The Borderland Press, Friday, Oct. 17, V4, N41

Grizzlies, Cardinals compete in East Regional Cross Country Meet, Pg. B3

The official newspaper of Cavalier County Theborderlandpress.com

In this issue:

Friday, October 17, 2025

Volume 4, Number 41

Future workforce inspired by Eighth Annual Pembina-Walsh Manufacturing Day A total of 215 seventh grade students from nine area schools participated in the eighth annual Pembina-Walsh Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) event held on Wednesday, Oct. 1. This national initiative aims to change perceptions of the manufacturing industry and inspire the next generation of skilled workers.

News: Cavalier County Farm Bureau to offer Farm Safety and Stop the Bleed training, Pg. A2

Throughout the day, students toured two manufacturing businesses each, learning firsthand about modern manufacturing careers. Company ambassadors shared personal stories about their own career paths and experiences, helping students understand the many rewarding opportunities available in today’s manufacturing sector.

Cavalier seventh graders are shown how Bordertown Retail Systems produces custom racks for retailers.

Seven local manufacturers across the two counties opened their doors to students:

Community: Farmers and motorists are being reminded to share the road this harvest season, Pg. A3

Region: Take steps to prevent type 2 diabetes with a free lifestyle program in Walsh County, Pg. A10

CDL training potentially offered in Langdon

By Nick Vorlage

The Cavalier County Job Development Authority is looking into possibly bringing a CDL training program to Langdon.

“Right now, people have to travel out of town for these classes, and we think if we can show enough demand here in Langdon and in Cavalier County, there's an ability to actually bring in mobile training,” said Shannon Duerr, executive director for the Cavalier County JDA. The JDA is working with Train ND in designing the program. Duerr said this travelling program hasn’t been seen in the state, but similar travelling programs have shown success.

“We saw it with the EMT program,” said Duerr. “You just get such better turnout when you don't have to send people out of town.”

For this prospective pilot CDL training program, Duerr said it would be broken down into three sections: in the classroom, on the road, and a course about becoming more familiar with the machine.

“We’re going to be looking for a big parking lot somewhere in town where they can test things like backing and tight corners and how to hook up your trailer, and that pre-drive inspection checklist all the drivers have to do,” explained Duerr.

Before any of this goes into effect, however, area employers and individuals are being asked to give their opinion. An online survey is now available; a link is available on our QL page at myborderland.com.

•American Crystal Sugar Company – Drayton •Bordertown Retail Systems – Neche •CVR Industries – Neche •Dakota Pallet – Cavalier •Marvin – Grafton •Motorcoach Industries (MCI) – Pembina •Woodside Industries – Cavalier Participating schools included: Cavalier Public School, Drayton Public School, Grafton Public School, Park River Area School, Fordville-Lankin School, Midway Public School, Minto Public School, and the North Border School District campuses in Pembina and Walhalla.

The event provided students with hands-on exposure to a range of manufacturing careers, emphasizing that opportunities exist for every education path—from technical training to college degrees. Many students expressed surprise at the scale and sophistication of local operations, with several companies conducting business on a global level right from

Giving students a hands-on experience at Woodside Industries.

northeast N.D.

Pembina and Walsh counties are home to more than 20 manufacturing and food processing companies, employing over 1,100 people. Educating young people about these opportunities is critical for strengthening rural communities and addressing the nation’s cont’d. on page B8

Recommendations for respiratory illness season

By Hilary Nowatzki

With cooler temperatures arriving in the Borderland region this past week, Cavalier County Health District is reminding residents to take care of themselves this respiratory illness season. The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released updated outlines and recommendations for managing influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 during the 2025–2026 season.

The guidance emphasizes the importance of vaccination, testing, and treatment to avoid disease burden and hospitalizations in all age groups.

Influenza activity in N.D. generally increases in fall and peaks between January and March. According to HHS, for the 2024–2025 season, there were 11,925 cases, over 900 hospitalizations, and 51 deaths.

Nationwide, influenza continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality, including 280 pediatric deaths during the 2024–2025 season.

Individuals should be tested within three to four days of symptom onset.

Vaccination for the flu has shown to be highly effective, and is recommended for all age groups.

Regardless of insurance coverage, access to vaccines and immunizations is easy thanks to the Cavalier County Health District.

“As a provider, I can order vaccines, those VFC and VFA vaccines for under insured or uninsured individuals so that they can get the vaccine for no cost,” said Stephanie Welsh, RN with the health district. “Most insurances cover vaccines at no cost, but even for people who are uninsured or underinsured, we do have some options for respiratory season vaccines for them.”

Employees show local students the process of building, priming, and painting windows during a tour of the Marvin plant in Grafton as part of the Pembina-Walsh MFG Day event.

HAAVEN HIT S 1,000 TWICE

Influenza vaccination significantly reduces illness, hospitalization, and chances of death from the illness.

According to data from HHS, 90% of pediatric flu deaths occurred among unvaccinated children; 2023–2024 vaccination prevented an estimated 9.8 million illnesses and 7,900 deaths nationally; hospitalized vaccinated adults had 59% fewer ICU admissions, and vaccinated children had 75% lower ICU risk; and pregnant women who were vaccinated had 40% fewer hospitalizations.

RSV circulates mainly from October through March and is a leading cause of pediatric respiratory illness. Each year, 58,000–80,000 children under the age of five are hospitalized nationwide, with 100–300 deaths prior to the introduction of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies in 2023. RSV also causes 177,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths among adults aged 65 or older. Data indicates that cont’d. on page A5

Lady Cards freshman Hilary Haaven did something that's been reported as unprecedented in North Dakota volleyball - she reached 1,000 career kills and 1,000 career digs as a freshman.

She was presented with two game balls for this accomplishment on Oct. 14. Read more about Haaven and the Cardinals girls volleyball team on Pg. B2. Photo by Larry Stokke.

News

Friday, October 17, 2025 - Page A2

The Borderland Press

Cavalier County Farm Bureau to offer Farm Safety and Stop the Bleed training Participants will build a farm first-aid kit, learn how to use the provided items, and complete Stop the Bleed training to empower family and community members to be prepared in the case of an emergency.

injuries before the ambulance arrives can mean the difference between life and death.”

The Langdon event will feature interactive sessions led by Simulation in Motion – Altru Grand Forks, NDSU Extension, and area healthcare professionals, covering topics such as:

Injuries that take place on the farm can be unique and severe, requiring immediate care before professional help arrives. To address this critical need, Cavalier County Farm Bureau is providing a Farm Safety and Stop the Bleed Training at the Langdon Research Extension Center on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This hands-on workshop is designed for farmers, their families, and employees to learn how to manage traumatic farm injuries and build their own farm first-aid kits.

“In rural areas where ambulance response time can stretch to 30 minutes or more, immediate action is

Stop the Bleed training How to use a tourniquet to stop the bleed Handling amputated limbs Treating burns on the farm Slips, trips, and falls: how to use a splint CPR refresher course

The Farm Safety and Stop the Bleed training is designed for farmers, their families, and employees to learn how to manage traumatic injuries before professional help arrives.

critical,” says Lahni Stachler, NDSU Extension agent in Cavalier County.

“Knowing how to respond to injuries like severe bleeding, burns, or crush

EGF man charged HHS assures North Dakotans with nine offenses mandatory entitlement programs will in Cavalier Co. continue during federal government

By Nick Vorlage shutdown An East Grand Forks man charged with nine offenses in Cavalier County made his initial appearance in court last Thursday.

Mark West Lennon, 42, was apprehended by law enforcement in Langdon on Sept. 3. Officials were investigating a suspected burglary which occurred in broad daylight days earlier, when they spotted Lennon driving a vehicle which matched descriptions provided by witnesses of the crime.

After being pulled over, K9 Unit Reign assisted officers in locating a small amount of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

This event is made possible through the generous support of 16 local sponsors: AG 365, Alsen Farmers Elevator, Cavalier County Farm Bureau, Choice Bank, CHS, Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Farmers Union Oil Co., Horizon Financial Bank, Langdon Implement, Langdon Prairie Health, Mike Zeis Crop Insurance Agency, Mostad Insurance Services, NorChemCo, Schill Construction, Simplot, and TR Waind Insurance Agency.

This assistance has supplied the materials for 50 farm first-aid kits.

Lunch will be provided at no cost, and there is no fee to attend. However, registration is highly recommended to ensure adequate materials and meals.

To register, please call 701-256-2560 or visit the NDSU Extension office at the Cavalier County Courthouse.

Coverage for cancer under Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program

By Nick Vorlage

BISMARCK, N.D. - In response to the federal government shutdown, North Dakota Health and Human Services has issued a statement in regards to the status of mandatory entitlement programs it administers.

“We’d like to let North Dakotans know that the federal government shutdown does not close state government. Mandatory entitlement programs administered by North Dakota Health and Human Services—including Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, WIC, and the Child Care Development Fund—are expected to continue without interruption,” said HHS Commissioner Pat Traynor. “We will provide updates as more information becomes available, and we remain committed to our mission of helping North Dakotans live safe and healthy lives.”

Post 98 holds flag burning ceremony

Items stolen included a 1975 Dodge Ram, a 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis Sedan, a riding lawn mower, and around $400 worth of collectable tractors and miniature vehicles. With assistance from the Kittson County Sheriff’s Department, the vehicles and items were located at a residence connected to a suspected accomplice who was riding with Lennon when he was pulled over.

The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act ensures all first responders suffering from service-related cancers are covered.

Lennon faces a Class-B misdemeanor for the stolen collectibles, a Class-B felony for the stolen truck, and seven other Class-C theft and drug charges.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 20.

The US Senate has passed new legislation which ensures all first responders who die or become disabled due to service-related cancers will be covered under the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program.

these heroes make the ultimate sacrifice, their families should not have to bear these burdens alone,” said Cramer. “So I'm grateful my Senate colleagues passed this important legislation.”

The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act is a bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Kevin Cramer of North Dakota.

“Their exposure to dangerous carcinogens happens on our behalf. When

The legislation unanimously passed the Senate Judiciary Committee in May and was approved by the Senate last week. It now heads to the US House.

Redistricting map tug of war continues

By Nick Vorlage

Bank of ND enters cryptocurrency world

Attorney generals from 22 states, plus Washington D.C. are calling on the US Supreme Court to hear the case centered on a North Dakota redistricting map which encompasses a large portion of Cavalier County.

By Nick Vorlage

The Bank of North Dakota (BND) last week announced they are entering into the world of cryptocurrency.

Working alongside financial tech company Fiserv, BND plans to roll out the “Roughrider” coin sometime in 2026.

The Roughrider coin is what is known as a stablecoin. Unlike more volatile crypto currencies like Bitcoin or Etherium, which are tied to supply and market demand, stablecoins are tied to physical assets and commodities, such as gold or the US dollar.

Stablecoins, such as the Roughrider coin, are made possible through the GENIUS Act, which was passed into law in July.

Safety resource booths will be set up to offer tips, tools, and awareness activities. At the conclusion of the training, each participating farm operation will assemble and take home a fully stocked farm first-aid kit, ready to be stored in a tractor, shop, or other ac-

cessible location on their operation.

In the Turtle Mountain Board of Chippewa Indians vs. Michael Howe, the plaintiffs are suing the Secretary of State over the 2021 redistricting map. They claim the map dilutes the voting power of Native Americans and violates the Voting Rights Act. After a brief ceremony, Langdon American Legion Post 98 members honorably disposed of worn, tattered, and faded American flags last week. Daryl Kempel (left) and Anna Spivey (middle) stood as Honor Guards while Dennis Hansel (right) prepared a U.S. flag for burning.

In May, after years of a legal tug of war, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the redistricting map could remain in effect. Their ruling was based

on the idea that only the US attorney general, not private citizens or organizations, could sue over claimed violations of the Voting Rights Act. The Turtle Mountain Band submitted their case to the Supreme Court in July, asking for the 8th Circuit’s decision to be reversed. More recently, the 23 Attorney General Coalition filed an amicus brief, arguing that giving the attorney general the exclusive ability to sue over violations does not protect voters.

At time of writing, a hearing date with the Supreme Court has not been scheduled.

Bizarre chase concludes outside Walhalla

By Nick Vorlage

Law enforcement arrested a Winnipeg woman in Pembina County after a bizarre chase on Friday.

Genevieve Monsebroten, 33, is facing a series of misdemeanors including DUI, reckless driving and endangerment, criminal mischief, and fleeing police. She was eventually caught while fleeing on foot, allegedly naked, outside of Walhalla.

Monsebraten is scheduled to make her initial court appearance on Oct. 20.

Agriculture

The Borderland Press

Friday, October 17, 2025 - Page A3

Farmers and motorists encouraged to share the road during harvest season NDSU Extension

Farm assistance won’t happen until government reopens – During President Trump’s cabinet meeting, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said these are uncertain times for the U.S. farm economy. She blamed the $50 billion agricultural trade deficit inherited from the Biden Administration and high input costs.”The President has committed, if we need a bridge, to get us from the Biden years to the new Trump era,” said Rollins.

“That’s what we’re working on every day. We’ve got to get the government reopened so that we can move forward on that.” The USDA leader also spoke about the importance of a longterm view. “We have to change this hamster wheel of government; we’ve got to ensure that the farmers have the market to sell.”

Farm expenses remain high – While most commodity prices are in the tank, a new report from the American Farm Bureau Federation outlines the expense side of the ledger. It says production expenses this year are forecasted to be a record high at $467 billion, which is nearly $12 billion higher than one year ago.

Cash rents and farmland values are at record highs as well. Fertilizers represent one of the single largest costs for row crop operations. Those prices are down from their peak in 2022, but well above pre-Covid levels. The report says big yields will not be enough to guarantee profitability this fall, especially with expenses holding firm.

Ideal summer conditions fuel widespread white mold – As the combines roll, many farmers are finding increasing amounts of white mold in their soybean fields. NDSU Extension Soybean Pathology Specialist Wade Webster said conditions in July and early August in N.D. were perfect for white mold development. “Some areas, specifically in that central region, had pockets with heavier white mold,” said Webster. “I think, just because of commodity prices, there seemed to be fewer fungicide applications being put out for white mold management, which probably exacerbated the development of white mold in the fields.”

U.S., Canadian leaders meet in DC – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made his second visit to the White House and trade was part of the conversation. These discussions are happening ahead of next year’s review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). President Donald Trump said the USMCA may be renegotiated or a new trade agreement may be put in place. Tariffs were also discussed. “Look, we’re the king of being screwed by tariffs, just so you understand, and I’m not talking about Canada; I’m talking about countries all over the world. When you look at Europe, when you look at China, almost every country charged the U.S.,” said President Trump. “We didn’t charge them because we were led by stupid people in many cases.”

