The Good Life – September-October 2016

BY: MEGHAN FEIR 

I’m going to tell you a sad story. Get the Kleenex. 

Once upon a time, I was in a car with three groomsmen 

and a fellow bridesmaid on our way to — what else — a 

wedding. The five minutes of pure silence was deafening, 

so I asked some queries. They gave me short and to-thepoint 

answers. I stopped trying. One groomsmen in the 

front then asked the one seated next to me what was 

wrong. 

“Bartholomew (not his actual name, unfortunately), 

what’s up? This is the quietest I’ve seen you all weekend.” 

Turning to his friend, the sullen, monotone groomsman 

said, “It’s ‘cause I haven’t had a drink yet.” 

Laughing commenced as I examined the truth bomb he’d 

just launched. That statement, while so pathetic, rang 

with a sad truth. 

As America’s No. 1 drunkest city in 2015 and the fifth 

drunkest city in 2016, as stated by Bustle.com from 

data collected by the Center for Disease Control and 

Prevention, that may also be Fargo’s No. 1 problem. 

Twenty-eight percent of Fargoans qualify as heavy 

drinkers. 

Unlike the kombucha I make at home that was an 

acquired taste for me before I became taste buds with 

my SCOBY, most alcoholic beverages offer little to 

no health benefits, thus eradicating any real need to 

acquire a taste for it. 

Although we’re surrounded by messages of 

“empowerment,” we’re actually an incredibly weak 

society. Everywhere you turn, alcohol is the draw for 

nearly every type of entertainment. Whether it’s at a 

party or a work event, it’s seen as a required guest 

“because it’s cold outside,” “because there’s not enough 

2 / THE GOOD LIFE / urbantoadmedia.com

to do,” “because, duh.” No one will go if it doesn’t 

arrive on time in its chill, relaxed, life-of-the-party 

state of being. 

I will give alcohol this: The only time I semi-like 

one of my uncles is when he’s drunk — when he’s a 

druncle — but there’s a sensible answer for what he 

and you should do if you’re a nicer, funnier, and more 

tolerable type of person to be around after you’ve 

been on the bottle. 

Instead of relying on a beverage to alter your 

personality, become the person you think you like 

being, but when you’re sober — fully aware. If the 

smart-Alec mental response that just went off in your 

brain is that the person you like being is drunk, stop 

kidding yourself. That’s problematic. 

Instead of only dancing at weddings when you’ve 

gone past the point of being able to remember, 

dance like a moron in your state of sobriety, and only 

evacuate the dance floor when “The Cupid Shuffle” 

starts playing its rancid instructions of turning to 

the left now, y’all. Three hops this time? Hops aren’t 

required to have a good time. (You’re welcome.) 

Instead of waiting to approach that woman 

you’ve been interested in until you’ve had at least 

four beers, take a deep breath and go up to her 

completely coherent and unaltered. If you’re nervous 

and shaking like a leaf, go for it. 

We so easily rely on things to ease the pain, numb 

the nervousness, dull the emotions, and alter about 

every other emotion we can experience all because 

we’re uncomfortable with our own feelings and how 

we deal with whatever comes our way. 

How is it that someone acting like a sloshed sloth 

is still so entertaining to people that they think they 

want to spend multiple nights a week or a month 

witnessing it? Why is self-induced sickness such 

a pleasure, so alluring that hangovers must be 

experienced every weekend? 

Drunkenness is one of the most accepted vices 

around, and although this altered state leads 

many to drunk driving, violent behavior, unwanted 

pregnancies, all-around stupidity and more, it’s 

laughed at, celebrated and encouraged by more than 

just Wisconsin rednecks, party jocks from the gym, 

and unsatisfied businessmen. 

I encourage all of you to lead by your actions. Stop 

before you get sloshed. Show others and yourself 

that you can be just as funny, just as confident, 

and just as calm without drinking so-called liquid 

courage. Although society may tell you otherwise, 

drinking is more sobering than you think. • 

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ONLY ONCE CHANCE 

Fargo Police Chief 

Determined to Get It RIght 

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VOLUME 4 - ISSUE 2 

CONTENTS 

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2016 

02 

LEARNING TO LOOSEN UP 

on Your Own 

06 

LEADER OF THE PACK 

Nicole Lee is Resident Wolf Keeper 

10 

IS THERE EVEN A COMEDY 

SCENE IN FARGO-MOORHEAD? 

The Answer is Yes. And It's Getting 

Bigger and Better. 

14 

HAVING A BEER WITH... 

Bob 95 FM's Jay Farley 

24 

FATHERS 

My First Year of Fatherhood 

26 

CARVING ARTISTS 

Chainsaws + Hand Carving 



BY: KRISSY NESS ■ PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA

Nicole Lee is the resident grey wolf keeper at the Red River 

Zoo, and has been working there for 16 years. She also works 

hand in hand with eagles, deer, small mammals and reptiles 

used for educational purposes. 

Lee went to NDSU and graduated with a degree in Zoology. “I 

started out volunteering at this zoo, and have experience with 

interpretative education type work at other facilities,” stated 

Lee. 

Lee was the lead Zoo Keeper in 2008 when the first two 

wolves were introduced to the zoo at five weeks old. It was 

a constant 24/7 interaction between the wolves, Lee and 

the other Zoo Keepers. “I knew wolves were in the eventual 

plan to get at the zoo, large carnivores and birds of prey have 

always been my interest,” Lee said. “I went out on my own to 

take classes and read materials on the wolves.” It was difficult 

for Lee to be in constant interaction with the wolves when they 

were puppies and then have zero connection with them after. 

