By Katie Henry, Family and Community Wellness Agent, NDSU Extension – Cavalier County My mom and I had an amazing girl day for her birthday. It was a relaxing, fun day that included a book sale at a library, a photo booth where we made funny faces, a delicious lunch next to a little girl who was singing loving songs to her newborn sister, shopping at fun stores for things we didn’t really need, greenhouse fun on an 80 degree day, two blue raspberry shaved ice treats, and two buckets of movie theater popcorn large enough to have to seatbelt into the back seat. It was quite the day.

The June 10 referendum has brought out the passionate side of many people. During this Mental Health Awareness Month, I would like to remind everyone to temper that passion with acceptance and kindness. In a healthy community, everyone has a right to their own opinion, and it does not have to match ours. When we speak with people with differing opinions about the referendum, let's remember to do so with grace and set an example for our students and neighbors for how to treat each other. I want to thank everyone who stopped by our referendum open house last Wednesday evening at the elementary school. Many good discussions were held about the needs of our schools and the rationale behind the referendum plan. If you were not able to attend, please head to the referendum website, SoaringForwardTogether. com. The website is the best place for information about the referendum. If you still have a question not answered there, please reach out to me.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong has issued a proclamation recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month, and North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is raising awareness about the importance of mental health while sharing resources to help North Dakotans improve their overall well-being. This year, HHS is encouraging North Dakotans to 'Nurture Your Network' by strengthening relationships, checking in on loved ones, and reaching out for support when you need it.

Wandering in Walhalla wandered into Minot last week for the North Dakota Travel and Tourism Industry Conference. This year, the conference was held at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds. We enjoyed keynote speakers such as Hunter Pinke (No Bad Days), Josiah Brown (The New York Sherpa), Cory Hepola (My Town) and great breakout sessions conquering issues about accessibility, tribal lands and telling your town’s story.

The month of May is marked with celebrations for many families. This year has its usual events for my family with two birthdays and a wedding anniversary. Mother’s Day is in the mix, so I hope they remember.

A spaghetti fundraiser was hosted in Munich last week in support of the TSA (Technology Student Association) at Munich School. The school boasts 19 members, 15 of which will be attending TSA Nationals in Nashville, Tenn., this spring. At the National Competition, the students will be competing in flight, fashion design, promotional marketing, children's story, problem solving, audio podcasting, mechanical engineering, tech bowl, and solar sprint. Good luck to these students!

Photos by Larry Stokke. .

On Sunday, April 27, the Pembina County Chess Tournament took place at the Pembina County Courthouse in Cavalier with five towns represented: Cavalier, Crystal, Drayton, Pembina and Walhalla. 1st Place: David Waters, Walhalla 2nd Place: Noah De Souza, Drayton 3rd Place: Henry Helm, Drayton 4th Place: Cayden Rhody Pembina 5th Place: Ruby Morrison, Cavalier Champion Team: Drayton Commissioner Darin Otto presented awards to each winner.

Mindi Lill and several of her senior students are encouraging members of the community to stop by and view their Art Show for the 2024-2025 school year. The display will be in the commons area of the high school and will be open for viewing during school hours from now until Thursday, May 15. There will be a nostalgic spin on the show, as students have been encouraged to incorporate art from their childhood with pieces they have on display made in the classes with Lill.

It’s fun to grow your own Halloween pumpkins. Bigger is often better, but I don’t want to grow a giant, 300-pound pumpkin.