Dennis Bullinger - City Magazine

JULY 2009 BISMARCK • MANDAN 

DICKINSON 

Inside: 

• Health: Food Allergies 

• Travel: Western ND Golf Tour 

• City Works: A Tale of Two Seasons 

• Summer Entertainment 

Dennis 

Bullinger 

Chief of Police, City of Mandan

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2 thecitymag.com

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COVER STORY 

Dennis Bullinger 

CM/KFYR SALUTES... 

Dakota Media Access 

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO 

Darby Christensen? 

YOU’VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY? 

A Pearl? 

CROSSWORD 

SOUND OFF 

KILEE’S TAKE | 

Dirty Lessons 

During the summer, there are picnics galore and you might 

not have a lot of time to make something. In June, my 

fiancé had his department picnic. I asked “Do we need to 

bring anything?” His answer: “Nope.” I should have known better. 

Luckily, I bumped into one of his female coworkers and found out 

they needed more food items. (Ladies, let this be a lesson: Don’t 

leave the details up to men). 

So, with very little time for prep, I remembered a fun dessert 

my mom would make when I was a little girl. This simple, semihealthy 

classic saved me (and him) and was a big hit with all ages. 

Dirt Cups 

25 small, clear plastic cups 

2 18 oz packages of Reduced Fat Oreos 

6 packages Sugar Free Instant Chocolate Pudding 

25 Gummy Worms 

Prepare pudding as directed on package. 

Pour cookies in a zip lock bag, close, and have 

fun beating until they are crumb like. 

Line up the 25 cups and put 3 teaspoons of 

cookie crumbs on the bottom. Lay a gummy 

worm in the cup so half is sticking out the 

top. Fill cups with 3-4 Tablespoons of pudding 

and top with 2-3 more teaspoons of cookie 

crumbs. 

Refrigerate for a few hours. Grab a spoon and 

enjoy! 

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Decisions, Decisions, Part 2 

UNIVERSITY PROFILES 

University of Mary 

HOME & GARDEN 

Container Gardens 

HEALTH 

Food Allergies 

PET PAGE 

The "Special Needs" Dog 

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37 

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www.thecitymag.com 

PUBLISHER 

Joe Hauer 

GENERAL MANAGER 

Kilee Dobogai 

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS 

Cathy A. Langemo 

Mandy Thomas 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Candace Gerhardt 

Joel Gilbertson 

Renae Hoffmann Walker 

Ed Klecker 

Mike LaLonde 

Marilyn Mitzel 

Nicole Morrison-Mathern 

Tom Regan 

Mandi Salveson 

Jan Schultz 

Billie Michele Stanton 

Mandy Thomas 

Deanna Voutsas 

Mike Wetsch 

Bill Wocken 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

Ashley Lynn Harris 

LAYOUT & DESIGN 

Suzie Baisch 

DISTRIBUTION 

Ron Lechner 

John Metzger 

The city Magazine does not necessarily 

endorse or agree with the contents of articles or 

advertising appearing in the magazine. 

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For advertising information, please call United 

Printing at (701) 223-0505. 

A Tale of Two Seasons 

WE DRIVE 

Doug's Dream - Honda Style 

TRAVEL 

Western ND Golf Tour 

WESTERN ND SECTION 

Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing 

YESS AWARD 

BrickHouse Grille 

SAFETY TIP 

WESTERN ND SECTION 

SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT 

Protecting Our Precious Cargo 

Explore Dickinson 

20 35 CITY WORKS 46 

July 2009 WINE NOTES 

3

Publisher’s Note 

It's a good time to 

begin a business... 

I 

think many of our larger corporations got into a rut and 

began practicing “bad capitalism”. They did whatever it took 

to make money, and how it was made was not important. 

That was quite contrary to what we were taught in school 

and at home. Work hard, be honest and build your business 

and your life one brick at a time. Treat customers fairly and 

give them a little more than they expect, and they will reward 

you with their loyalty and support. Now, let's forward to a new 

time in history. 

Gathering money from shareholders and giving them a 

stock certificate was the company's promise to provide you 

with a fair return. However, many decided that, after they had 

collected the money, spending it for personal use became an 

easy way to enhance their lifestyle. Now that I have the money, 

how hard should I work for the shareholder? We’re doing all the 

work so why should we share any more then we must? 

Had the companies explained this before the investors 

handed over their money, very few would have parted with it. 

That's when “bad capitalism” seemed to be on a run-away, and 

we didn't know how to stop it. The idea was great and should 

be the way capitalism should work. 

I am a capitalist, and I think it is the greatest way to build a 

great society. But we must practice “good capitalism”. There is 

no ideology that supports bad capitalism, and I think we're at 

the crossroads that demand fair capitalism. 

Unfortunately, we may have invited more government 

regulations, but let's not forget who invited this problem. So we 

want to be critical of this situation and remember why we have 

it. For most small businesses, you could have as many regulators 

in your place as could fit in, and it would not change how 

you do business. For those who need watching, we all get to 

pay the price to protect us from dishonesty. 

So, back to the beginning. Many realize the mistakes and, 

going forward, the laws in place will be enforced. Dishonesty 

will be checked and appropriate action, I hope, will be taken. 

So choose a business, write a good business plan and work hard. 

And not just for a year or two, but for many years and see what 

great results you will enjoy—not just the financial par, but also 

the satisfaction of accomplishment. 

Begin the trip and build it one brick at a time. You will 

build a solid foundation that will provide for you, your family 

and others. And don't forget to be generous to those who need 

help, because receiving comes in giving. You always seem to 

receive more than you give. Good luck in your journey, and 

enjoy the trip. 

Joe Hauer 

4 thecitymag.com

THE ASSOCIATE 

by John Grisham 

GOOD READS | 

By Ed Klecker 

Writer John Grisham returns 

to the same story format 

that established him as a 

hot, new, best-selling author with The 

Firm. For his legions of fans, his 22 nd 

novel is a welcome trip back. 

Grisham, a Mississippi attorney, 

once again introduces the reader 

to the world of legal skullduggery, 

gray areas of law, avarice and the 

idealism of those who wish to make 

a difference. 

Kyle McAvoy is the son of a 

small-town Pa. attorney. He’s also at 

the top of his law class at Yale and 

the editor-in-chief of the Law Review, 

which translates to his being a 

hot candidate as an associate with a prestigious Wall Street mega 

law firm upon graduation. His idealistic intentions are to work 

for a year or two with Legal Aid as a public-service attorney 

helping the disadvantaged prior to accepting big money with an 

established law firm. 

Those plans are dashed by an encounter with a mysterious 

stranger. He confronts Kyle with an incident of youthful fraternity 

indiscretion during his undergraduate days at Duquesne. 

While innocent, Kyle was intoxicated at the wrong place at the 

wrong time. 

The stranger threatens to sidetrack Kyle’s ambitions and potentially 

destroy his career before it begins. Kyle is told to accept 

his offer from the largest law firm in the world, Scully & Pershing. 

Once there, Kyle was to volunteer for the litigation division 

and attempt to be assigned to their largest case, one involving a 

suit between two aeronautical firms with over a trillion dollar 

defense contract. Kyle is told to keep the stranger informed on 

the trial strategy for their client, as well as defense secrets in 

sealed files. 

In large part, Grisham’s novel reveals the inner workings of a 

huge law firm and the well-paid, but miserable, life of an associate. 

The reader is led to the conclusion that the main priority 

of such law firms is to wring out the maximum billable hours as 

much as possible and serving the legal needs of the client as secondary. 

Kyle wrestles with the obvious question of the violation 

of legal ethics and his own idealism. He decides to fight back, a 

“David vs. Goliath” endeavor. 

Good Reads is sponsored by: 

July 2009 5

| COVER STORY 

"Starting at a young age 

Dennis Bullinger, 

Mandan Chief of Police 

servant to the people 

up to the present, 

I've been involved in 

serving our country 

and community. 

I have enjoyed 

every bit of it." 

In those few words, Dennis 

Bullinger, Mandan’s Chief 

of Police, sums up a lifetime 

of serving the people. 

He’s been with the Mandan 

“PD” for 36 years; chief going 

on two years. 

Dropping out of high 

school, “Bull” joined the U.S. 

Army in 1970, serving in an 

artillery unit in Southeast 

Asia. Upon returning to his 

hometown, the young veteran 

married and took a job selling 

automotive parts. 

In 1973, a family friend, 

Leo Schneider, then a captain 

with the Mandan Police 

Department (Schneider would 

By Tom Regan 

later become Morton County 

Sherriff), asked Bullinger to try 

law enforcement. The 22-yearold’s 

affirmative answer set his 

course for life. 

As to his ascendency to the 

“top cop” position, Bullinger, 

with characteristic modesty, 

credits his immediate predecessor, 

Dennis Rohr (who served as 

chief 21 years), for consistently 

nudging him down a learning 

path. 