“As humans we were their caretakers, we weren’t a part of 

their pack,” affirmed Lee. 


These are wild animals and 

cannot be looked at by her or 

any other person as oversized 

dogs or domesticated animals, 

just because they are in a zoo. 

“They are not tame, even with 

the socialization process.” 

– Nicole Lee 

L: SALLY JACOBSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ■ NICOLE LEE, WOLF KEEPER 

Last year four new puppies were introduced to the pack; 

coincidently they are the nephews to the elder and only 

female, Ella. Moose, who is the eldest male wolf, was a 

bit skittish at first but has learned to live with the juvenile 

wolves. “Wolves are very territorial animals, so we did 

have to take that into account,” said Lee, “it was a nerve 

wracking experience, but we were hopeful.” The juvenile 

puppies really took to Moose, but they can be a bit 

obnoxious to a senior wolf. Lee expected the mother would 

be receptive, as she was missing that from her existence. 

The six wolves live in an acre and a quarter in size exhibit, 

and were set up in with wolves in mind. There is a stream 

leading to a fairly large pond, specific plants and trees 

were brought in to make the wolves feel as comfortable as 

possible. There are also elevated platforms so the wolves 

can see their surroundings, this is very important to 

wolves. 

There are many jobs to be performed when you first get 

to the exhibit. Lee walked me through all the steps she 

takes when she gets to her job in the morning when she is 

working with the wolves. 

The first thing Lee does when she arrives at the zoo is to 

check the perimeters of wolf exhibit and looks for gaps in 


the fence; there are dig barriers set up to keep the animals 

where they are. 

That leads her to the holding area, where they do fly 

spraying and ointment application, the older wolves are 

accustom to coming up to the fence and receiving antifly 

ointment on their ears. The younger wolves will get 

sprayed with fly repellent if they are uncooperative, in fact 

the whole area is sprayed with fly repellent and the wolves 

will scent roll in it which is a natural behavior. 

If it is a feeding day they feed them in the holding area, 

typically during a cooler part of the day so they will finish 

all their food. “We do not feed them live animals,” stated 

Lee, “they can catch prey within the exhibit though.” Road 

kill is often donated to the zoo, mainly in town hits, which 

is great because those animals won’t go to waste; instead 

it will go to the cycle of life. Hunters will also donate foul 

and other game to the zoo. While they are feeding Lee 

maintains their living environment by making sure the 

auto water feeders are working and are clean. She will 

then make sure the windows are cleaned for the exhibit, 

and mow the grass. 

She will also do enrichment programs for the wolves such 

as hiding treats around the exhibit so the wolves have to

hunt them down, or hide food in card board boxes and 

bags so the wolves have to work to get their treats. 

Lee also keeps a close eye on the weather, for most 

storms the wolves can find shelter within the exhibit, 

but on occasions the wolf keepers will leave the holding 

area doors open so the animals can seek protection 

there. 

The day in a life as a wolf keeper seems pretty amazing, 

although as Lee stated before these are wild animals 

and cannot be looked at by her or any other person as 

oversized dogs or domesticated animals, just because 

they are in a zoo. “They are not tame, even with the 

socialization process,” Lee points out. 

If you find yourself at the Red River Zoo tomorrow or in 

a year, swing by the wolf exhibit! It is a beautiful display. 

While you’re at it, thank a Zoo Keeper; there is a lot of 

hard work that goes into sustaining these animals. • 


BY: PAUL HANKEL ■ PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA 

You probably weren’t aware of just how up and coming the Fargo-Moorhead area’s 

comedic scene is. Currently there are dozens of full and part time comedians gracing 

the stages of Fargo-Moorhead’s various comedy venues and also performing regionally 

and nationally. Recently Fargo became home to a new, full-time comedy venue called 

Level 2 Comedy Club, located in the Radisson Hotel, downtown Fargo. To go along 

with the venues, comedy fans can now see standup or open mic comedy at least four 

nights per week! 

The Good Life got to chat with three local up-and-coming comedians about their 

thoughts on the scene, some advice for novice comedians and their unique individual 

comedic styles. 


JD Provorse 

JD Provorse was born and raised 

in Jamestown, North Dakota, and 

has called Fargo home for the last 

decade. His first dabble with comedy 

occurred in 2007, at an open mic 

night, at Courtney’s Comedy Club in 

Moorhead. Since then, Provorse has 

gone on to perform more than 200 

shows in 10 different states. Currently 

he performs locally and regionally 

and can be seen weekly at any of the 

venues listed in this article. 

Marlin Wells 

Marlin wells is from a, “little town that no one’s ever heard of,” called 

Carson, North Dakota. He moved to Fargo in 2003, in order to attend 

Minnesota State University-Moorhead and has been performing, locally 

and regionally, for the last two and a half years. Wells grew up loving 

comedy and remembers his first experience with comedy being a Sinbad 

Special that appeared on Comedy Central. He also credits famous 

comedic acts such as George Carlin and Mitch Hedberg as his early 

influences. According to Wells, he never initially considered comedy as 

something he could do as a profession. However, influenced by the local 

scene and friend JD Provorse, Wells eventually began performing. Wells 

says that he and Provorse have been friends for over a decade and that, 

in his words, “JD hounded me for years, trying to get me to do standup. 

