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The official newspaper of Cavalier County Theborderlandpress.com
Friday, August 16, 2024
Volume 3, Number 32
Multiple reasons to celebrate for LPH
In this issue:
Annual picnic introduces first-time activities, welcomes fresh faces of two new providers
By Hilary Nowatzki
Last week, the Langdon Prairie Health Foundation held their annual Picnic and Family Fun Night at St. Alphonsus School. Beginning at 5 p.m., a variety of events and plenty of food were available to attendees. Between burgers and dogs, 395 plates were distributed within approximately three hours.
Ag: Catch up on this week’s Red River Farm Network headlines, Pg. A3
Community: Cancer Crusaders set Fall Rummage Sale dates, Pg. A6
The LPH Foundation announced that close to $4500 was raised and expressed their gratitude to all of the donors, board members, LPH staff, community members, volunteers, and the Langdon Chamber of Commerce for their support in the success.
“It was so inspiring to see the kids and adults alike, take time, effort and put lots of thinking into their rock designs. The table was full every time I walked in there; it was so much fun to see,”
“Not only are these funds used for equipment, upgrades, etc., they are also a necessity for the sustainability of our beloved rural hospital. Everything helps! Knowing that we have a healthy foundation…should help keep you, our community members, minds at ease knowing we support the efforts to maintain a strong commitment to you all. A commitment to continue to work hard to ensure stability and profitably to support the hospital,” the LPH Foundation released in a statement following the event.
tion Executive Director, who included that rock painting was a VERY big hit with attendees.
The event had a free will offering, and many of the activities present were new to the annual shin-dig. One of the most notable being the Kids Closet Pop Up Event, a program that assists children and their families who may be in need of back to school clothing or other supplies.
There was also another artistic addition - a coloring contest that the Foundation plans to turn into a new fundraiser. The artists’ top 12 coloring sheets, which were of four hands holding to form a square symbolizing unity and caring kindness, will have their photo on each month of the
Weather Aug 16
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A small portion of the many volunteers at the LPH Foundation Picnic. Back row (L-R) Shanda Christianson, Raelleigh Ratzlaff, McKinzie Sivertson, Kayla Kram, Nora Lorenz, Hilary Nowatzki, Hope Thorlakson; front row, RayeLynn Christianson, and Kamden Kram. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Nicole Bettendorf, FNP and Sam Okwudili, MD
stated McKinzie Sivertson, Founda-
“New 2025 LPHF Calendar” coming this Fall. Two bicycles, donated by Ratzlaff Farms, were also up for grabs for one lucky boy and one lucky girl. When names were drawn for the bikes, Jack Schaefer, son of Emily & Zack Schaefer, won the boys bike! However, as Siverston explained the generosity in Jack’s heart, “he called back and said he wants to give the bike back cont’d. on page B6
UNTIL WE RIDE AGAIN
Aug 18
Region: Munich celebrates Oktoberfest, Pg. B2
Annual memorial ride becomes scholarship effort for trade students By Rebecca Davis
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Federal Aviation Administration awards funds to Walhalla Airport By The Borderland Press Staff
What started as a community effort to help the family of Mike Peterson raise funds for unforeseen expenses two years ago has turned into an outpouring of support for local high school graduates who are interested in pursuing an education in welding after high school. “After seeing how the community responded, I felt there was a way we could use MIke’s name and talent to promote a trade school,” said Terri Johnson, a volunteer with the ride.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FFA) has announced another round of funds being awarded to airports across North Dakota. The latest announcement sees just shy of $6.7 million being allotted to six different airports, as well as the state of North Dakota for it to update its state and regional plan. A part of those funds - $365K – has been awarded to the Walhalla Municipal Airport.
Mike was a self-taught welder, and it was only fitting that they partner with a trade school. After the first ride, the committee met and decided this was something they wanted to continue, and all of the proceeds would go to welding students. Committee members Sarah Seydel and Chad Bynam partnered with Lynnes Welding Training to see what they could do to help welding students.
