Otte-Coleman - City Magazine

NOVEMBER 2009 BISMARCK • MANDAN 

DICKINSON 

Inside: 

• United Blood Services 

• Midkota Solutions 

• When a Heart Attack Strikes 

Sara 

Otte-Coleman 

Director of Tourism, 

North Dakota Department of Commerce

2 thecitymag.com

Publisher’s Note 

Study and 

Work Habits 

As parents send their children to school, they often assist them 

with homework because they want their children to learn good 

study habits and do well. As students reach the 5th grade, 

however, parents start to become challenged by the homework. 

At about that time, parents reduce their level of assistance and 

begin to encourage their children to do well on their own (mostly 

because the time and information becomes too difficult). 

Recently, I listened to a mother talk about becoming more 

involved in the lives of her children. One way she did this was by 

reading the books her children were assigned in class before they read 

them. This helped her understand how her children interpreted the 

material. 

By staying ahead of her children’s homework, it was easier for 

the mother to give direction when necessary. However, we all have 

different DNA and approach the daily tasks of life differently. 

Staying ahead of studies assigned to our children may be the best 

way to determine if they understand what is being taught, or if they 

are misinterpreting the information as they want to see it. When 

students understand certain material as they see it, rather than how 

it really is, they may have problems with their homework. Over time, 

this can also create an issue in the work place. 

Good study habits begin early and last a lifetime. 

6 

9 

10 

14 

24 

Joe Hauer 

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www.thecitymag.com 

PUBLISHER 

Joe Hauer 

UNITED PRINTING PRESIDENT 

Ken Bischof 

GENERAL MANAGER 

Kilee Harmon 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 

Mandy Thomas 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

Billie Michele Stanton 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Jackson Bird 

Sarah Devereaux 

Debora Dragseth 

Wes Engbrecht 

Candace Brannan Gerhardt 

Joel Gilbertson 

Renae Hoffmann Walker 

Ellen Huber 

Mike LaLonde 

Marilyn Mitzel 

Nicole Morrison-Mathern 

Tom Regan 

Katherine Satrom 

Jan Schultz 

Britni Schwartz 

Stan Stelter 

Mandy Thomas 

Silvia Vigier 

Deanna Voutsas 

Chelsea Watterud 

Mike Wetsch 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

Ashley Lynn Harris 

DISTRIBUTION 

Ron Lechner 

John Metzger 

ADVISORY BOARD 

Darrell Dorgan 

Dick Heidt 

Tom Regan 

The city Magazine does not necessarily 

endorse or agree with the contents of articles or 

advertising appearing in the magazine. 

The city Magazine is published monthly 

by United Printing / Spit’n Image 

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COVER STORY 

FEATURE 

FEATURE 

Sara-Otte Coleman 

URL Radio 

Merit Pay - Part 3 

CM SMARTS 

Healing America’s Health Care 

YP UPDATE 25 

38 

Choices Today– Changes Tomorrow 

YESS AWARD 

Bismancoupons.com 

CM/KFYR SALUTES... 

United Blood Services 

PET PAGE 

26 Local Shelters 42 TRAVEL 

Soar to Salt Lake 

15 

16 

22 

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO 

Wanda Lou (Lowry) Royse? 

MANDAN ON THE MOVE 

Holiday Shopping Festivities 

YOU’VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY? 

A Place to Call Home 

FEATURE 

Midkota Solutions 

WE DRIVE 27 Modern Day Hot Rodders 

HOME SWEET HOME 

30 A Great Reason to Buy 

HEALTH 32 When a Heart Attack Strikes 

BRIGHT IDEAS 34 Turning the Lights on Agriculture 

43 

45 

47 

SAFETY TIP 

People United for Living in Safe 

Environments 

WESTERN ND SECTION 

Southwest Area Human Resource 

WESTERN ND SECTION 

Are You a Real North Dakotan? 

WINE NOTES 

November 23 Winetasting 2009 / Warehouse Part 2 

CITY WORKS 35 Reducing Winter Injury to Evergreens 

3 

36

| KILEE'S TAKE 

Thanksgiving 

Traditions 

This is my first year celebrating the holidays as a married 

woman, wife, or as some like to put it, an official balland-chain! 

This means there are new traditions, and 

Thanksgiving brings the first set. Since traditions are 

different from family to family, I wondered how they differed from 

country to country. 

I found my answer at Thanksgiving-day.org, where it states 

Thanksgiving is a harvest-related festival that celebrates communal 

harmony. In America, it’s a time for family reunions, while giving 

thanks for the fortunes we have received in our lives. 

For our neighbors to the north, Thanksgiving caused many 

arguments because people could not decide when to celebrate it. It 

went from a Thursday in November, to a Thursday in October. Then 

on Jan. 31, 1957, Parliament officially declared the second Monday 

in October Thanksgiving. It marks a day of parades, family feasts and 

reunions. 

In Korea, Thanksgiving is called “Chu 

Suk.” It’s held Aug. 15, and is a celebration 

to show respect for elders. Families go to 

ancestral homes, visit gravesites and have a 

meal that includes Songp`yon, or crescentshaped 

rice cakes stuffed with sesame seeds. 

Thanksgiving in Sabah, the second 

largest state in Malaysia, is celebrated during 

the Kadazan Harvest Festival in May. Locals 

believe without rice there is no life, so during 

this festival, they thank Bambaazon, the rice 

spirit, for a good harvest. 

In Australia, Thanksgiving is celebrated 

for three or four days in March during 

the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival. 

Grape crushing, apple competitions, street 

carnivals, grand parades and fireworks are 

among their favorite ways to celebrate. 

So, whatever your traditions are for the 

fourth Thursday of November, I hope they 

are filled with much happiness, love and 

laughter. 

4 thecitymag.com

GOOD READS | 

Still Alice 

A book review by Sarah Devereaux 

Alice” is a 

“Still 

work of fiction, 

however, the 

reader gains a great deal 

of understanding about 

the devastating disease 

of Alzheimer’s. In her 

first book, Lisa Genova, 

author, describes the 

process and journey a 

woman and her family 

go through while dealing 

with the diagnosis and 

progression of early-onset 

Alzheimer’s. 

Still Alice by Lisa Genova 

Alice Howland, 50, 

is a well respected, Harvard professor specializing, ironically, 

in cognitive psychology who begins to notice small glitches in 

her memory. The changes are slowly becoming more obvious to 

herself, her husband, her three grown children and colleagues. 

“Still Alice” brings the reader on Alice’s journey–and the 

writing is so personal, you feel like you are living Alice’s life with 

her. We go to work with Alice, where her prestigious career 

is suffering. She forgets to go to a conference where she is a 

keynote speaker, and then sits in the last row of a class she is 

supposed to teach, thinking she’s a student. At home, Alice is 

getting lost on her way to familiar places and forgetting recipes 

she’s cooked from memory her entire life. 

The book describes the day-to-day details of dealing with 

Alzheimer’s. Although “Still Alice” is written mainly from Alice’s 

point of view, it also gives the perspectives of her daughters and 

husband. 

The reader begins to understand how the disease affects 

not only the patient, but also the patient’s loved ones. Readers 

also experience the coping mechanisms Alice employs to get 

through life. As her Alzheimer’s progresses, the writing style 

changes with Alice’s symptoms. 

This is a book for people who want to understand the 

disease on a human level– it is both heartbreaking and uplifting. 

As the author so beautifully describes Alice, “She liked being 

reminded of butterflies. Just because their lives were short didn’t 

mean they were tragic. They have a beautiful life.” 

Good Reads is sponsored by: 

November 2009 5

| COVER STORY 

Sara-Otte Coleman 

Luring Visitors to the State 

“We needed a statement 

about the whole state that 

we could live up to and 

deliver on.” 

– Sara Otte-Coleman 

If you want to feel 

reinvigorated about 

living in N.D., just talk 

to Bismarck-native Sara 

Otte-Coleman, the state’s 

director of tourism. Her 

unbridled enthusiasm for the 

sights and sounds of N.D. can 

turn the most ambivalent 

resident into a diehard 

ambassador. 

The leader of one of the 

state’s primary industries since 

2003, Otte-Coleman seems 

to have found her calling. 

Previous to her tourism 

job, Otte-Coleman spent 15 

years in marketing with the 

Bismarck-Mandan Convention 

and Visitors Bureau. 

By Tom Regan 

Claiming a $3.96 billion 

piece of the state economic 

pie in 2007, and generating 

$12.7 million in taxes, tourism 

has grown by 16.8 percent 

since 2000. Otte-Coleman’s 

penchant for research, along 

with her focus on determining 

the best marketing strategies, 

has helped ensure that growth. 

Symptomatic of the 

passion she feels for N.D. as 

a travel destination, Otte- 

Coleman confesses a frustration 

with residents, including 

policymakers, who take for 

granted, and even downplay, 

the riches in their own 

backyard. She admits it’s the 

most challenging part of her job. 

“Bismarck, for example, 

has great city amenities 

including fabulous restaurants, 

great hotels and shopping,” 

Otte-Coleman says. “It is also 

located in a unique area— 

that’s a great combination!” 

The same sublime scenery 

and myriad of attractions that 

lure visitors to the state also 

add to the quality of life of all 

who dwell here. Let’s not take 

any of that for granted and, 

as Sara Otte-Coleman would 

have us to do, let’s talk N.D. 

up wherever and whenever we 

travel outside the state! 

–Staff 

6 thecitymag.com

“State tourism” 

CM: has had a lot of 

good advertising themes and 

slogans over the years. Do 

you have a favorite? 

Otte-COleman: My 

favorite is “Legendary,” 

which was developed around 

research. We aren’t a place 

of landmarks. We 

needed a statement 

about the whole 

state that we could 

live up to and 

deliver on. When 

you start thinking 

about what people 

know us for, it’s 

the history and the 

legends. The slogan 

is based on the key 

legends: Theodore 

Roosevelt, Custer, 

Sakakawea, Lewis 

and Clark and 

Sitting Bull. 

The slogan is 

applicable to many 

different areas. We 

can have legendary 

golfing. We can 

have legendary 

sunsets. It works 

well. 

CM: Define 

tourism as 

an “industry.” 

Otte-COleman: People 

don’t think of tourism as 

an industry; they think of 

it as an activity. They forget 

about the infrastructure–the 

buildings and the services 

out there for people to use. 

Without that, you wouldn’t 

be able to travel. The obvious 

big players are hotels, gas 

stations, airports, restaurants 

and shopping outlets. But, 

it goes beyond that to 

the outdoor recreational 

opportunities we have here, 

including state and national 

parks and wildlife refuges. 

Then, there are all the 

service providers such as all 

the folks at the smaller resorts 

and all the businesses that 

feed into that. The tourism 

industry is not always visible. 

