The official newspaper of Cavalier County Theborderlandpress.com
Friday, December 5, 2025
In this issue:
Volume 4, Number 48
Not just a farm wife
Local woman goes from farm wife to Mrs. North Dakota International By Hilary Nowatzki
Tara Emerson likes to say that she is “just a farm wife ” but her life encompasses that and so much more. She’s a podcast host, Ted Talk speaker, photographer, entrepreneur, mother, and wife, and last year, she added being crowned Mrs. North Dakota to that list as well. News: Remembering a local piano legend, Pg. A2
Tara reluctantly entered the pageant world after her daughters’ involvement, and her start in pageantry was somewhat accidental. Now, she’s reflecting on her year of reigning as Mrs. North Dakota International, which will end on Dec. 31. “I didn’t want anything to do with it, really. I was just their support person, right?” she explained, recalling the time her daughters first stepped onto the pageant stage at the Pembina County Fair where she said they first fell in love with pageants.
Community: Pembilier residents and Walhalla students play with ‘scat’ this week, Pg. A5
When Pumpkinfest 2024 came around, Tara’s daughter, Isla, wanted to participate. Although it ended up being the same day as Tara’s stepfather’s celebration of life, Tara still took Isla, determined to let her compete. While there, Rebecca Davis, executive director of Walhalla’s Chamber of Commerce, encouraged Tara to enter the Mrs category due to low turnout. “That day turned out being my stepfather's celebration of life, but I decided to take her [Isla] anyway, and Rebecca asked me if I would be in it,” Tara explained.
Community: O’Neil named 2025 North Dakota Community Star, Pg. A10
Turns out, Tara won. “I was dressed essentially for a funeral, and so I did it, and I won,” she said
Dust settles for Peterson Coulee Hare Scramble By Hilary Nowatzki
with a laugh. “So that's why I always say I accidentally won a pageant.” Tara also expressed her gratitude for those who make the Pumpkinfest Pageant possible. “One thing that I did really want to do is thank the Walhalla Chamber of Commerce and everyone involved in the pageant,” said Tara. “I really wanted to thank them for all of their hard work and the money that they put into it to make this a pageant.” She included that the individuals with the Chamber and the Pumpkinfest Pageant “lit a fire in” her heart when it came to pageantry. From (L-R) Audrey, Tara, and Isla Emerson.
This win at Pumpkinfest would open several unexpected doors for Tara. Next up, she would find herself at the
North Dakota State Pageant, alongside her daughter. When she and Isla both won first runner-up at the state pageant, Tara became more serious
about the pageant circuit. “After that, I started seeing stuff for cont’d. on page A2
Celebrating agricultural leadership
Bigwood families named 2025 Pembina County agriculturists at NDSU Harvest Bowl Ceremony
Langdon Ambulance Sharla Haas and Chris Bennett with Pembina Gorge Dirt Riders club members Ben Girodat and Halle Johnsrud.
The 19th Annual Peterson Coulee Hare Scramble was hosted from Sept. 6-7, and now that the dust has settled, the race’s organizers are reflecting on a job well done. Hosted by the Pembina Gorge Dirt Riders, the race is a two-hour, nonstop, wild ride. “[It’s] an off-road motorcycle race, and it's usually through just single track trail, through the woods and trails, through the hills and across the riverbanks,” said Ricky Peterson, one of the race’s organizers. “You run for two hours and do as many laps as you can.” This year’s race was the biggest one yet, according to Randy Bata, one of the event’s head organizers. There were 16 club members present to help and numerous volunteers onsite.
“This was our 19th year doing it with a lot of help from the community and a lot of help from other motorcycle riders that want to share the desire to have a place to ride,” said Peterson. Funds collected at the race have been distributed to four local entities: $1,000 has gone to St. Alphonsus School, which provided concessions for the day of the race; $1,000 to Langdon’s search and rescue team, which was on-site the day of the race; $1,000 to the ambulance service; and $1,500 to the Cavalier County Cancer Crusaders. “We try to donate back to the community every year,” said Peterson. “We couldn't do it without all the sponsors that help.” cont’d. on page A2
Rick and Susan Bigwood.
PEMBINA COUNTY, N.D. — Rick and Susan Bigwood of St. Thomas, N.D., and Alan and Sue Bigwood of Cavalier, N.D., were named the 2025 Harvest Bowl Pembina County Agriculturists during the Harvest Bowl Awards Dinner at North Dakota State University (NDSU) on Nov. 14. Outstanding agriculturists from 53 North Dakota counties and 10 Minnesota counties were also recognized during the 51st annual Harvest Bowl football game between NDSU and Northern Iowa on Nov. 15. The Bigwoods were nominated for their longstanding commitment to agriculture in Pembina County.
Brothers Alan and Rick have been farming together in Pembina County for 42 years, continuing a family legacy that began in 1883. Their diversified operation includes sugar beets, malting barley, wheat, soybeans, and edible beans. They previously raised hogs from 1983 to 1998. The Bigwoods use conventional farming methods and are known for their long-standing commitment to production agriculture. Their father, Roy Bigwood, played a key role in the grower-led purchase of American Crystal Sugar Company. Both brothers have been active in local government, church boards, and
Alan and Sue Bigwood.
emergency services. Their wives, Sue and Susan, recently retired from careers in education and public service. Nomination process for agriculturalists award The Harvest Bowl Agriculturalists Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to agriculture and their community, including farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness leaders who demonstrate innovation, sustainability, and leadership. Pembina County nominations for the cont’d. on page B5