701 Rundown: Nov. 4, 2024

Here’s your weekly rundown of some of the most interesting headlines from newspapers across North Dakota.

Granville Veterans Memorial grants awarded

Granville’s American Legion Post 155 commemorated the installation of a new Veterans Memorial Monument in Granville Cemetery this week. The project received a $750 grant from the Rural Development Fund Corporation (RDFC), which was matched by Souris River Telecommunications (SRT), bringing the total contribution to $1,500. The monument stands on a hill where four crosses have honored two World War I and two World War II veterans for years.

Jeff Smette, the Post's adjutant, credited Legion member Karl Wittstruck for initiating the project, noting the community’s support helped raise nearly $14,000 through local business and individual donations. Smette described the monument as a "nice, lasting monument for the community and all veterans," emphasizing its role as a gathering place to honor those who served.

Kristi Miller, SRT board president, remarked on the significance of the monument, stating, "This marks the indelible gratitude we all have for those who have made such profound sacrifices to defend our nation and way of life." SRT is proud to support military initiatives and is part of a network of North Dakota rural telecommunication and electric cooperatives that collaborate with RDFC to fund economic development projects in rural areas. Through this partnership, SRT matches approved RDFC funding to further benefit the community.

(Story from the Mouse River Journal)

‘I want them to read stories from the heart’

Keith Ankenbauer, who suffered life-altering injuries from a power takeoff accident on Nov. 14, 1974, has turned adversity into inspiration. Despite sustaining a broken arm, two broken ankles, and paralysis, Ankenbauer has lived life to the fullest, engaging in activities like scuba diving and travel. Since 2014, he has pursued his passion for writing, recently releasing his debut book, "Being Young in Leeds," a collection of fictional stories inspired by his upbringing in small-town North Dakota.

Ankenbauer's book features real-life figures under pseudonyms and includes illustrations of its characters. It is available on Kindle, as well as in paperback and hardcover formats through his website. He is also working on two more projects: "The Girl and the Cowboy Short Stories," set in various locations, and "I Wish I Could Be," a two-book series exploring experiences he missed due to his accident.

Ankenbauer emphasizes that his writing process is straightforward, using tools like Grammarly for editing and collaborating with his girlfriend and publisher, American Book Publisher. He aims to make his stories accessible and relatable, reflecting his own struggles and dreams. Although he plans to write an autobiography in the future, his current focus is on creating engaging fiction that resonates with readers. "I want them to read my stories from the heart," Ankenbauer said.

(Story by Hailey Maddock, Benson County Farmers Press)

Turtle Mountain gifts five white buffalo calves to Native American nations

The Turtle Mountain Tribe made a historic donation last week, gifting five young white buffalo bulls to four Native American tribes in North Dakota and one in Minnesota. The ceremony was held at the Sky Dancer Casino and its new rodeo arena.

Tribal Chairman Jamie Davis expressed joy during the event, emphasizing the significance of the gift. James DeCoteau, the cultural liaison to Davis, highlighted the sacred status of the white buffalo and its role in a cultural resurgence in the area. “The white buffalo symbolizes a sign of good things to come for our community,” DeCoteau said, noting it represents abundance and peace.

The tribe first acquired a white buffalo on loan in April 2021, which later became part of their herd. Since then, multiple white buffalo calves have been born, surprising the community because of their rarity. DeCoteau linked this good fortune to positive changes on the reservation, including economic improvement and increased cultural awareness.

The idea to gift the calves came from the tribe's natural resources department, which has successfully maintained the buffalo herd, currently numbering 40 to 50. After consulting the tribal council, the Turtle Mountain Tribe reached out to the Red Lake Tribe in Minnesota, followed by notifications to the Spirit Lake, Sisseton-Wahpeton, Standing Rock, and Mandan-Hidatsa-Arikara tribes in North Dakota.

DeCoteau acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the gift, saying, “It’s such a good feeling for all of us to be a part of that and to extend these branches of friendship and unity.”

(Story by Jason Nordmark, Turtle Mountain Star)

‘Born Abel’

A mother who lost her baby boy to an omphalocele and Trisomy 18 has turned her grief into a powerful initiative by co-founding the "Born Abel" children's book series. The nonprofit, now a 501(c)(3), aims to normalize and celebrate children with complex medical conditions. Their latest release, “Born Abel: This is Trisomy 21,” features Minto first grader Stetson Gowan.

Stetson's mother, Kayla, highlighted the project's significance, stating that Abel has showcased thousands of children, emphasizing their worth despite disabilities. The foundation regularly holds casting calls for parents to submit photos of their children for illustrations, allowing kids like Stetson to see themselves represented in the books.

In less than a year, Born Abel has expanded to all 50 states and 10 countries, selling over 5,000 copies and illustrating more than 1,000 children. The organization is fully volunteer based and aims to publish 46 books in 2024, offering programs that support NICU families and foster community among families with medically-complex children.

Kayla reflected on Stetson's journey, noting that despite significant health challenges, he thrives in an inclusive school environment. She plans to place copies of Stetson’s “Born Abel” book in local classrooms and libraries to remind children that being different is worthy of celebration, highlighting the beauty of diversity among all children.

(Story by Chelsea J. Wysocki, The Walsh County Record)