The Borderland Press - March 17, 2023

$2.00 Single Copy

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In this Issue:

Langdon Skating Club: Area skaters will present “Magic in Motion” this weekend. Pg. A2

Community: The Walhalla Fire Department hosted its Oyster Stew and Ham Feed.

Pg. A6

Friday, March 17, 2023

Volume 2, Number 10

BIG NEWS for the Langdon Blades: Addition planned for Dakota Spirit Arena

By Jessica Tull

On Wednesday, March 8, members of the public and Langdon’s Hockey Boosters gathered in a room at the Dakota Spirit Arena to discuss and vote on a proposed building addition. The addition would be located to the west of the current building and would be a facility to house more locker rooms and storage space, which the current arena lacks. The idea came about at the annual meeting of the Dakota Spirit Arena last year, and a committee was formed to further develop the plan. The committee's main concern was safety.

“We have growing numbers in our smaller age groups, so all the parents and kids have to show up to the arena and get dressed before 5 o’clock in our main commons area and our entrance to the building,” said Jason Spanier, board president, during a later interview. “It could be overrun sometimes with 50 to 60 kids, plus families and siblings, so we’re needing to expand for locker rooms to keep the kids out of this area.”

During the meeting, many topics were discussed such as the current state of hosting tournaments in Langdon as the arena already lacks space for the number of teams needing locker

rooms and having enough room to be able to separate the male and female players while they get ready for games and practices.

“Some of our older age groups are getting larger, too, so they’re overrunning the existing small locker rooms,” said Spanier.

The committee started raising the money for this project last year by setting up a golf tournament and fundraising with a gun raffle. In total they have raised $62,000 for the project and plan to receive a low interest loan that will fund the rest of the new addition. The loan will be paid off only through yearly fundraising events.

A total cost breakdown for the $400,000.00 plan was presented in the meeting: $96,000.00 for a single slope steel building $48,000 for labor to erect the steel building $20,000.00 for interior materials $25,000.00 for interior labor $42,000.00 for a 50x60 concrete slab $11.000.00 for floor heat insulation and pipe $27,000.00 for spray foam insulation

$16,000.00 for bathroom plumbing, materials and labor $13,000.00 for Combi boiler and water heater with labor $13,000.00 pad/water/sewer $20,000.00 for electrical costs $25,000.00 for flooring $25,000.00 for locker benches and storage $20,000.00 for miscellaneous costs “If we ever plan to add on," Spanier said, talking about a second sheet

of ice that was also discussed briefly during the meeting, “we will need the room also for storage. We’re kind of overrunning our existing areas that we’re at now, so it all kind of ties in together - just expanding.’

The plan was voted on by the board to move forward. Dakota Spirit Arena hopes to have the new addition built and ready to use for the upcoming hockey season of 2023-2024.

Borderland battles more snow after weekend blizzard New snow measurements in the Borderland ranged from 8 to nearly 11 inches from Saturday’s blizzard. Residents spent time Sunday digging out of the pile of new snow and drifts created by the storm. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Ag Outlook: Our annual special section looks ahead to this year’s growing season.

B Section.

Regal

Doggy Daycare opens for business

By Hilary Nowatzki

benefit to Langdon.”

Bachman is going above and beyond just pet sitting services.

Regal Doggy Daycare is also what Bachman called “a pet boutique.” Doggy attire and accessories such as bows, bandanas, and leashes adorn the store’s walls, and she is stocking types of dog food and treats that are not offered in town. To top it off, most of those menu items are made from all natural ingredients.

There’s more - while the doggos are at

On the evening of March 9, the building located at 519 3rd Street in Langdon was packed full of people and pets, along with plenty of treats for both species. Regal Doggy Daycare hosted an open house for the community and furry friends to come check out the new business. Based on the amount of celebratory bouquets adorning the shelves - local residents are just as excited for the new town amenity as Whitney Bachman.

Bachman is the owner of Regal Doggy Daycare and said her lifelong passion for animals is what drove her to pursue this endeavor.

“You could ask my parents - I've been obsessed with them since I was little,” she stated. “I've always wanted to work with animals, and I just felt that a doggy daycare would be a good

daycare, they can enjoy a spa day as well since Bachman is partnering up with Krisi Hejlik. Hejlik owns Pet-tastic, a local grooming service, and has her very own room within the walls of Regal Doggy Daycare. The duo is

currently offering special packages to combine spa and sitting services.

If interested in services, Bachman said that it is important to know if your dog is going to be okay in a social setting.

“If your dog has never been in a social setting before, I would like to do an assessment day. So I urge you not to buy a package until that assessment

day has been done. Then we're just going to slowly introduce the dog to other dogs and see how they do and see if they would be okay within the social setting of the doggy daycare,” she stated.

Monday through Friday and can be reached at (701) 256-2428. Stay upto-date on the business schedule by following Regal Doggy Daycare LLC on Facebook.

Bachman included that it's important for owners to ensure their furry friends’ bordetella, rabies, and distemper shots are up-to-date before enrolling them in daycare services.

News Agriculture Opinion Legislative Community Sports News Church Classifieds Public Notices

Regal Doggy Daycare welcomed its first pups on Thursday, March 10.

Regal Doggy Daycare will be able to provide services 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Index:

Page A2 Page A3 Pages A4 - A5 Page A5 Pages A6, A9 Pages A7 - A8 Page A9 Page A10 Page A11 Page A12

Page A2 - Friday, March 17, 2023

Langdon Skating Club Show

The Borderland Press

The Langdon Skating Club has its show this weekend. “Magic in Motion” will be performed at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 17 and 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 18 at Dakota Spirit Arena. Tickets for the show will be $10 for adults, $7 for students, and kids ages five and under are free.

The groups pictured will perform at the show. Photos by Larry Stokke.

Basic 5 - Colors of the Wind. Paizleigh Ratzlaff, Averie Plummer, Lizzie Hakanson, Molly Bailly.

Snowplow 1 - Do You Want to Build a Snowman? Jack Chaput, Amelia Mostoller, Layken Hansel, Colbie Johnson, Goldie Howatt, Nadiya Hope, Crosby Howatt, Jayde Lafrenz, Kamden Hansel.

Basic 3 and 4 - Let It Go. Front Row: Lexi Anthony, Kalleigh Rollness, Myla Domres.

Back Row: Kenastyn Pritchard, Maddyn Lykken, Kayanna Petri, Kate Roppel, Paisley Feil.

Basic 2 - Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride. Front Row: Kollyns Schill, Tori Olson. Back Row: Ava Bailly, Rayelynn Christianson, Brooklyn Mondor, Tensli Witzel, Addison Chaput, Aubrey Bailly.

Snowplow 2 and 3 - I Just Can’t Wait to be King. Cabri Domres, Harper Metzger, Hazel Smith, Wesli J. Witzel, Parker Domres, Kenzington Rollness, Brylee Plummer, Cole Roppel.

Freeskate and Coaches - Be Our Guest. Front Row: Soph Witzel. Middle Row: Maci Witzel, Maci Hoffarth, Hailee Hakanson. Back Row: Paige Gellner (Coach), Sophia Nuelle, Gracie Witzel (Coach) and Kiera Lein.

Snowplow 4 and Basic 1 - Part of Your World. Auri McGauvran, Elin Hinnenkamp, Andrea Finnson, Ellianna Chaput.

Freeskate - You’ve Got a Friend. Maci Witzel and Soph Witzel.

Freeskate - Under the Sea. Maci Hoffarth and Hailee Hakanson Snowplow 1 - I Wanna Be Like You. Front Row: Myah Ward, Ancilla Ruehle. Back Row: Zoey Kreklau, Simeon Ruehle, Ryann Farris, Urian Ruehle, Gracie Krom.

Snowplow 1 - Life After Happily Ever After. Renn Tuomala, Presley Feil, Aveline Anderson, Ava Stremick, Kensi Bimler

Freeskate - When Will My Life Begin? Sophia Nuelle and Kiera Lein.

Agriculture

The Borderland Press

Friday, March 17, 2023 - Page - A3

NDSU Extension provides outlook for the 2023 grazing season

By NDSU Extension

As the 2023 grazing season approaches, North Dakota State University Extension specialists provide an outlook for this year’s forage production.

Farm Bill baseline cut by $1.3B – To be an effective safety net, the National Association of Wheat Growers is seeking additional budget authority for Farm Bill Title I commodity programs. NAWG CEO Chandler Goule said farm programs have not kept up with the cost of production. “The Congressional Budget Office has already come out with their farm baseline and basically cut Title I by about $1.3 billion, and that is a significant hit, basically meaning we are not going to be able to increase the PLC or other safety net programs.” With the rising cost of production, NAWG is seeking higher reference prices in the new farm bill.

Nearly half of the House and 20 percent of the Senate have never voted on a farm bill, which only complicates the process. “What we’re doing now is educating them on why we need a farm bill. We’re not drilling down into ARC and PLC, CRP and EQIP, because they’re still trying to figure out what this big bill does. Educate, educate, educate; then we’ll go back and go down into the details.”

Farm Bill needs proper funding – The goal is to get the farm bill across the finish line before the end of the year. North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne says the funding will be the biggest hurdle. “Everywhere I go people are talking about making sure the baseline dollars are

enough so we can write a program that functions and works.” Watne said he expects the crop insurance program will remain status quo. “We think that there might be a dual option for ARC and PLC where you sign up for both or qualify for both, and we’re hoping to get the reference prices more reflective of the cost of putting crop in.”

Pursuing fresh ideas for crop insurance – North Dakota Corn Growers Association President Andrew Mauch sees crop insurance as the priority. “Anything we can do to strengthen that safety net and protect what we already have, that is a big goal for us.” Trendline yield enhancements have been on the wish list, but Mauch said that may be difficult to achieve. “Another specific idea we’d like to consider deals with enterprise units with corn silage and corn grain to do them separately, so if you get a bad yield on one, it doesn’t affect your yield on the other side.”

House votes to reverse WOTUS rule – The House has passed a resolution, voicing its disapproval for the Biden Administration’s Waters of the United States rule. The resolution now moves to the Senate. North Dakota Congressman Kelly Armstrong highlighted the bipartisan vote, calling WOTUS a violation of private property rights.

Northern Agriculture Snips Bailey Reiser, NDSU Cavalier County Extension

Usually about this time of year, I start to feel a bit annoyed with the weather and look forward to winter being over.

Looking on the bright side, I always find myself thinking about my yard and garden when the days start to get longer.

Last year, I attended the Spring Fever Garden Forums at the Cavalier County Courthouse. This helped with that longing for the snow to melt and the impatience I had for getting flowers ready. There were some really great speakers, and my enthusiastic flower brain enjoyed learning more about gardening.

This year Cavalier County Extension is hosting the Spring Fever Garden Forums again! Community members interested can come to the courthouse to listen together as the Spring Fever Garden Forums are live online from March 20 to April 10. The live forums will be held on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. CDT and are open to all interested gardeners.

Horticulture topics that will be covered over the sessions include: how to grow vegetables and fruits, design gardens for butterflies, improve soil in your garden, add small trees to your landscape, grow plants in containers, discover new technology for gardeners and much more. (NSDU Spring Fever Garden Forums News Release).

“This is a great opportunity for gardeners to learn about the latest research from NDSU,” says Tom Kalb, NDSU Extension horticulturist. “They can watch live presentations and ask their questions to the researchers and Extension specialists.”

This is a really great opportunity for those who are veterans to the gardening realm or those who will be starting a garden for the first time!

Those who attend in person will be offered seeds to help the gardener get started. Gardeners have the option of participating online at home as well. The forums are free to attend.

Pre-registration is highly encouraged for accurate counts on items given out!

For more information and to register for the forums, search for NDSU Spring Fever Garden Forums or go directly to https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/spring-fever-garden-forums.”

You can also call the Cavalier County Extension Office (701)-652-5954 to register. I look forward to seeing new faces!

“Despite residual impacts of the 2021 drought, we had good forage production in 2022 due to high rainfall in the fall of 2021 and timely spring rainfall,” said Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. “However, as we moved into summer and fall, precipitation was below normal across the state, causing drought conditions to return.”

As of March 1, 70% of the state is experiencing some level of drought.

Fall plant tiller development has a direct impact on plant growth during the subsequent year for all cool-season grasses. NDSU photo.

The two factors that will influence forage production in 2023 are April through June precipitation and grazing management in 2022.

grows. Photo taken by Kevin Sedivec.

Heavy grazing use in the fall not only delays growth but causes reductions in overall plant growth and forage production. Data collected by NDSU Extension found that severe grazing use, greater than 80% removal of available forage, reduces growth of cool-season grasses and forage production. Forage production was reduced by as much as 57% on sites evaluated as having severe grazing use the previous fall.

Fall plant tiller development has a direct impact on plant growth during the subsequent year for all cool-season grasses, which are dominant in our grassland. Cool-season grass tillers, such as western wheatgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome grass, green needlegrass and crested wheatgrass, that developed from late August through early October are the first plants to green-up in the spring.

If these tillers are eaten or die due to drought, then spring growth must occur from new tillers developed in April and May. “Unfortunately, the fall drought conditions likely impacted tiller development,” said Kevin Sedivec, NDSU Extension rangeland management specialist. “Heavy grazing during the fall that resulted in the removal of the growing point (between the bottom two leaves) from tillers will cause additional stress and tiller mortality. In the event of high fall tiller mortality, grasses will need to develop a new tiller in the spring, delaying growth two to four weeks.”

Tillers that develop in the spring come from buds that broke dormancy in the spring, usually when soil temperatures stay about 40 degrees Fahrenheit for three or more days, whereas the tillers established in the fall will grow as soon as temperatures reach 32 degrees for five consecutive days.

A photo of a new western wheatgrass tiller taken in October, the growing point is located between the first two leaves and is elevated as the plant

2022 forage production in pounds per acre as influenced by grazing use: slight-moderate (<40%), full (40%60%), close (60%-80%) and severe (>80%) in the fall of 2022.

In addition to management, April through June precipitation drives forage production in North Dakota.

Due to the dominance of cool-season grasses, rains during this period are responsible for 80% to 90% of forage production in the state.

To help plan for the 2023 grazing season, NDSU Extension developed the following scenarios based on precipitation and management: If spring precipitation is normal, expect a delay in plant development and lower production due to a loss in tiller development following the dry fall. Further reductions will occur if pastures were grazed heavily in the fall.

If spring precipitation is 130% or more above normal, expect normal to above normal forage production.

If spring precipitation is below normal, expect reduced forage production and a decline in forage quality

earlier in the season.

“Regardless of spring precipitation, ranchers should prepare for a one- to two-week delay in growth this spring due to poor tiller development this fall,” says Meehan. “This delay will be greater on pastures that were grazed heavily this fall due to increased tiller mortality. Expect pastures that received heavy use in the fall to have reduced forage production this year.”

To prevent further reductions in plant health and production, Meehan and Sedivec recommend delaying pasture turn-out until the dominant forage species in a pasture reach grazing readiness. Grazing readiness for most domesticated pastures is at the 3-leaf stage, whereas grazing readiness for most native range grasses is the 3 1/2-leaf stage.

“When production is low due to delayed tiller development, it becomes easy to run out of forage more quickly if you go to full stock too early, leading to over-use,” says Sedivec. “This overuse during early green-up leads to reduced plant vigor and reduced leaf area, impacting photosynthesis and reducing food (carbohydrate) stored in roots. In the end, you may sacrifice 45% to 60% of forage production for the year by grazing too early.”

Timely precipitation is critical to forage growth and production, equally critical is the use of management practices that maintain healthy, vigorous plant communities that can withstand disturbances. Regardless of what spring brings, we encourage you to have a drought plan in place with well defined trigger dates to reduce risk on your ranch.

Opinion

Page A4 - Friday, March 17, 2023

The Borderland Press

Letter from the Publisher

Oh, so you thought it was spring?

Me, too! This is generally what happens every March and/or April. We

get all caught up in dreams of tulips and short sleeves, and then we got gobsmacked with a winter storm nasty enough to stop travel and events statewide. At our house, we stand at the window and say things like, ‘I don’t think we’ve ever had this much snow before!’ Every. Year. I take a picture, which I later delete because it really doesn’t do justice to the mountain of snow in our yard. Every. Year. I also look at the calendar and say we’re not out of the woods yet, it’s only March!

Then when it snows in April, what happens? We’re back at the window saying ‘I don’t think we’ve ever had this much snow before!’ I think this is a pretty popular attitude, because I see a lot of folks just like me - raised in North Dakota and still shocked at

the March and April storms. Maybe it’s just conversation, a little drama to share with your friends and co-workers, another N.D. trait. Image or create a little drama and share with everyone! Why not? It provides social involvement that a lot of people are missing this time of year. Keep up the good work!

