and hurried over to be introduced to me. Before Greg could say “hi,” Angie pulled him into a big hug,
and like many of you, Di and I have become ‘educated’ in navigating all things Medicare. In addition, we had to get our prescription plans set up along with supplemental coverages. Since turning 65, I’ve also noticed a change in dialogue with medical staff. Now the initial conversation typically goes something like this:
I guess, except that after my wife drinks a six pack of beer she likes to put out her cigarette on my arm, but other than that I feel safe.” Nurse, shaking her head, “I’ll just put down you feel safe.”
released him and immediately turned to me and pulled me in like an overzealous aunt. This was a tad awkward because Angie is tall, probably a hair over six foot one or two. I’m five foot six. She pulled me straight in, and my face landed somewhere I didn’t want it to be. I’ll let you use your imagination to figure out where that was. Awkward introductions aside, Angie was a hoot and a great waitress, and we saw her frequently on our excursions to Lauerman’s. Every now and then, we ventured downtown and ended up at Lauerman’s on Broadway. Yes, there were two locations, it was that popular. Everywhere you looked, customers were sipping on their schooners and inevitably had several empty plastic baskets lined with paper and pretzel residue littering the table. I’d love to know how many pickled eggs, pretzels and ranch baskets were ordered between the two locations over the years. My sister and I had to have consumed hundreds just between the two of us and whoever else we happened to be hanging out with. My cousin, PJ, was crazy about those eggs, and whenever he came to Fargo
for a visit, Lauerman’s was first on his list. My brother and sister-in-law were such big fans that my sister-in-law has, over the years, perfected a copycat pickled egg recipe that produces jars of the delicacy at family reunions and branding weekends. Local watering holes- can someone please add a pickled eggs, pretzels and ranch basket to the menu? I’ll be your first customer! Sara Goodman is an avid walker who says her best ideas come to her after a morning pot of coffee. She grew up on a cattle ranch in Watford City, N.D. After many years working in healthcare, she now writes, is a substitute teacher and occasionally lends a hand to her hard-working hubby on the farm. She volunteers on several boards and committees in the Langdon community and attends social outings as much as possible. The Goodman house has two kids at home, one in college and two spoiled cats.
Bob on Medicare
By Bob Simmons, CEO, Simmons Multimedia So, we both turned 65 last summer,
Nurse, “Hello Mr. Simmons, did you fall down lately?” Me, “No, I’ve not fallen recently, but thanks for asking.” Nurse, “Mr. Simmons do you feel safe in your home?” Me, “Do I feel safe in my home?” Nurse, “Yes, do you feel safe in your residence?” Me, “Well
After my annual physical in November, my primary physician was kind enough to schedule me for another colonoscopy and endoscopy. The colonoscopy looks up your old address; the endoscopy looks down your throat into your stomach. My doctor always tells me he is sure to clean the hose in between procedures before putting it down my throat. Nice guy.
Back in my 50’s I was diagnosed with something called Barrett’s Esophagus. This affects the lining of the esophagus and is caused by GERD or acid reflux. It’s often diagnosed in high strung Type-A white males over the age of 50. That’s me. You want to keep an eye on this condition, as if it doesn’t heal and you don’t take care of it, one can develop esophageal cancer, and that’s a particularly nasty situation. So guys, if you have indigestion and you’re constantly popping TUMS, see your doc! I can’t think of another procedure that raises peoples’ anxiety and blood
pressure other than the colonoscopy. A quick polling of my friends and associates reveals a number of funny names that have become associated with the dreaded colonoscopy. Would you like to see the short list? OF COURSE YOU WOULD! Here we go.... #5 The Hamstercam, #4 Bumblectomy, #3 Cornholeoscopy, #2 Pooperazzi, #1 Butt Mitzvah. After the doctor was done with my colonoscopy, he asked if I had any questions. I said – do you do birthday parties? I see you laughing....
Community
The Borderland Press
Friday, February 7, 2025 - Page A5
Pembilier Nursing Center: Listening By Heather Duerre, Life Enrichment Director
had the chance to sit down and chat with a few of our residents. Here are some questions I asked and the answers that were given to me.
Greetings from all of us at PNC! One of my favorite things about my job is listening to the stories and memories of our residents. Occasionally, if the opportunity presents itself, I like to ask a group of residents a question then sit back and listen to the different answers. On this particular day, I
How do you want to be remembered by others? •I hope my kids and grandkids remember me as a good mom and grandma that believed in the Lord. •I want to be remembered by all the things I have done. •I want people to think of me as someone who got along with everyone. •I want people to remember everything I’ve done. •I want people to remember me as someone who always told the truth. •I want people to remember me however they want to! What are you most proud of? •I am most proud of my family.
Wandering in Walhalla By Rebecca Davis
mother, it is impossible not to think of my own daughter, Amelia. She is 12 years old and skates in Langdon. It is easy to picture those young skaters, their dedication and determination, their laughter with teammates, their hopes for the future. It is heartbreaking to know those futures were taken far too soon.
As I sit down to write this, my heart is heavy with grief and unanswered questions surrounding American Airlines Flight 5342. The news of the crash has stirred something deep within me—an ache for the families who have lost loved ones, for the parents who sent their children off to chase their dreams, and for the figure skating community that now mourns some of its brightest young talents. I have never been one to embrace flying. Before September 2020, I swore that if God had intended for me to take to the skies, He would have given me wings. That fall, I found myself with no other choice but to board a plane. My fear never truly disappeared; I just buried it beneath the necessity of the moment. Now, hearing of this tragedy, that old anxiety has crept back in, settling like an unwelcome weight on my chest. Nearly half of the passengers on board were part of the figure skating community. They were returning from a development camp in Wichita, Kansas - a trip much like the ones we send our own young athletes on - filled with the promise of growth and the excitement of chasing dreams. The skaters ranged in age from 11 to 16. As a
For those left behind, the pain is unimaginable. The parents who kissed their children goodbye, expecting to see them soon. The widows who will wake up alone, their world forever changed. I know what it is to lose a husband. When Steven died in April 2022, the weight of that loss felt unbearable. Grief is an isolating force, a hollow ache that follows you everywhere. Yet, through loss, I have also learned that love does not simply vanish. It lingers in the memories, in the stories we tell, in the legacies left behind. Hold your loved ones a little tighter. Speak the words you’ve been meaning to say, because life is fragile, and love is the most enduring thing we have. Rebecca Davis Reporter rebecca@theborderlandpress.com
•I am proud of the fact that I was always devoted to my work. •I am very proud of my family. •I am proud that I worked until I was old. •I am proud of my very large family…I had 22 siblings! •I am proud of “me!”
Do you have a funny story from your childhood that you can share with us? I remember one time a chicken pecked my foot, so I grabbed it by the tail and swung it in a circle above my head then threw it across the coop. The chicken never pecked me again and never had a tail again either!
Did you ever have any nicknames? •Shabby •Grandma Flowers •Dot •NeeNee
I remember having to tie the leg of our goat to a post so that I could milk her. I was one of two girls in my family, but I always wanted to be brave like my five brothers. So, I used to climb trees and beat up boys at school.
If you could interview anyone dead or alive (not a celebrity) who would it be? •My mother •My daughter •The resident sitting beside me •My brother •My sister
One time I decided to play with some matches and ended up starting our curtains on fire. I ran and got my dad outside, and he saved the day by putting out the flames. I remember we had a mean rooster that was crazy and chased us ev-
erywhere. Eventually my mom took “care” of him. I remember when I was young, and the doctor came to our house to give all of us kids a shot for chickenpox. My little sister (4 years old) did not want to get the shot but was eventually convinced by my father. As soon as the doctor stuck her arm with the needle, she looked right at him and said “You (Bleep)!” The doctor was shocked, and my poor mom was mortified, wondering where she ever learned such an awful word. As we reminisced, I was reminded that no matter what age we are, we have far more in common than we have differences. Some of the stories made us sad, and some made us laugh. Life is full of ups and downs, and it’s comforting to know that we don’t have to face them alone.
Area students receive degrees from NDSU
Fargo, N.D. — Congratulations to the North Dakota State University students who received one of 810 degrees awarded in Fall 2024. Students are listed by hometown, along with their major and degree received. An asterisk indicates students who graduated with honors. A student must earn a 3.50 grade point average or higher to graduate with honors. Honor codes: * - Cum Laude (3.50-3.69) ** - Magna Cum Laude (3.70-3.89) *** - Summa Cum Laude (3.90-4.00) Hinkle, Daniel ***Hunter, Natalie Peterson, Justine ***Fredrickson, Samuel Lee
Cavalier Cavalier Cavalier Neche
BS BS BS BUS
Agricultural Systems Management Marketing Psychology University Studies
Borderland area students named to NDSU Dean’s List
Fargo, N.D. — Students from the Borderland area earned a place on the North Dakota State University fall 2024 Dean’s List. Students must earn a 3.50 grade point average or higher and be enrolled in at least 12 class credits to qualify. For the semester, 4,322 students made the list. Students are listed by hometown. Their majors also are included. Gunderson, Brady Joel Helgoe, Graesen Gale Hunter, Elayna Jane Hunter, Natalie Jensen, Myah Ann Peterson, Justine Gemmill, Chloe Lynn Myrdal, Andrew Goodman, Gage Rademacher, Jacob Romfo, Taryn Kay Schneider, Alexa M
Cavalier Cavalier Cavalier Cavalier Cavalier Cavalier Edinburg Edinburg Langdon Langdon Langdon Langdon
Architecture Radiologic Sciences Human Development & Family Sci Marketing Family & Consumer Sciences Ed Psychology Marketing Crop and Weed Sciences Agricultural Economics Computer Engineering Pharmaceutical Sciences Pharmacy
Walhalla Public Library news By Tammy Olson, Director
For Story Hour this week, we used a Wonderbook. A Wonderbook is a book that reads the story to you. The reader can read along or just listen to the story. The kids really enjoyed it. We used molding clay for the activity and then had snacks. The featured author this week is Freida McFadden with her book ‘Crash.’ “Tegan is eight months pregnant, alone, and desperately wants to put her crumbling life in the rearview mirror. So she hits the road, not realizing she's heading straight into a blizzard. Hours later, when Tegan is stranded in rural Maine with a dead car and broken ankle, she worries she's made a terrible mistake. Then a miracle occurs: she is rescued by a couple who offers her a room in their warm cabin until the snow clears. But something isn't right. Staying here may have been her most deadly mistake yet.” A gut wrenching story of motherhood, survival, and twisted expectations, #1 New York Times bestselling author Frieda McFadden delivers a snowbound thriller that will chill you to the bone.
Community
Friday, February 7, 2025 - Page A6
The Borderland Press
A Saint’s Shoutout: Thankful for giving hearts By Carrie Hope
Your generosity through Giving Hearts Day over the years has made a huge impact at our school. Thanks to you, we added a 3D printer, new desks, new computers, more iPads, new curriculum, branded rugs, and more. Thank you for helping us grow and provide opportunities to our student population. We also want to express our gratitude to the Langdon Eagles Club 3454 for their generous match donation of $10,000! It’s so amazing, and we promise to put their donation to good use. Here comes Giving Hearts Day! This year this wonderful event takes place on Thursday, Feb. 13 - mark your calendars and prepare to do so much good next week for many organizations, including St. Alphonsus School. Giving Hearts Day is an annual event encouraging donations to non-profit organizations. It was started in 2008 and has grown each year. St. Alphonsus School started participating in the event in 2021.
For Giving Hearts Day, donations of $10 or more will be matched up to $10,000. We’re hoping to double that money on Feb. 13. Early giving is now open online at https://app.givingheartsday.org/#/ charity/1488 Checks are welcome as well and must be received on or before Thursday, Feb. 13. If your donation is earmarked for this fundraiser, please write “Giving Hearts Day” in the memo line.