After awhile I was like ‘why not?’ and decided to give it a try at a Red 

Raven open mic, a few years ago. And now, here I am.” 

Joe Christianson 

Joe Christianson is the hometown kid of the bunch. Christianson grew up in 

Fargo and has been steadily performing for the last three and a half years. He 

currently performs several times per week at comedy hotspots and has also 

performed regionally. His advice for fans of local comedy: “Just come out and 

support. We have a good thing going here!” 


The Good Life: Describe your style. 

JD Provorse: I’m not filthy by any means, but we are 

going to talk about some dark stuff. I also like to point 

my finger at things that I think are ridiculous! 

Marlin Wells: (laughs) Well, I don’t consider 

myself an artist, I hate that sh**! I’m just a 

guy who loves comedy. I try to stay natural 

and conversational – like a very one-sided 

conversation. I’m pretty mellow. 

GL: In your own words, describe the comedy scene in 

Fargo-Moorhead. 

JDP: Full of new growth. We’ve had several different 

phases of comedy. Our scene is very fresh, very new, 

and full of new voices. 

MW: I would say that the comedy scene around here is 

underground, but strong. Right now we have a bunch of 

local comedians who have the chance to become real 

pros. The scene here just needs more exposure. 

Joe Christianson: Mitch Hedberg. 

GL: If you had to pick, who is your 

all-time favorite comedian? 

JDP: George Carlin. 

MW: George Carlin and Bill 

Hicks. 

All three also cited several other favorites, including 

current favorites – Kyle Kinane, Marc Maron and 

Hannibal Buress. They also commented on the fact 

that there are any number of female comedians on the 

rise. As well as their favorite female comedians, such as 

Morgan Murphy and Maria Bamford, and local favorite 

Michelle Pearson. 

GL: Where would be your dream venue to perform? 

JDP: Headlining the main stage at the Fargo Theater. 

I love that place! 

MW: I generally don’t think that big venues are exactly 

the right way to see comedy. Large venues are cool, 

but I feel like comedy should be in a dim room with 

200 people. I'm not saying I'd say no to ever doing a 


large venue, but lets just say that I wouldn’t put 

Madison Square Garden at the top of my list. 

But as far as historically significant venues – I’d 

love to play The Comedy Cellar in New York, or 

The Comedy Store in Los Angeles. 

GL: What advice do you have for brand new 

comedians? 

JDP: Be fearless. Practice preparedness while 

meeting the situation. Putting in the work isn’t 

necessarily going to make you a star. But it 

will put you where you need to be if stardom 

happens for you. Also, I know that it’s really 

scary your first time, but DO NOT have a few 

beers before your first show. It will not go well! 

But afterwards…drink lots! 

JC: Just know that, at first, it’s going to feel like 

a really bad band practice. You’re just learning 

and aren’t probably going to be very good! 

To go along with the budding open mic and 

stand up scene, Fargo also plays host to 

national comedic acts several times per year. 

Shake things up this week and try something 

new. Check out one of FM’s comedy open mic 

nights! 

You can also join the Fargo Local Comedy 

Facebook group. Now, get out there and laugh! • 


BY: MEGHAN FEIR ■ PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA 

As an on-air radio announcer for Bob 95 FM, Jay Farley 

brings cheer to listeners throughout the day and has 

collected his fair share of stories over the years. The 

homecoming king of ’98 for the Alexandria Cardinals, 

Farley grew up around small Minnesotan towns and lakes 

where country music thrives. 

On a July day so humid and hot there was even a heat 

advisory floating around, we met up at Drekker Brewing 

Company in Fargo to chill out for a chat and sip on a glass 

of beer and some water on tap. 

Good Life: Jay, do you ever have days where you don’t want 

to hear any music at all? 

Jay Farley: Yes, but you can’t get crabby. Being on the radio 

is one of those jobs where a lot of people look to you to 

help get them through their day, so even if you are having a 

bad day, it’s important to not let that show. 

GL: What’s the weirdest call-in you’ve ever received? 

JF: A lady called and was wondering if I could put out there 

on the radio a request for somebody to come help her tie a 

mattress to her car. She was moving somewhere, and the 

mattress kept falling off. Another time I read a story about 

people eating in their cars. One guy called up and said he 

always eats soup in the car. I was like, “How are you eating 

the soup, with a bowl and a spoon, or with a thermos?” He 

said that he’s done both. I thought that was odd. 

GL: If Batman sang country, which country music song 

would he sing? 

JF: We have to go with something mysterious. Eric Church 

is kind of mysterious. I would probably go with “Creepin.’” 

Batman is kind of a creep — a man of the night like that. 

GL: Do you ever have nightmares about the mascot, Bob? 

JF: No, thankfully. The only thing that would creep me out 

Being on the radio is one of those jobs where a lot of people look to 

you to help get them through their day, so even if you are having a 

bad day, it’s important to not let that show. – Jay Farley 



I don’t like clowns at 

all. If my kids ever 

want one at their 

birthday party, dad is 

not going to be there. 

– Jay Farley 

is if it were a clown. I don’t like clowns at all. If my kids 

ever want one at their birthday party, dad is not going to be 

there. 

GL: If you were to start a food truck business, what kind of 

food would you specialize in making and selling? 

