Cavalier County
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Republican
Single Copy Volume 134
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In this issue:
Copyright © Langdon, North Dakota
Monday, November 2, 2020
Alzheimer's Awareness and disease basics
In the two-part series concerning Alzheimer's disease, this week we will talk about what Alzheimer’s disease is, the stages of Alzheimer's disease, and why you should get checked. Next week we will discuss coping with the disease. What Is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Alzheimer’s is not the same as dementia, but Alzheimer’s is one of the leading causes of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Who can get it? Alzheimer’s mostly affects people that are 60 years or older. The greatest known risk factor is aging. Alzheimer’s can also affect younger peo- ple. The Alzheimer’s Association says that 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 have younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. What do we know? Scientist do not fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s. Age is the best-known risk factor; it’s a progressive disease, meaning it worsens with age. Many researchers believe genetics may play a big role in developing Alzheimer’s disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says researchers are studying whether education, diet and environment play a role in developing Alzheimer’s
disease. There is evidence showing that physical, mental and social activities may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. How is Alzheimer's treated? There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Medical experts work to improve the quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s by helping maintain mental functions, manage behavioral symptoms, and attempting to
health, prescription use, overthe-counter medicines, diet, past medical problems, ability to carry out daily activities and changes in behavior or personality. They may conduct a memory test, assess problem-solving skills, attention, counting and language. There may also be standard medical tests to identify other possible causes for the symptoms. Finally, the doc-
slow or delay the symptoms. The National Institute of Aging says researchers hope to develop therapies targeting specific genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms so the actual underlying cause of the disease can be stopped or prevented. How is it diagnosed? According to the NIA, doctors use several methods to determine whether a person experiencing memory loss has Alzheimer’s. Doctors ask the person and a family member or friend questions about overall
tor may order brain scans. If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss, seek professional help. Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease can begin affecting the brain up to 10 years before any signs or symptoms show in a person. The Alzheimer’s Association and National Institute of Aging say there are three stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The first is mild or early stage Alzheimer’s. Early stage Alzheimer's:
as a progressive, strong and resilient community. These beDuring the League of Cities gan with Langdon city leaders' annual conference on Septem- 2015 decision to partner with ber 25, the City of Langdon was Northeast Regional Water Disannounced as the recipient of trict to connect to rural water City of the Year for 2020. This to provide a more consistent award was established in 1984 and cost-effective water source
and the replacement of lift stations with deeper sewer mains. With additional grant funds, projects will also continue in a phase 2 plan commencing next year to further work on water mains and 1-2 more blocks of work. Finally, sidewalk replace-
Turn to Page 3 for the latest from the Langdon City Commission. Find Munich Public School's Honor Roll on Page 7. Turn your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 1.
Index
OPINION AG CHURCH COMMUNITY SPORTS PRO DIR PN CLASSIFIED
PAGE 4 PAGE 5 PAGE 6 PAGE 7 PAGE 8-10 PAGE 11 PAGE 12 PAGE 13
Official Newspaper of Cavalier County Published since 1889 Number 44
Most people in the early or mild stage of Alzheimer’s disease are still able to function by themselves. In this stage, people experience greater memory loss and other cognitive difficulties. People may feel as if they are experiencing memory lapses. Problems include wandering, getting lost, trouble handling money, repeating questions and taking longer to do normal daily tasks. Most family members or close friends may notice the cognitive changes. Doctors recommend that caregivers and the person with Alzheimer’s start any legal, financial or endof-life plans as the disease will progress. Middle stage Alzheimer's: The middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease is where damage occurs in areas of the brain that control language, reasoning, sensory processing, and conscious thought. This stage typically can last the longest and for many years. Memory loss and con- fusion grow worse, and people begin to have problems recognizing family and friends in this stage. As the disease progresses, the person with Alzheimer’s will continually need more assistance from family or close friends. Most medical experts recommend caregivers consider respite or an adult day care to help with the increasing care time and work. Late stage Alzheimer's: The last stage of Alzheimer’s is severe or late stage Alzheimer’s cont. on page 2
Langdon awarded City of the Year for 2020 CCMH welcomes new controller the city executed to stand out wastewater treatment ponds By Adam Johnston Republican Writer
City of the Year Langdon was named 2020 City of the Year by the North Dakota League of Cities during the League’s 2020 virtual annual conference on Sept. 25. Pictured l-r: City Commissioners Susan Faye Crockett and Darin Kaercher, City Mayor Jerry Nowatzki, City Auditor Roxanne Hoffarth, City Commissioner Lawrence Henry and City Attorney Quentin Wenzel. Photo by Lori Peterson.
to recognize North Dakota cities for the quality, volume, and progressiveness of activities undertaken in the community. City of Langdon Auditor Roxanne Hoffarth submitted the nomination for the League's consideration. In presenting the award, NDLC Executive Director Blake Crosby outlined five projects
drawn from an aquifer in the Devils Lake Basin. He then noted the process the city is currently undertaking in replacing major utility systems and roadways. Respectively, these projects will replace 27 blocks of sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer and streets. These two projects also lead to repairing existing
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ment at two city locations was cited as bringing them up to ADA compliance and allowing handicap access. This development lead to the City Hall remodeling projects that will improve employee work environment while also providing a cont. on page 3
By Linda Timian Republican Writer
Cavalier County Memorial Hospital has hired Chris Carter to fill the position of controller, which is part of the finance department. Carter started earlier this summer on June 29. He has 31 years of experience in finance, including ten years in hospital finance. He worked at Mecosta County Hospital (now part of Spectrum Health) in Big Rapids, Michigan, for the past eight years. “I enjoy hospital finance, the different dep a r t m e n t s, and the reporting that entails,” he said. Responsibilities of the controller lie mainly in payroll/ benefits, accounts payable, and assisting the chief financial officer. The controller maintains the payroll process ensuring the timely and accurate disbursement of payroll. He oversees and ensures accurate processing of vendor invoices, reconciles all bank accounts monthly and, as part of
Good luck to the Cardinal
the month-end close process, prepares monthly journal entries in a timely manner, assists the CFO in audits, and prepares monthly financial statements, stats, and other reports for the board. “The challenge ahead is to get used to everything here, work on things and get them to where you want them,” said Carter. “The staff here has been great to work with, and ever yone has been really nice.” Car ter ’s family is in Michigan, and he plans to travel h o m e when he can. His wife, Robin, works at a college in Big Rapids. He has three grown sons: a teacher, a police officer, and a lineman. Carter enjoys the outdoors when he’s not working. He likes to explore on his motorcycle, riding around to different towns and the Pembina Gorge area. Normally he would go to car shows, but COVID has made those difficult to find. In the winter, he enjoys skating and hockey.
Football and Volleyball teams at playoffs! GO CARDS!