You don’t see us like you see 

SARA OTTE-COLEMAN 

Title: Director of Tourism, N.D. Department 

of Commerce 

DOB: July 17, 1963 

High School: Century High School, 

Class of 1981 

College: Minnesota State University 

Moorhead, bachelor’s degree in business 

administration with major in marketing, 

advertising and public relations 

Family: Husband, Clark, married 24 years; 

Chloe, 14; Clint and Cooper (twins), 10 

Hobbies: Running, hiking, horseback riding, 

boating, water and snow skiing, cooking 

Most recently read book: “Unclutter Your 

Mind,” by Donna Smallin 

Favorite quote: “Be joyful always; pray 

continually; give thanks in all circumstances, 

for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.” 

-1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 

What people would be surprised to learn 

about you: “I’m a farm wife.” 

the wind turbines and the oil 

rigs, but we’re there. We’re in 

every community and every 

county throughout the whole 

state. 

How has a “down” 

CM: economy affected 

tourism nationally and 

locally? 

Otte-COleman: N.D. 

has fared much better than 

the region, or nation, as a 

whole. One difference is the 

Canadian traffic—we’re down 

considerably this year. Last 

year, when the dollar was at 

par, we saw huge increases. 

But, if you look at the fiveyear 

average, we’re still good. 

We positioned ourselves 

as “AAA’s most affordable 

state” and really hit that hard. 

We also tried to overcome 

objections like gas prices. 

Nationally, 

researchers and 

economists say 

people didn’t quit 

traveling. The 

media talked about 

“stay-cations” and 

“nay-cations” but, 

when you look 

at it, people still 

travelled. They’re 

still taking as 

many trips as 

before, just not 

spending as much 

money in sectors 

like shopping and 

dining. Also, people 

are shopping for 

“deals” rather than 

“destinations.” 

CM: What 

makes 

an attractive 

tourism 

destination? 

Otte-COleman: 

Uniqueness. If you need 

people to drive there 

from a distance, it can’t be 

something they are able to 

find in their own backyard. 

Quality is really important, 

and being able to deliver 

on the service—giving the 

people what they expect. It’s 

also about partnering, and 

figuring out what else you can 

do in the region or the area, 

and combining those into 

packages because people don’t 

have a lot of time to plan. 

November 2009 7

People’s expectations are higher 

than they used to be. They 

say that what was a luxury to 

one generation is an absolute 

necessity to the next. 

What are N.D.’s 

CM: most popular 

destinations? 

Otte-COleman: Theodore 

Roosevelt National Park is our 

number one attraction. It gets 

over a half-million visitors per 

year. The International Peace 

Gardens is one of our gems. It’s 

one of the only places where 

you can still cross the border 

without a passport. The Ralph 

Engelstad Arena and the Fargo 

Dome, as major event centers, 

draw huge numbers of visitors 

to the cities in which they are 

located. 

It’s the “oddities” that attract 

attention, as well. We’ve 

gotten so much press on the 

Enchanted Highway—it’s 

whimsical and different. People 

come from Germany to see the 

albino calves at the Jamestown 

Buffalo Museum—that’s one 

that’s really sought out. 

Peace Garden ad placed in the skywalks in Minneapolis, Minn. 

Tourism by The Numbers 

What are your 

CM: personal keys to 

success? 

Otte-COleman: Balance. 

And that goes beyond 

balancing being a mother and 

a professional. You need to take 

care of yourself, too. Everybody 

knows I’m a lot happier if I 

get that run in the morning. 

You also really have to believe 

in what you do. At the end of 

the day, if you really feel your 

work is worth something, then 

you feel good about it and it all 

comes together. 

• More than 16 million visitor trips are completed in N.D. each year. 

• Each visitor adds $81 to the gross state product. 

• Advertising N.D. adds a 1:8 return to the state tax base. 

• 68 percent of visitors/travelers are from out of state. 

• One of every 12 workers in the state owes their job to tourism. 

• Approximately $733 million in wages and salaries are generated 

through state tourism. 

Source: N.D. Department of Tourism 

See Sara Otte-Coleman answers to the “City Mag 10” questionnaire by 

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

8 thecitymag.com

CM SMARTS | 

Beginning Conversation: 

Healing America’s Health Care System 

A 

good conversation to have these days, 

with a variety of people, is about health 

care reform. It helps to understand how 

other countries’ health care systems 

work, to see what some options are. 

T.R. Reid, a Washington Post journalist, went 

on an expedition to research alternatives to our 

nation’s health care system, as well as hoping 

to treat his bum shoulder. His new book, “The 

Healing of America. A Global Quest for Better, 

Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care,” offers a picture 

of four different types of health care systems. 

Reid describes Britain’s National Health 

Service, inspired by Willliam Beveridge, as 

probably closest to what Americans imagine when 

they think of socialized medicine (Spain, Italy, and 

New Zealand also follow this model). 

In this model, the government is as responsible 

for taking care of people’s health as they are for 

picking up trash. It’s paid for with taxes. The 

government owns the hospitals, employs the 

doctors and nurses, buys the pills and pays the 

bills. Patients must see a general practitioner first 

and, if a specialist is needed, there’s a waiting line. 

Administratively, it’s simple because it cuts out the 

need for insurance. 

Germany, Japan, France, Belgium and 

Switzerland all utilize the “Bismarck Model”, which 

has all private doctors, hospitals and insurance 

plans. The difference is there are about 200 

non-profit insurance companies in Germany. It’s 

not single-payer, and you can drop it and switch 

companies, and they can’t raise your premium. 

By Candace Brannan Gerhardt 

The third type is the Canadian Model which 

is a blend of both the Beveridge and Bismarck 

Models. They have private doctors and private 

hospitals, but the payment system is public. In 

some provinces, people pay a premium; in some 

provinces, it’s a tax. But, you don’t get a hospital 

bill, so anybody can go. 

The last and most common model of health 

care operates on one rule: if you can pay your 

doctor out-of-pocket, you get treated. If you can’t 

pay, you stay sick or die. Brutal, but that’s the fact 

of life in most countries. 

In the United States, all four models exist. 

According to Reid, if you’re Native American or 

a veteran relying on government care, you live 

in Britain. If you share your health insurance 

premium with your employer, you live in Germany. 

If you’re a senior and you buy Medicare insurance 

from the government and go to a private doctor, 

you live in Canada. And, if you’re one of the tens 

of millions of Americans who can’t get health 

insurance, you live in Nicaragua or Honduras. 

Reid points out this difference: all other 

countries have decided that health care is a right, 

not a privilege, and these countries have decided 

that it’s more fair and affordable to provide one 

model where everyone has access to the same care 

at the same price. 

How should Americans reform our health 

care system? There are no easy answers, but we 

can’t ignore it any longer. Let’s look at it, and let’s 

continue this dialogue. 

November 2009 9

| CITY MAGAZINE & KFYR 

Salutes 


As you make 

your plans 

for the 

holidays, 

put this on your list: 

save a life. That’s 

precisely what you 

may be doing if you 

devote an hour of 

your time to give 

blood at Bismarck’s 


(UBS) on South 7th 

Street. 

The need is great. 

One out of every 10 

people entering a 

hospital, including the 

emergency room, needs 

blood. Sadly, in our area, 

a meager five percent of the population supplies 

100 percent of the blood needs, according to 

Stephanie Radenz, donor recruitment manager. 

Bismarck’s UBS facility is part of a nonprofit 

corporation, headquartered in Scottsdale, 

Ariz., that provides blood, blood components 

and special services to patients in more than 

500 hospitals in 18 states. 

If you’re 16 years old, or older, at least 110 

pounds and are in good health, you can donate 

blood every 56 days. In N.D., 16 and 17-yearold 

donors need a permission slip signed by a 

parent or guardian. 

By Tom Regan 

United Blood Services Center, Bismarck. 

The donation process begins with a brief 

interview about your medical history and 

current health. Next, your temperature, blood 

pressure, pulse and blood hemoglobin level are 

checked. 

“Many donors view this ‘mini-physical’ as 

an added bonus for donating,” says Radenz. 

Once it’s been determined that it is safe for 

you to give blood, you will begin the actual 

donation process, which lasts about seven to 

ten minutes for a whole blood donation. After 

the donation, you’re asked to sit back, relax and 

enjoy some snacks before you are sent on your 

way. The entire process takes about 45 minutes 

to one hour from start to finish. 

10 thecitymag.com

“Most donors find the process painless and 

heartwarming,” says Radenz. 

Until the 1950s, blood was transfused exactly 

as it was collected—in its “whole” state. Today, 

blood can be separated in several components 

such as red cells (used by surgical patients), 

plasma (shock, burn and accident patients), 

platelets (leukemia and other cancer patients) 

and cryoprecipitate (patients with hemophilia 

and other clotting disorders). Since most patients 

require a specific blood product, a single donation 

can benefit several people. 

“The holidays are a challenging time for 

blood donations,” says Radenz. “People do a 

lot of traveling and they have other things, like 

Christmas parties and shopping, on their minds.” 

Bismarck’s UBS center is conveniently located 

at 517 S. 7th St., across from Kirkwood Mall. As 

you begin your holiday shopping, why not call 

them and schedule an appointment? You could 

give no greater gift. 

For more information, visit the UBS website at 

www.unitedbloodservices.org. Call 258-4512 or 

1-800-456-6159 to schedule an appointment. 

Blood Donation Facts 

• 90 percent of the population will use 

blood before age 72. 

• Every two seconds someone in the 

U.S. needs blood. 

• In the time it takes you to donate, 

1,800 people across the U.S. have 

needed blood. 

• Just one blood donation can save up 

to three lives of area patients. 

• Whole blood is good for only 

42 days. Other components like 

platelets are good for only five days. 

Just one emergency or disaster can 

deplete an entire supply of a certain 

blood type. 

November 2009 11

| A TASTE OF NORTH DAKOTA 

PHEASANT MEATBALLS WITH ALMONDS 

Ingredients 

1 lb. ground pheasant thigh meat 

1 cup fresh white bread crumbs 

2 eggs 

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 

3 tablespoons chopped toasted almonds 

3/4 teaspoon dried thyme 

2 cloves garlic, minced 


for garnish 

Sauce Ingredients 

2 tablespoons olive oil 

1 large onion, chopped 

1 large ripe tomato, chopped 

1 red bell pepper, chopped 

1 cup pheasant or chicken broth 


2 bay leaves 

Instructions 

Make sauce by heating olive oil in a heavy, 

large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, 

tomato and bell pepper and cook for about 15 

minutes or until vegetables are soft, stirring 

occasionally. Add broth, 3 tablespoons almonds 

and bay leaves; simmer for about 20 minutes, or 

until sauce is thick and chunky. Discard bay leaves. 

Season with salt and pepper (This can be prepared 

a day ahead and refrigerated, then re-warmed). 

Heat oven to 400°F. Thoroughly combine 

the pheasant, bread crumbs, eggs, parsley, 3 

tablespoons almonds, thyme and garlic in a large 

bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Shape the mix 

into 1-inch balls. Arrange on a heavy, large baking 

sheet. Bake for about 12 minutes, or until cooked 

through and firm to the touch. 

Place meatballs on a plate and pour sauce over 

them. Serve with rigatoni pasta. Garnish with 

toasted almonds. 