Inaugural International Sugarbeet and Dry Bean Expo to be hosted GRAND FORKS, N.D. — Save the date for the inaugural International Sugarbeet and Dry Bean Expo — a dynamic event bringing together two powerhouse sectors in agriculture. The event is scheduled for Jan. 21-22, 2026.

The new show combines the former International Sugar Beet Institute and Northarvest Bean Growers Association's Bean Day into one event, which is slated to rotate between Grand Forks, N.D., and Fargo, N.D. The inaugural show, which is free to attend, will be held at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, and will be the best onestop conference for sugarbeet and dry bean growers.

The event will feature vendors pertaining to both the sugarbeet and dry bean industries, along with speakers on research, policy, weather and

more. Doors open at 8 a.m. on Jan. 21, with closing time at 5 p.m. The second day runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, visit isdbexpo. com. More information pertaining to the show will be added there, including speaker schedules and guest registration.

Agribusinesses pertaining to sugarbeet or dry beans are invited to register to exhibit at the show or to become a show sponsor. For more information on those opportunities, visit https:// isdbexpo.regfox.com/2026-isdbexpo. The new event combines two premier crop shows. Bean Day was the nation's largest annual dry bean gathering and ISBI was a premier hub for sugarbeet growers, processors, researchers and industry leaders worldwide.

Letter to the Editor: Ranchers’ Rights Initiative My hat is off to the Ranchers’ Rights Initiative directors for filing their lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the North Dakota Beef Commission’s appointment process. The beef commission wields a multi-million dollar annual budget funded by producers across N.D., many of them choosing not to affiliate with cattle producer organizations. Yet, the century code assigns nominating control of the majority of the commission’s board seats to a single cattlemen’s group and the code mandates that the governor appoint commission members from that organization’s nominees.

For years, unaffiliated cattle producers have been unsuccessful in asking the legislature to amend the law in a manner that would give all producers an equal opportunity to serve on the commission and have a voice in governing how the millions raised by the state checkoff are spent. It is now time for the court to decide whether the process meets the parameters of the North Dakota Constitution.

It is possible for two things to be true.

I support the work the beef checkoff can do in N.D.; this lawsuit is not about ending the checkoff. It is about reforming the board to ensure broad, inclusive representation so the checkoff can thrive and flourish. The three cattlemen behind this lawsuit are carrying the water for all of us, standing on their own checkbooks to bring the case.

I, for one, will not let them carry it alone. I am donating to Ranchers’ Rights Initiative and I encourage you to do so too, by sending a check to RRI, PO Box 12, Sterling, N.D. 58572.

I also ask that you call the governor’s office at 701-328-2200 and ask the governor to direct the Attorney General not to stall this case but move it forward promptly. Cattle producers and the beef commission need the certainty brought by the timely conclusion of this lawsuit.

Kari Goldade Independent Beef Assoc. N.D. Office administrator Secretary/Treasurer

As agricultural producers prepare for harvest season, it is crucial for motorists and farm equipment operators to share the road to prevent roadway collisions. (Photo by Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH))

As agricultural producers prepare for harvest season, it is crucial for motorists and farm equipment operators to share the road to prevent roadway collisions.

“Fall harvest is a busy and hectic time for all producers, as the weather is always the deciding factor if conditions are favorable to start harvesting efforts,” said Angie Johnson, NDSU Extension farm and ranch safety specialist. “Soybean harvest, along with silage corn chopping, is in full swing and there is an increased amount of farm equipment and slow-moving vehicles on our public roads. This means that equipment operators, who are driving farm equipment on the road to access their fields, and general motorists, must be prepared to share the road and sharpen their defensive driving skills to prevent crashes with farm equipment.”

In 2024, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) reported 40 motor vehicle crashes involving farm equipment in N.D. Additionally, 15% of those crashes occurred in the months of August and October (tied). Furthermore, 68% of crashes with farm equipment occurred primarily on asphalt roads. Often, the difference in speed between vehicles and farm equipment is the primary cause of farm equipment collisions. Motorists approach the slow-moving farm equipment at high speeds, leaving them with only a few seconds to identify the hazard and react, which often results in a crash.

“Farm equipment travels at significantly lower speeds than a typical automobile. For example, if you are driving your car at 55 mph and come upon a tractor that is traveling at 15 mph, it only takes five seconds to close a gap the length of a football field between you and the tractor, which is not enough time to react and avoid a collision,” said Johnson.

Sharing the road with farm equipment operators can be done successfully.

However, a team effort is required by both farm equipment operators and general motorists to ensure that defensive driving skills are in place at all times and that distracted driving, especially from cell phone use, is eliminated.

Johnson recommends the following safety tips for farm equipment operators when driving on public roads: •Wear your seatbelt. When operating machinery with a fully enclosed cab or a roll-over protective structure bar (ROPS), always wear your seatbelt. In the event of a crash, a seatbelt will prevent you from being ejected from the machine and keep you in the critical zone of safety to prevent you from being crushed.

•Be visible. Use hazard lights, turn signals and a slow-moving vehicle sign (on both your tractor and the implements you are transporting) to communicate with motorists.

•Take time to wash your tractor’s windows and mirrors to remove any dirt that may obstruct your vision.

•Consider installing a camera system that allows you to see motorists from behind while traveling. With today’s large equipment, it can be difficult to see motorists from behind.

•Make sure all light systems work and are visible before traveling on a

public roadway.

•Make it a practice to transport combine headers separately, using a header transport trailer. Combine headers have become so large that they can take up the entire road if left attached to the combine.

•When preparing to turn off a roadway, turn your hazard lights off briefly before making your turn. This strategy helps break up the visual that a motorist has been seeing over a long period of time and can help “snap” them back into attention. Then, use your turn signals to warn motorists that you will be making a right or left turn, even if it is not at a typical roadway intersection, such as a field approach or entrance.

•Be aware of your surroundings by planning your route to the field before getting behind the wheel. Identify hazards, such as low-hanging power lines, mailboxes, road signs, narrow bridges, railroad crossings, or washed-out/closed roads, that may cause an incident.

•Obey traffic signs. Just as a motorist would obey a yield sign or stop sign, farm equipment operators must also obey road signs.

•When driving on narrow roads, such as a county or township gravel road, yield and safely pull over for oncoming traffic. When possible, pull over on an approach.

•Plan ahead by driving your equipment on public roads during daylight hours and times when traffic conditions are reduced. Understanding your local traffic patterns, such as when local school bus routes are in effect, can help you avoid times with an increased volume of motorists on the roadways.

•Stay in your lane. It is the equipment operator’s responsibility to stay in their lane, and that includes any equipment pieces that are wider than the size of the road lane.

•Exercise caution when allowing motorists to pass you, as they cannot see oncoming traffic. Only pull over to allow motorists to pass you when the road is clear of oncoming traffic.

Safety tips for motorists include:

•Be prepared to slow down when you see flashing hazard lights and a slow-moving vehicle sign, as this may indicate that you are approaching a combine or tractor (pulling a grain cart, tillage equipment, etc.) from behind. When you see this sign, slow down and maintain a distance of at least 50 feet from the machine. Most tractors are not designed to travel at speeds greater than 25 to 30 mph.

•Never assume that it is safe to pass farm equipment. Farm equipment operators may drive from field approach to field approach, making wide turns at unexpected intersections. Think ahead by looking for possible driveways or field approaches that the equipment operator may turn into.

•Passing is risky. Even if the equipment operator seems to be pulling over to allow you to pass, consider other dangers of the situation, such as oncoming traffic you may not be able to see and protruding equipment pieces, such as the folded shanks of tillage equipment. Remember to watch for approaches, as the equipment operator may be preparing to make a turn into a field if you see them starting to pull over.

•Be alert for when the equipment may make a turn. Because farm equipment is so large, making right and left turns can be challenging. When making left turns, farm machine operators will “swing” their equipment far out to the right side of the road before making a left turn. Slow down and do not assume it is safe to pass. Allow the machine operator to complete the turn, as they may have restricted rear visibility and not be aware that you are approaching directly behind them.

•Wear your seatbelt every time you enter a vehicle – whether you are the driver or a passenger. It’s the law.

“Regardless of whether you are driving farm equipment or a vehicle, wear your seatbelt and put the cellphone away,” said Johnson. “Distracted driving is dangerous and illegal.”

For more information on tractor and road safety topics, visit ndsu.ag/trsafety.

Opinion

Friday, October 17, 2025 - Page A4

The Borderland Press

Letter from the Publisher:

I recently became aware of another new scam in our area, which reminded me of a scare I had a few years ago. I wrote about it then and decided to reprint it in this week’s column in the hopes of retaining awareness for all. This is from October 2022…

I had a disturbing thing happen to me last week. I was driving and received a call on my cellphone with a 370 number that I didn’t

recognize. I answered it anyway because sometimes it’s you nice folks reaching out! The caller was a young woman, crying, and her first word was “Mom!” I have grown daughters and this did not sit well with me. I asked who this was but more crying and “Mom, can you come and get me?”

While listening to more frantic crying, I pulled off the road. Her next question was, “Mom, can you hear me?”

I replied, “Yes, what’s your name?!”

Click. By now I’m pretty sure it was a phishing call, but my mother’s heart was saying - yah, but what if it’s not? I contacted my daughters, and all was fine with them, so my racing heart slowed a bit. Still…the granddaughters? Too small for that voice, I thought. So I guess this is similar to the grandchild/grandparent scam that has been rudely circulating for a few years now. Try not to be alarmed if you receive a similar call; just check in with your loved ones to make sure everyone is fine, and try not to drink any more caffeine so your heart will

go back to its regular rhythm. It might have been interesting, though, if I’d have said “Yes, I can come, where are you?” I’ve got a story for you, Dr. Phil!

I continue to delete anything suspicious from my email and social media. I did get a bit nuts with the delete button earlier this week, though, and it looks like it’ll require a 911 call to Charlie to get me out of this one. I hope he picks up and doesn’t delete my number.

sorry, did I ruin your dinner? Honestly, these crimes are making me a little ill.

Snowbirds, have we heard from you regarding your flight south? We need your winter address, so you don’t miss an issue of The Borderland Press!

Give us a call at 701-256-5311, and

we’ll get you taken care of.

Thank you all; have a great week!

Diane Simmons

Publisher publisher@theborderlandpress.com

I’m thankful to have pumpkin in my life. Most recently, a cream cheese, pumpkin strudel muffin brought me great satisfaction. As I thumb through the recipe books looking for my next amazing pumpkin creation, I did run across a few that didn’t sound good at all; ‘pumpkin crimes’ I call them.

An example is pumpkin pasta salad… not happening; pumpkin casserole with ham…argh; pumpkin mac and cheese, pumpkin and maple syrup mashed potatoes…need I go on? I’m

Letter from the Editor: A dear reader named Vonnie Johnson reached out, and although she is from Watford City, she has been subscribing to The Borderland Press since we’ve been printing because “it feels so hometown” to her, as she put it. She said she had spent many days in Langdon visiting and babysitting her grandchildren and got to know a lot of people. Eventually, she said she got to feel as though Langdon was a part of her community, just as much as her own home.

It might be gloomy and chilly outside, but I received an email last week that absolutely brightened my day. One of my favorite things about this job is hearing back from readers (especially when they are compliments)!

It’s heartwarming to hear stories such as this one - a story about a town becoming more than a place but a home - a community to call your own. Vonnie continued to compliment the various recipes and columns we

run in here, and her words were such an encouragement for me.

Vonnie still bakes muffins on a regular basis from a recipe Diane shared a couple of years ago in her column.

Whether you read for the cooking ideas or to catch up on what your neighbors and local communities are doing, thank you to Vonnie and to all of our readers for supporting your local newspaper.

As I write (Monday) winter weather has made its presence known. Nick shared with me earlier that it may be spitting snow this afternoon, and I almost barfed. Well, not really, but you get how excited I am for the white stuff.

This will mark my fifth North Dakota winter, so I’d say no one can call me “riff-raff” anymore. I hear after you make it through four winters without moving that you get a badge or golden star or something. Where’s mine?

Have you done all your winter prep work yet? I cleaned and reorganized the garage after spending all summer using it to create the Fordville mural.

Now there’s plenty of open space to park the cars in there, since we are fortunate enough to have a heated garage.

I still need to clean out my garden and empty out my planters, but we’ve brought the grill back inside and put up our water hoses, amongst other

winterization needs. I had to dig out my “big boots” the other day, and time is ticking down for when I have to pull out the “big jacket” as well.

In brighter news, I love spooky season, as I like to call October. The Borderland Press will be participating in the Spooktacular event, and I promise to not paint my face so frightening that I scare little kids away this year. I sure hope the weather is kind for trick or treaters, too!

Hilary Nowatski Editor

editor@theborderlandpress.com

The Morning Stroll and Cuppa Joe: Rebellion in the 90s

A few weekends ago, my sister called and asked if she could hang out at our house for a few hours on Sunday afternoon. This is not a normal request, so I asked why she was coming here from Grand Forks. Well, it turns out that through the help of social media, her 17-year-old son, a senior at Grand Forks Central, had met a pretty girl from Edinburg that he wanted to see, and my sister had decided she didn’t want him navigating the treacherous roads of Highways 2 and 32 on his own. I stifled a giggle and said sure, come on up.

After dropping her son off at his new girlfriend’s house and leaving with a sack of potatoes (this is Edinburg after all), my sister showed up, ready to hold court at my house until it was time to pick him up again. I couldn’t wait to hear all about the situation.

My first question was why she would feel the need to escort her son, a senior in high school with driving experience in Grand Forks, to the small hamlet of Edinburg. She summed it up in two words – beet trucks. I said well, it’s raining so no one is harvesting, and there’s no beets south of Edinburg. How many beet trucks did you meet? She said none. I laughed and told her that when Gage started dating a girl his sophomore year in high school, we allowed him to drive, alone, to her lake place west of Wahpeton with absolutely zero experience driving outside of Langdon and zero experience on the interstate or in Minnesota lakes country. I realized then that this might be first child (my sister) versus middle child (me) parenting.

