6/21/2006 – News
Volume 123, Number
Harlow VFW walkers raise significant funds
The Harlow VFW Fundraiser Walk-A-Thon for Veterans "blew the roof off" as pledges totaled over $11,000.
As the sun set last Memorial Day, Harlow VFW Commander Jon Hermanson stood on the west side of the Harlow VFW Hall sharing a cold refreshment with 10 friends discussing the successful completion of the first Post 757 Walk-A-Thon for Veterans.
Hermanson and event coordinator Owen Blegen, Auxiliary member Barbara Piatz, safety drivers Marion Warner and James Buckmeier, and walkers Brian Knutson, Gilmen Gunderson, Byron Knutson, Dorothy (Piatz) Buckmeier and Beatrice (Piatz) Miller and Rod Warner were in as much shock, as they were tired, after finding out over 220 people had attended the event that day. Aside from making a wild guess that evening that the walk might surpass five to six thousand dollars in proceeds, they knew 34 walkers had walked a total of 317 miles and 11 walkers made the entire trip from Harlow to Maddock, nearly all without taking a break. One of the guys went beyond Maddock for a total of 17 miles. Most of the walkers were in their 50’s or beyond and two, including Byron Knutson of Bismarck, who made it all the way to Maddock, were in their 70’s. The phrase, "I can’t believe it," was being said by everyone.
Blegen said, "Well, when I walked into the hall at about 11 a.m. and it was standing room only, I have to admit, I was a little overwhelmed. Then when all those good people signed up to walk, our concern shifted quickly to how to get through the event safely. We have to give a great deal of credit to our safety drivers, Marion Warner, Jim Ehnert, Lyle Warner, who rode shotgun with me, and Jim Buckmeier. Also on hand were Benson County Sheriff Ned Mitzel and Captain Kyle Ternes of the ND Highway Patrol. I’m going to guess several hundred miles were put on by those people in the five hours our walkers were on Highway 30 between Harlow and Maddock."
Hermanson commented, "Every once in awhile, you can look around and say, man, that could not have gone any better. It was actually amazing that more than 225 people answered our call and rallied to help our organization. There is certainly power in the small community and it was evident all day long as everyone pitched in."
Here are the statistics: Harlow, population 24 and its VFW Auxiliary, served 220 people at the noon meal. Most of those participating in the walk did not attend the luncheon so it is difficult to put an exact total on attendance. Thirty-four walkers signed up to walk, 14 men and 20 women. Eleven walked the posted 15 miles from Harlow to Maddock. Each walker was required to hand in a verification slip to Pastor Rich Budd to verify the miles walked, which totaled 317 miles. The rules allowed for a minute rest for every mile walked but only one individual apparently read the rules. The event collected 228 pledges ranging from $3 to $945.
Walkers making the 15 miles from Harlow to Maddock were Byron Knutson, Beatrice (Piatz) Miller, Dorothy (Piatz) Buckmeier, Cheryl (Warner) Lunde, Cindy (Warner) Smith, Sue Gunderson, Dean Hakanson, Travis Hakanson, Dale Warner, and Rod Warner made it 2 miles south of Maddock, or 17 miles.
Those making 11 miles were Connie (Warner) Hakanson and Michael Lunde. Kelsey Smith and Alicia Warner walked 10 miles. Eight miles were racked up by Jason Clark, Charlene Clark and Susan Piatz. Seven miles were walked by Rowlan Greaves, Logan Gunder-son, Gail (Knutson) Greaves, Loren Knutson, Megan King, Carmen (Warner) Morrison, Jennifer Koutny and Regan Ribaul. Five miles were walked by Diane (Knutson) Allen and Brian Knutson. Four miles were recorded by Karen Smith, Beth Olson, Val Karlsbraaten, Paula Duren, Joann Bergrud and Elliott Gunderson. Gilmen Gun-derson had a bet to go a mile and he did that!
