News Around Town

We are lucky to be able to reprint this story that was first published in the October 30, 2023 issue of the Cass County Reporter when it featured Casselton Rural Ambulance Service as part of its Salute to Emergency Responders; a special section inserted into the newspaper. To stay on top of all the latest Casselton news, we recommend a subscription to our hometown newspaper.

by Angela Kolden, Editor of the Cass County Reporter 

The Casselton Rural Ambulance District recently purchased a brand new ambulance.

The 2023 E450 Super Duty Ford Chassis was retrofitted into an ambulance in Ohio and received in Casselton less than a month ago.

Ambulance Board member Adrian Kieffer said the $200,000 investment will benefit the community by providing reliability.

Casselton Rural Ambulance District Board Member Adrian Kieffer stands next to the new 2023 E450 Super Duty Ford ambulance rig the district purchased less than a month ago.  (Photo by Angela Kolden)

“We needed to replace the old one. We’ve had four breakdowns with it while on runs. Two with patients on board. Everything worked out OK, but the need for a new ambulance was tremendous.”

Having the new rig will also generate peace of mind for the ambulance district personnel.

“This new addition will reduce stress among personnel because they don’t have to worry about a breakdown,” said Kieffer, who is one of a five member board.

Other board members are Jerry Marx, Lori Grommesh, Mary McIntyre and Jim Jaeger.

In addition to the board, the ambulance district has the support of a management agreement with Ringdahl EMS. This partnership -- which is a combination of paid and volunteer members -- provides 24 hour a day, 7 day a week coverage to over 740 square miles of rural Cass County, extending north to County Road 4, south to Hwy 46, West to Barnes County and east to the Meridian in Mapleton.

A vote last November, approved the formation of a tax district that provides the addition of 6 mills to the ambulance district’s operating budget.

With a board that strives to be financial efficient, Kieffer said it has Jim Jaeger to thank for his diligence in finding the ambulance. It came with a cost savings of about $80,000.

“Plus if we would’ve had to order it, it would have been 2 1/2 years out before we got it.”

Keiffer said the rig is not a diesel, which is something different, but so far personnel has reported a quieter cab that makes communication easier.

The new ambulance is also rigged with a power load cot featuring a battery-powered hydraulic system that raises and lowers the cot at the touch of a button.

“This will probably save us a work comp claim in the future,” Kieffer said, bestowing the benefits of the automated system.

The interior design was also reconfigured to allow improved patient access so that personnel can work on the patient from each side.

Crew safety was also considered in the new design, providing harnesses for the personnel so they are secured while working on patients.

The 2023 ambulance will serve along with the 2012 ambulance as primary transport units with the 2004 used only as back up.

Currently the Casselton Rural Ambulance District operates as a part-time ALS (Advanced Life Support) service that sometimes operates as a BLS (Basic Life Support) service.

The difference between the two designations is that ALS requires a paramedic be on board which allows them to perform on board everything a hospital emergency room can do to stabilize a patient.

Kieffer said there has been a paramedic shortage for ambulance districts because of the need for paramedics in hospitals.

Currently a Casselton Rural Ambulance District EMT is on track to complete Paramedic training. Once that happens, the district will be a 24/7 ALS service.

“We’re thinking about the future and what that looks like,” Kieffer said. “This year we are on track to complete 400 runs. The number of runs has steadily grown by about 35 runs annually since COVID. The town is growing and the Interstate is getting busier.”

Casselton, a small town with a big heart, is tightly knit, the streets are peaceful, and there’s a unique charm that you can only find in a place like this.

Recently, the Casselton Business Association took to Facebook to ask residents a simple yet profound question: “Why did you choose Casselton as your home?” The responses were both heartwarming and enlightening, providing a glimpse into the lives of those who call this town home.

From lifelong residents to newcomers seeking a change of pace, the appeal of Casselton is undeniable. The town’s sense of community, strategic location, and commitment to education and quality of life make it a unique and beloved place to live.

In this blog post, we delve into the many reasons why residents have chosen to plant their roots in Casselton.

Family Ties and Lifelong Residency

For many, Casselton is more than just a town—it’s a legacy. Generations of families have grown up here, creating a lineage that is as much a part of the town as the town is a part of them. Catherine Orvik shares a light-hearted take, stating, “My parents moved there before I was born, so I had no choice but to live with them…” These deep-rooted connections create a sense of belonging that is hard to find elsewhere.