Shoot straight this season because you’re going to want to have some birds to try out the 100 

pages of tasty recipes in the color-illustrated Pheasants Forever Essential Game Bird Recipes 

cookbook. Many of the recipes were submitted by PF members and staff, concoctions handed 

down by generations of experienced pheasant hunters and chefs. Following are some great recipes 

in the book, which are available for only $12.95 by calling 877-773-2070 toll-free. 

12 

For more great recipes visit the “Extra Content” section at 


thecitymag.com

Ingredients 

2 pheasant breasts 

seasoning salt 

1 box (6 oz.) long grain and wild rice blend with seasonings 

1/4 cup chopped yellow onion 

1 Granny Smith apple 

1/2 cup chopped walnuts 

1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries 

Sauce Ingredients 

1 jar (12 oz.) red currant jelly 

3 oz. sweet orange marmalade 

1 cup port wine 

1 cup orange juice 

1 tablespoon light brown sugar 

1 teaspoon ground ginger 

1 teaspoon dry mustard 

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 

1/8 teaspoon salt 

Instructions 

A Taste of North Dakota 

is sponsored by: 

NORTHWOODS PHEASANT WITH 

CUMBERLAND SAUCE 

Lightly season breasts with seasoning salt. Breasts may be 

sautéed or grilled. Prepare rice as shown on box. In a little butter, 

sauté onion and apple. When rice is done, combine rice, onions, 

apples, walnuts and cranberries. Garnish with fresh bay leaves. 

Sauce Cooking Instructions 

Combine all ingredients for sauce and bring to a boil. Let 

sauce simmer for 10 minutes. Serve sauce on the side. The unused 

sauce may be frozen. 

November 2009 13

Whatever happened to 

Wanda Lou (Lowry) Royse 

Wanda Lou Lowry, Miss North Dakota 

1967. It’s hard to believe it’s been 

four decades since that name was a 

household word. Let’s catch up with her! 

Having just graduated from New Town High 

School, Royse moved to Bismarck to prepare for the 

Miss America pageant. She says it was THE turning 

point in her life. “I met Jane Grey Stewart, who directed 

the N.D. pageant and became my chaperone,” said 

Royse. “I worked at KFYR-TV, where I did commercials 

and sang on the ‘This is Music’ broadcast to schools 

across the state. And, I toured the U.S. with Fred 

Waring for a year. These experiences truly changed my 

life!” 

After the national pageant, Royse returned to 

Bismarck to be a KFYR-TV weather person and host 

the “Be Our Guest” show. She graduated from Bismarck 

Junior College, and in 1976, her life took another major 

turn when she married Al Royse of Mandan. “I moved 

to the Bay area because my husband got a job with a 

CPA firm there,” said Royse. “We’ve been in Calif. ever 

since!” 

With a tear in her voice, Wanda says she’s most 

proud raising two fantastic kids, Jennifer and Matthew, 

who would come home each summer to work at 

Grandma and Grandpa Royse’s produce stand in 

Mandan. Jennifer was a performer in New York City 

for two years before founding The Royse Group, a real 

estate agency specializing in relocating executives. 

Matthew recently graduated with a master’s degree in 

accounting and is job hunting. 

Wanda, who earned a Bachelor of Arts with honors 

in broadcasting and theatre arts from San Jose State, 

By Renae Hoffmann Walker 

Calif., continues to perform with many West Coast 

groups, most recently the Golden Gate City Orchestra. 

Besides raising kids, singing, doing community 

theatre and volunteer work, Royse owns three 

businesses. She founded WR Communication 

Consultants 26 years ago. She and her five consultants 

work with large companies and individuals on 

presentation skills, writing, team building, leadership 

and customer satisfaction. 

Two years ago, she created WR Costume 

Collective to rent out her many costumes. Recently, 

she started her third business. “It’s my retirement plan,” 

said Royse. “I get to eat and share delicious, healthy 

Belgian chocolate called Xocai.” 

While Wanda has been involved with her 

community and church in San Mateo, Calif., she says 

it’s not the same as living in N.D., where she feels 

there’s a deeper connection with people. “They seem 

more like family,” said Royse. 

NEW NEIGHBOR WELCOME SERVICE 

Welcomes you to Bismarck-Mandan 

For Free Gifts Contact: 

Verdeen at 391-0094 or Ileen at 400-2919 

or email us at newneighbors@bis.midco.net 

14 thecitymag.com

MANDAN ON THE Move | 

Mandan Offers Holiday 

Shopping Festivities 

By Ellen Huber, Business Development Director 

Santa’s elves, Wanda Knoll 

and Tami Helmers, will greet 

customers and pass out 

candy canes during the 

Santa Shop Hop on Nov. 28. 

This holiday season, give your family the gift of fun and 

fellowship by participating in Mandan’s “Over the River 

and Through the Shops” hometown Christmas celebration 

complete with carolers, horse-drawn wagon rides, Santa 

Claus and more than $5,000 in Mandan Bucks giveaways. 

Find more than you imagined during “Shop Hop ‘Til You 

Drop” customer appreciation weeks from Nov. 21 to Nov. 27, 

Nov. 28 to Dec. 4, and Dec. 5 to Dec. 11, where merchants will 

offer special discounts. Each “shop hopper” will receive a Holiday 

Shopping Passport at any participating store. Shoppers who have 

their passports stamped at 10 businesses are eligible to win $250 in 

Mandan Bucks each week. 

A special “Santa Shop Hop” will be held Saturday, Nov. 28, with 

entertainment at the Mysteria Theater from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit 

five participating stores to become eligible to win $500 in Mandan 

Bucks. The day culminates with Santa’s Arrival at 5 p.m. at the 

Mandan Community Center, 901 Division St. 

Shoppers also have other opportunities to win and earn Mandan 

Bucks. Many businesses throughout the community are serving as 

registration sites. Fifty dollars in Mandan Bucks will be awarded 

each day of the festivities from Nov. 21 to Dec. 11. 

Be among the first to buy $100 in Mandan Bucks between 

Nov. 21 and Christmas to receive an extra $20 certificate. The 

offer is limited to the first 150 purchases. Gift certificates are 

available at Mandan financial institutions and the Mandan Progress 

Organization, 411 W. Main St. 

Expect bright lights in Mandan for the Christmas season. Shops 

will compete in a storefront decorating contest. Celebrity judges will 

select a winner from downtown, Memorial Highway and elsewhere. 

Shoppers can vote between Nov. 28 and Dec. 4 for a “People’s 

Choice” winner when they submit a completed Shop Hop Passport. 

For more information, call 701-751-2983 or visit www. 

mandanprogress.org. 

November 2009 15

| YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY! 

A Place to Call Home 

A meal. A haircut. A shower. A roof. A hug. 

What do these words have in common? 

They are things that most people 

take for granted on a daily basis. 

On Jan. 28, 2009, the North Dakota Coalition 

for Homeless People (NDCHP) conducted a 

statewide point-in-time survey (the count of all 

the people who are homeless on a given day). 

This survey revealed 987 homeless people right 

here in N.D., 220 of which were children under 

the age of 18. 

In December 2008, Tina Grumbo became the 

executive director of the Missouri Valley CHP. 

Three months later, she started planning a Project 

Homeless Connect event. In April, Jaime Fox, 

the single point of entry coordinator of the Ruth 

Meiers Hospitality House, joined her. The next 

month, Carrie Transgrud, the shelter coordinator 

at Ruth Meiers jumped on board; and in July, 

Ashlie Bieber, a social worker at Ruth Meiers; 

and Kristina Kalenze, an administrative assistant 

intern at the Missouri Valley CHP completed the 

team. They partnered with the Central Dakota 

Veterans Stand Down group, which also brought 

assistance from Joe Hall and Tyson Quire. 

The Project Homeless Connect event was 

initiated in response to goal #28 in Bismarck- 

Mandan’s 10-Year Plan to, “End long-term 

By Nicole Morrison-Mathern 

16 thecitymag.com

homelessness in Bismarck-Mandan.” The planning started from 

scratch, but modeled the U.S. Interagency, National Homeless 

Connect, which started in Calif. More than 200 events have 

been held nationwide. 

The goal of the event was to pull agencies together and pool 

resources, so they could provide a one-stop-shop for guests to 

access all services and become educated on what is available to 

them in our community. 

On Sept. 2, 2009, around 70 volunteers joined together at 

the Bismarck Amvets to provide: haircuts, housing applications, 

meals, health screenings, food pantry items, sleeping bags 

and blankets and hygiene products. Free transportation 

was provided by UTTC to help those in need get a driver’s 

license, birth certificate or ID card that may be needed for job 

applications, veteran services and more. 

On that day alone, volunteers impacted 476 lives, 78 percent 

of which had never participated in something like this before. 

Their goal was to educate and empower those who are homeless 

and those who have a low income to ultimately prevent 

homelessness. 

Wes Engbrecht, a volunteer with the Optimist Club, enjoyed 

being a part of the extremely well run event. “I volunteer with 

our church,” said Engbrecht. "We serve dinners on Tuesday 

night for Riverside Harvest, and I recognized a lot of the people 

that participated. It made me realize that there’s a community 

out there that needs our help more than once a year.” 

The successful event has come and gone as fast as the 

summer in N.D. The ladies are finishing their thank-you notes, 

and then it’s time to gear up for National Hunger and Homeless 

Awareness week Nov. 15-21. They’ll start planning next year’s 

Project Homeless Connect after Christmas. In the mean time, 

the ladies will keep doing what they do best–helping those 

enduring a difficult time find a meal, haircut, shower, roof and a 

hug! 

For more information at www.missourivalleyhomeless.org. 

Photo (L to R): Jaime Fox, single point of entry coordinator, Ruth Meiers 

Hospitality House; Kristina Kalenze, administrative assistant, Missouri 

Valley Coalition for Homeless People, Inc./ Job Service of N.D. Summer 

Work Intern Program; Ashlie Bieber, social worker, Ruth Meiers Hospitality 

House; Tina Grumbo, executive director, Missouri Valley Coalition for 

Homeless People, Inc.; Carrie Transgrud, shelter coordinator, Community 

Action Program Region VII, Inc. 

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. 