Hello from Edmore! By Tammy Berg
We are so grateful for the opportunity to participate in this amazing fundraiser. It’s such an awesome way to highlight and help local non-profit organizations, and you know every dollar raised stays right with the organization. We promise to be good stewards of all donations raised. We can’t wait to see what we’ll be able to do with the funds raised this year. Our staff and students are very excited and extremely grateful! I wanted to also thank everyone for an amazing Catholic Schools Week, which kicked off on Sunday, Jan. 26 with our Winter Carnival. During the week our students heard from several speakers in the community, participated in hands-on activities, enjoyed a wonderful spaghetti supper and dance party, and focused on being thankful for the school we have and the opportunities it provides in faith. Special thanks to the St. Alphonsus School Committee for serving and hosting the spaghetti supper and to Lisa Bakke for preparing the meal.
It’s not a very nice day today - very cold and windy. There are a lot of spring and summer advertisements out already, and most stores are filling up with all the beautiful summer things. I love Hobby Lobby for a couple reasons. The first being that they are closed Sundays to allow their employees to spend the day with family. When I go there, I am often confused about what holiday or season is next. Right now, they have everything you would need or want from now until summer. If you can’t find what you are
We are happy when we get to watch their games on our computer and are home when it’s over. So, until next time - stay well, warm, and do something nice for someone. Your heart will feel so good!!!
Thank you for supporting our school! We couldn’t do this without you.
Carrie Hope is in her 6th year as principal at St. Alphonsus School. To reach the school office, please dial 701-256-2354.
Strange things to start the garden
By Katie Henry, Family and Community Wellness Agent, NDSU Extension – Cavalier County
looking for there, I think you are out of luck. I also like Home Goods. That store is full of beautiful everything. I always tell myself I’m only going to “look.” Yeah, right!!! I am so weak when it comes to cute, colorful, soft, and anything in between. Just wait until I write about my summer plant weakness. That’s for another day, and when it comes to books, don’t get me started. This past weekend, we watched a couple of our grandsons play hockey. It amazes me how much they have improved from last year. They are only 7 and 9. They have a frozen rink in the backyard; they have so much fun out there. The cold doesn’t seem to bother them. Our nine-year-old is on the ice at least five times a week between games and practice. That’s quite a schedule and requires so much commitment from families. It’s all worth it when you see how much they love it.
The St. Alphonsus School Committee served and hosted their annual Spaghetti Supper. Pictured left to right are Caitlin Boardman, Runa Anderson, Kayla Domres, Emily Benoit, Alyssa Plummer, Carol Wild, Shane Gallagher, and Lucas Mikkelsen. Not photographed, Sarah Pritchard.
ther way, the process is necessary for the seeds to be viable for sprouting the next season. I have had voluntary tomatoes in my garden from the process. The tomatoes are just as, if not, more delicious the next year. I have purposely gone through the process of fermenting them in a jar at home and, again, success. I have NEVER seen them sprout on their own, on a counter, out of the blue. It’s been fascinating.
Sometimes weird things happen to me. I don’t know what it is, but these bizarre happenings occur, and I just have learned to go with the flow. One of the most recent occurrences was that my tomatoes sprouted. “That’s unusual?!” might be something that you are thinking to yourself right now. I would agree with you. It’s not that unusual, IF I HAD ACTUALLY STARTED THEM ON PURPOSE. It began one evening when I went to the container of tomatoes on my counter to cut some up for supper. I don’t even remember what we were eating that day, only that I was very much shocked and a little panicked that my tomatoes had worms. Needless to say, I did NOT cut into them and came back later for a closer look. You can see by the pictures that it did look like little worms under the surface of the tomato skin. Once I realized what was happening, I thought - what a better way to experiment than to see what happens…so, here we are. It’s unusual for tomatoes to sprout like this. I don’t know why they have, but it’s been an exciting adventure. Tomatoes need to go through a fermenting process in order to sprout. It can be done naturally in the garden or can be done in a jar at home. Ei-
I think the seeds are typically too far into the tomato to actually be able to sprout, let alone to break through the skin. In any case, some of my sprouting tomatoes are already on their true leaves and ready to be transplanted to some soil. I didn’t even have to start my garden on purpose this year! I’m so excited. This all was a reminder that now is the perfect time to start seeds inside for the upcoming growing season. The green will help you feel like spring is coming. The planning will help you manage your nutrition, and the days are getting longer, which just helps our disposition in general.
to eat. Colors in fruits and vegetables are usually an indication of nutritional content and may be the easiest way to vary your nutrition intake. Storing/preserving them is based on what type of vegetable and fruit they are as well as your expertise and storage ability. Think of the rainbow as you plan! Some foods that can be grown in our area for each color include: Red: strawberries, apples, and tomatoes Orange: Carrots, pumpkins, and squash Yellow: Yellow squash, corn, and yellow bell peppers Green: Asparagus, peas, and green beans, broccoli Blue/Purple: Juneberries, plums, red onions, and eggplant White: Potatoes, turnips, and cauliflower Some of these would best started early, and others can be planted as
Gardens come in all shapes and sizes. I’ve written about them before. Last year, I even gave an update on my container garden. No matter where or how you choose to plant your garden, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when deciding what to plant. The key to planning your garden is to think of your favorite flavors, your nutritional needs, and how you can store/preserve the extras. An easy way to do this is to think of variety. How the plants grow, as well as choosing a variety of colors, will help you determine what you need to help you have a diverse range of produce
a seed right into the ground. It depends on different factors. Do some research, ask some experts (like us here at NDSU Extension), and have some fun planning! Don’t forget the herbs! Herbs can enhance the other foods you grow in your garden and help flavor protein sources to your liking. Sometimes, people are hesitant to grow herbs in their garden because they aren’t sure they can, don’t know how, or aren’t sure which kinds they would like to grow. There are several kinds we can grow here (basil, chives, cilantro, dill, garlic, oregano), so try out your favorites! As you have seen me write before, there are several recipes you can choose from on our NDSU Extension site https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/extension-topics/ food-and-nutrition/recipes that will help you use or preserve your fruits and vegetables. You can also stop into our office at the Cavalier County Courthouse, call me at 256-2560, or email me at katie.d.henry@ndsu.edu. Even if you don’t have strange things that happen to you, you can still start your garden!
Lifestyle
The Borderland Press
Friday, February 7, 2025 - Page A7
Prairie Fare: Is vibrantly colored food the key to better health? By Julie Garden-Robinson, NDSU Extension food and nutrition specialist
greyish without the addition of food dyes. Color influences our perception of flavor. Would you be able to tell the flavor of a candy if you were unable to see the candy? Try closing your eyes and trying this taste test.
Has anyone ever texted you a picture of their food at a restaurant? Or have you sent a picture of your dinner plate to a friend? I will admit that I text a photo of my food to my family if my meal looks particularly mouthwatering and attractive. Usually I add, “wish you were here enjoying this with me.” Sometimes they appreciate seeing what I am eating. According to a survey of people aged 18 to 34, nearly 70% have taken a photo of their food and shared it on social media. Further, nearly one of two adults aged 35 to 49 snapped a photo, while about one in five people aged 50 and older paused to preserve a food memory on their phone. People eat with their eyes before taking a bite. The color of food often plays a major role in our perception of quality and appeal. Some foods such as soft drinks, candy and frostings would be colorless or
Commercial foods may contain a variety of food dyes to achieve their specific color. The color’s name might be preceded by FD&C, short for Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, or the color may simply be listed by name with a number, such as Yellow 6 or Red 40. Dyes have been used since the mid1850s to color foods, drugs and cosmetics. Butter and cheese were the first foods to be colored to achieve their golden color, especially during winter months. Some farmers used the natural beta-carotene in carrots during winter months. Without the addition of color, the butter and cheese would not have had the yellow or orange color. In past times, to mimic the color of butter, early margarine manufacturers included a capsule of yellow food coloring. Consumers could mix the capsule with the white margarine at home. Early scientists were concerned about the safety of some of the color additives, resulting in some notable requirements. In 1938, the Food and Drug Administration created a system for naming colorants. In 1960, the Delaney Clauses prohibited the use of color additives that were linked to
causing cancer in humans or animals. The safety of a particular colorant in our food supply has been the subject of research for several years. You may have heard about the withdrawal of Red 3 from our food and drug supply. Animal studies have shown its linkage in fairly high doses to cancer in male rats. A direct link to cancer in humans, however, was not linked to this color additive. Check your favorite red candy or soda to see if Red 3 is listed. Manufacturers will have until January 2027 to reformulate their foods to use another food colorant. Artificial and naturally sourced colorants are available to color foods. Some natural colors are derived from insect shells, which may cause issues in those allergic to the chemical they contain. Carmine, which imparts a pinkish color, is an example of a natural colorant.
in tomatoes, is linked with reducing our risk for various types of cancer. Strawberries and raspberries get their vibrant color from anthocyanin pigments, as do blueberries. They may provide heart health benefits and reduce cancer risk. Red beets are naturally colored by the pigment betanin, which also has health benefits. For more information about food and color, see NDSU Extension’s “Add Some Color (and Nutrition) to Your Meals.” This recipe can be personalized with your preferred fruits and greens. It is packed with a variety of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Fruit Smoothie Bowl ½ cup spinach ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt 1½ cups frozen fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries and raspberries
2 tablespoons toppings (fresh fruit, granola, coconut, chia seeds, etc.) Add spinach, yogurt and fruit to a blender or food processor. Blend until
smooth. Pour smoothie in a bowl and top with desired toppings. Makes two servings. Each serving has 110 calories, 2.5 grams (g) fat, 7 g protein, 19 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber and 40 milligrams sodium. Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., R.D., L.R.D., is a North Dakota State University Extension food and nutrition specialist and professor in the Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences.
The purpose of this column is not to frighten you about colorful food, of course. If you like your menus to be beautifully colored, explore eating more naturally colored fruits and vegetables. Adults need 4 to 5 cups of fruits and vegetables daily to meet the current recommendation. We do not have a daily recommendation for vividly colored candy and soda pop. Eating more naturally colored fruits and vegetables may lower our risk of cancer and other diseases. In particular, lycopene, the orange-red pigment Raspberries and blueberries get their vibrant color from anthocyanin pigments, which may provide heart health benefits and reduce cancer risk. (Pixabay photo)
Prairie Doc® Perspective Teen mental health By Jill Kruse, DO
found that 40% of teens reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, 20% seriously considered suicide, and, tragically, 9% attempted suicide.
The most recent survey of teen mental health by the Centers for Disease Control in 2023 revealed that 20.3% of adolescents in the United States have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. This reflects a 35% increase since 2016. The survey also
These statistics should alarm any parent or grandparent of a teenager. As the mother of a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old, I often think about my children’s mental health and how to best support them. They are growing up in a world far different from the one I knew. Today’s teens face the challenges of social media, cyber bullying, academic pressure, and the struggle to fit in with their peers, all while navigating the changes of puberty. Like every parent, I want my children to be happy, resilient, and safe. The first step is creating a space where they feel safe sharing their thoughts and feelings. Listening to them with-
out immediately jumping in to solve their problems or dismiss their emotions is a crucial skill for parents to practice. Taking the time to talk and ask open-ended questions about how they feel can make a significant difference. What might seem minor to an adult with years of experience and perspective can feel overwhelming to a teenager. It is essential for our kids to know we are here to support them, no matter the size of the problem. Another key parenting strategy is modeling good self-care and emotional regulation. That can mean working on improving our own mental health. Showing teens how to be kind to themselves and handle life’s setbacks teaches them invaluable lessons. Mental health is not a one-time fix; it is a lifelong process. Adolescence is the ideal time to equip teens with healthy coping strategies. Teach-
ing them how to handle stress and overcome failures prepares them to become thriving, well-adjusted adults. Parents should also trust their instincts when something feels off. If
your teen shows a sudden drop in grades, stops enjoying activities they once loved, or seems persistently sad or angry, it’s time to seek help. If teens become more withdrawn or secretive, having a discussion about your concerns is warranted. Resources like pediatricians, school counsel-
ors, and therapists can provide support and guidance. As a mother, I am committed to walking this journey alongside my children, every step of the way. Together, we can navigate the challenges, celebrate the victories, and build the tools they need for a happy, healthy future. Jill Kruse, D.O. is part of The Prairie Doc® team of physicians and currently practices as a hospitalist in Brookings, South Dakota. Follow The Prairie Doc® at www.prairiedoc.org and on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc®, a medical Q&A show, two podcasts, and a radio program, providing health information based on science, built on trust, streaming live on Facebook most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central and wherever podcast can be found.