The Allure of Small-Town Living

The allure of small-town living is undeniable in Casselton. Residents like Rebecca Christianson appreciate the close community and the smaller class sizes in schools, stating, “We wanted the kids to be in a good school but smaller class size.” The safety and familiarity that come with knowing your neighbors contribute to the overall sense of community that is so cherished in Casselton.

Proximity to Larger Cities

Casselton’s strategic location close to Fargo offers the perfect balance between rural tranquility and urban convenience. For those who work in the city but crave the peace of a smaller town, Casselton provides the best of both worlds. Wanda Wilcox moved to Casselton to escape the hustle and bustle of West Fargo, finding solace in the small town’s charm while still enjoying proximity to the city.

Educational Considerations

The quality of education in Casselton is a major draw for families. Melinda Schiltz chose Casselton for its school district, preferring the smaller class sizes for her children. This commitment to providing a supportive and personalized learning environment is a testament to the town’s dedication to its younger residents.

Employment Opportunities

Job opportunities have also played a crucial role in attracting residents to Casselton. Ashley Olson shares her story of moving to Casselton when her husband took a position as the Paint Manager at Northern Plains Finishing, highlighting how employment opportunities have helped shape the community.

Personal and Lifestyle Choices

Casselton appeals to a wide variety of personal preferences and lifestyles. From grandparents moving to be closer to their grandkids, to individuals like Stacy Boe who appreciate the community spirit and the supportive school system, Casselton has something for everyone. For those seeking financial advantages, the affordability of housing and lower commuting costs also add to the town’s appeal.

A Touch of Humor and Local Charm

The residents of Casselton certainly have a sense of humor, as showcased by the playful responses to the Facebook post. Thomas Kieffer adds a touch of wry humor with his comment to “Why Casselton” when he said, “Wasn’t me. Sometimes get pretty bitter about it in February,” highlighting the community’s ability to find humor even in the challenging winter months.

 Meanwhile, others proudly express their love for local attractions, with multiple shoutouts to the Casselton Pizza Ranch, capturing the charm that is uniquely Casselton’s. This combination of wit and affection for local landmarks and businesses exemplifies the community’s playful spirit, making Casselton a town that knows how to smile and celebrate its unique personality.

by Sheila Krueger, Casselton Librarian

Casselton Public Library was established around the year 1900 and occupied the building which is now used by Nodak Insurance Company. During its existence the library has been housed in several locations within the city limits.

These locations include:

• the lobby of the Casselton Post Office building
• the building now used by Sturdevant’s Auto Parts
• on the present site of the Casselton Cold Storage
• in a room in the high school
• upstairs in the old city hall
• our present location in the “new” city hall, which was erected in 1955

A history written in 1954 states there were 3,538 books that had been purchased with funds received from the city or donated by organization and individuals. In 2015,our records indicated the library had a collection of 20,639 items.  

The 2022 Public Library Survey Annual Report that the library now has a physical collection of 31,154 items and library users have access to an additional 67,682 electronic items through our library; all within the same square footage that we started with in 1955.

The Mission of the Casselton Public Library is to inspire our community to Read, Learn, Meet and Discover.

Our Vision is to provide direct, dependable individual access to all library resources in the City of Casselton; to serve all ages and abilities without discrimination; and to provide a pleasant and safe atmosphere for patrons and staff alike.

With broad community support, the library contributes to the development of youth literacy needs and enhances life skills, provides opportunities for lifelong learning for people of all ages, and encourages creativity and innovation to strengthen our community.

by Becky Kingsley, who is a volunteer at the Casselton Heritage Center

We often get visitors at the Casselton Heritage Center who are searching for family history information. We have a variety of sources in our archives to help with such queries. We are fortunate to have many county and city histories available, not just from Casselton, but the surrounding areas as well.

In addition, we have a large collection of Casselton graduation pictures which we have indexed so we can find pictures of family members that way as well. We also find ourselves at the Cass County Reporter from time to time looking for information in their archives when we strike out in ours.

Several of Mrs. Potter’s notebooks; the open page contains information on the Wallace Grosvenor, who was the original builder of what is now known as the Woell Mansion.