November 2009 17

| CROSSWORD 

City Magazine 11/09 Crossword PuzzleJunction.com 

Across 

1 Stigma 

6 Vitriols 

11 Prayer word 

14 Get up 

15 Inert gas 

16 Modern 

17 Wyoming park 

19 Compass pt. 

20 Negatively charged 

particle 

21 More spooky 

23 Sod 

26 Mosquito 

28 Wanders 

29 Retired 

30 Burst 

32 Via 

33 Publisher Doubleday 

36 Wave rider 

38 Annex 

39 Actress Ruby or 

Sandra 

41 Digit 

42 Distress call 

45 Fears 

48 Pour 

50 Sp. girl 

51 Golf item 

52 Cookie 

53 Use up 

55 Scruff 

58 ___ Breckinridge 

59 Adhesives 

61 Witchcraft trials 

locale 

63 Conjunctions 

64 Some cartoons 

69 Shoshonean 

70 Dwelling 

71 Coral reef 

72 Small amount 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 

14 15 16 

17 18 19 

20 21 22 

23 24 25 26 27 28 

29 30 31 32 

33 34 35 36 37 

38 39 40 41 42 43 44 

45 46 47 48 49 

50 51 52 

53 54 55 56 57 58 

59 60 61 62 

63 64 65 66 67 68 

69 70 71 

72 73 74 

73 Chordophones 

74 Disreputable 

Down 

1 Utter 

2 Three (It.) 

3 Suffer 

4 Azores, e.g. 

5 Sign gas 

6 Incendiarism 

7 Snoozes 

8 Vow words 

9 Finished 

10 Express contempt 

11 Special date 

Copyright ©2009 PuzzleJunction.com 

12 Thin wood coat 

13 Pitchers 

18 Peruke 

22 Lasso 

23 Path 

24 Garden offspring 

25 Looking good! 

27 Tipster 

31 Goad 

34 Lyric poem 

35 Cool! 

37 Fixed charge 

40 Promised land 

43 Ace 

44 Gr. portico 

46 Lease 

47 Coastal 

49 Travel back and 

forth 

50 Ancient Greek 

city 

53 Gush 

54 Transfer paper 

56 Strides 

57 High note 

60 Jungle boy 

62 Gr. letters 

65 Decompose 

66 Fish eggs 

67 Time of life 

(Poet.) 

68 Cunning 

For results of the crossword puzzle from the last issue of City Magazine, please see page 33. 

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

18 thecitymag.com 

Solution on next page

FEATURE 

Captain Freddy's 

is the newest 

HOTSPOT 

in Bismarck- 

Mandan founded 

in 2009 by 

Rick White. 

While learning from his father, Fred White, 

who owned bars in Steele and Napoleon 

for over 30 years, Rick saw a need for a bar 

in Bismarck-Mandan that offers more than 

what was currently available and further 

enhances the Missouri River experience. 

Experience Captain Freddy’s with its pool 

and darts, horseshoe pits, sand volleyball 

court (with leagues), 6,000 square feet of 

outdoor deck, five 110" HD projection 

screens and 10 big-screen TVs (#1 location 

CORRAL BAR 

2111 E Main Ave 

Bismarck, ND 255.5045 

Come in Mondays and Sundays 

for Football Days when the NFL 

dominates our flat screens. Karaoke is still a favorite 

every Wednesday thru Saturday evening. Play Wii 

Bowling anytime—day or night. 

Saturday mornings the Corral Bar offers breakfast 

from 10 a.m. to whenever the food runs out 

(sausages, eggs, eggs benedict and more). Check 

out our Beer Pong Tournaments coming soon. 

2MANCAB 

701.425.6699 

2mancab@bis.midco.net 

After a night out on the town, be sure you make 

the right choice and call 2MANCAB. For only $26 

per ride, we will get you AND your car home 

safely! We operate "nightly" starting at 9 p.m. 

Proof of your current auto insurance is required. 

2MANCAB is a locally owned, affordable and 

accessible Designated Driver Service serving the 

Bismarck-Mandan area. 

Advance reservations are always welcome. 

THE WALRUS 

1136 N 3rd St 

Bismarck, ND 

250.0020 

BAR GUIDE | 

CAPTAIN FREDDY'S 

2500 Pirate S Loop SE, Mandan, ND / 751.3348 

for watching sporting events such as NFL, 

UFC and Sioux Hockey), two Nintendo 

Wii Systems, burgers/steaks/more, and the 

BEST VIEW OF THE MISSOURI RIVER! 

Mondays: $3 Morgan, and Monday Night 

Football 

Tuesday: $2 You-Call-It on wells/domestics 

Jeremiah Weed Wednesdays: $3 Country 

Peach and Southern Style teas. Also listen to 

Tom O’Neil. 

Thursdays Ladies Night: $2 Tidal Waves; $1 

off wells/domestics for chicks; and $.50 off 

for men. Also enjoy Ben Suchy and the guys. 

Sundays: UFC on the screens; as well as 

Sunday Football with specials that include 

FREE chili and $2.50 taps from 12 p.m. – 6 

p.m.; and buy one pizza get the second one 

Half Off! 

SPACE ALIENS 

GRILL & BAR 

1304 E Century Ave. 

Bismarck, ND 223.2412 

Daily Happy Hour: Monday - Friday 

3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. – Close 

Saturday 9:00 p.m. – Close Sunday All Day 

Includes tall tap beer, house wine and well drinks. 

Daily Drink Specials feature Lunar Island Teas, 

Moon Me Margaritas, Bloody Martians and other 

unique beverages. Monday Night Football fun with 

SPECIAL drink prices and FREE food Monday nights 

all season long. Win a Minnesota Viking weekend! 

Come enjoy the LARGEST BEER SELECTION 

in the region at The Walrus restaurant. Take the 

Brew Tour by choosing from 64 bottled domestics, 

imports and microbrews and 25 beers on tap for 

a truly refreshing experience. For a good time, 

visit The Walrus to enjoy daily drink specials like 

Microbrew Monday, Tapper Tuesday, Winer 

Wednesday, Heinie/Leinie Thursday, Canuck 

Friday and Sammy Saturday. Good food. Good 

drinks. Good times. thewalrusrestaurant.com. 

November 2009 19

| 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 to 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 

701-751-3700. 

Bismarck’s Newest Hotspot 

Thanks to Mr. Delicious 

Cheesecake, on 307 N. Third St., 

Bismarck is quickly becoming 

N.D.’s cheesecake central. With 

over 200 unique flavors; four certified 

culinary professionals on staff; and an 

incredible lunch and dinner menu-the 

restaurant is one of Bismarck’s locally 

owned hotspots. 

Mr. Delicious creates hundreds of 

freshly baked cheesecakes, with wild 

flavors ranging from pink lemonade and 

MYSTERIA THEATER 

210 West Main 

Mandan, ND 

701-663-2900 

By Mandy Thomas 

A historic Mandan location is home to Mysteria 

Threatre, a place with entertainment, food and fun. 

Great food – exciting stage entertainment – close up 

magic. Enjoy a romantic dinner or bring the whole 

family. Corporate meetings and parties are our 

specialty, creating special experiences for wedding 

receptions, birthdays and family parties. Open 

Wednesday through Saturday starting at 11 a.m. 

Check us out at www.mysteriatheater.com 

ROBY’S SUPPER CLUB 

I-94 & Exit 147 

Mandan, ND 

701-663-2288 

Mysteria 

Mysteria 

Theater Theater 

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 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. with an 

elegant lounge open until 1a.m. 

20 thecitymag.com

oot beer, to seasonal favorites 

like pumpkin, sweet potato and 

candy cane. 

“One of our most unique 

flavors is the chocolate-peanut 

butter-bacon cheesecake,” said 

Aaron Bank, owner. “It sounds 

crazy, but the sweet and salty 

flavors go great together.” As for 

his personal number one, well, 

that’s interesting too. 

“My favorite is our strawberry 

with green peppercorn 

cheesecake,” said Bank. “It’s 

not spicy, and the way the two 

flavors go together is awesome.” 

Whatever the flavor, guests can 

buy it by the slice, or as a whole, 

and even request a new flavor. 

Mr. Delicious also creates 

wedding cheesecakes for those 

seeking a delicious touch. 

Wedding cheesecakes are just like 

PIROGUE GRILLE 

121 N. 4 th St. 

Bismarck, ND 

701-223-3770 

Downtown Bismarck has the finest for destination 

dining at Pirogue Grille. Make your Holiday party 

special by hosting it at Pirogue Grille in our private 

“Journey Room”. Featured in “Gourmet” with 

its seasonal menu and unparalleled emphasis on 

quality and service, Pirogue Grille provides dining 

experiences like no other. You need to experience it 

for yourself. Tuesday-Saturday at 5:00. 

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 

traditional wedding cakes and 

can be personalized with multiple 

flavors, colors and decorations. 

“If you see a photo of something 

you like online, we can come 

really close to it,” said Bank. Mr. 

Delicious is much more than a 

sweets station, however. 

Although he never thought 

he would return to N.D. after 

graduating from culinary school 

in West Palm Beach, FL., Bank 

brought much more to our 

capitol city than his skill for 

creating decadent desserts. 

“My passion is cooking, so I 

decided to add lunch and dinner 

items to our menu,” said Bank. 

“Our selections include a variety 

of unique sandwiches and wraps 

like our: roast beef with Brie 

cheese sandwich; turkey with 

Gouda cheese, jalapeno jelly 

EAST 40 CHOPHOUSE 

& TAVERN 

1401 Interchange Ave. 

Bismarck, ND 

701-258-7222 

and applewood-smoked bacon 

sandwich; Indian-style curry 

wrap; and Santé Fe wrap.” 

Mr. Delicious hosts “Sushi 

Night” on the third Friday and 

Saturday of each month. Unlike 

competitors serving sushi in 

town, Mr. Delicious offers a set 

dinner, which includes two pieces 

of nine different sushi rolls, a 

piece of cheesecake and two 

glasses of wine or beer for $35. 

It’s really fun because we 

pick what you eat,” said Bank. 

“I would suggest making a 

reservation because we fill up 

pretty quickly.” 

Mr. Delicious is open Monday 

through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 

p.m., and on Saturday, from 11 

a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Try Bismarck’s newest 

hotspot! 

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 and 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 N.D. 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 

November 2009 21

| FEATURE 

Midkota Solutions: 

Online in a Big Way 

By Wes Engbrecht 

There are many small 

business success 

stories in the 

Bismarck/Mandan 

area, and Midkota Internet 

Media and Marketing Group 

is among them. This group 

of Internet partners and 

developers are responsible 

for the maintenance and 

marketing of several, wellknown, 

local websites, 

including bismanonline.com, 

kxnet.com and fishingbuddy. 

com. As of August 2009, 

Midkota is delivering over 1.6 

From left to right: Stephen Schnaible, Gina Sandaker, 

billion Internet ads per year on their websites. 

Eric Kubischta, Mike Haas, Wade Vogel. 

Bismanonline.com has become a household 

name among local websites. If you have something great place for outdoorsmen to share information and 

to sell; whether it’s real estate, a used car, a trumpet or post photos and videos of their own. If you’re looking 

absolutely anything else, you can post a free ad and to sell outdoor-related items, you can post a free ad in 

photo of the item and get it sold. 

the classifieds or go shopping there, as well. 

You can then log in and maintain or alter your ad, KXnet.com has become an integral piece of Reiten 

as well as see how many people have viewed it. The Television’s media presence. Midkota developed and 

website also allows you to upgrade your ad for a small has been operating the new website since its launch in 

fee to improve its position. 

2006. 