Kudos to the sports teams, proms, church services, etc. that took the blizzard by the horns and made their schedules happen. I only left the house on Sunday to go drive around and look at snow piles. It was so bright outside it was overwhelming compared to the usual gloom our eyes have become used to. We did see some epic piles, though, and lots of

folks working extremely hard in their driveways and yards. Lift with your legs, take a break if you get tired...you know the drill.

Are you celebrating St. Patrick’s Day? It’s already passed for some of you, I suppose. I usually forget to wear green then have to pretend the day doesn’t exist to avoid the pinch. A green treat from The Bread Pan would be a good way for me to commit to the day. Next year for sure!

Just a reminder…The postal service has changed the way they package outgoing mail, and we have had a few calls from subscribers who have not received their paper. You can always stop in at our office at 1403 3rd Street

in Langdon if that’s an option or call, and we can extend your subscription for that week.

Our policy is that we don’t mail our papers out unless the recipient would provide a credit card for postage. This is due to the rising costs in postage, and it was getting to be a bit much.

Thanks for understanding!

Think spring, but don’t get your hopes up just yet! Thank you to our faithful readers - you’re a great group! Take care and choose joy!

Diane Simmons

Publisher publisher@theborderlandpress.com

Letter from the Editor and tall snow drifts. I imagine those tasks weren’t met with joy.

Meanwhile, our children spent hours outside in beautiful sunshine, using sleds and sandbox toys on the hills of snow that grew during Saturday’s blizzard. They shrieked and laughed and wore each other out; it was like watching joy. The dog slept for hours, and the kids fell asleep at a decent time, even with the time change.

On Sunday, my husband pointed out the extremes playing out around Langdon. There was a variety of equipment dispatched to clear roads and driveways from the fresh snow

This is the first Friday since we had to “Spring forward” and begin Daylight Saving Time. It also happens to be a holiday. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I have a few stories I bring out around St. Patrick’s Day, and now I have a new audience, so here’s one for you: many years ago when I was reporting

a story for television, I met a pleasant priest who led the Catholic church in Downtown Fargo. He had silver hair, rosy cheeks, a twinkle in his eye, and an authentic Irish accent. He asked my name, and at the time it was Sarah McCurdy.

“Oh, McCurdy!” he said, with that twinkle getting brighter as he smiled.

His Irish accent came through as he said, “You’ll be gettin’ into Heaven then, won’t cha?!”

It’s one of my favorite stories relating to the small amount of Irish heritage that I have. I tell it every year to my family, and every year my Irish accent for the story gets thicker, and their eyerolls become more dramatic. I think they’re jealous. While I admit it’s a much better story in person, it’s still

worth telling around St. Patrick’s Day. Our Mitzel columnist will be disappointed to know that I only received written and in-person verbal complaints about his column last Friday and still no complaints about him via phone. Corralling him onto this page each week is like herding cats, and he’s only one person, so I’m not sure how that’s possible.

Thanks to his March 10 column that named names, I have one person demanding an apology gift. Also, Rat from Maverick 105 snapped back to Mitzel’s insult about him “having a face for radio” saying, “You can tell that Mitzel that he has a voice for the newspaper.”

that in this week’s paper we have a few treats for you. We have group photos from the Langdon Skating Club’s show that will happen over the weekend, prom photos from the Langdon Area prom that had to be moved from Saturday to Friday due to the blizzard coming through, and our B section this week is our annual Ag Outlook. Cheers to the team and the contributors that spent time putting everything together; we hope you enjoy it.

Sarah Hinnenkamp Editor

editor@theborderlandpress.com

While columnists can be unpredictable, I am able to predict

THE MORNING RUN: Prom match. If you start out single, this can make the match-up even more difficult. As the pool gets shallower, you may even look at out of town options to complete your prom dress/tux vest matching duo. This whole process involves both the guys and the gals and can be exhausting and stressful in a first world problem sort of way.

by Sara Goodman Prom was last Friday, March 10, but prom PREP started in January. First, and most importantly, is the matter of finding a date. There are hard and fast rules when securing a date for prom, such as the fact that you need to be a junior or senior to ask someone. However, there are fuzzier rules involved when it comes down to the nitty gritty of it. You might be dating someone and feel that you have an obvious sidekick for the evening, however, you might find out that he or she doesn’t want to go, or they have some other silly obligation such as a state hockey tournament to attend. Then the race is on to shuffle through the eligible singles to find an appropriate

Once a date is secured, the guys are off the hook for the time being. The girl then begins what’s known as The Perfect Dress Hunt. Back in my day, I drove one hour to Dickinson to frantically sort through and try on dresses from exactly three stores – JCPenney, Maurices and Bride to Be and More.

For my first prom as a sophomore, I was invited to Terry, Montana, and wore my sister’s senior prom dress. It was hideous. She loved purple, and I hated purple, so, of course, the dress was purple. I was about 10 pounds heavier than her so that dress was not only tight but had the required fashion statement of the day – large shoulder poufs. I’d love to share a photo of me in my glory days, looking incredibly uncomfortable and debating my life choices at that moment, but I’m pretty sure I’ve burned all the evidence.

Catelyn started looking for a prom dress before she even got asked, just

in case. When the real hunting for a dress started, she was way ahead of the game with dresses bookmarked on at least 11 different prom dress sites. These days, there are hundreds of websites you can use to find a dress. You can buy a dress, rent a dress, borrow a dress, buy a used dress or have a dress made. Dresses can be anywhere from $50 to $1500 and up. Every color and style imaginable is available, so it’s important to have an idea of the color and style you want before you start searching.

Once you find The Perfect Dress, you okay the price with the buyer (mom), check the shipping charges, check the return policy, take your measurements, hit the “buy” button and cross your fingers.

style to wear and sends along a dress sample to match the tie and vest she’s chosen for him.

The day of prom goes like this. The girl gets up before dawn, showers, shaves, applies a final spray tan, goes to her hair appointment, picks up the flowers, gets her makeup done, heads to her girlfriend’s house to finish the getting ready process, nibbles on some cheese and fruit and waits for her date to show up for pictures.

The boy’s day goes like this. He sleeps in till noon, goes with his buddies to pig out at DQ, thinks about stopping at Bob’s to clean up his sideburns but decides they’re fine, searches fran-

If the dress fits and it’s true love, the girl then does the following- schedules an alteration appointment with Janelle, buys shoes, buys jewelry, buys a garter, makes a nail appointment, makes a spray tan appointment, orders flowers, makes a hair appointment, schedules a makeup appointment, figures out what other couples you’re going with, figures out whose house she’s getting ready at, figures out where they’re taking pictures and finally, tells her date to go get measured and order a tux. She tells her date exactly what color and

tically for his vehicle keys for about 20 minutes, grabs his tux, texts his date to find out where he’s supposed to go, then heads over to the chosen picture location, doubles back to grab his wallet, then finally arrives. Someone puts a boutonnière on his lapel, straightens his tie, helps him with his cufflinks and wipes ketchup off his cheek. Then off to the grand march they go, and the evening begins. Due to the impending blizzard, the date was switched from Saturday to Friday, and the students and prom committee scrambled to make it all work! It was a great evening for the kids- Viva!

Las Vegas!

Photobombed by Elvis! Prom 2023.

Musings from Munich: For a good laugh this end of the rainbow, hence we are bringing back the professionals.

By Matt Mitzel As we draw closer to the comedy show in Munich, I am reminded of where we were last year at about this time and wonder if it will be the same type of occasion. Usually around March, the remaining snow showers hit the community, as with this year as well, and we all need to remember that there is more to life than the inside of our homes and bars. We need to be reminded of the sun shining down at

I know I have written about the funny little occurrences over here that always give us a chuckle, but sometimes we need more. I guess we could follow Ryan Lowen “Googles” around and just wait for him to do something that makes us laugh, but that would seem desperate. We could go out to Mike Zimmer’s house and wait for something to get backed into - as that always gives us a chuckle. We could sit outside of Jesse Goeser’s house with the abundance of snow on the roof…we know he’s going to go up sooner and later to test fate. We have gotten a laugh at so many instances that, for us to do it on command, they better be good.

Last year, before the comedy show even started, we were laughing. It seemed that Dan Balsdon gathered a group of friends in Milton and told them they were gonna road trip to a comedy show, so they hopped in. Af-

ter about 30 minutes, they were bewildered to learn that they were actually traveling to Munich and not Grand Forks. Bruce Wirth started bringing popcorn in roasters to the ambulance hall. I thought he was a little crazy until other people came and didn’t even know there was a comedy show as they said, “When Bruce makes popcorn, you follow him”. People that are usually quiet and reserved came to light and were the star of the audience.

Now with these columns I bet you all think you know all of the dirt on Munichers as I really don’t hold anything back, but let me tell you, we got secrets….and some good ones. Just like our old ice machine in the corner of the bar, we keep the good and hilarious ones to ourselves. With time, things start to unravel themselves, and with the help of professional comics, maybe some might be pulled out during the show, so you see…. you have to come to find out. With the snow piling up, there are plenty of

new stories to tell. It’s only been 12 hours since the storm, and I’ve seen Adam get his tractor stuck more times than it should and know that Jason is so bored he keeps trying to lure folks to go to Sporty’s with him.

So come on over to the ambulance center in Munich on March 23 at 7:30 p.m.

I know it’s a Thursday, but that’s when the fun really happens. Fridays and Saturdays are just too easy; it is during the week that makes it fun.

Matt Mitzel is the unofficial events coordinator for the City of Munich, a supporter of Langdon Area Edmore Munich athletics, football coach, and all-around Munich mega fan, earning him the nickname “Mr. Munich.”

Stacey is the mom...that has it going on. Stacey Gilseth, leader of the Langdon Bucks Tailgating Club.

Opinion/Legislative

The Borderland Press

Friday, March 17, 2023 - Page - A5

Bob’s big adventure - Part 8 fine job providing security for my 16foot rental box truck. I slept like a baby, no shots were fired during the evening and the truck and its parts and contents were in place when I conducted my morning inspection.

Having enjoyed a nice continental breakfast, it’s now time to get down to the nitty gritty of this trip and drive to the tower site of radio station WMUB FM to get my prize! I was to meet Don, the WMUB engineer, at 8:45.

by Bob Simmons I’ve been asked by many of you how many more columns I’m going to milk out of this trip? Well, if you’re keeping track, this is our eighth column, and we’ve traveled a shade over 1100 miles. We are halfway through my journey! To answer your question, I’m sure I can squeeze out at least another week or six.

Last time, we met Larry in the hotel parking lot, and I must say - he did a

At the appointed time, I pulled up to the gate of a former NIKE missile base where I was greeted by Don, who is a bigger than life, jovial type and exuberantly explained the history of this relic of the Cold War. The NIKE Hercules missile batteries were active in the 1960’s through March of 1970 to defend nearby urban, industrial and military targets from Soviet bomber attacks. When the program was abandoned, the sites were sold off to local individuals and businesses - much the same way the former missile sites here at home were in the 1990’s. This site was acquired by Mi-

ami University, which owns the radio station and tower that call this parcel of land home.

Don was a terrific tour guide. He spoke with enthusiasm, flailing his arms and waving his hands in excitement as he identified points of interest - like the Sentry station and guard dog kennels, odd looking sections of what is believed to be a missile launch mechanism. Fascinating! After the 20 minute tour, it was my turn to talk. After patiently listening to my trials and tribulations of the trip thus far, Don promised things were about to take a turn for the better.

Why was it in my head…I could hear Diane’s voice telling me to run, now.

Do I listen? Once inside the transmitter building, I’m like a kid in a candy store. Unlike private sector broadcasters such as the Simmons’, colleges and universities have tons of money for only the best of the best equipment. Miami University was no exception.

Again with his arms and hands gesturing about, he listed off each piece of gear on the premises and then magically swung open a door to a room revealing my Continental Electronics 816R-1C transmitter. Immediately I took note that it was not only still connected to the site's three-phase electrical service, but it was also still attached to a very complex yet elegantly designed air exhaust system. Tube type transmitters such as this generate a lot of heat, and you must have a way to move that air out of the building. Miami University spent a fortune on what was a monster air handling system. Don said he would handle disconnecting it if I would disconnect the electrical service. I retrieved the necessary tools from my truck, put on some chore gloves and got to work.

Don, on the other hand, was having some issues. I heard a few cusses, and he shouted, “Hey, you don’t by chance have some tin snips with you?” I was happy to tell him that I did! As I handed him the snips, I offered to loan him a pair of spare

gloves, which he declined. In short order, I had the electrical cables and conduit removed from the transmitter.

Coming back to the front of the rig, Don was up on a ladder peeling back razor sharp jagged pieces of sheet metal that had been attached to the top of the transmitter. He then turned around on the ladder and looked down at me and started shaking his finger as he berated the persons responsible for designing this sheet metal monstrosity.

As he’s wagging his finger at me, I notice spots forming on my eyeglasses.

Holy $%*& IT’S BLOOD! Don is cut, and his blood spatter is landing on me and on everything else within about five feet.

I exclaimed, “Don, you’re bleeding!

Put on this pair of gloves!” But, oh no, he continued waving his arms and hands all the while splattering me and everything else nearby and saying, “It’s just a little blood, man up! Gloves are for girls!”

Next week: Mitch Otto to the rescue.

Retrospect

By Steven Ames

announce that I am writing a new column for the Borderland Press. It will be called Retrospect, and it will focus on automobile and ag equipment history. I will be giving insight and information on makes, models and specifications on certain vehicles.

Good day to all Borderland Press readers and subscribers. My name is Steven Ames, and I would like to

It all started back in my youth when most guys my age were involved in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, speech, hunting, and fishing, while I could be found in the farm shop tinkering on anything mechanical from lawn mowers to combines. I also would go to the auto and ag dealerships and pick up sales literature taking it home and studying it.

My favorite time of the year was in September. The new model year cars and pickups would show up…looking at them and observing the changes from year to year and sometimes being lucky enough to drive or ride in them. The same goes for ag equipment - when a new model or an improved existing model would come out, again, I was gathering sales literature and studying it. It's ironic that some of these models are 40+ years old already, and I remember them very clearly. I will be focusing on American models post WWII to present day.

Let me tell you a little bit about myself.

I have been farming in the Munich

area for 37 years. My wife’s name is Rosemary, and I have two daughters: Gretta, 21 and Naomi, 18. I also drive speed plow for the Cavalier County Road Department and drive transit bus for Cavalier County Transit in the winter. I have been restoring, repairing, buying, and selling classic cars and tractors for over 30 years as a pastime.

As of this writing, I have six classic cars, three classic pickups, and four classic tractors. If time and weather permit, in the spring, summer and fall I can be found at shows and cruises.

I also always had, in the back of my mind, an interest in writing for auto

Legislative Ag Outlook Legislative report Rep. Karen Anderson | District 19

Greetings to everyone in District 19!

We are back from our Crossover Break which was from Feb. 23 until March 1 and we’re now in the second half of the Legislative Session. There was a bit of a snag on the first day caused by a midweek blizzard nasty enough to close the Capitol on the morning of March 1! Monday, March 6 was Day 37 of the Legislative Session; the North Dakota Constitution limits the Legislature to 80 days of meetings every two years.

I enjoy hearing a variety of bills in both the House Transportation and House Human Services Committee. One such bill which will affect many drivers if passed is HB1475, which raises the speed limit on I-29 and I-94 from 75 mph to 80 mph. The bill passed on the House Floor with a vote of 65 to 29 and will now be debated in the Senate chambers.

The Transportation Committee also heard SB 2189 relating to entering a closed road and to provide a penalty. When the road is closed for ex-

ample on I-29 and a gate down over the road the law doesn’t clearly state that all those roads connecting to I-29 are closed. Some drivers mistakenly believe they can simply go down to another freeway entrance without a gate, jump back on the interstate and keep going. This bill would mean that all entrances to the interstate would be closed. It also relates to road closures not only due to snow but also during floods. The purpose of the bill is to keep drivers safe. It also helps law enforcement, other emergency vehicles and road clearing equipment vehicles to use the roads safely during and after major storms. The bill received a Do-Pass recommendation from the committee and will be debated on the House Floor in the near future.

Another bill that will affect all drivers is SB2362, a primary seatbelt bill. It will be heard in the Transportation Committee on March 9th. I am interested in your views on whether it is important for law enforcement to stop a vehicle for a primary offense of seatbelt use.

I’d like to provide an update on two bills, HB1249 and HB1489, the “Protect Women’s Sports for Female Athletes” which I wrote about in my last legislative report for the paper. Both bills passed on the House Floor with a strong majority of votes. In fact, both bills passed with “veto-proof majority” votes! Let’s hope the same happens on the Senate side.

As a member of the House Human Services Committee, I heard debate

on SB 2191 relating to physical therapists added as those professionals able to sign statements for applications for mobility-impaired parking certificates. This bill passed out of committee with “Do-Pass” recommendation and received the support of the majority of House Members with an 84 to 1 green vote on the House Floor!