The Reporter is the source of one of our most unique collections, which we refer to as "Mrs. Potter’s notebooks". The Potter family owned the Reporter for many years, and Clark Potter’s mother Helen had her own way of keeping information at hand for use in preparing the paper. She had a set of black binders alphabetized with pages of handwritten notes about many of the residents of Casselton and the surrounding rural areas. She wrote about townspeople, including birth, death, and marriage dates, as well as other information.

The Potter family donated these notebooks to the Heritage Center several years ago. We often can find information in the notebooks that help our family history visitors fill in gaps. The notebooks have been a great addition to our collection. I am sure Mrs. Potter would be surprised to see us using them so many years after she compiled them.

If you are interested in researching any of our collections mentioned, we are open by chance or appointment. We love visitors and enjoy sharing our archives and our beautiful stone church with people. Contact us through our Facebook page or by calling any of our board members whose contact information is found at www.casselton.com/casselton-heritage-center.

Casselton offers a diverse range of healthcare and wellness services that cater to the needs of its residents. Whether you're a long-time resident or contemplating a move to Casselton, it's reassuring to know the breadth of services available.

Here, we'll delve into the top healthcare and wellness options you can find in Casselton.

Essentia Health-Casselton Clinic

Located conveniently across from the Casselton Post Office, the Essentia Health-Casselton Clinic offers primary care with a personal touch. And as an outpatient department of Essentia Health-Fargo, the Casselton location ensures a broader spectrum of healthcare services is within reach for all residents.

Here's what to expect:

• Community-Centric: Providers at the clinic pride themselves on knowing families by name, showcasing genuine small-town warmth.
• All-Age Care: From babies to adults, comprehensive primary care is available for every family member.
• Special Services: The clinic facilitates DOT physicals for commercial drivers.
• Extended Offerings: Beyond primary care, services extend to Imaging & Radiology and Lab Services.

Hagen Dental

At Hagen Dental, Dr. Jesse Hagen, DDS, and his team are all about giving you the perfect smile. Hagen Dental blends modern tech with a caring touch.

Here's what to expect:

• Top-Quality Care: They're dedicated to providing the best in dental services.
• Feel at Ease: The office is designed to be comfortable and stress-free for both adults and kids.
• Patient feedback matters: They listen to what you have to say.
• Latest Tools: They use advanced tech for precision work. Instead of the typical "drills" you might know, they use electric ones. Why? They're smoother, more accurate, and quieter.

Complete Motion Therapy

Complete Motion Therapy is all about getting you back on your feet.

• Restorative Therapy: After injuries, surgeries, or other health issues, their expert team is there to help you recover swiftly and return to the activities you love.
• Pain Management: They offer top-notch treatments for both short-term and long-lasting pain using proven techniques like joint mobilizations, dry needling, ultrasound, and more.
• Functional Mobility Training: Get a personalized exercise plan tailored to your unique needs. Whether it’s balance training or stability workouts, they have you covered.

Community of Care

Community of Care embodies the spirit of rural Cass County—a wonderful place to live at every age. This shared sentiment resonates through its founders, volunteers, donors, and staff. Their unified goal? Enhancing the lives of older adults in rural Cass County. In short, Community of Care isn't just a name—it's a promise to the seniors of Cass County, ensuring they continue to live with dignity, comfort, and love in the homes they hold dear.

Why is this mission so vital?

• Home Sweet Home: Community of Care is devoted to helping seniors stay in their cherished rural homes for as long as it's safe.
• Diverse Services: They offer a broad range of programs and services, all tailored to elevate the living standards of the elderly in Cass County.
• Strong Support System: The organization thrives thanks to a passionate community of donors, volunteers, and board members, all dedicated to the cause.

Chiropractors

Casselton residents seeking chiropractic care have expert options to choose from: Whether you're in need of pain relief, spinal adjustments, or a holistic approach to health, Casselton's chiropractic trio is here to ensure residents stand tall and live pain-free.

• Casselton Chiropractic Clinic
• Dr. Tim Jorgensen Tim DC
• Core Health: A chiropractic office with a mission to inspire, enhance and celebrate your families lives! They specialize in family chiropractic.

Massage Therapists

When it comes to unwinding and rejuvenating in Casselton, residents and visitors alike are in for a treat. Whether you're seeking deep tissue relief, a serene escape, or just a regular pamper session, Casselton boasts not one, but three top-tier massage therapists, each with their own unique touch.