According to Eric Kubischta, executive director of “We are especially proud of the live feeds we can 

operations, bismanonline.com is the busiest website in get rolling on the site when something exciting happens 

N.D., with 18 million page views and 170,000 unique in our area,” says Kubischta. Many local residents 

visitors per month. 

watched the Memorial Bridge demolition on the KX 

“We estimate between $25 and $40 million in site. 

transactions are completed on this website each year. The average website user probably doesn’t realize 

It is a boost for the local economy and brings a lot of that the Midkota group, through its Web portal, 

buyers and sellers together,” Kubischta says. 

totaloutdoornetwork.com, controls a large share of the 

Bismanonline.com has been owned and operated online outdoor market. If you consider upcoming and 

by Stephen Schnaible since 2003. Kubischta joined the current expansion plans, the group will have a market 

company in 2006 to help maintain and program the reach which extends into eight U.S. states and two 

website. They now have a group of partners operating Canadian provinces. 

the websites and adding value through marketing and Go to totaloutdoornetwork.com and check 

advertising. 

out the other local and regional websites operated 

Fishingbuddy.com is another N.D. “original” by Midkota. Look for them to continue to grow and 

promoting fishing and hunting. The amount of outdoor provide innovative websites for us locally and around 

information on this website is staggering. It is also a the world! 

22 thecitymag.com

Last month, we traveled with this grandpato-be 

to a winery tasting extravaganza in 

Woodinville, Wash., just north of Seattle. 

There are about 50 wineries in this so-called 

“Warehouse District” of Woodinville November that feature 2009 

some excellent wines in the emerging Wash. wine 

industry. These are very 

small wineries with small 

productions. You have to 

purchase them online if 

you want to try them, but 

they all have websites. I 

pretty much always feature 

only locally available wines 

in this column, but this 

time, I decided to make an 

exception. 

First of all, I need to 

bring you all up to date. 

Last month, I indicated that 

I ventured out to Seattle 

to be with our daughter 

and son-in-law. She was 

in the hospital expecting 

twin boys who wanted to 

join the party a bit early. To 

update you, I will simply 

say that the “soon-to-be” 

part of the “soon-to-be 

grandpa” is history. William 

Daniel and Oliver Gilbert 

are now part of the family. 

What a great thrill (well, 

two great thrills)! 

This is a wine column, 

however, and we do have some wines to taste, 

so let’s go there. Last month, I took notes in the 

Third Thursday Warehouse Winery tour of about 

15 wine tasting rooms in Woodinville. One of the 

clear winners in the premium category was the 

2006 Bishop’s Blend by William Church Winery. 

It is what I call a “Wash. Bordeaux” blend. In 

WINE NOTES | 

Warehouse Winetasting – 

Part Two 

By Joel Gilbertson 

BAGA City Magazine Ad 

Wash., they love to add some Syrah (which is from 

Rhone, not Bordeaux) to their blends. In addition, 

they added a little Sangiovese. Whatever the blend, 

it is delicious. 

Another great premium wine is Red Sky 

Serendipity (redskywinery.com). This is a classic 

Bismarck Art & Galleries Association 

Festival 

of the Arts 

Themed dinner with live entertainment 

Road 

to Rio 

Saturday, November 21, 2009 

Radisson Hotel, Bismarck 

Call BAGA for ticket information (701) 223-5986. 

422 East Front Avenue • www.bismarck-art.org 

Bordeaux blend of 

Cabernet Sauvignon, 

Merlot and Cabernet 

Franc. The first taste 

shows some subtle 

blackberry, and it 

finishes with several 

layers of flavor. 

On the white side, 

I really liked two 

wines in my tasting 

excursion. One was 

the Cowan Vineyards 

2008 Pinot Gris 

(cowanvineyards.com). 

It had luscious fruit 

throughout. I also really 

liked the 2007 Alma 

Terra Coeo Viognier 

(almaterrawines. 

com), which is a blend 

from three different 

vineyards of Viognier. 

It captures the best of 

the underappreciated 

Viognier grape, with 

deep florals in the nose 

and citrus and lemon 

zest on the finish. 

It will be incredibly interesting to watch the 

Wash. wine industry grow. I believe we will see 

more and more glowing reports about wines made 

in this great state. It also will be interesting to 

watch these newborn grandsons in Seattle change 

and grow. Here’s to life–and to you–Will and 

Oliver. 

November 2009 23

| FEATURE 

URL Radio 

Movin’ and Groovin’ 

URL Radio is on the move. They have 

moved their station across town, added 

more programs and taken the station 

on the road, in more ways than one. 

First off, URL Radio is now located at 1315 E. 

Front Ave., Bismarck, next to Impressions by 

Ashley Lynn. The owners, Stacy Sturm and Nicole 

Morrison-Mathern, are very excited about the 

new space. “It’s so cool ‘cause we’re finally able to 

decorate,” said Morrison-Mathern. 

With their new location, Sturm and Morrison- 

Mathern want to thank those who have been 

with them from their humble beginning at the 

Kirkwood Mall. “We will always remember our 

roots and the people who believed in us from the 

beginning,” said Morrison-Mathern. They make 

sure they show it too. When they have space, Sturm 

and Morrison-Mathern feature extra ads for their 

loyal supporters. 

URL continues to add more programs to their 

line-up. Shake It Up With Lil’ Miss Molly and Nikki 

Martini, starring Molly Sullivan and Morrison- 

Mathern, aired in September. They also added a 

N.D. Teen Challenge show on Sunday mornings, 

and The Details With Anastasia on Friday nights. 

The Details is a music-based show featuring local 

and national music, along with artist interviews. 

By Chelsea Watterud 

Sturm and Morrison-Mathern have also given time 

to radio students at the University of Mary. The 

students’ shows can be heard from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. These 

shows cover sports, college issues and various other 

topics. 

U Rock Lately has taken the show on the road. 

Every Monday, they do live lunches at various 

restaurants and businesses around town. So far, 

they’ve broadcast live from: Smoothie Operator, 

Erbert and Gerbert’s and Nibbles and Brunch. 

They also took their show live to Sturgis, where it 

was such a success that event promoters have been 

contacting URL and asking them to do live shows 

at their events. 

The station also organized its first beer run/ 

rock/crawl on Oct. 17. It involved a run around 

Sertoma Park, complete with beer refills at each 

pit stop. The event concluded with a party at the 

Bismarck Elks. 

URL Radio is on the move, and hopes to make 

things more convenient for listeners who are also 

on the move. Anywhere with Internet access, log 

on to urlradio.net, and listen live or watch past 

broadcasts on YouTube. You never know, the music 

might even make you move a little too. 

24 thecitymag.com

YP UPDATE 

Choices Today– 

Changes Tomorrow 

By Britni Schwartz 

Close your eyes and name nine of your closest friends 

and family members. Go ahead, I’ll wait. Now, imagine 

three of those nine, and yourself, being involved in 

an alcohol-related crash. It may seem unlikely, but 

according to alcohol alert statistics, it’s not. 

Nationally, in 2007, 37 percent of driving fatalities were 

related to alcohol. Statewide, 57 percent of driving fatalities were 

related to alcohol during the same year. 

“We’ve lost 1,581 people due to alcohol related crashes on 

N.D. roadways from 1978 through 2008,” said Highway Patrol 

Lieutenant, Jody Skogen. “Over 47 percent of our total traffic 

fatalities during that 20 year period are alcohol-related.” 

From time to time, we all think we are invincible from bad 

things happening to us, but we aren’t–just ask Amanda Weslund. 

At age 16, she turned to a life of drinking and partying. 

“Alcohol and drugs took away my freedom,” said Weslund. 

“It took away my family, my trust, and in the end, it took away 

my son.” Weslund admits that she always drank and drove, and if 

someone tried to take her keys, she would fight them. 

“Driving drunk is a choice, and the tragedy it causes is no 

accident,” said Skogen. “Many of these victims were innocent 

motorists or pedestrians who had not consumed a drop.” 

Thankfully, after experiencing various treatment programs, 

which always lead to relapse, Amanda finally was set free. At the 

age of 24, she graduated from N.D. Teen Challenge, a faith-based 

drug and alcohol treatment program located in Mandan, N.D. 

Weslund encourages people to think of the long-term effects their 

decisions have. 

“My dad always said, ‘Amanda the decisions you make today 

will affect the next 10 years of your life,’” said Weslund. 

How true those words are for us all. With winter holidays 

approaching, the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals 

Network would like to encourage everyone to make smart 

choices. It only takes a second for life to change forever. 

If you do find yourself unable to drive one evening, our 

community has plenty of services that are ready and willing to 

help such as: Taxi 9000 (701-223-9000), Nightlife (701-222-0202) 

or 2MANCAB (701-425-6699.) 

For more information, contact the YP Network at 701.223.5660 or 

info@ypnetwork.org. 

November 2009 25

| PET PAGE 

Local Animal Shelters 

CENTRAL DAKOTA HUMANE SOCIETY 

701.667.2020 • cdhs.net 

The Central Dakota Humane Society is a nokill 

shelter that does not receive any federal, 

state or local funding, and relies completely on 

its members and fundraisers to raise enough 

money to care for the animals. 

Take Photos with Santa and Support CDHS! 

The Annual Santa Paws event is on Saturday 

and Sunday, Nov. 14 and 15, from noon to 

5:00 p.m. at Plant Perfect, 4615 Ottawa St., N. 

Bismarck, just off Highway 83. 

BISMARCK-MANDAN ANIMAL IMPOUND 

701.223.1212 • bismarck.org 

Animal Control wishes to thank all those who 

have taken on the loving challenge of adopting 

a pet from us. We also wish to extend our 

appreciation for those responsible owners who: 

call the police as soon as their pet is missing; 

have their pet’s license on them; spay and neuter 

their pets! 

Keep checking back for the most current 

residents needing homes! 

Visit bismarck.org - police department - 

divisions - impounded animals 

OREO’S ANIMAL RESCUE 

701.483.0240 • lovingpetsinneed.com 

We are an adoption guarantee organization. 

What this means is no animal in our control is 

ever euthanized unless they are suffering or 

considered dangerous. We embrace animals 

with special needs and those that require extra 

training and love. We do not believe in the 

process of destroying animals to control pet 

over population. We believe in a strict spay and 

neuter policy to control pet population. 

12/5/2009 - Santa Pet Pictures 

My Name is Inga 

Adopt me 

My Name is Tiffy 

Inga is a spayed German 

Shepherd, date of birth, 

August 2001. 

“I’m a shy girl in need of a 

loving human friend. I’ve had 

some tough times in the past, 

but I’m very hopeful for the 

future. I just know there is 

a special someone out there 

who can offer me a caring, 

affectionate home.” 

This little, female Chihuahua 

mix is tan in color and is a 

younger dog. 

Tiffy is a young, German 

Shepherd mix. She is shy when 

she first meets new people, 

but it doesn't take her long 

to warm up. She is truly 

a happy and playful girl 

once she is comfortable. 

She enjoys playing with 

other dogs and is good 

around cats. 

26 thecitymag.com

WE Drive | 

Modern Day Hot Rodders– 

The “Tuners” 

By Mike LaLonde 

Photo by Mike LaLonde 

A 

common question among vehicle enthusiasts today is, 

“What will future motor hobbyists have to do to modify 

modern, complex vehicles?” Fear not, the hobby is alive 

with the current generation of car crazy, young drivers. 

