GRAND FORKS — The Grand Forks throwing program for track and field has a long history of success.

In a reflection of that success, one of Grand Forks’ veteran throwing coaches will be honored next weekend.

Lee Baker will be inducted into the North Dakota Track and Field Hall of Fame in a presentation in conjunction with the state’s high school meet in Bismarck.

“Lee has a good rapport with this athletes,” said Tim Tandeski, who’s also a long-time throws coach in Grand Forks. “(Baker) works well with all levels of kids.”

Baker has coached 25 North Dakota Class A state champions in the shot put and the discus over his coaching career, and has coached 100 state place-winners in the same events.

Baker coached Bryan Bjerk, the current Class A boys state track discus record holder, overall state meet record holder and owner of the longest boys discus throw ever in the state of North Dakota.

Bjerk threw 192 feet, 8 inches at the 2012 state track meet and 198-1 at the East Region meet in 2012.

Baker also coached Shelby Frank, who was a four-time state champion in the discus and would have been an overwhelming favorite to win her fifth if it hadn’t been for COVID during the 2020 season.

Frank is now one of the top throwers in NCAA Division I with the University of Minnesota.

Baker has coached four girls who rank in the Top 10 for farthest throws of all time in the state in girls shot put and two boys in the Top 10 for farthest throws in the shot put.

Baker, who has coached since 1991, will be inducted May 24.

Former Langdon athlete Julie Dinius will also be inducted. Dinius collected 15 individual region championships and eight state titles.

Greg Kuch from Beulah and Fargo South’s McKenzie Mehlisch will also be inducted. Three athletes from pre-1980 were also voted in to the Hall of Fame by the committee: Cavalier’s Gordon Fisher (1915), Hebron’s Roger Reinbold (1961) and Bismarck’s Randy Lussenden (1968).

Choice Bank, partnering with The Member Impact Fund, has donated more than $600,000 to support affordable housing and community development in North Dakota and that includes a donation to a Grand Forks wrestling club.

The club received a donation of $16,000 that will provide scholarships to those who can’t afford tournament fees, club practice fees or travel expenses.

“At Choice Bank, we make it a priority to invest in the communities we serve by supporting local families and businesses,” said Chris Johnson, Choice Bank Grand Forks Location President. “With this $16,000 donation to the Grand Forks Gladiators Wrestling Club, we are investing in the youth, particularly those who might not otherwise have the opportunity, by providing them with the chance to develop their wrestling skills.

“The donation will fund scholarships that cover various costs associated with the sport, ensuring that financial constraints do not impede the participation of aspiring young athletes.”

East Grand Forks’ Jake Hjelle had to cancel a fishing trip last week. The former Minnesota Crookston standout received his call to start a professional baseball career.

Hjelle has signed with the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks.

“This year, (the UMC) season got finished, and I was sitting around a few days,” Hjelle said. “I was planning to go on a fishing trip and then (UMC coach Steve) Gust called me and said it sounds like (Redhawks coach Chris) Coste wants to sign you. That was a no-brainer in my eyes.”

HJelle said Coste has told him to take practice repititions at first base and outfield.

“As I was growing up, the biggest goal was to get paid to play this game,” Hjelle said. “I want to keep getting better and moving up. I want to take my opportunity and run with it and see how far it takes me.”

The 23-year-old Hjelle graduated the first week of May from UMC with a degree in natural resources.

Grand Forks Central product and University of Minnesota track and field athlete Jak Urlacher won the Big Ten Championship in the pole vault last weekend, clearing a personal-best 18 feet, 1 inch.

Urlacher’s mark tied the fourth-best in Gophers program history.

Urlacher’s mark is also the No. 6-ranked performance in the NCAA Division I West Region.

As a high school senior, Urlacher broke the North Dakota state record in the pole vault at 15-7.5 in 2021.

The college junior was fifth at the Big Ten Championships as a sophomore in 2023.

Former Grand Forks Central athlete Joey Grabanski, now at Concordia (Neb.), became the NAIA’s all-time home runs leader earlier this spring.

Now, he’s also the NAIA’s all-time RBI leader. Grabanski passed this mark during the NAIA National Tournament, where his team was eliminated earlier this week to halt a 42-win season.

Grabanski finishes his Concordia career with 88 home runs, 300 RBIs and program records in career batting average (.382), total bases (626) and walks (129).

Grabanski’s 88 home runs are tied for the third-most in college baseball history across all divisions: Division I, Division II, Division III and NAIA.

After recording two All-Summit League performances at the 2024 Summit League Outdoor Championships, UND distance runner Luke Labatte was named the Men’s Most Outstanding Performer of the Championship, the conference offices announced Wednesday.