JF: I love steak. It could be a whole bunch of kabobs or 

steak sammiches or something like that. 

GL: What would it be called? 

JF: The Steak ‘n’ Park? The Park ‘n’ Steak? I don’t know. 

Like T-Bone Town or T-Bone Truck. 

GL: It’s hard to come up with a business model in two 

seconds. 

JF: It is! 

GL: What about T-Bound? 


JF: Come on down to T-Bound! I’ll go with that. That’s 

good. 

GL: If you were going to write a popular country song, how 

would the first lines of the lyrics go? 

JF: Something about running out of beer. That would just 

set up the whole “Oh, crap!” kind of feel. 

GL: Would it be like, “Sittin’ in my Chevy, lookin’ at the 

road. Man, this gravel’s dusty. Can I get a Ford?” or “I 

remember the day you left me, lookin’ all pretty an’ sweet. I 

sat there on my tractor, watchin’ my cold beer can weep.” 

JF: You should be a country songwriter. That’s really good. 

We could work with that. I’ll have you on the show and you 

can sing it. 

GL: Yesssss. Can I read it in poem form?

JF: Yeah. You can even turn it into 

a haiku. Whatever you want to 

do. Music Mondays with Meghan. 

Wait. Did I not answer the 

question? 

GL: Well, I kind of took over 

because I’m a brat. How would 

your first couple of lines go? 

JF: I’d make it a party song. “My 

buddy showed up an’ we’re fresh 

out o’ beer. Let’s jump in the truck 

and get outta here.” We have to 

rhyme it a little bit. “We got the 

ladies just a waitin’ down by the 

crick. Grab your fishin’ pole. Yo, 

it’s gonna be sick!” A little bro 

country rap there. If we team up, 

we could really come up with 

something cool here. 

GL: Why does the Cookie Monster 

never gain weight? No, this isn’t a 

joke, and I don’t have an answer. 

JF: ‘Cause cookies are a 

“sometimes food.” That’s the 

way he goes now. He spent years 

and years only eating cookies, 

but now he teaches kids that 

cookies are a “sometimes food.” 

He doesn’t want you to know 

this, but sometimes he turns into 

the Veggie Monster. The Cookie 

Monster is all about moderation 

now. I know this because I’ve 

watched many of the episodes. 

That’s how he stays so slim and 

trim! 

GL: I’m glad he has more of a 

balanced diet these days. 

JF: He’s lookin’ good. 

GL: I was worried he was going to 

get diabetes. 

JF: Cookie Monster, checking his 

insulin levels on the next “Sesame 

Street.” Brought to you by the 

letter D for diabetes. 

GL: What does the good life mean 

to you? 

JF: To me, it’s family. I love my 

family. My boys are my everything. 

They’re adorable, by the way. Just 

to watch them grow, to hear them 

learn more every day and call 

me daddy and have them come 

running to me when I come home, 

it melts my heart every time I see 

my boys. That’s all I need — my 

boys. • 


BY: ALEXANDRA FLOERSCH ■ PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA 


ONLY ONE 

CHANCE 

FARGO POLICE CHIEF 

DETERMINED 

TO GET IT RIGHT 

What started as a simple drawing in grade 

school became a little boy’s future decades later. 

As many moms do, David Todd’s mother 

saved the drawing depicting his future career 

aspirations. In crayon, he drew a police car and 

policeman, dressed in blue and equipped with a 

gold badge and hat. In the distance stood a farm, 

complete with a green grass and a horse. Filed 

away in a safe place, only time would tell how 

accurate that prediction would prove to be. 

“So here I am,” said Fargo Police Chief David 

Todd, shrugging his shoulders a bit, not quite 

wanting to admit his 6-year-old self was right all 

along. “I live on a farmstead with horses and I’m 

a police officer. I got lost a couple times along the 

way, but I still have that picture.” 

The Journey 

After high school, Todd pursued premed 

but soon learned it wasn’t his 

passion. In search of the next step, 

family friend Les Sharrock, then 

the Moorhead Police Chief, 

encouraged him to do a ride 

along with his officers. “I did, 

and then, of course, I was 

hooked,” Todd said. 

Having given Concordia College 

and Northwestern College a run for 

their money, he quickly transferred 

to St. Cloud State University, enrolling 

in the school’s criminal justice program. 

But it wasn’t long before the Fargo Police 

Department had their sights on him. “I 

turned 22 years old and got hired the next 

month,” Todd said. “I had to drop out of St. 

Cloud State and I finished at MSUM. I’ve been 

here ever since.” 

Looking back 29 years later, Todd has held 

many positions in the department. While a 

large part of his career was spent in patrol, his 


favorite position was as a downtown resource officer, where he really 

got to the know the members of the Fargo community. “You start to build 

relationships with them, get to know them and you care about (people),” 

he said of the homeless he especially grew to care for. 

But the downtown beat was only a temporary stint for Todd. After 13 

years with the department, he was promoted to sergeant and, from there, 

worked his way up to lieutenant, captain and deputy chief. 

“If something 

controversial happens in 

your community, you have 

to be willing to get out 

in front of it and tell the 

community exactly 

what happened... 

before Facebook court 

is in session.” 

It was just a year and a half ago that the Fargo Police Department was 

under turmoil. To resolve issues, an independent review board was asked 

to examine the department, which resulted in a change in leadership. 