Take Walt Regan and Travis Rohrich, local, 22-year-olds 

involved with tuning high performance vehicles since their early 

teens. “My first car was a ’95 Bonneville, which got me interested 

in the car hobby,” says Regan. “It wasn’t a high performance car, 

but it reminded me of my dads ’69 Bonneville convertible. That’s 

when it all started.” He continues, “The movie Fast and Furious 

kindled an interest too, and I took auto tech courses at Mandan 

High.” 

Regan has owned 13 vehicles, most given his special 

treatment of motor mods, along with suspension and exhaust 

tuning. Regan recently sold his ’92 Honda Civic, with an Acura 

motor, that peaked around 500-horsepower, up from the stock 

180-horsepower. 

“It got close to 30 mpg!” said Regan. “I totally went through the 

motor, beefed it up and worked with the ECU (Electronics Control 

Unit) to modify engine timing, fuel and air ratios. The final touch 

was turbocharging. We also use E-85 fuel, with its higher octane 

rating, as the fuel of choice.” 

Regan is just finishing BSC’s Power Plant Technology program, 

and has plans for his next vehicle. “My daily driver is a Dodge 

Neon, but my dream machine is a Cadillac CTSV with the GM 

LS3 motor, which is also used in the Corvette.” Regan is currently 

November 2009 continued on page 29 

27

green tip 

Did you know that the Minnesota Vikings 

are encouraging businesses and households 

to become more energy efficient? 

The Vikings are offsetting the electricity used at the 

Metrodome by purchasing renewable energy as part of Exel 

Energy’s Windsource © program. Wind power is the least 

expensive of all forms of alternative energy. It’s also a clean 

source of energy that won’t deplete our natural resources. 

To learn more about alternative energy visit www.epa.gov. 

28 thecitymag.com

continued from page 27 

employed as a lube tech at Schwan GMC-Buick- 

Cadillac, and sees these cars firsthand. 

Travis Rohrich, owner of the 400-horsepower, 

2001 Honda Prelude pictured here, has given his 

ride similar treatment, including turbocharging, 

suspension, exhaust and some beautiful body work. 

“This Prelude is my first car,” says Rohrich. “It was 

about a year and a half old when I got it.” 

Travis is also in the vehicle business, working 

as a paint technician at Ressler Chevrolet-Subaru 

in Mandan. After spending some time with Regan 

and Rohrich, I am confident that the car hobby will 

continue, if these skilled and enthused motorheads 

are any indication. 

As Regan puts it, “Tuning still consists of the 

basics: spark, fuel and compression. We work with 

diagnostic procedures to re-program the computers 

to handle the modifications.” 

So today, the technology is advanced, but the 

desire to improve and modify is in the hearts of 

enthusiasts, just as it always has been since the 

invention of the automobile. 

Mike LaLonde is a local writer and photographer and is 

genuinely car (and bike) crazy! 

November 2009 29

| HOME SWEET HOME 

A Great Reason to Buy 

By Wes Engbrecht 

There are a lot of reasons to buy your first 

home. Most of those reasons are very 

personal to your financial situation. This 

year, the federal government added 8,000 good 

reasons to buy that first home–and people took 

advantage of it. 

The First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit is a 

credit equal to 10 percent of the purchase price of 

your home, not to exceed $8,000. If you haven’t 

owned a home in the previous three years, you 

would qualify as a first-time home buyer for 

purposes of the credit. Your income must be below 

30 thecitymag.com

$150,000 for married couples, and $75,000 for a 

single taxpayer, in order to take full benefit of the 

credit. The tax credit is only available until Dec. 1, 

2009 unless the government decides to extend the 

program. 

According to David Weikum, of 

eLendingNow, Bismarck, local home buyers have 

been taking advantage of this new program. “A lot 

of buyers are mentioning that they are aware of 

the tax credit, and some have definitely purchased 

their home this year just because of the $8,000 

bump they will get at tax time,” Weikum says. 

According to Weikum, they have originated 

about 75 more first-time home buyer mortgages 

this year than during the same time last year. He 

added, “With all of the first-time home buyer 

advantages, it’s possible to close on a home with 

only $500 to $1,000 in cash.” The result is, more 

starter homes are being purchased in the area, 

which keeps the overall housing market more 

stable. 

The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency 

(NDHFA) originates the first-time home buyer 

loans in the state. NDHFA had reservations for 

almost 1,100 loans between May and September 

of this year. This compares to around 750 to 850 

loans during those same months in previous 

years. Homeownership Division Director, Dave 

Flohr, says, “In spite of the banking and credit 

crunch, we saw an increase in reservation for 

first-time home buyer loans. Most of this was 

attributable to the tax credit.” 

Note: Because of the time it takes to originate 

a loan, the current tax credit will most likely 

expire before any new loans can be completed. 

At this time, the government is considering a sixmonth 

extension of the program. 

To learn more about the benefits available to 

first time home buyers, and to see if you qualify 

for these benefits, visit the NDHFA’s website at 

www.ndhfa.org. To contact Dave Weikum at 

eLendingNow, visit their website 

www.elendingnow.com. 

November 2009 31

| HEALTH 

When a Heart Attack Strikes 

The Difference Between Life and Death 

So you think you are having a heart attack. 

What should you do? 

Call 911, drive yourself to the hospital, 

or have a friend or family member take you 

there? 

The latest research shows, 911 is the best call to 

make when a heart attack strikes. 

It could mean the difference between life and 

death. 

Victims treated by paramedics obtain life-saving 

treatment faster than hospital walk-ins. 

By Health Specialist Marilyn Mitzel 

That is the conclusion of Dr. Ivan Rokas, a 

UCLA emergency medicine physician who 

reviewed data from hospitals and counties around 

the nation. 

“Even a 15 minute delay in treating a heart 

attack increases the risk of death, and causes more 

damage to the heart,” says Dr. Rokas. 

Paramedics can more quickly diagnose serious 

heart attacks and call ahead to hospitals, telling 

them what procedure is likely needed even before 

they arrive. 

32 thecitymag.com

B E R M C A S H S P A 

I D E A L O T T O C L I P 

T I L D E R E E D L I N E 

T Y C O O N A S P E C T S 

A N I M A L A R K S 

R A S P L E D E R G 

O U T W A D G E Y S E R 

I R E R E L C O D O R E 

L A W F U L R A T L I D 

I L L O R R I D E S 

M I N E M Y R I A D 

M I N E R V A I P E C A C 

A X E S A R I A R A L L Y 

K E P T S I N G O R E A D 

O R T E A S E D E N S 

Answers for the October 2009 crossword puzzle. 

Since many 

hospitals are 

not staffed to 

immediately 

perform 

some heart 

procedures, 

calling ahead 

allows them to 

set up as fast as 

possible, sharply 

reducing the 

time it takes 

for patients to 

receive lifesaving 

treatment. 

According 

to data from 

the American 

College of 

Cardiology, 90 

percent of heart 

attack patients 

who call 911 

have necessary 

procedures 

performed 

within 90 

minutes of 

arriving at the 

hospital. 

Treating 75 percent of severe heart attack victims within 

90 minutes, is a key in preventing irreversible damage. Rapid 

treatment also leads to faster patient recovery. Many of those 

patients go home within three to five days, rather than seven to ten 

days. 

Unfortunately, only about half of all heart attack victims arrive 

at hospitals by ambulance. The rest drive themselves or have 

someone take them, wasting precious seconds. 

Experts say, the largest hurdle is educating the public to 

call 911 when a heart attack is suspected. Dr. Rokas believes 

when everyone finally gets that, it will save thousands of lives, 

significantly dropping mortality rates. His final word, "The 

paramedics can provide you with one-on-one concierge service." 

But, there is one more thing you should do even before dialing 

911. 

Take one or two aspirin. It will start working its magic even 

before the medics arrive. The same advice applies for people who 

think they are having a stroke. 

Take an aspirin immediately and then call 911; in that order. 

Even if you are not sure if you are having a heart attack or stroke; 

do it any way. Chances are, it won’t hurt and might just help. 

Better safe then sorry. 

November 2009 33

| BRIGHT IDEAS 

Turning the Lights on Agriculture 

Have you ever wondered why the lights in the 

hotel bathroom make you look pale? Or why 

things start to change color under different 

lighting? John Curcio knows the answers. 

Curcio specializes in lighting design, and has 

used his talents in the entertainment and architecture 

industries for the last 25 years. He is now using his 

knowledge to help an industry close to the heart of 

North Dakotans, agriculture. 

Curcio’s plan is to develop lighting for night 

harvesting, and eventually, for petroleum plants, oil 

rigs and coal mines. According to his surveys, no 

other companies are currently designing lighting for 

agricultural markets specifically. 

Curcio’s lighting promises to be safer and more 

energy efficient. “I could reduce about 40 percent 

of the electricity currently being used,” Curcio said. 

The lighting would also be pleasing to the eye, and 

unaffected by weather or shock. LED technology is 

being applied in new and different ways to make these 

improvements possible. 

By Chelsea Watterud 

Curcio wants to develop new technology and 

revise older methods, that won’t even require live 

electricity. Many of his products are self-sufficient, 

solar-powered and maintenance free. Curcio describes 

this technology in terms of streetlights. If his lights 

were used in Bismarck streetlights, they would run for 

20 years before needing replacement or maintenance. 

“The average light runs for 8,000 to 20,000 hours,” 

said Curcio. “These new lights could run for 130,000 

hours. The idea is to improve lighting for productivity, 

efficiency and safety.” 

For many, this product seems too good to be true. 

The initial start-up costs are more expensive than 

traditional lighting but, Curcio promises his lights will 

pay for themselves within three to five years. 

Curcio overall goals are: to be successful in 

Bismarck; improve efficiency in the agriculture and 

petroleum work environments; and decrease power 

use. 

This promising innovation is in the works at the 

IDEA Center in Bismarck. Watch for the culmination 

of this truly “bright” idea. 

34 thecitymag.com

CITY WORKS | 

Reducing Winter Injury 

to Evergreens 

By Jackson Bird, City Forester of Bismarck 

Winter sun, wind and cold temperatures can 

desiccate (also known as winter injury) 

evergreen foliage. In the spring, many 

evergreens exhibit brown needles. In extreme 

cases, whole evergreen branches will appear brown or dead. 

This damage usually appears on the side of the prevailing 

winds, or a source of reflective heat, such as a brick wall 

or street. In N.D., this damage is usually on the north or 

northwest side of the tree or shrub. 

During the winter months, the roots of the evergreen are 

not able to absorb water from the frozen ground. Needles on 

evergreens continue to lose moisture throughout the winter. 

When dry, cold winter winds blow over these needles, it 

increases the amount of moisture that is lost. Insufficient root 

systems, root injury and soil conditions contribute to this 

injury. 

There are several things the home owner can do to minimize 

winter injury to evergreens. The best thing home owners 

can do is keep the soil adequately moist during dry seasons 

and into the fall, right up to the time the ground starts to 

freeze. Relying on a lawn irrigation system to water your trees 

and shrubs is not enough; deep watering to a depth of 18 to 

24 inches is best. Ease up on the watering in September to 

encourage the plant to prepare for winter. In October, deepwater 

trees and shrubs until the ground freezes. 