Many in the district will be interested in the bill that covered the state’s Life Skills and Transition Center (LSTC) Services located in Grafton. The bill, SB 2042, related to the operation of LSTC’s Superintendent’s employment role and duties. I would like the thank LSTC Superintendent, Heather Jenkins for the great job she did introducing the bill and answering questions from the committee. Lawmakers and District 19 citizens are grateful for the professional care provided for clients at LSTC. Looking over the schedule of bills to be heard, it is expected the Transportation Committee will be done debat-

Health Tip

Provided by Cavalier County Health District If you’re worried about someone’s mental health, check in on them and start a conversation with them. If they are in crisis and need support, please call or text 988 or chat with someone who can help at 988lifeline.org/chat.

ing bills in about a month. I am expecting however the Human Services Committee to have a full schedule until the end of the session as there are many bills to be scheduled for debate.

I will report again soon on legislation that was passed on the House Floor and is now being debated in committees on the Senate side. Every bill that is passed by both the House and Senate floor will be sent to the Governor to sign or veto.

Bismarck has received nearly 75 inches of snow and the forecast is for more! I sure am looking forward to spring! Please continue to keep in touch if you have questions or concerns. Because of a full day’s schedule, it is best to reach me by email kanderson@ndlegis@gov.

I appreciate hearing from you!

Rep. Karen A. Anderson

magazines and testing new models when they were introduced like guys such as John Davis, Jim Scouten and Bud Linderman. I think I drove my high school English teacher crazy with all the research papers and speeches on cars, trucks, and tractors. Right, MA? I know you get the paper and hope you get a chuckle out of this.

Most people that know me know I lean towards The Mopar side of the isle, which I do to a certain extent.

What they don’t know is I research all makes and models.

In the next issue I will be writing on the history AMC. Until then, keep the classics classy.

Community

Page A6 - Friday, March 17, 2023

WALHALLA FIRE DEPARTMENT holds fundraising event

The Borderland Press

Cancer Crusaders rummage sale dates announced The Cavalier County Cancer Crusaders have announced the dates for their spring rummage sale in Langdon. The sale will run Tuesday, April 25 through Saturday, April 29 at the American Legion in Langdon. Items may be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, April 23 and Monday, April 24.

The group requests that only gently used items be donated. No car seats, computers, printers, TVs or exercise equipment will be accepted. Friday and Saturday will be Bargain Bag time.

Volunteers are welcome. Cavalier County Cancer Crusaders is a non-profit group, and all funds earned are kept locally to support cancer patients.

Heritage Sites grants awarded

Members of the Walhalla Fire Department worked to make this year’s Oyster Stew and Ham Feed a success. The event served as a fundraiser and was held on the evening of March 10 at the Walhalla American Legion building.

The Icelandic Communities Association awarded six $500 Icelandic Heritage Sites grants at the recently held Thorrablot at Mountain, N.D. Pictured from left to right is Curtis Olafson, President of the ICA; Bruce Werven accepting for Svold Hall; Carol Beard for Vidalin Church and Cemetery Assoc.; Dori Heck for Vikur Lutheran Church Women; Sandy Wright for Borg Memorial Home; Danny Flannagan for Gardar Pioneer Lutheran Church; and Bonnie Danielson for the Northeastern North Dakota Heritage Association.

The Icelandic Heritage Sites grants are awarded for the preservation of historic and cultural sites such as churches, halls, cemeteries and buildings that were established by the early Icelandic immigrants that came to this area. Because of age, many of the buildings and cultural sites are in need of repair and updating and are difficult to maintain with dwindling resources. Each of these cultural sites has a story to tell about the early Icelandic immigrants. The ICA, through the Heritage Sites Grants, hopes to help maintain and preserve these sites so that the stories can be told to the next generation. Icelandic Heritage Sites grants are made possible through the generous bidding at the silent and live auctions that are held at the Thorrablot celebration. Since the ICA started giving grants in 2016, $29,500 has been given to the care of Icelandic cultural sites and communities through the Heritage Sites grants and other grants.

Everything Edmore

By Tammy Berg

Hello from the big city of Edmore!

First off, congratulations to our Lady Cardinals basketball team on their 6th place finish at state. Remember that only eight teams make it to state, and you were one of them. You made us all very proud!

These days will find us watching out for the deer in town. Almost every street will find a deer or two, making their way somewhere warmer and with more food. We live on the northwest side of town right by the coulee.

One evening I counted over 100 deer heading south. They bed down all over. We estimate that one herd has

over 500 in the field north of us. Along with the deer, we can hear the howling of the not so friendly coyotes. They have caught up with a couple of the sick and weak. One young dad said he was up with his baby and saw one on his driveway. Yikes!

This is a big week for Class B boys basketball fans. The games start Thursday with the championship on Saturday. For many years, eight of us would go to Bismarck or Minot. We would get our rooms months before, or they would be sold out. We would get our tickets and hope our seats weren’t behind a group of fans that stood through the whole game. Three

years ago during COVID, we changed it up and started going to Detroit Lakes Fairfield Inn. We have a big screen TV and lots of room. We each draw a team and hope for the best.

I’m not sure I have ever drawn the winning team, but we sure have fun!

We eat out and have lots of laughs with friends.

This year Thompson is a tournament favorite of ours, as their coach, Brandy George, was a coach and teacher in Edmore. He’s a great guy with a beautiful family.

More next week. Take Care!

Scholarships offered

by Chapter U of the P.E.O. Sisterhood of Langdon Girls who are high school seniors or senior homeschooled students residing in or enrolled in a Cavalier County school system are encouraged to apply for two $1000 P. E. O. Memorial Scholarship(s) being offered by Chapter U of the P. E. O. Sisterhood of Langdon, ND. Interested girls should contact Marnie Thielbar at Langdon Area High School for application guidelines and are asked to submit the final application to Mindi Lill at LAHS by April 14, 2023.

The scholarship(s) will be awarded at the LAHS awards program in May. This scholarship originated when Chapter U received a bequest from Fred E. Hawley in memory of his wife, Chelta Hamilton Hawley. Since then, additional bequests have been received in memory of Bernice Price and Martha Devold. These funds all go directly to further the education of capable young women from the Langdon area.

Negotiation ground rules for Langdon Area teacher contracts set

By Sarah Hinnenkamp

The Langdon Area School Board and the Langdon Area Education Association met on Monday, March 6 to discuss ground rules for negotiations.

After discussion, the parties agreed to 12 ground rules, including a rule that allows video platforms to be used for observation. Meetings will be held once per week unless both parties agree to adjust the schedule. Each side will have two representatives at the table with the right to use an alternate if the need arises.

Negotiations will begin at 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 29. At that time, the Langdon Area School Board and the Langdon Area Education Association will exchange their first proposals.

The meeting will be held in the high school library and is a public meeting.

Sports

The Borderland Press

Jake’s Take on Sports With most of our area getting six to 12 inches of snow last weekend, it sure doesn’t seem like spring. Spring sports, however, are about to begin competition. The first track meet of the year, indoors - of course, will be held in Belcourt on March 21. The Langdon-Edmore-Munich boys and girls teams will be participating. Once the meets get going for both the Cards and the Pembina County North Grizzlies, we will have results in this paper.

By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor A Cinderella story (kind of) in the Region 4 boys hoops tourney This week we begin with a story about the incredibly wild Region 4 Boys Basketball Tournament held in Devils Lake March 6-9. An injury to one of Four Winds’ main players opened the door for several teams to get to the State B tournament. It came down to fifth seeded North Star versus sixth seeded Warwick. The Warriors hit three unbelievably tough shots down the stretch and won the game 5652. Warwick is now in The Big Dance for the first time since 1996, which is ironically the last time a Cardinals team has made it as well (Brandon Badding, the Schaan twins, Jeremy Danielson, Chris Olson, Bob Pfeifer, Mike Kempel, Darrick Schanz, Hello!). If you’re wondering, the Cards took third place that year. Warwick isn’t necessarily a Cinderella Story (they’ve won 19 games), but it is still quite incredible that the sixth seed in any tournament wins a title. Congratulations to them, and you will know how they did in their first-round game against Central Cass when you read these words. This was a fantastic winter sports season, and it came to a close with a bang, for sure.

Stainbrook wins Region 2 Senior Athlete of the Year; Cosley, Worley make All-Region teams Speaking of boys basketball, congratulations to North Border’s Ayden Stainbrook on being named Region 2 Senior Athlete of the Year. All he did to get that honor was average a double-double with points and rebounds this season and help lead his team to a 19-3 record on the year. Congrats as well to the Eagles TJ Cosley on being named to the All-Region 2 team and to Rayce Worley for making the All-Region 4 squad. Stainbrook is also now in the mix for North Dakota Class B Boys Basketball Senior Athlete of the Year, which will be announced after the championship game of the State B Tourney on March 16. Great job by all!

First indoor track meet of the season coming March 21

Baseball and softball practice to get started March 20 With track practice and meets about to get underway, the next spring sports to get started are high school baseball and softball. Their first practices will begin on March 20. Langdon-Edmore-Munich is looking forward to another big year of hardball with Josh Krivarchka again as head coach and assisted once again by Tanner Groth. Zack Schaefer is joining the program in place of Kade Pengilly this year. The Cardinals softball team is looking to build on a nice first year of the program. Traci Murphy is the head coach there, again, and assisted by Taylor Benneweis.

On the Pembina County North side, it does not appear that any North Border varsity boys are going out for high school baseball once again this season. The majority are playing golf, which we’ll talk up in the weeks ahead. There are some junior high kids from North Border out for the younger PCN team. They will be coached by Kelly Cluchie and Sandy Laxdal. The Grizzlies softball team is again being coached by Casey Kreig with Brooke McKay as an assistant.

Now, of course, we are a long way away from any games getting in, but at least starting practice is a beginning.

Summer baseball and softball signup in Langdon March 22 We know it’s a little confusing, but signup for SUMMER baseball and softball programs will be held at the Langdon American Legion Hall on March 22. This is for all levels of baseball from T-Ball to American Legion and for summer girls softball. They do the signup this early to make sure there are enough coaches, equipment, uniforms and more for the upcoming season. If you can’t get your child signed up that night, sign up forms are available at the Langdon elementary schools and, we believe, the Munich and Edmore schools as well. A big shout out goes to Dallas Witzel and Marty Tetrault for blowing off the snow at American Legion Field and Eagles Park. Hopefully, this will make all the seasons get started that much faster.

“See ya!” next week!

Friday, March 17, 2023 - Page - A7

Region 2 Boys Basketball All Tournament Team selected The 2023 All-Region 2 Boys Basketball Team was announced at the tourney in Grand Forks on March 9. Ayden Stainbrook and TJ Cosley from North Border both made the team. Stainbrook averaged 21.1 points and 11.5 rebounds per game this season, while Cosley led the Eagles with 24.9 ppg. Also pictured is Stainbrook with his Region 2 Senior Athlete of the Year award. Ayden will be playing men's basketball for the University of Jamestown next winter. Taylor Kunkel of May-Port-C-G won Region 2 Coach of the Year.

All Region 2 Boys Basketball Team Front row, (l-r): Drew Overby (Thompson), Marshall Judisch (May-Port-C-G), Talan Devine (Cavallier), Tony Villareal (Grafton), Braylon Baldwin (Grafton), Xyler Carlson (May-Port-C-G), Riley Robinson (Midway-Minto) Back row, (l-r): Jake Starcevic (Thompson), TJ Cosley (North Border), Ayden Stainbrook (North Border),Michael Myers (Larimore), Jacob Brandt (Hillsboro-Central Valley), Landon Koenig (MayPort-C-G), Karter Peterson (Thompson), Landon Olson (Hillsboro-Central Valley) Photo by Larry Stokke.

Ayden Stainbrook Region 2 Senior Athlete of the year. Photo by Cody Eisenbeis.

Region 4 Boys Basketball All Tournament Team selected Pictured is the 2023 All-Region 4 Boys Basketball, announced after the tournament in Devils Lake on March 9. Also pictured is Rayce Worley of Langdon-Edmore-Munich, receiving his award from Devils Lake Athletic Director Jason Wiberg.

Worley averaged 17.9 points per game to lead the Cardinals in scoring as a junior this season.

All-Region 4 Boys Basketball Team Front row (l-r): Boston Davis (Dunseith), Zach Gibson (Lakota), Rayce Worley (Langdon-Edmore-Munich), Kelson Keja (Four Winds-Minnewaukan), Mitchell Leas (North Prairie), and Mark Fassett (Warwick) Back row (l-r): Gabe Allmaras (Harvey-Wells County), Blake Mattson (North Prairie), Jaxon Baumgarn (Lakota), Dane Hagler (North Star), Tate Grossman (Harvey-Wells County), Deng Deng (Four Winds-Minnewaukan), Brayton Baker (St. John), Dalen Leftbear (Four Winds-Minnewaukan) Photo by Larry Stokke.

Rayce Worley was chosen to be on the All Region Team. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Page A8 - Friday, March 17, 2023

Volleyball camp held in Langdon

Sports Is spring coming?

The Borderland Press

Cavalier County Senior Menu Cavalier County Senior Meals & Services, Langdon Monday, March 20 Soft Shell Tacos/Spanish Rice/ Corn/Cookie/Fruit Tuesday, March 21 Deluxe Hamburger/Potato Salad/ Yogurt with Fruit Wednesday, March 22 Breaded Chicken Breast/Gravy/ Mashed Potatoes/Creamed Corn/ Baked Apples Thursday, March 23 Cranberry Pork Loin/Boiled Potatoes/Broccoli/Cauliflower/ Fruit

Third and fourth graders participated in a volleyball camp in Langdon.

Dallas Witzel and Marty Tetrault blow the snow off American Legion Field and Eagles Park in Langdon. Hopefully spring won’t be too far behind!

Friday, March 24 Vegetable Pizza/Lettuce Salad/ Fruit EBT/SNAP accepted.

Full cost of a meal: $8.00. Suggested Donation: $5.50 for those over 60 years of age. Please contribute what you can. Those under 60 are required to pay the full cost of the meal. Menus are subject to change. Due to COVID-19 we have been experiencing shipping issues and food shortages.

Cavalier County Senior Meals & Services is located at 211 8th Ave. in Langdon and can be reached by phone at 256-2828.

Community

The Borderland Press

Cavalier County to adjust proposed summer road work contracts for townships

Sanders with the Oscars summary

By Halle Sanders

Toward the end of February, Cavalier County sent out contracts to township boards for summer season blading work on township roads. Under the proposed contract, the county would blade township roads, with the township determining which roads and how many miles would be included.

The contract amount would be $300 per mile for four bladings per summer season with each blading consisting of three passes. The hourly blading rate for additional miles on top of the contract work would be billed at $140 per hour.

If townships want Cavalier County to blade township roads, the townships must sign a contract. County commissioners said it’s a way for them to be more efficient with equipment and hours for blade operators who are paid hourly with the anticipation of saving taxpayer dollars.

“That’s the way 75% of the counties in the state do it,” said Stanley Dick, Cavalier County Commissioner, outlining the journey that neighboring Ramsey County has taken with this type of contract, which finished its third season in the fall.

Dick was present with three of the four other Cavalier County Commissioners: Nick Moser, David Zeis, and Austin Lafrenz. Commissioner Greg Goodman was not present.

The contract was not well received by township representatives from around the county.

“We want to come out with a solution that works for everyone, that won’t be a one-size-fits-all. Last year, two bladings is all a lot of these roads needed,” said Jay DuBois, South Dresden Township. “I certainly understand where you guys are coming from, but it should be a system that works for everybody, not just one entity.”

Township officials said if the county can make some adjustments, many would feel more comfortable. Specifically, township representatives want to have a contract option for a variety of frequencies for blading, not just four per year, and they want to know what would happen if they sign a contract and pay for a certain number of bladings but fewer happen during the season.

After many questions from township officers and discussion about how the contract needs to consider the uniqueness of townships, commissioner Lafrenz made a suggestion.

“I think we should have another look

at what we should do based on the input from all of you here tonight,” Lafrenz said.

“If you’re going to rewrite the contract, I am making a motion to throw out the current proposed contract, and we’re going to let them renegotiate at the next county commission meeting,” DuBois said.

The motion passed unanimously.

“It’s just a matter of working together a little bit more,” said Paul Henderson, president of the Cavalier County Township Officers Association. “I think we’re perceiving it a little heavy-handed, seeing the advantage to the county and not the townships, but I think we can work that out.”

“We need to figure out where we are at for manpower and equipment.

We’re trying to do what we can for tax dollar purposes,” said Nick Moser, county commissioner. “I appreciate the input. I think everyone was really respectful.”

The date to sign the contract is April 20, and commissioners expect to have a new contract option soon.

The Cavalier County Commission will discuss adjustments to the contract at its next meeting on Tuesday, March 21. The meeting will be held in the County Commission Chambers of the courthouse in Langdon, starting at 8:30 a.m.

The township blading contracts are scheduled to be discussed at 11 a.m.

