The Good Life – March-April 2023

DAD LIFE 

WRITTEN BY: PAUL HANKEL 

A 

As a father, there are many important lessons 

I want to teach my son. From how to safely handle 

a firearm to the importance of honesty, the list is 

endless. But perhaps one of the most important 

lessons I want to impart to my growing offspring is 

how to be a true gentleman. 

Now, I know what you might be thinking. "But wait," 

you say, "isn't being a gentleman just about holding 

doors open and saying 'please' and 'thank you'? And 

isn't that something that kids learn in kindergarten?” 

Well, my son, you would be wrong. Being a gentleman 

is so much more than that. It's about respect, empathy, 

and kindness. It's about being the kind of person that 

others want to be around. But where to begin? 

Look smart, act smart. 

Well, first things first: Look and act the part. Does 

this mean you have to wear a three-piece suit every 

day and speak with a British accent? No. But it means 

being presentable in the correct circumstances and 

taking pride in not only your appearance but also in 

how the world will view you. 

Making the correct choices is a life-long struggle 

for every man. It’s best to start learning how to do it 

early on. I hope to instill a moral compass within you 

that will help you to make decisions that are wellthought-out, 

don’t harm others, and are beneficial to 

your growth as a young man. 

Manners make the (young) man. 

Next up: manners. Yes, I know that "please" and 

"thank you" are basic words that you've been saying 

since you were old enough to speak. But they're also 

incredibly important. 

Eye contact is also super important. When friends 

or adults are speaking to you, it’s important that you 

let them know you’re listening by engaging in eye 

contact. 

R-e-s-p-e-c-t. 

Now, let's talk about respect. I know that you're only 

eleven, but it's never too early to start treating others 

the way you want to be treated. That means not 

bullying others and remaining humble in victory and 

resilient in defeat. 

2 / THE GOOD LIFE / urbantoadmedia.com

Also, one of the key characteristics of a gentleman 

is the way he treats women. I hope to teach you 

to respect and value women, and to always treat 

them with kindness and consideration. 

Sportsmanship. 

Being a good sport is a crucial part of being a 

gentleman. It's important that I teach you that it's 

not about always winning or losing, a lot of times 

it’s about having fun and being a good sport. This is 

especially true during your younger years. 

You can play a game where you make up your own 

rules and see who can follow them the best, or you 

can make a competition out of it and see who can 

be the best sport. 

Self-confidence is key. 

As I mentioned above, it’s not always about 

winning. However, I do expect you to try your 

hardest and to have a winning attitude. That effort 

begins with having the self-confidence that you can 

achieve most of the things you put your mind to. 

A gentleman is comfortable in his own skin and 

is confident in his abilities. I plan to help you 

develop a healthy sense of self-esteem by praising 

accomplishments and encouraging you to try new 

things. 

Kindness goes a long way. 

And finally, let's talk about kindness. Being a 

gentleman is not just about being polite and 

respectful. It's also about being there for others. 

So, if you see someone who's sad or lonely, take 

the time to talk to them. It costs exactly ZERO 

dollars to be kind to someone. Offer a smile or 

a kind word. It might not seem like much, but it 

can make all the difference in the world. Empathy 

and the ability to see thing’s from another person’s 

perspective are important life skills that will help 

you in your personal and professional life. 

Now, I know that these lessons might seem like a 

lot to take in. But trust me, it's worth it. Because 

when you're a true gentleman, it will radiate to 

those around you, and draw people to you. 

So, my son, I challenge you to take these lessons to 

heart. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be the 

one teaching your own son how to be a gentleman. 

But for now, let's just focus on bathing regularly 

and limiting the backtalk. Deal? • 

urbantoadmedia.com / THE GOOD LIFE / 3

CONTENTS 

MARCH-APRIL 2023 

VOLUME 10 ★ ISSUE 5 

2 

6 

10 

DAD LIFE 

RAISING A GENTLEMAN... 

OR MY ATTEMPTS TO, AT LEAST 

One of the most important lessons I want 

to impart to my growing offspring is how 

to be a true gentleman. 

BEGINNING BIRDING 

Getting started in birding, and where to 

see birds – especially during the spring 

migration. 

HAVING A BEER WITH 

TYLER AXNESS 

Politician turned radio host, Tyler Axness 

opens up about Looney Tunes, Tucker 

Carlson vs. Sean Hannity, his best on-air 

gaffe and PBS’ most famous pot smoker. 

4 / THE GOOD LIFE / urbantoadmedia.com 

14 

18 

24 

28 

30 

YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD 

TRAIN GUY 

Jerry Lenssen is a local treasure deserving 

of his 15 minutes. 

ON THE COVER - K9 MIKA 

West Fargo’s finest firefighter has four 

paws, a tail, and a crime-fighting snout. 

VALLEY VINTAGE CAR CLUB 

Whether you collect classic cars or admire 

them, this club will welcome you with 

open arms. 

HOMEWARD ANIMAL SHELTER 

Find your new best friend! These cats and 

dogs are waiting for their forever homes. 

LOCAL HERO - CHRIS DEERY 

Fighting the war at home. Local veteran 

advocates for those in need.

The 

GOODLIFE 

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Jeffrey Miller 

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policies of The Good Life Men’s Magazine. 


