Cavalier County
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Single Copy Volume 133
Republican
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News Coverage
Copyright © Langdon, North Dakota
Turn to Page 7 to read Leon Hiltner's Veteran's Service Update. See results from the Ladies City Golf Tournament on Page 9.
Index OPINION AG CHURCH COMMUNITY SPORTS PROF DIR PN CLASSIFIED
PAGE 4 PAGE 5 PAGE 6 PAGE 7 PAGE 8-9 PAGE 10 PAGE 11-12 PAGE 13
It has been a headline on repeat for the past few weeks across the nation – mass shooting occurs. As schools in North Dakota return, the fear of “what if” is on the minds of many. In Cavalier County, the three schools and the Cavalier County Sheriff’s Department are being proactive in their efforts to keep students safe and the schools in session. A.L.I.C.E. is one proactive approach to an active threat in the building. A.L.I.C.E. stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate. Every officer at the Sheriff’s Department has undergone A.L.I.C.E. training with a few now certified as instructors. The officers have also attended a three day active shooter training that was organized “All this training is for a violent, active shooter at a large gathering of people- like a school, hospital, or large event,” Cavalier County Sheriff Greg Fetsch stated. Langdon Area School District went through active shooter training through A.L.I.C.E along with members of the Cavalier County Sheriff’s Department during this past summer and intends to train the staff later on in the school year. Members of the Sheriff’s Department will assist with the training, also. Munich Public School has also participated in this particular training.
“Our teachers have all had A.L.I.C.E. active shooter training. We do hold lockdown drills as well as lockdown/evacuation drills. We hold drills at least twice a year. This is when the measures are reviewed,” Robert Bubach, superintendent and high school principal of Munich Public Schools, stated.
the measures in the fall during our inservice. If different situations around our school/ town or area happen, we will also have staff meetings to plan or brainstorm ideas of how or what we would do for those situations. “ A.L.I.C.E training provides age-appropriate drills for all
St. Alphonsus Catholic School has an updated crisis plan that covers situations that the new administrator, Carrie Hope, prays that they never have to put into practice. Much like the public schools, students and faculty practice different drills so they are all familiar with what to do if a situation arises. “We keep our school doors locked during the days. We also have surveillance cameras around the school so that I can see all around the school at one time,” Hope shared. “We review
students to ease anxiety and develop preparedness. However, even drills can be a nerve wrecking experience for some despite being necessary to make sure everyone is prepared in case of an event. “We stress to the students that these are just drills to help us be stronger and prepared together,” Hope stated. Through A.L.I.C.E. training, administrations receive protocol for events. Having relationships with the local Sheriff's Department is also very important.
Vaping epidemic suffocating America’s youth News outlets across the nation and locally have reported on the recent statement released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as they investigate a multi-state outbreak of severe pulmonary disease. The believed culprit is the use of e-cigarette products, commonly known as “vaping”, which is the only link in the sudden epidemic that has already resulted in one death. “We are saddened to hear of the first death related to the outbreak of severe lung disease in those who use e-cigarette or “vaping” devices. CDC’s investigation is ongoing. We are working with state and local health departments and FDA to learn the cause or causes of this ongoing outbreak,” Robert R. Redfield, MD, and Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement. “This tragic death in Illinois reinforces the serious risks associated with e-cigarette products. Vaping exposes users to many different substances for which we have little information about related harms – including flavorings, nicotine, cannabinoids, and solvents. CDC has been warning about the identified and potential dangers of e-cigarettes and vaping since these devices first appeared.
Monday, September 9, 2019
Number 36
Guns, Drugs, and Textbooks: How safe are our schools?
By Melissa Anderson Republican Editor
Catch up on the latest Cavalier County Commission meeting on Page 3.
Official Newspaper of Cavalier County Published since 1889
E-cigarettes are not safe for youth, young adults, pregnant women, or adults who do not currently use tobacco products.” As of August 27, there have been 215 possible cases of severe pulmonary disease associated with the use of elec-
tronic cigarette, or e-cigarette, products reported by 25 states. The severity of the issue has expanded to include additional pulmonary illnesses in the investigation. North Dakota has joined the list of states as the Department of Health (NDDoH) has received the first report of severe respiratory illness of a patient with a history of vaping or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). The most concerning aspect of the epidemic is the potential for who will be affected as vaping and ENDS
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usage is highest among teenagers and young adults. “Individuals are discouraged from using vaping and e-cigarette products of any kind as the long-term health impacts are unknown,” said Neil Charvat, director of the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. “Patients with a history of vaping who are experiencing breathing problems should seek medical care and inform their health care providers of any ENDS use.” The investigation has not identified any specific substance or e-cigarette product, such as the massively popular JUUL brand, that links to all cases. Based on reports from the states affected thus far, the respiratory symptoms associated with this are cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Some patients have also experienced gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea along with non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, fever, or weight loss. The reports have the symptoms varying in development, with some patients experiencing symptoms over a few days and others taking up to several weeks. “As people call in with these reports, we will continue to gather data in an effort to find cont. on page 3
Even with the training and the established relationship with those who serve and protect, when news hits that a shooting has taken place, the administrators at the area schools pause to take in the latest violent event to happen. “Every time an event is on the news, I absolutely think 'what if this happens at my school.' In terms of how I handle it- I realize that one cannot be prepared for every eventuality. A person cannot also be scared all the time. The chances of any event happening in any school are small,” commented Bubach. The LASD administrative team composed of the superintendent Daren Christianson, high school principal Stephanie Hochhalter, and elementary principal Todd Hetler shared that their first thoughts are of the staff, students, and families who are affected by the tragedy. “Our next thoughts are reflecting on what are we currently doing to protect our staff and students? Is there anything we should be doing better?” the administration said. Hope echoed those sentiments, stating that as they learn about different events, St. Alphonsus faculty consider what they would do in that situation, what would be the best plan of action, and how can they prepare if something like that happens at their school. “The important thing is to cont. on page 2
Borchardt brings Greenberg Realty to town The housing market in Cavalier County, and specifically the Langdon area, has been a hot topic for various reasons over the years. Langdon native Abby Borchardt is ready to jump into those waters and assist those looking for a change in their housing situation as she has recently gained her realtor’s license. Borchardt has joined Grand Forksbased Greenberg Realty. “Real estate is something I’ve been interested in for a while. My husband and I have talked about it as a career possibility for me for a number of years and finally decided now was the time,” Borchardt shared. The draw for Borchardt to embark on this voyage of realty is the fact she has “always been curious about homes and the different styles, layouts, etc.”. Her appreciation for residential architecture spans across all eras and their distinct styles. “However, in our area, I’m looking forward to assisting clients in all types of real estate including commercial and agricultural- not just residential,” Borchardt said. Navigating the waters of real-
ty is no easy task for those unfamiliar with the process. As those who have gone through the purchasing or selling of a home know, real estate is truly a different world and can be difficult and overwhelming to navigate. “It can be wise to have someone in your corner who is familiar with the workings of the market,” Borchardt stated. Personal experience of handling the sale and purchase of real estate gave Borchardt insight into how daunting the task can be. Prior to receiving her real estate education and completing the testing this past year, Borchardt and husband Todd had waded into the real estate market when buying homes and residential lots. From the whirlpool of the Grand Forks housing market to the more sedate pace of Langdon, the experiences gave Borchardt a feel for what lay ahead as a fun and exciting time. “We are so happy with our home and neighborhood [in Langdon]. I think there may have been some misconceptions about my being an agent cont. on page 3
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