Cards make Dakota Bowl for first time in five years! Pg. B1 The official newspaper of Cavalier County Theborderlandpress.com
In this issue:
Friday, November 14, 2025
Toy drive ramps up in Pembina County By Hilary Nowatzki
News: Baked potato bar to be hosted in Pembina, Pg. A2
In Pembina County, a toy drive is ramping up to ensure every child has a magical Christmas. Lori Cantele-Hiebert, a dedicated professional from the Northern Valley Human Service Zone, is spearheading a Christmas toy drive that promises to bring joy to local children and families facing economic hardships. "I work with the schools and WIC to get notifications out to families that the toy drive could benefit," Cantele-Hiebert explained. Families can call to schedule appointments, where they'll have the opportunity to select gifts for their children, ensuring every child has a unique experience to bring the magic of Christmas home.
Ag: Farmers wait for good news as problems in agriculture continue to mount, Pg. A3
With current economic uncertainties, services such as the toy drive come at a needed time. With inflation putting unprecedented pressure on family budgets, the toy drive represents a lifeline for some.
challenges faced by local families. "We have increased quite a bit this year," she noted, anticipating a similar surge in the Christmas program. "I think every child deserves to have a wonderful Christmas, and if we can do something to help that along, I think that's great." The drive's core mission is to ensure no child feels left behind during the holiday season. Families are notified through school and WIC networks, allowing those who could benefit most to access the service. By scheduling appointments, the program maintains dignity and allows parents to choose gifts that will truly resonate with their children. Families in Pembina County can know that their community stands beside them during challenging times.
Volume 4, Number 45
Calvin native honored during 51st annual Harvest Bowl NDSU Extension
The 51st annual Harvest Bowl program at North Dakota State University will be held Nov. 14 and 15. Each year the Harvest Bowl program recognizes the dedication and hard work of outstanding agriculturists in 53 counties in North Dakota and 10 counties in western Minnesota. The event awards scholarships to deserving student-athletes and celebrates an agribusiness award recipient who has distinguished themselves in the world of agriculture and business. Scholarships will be awarded to 25 North Dakota State University athletes during the Harvest Bowl program. Harvest Bowl scholarship recipients in this publication’s coverage area, including, sport, hometown and major are:
Community: Annual Veterans Day program hosted at American Legion Post 98, Pg. A6
Association in West Fargo, and the Harvest Bowl football game between NDSU and Northern Iowa on Nov. 15. For more information on Harvest Bowl, please visit the NDSU Foundation website at https://ndsufoundation.com/harvest-bowl, or call the NDSU Foundation office toll-free at 800-279-8971 or locally at 701-2316800.
Those interested in supporting or learning more about the toy drive are encouraged to contact the Northern Valley Human Service Zone at (701) 256-2175 for additional information.
Richard and Kelly R. Sager Harvest Bowl Endowment - Meredith Romfo is a freshman thrower on the NDSU Women’s Track and Field team from Calvin, North Dakota. Her parents are Troy and Rachelle Romfo.
In Cavalier: Koda Bank, North Star CCU, and Unity Valley Bank. For Pembina: D&K Grocery and Koda Bank. For Walhalla: Koda Bank and Choice Bank.