Beginning 

Birding 

WRITTEN BY: JEFFREY MILLER 


The afternoon sun slanted through the autumn foliage, 

dappling the forest floor. With nary a breath of wind, 

I caught a flicker of movement out of the corner of my 

eye. Focusing my binoculars in the general area, I was 

shocked to see a pair of pileated woodpeckers. While I 

have often seen individuals of the duck-sized bird, it was 

my first encounter with a male and female pair. The next 

ten minutes were spent observing the pair, bowhunting 

deer forgotten. 

Birding, or the act of going into habitats and looking for 

bird species, is incredibly popular across the country. 

While numbers are difficult to estimate, as unlike hunting 

or fishing, birding doesn’t require a state-issued license., 

There are no doubt millions of Americans that head afield 

each year to participate in the activity. 

Gear: 

Happily, birding requires very little gear. My good friend, 

Dr. Mike Bush, is a lifelong birder. When I asked him what 

he recommends for a birding first timer, he said, “No 

question, the most important piece of the birder’s kit is 

a pair of quality binoculars.” The best way to purchase 

binoculars is to visit local sporting goods stores and 

trying out various models. Binoculars vary widely in price, 

and what works great for one person may not appear as 

clear or user friendly to another. Look through many in 

the price range decided upon before making a purchase. 

Binoculars are a tool that will last a lifetime. 

After obtaining binoculars, the next item to obtain is bird 

identification guides. Bush recommends either the Sibley 

or National Geographic guides as well as the Audubon 


and Merlin apps. “The apps are pretty incredible; they can 

identify birds by photos or sounds.” I’ve used the Merlin 

app many times in the field when I hear a bird but can’t 

see it. Like any app or computer program, they aren’t 

infallible but are of value to beginning birders or birders 

in unfamiliar areas. I used mine extensively last summer 

on a trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota. 

Clothing is important when trying to view undisturbed 

birds. While camouflage isn’t necessary, drab Earth tones 

are helpful. Birds can see color, and bright clothing will 

spook many species. Comfortable, quiet clothing, matched 

to the season, is important. 

Many birders combine photography with watching. While 

I dabble in photography, I don’t have the skill or knowledge 

to recommend camera gear. Internet birding forums are a 

great place to learn about the art of photography. 

One interesting twist on photography is using camera 

traps, also known as game cameras. Attached to a tree or 

post, the camera is triggered by movement that occurs in 

front of it. Placed on suet, bird feeders or animal remains, 

camera traps can catch some truly remarkable bird 

images. When using camera traps, however, landowner 

permission must be obtained, and using them on public 

lands is not recommended. 

Seasons and Locations: 

Our beginning birder is now outfitted in the right clothes 

and carrying a high-quality pair of binoculars. All is for 

naught, however, if they don’t know where to find birds. 

The timing of the season is of great importance to bird 

species. Many of them migrate through our area, appearing 

during the spring and fall on their way to summering and 

wintering grounds. Some species stay all year, adapted 

to our hot summers and cold winters. The birder should 

understand the seasonal shifts, as that knowledge will 

help to find birds. 

Spring and fall migration are peak times to see the widest 

assortment of birds. A myriad of ducks, geese and swans, 

collectively known as waterfowl, are winging north to their 


nesting grounds. The migration is a grand spectacle, 

filling the air with the calls and cries of avian creatures. 

Songbirds like Lapland Longspurs and Horned Larks 

come through early in the spring, with sparrows, 

warblers, vireos, thrushes, and flycatchers appearing 

later in the spring. There is also a large uptick in raptors 

such as hawks, falcons, and owls. 

Summertime birds include a variety of sparrows, pipits, 

buntings, and phoebes. Around water, ducks and geese 

are raising young along with shorebirds like Common 

Snipe, Grebes, and Coots. One of my favorite species, 

the Belted Kingfisher, can be seen hunting for fish along 

rivers and lakes. 

During the fall the cycle repeats, with many of the same 

birds heading south. Winter is a sparse time for local 

birds. Around bird feeders Black Capped Chickadees, 

Dark-Eyed Juncos, Cardinals and Blue Jays flit and fight, 

and in open country Snow Buntings, American Crows, 

Bald Eagles, and the occasional Snowy Owl patrol the 

land. 

Species adapted to woodland habitats can be found 

in riparian areas along rivers and lakes, while prairie 

species seek out wide-open spaces to make their home. 

Where to Start: 

Fargo/Moorhead has many acres of public lands to spot 

birds. Any of Fargo or Moorhead’s less developed parks 

hold a tremendous abundance of birds, as well as the 

area south of Fargo in the Orchard Glen and Forest River 

area. Native grasses and forests swarm with beautiful 

creatures all over the metro area. 

Local Organizations: 

Joining Audubon Dakota is a great first step to learning 

the nuances of birding. A local chapter of the Audubon 

Society, Audubon Dakota works to preserve and improve 

habitats for birds and other wildlife. Many members 

are hard-core birders and are happy to share their 

knowledge. Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited, 

while thought of as only a hunter’s organization, are 

also committed to wildlife habitat preservation, and 

include those interested in birding as well. All across the 

globe, habitat is the key to maintaining healthy wildlife 

populations for now and for the future. • 


HAVING A BEER WITH | TYLER AXNESS 

WRITTEN BY: BEN HANSON 

PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA 

Thanks to the stomach flu running rampant throughout my house, I needed to postpone my date with 

KFGO’s Tyler Axness. I had a lot of bleaching to do, for one, and I figured emergency sprints to the 

bathroom might hamper his on-air routine. Axness was graciously accommodating to my last-minute 

schedule change, which I suppose comes with the territory — he just crossed the five-year mark of 

hosting his daily radio show, Afternoons Live. 