Blegen added, "It will take a week to get the pledge sheets out to the donors and as soon as we have that completed, we will release the names of everyone who assisted the event in any way. It was a bit hectic taking those pledge cards as fast as they came in during the luncheon and as we process the billings and receipts, if there are any mistakes, please forgive us but give us a call so we can straighten things out. We absolutely do not want to forget to thank each and every person, so don’t be bashful."
FINO Management of Cando provided the management tools and advice for the event.
Huber earns medical degree
Karri Ann Huber was one of 203 medical students who received the doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in commencement ceremonies Sunday, May 21 in Kansas City, Mo.
Dr. Huber is the daughter of DeWayne and Mona Streyle of Leeds. She graduated from Leeds High School and earned a bachelor of arts in biology from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn.
Dr. Huber will complete a postdoctoral residency in internal medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
Honored at tea
The Leeds Alfredian Club hosted a tea at the Leeds Library on May 16 in honor of the girls in the LHS class of 2006. Also present were several of the female faculty and staff members. All participated in a game and a reading was given. Each of the senior girls told of their future plans before the luncheon was served. The event concluded with presentation of carnations to the graduating girls.
Seniors pictured are, left to right, back row, Laura Hausmann, Tiffany Broden, Brittnee Tarang and Dayna Pierson. In the front row are Kacy Strand and Ashley Smith. Absent was Allison Stone.
Dorgan meets with students
US Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) stands with students from around North Dakota after a meeting in his Capitol Hill office June 13. The students visited Washington in an annual youth tour sponsored by the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association. Left to right are Michael Price of Douglas; Maria Huber of Strasburg; Katrina Gellerman of Bismarck; Kelsey Bryantt of Des Lacs; Jadian Kirschemann of Mott; Aleah Barenthsen of Powers Lake; Teah Frye of Charlson; Senator Dorgan; Tanner Hall of Upham; Amanda Sticka of Dickinson; Ashley Kaspari of Sheldon; Jared Zins of Flasher; Caitlin Rohde of Beulah; Drew Drosdal of New Town; and Nicole Herman of Brinsmade.
Bike rodeo winners
The Active Women of Maddock sponsored a bike rodeo with 20 young participants on Tuesday, June 6 in Maddock. They learned bike safety rules from Shelley Aabrekke of Benson County Public Health and Marvin Holweger of the Benson County Sheriffs Department. The winners were Matthew Aabrekke and Megan Olson.
Earn star rating
Performing the vocal selection entitled, Ye Banks and Braes the Maddock High School senior trio, consisting of, left to right, Heidi Simon, Renae Slater and Erin Markestad, earned a star rating at the State Music Festival held at the Bismarck State University campus May 6. They were also awarded the outstanding performance award at their site and will be invited to participate in the Parade of Champions held during the 2007 State Class B basketball tournament. Heidi is the daughter of Randy and Charlotte Simon, Renae is the daughter of Clark and Liz Slater and Erin is the daughter of Dean and Rachel Markestad.
Signs proclamation
Gov. John Hoeven signs a proclamation designating June as Amateur Radio Operator Recognition Month in North Dakota. Looking on are Mark Motis of Minnewaukan and Lily Henderson of Devils Lake. Motis is an active member of the Benson County Amateur Radio Club and Mrs. Henderson also takes part in activities of the club. During the last week in June the club holds its field day when it operates under emergency conditions with radios powered by generators.
Attend seminar
Attending the Farm Bureau Citizenship Seminar from Benson County were Kimberly Randle, left, and Courtney Foss. The seminar took place at the University of Mary campus near Bismarck May 31-June 2. Making good decisions and developing leadership skills was the dominant theme. During the three-day program, students also got a taste of North Dakota’s legislative process by testifying before a mock legislative committee on funding wind energy education through a sales tax on candy. The students were divided into several organizations, each with a for or against position on the tax.
