SOFTBALL WRAPS UP REGULAR SEASON
The official newspaper of Cavalier County Theborderlandpress.com
In this issue:
Friday, May 16, 2025
Volume 4, Number 19
Sapa Arena honors local horseman with dedicated season opener By Hilary Nowatzki
News: A new amenity has been added to the Langdon Pond, Pg. A2
Smack dab between Cavalier and Walhalla sits a modest horse arena which was revitalized in 2021 after having fallen into disrepair. The Sapa Arena is now on its fourth year of hosting shows again, putting hours in the saddle and smiles on children’s faces. On Sunday, May 18, the SAPA Arena will host its first show of the 2025 season as a tribute to a beloved community member. The event is more than just a horse show, it's a heartfelt memorial to Guff Cook, one of the key figures who helped resurrect the arena in spring 2021. He passed away in February.
Ag: We talk with a local producer for National Beef Month, Pg. A3
"We started back hosting fun play days for families and, especially for children, in a very relaxed atmosphere for learning," said Cyndi Hummel, event organizer, highlighting the arena's community-focused mission. The venue had been abandoned and overgrown for years before Cook and Hummel, along with Ben Hannesson and Ron Thomas, breathed new life into the space. The upcoming show will feature a special dedication to Cook. "We're doing some cool things, includ-
Community: Walhalla Public Library had a new fixture installed last week, Pg. A5
Repairs needed at Renwick Dam
cont’d. on page A10
On Sunday, May 18, the SAPA Arena will host its first show of the 2025 season as a tribute to a beloved community member, Guff Cook. Photo by Larry Stokke.
Nodak Sheds lays the groundwork for the future
Family plans to build a legacy with new business and boat storage facility at Mt. Carmel Dam By Hilary Nowatzki
The Pembina County Water Resource District (PCWRD) will be completing necessary repairs at Renwick Dam in the fall of 2025. In March and April of 2025, erosion was observed in the channel downstream of the dam embankment. Erosion is being monitored by the PCWRD to document progression and to assess any potential dam safety risks. As of the date of this press release, risk to the dam is considered minor. The PCWRD will continue to monitor the erosion through the summer months and will keep the public informed if conditions change. Due to the erosion, the existing rock lining the channel has become unstable and is subject to movement. The PCWRD directs all users of the park to avoid the channel immediately downstream of the dam. We are currently assessing the cause of the erosion downstream and will be developing a solution. Recently, a temporary drawdown occurred to allow technical staff safe access to conduct field investigations. Recognizing the recreational value of the lake, we DO NOT intend to continue drawdown conditions through the summer months. We do not anticipate any future drawdowns until the construction of the channel repair. Presently, the earliest we would conduct a drawdown would be after Labor Day (Sept. 1, 2025), unless conditions change that pose a risk to the dam’s integrity. We do caution recreationalists that normal fluctuations in lake levels do occur. We’ve had two years of below normal snowpack and runoff and generally dry conditions in the summer months. Low water levels can still occur due to limited runoff, even if the lake is not drawn down from the dam outlet. The dam is currently in normal operation with the low level drawdown gate closed.
This rendered image shows Nodak’s plans for the boat storage facility at Mt. Carmel Dam and Recreation Area.
The beautiful landscape surrounding Mt. Carmel Dam and Recreation area will be seeing a new fixture on the property this summer. A new storage facility will be breaking ground soon, offering a practical solution for boat owners and recreational enthusiasts. Nodak Sheds, a family-driven venture, aims to provide this much-needed amenity in an area long known for its bustling summer activities. Cody and McKinzie Sivertson have identified a unique opportunity right next to the popular recreational area. "We're always driving out on the boat, and I'm like, gosh, there's a lot of boats around here all the time," Cody explained. The inspiration came from observing the challenges boat owners face, particularly the safety concerns of boats parked near playground areas where children enjoy the sunshine and warm days. The project is personal, rooted in family history and local connection. Located on land owned by McKinzie’s
parents, the storage facility will feature 16 individual units specifically designed to accommodate boats and recreational vehicles such as golf carts. "We have a unique opportunity," McKinzie noted. "Not every day do you own the land right next to the opening of a recreational area." They were also assisted by the Cavalier County JDA by securing a Flex PACE loan. Shannon Duerr explained more about the program. “It's a program that helps buy down interest to save borrowers money, so it can buy down by up to 5%,” Duerr stated. “We put in 20%, the Bank of North Dakota puts in 80%, so it makes our money go a lot further.” Each storage unit will be 14 by 40 feet, featuring 12 by 12 motorized overhead doors with keypad access and remote operation. The units will include battery maintainer outlets and motion-activated interior lighting
for convenience and security. The non-climate-controlled units will provide protection from inclement weather and offer a secure location for boats during off-seasons. For the couple, the project represents more than just a business venture. "We hope to see this run for the future," McKinzie said. "We're essentially building a legacy." With an average boat now costing between $50,000 and $80,000 according to McKinzie, the storage facility addresses the need for protecting large investments. The timing couldn't be better, either. Local storage options are limited with some having waiting lists around Langdon. The facility aims to serve not just boat owners but anyone needing secure storage, including those with golf carts, seasonal decorations, or recreational equipment. Groundbreaking is planned for the beginning of June and will be construct-
ed by Cody and a crew of three. The first installment, an expansive 236foot concrete slab, represents just the first phase of what could become a larger storage solution for the community. McKinzie shared a quote that inspired her to take the leap into becoming a business owner: "Take the risk. Everything is hard before it's easy," she said. Future expansion remains a possibility, but for now, the focus remains on creating a safe, convenient storage solution that supports the bustling recreational community around Mt. Carmel Dam. With online payment options, yearly contracts, and a commitment to community service, Nodak Sheds is about to be open and ready for business. Cody and McKinzie are both hoping for a grand opening at the end of the summer. To contact Nodak Sheds, reach out to McKinzie ASAP via call or text at 701-370-8876 or check them out on Facebook at ‘Nodak Sheds.