A week after recovering from the plague, I met Tyler at Drekker’s Brewhalla, which by the time this story 

goes to print will likely have celebrated its post-remodel/expansion grand reopening. After exchanging 

typical introductions and handshakes (yes, we still shake hands in the Midwest, covid be damned), 

Axness immediately went to the bar to order a beer… and I immediately knew this would be a fine 

interview. And so it was. 

How’d you end up on the radio? 

I was out in the state senate doing my thing there, and once the first session got done, Mike McFeely 

— who had the afternoon spot back then — asked if I would guest host. I filled in and that day the 

Casselton train derailment disaster happened. It was my first day ever hosting, and I guess I showed I 

could do the job. So I guest-hosted a few more times over the years, and when Mike moved back to the 

Forum, they [KFGO] called and asked if I'd consider doing the job full time. 

What’s a typical day look like for you now that you’ve been on air for five years? 

Now I’m full time 8-5. I do prep work during the day, talking to people who know what’s going on to get 

the pulse of what people are talking about. The unwritten rule is one hour on air takes two hours of prep, 

so beyond office work, I’m also out at events, meeting people… it’s kind of like an ongoing campaign. 



HAVING A BEER WITH | TYLER AXNESS 

Any interest in getting back into politics one day? 

A lot of things would have to change. Politicians today 

seem more interested in wanting to become a celebrity. 

We need to get back to priorities like funding things and 

making things better for people. The mentality now is “I 

want my team to win at all costs,” and until you get away 

from that, you won't see good people run again. And that’s 

a bad spot for all of us to be in. 

What was the strangest political interaction you’ve ever 

had? 

Door knocking led to interesting moments! There was one 

time this couple came together to the door wearing just 

bathrobes, and I think they were able to put together what 

was going through my mind. It was a brief conversation! 

Who would win in a celebrity death match, Tucker Carlson 

or Sean Hannity? Importantly, the ghost of Rush Limbaugh 

is the referee… 

Well, there’s always bias there if you got Rush involved. 

Tucker may be more nimble, easier to get around, but 

Sean is going to be one of those immovable objects and 

come off that turnbuckle with a nasty clothesline. I think 

Hannity has the advantage in this one. 

What’s something you got in trouble for as a kid that you 

would totally get away with now that you’re an adult? 

This… what we're doing right now. Sitting in a dimly lit place 

and consuming a cold beverage just shooting the breeze. 

Also, indoor water gun fights. My parents weren't fans. I 

also grew up less than an hour away from Canada, so we 

made a few trips up there. I once went through the border 

and the security guy asked if I planned to leave anything 

behind… I said, “maybe a few golf balls.”He immediately 

said, “OK, pull ahead to the left, get out of your car.” Don’t 

joke around at the border! 

How long does it take you to pack for vacation compared 

to your significant other? 

Oh God, it’s a whole day for her! We both over pack, but 

I’m of the throw stuff in and I’ll make it work mantra. If 

it’s an event for work, you gotta have brand new clothes in 

her opinion, which means shopping…. It’s a whole day-plus 

affair for her to pack. 

What was your favorite cartoon growing up, and what 

cereal were you eating when you watched it? 

Fruity Pebbles for sure. I grew up with two older brothers, 

so I got into watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, 

Transformers, and of course good old fashioned Looney 


Tunes. Tom and Jerry is classic. 

Pinky and Brain was a great 

show. Same with Animaniacs. 

What’s the dumbest thing you’ve 

ever said on air? 

Well I don’t enunciate all that 

well sometimes, so just listen 

daily 2-5 and you can pick. But 

one time I was at the Legion up 

in Harwood, and they had music 

videos playing, which you’re 

going to watch if you’re there. 

So Ronnie Milsap is on and 

playing, and I said he looked like 

a cross between Elton John and 

Ray Charles, as he was doing 

the sway, with the sunglasses 

and whatnot. And people had to 

tell me that Ronnie Milsap was 

blind. I got roasted by listeners. 

If you hosted a radio show when 

you were 12, what would the 

show be about? 

Life was so much more simple 

back then. Again, small town 

life, you’re out hunting, driving 

around, all the ins and outs of 

how to get away with stuff. And 

of course WWF wrestling! The 

Tuesday shows would be lit 

with what happened Monday 

night. That would've been the 

cornerstone of the show at 12. 

Were you stunned to learn that 

PBS’ favorite travel guide Rick 

Steves is a total pothead? 

Yes, absolutely! This is the travel 

guy who's advocating legalizing it 

everywhere. He was a pretty good 

spokesman for why legalization 

should be everywhere. His 

travels really showed him where 

legalization really is beneficial to 

society. He was so educational, it 

made you want to donate to PBS. 

What does the good life mean to 

you? 

The good life to me is being able 

to find your passion and do it for 

a living. Doesn't feel like work 

then. Being able to celebrate and 

spend time with family and close 

friends. And being comfortable 

and able to do what we want 

when we want, together. • 



Your Friendly 

Neighborhood 

Train Guy 

Jerry Lenssen is a local treasure 

deserving of his 15 minutes 

WRITTEN BY: BEN HANSON 


In a quiet corner of south Moorhead, a lifelong 

devotion hides in a modest two-story with a 

single stall garage, the locomotive-shaped 

mailbox the only clue to the historic fun inside. 

