Cavalier County
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Republican
Single Copy Volume 135
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In this issue:
Copyright © Langdon, North Dakota
Catch up with the Langdon City Commissioners meeting on Page 3.
Index
OPINION AG CHURCH COMMUNITY SPORTS PROF DIR PN CLASSIFIED
PAGE 4 PAGE 5 PAGE 6 PAGE 7 PAGE 8-9 PAGE 10 PAGE 11 PAGE 12
have a slogan or program they are going to be trying to spread within the state,” said Steve Anderson of the Amer- Anderson. “My slogan for my ican Legion Post 79 in Cando year is ‘Remember the Fallen, was elected as the Department Support the Living,’ which will Commander at the 102nd Annual Department Convention held in Minot on June 25-27, 2021, and was sworn in on the final day of the convention. As Department Commander, Anderson will be responsible for and accountable to all the American Legion posts in the state. The position will allow him to interact with members and posts all across North Dakota. “As I travel throughout the state, I assist, encourage, lead and direct the posts’ officers on how to attract members, community service within their town and county, strengthen, and guide the posts,” said Anderson. He already has nine such commitments for the month of July. The American Legion was founded on four pillars: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. focus on post tramadic stress Each of these pillars encom- disorder (PTSD) and suicide passes a variety of programs awareness.” PTSD is a mental health that benefit our nation’s veterans, its service members, their problem that can develop affamilies, the youth of America ter experiencing or witnessing and ordinary citizens. As De- a life-threatening event, like partment Commander, Ander- combat, a natural disaster, a son intends to further advance car accident, or sexual assault. those four pillars and their pro- Flashbacks, distressing memories, edginess, and trouble grams. “As each new Department sleeping are normal reactions Commander takes over they to these events, but if they per-
Tractor Cruise showcases vintage tractors
back. About 3 years ago JohnBy Linda Timian son passed it on to Ames and Republican Writer Schommer. Tractors should be 50 years Steven Ames and Craig old or older and in good meSchommer are organizing the Annual Tractor Cruise set to hit chanical condition. They must the road on Wednesday, July 21. display a Slow Moving Vehicle This year the cruise will start in Calio, drive to Nekoma, and end in Langdon. A tractor cruise is a group of tractors that form a sort of convoy and drive from one destination to a n o t h e r. They happen all over North Dakota and the United States. You (SMV) sign at the back of the can find them online or hear tractor, and drivers must follow about them on RFD TV. Some all local, state and federal traffic are benefits to raise money for laws. “As a rule we get 20 to 25 parfood pantries or other charities, some are fundraisers for agri- ticipants,” said Ames, “but we cultural education, and some always welcome more.” Most come from Cavalier, Towner and are just for fun. Winston Johnson started this Ramsey Counties. Those wishing to participate tractor cruise when the Prairie Winds and Power Show was dis- should meet at the Calio Bar continued around 2006. Cruis- between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. es in the past have been from After lunch at the bar, drivers Calio to Starkweather and back, will head to the Pain Reliever in or from Calio to Cando and Nekoma for refreshments and a
Farmers & Merchants State Bank
break. The final stretch will take everyone to Langdon. The line of tractors will make a swing through Maple Manor for the residents to see the old tractors, drive to Langdon Implement, and then park in the FM Bank parking lot to display the tractors. The evening will wrap up at the Langdon Eagles Club for supper. T h e deadline to enter is the day of the cruise but the earlier the better. Contact Steven Ames at 701-6825586 or 701-370-1605 or Craig Schommer at 701-682-5149 or 701-370-1284. The entry fee is only $10. All meals, snacks and beverages are your own responsibility. “It’s a great stress reliever,” said Ames. “If you have an old tractor and have never participated in a tractor cruise, I strongly encourage anyone to participate and give it a try. You will have a blast!”
Farmers & Merchants State Bank Loan Officers
816 3rd Street, Langdon, ND 58249
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Monday, July 19, 2021
Number 29
Anderson raises PTSD awareness as his mission as American Legion Commander By Linda Timian Republican Writer
122nd 2nd of August Icelandic Celebration Parade Grand and Honorary Marshals have been announced, read more on Page 2.
Official Newspaper of Cavalier County Published since 1889
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sist, it may be PTSD. Suicide and thoughts of suicide are higher in those who suffer from PTSD, especially those who cope with it by not expressing their feelings. Vet-
erans may feel guilt or anger related to actions taken during combat. “I fully intend to bring this subject out of the dark,” said Anderson. “It’s time to ‘take off the mask’ about PTSD and suicide.” This means opening up and talking about it, and he does so himself, telling others of his own struggles. “I suffer from PTSD daily,” shares Anderson. “I have con-
templated suicide on a number of occasions. People are going to read this and be shocked and think ‘holy crap, I didn’t know this about Steve.’ That’s exactly the point. We don’t know what others are going through because it’s hard to talk about it. When you do mention it, people think your weird, or suck it up, or put on your big boy pants, etc.” Anderson said he needed help and thanks to the tough love of his wonderful wife, he got that help and is able to talk about it now. “That is my goal this year - to talk about it and show that there is help out there.” Anderson will attend Legion meetings and training in Indianapolis and Washington, DC and attend national conventions in Phoenix and Milwaukee. He is also the Veterans Service Officer for Cavalier County, taking over on November 1, 2020, after the retirement of Leon Hiltner. “My year as Department Commander will not affect my VSO job at all. They are two completely separate entities,” said Anderson. Most post meetings and trips will occur Thursday through Sunday. Anderson is passionate about his message and wants to reach those who are suffering and the people who care for them. “I leave you with this,” said Anderson, “I’d rather talk to you and hear your story than attend your funeral.”
Carlson new administrator at MMCC By Linda Timian Republican Writer
Jason Carlson has been selected as the new administrator of Maple Manor Care Center starting July 1, 2021. Carlson has worked in health care for over 35 years in many different positions from maintenance to nursing. He has been a CEO/administrator in various facilities from critical access hospitals to nursing homes in both Minnesota and North Dakota for 17 of those years. Carlson grew up in Karlstad, Minn., and then earned his diploma in practical nursing from Northland Community College. Later he earned a bachelor of science degree in applied psychology from Bemidji State University and an MBA in healthcare from the University of Mary. Carlson saw the job opening at Maple Manor online, submitted his information to the board of directors, and interviewed with the search committee for the administra-
tor position. “I am excited to be a part of the team here at Maple Manor Care Center,” said Carlson. He notes that the great staff who care for the residents along with the beautiful facility are among Maple Manor’s biggest strengths. “Some of the challenges we see here at MMCC are the same challenges all facilities in our state are facing right now,” said Carlson, “and they are staffing and census.” During the past year, North Dakota has seen the occupancy rate drop down into the 70% range and only recently surpassed 80% among long term care facilities. This in turn impacts budgeting and staffing. Carlson is commuting from his home in East Grand Forks while he gets started in his new job. “I look forward to settling in to this position,” said Carlson, “and getting to know everyone that is involved with our facility and becoming a part of the Langdon community.”
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