Travis and Autumn Bennett, owners of Smoke Wagon Meats in Walhalla, are pictured outside their business. The former educators opened the shop in 2024, bringing decades of butchering experience to serve customers across the region. Submitted photo

Travis and Autumn Bennett, owners of Smoke Wagon Meats in Walhalla, are pictured outside their business. The former educators opened the shop in 2024, bringing decades of butchering experience to serve customers across the region. Submitted photo

A new, locally-owned meat shop is serving customers near the Pembina Gorge, offering custom-cut steaks, handcrafted sausages and a personalized experience that owners Travis and Autumn Bennett hope will become a staple for area residents and visitors alike. Smoke Wagon Meats, LLC, located just…
Chris Johnson, standing center, poses with members of the Artemis I recovery team aboard a U.S. Navy vessel following the successful splashdown and recovery of the Orion spacecraft in 2022. Johnson served as part of the Air Operations team during the mission. Photo courtesy of NASA

Chris Johnson, standing center, poses with members of the Artemis I recovery team aboard a U.S. Navy vessel following the successful splashdown and recovery of the Orion spacecraft in 2022. Johnson served as part of the Air Operations team during the mission. Photo courtesy of NASA

Local graduate helps lead NASA's return to deep spaceFrom a small-town upbringing in northeastern North Dakota to helping lead NASA's return to the moon, Chris Johnson's journey is proof that big dreams can begin in unexpected places. The son of longtime Langdon residents John and Kathie Johnson,…
Youth help plant the Cavalier County Community Garden during the first Junior Master Gardener session of the summer. Photo by Jane Hayen

Youth help plant the Cavalier County Community Garden during the first Junior Master Gardener session of the summer. Photo by Jane Hayen

Can you believe we've already started the sixth month of the year? I certainly can't wrap my mind around that fact, although the recent nice weather has slightly helped. Speaking of weather, what a great time to plant a garden. Ten youth from Cavalier County know all about that!In addition to the…
Eighth-grade students gather on the football practice field before the annual Bottle Rocket Challenge, a hands-on engineering project in Rich Olson’s Exploring Technology class. Photo by Larry Stokke

Eighth-grade students gather on the football practice field before the annual Bottle Rocket Challenge, a hands-on engineering project in Rich Olson’s Exploring Technology class. Photo by Larry Stokke

JH students put engineering skills to the testLANGDON - A very fitting story to go along with our front page feature this week. At the end of the school year, the football practice field became a launch pad for creativity and engineering on the last day of school, as students in Rich Olson’s eighth…
Black bear makes surprise visit to Osnabrock

Black bear makes surprise visit to Osnabrock

A black bear strolls through a residential yard in Osnabrock on June 9. Residents reported multiple sightings of the bear as it wandered through the community before moving on. 
Jean Cook claimed first place in the pole bending race at the Sapa Arena Fun Day on June 7. Photo by Larry Stokke

Jean Cook claimed first place in the pole bending race at the Sapa Arena Fun Day on June 7. Photo by Larry Stokke

Sapa Arena fun day kicks-off summer season near Svold
Jake’s Take on Sports

Jake’s Take on Sports

Return of the Red Rider and the never ending search for a septic tank We come to you this week with some, as always, interesting information. We can confirm that the Red Rider has returned but is now the 3.0 edition, which is a 2025 Ford Lariat. It is beautifully red in color and follows a long…
Over 100 young athletes gathered under the direction of Langdon Area/Munich coaches and players. Submitted photo

Over 100 young athletes gathered under the direction of Langdon Area/Munich coaches and players. Submitted photo

The Langdon-Munich football program held their annual summer camp, June 1-3, at the Langdon football field. Grade school-aged kids from Langdon, Munich and Walhalla participated by running drills and learning the fundamentals of the sport of football. The Cardinals coaching staff and high school…
Mosquito bite prevention remains best defense against West Nile virus