I don’t know when my sister started

exhibiting first child behavior, but it certainly wasn’t in her formative high school years. In high school my sister was rebellious, outspoken, butted heads with my parents, partied hard while dating an even more rebellious partier, and promptly moved out of the house when she turned 18, which was in September of her senior year of high school. These traits and behaviors are the exact opposite of the “expected” first child behaviors of being responsible, rule-following perfectionists. Before my sister moved out, she had to sneak into town to hang out with her boyfriend because my parents didn’t like him, and he was scared of my dad. We lived 18 miles out of town in the middle of nowhere, so this was not an easy task. My ingenious sister would claim she was turning in early, go downstairs to her bedroom around 10pm and wait. My mom, a nurse at the hospital, would be getting ready to head into town for the evening shift, which started at 11pm, so she would usually leave by 10:30. My sister, knowing our mom’s schedule, would time her moves ac-

cordingly. At about 10:15, my sister would squeeze out her bedroom window, run over to our unattached garage, slip into the far back of our mom’s minivan and ride to town.

When my mom got to work, my sister would wait for her to go into the hospital then would slip out of the minivan, run the four blocks to her boyfriend’s house, party til about 6am, then head back up to the hospital to hide, undetected, in the back of our mom’s minivan and ride back out to the farm. She claims she only did this once or twice. I didn’t learn about my sister’s late-night escapades until I was in college. We were not friends in high school, so she probably (rightly) assumed I’d squeal on her back then.

Now that the statute of limitations has run out on my parents being able to ground her, it’s a story we use to roast her when needed.

people a reason to get a little nutty.

Just look at Lowen’s videos on Snapchat where he is either singing, combing his mustache, or creating slogans.

I’ve got Bruce Wirth flinging ice bags over his shoulders and Brian washing windows in his free time. Mitch is hunting monster moose, and Eric is hunting monster prime ribs. All this is just passing the time until it dries enough to finish and finish they will like every year before.

I don’t think they would want it any other way. Tailgating is getting pretty serious, as at the last game I walked in and the Cardinal crowd was already in full swing. The bartender took my order and said, “Boy, you guys travel in large packs.” That is the greatest compliment a Class B community can get in my eyes. We all gear up for the convoy to support our boys in football or gals in volleyball this fall season. Of course, there’s the unique stuff that tailgating brings out - goose jerky, bacon wrapped chicken and imported beers that I haven’t heard of before.

If you haven’t been to a road game, I strongly suggest you give it a go.

When my sister became a parent, it was like a switch flipped in her brain.

She went from being Bluto in Animal House to Ma Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie overnight. There was

no safety measure rock unturned when it came to her kids. She has piloted her own personal parenting helicopter for over 20 years and has never crash-landed. I have been waiting for years for one of her kids to follow in her wild and rebellious younger footsteps, to no avail. They are all amazing individuals, and it makes me a little crabby. She deserves at least one kid to be a rebellious punk. I think my mom would agree. I’m still the favorite, right mom?

Sara Goodman is an avid walker who says her best ideas come to her after a morning pot of coffee. She grew up on a cattle ranch in Watford City, N.D. After many years working in healthcare, she now writes, is a substitute teacher and occasionally lends a hand to her hard-working hubby on the farm. She volunteers on several boards and committees in the Langdon community and attends social outings as much as possible.

The Goodman house has two kids at home, one in college and two spoiled cats.

Back to being back above me in the column that rhymes with para, I just can’t put out something that puts people to sleep or that isn’t interesting, so I really had to dig this week to get you a good product. I hope I can brighten your day just a little bit with a little community humor.

Well, now that I’m writing again, a few of you folks have come up to me and said, “it’s good to have you back.” The problem with all that is I find myself from time to time with nothing to say. Unlike the writer

Well, first, let's just visit about the harvest season. It’s almost over, well at least for a few of you, I hope you’re wrapping up. I love a good community where everyone comes together to support a common goal. The elevator staff works longer hours, the café cooks more specials with to-go plates, all the boards change hours for meetings around field time. However, working those long hours gives

Football season is wrapping up as elementary, junior high, and junior varsity have finished their seasons, and we all hold on tight for the varsity playoffs. Being ranked #1 paints a pretty big bullseye on their backs, but

As the countdown continues to the

snowfall, don’t forget about a fun little date we have coming up that starts off the holiday season…Halloween.

In Munich, First Insurance and Horizon Bank have a standing tradition of hosting a Halloween party that serves pizza to trick or treaters at the ambulance center, which gets them ready for a night on the town begging for those delicious sugary treats. It is a great time for grandparents to see the youngsters in the community all geared up looking their best. For the rest of us, it’s a fun night where at the end of the day, my kids bring me back banana Laffy Taffy.

Community

The Borderland Press

Pembilier Nursing Center: PNC Christmas Gift Shop

By Heather Duerre, Life Enrichment Director

Friday, October 17, 2025 - Page A5

Walhalla Public Library news

By Tammy Olson, Director

The kids really enjoyed our Story Hour last week. It was hosted by Michelle Sehrt, and she read ‘The Seeking Tree.’ She also made the kids cupcakes, and they made leaf suncatchers.

We have tablets available to check out at the library with pre-programmed games on them. They are the Thinking Money for Kids games.

Our featured author this week is Mitch Albom with his novel ‘Twice.’

“When he was eight years old, Alfie Logan discovers the magical ability to get second chances. He can undo any moment and live it again. The one catch: he must accept the consequences of his second try - for better

Hello from your friends at PNC! PNC is once again having our resident Christmas Gift Shop. This is an opportunity for our residents to go “shopping” for gifts to give their loved ones over the holiday season. They are also given the opportunity to shop for themselves if they see something they simply can’t live without!

be dropped off on or before Nov. 14 to Heather Duerre at PNC.

We have already received a few generous donations but are still looking for a variety of items to “sell” at our shop. We will accept any new items for any age group. Residents will each be given free “PNC bucks” to use to purchase their items. Donations can

If you are wondering what you could donate, here are just a few ideas: toys, plush blankets, snacks, candy, fuzzy socks, art/craft supplies, sports team gear, and “themed” gift baskets (ex. movie night). We also welcome monetary donations in which we will

PNC has already received a few generous donations but are still looking for a variety of items to “sell” at their Christmas Gift Shop.

purchase items for the shop.

Call or e-mail Heather Duerre if you have any questions at 701- 549-3831 or heather.duerre@pembiliernc.com.

Thank you to everyone for helping us make the Christmas season extra special for our residents!

Surrounding the state in song

Cont’d. From Page A1 Recommendations for respiratory illness season American Indian and Alaska Native children face hospitalization rates up to 10 times higher than other populations.

“RSV goes around every winter and makes people sick, but there are certain groups of people we worry about having more severe outcomes from getting sick with RSV, and that includes infants under the age of two,” said Welsh.

Individuals who are asked to “please not kiss the baby” are likely concerned about RSV and its heightened effects on infants. Young children are not the only high risk population when it comes to RSV, either.

“People over the age of 75 universally, just by age, we consider higher risk,” said Welsh. “Then people age 50 to 75 that have high high risk health conditions, things like heart disease or lung disease or diabetes or those things that could put them at higher risk for complications if they got RSV.” Data shows strong effectiveness of RSV immunizations. One commonly used medication, Nirsevimab, was 80.7% effective in preventing infant hospitalizations. Another medication called Clesrovimab was 61% effective against lower respiratory tract infection and 84% against RSV-related hospitalizations. Older adult vaccines are shown to be 79.6% effective in preventing hospitalizations.

Langdon Area Elementary fifth and sixth graders enjoyed performing in the Surround the State in Song Festival on Saturday, Oct. 11 in Grand Forks.

Langdon Area High School Choir attends

NDSU CHORAL FESTIVAL

Although the pandemic is over, COVID-19 remains a threat with 87 deaths reported in N.D. last year.

Current national trends are showing rising cases and hospitalizations.

The highest hospitalization rates are among people 75 and older, infants under six months, and adults between the ages of 65–74. More than half of hospitalized children had no underlying conditions.

Early treatment reduces hospitalization and the risk of death from COVID-19. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends vaccination for everyone six months and older, with an emphasis high-risk groups. High risk groups include adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and those with chronic diseases (e.g., heart, lung, liver, kidney, or immune disorders); residents in long-term care or congregate settings; children and adults with no previous COVID-19 vaccination; individuals with high-risk household contacts; and/or immunocompromised people and those with obesity, mental health, or substance use disorders.

The CDC adopted these recommendations on Oct. 6, 2025.

Health Tip

Provided by Cavalier County Health District Oct. 17: This Halloween, try festive mocktails or non-alcoholic brews to keep the party fun without the risks. If you drink, remember one craft beer can equal two or more regular beers—plan a sober ride, because buzzed driving is still drunk driving.

On Oct. 6, the Langdon Area high school choir students performed at the NDSU Choral Festival. Their teacher, Kimberly Hart, said the students really enjoyed this experience. While at the festival, Jonathan Lill and Madelyn Crump were honored by being selected to sing in the Chamber Choir as well as receiving the four year award. From row (L-R) Destiny, Eliot, Breanna; middle row: Ruby, Claire, Madelyn, Matilda, Melah; back row: Aidan, Cameron, Thomas, Bradyn, and Jonathan.

TURKEY BINGO TO BE HOSTED IN LEROY Turkey bingo, a bake sale and a bbq meal will be hosted at the Leroy Hall in Leroy, N.D. on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. Doors will open at 1:00 pm with bingo starting at 2:00 pm. A 50/50 drawing will be held for $1.00 per ticket for a chance to win $100 or $200. There’s also a chance to win a $100 meal bundle with a cooler for $5.00 per ticket.

There will also be free door prizes for children 12 and under who register and are present at the bingo.

or worse. He grows up correcting his mistakes and saving himself from adolescent embarrassments. He takes wildly foolish risks to see what it's like to tempt danger and even death.

Eventually, Alfie turns his gift to his love life, redoing moments to make himself more appealing to his many crushes. In time, he falls deeply in love with Gianna, the woman he believes is the one. As the years pass, their relationship is challenged. Alfie's eye begins to wander. He had been warned of a lone caveat to his power: if you undo love that person will never fall in love with you again. Knowing if he gives into temptation, he may risk losing what he has with Gianna, Alfie makes a choice that changes his life and Gianna's life - forever.”

Although they are not as common as they were a few years ago, testing for COVID-19 is still affordable and accessible. Tests are available at pharmacies and other stores. The Cavalier County Health District is still offering free curbside testing as well.

“If you have symptoms, we ask you call ahead, so we don’t expose people to whatever is making you sick in our lobby or hallway,” Welsh requested.

“We’ll run out and do a free curbside covid test for individuals if they’re feeling like they have those symptoms and want to be tested.”

According to HHS, COVID-19 variants continue to evolve, increasing hospitalization risk. Data shows that most hospitalizations involve unvaccinated individuals, or those not recently boosted. Pregnancy vaccination provides passive immunity to newborns and leads to higher antibody levels compared to natural infection during pregnant.

Vaccination for COVID-19 is important, Welsh emphasized. Recently, vaccinations have become a topic of debate.

Many individuals have become suspicious of these medications and are hesitant to receive them. However, Welsh emphasized their safety, and even necessity in modern ages.

I think it’s important to note that vaccines have a long track record of being safe and effective, and I think it’s good that people are critical and ask questions to make informed medical decisions,” said Welsh. “I would urge people to consider that these medical interventions really haven’t changed, and the power of them can be profound for a population.”

Welsh also recommended consulting with healthcare providers, pharmacists, or other trusted individuals in the healthcare industry if they have questions or concerns with vaccinations. She also cautioned that the avenues in which people are getting their medical information from needs to be a trusted, valid, and reputable source.

“I think it’s important to really look at where you’re getting information,” Welsh stated. “Make sure if you’re looking at stuff online, it comes from a reputable source. Is it a research college or a vetted medical journal where studies are rigorous and peer-reviewed and kind of meet all the standards of science.”

Community

Friday, October 17, 2025 - Page A6

Root cellar storage

Katie Henry, Family and Community Wellness Agent, NDSU Extension – Cavalier County them up when needed. They would and coarsely chopped) OR 1 teaspoon store their potatoes in the cool dark- powdered ginger ness of the root cellar as well, in ei- 1⁄2 teaspoon thyme ther wooden boxes or gunny sacks. 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth Believe it or not, people still use root (see notes) cellars today to store their food, but 1 cup water it’s much less common that days 1 tablespoon lemon juice gone by.

1⁄2 cup plain nonfat yogurt Directions The good news is that a root cellar Cut and prepare squash, pears, and can be used, but it doesn’t have to garlic. be used. We can use what we have, Heat oil in a large pot over medium either a cool room in a basement or heat. a refrigerator set to the right environ- Add onions and cook, stirring conment. The major points to have right stantly until softened (about 3 to 4 for each food item you are storing minutes).

A question was asked the other day are: temperature, humidity, ventila- Add squash, pears, garlic, ginger and about storing root vegetables and tion, and harvest/storage. Sawdust thyme; cook and continue to stir for 1 squash over the winter months. It and sand can be useful when storing minute. brought me back to thoughts of his- foods over winter. Depending on the Add broth and water, and bring to a torical significance and food storage. food, the proper storage can prolong simmer.

The amount of time and energy that your garden goodness to last well Reduce heat to low, cover, and simwould go into food storage in the day past the long winter days. mer until squash is tender (about 35of the pioneers was so crucial to their 45 minutes). wellbeing. They would store foods in Since it’s fall and autumn squash has Use a blender or food processor to puorder for them to last through the win- just been harvested due to our recent ree the soup (in batches if necessary). ter and into spring and even part of frost, here is a recipe courtesy of Pur- Follow the manufacturer’s directions summer time. They would also store due Extension: for pureeing hot liquids. the seeds and starters for replanting Return soup to pot and heat through. in the spring. The amount of work, Autumn Squash Bisque with Gin- Stir in lemon juice. time, and effort that went into main- ger Garnish each serving with a spoonful taining all of these things just to sur- Ingredients: of yogurt. vive is awe inspiring.

2 teaspoons vegetable oil Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

2 cups onions (sliced) One thing that used to happen was 2 pounds winter squash (peeled, As always, contact me if you have any that they would dig root cellars and seeded, and cut into 2-inch cubes — questions or if you would like a recipe use the warmth from the earth in about 4 generous cups) for a specific garden item you have. combination with the cold from the 2 pears (peeled, cored, and diced) You can call (256-2560), email (kaatmosphere to keep their vegetables OR 1 15 oz. can sliced pears (drained tie.d.henry@ndsu.edu), or stop into safe for use. It was almost like a built- and chopped) the NDSU Extension office at the Cavin refrigerator. They would bury their 2 cloves garlic (peeled and crushed) alier County Courthouse. Even if you carrots in the earth of the root cellar 2 tablespoons fresh ginger (peeled don’t have a root cellar, I hope you or use sand in boxes to keep them enjoy garden produce all winter long. stored in a cool, dark place and dig

The Borderland Press

A Saint’s Spotlight: A season of growth and gratitude

By Alyssa Okwudili, St. Alphonsus School Administrator

with what they are learning about in the classroom.