Sunday, the champagne colored carpets were rolled out for the 95th Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars. I watched three and a half hours so you didn’t have too. I present, staying hip with Halle’s Oscar rundown - for all the moments you might have missed.

This was an incredible year for comeback stories, proof that dreams can come true with determination. All acting winners were first-time nominees.

Jaime Lee Curtis won best supporting actress for her role in the movie "Everything Everywhere All at Once", which was well deserved but shocking, as she beat out the more popular Angela Basset. Curtis’ parents were not only both actors but both Oscar nominated as well. Jaime Lee finally snagged an Oscar for the family, giving a sweet speech dedicating the award to her parents. In the category of best supporting actor, the Oscar went to Ke Huy Quan. There wasn’t a single dry eye in the building or for the viewers at home during his speech.

Ke Huy Quan’s family was originally from Vietnam, however, they fled and were split up in two different countries and spent time in a refugee camp before being reunited in America. Young Ke Huy Quan’s first acting gig was in

Staying Hip with Halle

Indiana Jones, followed up by a role in the Goonies. Despite a stellar start as a child actor, his roles diminished after that. He quit acting and worked behind the scenes until recently. His role in "Everything Everywhere All at Once" was his return to the big screen, a role that he won an Oscar for.

By Sarah Hinnenkamp

At the Cavalier County Township officers meeting at the courthouse in Langdon on Tuesday, March 14, it was a summer season road contract that became the bulk of the discussion.

Friday, March 17, 2023 - Page - A9

In the leading categories, Michelle Yeoh won best lead actress, also a part of the same movie as Curtis and Quan. She is the first Asian actress to ever win in the category. Her name will go down in history, and her speech reflected that. Michelle Yeoh is a powerhouse, sending the message “don’t let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime”. In the category of lead actor, Brendan Fraser won for his role in "The Whale", beating out Austin Butler’s portrayal of Elvis. Brendan Fraser disappeared from Hollywood due to some personal reasons as well as the fact that he made a sexual assault allegation against Philip Berk, who was formerly president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

Despite Berk denying the claims, Fraser was seemingly blacklisted from acting roles until now. Fraser was obviously emotional in his comeback, not knowing if he would ever act again, let alone win the most prestigious acting award.

The big winner of the night was for the previously mentioned movie, "Everything Everywhere all at Once", with seven wins. This movie is predominantly led by an Asian cast and crew. It brought fresh diversity into the Academy, something people have been demanding for years. Diversity could also be found thanks to the movie "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever". The movie "The Elephant Whisperers", out of India, won best short documentary. Producer Guneet Monga shared this statement, “Tonight is

historic as this is the first-ever Oscar for an Indian production. India’s glory with two women”. Also from India, the film “RRR” won best original song for “Naatu Naatu”. In my opinion, their Oscar performance was the most fun and entertaining moment of the night, bringing in some energy. I’ve rewatched the performance probably over 20 times. I don’t know any of the words, seeing as it is sung in a different language, but the song has been stuck in my head on repeat. Another film I should mention, the second biggest winner of the night, was the German film, “All Quiet on the Western Front”. The war film won four Oscars, including the one for best international film.

In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, the Oscars were jam packed with actors, films, and producers from every corner of Ireland. Many Irish actors and actresses were nominated for “The Banshees of the Inisherin” as well as “An Irish Goodbye”, which won best live action short. “An Irish Goodbye” produced one of my favorite moments of the night. One of the film's lead actors, James Martin, has Downs Syndrome. During the acceptance speech, the film's directors brought Martin on stage with them. It turns out, the Oscars landed on the same day as Martin’s birthday, and the directors spent their acceptance speech time by requesting that the entire audience sing James Martin, clad in a leopard print suit, happy birthday.

Following last year's drama with Will Smith slapping Chris Rock on stage, this year was sweet and sentimental.

History was made and stories shared.

You should now all be caught up to date in the world of social media.

That’s all for now…until the next big celebrity event comes along.

Church

Page A10 - Friday, March 17, 2023

The Borderland Press

From the Pastor's Desk: You Are With Me (Psalm 23)

How do people cope with catastrophes? When suffering occurs half a world away or in another part of the country, we often feel grateful that

we don’t live there – and then feel guilty that we feel grateful. No one, however, escapes personal suffering.

Life is painful for everyone because loved ones die, jobs are lost, marriages are broken, health disintegrates, depression and loneliness abound.

The question is, will our faith carry us through?

quakes will never harm us. It does not pretend that, if we pray hard enough, we will have a baby, land the right job, beat the cancer, save our marriage, or never get sick. This psalm acknowledges the reality that no one escapes anguish. It says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley.”

For 3,000 years, the 23rd Psalm has provided assurance in times of distress. This profound but simple psalm describes the essence of God: loving, dependable, trustworthy. The psalm does not promise that God will keep us healthy and our children out of danger. It does not say that war or earth-

What makes the 23rd Psalm so vital is not that it promises an easy path but that it assures us we do not face our trials alone. The author of this psalm swears that God is with us even when the earth beneath our feet gives way and we feel as if we’ve fallen into an abyss. Her only child died of a pulmonary embolism at age 21. Because of

the depth of her faith, the mother survived that cruel blow. She knew that God was with her and would give her the resolve not to turn sour on life but to keep living.

God gives us the courage to face life’s most difficult challenges. With God, we can survive the ravine as dark as death. We do not choose the dark valleys that we must tread, but we can acknowledge that God’s presence is at our side. When life takes you where you do not want to be, may you trust the Good Shepherd to see you through.

Classifieds

The Borderland Press

HELP WANTED LAKOTA NELSON COUNTY Sheriff’s Office seeking FT deputy. Submit questions, applications, resumes to 210 B Ave W, Ste. 102, Lakota, ND 58344, email kmatejcek@nd.gov, 701-2472474.

VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (VPAA). Williston State College – Williston, ND. This is a 12-month position with full benefits. The VPAA is responsible for advancing student learning by promoting an environment of innovation, entrepreneurship, and customized learning. The VPAA ensures that the education at WSC is of the highest quality. Go to https://willistonstate.edu/about/Employment/ for more information.

DUAL CREDIT COORDINATOR/ADVISOR. Lake Region State College – Devils Lake. 11-month position, full benefits.

Responsibilities include assisting with the planning and implementation of the dual credit program with ND high schools. For more information go to www.lrsc.edu/jobopportunities.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ASSOCIATE. Lake Region State College – Devils Lake, ND. This is a 12-month position with full benefits. Duties include monitoring and processing incoming payments? verifying and posting receipts, performing account reconciliations, investigating and resolving discrepancies, following up with delinquent accounts to collect payment, and answering customer inquiries. Go to https://www.lrsc.edu/jobopportunities for more information.

RESIDENT DIRECTOR. NDSCS is seeking a Resident Director to assume a leadership role in establishing a living-learning environment wherein students can grow academically, culturally and personally. Responsibilities include: supervision/training of student staff, implementation of residential curriculum, serving as a conduct officer, participation in departmental administration, planning and assessment, and providing summer conference support. This is a 12-month, full-time, live-in, benefited position.

Screening begins immediately. Compensation DOE plus excellent benefit package. Interested candidates must submit the online application. EOE. For more information go to: https://

www.ndscs.edu/join-our-team COMPUTER SCIENCE INSTRUCTOR. Williston State College – Williston, ND. This is an on campus, 9-month, tenure track position with full benefits. The Computer Science Instructor is responsible for teaching Computer Science (CSCI) courses and for developing CSCI course offerings at Williston State College (WSC). Successful applicant must demonstrate and maintain competence in CSCI throughout employment at the college. Minimum of a Master’s degree in Computer Science or a Master’s degree in another discipline and 18 graduate semester hours in Computer Science. Go to https://willistonstate.edu/about/Employment/ for more information.

AGRICULTURE INSTRUCTOR. NDSCS has a FT, 9-month, tenure-track position available in Wahpeton. Responsible for teaching courses related to Agriculture, beginning August 2023.

Benefits include fully paid single or family Health Insurance, Retirement, etc. Screening begins immediately.

EOE. Interested candidates must submit the online application at: https:// www.ndscs.edu/join-our-teamPT COMMUNICATION INSTRUCTOR. Williston State College – Williston, ND. This is an online & on-campus adjunct position teaching 3 credit per semester both fall and spring, online, and in-person. Master’s degree in Communication is required or a Master’s degree and 18 graduate credits in discipline. Go to https://willistonstate.edu/about/Employment/ for more information.

DATA AND STUDENT RECORDS PROCESSING. Williston State College – Williston, ND. This is a 12-month position with full benefits. This position is responsible Primary responsibility for entering, maintaining, and filing data and records for contract and open enrollment classes for TrainND Northwest. Responsible for accounts receivable. Go to https://willistonstate.edu/about/Employment/ for more information.

WECKERLY FARMS IS looking for a key employee to join our team. This position requires experience in planting, spraying and harvesting crops as well as maintaining and refurbishing agricultural equipment. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated,

reliable individual looking for a longterm, year-round position. Pay and benefits are dependent upon experience. If you are interested in working for a progressive operation with a low turnover rate, contact Chad at 701793-7382 for more information or to apply.

MCLEAN COUNTY IS hiring two (2) or more FULL-TIME EQUIPMENT OPERATOR II(s) in Garrison. For more information, visit https://www.mcleancountynd.gov/employment/.

SIMPLOT GROWER SOLUTIONS * Herreid, SD. Seeking Operations Support and CDL Operations Support Personnel. Training, benefits, competitive pay. Apply at Careers.Simplot.com Contact: Chuck Madden, 605-8480481.

YOU CAN PLACE a 25-word classified ad—like this one—in every North Dakota newspaper for only $160. It’s easy.

Contact this newspaper for details.

HELP WANTED – The Langdon Park Board is now taking applications for a Pool Manager to oversee the pool day-to-day operations. Pay based on experience, and would be 30-40 hours/week; Will be required to have WSI Certification and would be eligible for a $500 summer-end bonus after compiling over 80 hours worked on Friday night through Sunday night.

Applications can be picked up at City Hall at 324 8th Ave, Langdon, ND 58249.

The Cavalier County Veterans Service Office is seeking a qualified individual to operate the VSO van that takes area veterans to their medical appointments. This driver will be considered a County employee of a part-time / temporary status with no benefits.

Qualifications include: a valid North Dakota driver’s license; a good driving record; be able to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, background check, and submit to random drug and alcohol testing and must be physically able to assist passengers, if needed. Pay D.O.E. Applications can be picked up at the Cavalier County Auditor’s office in the courthouse M–F 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Ad will run until filled.

Looking to Hire: Mt. Carmel Rec Area Manager. Seasonal position. Call Kensi at 701-256-2220 with questions.

Friday, March 17, 2023 - Page - A11

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

FINANCIAL SERVICES

ND FARM LAND Values surge upward.

Are you selling or renting? Pifer’s Auction and Farm Land Management.

Bob Pifer 701-371-8538. Kevin Pifer 701.238.5810. Free valuation.

BEHIND ON YOUR MORTGAGE PAYMENTS? Threatened with foreclosure? Denied a loan modification?

Let us help! Call the Homeowner Relief Line to speak with a mortgage specialist. 877-242-2596.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE DIRECTV SATELLITE SERVICE Starting at $64.99/mo plus taxes and equipment. 2-Year Price Lock! Free Installation! 165+ Channels Available. Call Now For The Most Sports & Entertainment On TV! 866-530-1662.

TOP CA$H PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. 855-754-3470 DISCOUNT AIR TRAVEL. Call Flight Services for best pricing on domestic & international flights inside and from the US. Serving United, Delta, American & Southwest and many more airlines. Call for free quote now! Have travel dates ready! 866-530-1662.

PROTECT YOUR HOME AND FAMILY with Vivint Smart Home. Call 866391-9779 today to receive a FREE $50 GIFTCARD with your purchase.

Use promo code: FREE50.

NEVER CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS AGAIN! Affordable, professionally installed gutter guards protect your gutters and home from debris and leaves forever!

For a FREE Quote call: 877-354-0572.

LOOKING FOR THE most complete listing of ND Media? ND Media Guide.

Only $25! Call 701-223-6397, ND Newspaper Association.

SERVICES FOR HIRE SHELTERBELT SOLUTIONS. CRYSTAL ND. serving all of ND. Shelterbelt/ farmstead windbreak removal. No sticks to pick. No dirt in pile. Vince 701-270-8717. Jay 701-367-1424.

Shelterbelt solutions.com LONG DISTANCE MOVING: Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America’s Most Trusted Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving!

Speak to a Relocation Specialist, call 844-254-7522.

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available.

Call: 877-482-4836.

BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. EASY, ONE DAY updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 833-946-2482.

ANNOUNCEMENTS NEW AUTHORS WANTED! Page Publishing will help you self-publish your own book. FREE author submission kit! Limited offer! Why wait? Call now: 866-331-7577.

EDUCATION/TRAINING ATTENTION ACTIVE DUTY & MILITARY VETERANS! Begin a new career and earn your Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, 701-929-9679. (M-F 8AM-6PM ET).

HEALTH/MEDICAL ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds.

FREE information kit. Call 855-8212831.

MISCELLANEOUS HAVE a news release or other information that needs to reach all ND newspapers? ND Newspaper Association can help! One call does it all. 701223-6397.

LAND WANTED AG LAND PRICES Skyrocket to All-Time Highs! Thinking of selling? We have buyers! We offer the most competitive commission rate. No hidden fees! Call Nikolaisen Land Company. 844-8724289.

AUTOS WANTED DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pickup. Call for details. 701-809-7415.

Public Notices

Page A12 - Friday, March 17, 2023

Notice of Annual Meeting and Election

Osnabrock Rural Fire Protection District

Monday, March 20, 2023, 10 a.m.

Osnabrock Fire Hall, Osnabrock, ND *Election of Directors from Loam and Manilla Townships whose present terms are expiring. *Action will be taken on any other business which may come up at this time.

NOTICE OF CANDIDATE FILING DEADLINE

Notice is herby given that the deadline for filing to have a candidate’s name printed on the ballot for the Langdon Area School District #23 is Monday, April 10th, 2023 by 4:00 p.m. The following offices are up for election: One (1) rural at large seat with a three (3) year term One (1) city at large seat with a three (3) year term A candidate for a school district office must prepare and sign a document stating the candidate’s name and the position for which the individual is a candidate, and a SFN 10172 State of Interests form. Both of these documents must be filed with the School District Business Manager for Langdon Area School District #23 by the above deadline date and time. All forms are available from either the School District Business Manager for Langdon Area School District #23 or may be obtained online at https:// vip.sos.nd.gov/PortalListDetails.aspx?ptlhPKID=30&ptIPKID=3#content-start.

Notice of Annual Meeting & Election

Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of the Sarles Rural Fire Department will be held Monday, March 20, 2023, at 6 pm at Kyle's Place in Sarles.

The purpose of the meeting is to elect officers whose terms are expiring and to take action on any other business which may be brought up at the meeting.

Cindy Martin, Secretary Sarles Rural Fire Department

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

Langdon Rural Fire Protection District will hold its annual meeting, Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 7:00 pm at the Langdon City Fire Hall.

Purpose of this meeting is to elect directors from the townships of Gordon, Harvey, Langdon, Manilla, Mt. Carmel and West Hope, whose terms are expiring.

Action will also be taken on any other business which may be brought up at the meeting.

Jay DuBois | Secretary/Treasurer

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that on the 29th day of March, 2023, at the hour of 10:00 a.m. in the Commission Room at the Cavalier County Courthouse, 901 3rd Street, Langdon, ND 58249, the Cavalier County Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the application of Fullerton Engineering, on behalf of T-Mobile, 1100 E. Woodfield Road, Suite 500, Schaumburg, IL 60173, for an appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s decision to deny the request for a Conditional Use Permit, which is required by Cavalier County’s zoning regulations, on the following described property: NW¼NW¼, Section 18, Township 160N, Range 63W, aka 8400 88th St, Munich, ND 58352.

Description of the conditional use: to install equipment cabinets on a concrete pad inside a 10’ X 15’ ground space within the existing compound, and install new equipment and mounts on the existing tower.

Dated this 24th day of February, 2023. /s/ Lisa Gellner – Secretary Cavalier County Planning and Zoning Commission

NOTICE OF FILING DEADLINE FOR ANNUAL ELECTION SET AT NORTH BORDER SCHOOL DISTRICT

The annual election for North Border School District #100 will be held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. Any eligible resident of the school district may file to run for the board seat which represents the geographic area of the district in which they reside. A person must be at least 18 years old, be a resident of North Dakota, and have lived in the school district for at least 30 days prior to the election to be eligible.

Terms of current school board members that are ending this year (June 30, 2023) are: Jared Hanson, who represents Neche (3-year term), Jared Johnson, who represents Walhalla (3year term), Jeff Watts, who represents ‘At Large’ (3-year term), and the unexpired 2-year term previously held by Jennifer Martin who represents Pembina.

