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VOLLEYBALL SWINGS INTO 2ND AT NORTHERN CASS TOURNEY Pg. B2
The official newspaper of Cavalier County Theborderlandpress.com
Friday, September 6, 2024
In this issue:
Volume 3, Number 35
Combining through the Cloud
Langdon Implement showcases newest John Deere models which can drastically improve communication between operators, dealers
By Nick Vorlage
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Working out in the fields takes a lot of skill, persistence, and knowledge for farmers, and it’s also becoming increasingly important that farmers keep up with the latest technologies being made available to keep competitive. That is one of the main focuses for the employees at a trio of well established stores in the Borderland: Langdon Implement, Cavalier Equipment, and Roy Implement. They have been keeping farmers’ and producers’ John Deeres rolling out in the fields. Recently, The Borderland Press had the opportunity to speak to Conner Tetrault, one of the sales representatives at the Langdon Implement store. Tetrault presented the chance to see some of the latest offerings available, including the John Deere 9RX 590, which was released in 2022.
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“This has the new JD14, redesigned hood; the graphics are all redesigned; the cab is completely redesigned from the old series,” Tetrault said. He further explained some of the newest advanced technologies, such as the AutoTrac turn automation.
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Weather Sept 6
66/43
Sept 7
74/49
Sept 8
83/52
“So the tractor, with a few initial setups, will actually turn itself. You have remote display access, which is big. Any farmer or anyone at our dealership, can get on to the display and monitor what you’re doing. So if you’re having issues, we can actually get on the screen on our phone or our computer to help with your needs,” Tetrault explained. Tetrault went on to state that so long as the farmer has a cell signal, the remote display is available, which is especially handy for when a piece of equipment fails. “It helps our service manager. He can actually pull codes, so if you’re having issues with the tractor, we can be prepared before we send out a technician,” said Tetrault.
Another advanced technology is the machine sync system. “When you’re going to dump the combine, you can hit your AutoTrac resume switch in the tractor, and the combine will actually take over to control the tractor as far as going forward and back, you set a home point, so it’ll lock on, and the grain cart will come underneath the combine. And actually, the guy that’s driving the combine can bump the grain cart operator back and forth all from the combine.” Tetrault approached the latest combine model, a X9 1000, which came out in 2021. Similar to the likeness of the 9RX, the X9 1000 model features redesigned graphics and cab and also sports the new JD14 engine. Compared to older combines, the X9 1000 also sports improved capabilities to get more work done in the field faster. “A lot of guys are putting either a 45 foot header or 50 foot header before on our older combines, 45 was the biggest you could put on. The combines are bigger. We’re getting more done, and it’s more efficient, as far as fuel wise,” said Tetrault.
Photo by Nick Vorlage.
The new combine model also showcases another advanced technology called infield data sharing. “If you have three combines in the field [for example], what you can do is you can see every other combine’s coverage, so you can see where the other combines are in the field on your display,” explained Tetrault. “You could share guidance lines to be as efficient as possible.” Tetrault said all these new tools do require some simple setups initially, which can be done at the dealership. Some local farmers have already been utilizing these new tools, and it’s been working out well for them. He encouraged prospective and returning customers to get their personal Operation Center accounts set up, so farmers can, for example, monitor an entire fleet of combines right
Photo by Nick Vorlage.
from the porch of their house. Tetrault demonstrated this in person on his smartphone, where he was able to connect to equipment tied to the Langdon Implement Operation Center account. “If we were actually combining right now, it would show you all the data that’s shown on that screen like bushels per acre, bushels per hour, the fuel that you’re burning, all that stuff. Then you could send recommendations,” Tetrault elaborated. “If you want a combine set a certain way,
you could go on here and say, okay, I want my fan speed at 900, and I want threshing clearance at two. You can set it on here, and it would send that to the screen and would bring up a message and say, ‘Do you want to accept these settings?’ And you can hit ‘Accept,’ and it would adjust your combine.”
“So, a lot of technology, at your fingertips.”
Taxes or fees?