I ended up at Jerry Lenssen’s house because 

tucked away in storage for nearly half a century, 

a dusty box of mismatched model trains that 

belonged to my father-in-law waited for a second 

life. The problem was nobody in my family had 

the first clue what to do. So off my wife went 

with her father’s toys to the now-closed Hobby 

Hut for a consultation. 

“Oh, you’re going to want to go see Jerry,” the 

owner told her, a referral he’d repeated going 

on thirty years. 

Three hours later my wife returned emptyhanded, 

but with a story to share. “It’s a 

museum,” she recalled, as she went into details 

about Jerry “The Train Guy.” I heard a tale of 

wall-to-wall model trains, an office stocked with 

parts, and of a man devoted to his passion. 

Sounds like a story, I thought to myself, 

imagining a Wonka-esque character barricaded 

inside a funhouse of his own making. 

A Family Tradition 

I missed it at first. The train mailbox didn’t 

catch my eye until I walked back to my truck in 

a daze of childhood wonder at what I had just 

seen. 


Jerry was excited to welcome me in, opening the side 

garage door before I even had the chance to knock. He 

was dressed in a plain red sweatshirt outlining his Kris 

Kringle figure…and jolly, kind-hearted demeanor. I was 

about to enter his workshop, but not before a quick tour of 

the garage that housed his vintage cars… which he drives. 

The past is everywhere you look at Jerry’s. It’s alive. It’s 

being used, tinkered with, restored and enjoyed. 

Growing up on a farm near Litchville, N.D., trains were 

always a part of his life — the Northern Pacific passenger 

train rumbled through the family land up until the mid 

sixties. Before the line was decommissioned, his father 

bought tickets for a single ride to the next town over just 

to give his kids the thrill. 

His first model train, an American Flyer given to him 

by his father, still sits in his collection. He recalled days 

playing up in the top floor of the farmhouse, piecing 

together different displays, each with its own story. In the 

winter, the trains would sit idle until the weather turned 

warm enough to go back up. 

For Jerry, it’s the hands-on piece that is the most valuable. 

He returned to a familiar mantra throughout our visit, 

explaining how model trains get kids into a real craft that 

involves working with their hands and minds. 

“It’s a good hobby for the kids,” Jerry said calmly. “All 

they do is look at their screens these days, but this gets 

their hands on something… something that isn’t quite as 

stressful.” 

Always a Bucket List Item 

With his affable personality, constant smile and gentle 

confidence, Jerry’s longtime career as a traveling 

salesman came as no surprise. He worked for Goodyear 

for seventeen years, driving across the region selling tires. 

For another seventeen years, he “ran tow truck” for Bud’s 

Amoco. 

“As soon as our son graduated from high school,” Jerry 

recalled, “my wife and I started a business cleaning office 

buildings in the evenings to help pay for college.” 

Still a doting father, Jerry speaks of his son more glowingly 

than any of his passions. But he does give credit to model 

trains for teaching his son focus and discipline. 

“It’s a very good hobby for kids,” Jerry reiterated, “as it 

keeps them out of trouble. My son always had something 

to do. Run trains for a little bit, go study, come back to the 

trains. They also learn the value of money when you go to 

shows. They learn to scout and decide what’s worth what.” 

As Jerry dug out a box of photographs to show off the 


trains he and his son worked on together, I wondered 

what, if anything, he felt was missing from his collection, 

which dates back to 1926. 

“Oh yeah, there’s always something left on my bucket list,” 

Jerry chuckled. “There’s always an American Flyer car, 

some that are very expensive.” 

He paused to pull out his phone from his shirt pocket. 

“This is an American Flyer Northwestern Reefer car going 

for $3,200,” he said, handing me his phone. “I could've 

bought that car in Kansas City for $1,200 and I didn’t, 

even though I had the money in my pocket.” 

Yet during two hours I didn’t see a hint of regret in Jerry’s 

eyes. He maintains the enthusiasm of a toddler, especially 

when it comes to introducing his favorite hobby to the 

next generation. 

“Every kid that comes to my booth,” Jerry said, “I send 

them home with a free car. And I let them pick. The last 

show I probably handed out 100 cars. I like to send them 

home with a start, ya know?” 

A drop in the bucket for Jerry “The Train Guy,” and his 

answer to what the good life means to him: sharing his 

passion. 

“The passion is still pretty strong,” he said. “It’s always 

something to do. With model trains, you can display them, 

you can fix them and you can run them. You’ve got three 

things to always do…it’s a great hobby.” • 


ON THE COVER | K-9 MIKA 


West Fargo’s finest firefighter has four paws, 

a tail, and a crime-fighting snout 

WRITTEN BY: HILLARY SORENSON 


Mika’s coffee-colored eyes looked lovingly at John Neeb, 

her K-9 handler of three years. The day had started like 

any other typical Monday. Eva, a German shepherd and 

Mika’s best friend, initiated a game of tag while John and 

his family completed the monotonous morning duties that 

plague most American families. Mika had been looking 

forward to easing into her Monday; maybe she would play 

a game of catch, or she and John would do some training, 

then John got the call. And Mika knew it was time to put 

her snout to work. 

