Cardinals remain #1 ranked
- Pg. B1
The official newspaper of Cavalier County Theborderlandpress.com
In this issue:
Friday, October 10, 2025
Volume 4, Number 40
Borg Home launches Affordable Relief Program Gaming-fund partnership helps caregivers and those recovering from illness For more than 75 years, Borg Pioneer Memorial Home in Mountain, N.D., has been a trusted place of compassion for families across the region. It has welcomed generations of residents in times of need — for long-term care, short-term recovery, and sometimes simply for a safe and supportive place to rest.
Ag: Expiration of tax credits could mean larger health insurance bills for N.D. farmers, Pg. A3
Community: Story hour has started up again at Walhalla Public Library, Pg. A5
Now Borg Home is once again responding to community needs with the launch of a new Affordable Relief Program. The initiative is designed to address two challenges that many families face. The first is providing affordable short-term care for those recovering after illness, surgery, or injury, and the second is giving family caregivers a chance to take a much-needed break without the burden of high costs. Backed by local generosity The program was made possible by the vision and generosity of John and Paula Langerud, owners of the Spud Bar in Crystal, N.D. Having cared for loved ones themselves, the Langeruds understand how caregivers often put their own health and well-being aside to provide care. By directing charitable gaming funds to Borg Home, they are helping caregivers rest and recharge — while also creating new opportunities for individuals who need short-term care in a safe, supportive environment.
Community: Monster elk taken down in the Pembina Gorge, Pg. B4
Pembina County Emergency Food Pantry to hand out Thanksgiving baskets The Pembina County Emergency Food Pantry once again will be preparing Thanksgiving baskets full of everything needed to prepare a Thanksgiving meal for those needing extra help with food supplies this holiday season. Thanksgiving Baskets will be handed out on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at the Pembina County Emergency Food Pantry from 3:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the Cavalier location, 106 Main Street West. For privacy purposes, please come to the back of the building in the alley. Our Food Pantry sign will be outside. All Thanksgiving baskets must be pre-reserved. To reserve a Thanksgiving basket, individuals must call 701-270-1408 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. If there is no answer, please leave a clear message including your name and address. The final day to reserve a Thanksgiving Basket is Monday, Nov. 17 at 4 p.m. One basket per household is allowed. This special holiday basket does not count toward the annual five basket household limit. The mission of the Pembina County Emergency Food Pantry is to provide food, on an emergency basis, for those out of work, have unexpected health issues, are victims of domestic violence, or other life-altering events. The food pantry is largely financed by cont’d. on page A2
“Caring for a loved one is one of the most meaningful responsibilities a person can have — but it can also be exhausting,” said Suzie Ashpole, Borg Home Administrator. “This program gives caregivers the chance to take a break, even for a few days, knowing their loved one is in good hands. It’s truly a gift of rest, relief, and peace of mind.” A bridge between hospital and home
Borg Home is supporting its community’s needs with the launch of a new Affordable Relief Program. Submitted photo.
Borg Home in Mountain is creating new and affordable options for individuals who need short-term care in a safe, supportive environment thanks to a charitable gaming partnership. Submitted photo.
The Affordable Relief Program also provides essential support for individuals who are discharged from the hospital but still need extra care before returning home. “Many people need just a little more time — a place to recover with good meals, personal care, and a safe environment,” Ashpole explained. “Borg Home is well-suited to help them regain their strength and return home with confidence.”
Making care affordable Thanks to the gaming-fund subsidy, families can now access high-quality care at significantly reduced rates. Respite Care (overnight stay) • Standard Rate: $170.54 per day • Subsidy: –$100 per day • Caregiver Cost: $70.54 per day • Available for up to 10 consecutive days at a time, 20 days per year Adult Daycare (day-only stay)
• Standard Rate: $85.27 per day • Subsidy: –$50 per day • Caregiver Cost: $35.27 per day • Available for up to 10 consecutive days at a time, 20 days per year Both services include: • A safe, supportive environment staffed by experienced caregivers • Three nutritious meals plus snacks daily cont’d. on page B5
Langdon native honored with final flight By Hilary Nowatzki After nearly two years of facing the challenges of recovery and the road to rehabilitation, a Langdon native has celebrated his official retirement from the military. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Garrett Illerbrunn was serving in northern Iraq when he was seriously injured on Christmas Day 2023. Garrett was caught in an Iranian drone strike which was targeting troops at the Erbil Air Base. He sustained serious injuries, including injuries to his brain. After three months in the ICU and months after in recovery, he returned home but would no longer be able to perform in active duty. Garrett, who was born and raised in Langdon, enlisted in the US Army in 2005. He deployed to Afghanistan three times and Iraq twice. In his 20 years of service, Illerbrun flew helicopters over 3,400 hours, with 1,600 of those being combat hours. With his wife, Lorna, and his son, Tucker, at his side, he was honored last weekend with his “final-flight” or the final flight an aviator takes before he retires from service. Although the final flight was a celebration of Garrett’s tenacity, strength, and commitment, Lorna, his wife, said that it is also grounded in the reality of his substantial sacrifice. “I think this final flight has been a celebration of his time in service but also his recovery and a recognition of the reality of the situation,” Lorna explained. “Some of it is happy, you know, in how far he's
From (L-R) Erika Stein, Lorna Illerbrunn, and Lori Stein with Garrett at his Final Flight Ceremony. Submitted photo.
come, but some of it is grounded in the reality and the sacrifice he's made for our country, our family and our way of life as Americans.”
Garrett and Lorna with their son Tucker. Submitted photo.
Due to his brain injury, Garrett is no longer able to fly, so he instead took a grounded flight around the base’s track, finishing in an arch of water created by the Pinehurst, N.C., Fire Department, where the family currently resides.
“He is able to verbalize. He's able to speak, and he's really come so much further than anyone else thought that he would from the beginning,” said Lorna. “And we don't know what the future holds, but I do know I've really found that he's still able to find joy and appreciation.”
Lorna said that Garrett is currently doing well, although he is still on his path to recovery.
One of the hats Lorna had made for the ceremony. Lorna said quite a few are leftover, and she’s happy to sell them for $30 to offset expenses for the family. If you are interested in purchasing one, please email editor@theborderlandpress.com.
On Sunday, Illerbrunn was presented the Legion of Merit award and an Army Commendation Medal. Nick Vorlage contributed to this story.