Dakota Gardener: Great zinnias for the Dakotas By Tom Kalb, Horticulturist, NDSU Extension I think a blend of colors provides for a more natural look in a garden, especially when planted in a large bed. For example, the blend of deep purple, lavender and white flowers in Blueberry Cheesecake zinnias is more appealing to me than a row of all purple flowers.
Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds love Dessert Menu zinnias. These zinnias have an open flower habit that provides easy access to nectar and pollen.
Zinnias are one of the most popular flowers grown in the Dakotas. They are easy to grow, do not need much water and bloom all summer. Every year I work with over 300 gardeners to test promising varieties. Our team loves to grow zinnias, and we have discovered a new group of varieties that are both amazing and very affordable. These are the Dessert Menu zinnias. These varieties consist of beautiful mixes of colors and cost only 5% compared to premium varieties.
Dessert Menu zinnias bloom earlier than most other zinnias. You can sow them in your garden and they will bloom in only 70 days. You don’t have to buy transplants from a greenhouse. This will save you lots of money. Speaking of saving money, these zinnia seeds are very affordable. The standard variety for cut-flower growers are the Benary’s Giants zinnias. These are excellent zinnias, but a packet of 50 seeds will cost you about $5. You can buy a half ounce (1,500 seeds or 30 times more seeds) of Fruity Beauty for about $8. If you want to plant a big flower bed, there are major discounts for larger volumes of these seeds.
The low cost of the Dessert Menu seeds made me suspicious at first, but they have performed well in hundreds of gardens throughout our region. These varieties have received some of the highest scores of all vegetables and cut flowers grown in our trials. Many gardeners rave at how easy the plants are to grow and how
I often get asked where you can buy these varieties. Do a Google search of the variety, and many seed compa-
beautiful the flowers are. The plants grow tall, about 3 to 4 feet high, but can withstand our prairie winds. They have sturdy stems that make them great for cut flower arrangements. They rarely suffer from diseases. Remarkable varieties similar to the Dessert Menu series have also performed well in recent testing. These include South of the Border and Lava Lamp, which have bold red, orange and yellow flowers. Blushing Bride has soft pink and white flowers.
Dessert Menu zinnias are exceptional in many ways. First, each variety is a specially designed blend of colors. My personal favorite is Fruity Beauty, which comes in bright shades of orange, yellow and coral. These vibrant colors seem to glow in the garden.
Rebecca Davis
Many gardeners love red flowers. To them, I recommend Berry Tart. It is a radiant blend of scarlet, cherry, burgundy and coral blooms. Strawberry Parfait flowers are a blend of rose, pink and white. Blueberry Cheesecake is a mix of deep purple, lavender and white blooms. Lemon Meringue has yellow, white and lime green flowers.
For the record, we have discovered other great zinnias over the past 15 years. In addition to the Benary’s Giants, State Fair has huge blooms. The Oklahoma series has smaller, 2-inch flowers that work well in flower arrangements. Attractive zinnias that grow on compact plants include the Zahara series and Old Mexico.
Zinnias are one of the most popular flowers grown in the Dakotas, as they are easy to grow, do not need much water and bloom all summer. (Flickr photo by Lesley B.)
nies will pop up. NDSU will be testing zinnia varieties again in 2025. You are welcome to join our team. Go to ndsu.ag/ homegardentrials and sign up to receive our online catalog. For more information about gardening, contact your local NDSU Extension agent. Find the Extension office for your county at ndsu.ag/countyoffice.
Friday, February 7, 2025 - Page A8
Church
The Borderland Press
From the Pastor’s Desk: By Father Kurtis Gunwall
“Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” – St Jerome (1st official translator of Scripture to the common language) Let us begin with a little, relatively recent history. At the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council in the 1960s, many Christians took part as observers or offered input to the Bishops of the Church as it approached the 3rd Millennium. One of the changes discussed was to expand the one-year reading plan which included readings from the Old Testament, Psalms, New Testament, and Gospels to a threeyear cycle for Sundays that some denominations also chose to adopt as a step toward Christian unity. In the Catholic Church, we also have a twoyear cycle for weekdays as we gather for the Eucharist every day. In 2025, we use the third-year cycle (C) which primarily proclaims the Gospel of Luke. I want to recommend a very good, ever-growing collection of short videos called BibleProject.com. One goal is that “All of our videos are short visual explanations that show how the Bible is a unified story that leads to Jesus.” This is a project that we can all support. I have directed my parishioners to these videos a few times these last few years and I encourage you to do so now. The overview for the Gospel of Luke is in two parts, each about 8 minutes. Here is the first link: bibleproject.com/explore/video/luke-19/ I hope that through these videos, everyone will understand the historical background, the full picture, and some of the purpose that God reveals through Luke’s writing.
God worked through the human authors (2 Timothy 3:16) and still works through us as his instruments today – both individually and as his Body, the Church. He uses one person’s interest in history, another’s study of personalities, and another’s knowledge of science to convey the Good News of Jesus in a variety of ways to reach all people. So each Gospel writer had a focus, a method, and particular goals in mind (see Luke 1:1-4). They had a target audience which affected how they wrote, why they included specific details that the other Gospels didn’t, and more. God used these particular characteristics to share the story of Jesus. Each apostle was also guided to teach, baptize, and form churches (communities of believers) as they traveled. So whether your pastor/parish uses the cycle of readings common to the Catholic Church or not, I invite you to dig into the Gospel of Luke this year. Find out who Jesus is particularly concerned about (see 6:20ff) through his parables, miracles, and teaching as Luke presents them. See how Luke includes men and women (see 2:2238), how his Gospel is similar to Mark and Matthew, and what makes his unique. (see chapters 1 & 2) It would be a very good thing, similar to a summer community book read, if we all read Luke in common this year. Perhaps you can join or start a Bible study on Luke with friends or through your church. I hope this inspires you to dig into this Gospel in your own time of prayer and study and to prepare yourself better for Sundays if your church goes through this Gospel in 2025. To the Greater Glory of God, Fr Kurtis Gunwall.
Obituaries
The Borderland Press George Boom Funeral Home & OnSite Crematory in Sioux Falls, S.D., with visitation starting at 12:00 p.m. for Caroline Mae LeSage Scott, 72, of Sioux Falls, who died January 29, 2025. Burial will be held on May 25, 2025, at Ostervold Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Finley, N.D., where she will be buried near her parents. All who knew and loved Caroline are welcome to join any of these memorials to honor her life.
Caroline LeSage Scott
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, at
Caroline was born on Dec. 14, 1952, in Portland, Ore., to Edwin Elias and Violet Mae (Bloomensaat) Erickson. Caroline was baptized at Holy Cross pm. for Lois Jean Carrie Landsgaard Magnusson, 91, who died in Preston, Minn., Jan. 24, 2025.
Lois Jean Carrie Landsgaard Magnusson
A funeral mass will be held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Langdon, N.D. on May 15, 2025, at 2:00
Walhalla Senior Meals Menu Monday, Feb. 10 Salisbury Steak•Mashed Potatoes•Parslied Carrots•Fruit Cocktail Tuesday, Feb. 11 Lasagna•Romaine Salad with Dressing•Peas•Pears Wednesday, Feb. 12 Baked Salmon•Roasted Potatoes•Green Beans•Peaches Thursday, Feb. 13 Pork Roast with Gravy•Mashed Potatoes•Broccoli•Peach Crisp with Topping Friday, Feb. 14 Tater Tot Casserole with table•Coleslaw•Cherries•1WW Bread 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 701-5492443 before 10:00 a.m. to place an order for congregate, pick up, or home delivered meals.
Cavalier County Senior Menu Cavalier County Senior Meals & Services, Langdon
Monday, Feb. 10 Beef Stroganoff/Buttered Noodles/Mixed Veggies/Fruit Tuesday, Feb. 11 Salisbury Steak /Mashed Potatoes/Parslied Carrots/Fruit Wednesday, Feb. 12 Applesauce BBQ Ribs/Sweet Potatoes/Green Bean Casserole/ Carrot Cake Thursday, Feb. 13 Cranberry Chicken/Parslied Boiled Potatoes/Broccoli Salad/ Squash/Fruit Friday, Feb. 14 Cheeseburger Soup Chicken Salad Sandwich Carrot and Celery Sticks Valentine’s Day Fruit Cupcake EBT/SNAP accepted. Full cost of a meal: $8.00. Suggested Donation: $5.50 for those over 60 years of age. Please contribute what you can. Those under 60 are required to pay the full cost of the meal. Menus are subject to change. Due to COVID-19, we have been experiencing shipping issues and food shortages. Cavalier County Senior Meals & Services is located at 211 8th Ave. in Langdon and can be reached by phone at 256-2828.
Lois was born April 18, 1933, in Langdon, N.D., the oldest daughter of Alice (Lebrun) and Henry Landsgaard. Lois graduated from St. Alphonsus High School in Langdon and then St. Catherines Nursing School in St. Paul, Minn. She married John Magnusson April 5, 1956, in Minneapolis. They lived in Cavalier, N.D., and California before settling in Langdon. During her long career as a registered nurse at Cavalier County Memorial Hospital, she worked tirelessly to care for many in the community. Lois was an accomplished seamstress, extraordi-
Lutheran Church in Portland and confirmed at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cooperstown, N.D., in 1965. She graduated high school as salutatorian of her class in 1970 from Cooperstown High School in Cooperstown, N.D. Caroline attended the University of North Dakota’s College of Nursing in Grand Forks, N.D., graduating with her BSN in 1974. She began her nursing career in Northwood, N.D. For over 40 years, her nursing career spanned across various specialties including hospitals, home health, behavioral health, and clinics, allowing her to touch the lives of many patients in a profession she
Friday, February 7, 2025 - Page A9 loved. While nursing in Rapid City, S.D., she met Warren LeSage, taking her to Kensington, Conn., where they were married in 1978 and her children, Erica and Ryan, were born. Caroline enjoyed her nearly two decades in Connecticut where she made many close friends, but she was also happy to return to her Midwest roots. A mutual love of horses brought her and Kevin Scott together, and they were married on April 10, 1999. Over the years Caroline enjoyed volunteering in her kids’ clubs (girl scouts, VBS, AWANA, etc.), attending bible studies, reading, traveling, horseback riding, camping, and singing any time and
nary cook and master gardener and shared her bounty with many. She loved to travel and visited many states and countries. She was a devout Catholic who found great comfort in her faith. Her legacy of hard work left an indelible mark on all our lives.
anywhere she could. She is survived by her husband, Kevin Scott; daughter Erica (Ben) Gloor; son Ryan LeSage Scott; grandchildren, Oliver and Violet Gloor, all of Sioux Falls, S.D.; one sister, Pat Jensen, of West Fargo, N.D.; and many beloved cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother Vernon Elroy, and brother-in-law Darrell Jensen. Arrangements were made by George Boom Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, S.D. Flaten, Jaden Murray, Mekhi and Mila Nichols, Owen Soeby, Taylor Soeby. She is also survived by siblings: Irene Fischer, Mary Alice Largent, Albert (Betty) Landsgaard and Paul Landsgaard, sisters-in-law Shirley Wild and Myrt Landsgaard and many, many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father Frank Zettel; beloved husband John; siblingsL Henry Norris (Hank) Landsgaard, Arthur Raymond and Marion Landsgaard, Elizabeth “Betty” and Don Washebek; and inlaws Marvin and Doris Magnusson, Leola and Milt Larson, Viola and Earl Main, Thorey and George Green, Lola and Frank Mollner, Cecelia and Lorn Dunnigan.