From the outside, Mika is like any other black lab. Her 

energetic and playful demeanor brightens the darkest 

rooms, and her mere presence lights up the faces within 

the community of West Fargo. But Mika isn’t just a black 

lab who lazes around the firehouse hoping to catch 

glimpses from West Fargo’s finest. Mika is an arson pup, 

and she has a huge responsibility and purpose for the 

West Fargo Fire department. 

Who Are Mika and John Neeb? 

At the beginning of 2015, John was working in business 

administration but desired something more fulfilling than 

the typical nine-to-five, so he started volunteering at the 

West Fargo Fire Department. The end of 2017 into the 

beginning of 2018 marks a historical time for the West 

Fargo Fire Department as the department switched from 

a volunteer basis to a full-time entity. John is the first in the 

history of West Fargo Fire to be a full-time Fire Inspector 

and K-9 handler. 



Mika, the five-year-old Labrador retriever hails from 

Michigan. Mika’s pawsome journey toward becoming 

an arson K-9, or Accelerant Detection Canine (ADC), 

began when the State Farm Arson Dog Program 

picked her up following a short stint as a seeingeye 

dog. Mika’s fun-loving and energetic personality 

didn’t quite fit the responsibilities of working with the 

disabled, and as with all canines in the program, she 

went from a disability assistant to a crime-fighting 

dog-O. 

“We were looking at ways to expand the department 

and have more options,” John said. “My boss, Dell 

Sprecher, started looking into programs that we could 

get involved in. We researched and talked to other 

departments and chose the State Farm Arson Dog 

Program. And we were put on a two-year waiting list.” 

The anticipation of Mika’s addition to the fire 

department concluded in August of 2020 when she 

finished and passed her 200-hour training that Maine 

Specialty Dogs developed and teaches. The fourweek 

training course is put on by the Maine Criminal 

Justice Academy in Gray, Maine. State Farm has been 

a sponsor of the program since 1993, and as of 2023, 

the program has successfully trained 425 canines 

including Mika. 

A Day in The Life of Mika 

Just like most first responders, Mika and John don’t 

have a set schedule and are on-call 24 hours a day, 

seven days a week. “But if I could make a typical day,” 

John said. “We’d get up, and I’d let her outside to play 

with Eva. Then we’d go to work and do basics at the 

first opportunity, which is the easiest way for her to 

get fed.” 

“Basics” is where Mika seeks 

out a fuel-soaked cotton swab 

placed in an aluminum paint 

can among other empty cans. 

“I’d do one exercise maybe in 

the morning and then multiple 

exercises in the afternoon.” 

– John Neeb 


The average dog’s nose is tens 

of thousands of times stronger 

than that of a human. 

Arson pups are food-reward canines, which means 

they have to perform an accelerant exercise in order 

to eat. “Basics” is where Mika seeks out a fuel-soaked 

cotton swab placed in an aluminum paint can among 

other empty cans. “I’d do one exercise maybe in the 

morning and then multiple exercises in the afternoon,” 

John said. 

Due to the type of activities and training Mika is 

required to achieve in order to consume her meals, 

she only eats from John’s hand and never a bowl. John 

said that some days Mika eats upwards of five cups 

of food a day depending on the number of exercises 

they’ve performed. “It keeps her mind and stomach 

out of sync so she is always prepared and willing to 

work because she doesn’t know how much food she’s 

going to get.” 

John also keeps Mika on a diligent exercise regime, and 

they typically go out walking four or five times a day. 

“And thanks to the West Fargo Police Department,” he 

said. “I have been able to put her on a K-9 treadmill as 

well.” 

When a working fire is called out, this is when Mika’s 

inherent abilities and learned skill set are put to the 

test. The average dog’s nose is tens of thousands of 

times stronger than that of a human. An ADC, like 

Mika, is trained to confirm or eliminate the possibility 

that an accelerant was located at the fire. If Mika sniffs 

out an accelerant, she will sit at the location, and John 

will mark it. Once Mika’s job is complete, it is up to the 

local jurisdiction’s fire investigator to pull the evidence 

and send it to a lab for testing. “There are a lot of 

different variables when it comes to saying whether 

something is positive or not for an accelerant,” John 

said. “Mika is a very good arson K-9.” 

There are just 100 ADCs in the US and Canada. Which 

means, John and Mika stay pretty busy, and they aren’t 

restricted to the West Fargo area. “We could get called 

out in the eastern half of North Dakota to the western 

half of Minnesota, and we have responded to 123 fires 

and 40 demonstrations,” John said. As part of Mika’s 

continuing education, she must respond to 50 fires 

and recertify annually. 



Mika is also a great public educator and when she isn’t fighting 

crime or sniffing her way to snacks, she’s hanging out with the 

locals to teach about fire prevention. “October is fire prevention 

month, and every year we teach kindergarten through thirdgrade 

fire prevention,” John said. “She loves being the center of 

attention and being around kids.” 

At Home with The Dynamic Duo 

In spite of Mika’s incredible capabilities, when at home, Mika 

is an ordinary family pet who plays with the family’s other dog, 

protects John’s kids, and cuddles with his wife. “Anyone we are 

with loves her and she loves them back,” John said. “She does 

keep me pretty busy, but other than the amount of extra work at 

night or training, she hasn’t changed our family. But I do want to 

thank my wife for always supporting me.” 