Mosquito bite prevention remains best defense against West Nile virus

North Dakota Health and Human Services reminds residents that preventing mosquito bites remains the most effective way to avoid West Nile virus. Although no human cases have been reported in North Dakota so far this year, officials say the risk of contracting the disease exists anytime mosquitoes…
Mostad earns final Shooter of the Week honor

Mostad earns final Shooter of the Week honor

Merek Mostad displays his Cardinal Clays Shooter of the Week certificate after earning the honor for the final scoring week of the season. Mostad was recognized by the Langdon Area Munich High School Trap and Skeet Team for his performance on the range. The State Skeet Tournament is scheduled for…
Bleacher project moving along at the Walhalla Civic Center

Bleacher project moving along at the Walhalla Civic Center

As you can see above, the north bleachers have been removed at the Walhalla Civic Center. This is part of a project for new ones to be installed sometime in early August. There were safety issues, for example - no hand rails to get up and down the old ones, along with several other issues that set…
Chris Johnson, standing center, poses with members of the Artemis I recovery team aboard a U.S. Navy vessel following the successful splashdown and recovery of the Orion spacecraft in 2022. Johnson served as part of the Air Operations team during the mission. Photo courtesy of NASA

Chris Johnson, standing center, poses with members of the Artemis I recovery team aboard a U.S. Navy vessel following the successful splashdown and recovery of the Orion spacecraft in 2022. Johnson served as part of the Air Operations team during the mission. Photo courtesy of NASA

Local graduate helps lead NASA's return to deep spaceFrom a small-town upbringing in northeastern…
Members of the Charbonneau family who traveled from Walhalla, Langdon, Milton, Fargo, and Seattle, pose outside of Walter Reade Theater at the world premiere of “Nine Little Indians” at Lincoln Center in New York City. Submitted photo

Members of the Charbonneau family who traveled from Walhalla, Langdon, Milton, Fargo, and Seattle, pose outside of Walter Reade Theater at the world premiere of “Nine Little Indians” at Lincoln Center in New York City. Submitted photo

Film on boarding school survivors debuts at Lincoln Center, focusing on the sisters’ experiencesThe…
Jane Hart poses with a plaque recognizing her 42 years of dedication to Langdon Area track and field, honoring a coaching career that spanned from 1984 to 2026 and the accomplishments of countless athletes she mentored along the way. Photo by Larry Stokke

Jane Hart poses with a plaque recognizing her 42 years of dedication to Langdon Area track and field, honoring a coaching career that spanned from 1984 to 2026 and the accomplishments of countless athletes she mentored along the way. Photo by Larry Stokke

For four decades, spring in Langdon meant one thing for Jane Hart: track season.Now, after her…
Travis and Autumn Bennett, owners of Smoke Wagon Meats in Walhalla, are pictured outside their business. The former educators opened the shop in 2024, bringing decades of butchering experience to serve customers across the region. Submitted photo

Travis and Autumn Bennett, owners of Smoke Wagon Meats in Walhalla, are pictured outside their business. The former educators opened the shop in 2024, bringing decades of butchering experience to serve customers across the region. Submitted photo

Smoke Wagon Meats opens near Pembina Gorge, bringing artisan butchery to the region

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A new, locally-owned meat shop is serving customers near the Pembina Gorge, offering custom-cut steaks, handcrafted sausages and a personalized experience that owners Travis and Autumn Bennett hope will become a staple for area residents and visitors alike. Smoke Wagon Meats, LLC, located just northwest of Walhalla near the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, recently received its Retail Meat Market License and has officially opened its doors to customers.
Unity Medical Center earns best place to work award for fifth consecutive year

Unity Medical Center earns best place to work award for fifth consecutive year

Unity Medical Center earns best place to work award for fifth consecutive year

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GRAFTON, N.D. - Unity Medical Center (UMC) has been selected by Modern Healthcare as one of the 2026 Best Places to Work in Healthcare for a fifth year in a row. This annual award program identifies and recognizes 150 outstanding employers in the healthcare industry nationwide. Half of these organizations are a combination of healthcare providers and insurance companies while the other half are vendors.