Lois is survived by her children: Nancy Magnusson, Molly (Mark) Soeby, Martin Magnusson, Ann (Ed) Grossbauer and Amy (Dwight) Luhmann; grandchildren: Jason Magnusson, Joshua (Holly), David (Heidi), Daniel (Leah), Luke (Brian) and Maggie Soeby, John, Emily, Sarah, Lily, Corena, Christopher, Jay and Leo Grossbauer, Tate and Keira Luhmann; great-grandchildren: Logan and Henly Soeby, Leecia
AARP Fraud Watch snippets Our information is already out there If we really want to keep ourselves, and our money, safe from fraud, we must all come to terms with one thing: our personal information is likely already out there. In a time where data breaches are increasingly common, safeguarding yourself from fraud has become more important than ever. Here are three steps to help protect yourself from the risks associated with data breaches and other identity fraud risks: · Place a security freeze on your credit accounts with the three big agencies (Experian, Equifax and Transunion) so no one can open a new credit line in your name. · Establish online access to your financial accounts and monitor regularly (you can set up text alerts for activity on these accounts as well). · Use strong and unique passwords for every online account; consider using a password manager that creates complex passwords and stores them securely. Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/ fraudwatchnetwork.
Crypto romance scams In recent years, cryptocurrency scams have surged, with billions stolen annually. One of the biggest drivers of this trend? Romance scams. By building trust and forging deep emotional connections, scammers can manipulate their victims into making financial decisions they would not normally consider. If someone you’ve only met online claims they are making money with crypto and offers to help you do the same, it’s a scam – full stop. It does not matter how genuine they seem or what “proof” they attempt to show you; encouraging you to invest and claiming that you can make extraordinary returns in cryptocurrency is one of the surest signs of a modern-day romance scam. These criminals often pressure you to act fast, making it seem like you are about to miss out on a golden opportunity, which is another big red flag. The safest way to invest is to research opportunities to ensure they are legitimate and that you understand the risk as well as the potential. A good place to start is at the SEC’s site, www.investor.gov. Gift card balance scam The holidays have passed, and for many, that means a stack of gift cards
just waiting to be used. But before you check your balances online, beware of fake gift card balance-checking sites designed to steal both your post-holiday joy and your money. Just because a website to check your gift card balance appears at the top of internet search results does not mean it’s legitimate. Search results can be filled with fraudulent gift card balance-checking sites, and scammers are constantly finding new ways to get their pages to show up at the top of results. A safer way to check the balance of a gift card is to refer to the back of the card for a phone number or web address. If it’s not provided, proceed with caution. Avoid entering your gift card details into any search result labeled as “Sponsored” or “Ad.” In addition, be cautious of any site title that appears in wacky fonts or next to odd emojis; this is a common tactic scammers use to make their fraudulent web pages both visually pop and appear towards the top. Getting help after a scam Dealing with fraud in the aftermath can be fraught, not knowing where or if you should report (you should – it’s a crime), feelings of shame (even though it’s not your fault, blame the perpetrator), and an often-overwhelming emotional toll, let alone the
financial impact. One resource is the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline. Every weekday from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. EST, trained AARP volunteer fraud fighters are helping victims and their families understand what happened, report the crime, and plan next steps to put their lives back together. That number is 1-877-908-3360. AARP also offers an online small group victim support program to help address the emotional harm fraud victimization causes. These conversations are completely confidential and are a wonderful way to receive support from others. Sign up for a session today at aarp.org/fraudsupport. Experiencing a scam can be devastating, but it doesn't have to define you. If you or someone you know has been the victim of fraud, make sure to file a report with local police; among other things, this may be useful in the event restitution becomes possible down the line. Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www. aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.
Friday, February 7, 2025 - Page A10
State
The Borderland Press
Legislative update By Janne Myrdal, District 19 Senator
BILL WOULD CREATE A CARDIAC EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN AND TEAM IN EACH SCHOOL IN THE STATE Ann Estvold, NDNA Legislative Intern
Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death on school grounds. To address this problem, House Bill 1363 would create a cardiac emergency response plan for public and nonpublic schools and athletic events. Under HB 1363, schools would be required to create a cardiac emergency response team with staff receiving training and practice. Cardiac emergency response drills would join a list of emergency drills that schools already must have, such as fire, tornado and lockdown drills. The plan has core elements which are established by the American Heart Association and include placing automated external defibrillators on school grounds, doing routine maintenance of the defibrillators, having the plan posted around school grounds, and coordinating with local emergency medical service providers.
as a sound budget is concerned. D o not take that in any way as meaning the requests that will not be granted are not sincerely considered! But we do have to balance the budget in N.D., something the federal government should maybe learn to do as well. The core question again comes down to this: what is the core function of government and who does it serve? The rural caucus is focusing on bridges, roads and development in non-oil producing counties and townships.
We are now at day 18 of the 80 days provided to the Legislature to accomplish our work every biennium. The senate has a little over 400 bills to process, while the House is facing approximately 600. The policy committees I serve on are hearing full days of bill proposals while the appropriations committees are just now done with hearings from all agencies and starting the lengthy work of finalizing a budget. They are now hearing and acting on the bills coming out of policy committees that have an appropriation. Many of those bills are directly related to the larger budgets, such as Commerce, Human Services, DOT, Industrial Commission, and Higher Education. We always must be aware of duplications, so it takes a while to sort everything out. You may have heard that we are currently over $3 billion dollars "underwater," meaning the asks are larger than the revenue and budget borders. The scissors are starting to come out as we try to make responsible decisions to separate the "need from the greed" per se, as far
Opponents of House Bill 1363 say it is an unfunded mandate for schools that would put more stress on teachers, staff and school budgets. Under the bill, emergency response team members would need to have current CPR and AED training. They would be made up of coaches, physical education teachers, afterschool activity leaders, and staff members from each part of the building.
who hosts a podcast on civics. The governor typically issues a Constitution Day proclamation upon request. House Bill 1479 would make the commemoration part of state law. “Solving the civics proficiency problem is going to take long-term solutions and a dedicated effort,” Pechtl said. “Maybe this bill recognizing our state constitution can constitute a small first step towards increasing civics awareness in our state.”
North Dakota Constitution Day Seeking to draw greater attention to North Dakota’s founding document, a House committee has endorsed House Bill 1479, which would designate Oct. 1 as North Dakota Constitution Day. The state Constitution was drafted by 75 delegates to a state constitutional convention in the summer of 1889. Voters overwhelmingly approved its work, 27,441 to 8,107, on Oct. 1, 1889. N.D. became the nation’s 39th state on Nov. 2, 1889. “The need is greater than ever to encourage our students and all citizens of the state to commemorate the work of the drafters of the state constitution in 1889 and the support of the voters who ratified that constitution,” said Bryan Pechtl of Bismarck, who is a former social studies teacher
One point of concern with committee members and those in opposition are circumstances when schools hold multiple events at the same time. Under the bill, a response team would need to be at every event, ranging from elementary school to high school and including practices, games, concerts and events.
Schools make for great polling places but having them open to the public on election days causes security concerns, says a legislator who advocates closing schools on days they are used for voting.
Many schools would need staff training, equipment and materials, all of which cost money, said Amy De Kok of the North Dakota School Boards Association. The bill does not include money to help cover those costs. The bill is being considered by the House Education Committee.
I co-sponsored SB2400 which was approved by the delayed bill committee I chair. It is one of many bills introduced to provide some avenues for parental choice or vouchers in the education of their children. There are now nine bills introduced dealing with anything from education savings accounts (ESA), empowerment act, money follows the child, and charter schools indicating that the legislature is taking this issue, which the Governor has signaled support for, seriously. The upcoming week will be busy for those interested in choice in education. Both sides of this issue are at work in committee
As your legislator, I know some of my votes at times can be contrary to your wishes, but please contact me if questions persist regarding an issue. Sometimes there may be good reasons to press red or green on a vote, yet questions of why may be of essence. After a thorough hearing I may find that a bill may be poorly written, may be duplicate of another bill, sometimes unintended consequences revealed during hearing changes the view of a policy, a bill may be unconstitutional or unenforceable or sometimes the policy may already be addressed in the U.S. Constitution. Always feel free to contact me, preferably via email or text as phone calls are almost impossible with our schedule. We enjoyed spring-like temperatures last week, but I see the brrrrrrrrr cold is coming back with fury this week. Stay warm and safe. Senator Janne Myrdal North Dakota District 19 jmyrdal@ndlegis.gov 1 701 331 0946 Vice Chair Agriculture Committee Judiciary Committee
Ann Estvold, NDNA Legislative Intern
Sports coaches already have CPR and AED training and need to be recertified every two years, said Kevin Hoherz, of the North Dakota Council of Educational Leaders. However, speech and drama coaches are not required to have this training, and they hold practices at night, he said. Under the bill these coaches would need to be trained or another staff member from the team would need to be present.
Another concern was the potential liability for the school in a cardiac arrest incident. The bill states that an AED must be accessible within three minutes. Hoherz said events like FFA or track meets do not happen where an AED is easily accessible. He wondered if a school would be liable for not getting the AED there in time, or who would be responsible if a community member needed to be revived at an event.
Relating to parenting time, to additional parenting time after a false allegation of harm to a child, and relating to the removal or withholding of a child in violation of a custody decree and false information or reports to law enforcement or the department of health and human services. There was a lot of testimony on this subject and understandably a very emotional issue for many. I have always struggled with the presumption that lawmakers can fix, in one unified swoop, all problems related to parenting in a divorce. I think we all know that
I introduced SB2242 which calls for a legislative management study relating to our institutions of higher education. The goal would be to find ways to promote efficiencies, increase collaboration among state institutions and expand dual credit options for high school students. I am hoping it will pass, as many parties involved are welcoming this idea.
hearings. I co-sponsored SB2242 as I think it covers some good provisions for rural areas where there are usually no private schools present. This bill provides all children, including in public schools, some added resources for alternative sources of education. It is a very reasonable proposition worked on by all sides of this issue.
Capitol briefs
Supporters of the bill say it will help save lives. Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death on school grounds, and approximately 70 percent of children survive these events when an AED is used. “From the moment we have compulsory education, the state also assumes the responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of students during the time of school events,” said Greg Gallagher, Mandan.
A couple of bills to mention from the Judiciary committee were: Relating to the definition of marriage and the recognition of marital relationships seeking to change language throughout the century code containing "husband and wife" to "married individuals" and "spouses". This bill failed in the Senate foremost because the fundamental language defining marriage as husband and wife is in our Constitution in N.D. and the Century Code should not contradict.
divorce is difficult and that children can become the victim in many cases. Legislation that would treat every case of custody the same would take away the discretion of the court. The court is ultimately the arbitrator that should weigh the unique facts and in doing so ensure the best possible solution prioritizing the welfare of the children first and foremost. I have voted against most of these proposals in the past as they tend to "weaponize" one parent against the other with no respect for the uniqueness of each case.
on Thursday, Feb. 6. Troubadour, a French medieval term for a lyric poet, today is used to describe a person who writes and performs songs. A new state vegetable When Tamara Steckler was homeschooling her children about N.D., they discovered the state does not have a state vegetable. Rep. Matt Heilman, R-Bismarck, agreed to sponsor House Bill 1334 at her request to designate rhubarb as the state vegetable.