As a working dog, Mika has a minimum working life of five years 

and a maximum of ten, and when she retires, she will either 

become a station dog or stay with John and his family furever. 

John said that once she retires he would love the opportunity 

to handle another K-9 because the experience has been an 

extremely positive one, and he credits that to the support of the 

community, city commissioner, fire marshal, fire chief, and his 

family. 


“Mika and I are together 24/7,” John said. “She 

works with me, she comes home with me – we 

make a really good team.” 

“The Good Life for Mika means getting enough food 

and working enough fires. And also… her favorite 

thing of all is just playing with other dogs,” John 

said. “And for me, it means watching my kids grow 

up, maintaining the K-9 program, and just having 

a great family. And potentially getting another K-9 

when Mika retires. It’s really something special to 

have a K-9 with me 24/7.” • 

“The city and commission, fire 

chief, fire marshal – they’ve been 

wonderful supporting the K-9 

program. And they love having Mika 

around. When people walk through 

the door, they just immediately smile 

because of her.” – John Neeb 



50 Years!

Vintage to Modern - Just Like Their Members 

WRITTEN BY: KRISSY NESS 

Collecting has always been a beloved pastime; from vinyl 

records to baseball cards, there is something out there for 

everyone. However, one thing that the members of Valley 

Vintage Car Club have in common is collecting cars, 

motorized vehicles, and memorabilia, so much so that 

they have been a club for 50 years. 

"Fargo-Moorhead has had many car clubs over the years, 

they come, and they go, and generally, one of the problems 

is money," stated Stan Krogh, founding member. 

Another founding member, who has since passed away, 

Richard Dick (R.D.) Olsen came up with an idea. "We'll 

pay local dues, enjoy the fruits of our work, and we won't 

send money out of state to national clubs," shared Krogh. 

"We needed a name, so that night, we talked about it and 

decided to name it Valley Vintage Car Club; that name 

was chosen 50 years ago, and we're still going." 

While they aren’t the only car club in town, they have 

drawn in a lot of members over the years. 

Valley Vintage currently has 203 memberships, though 

not all reside in the Fargo-Moorhead area. What is great 

about a group this size is you get the opportunity to 

associate with people – young and old. 

"I joined the club 20 years ago; I found myself not mingling 

with anybody, just working all the time," said Roger 

Gunderson. "Now, my friends are all car guys, we're all 

different ages, and it is a lot of fun." 

The thing about Valley Vintage that grabbed my attention 

is how close everyone is to each other. "It's really a family 

club; children are welcome; we are a loose operating club 

on purpose," explained Krogh. "If we want to be miserable, 

we'll go back to work." 


PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY: JASON GEIR 

Jason Geir is the perfect example of one family joining the 

club and never leaving. 

"Technically, I have been a part of the club since I was 

a kid; my dad became a member back in the early 80s," 

stated Geir, who has been a member for 20 years. "A few 

of us grew up together, going to these events, and some of 

us are still involved." 

When you join a club like Valley Vintage, you are in it for 

the long haul; lifelong friends have been made and kept 

through simply enjoying cars. 

"My biggest regret in life is that I didn't join earlier 

because I've met so many good people in the club. We all 

get along for the most part, even though we have different 

car choices," exclaimed Steve Lattimore. "We give each 

other a bad time sometimes, but that's half the fun." 

The car club is more than cruising around town or posting 

up at a car show for a weekend, although I must admit 

that sounds like a great time! Valley Vintage is about 

community, and the members make it a point to stay in 

contact. Every week they find a new activity to do together. 

Whether that is to take a garage tour of a fellow member 

looking at their cars and the memorabilia they have 

collected, monthly meetings, or even going on supper 

runs with their families. 

You may think, wow, this sounds great, but I don't own a 

classic car. Well, you're in luck; owning a collector car is 

not required to join this club. "Back when I joined the club, 

I did not have a collector car," said Lattimore. "People 

were so helpful trying to sell me theirs that I ended up 

getting a car like I had right after high school, in the 70s," 

explained Lattimore. 

As long as you are interested in motors, you're in the club. 

Within the club, you will find classic cars, motorcycles, 

and even adult go-karts. 

Being their 50th anniversary, they plan to do something 

special to celebrate. 

"We usually have our banquet in the spring, but a lot of the 

guys are old and retired; they are snowbirds," said Geir. 

"So instead of doing a picnic this year, I proposed the idea 

of a 50th-anniversary party so the snowbirds can join us, 

and we can eat and visit and maybe tell some stories and, 

of course, have a car show." 


One of the events they all enjoyed 

sharing with me was the award 

section. It is more of a roast than 

actual awards. 

"A lot of people would get awards 

for ridiculous things like the Rusty 

Wrench award, for those who 

haven't done any work on their car 

for a year," laughed Geir. 

"Sometimes we behave like a bunch 

of 12-year-olds," added Lattimore. 

I enjoyed talking with these 

guys, hearing stories about their 

friendship and the jokes they have 

played on one another, their most 

cherished cars, and what the club 

means to each one of them. 

The name Valley Vintage gives off 

a vibe that they are only interested 

in vintage cars, but that couldn't be 

further from the truth. "We have 

cars ranging from a 1904 Schacht 

to Stan's 2019 Corvette," explained 

Geir. 

As you can see, this club enjoys 

vintage cars and modern ones, too, 

by members young and old; age 

doesn't matter. What matters is the 

enjoyment you get from your hobby 

and those you can share it with. 