On Sept. 22, our fourth grade students explored Icelandic State Park and the Pembina County Historical Museum. They soaked in so much history that was displayed right in front of them! This field trip was a supplement to their North Dakota studies.

We have been in a time of transition in our church, as the sanctuary has been remodeled. I am happy to report that the church has reopened for parish masses, and our students worshiped back in the church for the first time last week. It’s so beautiful!

We’re so happy with how everything came together.

For the beginning of the school year, we worshiped elsewhere. We were so fortunate to use our school gymnasium for mass while the church was be-

On Friday, Sept. 26 our second and third graders took a trip to the NDSU Langdon Research Extension Center and connected in a hands-on way with agriculture and nature. They picked leaves and learned about types of trees, learned about types of crops, picked apples, and maybe even went home with a pumpkin! It’s important for students to know where their food comes from and how it is grown.

On Friday, Oct. 3 our K-fifth grades took a field trip to the Grafton Corn Maze. It was a fun trip on a beautiful day with plenty of running around and fresh air! The students packed a picnic lunch and took in all the corn maze had to offer - including train

Wandering in Walhalla

The dangers lurking at the grocery store… ly quickly. Items started jumping into my cart… Before I knew it, I had three different kinds of pickle spears, carrots, ranch dip, apples (I wish caramel had jumped in with them), and pork chops.

I won’t complain about the cost of groceries, as I know everyone is struggling - but what should have been a $20 card swipe quickly became a $60 card swipe.

Monday afternoon, I was leaving the Langdon office. I knew I hadn’t had lunch. I knew I wanted a snack for the ride home, and I needed to figure out an idea for dinner. I fully believe the worst part of being an adult is having to decide what to fix for dinner each night. I tell myself time and time again - I don’t need to go grocery shopping while I’m hungry - but I never heed my own advice.

What started as a potential trip for a bag of chips or a sandwich and some ideas for dinner got out of hand fair-

As I was loading my bags into the car, I was taking note of what I wanted to snack on as I drove home vs. what could go in the backseat. I was really excited about the jars of pickle spears that had jumped in.

I cranked the car, pulled out one of the jars of pickles, and with all my might, I tried to open the jar. No luck. I tried a bit harder and summoned all my shehulk power - still no luck. For a moment, I

contemplated driving back to the office and asking Nick for assistance, but alas, I settled for the bag of chips that jumped in my cart.

Be sure to check out all the sports photos this week. Our girls have been hard at work on the volleyball court.

Hot take: Do you prefer caramel apples on a stick or do you think they should be served already cut up?

Let me know!

Rebecca Davis/Reporter rebecca@theborderlandpress.com

Members of our 6-8th grade choir continued to share music while Mass was held in our gymnasium. The choir is under the direction of Mrs. Becky Tollefson.

ing updated. This has brought many opportunities to express gratitude. It’s been wonderful to see our students help set up and take down the chairs after Sunday mass and for Wednesday morning mass. They are such great helpers, and we hope it helps to instill a sense of giving.

Another way our students have been sharing gifts and talents is by singing during our Wednesday mass. The 6-8th grade choir is under the direction of Mrs. Becky Tollefson, who also serves as accompanist. We love that they share their sweet gifts with us.

Some of our students have stepped outside the classroom for field trips.

We love it when we can give our students hands-on experiences to go

rides, a corn pit, and, of course, the maze.

I enjoy hearing the students come back into the school, excited about their adventures. They are curious, they ask questions about the world around them, and they soak in knowledge. It’s wonderful to witness.

We’re so fortunate to have such dedicated teachers, staff, and guardians who make these adventures possible.

Together, they help our students grow - not just in knowledge but in faith, gratitude, and community.

Mrs. Alyssa Okwudili is in her first year as administrator at St. Alphonsus School. To reach her, you may dial the school office at 701-256-2354.

Lifestyle

The Borderland Press

Friday, October 17, 2025 - Page A7

Prairie Fare: Beets, Brussels sprouts and beyond — Giving veggies a second chance

By Julie Garden-Robinson, NDSU Extension food and nutrition specialist

“My least favorite would have to be okra, because it is slimy, but I had breaded, deep-fried okra and that was pretty good,” I noted after pondering the question.

Breading and deep-frying makes almost anything pretty tasty but not necessarily health-promoting (that’s how I tried Florida alligator, by the way).

“What’s your least favorite vegetable and why?” our produce safety workshop leader asked.

Okra is especially popular in Southern cuisine. It gets its texture from glycoproteins (literally “sugar-proteins”) that are “mucilaginous.” The soluble fiber is good for us, but it has a slimy mouthfeel. Some of the mucilage can be counteracted by soaking it in vinegar.

We were at the workshop to help people produce and process fresh fruits and vegetables safely, and we had a little fun with this icebreaker.

Is there a vegetable that you cannot tolerate for various reasons? Unfortunately, some people dislike vegetables entirely.

“My least favorite vegetable is beets, because they taste like dirt,” she added.

Nutrition experts recommend about 4 ½ cups of vegetables and fruits daily for kids and adults. That’s 2 ½ cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit, with whole fruit more valuable to our health than fruit juice. Most people do not reach this goal.

I have been asked about my favorite fruits, vegetables, soups, casseroles and other foods during icebreakers, but never my least favorite.

People began waxing on about their disdain for Brussels sprouts, broccoli, turnips, eggplants, rutabagas, mushrooms, hot peppers and avocados.

Texture and flavor were the issues — bringing lots of laughs as they shared their polarizing views of vegetables.

I had to think hard to come up with a vegetable I don’t like. When I was young, we grew most of our vegetables. We ate the vegetables served in the bowls on the table, even Brussels sprouts and beets.

Remember that it can take 12 to 15 exposures to a food before people will accept it. In other words, you need to be patient.

While we may not have to like every type of food, sometimes the preparation method can help us overcome our dislike.

Most of us fall short of filling half of our plates with fruits and vegetables, which is the current recommendation.

Try these ideas to explore more veggies:

•Get involved in gardening — even on a small-scale level, such as containers on a patio.

•Enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables available in grocery stores.

•Visit a farmers market and interact with the growers who produced the food.

•Partake in a salad bar at a restaurant and set a goal to add something new to your plate — maybe pickled vegetables or chickpeas on top of your salad.

•Try serving “meals in a bowl.” Set up a buffet to enjoy taco bowls with plenty of lettuce, tomatoes and other veggies. See “Pinchin’ Pennie$ in the Kitchen: 5 Steps to Making Your Own Meal in a Bowl” from North Dakota State University Extension.

•Eat family-style meals or host a healthy potluck with your friends and family. Be good role models for each other.

Don’t force people, especially kids, to try foods. That’s a surefire way to resistance.

Experiment with different preparation methods for veggies, such as roasting, grilling or air-frying.

See ag.ndsu.edu/fieldtofork for handouts, recipes and recorded webinars to learn more about fresh produce from apples to zucchini. The NDSU Extension handout “A Pocket Guide to Preparing Fruits and Vegetables” features numerous ways to enjoy fruits and vegetables.

Have you tried squash soup? This naturally sweet and savory soup will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Butternut Squash, Pumpkin and Apple Soup 1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 heaping cups) 1 yellow onion, finely chopped 1 medium apple, cored and roughly chopped (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)

2 tablespoons olive oil, canola oil or til golden brown (5 to 7 minutes). Top favorite oil soup with croutons.

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (to Optional toppings: sour cream, pumptaste preference) kin seeds, chopped pecans, fresh 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or herbs (rosemary, thyme sage or basil) 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger) 1 teaspoon salt 1 (14.5-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pie filling) 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth) Preheat oven to 400 F. Cube butternut squash, onions and apple. Lightly coat them with oil, then roast in the oven for 8-10 minutes until softened. Makes 12 servings. With croutons, Transfer to a pot (or use a Dutch oven), each serving has 110 calories, 3 then stir in pumpkin pie spice, ginger grams (g) fat, 2 g protein, 22 g carboand salt; cook 1 minute. Add pumpkin hydrate, 5 g fiber and 390 milligrams puree and broth; stir well to combine. sodium.

Bring the soup to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., R.D., Squash should be fork-tender. Care- L.R.D., is a North Dakota State Unifully transfer soup to a blender using a versity Extension food and nutrition ladle, or use an immersion blender (if specialist and professor in the Deblender isn’t large enough to hold the partment of Health, Nutrition and Exentire batch of soup, blend in 2 sep- ercise Sciences. arate batches). Secure lid on blender. Remove center piece of blender lid and place a clean kitchen towel over the opening to avoid splatters.

Process soup until smooth, about 45 to 60 seconds.

Divide soup evenly among bowls and top with garnishes of choice.

Croutons (prepare while soup simmers): 1 loaf sourdough or plain sandwich bread Seasonings as desired (onion powder, garlic powder, etc.)

Preheat oven to 400 F. Cut bread into 1-inch squares and coat lightly with oil and season as desired. Place on sheet tray and bake un- It can take 12 to 15 exposures to accept a food new to you.

(Pixabay photo)

Prairie Doc® Perspective: The what if’s

By Debra Johnston, MD

explaining her autopsy report to her devastated parents.

She’d died from an infection that her young, previously healthy body just couldn’t fight. It hadn’t taken long; she’d started running a fever the night before, and her parents brought her to the clinic the next afternoon.

The flight crew hadn’t even gotten to our ER before she lost the battle.

Let’s call her Sarah, although that wasn’t her name. I’d had the privilege of delivering her, and the fun of watching her grow into a precocious toddler, with an impish smile and a joyous laugh. Then I had the responsibility of

Of course we all had “what ifs” to torment ourselves with. What if mom had breast fed for longer? What if dad hadn’t taken her to that play date, with the little friend who had a runny nose? What if the doctor (me) had been more detailed in the “how to tell when she’s really sick” discussion?

What if her parents had brought her to the ER that morning, instead of to the clinic that afternoon?

The “what if” that has tormented me the most, though, is what if she’d been born just a year or two later?

The infection that killed my little patient was caused by streptococcus pneumoniae. The original version of the Prevnar vaccine, which taught a child’s immune system to fight seven strains of that bacteria, was introduced in 2000. Shortly after, the rates of serious infections from these bacteria dropped precipitously, and not just in the children who got the shots. Adults also benefited, to varying degrees.

One modernized version of the Hippocratic oath contains the phrase “I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.”

I don’t remember if my classmates and I said those particular words on graduation day, but it’s a philosophy

I wholeheartedly endorse, and one I try to live by. I nag my patients to eat more fruits and vegetables, and to get their calcium. I nag them to exercise more. I nag them to quit smoking.

I urge them to get to the eye doctor, and to the dentist. I remind them that seatbelts save lives, that helmets save lives, that smoke detectors save lives; that vaccines save lives.

I don’t know that the Prevnar vaccine

would have saved little Sarah. No vaccine is perfectly protective. She might still have gotten seriously ill. She might still have died.

But I do know it would have shifted the odds in her favor.

Dr. Debra Johnston is a Family Medicine Physician at Avera Medical Group Brookings in Brookings, SD. She serves as one of the Prairie Doc Volunteer Hosts during its 24th Season providing Health Education Based on Science, Built on Trust. Follow The Prairie Doc® at www.prairiedoc.org, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Tik Tok. Prairie Doc Programming includes On Call with the Prairie Doc®, a medical Q&A show (most Thursdays at 7pm, YouTube and streaming on Facebook), two podcasts, and a radio program (on SDPB, Sundays at 6am and 1pm).

Dakota Gardener: The steel magnolia for the Dakotas

By Tom Kalb, Horticulturist, NDSU Extension

The cold hardiness of its flower buds is vastly superior to the cold hardiness of any other cultivar’s flower buds. The buds of Spring Welcome® are known to tolerate spring frosts and still bloom profusely.

Spring Welcome® has proven to be winter hardy in USDA hardiness zone 4 for the past 20 years, even after winter temperatures of minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring Welcome® has outperformed other Loebner magnolia hybrids tested in zone 4.

This zone includes all of N.D. except for along the Canadian border.

Magnolia trees are cherished for their showy, fragrant blossoms in early spring. Common in southern landscapes, magnolias are rarely grown in the Dakotas because their blossoms are sensitive to spring frosts.

The phrase “steel magnolia” is used to describe a woman who is both lovely and shows toughness under adversity. Lovely and tough—that’s exactly the type of magnolia tree we need in the Dakotas.

Get to know our steel magnolia, Spring Welcome®. Developed by North Dakota State University, this small tree should be your first consideration when selecting a magnolia.

For those of you living near Canada, the cold hardiness of Spring Welcome® makes it clearly the best and perhaps your only option.

Spring Welcome® resists pests and diseases and is rarely damaged by deer or rabbits.

Developed in N.D., this magnolia tolerates our prairie soils much better than most magnolias.

The tree has a vigorous habit and blooms at a young age. It grows in an oval to rounded form to about 15 feet high and 10 to 15 feet wide. It can be

single or multi-trunked.

The greatest risk when growing any magnolia is that its flowers freeze to death. Our primary goal must be to delay the opening of the blooms as long as possible to avoid their exposure to freezing weather in spring.

It is very important to add shredded bark mulch under the tree. This mulch will insulate the soil, preventing the soil from warming up quickly in early spring. Remember, we want to keep the site cool in spring.

To put it another way, we want to keep the planting site cool to keep the tree dormant and safe from killing frosts for as long as possible in the spring.

Start by selecting a suitable planting site. Magnolias prefer a sunny or partly sunny location. An east-facing site is preferred because it receives the cool morning sun. This allows the tree to stay dormant longer. South- and west-facing sites are riskier because warm afternoon temperatures may trigger the magnolia to wake up prematurely.

Once the site is selected, get a bale or two of sphagnum peat moss to creRebecca Davis

Spring Welcome® magnolia is absolutely lovely. Its light-pink buds unfurl into large, fragrant, pristine-white flowers. It has attractive, dark-green, leathery leaves that turn greenish yellow to bronze in autumn.

Spring Welcome® is a dazzler in spring. Its flowers open before its leaves emerge, and these blooms are big and showy. This tree is often used as a focal point in flower plantings, foundation plantings or near terraces and patios.