“An educator himself, Chief 

Rohr was big on education,” 

says Bullinger. A bachelor’s in 

management earned at the 

University of Mary, as well as 

coursework completed through 

the University of Virginia and 

Northwestern University, helped 

Bullinger get the job. 

Friends and associates 

know Bullinger as downto-earth 

and easy going, 

but “tough” when it counts. 

Bullinger confirms this assessment 

when he describes the 

legacy he’d like to leave behind: 

“He was the chief, the deputy 

chief and a lieutenant, but in 

all those positions he was pleasant 

to work with—all in all, a 

good guy, but he had expectations 

and expected you to meet 

them.” 

–Staff 

6 thecitymag.com

What are the top 

CM: three types of 

calls from citizens that your 

officers get involved with? 

BULLINGER: Domestic 

violence, which we have a lot 

of, and accidents and thefts. 

With juveniles, it’s unruliness, 

minor in possession/ 

consumption and 

disorderly conduct. 

CM: Are 

there 

any programs that 

are working right 

now to help curb 

domestic violence? 

BULLINGER: Yes, 

the 24/7 program, 

modeled after the 

one in S.D. If you 

are arrested for 

an alcohol-related 

driving offense or 

you’re charged with 

a domestic violence 

offense where alcohol 

is involved, the 

judge places you on 

this program. 

When you’re in the 

program, you’re out on bond 

and you have to report to 

the sheriff ’s office in your 

jurisdiction every morning 

and every evening while your 

case is pending. If you test 

positive for drinking, you go 

straight to jail. 

Once a disposition has 

been reached in a case, 

whether the offender is found 

guilty or not guilty, they’re 

off the program. Sometimes, 

when participants are found 

not guilty and are told they’re 

done with the program and 

don’t have to check in, they 

say, “Oh, please, I want to 

come back—I’ve finally been 

sober.” 

This was a pilot program 

in our district this year but, 

thanks to the leadership of 

the state attorney general’s 

office, the legislature approved 

the funding to take it 

statewide. 

DENNIS BULLINGER 

Title: Chief of Police, Mandan Police 

Department 

DOB: November 11, 1951 

High School: Mandan High School 

College: University of Mary, bachelor’s in 

management 

Military Service: U.S. Army, SP4, Field 

Artillery, served in Southeast Asia 

Family: wife, Sandy, married 37 years; 

three grown, married sons—Chad, Scott, 

Travis; seven grandchildren 

Hobbies: golf 

Nickname: “Bull” 

What’s the latest 

CM: news with the 

Combined Law Enforcement 

Center? 

BULLINGER: In the fall of 

2008, we merged the county 

and city communication 

centers, now under the direction 

and supervision of the 

Emergency Management Office. 

I supported the merger, 

and both the county and city 

commissions recognized the 

benefits of the merger and 

approved it. 

Doubling staff allows for 

more flexibility in scheduling, 

and the merger also 

saves on the operations 

budget. We upgraded the 

equipment with all new radio 

consoles. What we had was 

23 years old—it was starting 

to fail, and we couldn’t find 

replacement parts. 

This center dispatches 

all the county road crews, 

sheriff ’s department, city 

police, EMS and 

fire, and it’s also the 

9-1-1 center. Being 

adjacent to the 

county jail, the center 

also takes care 

of the electronic 

controls for the jail 

doors and monitors 

the inmates on the 

floor. 

CM: What 

are your 

worries and fears 

about young people 

today? 

BULLINGER: As 

Mandan grows, we 

see the migration of 

families here from 

major metropolitan 

areas and some of them have 

children who have had exposure 

to or association with 

gang activity. I’m concerned 

about some of the young 

adults who move here with 

criminal histories and the 

possible influence they may 

have on our young people. 

I’m also concerned about 

school truancy. Our department 

runs a truancy program 

with the middle schools and 

high school in cooperation 

with the school district. We 

want to bring the program 

into the elementary schools, 

too, and we’re working on 

that. 

July 2009 7

A new bill passed by the 

legislature should help improve 

the truancy problem. It 

used to be that parents who 

let their children skip school 

could be charged with a Class 

C felony and possibly jailed, 

so prosecutors were reluctant 

to bring them to court. 

The new bill reduces 

the penalty to an infraction 

for first-time offenses, so 

prosecutors should be more 

willing to charge parents. 

Now, negligent parents are 

going to have to explain to 

a court why their children 

are absent; the parents will 

have to be more accountable. 

Of course, we want the 

parents and children to work 

with our truancy program so 

the courts don’t have to get 

involved in the first place. 

What does it 

CM: take to be a good 

leader? 

BULLINGER: You identify 

the strengths and weaknesses 

of the people who work 

with you. You build on their 

strengths and support them 

in improving those weaknesses. 

You have to allow 

your people to make decisions 

and learn from their 

mistakes. 

As a young police officer, 

I had a lot of cases that were 

appealed and reversed at the 

Supreme Court level. But if 

you recognize your mistakes 

and learn from them, you’re 

going to advance. You have 

to let your people fail at 

times, but then you need to 

step in and support them so 

they don’t make that mistake 

again. 

MANDAN ON THE MOVE 

Calendar of Events 

World of Outlaws. Aug. 22, at 

the Dacotah Speedway. The 

pits open at 2 p.m. and the 

stands at 4 p.m., with hotlaps at 

6 p.m., qualiying rounds at 6:30 

p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m. Call 

751-2783 to order tickets. For 

more information, visit www.dacotahspeedway.net 

and www. 

worldofoutlaws.com. 

State H.O.G. Rally. Aug. 21 to 

23. Activities include a Parade 

of Harleys and bike games in 

downtown Mandan on Saturday, 

Aug. 22, from 5 to 6:30 

p.m. followed by a picnic dinner 

in Dykshoorn Park. 

Kids Fest in the Park. On Aug. 

8, it is Kids Day at Dykshoorn 

Park from noon to 5 p.m. 

Summer Concert Series. Entertainers 

perform in Dykshoorn 

Park through Aug. 20 on Mondays 

through Thursdays, beginning 

at 7 p.m. For information 

visit www.mandanprogress.org. 

See Dennis Bullinger’s answers to the “City Mag 10” questionnaire by 

signing up for City Magazine’s Online Magazine at www.thecitymag.com. 

8 thecitymag.com

YP UPDATE 

YPN Celebrates its 4th Birthday at Annual Cinco de Mayo Party 

The Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals 

Network has a new face, or faces 

rather. In conjunction with the Network’s 

annual Cinco de Mayo party, which marked 

the Network’s fourth anniversary, was the 2009 

vice-presidential election. Crystal Reid, business 

reporter at the Bismarck Tribune, was announced 

vice-president, with Joe Pierce, small 

business solutions at Office Depot, as the other 

candidate. 

New team co-leads were also announced: 

Cory Davidson, Service Team Co-Lead; Casey 

King, Professional Development Team Co- 

Lead; and Becca Keller, Entrepreneurship Team 

Co-Lead. 

The Top 10 Places to Work in Bismarck- 

Mandan winners received awards that evening 

as well. Congratulations to: Aetna, American 

Bank Center, Applied Engineering Inc., Barr 

By Mandi Salveson 

Engineering Co., Bismarck State College, 

Capital Credit Union, Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson, 

National Information Solutions Cooperative, 

ND Department of Transportation, and Odney 

Advertising. 

The Spring Recruitment Challenge winners 

were also recognized. There was a three-way tie 

for winners, with each receiving a gift card to 

Kirkwood Mall for their efforts in recruiting 11 

new members. 

Lastly, recognition was given to Community 

Partners for their continued contributions to 

the Network. Thank you to Kevin Leier of TAO 

Interactive, Jim Mellon of Midway Lanes, Mike 

Mabin of Agency MABU, and the Bismarck- 

Mandan Chamber of Commerce. 

For more information, contact the YP Network at 

701.223.5660 or info@ypnetwork.org. 

July 2009 9

| CITY MAGAZINE & KFYR 

Salutes 


It’s been a year of accelerated 

change for 

Bismarck-Mandan’s 

community media 

organization. Originally 

incorporated in 1987 

as Community Access 

Television, the non-profit 

organization was renamed 


(DMA) to better reflect its 

evolution. 

A second channel 

was launched (cable 

channel 2) to carry the 

expanding lineup of civic 

meetings, online program 

delivery was substantially 

enhanced and the city of 

Mandan hopped on board as a participant and 

funder. 

According to Mary Van Sickle, executive 

director of DMA, the operation remains the 

only true “PEG” (Public, Education and Government) 

model of community media in the 

state. In addition to its collaboration with local 

government and schools, DMA provides training, 

expertise and equipment for residents and 

non-profit organizations wanting to produce 

their own programming for cable and webcasting. 

Engaging the public is the side of the 

organization’s mission that excites Van Sickle 

the most; it’s also the area where staff spends the 

By Tom Regan 

bulk of its time. “What public access is really 

all about is providing an outlet or medium for 

people to express themselves,” says Van Sickle. 

Working shoulder-to-shoulder with area 

individuals and organizations, DMA produces 

an impressive lineup of ongoing series. 