Almost immediately, Todd was asked to stepped in as interim chief and 

eventually accepted the official position of Fargo Police Chief in October 

2015. “It has been a rocket ride ever since,” he said. 


Learning to Lead 

As chief, Todd oversees 163 sworn officers, 22 nonsworn 

personnel and two contracted employees for a 

grand total of 187 people. When he speaks of his team, 

you hear how much those men and women mean to 

him. 

In fact, a sign in his office reflects his motto: Mission 

first, officers always. “It’s always going to be our 

responsibility (as law enforcement) to accomplish the 

mission for the community,” he said. “But along the 

way it’s a leader’s responsibility to look out for their 

people and find ways to be there for them.” 

The position of chief is less about the individual and 

more about the team. Deciding what’s best for the 

department in the long run requires selflessness. 

“When you think you’ve reached the limit of what you 

want to accomplish for the department, it’s not about 

you... it’s what’s best for the organization,” he said, 

confident he’ll know when it’s his time to step down. 

It’s not an easy job. Todd often works 10 to 12-hour 

days, taking work home with him on nights and 

attending one or two scheduled events during the 

weekends. “This summer I’ve tried to back off on that 

a little bit for the sake of my wife,” he said. “She’s very 

understanding. She knew when I agreed to do this 

what it was going to entail. You just have to live, eat 

and breathe it. 

In the Spotlight 

The average police chief in the United States lasts 

three to five years in the position. “It takes you about 

two weeks in this job to figure out ‘Okay, there’s a life 

span to this,’” Todd said. “That’s because it’s a pretty 

stressful spot, it’s very political. You’re in the media 

spotlight all the time.” 

Engaging and staying in front of the media is one 

of the hardest parts of the job. “As Chief of Police, if 

something controversial happens in your community, 

you have to be willing to get out in front of it and tell 

the community exactly what happened before the 

rumors start and before Facebook court is in session.” 

Transparency between law enforcement and the 

community is critical to maintaining trust. “I get out 

there as quickly as I can and tell the story — talk to 

all the news media outlets and give them all those 

interviews to put out that fire,” Todd said. “When I 

say it’s hard for me to do that, it’s not hard, but it’s 

consuming and takes a lot of my time I could use 

elsewhere. But that’s the nature of today’s society. 

We try to find ways to be as transparent as we can.” 

Other times, the job is about admitting fault and 

hoping the community has enough trust in law 

enforcement that they forgive the actions. “If I’m 


willing to get out there on the good stuff we 

did and defend it, I better be willing to get out 

on the mistakes we made and say, ‘Yeah, we 

screwed up,’... and apologize for it.” 

Law Enforcement in 2016 

In 2016, putting on boots, a badge and a 

bullet proof vest takes courage. Fargo’s 

officer Jason Moszer proved that. 

“When we went through Jeff Skuza’s death, 

I didn’t think I could do that again,” said 

the Fargo Police Chief of a fellow officer’s 

suicide. “But this one was different. It was 

a line of duty death.” The days, weeks and 

months following Moszer's death impacted 

not only the community, but the nation — 

marking yet another fallen policeman. 

support. “There are times when, as a leader, you have to put your arms 

around people, hold them up and help them through those situations,” 

he said. “Mostly it’s just letting people know that you care and you’re 

going to try and find the path forward for them.” 

To this day, Chief Todd and many others wear a remembrance bracelet 

in honor of officer Moszer. “As a chief, it kind of reminds me of what 

the sacrifice is sometimes — what it takes to have a safe community,” 

he said. “In this case, it was the sacrifice of one of my officers who 

was a husband, a father, a son and a brother. I also use it to remind me 

what my responsibility is as a leader: to be there for my people.” 

Chief Todd has been applauded by many 

for the strength and courage with which 

he handled Moszer’s death. But for him, it 

wasn’t about staying strong. “As a leader, 

I think it’s okay for people to see your 

emotions because it shows them that you 

care,” he said. “They’re having those same 

emotions and they want to know it's okay to 

have those.” 

It’s not about having all the right answers 

— sometimes it means just showing your 


Todd believes people are passionate about law 

enforcement and are called to it. “They love what they 

do for a living and they love serving their community,” 

he said. “At the same time, they’re very courageous. 

When there’s something critical happening — instead of 

running away from the danger, they’re running towards 

danger.” 

Lately, there’s been a tendency by some to paint police 

as an occupying force. In some communities that may 

be the case and they may have earned the reputation, 

but in Fargo it’s different, Todd explained. 

“In communities like ours, we live here,” he said. “We’re 

invested in our schools, in our sports teams and our 

kids’ activities. We’re the parents sitting right next to you 

in the bleachers at that junior high orchestra concert.” 

They're as much a part of our community as the citizens 

they're sworn to protect. 

Looking Forward 

Outside of work, Todd and his wife are empty nesters. 

His oldest son, David, serves in the Marine Corps 

Reserve — having just done a short tour in Morocco 

— and is currently following his father’s footsteps, 

attending NDSU for criminal justice and in the police 

academy. Meanwhile, his youngest son, Jake, is pursuing 

physical therapy at UND with hopes to get into the 

doctorate program. Eleven-year-old Gunner, their black 

lab, is also part of the family. “He’s my best friend,” Todd 

said. 

For fun, the Todd family rides horses and camps. “I’ve 

got a Harley-Davidson that my wife and I like to take 

occasional trips on,” he said. “That’s kind of my stress 

reliever.” 