“The good life is having what you 

need and enjoying what you have. 

Good friends, family, a sense of 

adventure and a fondness for fun. 

In the case of us car collectors, it is 

the ability to relive our youth while 

celebrating the past,” exclaims 

Geir. • 


FIND YOUR NEW 

BEST FRIEND 

! 

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY: HOMEWARD ANIMAL SHELTER 

These are just a few of the many faces in our care that are 

patiently waiting for their forever families to find them. 

We know there’s a match out there for all of them. And 

for all the rest of their friends at the shelter and in foster 

homes that aren’t pictured here on these pages. Maybe 

one has been waiting all this time to rescue YOU... Adopt 

a shelter pet today! 

At Homeward Animal Shelter, our mission is: “Rescue. 

Shelter. Protect. Rehome.”. We provide a second chance 

at happiness to lost, abandoned, and owner-surrendered 

animals; and educate the community on the proper, loving, 

and kind treatment of animals. 

Homeward Animal Shelter is committed to preventing 

animal overpopulation and spays/neuters all animals 

6 months or older before adoption. Since its inception 

in 1966, Homeward Animal Shelter has placed nearly 

41,000 animals in lifelong homes. • 

GIZMO 

Male 

Nearly 2 years old 

DONALD 

Terrier Mix 

Female 

2 ½ years old White & Grey DSH 

Hello, I’m Gizmo, an independent and playful highenergy 

girl. Because I’m so smart I enjoy lots of activities 

and things to do. My intelligence also makes me a little 

careful and cautious of new folks, at least until I get 

to know you and can fully relax. I love to pounce, and 

I consider myself a master hunter. If you adopt me, I 

promise to keep your home insect and critter free! And if 

your home is ALREADY insect and critter-free, a few cat 

toys will suit me just as well. I am great at stalking my 

prey, and I do an adorable butt-wiggle before I pounce 

that I know you will appreciate. I hope to meet you soon! 

Love, Gizmo 


Hi, my name is Donald and I'm a goofy and lovable pup. 

I'm always up for playtime, whether it's fetch, hunting 

for treasure with my nose, or tossing treats around for 

myself to catch. I'm happiest when I'm cuddled up with 

my human on the couch, and I love when they scratch my 

chest. I was in a difficult situation when I was younger 

and didn't get to experience the world as much as other 

dogs, so I'm sometimes a bit hesitant when meeting new 

people and places. But once I get to know you, I'm your 

best friend. My foster parents can't get enough of me and 

my cute sleeping habits, but I'm looking for a permanent 

home to give my love to. Give me a chance and I promise 

I won't let you down! 

Love, Donald 

P.S. My adoption fee is fully sponsored, so you 

can adopt me for FREE! *The normal adoption 

application process still applies.

CLASSY 

Female 

2 years old 

Tabby & White DSH 

CLARA 

Female 

5 ½ years old Pit Bull Terrier Mix 

Hi, I’m Classy! I’m a young tabby girl with a cute white 

snout and bib. My coat is beautiful, shiny, and soft, perfect 

for petting. I’m sweet and playful, but also independent 

and smart. I like to explore and can be quite happy 

entertaining myself, but I also really enjoy people-time 

and hope that you will play with me and let me be your 

best pal. I am dog-curious, love a soft blanket, and am all 

around very well-socialized and ready for a family to call 

my own. Please fill out an application to meet me! 

Love, Classy 

FRED & FROST 

Hi everyone, my name is Clara. I am a super sweet lady 

looking for my perfect home! I am a little bit older than 

most of the dogs here, I'm almost 6! But don't let that 

deter you, I love going on long walks and playing outside 

with my favorite human friends. Because I am slightly 

older, I do tend to prefer extended cuddles at the end of 

my walks. I really enjoy head and neck scratches, and 

if you give me head massages, I'll love you forever. I do 

great in my kennel, I usually just take a nap until I see 

someone coming to get me out, and then I get really 

excited! I'm also fully housetrained and am very good at 

waiting to use the bathroom until someone lets me out - I 

am a lady after all! I am a little too strong for kids under 5 

but if you have older kids, I would be great! If I sound like 

the perfect match, set up a time to come meet me soon! 

Love, Clara 

Males 

3 and 4 years old 

White & Tabby DSH 

Feline Leukemia Positive 

For information on adopting, 

volunteering or to make a 

donation, visit: 

homewardonline.org 

SAVING A LIFE, WILL CHANGE YOURS! 


LOCAL HERO | CHRIS DEERY 

FIGHTING THE WAR AT HOME 

Local Veteran Advocates for Those in Need 

WRITTEN BY: EMMA VATNSDAL 


In January 2022, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 

(VA) listed more than 33,100 veterans experiencing 

homelessness. 

“But then something happens 

and it snaps you back to 

reality. You want to be on 

guard because you never know 

what’s going to happen. I knew 

firsthand I had PTSD.” 

While this was an 11 percent decrease over January 2020, 

the last year a full Pont-In-Time Count was conducted, 

the men and women who risked their lives in the name of 

American security deserve better, 

And that’s just what fuels Cass County Veterans Services 

Director Chris Deery. 

“Unfortunately, in Fargo-Moorhead, we do have a lot of 

homeless veterans,” said Deery. 