Applications for nomination may be obtained from the school offices in Pembina and Walhalla. The deadline to file an application to run for school board member is Monday, April 10, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. in the office of the business manager at the Walhalla School. **Reminder: Voters are required to show identification at the polling place that includes the individual’s residential address and date of birth.

Any questions may be directed to the Business Manager at 549-3751 ext.

213.

The Borderland Press

NOTICE OF FILING DEADLINE FOR SCHOOL BOARD MUNICH SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 19

Notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 an annual election will be held for the purpose of electing members for the school board and whether to publish the school board minutes in the local newspaper or not. Two “rural” positions are up for re-election.

The deadline for candidates to file is 4:00 p.m. on April 10, 2023. All materials can be picked up at the Munich School office.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING NORTHEAST REGIONAL WATER DISTRICT

DATE: THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2023 TIME: 1:30 PM (REGISTRATION 1 PM TO 1:30 PM) PLACE: MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY CENTER, MOUNTAIN, ND PURPOSE: (1) REPORT ON ELECTION OF THREE (3) DIRECTORS FOR THREE (3) YEAR TERMS (2) REVIEW OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS (3) PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE PRESENTATION (4) TO TRANSACT ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Calvin Rural Fire Annual Meeting

March 30 | 6pm Kyle's Place, Sarles New directors will be elected, Any new business will be discussed.

Langdon City Commission Regular Meeting March 13th, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.

Commission members present Jerry Nowatzki, Lawrence Henry, and Cody Schlittenhard. Also, present Tom Beauchamp, Jeff Hiller, Nic Moser – County Commissioner, Gary Bimler, Sarah Hinnenkamp-Borderland Press, Quentin Wenzel – City Attorney and RoxAnne Hoffarth- City Auditor.

J. Nowatzki called the meeting to order and led everyone into the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes: L. Henry made the motion to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on February 27th, seconded by C. Schlittenhard.

Motion carries.

Additions to Agenda: Correspondence: Department Reports: Street: Commission gave gratification to the street crew and other departments that help during these storms to keep things cleaned up.

Fire Department: No report.

Water and Sewer: No Report.

Sanitation: No Report.

Activity Center: No Report Police Department: No Report.

Auditors Report: R. Hoffarth reported that she met with BCBS about a policy with a lower deductible, preventative and prescription plan to upgrade from our old grandfathered in policy. The cost is $1000 more per month more than our current plan. Hoffarth will bring plan information to April meeting.

Unfinished Business New Business 1. Parcel #61154-030 – County Commissioner Nic Moser was present to discuss a possible purchase of this lot. The County is looking to build a new shop. Commission is willing to work together on this project.

2. St. Alphonsus requests – 1. to turn lot west of church (old green house) into a parking lot. C. Schlittenhard made the motion this can be done after going through Planning and Zoning for zoning purpose and that the lot must be of hard surface, not gravel.

Seconded by L. Henry. Motion Carries.

2. Requesting that 3rd street by parish center be widened to allow diagonal parking. After some discussion C. Schlittenhard made the motion to deny the request to widen they street by parish center. Seconded by L. Henry. Motion Carries.

Building Permits - #5353 Katarina Stowell, #5354 Landon Tollefson – L. Henry made the motion to deny the #5353 Katerina Stowell permit due to the house being on condemned list. Requesting that she come to next meeting to discuss renovations, seconded by C. Schlittenhard. Motion Carries. L. Henry made the motion to approve permit #5354, seconded by C. Schlittenhard. Motion Carries.

99291 USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT-MSP LOAN | 137601.00 99290 MONEY MOVERS INC. | 0.75 99289 PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY | 80.32 82468-82480/6028460286 Payroll and Liab. | 22022.08 60296 ADVANCED BUSINESS METHODS | 242.17 60297 BLACK MOUNTAIN SOFTWARE | 14857.00 60298 BRENT BENOIT | 107.74 60299 C & M MARKETING | 660.00 60300 CAVALIER RURAL ELECTRIC COOP. | 261.82 60301 CHAMPION MEDIA, LLC | 71.00 60302 CHRISTIANSON REPAIR | 44.70 60303 DACOTAH PAPER CO. | 425.85 60304 DAHL TRUCKING PLUS | 1779.65 60305 DAKOTA FIRE EXTINGUISHERS | 27.99 60306 FARMER'S UNION OIL CO. | 5128.92 60307 FERGUSON WATERWORKS #2516 | 3914.34 60308 HIWAY LAUNDRY | 128.80 60309 LANGDON HARDWARE & RENTAL | 280.75 60310 LANGDON PRAIRIE HEALTH | 15.75 60311 LEEVERS FOODS | 365.65 60312 MAR-KIT LANDFILL | 1816.50 60313 MICHELLE BAKER | 500.00 60314 MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATIONS | 156.18 60315 NORTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH | 50.00 60316 ONE-CALL CONCEPTS, INC. | 2.05 60317 OTTERTAIL POWER CO. | 6094.94 60318 POWERPLAN | 5019.60 60319 RDO TRUCK CENTERS | 467.13 60320 RICHARD'S WELDING, INC. | 225.00 60321 SAMSON ELECTRIC | 1224.82 60322 THE BOARDERLAND PRESS | 50.00 60323 THE WALSH COUNTY RECORD | 99.60 60324 THOMAS BEAUCHAMP | 126.25 60325 UNITED COMMUNICATIONS | 1420.26 60326 VALLI INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC. | 743.48 60327 VERIZON WIRELESS | 818.47 60328 WASTE MANAGEMENT CORPORATE SERVIC | 14366.88 60333-60336 Payroll and Liab. | 15315.78 Review and Approval of Bills: C. Schlittenhard made the motion to approve all bills, seconded by L. Henry. Motion Carries.

Adjourn: L. Henry moved to adjourn the meeting.

Jerry Nowatzki, President RoxAnne Hoffarth, Auditor Received by The Borderland Press on Tuesday, March 14.

Langdon Area Prom

The Borderland Press

Friday, March 17, 2023 - Page - A13 Photos by Larry Stokke.

Emma Sabo & Thomaas Gendron

Drew Rostvet & Harrison Nuelle

Erika Balsdon & Josh Faunillan

Kendra Busse & Iverson Peltier

Hannah Halvorson & Adam Hart

Zoey Padden & Dameon Berstrom

Ciara Kempert & Kevin Kessler

Jiry Rosecrans & Jacon Rademacher

Macy Hicks & Sebastian Hibshman & Jaymee Reidhammer

Claire Chaput & Drew Peterson

Adrianna Zinzun & Orion Nadeau

Naoni Ames & Mason Christianson

Elli Eisenzimer & Shanna Gette & Heavenly Janis

Ashley Perry & Parker Rime

Catelyn Goodman & Eli Johnson

Langdon Area Prom

Page A14 - Friday, March 17, 2023

The Borderland Press Photos by Larry Stokke.

Olivia Christianson & Brody Steinmetz

Brenna Schuler & Kael Kovar

Kiley Davidson & Gage Goodman

Tru Decker & Jack Romfo

Rylee Medbery & Landon Welsh

Sarah Nelson & Reese Hoffarth

Arianna Haraseth & Alex Gellner

Taryn Romfo & Nathan Kitchen

McKenna Schneider & Mason Romfo

Jane Sillers & Nickolas Kingzett

Kate Sillers & Jake Sanders

Cora Badding & Carter Tetrault

Jalynn Swanson & Ross Thompson

Jaya Henderson & Jace Rime

Banner Lundquist & Tyler Kram

Alianna Freund & Rudy Moser

Taryn Amble & Jeffery Rosinski

Jada Moen & Tanner McDonald

Emmy Pankratz & Kadyn Hein

Taelyn Dunnigan & Markus Kingzette

Halle Jabs & Cody Amble

Breana Wagner & Dawson Hein

Junior Class Workers

Seniors

AGOUTLO OK 23 Photo taken off of Hwy. 32 south of Walhalla in the summer of 2022. Photo by Hilary Nowatzki.

Langdon researcher helping minimize pest populations and health impacts for farmers

By Hilary Nowatzki

a PhD in entomology.

She loves sharing her knowledge, and it's not all just about finding cool bugs. Instead, Chirumamilla identifies the insects that will put dents in farmers’ pockets - and, through her research, finds ways to lower their negative impact on crops.

Anitha Chirumamilla, Langdon Research Extension Center cropping systems specialist

“So do you like bugs?” asked Randy Melhoff, Langdon Research Extension Center executive director, “Because we've got the best entomologist in the system!”

Meaning every time someone finds an interesting insect they automatically rush into Anitha Chirumamilla’s office to bombard her with questions.

Chirumamilla is the cropping systems specialist at the Langdon Research Extension Center but also possesses

Last year Chirumamilla became the team leader for North Dakota’s northeast region’s Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM). With the help of a scout and a trapper that work throughout the nine counties in the northeast region, she is able to research more and more insects, along with their potential for detrimental impacts on crops.

other pests such as weeds and disease-causing organisms such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes.

IPM also formulates preventative strategies to manage these pests before they get too out of control. The program’s overall goal is to maintain crop profitability while minimizing pest populations and health impacts.

“It's a very useful tool for growers to know what's on the horizon, and we alert them so they can go and scout their fields to see if they have those particular insects or diseases, and that helps them to be aware of it and help manage the insecticide or fungicide they need to use,” Chirumamilla explained.

“The program started by getting information about insects and diseases in the region so we can alert growers about what's coming in, how the management decisions need to be planned, and what to look for in the fields,” she stated.

There are two categories of insects in this line of work, according to Chirumamilla, “There are the ones that overwinter in ND and show up every year and there are others that migrate to ND. Those are usually the insects that don’t winter here but come from the southern regions.”

Although insects are the first to come to mind, IPM also identifies

Wind plays a large role in how the later category of insects reach the

Hessian fly larvae. Photo source: Kansas State University.

northern borderlands. Some of these insects are just vacationing in small numbers, but once they reach the threshold of becoming a ‘pest’ (which means they are causing severe damage to crops), Chirumamilla gets to work researching them. The insects that fall into this category are the cereal aphids, soybean aphids and the diamondback moth that occasionally reach the pest status.

Chirumamilla said.

The extension has already applied for funding to conduct trapping all around the state for the hessian fly in order to do a survey for that insect this year.

Chirumamilla noticed another change last year involving the flea beetle. The flea beetle has two primary types: striped flea beetles and crucifer flea beetles (crucifer types are solid One insect that became an issue black). with wheat and barley last year was the hessian fly, which was a surprise “Historically, the population has been to Chirumamilla. Hessian flies have the black one, but now the trend is been around North Dakota for over a the striped flea beetles are increas100 years and have caused sporad- ing in numbers, which is not good for ic outbreaks in N.D. and neighboring growers because striped flea beetles are more resistant to the insecticides states. we have. So the trend that we are ob“It's a very small fly, like a wheat serving is not good,” she stated. midge, that causes damage by feeding on the lower part of the stems and Chirumamilla suggests that farmers weakening them. I haven't seen that keep an eye on their fields to see if become a big issue up until last year there’s more of the striped flea beewhen we found at least 5 % damage tles or crucifer flea beetles, which will in the crop, which is significant. I was help them make their management surprised to see that insect bounce decisions accordingly. back in populations, so it will be interesting to see what happens this year,”

Hessian fly larva in the flax-seed stage. Photo source: Anitha Chirumamilla, NDSU.

Hessian fly adult. Photo source: Kansas State University.

Innovation leads to continuous growth at Hamilton Systems in Drayton

Photos courtesy Hamilton System, Drayton, N.D.

By Jessica Tull

In 1994 Hamilton Systems Inc began as Hamilton Farm Supply, LLC in Drayton, N.D. The company had one product: a universal header manufactured

by Convey-All, a manufacturing plant formerly known as Commercial Welding out of Winkler, Manitoba.

Growth began when co-owners Ken Nordstrom from Cavalier, N.D. and Mark Hatloy, current president of Hamilton Systems Inc., made the decision to buy a part of Convey-All.

“In the late 90’s we bought a large portion of the manufacturing plant up in Winkler, Manitoba,” Hatloy said.

setting up seed plants this created oversaturation of the products they were selling.

After they purchased the portion of Convey-All, Hamilton Systems began to manufacture conveyor belts and other seeding products.

“Ten years ago, there was a lot of business, but most of those sites have been built now,” Hatloy said.

“We distributed those products throughout North America,” Hatloy said.

The company primarily distributed to the seed industry and saw steady growth, setting up bulk seed plants and providing products such as hopper bottom grain bins, seed treaters and conveyors.

“As the years progressed, we got a little bit bigger and a little more volume,” Hatloy said.

With time and other companies also

So, in 2015 they switched up their focus to corn and sunflower headers, becoming a dealer for Fantini Harvest Headers, a company based out of Italy.

“Then in ‘16, opportunity arose to buy the North American Distributorship, which we did” said Hatloy. “In ‘19 we had the opportunity to purchase a factory in Medole, Italy, which we did,” Hatloy continues as he explains the purchase of the Fantini Factory by Hamilton Systems Inc. With that purchase Hamilton Systems Inc. Expanded and started to gain market shares in North America, while distributing to locations around the world.

“We ship headers all over the world. I think we went to 70 different countries last year,” Hatloy said.

As Hamilton Systems, Inc. grows it continues to operate with the company's original mission statement to supply and install growth equipped systems that do the job swiftly and

efficiently.

“We certainly appreciate the support throughout the years. We are looking to be here a long time,” Hatloy said.

Hamilton Systems, Inc. continues to operate out of Drayton as it expands worldwide distribution of its products.

Page B2 - Valley News & Views March 16, 2023

The Borderland Press March 17,2023

Celebrating National Agriculture Week - March 21-28, 2023 National Agriculture Week is celebrated every year in March on dates announced by the Agriculture Council of America. This year the holiday commences on March 21, which is Ag Day, and ends on the 27th. The week celebrates and acknowledges the agricultural industry and the role it plays in stabilizing the economy. The holiday gives thanks to the industry as a whole for being a source of abundant food, fiber, and renewable products. It also provides millions with stable jobs and careers. It emphasizes the efforts made by those involved in agriculture for providing us with necessities that most of us take for granted.

a large amount of livestock with them to America, which caused changes in its natural landscape.

As the population grew, farms expanded, and settlements moved from the east into the west. This caused the agricultural industry to grow exponentially with a larger variety of produce

History of National Agriculture Week Agriculture is the biggest food contributor in America. America is the net exporter of food, which means that this industry is a source of food and wealth. The rich history of agriculture in the U.S. attracted colonists to the area. Since most colonists were European, the styles of agricultural cultivation and production were Europe influenced as well. Colonists also brought

being rooted. Once the west was populated and cultivated, a wheat frontier was formed. The east was firmly set on cattle and livestock with only a handful of small-scale crops. On the

other hand, the south was dominated by tobacco and cotton. Lastly, the north was dominated by people who planted only what they needed; anything in excess was sold to the market.

It was only during the Civil War and World War II that the agricultural system became centralized, and a proper agricultural system was introduced.

The Agriculture Council of America, formed in 1973, has supported the farmers and agricultural advancements in farming techniques in the U.S. It comprises influential leaders in agriculture, food, and farming who work together as a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the world on the importance of agriculture in American society.

At the same time that the council was formed, the first National Agriculture Day was also introduced and soon developed into an entire week-long celebration. National Agriculture Week has been celebrated ever since with full enthusiasm to support agriculture and spread awareness about the potential and vitality of agriculture.

How to observe National Agriculture Week Talk about it on social media - Talk about the importance of agriculture and contribute to spreading awareness and being proud of the farmers.

Make it a trend on social media, and invite others to the cause.

Thank a farmer - for the long hours, sleepless nights, and the crops they work so hard to grow. Reach out to a farmer and say thank you.

Agriculture facts Courtesy National Today There are 22 million people employed in the agriculture sector.

Today every farmer feeds 144 people as compared to the one farmer for 25 people in the 1960s.

The average time a farmer operator spends on the farm in a lifetime is 58.3 years.

The average farm size in the U.S. is about 434 acres.

11% of the farmers in the U.S. previously served in the army.

Why National Agriculture Week is important It honors the farmers - This holiday is an official statement of appreciation to all farmers and employees of the agricultural industry. It is through their efforts that the nation can sustain itself.

It promotes agriculture - It serves to promote agriculture as a good source of income and as a field of research and technological advancement. Agriculture has seen a decline in the interest of people as urbanization increases. To get the interest back towards agriculture, this week is a good idea to promote agriculture and its benefits.

Valley News & Views March 16, 2023

Banking

The Borderland Press March 17,2023 - Page - B3

2023 season predictions with KodaBank, Drayton

By Hilary Nowatzki

According to loan officers Jay Johnson and Chase Boen at KodaBank in Drayton, the 2023 planting season is looking pretty bright so far. Volatility was the name of the game last year, but this year, both of the loan officers think that farmers have a lot of factors working in their favor.