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY: DAVID TODD 

And just this year, the Todds are exploring the lakes 

area, having recently purchased a cabin. “We’re figuring 

out lake life, so that might be a transition out of the 

farmstead at some point,” he said. 

As for what comes next, Todd doesn’t know. “In many 

respects I’m fortunate that this is the last part of my 

career,” he said. “Knowing that, I’m just going to sprint 

and get as much done as I can.” 

Eventually, the Fargo native will retire as police chief 

and explore what else life has to offer. Until then, he’ll 

be living the good life. • 

“The good life, to me, is giving all you got, 

because in a position like this, you only 

have one chance to do it right,” he said. 

“You want to give it all you’ve got and 

do it right so that someday you can 

walk away with no regrets.” 

– Fargo Police Chief, David Todd 


My First Year of Fatherhood 

Lessons Learned, Sleep Lost & Lives Saved 

BY: BEN HANSON ■ PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA 

At about 7 p.m. on July 29 — after thirteen hours of 

refilling ice waters, holding vomit bags at the ready and 

fighting my natural instinct to joke about all the probing 

going on — I became a father for the first time. In no way 

does it feel like it’s been that long, but I guess time flies 

when you’re barely awake to notice it. 

Soon, we’ll be hosting friends and family to celebrate 

Macklin’s first birthday, but somewhere mid-party planning, 

I realized we’re also marking my one-year #Dadiversary 

— the perfect time to reflect on the few things I’ve learned 

during this first year of fatherhood. Not exactly lessons, so 

don’t worry about taking notes. Nothing profound, either. 

Just a few observations about what parenting has brought 

to my life. 

Fat Camp for Your Ego 

I admit, I think I’m the greatest. At least I used to. As I 

tweeted out about a month ago, I have since realized that 

my son is, in fact, the greatest. Why? Well, he’s a baby, and 

babies come into this world with a measurable GAF level 

of absolute zero, automatically making them the coolest 

person in the room. 

I’m in constant awe of Mack’s ability to literally care 

nothing at all about the way he looks, smells or sounds. 

Got company over? Let me show you how I can fart on 

your boss’s lap! Posing for family portraits? Watch how 

I can smile through a face full of spit-up! He’ll stare you 

square in the eye, while unashamedly grunting his way to 

a full diaper... and you can’t help but happily cheer him on 

(more on the cheering later). 

How liberating must it feel to wake up and never look 

in the mirror or give your pants even a cursory sniff 

before slipping them on? Macklin doesn’t care. He’s 

a baby James Dean. His inborn chill level keeps my 

ego in check, especially when he points his cute little 

finger at me and smirks while I wipe his butt. 

Everything's a Huge Deal 

When was the last time you flailed your 

arms and giggled like an idiot when a dog 

looked in your general direction? Do you often 

lose control of your vocal cords when eating 

pancakes? Do you get so excited about the speed at 

which you make your way down the hallway that you 

require a change of pants? Of course not. 

For babies, however, everything is a huge deal because 

everything is new. All of it. And because their memory 

and attention spans are adorably undeveloped, 

everything continues to be new. You’d think we parents, 

being the adults that we are, would be immune to such 

misplaced excitement, but we’re not. We become live-in 

cheerleaders for our kids, celebrating each tiny milestone 

like they’re splitting the atom. Last night I applauded my 

son for peeing in the tub simply because he did it standing 

up. (I think he may be a genius.) 


My God, the Emotions 

I cried a little during this year’s Espy Awards. That’s 

right, a sports awards show made me cry. As the 

Aurther Ashe courage award was presented to the 

mother of a 15-year-old who took a bullet to save the 

lives of his two friends, the whole theater of all-star 

athletes broke down in tears. So, it wasn’t just me. 

At a concert a few weeks back, however, it may have 

just been me. A quiet song, sung solo by Brandi Carlile 

about her wife and their new baby girl made an already 

still summer night motionless. Emotionally motionless. 

A year ago, I doubt my emotions would’ve been so raw, 

but on that night my heart was pierced — effortlessly — 

by a simple love song. 

Being a parent makes these stories, songs and 

experiences of other parents more personal. Before 

Macklin, I understood their emotions on an intellectual 

level… now I feel them. 

The Worst Roommate 

Yes, babies are adorable. They’re also loud, smelly and 

completely incapable of telling time or recognizing 

imminent danger. It’s easy to forget that we humans 

come into this world entirely unsocialized and without 

regard. Any regard. For anything. Not even their own 

lives, which I’m constantly saving. 

Most of us have lived through a bad roommate 

experience at least once… but it was over in the blink 

of a lease agreement. And in worst case scenarios, you 

had legal recourse. I don’t think I can take my son to 

small claims court to recoup wasted food costs or sue 

him for excessive midnight shrieking. 

Over the last year, I’ve learned that having a baby 

means choosing to live with the moochiest of moocher 

roommates. The upside is worth it, however. A gentler 

heart, a more patient disposition and a little less selfabsorption. 

I’m still the funniest person I know, don’t 

get me wrong… but I’m rooting for my son to take that 

burden off my shoulders as soon as possible. • 

Ben Hanson is a full-time father, part-time writer 

(for hire). Follow him and his son along all their 

#dadventures at www.MrFullTimeDad.com. 