Over the last three years, Deery and his team at Cass 

County Veterans Services have worked hard to help local 

veterans get their benefits. 

While people have many reasons to make a difference in 

the lives of others, for Deery it’s personal. 

“I graduated from Fargo South (High School) in ‘99,” 

Deery said. “I joined (the military) prior to 9/11. Just a 

couple of days. I was sitting in MEPS, it’s called, or Military 

Entrance Processing Station. It’s like a processing center 

where you get a physical and do some battery testing and 

all that stuff. But while I was there, 9/11 was going on. 

So all of a sudden you’re just like ‘Oh, now this got real.’” 


PHOTOS SUBMITTEDBY: CHRIS DEERY 

Deery was sent to Fort Jackson, the 

U.S. Army’s main production center for 

basic combat training. Then, in 2003, 

Deery went to Fort Lee in Virginia and 

was assigned a job. 

“I was a supply specialist,” he said. 

“Anything anybody needed — from 

underwear to bullets, or boots to socks, 

anything like that. My mission was to 

have everyone prepared for battle. 

(Fort Lee) is a lot of running meals 

and learning your job, and it prepares 

you for war. But you never think you’re 

going to go.” 

While in the Minnesota National 

Guard, Deery worked at a detox facility 

in Moorhead, Minn., and soon moved 

on to a tech role. 

“We got the call from the Moorhead 

National Guard,” Deery said. “And we 

got a letter in the mail. So then all that 

training and everything you do, and 

all the long weekends and two weeks 

a year, all that came to fruition. Then 

I was on an airplane going to Camp 

Shelby, Mississippi. We had to learn 

real fast.” 

Deery and his squad spent roughly six 

months in Mississippi before heading 

to Louisiana for a month and ultimately 

Kuwait. 

“It was definitely a ride,” he said. 

Once in Kuwait, their mission was to 

support the base they were on and the 

men and women they were with. 

“A lot of it was road clearing IEDs,” 

Deery said. “I remember we got there 

in, I think it was, March. The first time 

we ever got attacked was Easter. We 

were playing basketball and the siren 

went off and you’re wondering what’s 

going on. You hear thuds and kind of 

feel a heat come over you and you’re like 

‘Oh yeah, that’s probably dangerous.’” 

Deery spent 16 months overseas, and 

says by the last month the sirens were 

just part of everyday life. 



“You’re not thinking ‘oh, that’s just the siren, they can’t 

hurt us,’” he said, “You’re not as jumpy, you kind of just 

get used to it. That’s your way of life.” 

But for every 100 veterans who served in Operations 

Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, between 11 

and 20 experienced a whole new battle once their 

boots hit American soil. 

“I wrote in my journal that (life on the base) is so 

monotonous, every day is the same,” he said. “But then 

something happens and it snaps you back to reality. 

You want to be on guard because you never know 

what’s going to happen. I knew firsthand I had PTSD.” 

Deery recalls being in an office in Iraq and feeling like 

a bomb was coming in as something flew over him. 

“I hid under my desk,” he said. “(When I got home) I 

lived by the airport and when I heard a plane fly by I 

hid. It was just instinct. That’s when I knew something 

was up.” 

Advocating 

Deery’s work with helping veterans started before he 

was even a veteran himself — he worked at the Moorhead 

detox center before he was deployed. 

“I started noticing a lot of veterans were using (the detox) 

services,” he said. “I just thought I could try to help.” 

Not only does he help area veterans with accessing their 

benefits, he also has a personal connection too. 

“When I first got back (from Iraq) I sat in my backyard 

and drank a lot for like three weeks and I contemplated 

not going back to school,” he said. “And unfortunately, 


One aspect Deery focuses on, both in 

his professional and his personal life, 

is mental health. 

someone stole my lawn chair. So when I couldn’t sit 

down and drink anymore, I had to start standing up for 

myself.” 

Deery says he was lucky enough to have colleagues 

from the VA to help him out, and it set up a whole new 

future for him. 

“That’s how I got into supportive employment,” Deery 

said. “(My colleagues) said I would be good at it, so I 

applied and I got the job. And it kind of jump-started 

everything else.” 

One aspect Deery focuses on, both in his professional 

and his personal life, is mental health. 

“I use the VA counseling services once a week,” he 

said. “I take medications for depression and anxiety, 

and I try to tell my story and hopefully help somebody 

else or point them in the right direction. It’s not a 



“If I can show them I’m asking 

for help, maybe it’ll lighten 

the load.” 

stereotype and it’s not a weakness. It’s 

actually a strength for a 41-year-old guy to 

ask for help. 

If I can show them I’m asking for help, maybe 

it’ll lighten the load.” 

From housing and transportation, to mental 

and physical health services, and everything in 

between, the work Deery and his colleagues do 

has helped dozens of local veterans. 

And they’re still not done. 

But when it comes to living the good life, Deery 

has that figured out. 

“The Good Life is working my job from eight 

to five, then going home and being a dad and 

being a family man and just being a good 

friend,” he said. “I just like to help people, I was 

raised right.” • 


If you’re a veteran looking for resources, 

or if you want to get involved with the Veterans Service 

program in Cass county, visit: 

casscountynd.gov/our-county/veterans-services 

★ ★ ★ 

If you’re a veteran or concerned about one, 

find support anytime, day or night. 

The Veterans Crisis Line offers free, confidential 

support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255.

The Good Life – March-April 2023

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