After the war broke out in Ukraine last year, fuel costs skyrocketed and then seemed to remain on a roller coaster of unpredictable prices for the rest of the season. This year, though, Boen said that those prices have slightly decreased and have remained rather consistent.

On another positive note, one input cost that has seemed to lower is fertilizer.

“I would say that probably the biggest input that's gone down is fertilizer.

This time last year fertilizer supply, or maybe uncertainty in supply, was a huge concern, and therefore, the prices were pretty high,” stated Boen.

Johnson agreed and said that fertilizer was one of the biggest input costs that has gone down this year. He had just spoken with a customer who compared his fertilizer costs from last year to this year and reported a 40% decrease.

Regardless of more predictability in the market this year, Johnson emphasized that the weather is rarely as predictable as the market is.

“Mother Nature is the big wildcard. If Mother Nature gives us a good crop, things will be okay, but if there's a drought - it's hard to tell,” he explained.

On the flipside, more flooding can be equally detrimental to growers, especially those with land near or on the river. For some farmers, the water stayed so high last year for so long they weren’t able to plant in large areas of their property, leading to obvious profit losses. According to Johnson, last year’s floods were the worst they had seen in the area in 10 years. .

“Some of them were six to seven weeks behind getting their crop planted compared to a normal year as the river came up, and for some reason, last year it stayed high for extended periods. Usually it's a couple of weeks, but last year it was six weeks.

So the forecast right now for this year is not nearly as bad as it was last year, but that could change,” Johnson said.

Boen elaborated on the topic of flooding and explained that although Fargo and Bismarck seem to have been hit

harder this year with snow compared to more northern regions, that snow will melt and inevitably flow north hitting Grand Forks, Hillsboro, Drayton, and any other town on the Red River.

Regardless of the flooding and market volatility of last year, 2022 was a good year for most farmers. The war in Ukraine, although tragic, led to an increased price on many of the crops grown in North Dakota, as this region has a similar climate to Ukraine and grows similar crops.

High demand to compensate for the unexpected loss of crop exports in Ukraine led to price increases for crops being exported out of the United States and especially North Dakota last year.

Though this led to higher profits last year, the war has continued, and on an international level, growers have stepped in to supplement the lack of crops coming out of Ukraine. Decreased demand also means decreased prices.

“I think at this point that's figured into the price where they're at,” Boen stated on price fluctuations due to the war.

Although prices may have lowered

as the war drags on, higher profits from last year mean that many farmers have working capital headed into 2023 “A lot of these growers are coming off a very profitable year. There were good prices, and in general, most areas had a good to above average crop. So, there is working capital going into next year,” Boen explained.

According to both loan officers, this working capital can help mitigate increased interest rates which have doubled over the last year.

“There's no getting around it,” Boen stated. “Interest rates have gone up. Prime has gone in one year from 3.25% to 7.75%.”

going for them is that they're coming off lower interest rate times where they still have some fixed rates locked in, so not all their rates have adjusted; it would just be new debt being taken out,” said Boen.

He encourages farmers to make smaller purchases in cash when possible or to use some of their working capital from last year to make larger down payments on loans to help offset the interest rate.

“But there is no getting around it - if there's new purchases that they need to finance. The interest cost is one that has gone up,” stated Boen.

Although this may seem like a drastic increase, Johnson argues that 7.75% is actually closer to an average rate than the lower rates buyers have seen throughout the last three or four years.

“Historically we're not at a high interest rate. It’s just higher compared to the previous five to 10-year period,” Johnson stated.

“One thing that most of these borrowers, in the case of these farmers, have

Cavalier County agriculture looks to have another favorable year in 2023

by Logan Waslaski, Ag Banker, Horizon Financial, Langdon

trended lower over the past few weeks as well. Many factors are at play in markets currently with the Black Sea region conflicts, production in Argentina and Brazil, and export numbers to name a few. Export numbers are tremendously behind last year’s numbers with no major sales to China in the last few months.

Some events to look forward to over the next few weeks will be the status of the Black Sea Trade Initiative, export numbers, and USDA reporting.

The USDA prospective planting report is due out March 31st that should provide us with an idea of what to expect for acres.

The last year has been a wild ride in the ag industry with commodity market highs, record interest rate increases, and crazy weather patterns - all of which have seemed to be anybody’s guess as to what will happen next.

We have already seen interest rate increases of over 400 basis points in the past year with more on the way as The Fed continues its battle over inflation. Consumer price index data has shown that although inflation has cooled, there is still work to be done.

Over the past few weeks, commodity markets, specifically wheat, have cooled off. Fertilizer prices have

As we look out our windows to see piles of snow everywhere, it makes one wonder when the spring weather will show up - especially after the very late planting season growers went through in 2022. Currently, the majority of Cavalier County appears to be in the “abnormally dry” stage on the U.S. Drought Monitor but still should be some moisture there combined with snow accumulation to get the crop out of the ground. 2021 drought concerns coupled with excess moisture issues in the spring of 2022 leave us all wondering what is to come next.

The expiration of the current farm bill will be another thing to be aware of, as talks are underway on the structure of what a new farm bill will look like. It appears that the goal of many groups is to build in a larger safety net in Title 1 (commodity programs) of the bill so that growers are not dependent on disaster declarations from Congress.

Although there have been higher price opportunities in the past, there is still strong profit potential on the farm this year. Input prices have been on the higher side the last couple of years, but with fertilizer prices cooling off, it should help with bottom lines. As always, it is crucial for growers to know their cost of production when making pricing decisions. Speaking with input suppliers and understanding costs help immensely in making accurate projections.

Cavalier County agriculture looks to have another favorable year in 2023.

Although there has been decline in commodity markets, it has also shown us over the past year that we are always one “black swan” event in

the Black Sea region away from markets skyrocketing in the other direction. The only thing that will give us all

of these answers in the future is time.

Wishing all growers a safe and prosperous year in 2023.

Page B4 - Valley News & Views March 16, 2023

The Borderland Press March 17,2023

Spring-ish time is here!

by Sara Goodman

greening up and farmers in the field.

What happens is we get a few days of warmer weather, and everyone gets excited, and then we get a mid-April blizzard to smack us back into the reality of living 17 miles from Canada and Alberta clipper weather.

It’s still March, but everyone in the Goodman house is thinking spring.

Once hockey is over, spring high school baseball fires up, and I start nervously searching the schedule for the first game knowing that it’s too soon to unload the blankets, beanies and Uggs from my vehicle. I occasionally drive by the high school and catch the track kids shoveling off the track and jumping in place to keep their toes from going numb. Stuffed bunnies and chocolate eggs start showing up on retailers shelves, and Lenten services are in full swing.

I struggle to love spring. I love the idea of spring, but in North Dakota, that idea never really comes to fruition. I want April 1 to hit and see the snow gone, flowers blooming, grass

Once renewal season is over in March, Greg starts to get a little twitchy. He’s ready to pull out the equipment and plan for the upcoming planting season. He starts looking for any excuse to head to the farm, driving slowly by the neighbor’s fields and comparing them to ours to see who might be ready to check soil temperatures and fill the seeder. I start preparing myself to ride along and brave the ever-chilly spring weather to lend a hand.

There’s a long list of prep work for spring planting- changing oil and filters, greasing stuff, washing equipment, hooking things together, cleaning cabs, cleaning seed, attaching the new NDSU flags to the seeder and then waiting… waiting for the snow to melt, wet spots to dry out, soil temperature to be right- all while keeping a keen eye on what the neighbors are doing. If Greg sees Corey and the boys out driving around, he’ll call him immediately to find out if he’s ordered fertilizer yet.

High on my to-do list is cleaning the shop apartment or “The Shouse” as we call it, cleaning the bathroom and stocking the frig and freezer. Spring planting is different from harvest when it comes to food. Spring planting is basically just Greg and sometimes his brother, Brett, doing the work. Whereas, harvest could be anywhere from 10-12 people. So I stock the frig with the basics and make minimal food for delivery. However, when I do make a few things to bring out, I have some recipes that are perfect for spring fever and planting season.

Southwestern Chicken Salad ¾ c mayonnaise Juice of 1 lime 1 Tbsp taco seasoning 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed 1 cup canned corn, drained 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed 1 green bell pepper, diced ½ red onion, diced ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped Salt and pepper, to taste

Chill until ready to serve.

This is great in a wrap or served on crackers or chips. You could also toss with your favorite pasta for a heartier dish.

I have to share this super easy and delicious dessert, too, that goes great with the Southwestern Chicken Salad recipe. Plan ahead for this one so the crackers have time to soften.

Chocolate Éclair Dessert 2 individual packages graham crackers 2 (3 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding mix

3 cups milk 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed 1 (16 oz) package prepared chocolate frosting Directions: Line the bottom of a 9x13 in pan with graham crackers. In a large bowl, combine pudding mix and milk. Stir in whipped topping to pudding mixture. Spread half of mixture over graham cracker layer. Top with another layer of graham crackers and the remaining pudding mixture. Top all with a final layer of graham crackers and frost with chocolate frosting.

Refrigerate until serving.

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayo, lime juice, taco seasoning, salt and pepper until smooth.

Add the chicken, corn, black beans, green pepper, onion and cilantro.

Toss to combine.

Photo courtesy: TheKitchenismyPlayground.com

The Borderland Press March 17,2023 - Page - B5

Valley News & Views March 16, 2023

Healthy Field Food

by Katie Henry, Family and Community Wellness Agent NDSU Extension – Cavalier County of the situation, even if I didn’t know every detail of why. The heat of the sun, the harvest dust billowing out of the back of the combine, the strong North Dakota wind blowing through my hair, the smell of the crop, ripened to perfection, the stubble of the wheat poking at my legs as I highstepped around it while helping mom set the food out - it was the best. One of those things that will stay forever in my mind.

The other day I saw a picture that brought back memories of days long past. It was of a family eating out in the field during harvest time. It was from about the time of my childhood, maybe a little earlier, but I was instantly brought back in time with sights, smells, and feelings of days gone by.

There was just something about getting in the Scout International with laundry baskets filled with supper for Dad and the hired help. My mom was a master at planning meals - preparing them to be done at just the right time and getting out to the field with everything needed for a quick meal.

The meals were always well planned out, consisted of a variety of food, and tasted even better than they would have at the kitchen table. I remember waiting at the edge of the field, watching the combines and trucks in the field just knowing the significance

There were several things that happened during those visits. I learned some language from some of the hired help that I think my mom would rather I hadn’t learned. I remember sitting in a laundry basket as I ate so that my little legs didn’t get so scratched up from the stubble – one of the many genius ideas my mom had over the years. I even saw one of the hired hands hilariously poke a fork by accident through the plastic wrap covering the bowl filled with cucumber slices because my mom was a master at packing everything perfectly in order to withstand the rough and bumpy trip to the field. I also just knew it was the only time I would get to see Dad during one of the busiest times of the year.

As a child, I thought of it as an adventure. Since I have grown and matured into adulthood, I recognize the dedication my mom had to ensuring the harvest crew ate a great meal. The planning, preparing, and serving of

the meal was key to the function of a happy harvest crew. Making sure the food was nutritious and safe was paramount in keeping the important time of year running smoothly.

Meals don’t have to be prepared for on-the-go just during harvest time.

Often times, farmers will take their meals with them throughout the season, especially when there is a short window to get things done. Packing meals is a time saver and can conveniently be toted along in a pick-up, tractor, semi, or any other farm equipment that needs to be used at the time. There are three main factors to consider when eating out in the field: clean hands, nutrition, and keeping foods safe to eat.

Clean Hands Handwashing is the number one way of preventing the spread of illness.

It will also eliminate chemical residue and gets the oil and grim from a hard-working day off of your hands - both of which can cause serious damage or illness to the body if not cleaned off properly. Unfortunately, we don’t carry sinks with us out

into the field. Some people use hand sanitizer, but that really only kills the germs. It doesn’t eliminate any dangerous residue or actually get rid of the germs themselves. When eating food in the field, if you don’t have easy access to a sink and are eating on the run, it would be best to keep some wipes in the equipment you are in or in the lunch box you have with you.

Being able to wipe your hands free of substances that could harm you is important in helping keep you healthy during the busy time.

Another way to help eliminate hand to food contact while in the field would be to make healthy food kabobs or use eating utensils. Fruits and vegetables can easily be cut up and placed on toothpicks or mini-skewers. They can also be eaten using a fork. If using toothpicks or forks to eat your food, you can also cube some whole grain bread, have a lean protein and low-fat cubes of cheese. The combination would give you a complete meal. It would take a little more prep time to cube everything, but it would help eliminate the chance of contaminated hands touching the food. It

could also be fun to try different recipes like the Caprese Salad Kabobs I’ve included below.

Nutrition Along with getting adequate sleep and exercising, nutrition is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Eating a variety of foods based on MyPlate (www. myplate.gov), especially during the busy, stressful times of farming, can help ensure a better season. Whether it be during the harvest time or the busy spring or spray seasons, eating healthy foods will help keep a farmer’s body and mind in top shape.

One important factor to consider is focusing your meals on fruits and vegetables. There are a variety of fruits and vegetables to choose from, and they are usually fairly easy to pack.

Choosing low-fat protein choices will also be beneficial to helping you stay fuller longer. Try to stay away from highly processed foods that are easily found in convenience stores, and focus on water as your main source for hydration. Keeping the body strong through nutrition will show benefits of higher energy and tolerance of higher stress situations. The work and effort put towards nutrition will have a large impact.

Keep Foods Safe Most proteins, all dairy, and any cut fruits and vegetables all need to stay refrigerated in order to be safe to consume. The danger zone for the growth of food born illness is between 41and 140-degrees Fahrenheit. In order to make sure the food stays out of the danger zone, cold foods need to stay cold (40 degrees F or colder), and hot foods need to stay hot (141 degrees or warmer). Use insulated coolers or bags with freezer packs for the cold foods and insulated containers specifically designed for hot foods. Make sure to follow all instructions of each for optimum safety.

Freeze freezer packs well overnight.

Make sure you have at least two so that there is a cold source on top as well as the bottom of the food containers. Pack your food the night before so that the containers and food have all had time to get cold. It will ensure the foods and freezer packs stay colder longer. If you don’t want to have to keep foods hot or cold, you could pack whole fruits or vegetables (such as an apple or grape tomatoes, and nut butters for protein. The smaller, factory processed containers of tuna or chicken could also be kept as an option for protein but be mindful of sodium content.

As promised above, an idea for a healthy meal would be to make some Caprese Salad Kabobs. Pair these with some cubed chicken, strawberry and grape fruit kabobs, and whole grain crackers for a complete and delicious meal in the field (or any time, really)!

Caprese Salad Kabobs 24 grape tomatoes 12 cherry-size fresh mozzarella cheese balls 24 fresh basil leaves 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar 12 skewers On each of 12 appetizer skewers, alternately thread two tomatoes, one cheese ball and two basil leaves.

Whisk olive oil and vinegar; drizzle over kabobs. Serve as a side dish with your favorite grilled protein, such as beef, chicken or pork.

Makes 12 kabobs. Each kabob has 44 calories, 4 grams (g) fat, 1 g protein, 2 g carbohydrate, 0 g fiber and 10 milligrams sodium.

NDSU Extension has other recipes that might help you pack a great meal for the field. Just visit our website at https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ extension to find what you are looking for. As always, you can also call our office at 256-2560 or email katie.d.henry@ndsu.edu if you have any questions or would like to discuss ideas with me. In any case, I hope you can enjoy some great memories and healthy field food this up-coming growing season.

Page B6 - Valley News & Views March 16, 2023

Ag Outlook Legislative report

Rep. David Monson | District 19

The ag outlook for 2023, in my opinion, is sort of a mixed bag. As far as the weather is looking, it appears to me that almost all of the state is looking at good moisture. There are a few pockets where it is somewhat dry, mainly the northwestern part of the state, but the drought of the past few years seems to have been broken. Nationally, it seems there is still drought in the Pacific northwest and parts of Texas and north into Kansas and Nebraska, but N.D. is in good shape.

In my travels from Osnabrock to Bismarck along 1-94 and along highway 200 there is likely going to be a late spring due to all the snow they’ve had.

Our northeastern corner has missed many of the big snow events of February and March, so we may be one of the first areas of the state to get into the fields this year. However, we can still see a late winter storm or two.

WhiIe some inputs have come down a little in comparison to 2022, the price of most fertilizer is high. According to national information that I looked

up, the cost is as high or higher than at this time last spring. Some of the people that I talked to are looking at trying to minimize fertilizer costs by shorting some of the applications. My soil tests show I don’t have a lot of residual left over in my fields, so my crops last year made very good use of what I had. That means I can’t cut too many corners on my fertilizer applications. As far as chemical prices, I didn’t check the current prices or availability, but since many chemicals have petroleum as a source of raw material, the prices and availability will be a concern. Petroleum prices have stayed strong throughout the winter, and crude oil is still hanging around $77/barrel. That tells me the price of fuel is going to be high going into spring and summer.

