The official newspaper of Cavalier County Theborderlandpress.com
Friday, June 20, 2025
Volume 4, Number 24
Folk art comes to life:
In this issue:
Artist residency brings miniature homes to Pembina County Orchard By Rebecca Davis
“Kim will be here all week working on her pieces, and the public is welcome to stop by, observe, and even interact with her as she works,” said Lillian Stegman, one of the program’s coordinators. “It’s a very special opportunity.” Ag: Langdon Research Extension Center to host field day, Pg. A2
Kim Eslinger will be using foraged items from Icelandic State Park to create her art.
The Pembina County Historical Society is set to host a unique artist-in-residence program featuring Kim Eslinger, who will create two intricate structures called folk homes using entirely natural materials foraged from the orchard grounds. Community: Catch up on Walhalla Public Library news, Pg. A5
Community: Cavalier County Museum in Dresden hosts Father’s Day Breakfast, Pg. A10
From June 22–28, artist Kimberly Eslinger of Bismarck will be in residence, building two large-scale, handcrafted folk homes throughout the orchard grounds. Her visit is made possible by the North Dakota Council on the Arts. Eslinger, a sculptor and portrait artist with a background in graphic design and exhibit development, will spend the week creating folk structures— reminiscent of fairy homes—using only natural materials foraged from the orchard and the surrounding grounds. These detailed works of art will include tiny fireplaces, staircases, and furniture, blending nature and imagination into one-of-a-kind installations.
In addition to the artist’s work onsite, two public workshops will be offered. The first one will take place on Wednesday, June 25, from 1 to 4 p.m., and the second will take place on Thursday, June 26, from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will craft their own “fairy garden homes” to take home. The workshops cost $5, and registration is available through Cavalier Recreation (https://cavalier.recdesk. com/) or by calling 701-520-2709. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult. Eslinger grew up in North Dakota and finds inspiration in the plants, animals, and open landscapes of her home state. Her lifelong love for people and animals—especially horses— often influences her work. She enjoys experimenting with materials like clay and glass and is known for her creativity and attention to detail. Previously, Eslinger taught graphic design at Bismarck State College and Bismarck Public Schools. In 2017, she began developing the exhibit collection for North Dakota’s Gateway to Science. After helping complete the $20 million facility, she chose to leave her role as gallery and exhibits director to pursue informal teaching and experimental art projects—like this residency in Cavalier. The artist residency reflects the ongoing efforts of the Pembina County His-
One of the ‘folk homes’ created by Kim Eslinger. Submitted photo.
torical Society to enrich the community through programs that blend art, agriculture, health, and education. The orchard, which spans an acre, includes fruit-bearing trees like apple, plum, and apricot; native berry bushes; two pollinator gardens; and even a plot of broom corn. It’s become a vibrant space for hands-on learning
and creative expression. “This is usually the kind of thing you'd apply for with a long waiting period,” Stegman said. “To have the North Dakota Council on the Arts approach us directly and fund the residency shows real confidence in what we're building here.”
LAS eyes curriculum cuts after referendum failure By Hilary Nowatzki
Tough decisions are currently being deliberated at Langdon Area Schools. After last week’s referendum vote failed, officials are looking at other avenues for funding deferred maintenance and needed updates within both the elementary and high school buildings. Without the nearly 20 million dollar bond from the referendum, the school is looking at cutting non-required curriculums for funds.
“We’re looking at all options,” said Daren Christianson, Langdon Area Schools superintendent. “All non-required programs and activities are going to be evaluated.”
This evaluation will be done by the school board. Their next meeting, in which they will begin these difficult conversations, will be held on June 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the high school. There will be a public comment period held at the beginning of the meeting.
offer enrichment for our kids,” Christianson said. There’s no doubt that students are going to pay the price no matter what the board’s strategy may be.
The cost cutting strategy means programs, including visual arts, athletics, tech education, family & consumer science, and business classes, to name a few, could now be on the chopping block. These aren’t empty classrooms being affected.
“We have to look at, where do we find the money that we need to continue to function?” Christianson questioned. “We have these outstanding projects that we know need to be done in the not too distant future. So how do we get to that? That’s going to be the discussion.”
“Our tech ed classes are full. Our art classes are full. Our family consumer science and business classes have great numbers. These are things that
The next board meeting will be a crucial one, and Christianson emphasized that no decisions have been set in stone yet. Any major curriculum or
staffing changes would require a full board vote with decisions made by majority rule.
that we’ve been providing for our kids and our community.”
“The board president [Dave Hart] wants a full board discussion,” Christianson explained. “He does not want these proposals to come from a committee but wants open discussion so all board members can have their say.”
Also, in the referendum vote, three school board members were up for reelection. The unofficial results saw all incumbent board members, Daren Bachman, Abby Borchart, and Loren Fetsch, retain their seats. Also in the vote, community members opted to continue publishing meeting minutes in The Borderland Press.
Christainson relented that the upcoming decisions which need to be made are taxing and not taken lightly by himself or the school board.
“It’s not a fun deal,” he said, “Looking at taking things away
As the district moves forward, community members are encouraged to attend the upcoming school board meeting and participate in the discussion.
Frost Fire Park names new general manager By Rebecca Davis
A familiar face with deep ties to the community, Magnus brings a blend of passion, experience, and hometown pride to the role; he has big dreams for what Frost Fire can become.
at Frost Fire, where he’s served food, managed parking, and even pitched in as a handyman. Professionally, Magnus spent years as an attorney in Minnesota, representing municipalities and running businesses. Now, he's bringing that broad experience back home.
“I’m very excited,” Magnus said. “It’s something I’ve been dreaming of, hoping I could lend my skill set With a perspective shaped by time to for a long time.” away and a heartfelt return, Magnus
Ryan Magnus has been named general manager at Frost Fire Park.
Frost Fire Park is entering a new era under the leadership of Ryan Magnus, its newly appointed general manager.
Magnus’s connection to Frost Fire and the Pembina Gorge runs deep. Having grown up in the area and recently returned to live on his family farm near Olga, he understands the unique charm and challenges of the region. Throughout his life, he has worn many hats, from performing on stage to working behind the scenes
sees Frost Fire not just as a ski hill or summer theatre venue but as a community cornerstone with untapped potential.
“This is not just a career- it feels like a calling,” he said. “I think my history and my experience have really led me to be here, to
do something meaningful for this This summer, guests can expect mountain biking to return in some community.” Magnus is stepping into his role at a pivotal moment. Plans are in motion to rebuild the beloved outdoor amphitheater lost to structural issues, and fundraising efforts are ongoing. While he’s still getting familiar with the operational details, Magnus plans to travel to surrounding communities such as Walhalla, Langdon, Cavalier, and beyond to speak openly about Frost Fire’s finances, needs, and vision. “I want to re-engage communities that haven’t had that opportunity recently,” he said. “We need to be transparent and collaborative. That’s the best way to move forward together.”
capacity, dependent on weather and trail conditions. The on-site bar and hangar have already reopened for bar service and appetizers on weekends with expanded food service beginning soon. Magnus is taking a measured approach: start small, meet expectations, and grow sustainably. “Our focus will always be on quality and service,” he said. “If we can’t do something well, we won’t overextend ourselves just to say we’re open.” When it comes to financial sustainability, Magnus is clear-eyed. He believes Frost Fire must fund its opcont’d. on page A2