Discussing the importance of September
By Hilary Nowatzki
By Hilary Nowatzki
The debate over North Dakota's property tax measure As North Dakota residents prepare to vote on a measure that would eliminate property taxes, local officials are raising concerns about the long-term implications and the need to find alternative sources of funding. At Tuesday’s Cavalier County Commission meeting, the commissioners expressed concern over the measure, specifically where the necessary funding will come from to maintain essential services such as law enforcement, schools, and overall infrastructure. North Dakota Initiated Measure 4, the Prohibit Taxes on Assessed Value of Real Property Initiative, will be on the ballot in North Dakota as an initiated constitutional amendment on Nov. 5, 2024. A "yes" vote supports prohibiting the state and local governments from levying taxes on the assessed value of a home except for those designed to pay for bonded indebtedness. A "no" vote opposes prohibiting the state and local governments from levying taxes on the assessed value of a home except for those designed to pay for bonded indebtedness. "The biggest thing is, where is the funding going to come from? Everybody points at the Legacy Fund, but the Legacy Fund can only be used for the interest earned, not the principal," said Nick Moser, Cavalier County commissioner.
The measure, if passed, would set a flat property tax rate based on 2024 budgets, which may not account for future inflation. "It's going to be a long-term flat rate. Can it be revisited in 10 years, possibly. But will they? I mean, there's always going to be inflation. We're not going to see things come down," Moser said. Another concern is the potential impact on local farmers and the risk of corporate farming taking over. "You just open it up to anybody in the world or in the United States to come in and buy property, knowing that they won't have to pay taxes on it," Moser explained. To make up for the lost revenue, the measure's supporters have suggested imposing fees on utility bills or increasing sales taxes. However, Moser argues that these alternatives are essentially just "a tax, a fee, a tax, just a different three-letter word." Commissioners also worry about the potential loss of good staff, such as other commissioners and legislators, who may not want to deal with the "headache" of reinventing the wheel. "If this measure goes through, it's going to be such a headache. You're cont’d. on page A10
Cavalier County health officials highlight the importance of multifaceted Recovery Month
Since 1989, Recovery Month has been held every September to promote and support new treatment and recovery practices, the nation's strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible, according to the CDC. According to FirstLink, which operates the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline across North Dakota, this year Gov. Doug Burgum proclaimed September 2024 as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month in North Dakota, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health crises and supporting individuals in need throughout the state. September is also host to National Suicide Prevention Month. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, this is a time to remember the lives lost to suicide, acknowledge the millions more who have experienced suicidal thoughts, and the individuals, families, and communities that have been impacted by suicide. It’s also a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention and share messages of hope. Also, right before September rolled in, Aug. 31 was observed as International Overdose Awareness Day - the world’s largest annual campaign to
end overdose, remember *without stigma* those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind. The theme for 2024 is “Together we can,” highlighting the power of community, unity, and connection. These international and national initiatives aren’t just for the big cities and schools, either. They are just as important to the small communities in the northeast corner of the state. These observances serve as crucial reminders of the ongoing battle against suicide, addiction, and mental health crisis, as well as highlighting the importance of collective efforts in prevention. According to Steph Welsh, RN, with Cavalier County Health District, the county is taking numerous steps to implement preventative measures for county residents and its students, as well as avenues for those currently in crisis. Welsh explained that taking care of one’s mental health is just as important as taking care of their physical health. However, stigma is still faced, especially in rural communities. “Our office has been working hard on that, trying to normalize mental and behavioral health care, just like physical health care,” she stated. “ But I
think we have a stigma, particularly in very stoic northern, Scandinavian North Dakota, where you have to stiffen up; you don't talk about your feelings.” Dedicating an entire month to this cause not only aims to destigmatize mental health challenges but also to encourage dialogue, education, and support systems that can ultimately save lives. Welsh explained that the county has formed a coalition to tackle many of these challenges and barriers facing mental health care in the region. Crediblemind, which was recently released for county residents, is an easy to use, free app that can help one understand where they are in their own mental health journey. “It's a really nice resource for people who maybe don't need inpatient or outpatient care but just some tools to help them,” Welsh stated. “Crediblemind is a really nice, anonymous, free resource with vetted, research-proven tools that you can use. So we really would like people to take a look at that. Use it. Think of it just like working out for your body; this is working out for your mind and your mental health.” For her office, preventative measures are being focused on heavily, especially for youth. cont’d. on page A9