BY: KRISSY NESS ■ PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA 

Award winning wood carver David Sharp taught a 

class hosted by local décor and furniture carver, 

Dean Tvedt, July 31st, in North Harwood at 

Tvedt’s studio -- Carving Cowboys. 

Sharp hails from Tennessee and is a veteran when it 

comes to carving wood. He took first and second place at 

the Affiliated Wood Carvers Ltd. in Iowa last year and his 

work is nothing short of breathtaking. “The other carvers 

and I call this event Congress,” Sharp joked. He has been 

carving wood by hand and with chainsaws for 10 years 

and all of his work is realistic and made with natural 

wood. Some of the projects he has made include, but are 

not limited to: realistic, caricature, animals, relief, bust, 

and fireplace mantels. He enjoys teaching classes and 

commissioning projects for others. 

Tvedt has been carving wood for 15 years as a hobby and 

recently retired from the Air National Guard in Fargo. 

Since then he has dedicated his time to teaching classes 

and constructing beautiful works of art and furniture 

from reclaimed wood, “A hobby that pays a little — to buy 

more toys,” said Tvedt. He always uses standing lifeless 

timber, “98 percent of the wood I use is a dead tree 

already.” Tvedt also teaches classes on antler carving and 

I was lucky enough to get a look at some of his projects 

— they are amazing. The detail and patience that go into 

these endeavors is incredible. “Carving had taught me 

more patience,” admitted Tvedt. “Mary, my wife is my 

best critic.” She offers a feminine touch to some of his 

projects, and is a great support system when it comes to 

his hobbies. It is great to see two people working toward 

a common goal, even if it is primarily his hobby. You can 

find his work at The Red Silo in downtown Fargo and 

at Eclectic Charm in Bismarck. For most of his projects 

Tvedt uses a dremel or carves them by hand. “As I get 

older I do less and less chainsaw carving, it is hard on the 

body,” confesses Tvedt. His smaller projects can be carved 

in one-day and they boast striking texture and great detail. 

For larger projects they can take up to three days. These 

will be the size of projects that will be used for the class. 


In this class the students, who ranged in age from 

40-80, chose from a Mountain Man design or a 

Native American. They started with a 12x12 slab of 

red cedar wood that Sharp brought all the way from 

Tennessee. From there they shaped the project using 

a chainsaw, then when the projects takes its form they 

used dremels and carved texture and design by hand. 

None of these projects were painted; instead they had 

a natural wood finish and a light oil coat to preserve 

the project. Sharp and Tvedt had never met before 

this class, in fact Tvedt called Sharp up after finding 

out that he would be in Minneapolis teaching another 

carving class and asked him to teach this class. Both 

men have taught many classes between the two of 

them, “Everyone always says they have no artistic 

ability, but everyone has the possibility to learn,” stated 

Tvedt. Sharp has a similar yet different outlook on 

teaching, “I find if the students want to do it, it [the 

project] will come out better.” 

There are four main types of woodcarving: Whittling, 

which is done by using a carving knife. When the 

carving is complete you can see the knife strokes 

rather than a smooth or sanded surface. Carving-inthe-round, 

just using a knife cannot produce these 

carvings, power tools or chisels are needed to give it 

a more life-like finish. Relief carving, have a flat back 

and are carved in three dimensions, most are done 


with hand tools but power tools can be used as well. Finally, there 

is Chip carving, which is used to remove selected pieces of wood 

from the project with a knife. 

Tvedt is also a part of a wood carving club in Moorhead, “In The 

Chips,” where locals get together to work on and discuss projects; 

they also have a good time poking fun at one another, “Not a lot 

of people know these types of groups are in Fargo/Moorhead.” 

stated Tvedt. It is good to get this information out to the public so 

maybe they can expand their knowledge of the different kinds of 

arts in the community and meet new people. 

If you would like to view any of Sharps work, head on over to his 

website, www.davidsharpwoodcarving.com and delve into the 

beauty that is woodcarving. 

The good life is “enjoying friends, family, the arts, and a sense of 

fulfillment.” Great final words from a local artist, Dean Tvedt. • 

L: DAVID SHARP, R: DEAN TVEDT


Non-Profit Aids Individuals 

With Disabilities 

Through Service Dogs 

BY: JESSICA BALLOU ■ PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA 

Great Plains Assistance Dogs foundation dba Service Dogs 

for America (SDA) is a small, North Dakota-based non-profit 

that helps train and certify service dogs for individuals with 

disabilities. 

Located in Jud, N.D., the organization helps place service dogs 

across the country. 

“The staff at SDA invest their hearts and souls into ensuring 

each dog is the best possible ‘life partner’ it can be for our 

clients,” said, Jenny BrodKorb, executive director since January 

2015. 

SDA trained its first service dog in 1989 and placed it with 

their first client in 1990. Two years later, SDA became a 

designated 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. 

It is also an accredited service dog school member of 

Assistance Dogs International (ADI). SDA received its initial 

accreditation in 2010, and it is currently the only accredited 

service dog organization in North Dakota. 

BrodKorb said they dual and triple train their dogs in multiple 

skill sets to better accommodate clients’ needs. 



It’s an amazing process to witness 

TYPES OF DOGS TRAINED 

AND PLACED BY THE SDA 

MOBILITY ASSISTANCE DOG 

o Assists with, but not limited to, the following types 

of diseases or injuries: amputation, arthritis, cerebral 

palsy, multiple sclerosis, paraplegia, spina bifida, 

stroke and more. 

o Task training: retrieve dropped object, open 

interior/exterior doors, help a person stand and 

brace, turn lights on or off, get help by alerting 

another person in the environment and more. 