Labatte took the track in the 3,000-meter steeplechase on Friday night and claimed the title in a time of 8:50.89. His race was not close, with him winning by over 8 seconds.

With the win, Labatte successfully defended his titles from the 2022 and 2023 Summit League Outdoor Championships and became the first steeplechase runner to become a three-time steeplechase champion at the meet since Jeff Mettler of South Dakota did it from 2012-14.

On Saturday, Labatte had his second All-Summit League performance of the meet and earned the bronze medal in the 5,000 meters in 14:29.10.

UND had 11 athletes named to the All-Summit League Team, which is accomplished by finishing in the top three in respective events at the Summit League Outdoor Championships.

Those athletes include Yonca Kutluk (1,500, 5,000 and 10,000), Labatte (3,000 steeplechase, 5,000), Kenna Curry (shot put, hammer throw), Tiffanie Magnusson (heptathlon, long jump), Jadyn Keeler (3,000 steeplechase), Frida Giersdorff (3,000 steeplechase), Justice Dick (800), Jesse Middendorf (800), Malene Kollberg (heptathlon), James Weninger (high jump) and Justina Esangbedo (triple jump).

Devils Lake’s Ashley Abrahamson was one of 25 players named to the All-USA Today HSSA Girls Hockey Team on May 9.

Abrahamson led the state of North Dakota with 69 points, while nobody else reached 50. The second-highest mark was another Firebird, Siri Olson, with 49.

Abrahamson scored 52 goals, while nobody else had more than 27 goals.

FARGO — Hilery Klein started with finding kids a place to call home, but it was always someone’s else’s home.

“Most of them had gotten adopted by those family members,” Klein said.

Then she finally got the chance to give her home to one of them.

“With my oldest son, it actually went pretty smoothly. We didn’t have very many hiccups with the whole process itself,” she said.

But there were many steps she had to take before she could adopt the now four-year-old.

“With the first adoption there was several home visits. It took several months to get through all of the home visits and all of the paperwork,” Klein said. “There’s tests that you have to take, you take it yourself, and then a significant other person in your life takes it.”

After that the adoption process could begin. But now under the redesigned process for North Dakota the adoption — not the foster process — starts first.

According to Adults Adopting Special Kids Assistant Director Morgan Nerat, the new rules have made the paperwork quicker.

“So we get more involved and get that paperwork rolling and get the family’s home assessments done and the approvals with the state. So then once termination of parental rights occurs, we can really dive in and get things going, and then finalize the adoption sooner,” Nerat said.

That made adopting Klein’s 3-year-old son go a lot faster with not as many home visits.

“Being that I knew what to expect, it was a lot less stressful, less kind of anxiety of the unknown of where it’s going, and how things are going to progress and how quickly,” Nerat said.

She has no biological kids of her own, so she says adopting two kids has completely changed her life.

“It’s been a blessing to be able to just kind of move forward and start taking steps to just kind of get on with our family,” Klein said.

“We’re making those steps to meet those goals. So children are in permanent, safe, loving, forever families,” Nerat said.

As Klein makes the boys feel at home. The caseworker gives each child a life story book to celebrate their adoption.

Since the streamlined process began on February 1, more than 60 children have found a home.

You can find More information about adoption in North Dakota here.

My name is Anne Sara, better known as Sara.
I was born an only child in Port-au-prince, Haiti and moved to the U.S at the age of 2.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is where I was raised.
After graduating with my bachelor degree at Albright College, I moved to Florida to continue my studies.
WDAY is the reason why I moved to North Dakota.

As one of thirteen states sharing a border with Canada, North Dakota gets its name from the American Souix name for “ally ” or “friend.” The “Peace Garden State” might be best known for its colder climate and wide-open landscapes, but in recent times, it has emerged as a surprising haven for retirees seeking a place to spend their golden years. For senior adults looking for close-knit communities, affordable living costs, and a rich historical heritage with numerous outdoor activities to explore, North Dakota delivers. The following eight communities are hidden gems perfect for retirees looking to find a tranquil and peaceful lifestyle far from the rigors and congestion of daily urban life.

Jamestown

Jamestown sits in Stutsman County in the south-central part of the state, with a population of over 15,000 residents. The town was formed in the 1870s and has a rich heritage as a railroad stop, supplying local ranchers with a place for commerce and community to help support their homesteads. The town boasts the North American Bison Discovery Center (formerly the National Buffalo Museum). This fantastic museum is dedicated to restoring the Buffalo through educational and preservation initiatives. The grandkids will love exploring the Frontier Village, with its original pioneer buildings filled with antiques and artifacts. In addition, the world’s largest buffalo sculpture makes for a memorable photo opp. History lovers will enjoy exploring the Stutsman County Memorial Museum, a free historical venue with several floors of interesting displays and stories about local culture.