• Casselton Massage and Wellness: Casselton Massage and Wellness offers a variety of services from relaxation to medical massage, energy work to health coaching, and everything in between. Sessions are tailored to the clients personal needs and health goals.
• Heart & Hands Massage: Specializing in Craniosacral Therapy, they cater to infants, adolescents, and adults. Their approach focuses on achieving wholeness and wellness in body, mind, and spirit.
• Massage Alchemy: Each massage is tailored to the client's unique needs, blending different techniques. This flexibility aims to heal the mind, body, and soul. Sessions can vary based on what's best for the client.

TruCore Fitness

TruCore Fitness prioritizes convenience and simplicity in fitness. Aimed at those eager to achieve peak fitness, they operate 24/7 all year long. Members can monitor their fitness milestones online, anytime and anywhere.

• Open Round the Clock: TruCore Fitness welcomes members anytime, day or night, 365 days a year.
• Digital Tracking: Online tools let members chart their progress, keeping goals in check even outside the gym.
• Varied Class Options: Members can choose from a variety of classes led by qualified instructors.

Imagine walking down a street turned into a vibrant outdoor art gallery. That's exactly what happened in downtown Casselton, thanks to a fun public art initiative that transformed the three blocks of sidewalks on Front Street.

This project aimed to infuse some color, energy, and creativity into the town.  Char Gust says she was driving past the faded hopscotch that was painted on the sidewalk downtown several years ago when she thought “we should repaint that.” Later that night, she had an even bigger idea: "What if we did some sidewalk art in several places downtown?”

With approval from the city's Public Works department, Char enlisted residents to paint a design of their choice onto the aging sidewalks. The only guidelines were to avoid political or promotional content, focusing instead on energizing and interactive themes.

Several local residents created the art, sometime inviting their children to help them do the painting. Each added their personal touch to the sidewalk canvas, which will likely be replaced in the next few years.

This unique initiative has transformed downtown Casselton into a colorful, lively space. Each painted sidewalk showcases the creativity of residents. Here’s a rundown of the artwork pieces from west to east on Front Street.

by Monica Tholkes

by Danielle Owen

Look nearby for the QR code to get access to the online Twister spinner wheel

by Aaron and Adrienne Olson family

by Abigail Nicholson

by Char Gust

by Abigail Nicholson

by Molly Terveen

by Nikki Zimmerman

by Sheila Mayer

by Lois Schneider

Next time you're in Casselton, don't miss the chance to experience the fresh hint of vibrancy on Front Street!

There's something special about the place we call home. Whether you were born and raised in Casselton or have made it your latest hometown, there's no denying the sense of pride that comes with being part of a community. And what better way to showcase your love for Casselton than by wearing a personalized shirt that tells your unique story?

With six different designs to choose from and a variety of styles, colors, and necklines available, the Casselton shirt collection is here to help you display your hometown pride in style.

1. A Design for Everyone: We understand that each person has their own individual style and preferences. That's why our Casselton shirt collection offers six distinct designs. 

2. Customization to Match Your Taste: We believe that personalization is key when it comes to expressing your love for Casselton. That's why our collection allows you to choose from a range of styles, including tees, tanks, hoodies, and sweatshirts. Additionally, you can select your preferred color to match your wardrobe or to match the colors in the design you select. Whether you prefer a classic white tee or a cozy hoodie to keep you warm during chilly evenings, we have you covered.

3. Share Your Unique Casselton Story:  By wearing a Casselton shirt, you can take your hometown pride wherever you go. Whether you're out and about in town, attending community events, or traveling to new places, your shirt will serve as a conversation starter and a symbol of your love for Casselton. It's a way to connect with others who have lived in Casselton.

Because these shirts are all customized to your preferences, they will take about 2-3 weeks to get, so plan ahead. 

The creation of Casselton’s first dog park is nearing reality this week thanks in large part to a $10,000 gift from local business, Midnight Solutions Technologies. Kaylah Stangler, representing the Casselton Canines, accepted the generous gift. Stangler and other volunteers are facilitating the development and fundraising of the first dog park in Casselton in collaboration with the Casselton Park District.  