Another thing the home owner can do to help their trees and 

shrubs is to add a layer of mulch in the fall. Apply a 3 to 6 foot 

diameter ring of mulch around the trees and shrubs. Apply 3 

to 4 inches of mulch, but keep it 3 to 4 inches from the trunk of 

the plant. This mulch layer will help conserve soil moisture and 

help moderate soil temperature around the tree. 

Many ask about using anti-desiccants to help with 

evergreens. Unfortunately, the current research indicates this is 

ineffective in our N.D. climate. They need to be applied when 

the temperature is above freezing. The winter winds wear off 

this product within a month, so you need to reapply a month 

or so later, but by then, it is too cold to apply the product. 

With a bit of preparation for winter, you can insure healthy 

evergreens year round. 

November 2009 35

| FEATURE 

Merit Pay Meets Roadblocks: 

Teachers Voice Concerns 

When it comes to merit pay for 

teachers, most teachers are skeptical 

about the concept for several reasons. 

Who will determine who gets merit pay? 

Will it be demoralizing to teachers who don’t get it? 

Will it be determined by test scores? 

Will politics enter in to the decisions? 

These are the central questions on teacher’s 

minds, and when asked to come up with the perfect 

merit pay plan, most just shrug their shoulders. 

One teacher, who prefers to remain anonymous, 

said he favors merit pay, but can’t trust the people 

who will make the decision. “Bill” said, “It can’t be 

based on test scores because there are too many 

variables among classes.” He adds that, if it were 

based on test scores, he would never teach another 

low-level class because these students don’t care 

about grades (for the most part). 

The tests in question are the result of the 

national No Child Left Behind (NCLB) program 

that requires a comprehensive statewide test each 

fall for students at each grade level. Schools with 

By Jan Schultz 

students deemed “not proficient” are subject to 

special programs to enhance and enrich teaching 

and bring students up to the required proficiency. 

Sonja Mahlum, third-grade teacher at Miller 

Elementary, agrees that merit pay shouldn’t be 

based on test scores. Her reasons also include the 

variability of students and classes. “Consider special 

needs classes,” she said. “While testing is adjusted for 

these levels, there is still too much of a discrepancy 

between regular and special needs classes.” 

Then there is the home environment aspect. 

“Students come from all manners of home 

environments and may not get support from their 

parents,” said Mahlum. Some students may also 

just be learning English. She said, “Foreign students 

entering Bismarck schools have just one year to 

learn the language before taking the test.” 

Mahlum’s school, Miller Elementary, was one of 

the schools that failed to reach NCLB requirements. 

“Next year we’ll be initiating a before and afterschool 

program that helps students prepare for the 

test,” said Mahlum. “I fear, though, that it may just 

be glorified babysitting if students are too tired from 

a long day in school.” 

The discussion continues in the next issue. 

36 thecitymag.com

WEDDING GUIDE | 

November 2009 37

Young Entrepreneur 

Success Story 

Award 

Leah Walker 

Bismancoupons.com 

Bismarck, N.D. 

By City Magazine Staff 

Young Entrepreneur Success Story 

RECOGNIZING ENTREPRENEURS UNDER 30 WHO ARE CULTIVATING 

THE SPIRIT OF INNOVATION IN N.D. 

Bismancoupons.com is a company 

that, according to owner Leah Walker, is 

about to revolutionize the way we shop 

and clip coupons. An environmentally 

friendly, efficient and no-hassle way to link 

businesses with new and old customers, 

the site allows users to search and 

print coupons by category including: 

restaurants, bakeries, gas, automotive, 

health and beauty, fitness, lodging, 

hobbies, party supplies, dry cleaning 

and agriculture. Efficiency matters to the 

26-year-old entrepreneur and mother of 

two whose typical day includes making 

dozens of sales calls, doing laundry, 

making lunch, proofing coupons and 

changing diapers. 

“Go green and save green” 

Leah Walker, owner of Bismancoupons.com. 

worked as a sales representative. Working 

for others, I had no control of the product 

I sold or what percentage of the sales I 

received. Bismancoupons.com allows me 

to be in complete control of my business 

while doing the things I love–working with 

people and sales. 

Tell us about yourself. I’m a wife and 

mother of two small children (2 ½-yearold 

daughter and 9-month-old son). 

Family is the most important thing to me. 

Bismancoupons.com allows me to put 

my family first while having the freedom to 

control my family’s financial destiny. 

Tell us what your company does. 

Bismancoupons.com assists advertisers in 

Tell us when and why you began your putting their coupons and daily specials in 

company. I graduated from Minot State the hands of new and existing customers. 

University in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree Bismancoupons.com puts coupon clippers 

in marketing and management. Coupling on the cutting edge. Consumers benefit 

my love of people and sales together, I by having more than 50 local businesses’ 

38 thecitymag.com

printable coupons in one location. Users 

will find that it takes less energy than ever 

to save money. 

How has being a mom impacted your 

decision to be an entrepreneur? 

Being a mom and entrepreneur is just a 

part of who God made me. It’s only natural 

that both abilities express themselves. 

What is it about your business that 

you are most proud of? I am proud of 

the fact that I had the guts to leave my 

conventional job and walk towards my 

dreams. 

Did you have any early doubts that 

might have stopped you? Show me an 

entrepreneur that doesn’t have fears and 

doubts! They don’t exist. It’s called faith. I 

just keep looking forward and walk in the 

faith that God will help me overcome any 

obstacle put in my path. 

What do you think is the key to your 

success? Clearly keeping in mind my 

priorities: my faith in God, my family and 

my business. 

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. 

E-mail us at City Magazine (thecitymagazine 

@unitedprinting.com), or call us at 

701-223-0505. 

Our Advice: 

Dr. Knude Swensen, professor of Marketing 

at Dickinson State University, noted that the 

fastest growing area of advertising today is 

Internet advertising. “Some companies are 

making millions of dollars a year and even 

millions a day by advertising online,” said 

Swensen. “The number of hits justifies the 

cost. Any business, anywhere, that wants 

its product known should seriously consider 

using the Internet aggressively at this point 

in the game. Eventually, there will be a 

saturation point. The first companies in will 

have an advantage, and now is the time to 

get in.” 

November 2009 39

| SPORTS WATCH 

Sunday, November 1: 

Men’s College Soccer – Upper Iowa vs. U-Mary, 11 a.m. 

Women’s College Soccer – Upper Iowa vs. U-Mary, 

1 p.m. 

Tuesday, November 3: 

Girls High School Volleyball – Jamestown at BHS, 7:30 

p.m.; St. Mary’s at CHS, 7:30 p.m.; Mandan at 

Dickinson, 8 p.m. 

Thursday, November 5: 

Girls High School Volleyball – CHS at Dickinson, 

8 p.m. 

Friday, November 6: 

Women’s College Basketball – MSU-Northern at DSU, 

6 p.m. (MT) 

Men’s College Basketball – MSU-Northern at DSU, 

7 p.m. (MT) 

Saturday, November 7: 

Men’s College Basketball – Great Falls at DSU, 7 p.m. 

(MT) 

Women’s College Basketball – Wisconsin–Superior at 

(Central Time unless otherwise noted) 

U-Mary, 1 p.m.; Great Falls at DSU, 5 p.m. (MT) 


Girls High School Volleyball – West Region, Dickinson 


Women’s College Volleyball – SW Minnesota State at 

U-Mary, 7 p.m. 



Women’s College Volleyball – Minnesota–Mankato at 

U-Mary, 4 p.m. 


Wednesday, November 18: 

Men’s College Basketball – Trinity at U-Mary, 7 p.m. 


Men’s College Basketball – Warren Arman Classic, BSC 

Women’s College Basketball – Lane Johnson Classic, 

BSC 


Men’s College Basketball – Warren Arman Classic, BSC 

Women’s College Basketball – Lane Johnson Classic, BSC 

WANT TO KNOW WHAT’S 

HAPPENING IN THE ACTION-PACKED 

WORLD OF SPORTS? 

40 thecitymag.com

Tuesday, November 24: 

Girls High School Hockey – Bismarck Blizzards at 

Mandan, 7 p.m. 

Boys High School Wrestling – Mandan Dual, 7 p.m. 


Bobcats Hockey – Alexandria Blizzard vs. Bismarck 

Bobcats, VFW, 7:15 p.m. 


Men’s & Women’s College Basketball – BSC Alumni Game 

Women’s College Basketball – Milonovich Tournament, 

Dickinson 

Boys High School Hockey – Williston at Mandan, 7:30 p.m. 


Wizards Basketball – Maine Red Claws vs. Dakota 

Wizards, Civic Center, 7 p.m. 

Sunday, November 29: 

Wizards Basketball – Sioux Falls SkyForce vs. Dakota 

Wizards, Civic Center, 3 p.m. 

Girls High School Hockey – Bismarck Blizzards vs. 

Williston, VFW, 2 p.m. 

Tune in to KFYR 550AM and 

ESPN Radio 710AM for play-by-play 

action and updates. Just remember.... 

don’t throw the radio! 

Take a step to become 

Miss North Dakota 

at the 

Bismarck 

Preliminary Pageant 

an official 

preliminary to 

Miss North Dakota & 

Katie Ralston 

Miss North Dakota 

2010 

missnorthdakota.org 

November 2009 41

| TRAVEL 

Soar to Salt Lake 

By Katherine Satrom 

Powder skiing at Snowbird Resort, Utah (courtesy of Salt Lake CVB) 

With the advent of Delta Airline’s 

direct flight from Bismarck to 

Salt Lake City, area residents can 

take advantage of a long weekend 

in a fascinating region. Salt Lake City has a 

unique atmosphere with historic buildings, 

museums, world-class restaurants and plenty 

of recreational activities at nearby mountain 

resorts. 

Ski Country 

As winter approaches, travelers can fly to skicountry 

as part of Delta’s direct flight in about 

1.5 hours. The Salt Lake City area boasts several, 

well-known ski resorts including: three at Park 

City; and one in Snowbird, Alta and Solitude. 

The Mormon Influence 

Salt Lake City reflects the heritage and 

presence of the Mormon Church. Temple 

Square features buildings and films reflecting 

Mormon history. Visitors can also hear the 

Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra on 

Sunday mornings when they tape their weekly 

television broadcast. 

People from diverse backgrounds can even 

research their heritage at the Family History 

Library, the largest depository of genealogical 

records in the world. 

Culture 

Salt Lake City has art, history and science 

museums like the: Draper Historical Society 

and Museum, The Salt Lake City Art Center and 

The Women’s Art Center. The city is also home 

to professional basketball team, Utah Jazz, and 

offers live jazz entertainment at Zanzibar. 

Great Accommodations 

For the 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City 

built a spectacular hotel, The Grand America. 

This elegant, 24-story property has a white, 

granite exterior and balconies adorned with 

iron railings, not to mention rooms with a 

magnificent view of the mountains. 

The ambience of the Grand America is of 

lavish and comfortable, classic styling. In a 

beautiful lobby with a soaring ceiling, afternoon 

tea is served daily with background music by 

a harpist or pianist. Jazz is on tap Friday and 

Saturday evenings. 