The North Dakota House will decide whether to support the idea. The family came up with rhubarb because it has a large role in the heritage of N.D. and is used in many different recipes in the state. “This very distinct vegetable is much like North Dakotans,” said Tamara Steckler’s daughter, Alyssa Steckler. “It is very tolerant to cold weather and can survive in below-zero temperatures.”
The N.D. Constitution has 16 articles and more than 17,500 words and has been amended 167 times. The North Dakota House has approved a resolution that would require a 60 percent vote majority to win approval of future amendments. A new state waltz and troubadour A House committee unanimously endorsed a bill to name a song called “Dancing Dakota” as the official state waltz after its composer, Mandan folk musician Chuck Suchy, performed it for them. House Bill 1397 designates “Dancing Dakota” as the state waltz and establishes the position of official state troubadour. A separate measure, House Concurrent Resolution 3008, would designate Suchy as the first state troubadour for the next five years. The resolution will have its first hearing
Chuck Suchy, a Mandan Resident, preforms “Dancing Dakota” at a committee hearing on Jan. 30. The committee recommended a Do Pass on HB 1397 which would designate the song as the state’s official waltz. Suchy is also under consideration to become the official state troubadour. Photo by Ann Estvold, NDNA.
Bills seek to close schools on election days and encourage teaching languages in elementary Ann Estvold, NDNA Legislative Intern
Rep. Pat Heinert, R-Bismarck, said House Bill 1387 would protect students. Schools are handy for hosting elections because they have large parking lots and room in the gymnasium, he said. However, this is putting students in danger, because people are coming and going in the school with limited security. His bill is focused on elementary schools but would be beneficial to middle and high school students as well, Heinert said.
“The bottom line is we’ve got to protect our kids,” said Heinert. Amber Heinert, Bismarck, said she is not allowed past the front office of her daughter’s school. However, on Election Day, she walked right into the gymnasium without going through the office or security. Amber Heinert is the daughter of the bill sponsor. Amiee Copas, director of the North Dakota Council of Educational Leaders, said she favored changing the bill to allow schools to be in session if the school could segregate voters and students. This would be beneficial to schools that have a separate entrance to their gym, she said. “Anytime you’re holding a polling lo-
cation on site, you want to make sure that you are not interfering either way,” said Amy De Kok, director of the North Dakota School Boards Association.
ken multiple languages. Luick said different languages are introduced at young ages in other countries, rather than waiting until high school to offer instruction.
The bill is being considered by the House Education Committee, of which Heinert is the chairman. There was no opposition against the bill.
Ten North Dakota schools have a similar program already in place. Six schools teach indigenous languages and four are offering Spanish for K-6 grades. Only one of the 10 schools is a public school, said Ann Ellefson of the Department of Public Instruction. The legislation is being changed to provide the money as a grant to schools that offer foreign languages to K-3 students. The funds could then be used for both teacher stipends and other purposes, such as class materials.
Senate Bill 2275 would provide a stipend for teachers who teach kindergarten through third grade if they provide instruction in a foreign language. The stipends would not exceed $2,500 per teacher per year. Sen. Larry Luick, R-Fairmount, said his family has hosted multiple foreign exchange students, who have all spo-
Gaming law heads to the House By The Borderland Press staff
The North Dakota Senate has passed SB 2224, which aims to abolish the state’s gaming commission and, instead, have the state’s Attorney General office regulate gaming. The Bill was primarily sponsored by Senator Janne Myrdal of Edinburg who, during the bill’s hearing on Tuesday, would argue having the gaming commission was unnecessary due to
the Attorney General’s office creating most of the rules. “It seems to me a waste of time to balance these rules back and forth when we have an entity within the Attorney General's office that already does that, and the Attorney General then has to sign off on the legitimacy of those rules,” said Myrdal.
Scott Mesky of the North Dakota Gaming Alliance would also testify, opposing the bill.
to one single body, and that's kind of what Senate Bill 2224 does,” Mesky argued.
“At all levels of government, we have some sort of checks and balances. At the national and state levels, we have three branches of government, which is meant to keep everyone in check. Our founders knew that it would be a bad idea to give too much power
The bill would narrowly pass with a final vote of 25 in favor, 21 opposed. It now heads to the North Dakota House.
Winter
SPORT S
EAGLES BEAT CARDINALS IN HIGHLY ENTERTAINING GAME AT THE LANGDON GYM NB still unbeaten with win over St. John; L-M on four-game losing streak after rough second half at Midway By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor
In one of the more highly anticipated basketball games of the winter sports season, the North Border Eagles, ranked third in the state, came to Langdon to take on the Langdon-Munich Cardinals in a two-point District 3
contest. In a game filled with excitement from start to finish, the Eagles beat the Cards 69-63. That win, coupled with a comeback victory against St. John in Walhalla 66-57 on Feb. 5, moves the Eagles record to a perfect
14-0. They will play at Drayton-Valley-Edinburg in Drayton on Feb. 10 and at May-Port-C-G on Feb. 13. Langdon-Munich followed the loss to NB with another loss at Midway-Minto in Midway, 67-38,, on Feb. 5. After hosting North Star on Feb. 7, the Cardinals have a busy week ahead: at North Prairie in Rolla on Feb. 10, at Park River-Fordville-Lankin for a makeup game on Feb. 11, then they will play New Rockford-Sheyenne in Munich on Feb. 13. The Cards are on a four-game losing streak and are now 6-7 on the year. In their game against each other, the Eagles moved out to a 9-2 lead over the Cardinals before Langdon-Munich got within one at 9-8. NB took a 1410 lead after the first quarter. Kade Schafer began what was a huge night for the Eagles with 10 points in the third quarter, but Langdon-Munich got seven points of their own from Eastyn Schaefer with NB leading at halftime 33-28. After intermission, every time
Schafer had a game high 23 points for the Eagles, followed by 17 from Kaden Moore. Schaefer had 18 for the Cards, while Swanson and Cody Amble had 12, with 10 of Amble's coming in the second half. Both teams shot 50 percent or better from field.
(53.1%); NB: 24/48 (50.0%) Free throw percentage -- LM: 15/20 (75%); LM: 7/18 (38.9%)
Stats and a box score for the L-M/M-M and NB/St. John games were unavailable at press time.
NORTH BORDER vs. LANGDON-MUNICH 69 - 63 NB -- 14 19 22 14 -- 69 LM -- 10 18 18 17 -- 63 Langdon-Munich -- Eastyn Schaefer 18, Levi Swanson 12, Cody Amble 12,
Eastyn Schaefer takes a leap and sinks a bucket at the Cards' faceoff against the Eagles. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Colton Bailly eyes the basket and puts up a shot during the Eagles’ win over the Cards on Jan. 31 in Langdon. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Brody Berg drops in a basket over Cody Amble in the Eagles' win over the Cardinals. Photo by Larry Stokke.
The Cardinal Cheer Team kept the fans entertained with an impromptu game of shooting baskets with pom poms. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Kaden Moore went eight for nine from the line and had a great game, finishing with a 17-point night. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Cody Amble drops in a basket over Brody Berg's outstretched hand. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Levi Swanson had a great game with two 3-point baskets, finishing with 12 points total. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Tanner McDonald drives the lane and drops in a bucket against the North Border Eagles. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Weston Cosley goes up for a basket with Eastyn Schaefer right behind him trying to contest the shot. Photo by Larry Stokke.
the Eagles moved out to a decent lead, the Cards would reel them back in a bit. North Border looked like they would run away in the fourth quarter, leading 61-50, but the Cards again came back with Levi Swanson putting in 10 points in the fourth quarter. The killer for L-M would be missing 11 free throws on the night, while NB missed just five.
Tanner McDonald 10, Jayden Lee 8, Maddux Stremick 3 North Border -- Kade Schafer 23, Kaden Moore 17, Brody Berg 12, Grant Cosley 9, Weston Cosley 5, Colton Bailly 3 Rebounds -- LM: 29; NB: 24 Assists -- LM: 11; NB: 11 Steals -- LM: 8; NB: 8 Turnovers -- LM: 17; NB: 13 Field goal percentage -- LM: 28/49
Kade Schafer sinks a left handed shot to add two more points to his game high of 23 points in the Eagles' win over the Cardinals on Jan. 31 in Langdon. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Friday, February 7, 2025 - Page B2
Sports
The Borderland Press
Royals take on UND >>> Blades lose rare back-to-back games at at Dakota Spirit Arena home, win at Northwood
The LRSC Royals faced off with the UND Club Team in first ever college hockey game to be hosted at the Dakota Spirit Arena. LRSC swept two games, going 7-0 on Jan. 31 and 7-2 on Feb. 1. The Royals will play Minn. Crookston at the Dakota Spirit Arena on Feb. 14 at 7 p.m.
Devils Lake Royals #8 Brady Regner fires a shot from the right of the goalie and scores the first goal of the game against the UND Mens Club on Feb. 1. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Keaton Ullyott fights for control of the puck along the boards against Richland on Feb. 1 at the Dakota Spirit Arena. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Carter Mosher tangles with a Ranger player for control of the puck. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Ty Ramberg skates in and tries to get the puck past the Richland goalie. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Brody Steinmetz attacks the net but has his shot blocked by the UND goalie. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Benjamin Berg brings the puck around the side of the net to try a shot in the Jr Gold game. Photo by Larry Stokke.
By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor
Alex Gellner sends the puck past the UND goalie to add a second point for the Royals. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Karter Lein with a thumbs up and a positive attitude! Photo by Larry Stokke.
The Langdon Blades Junior Gold hockey team had a busy league weekend with one game at Dakota Spirit Arena. They played on Jan. 31 at Fargo then Feb. 1 against the Richland Rangers at the DSA. They lost two frustrating games, 6-1 to the Phantoms and 3-0 to the Rangers. Langdon got some redemption when they finished off the busy weekend by winning at Northwood on Feb. 3, 2-0. The Blades now have a 7-5 record in the North Dakota Junior Gold league standings, and they are playing in a rare tournament in Siren, Wisc., on Feb.7-9 before they have their next league game at home on Feb. 15 versus Northwood. Feb. 16 they play against league leading Minot. The Langdon 19U girls team played in a jamboree at Watford City Jan. 31-Feb. 2, where they beat Bismarck, lost to Hazen, and tied Richland. The Blades girls have another jamboree on Feb. 7-9, this time one that counts in the league standings at Hazen. Both Blades teams are getting ready for their respective state tournaments, which will both be held
in Minot the first weekend of March. For the Blades boys, they simply did not have it at Fargo. They fell behind 6-0 and scored their only goal of the game late in the third period on a lamp lighter by Carter Lein. Their game with the Rangers would be another rough one, as the Blades had several chances to score but could not get anything on the scoreboard. Langdon had opportunities all the way until near the end when Richland scored an empty net goal with just seconds left. Landon Schneider was the Blades player of the game; he played nearly the entire game on the ice on defense. Kennen Forest helped the Blades avoid being swept on the weekend at Northwood. He had both Langdon goals, one in the second and one in the third, to get the win. Forest was assisted by Max Henderson and Ben Berg on his first score. Ryder Moser stopped 27 shots to get the shut out in goal for Langdon.
Ryder Moser with a glove save against the Richland Rangers. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Sports
The Borderland Press
Friday, February 7, 2025 - Page B3
Jake’s Take on Sports
By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor NE Dual Regional Wrestling Tourney in Carrington kicks off Tournament Time
Well, ready or not, Tournament Time for the winter of 2025 is here. It all gets started with the Northeast Region Dual Wrestling Tournament to be held in Carrington on Feb. 8. Our area teams, the Pembina County North Grizzlies and Northern Lights teams, will both be competing for a chance to advance to the State Dual Tournament the weekend of Feb. 2022 at the Fargodome. PCN is the third seed in the dual regional, and they will take on sixth-seeded Rugby in the first round at 11:30am in Carrington. Northern Lights is the number twoseed and will go up against Grafton in a first round dual, also at 11:30. Carrington is the top seed in the tournament. We will have results for both teams next week, and we wish them the best of luck.