FFA members attend convention
Twenty members of the A.S. Gibbens FFA Chapter of Maddock, along with chapter advisor Gary Wald, attended the 77th annual State FFA Convention held in Fargo at NDSU June 5-9.
Mary Wald and Cody Lunde were nominated for the American FFA Degree, the highest degree awarded by the National FFA Association. Receiving the State FFA Degree were Kassandra Griffin, Renae Slater and J.T. Rice. The state FFA Degree is the highest degree awarded by the State FFA Association. Rice was selected State Star Farmer for 2006.
Delegates to the State FFA Convention were J.T. Rice and Isaac Engels. J.T. was selected co-chair of the nominating committee which interviewed and nominated FFA members for the 2006-2007 Officer Team. Jason Smith and Matt Hagen were members of the courtesy corps. Members of the 2006 State FFA Choir were Elisa Buehler, Kassandra Griffin, Renae Slater, Jordan Backstrom, Anne Backstrom, Michelle Olson, Kimberly Randle, Courtney Foss, Paul Rice and John Sears.
Participating in public speaking events at the convention after participating in district events last October were: Isaac Engels, prepared public speaking, gold award and the state winner; J.T. Rice, extemporaneous public speaking, silver award; Anne Backstrom, demonstration, silver award; and Andy Backstrom, FFA creed, silver award.
Participating in ag mechanics contests were Jordan Backstrom and Levi Slater, advanced ag mechanics; Tyler Sears, 10th grade ag mechanics; and Andy Backstrom, 9th grade ag mechanics. Jordan received a gold award and Andy won a silver award.
The dairy foods team, consisting of Kimberly Randle, Michelle Olson, Paul Rice, Courtney Foss and John Sears, was 11th high team in the state. Kimberly was sixth high individual and Courtney was 11th high individual. Both received gold awards. Michelle, Paul and John received silver awards. Participating in the food science contest were Beau Buehler, Kimberly Randle, Levi Slater and Tyler Sears. The quiz team received a silver award and was fifth high team in the state. Members of the quiz team were Isaac Engels, Kimberly Randle, Michelle Olson and J.T. Rice. J.T. received a gold award and fifth high in the state contest. Receiving silver awards were Kimberly, Michelle and Isaac.
District proficiency award winners were J.T. Rice in diversified crop production and Jordan Backstrom in swine production.
Honored to carry the flags at the opening convention session were Elisa Buehler and Kassandra Griffin. The Maddock FFA Chapter has been honored to present the flags at the opening session for many years.
Members of the A.S. Gibbens FFA Chapter of Maddock who attended the State FFA Convention are pictured. Left to right, front row, are Michelle Olson, Courtney Foss, Kimberly Randle, Kassandra Griffin, Renae Slater, Anne Backstrom and Elisa Buehler. Second row: Jordan Backstrom, Isaac Engels, Paul Rice, Tyler Sears, Jason Smith and Matt Hagen. Third row: Beau Buehler, J.T. Rice, John Sears and Andy Backstrom.
Courtesy corps members at the State FFA Convention were Matt Hagen and Jason Smith.
American Farmer Degree nominees from Maddock were Cody Lunde and Mary Wald.
Watercolor chosen
A watercolor painted by Marilyn K. Ingwaldson-Poulsen of Oberon has been selected for display at the Juried Fine Art Exhibition at the Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center in Moorhead, Minn. from July 1 through Sept. 29. The watercolor is entitled Cup of Spring Crocus.
Of the 80 entries only 43 were selected. Judging for the first, second and third prizes will take place shortly after the show is hung and winners will be announced at the public reception on July 7. The Peoples Choice Award will be announced toward the end of the exhibit run.
Last year Mrs. Ingwaldson-Poulsen entered art in five shows and one exhibit. This year she has art displayed in more than 30 shows and 10 exhibits.
She is creating new art on a regular basis and it can be viewed at www.key-art.biz .