Programs such as “Live United” (in conjunction 

with United Way), “arTView” (with Dakota 

West Arts Council), “Destination Pets” (with 

Central Dakota Humane Society) and “Prebys 

on Music” have built a loyal following. 

DMA exports several of these locally-produced 

programs to community media counterparts 

in markets as far away as San Bernardino, 

Calif. 

10 thecitymag.com

In addition to its commitment to the 

ongoing series, DMA creates “first-run” (most 

programs play multiple times) programming by 

recording and editing a diverse array of events, 

such as University of Mary’s Jazz Festival, the 

Governor’s Conference on ND History and 

Brown Bag in the Park. 

These events, combined with the ongoing 

series, resulted in over 100 hours of original 

local programming in 2008. 

Local individuals and organizations can 

also create or “sponsor” programming they produce 

themselves or that is produced outside of 

the Bismarck-Mandan area. According to Van 

Sickle, 453 such programs “walked through the 

door” and were submitted for playback last year. 

For example, Bismarck High School’s media 

class submits a weekly, news “UpDate,” local 

churches provide regular services and special 

event programs and a local square-dance club 

sponsors a series on square-dancing produced 

in Minn. 

The major focus at DMA today is improving 

program-delivery capabilities, especially 

through its website, making it as convenient as 

possible for any member of the public (and that 

means “global” public, too) to view a new or archived 

program, including civic meetings, “any 

time, any place,” through webcasting, Video on 

Demand and podcasting. “ 

“It’s no longer just about delivering programs 

through the TV channel, although that’s 

where we originated and that will always be 

important to us, but we also need to provide 

additional ways for people to consume our 

product,” says Van Sickle. 

Funding for DMA comes from a franchise 

fee assessed to cable subscribers and collected by 

the local cable provider, Midcontinent Communications, 

that provides cable channels 2 and 12. 

Funding also comes from donations, 

program underwriting and fees for services. 

The city commissions determine DMA’s annual 

budget. 

For a program schedule or to volunteer, donate 

or learn how to creatively express yourself 

through the creation of digital media, contact 

DMA at 701-258-8767 or visit their website at 

www.freetv.org. 

July 2009 11

| A TASTE OF ND 

HONEY TWISTS 

Ingredients 

1/4 cup Dakota Honey 

1 tablespoon butter 

2/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans 

1 tablespoon sesame seeds 

1 (11.5 oz.) container refrigerated cornbread 

twists or 1 (11 oz.) container refrigerated breadsticks 

Instructions 

Combine honey and butter in small saucepan and heat 

gently, stirring until butter is melted. Pour onto dinner plate. 

Mix nuts and sesame seeds on a separate plate. Separate the 

refrigerated dough into 12 or 16 strips. Dip two strips into 

honey-butter mixture, turning to lightly coat both sides; 

dip each strip into nuts to lightly coat. Twist the two strips 

together and pinch ends. Place on ungreased baking sheet. 

Repeat with remaining strips. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes 

or until baked and golden. Makes 6 to 8 twists. 

For more great recipes visit the 

“Extra Content” section at 


12 thecitymag.com

APPLE HONEY CRISP 

Ingredients 

2 lbs. apples, quartered and sliced (1 1/2 quarts) 

1/2 cup plus 1/4 cup Dakota Honey (separated) 

1 teaspoon cinnamon 

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 

1 cup flour 

1/4 cup butter, softened 

Warm Nutmeg Cream (recipe follows) 

Instructions 

A Taste of North Dakota 

is sponsored by: 

Toss apples with 1/2 cup honey, cinnamon and nutmeg 

in a bowl. Turn into 2-quart baking dish. For topping, beat 

flour with butter and 1/4 cup honey until crumbly; sprinkle 

over apples. Bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes or until apples 

are tender and topping is golden. Serve with Warm Nutmeg 

Cream or ice cream. Makes 6 servings. 

Warm Nutmeg Cream: Combine 1/2 cup whipping cream, 

2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons butter and 1/4 teaspoon 

nutmeg in saucepan and bring to boil. Simmer, stirring often, 

for 5 minutes or until mixture thickens slightly. Makes 1/2 cup. 

Recipes and photos supplied by the National Honey Board. To learn more 

visit www.americanhoneycompany.com, a member of Pride of Dakota. 

July 2009 13

Whatever happened to 

Darby Christensen? 

As a teenager, Darby Christensen had 

a passion for music and wanted to 

work in the record industry, though 

he had never played an instrument. 

Born and raised in Bismarck by Leonard 

and Geri Christensen, Darby recalls when 

there were several music stores at the mall and 

downtown. Some of his favorite memories are 

of “shopping at record stores, going to great 

rock concerts that came through Bismarck and 

playing basketball for the Bismarck Demons.” 

When he graduated from Bismarck High in 

1985, he went to Moorhead State, got a degree 

in communications/marketing and came back 

to work at Kirkwood Mall. After three years, 

the management company transferred him to 

The Plaza in New Orleans. 

Darby says, “It was in a rough neighbor- 

By Renae Hoffmann Walker 

hood; we worked with the city to create a safe 

haven there for kids.” For that, he and the staff 

each received a Key to the City. 

That isn’t Christensen’s only honor. He was 

a finalist for three MAXI Awards in the shopping 

center industry. But it’s being a finalist for 

four Grammy Awards and finally winning one 

that he says is his greatest professional achievement. 

Darby and his wife, Linda, moved to 

Phoenix in 1996, where Darby is co-owner and 

president of Summit Records. He says, “We 

moved cold turkey, no jobs for six months. 

Then I answered a little ad for a sales/marketing 

director for a classical music label. Now, I coown 

the company, and there’s a lot of cool stuff 

going on!” 

Cool stuff include receiving a 2009 Grammy 

14 thecitymag.com

Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album: Randy Brecker: 

Randy in Brasil. Check it out at www.summitrecords.com. 

Summit has approximately 450 titles in its catalogue, mostly 

classical brass, chamber music, jazz and big band. 

Darby dreams of winning more Grammy Awards, doing 

some video production and eventually becoming a media 

mogel. But today, he’s all about family. “I’m most proud of my 

relationships with family, being married for 20 years and fostering 

and adopting a handsome little fellow named Keenan.” 

Darby likes to laugh and joke; he says he’s also proud of his 

seventh-grade track discuss champion trophy and winning his 

2009 fantasy football league. 

In all 

seriousness, 

Christensen 

says he misses 

Bismarck: the 

air, the feeling 

of home and the 

many wonderful 

memories he 

has of growing 

up here. He’s 

glad his sister, 

Rhonda, will live 

here “forever” 

so he can come 

back often and 

visit! 

Answers for the June 2009 crossword puzzle. 

Correction 

In the last issue, the story about 

CHS student Jack Golden was 

inadvertently labelled Sam Golden. I 

offer my sincerest apologies to Jack 

and his parents. While the story and 

photos were initially labelled correctly, 

there was a writing error. I know of 

a Sam Golden, and when I sat down 

to put all of the pieces together and 

write the story, that’s the name that 

popped into my head. The corrected 

version is on City Magazine's 

website at thecitymag.com. 

Sincerely, 

Renae Hoffmann Walker 

July 2009 15

| YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY! 

Kristin Mathern (right) coloring with kids at a lunch feeding program 

in Haiti. 

For the past year and a half, I have been 

traveling to high schools, colleges and 

conferences in the United States sharing a 

presentation I created entitled “PEARL” which 

is about being “more than” just a student, “more 

than” just an employee who shows up for work, 

A Pearl 

By Nicole Morrison-Mathern 

and “more than” just someone who’s name is on 

a list for a club or organization. 

Someone who exemplifies this concept 

is Kristin Mathern. Kristin is a junior at the 

University of Mary majoring in nursing and 

pre-med. She is active in Student Senate, 

16 thecitymag.com

tutoring, Lions Club, her church, and the North Dakota 

Leadership Seminar, where five years ago she went as a student 

leader, and has continued to participate each year thereafter as 

a junior counselor. She has coached youth volleyball, taught 

Sunday school, and the list continues. 

Kristin is going to make an amazing nurse and doctor, as 

her compassion for her patients is already evident in her role 

as a CNA at the Mandan Care Center, and her passion for what 

she does is displayed in her Easter Seals’ position as a direct 

support professional working with families with autistic children. 

Last summer Kristin worked as a healthcare assistant for 

a non-profit agency in Minnesota at a summer camp for kids 

with mental and physical developmental disabilities. In each of 

her positions, Kristin has always thoroughly enjoyed what she 

has done, and takes pride in seeing what a difference she has 

made in their lives (big and small). 

This past May, Kristin along with eight other students from 

the University of Mary traveled to Haiti for a mission trip. 

Their core mission was to plant trees around an orphanage that 

is in the process of being built. They fundraised enough to buy 

1,000 trees, and the tools necessary to plant them. For two days 

they planted trees on a three-acre mountain, and in case you’re 

wondering, yes, it’s difficult to plant trees on a mountain. They 

were also able to visit St. Theresa’s Home for the Dying. 

