The Borderland Press, Friday, July 18, V4, N28

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The official newspaper of Cavalier County Theborderlandpress.com

In this issue:

Friday, July 18, 2025

Volume 4, Number 28

Big on ag, small on accommodations

A recently completed housing study funded by the North Dakota Department of Commerce indicates Cavalier County is in short-supply when it comes to homes By Nick Vorlage

News: Regional farmers markets are in full swing, Pg. A2

The United States is experiencing a nationwide housing shortage. Earlier this month, Zillow reported the nation’s housing deficit has hit 4.7 million. While some may like to believe this is just something happening in the cities, a recently completed study is finding similar situations occurring in Cavalier County. In 2024, the Cavalier County Job Development Authority received a grant through the North Dakota Department of Commerce to conduct a housing study. Prior to this, an earlier regional housing study had been conducted during the pandemic years. Shannon Duerr, executive director of the CCJDA, would politely say that study was poor. “They just pulled information from databases and referred to us as prairie dwellers throughout the whole thing… it was not really usable for us.”

Agriculture: NDSU Langdon Research Extension Center to host annual field day July 24, Pg. A3

To that end, the CCJDA reached out to Fargo-based Burian and Associates to conduct a study primarily focused on Cavalier County. Duerr said she and the JDA have been pleased by their work. “They did a lot of stakeholder interviews with local people, they visited with people who rent apartments, they have been up to [Cavalier County], and when they did pull those numbers, they really took the time to dig into them and understand them, learned quite a few new things that were a little bit surprising.”

Region: Check out our photo coverage of all the fair time fun had in Hamilton, Pg. A10

The costs keep rising Steve Burian, president and CEO of Burian and Associates, as well as Mark Schill, vice-president with Grand Forks-based Praxis Strategy Group, provided their detailed findings to the

Cavalier County JDA earlier this month. According to the data collected, the median home price within Cavalier County has increased from a low of $67,000 in 2019 to an all-time high of $140,000 in 2024. The amount has lessened a bit in 2025 but still dwarfs the pre-pandemic numbers at $120,000. Cavalier County has also surged past other neighboring counties in home price growth at 8%; neighboring counties such as Pembina and Walsh only saw a 3% increase. A recently completed housing study of Cavalier County indicates residents are concerned that a lack of housing is

It is a more affordable preventing growth within the county. (Data courtesy Burians and Associates / Praxis Strategy Group) situation to be sure compared to larger counties such Planting roots but not tending all numbers shrink in the past 25 years. Of families or individuals living in the as Grand Forks (which in April 2025 the fields alone has a median home value price Data collected by Burian and Prax- county, many are older residents, the nearly $120,000 higher than Cavalier is would further indicate that while ratio of which dramatically outweighs County), but living in Cavalier Coun- North Dakota’s population has grown the national average. Looking at numty generally is more expensive than by 25% since 1990, Cavalier County bers in 2023, Cavalier County’s age neighboring Pembina County and has been seeing a steady population concentration for residents 70 years decline of 41% in the same time pe- old and higher ranged from 123% to a negligible compared to Walsh. staggering 258% higher than the nariod. tional average. The housing change has been recognized by residents in the county with Housing is one factor in this decline, an overwhelming 65% of those sur- but for more housing to be built, there Data further indicated slightly over veying indicating they strongly agree must be a reason for more families to 40% of the households in the counthat resolving the housing issue is move into the county. Data indicates ty were single person households. In important. 42% of those surveyed while Cavalier County has always North Dakota, the state average is meanwhile said they were not satis- been primarily driven by agriculture, just under 25%. fied with their housing options, and a lack of economic opportunities out35% claimed housing in the county side of ag in other fields has seem- The way forward is affordable. 67% would agree that ingly hampered the county’s growth. While the numbers presented by Burithey believe the county’s housing is- Further, other fields like healthcare, fi- an and Schill did not shine the most nance, and construction have all seen sue is also preventing growth. cont’d. on page B5

Deuce of August: North Dakota's longest-running ethnic celebration marks 126 years By Hilary Nowatzki

Mountain is preparing to host its 126th annual Deuce of August Festival, a celebration of Icelandic heritage that transforms this tiny town of 70 residents into a bustling destination for thousands of visitors for one weekend of each year.

Mountain on our big weekend."

