DAGAN SLADE, WITH ROOTS IN LANGDON, SHINES AT JUNIOR OLYMPIC NATIONALS The official newspaper of Cavalier County Theborderlandpress.com
In this issue:
Friday, August 1, 2025
Volume 4, Number 30
A legacy preserved: How one man sparked a movement to save the Calvin Corinthian Cemetery By Rebecca Davis
What began as a simple conversation between a father and daughter has grown into a successful effort to preserve a piece of Calvin’s history for generations to come.
Ag: Much needed rains help Borderland crops, Pg. A3
Terrence D. Henriksen, a retired funeral director and Calvin native, wanted to ensure that the Calvin Corinthian Cemetery, his future resting place and the final resting place for many of his loved ones, would be maintained long into the future. So, he brought the idea to his daughter, Kristi Wilfahrt, a professional fundraiser. “I told her I wanted to raise money for the future upkeep of the cemetery,” Henriksen said. “She said she would be glad to help and recommended the North Dakota Community Foundation as a good vehicle for the fund.”
Region: Vietnam vet honored with bridge dedication, Pg. A10
His goal was simple but ambitious: to raise $100,000 by encouraging 10 individuals to each contribute $10,000. The income generated, if successful, would be about $4,000 annually and would cover mowing and general maintenance costs. To get the shovel in the dirt, Henriksen contributed the first $10,000 himself in April of 2023, officially opening the fund through the North Dakota Community Foundation (NDCF). Word spread about the efforts through Facebook posts and word of mouth, and the community responded better than Henriksen could have imagined. “By the end of 2024, we had close to $100,000 in the account,” Henriksen said. “As of July 2025, we’re nearing $125,000, which is more than I ever thought possible.”
Views from the Borderland: A horseman is remembered in Walhalla, Pg. B6
The response surprised and encouraged him. “There were people from the areas that I hadn’t even thought of who donated,” he said. “Donations continue to come in, and I feel the
long-term care of the cemetery is in good shape.” Henriksen, who left Calvin more than 50 years ago, still calls it home In recent years, rural cemeteries across N.D. have struggled. WIth fewer people living in rural communities and families scattering across the country, donations and upkeep have declined. Many cemeteries rely on volunteer efforts and aging boards with limited resources. Henriksen believes other communities can replicate the success of the Calvin Corinthian Cemetery fund. “It isn’t difficult to set up,” he shared. “You need someone or ideally a small committee willing to ask for pledges or donations. Then you need to partner with a reputable organization like the NDCF.” For those interested in doing something similar, Henriksen recommends starting by contacting the NDCF’s Northeast District, which is based in Larimore. “If you’re unfamiliar with the NDCF, check it out at www.ndcf.net,” he added.
New plaque featuring the names of those who donated to the Calvin Corinthian Cemetery Fund. Photo by Terrence Henriksen.
The Calvin Corinthian Cemetery Fund is a powerful example of what’s possible when people come together to honor the past and invest in the future. Thanks to one man’s vision
It all comes around
Two Langdon track athletes compete at National events, coached by two former Langdon track legends By Jake Kulland
It's always a good thing when we hear stories of athletes from our area that go on to do great things after they have moved on from northeast North Dakota. Well, here is one of those stories. Last week, Langdon incom-
ing junior Aubrey Badding and incoming sophomore Meggy Hetletved, were set to compete at the National USA Track and Field Meet in Savannah, Georgia. More on that in a moment, but it's how they got there that
Langdon Prairie Health Foundation to host annual picnic By Rebecca Davis
Langdon Prairie Health Foundation (LPH Foundation) is thrilled to be holding their Annual Family Fun Night and Picnic on Thursday, Aug. 7 at the St. Alphonsus Parish Center and cafeteria. The picnic will be held from 5pm until the food is gone. Take out orders will be available.
Aubrey Badding competes at the USA Track and Field Meet in Savannah, Ga.
is so special. Josh Dinius is a 2003 Langdon graduate, the son of Denny and Carol Dinius, and a member of the North Dakota Track and Field Hall of Fame, for the Cardinals track team and also for a great track career at the University of Mary. He eventually married his wife, Kacie (a big track star in her own right and holder of the Bismarck 100 meter dash record). They ended up being the head boys and girls track Meggy Hetletved competes at the USA Track and Field Meet in Ames, IA.
and the support of the community, the grass will continue to be cut, the stones tended, and the stories remembered for years to come.
coaches at Bismarck St. Mary's. From there, they began to run track and field camps the last four summers that have grown to 120 campers. That led them to their own track club called "Dinius Track and Field." As Josh tells the story, "The prior club we were involved in was about to fold in Bismarck, so we met with them and re-branded the club to Dinius Track and Field, LLC. This year we had 71 kids registered, just trying to give cont’d. on page B2
“We will be serving up hamburgers, hotdogs and all the fixings,” said McKinzie Sivertson, executive director of the LPH Foundation. She also reminds attendees to grab Hank's Ice Cream thanks to Langdon Prairie Health. The meal is a free- will offering and goes towards the continued needs of the hospital. This year, specifically, the funds are benefiting the colonoscopy department. A fan favorite from recent years, Jordan Thornberg will once again be entertaining guests with his piano, guitar and vocals and new this year, attendees have the opportunity to create their own pinwheel, and they are finalizing the details for face painting. Rock painting will be returning as well for a second year. Sivertson said, “By attending the LPH Foundation’s annual picnic, you are supporting our locally owned, rural healthcare facility. We do this for you, our community and our patients. We thank you for your support always!”