Spring Welcome® has stunning looks, but the true beauty of Spring Welcome® lies within its toughness.

ate a 6-inch-high bed for the tree. Mix this mulch into the native soil before planting. A moss-enriched bed will improve drainage and add acidity to the soil, which every magnolia tree will appreciate.

Developed by North Dakota State University, the Spring Welcome® magnolia tree is beautiful and has proven to be winter-hardy for the Dakotas. (NDSU photo)

I invite you to grow Spring Welcome®, the steel magnolia for the Dakotas. To order one of these trees for planting next spring, search online or contact your local nursery.

For more information about gardening, contact your local NDSU Extension agent. Find the Extension office for your county at www.ndsu.edu/ agriculture/extension/county-extension-offices.

Friday, October 17, 2025 - Page A8

Church

The Borderland Press

From the Pastor’s Desk: Walk-in clinic

By Don Barsness -- Salem Bible Church, Munich place of punishment, we are given a gift -- never-ending spiritual life. This is how Jesus described the impact of God’s favor, “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my [Jesus’] words and believes [God] who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24).

An ad for an area walk-in clinic caught my eye. The billboard headline raised the question, “Why wait when you can just walk in?” The convenience of the clinic was contrasted with the bother of being sick or injured -- physical aches and pains that “pop up at the most inconvenient times.”

I had to agree. Medical needs, by their very nature, disrupt our lives. The stress of those needs is compounded when there is a delay in getting medical attention. In the pursuit of restored health, we’ve determined that sooner is better than later.

A walk-in clinic, where the approximate wait time is less than 30 minutes, seems made-to-order. No appointment is necessary. With doctors and nurses available at three locations, we can even go online to see which clinic is least busy. It makes sense. When I’m sick or injured, maybe I should go to a walk-in clinic. After all, “Why wait when [I] can just walk in?” But what if my needs are spiritual?

Vibrant spiritual health is an inward reality of being alive to God. We flourish in our mutual fellowship with Him -- knowing God’s love for us and responding in love for Him. Our relationship with God is fostered when we, through faith in Jesus Christ, appropriate God’s grace to us in Jesus.

In the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus; God provides rescue from the results of our sin against God. In the

God’s activity to give eternal life to us starts long before any of us has faith to receive the gift. God makes us aware of our spiritual needs. While physical emergencies may prompt us to seek a walk-in clinic, our spiritual longings alert us to our need for God. Aware of our spiritual need, we find God more than ready to help us. We don’t have to make an appointment.

There is no waiting in line. When we ask God to attend to the spiritual issues of our lives, God’s grace and our faith bring startling results.

Paul, the Apostle, wrote, “Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come fearlessly into God’s presence, assured of His glad welcome” (Ephesians 3:12). Longing for spiritual health, the thought of “God’s glad welcome” encourages our pursuit of His grace and goodness.

When facing the challenges of spiritual health, let this headline capture our attention, “Why wait when you can just walk in?” God reminds us of His grace and inspires us to trust Him. The apostle recaps God’s great love and His delight when we look to Him for spiritual life. Why wait?

Obituaries

The Borderland Press counted. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Paul was born on July 13, 1964, in Langdon, N.D. He spent his life working hard and being there for the people around him. As a graduate of Edmore High School, Paul lived and worked in Edmore his entire life. He began his career at Nelson’s Body Shop then worked at the Edmore Elevator (CHS) and was employed at North Prairie Ag (Farmers Union) at the time of his passing.

Paul Richard Kuchar (“Zipper”) July 13, 1964 ~ Oct. 4, 2025 A Celebration of Life was held October 11, 2025, in Devils Lake, N.D., for Paul Richard Kuchar “Zipper,” 61, of Edmore, N.D., who passed away on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, leaving behind a lifetime of hard work, laughter, and more good deeds than can be

Donna Rae (Stremick) Coyle

April 16, 1941 - Sept. 16, 2025 A funeral was held October 3, 2025, in Brainerd, Minn., for Donna Rae Coyle, 84, of Hillman, Minn., who passed away from complications of dementia on Sept. 16, 2025, in Brainerd. A future private interment will be held at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

Donna was born April 16, 1941, in Langdon, N.D., to Ralph and Lorraine Stremick. After graduating from St. Alphonsus High School, she pursued a

Daniel Wayne Johnson

Daniel Wayne Johnson, 83, of Detroit Lakes, Minn., passed away peacefully on Sept. 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Dan was born on May 11, 1942, in Langdon, N.D., to Chris and Juanita

One of Paul’s favorite spots was the Beer:30 Bar uptown, where he spent many evenings enjoying time with friends in his comfort zone. If you entered the bar as a stranger, you likely left as a friend because you left knowing Paul.

Paul embraced new things even later career as an x-ray technician in Minneapolis and Los Angeles. Later, Donna was a pharmacy clerk for 10 years at Roberts Drugs in Woodbury, Minn.

Donna and Jerry were married Oct. 24, 1961, in Imperial Beach, Cali.

They welcomed children Carla and Mike while living in the San Diego area. Donna and Jerry were partners in life as well as in his career, moving across the country for his various positions in San Diego, Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, El Paso, and St. Paul.

Donna became an expert at packing up and settling her family in the new location. She was always quick to find friends and a bowling alley wherever she was. Finally, they retired to build their home on Platte Lake near Hillman.

In the Platte Lake community, Donna was the longtime treasurer of the local Lions Club. Cheerfully, she donated her time to many charitable events like the holiday weekend hot dog sale, the annual fishing tournament, and she chaired the Christmas wreath sale.

Johnson. He grew up on the family farm and enjoyed the quiet charm of his hometown. After graduating from high school, he proudly served in the United States Navy and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. After his military service, Dan was employed by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, where he was consistently recognized for his dedication and top sales performance. In 1970, he married Corrine, and together, they raised three beloved children, Missy, Maari, and Chris, in Lake Park, Minn. Surrounded by the peace of rural life, Dan found joy in raising horses and instilled in his family the values of hard work and integrity. Later in life, Dan was blessed with the companionship of his special friend, Donna Jacobs. Their bond was filled with joy and adventure - from working in the yard during Minnesota summers to soaking up the Arizona

in life; he got his first cell phone at age 59 (thanks to his brother, Dale) and quickly learned to navigate technology. He even became an Amazon shopper much to everyone’s surprise.

Sundays were Paul’s time to relax, usually spent watching NASCAR unless he was called away for an urgent task, often with his good friend, Lloyd Sanderson. He also took care of the farmyard for his godparents, Jim and Carol Novacek. His collection of lawn mowers was legendary.

Though Paul never married, he had a large and loving family. He is survived by his brother, Dale (Mary) Kuchar, of Osnabrock, N.D.; and sisters: Kaye Peterson (Mike) of Harwood, N.D., Lori Frith (Kevin) of Devils Lake, N.D., Lynn Henke of Mandan, N.D., Jill Schlosser (Scott) of Bismarck, N.D., and Karen Wolf (Jimmy) of Devils Lake. He is also survived by many adored nieces and Donna and Jerry became active members of Zion Lutheran Church in 1990.

She was a devoted Christian, serving faithfully as a secretary, usher, and enjoyed singing in the choir.

A lifelong bowler, Donna’s favorite activity was league bowling. She was a talented bowler with several 500 and 600 series. She enjoyed being treasurer of her league for several years.

Donna loved traveling to the national tournaments with her teammates. At her final tournament, Donna was honored by the US Bowling Conference with a plaque for 30 years participation. Additionally, Donna loved traveling, golfing, snowmobiling, Twins baseball (especially Joe Mauer), and the Vikings. She loved to cook for a crowd, fried countless tacos, and always made Christmas beautiful. Donna was a good sport with a quick wit and a friendly greeting for everyone.

She was a proud Grandma to her grandchildren and great-grandsons.

Above all, Donna was devoted to her loving family and friends. She is survived by Gerald, her husband of 64 sun in the winter. While in Arizona, their love for dancing made them local favorites at the VFW, and he found joy in attending his grandson's soccer games. Dan returned full-time to Minnesota in 2023, where he lived at The Estates in Moorhead and enjoyed the companionship of both old and new friends. His final months were spent at Ecumen in Detroit Lakes, where he continued to touch the lives of those around him.

Dan's personality was magnetic - he had a twinkle in his eye and a smile that lit up a room; his warmth made everyone feel welcome. He never met a stranger, was always ready with a story or one-liner, and had a heart as generous as the day is long. Whether he was working outdoors, playing pool, or enjoying a game of pinochle.

Dan brought a spirited joy to every-

Friday, October 17, 2025 - Page A9 nephews. Paul also leaves behind his fiancée, June Berger, of Park River, N.D. Paul and June shared many wonderful years together and spent more time on the phone than many married couples.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Laddie and Jessie Kuchar, and sisters Jean Kuchar and Mary Willey.

Paul will be remembered for his big heart and the way he always showed up for others.

Go rest high on that mountain, son.

Your work on earth is done.

Gilbertson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

years; daughter Carla Coyle Connelly; son Mike (Angie) Coyle; grandchildren: Steven (Madi) Olson, Jacqueline Olson, Rebecca (Spencer) Austing, Jacob Coyle, Allison Coyle, and Mason Coyle; great-grandsons Arlo Olson and Henry Austing; siblings Kenneth (Dianne) Stremick, Candace (Gary) Bimler, and Mark Stremick; aunt Beverly Myers; many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Donna was preceded in death by her parents; brother Gary Stremick; and sonin-law Michael K. Connelly.

Despite dementia, Donna remained her friendly and feisty self and continued to make new friends along her journey. Our heartfelt thanks to the caring teams at Pierz Harmony House, Pierz Villa, and St Joseph’s Hospital, Brainerd. We appreciated the many cheerful visits from family and friends. Thank you for your love and support. May Donna’s spirit continue to live in the hearts of all who love her.

Arrangements were entrusted to Halvorson Taylor Funeral Home, Brainerd. thing he did.

He is survived by his loving children: Missy Dosmann, Maari (Jon) Boatman, and Chris Johnson (Erin LaForge); their mother, Corrine Johnson; and his cherished grandchildren, Colton and Caden Dosmann. He also leaves behind his special friend, Donna Jacobs; her daughters, Jenni (Jake) Melin and Gerilyn (Tristan) Kusnierek; and their children, Kyra and Jordan. His memory lives on through his sisters, Patty (Jerry) Hanson and Jeri Stremick-Mutcher, as well as dear cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, along with several cherished family members and friends who surely welcomed him home with open arms.

Walhalla Senior Meals Menu Monday, Oct. 20 Tatortot Casserole•Coleslaw •Applesauce•1 WW Bread Tuesday, Oct. 21 Hamburger on WW Bun•Lettuce, Tomato, Onion•Vegetable Soup•Tropical Fruit•Crackers Wednesday, Oct. 22 Turkey with Dressing•Mashed Potatoes•Yams•Pumpkin Dessert with Topping•Cranberries•1 WW Bun Thursday, Oct. 23 Beef Stroganoff•Noodles •Romaine Salad with Dressing Broccoli•Peaches•1 WW Bread Friday, Oct. 24 Chili with Beans•Baked Potato•Green Beans•Cherries Crackers•1 WW Bread This is a menu for the Walhalla Title III Older Americans Act Food Program. The full cost of the meal is $13.00. Suggested donation for those 60 and older is $4.00. EBT/SNAP accepted.

Under 60 are required to pay $13.00. Meal site is Waters Family Restaurant, 1108 Central Ave., Walhalla. Call 701-5492443 before 10:00 a.m. to place an order for congregate, pick up, or home delivered meals.

Cavalier County Senior Menu Monday, Oct. 20 Chili/Baked Potato/Crackers/Fruit Tuesday, Oct. 21 Baked Cod/Wild Carrots/Fruit

Rice/Parslied

Wednesday, Oct. 22 Turkey Meatloaf/Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes/Peas/Banana Cream Pie Thursday, Oct. 23 Tomato Soup/Grilled Cheese/Side Salad/Fruit Friday, Oct. 24 Liver and Onions/Loaded Potato Bake/Glazed Carrots/Fruit EBT/SNAP accepted.

Full cost of a meal: $10.00. Suggested Donation: $5.50 for those over 60 years of age. Please contribute what you can. Those under 60 are required to pay the full cost of the meal. Menus are subject to change. Due to COVID-19, we have been experiencing shipping issues and food shortages.

Friday, October 17, 2025 - Page A10

Region

The Borderland Press

Optometrist announces retirement Take steps to prevent type 2 diabetes with free lifestyle program in Walsh Co. signed to support participants with 16 weekly meetings and six follow-up core sessions to complete the year.

Scheduled meeting dates to date are as follows: Nov. 12, 19, 24 and Dec. 3, 10, 17, 22, 29. Future sessions are yet to be determined but will likely be held on Wednesdays.

To qualify, participants must meet all of the following: be 18 years or older; have a BMI of 25 or higher; not be diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes; and not be currently pregnant.

Participants must also meet one of the following criteria: diagnosed with Prediabetes; previously diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes; or received a high-risk result on the Prediabetes Risk Test.

This free lifestyle program will help participants learn practical strategies for healthy eating, increasing physical activity, managing stress, and maintaining motivation.

PARK RIVER, N.D. — The Walsh County Extension Office is offering the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP), a CDC-approved, year-long lifestyle change program that helps individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes prevent or delay the disease through small, sustainable lifestyle changes.

Participants learn practical strategies for healthy eating, increasing phys-

ical activity, managing stress, and maintaining motivation. Benefits of the program include weight loss, improved health, and a reduced risk of developing diabetes.

The program will meet at the Walsh County Extension Office, located at 101 Co. Rd. 12B, Park River, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Participation is free of charge. The NDDP program is de-

To see if one qualifies for the program, visit the CDC’s Prediabetes Risk Test online to learn more at https://www. cdc.gov/prediabetes/risktest/index. html.

Questions about the program can be directed to Katie Thompson at (701) 284-6624 or Kari Helgoe at (701) 265-8411. For those that qualify and wish to register, please go to https:// ndc3.org/class/2275-2/.

Inmate’s name released after death at Walsh County Jail

By Mike Alan Steinfeldt

On Wednesday, Oct. 8, the Walsh County Sheriff’s office released the name of the inmate who died while in custody on Sunday, Oct. 5 in the jail at the Walsh County Law Enforcement Center in Grafton.

Shortly after 10:30 a.m. that Sunday, correctional officers noticed Patrick Donald Aune, 39, suffering from what appeared to be a medical emergency. Correctional officers and deputies immediately began life-saving measures. The Walsh County Paramedic and Valley Ambulance and Rescue

Service were called to the jail to assist in medical intervention, but all attempts at resuscitation were unsuccessful, and Aune died at the scene.