Commodity prices have weakened a bit in the last month, but they are still quite strong. With fertilizer prices high, I expect soybeans will be popular with farmers as that is one way to cut back on nitrogen applications. With soybean prices locally around $13 per bushel, I believe that is one crop farmers could make money raising this year. The same with peas. Canola prices are quite good compared to historical prices, but the inputs will make it harder to see a good bottom line I’m afraid. Wheat and barley will need good yields and strong prices in order to make them competitive, too.

Inflation is going to keep farming a challenge in 2023.

The legislature is doing pretty good things for agriculture this year. ND is

The Borderland Press March 17,2023

Senator Janne Myrdral | District 19 in a strong financial position, so we are investing in our farming industry.

Funding for Research and Extension went well in my committee in the House. That budget is in the Senate now, but the makeup of the committee that works on that budget over there tells me agriculture will fare well. My committee is working on the Agriculture Commissioner’s budget now, and it looks like the Senate did a good job in that budget taking care of agriculture. We have a strong farm influence on my committee, so I expect that budget will be OK in the House, too. ND is very friendly to farmers and agriculture. I just wish I could say the same about the government in Washington. It seems we are always on the defensive when it comes to our water and environmental issues. My committee is putting money into various pots to defend our farmers against overreach from Washington. I hope we don’t need it and that it is enough.

of course more publicly covered. HB 1371, also called the Corporate Farming Bill, relates to authorized livestock corporations’ requirements. It has gone through several amendments, and we have just received this from the House and will be considering it soon in the Senate Ag Committee.

There has been tremendous work done by Farmers Union, Farm Bureau, and lawmakers on amendments to this and I hope the result is something we all can support to enhance animal agriculture in our state.

Confession time: I am so, so done with blizzards and bad road conditions!

Spring will come, as we all know, but it can seem so far away at times. I am frequently chatting with fellow lawmakers that are ag producers about possible spring flooding, market prices, and more. We are all getting a bit edgy for winter to end so spring work can arrive. As we enter the third week after cross over here at the N.D. Legislature, Session can feel the same way.

We have tons of work to be done before our “spring” which is the end of April. Most of it is the business of running our state on topics not very “hip” for the media to cover, yet urgent.

Here is a glimpse of my Ag Committee work this past week: HB 1072, a Department of Water Resources cleanup bill, largely reduces red tape in procurement and vendor requirements. The bill also amends language referring to the “state water commission” that was overlooked last session when the Department of Water Resources was created.

HB 1099 came at the request of the Agriculture Commissioner and makes two small changes. First, the bill ensures that all complaints pertaining to weed control authority are forwarded.

The second change repeals a portion of code that concerns an outdated fuel tax refund for industrial purposes.

HB 1255 seeks to codify the definition of milk as a product from a healthy, four-legged hoofed mammal. This bill is in response to the issuance of FDA guidelines pertaining to milk and the rise of milk alternatives.

HB 1391 seeks to ensure that water resource board meeting minutes are provided to the official county newspaper for publication within 10 days of the meeting. The intention is to ensure that all citizens are made aware of any measures before the boards that may impact their land or finances.

I could add many more. None of which are really “newsworthy” yet important. Some of the ag related bills are

Of several bills I sponsored this year I want to highlight a pilot program on “food deserts.” SB2273 is a bill to provide the sum of $2,000,000, or so much of the sum as may be necessary, to the department of commerce for the purpose of establishing a pilot program to provide grants for the preservation of rural grocery stores and increasing the availability of food access in the state for the biennium beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2025. Food deserts seem to be a rare concept, yet we have studied this issue for a few Sessions. Park River area folks started a co-op that has become the exemplary program to answer some of these needs, grass roots up. Hopefully this will be copied in other areas of the state, and this will be of some help to do so.

I am not known for “throwing “ taxpayers’ monies at a lot of pilot programs, however this has such promise and potential to undergird our rural ag communities!

Another issue I brought forth is ag commodity storage tax exemptions.

As we all know, AG was here first if you will, and if you are unlucky enough that your own old storage unit has now been annexed onto commercial land, you should not have to be taxed as such. SB 2279 will hopefully solve this issue and pass both chambers.

Stay warm, spring is coming and so is spring work. If you are busy calving, be blessed for all your hard work to bring us the best.

The Borderland Press March 17,2023 - Page - B7

Valley News & Views March 16, 2023

Q&A with U.S. House Agriculture Committee leader

by Red River Farm Network

lican members in our conference, but I’m looking forward to expanding that to all members. When you come into Congress, one of the biggest perils is you don’t know what you don’t know.

There’s a lot of misinformation when it comes to various parts of the farm bill. It’s really important that we lean in, educate and provide people the facts. That’s something I’m committed to doing.

RRFN: With the timeline you’ve been talking about, you want the farm bill done by the end of September. Is that doable?

Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson

The U.S. House Agriculture Committee is the starting point for the 2023 farm bill process and the individual leading that process is Pennsylvania Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson.

Thompson was first elected to Congress in 2008 and took over the leadership of the ag committee this year.

The Red River Farm Network sat down with Thompson to discuss this important piece of legislation.

RRFN: Mr. Chairman, you have a lot of new faces on your committee that have never been through a farm bill.

How do you maneuver through this situation?

Chairman Thompson: You’re right.

We have over 200 members who have not been through a farm bill, debated a farm bill or voted on a farm bill. Member education. That’s how we do it. As Ranking Member, I only had direct influence over the Repub-

Chairman Thompson: Well, there are only three options. We can let it expire and that’s not an option because that will hurt every American farm family and every American family and many of those outside of our country that rely on the U.S. for their food.

We can do an extension and that’s a tool if we have to use it, but doing an extension is not what I’d prefer. I want to get our job done and that means we hustle. We need to pick up momentum here and we are behind for various reasons. You know what? I’m confident if we all work together and do this in a bipartisan way, we can get this done before it expires at the end of September.

RRFN: Margins are extremely thin in both chambers. How do you get the farm bill across the finish line?

Chairman Thompson:

I actually

feel that we’ve got great precedent where thinner margins help us be more effective and more realistic. It sidelines amendments and points to discussion that are unreasonable and unattainable so I’m optimistic we can take this on within the committee itself. There will be 28 Republicans and 24 Democrats. No matter what happens a long the way, the farm bill has always been bipartisan. This is a bill that probably the most important piece of legislation for people that eat.

Oh—that would be every American. I think we have the right ingredients for a good bipartisan bill. It certainly has the best prospect for a being a good bipartisan bill for the 118th Congress.

RRFN: An increase in reference prices is getting attention. That will be an ask coming into this farm bill debate.

Can that happen?

Chairman Thompson: I don’t know yet, honestly. I came out of the healthcare sector as a therapist and manager. If my therapist team would ever walk into a patient’s room without ever talking with the patient or their family and told them what we were going to do, that would be malpractice.

You have to do a good assessment first and a good evaluation. That’s my commitment. With the farm bill though, we have a compressed timeline. We need to listen to the American farmer, rancher, the processor and other stakeholders. Then we’ll determine what is needed; what is working and what is not working and what needs to be changed. At that point, we’ll figure out the politics and

the fiscal side of it.

RRFN: The Environmental Working Group is out with their latest farm subsidy database. We have large acreage producers in the Northern Plains. How do you see payment limits being addressed in the next farm bill?

Chairman Thompson: I think my philosophy has always been any amendments that want to limit on farm size or how farms organize are misguided.

Quite frankly, there’s a lot of families that incorporate just to protect their personal assets. The bigger farm, the bigger the risk. For proposals that seek limits based on acreage size or that kind of thing, I’m a skeptic. I’ve never seen anything that makes real sense.

RRFN: Crop insurance is another priority for commodity groups. Do you see any tweaks that are going to be done in crop insurance?

Chairman Thompson: Obviously, I’m not at the point where I know what those tweaks would be, but, we need to protect it. It’s so important. Crop insurance provides certainty. It’s not just for the farmer, it’s also for the lenders. I think many people would be surprised how much credit a farmer needs on an annual basis. There are farms that borrow more money in a given year than the typical American family borrows in a lifetime because what it takes to finance production.

Crop insurance is an absolute necessity to get the credit needed to farm.

RRFN: Are there lessons to be learned for the ad hoc disaster relief programs?

Chairman Thompson: I’m glad we have that, but its certainly not timely.

Sometimes those checks are cut and the farmers are out of business. Certainly, lenders don’t want it that way.

RRFN: How do you envision the farm bill hearing process going?

Chairman Thompson: Field hearings are part of the discussion. We kicked off the first one before we even organized the (House Agriculture) Committee in Pennsylvania at the 107th Annual Pennsylvania Farm Show. We had a nice mix of members that came up for it and we had hundreds of people there. They ran out of chairs. It was a big ballroom, and it was standing room only. We’re going to be doing listening sessions and we’ll take them regionally across the country. That’s really important. It reflects my perpetual barnstorming tour of American agriculture I started two years ag after becoming Ranking Member. I’ll continue to do that. It is important for the entire committee to hear from those voices of American agriculture.

RRFN: You have a lot of work ahead of you. Thanks for the chance to connect.

Chairman Thompson: My pleasure, thank you very much.

Flood outlook for 2023

By Hilary Nowatzki

Heading into the 2023 growing season, precipitation is on everyone’s minds, especially farmers. Although the region seems to have avoided the repetitive blizzards of last year, there is still ample snow surrounding the region.

According to Amanda Lee, a hydrologist and meteorologist at Grand Forks National Weather Service, this precipitation will definitely help to prevent drought for the upcoming growing season, however, she warns,“Up here in our neck of the woods, we can easily flip the switch and go one way or the other. I mean, the last five years have been wild where we go from drought to flood, drought to flood.”

North Dakota weather has been anything but consistent over the past five years. This year has seen a high amount of snow but slightly less than last year. The systems that have passed through the state have seemed to impact southern regions, such as Bismarck and Fargo, harder than the northeast Borderland region.

“Last winter was blizzard after blizzard and horrible. This year, we kind of went through two different phases.

Winter came early in November with a strong winter storm system, and then in December, we saw a couple more storms,” Lee stated. “Then it quieted down in January, and the first part of February was very quiet - very little precipitation, and then since about mid to late February, things have ramped up again.”

After another heavy snowfall just last weekend, things certainly have ramped up again. Precipitation is not the only indication of flooding in the future though. Soil moisture content also plays a large role in floods as well, according to Lee, and it’s a two part thing.

“Back in the fall, we had measurements and we could see how much moisture is actually in there and then see if it's lower than normal or higher than normal or how saturated or how dry it actually is. Then, we keep that in the back of our minds once things start freezing, because obviously once things are frozen, it's not really changing - it's not gaining any water, it's not losing any water,” stated Lee. Last fall, Lee said, lacked moisture and the frozen soils are quite dry. This leads to the second part of the equation - how far down is it frozen?

Lee said, “In northeast North Dakota right now the deepest layer of frozen soil that we have here at our office is 36 inches or so.” She included that further north, that number increases to around 39 inches.

How fast or how slow the soil begins to warm also plays into flooding. Ideally, to avoid excessive flooding, the conditions will melt during the day and freeze again at night. Lee explains that this is the best case scenario to avoid the worst flooding. This was obviously not the case last year.

After seemingly never ending flooding throughout the spring, everyone, especially farmers, are hoping for a kinder thawing season.

Lee expects tributaries from the Red River in northeast North Dakota to be calm but does warn that parts of the mainstem Red River in the northeast region could be at risk after heavy

snowfall in the southern part of the state throughout the winter.

“The far southern Red River Basin has seen a lot more snow, a lot more

precipitation. So things are definitely more concerning down that way. With that said, on those North Dakota tributaries, especially in northeast North Dakota, they look very quiet - not too

bad for runoff from the snow melting. However, at Drayton in particular along the Red River, obviously we'll see some of that water coming up from the south. So we are looking at

a decent chance to reach into that moderate flooding category on the Red River.”

Flood waters ravaged roads and fields last spring all over the borderland region. Photos taken south of Walhalla in April 2022.

Page B8 - Valley News & Views March 16, 2023

The Borderland Press March 17,2023

Langdon Research Extension Center provides vital information for producers

By Hilary Nowatzki

Cavalier County FSA News and Updates

By Julie Howatt, Executive Director, Cavalier County FSA Office By the time you read this, the deadline for enrolling in the 2023 ARCPLC program will be past, as that deadline was March 15, 2023. The General CRP signup started, and the Pandemic Assistance Relief Program (PARP) and the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase 2 programs have just been rolled out. The office is always busy learning to assist producers in their signup options in all the available programs. Please see below

ers can text NDCAVALIER to FSANOW (372-669) to subscribe to text message alerts from Cavalier County.

Standard text messaging rates may apply. Contact your wireless carrier for details associated with your data plan. Participants may unsubscribe at any time. Make sure you subscribe to FSA emails and texts. Contact the Langdon FSA office at (701) 2565521, if you have questions regarding FSA’s email news service or the new

for further information on these programs.

text message option.

Randy Melhoff, Langdon Research Extension Center director

North Dakota State University has implemented seven different research extension centers throughout the state in order to provide vital information to farmers in this beautiful agricultural centered state. Langdon is lucky enough to have their own extension center, which has been running strong for over a century. The research and data collected and provided by each of these extensions is vital for farmers to make informed crop management decisions to provide the highest quality yields possible.

Randy Melhoff, who has been the director of the Langdon Research Extension Center (LREC) for the past 23 years, was just out checking the moisture levels in the snow towards the end of February.

“We’re looking at about 3-4 inches of moisture in the snow right now. So I think if you compare this year to last year, we’re set up a little better. One thing I am hoping for this year is an earlier start. Last year, we had the latest start ever in the history of our station, and our producers got a late start, too, but the year ended up really good, so you never know what's going to happen.”

Mother Nature has a mind of her own, but Melhoff stated, “I’m pretty positive about this year because we’ve got plenty of moisture in the soil. It depends on the weather, of course, from now until then, but I think it looks pretty positive.”

Melhoff has a cohort of scientists with him at LREC including a plant pathologist, cropping systems specialist, soil health specialist, and research agronomist who have all worked tirelessly this past year to continue to identify diseases and provide up-to-date crop management recommendations.

“While we try to teach our children all about life, the farm teaches us what life’s all about.”

– Unknown Farm Programs Updates Farm Programs Staff: Julie Howatt, Cavalier County Executive Director Program Technicians: Carlie Wenzel Skyler Moline Molly Mueller Morgan Kempert CRP Signup FSA is currently accepting offers to enroll land in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The General Signup deadline is April 7, 2023, but the continuous CRP signup continues.

If you are considering enrolling land in CRP, please contact Molly at 701256-5521 to see what your options are for the land you are considering enrolling.

ERP Phase 2 and PARP Disaster Assistance USDA recently announced Phase-2 of the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) as well as the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP). Below is a brief summary of ERP2 and PARP. Full definition can be found in the fact sheets available on farmers.gov or at your local Farm Service Agency office. Please note these programs are intended to be the producer’s certification. FSA cannot and will not give advice on what is allowable gross revenue or how you file your taxes.

Please use the fact sheets, visit with your tax preparer and visit farmers. gov to help understand the programs.

How Can Producers Prepare - ERP Phase Two and PARP will use revenue information that is readily available from most tax records. FSA encourages producers to have their tax documents from the past few years and supporting materials available when completing the applications. For additional information visit farmers.gov and review the fact sheets, applications, and frequently asked questions. You may also stop at your local Farm Service Agency to pick up a copy of all the informational sheets. The deadline for both programs is June 2, 2023.

FSA Offers Text Alerts to Cavalier County Producers To subscribe to this service, produc-

The FSA office wishes you a safe and bountiful 2023 farming season. Let’s be careful out there!

Farm Loan Updates Farm Loan Program Staff: Kimberly Wenzel, Farm Loan Manager Megan Hartz, Farm Loan Officer Trainee Katherine Hoffarth, Loan Analyst USDA’s Simplified Direct Loan Application is Now Available for all Producers A new, simplified direct loan application is now available for all producers seeking a direct farm loan from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The new application, reduced from 29 to 13 pages, provides improved customer experience for producers applying for loans and enables them to complete a more streamlined application.

Producers now also have the option to complete an electronic fillable form or prepare a traditional, paper application for submission to their local FSA farm loan office.

Coupled with the Loan Assistance Tool released in October 2022, the simplified application will provide all loan applicants access to information regarding the application process and assist them with gathering the correct documents before they begin the process. This will help farmers and ranchers submit complete applications and reduce the number of incomplete, rejected, or withdrawn applications.

The simplified direct loan application and Loan Assistance Tool are the first of multiple farm loan process improvements that will be available to USDA customers on farmers.gov in the future. Other improvements that are anticipated to launch in 2023 include: An interactive online direct loan application that gives customers a paperless and electronic signature option, along with the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns.