District 3 Girls Basketball Tournament starting in Rolla Feb. 14, Lady Cards are the top seed The second tournament of the season is the District 3 Girls Basketball Tourney, which will be held in Rolla Feb. 14-17. The Langdon-Munich Cardinals will be the top seed in the tournament and will most likely be playing the first game of the day in the opening round at 3:00pm on Feb. 14. With North Border not having their own girls team this year, there are eight teams in the tourney with no play-in game. The top four teams in this tournament will advance to the Region 2 Tournament, coming later in February in Devils Lake. The Lady Cards will also have their Senior Night in Langdon on Feb. 7, where they will honor their two seniors, Meredith Romfo
Wirth signs to commit to Dakota State football program
Pictured (L-R) Neva Wirth, Finley Wirth, Oliver Wirth, Jessica Anderson, and Jonathan Wirth.
Pictured is Devils Lake senior Oliver Wirth with his family at his official signing to play college football at Dakota State University in Madison, S.D. Wirth was an all-state wide receiver for the Devils Lake Firebirds this past fall and is also was a big part of the Firebirds boy's basketball team that won the State A Tournament last winter. He is slated to play at tight end for the Trojans and is currently undecided on a major, although is interested in something ag-related. He is the son of Jonathan Wirth of Munich and Jessica Anderson of Devils Lake, and the grandson of Gary and Lori Wirth of Munich and Tim and Robin Anderson of Starkweather. Congratulations, Oliver!
and Mikaela Olson, along with their parents before a game with Grafton. Langdon to host big 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Feb. 8 The Langdon-Munich Sports Boosters are ready to host their second annual 3-on-3 girls and boys basketball tournament on Feb. 8. We are told they have nearly 50 teams involved in this year’s event, which will be held at both the Langdon High School gym and the Langdon Activity Center. Everything will begin around 9:00am, and concessions will be available at the high school only. This is an event that is nearly double of what it was last year, and they hope to keep building it up from year to year. Hopefully, you can get out and watch some of the action in person.
Boys basketball coming to Munich Feb. 13 The last of four basketball games for the season will be coming to Munich this week on Feb. 13 when the Langdon-Munich boys basketball team will host the New Rockford-Sheyenne Rockets, who have been ranked in the top 10 in the State B media poll for most of the season. It’s been a fun run of games in Munich, and it’s rather sad to see it come to and end at the gym, but hopefully everyone in the Munich area will come on out to watch this one last event for the winter. “See ya!” next week!
Sports
Friday, February 7, 2025 - Page B4
The Borderland Press
Lady Cards lose to #2 Kenmare-Bowbells, close out District 3 games unbeaten Langdon-Munich will be the top seed of District 3 Tourney starting in Rolla on Feb. 14. By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor
The Langdon-Munich Cardinals are winding down their regular season with just one more game on the schedule before Tournament Time, and that's at home versus Grafton for Senior Night on Feb. 7. Lady Cards seniors Meredith Romfo and Mikaela Olson will be honored before the game, and the Langdon Pom Squad is also set to perform at halftime. Langdon-Munich had a long drive for a non-conference game at Kenmare, where they lost 49-42 to the Kenmare-Bowbells Honkers on Jan. 30 then closed out their District 3 schedule with a win over Cavalier at home, 62-31. The Cards are now 12-6 on the season going into their last regular season game. They will be the top seed in the District 3 Girls Basketball Tournament to be held in Rolla Feb. 14-17. They will play the first game of the day in the first round at 3:00pm on Feb. 14. Here is a recap of their last two games: Kenmare-Bowbells 49, Langdon-Munich 42 The Cardinals stayed right with the
Kenmare-Bowbells -- Mashae Miller 16, Taya Aufforth 11, McKenna Mau 8, Brea Chrest 6, Lilibeth Santizo 4, Anne Stroklund 2 Rebounds -- LM: 26; KB: 31
LANGDON-MUNICH 62, CAVALIER 31 LM -- 22 20 6 14 -- 62 C -- 5 5 11 10 -- 31 Langdon-Munich -- Avery Lorenz 15,
Meredith Romfo 13, Erika Bakke 11, Aubrey Badding 6, Mikaela Olson 6, Hilary Haaven 4, Mya Swanson 3, Meggy Hetletved 2, Taya Feist 1 Cavalier -- Jalynn Stegman 8, Colbie
Furstenau 7, Anja Schluchter 6, Katy Jensen 4, Brynn Devine 4, Delany Denault 2
Assists -- LM: 7; KB: 12 Steals -- LM: 7; KB: 11 Turnovers -- LM: 23; KB: 15 Field goal percentage -- LM: 15/34 (44.1%); KB: 19/56 (33.9%) Free throw percentage -- LM: 6/10 (60/0%); KB: 4/6 (66.7%) Langdon-Munich 62, Cavalier 31 As they did the first time they played the Tornadoes, the Lady Cards decided this game early, jumping out to leads of 22-5 after the first quarter and 42-10 at halftime. Give Cavalier credit, they never gave up and actually outscored the Cardinals in the second half, 21-20. The Cards used their whole roster in the game with nine players getting in to the scorebook. Avery Lorenz had a game high 15 points, followed by 13 by Meredith Romfo and a career high 12 from Erika Bakke. Jalynn Stegman had eight points to lead the Tornadoes.
Hilary Haaven drops in a layup for two against the Tornadoes. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Meredith Romfo drops in a right-handed layup in the Cards game against the Cavalier Tornadoes at home on Feb. 3. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Player of the Game Erika Bakke went two for two from the free throw line and finished with a 12-point night in the Cards' win over the Tornadoes. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Mikaela Olson dropped in two 3-point baskets to add to the Cards' 62-point game over the Tornadoes. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Avery Lorenz had a great night, scoring a game high of 15 points against Cavalier in Langdon on Feb. 3. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Honkers in Kenmare. The two teams battled in the first half. K-B had a 9-2 lead before the Lady Cards got their legs under them and led in the second quarter 18-15. The Honkers then went on a 6-0 run to lead at the half, 21-18. K-B expanded that lead to 46-33 in the fourth quarter when the Lady Cards took off on a 9-0 run on big shots by Meredith Romfo, Hilary Haaven and Kemi Morstad to get to within four at 46-42. After a curious lane violation wiped away a Morstad free throw that would have made it a one possession game, that would be as close as they would get. Romfo had 12 points to lead the Cards, followed by Haaven with 11 and Avery Lorenz with 10. Turnovers bothered tha Cardinals all evening; they ended with one of their highest totals of the season at 23. Mashae Miller had 18 points to lead the Honkers. KENMARE-BOWBELLS 49, LANGDON-MUNICH 42 LM -- 5 12 10 15 -- 42 KB -- 13 8 17 11 -- 49 Langdon-Munich -- Meredith Romfo 12, Hilary Haaven 11, Avery Lorenz 10, Kemi Morstad 5, Aubrey Badding 4
Classifieds
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Public Notices
Friday, February 7, 2025 - Page B6
Cavalier County Commission Proceedings On January 7, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. the Board of Commissioners of Cavalier County, North Dakota, met at the Cavalier County Courthouse in regular session, with all members present. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Nick Moser called the meeting to order and proceeded as follows: Moser asked if there were any changes to the agenda. Stanley Dick made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Shane Gallagher; motion carried. Greg Goodman made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Shane Gallagher; motion carried. Shane Gallagher made a motion to transfer $3,015.96 from Farm to Market Fund to Road & Bridge Fund, seconded by Austin Lafrenz, motion carried. Stanley Dick made a motion to transfer $1,164.93 from County Road Fund to Road & Bridge Fund, seconded by Greg Goodman, motion carried. Austin Lafrenz made a motion to transfer $151.64 from VSO Fund to County General Fund, seconded by Shane Gallagher, motion carried. Greg Goodman made a motion to transfer $2,618.00 from Road & Bridge Fund to Road & Bridge Equipment Replacement Fund, seconded by Austin Lafrenz, motion carried. Amber Schneider was introduced to the commission as the newly hired Emergency Manager/E-911 Coordinator; and Lahni Stachler was introduced to the commissioners as the newly hired NDSU Extension Agent. The commissioners welcomed the new employees to Cavalier County. Terry Johnston, Road Supervisor; and Sheldon Romfo, Road Foreman; met with the commissioners to review current road projects. Romfo informed the commissioners that they are still waiting on another quote for an air exchanger for the Langdon
shop. Roads needing to be reclaimed in the spring were discussed. Greg Goodman made a motion to approve a Local Permit for BINGO for the Pembina Gorge Foundation, seconded by Stanley Dick, motion carried. The commissioners reviewed President Biden’s Executive Order in respect for President Carter’s funeral on January 9th, along with the county’s Policy Manual. Stanley Dick made a motion to NOT close county offices on January 9th based on the Executive Order, due to the fact that a holiday was not declared, seconded by Austin Lafrenz, motion carried. There were suggestions on a possible update to the Policy Manual referring to days appointed by the President or Governor. The commissioners were not able to reach Shannon Uecker, North Risk Partners, to discuss the change in HR contracting provided by North Risk Partners. The county would now be provided a valued added service through Wagner, Felchner & Judd, at no charge as clients of North Risk Partners for HR consulting. After reviewing the list of services provided, Greg Goodman made a motion to approve Wagner, Felchner & Judd for HR consulting through North Risk Partners, seconded by Stanley Dick, motion carried. Stanley Dick asked that the commissioners get an update on how the new HR consulting firm was working out after 6 months. Paula Cunningham, Water Board Secretary/ Treasurer, met with the commissioners to review NDCC 61-16.1 referring to financial reports being provided to the county. Cunningham provided the commissioners with a financial report for 2024, but stated she was still in the process of reviewing a number of items. It was agreed that updates will be given to the commissioners during regular department updates. Steph-
anie Bata, Tax Director, met with the commissioners to follow-up on Assessor Contracts for the townships and small cities. Greg Goodman made a motion to approve $4/parcel for Assessor Contracts with township and cities (excluding Langdon City and Munich City, which are already under contract), seconded by Stanley Dick, motion carried. Greg Goodman made a motion, seconded by Stanley Dick to review and approve the following audit of claims; motion carried: •CAVALIER RURAL ELECTRIC CO-OP. | $441.01 | R&B •UP NORTH OIL, INC | $2,134.46 | R&B •FARMERS UNION OIL OF DEVILS LAKE | $2,128.70 | R&B •QUADIENT LEASING USA, INC. | $977.10 | MISC •QUADIENT FINANCE USA, INC | $1,900.00 | MISC •JOHNSON CONTROLS FIRE PROTECTION LP | $912.90 | MAINT •BUSINESS ESSENTIALS | $177.29 | CLERK •SOFTWARE INNOVATIONS | $3,900.00 | AUD •ND ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES | $36,629.67 | WORKERS COMP •MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES | $1,896.55 | GEN/R&B •JP MORGAN CHASE BANK | $2,933.86 | GEN/SHERIFF/DISP •AT&T MOBILITY | $1,190.54 | SHERIFF •BALCO UNIFORM CO. INC. | $93.04 | SHERIFF •RADISSON HOTEL BISMARCK | $102.50 | SHERIFF •ERLING'S OIL, INC. | $343.98 | R&B •KLJ ENGINEERING LLC | $19,853.09 | R&B •JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL | $1,733.99 | R&B •MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES | $135.80 | WEED •MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES | $141.79 | SS •VERIZON WIRELESS | $1,364.72 | NVHSZ •VISA | $874.64 | NVHSZ •D & B MOTORS, INC. | $155.15 | NVHSZ •XCEL ENERGY | $23.04 | NVHSZ •WALSH COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPT | $314.21 | NVHSZ •DACOTAH PAPER CO. | $90.97 | NVHSZ •WINDWOOD ESTATES