Less than 24 hours earlier, Aune had been arrested on six different felony charges, including arson, criminal mischief and resisting arrest.

Aune allegedly started a fire inside the home at 119 Pine Street in Park River by pouring gasoline inside the home and cutting an active gas line with a grinder outside the home. It was also determined that Aune cut active gas

lines at three other locations in Park River.

An autopsy to determine the cause of death for Aune was scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 7. An investigation into Aune’s death is being conducted by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

In a statement last week, the Walsh County Sheriff’s office said no other information about Aune’s death will be released at this time.

Minneapolis man accused of 15 charges in Grand Forks

By Nick Vorlage

Sentencing was issued on Monday for a Minneapolis man accused of 15 different drug and theft charges in Grand Forks.

Tyler Gene Berg, 34, was named in three separate court cases in Northeast Central District Court. In one case, Berg was accused of writing false checks. In a second case, Berg was accused of selling fentanyl to

an undercover informant. The third and largest case alleges an executed search warrant at Berg’s residence found numerous narcotics, including fentanyl, meth, marijuana, depressants, and hallucinogenics.

The three cases were all filed in 2022, however, Berg was not arrested for the charges until 2024, as he was in custody in Hennepin County, Minn.,

on unrelated charges.

Fast forward to this past Monday, Berg would plead guilty to most of the charges. Sentencing for Berg was 25 years with the Department of Correction with 10 years suspended and 612 days credit. He will have to pay $5,810 in restitution and serve three years supervised probation when he is released from custody.

From (L-R) Dr. Miranda Dusek, Dr. Dori Carlson, Dr. Mark Helgeson, Dr. Jaime Hoenke, and Dr. Michelle Carter. After 35 years of service, Dr. Mark Helgeson has announced his retirement.

It has now been 35 years since Dr. Dori Carlson and Dr. Mark Helgeson opened Heartland Eye Care in the basement of St. Ansgar's Hospital in Park River. It was a tiny space that allowed one exam room, limited reception seating and a small optical display area.

After three years in the "garden level" of St. Ansgar's, they moved across the street to a vacant clinic space and purchased Grafton Vision Clinic from Dr. James Gaustad in Grafton. Fast forward 22 years, another move, and several remodels; they now have their two modern eye health and vision clinics that serve northeastern N.D. After all these years, Dr. Helgeson is announcing his retirement effective Jan. 1, 2025.

“It has been my absolute pleasure

and privilege to care for you and your family throughout this time and to the end of 2025,” said Dr. Helgeson. “Yet with that, I welcome a new graduate from Pacific University College of Optometry, Dr. Miranda Dusek. She is a Grafton original returning ‘home’ to provide advanced eye care for the area. Dr. Dusek brings warmth, intellect and youthful experience that will complement the excellent care that Dr. Carlson, Dr. Hoenke and Dr. Carter continue to provide every day of the year in both of our locations.”

Eye health and vision care are ever-changing, so our doctors and staff pledge to provide state-of-the-art services to their patients always.

“Thank you for trusting us to care for you and your family,” said Dr. Helgeson.

Cass County woman sues over video game

By Nick Vorlage

An anonymous 19-year-old woman from Cass County is suing the creators of the popular video game platform ‘Roblox.’

According to the plaintiff, in 2020 when she was 13 years old, she was sexually groomed and exploited on the platform by a male predator. The victim’s lawsuit against Roblox alleges there were no safety measures to protect her, a minor, from interacting with child predators.

Her lawsuit follows a string of similar legal actions against Roblox Corporation. Dozens of lawsuits have been filed, and three state attorney generals are taking legal action, claiming the platform - which was thought to be a safe place for children - was an epicenter for exploitation.

Roblox has over 70 million daily active users, 60% of which are under the age of 16.

FALL SPORTS #1 Cards run over #4 Aggies, clinch Region 2A title in battle of 7-0 teams Langdon-Munich rolls up 305 yards rushing and five TDs, led by Sam Davis with 193 in 42-22 win

By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor

A lot of hype had been building for the Langdon-Munich Cardinals latest football game at the Park River Area Aggies on Oct. 10. Both teams came into the game unbeaten with records of 7-0; the Cards were ranked first and the Aggies fourth. The Cards pulled away after a close first half and won 42-22. The win, combined with a Grafton loss, clinched the Region 2A title for the Cardinals once again this season and also got them the top conference seed for the upcoming Class A 11-man playoffs, which begin on Oct. 25. Langdon-Munich had one more regular season game, which was played at home versus Grafton on Senior Night, on Oct. 16.

In the game at Park River, the temperature was in the lower 60's, which made for a perfect evening for a huge crowd of fans on hand for both teams.

Langdon-Munich got the upper hand early, scoring twice in the first quarter.

Jax Johnson hooked up with Tanner McDonald on a 40-yard pass, which set up a Johnson two-yard run. PRA went three and out on their next series, which was followed by a blocked punt by Landon Schneider. On the very next play, Sam Davis started up a big night on the ground with a 36-yard touchdown run.

The Aggies stayed in the game for most of the first half, as they scored on a long catch and run by Brennan Schramm to cut the score to 14-8.

The Cards answered, marching on a 13-play, 80-yard drive, which was capped off by a six-yard TD pass from Johnson to Eastyn Schaefer. PRA scored once again just before the end of the second quarter to make it a 2116 lead for the Cards at halftime.

An Aggie ball carrier is stopped from making a first down by a flock of Cardinals in Park River.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

Tanner McDonald with a great catch and run for a first down in the Cards' win over the previously undefeated Park River Aggies. Photo by Larry Stokke.

FM Bank's Player of the Game Sam Davis gets room to run with help from his teammates. Sam finished the game with 20 carries for 193 yards and two touchdowns. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Langdon-Munich attempted just one pass in the second half, as the ground game was working, and there was no need to try and stray from it. Johnson scored twice on the Cards next two drives, scoring from 17 yards and one yard out. The second score was set up by a 68-yard run by Davis. On the clinching scoring drive, Davis ran for 48 yards and ran to the end zone from 21 yards out.

The Cards ran for 305 yards on the night with just under 200 in the second half. Davis rushed for a career-high 193 yards, while Johnson had 112 on ground and 99 through the air. McDonald led the team with three catches for 65 yards receiving.

Kenzie Iserman with WDAY out of Fargo interviews Jax Johnson after the Cards' win over the Park River Aggies on Oct. 10. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Tucker Omdahl was held to 53 yards rushing for the Aggies, but his younger brother, Jaxon Omdahl, completed 11 passes for 220 yards and three

touchdowns.

LANGDON-MUNICH 42, PARK RIVER AREA 22 Jax Johnson runs in a touchdown, finishing the game with 112 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Photo by Larry Stokke.

LM --14 7 8 13 -- 42 PRA -- 8 8 0 6 -- 22 LM--Jax Johnson 2 run (Johnson kick) LM-- Sam Davis 36 run (Johnson kick) PRA -- Brennan Schramm 66 run (Tucker Omdahl run) LM--Eastyn Schaefer 6 pass from Johnson (Johnson kick) PRA --Kieran Sullivan 36 run (Tucker Omdahl run) LM-- Johnson 17 run (Johnson run) LM --Johnson 1 run (Johnson kick) PRA -- Noah Troftgruben 18 pass from Jaxon Omdahl (Pass failed)

LM-- Davis 21 run (Kick failed) Rushing -- LM: Jax Johnson 27-112, Sam Davis 20-193; PRA: Jaxon Omdahl 13-22, Tucker Omdahl 12-53 Passing -- LM: Johnson 7-12-99-1 1 TD; PRA: Jaxon Omdahl 11-16-220-0 3 TDs Receiving -- LM: Tanner McDonald 3-65, Eastyn Schaefer 3-22, Theo Romfo 1-12; PRA: Brennan Schramm 3-92, Jace Rosinski 3-34, Kieran Sullivan 2-38, Noah Troftgruben 2-27, Tucker Omdahl 1-29

Sports

Friday, October 17, 2025 - Page B2

The Borderland Press

Lady Cards complete busy run with wins over NP, NC, and 2nd place LIT finish Hilary Haaven goes over 1,000 career kills and 1,000 career digs as a freshman

By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor

The Langdon-Munich Cardinals girls volleyball team hit their busiest stretch of the season when they played at North Prairie in Rolla on Oct. 9, hosted the 41st Langdon Invitational Volleyball Tournament Oct. 11, then played at home against the Nelson County Chargers on Oct. 13. The Lady Cards swept the Cougars 3-0 in set scores of 25-11, 25-9 and 25-5; took second to a very good May-Port-C-G team for the LIT title; and beat NC 255, 25-6 and 25-11. After all was said and done, the Cardinals now have a record of 28-5 and will have their last home match on Oct. 21 versus North Star, where it will be Senior Night for their only senior player, Raeleigh Ratzlaff, along with her parents.

Lady Cards freshman Hilary Haaven did something that's been reported as unprecedented in North Dakota volleyball - she reached 1,000 career kills and 1,000 career digs as a freshman. She got the kills milestone at Rolla and the digs in the LIT championship match versus MPCG. The Patriots are ranked in Class A volleyball this year, one division higher than the Cardinals.

Also in their recent run, Langdon-Mu-

nich clinched the top seed in the District 4 Volleyball Tournament after they beat Nelson County and Benson County lost to New Rockford-Sheyenne. Cardinals sophomore Taya Feist had career highs with 12 kills and eight stuff blocks versus the Chargers.

LANGDON-MUNICH 25-25-25, NELSON COUNTY 5-6-11 Kills -- LM: Hilary Haaven, 14, Taya Feist 12, Mya Swanson 5, Emma Hall 4, Halle Overby 4, Kemi Morstad 3, Erika Bakke 1; NC: Sydney Anderson 2, Aubrie Johnston 1, Brandi Schock 1 Assists -- LM: Morstad 24, Liv Prouty 5; NC: Aubrey Christinson 5 Aces -- LM: Hall 4, Raeleigh Ratzlaff 3, Swanson 2, Morstad 2, Bakke 1, Meggy Hetletved 1 Blocks -- LM: Feist 8, Overby 4, Haaven 2, Morstad 1 Digs -- LM: Haaven 11, Ratzlaff 9, Swanson 8, Hetletved 7, Morstad 6; NC: Mya Luehring 10, Anderson 6, Schock 3

Mya Swanson had a great game with five kills, two aces and eight digs in the Cards' win over Nelson County. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Kemi Morstad sets the ball to a teammate in the Cardinals' win over the Cougars. Photo by Larry Stokke.

FM State Bank's Player of the Game Taya Feist had 12 kills, eight blocks, and eight digs against Nelson County. Photo by Larry Stokke.

FM Bank's Co-Player of the Game Hilary Haaven with her 1000th kill in Rolla on Oct. 9.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

FM Bank's Co-Player of the Game Emma Hall had seven aces in the Cards' win over the North Prairie Cougars. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Eagles girls lose a hard fought volleyball match at DVE

By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor

The North Border Eagles girls volleyball team was still in search of their first District 3 win when they played at Drayton-Valley-Edinburg in Crystal on Oct. 13. They lost a very close match to the Titans in five sets 3-2. Set scores were also very tight and back and forth.

1-19 overall and 0-10 in District 3 matches.

North Border will close out their regular season in busy fashion - at PRFL

on Oct. 21 then home matches versus DVE in Pembina on Oct. 23 and Hatton-Northwood in Walhalla on Oct. 24.

The Eagles won the first set 25-16, lost set two 25-20, battled and won the third 25-23, lost the fourth 25-14, and then lost the decisive five set 1513. Though they have been steadily improving through the season, the tough loss put their overall record at

Jacy Fraser spikes the ball past a Titan player for a point. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Adrienne Longtin sets the ball to her teammate in the game against DVE in Crystal.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

Jaelyn Johnson with a stuff block in their five set game in Crystal on Oct. 13.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

Jaelyn Forrey stuff blocks the ball in the game against the Titans. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Dannika Bennett with a back row dig against the Titans on Oct. 13. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Sports

The Borderland Press

Friday, October 17, 2025 - Page B3

East Region Cross Country Meet held in Cooperstown

By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor

As has been tradition the last several years, the East Region Cross Country Meet was held on Oct. 11 at the Cooperstown Country Club. Thirty teams competed in the boys division and 28 in the girls.

Chase Girodat placed 64th at the regional meet with a time of 19:49.0.

Photo by Larry Stokke.

Langdon-Munich finished 12th as a team on the boys side, with the Cardinals girls taking 15th. Cards eighth grader Prestyn Bodnar was their highest boys finisher, taking 25th with a personal best time. For the Cardinals

girls, Olivia Lorenz was the highest runner, taking 39th.

Pembina County North took fifth in the girls and sixth in the boys. Maci Puppe was their top girls finisher, tak-

Maci Puppe had a great finish at the Regional Cross Country Meet placing 8th out of 263 competitors. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Langdon Munich girls results 8th - Maci Puppe - 20:19.0 26th - Maddy Robinson - 21:41.5 36th - Delaney Denault - 21:58.1 37th - Emersen Helgoe - 22:06.2 47th - Shirley Kemp - 22:23.6 89th - Sara Sensen - 24:11.0 129th - Emma Seng - 25:36.2 184th - Caroline Stegman - 31:03.5 188th - Brooklyn Parkhurst - 31:40.8 191st - Eliza Allred - 36:48.3

Nash Fitzsmonds had a great run at the Regional Cross Country Meet placing 7th with a time of 17:25.8. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Olivia Lorenz placed 39th out of 263 runners at regionals with a time of 22:07.6. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Langdon Munich boys results 25th - Prestyn Bodnar - 18:42.8 64th - Chase Girodat - 19:49.0 66th - Ty Ramberg - 19:51.2 92nd - Kaleb Foster - 20:39.3 104th - Noah Foster - 21:00.0 107th - Dyson Askvig - 21:03.2 133rd - Ryder Moser - 21:28.5 150th - Tyler Borgen - 21:46.5 154th - Terner Askvig - 21:51.2 168th - Logan Mackall - 22:19.6 170th - Carter Mosher - 22:25.9

ing eighth, while Nash Fitzsimmonds got seventh for the boys. Both runners made the East All-Region Cross Country Team by finishing in the top 10.

now advance to the State B Cross Country Meet to be held Oct. 24 in Jamestown.