When asked about her trip, Kristin stated, “I felt really welcomed 

there, and the people where so thankful that we didn’t 

just donate money, but we also took the time to come there and 

do the work. I was really surprised by the fact that the people 

were all so happy and wanted to play even when we were in the 

most devastating parts of Haiti.” 

There isn’t anything better than seeing a young adult being 

“more than” just a college student or becoming a PEARL. 

PEARL = Passion, do what you're passionate about and you’ll 

be moved to do things you never dreamt possible. Education, 

be a lifelong learner. Awesomeness, awesome people, places 

and things stand out – be awesome. Resilience, resilience 

makes the tough times easier. Love, treat others as you wish to 

be treated, and the world will be a much better place. Kristin 

Mathern = PEARL. 

Nicole Morrison-Mathern is assistant director of the Harold 

Schafer Emerging Leaders Academy at the University of Mary 

as well as the co-owner of the 100% women-owned businesses, 

Moxe In Action, LLC, Entertainment Resources, and URL (U 

Rock Lately) Radio. 

You've Come A Long Way Baby is sponsored by: 

July 2009 17

| CROSSWORD 

For results of the crossword puzzle from the last issue of City Magazine, please see page 15. 

The answers for the puzzle above will be printed in the next issue of City Magazine. 

18 thecitymag.com

with Candace Gerhardt 

Q: What's Your Favorite Place in North Dakota? 

Jennifer Moore: Some farmland 

north of New Salem where I grew 

up—there are wide open prairies, 

a breathtaking view, and a sense of 

serenity I’ve never found anywhere 

else. I love North Dakota. I haven’t always 

though. When I was young, I saw it as simple 

and stifling. I’ve learned these prairies keep my 

soul alive. 

Tom Bushaw: The Maah Daah 

Hey Trail between the North and 

South units of Theodore Roosevelt 

National Park— for its raw, desolate, 

yet beautiful landscape . . . . 

Scot Ross: I love standing on the 

first tee of any of our scenic golf 

courses. There’s nothing more 

relaxing . . . . 

Ellyn Rost: My parents’ porch 

three miles outside of Hazen, and 

one more— gliding in a canoe in 

the middle of the Missouri River. I 

like to dip my fingers in the water 

while the sandbars slowly pass by. The sky is 

huge and blue . . . . 

Jann Andring: I have a pop-up 

camper on the back of my pick-up. 

Sometimes I think, “I’m going to 

drive to different parts of the state 

and spend a day or two.” Somehow 

a trip around North Dakota doesn’t seem 

lonely. With every elevator I pass, I’m reminded 

of my father’s commitment to the industry 

that continues to feed us. 

Heidi Super: The view from the 

dining room at Assumption Abbey 

in Richardton takes my breath 

away. 

July 2009 19

| SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT 

20 thecitymag.com

July 2009 21

| DINING GUIDE 

MR. DELICIOUS 

CHEESECakE CafE 

& BAKERY 

307 N. 3rd St. 

Bismarck, ND 

701-258-2598 

In the former Kathleen’s building, you will now find 

Mr. Delicious Cheesecake with a twist! Now serving 

lunch from 10am-4pm (Mon-Sat) followed by our 

NEW dinner menu. Pair your meal with different 

wines or beers, and top it all off with our 140+ delicious 

cheesecake flavors! Enjoy your sweet experience 

inside or on our great patio seating up to 50. 

BRUNO'S PIZZA 

910 E. Front Ave. 

Bismarck, ND 

701-751-3700 

Bruno’s Pizza, Bismarck’s newest family owned 

and operated pizza restaurant, is offering several 

quick ideas for lunch. Whether you want to have 

delivery, dine-in or carryout, Bruno’s pizza is the 

quick choice for lunch. We have several great pasta’s 

to choose from, or try our flavor of the day for 

pizza by the slice. Call ahead for faster service at 

751-3700. 

A Tasty Tour 

of The Walrus 

By Mandy Thomas 

Step inside The Walrus Restaurant at 1136 N. 

3rd Street and take a taste-bud tour through 

one of our cities’ most famous and locally 

owned dining establishments. Leading the 

tour is Jill Sanford, server-turned-proprietor of The 

Walrus on February 9, 2009. 

As you enter the premises, you’re guided 

through the same cozy atmosphere you’ve come to 

know and love, except now you can’t help but see 

the new shiny equipment glistening in the kitchen. 

This is where you meet Bismarck native Kristin 

Sande, The Walrus’ new executive chef. “I hired 

a high caliber chef who needs proper equipment 

to match her level of skill,” said Sanford. “Our old 

MYSTERIA THEATER 

210 West Main 

Mandan, ND 

701-663-2900 

A Historic Mandan location is home to Mysteria 

Theater: a wonderful eatery with great food and 

entertainment for all! Come enjoy a deliciously 

quick lunch or fantastic romantic dinner with 

menus that offer casual or fine dining. Take in our 

entertainment such as bands and stage shows. Then 

on Sundays bring the family in for a filling brunch. 

www.mysteriatheater.com 

ROBY’S SUPPER CLUB 

I-94 & Exit 147 

Mandan, ND 

701-663-2288 

Roby’s Supper Club is fine dining at its best. Roby’s 

features nothing but the highest quality cuts of 

Certified Angus Beef, the sweetest seafood and their 

famous applewood-smoked, dry-rubbed loin baby 

back ribs. Enjoy a delicious dinner, 5 miles west 

of Mandan on I-94 exit 147. Open Tuesday thru 

Saturday, serving 4:30pm-10pm with an elegant 

lounge open until 1am. 

22 thecitymag.com

kitchen was like an ’87 Datsun 

compared to what we have 

now. It’s beautiful.” 

Within this kitchen, Sande 

is adding life into The Walrus’ 

menu with the launch of a 

new DeLiteful menu for guests 

who prefer healthier options. 

Currently, this waist-conscious 

menu contains tasty selections 

like Tandoori Chicken Pizza, 

Basil Salmon Penne, Chana 

Masala and more. 

Besides designing a DeLiteful 

menu, Sande creates mouthwatering 

daily specials and 

includes some of her signature 

dishes like Margarita Chicken 

Salad, Chipolte Chicken Pizza 

and the Sante Fe Chicken Sandwich 

to the eclectic menu. 

It’s after you travel past 

PIROGUE GRILLE 

121 N. 4 th St. 

Bismarck, ND 

701-223-3770 

The "Rhubarbtini" is back at Pirogue Grille. Summer 

and the bounty of the heartland allow us to 

broaden our culinary palate with nightly specials. 

Recent menu changes reflect our continuing commitment 

to cooking within the seasons and brought 

us local and national recognition such as Gourmet 

magazine. You need to experience it for yourself. 

Open Tuesday-Saturday at 5:00 pm. www.piroguegrille.com 

PEACOCK ALLEY 

422 E. Main Ave. 

Bismarck, ND 

701-255-7917 

Absorb historic elegance at Peacock Alley as you 

enjoy fine cuisine. Much of the elegance and tradition 

of the old Patterson Hotel has been preserved, 

showcasing the Hotel's glory days. The majestic 

lobby and palatial dining room were transformed 

into the New Peacock Alley where you can savor 

our wide variety of entrees individually prepared to 

perfection. www.peacock-alley.com 

the kitchen that you see the 

largest beer selection in the 

region with 64 bottled domestics, 

imports and microbrews, 

along with 25 beers on tap. As 

parched guests lick their lips, 

Sanford begins to talk about 

their seasonal beers on tap. 

“People are all fired up 

because we now have Leinenkugel’s 

Summer Shandy and 

Breckenridge Summer Bright 

on tap for the summer,” said 

Sanford. “Make sure you get 

a ’64 Brew Tour Card’ to tour 

our 64 beer selections and even 

earn a spiffy t-shirt.” 

At last, you learn about The 

Walrus’ daily specials. There’s 

Microbrew Monday and then 

Tapper Tuesday, where tap 

beer and pizza are on special, 

EAST 40 CHOPHOUSE 

& TAVERN 

1401 Interchange Ave. 

Bismarck, ND 

701-258-7222 

along with music by local artists 

from 9:00 p.m. until 12:30 

a.m. 

Guests get discounted wine 

on Winer Wednesday; Heineken 

and Leinenkugel Honey 

Weiss on tap for Heinie/Leinie 

Thursday; Labatt’s Blue Lager, 

Moosehead, Molson Canadian 

and Molson Ice on Canuck 

Friday; and Sam Adam’s on 

Sammy Saturday. 

This concludes your tour of 

The Walrus. Now it’s time to 

taste! Come try The Walrus’ 

new menu, sit in their cozy 

vintage atmosphere, listen to 

live music and begin your brew 

tour today. 

Hours of operation are 

Monday through Saturday 

from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. 

East 40 delivers big-city flavors with small-town attitude. 