The Borderland Press
| $52.61 | NVHSZ •ADVANCED BUSINESS METHODS | $217.04 | NVHSZ •QUILL LLC | $116.15 | NVHSZ •JILL DENAULT | $99.07 | NVHSZ •HOLLY FETSCH | $48.91 | NVHSZ •MCKINZIE KIPP | $122.00 | NVHSZ •MONDRAGON LAW OFFICE | $579.99 | STATE'S ATTY •BUSINESS ESSENTIALS | $383.15 | STATE'S ATTY •BUSINESS ESSENTIALS | $3,992.00 | STATE'S ATTY •NORTHEAST REGIONAL WATER | $67.50 | R&B •PRESORT PLUS | $3,121.04 | TREAS •VANGUARD APPRAISALS, INC | $1,320.00 | TX DIR •RAZOR TRACKING, INC. | $325.00 | R&B •ND EMA | $50.00 | EMG MGR •ND PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT | $1,166.76 | LIFE INS •ND PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT | $119,730.08 | HEALTH INS •ND STATE TREASURER | $14,323.18 | FEES •WEST PAYMENT CENTER | $359.98 | STATE'S ATTY •US IMAGING INC | $14,990.45 | REC •STANLEY DICK | $63.65 | COMM •NICK MOSER | $190.28 | COMM •SOFTWARE INNOVATIONS | $950.00 | TREAS •ND COUNTY AUDITORS ASSOC | $400.00 | AUD/ TREAS •NORTH CENTRAL PLANNING COUNCIL | $29,342.50 | PLANNING •ACCUSOURCE HR, INC. | $74.52 | EMG MGR •ANITA BEAUCHAMP | $36.00 | CLERK •FARMERS UNION OIL CO | $169.75 | MAINT •VERIZON WIRELESS | $112.87 | R&B/WEED •ADVANCED BUSINESS METHODS | $573.12 | GEN/R&B •INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPT. | $4,705.74 | GEN/E-911 •LANGDON CITY | $513.03 | GEN/R&B •BORDERLAND PRESS, INC. | $858.74 | COMM/R&B •LANGDON HARDWARE & RENTAL | $374.73 | MAINT/R&B •FARMERS UNION OIL CO | $3,526.85 | SHERIFF •ADVANCED BUSINESS METHODS | $198.91 | SHERIFF •D & B MOTORS, INC. | $422.39 | SHER-
CAVALIER COUNTY Letter to the Editor: – NDIRF/ND Fire Support for SB 2200 and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Dear Editor, our state. ening situation. & Tornado Fund I am writing to express my strong sup- Since its launch, 988 has served as SB 2200 will provide essential reAgent port for SB 2200, a critical bill that will a vital resource, offering immediate sources to sustain and expand these The Cavalier County Commissioners will be accepting letters of interest to write and maintain the county’s insurance coverage with the North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund and ND Fire and Tornado Fund. Information needed may be obtained by contacting the Cavalier County Auditor at 256-2229. Letters of interest will be accepted until February 14, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. Lisa Gellner Cavalier County Auditor
ensure the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is adequately funded and staffed to provide lifesaving mental health services. With rising mental health challenges and suicide rates affecting individuals of all ages, we must prioritize crisis intervention and support those in need. In N.D., suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 24. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for accessible mental health resources in
help to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health crises, or emotional distress. However, without adequate funding, the system will struggle to keep up with demand, leaving countless people without access to timely and effective care. Just as we fund 911 to respond to physical emergencies, we must ensure 988 has the resources to handle mental health crises—because mental health emergencies deserve the same urgency as any other life-threat-
services, ensuring that everyone in crisis has someone to turn to, 24/7.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it is our responsibility as a community to support policies that strengthen mental health infrastructure. I urge lawmakers to pass SB 2200 and for citizens to contact their representatives in support of this crucial bill. Lives are at stake, and we cannot afford to wait. Sincerely, Jennifer Illich, FirstLink Executive Director jenniferi@myfirstlink.org
IFF •PEMBINA COUNTY SHERIFF | $2,790.00 | SHERIFF •CHRISTIE MOTOR SALES, INC. | $134.22 | SHERIFF •AUTO VALUE OF LANGDON | $106.02 | R&B •BUTLER MACHINERY CO. | $249.69 | R&B •MAC'S HARDWARE | $440.09 | R&B •DUBOIS OIL CO.,INC | $3,148.46 | R&B •H E EVERSON CO | $298.29 | R&B •FARMERS UNION OIL OF DEVILS LAKE | $510.93 | R&B •FARMERS UNION OIL CO | $5,501.71 | R&B •UP NORTH GARAGE DOORS & MORE | $472.06 | R&B •WALHALLA COOP OIL CO. | $228.01 | R&B •RICHARD'S WELDING, INC. | $3,475.70 | R&B •MIKKELSEN BROS CONST CO INC | $250.00 | R&B •TOM HARDY | $14.00 | VSO •CAVALIER COUNTY AUDITOR | $5.49 | WEED •LANGDON CITY | $115.00 | SS •JILL DENAULT | $99.00 | NVHSZ •LERNA PAULSON | $38.86 | NVHSZ •ADVANCED BUSINESS METHODS | $255.48 | NVHSZ •BIRCHWOOD | $79.68 | NVHSZ •NDACO RESOURCES GROUP, INC | $21,920.37 | NVHSZ •PEMBINA COUNTY SHERIFF | $247.60 | NVHSZ •QUADIENT FINANCE USA, INC | $190.44 | NVHSZ •MORGAN PRINTING, INC. | $64.82 | NVHSZ •CARL HOFFARTH | $480.00 | NVHSZ •DOCU SHRED INC. | $56.45 | NVHSZ •BUSINESS ESSENTIALS | $202.93 | NVHSZ •LEEVERS FOODS | $93.00 | NVHSZ •MINNKOTA | $47.20 | NVHSZ •WALSH COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPT | $403.17 | NVHSZ •INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPT. | $56.25 | NVHSZ At 10:30 a.m., Austin Lafrenz made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Shane Gallagher; motion carried. Cavalier County, North Dakota Nick Moser – Chairman Attest: Lisa Gellner – Auditor
Public Notices
The Borderland Press
Cavalier County Commission Proceedings On January 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. the Board of Commissioners of Cavalier County, North Dakota, met at the Cavalier County Courthouse in regular session, with all members present. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Nick Moser called the meeting to order and proceeded as follows: Moser asked if there were any changes to the agenda. Austin Lafrenz made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Shane Gallagher; motion carried. Greg Goodman made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Stanley Dick; motion carried. Austin Lafrenz made a motion to transfer $700.00 from Victim Assistance Fund to County General Fund, seconded by Stanley Dick, motion carried. Year-end expenditures and balances were reviewed, as well as upcoming road projects. Austin Lafrenz made a motion to amend the following 2024 expenditures: R&B HB 1505 $106,548.69 (State funded); Road & Bridge $187,479.79; R&B Equipment Replacement $147,148.38; 2022 FEMA $304,161.93 (Federally funded); Sheriff 24/7 Trust $655.00; seconded by Greg Goodman, motion carried. Shane Gallagher made a motion to proclaim Thursday, February 13, 2025 Giving Hearts Day in Cavalier County, seconded by Greg Goodman,
motion carried. Stephanie Bata, Tax Director, met with the commissioners to present the Soils Committee soil valuation proposal for 2025. Bata explained that the overall ag land values would decrease slightly and put the county at 95% compliance with the state. New soil types implemented which have only been implemented by NRCS in portions of the county would use average PI values until the new soil types are implemented across the county. The commissioners were in agreement to proceed to update the Sidwell soils program based on the Soils Committee proposal as presented. As requested by the commissioners, Angelo Mondragon, State’s Attorney, presented NDCC procedures for changing elected positions to appointed. After discussion with current county officials, the commissioners decided not to proceed. Terry Johnston, Road Supervisor; and Sheldon Romfo, Road Foreman; met with the commissioners to review current road projects. Johnston informed the commissioners that the 2022 FEMA funds were now all expended and final administration expenses would be submitted. Sheldon Romfo informed the commissioners that United Communications will be working on installation of cameras at each county shop. The commissioners conducted one
interview with Jeff Daley, KLJ Engineering, for DOT Bridge Project #BRJ0010(057). Based on the interview, Stanley Dick made a motion to hire KLJ Engineering for the bridge project, seconded by Greg Goodman, motion carried. Austin Lafrenz made a motion, seconded by Greg Goodman to review and approve the following audit of claims; motion carried: •FARMERS & MERCHANTS STATE BANK | 66715.96 | R&B •PEMBINA COUNTY TREASURER | $247.60 | NVHSZ •CHAD HENDERSON | $75.00 | TX DIR •CHAD HENDERSON | $75.00 | TX DIR •LISA BUCHWEITZ | $75.00 | TX DIR •LISA BUCHWEITZ | $75.00 | TX DIR •MARK SCHNEIDER | $75.00 | TX DIR •MARK SCHNEIDER | $75.00 | TX DIR •LISA JACOBSON | $75.00 | TX DIR •LISA JACOBSON | $75.00 | TX DIR •TIM KINGZETT | $75.00 | TX DIR •BUSINESS ESSENTIALS | $267.70 | TREAS •BUSINESS ESSENTIALS | $67.12 | AUD •BUSINESS ESSENTIALS | $20.10 | CLERK •STANLEY DICK | $84.00 | COMM •NACM | $150.00 | CLERK •ECOLAB INC. | $135.45 | MAINT •BORDERLAND PRESS, INC. | $49.00 | REC •BORDERLAND PRESS, INC. | $49.00 | COMM •COMPUTER EXPRESS | $4,590.00 | GEN •ND COUNTY RECORDERS ASSOCIATION | $500.00 | REC •PEM-
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BINA COUNTY AUDITOR/TREAS | $8,227.85 | MISC •SOFTWARE INNOVATIONS | $1,350.00 | GEN •ND ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES | $14.00 | CLERK •PREMIUM WATERS, INC. | $38.97 | CLERK •OTTER TAIL POWER CO | $2,584.86 | GEN/R&B •UNITED COMMUNICATIONS | $1,618.21 | GEN/R&B/VSO •AT&T MOBILITY | $1,240.57 | SHERIFF •UNIFORM CENTER | $87.99 | SHERIFF •JP MORGAN CHASE BANK | $1,323.98 | SHERIFF •MOCIC | $100.00 | SHERIFF •COMPUTER EXPRESS | $575.00 | SHERIFF •PREMIUM WATERS, INC. | $54.44 | DISP •ND ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES | $400.00 | SHERIFF •ND STATE RADIO COMMUNICATIONS | $240.00 | SHERIFF •A & J O'TOOL TOWING | $2,200.00 | R&B •KLJ ENGINEERING LLC | $12,575.09 | R&B •ERLING'S OIL, INC. | $157.27 | R&B •NDACE | $350.00 | R&B •CAVALIER RURAL ELECTRIC CO-OP. | $527.16 | R&B •HANSEL HEATING & AIR LLC | $95.00 | R&B •FARMERS UNION OIL OF DEVILS LAKE | $2,164.83 | R&B •OFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL | $1,730.24 | EMG MGR •UNITED COMMUNICATIONS | $62.16 | E-911 •UNITED COMMUNICATIONS | $42.90 | EMG MGR •FARMERS UNION OIL CO | $116.83 | VSO •BORDERLAND PRESS, INC. | $49.00 | NDSU EXT. •UNITED COMMUNICA-
Two bills propose universal free school meals for North Dakota students By Erin Hemme Froslie/The North Dakota Monitor Universal free school meals are the focus of two bills in the North Dakota Legislature. Both bipartisan bills call for using state funds to pay for the cost of providing free breakfasts and lunches to all students. These bills would offer the free meals regardless of student family incomes. The expected cost is $140 million over two years. While the bills offer similar outcomes, they differ in where the state funds come from. House Bill 1475 uses money from the state’s general fund. House Bill 1553 taps the state’s Legacy Fund, paid for through taxes on oil and gas extractions. Offering free meals would address a number of concerns ranging from students’ ability to learn to easing family budgets, advocates say. “Students can’t learn if they’re hungry,” said Michelle Wagner of the North Dakota School Nutrition Association. “And we know that many families are struggling to just keep up with grocery bills.”
by the work of the Together for School Meals, a coalition that includes the North Dakota School Nutrition Association, Great Plains Food Bank of North Dakota and local school boards. Robin Nelson, a member of the coalition and the Fargo School Board, said there is a growing recognition of the link between healthy meals and improved student outcomes. For example, a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association reviewed information from over 11,000 schools with universal free school meals. It found that students were more likely to eat at lunchtime and that schools saw some improvements in attendance. Eight states provide free meals to students regardless of income level, according to the Food, Research and Action Center. Those are: California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico and Vermont.