Just follow the Yellow Brick Road…
"It's a community effort," Cantele-Hiebert emphasized. "I feel as a community, it brings us closer Those interested in donating are together when we can help each asked to bring a new unwrapped gift Highlights of the event include a Harto reach a Pembina County child or vest Bowl dinner and awards program other, especially the children." teen to one of several donation sites. on Nov. 14 at the Red River Valley Fair Her commitment extends beyond the toy drive. Hebert also helps with a backpack program that has seen a significant increase in demand this year, showing the growing economic
Meredith Romfo was one of 25 students honored with scholarships during the Harvest Bowl program on Nov. 14 and 15. (NDSU photo)
By Rebecca Davis
Munich resident one of six elected directors of Stockmen’s Association
North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) members re-elected 22-year member and Rugby, N.D., cow-calf producer Randy Schmitt as their president at the organization’s 96th Annual Convention & Trade Show, “Think Big, Achieve More.” The association tapped Schmitt for a second year in its highest post during the closing business session at the Clarion Hotel and Convention Center in Minot, N.D. They also hosted the election of six directors, one of which being from Munich, N.D. Schmitt and his family own a commercial Simmental and Red Angus cow-calf operation, where they background feeders, market replacement heifers and raise their own feed, including alfalfa, cover crops and grain and silage corn.Schmitt and his wife, Stacey, have four children - Mattie, Lane, Grace Swartzentruber (Eddie) and Ty, and one granddaughter, Rowyn. Wirth, a three-year NDSA member, has a primarily Angus cow-calf and
backgrounding operation with genetics stemming from her family’s herd. Wirth worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service as an agricultural engineer for five years before resigning from the position to farm and ranch full-time with her family. Her husband is Mitchell.
here in North Dakota.”
Wirth was elected to her first fouryear term in District 1. District 1 is comprised of Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Foster, Grand Forks, Griggs, Nelson, Pembina, Pierce, Ramsey, Rolette, Steele, Sheridan, Towner, Traill, Walsh and Wells Counties.
“This effort showcased the very best of who we are — neighbors helping neighbors in the time of loss,” Schmitt said. “The generosity and support poured in from across the state and beyond, providing relief to producers impacted by disaster and helping them rebuild their herds and their lives. It was humbling to witness.”
NDSA members also re-elected Tim Erbele of Streeter, N.D., as the organization’s vice president. He is the chairman of the NDSA Resolutions Committee. The 33-year NDSA member runs a Salers-Angus-cross cow-calf operation, permitted backgrounding feedlot and Purina feed dealership. Erbele and his wife, Ronda, have two daughters, Miranda (Andy) Hagen and Addyson. In Schmitt’s address during the convention’s opening session, he said serving as the organization’s president “has given me countless opportunities to see our mission in action.” He cited engaging with participants of the NDSA’s Tomorrow’s Top Hands Beef Leadership Summit as one of the highlights of his year. The Top Hands Summit is a leadership development and career exploration event for students aged 14 to 20 years old. “The future of ranching depends upon bright, passionate young people stepping into this business,” Schmitt said, “and we have those rising stars right
Another highlight for Schmitt was the NDSA’s and North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation’s successful Out of the Ashes Wildfire Disaster Relief effort, which delivered nearly $1 million in direct relief to victims of the October 2024 wildfires.
Schmitt said the membership’s efforts during the 69th North Dakota Legislative Assembly also reaffirmed the strength in unity. “Many of you joined in making our voice heard at the State Capitol,” he said. “Thanks to everyone who stood shoulder to shoulder with the NDSA in advocating for our beef industry. Your involvement matters.” He also reflected on the progress being made on the NDSA’s farm bill priorities, federal tax policy, and the strong cattle market. He concluded by stating, “As we turn the page to a new year, I am filled with gratitude. None of our progress would be possible without you, our members. Whether you attended a Roundup, joined in on a policy discussion or simply paid your dues, you have played a vital role in advancing our mission.”
From (L-R) Shanda Peterson, Landrey Peterson, Carol Clark, Bill Zeller, Kristi Kasprick and Susan Karel. Photo by Melanie Thornberg
Toto and Dorothy, along with the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, Glinda the Good Witch, the Wicked Witch of the West, and the Scarecrow, made a one-night-only appearance at the Walla Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 8.
Under the direction of Shanda Peterson, volunteers with the Gorge Arts and Heritage Council hosted a fundraiser event benefitting the historic Walla Theatre. The evening featured character appearances, themed snack boxes, a photo booth, and raffle prizes—all leading up to a cont’d. on page B5
Lisa, Ryatt and Rayza Thornberg with Carol Clark. Photo by Melanie Thornberg