Premium Sterling Silver Steaks, Dakota buffalo 

and succulent seafood straight from the coast 

are served in the charming surroundings of our 

turn-of-the-century dining rooms and Old World 

tavern. Don't miss Sake, Sushi & Live Music Night 

every Monday or Tavern Jam with live music on 

Thursdays. www.east40chophouse.com 

BISTRO “AN AMERICAN CAFé” 

1103 E. Front Ave. 

Bismarck, ND 

701-224-8800 

Want the finest North Dakota Beef: Dixon Waygu 

Gourmet Beef? Then come to The Bistro where we 

have exclusive restaurant rights to serve it to you. 

Starting in June, listen to live music on the patio 

every Friday night and don't forget about Thursday 

night with Shawn Oban and Fresh Rolled Sushi. 

Check our website for the upcoming music schedule. 

www.bistro1100.com 

July 2009 23

| 

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions! 

Last month, we 

went through a 

few decisions that 

have to be made when 

making outstanding 

wine. We talked about 

“destem levels” and 

“tannin enhancement,” 

but we never finished 

making wine! We will 

do that in this article. 

After Part 1, we 

have some wine that 

typically needs to go 

into an oak barrel. 

Some whites will go into 

stainless steel to keep 

the fruit exceptionally 

fresh, but most wine 

goes into oak to finish 

the journey. 

The oak of choice 

for most premium 

wineries is French oak. 

Much could be said 

about the differences 

between French and 

American oak because wineries will swear by 

one or the other. 

I have tried the same wine, the same grapes 

placed 50 percent in a French oak barrel and 50 

percent in American oak. I thought the French 

oak wine had a little touch of “sweetness” and 

maybe a little caramel. In any event, I picked 

French as a preference. It is at least twice as 

expensive, but shucks, let’s splurge. 

Next is the blend. You can call a Merlot a 

“Merlot” in the U.S. if it is at least 75 percent the 

Merlot grape. That means many kinds of grapes 

can be found in the remaining 25 percent. It 

also means this variable alone presents numerous 

possibilities for your taste buds. 

Part 2 

BAGA City Magazine Ad 

June & July By 2009 Joel Gilbertson 

Bismarck Art & Galleries Association 

35th Annual 

Capital 

A’ Fair 

Saturday, August 1st • 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

Sunday, August 2nd • 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

On the North Dakota Capitol Grounds. 

As many of you 

know, I am making 

some wine in Calif. I 

just returned from 

there and did some 

taste tests. 

The 2007 Merlot 

we are making has 

great fruit on the first 

taste (as is typical for 

the grape). The problem 

is that the “finish” 

is a little short (as is 

also the case with most 

Merlots). 

A friend of mine, 

who is a winemaker in 

Napa, says that he takes 

a taste of his Cabernet 

Sauvignon before he 

goes home and, if he 

still can’t taste it when 

he gets home, he figures 

he did something 

wrong, and he goes 

back. 

OK, I listened and 

added about 5 percent Cabernet to the Merlot, 

and you can taste it a long time! Our Cabernet 

Sauvignon needed some up-front fruit. You can 

taste it all the way home, but you need a shot of 

fruit to stay interested! We added some Merlot 

and some Malbec to give it an additional shot of 

fruit and, hey, we’re home! 

We’ll see! The release of our 2007 Jeremiah 

Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon and our Jeremiah 

Napa Valley Merlot will be this fall. Until then, 

your next glass should include a toast to the 

winemaker when you think about all of the 

decisions that are made and the wonderful 

beverage that is the final product. 

Taste away! 

24 thecitymag.com

WEDDING GUIDE | 

July 2009 25

| UNIVERSITY PROFILES 

The University of Mary is in the midst of 

celebrating their 50 th jubilee. What a 

good reason to remember and rejoice. 

Laura Sturn, chair of the 50 th Committee 

says, “The special events planned tell the story 

of the Sisters coming to the prairie and starting 

the school, as well as give us a chance to look 

ahead to a vibrant future.” 

The university’s story begins humbly and 

spreads and rises with the service and leadership 

of its founders and sponsors. Founded 

in 1955 by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation 

Monastery as a two-year college, the 

school grew from 69 students in 1959 to an 

enrollment of nearly 2,800 in 2008. 

Initially a two-year college, it became a 

four-year, degree-granting institution in 1959, 

achieving university status in 1986. Currently, 

the university offers master’s degree programs 

in business administration, counseling, occupational 

therapy, project management and 

strategic leadership. Their first doctoral program, 

a Doctor of Physical Therapy, was added 

in 2005. 

As a way to meet the needs of busy adults 

and reach across the distance that may prevent 

students unable to be on campus, the university 

By Candace Gerhardt 

26 thecitymag.com

offers accredited undergraduate and graduate 

degree programs online at 18 sites in 6 states. 

An important strand in the story of the 

University of Mary is the idea and action of 

being a leader. The Harold Schafer Emerging 

Leaders Academy is one way the university offers 

volunteer experiences, internships and service 

learning as part of the students’ academic 

career. 

At the core of this story are their values— 

community, hospitality, respect for persons, 

moderation and prayer. This is the heart of 

celebration. 

Celebrate! University of Mary Festival of 

the Arts is a chance for the public to do exactly 

this—celebrate. Saturday, October 3, 2009, is 

a day of music, visual arts, the architecture of 

world-renowned designer Marcel Breuer (creator 

of the University’s first buildings), creative 

movement, theater and a statue dedication all 

mark this special day before the close of their 

jubilee in November 2009. 

Long-time leader Sister Thomas Welder 

describes the communal nature of the Univer- 

sity’s story and hope for its future. She writes, 

“In collaboration with leaders of the local 

community and state, the University of Mary 

serves the people of the region through vision, 

growth and innovation. In its 50 th year, the 

University of Mary prepares the next generation 

of leaders for a future of promise and 

possibility.” 

Here’s to the University of Mary. Congratulations. 

Lead on…. 

July 2009 27

| HOME & GARDEN 

Container gardens 

make decks happy! 

“I of my designs,” said Ginny LaFave of 

like to use red, purple and yellow—opposites 

on the color wheel—for some 

Plantperfect. LaFave designs custom container 

gardens and patio planters for a number of 

clients. 

This energetic woman literally runs around 

the greenhouse gathering materials to illustrate 

her “lecture” as she answers my questions. 

LaFave has taught a course on container 

gardening for the Bismarck State College 

community outreach program and also at the 

Waterford. 

Container gardens originated in Europe 

because most European countries are densely 

By Jan Schultz 

"Gardeners are happy people!" – Ginny LaFave 

populated, restricting gardens to patios and 

balconies. While the wide-open spaces of 

North Dakota don’t necessarily limit planting 

space, many folks dwell in condominiums or 

apartments where outdoor space is at a premium. 

A few well-planned and planted containers 

can add color, life and personality to an 

otherwise drab deck. “Almost any container 

is appropriate if you select plants that will 

complement the size and shape of the pot,” 

said LaFave. 

Some suggested pot materials are terra 

cotta, clay, plastic, wood, wicker, ceramic and 

molded fiber. LaFave emphasizes that the most 

28 thecitymag.com

A vacation in 

your own backyard 

Now the area’s only premiere 

full-service hardscaping 

company. 

Taking you from design and product 

selection to certifi ed professional 

installation. 

• Retaining Walls 

• Patios 

• Concrete Paving Stones 

• Walkways/Driveways 

• Ponds/Waterfalls 

• Landscaping Accessories 

• Premiere Natural Stone Products 

• Dirt, Sand, Gravel, Decorative Rock 

• Design Consultation 

One mile east of Bismarck 

on Main Avenue. 

New indoor showroom 

to be completed SOON! 

rocksandblocksnd.com 

701-258-2417 

July 2009 29

important factor in selecting a container is 

good drainage. 

Next comes the type of potting mix and, 

although we often refer to this mix as “soil”, 

the best mix doesn’t contain any soil at all. 

She recommends a light mixture of peat moss, 

vermiculite, pearlite and a smattering of clay 

particles. 

Can last year’s mixture be reused? LaFave 

said this is an option, but only if it’s mixed with 

some fresh material. 

Once containers and potting soil are selected, 

the real fun begins! According to LaFave, 

three elements dictate a container design: 

height, filler and trailer. 

Spiky plants, like Millet and Purple Fountain 

Grass with its elegant plumes, work well 

at the center of pots surrounded by colorful 

fillers like petunias, geraniums, gerbera daisies 

and marigolds. To finish the pot, add vinca 

vines, ferns or sweet potato vines for the trailing 

component. 

For those who don’t want their pots to look 

like grandmother’s garden, try a more modern 

look. Combine Gauar or Nemeisa at the center 

with fillers of osteospermum and dahlias. 

Plants such as Bacopa, Million Bells and Verbena 

contribute striking trailers. 

LaFave says that herbs and vegetables can 

be grown successfully on decks and patios, 

as well as flowers. Again, make sure you have 

proper soil, drainage and light. And, of course, 

your pots will need fertilizer to look their best 

with a profusion of colorful blossoms and veg- 

etables throughout the season. LaFave suggests 

several types of fertilizer such as Osmocoat, a 

slow release fertilizer, and Super Bloom for the 

best results. 

