11/1/2006 – News

Major highway project completed
A symbolic ribbon cutting in observance of the completion of the $35 million relocation of US 281 near Minnewaukan was held Wednesday, Oct. 25 at the new entrance to Minnewaukan from US 281 about a half mile west of the town. Among those taking part were, left to right, Anna and Ambrose Littleghost, elders of the Spirit Lake Nation; Carl Walking Eagle, vice chairman of the Spirit Lake Nation Tribal Council; Francis Ziegler, director of the ND Department of Transportation (DOT); Jeff Forster of the Federal Highway Administration; Mark Anderson of Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson, the engineering firm which was in charge of the project; Scott Zainhofsky, DOT engineer for the Devils Lake District; and Jeani Borchert and Sheri Lares of the DOT. Not pictured are Leo Boyle, Gary Sowatski and Peggy Anderson of the DOT.

Holiday cookies
Leeds first graders enjoy holiday cookie decorating with parent Carol Thompson. Left to right are Carol Thompson, Garrett Johnson and Danielle Schwanke.

Pumpkin fun at Maddock!
NDSU Extension agents Scott Knoke and Jenny Steinhaus are pictured with the Maddock first and second graders after participating in a lesson on pumpkins at the Maddock School. The students weighed and measured their pumpkins and played a pumpkin bingo game. Each student received a pumpkin to decorate and take home. The pumpkins were donated by Charlotte Simon.

Speaking winner
Isaac Engels, right, son of Joe and Merritt Engels of Maddock received a silver award in the National FFA Prepared Public Speaking Career Development Event Contest held at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. October 25-28. He is pictured at the convention with his advisor, Gary Wald, left. Isaac was selected first in the first round of eight speakers and ended up in the top 16 of 44 participants in the national prepared speaking contest. He previously had won the North Dakota state prepared speaking contest at the State FFA Convention in June, which gave him the opportunity to participate in the national contest. Isaac is the 2006-07 president of the A.S.
Gibbens FFA Chapter of Maddock and has participated in prepared public speaking, extemporaneous public speaking, FFA Creed quiz and food science at the district and state level.

Maddock Memorial Home, Johnson Clinic have 30th anniversary open house
The Maddock Memorial Home and the Johnson Clinic, P.C., Maddock satellite, held their 30th anniversary celebration together on Friday, Oct. 20 with an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. A crowd of about 160 enjoyed anniversary cake and a short program, which was held at 3 p.m. with a welcome from Maddock Memorial Home administrator Beth Olson.
Employee years of service awards were given to Dorothy Wisness and Arlyss Bergrud for 10 years of service, to Elizabeth Slater and Gail Nelson for 15 years of service, and to Deanna Johnson for 30 years of service. Activity director Arlyss Bergrud read a poem to honor Deanna for her service. Josie Kolsrud, Joyce Vallier, Dolores Benson, Ruth Sorenson, Hilda Kotaska and Margaret Jacobson were cheerleaders spelling out Deanna’s name.
Past board members, present board members, past employees and current employees were all recognized. Special recognition was given to resident Mrs.Violet Smith who and made the first supper of rice pudding at the home in 1976. Josie Kolsrud was also recognized as being an employee and is now a resident.
Jim Gilbertson, president of the board, spoke briefly reflecting back to looking at water in the halls from a leaky roof and what to do? He commended the community for the great support given to the facility over the years. He also commented on several awards received over the years by the Maddock Memorial Home and its employees, volunteers and even the dog!
The Maddock Memorial Home rhythm band entertained with "Calcutta" and "I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing." Johnson Clinic’s Dr. Sedo and resident, Ruth Sorenson got together for an anniversary dance to entertain the crowd.
Dr. Seiler, representing the Johnson Clinic, P.C., reminisced about early days of the clinic and introduced current staff members in attendance as well as one of the first employees, Delores Stenberg.
Tours were given of the home, Memorial Home Manor (4-plex apartments) and Johnson Clinic, P.C. The Maddock Memorial Home gave out Memorial Home Cookbooks or Memorial Home Can Coolers to those in attendance and gave three door prize baskets won by Lucille Westby, Ed Schimmin and Vickie Axtman. The Maddock Memorial Home presented the Johnson Clinic, P.C. a clock with an aerial photo of the facilities.
Johnson Clinic, P.C. gave a first aid kit won by Alice Engkvist.

The Maddock Memorial Home complex as it appears today.

The Maddock Memorial Hospital at it appeared in the 1950’s.

Representatives of the Johnson Clinic, P.C. are pictured. Left to right are Dr. Seiler, Linda Ellingson, Paula Duren, Judy Ritterman, Dr. Sedo and Tracy Kallenbach.

Visit pumpkin patch
Leeds Elementary School students recently enjoyed a trip to the Engstrom Pumpkin Patch. Kindergarten students stand in the corn maze with a friendly spook. Left to right are Hailey Gunderson, Reganne Ritterman, Kimberly Nelsen, Ashley Thayne, Camee Wangler, Callie Lawrence and Caitlyn Blazer. In the background are The Spook and Teri Johnson.

About 400 visit DI scary house
Another successful year was completed for the third annual Leeds D.I. Haunted House. The house was open October 27 and Oct. 28 in the Churchs Ferry City Hall. Approximately 400 visitors went through the house on one or both of these nights. Money from this project will be used to help fund activities of the Leeds D.I. in the coming year.