The Hotel’s public rooms display Murano 

chandeliers, English, wool carpets, Richelieu 

furnishings and oak paneling. The Garden 

Restaurant is a beautiful venue with huge fresh 

flower arrangements and a view to the gardens 

outside. An attractive pool and a fine spa are 

also available. 

A great alternative to The Grand America 

Hotel is the Hotel Monaco. It features crisp, 

contemporary surroundings in a historic bank 

building. On the ground floor, you’ll find a 

fine restaurant called Bambara. The cuisine and 

service are superb. If you go there, try their 

roasted corn bisque with crab or one of their 

signature fish, pork and beef entrees. 

A direct flight from Bismarck to Salt Lake 

City is just under $300 (as of October 2009). 

Take advantage of this convenient air service to 

visit a delightful area. 

42 thecitymag.com

Last month, I gave a brief description 

of domestic violence. Whether it is 

overlooked, excused, denied or a 

complacent attitude, many believe domestic 

abuse and sexual violence are concerns meant 

only for law enforcement 

and its victims. Law 

enforcement will do its 

part to continue their 

fight against domestic 

abuse, however, the 

community as a whole 

must bring light into the 

darkness of domestic 

violence. 

Community members 

must recognize that the 

safety of victims and 

the accountability of 

perpetrators rests on 

the shoulders of each 

and every one of us. That’s why the community 

group, People United for Living in Safe 

Environments was created. Because prevention 

is vital to stopping violence, PULSE aims to stop 

domestic and sexual violence before it occurs. 

Through the use of public education, 

community support, community involvement 

and intervention, PULSE strives to change 

social norms and misconceptions of domestic 

abuse and violent behavior. It is a task force of 

members from the community who share the 

belief that domestic abuse and sexual violence 

can be eradicated when society as a whole 

confronts the issue. 

Whether one is a teacher, law enforcement 

officer, construction worker, member of the 

By Mike Wetsch 

SAFETY TIP | 

clergy, coach or homemaker, PULSE believes that 

all have vital abilities and ideas that are pertinent 

in the struggle against domestic violence. When 

a group of diverse people comes together, 

there is greater opportunity for the creation 

and development of 

numerous ideas that 

add to the probability 

of success. 

Even though the 

program is facilitated 

by the Abused Adult 

Resource Center, the 

ownership, success and 

courses of action rests 

upon the members of 

PULSE. 

Because we all share 

the responsibility 

of making our 

communities safe, 

members of our community are invited and 

encouraged to become members of PULSE. 

Those wishing to become a PULSE member or 

receive more information are encouraged to 

contact the Abused Adult Resource Center at 

(701) 222-8370. 

Mike Wetsch is a deputy with the Burleigh County 

Sheriff's Department and is assigned to the patrol 

division. He is also a criminal justice instructor at 

Rasmussen College. 

Safety Tip is sponsored by: 

November 2009 43

| HISTORY 

mandan levee–GOOd fOr 

nearly 60 years 

For nearly 70 years, since Mandan’s 

incorporation in 1881, the Heart River, 

snaking through the city’s south side, 

flooded Mandan more than two dozen 

times. 

The biggest floods came in 1910, 1937 and 

1943, according to the United States Army Corps 

of Engineers. However, with flood control projects 

in the 1950s (the Heart Butte Dam on the Heart 

River and the Garrison Dam on the Missouri 

River), overflows into Mandan became more of a 

historical footnote. 

Today, Mandan residents know that although 

the Heart River continues to flood – that is, 

overflow its banks – they are safeguarded by 

the old installation and construction of a near, 

12-mile-long earthen levee. Estimated then to cost 

$246,000, the levee, authorized by Congress in 

1946, was designed to protect nearly 1,000 acres 

within the city and about 120 acres of what was 

then known as the N.D. State Training School. 

According to the Mandan Daily Pioneer, 

Construction began in June 1949, raising and 

widening 17,000 feet of levee and 350 feet of 

railroad embankment used as a levee, and 

raising the grade of U.S. Highway 10, protecting 

the Training School (now the N.D. Youth 

Correctional Center). The new levee also was 

shifted 50 to 60 feet back from the Heart’s banks. 

A previous floodwall had protected Mandan, 

but not nearly as well. “The floodwall was 

originally only eight-feet-high, and generally 

failed to hold the rampaging Heart from 

By Stan Stelter 

200 3rd Ave. NW Caption: Canoeing near 

downtown Mandan in the flood of 1943. Residential Street Caption: Canoeing in 

the flood of 1943, Mandan. 

Heart River Bridge Caption: The Heart River 

Bridge in the flood of 1943. 

Credit: Grace Gould Imhoff Collection – 

Mandan Historical Society 

overrunning the Syndicate and Dogtown sections 

(old names for southern city parts) of Mandan in 

floodtime,” noted the Fargo Forum in a 1949 story 

about the new levee’s construction. The Fargo 

contractor was elevating the levee to 15 feet, the 

Forum reported. 

On Aug. 1, 1950, the Pioneer headlined the 

project’s completion, “Final Work On Mandan 

Levee Finished – Army Engineers Give It O.K.” 

Since then, there have been upgrades and changes 

to the levee system, including raising the levee’s 

main and southern units to allow three feet of 

“freeboard,” and even “ice-affected” flooding. 

This spring, serious flooding eroded the 

Heart’s banks at two or three spots in Mandan 

requiring repair, but those damages don’t threaten 

the levee itself, according to Shannon Jeffers of 

the Corps office at Riverdale. Jeffers’ job includes 

inspection of Mandan’s levee system, while 

operation and maintenance responsibility lies with 

the Lower Heart River Water Resources District of 

Morton County. 

According to the United States Army Corps of 

Engineers, the levee system and Heart Butte Dam 

provides “adequate flood protection for the city” 

assuming the free flow of ice and flood waters at 

the city’s southeast edge. 

For nearly 60 years, it has done just that. 

Stan Stelter, development director at the Abused 

Adult Resource Center, is a native North Dakotan 

and free-lance writer. 

44 thecitymag.com

Unlocking Opportunities: 

This year, the Southwest Area Human 

Resource Association (SAHRA), 

of the Society for Human Resource 

Management, celebrates its 10th 

Anniversary. 

SAHRA is an inspiring group of over 65 

committed members representing over 40 

employers that continuously share ideas in a 

relaxed and informal atmosphere. The group 

meets once a month in Dickinson, N.D. and shares 

knowledge from the human resources field. 

As Jeanne MacDonald, president elect, states, 

“SAHRA provides local human resource 

professionals with a monthly opportunity to share 

lunch, network and stay up-to-date on current state 

and federal regulations.” 

According to membership director Melissa 

Stoltz, “SAHRA provides a great opportunity 

for members to network and gain the latest 

By Deanna Voutsas 

information on new legislation, policies and overall 

matters that may be facing their company.” 

Similarly, Gail Ebeltoft, SAHRA member, 

states, “You learn as you discuss and share. Some 

issues that you discuss are challenges facing the 

November 2009 45

entire area and some are applications of policy. 

When it's an issue that many are facing, such as a 

shortage of workers, we can work as a group to find 

solutions, or at least share the strategies, each of us 

are trying.” 

In addition to networking, SAHRA invites 

professional guest speakers to share the most 

current topics of the field including: ethics, 

harassment and discrimination. “We have had 

lawyers explain federal laws, such as FMLA; 

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors explaining 

services they can provide for disabled employees; 

representatives from the Department of Labor 

explaining legislative updates and research; and 

colleagues who share global perspectives and 

workplace psychology,” says Gail Ebeltoft. 

Developing strong relationships is another 

benefit of joining the group. "SAHRA members 

are always willing to answer questions and give 

advice on what has and has not worked in their 

organization,” said Garnet Tisor, SAHRA member. 

“It is a comfort knowing that they are always 

willing to help.” 

SAHRA is always welcoming new members to 

share this rewarding, energizing and empowering 

experience. Alicia Buckman, SAHRA president, 

reports, “SAHRA is a rewarding experience for 

everyone, even those not in the HR field. There 

are so many resources at your fingertips and the 

networking you get is phenomenal.” 

Gail Ebeltoft encourages professionals to 

join SAHRA, “It's a wonderful organization,” 

said Ebeltoft. “It has added immeasurably to my 

growth as an HR Practitioner and has enriched my 

knowledge of the Dickinson community and the 

businesses that operate here.” 

46 thecitymag.com

WESTERN NORTH DAKOTA | 

Are You a Real 

North Dakotan? 

by Silvia Vigier, CVB/DSU Intern 

Have you ever posed with Salem Sue, the world’s largest 

cow, toured a picturesque Abbey or visited a haunted 

chapel? If you answered “yes” to most of these 

questions, congratulations, you might be a real Nodak. 

The Old Red/Old Ten Scenic Byway is a 108-mile road between 

Mandan and Dickinson that offers a leisurely drive through lovely, 

rural countryside and leads through New Salem, Almont/Sims, 

Glen Ullin, Hebron, Richardton, Taylor, Gladstone and Dickinson. 

The Old Red/Old Ten Scenic Byway is parallel to I-94, just a few 

miles north of the interstate. 

Many attractions and festivals are waiting for you, so take the 

day off, and prepare for adventure. Let’s begin our Nodak itinerary 

in Mandan. 

Visit Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park to see the home of 

General George Custer and his wife, Libby. Next, go to New Salem 

and pose with the world’s largest Holstein cow, “Salem Sue.” 

Now, drive to Almont/Sims and experience Sims Lutheran 

Church, which is rumored to be haunted by the “Gray Lady” who 

visits the church on Sundays. Your journey continues to Glen Ullin. 

Stop in for a round of golf at the Glenn Ullin Golf Course, 

weather permitting. Next, admire the charm of a little “Brick City” 

called Hebron. 

Hebron is home to Hebron Brick, one of the most successful 

brick companies in the Upper Midwest, and Dacotah Clay Pottery, 

a quaint, artist’s haven remodeled from a gas station. You’ll leave 

with wonderful, handcrafted items and a warm goodbye. 

Heading west, visit the Schnell Recreation area, a 2,000 acre, 

non-motorized location with wildlife viewing, hiking, horseback 

riding, biking and camping. Just three miles west, the Assumption 

Abbey in Richardton is home to 60 Benedictine Monks, 30 residing 

at the Abbey. 

Built in 1906-1910, with a Bavarian Romanesque structure, 

Assumption Abbey has a rare steeple design, comprised of four 

diamond shapes and 125-foot towers that soar to the top of iron 

crosses. 

A few more miles down the road is the Art Depot in Taylor 

with local artists housed in the restored train depot on the west 

edge of town. Next, drive to Gladstone and relax in one of their 

parks. 

You are finally at Dickinson and can enjoy a good night’s stay 

at one of the many fine hotels, complete with evening dining. Now, 

you belong to the Nodak family! 

Have fun on the Old Red Trail/Old US Highway 10 and don't 

forget to bring your camera! 

November 2009 47

MAGAZINE 

P.O. Box 936 

Bismarck, ND 58502-0936 

Change Service Requested 

48 thecitymag.com

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