SEIZURE RESPONSE 

EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE DOG (EMRD) 

o Assists with, but not limited to, the following 

types of seizures: absence, atonic, partial simple 

or complex, gelastic and more. Also assists with 

pseudo, psychogenic and cryptogenic nonepileptic 

seizures. 

o Task training: lie close to the client, retrieve an 

object, activate an emergency button, electronic 

alert system or pull cord, carry medication and 

more. 

BrodKorb said knowing the dogs in their facility 

change the lives of humans is priceless. 

“It’s amazing to think that freedom and 

independence are reinstated with the passing 

of a leash,” she said. “We see people who are 

struggling to maintain a healthy existence (due to 

their disability/ies) flourish when they are selected 

by their new ‘life partner’ [service dog].” 

Every day can be a new challenge with its 

own rewards, so while it’s difficult to pick a 

favorite part of being involved in such a unique 

organization, one aspect stands out to BrodKorb. 

“Knowing the organization is changing lives by 

reestablishing independence — one leash at a 

time — is the best part,” she added. 

The organization lets the service dog choose its 

human before officially pairing up. Once someone 

is approved to receive a service dog, the client 

is brought to campus for dog introductions and 

team training. 

“This introduction process goes on until a dog, 

definitively, selects their human,” she said. “It’s an 

amazing process to witness.” 

DIABETIC RESPONSE EMERGENCY MEDICAL 

RESPONSE DOG (EMRD) 

o Assists with, but not limited to, the following 

diagnoses: Type I/brittle diabetes and 

hypoglycemia. SDA does not train dogs to assist 

an individual with Type II diabetes. 

o Task training: remind to test blood sugar at the 

sound of an alarm, get help by alerting another 

person in the environment, activate an electronic 

alert system lie close to the client and more. 

PTSD SERVICE DOGS 

(MILITARY AND NON-MILITARY PLACEMENT) 

o Tasks: alleviate anxiety and distress by lying 

on top of the person for deep pressure and 

psychoemotional grounding, help a person find 

an exit when anxious, turn lights on or off and 

more. 



“It’s amazing to 

think that freedom 

and independence 

are reinstated with 

the passing of 

a leash." 

“Knowing the 

organization is 

changing lives 

by reestablishing 

independence — 

one leash at a time 

— is the best part." 

The service dogs come from a variety of places. If the 

dog’s temperament and health meet SDA’s standards, 

they accept surrenders, work with rescues and shelters, 

and occasionally receive dogs from breeders. SDA also 

has its own breeding program on campus. 

“The bottom line is if the dog wants the job of being 

a service dog (and it’s a tough job!) and their health 

and temperament match our strict standards and best 

practices, we will consider a dog from nearly any source,” 

she said. 

SDA also works with two prisons in North Dakota, 

Missouri River Correctional Center in Bismarck and 

James River Correctional Center in Jamestown. SDA’s 

service dog trainer teachers inmates how to train specific 

behaviors and tasks to service dogs in training for the 

Inmate Canine Assistance Program (ICAP). 

“The program benefits everyone: the dogs, clients of 

SDA, correctional facilities and staff, and the inmates,” 

she said. “Inmates learn a valuable skill and are able to 

help persons with disabilities in the process.” 

History of SDA 

The Great Plains Assistance Dogs Foundation/Service 

Dogs for America (GPADF/SDA) training program 

started in 1989. Ed Duden, Steven Powers and Michael 

Goehring came together with a vision to begin training 

service dogs. Goehring trained his personal dog as an 

assistance dog for the Deanne Brothers in Fargo. The 

first service dog team, Deanne and Zak, graduated in 

May 1990. 


The story ran in Parade Magazine nationwide and 

showcased the need for specially trained service 

dogs. Due to all of the press coverage, inquiries 

and demand for services increased, she said. It 

became clear that dedicated facilities for training and 

placement were needed. 

The first facility was a 4,000-square-foot training/ 

kennel building. Groundbreaking began in the early 

spring of 1991, and the project was completed by that 

October. 

After that, GPADF/SPA bought a used mobile home 

for staff. The first client apartment was finished a 

month later, a few days before the first out-of-state 

client arrived for three-week team training. A second 

client apartment was finished in 1993, which made it 

possible for multiple team training sessions to occur 

at one time. 

By 1994 GPADF/SDA needed more housing for the 

staff to accommodate for the increase in demand 

and more kennel space for dogs in training. A second 

campaign and an apprenticeship program launched 

later that year, and the funding was in place by early 

1996 for the Lion’s Wing expansion. Two years later, 

the construction on this 3,200-square-foot addition 

was completed. A 4,000-square-foot exercise yard 

was built in 1998. 

SDA is always looking for volunteers and also foster 

families who are willing to have a service dog in 

training live with them for exposure to everyday life 

situations not present on campus. 

The organization is supported by the help of 

donors, not federal or state funding. If anyone is 

interested in hosting, facilitating or participating in 

a fundraising event for SDA, email development@ 

servicedogsforamerica.org. 

For more information on volunteering, fostering, 

donations, applying to get a service dog and more, 

visit www.servicedogsforamerica.org. •

The Good Life – September-October 2016

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