The Borderland Press - August 25, 2023

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Theborderlandpress.com

Friday, August 25, 2023

Volume 2, Number 33

Langdon’s ‘dangerous buildings’ list getting smaller By Sarah Hinnenkamp

In this Issue:

The latest hearing to be held on what the City refers to as ‘dangerous buildings’ in Langdon was on Monday, Aug. 14 during the regular Langdon City Commission meeting. Shahrad Lavaeddin, who co-owns a property at 423 9th Avenue in Langdon with Ali Tavakoli, attended the hearing via speaker phone. The city attorney sent a notice and order to Lavaeddin stating that the property had to be demolished or repaired by May 31. After that, a hearing was set for Aug. 14.

News: “A Year to Volunteer” gives Icelandic State Park a helping hand, Pg. A2

“I’ve looked at the property again today and found it in disrepair,” said Gary Bimler, city building inspector. “Our ordinance states a property can’t be more than 50% deteriorated from the original structure. This property has no electric panel, no heat, floors are uneven, front porch in disrepair. Roof, windows, doors, siding - needs to be replaced. We just feel that it’s time to demolish the building.” Lavaeddin acquired the property two years ago. According to the Cavalier County Recorder’s office, Lavaeddin and Tavakoli paid $7,500 for the property in May 2021.

Education: Say ‘Hello’ to new area teachers Pg. B1 and B2

“We have hired several contractors, and no one came through,” Lavaeddin told commissioners. “We’re having challenges; it seems like everyone is eight months out from even looking. I don’t feel like you guys are allotting enough time before you take a bulldozer to this house.” “I have been trying to get something done here. I’ve been asking for help,” Lavaeddin continued. “I just would hope that you guys would understand that I’m trying to do something for the greater good of the community. It’s just very challenging in order to get this remedied in a proper fashion.

Sports: Cardinals get 2023 season started by routing Minot Ryan 40-14, Pg. B3

Photo by Terry Hinnenkamp.

Putting money into the property is not a problem for us.” When asked by commissioners if Lavaeddin had seen the property in person, he said he had yet to do so. Lavaeddin resides in California. “Judging by the shape it’s in, you’re going to spend an insane amount of money,” said Jerry Nowatzki, mayor of Langdon. “If it’s $20,000, $40,000 we can do that,” Lavaeddin said. “I know it’s an eyesore. For God sake, it’s green, it’s ugly. I want to make things progress. I wish you guys would – can we try to help each other? I’m sure you guys don’t want to look at this house anymore. I want to get a painter over there to at least change the color.” Lavaeddin said this was the first in-

vestment property he purchased and told commissioners he is trying to live the American dream. “It’s not like I bought this property to just let it fall apart,” Lavaeddin said. “This is why we have the ordinance, is for properties like this,” said commissioner Darin Kaercher. “This is a dangerous building as defined by our ordinance - more than 50% deteriorated from the original structure.” Kaercher made a motion to move forward with the process to demolish the property. Commissioner Cody Schlittenhard seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in deciding to move forward with demolition of the property. Lavaeddin has 30 days to make arrangements to have the house de-

One of the oldest surviving Walhalla builds community with buildings in North Dakota newest mural is rededicated By Borderland Press Staff

By Borderland Press Staff

molished or 30 days to appeal the city commission’s decision in district court. Demolition and disposal of the home is estimated to cost $8,000 to $10,000. At the end of the 30 days, if nothing is done, the city can make arrangements to demolish the home, and the cost will be levied against the taxes on the property. “This doesn’t sit well with me, guys,” Lavaeddin said. “But you guys are in power over there.” “It’s nothing against you. It’s the condition of the house,” Schlittenhard said. “We feel more sorry for you than blaming you. We’re not mad at you.” The commission has worked on this property for nearly a year. The Langdon City Commission held a series of hearings on the evening of Monday, cont’d. on page A10

DECISION ON POTENTIAL POLLING SITE FOR MUNICH STALLED AFTER TIE VOTE By Sarah Hinnenkamp

During its regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 15, the Cavalier County Commission discussed the possibility of adding a polling site in Munich, a topic revisited for the third time. “I just know that of my nine years on the Commission, this has been one of the most controversial things on the west side of the county,” said Commissioner Stanley Dick.

Photo by Melanie Thornberg.

Photo by Melanie Thornberg.

A rededication ceremony and a ribbon cutting were held at the Kittson cabin in Walhalla on Saturday, Aug 19. During the free event that ran from 10:00 a.m .to 4:00 p.m., attendees were invited to enjoy a day in the park. They were able to tour the cabin and the grounds and participate in lawn games. Lemonade, watermelon, and cookies were served. Architectural

historian and former president of the State Historical Board Steve Martens and lead carpenter Blake Kobiela provided talks following the ceremony. The cabin was disassembled last fall following best historic preservation practices with careful removing,

The mural is located on the wall by Virginia’s Garden and wraps around to the front of CB Grocery. It depicts scenes reflecting Walhalla’s natural scenic beauty and rich history, including the Pembina Gorge, St. Boniface Catholic Church, Frost Fire Park, and local wildlife - as Walhalla is the

cont’d. on page A10

Index: News Agriculture Opinion Region Community

Walhalla is creating a vibrant main street and using its newest mural to highlight its rich offerings. The new mural is being painted by Sylvia Moore and other members of the Walhalla Brush Bunch.

Weather: Page A2 Page A3 Pages A4 - A5 Page A5 Pages A6 - A7

Church Page A8 Sports Pages B3 - B7 Classifieds Page B8 Lifestyle Page B9 Public Notices Pages B10 - B11

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Moose and Elk Capital of North Dakota. Sylvia Moore is the designer and coordinator for this new mural for the community. The project is being sponsored by the Walhalla Brush Bunch, Virginia and Robert Dunnigan family, the Walhalla American Legion Hall, and Mountain Gaming. The painting sessions were held on Tuesday, Aug. 15 and Saturday, Aug. 19. The mural will be completed as a special project for this year’s 19th Annual Giant Pumpkinfest.

Cavalier County’s sole polling site is located at the Cavalier County Courthouse in Langdon. The state dictates what the county needs to do for elections, including what equipment is required. It also says that every county is required to have at least one polling place. North Dakota Century Code states polling places need to be designated by Dec. 31. After discussion from the Commission and hearing from Mayor Craig Schommer and councilman Matt Mitzel of Munich for the second time in recent weeks, Commissioner Austin Lafrenz made a motion to have two polling locations in the county,m - one in Langdon and one in Munich. Commissioner Greg Goodman seconded the motion for the sake of further discussion. “Munich traditionally had a polling place,” Schommer said. “You guys have an opportunity now to reinstate some of those things if you want to cont’d. on page A9


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