The Borderland Press checked in with David Carrigan with the Walhalla Airport Authority to see what they’ll be using those funds for.
“We're looking at building a 70 by 80 hangar,” Carrigan stated. “Hopefully, this fall we will be able to get started on it.” The funds are being made available through FAA’s Airport Improvement Program. Other airports included in this latest road of funding include airports in Kindred, Mandan, Jamestown, Dickinson, and Fargo’s Hector International Airport.
Some of the new, fun activities at this year’s picnic and family fun night included rock painting, which was inspired by The Kindness Rocks Project®, which aims at spreading positivity, hope, and encouragement to others by painting inspirational rocks and hiding them around your town to be found by strangers. “Some were even placed in front of LPH Clinic, so be on the look out,” Sivertson said.
In 2023, the Mike Peterson Memorial Ride became the Mike Peterson Memorial Scholarship Ride. “Again, it was a generous outpouring of support from the community. We went on a ride that included motorcycles and side by sides, both of which Mike loved,” shared Johnson. Photo by Rebecca Davis.
The ride started at Bonesy’s in Leroy, made a stop at The 10th Hole in Gardar, where a free will lunch was hosted. The group then continued on to Sammy’s Bar in Cavalier, Reiny’s Bar in Bathgate, and ended back at Bonesy’s in Leroy. The committee decided that when the scholarship was set up, local students would be considered first. Applications were put out for scholarships, and this spring, Miranda Waterbury was the first recipient of a $3,000 scholarship. Waterbury is a 2024 graduate of North Border Walhalla.
“I would like to thank everyone on the committee and that is involved in the ride for allowing the scholarship to go to me. I am thankful they have seen how motivated I’ve been for the last two years in welding classes,” Waterbury stated. “I’m not from here; I feel I’m an outcast, and the fact that everyone has supported me means a lot. The fact they are allowing me to succeed makes my heart melt.” Miranda will be attending Lynnes Welding Training in Fargo beginning Sept. 9. Her goal after she finishes the six month training program is to
From left to right, Jay Brusseau, committee member; Miranda Waterbury, 2024 scholarship recipient; and Deb Peterson, Mike Peterson’s mother. Submitted photo.
become a traveling welder. Currently, she is a welder at Lorrich and attributes Tim Hartje for helping her secure that job. Johnson shared that scholarship money is still available. “If we can’t get area students, if there is a hardship case or somebody the tech school really feels needs a bump, those would take priority. Our mission is first local and then someone who really needs a scholarship to help them out,” Johnson explained. cont’d. on page B6
A breath of fresh cabin air in Walhalla By Rebecca Davis
This section is where a hanger previously stood. The airport hopes to build another hanger with the FAA’s awarded funds. Photo by Rebecca Davis.
A significant new development is underway at Frost Fire Park; in conjunction with Oxford Properties II, LLC a ground breaking ceremony was hosted Friday, Aug. 9 to celebrate the opportunity for growth in the area’s tourism and economic sectors. Larry Hondl is spearheading the project with Oxford Properties II, LLC, an investment group out of Grand Forks, N.D. The project involves the construction of three ski-in/ski-out cabins on the slopes at Frost Fire, as well
as five cabins across the gorge south of Walhalla. This initiative is part of a broader effort to boost the local economy and transform the Pembina Gorge area into a year-round tourist destination.
home on two acres of land overlooking the Gorge. Once Hondl purchased the property, he saw an even bigger vision, which led to a partnership with the Pembina Gorge Foundation, the non-profit organization which owns Frost Fire Park.
The idea for the cabins came to light as part of Roger Brooks’ master plan for Frost Fire Park in late 2023. Hondl, a realtor, came across a listing for a five-bedroom, three-bathroom log
“We decided it was worth trying to work out a deal with the Foundation to do housing up there,” Hondl explained. cont’d. on page B6