If you haven’t started your patio garden, it’s 

time to pull on your gardening gloves and get 

busy! 

30 thecitymag.com

green tip 

Each day, over 20 million sandwich bags are discarded after 

only one use. These bags can take up to 1,000 years to 

decompose. 

Those concerned about the environment can purchase 

WRAP-N-Mat® sandwich wraps to eliminate unneeded 

waste and save money. These environment-friendly wraps 

contain a washable plastic liner, making them reusable for 

up to six months. 

To learn more about these money-saving and environmentallyfriendly 

wraps, visit www.wrap-n-mat.com. 

July 2009 31

| HEALTH 

Food Allergies 

What You Don't Know Can Hurt You 

Eden & Tina Christian 

By Health Specialist Marilyn Mitzel 

Tina Christian didn’t know anything about food 

allergies and came critically close to paying the 

ultimate price. 

“My child almost died in my arms,” said Christian. 

It’s a parent’s worst nightmare. One minute, her toddler 

Eden was perfectly fine. The next she was literally on death’s 

door fighting desperately for her life. 

Christian says, “It was a pretty terrifying experience. 

Eden started vomiting; she collapsed in my husband’s arms 

and went into anaphylactic shock.” 

They immediately called Eden’s doctor, who advised 

giving her an EpiPen shot to slow down or stop the allergic 

reaction and rush her to the emergency room. 

Christian says, “Eden was coming in and out of con- 

32 thecitymag.com

sciousness. She turned blue. There were a couple of times 

I pressed my lips to hers (holding back tears) and blew air 

into her mouth because there was no air coming out of her. I 

wanted to tell my husband to pull over; if she’s going to die, I 

want her to die in my arms, in our car, not in a hospital.” 

By the time they arrived at the ER, 13 minutes later, Eden 

was coming around. As a result, Christian says, “The ER doctor 

thought we were parents who had just overacted. That was 

incredibly frustrating.” 

The culprit that triggered the allergic reaction was soy yogurt. 

Christian gave it to her daughter, thinking it was healthy 

after Eden’s doctor recommended it. “I had no idea how serious 

food allergies could be.” 

Eden was even tested for soy as a food allergen. The result 

was negative. 

“I learned the hard way that allergy tests aren’t 100 percent 

accurate. They are not foolproof,” she says. 

Tragically, about 200 people die every year in the U.S. from 

food allergies. 

“There’s a lot of ignorance out there. Even doctors, nurses 

and parents with allergic children are ignorant about it,” says 

Christian. 

The fact that Eden’s doctor advised giving her soy illustrates 

the ignorance among doctors, which leads to misinformation 

and more problems for children with allergies. 

Christian does not want anyone else to go through what 

they did so she started Bismarck’s first support group for parents 

with allergic children. It’s called FASE, for Food Allergies, 

Support and Education. 

“I thirst for knowledge, and I’m sure other parents do, too. 

Together, we can help each other learn, spread the word and 

give each other support so you don’t feel so alone. I feel like 

I’m on an island, and no one understands me or my child.” 

Christian’s goal is to conduct major events, fundraisers and 

meetings, all designed to increase awareness about food allergies 

and how serious they can be. 

Eden has 10 food allergies and is intolerant to dairy and 

wheat. Christian has learned a lot since Eden’s near death 

experience. 

There’s a good chance she’ll outgrow many of her allergies 

but, in the meantime, Christian says, “There are days I’ve 

opened my fridge and cried because there was nothing my 

daughter could eat. I would love to just pour her a simple glass 

of milk, but I can’t. I’ve become an expert food-label reader. 

Every day, my plan is just to keep Eden safe. When we go to 

parties, the plan is to not kill her. I’m always on heightened 

alert.” 

For more information on FASE, e-mail allergy_support_ND@ 

bis.midco.net. 

July 2009 33

| PET PAGE 

The "Special Needs" Dog 

Suta (left) and Joey (right). 

I’ve always loved animals. I became a big 

fan of the Humane Society website several 

years ago and visit it weekly. 

About five years ago while visiting the site, 

I saw three special needs dogs that had been 

sent from a S.D. shelter. Two dogs were missing 

an eye, and the other was missing a back leg 

because of an injury that required amputation. 

The first two dogs were adopted within a 

month, but the dog with the amputated leg had 

been at the Humane Society for three months. 

He became one of my favorites, and I read 

about him weekly. 

His name was Suta, a seven-year-old 

German shepherd, who recovered well from 

his surgery and was happy and playful. They 

nicknamed him “Tripod.” It became obvious to 

me that the only special need this dog had was 

to be loved. 

Suta has been with me for five years. At 

12-years-old, he is still a very happy, play- 

BISMARCK-MANDAN ANIMAL IMPOUND 

701.223.1212 • bismarck.org 

By Billie Michele Stanton 

CENTRAL DAKOTA HUMANE SOCIETY 

701.667.2020 • cdhs.net 

ful puppy. He has a great play buddy, Joey, a 

Springer-lab mix who was also adopted from 

a local shelter. We walk about five miles a day, 

and Suta can get a little ornery at times if you 

don’t get out the door fast enough. 

My hope is this story will inspire you. 

Special needs animals are very loving, kind 

animals who really don’t understand that anything 

is wrong with them. They just want to be 

loved. 

OREO’S ANIMAL RESCUE 

701.483.0240 • lovingpetsinneed.com 

Please call any of the organizations listed above if you'd like to volunteer your time 

to help the needy animals from our communities. 

34 thecitymag.com

SAFETY TIP | 

Protecting Our Most 

Precious Cargo 

By Mike Wetsch 

Each year, most of us will drive approximately 12,000 miles, 

usually within 25 miles of home. With around 6 million 

car accidents each year, it is imperative that we take the 

necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our most precious 

cargo, our children. 

Many believe that, by simply placing a child into a restraint 

device, they are providing adequate safety measures for the child. 

Unfortunately, approximately 80 percent of all child restraint 

seats are incorrectly used. 

When purchasing a child passenger safety seat, it is highly 

recommended that the seat be brand new. A used seat may be 

acceptable if the following criteria are met: 

• The date of manufacture and model number are clearly 

stamped on the seat. 

• There are no recalls. 

• The buyer knows the seat’s complete history. 

• There are no missing or damaged parts. 

• The seat was not involved in a severe accident. 

• Current Federal standards are met. 

After purchasing the seat, ensure that both the seat’s instruction 

manual and vehicle owner’s manual are read to ensure 

proper installation. Pay special attention to the manufactures 

recommendations in reference to the height, weight and age 

limits for the particular child seat. 

Infants: Infants should ride in a rear-facing seat until the 

infant reaches at least 20 pounds and 1 year of age. 

Toddlers: Children who have reached 20 pounds and 1 year 

of age can be placed into a forward-facing car seat until they 

reach 40 pounds. 

Booster Seats: Once a child is between 40 and 80 pounds 

and is at least 4’9’’ tall, the child can be placed into a booster seat. 

Seatbelts: A child who is more than 4’9” tall and weighs 

more then 80 pounds can be placed in a seatbelt. To safely ride in 

a seatbelt, the children should be able to sit all the way back in the 

seat with their knees comfortably over the end of the seat. The lap 

portion of the belt should be placed low on the hip bones, with 

the shoulder portion centered on the shoulder and chest. 

In the local and surrounding areas, there are a number of 

carseat checks that occur through the course of the year. Certified 

child passenger safety technicians will assist in the proper installation 

of the seat, give important safety information and check for 

recalls on the seat. These checks are free and open to the public. 

Mike Wetsch is a deputy with the Burleigh County Sheriff’s Department 

and is assigned to the patrol division. 

July 2009 35

| CITY WORKS 

A Tale of Two Seasons 

North Dakota 

is said to have 

two seasons— 

winter and 

road construction. While 

often said lightheartedly, 

this adage has more truth 

to it than we might want 

to admit. This year, we 

will see a record amount 

of road construction. Regular 

street maintenance 

activities and the repaving of some of the city’s 

older, hard-surfaced streets are accompanied by 

new stimulus funded construction projects. 

It will be hard to avoid road projects this 

summer. The city street rehabilitation project 

includes 165 blocks of pavement all around the 

city. An oil and rock chipseal will be applied 

over another 196 blocks that were rehabilitated 

last year. Many Highland Acres neighborhood 

streets will be replaced completely. 

The national stimulus package will allow 

Bismarck to do some road repairs that are very 

expensive and very much needed. Main Avenue 

from Washington Street to the new Liberty Memorial 

Bridge needs major renovation. Seventh 

Street and Ninth streets are rutted badly and 

will be resurfaced this summer. 

Later in the year, the city hopes to tackle 

Nineteenth Street and the severe underground 

By Bill Wocken 

Equipment placing new pavement. 

water problems that have 

broken up the pavement 

each Spring for the past 

several years. Several 

other projects are being 

considered for construction 

later in the year if 

stimulus funding allows. 

