Cavalier County
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Single Copy Volume 133
Republican
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News Coverage
Copyright © Langdon, North Dakota
North Dakota corn and ethanol industries partner with fuel retailers to offer Unleaded88, read more on Page 7. Catch up on football, volleyball and cross country on Page 8-9.
INDEX
OPINION YOUTH CHURCH COMMUNITY SPORTS PROF DIR AG PN CLASSIFIED
PAGE 4 PAGE 5 PAGE 6 PAGE 7 PAGE 8-9 PAGE 10 PAGE 11 PAGE 12 PAGE 13
The future of the Langdon Area elementary and high school buildings will be decided on Tuesday, October 1 as the board asks the citizens of the Langdon Area School District to approve a substantial building mill levy increase. This will be a deciding factor in the health and longevity of the over 50 year old facilities. The LASD school board voted to pursue a 12 mill increase to their building fund at their July meeting after meeting with CTS Group senior account executive Mark Bucholz who explained that with the proposed improvements, the school would see a savings of $1 million with more energy efficient and modern heating and cooling systems. “The time has come for our district to upgrade and replace some areas of our buildings in an energy and cost efficient manner. This will meet today's standards for the safety, health, and well-being of our students and staff,” the board said. A steering committee was formed that composed of board members: Dawn Kruk, Chris Olson, Steve Olson (building and maintenance committee members) and community members Elizabeth Sillers, Dennis Throndset, Kimberly Hart, Dawn Roppel and Nick Moser. The board members were already familiar with the task at hand, and the community members were approached with the importance
LbarP Equine Ranch brings the joy of horses and the benefits of animal-assisted therapy to assisted living and nursing home
facilities in the area. “The visits started a few years ago with the previous owner, Heidi Witzel, and I just carried on the tradition,” Pederson said. LbarP Equine Ranch provides boarding, riding lessons, therapeutic visits (either at the ranch or to a secure facility), and, in the near future, therapeutic rid-
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said. “They keep limping it through, but it’s just a matter of time. Thank God they have the back up, because if they [boilers] both failed at the same time, it could shut the school down. That’s the worst part,” Nick Moser stated. The boilers are not the only concerns at the elementary school as the aged unit ventilators in the school circulate air from the wet tunnels. The elementary school often feels damp as a result of the excessive humid conditions within the tunnels and having very little airflow and temperature control. Add in the corroded hot water piping and various different types of thermostats in the school and the conditions become very uncomfortable for students and staff, not to mention dangerous. “Right now the air circulation for the school runs though tunnels underneath the school. The air is filtered and then forced through the tunnels to the heat registers. The tunnels get wet with ground water, are dirty and are smelly. This is not a great enTunnel Entrance in Library. Air flows through these tunnels vironment for our fresh air to be to heat classrooms. Air is only filtered before entering these pushed through,” commented tunnels, "NO" additional filtering downstream. These would Chris Olson. “When I saw for myself the be eliminated ,and the moist, moldy air would be eliminated. tunnel air flow systems in the elementary school, I was very concerned. These tunnels are children. This is of great impor- out but when. “Buildings that are 50 and 55 dank, dark, and at risk for stagtance,” Dawn Roppel said. The elementary school was years old have needs. Just as nant water which we all know built in 1965 and the high school a human body has needs as it creates mold and mildew isin 1969 making both buildings ages, the school buildings are sues, which can affect allergies, over 50 years old. Since being no different,” Dennis Throndset cont. on page 2 of the work needing to be done to the schools. They were quick to realize the consequences if not addressed quickly. “When I was asked to be on the committee, I said yes because I value education and kids. I really want good air quality and lighting for our staff and
constructed, no major improvements have been made to the cooling and heating systems within the elementary school, leaving the facility in a precarious position as its boilers “are on their last legs”. After so many years of service and repair, the question is not if the boilers go
Your Vote Matters Vote October 1
LbarP Equine Ranch brings unconditional love and support “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”Winston Churchill. Animals have long been recognized as therapeutic for people, and over the past few decades that awareness has increased. From the 1800s when Florence Nightingale noticed the benefits small pets had on children and adults in their recovery, modern day use of animals provides a range of therapeutic benefits. Residents of care facilities are often stressed or depressed. When animals can be brought in to visit with their owners, the benefits to the elderly resident is very noticeable. The interaction between patient, pet and pet owner encourages a decrease in depression and increases self-esteem. This interaction is calming, reduces anxiety and improves a patient’s overall psychological state. Locally, Leon Pederson of
Monday, September 23, 2019
Pay now or pay later as aging schools need overhaul By Melissa Anderson Republican Editor
Catch up on the latest Langdon Area School Board and Cavalier County Commisson meetings on Page 3.
Official Newspaper of Cavalier County Published since 1889
ing with a trained counselor. Pederson wishes to provide equine therapy to all walks of life. “Whatever mental health issue you are having or if you just want to come out and get something off your chest and go for a fun ride- we are here to make people smile,” Pederson shared. The horses that Pederson brings to the residents for visits have not undergone any formal training as therapy animals, but that doesn’t mean they don’t provide the same relief as a trained animal would. Pederson ensures that horses and, sometimes dogs, are the calmest and friendliest animals he can bring. “The residents like their daily routine, but something sparks in them when something big and new happens at the facility. Having LbarP Equine Ranch come sparks something in the resident that definitely shows on their faces,” explained Kayce Larson, activity director at Macont. on page 3
Salem Bible Church of Munich welcomes new pastor
The community of Munich has welcomed two new faces to their fold. Don Barsness and his wife, Marla, have moved to Munich to perform pastoral duties for the Salem Bible Church early in September. The Barsness’ have been married for 46 years. They have three adult children and five grandchildren. “[They] live farther away than we like,” shared Barsness. Barsness, himself, started his life very interestingly as he was born in Canada. He was raised in Billings, Montana, and attended school there. Following high school graduation, Barsness moved to Minot, where he pursued his college degree. “While my ambition was to be a high school art teacher, I experienced a change in direction at the close of my sophomore year,” Barsness shared. Barsness was familiar with church life and ministry but had not considered taking it up as a vocation for his life. “But the consistent and patient influence of God called
me to find my place in His activity. I’m grateful for family, friends and mentors who confirmed what I believed to be God’s leading,” Barsness said. In the years that followed, Barsness' education as a teacher was applied to the pursuit that led to the beginning of his pastoral ministry, first in educational ministries and then in the role of lead pastor. “Our first call was to Lignite. From there, we pastored in Wahpeton, Grand Forks and Garrison/Riverdale,” Barsness said. Over the past five years, Barsness has served as chaplain at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby while also serving on staff at Calvary Evangelical Free Church. The Barsness' travels to Munich began in a conversation with a ministry friend who has roots in Salem Bible Church. Barsness shared, “Not too many months back, as we talked about Salem looking for a pastor, he asked if I would be cont. on page 3
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