"We are the oldest ethnic festival in the state of North Dakota," said Curtis Olafson, one of the event’s organizers. "The reason we have such longevity is because people really enjoy our event. It's quite a sight to come to

Friday kicks off with the innovative "Friday Forum at the Deuce," featuring free lunch and presentations. A highlight is the Icelandic Ólafsson Gin and Reyka vodka tasting at the Gardar Country Club, which Olafson

The festival spans three days, offering something for everyone from genealogy enthusiasts to food lovers, music fans, and families seeking fun entertainment.

described as “Gleðistund fyrir alla” meaning “Happy Hour for everyone!” in Icelandic. Evening entertainment includes the band Whiskey Wheeler and a special Icelandic Bingo night. Olafson says if you don’t know what “Icelandic Bingo” is, then you’ll just have to come find out for yourself! Saturday's centerpiece is the much-anticipated parade, starting at 10:30 am. Olafson reminds readers

that there is no sign up process for being in the parade. "We've been doing this for 126 years," Olafson noted. "Just show up!" The parade will be broadcast live on KXPO AM 1340 and the August the Deuce Facebook page. There will be family-friendly activities galore, including children's Icelandic storybook time, inflatable games, and a North Dakota state-sanctioned ped-

al tractor pull. A new addition this year is a horse show, encouraging parade participants to stick around for additional equestrian entertainment after the parade. A special 2pm Heritage Program promises to be a festival highlight, according to Olafson, as a special group of men have travelled all the way from Iceland to host a performance. "We have a combined men's choir cont’d. on page A2

Community saddles up to honor local horseman at July 27 Memorial Horse Show By Rebecca Davis

The dust will fly, and the memories will ride again as friends, family, and horse lovers gather on Sunday, July 27, for the Lonnie Longtin Memorial Horse Show. The event kicks off at noon at 10419 130th Ave. NE, the site of Lonnie’s beloved arena just outside Walhalla. Spectators and participants alike are welcome to attend and help celebrate the legacy of a man who spent his life sharing his love of horses with others. The show will feature an exciting lineup of both classic and unique events, including barrels, poles, flag race, key hole, bareback on a buck, rescue race, gunny sack race, obstacle race, boot race, water bucket event, and the crowd-favorite hangman race. Divisions are broken down by age: Leadline, Children’s (7–12), Juniors (13– 17), and Adults (18 & up). Entry fees are $4 per event or $20 for unlimited entries per horse/rider combo. The horse show is being organized by Lonnie’s great-nieces, Tiffany Robin-

son and Billye Gullickson, who grew up participating in the very shows Lonnie loved hosting.

circling a barrel and coming back to pick them up. It was always a favorite at his shows.”

“We grew up out there riding horses,” said Robinson. “Lonnie had a love not only for riding but for horses in general. He had big draft horse teams, did chariot racing at the Pembina County Fair, and always made sure the kids in town got to experience a ride.”

Gullickson added, “He was such a huge influence. I wouldn’t have the love for horses I do today if it wasn’t for him.”

The show will include a 50/50 raffle and a Chinese raffle featuring items donated by local businesses Lonnie supported over the years. All proceeds from the event will go directly to his wife, Gerry Longtin, who still lives on the family property. One of Lonnie’s signature events, the “Hangman Race,” will return for the show. “No one else ever did it like Lonnie,” Robinson said. “It involves a two-person team, one hanging from a rope off a telephone pole, the other rider

through parades, trail rides, and chariot races. His great-great-niece, Gracee Thorlakson, carried on that legacy recently by winning “Best Dressed Chariot” at this year’s Pembina County Fair.

After the competition wraps up, a potluck will be held, a tradition Lonnie cherished as much as the riding. “We have pictures of the kids sitting around at the potluck after the show; it was always about bringing the community and family together,” said Robinson. Attendees don’t need to bring a horse to enjoy the day. “Even if you're just coming out to watch, grab a lawn chair and enjoy,” Robinson encouraged. “Everyone is welcome.” Lonnie, who passed away earlier

Lonnie Longtin and his wife, Gerry Longtin.

this year, was well-known in the local horse community for his generosity, enthusiasm, and mentorship. He was a longtime member of the now-retired Walhalla Ridge Riders and took pride in sharing his passion for horses

“This is our way of giving Lonnie one last show,” said Robinson. “We think he’d really enjoy knowing everyone came together one more time in his honor.”

To donate raffle items or contribute to the event, contact Mikka Willits at 701-370-1059. Sign-ups will be taken the day of the show.


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