Both the Cardinals and Grizzlies will

Maddy Robinson placed 26th out of 263 girls competing at the Regional Cross Country Meet in Cooperstown Oct. 11. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Pembina County North girls results 39th - Olivia Lorenz - 22:07.6 91st - Hadley Medbery - 24:14.3 98th - Remmi Bodnar - 24:31.3 113th - Heidi Crump - 25:01.6 Pembina County North boys results 7th - Nash Fitzsimonds - 17:25.8 32nd - Micah Crosby - 19:03.0 46th - Isaiah Gagner - 19:28.4 69th - Nolan Pelletier - 19:53.8 70th - Owen Crosby - 19:54.1 128th - Ethan Kendall - 21:24.1 144th - Fletcher Kemp - 21:40.0 164th - Bjorn Evenson - 22:13.0 184th - Jude Switzer - 22:38.8 188th - Joseph Wright - 22:42.0 193rd - Lincoln Wright - 22:57.1 249th - Logan Thompson - 27:15.1 254th - Gideon Bridell - 27:59.5

Hadley Medbery placed 91st with a time of 24:14.3 at the Regional Cross Country Meet in Cooperstown on Oct. 11. Photo by Larry Stokke.

Jake’s Take on Sports winning the 1977 State B Boys Basketball Tournament. Now that might not sound like a big deal to younger generations, but back in the day, the Epping Eagles captured the hearts and minds of the entire state of North Dakota in their run towards a state title.

By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor You never know when you get to meet a 1977 Epping Eagle, but one was in Langdon Let’s start this week with a crazy story about how I met a member of the 1977 Epping Eagles boys basketball team recently, which was ironically at the Langdon Eagles Club. After a recent Langdon-Munich volleyball match, I was at the Eagles when a tall man with a cowboy hat and a cinch western coat walked in with a longtime friend of mine, Mark Romfo.

Well, wouldn’t you know - it was Bob Allard, who was the star the Epping team that came one win away from

In 1977, the Epping School (which has been closed for decades), had just 24 kids in high school but found a way to make it to the state title game at the Bismarck Civic Center. They lost to Hillsboro (who was the biggest Class B school at the time) by four points, 56-52. Bob Allard had a game high 24 points in this game, and if you were a young person or anyone alive in that era, you remember that game and championship like it was yesterday.

Bob is doing great and is a cattleman in Epping, but his residence is currently in Mandan. It turns out that Allard is a great friend of Langdon native Duane Mikkelsen, and that’s why he was in our area. I was a little starstruck to see Bob, who I have known about forever but never really met in person. He has also agreed to come on a future edition of Coaches Corner when basketball season rolls

around to talk up their historic run. It was a very fun and totally unexpected visit. I’m sure many of our readers have very fond memories of that Epping team, as I do. It’s like North Dakota’s version of Hoosiers. Fun fact - Larry Overbo, who coached the Eagles team, was my business teacher in high school in Williston.

Haaven goes over 1,000 career kills and digs in the same week We have very good news to share about Hilary Haaven, who is a freshman on the Langdon-Munich basketball team. She has done something that, from the research we have done, has never happened for a freshman in North Dakota Class B girls volleyball. She went over 1,000 career kills at a match in Rolla versus North Prairie on Oct. 9 then went over 1,000 career digs in the championship match of the Langdon Invitational Volleyball Tournament on Oct. 11.

Both stats are unreal, even if you are a senior. To do this, Hilary, who has played varsity volleyball since she was a seventh grader, got to 1,000 in a hurry. The next quickest Lady Cardinal player to get to 1,000 is McKenzie Hart, who did it as a sophomore.

There are lots of possible records she

can break in the future, and everyone hopes she can reach them. Congrats to Hilary; this is all so cool to be a small part of, and best of luck to her in the future.

Playoff high school football time is a week away; Cardinals, Eagles to host first round games The Langdon-Munch Cardinals and North Border Eagles are both getting ready for the start of the 2025 North Dakota high school football playoffs, which begin on Oct. 25. We are happy to report that each team will host first round games in the postseason.

Langdon-Munich won the Region 2A championship once again this year for the third straight season. They were trying to end their regular season undefeated when they played at home versus Grafton on Oct. 16. The Cards will host a first round Class A 11-man playoff in Langdon on Oct. 25 with their opponent to be determined. At press time, it could be Lisbon, Northern Cass, Valley City, or Oakes, depending how the last week of games go. The time of the contest is also yet to be determined.

For North Border, the time and opponent for their opening round 9-man playoff is set. The Eagles finished as

the second seed in Region 2 9-man and will host South Border, which is a co-op of Wishek and Ashley. The game will be in Walhalla on Oct. 25, and the kickoff will be at 2:00pm.

South Border lost in the state 9-man title game to North Prairie just two years ago in 2023.

You can hear all Langdon-Munich games with myself and “The Principal” Randall Hill on 95-7 and all North Border games on KNDK 1080 with Gary Helland and possibly Sandy Laxdal. Everything can also be heard online through myborderland.com, or on the MyBorderland App. Many thanks to our sponsors for helping get these games on the air.

The ice is in at Dakota Spirit Arena We have seen and have been told that the ice is in and ready to go at Dakota Spirit Arena. Hockey season is still weeks away, but it’s good to know that things are ready for skating, possibly even this weekend. You can call the arena at 701-256-5242 or contact Jason Spanier, president of the Langdon Hockey Boosters, for more information on skating times and availability.

“See ya!” next week!

Sports

Friday, October 17, 2025 - Page B4

Gigantic bull moose taken down near Sarles

By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor

The Borderland Press

NB Eagles clinch home playoff game with shutout win at Nelson County

Berg runs for career-high 210 yards; Eagles defense has not allowed a point in 10 straight quarters

By Jake Kulland, Sports Editor

There was a lot on the line when the North Border Eagles met the Nelson County Chargers in McVille on Oct. 10. A win clinched the second seed in Region 2 9-man football for the Eagles and also a home playoff game in the first round of the postseason on Oct. 25. North Border got it done with another strong defensive effort, winning by a shutout, 38-0. The win puts North Border's record at 7-1; they played their last regular season contest at home in Walhalla on Oct. 16 versus arch rival Cavalier. The Tornadoes did not make the playoffs this season.

Mitchell Wirth with his giant bull moose.

Pictured is Mitchell Wirth of Munich, who recently shot a bull moose - in a once in a lifetime opportunity after getting a moose license. Wirth took down the moose just 200 miles from the Canadian border north of Sarles.

When asked about the hunt, Wirth said, "Derek Roder and I got stopped for running a stop sign right out of the gate at 6:00am on our way to the Samuelson farm. Brady Samuelson and Alex Reslock said they had seen a nice sized moose around the farm, but we didn't see anything and had to get back to finish up harvest. Right when we were about to leave, Lynn Samuelson said he spotted a moose about a mile behind him. We walked out, and there he was. I shot it at about 9:00am - took one shot and it dropped."

In their game at McVille, the Eagles got a touchdown in the first quarter on a 60-yard run from Kaden Moore, which was followed by an Oakley Brown conversion run, to make the score 8-0.

North Border added two more TDs in the second on short Moore runs from one and three yards. Eagles senior Colton Bailly, who had one of the best nights of his football career on both sides of the ball, caught 2-point conversion passes following each score, to make it a 24-0 NB lead.

After a scoreless third quarter, North Border put the game out of reach in the fourth with Brown scoring on a 12-yard run then Brody Berg, who set up the Eagles earlier scores with some tough running, scored on a 32yard run to cap off the Eagles scoring. Bailly caught another 2-point conversion pass.

Berg went over 200 yards on the ground for the night with 210 yards total, which is a career high for

Wirth wanted to thank Kevin and Cathy Samuelson, Lynn Samuelson, Brady Samuelson, Alex Reslock and

the Walhalla senior. Moore had 134 yards rushing, and he completed five passes for 75 yards, with the receiver being Brown, who had two catches for 66 yards. Defensively, North Border has not allowed a point since the first half of their game with Larimore on Sept. 19, a span of 10 quarters. Chase Mench led the way with 14 tackles, followed by 13 from Berg, and eight by Gavin Syminton.

NORTH BORDER 38, NELSON COUNTY 0

NB -- 8 16 0 14 -- 38 NC -- 0 0 0 0 -- 0 NB-- Kaden Moore 60 run (Oakley Brown run) NB-- Moore 1 run (Colton Bailly pass from Moore) NB-- Moore 3 run (Bailly pass from Moore) NB-- Brown 12 run (Run failed) NB-- Brody Berg 32 run (Bailly pass from Moore) Rushing -- NB: Brody Berg 16-210 (Career high), Kaden Moore 12-134, Oakley Brown 8-34 Passing -- NB: Moore 5-13-75-0 Receiving -- NB: Brown 2-66 Tackles -- NB: Chase Mench 14, Berg 13, Gavin Symington 8

Kade Schafer sacking the Charger’s quarterback.

Photo by Ashley Schafer.

Pictured (L-R) Lynn Samuelson, Mitchell Wirth, Brady Samuelson, Derek Roder, Alex Reslock, and Kevin Samuelson. Submitted photo.

Submitted photo.

Roder for their help in the hunt, and although he's been asked many times, he does not know how much the bull

weighed out. Congrats to Mitchell and his hunting party on a hunting story that will indeed last a lifetime.

Brody Berg with one of his 16 rushes for a career high 210 yards against Nelson County. Photo

by Ashley Schafer.

Colton Bailly (14) making a tackle with help from Chase Mench (48) and Kade Schafer (33).

Photo by Ashley Schafer.

Friday, October 17, 2025 - Page B5

The Borderland Press

News briefs

From The Borderland Newscenter PCMH recognized for fifth year in a row Congratulations to Pembina County Memorial Hospital (PCMH) for being recognized by the National Rural Health Association on Monday. PCMH was recognized as one of the Top Practices for Quality across the nation by the NRHA. This latest recognition is also the fifth year in a row PCMH has won the award.

North Dakota District Judge Jackson Loftgren has upheld a North Dakota law which bans transgender healthcare for children. The law in question went into effect in 2023, which was quickly met with civil lawsuits claiming the law denied transgender youth and their families healthcare. Doctors in the state can face hefty fines and potential jailtime if they are found to be in violation of the law.

Free breast cancer screenings offered In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Altru Health System has announced they will be holding free breast cancer screening events at their facilities in Grand Forks, Devils Lake, and Crookston. The free screenings are for one day only, Oct. 22, from 4-6pm.

N.D. Supreme Court rejects appeal The North Dakota Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from a Fargo man serving a life sentence. Spencer Moan was convicted in December 2024 for the murder of his wife, Sonja. His defense attempted to claim Moen’s sixth amendment rights were violated by allowing his children to testify via Zoom. However, state code allows children to testify remotely to avoid being traumatized.

Man sentenced after multi county, high speed chase David Herrera Jr., 20, has pled guilty to four of five charges in a court case being held in Northeast Central District Court. In May, Herrera took law enforcement on a multi-county highspeed chase from Ramsey to Walsh County. Herrera was originally scheduled to submit a change of plea next week. Herrera’s sentencing was five years with the Department of Corrections with all but time served suspended and 18 months probation.

Devils Lake man may get second chance A Devils Lake man presently serving a life sentence for murder is getting a second chance in court. In 1995 Werner Kunkel was convicted of the 1986 death of Gilbert Fassett, 30. A judge has agreed to listen to arguments in the case after Kunkel’s defense alleged the prosecution withheld evidence which could prove Kunkel's innocence.

Loans available for federal workers The North Dakota Industrial Commission announced last week that they will be providing loans to federal workers in the state who have been furloughed since the start of the government shutdown. The loans are meant to be short-term with a 2% interest rate. The application period began Oct. 10 and will run through Jan. 9.

Law upheld concerning transgender healthcare

Lakota resident passes after crash The Highway Patrol reports a resident from Lakota has died from injuries sustained in a crash last month. Back on September 16, 83-year-old James Burtness, 83, was attempting to cross at the intersection of State Highway 1 and US Highway 2 when his southbound SUV was struck by an eastbound semi. Both vehicles ended in the south ditch. The semi driver was uninjured.

Dairy projects proposed near Red River The International Joint Commission (IJC) will be reviewing a pair of proposed large-scale dairy projects in North Dakota. Both projects are planned to be built near the Red River.

The proximity to the river has brought concerns from environmental groups on both sides of the border. The IJC is to review the granted permits and gauge how much of an impact these facilities could have on the Red River.

West Nile virus season concludes West Nile virus season is coming to a close, and for health officials in North Dakota and Minnesota, it can’t come soon enough. The number of cases in both states surged above the usual averages with 84 cases in North Dakota and 104 in Minnesota. This year also saw 11 people across both states pass away due to the virus.

Letter to the Editor: Poaching is stealing from hunters

By Doug Leier, North Dakota Game and Fish Department

en field game wardens, each covering nearly 3,000 square miles. Within that is terrain from badlands and river valleys to wide open, sparsely populated regions, and some hard-to-getto places even in this age of advances in mobility and UTVs. Hunters and citizens are the extra set of eyes and ears in the field. That’s where the Report All Poachers program, launched in 1983, becomes vital: anonymous tips, monetary rewards, and collaboration between North Dakota Game and Fish, State Radio and North Dakota Wildlife Federation.

When a hunter or angler commits an unlawful act, they no longer earn the respect of the term.

The minute an illegal act is taken they become a poacher. Ashley Peterson, NDGF.

Even if you’ve never been a hunter, you’re likely familiar with the term poaching. Poaching is theft, plain and simple. It’s the illegal taking or killing of fish and wildlife. It’s stealing from legal hunters and trampling on the public trust. It might be shooting before legal hours, fishing without a license or shooting an extra deer, duck or pheasant.

The first few issues of poaching I witnessed in my time as a game warden are etched in memory. Coming around the corner and seeing a man in a creek spearing pike running upstream. Watching a hunting party shoot a deer and leave them until another hunter with the proper tag arrived.

Both incidents were blatant violations and not excused by “it was an accident” or “ I didn’t know.”

While some give a shade of acceptance to “they were going to eat it all.”

In this day and age of public assistance, poaching extra game and fish isn’t the way to solve hunger.

I’ll ask you. Have you ever been with someone poaching or witnessed an illegal act of a hunter or angler?

I should note many, including myself, divide the word. When a hunter or angler commits an unlawful act, they no longer earn the respect of the term.

The minute an illegal act is taken they become a poacher.

When you witness a wildlife violation, don’t just complain about it – report it. And do so immediately. Not later standing in line at the convenience store.

How it works: •Call 701-328-9921.

•Provide clear, timely details of what happened, exactly where, descriptions of the violator(s), their vehicle, license plate, who was doing what, and so on.