One thing is sure—the 

winter season we all 

struggled through did no 

favors for our roads. 

The North Dakota Department of Transportation 

will also be busy working on the sections 

of the state highway and interstate routes 

that are in need of repair. We are very familiar 

with the long two-way traffic stretches of interstate 

roadway while it is under construction, 

but we also appreciate the greatly improved 

driving surface when the project is completed. 

During the construction season, please 

drive safely. When streets are being resurfaced, 

they are a bit tougher to navigate so please slow 

down and allow more room for stopping your 

vehicle. If you encounter a construction project, 

please slow down and try to give the workers 

some extra room. 

Construction will only last a few months; 

then we can all grit our teeth and prepare for 

the other season. 

36 thecitymag.com

WE Drive | 

Doug's Dream – 

Honda Style 

By Mike LaLonde 

Doug Nassif and his 2004 Honda HRC50R - photo by Mike Lalonde 

CM 

diverts this month from our usual fourwheeled 

subjects to feature a rare and interesting 

motorcycle—Bismarcker Doug Nassif ’s 

2004 Honda HRC50R, a high-performance racing version of 

the popular Honda Dream. 

But first, a bit of information on Doug Nassif. Doug spent 

his childhood days in Bismarck but, by junior high age was 

living in southern Calif., hanging out at various racing shops 

and race tracks, absorbing the motorcycle and hot-rod culture. 

“Southern Calif. was where hot rodding was born,” says Doug. 

“My favorite track was the historic Ascot Raceway in Gardena, 

Calif., which was founded in the early 1900s and is still used 

today.” 

High school years in Garden Grove, Calif., followed by a 

journalism major at Pepperdine University in Pasadena, Calif., 

found Doug immersed in the sport bikes of the 1960s, namely 

the Triumph and BSA bikes from England, considered classics 

today. 

By 1981, he had returned to Bismarck, opening Doug’s Gym 

in downtown Bismarck, the first commercial gym in the city 

and, as Doug jokes, “a bit ahead of its time!” 

Since that time, Doug has worked in family businesses and 

has been employed as a free-lance writer, but he has never lost 

that passion for the two-wheeled vehicles. 

More recently, while searching on e-bay for unique cycles, 

Doug came upon a rare and little-known bike, the 2004 Honda 

HRC CB 50 R, a 50-cc racing bike produced by Honda. 

continued on page 39 

July 2009 37

| TRAVEL 

Western North Dakota Golf Tour 

Golf Three Incredible Courses in a Single Weekend 

Hawktree Golf Club 

Bismarck, ND 

This 18-hole, par-72 championship 

golf course offers 18 

distinctive holes, featuring 

natural elevation changes 

that are both unexpected 

and exciting. Natural hills 

and contours, brilliant coloration, 

plentiful wildlife and 

native grasses add mightily 

to the eco experience. Green 

fees are $67 for 18 holes 

and $35 for 9 holes. Walking 

the course is permissible; 

however, due to the elevation 

changes a golf cart is 

recommended. Cart fees are 

$18 per seat for 18 holes 

and $9 per seat for 9 holes. 

3400 Burnt Creek Loop 

(800) 620-6142 

A fun weekend getaway 

right in our own backyard 

Bully Pulpit 

Medora, ND 

The Bully Pulpit Golf Course 

is a stunning, 18-hole golf 

course surrounded by the 

dramatic N.D. Badlands three 

miles south of Medora. Several 

holes on the back 9 are 

built into the rugged Badlands 

themselves, where the restless 

canyon winds will test 

and tease the ball as it drops 

200 feet from tee to fairway. 

Green fees (cart included) 

are $79 for 18 holes, $46 for 

9 holes, $56 at Twilight (4 

hours before sunset), $65 for 

seniors 55 and older, and 50 

percent off an 18-hole green 

fee on your birthday. 

medora.com 

(800) 633-6721 

The Links of ND 

Ray, ND 

The Links of North Dakota, 

18-hole course plays 

alongside Lake Sakakawea 

on a par-72 championship, 

immaculately manicured 

course. The front nine 

offers dramatic views of 

the lake, while the back 

has beautiful landscapes 

with the lake in the 

distance. Green fees are 

$60 for 18 holes and $35 

for 9 holes. The cost of a 

cart is $7.50 for 9 holes 

and $15 for 18 holes. 

5153 109th Avenue NW 

(866) 733-6453 

All three golf courses offer a 3-Round Punch Card good for one 10-hole round of golf at Hawktree 

Golf Club, Bully Pulpit Golf Course and The Links of North Dakota to be used for green fees. The card 

costs $140 (plus tax) and can be purchased at any of the three golf courses. 

38 thecitymag.com

WE Drive | 

“This one 

piqued my 

interest, 

as Honda 

produced only 

200 of these 

little gems for 

just one year 

and, supposedly 

each 

Honda dealer 

in the U.S., 

was eligible to 

receive one. 

I found mine 

in Conn. and 

had it shipped 

here.” 

Then the 

work began. 

According 

to Doug, his 

mechanical 

passion 

is working 

on the bikes, 

improving fit 

and finish and making sure all accessories and parts are period 

correct. He added parts to his racer to make it a café racer, by 

definition with low handle bars, bubble seat for one, and racing 

windscreen. 

Specifications of Doug’s rare ride are 49-cc displacement, at 

14,000 rpm’s, double overhead cams, racing carburetor, suspension 

and tires and weighing in at 156.5 lbs. dry. This all translates 

into a world-class performer, capable of meeting the 49-cc 

land speed records of 85.927 mph on pump gas, and 89.033 

mph on racing fuel. 

So how does Doug’s perform? That remains to be seen. 

“Even though I have added all of the street-required equipment 

such as lights and turn signals, I can’t license the bike, as 

it exceeds EPA limits for noise and emissions. Right now, I am 

content to display the bike at car and motorcycle shows. We 

recently received the first-place trophy for sport class at the local 

Freedom Riders bike show, a proud moment! Makes all the 

work worth it,” beams Doug. 

He says, “I have been contacted by the Bonneville Salt Flats 

folks in Utah as to possibly racing it there, so who knows where 

we will end up.” 

Mike LaLonde is a local writer and photographer and is genuinely 

car (and bike) crazy! 

July 2009 39

| SPORTS WATCH 

July 2 

Mandan Rodeo Days PRCA Rodeo – Slack Competition, 

10 a.m.; Family Night; Kids’ Mutton 

Busting, 7 p.m.; Rodeo, 7:30 p.m. 

July 3 

Mandan Rodeo Days PRCA Rodeo – Tough 

Enough to Wear Pink; Kids’ Mutton Busting, 7 

p.m.; Rodeo, 7:30 p.m. 

American Legion Baseball – Bismarck Governors 

vs. Mandan Chiefs, Mandan Memorial 

Ballpark, 7:30 p.m. 

Babe Ruth Baseball (16-18) – Bismarck Representatives 

at Mandan, 12 p.m.; Bismarck Senators 

at Mandan, 5 p.m., Mandan Memorial 

July 4 

Mandan Rodeo Days – Road Race & Walk, 8 a.m. 

Mandan Rodeo Days PRCA Rodeo – Miss Rodeo 

Mandan Queen & Princess Coronation, 7 

p.m.; Rodeo, 7:30 p.m.; Fireworks, 11 p.m. 


vs. Mandan Chiefs, Mandan Memorial, 4 p.m. 

Babe Ruth Baseball (16-18) – Bismarck Senators 

at Mandan, Mandan Memorial, 2 p.m. 

Bismarck Parks and Recreation – Mandan 4 th of 

July run 

July 6 

Babe Ruth Baseball (16-18) – Washburn vs. 

Bismarck Representatives, Municipal, 4:30 p.m. 

July 7 – July 9 

Northern Plains Dance – Creative Movement 

Dance Camp 

July 9 


vs. Grand Forks Royals, Bismarck 

Municipal, 5:30 p.m. 

July 10 

Bismarck Parks and Recreation – Prairie Rose 

State Games, 5K and 10K Road races 

American Legion Baseball – Gopher Classic, 

South Side Municipal, Dickinson, TBA (MT) 


vs. Washburn, Municipal, 4 p.m. 

WANT TO KNOW WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE ACTION- 

PACKED WORLD OF SPORTS? 

Tune in to kfYR 550aM and 

ESPN Radio 710AM for play-by-play 

action and updates. Just remember.... 

don’t throw the radio! 

40 thecitymag.com

July 11 

Bismarck Parks and Recreation – Prairie Rose 

State Games, 5K and 10K Road races 



July 12 




vs. Beulah, Municipal Ballpark, 1 p.m. 

July 13 




at Mandan, 12 p.m.; Bismarck Representatives 

at Mandan, 2 p.m., Mandan Memorial Ballpark 

July 14 

American Legion Baseball – Bismarck Governors vs. 