The newly named Midnight Solutions Dog Park will be located in Tinta Tawa Park in northwest Casselton. City of Casselton Community and Economic Development Director, Melissa Beach, says the Midnight Solutions Dog Park will benefit pets and pet parents alike.  

“Dog parks provide a gathering space for families and their pets to connect and socialize,” says Beach. “They also offer a safe environment for dogs to get off-leash exercise.” 

The proposed Midnight Solutions Dog Park is still in the fundraising stage but is planned to have over 17,000 sq. ft. of play space and feature two separate areas for small and large dogs. Phase two of the park is expected to add play equipment such as ramps, tunnels and jump hoops.  

The plan for Midnight Solutions Dog Park fits into the City of Casselton’s Comprehensive Plan which calls for additional recreation spaces. Aimed at developing new opportunities in the community, this previously underutilized green space will further enhance the opportunities for recreation in the park.  

“This dog park is a great example of what the community can accomplish when we work together,” says Beach. “Thanks to the generosity of our community partners, we are now one step closer to seeing this project happen.” 

The Casselton Canines will continue to fundraise and hope to secure the remainder of the funding for the park in May and June with construction to begin soon thereafter. 

Midnight Solutions Technologies donated $10,000 to name the first dog park in Casselton. The Midnight Solutions Dog Park will be developed once the remaining funds are secured this spring. Pictured are Kaylah Stangler, Chairperson of Casselton Canines volunteer group who is facilitating the development and fundraising of the project. Doug Howard, owner of Midnight Solutions Technologies and his colleagues Sandy McCune and Helen Loebrick.  

About Midnight Solutions Technologies 

Midnight Solutions Technologies was established in 2004, by Douglas Howard, to provide computer services, wireless internet and data-related services to the City of Casselton and surrounding communities. Current internet equipment includes four internet towers, numerous repeating towers, providing internet service to customers in the following cities and outlying rural communities: Casselton, Mapleton, Amenia, Harwood, West Fargo, Fargo, Moorhead, Horace, Durbin, Davenport, Chaffee and Wheatland.  

Jaden Johnson, a senior at Central Cass High School in Casselton, has been awarded the $1000 CBA Scholarship for 2023. This scholarship is given in recognition of the outstanding contributions made by young people to their home, school, community and country.

Jaden has an impressive list of achievements and involvement in sports and extracurricular activities. The son of Kirk and Sara (Piper) Johnson, Jaden has been accepted into Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ to pursue a degree in business management, and his goal is to own his own business one day.

Throughout high school, Jaden has been actively involved in various sports, clubs, and activities. He has played three different sports, with wrestling being his main sport. Jaden served as team captain and achieved three state individual appearances and two state dual appearances. He also played on both the football and golf team.

“I could not participate on the (football) field my senior year,” said Jaden in his scholarship application. “Although this did not stop me from helping the team. After my injury, I would record games for film, and live broadcast away games for fans that could not make it.”

In addition to his involvement in sports, Jaden has also been involved in Jazz Band, DECA, Academic Olympics, Science Olympiad, National Honors society, and as an energetic sports fan.

Jaden has also worked for two different businesses in Casselton. He worked at Morlock Honey Farms and Mid-Night Solutions Technologies, and has gained valuable experience from both.

“Jaden was an asset to our Mid-Night Solutions Technologies team while he worked for us last summer,” said the team at Mid-Night Solutions. “He is kind, polite, worked well with others. We wish him success at College.”

In his community, Jaden has been involved in his church, sandbagging, officiating little kid wrestling tournaments, helping the food pantry, and performing at the Variety Show.

Jaden Johnson, CBA scholarships recipient in 2023, received the award from CBA President Philip Loy. 

The Casselton Business Association (CBA) Scholarship is given in recognition of the outstanding contributions made by young people to their home, school, community and country.

The members of the CBA sponsor this $1000 scholarship for...

• graduating senior of the Central Cass School District
• planning to pursue a degree at an accredited College or University which can include 2-year Technical colleges or Registered Apprenticeship/Trade programs.

THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS APRIL 30th, 2023 at 11:59pm Casselton local time.  If you have any questions please contact by email to welcome@gocasselton.com.

Submit completed typed responses on Microsoft Word document via email to welcome@gocasselton.com

CLICK HERE FOR THE APPLICATION FORM!