CAVALIER COUNTY UNOFFICIAL

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Editor’s Note: According to Cavalier County Auditor Lisa Gellner, county races remain unofficial until canvassing is completed June 22 and all county candidates will appear on the November General Election ballot. City and school elections are decided locally and become final following canvassing.
Eighth-grade students gather on the football practice field before the annual Bottle Rocket Challenge, a hands-on engineering project in Rich Olson’s Exploring Technology class. Photo by Larry Stokke

Eighth-grade students gather on the football practice field before the annual Bottle Rocket Challenge, a hands-on engineering project in Rich Olson’s Exploring Technology class. Photo by Larry Stokke

Rockets take flight in Exploring Technology challenge

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JH students put engineering skills to the test LANGDON - A very fitting story to go along with our front page feature this week. At the end of the school year, the football practice field became a launch pad for creativity and engineering on the last day of school, as students in Rich Olson’s eighth-grade Exploring Technology classes took part in the annual Bottle Rocket Challenge.
Jake’s Take on Sports

Jake’s Take on Sports

Jake’s Take on Sports

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Return of the Red Rider and the never ending search for a septic tank We come to you this week with some, as always, interesting information. We can confirm that the Red Rider has returned but is now the 3.0 edition, which is a 2025 Ford Lariat. It is beautifully red in color and follows a long line of vehicles with this hue. It all started with a 1995 Chevy Blazer, which went over 300,000 miles, and some thought at the time of its death, it should’ve been bronzed and made into a monument. Following that was a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer, which was on its way to 300,000 before it gave up to the ghost 10 miles north of Grafton. In between was the Dave Roy Memorial 2013 Gray Lariat, which was gotten out of necessity at the time and which is nearing the magic 300,000 number. I am keeping that. All of the aforementioned rigs were very good to me, which says a ton about the great work that is done at both D & B and Christie Motors. We are very fortunate to have both businesses in our area and in Langdon. Let’s hope the new Red Rider will be just as dependable, which I know it will be.
Over 100 young athletes gathered under the direction of Langdon Area/Munich coaches and players. Submitted photo

Over 100 young athletes gathered under the direction of Langdon Area/Munich coaches and players. Submitted photo

Next generation of Cardinals hits the gridiron

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The Langdon-Munich football program held their annual summer camp, June 1-3, at the Langdon football field. Grade school-aged kids from Langdon, Munich and Walhalla participated by running drills and learning the fundamentals of the sport of football. The Cardinals coaching staff and high school players ran the camp, led by head coach Josh Krivarchka.
The Mule

The Mule

The Mule

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By Bob Simmons, CEO, Simmons Multimedia I don’t think Diane will mind if I write about one of the signature drinks at Sip Happens. Here’s a deep dive into the Moscow Mule, a favorite among her guests.
The Morning Stroll and Cuppa Joe: Oh, the places you’ll go!

The Morning Stroll and Cuppa Joe: Oh, the places you’ll go!

The Morning Stroll and Cuppa Joe: Oh, the places you’ll go!

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My older sister, Valerie, is two years older than me, and for the past three or so decades, I have considered her my best friend. In high school, we were sworn enemies. I was the younger, annoying, tag-along little sister who always wanted to be around my older, cooler sister and her friends. Her friends thought I was funny and cute; my sister thought I was a brat.
Letter from the Editor: Which came first: The advertiser or the news?

Letter from the Editor: Which came first: The advertiser or the news?

Letter from the Editor: Which came first: The advertiser or the news?

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We’ve all heard the age-old question: Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Lately, I’ve found myself wondering if newspapers have their own version of that debate. Which came first: the advertiser or the content? Most people pick up their newspaper for the stories.