In 2023-24, more than 15 million lunches were served to N.D. school children in public, private and tribal schools. More than 5 million breakfasts were served. Advocates believe those numbers would go up if free meals were offered.
“Overall, student engagement improves. Healthy meals lead to healthier students, which ultimately benefits the entire community,” Nelson said. It also will help ease growing costs for families, she said. For families who aren’t already eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, the bill would result in an approximate $850 savings per school-aged child.
Momentum for the bills is bolstered
In addition, offering universal free
meals could benefit school budgets, she said.
students to receive free meals. That program has expired.
For example, Fargo Public Schools has about $120,000 in school meal debt at the end of the year, she said. If families don’t or can’t pay, school districts need to cover the debt out of general funds, Nelson said.
A recent poll commissioned by the North Dakota News Cooperative shows that 82% of respondents support free meals for students, a sentiment that cuts across political lines.
“Sometimes a generous donor will help cover some of it, but that’s not sustainable,” she said. Child nutrition programs across the state are currently self-funded. Any public or private school that participates in the National School Lunch Program receives federal cash subsidies and commodity foods. The rest of the costs, including labor and equipment, is covered through meal prices. Both bills encourage school districts to adopt policies that would encourage families to complete federal paperwork needed for free and reduced-cost meals. This would ensure schools capture as much federal funding as possible and the entire costs don’t fall to the state. “There’s been some concern expressed that we could lose federal funding,” Nelson said. “We will work to make sure that doesn’t happen.” During the 2023 legislative session, a similar free school meal bill failed to pass. In its place, legislators expanded eligibility for free meals to families who met 200% of the federal poverty line. This allowed more – but not all –
“The time is right for this,” Wagner said. “With everything else families are facing, providing free school meals is one thing we can do to help.”
TIONS | $52.14 | NDSU EXT. •CAVALIER COUNTY AUDITOR | $240.20 | NDSU EXT. •LAHNI STACHLER | $150.00 | NDSU EXT. •NDSU EXT | $7,801.02 | NDSU EXT. •OTTER TAIL POWER CO | $99.29 | WEED •WINDWOOD ESTATES | $1,059.97 | NVHSZ •TOLLEFSON FUNERAL HOME | $3,500.00 | NVHSZ •RORY JOHNSON | $600.00 | NVHSZ •ASKEW FUNERAL HOMES | $3,500.00 | NVHSZ •VESTIS | $118.03 | NVHSZ •PEMBINA COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPT | $773.06 | NVHSZ •T R WAIND INSURANCE AGENCY | $11,307.00 | NVHSZ •PREMIUM WATERS, INC. | $32.46 | NVHSZ •QUILL LLC | $55.21 | NVHSZ •VERIZON WIRELESS | $1,365.93 | NVHSZ •ND HUMAN SERV ZONE DIRECTORS ASSN | $500.00 | NVHSZ •HOLLY FETSCH | $51.10 | NVHSZ •STANLEY DICK | $270.36 | NVHSZ •NICOLE RUST | $140.00 | NVHSZ At 1:25 p.m., Stanley Dick made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Shane Gallagher; motion carried. Cavalier County, North Dakota Nick Moser – Chairman Attest: Lisa Gellner – Auditor
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Bill is first step toward eliminating public notice in newspapers Cecile Wehrman, Executive Director/North Dakota Newspaper Association We’ve all seen them, those oxymorons – postal service, military intelligence, government efficiency. Well here’s a story from right here in N.D. that’s all about spending $150,000 in taxpayers’ hard-earned cash to create something that’s already free. Proponents of SB 2069, which was brought by the PSC as a “backstop” to protect against newspapers failing to publish a hearing notice, would give all units of government the option of also posting notices on the Secretary of State’s website. PSC staff claim this is not an attempt to remove public notices from newspapers, but the bill comes with an appropriation aimed at giving a state agency the ability to publish all public notices -- thereby duplicating a service newspapers also provide, and it’s free. Consider: The North Dakota Newspaper Association already maintains a public notice website, www.ndpublicnotices. com, which a member of the Senate State and Local Government committee has conceded is far superior to the Secretary of State’s website -- at no cost to the state or consumers. Newspapers are already REQUIRED BY LAW to publish all of their public notices on this website, at no additional cost to the unit of government and the public can access all notices at no cost.
The rate of missed public notices is tiny. For instance, the rate of error on 583 administrative rules placements last year by NDNA was .03 percent. None of those few errors invalidated the notice. NDNA has proposed a process whereby we will specially handle PSC hearing notices, but commission staff have rejected it. It’s worth noting the genesis of this bill was a single missed PSC hearing notice 18 months ago. Bills like this morph over time. What starts as “may” becomes a “shall.” This bill applies to ALL units of government -- cities, counties, townships, not just state government -- and the committee giving this bill a DO PASS has made clear that’s where they want this to go. This bill would, for the FIRST TIME EVER, equate publication on a government website with adequate public notice and once that rubicon is passed, there’s no going back. Once the state government has spent $150,000 of taxpayer money duplicating a system newspapers are already providing, it will be much easier to make the case that print publications in newspapers are no longer necessary. Though the committee has discussed SB 2069 several times since the original hearing, no one from the committee has responded to NDNA about a proposed amendment we made, nor invited us back to the committee to explore remedies other than spending $150,000. They don’t see us as the public’s advocate. They see us as “milking” the state government, when the whole
point of public notice is to provide information to the public and oversight of the government! We know voters understand this, and it’s something all of us must now fight to keep. NDNA research shows voters are adamantly opposed to public notices on government websites. Only 18 percent of North Dakotans said they trust government to be the only source of public notices. Yet, elected officials and state employees are hellbent in duplicating services newspapers are already providing and they’re unwilling to work toward a cheaper solution. Whether you are a local government official, a citizen who believes in keeping public notices in newspapers, or frustrated money is being spent needlessly, please contact your district senator to urge a NO vote on SB 2069. As I originally testified before this committee, no human endeavor is perfect, but NDNA -- and local newspapers -- have an exemplary record of publishing public notices. Afterall, if notices don’t run, newspapers don’t get paid! The North Dakota Newspaper Association has offered to work with state government to find a way to use our own well established public notice website to achieve the same aim as SB 2069, but the hand we’ve extended has been rebuffed, the reputations of 73 individual newspapers impugned, and the wishes of citizens ignored. SB 2069’s cost is out of proportion with the risks it aims to negate. Make no mistake, it’s aim is to eventually put the fox on guard of the henhouse of government information.
N.D. students show strength in math according to national exam State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said last week that N.D. students outperformed national averages in mathematics in the newest results for the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Eighth graders that took the NAEP, which is referred to as the “Nation’s Report Card,” had an average mathematics score of 280, compared to the national average of 272, Baesler said. For North Dakota’s fourth graders, the mathematics average was 241, compared to 237 nationally. Both spreads are considered meaningful, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Results of the NAEP were released nationally last Wednesday. It was administered to 5,707 N.D. fourth graders and 6,721 eighth graders from Jan. 29-March 8, 2024, at 219 test sites. The student participation rate was above 95 percent. Students need two hours to take the NAEP, which includes mathematics and reading exams.
N.D. students’ reading scores were similar to national averages. For fourth graders, the average reading score was 216, compared to a national average of 214. N.D. eighth graders scored an average of 257, which was identical to the national average. “It took the unprecedented impact of a global pandemic to cause a significant decline in our scores. Regaining that ground and then starting the climb upward again will require an equally substantial effort,” Baesler said. “Our teachers have taken incredible steps toward improving our reading and math instruction, and I believe those efforts are bearing fruit.” In fourth-grade mathematics, five states had higher average scores than N.D., according to an analysis of NAEP results. Six states had higher average scores in eighth-grade math. In fourth-grade reading, 12 states had better average scores than N.D., while 23 had higher average scores in eighth-grade reading.
North Dakota Game and Fish updates Electronic posting system for private land available Landowners interested in posting private land electronically for the 202526 hunting season can log into My Account on the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov.
linked to land descriptions based on county tax parcel information.
Landowners who have a profile on the Game and Fish Department’s mobile application have an option this year to communicate with hunters using their cellphone app. A link will be available for hunters to send a request to the individual posting the land.
Guide and outfitter exam scheduled The next guide and outfitter written examination is April 5 at 1 p.m. at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department office in Bismarck. Preregistration is required no later than March 28 by calling the Department’s enforcement office at 701-328-6604. In addition to passing a written exam, qualifications for becoming a guide include a background check for criminal and game and fish violations, certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and standard first aid, and employment by or contract with a licensed hunting outfitter.
The deadline to digitally post land is July 1, which enables Game and Fish to produce print material and digital content prior to hunting seasons that begin in August. Landowners who enrolled land electronically last year can renew, add or modify posting designations during the enrollment period. Others posting for the first time might need to create a profile. To post land, proceed to the “Land Parcels/Electronic Posting” section at the bottom of the page and click “Search/Renew Land parcels.” The electronic posting system is
The Game and Fish website has complete instructions for landowners, along with frequently asked questions for both landowners and hunters.
Hunting outfitter eligibility requirements include the guide qualifications, and an individual must have held a hunting guide license for two years and must have proof of liability insurance.
Cont’d. From Page A1 NLAC News – February 2025 at 7:00pm, and Sunday, March 2 at 2:00pm. Art Club is still up and running, but we
are hoping to increase attendance! Please share with your fellow artists, family, and friends. We meet the third Thursday of each month (now through April) at 6:30pm in the basement meeting room of the Langdon Eagles. Next art club is Feb. 20. The Community Band will begin rehearsals on March 3. Rehearsals are Mondays at 7:00pm in the LAHS band room. The band will be preparing for a performance to kick off the Summer Concert Series, Thursday, May 22. The Community Book Discussion is scheduled for March 31 at 7:30pm. This event is sponsored by NLAC and the Cavalier County Library.
The Borderland Press
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The Borderland Press
Views from the Borderland
Moonlighters host annual Fun Run The Moonlighters Snowmobile Club hosted its annual Fun Run on Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting and ending at At The Hop Bar & Grill. It was a day full of fun, food, and raffle prizes for snowmobile enthusiasts and community members alike. The Moonlighters Snowmobile Club is one of several groups comprising the Northeast Snowmobile Club Association (NESCA), which oversees snowmobile trail networks in northeast North Dakota. Photos by Larry Stokke.
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