•Stay safe. Never try to stop the violator or confront them yourself. Leave the enforcement to trained wardens.

•Remain anonymous if you prefer.

Reward amounts range from $100 to $1,000 depending on the severity of the crime.

Why report now? Complaints at the local filling station or waiting until the next wildlife club meeting or the next time you run into a warden does little, at best. Game warden intervention is only possible if poaching events are made promptly. Wardens can often arrive before suspects leave the scene if notified immediately. Maybe a game warden is just a few miles away?

North Dakota employs just a few doz-

Community Health Worker Certification now available BISMARCK, N.D. - North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced that the Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification application is now available online marking an important step in strengthening the state’s health workforce and improving access to care and support.

Certified community health workers are trusted frontline public health professionals who connect individuals and communities to health care, social services and other essential resources supporting health and well-being. They may work for hospitals and health systems, tribal health, public health units and other entities.

Establishing a certification process ensures consistency in training and practice standards. Certification also creates a way for North Dakota Medicaid to pay for services community health workers provide to Medicaid members.

“We are pleased to create this certification process and formally recognize the essential role community health workers have in North Dakota,” said HHS Health Response and Licensure Section Director Tim Wiedrich. “Certification builds trust by ensuring these health professionals are well pre-

pared to meet the needs of individuals and communities.”

The certification application and related resources are available on HHS’ website at hhs.nd.gov/regulation-licensure-and-certification/comm-hlthworker. Individuals can also learn more and apply for certification by calling (701)328-8655, 711 (TTY) or emailing hrlsection@nd.gov.

There are four ways to become a cer-

tified community health worker. They include community health worker training and internship, Indian Health Service Community Health Representative training, a supervised work experience and reciprocity with another state for individuals already certified or licensed in another state.

For details, visit hhs.nd.gov/regulation-licensure-and-certification/ comm-hlth-worker.

Classifieds

Friday, October 17, 2025 - Page B6

HELP WANTED The McLean County Sheriff’s Office seeks qualified applicants for one or more Deputy Sheriff positions. Protect and serve your community with integrity and professionalism. Open until filled. EOE Surgical Technology Instructor/Program Coordinator Lake Region State College – Devils Lake, ND This is a 10-month, non-tenure track position with full benefits, including paid family health insurance. The instructor/ coordinator provides online instruction to traditional students and apprentices and will coordinate and facilitate clinical and lab instruction, guide curriculum development, and

facilitate student success initiatives.

For more information go to www.lrsc. edu/job-opportunities.

THE MCLEAN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE is seeking one more reliable, dedicated individual for a full-time Jailer/Dispatcher I position. This dual-role handles inmate supervision and emergency dispatch services.

Competitive pay, benefits, and training provided. Visit https://www.mcleancountynd.gov/employment/.

EOE. YOU CAN PLACE a 25-word classified ad—like this one—in every North Dakota newspaper for only $160. It’s easy. Contact this newspaper for details.

The Borderland Press

SERVICES FOR HIRE

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McKenzie County Sportsman’s Club, October Friday 24th, 4pm-8pm, Saturday 25th 9am-5pm, Sun 26th 9am12pm. Gene @605-848-2427.

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 833-4060253 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

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NEED NEW FLOORING? Call today to schedule a FREE in-home estimate on Carpeting & Flooring. Call Today!

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Call 701-223-6397, ND Newspaper Association.

AUTOS DONATED Donate your vehicle to help find missing children and prevent abduction.

Fast free pickup, running or not, 24 hr response. No emission test required, maximum tax deduction. Support Find the Children, call: 1-833-5450694.

MISCELLANEOUS WE BUY VINTAGE GUITAR’S! Looking for 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D'Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. 1-833-641-7066 We Buy Houses for Cash AS-IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Call today for your fair cash offer: 1-701-498-1853 WATER & FIRE DAMAGE RESTORATION. Our trusted professionals will restore your home to protect your family and your home's value! Call 24/7: 1-877-936-0513 Mold Remediation services are also available!

HAVE a news release or other information that needs to reach all ND newspapers? ND Newspaper Association can help! One call does it all.

701-223-6397.

AGRICULTURE ATTENTION FARMERS seeing white mold in your fields? Noticing SDS? Share your location and enter to win FREE soybean seeds for 2026. Call Emily 605/290-8383

HEALTH/MEDICAL IF YOU HAD KNEE OR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY and suffered an infection between 2022 and the present time, you may be entitled to

compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE ND FARM LAND Values surge upward.

Are you selling or renting? Pifer’s Auction and Farm Land Management.

Bob Pifer 701-371-8538. Kevin Pifer 701.238.5810. Free valuation.

Public Notices

The Borderland Press

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

MANAGEMENT, CIRCULATION 10/17/25 1……....................................................0 The Borderland Press is a weekly (3) Free Distribution outside the mail newspaper publication and has its of- ….........................................................0 fices at 1403 Third Street in Langdon, E. Total Free Distribution…...............26 ND 58249. Mail to PO Box 230 Lang- F. Total Distribution…...................1357 don, ND. The Publisher is Diane Sim- G. Copies Not Distributed…................0 mons. Editor is Hilary Nowatzki. THe H. Total……....................................1357 owners are Bob & Diane Simmons PO I. Percent Paid……....................98.08% Box 230 Langdon, ND. There are no a. Paid Electronic copies…...............85 bondholders or other security holders b. Total Paid/Print Copies……......1416 owning interest in this newspaper. Cir- c. Total Print Distribution…..........1442 culation figures d. Percent Paid…...........................98% A. Total number of copies (Net press run)...............................................1359 I certify that all the above information B. Paid and/or requested Circulation on this form is true and complete to (1) Paid/requested Outside County the best of my knowledge and that I mail subscriptions….................……..26 understand that anyone who furnish(2) Paid in-County Subscriptions Stat- es false or misleading information on ed on Form 3541………............….1237 this form or who omits material or (3) Sales through Dealers and non- information requested on the form USPS paid distribution……...........….68 may be subject to criminal sanctions C. Total Paid Circulation…….....….1331 (including fines and imprisonment) D. Free distribution by Mail and/or civil sanctions (including civil (1)Outside County as Stated on Form penalties).

3541………….................................….26 (2) In-County as Stated on Form 354 Diane Simmons, Publisher

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Kathryn E. Nekola (ND Bar ID 08340) SW&L Attorneys 4627 44th Avenue S, Ste. 108 Fargo, ND 58104 Phone: 701.297.2890 Fax: 701.297.2896 kathryn.nekola@swlattomeys.com Court File No. 10-2025-PR-00020 IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF CAVALIER COUNTY, STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA In the Matter of the Estate of Lisa J. Bodnar, deceased.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above Estate. All persons having claims against the deceased are required to present their claims within 3 months after the date of the first publication or mailing of this notice or the claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be presented to Dannielle Lill, Personal Representative of the Estate, c/o SW&L Attorneys, 4627 44th Ave S, Ste. 108, Fargo,ND 58104 or filed with the Court.

Dannielle Lill First publication on the 10th date of October, 2025.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS PROBATE NO.10-2025-PR-00005 IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE NORTHEAST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, CAVALIER COUNTY, NORTH DAKOTA In The Matter of the Estate of Cheryl Virginia Brandt, Deceased.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of the above estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within three months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be presented to Sidney Norlin Brandt, personal representative of the estate, at 11833 County 55, Walhalla, ND 58282, or filed with the Court.

Dated this the 6th day of October, 2025.

Sidney Norlin Brandt Personal Representative 11833 County 55 Walhalla, ND 58282 Mondragon Law Office Angelo S. Mondragon Attorney at Law PO Box 151 Langdon, ND 58249 First publication on the 10th date of October, 2025.

Call for bids The City of Langdon will be accepting bids for the City’s Liability Insurance Coverage with the North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund for the years 2026, 2027 and 2028. The carrier accepted will hold the bid for all three years.

Information needed may be obtained by contacting City Hall at 256-2155.

Bids will be accepted until Wednesday, November 5th at 5:00 p.m.

RoxAnne Hoffarth City of Langdon

Friday, October 17, 2025 - Page B7

Langdon City Commission | Regular Meeting September 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

Commission members present Jerry Nowatzki, Darin Kaercher, Cody Schlittenhard and Chuck Downs. Also present – David Zeis, Kevin Stein, Lori Stein, Nancy Downs, Susan Fay Crockett, Sandra Brooks, Luke and Laura Schill, Brandon Downs, Carl Hoffarth, Chad and Tiffany Lombardi, Kim Johnson and RoxAnne Hoffarth – City Auditor.

everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Pledge of Allegiance: J. Nowatzki led

D. Kaercher made a motion to ap-

Andrew explained the assessment process and went over some of the changes that had been made since the last meeting. Then discussion was opened to the public for questions; properties were looked at individually and changes were made as necessary.

prove the changes and the proposed assessment list, seconded by D. Downs. Motion carried.

Adjourn – C. Downs made a motion to adjourn at 7:25 p.m.

Jerry Nowatzki, President RoxAnne Hoffarth, Auditor Received by The Borderland Press on October 14, 2025

Langdon City Commission | Regular Meeting September 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

Commission members present Jerry Nowatzki, Darin Kaercher, Cody Schlittenhard and Chuck Downs. Also present – David Zeis and RoxAnne Hoffarth – City Auditor.

Pledge of Allegiance: J. Nowatzki led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Comment: Approval of Minutes: C. Downs made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting on September 8th seconded by C. Schlittenhard.

Motion carries.

Additions to Agenda: Correspondence: Department Reports: Street: No report.

Fire Department: No report.

Water and Sewer: No report.

Sanitation: No report.

Police: No report.

Activity Center: No report.

Auditors: R. Hoffarth reported 3 of the 4 curb stops have been fixed and the account balances and repair amounts will be assessed to the properties.

Hoffarth also announced that she has been elected as the Vice President of the North Dakota Leage of Cities.

Unfinished Business: Moore Engineering – Citywide Street Project (Mayo Construction) Paving is wrapped up for the year; Concrete crushing is ongoing; Punchlist items are being addressed and Seal coat and corrective items next year.

Contractor Application for Payment #10 in the amount of $317,551.10.

C. Downs made the motion to approve the contractor application payment #10, seconded by C. Schlittenhard.

Motion carried.

Also have the Requisition for Payment (reimbursement request) for the Bank of North Dakota that needs signatures by both Commissioner Nowatzki and Auditor Hoffarth. This request is for $364,813.51 and includes CAP 10 and a Moore Engineering project invoice.

Change Order #7 for a reduction in

items that were removed and not needed with the switch to cement stabilized subgrade as well as the trucking and restocking costs associated with the geogrid. Amount decreased is $54,066.51. D. Kaercher made a motion to approve the reduction change order #7 seconded by C. Downs. Motion carried.

Assessment process - meeting to Hear Appeals and Act on Assessments (held by the Commission) at today’s commission meeting. Some adjustments have been made upon receiving appeals between the Assessment Hearing and today.

Water Tower Project (Classic Protective Coatings) Schedule - The utility building work and control updates are underway and scheduled for completion this month. Contractor Application for Payment #4 in the amount of $136,527.35. Work included coating work. C. Schlittenhard made a motion to approve the contractor application payment #4, seconded by D. Kaercher. Motion carried.

Drinking Water State Revolving Fund ND Department of Environmental Quality sent out their request for project questionnaires for future Drinking Water Projects. We’ve identified two future projects to submit: the downtown area infrastructure improvements and a water looping project. We’ve prepared the questionnaires for submittal and need the mayor’s signature. This does not require the city to proceed with a project; it only makes this funding source (low interest loan) available.

New Business: 1. Special event permit – American Legion is hosting a wedding dance.

C. Schlittenhard made a motion to

approve the permit seconded by D. Kaercher. Motion Carried.

Building Permits: #5557 Carter Danielson– C. Downs made a motion to approve the building permit, seconded by C. Schlittenhard. Motion carried.

•81561-81573/62237-62241 Payroll & Liab. | 24357.74 •62242 BORDERLAND PRESS | 3218.24 •62243 BUTLER MACHINERY COMPANY | 473.75 •62244 CAVALIER RURAL ELECTRIC COOP. | 323.88 •62245 CLASSIC PROTECTIVE COATING, INC. | 257985.00 •62246 DOLLAR GENERAL-REGIONS 410526 | 38.88 •62247 GERRELLS & CO. | 100.00 •62248 JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL | 622.88 •62249 KENDALL CONSTRUCTION | 2030.00 •62250 MAR-KIT LANDFILL | 3081.00 •62251 MID-AMERICAN RESEARCH CHEMICAL | 2521.93 •62252 MONTANA DAKOTA UTILITIES | 321.70 •62253 RICARD PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLIN | 212.50 •62254 SAFEGUARD BUSINESS SYSTEMS | 742.80 •62255 SPORTS & SHIRTS | 243.50 •62256 UNITED COMMUNICATIONS | 1206.37 •62257 CLASSIC PROTECTIVE COATING, INC. | 136527.35 •62258 MAYO CONSTRUCTION CO, INC. | 317551.10 •62259 RoxAnne Hoffarth | 504.20 Bills of Approval – C. Schlittenhard made the motion to approve bills as presented, seconded by D. Kaercher.

Motion carried.

Adjourn – C. Downs made a motion to adjourn at 7:45 p.m.

Jerry Nowatzki, President RoxAnne Hoffarth, Auditor Received by The Borderland Press on October 14, 2025

Views from the Borderland

Friday, October 17, 2025 - Page B8

The Borderland Press

Cont’d. From Page A1 Future workforce inspired by Eighth Annual Pembina-Walsh Manufacturing Day

growing workforce needs with an nationwide over the next decade. estimated 3.8 million new manufacturing workers being needed The event was organized by the Pembina County Job Development Author-

Midway students work together in groups to build the tallest structure out of spaghetti, tape, and rope before touring the bus plant.

ity, Walsh County Job Development Authority, and Red River Regional Council in partnership with North Valley Career and Technology Center and

area schools.

Funding support was provided by a grant from Impact Dakota, North Da-

kota’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which offers consulting and training services to strengthen the state’s manufacturing industry.

Midway School seventh graders were provided the opportunity to see the process sugar beets take to become sugar during their tour at American Crystal Sugar.

Tater Town Days hosted in Hoople On Saturday, Oct. 11, Hoople hosted its fourth annual Tater Town Days, a community celebration with something for everyone.

The event will feature food truck favorites, a parade, live music, and plenty of activities for the kids. Photos are courtesy of PJCole Photography.

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