Minot Vistas, Municipal, 5:30 p.m.; Gopher Classic, 

South Side Municipal, Dickinson, TBA(MT) 

July 15 


vs. West Fargo Patriots, Municipal, 5:30 p.m. 

July 16 

American Legion Baseball – Dickinson 

Roughriders vs. West Fargo Patriots, South 

Side Municipal, 1 p.m., 3 p.m. (MT) 

July 17 


vs. Devils Lake Storm, Municipal, 5:30 p.m. 

July 19 

American Legion Baseball – Dickinson 

Roughriders vs. Williston Keybirds, South 

Side Municipal, 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (MT) 

July 20 

Dickinson Parks and Recreation – Montana- 

North Dakota Badlands Bowl 


vs. Mandan Chiefs, Bismarck Municipal, 6 p.m. 


Northern Plains Dance – Hip-Hop Dance Camp 


Capitol Shakespeare Event – The Merchant of Venice, 

State Capitol Grounds, 6:30 p.m. each night 

July 29 

Bismarck Parks and Recreation – Tour Da’ Park 

July 2009 41

Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing 

Changing the Entrepreneurial Landscape 

of Western North Dakota 

As Albert Einstein quotes, “In the middle 

of difficulty lies opportunity.” Don 

Hedger, entrepreneurial and innovative 

leader, founder and president of Killdeer Mountain 

Manufacturing (KMM), turned opportunities 

into reality that changed the entrepreneurial 

landscape in western North Dakota. 

It all started in 1987 when Don and his wife 

Particia, after putting in 20 years of dedication 

and hard work in Phoenix, Ariz., moved back to 

their hometown of Killdeer and founded KMM. 

“We returned to our roots to provide aerospace 

jobs for several rural ND communities,” Don 

Hedger reports. 

Because of Don’s vision, KMM made it 

possible for many families to stay close to home 

where their heart is. “KMM has allowed me the 

opportunity to have a rewarding career in the 

By Deanna Voutsas 

sponsored by 

aerospace industry while allowing me to live in 

and enjoy living in rural North Dakota,” says 

Jan Hillyard, KMM’s human resource director. 

KMM is a family-owned, award-winning, 

42 thecitymag.com

high-tech contract manufac- 

opportunity in rural comturer 

of aerospace electronics 

munities, we have a unique 

and wiring. The company 

commitment to each other. 

also produces electronic cir- 

We remain committed by 

cuit board assemblies, cables 

emphasizing teamwork, 

and support equipment. Due 

servant leadership and 

to KMM’s reputation for on- 

creativity for how we can 

time delivery, quality and re- 

do our jobs even better. Our 

liability, the company serves 

commitment to each other, 

large aerospace contractors 

our families, our state and 

including the Boeing Com- 

continuous improvement 

pany, Raytheon, Lockheed 

are really what sets us apart 

Martin, and the U.S. Depart- 

in the aerospace and defense 

ment of Defense. 

Initially, KMM operated 

Don Hedger, KMM's founder 

industries." 

KMM’s dedication to its 

with only five employees but today it employs employees and strong embracement of team- 

over 340 administrators, engineers, technicians work is sure to bring the company continued 

and skilled assemblers in Killdeer, Dickinson, prosperity in the future. As Don Hedger states, 

Hettinger, Halliday, and recently in Regent, “Employee empowerment, concern for em- 

North Dakota. 

ployee jobs, satisfied customers and suppliers 

In addition to quality, KMM values people, are essential elements that lead to a thriving 

commitment, teamwork and improvement. business.” 

As Kristin Hedger, KMM vice-president of 

Fortunately, KMM possesses all the key in- 

business development says, “Because KMM gredients that are sure to lead up to the ultimate 

was founded with the primary focus of creating recipe for success. 

July 2009 43

Young Entrepreneur 

Success Story 

Award 

Mike Riesinger & Colin Wehner 

BrickHouse Grille 

2 West Villard, Dickinson 

701-483-9900 

By City Magazine Staff 

“A Recipe for Success” 

The best entrepreneurs, like the best chefs, 

know that success requires a mixture 

of the right ingredients. Dickinson High 

School graduates Mike Riesinger (26) and 

Collin Wehner (28) added large measures 

of talent and drive to a love for their hometown 

and came up with the winning recipe 

for a stylish, modern bistro in the heart of 

historic downtown Dickinson. 

Wehner, the restaurant’s executive chef, 

was attending the Art Institute of San 

Diego’s culinary program, while Riesinger 

was living in Denver. The two friends discovered 

that they had the same dream of 

opening a restaurant. 

They soon became partners, moved home 

and began renovating the landmark 1912 

Walton Building. Today, the BrickHouse 

Colin Wehner (left) and Mike Riesinger (right) 

Young Entrepreneur Success Story 

RECOGNIZING ENTREPRENEURS UNDER 30 WHO ARE CULTIVATING 

THE SPIRIT OF INNOVATION IN N.D. 

Grille offers elegant menu choices, including 

fresh seafood flown in from Hawaii, an 

inviting décor and a skilled and polished 

staff. 

What is it about your business that you 

are most proud of? 

We are proud of our consistency and the 

quality of our menu. We also take pride 

in the loyalty of our clientele. We have an 

enthusiastic local crowd, as well as out-oftown 

guests. 

Did you have any early doubts that 

might have stopped you? 

Of course, like every new business owner, 

we had some doubts. But we knew that, 

as long as we worked hard and pushed 

through any problems, things would work 

out. 

44 thecitymag.com

What do you think is the key to your 

success? 

Hard work and long, long days. 

What is your advice for other young 

entrepreneurs? 

Anything is possible if you put your mind 

to it. Be aware that, as a young entrepreneur, 

you won’t be looked at like an older 

business person with a track record of 

success. It will likely be more difficult to get 

loans or to get suppliers to offer you credit. 

Don’t get frustrated about that. Continue 

to work hard, and you’ll get to where you 

want to be. 

What is your favorite part of the day? 

Mike: Dealing with our customers. 

Collin: Being able to do what I enjoy and 

creating the food that delights our customers. 

For a chef, the food is the art. 

Where do you see your company in the 

future? 

We are enjoying the moment. However, we 

would like to expand in the future to other 

geographic areas. 

About the Y.E.S.S. Awards 

City Magazine and Dickinson State University’s 

Strom Center for Entrepreneurship and 

Innovation’s Young Entrepreneur Success Story 

(Y.E.S.S.) Award winner will be announced each 

issue. We will profile individuals who personify 

the entrepreneurial spirit of our state and offer 

advice to others facing similar challenges as 

our featured entrepreneur. Experts tell us there 

is a strong correlation between innovation, 

entrepreneurial activity and a region’s economic 

vitality. Creative young adults are key to N.D.'s 

economic future. If you know of an entrepreneur 

under 30 who is making a difference, we invite 

your nominations. Email us at City Magazine 

(thecitymagazine@unitedprinting.com), or call 

us at 701-223-0505. 

Our Advice: 

Being young has advantages and 

disadvantages in the world of business 

start ups. Although, as the owners of the 

BrickHouse Grille pointed out, it may be 

more difficult to be taken seriously, this 

disadvantage will eventually be overcome 

with perseverance. 

The advantages of being young include 

boundless energy and a bias toward 

action. Over the years, all young 

entrepreneurs highlighted in this section 

have told us they had a dream and 

thought to themselves, “Why not now? 

I’ve got nothing to lose and everything 

to gain.” 

July 2009 45

City Magazine's Online Subscriber Wins! 

Congratulations to Bob Aisenbry 

from Odney Advertising. 

He won a $50 Gift Certificate to 

East 40 for participating in 

City Magazine's New Online 

Subscriber Summer Drawing! 

Every month this summer City Magazine will give away a 

$50 gift certificate to one lucky winner who signs up for 

City Magazine's FREE Online Magazine at 

thecitymag.com. Sign up today for your chance to win! 

Dickinson Calendar of Events 

6/26/2009 thru 7/5/2009 

Roughrider Days Fair & Expo 

Location: Throughout Dickinson 

7/3/2009 thru 7/4/2009 

Killdeer PRCA Rodeo 

Location: Rodeo Grounds, Killdeer ND 

Annual Party on the Pavement 

Location: In Front of the Post Office 

7/10/2009 thru 7/11/2009 

ND Patriot Guard Rally & Memorial Run 

Location: Dkn. REC Center 

7/17/2009 thru 7/19/2009 

Ukrainian Festival 

Location: Ukrainian Cultural Institute 

46 thecitymag.com

July 2009 47

MAGAZINE 

P.O. Box 936 

Bismarck, ND 58502-0936 

Change Service Requested 

Great Grilling with Beef 

I T ’ S W H A T ’ S F O R D I N N E R 

For this and more delicious recipes, visit 

BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com or contact the 

North Dakota Beef Commission 

48 4023 State Street • Bismarck, ND 58503 • 701.328.5120 thecitymag.com 

Brought to you by North Dakota beef producers through The Beef Checkoff.

Dennis Bullinger - City Magazine

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