An online direct loan repayment feature that relieves borrowers from the necessity of calling, mailing, or visiting a local Service Center to pay a loan installment.

Producers can explore all available options on all FSA loan options at fsa. usda.gov or by contacting their local USDA Service Center.

FSA LOAN INFORMATION

Farm Operating Loans Farm Operating Loans may be used for normal operating expenses, machinery and equipment, minor real estate repairs or improvements, and refinancing debt. The direct loans are available up to a maximum of $400,000. Microloans are also available.

Farm Ownership Loans Farm Ownership Loans may be used to purchase a farm, enlarge an existing farm, construct new farm buildings and/or improve structures, pay closing costs, and promote soil and water conservation and protection.

The direct loans are available up to a maximum of $600,000. Microloans are also available.

Guaranteed Farm Loans FSA guaranteed loans are available to farmers who may not meet loan qualifications from a commercial lender. Guaranteed loans are made and serviced by commercial lenders, such as banks, Farm Credit System institutions, or credit unions. Under a guaranteed loan, a commercial lender makes and services the loan, and FSA guarantees it against loss up to a maximum of 90 percent in most cases or 95 percent in limited circumstances.

The Borderland Press March 17,2023 - Page - B9

Valley News & Views March 16, 2023

The life of a beekeeper in northeast North Dakota

By Mike Alan Steinfeldt

I have been keeping honey bees on a mid to small commercial scale in North Dakota for about eight years.

Based in Grafton, our company is called Humble Bee, LLC, a name our granddaughter thought up.

Whenever someone asks me about beekeeping, I’m always surprised by how little they really know about it, since most things related to beekeeping are second nature to me now after many seasons.

North Dakota is the top honey producing state in the United States. On average commercial beekeepers in North Dakota set out about a half a million hives that produce more than 30 million pounds of honey.

One question people ask me often is, ‘what do you do with your bees in the wintertime when it's so cold?’.

Aside from hobbyist beekeepers, most commercial operations send their bees to warmer climates in October or November. Most beekeepers in North Dakota either send their bees to Texas or California, or someplace obviously warmer than here. Interestingly, a large number of bees in the U.S., up to 80%0 percent or more from recent figures, find themselves in California pollinating almonds in February and March. It is also getting more and more common for northern beekeepers to store their bees in climate-controlled buildings in the winter.

Someone once asked me, ‘if your bees fly to California for the winter, how do they find their way back?’

Top view of a commercial radial extractor. Uncapped frames are loaded in and the honey is "spun" out of the frames by centrifugal force.

Photo by Mike Alan Steinfeldt.

Honey bees are kept in boxes that are referred to as colonies. There are different dimensions of boxes, but most commercial beekeepers keep their colonies in boxes called “deeps.”

Our deeps are approximately 16 inches wide, 20 inches long and 9 7/8 inches deep. Within each box are wooden frames with a thin plastic foundation and the bees build their comb on the foundation within the frames. Most commercial boxes contain eight or nine frames. The comb on each frame is divided into cells, the iconic honeycomb design you see almost everywhere. That’s what the bees build aided by wax glands inside their bodies. Inside the combs queens lay eggs and the brood is reared. Also, in those same cells, the bees store their honey. Each hive has one queen, worker bees, and drones.

There can easily be tens of thousands of bees within a healthy hive, but only one queen and just a few drones.

The rest are worker bees which are females. The young workers tend to the queens and brood and the older workers forage for food. The only job of drones is to mate with the queen.

The bees live in these boxes all the time. Instead of flying all the way to California on their own, our bees get loaded on a semi trailer with a net thrown over it. They generally leave in November and are brought back in April.

What do bees eat? Bees gather nectar and pollen from a wide variety of plants such as dandelions, several varieties of clover, wildflowers, and

Mike Alan Steinfeldt in a bee yard near Cashel Lake in Walsh County which contained about 40 honey bee colonies.

blossoms from trees, just to name a few. Bees like commercial crops as well like canola and sunflowers. In other parts of the country honeybees pollinate crops like apples, blueberries, oranges, and even cranberries.

There are times when we must feed our bees and the most common foods are different types of sucrose and glucose syrups. Some beekeepers mix water and sugar at the right proportions. That is time consuming and expensive, so most beekeepers buy a blend of sugar syrup of one type or another. Commercial beekeepers keep a feeder tank inside the hive that is filled when necessary. Bees are generally fed when there is no natural food available.

Once it is warm enough and plants are blooming, the bees are busy bringing in pollen and nectar from the various flowers and producing honey. If you’ve seen honey bee colonies, you notice that they get taller as the summer goes on. Beekeepers add additional boxes to the colony and that is where the honeybees store their honey. The more boxes, - the more honey. The boxes containing honey are referred to as “supers.” We run “medium” supers that follow the same dimensions as a deep, except they are only 6 7/8 inches tall.

Generally, bees travel between one and three miles from the hive to gather food.

This is an example of a deep frame filled with bees and brood. Workers bees cap the cells once the egg is laid by the queen and it starts to grow. Photo by Mike Alan Steinfeldt.

When the growing season is winding down in summer, usually August around here, the honey supers are taken from the hives and brought in for extraction. The individual cells on a honey frame are capped with a layer of wax from the bees. There are different extraction methods, but what happens is each frame is uncapped with a chain or blade of some sort, and the frames are put into an extractor, which is basically a centrifuge that spins around at a high rate of speed. This extracts the honey from the frames and the honey and wax are separated. In our case our honey is pumped into 55 gallon drums and shipped away to be processed.

The wax is gathered as well. Some process the wax and render it themselves and others ship it off to be rendered.

Honey producers are subject to the same market pressures and input costs as farmers and livestock producers.

Bees have pests and fungal diseases that need to be treated and prevented.

The healthier your bees are the more honey they produce.

In North Dakota an average hive produces between 60 and 70 pounds of honey per year. That number can exceed 90 or 100 pounds depending on the strength of the hive and food source.

Last year was a good year for our operation, as we averaged just under 90 pounds per hive.

Just like all farmers, beekeepers can be affected by drought, too much rain, too much cold, and spring and fall snowstorms. Bees are surprisingly resilient and can take a lot if they are healthy. They can also be very fragile and die easily if they are not.

Beekeeping is very hard work, especially for an old goat like me. It can be frustrating and heart-breaking at times, but also very rewarding.

So, now you know how I spend my spare time in the spring, summer, and early fall.

Page B10 - Valley News & Views March 16, 2023

The Borderland Press March 17,2023

Plant pathologist provides disease management strategies for farmers

By Hilary Nowatzki

Venkat Chapara, PhD is the plant pathologist at the Langdon Research Extension Center, and although most would run when they hear the word “disease,” Chapara gravitates to it.

“LREC is the center that has the weather that is favorable for most crop diseases of any other center in North Dakota, so it's only appropriate that we have a plant pathologist here to do all the work he does year after year, because every year we get a disease hit. So his strategies tell us what works and what doesn’t,” said Randy Melhoff, the Research Center’s executive director.

Within his eight years at LREC, Chapara has already identified two new diseases.

“As a plant pathologist, I can proudly

Vinkat Chapara and Anitha Chirumamilla giving a presentation on plant diseases last year.

Venkat surrounded by one of his favorite plants to study.

say that, but it's not good for the farmers,” Chapara explained.

Chapara said that when Melhoff, hopes for 1 inch of rain, he wishes for 1.5 inches. This moisture is what makes various diseases thrive, and in order to study them, there needs to be diseases present in the control groups and treatment groups to provide Chapara with the best possible data.

The abundance of disease in Chapara’s trials is what he says gives him the best results in his studies, allowing him to discover the most effective disease management strategies for farmers.

“If they want data, I have eight years of fungicidal research, so I can help pick the best one [management strategy] for them.”

Although he studies a wide array of crops and their diseases, approximately 60% of Chapara’s research revolves around diseases in canola.

Blackleg, which is commonly called the “silent killer” of canola, is the main disease in the area, but there are ways to mitigate its damage. He explained that although many farmers think they are using a disease-resistant variety against blackleg, that resistance is dependent on the pathogenicity group in the soil.

“It’s very hard to track that [pathogens], but in general, we say that we have common pathogenicity groups of three and four here, so pick the varieties that are resistant to group three and four,” Chapara suggested.

He also included that for farmers to get the best yields, “Go for the appropriate variety of canola and rotate the varieties each year. Longer crop rotation helps as well.”

Chapara’s outstanding research has landed him a seat at this year’s International Rapeseed Conference in Sydney, Australia, which occurs every four years. For those who may not know, only Americans and Canadians refer to the beautiful yellow crop as canola, which is actually an acronym for “Canadian Oil, Low Acid.”

Gearing up for the 2023 Growing Season” planned in Langdon The NDSU Langdon Research Extension Center is planning “Gearing up for the 2023 Growing Season.” It will be held from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4. Coffee and rolls will be served at 8 a.m. and lunch will be at Noon.

Presenters include: Bryan Hanson - Seeding rates and spacing needs for major field crops Dave Franzen - Fertilizer recommendations Venkat Chapara - Disease outlook and management Brian Jenks - Resistance in kochia and green foxtail Anitha Chirumamilla - Insect outlook and management Naeem Kalwar - Soil health updates Frayne Olson - Market outlook Todd Christianson - Fertilizer prices and availability CEUs are available. RSVP to Sara at 701-256-2582.

The Borderland Press March 17,2023 - Page - B11

Valley News & Views March 16, 2023

Soil health perspective: minimizing soil disturbances

By Hilary Nowatzki

event comes, you’re losing that topsoil.”

Years ago topsoil was plentiful, around 24 inches deep in this area, but over time modernized farming practices have left this vital layer vulnerable, and many farmers may find they only have an average of between five to seven inches left according to Kalwar.

He said that one of the best ways to prevent losing topsoil this spring is by avoiding tillage when able. When soil is tilled, it’s more susceptible to being blown away.

Naeem Kalwar is the soil health specialist at the Langdon Research Extension Center. He possesses a Master in Land Resource Science degree and a Master in Soil Science degree.

For Kalwar, one of his biggest pieces of advice is “live with nature - not against it.” In other words, he explains that from a soil health perspective, minimizing soil disturbances as much as possible and mimicking the way the soil would naturally act is one of the best things farmers can do to preserve its health. Just like air, healthy soil is a necessity for life on earth to continue. Researching and developing ways to keep soil healthy and sharing that knowledge with farmers is Kalwar’s mission at the Extension Center.

According to Kalwar, the biggest detriment to soil health is erosion, especially the erosion of topsoil. In the scientific community, the top three culprits of erosion are wind, water, and tillage. Topsoil is the first layer of soil in fields, which is typically darker in color and bountiful in organic matter and nutrients that decompose atop it. The deeper the soil goes, the more gray and less fertile it becomes due to the lack of organic matter.

“Soil health is essentially anything which will limit the ability of a soil to produce normal crops, so topsoil is the most healthy part of any soil,” Kalwar explained.

However, topsoil is not infinite. Each year, North Dakota loses more and more of its topsoil due to a multitude of factors.

Randy Melhoff, executive director of LREC, elaborated, “About 100 years ago, we started farming here, and farmers tilled the land two or three times, planted it, and did conventional farming for years and years, not realizing that it's not only taking organic matter out of the soil, it's leaving the soil exposed. So every time a wind

Although Kalwar reports that tillage and rolling are the most detrimental practices for soil erosion, there are other preventative measures farmers can take to maintain the integrity of their soil. Back in the days of the Homestead Act, residents were required to plant trees along their property lines. Nearly a century later, those trees are dying and are not being replaced. According to Melhoff, that is “a shame because there's a program

out there that if they wanted to tear out the old ones and put in new ones, the NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) will fund half the cost.

So there is an incentive out there to do that.” Although a tree will not grow overnight, it is a step in the right direction of preventing farmers' topsoil from being blown away. Other wind blocking structures can aid in this as well.

“This spring, I would like to see farmers cut back on tillage as much as possible. I like to be flexible, and I understand there would be some situations where they might have to make one or two tillage passes, but there are crops you don't need to till. You could plant your new crop without doing any tillage,” Kalwar stated.

This topsoil is so precious that Melhoff and Kalwar both said they have seen farmers use payloaders or even snowblowers to try to get the topsoil, which has blown or eroded into ditches, back into their fields, costing them more money and time. Avoiding tillage passes also saves farmers time and money while helping maintain the integrity of their topsoil.

Rotating crops from year to year is another way to utilize no till practices. Kalwar explained that soybeans, for example, is one crop that if it was planted last year, doesn't leave a lot of residue. So this year, whatever is planted in a field where there were soybeans planted last year, not all fields but most fields, you could just plant no till. Wherever there was canola last year, you could mostly plant no till, too.

Aside from tillage practices, Kalwar said another way to preserve topsoil and maintain soil health is to avoid rolling soybeans. Rolling soybean fields after planting helps push rocks deeper into the soil that could otherwise get into machinery causing hefty repair bills.

The rollers also disrupt the soil and make it more susceptible to wind erosion. Kalwar suggests only rolling soybean fields where they have known rock issues.

Example of a very high salinity-sodicity patch of field.

Another paramount soil concern for Kalwar is the amount of white patches in fields full of saline soil. Saline soils contain salt in large enough quantities that make growing crops in those areas nearly impossible. On average, 12%-15% of farmland are considered saline spots.

“What I would like them to do is to not plant in these areas. They should turn their feed in the fertilizer off when they're going over these spots,” he stated. “These are spots which are white every year. They don't produce anything. Whatever fertilizer and seed they're putting in those spots, is that a loss? On average, yes.”

Kalwar includes that these saline spots not only cut profits by wasting inputs such as fertilizer and seed but also the farmer’s time and fuel and wear on machinery. These costs add up to between $80-$250 per acre.

Multiply those numbers by 160 and it will equate loss per quarter - a number no farmer wants to waste. He recommends that growers test their soil before planting in these questionable spots and then planting a crop that has a better chance of growing there.

Page B12 - Valley News & Views March 16, 2023

The Borderland Press March 17,2023

Research agronomist helps farmers choose appropriate crop varieties

By Hilary Nowatzki

by measuring the qualitative and quantitative data that his trials produce. These factors can range from the height of the plant, to its protein content, to its average yield, or how well it fares in different types of soil, moisture levels, and their response to diseases or other environmental conditions.

According to Hanson, choosing an appropriate variety can be one of the most efficient ways for farmers to increase their profits.

Bryan Hanson, Langdon Research Extension Center research agronomist

Bryan Hanson began his career as a research agronomist at the Research Extension Center 39 years ago. With a bachelor’s and master’s degree in agronomy, his studies prepared him well for the research he has conducted over the decades to assist farmers.

“So, basically, a large part of my responsibilities here are to do all the variety testing on different crops. Anything that a farmer grows in the region, and a lot of crops farmers don't grow in the region but may in the future, I test the different varieties that are out there,” he stated.

“Choosing a variety is often one of the easiest, cheapest ways of getting more yield per acre,” he explained.

“One variety might yield four or five bushels higher than another variety.

So, if they have that information in hand, they can look at yield results from the year and decide which variety to choose.”

As any farmer knows, there’s a plethora of different varieties for many of the crops they plant based upon their location and climate. But how do they know which of those varieties will fare best in soil and temperatures for our region? Well, that’s where Hanson steps in.

In addition to the research trials conducted at the Langdon REC, Hanson conducts his research with four off-station locations in Cavalier, Park River, Cando, and Pekin. All of these locations’ researchers are testing varieties of wheat and in three of them they conduct variety testing on soybeans. This allows Hanson’s research to help growers across different regions of northeastern North Dakota.

Hanson said it is always a good practice to look at variety data for more than one year and across different regions to see how a variety may respond in different environment conditions.

He tests these different varieties

Most of the crops tested at the LREC

are also tested at other NDSU research centers across the state and the main campus at NDSU in Fargo.

For those producers who live closer to the Minnesota border, collaborative data from trials conducted by the University of Minnesota are readily available.

Canola, soybeans, and wheat are only a fraction of the multitude of crops Hanson has studied over the years. At the Research Extension Center he has also run trials on lupin, field peas, dry beans, hemp, and fava beans, just to name a few.

Along with variety testing, Hanson also works with NDSU HRSW, durum, field pea, and flax plant breeders in the testing of experimental lines. “We help get them set up, find an area at the Research Extension Center where they can plant the trials, and then we'll do the preparation in the field for them to be planted. We do weed control during the summer and we take some notes for them but they [breeders] usually come up for planting and harvesting,” he stated.

Although most of the experimental lines are weeded out throughout these trials, some of the lines tested will be released as varieties that farmers will use in the future. If not for Hanson’s work, these more efficient varieties may have never become available to growers. Farmers need access to information on appropriate varieties of crops in order for agriculture to remain the lifeblood of North

Dakota.

In addition to variety testing, Hanson conducts agronomic research, such

as seeding rates, dates, row spacing, fertility, and product testing on established and new crops.