The median home price is $229,000, and with very reasonable fuel and food costs, seniors will not have to worry about making ends meet. Residents enjoy a cost of living that is about 11% less than the national average and is about average compared to other areas of the state. Healthcare is supplied by Jamestown Regional Medical Center, a 25-bed critical care facility serving a nine-county area. When you visit, be sure to eat at the Buffalo Grill, an excellent dining establishment committed to offering affordable meals to locals and visitors alike. If you can stay during the summer, don’t miss the Buffalo Jam, North Dakota’s premier music festival.

Devil’s Lake

Devils Lake is aptly named for the large mineral-rich lake it borders in the northeastern part of the state. The region has plenty of stunning natural beauty and boasts an extensive list of outdoor activities to enjoy. Retirees can enjoy fishing, boating, and birdwatching around the lake, and Graham’s Island State Park has extra-large camping spots that are perfect for RVs. This community of just over 7,100 residents is close-knit, with very little traffic and a priceless small-town charm.

History enthusiasts will love exploring the Lake Region Heritage Center, housed in the 1910 old Post Office/Federal building. The downtown area features many local businesses, shops, and boutiques. If you visit, the best place for a meal is Old Main Street Cafe, with its eclectic array of old photos, weird collectibles, and delicious meals.

The average home price in Devil’s Lake is a reasonable $240,000, and the living cost is 17% less than the national average. Alexius Health, a 25-bed facility that can handle most medical situations, offers medical care. With nearly 22% of the town’s residents aged 65 and over, it is easy to see why this tranquil place might be the perfect retirement destination.

Minot

Minot is a city in Ward County in the north-central part of the state. With 47,000 residents, it is one of the largest cities in North Dakota and is known primarily for the Air Force Base, which sits fifteen miles north of town. The town began as a railroad hub supplying settlers who ventured across the northern Plains in search of their fortunes. Today, the community is home to Minot State University, serving about 2,500 students every academic year.

Retirees can explore the Scandinavian Heritage Park with its many artifacts and buildings or enjoy strolls along the Souris Valley Trail. The downtown area has many historic buildings and shops that lend to its small-town charm. The Roosevelt Park Zoo, with over 65 species of animals, is a nice way to spend a day with the grandkids when they visit. After visiting the menagerie, try the Starving Rooster downtown for great pizza or homemade sandwiches.

Owning a home in Minot will cost about $289,900, and living costs are just under the national average. One of the best things going for Minot is Trinity Health Regional Healthcare, which just opened a 167-bed medical campus in 2023.

Valley City

Valley City is known as the City of Bridges due to the eight historical bridges surrounding it. This historic town charms retirees with its picturesque landscapes and historic downtown. Residents will enjoy the Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway, which offers scenic drives, while Medicine Wheel Park provides a serene setting for relaxation overlooking the town. If you like hiking, the North Country National Scenic Hiking Trail is a must-see. The 4,800-mile trail stretches across eight states, offering several memorable once-in-a-lifetime excursions.

The median value for a home in Valley City is $292,000, with a living cost 14% less than the national average. Healthcare is provided by CHI Mercy Health, which operates a 25-bed hospital, with more specialized care offered in Fargo, which is about an hour away. When you visit, be sure to eat at the Bridges Bar and Grill, which has an excellent beer selection and tasty burgers.

Williston

Known for its robust economy fueled by the oil industry, Williston thrives in the northwest corner of the state, offering retirees a unique blend of urban amenities and small-town charm. This community has numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, from fishing on Lake Sakakawea to exploring the Maah Daah Hey Trail. History buffs will love exploring the Fort Union Trading Post, which operated as an important site for the fur trade between 1828 and 1867.

The downtown area has many boutiques, antique stores, and delicious dining establishments to choose from. Every Mother’s Day weekend, the town celebrates band day, where marching bands show their skills in a large parade and competition. The Williston Basin Air Show is one of the town’s premier events, happening every August.

The average price for a home is a stout $429,000, with home prices being driven up by the oil revenues brought into the community. (The town’s population nearly doubled during 2010 – 2020). Still, the living costs are about 6% less than the national average. Medical care is supplied by the Williston Medical Center and CHI-St. Alexius Healthcare.

Wahpeton

Wahpeton is a hidden gem for retirees seeking a serene and fulfilling lifestyle. Nestled along the Red River’s scenic banks in the state’s southeast corner, this charming town offers good schools, safe streets, and a caring community. Retirees can immerse themselves in the town’s rich history at the Chahinkapa Zoo and explore the fascinating exhibits at the Red Door Art Gallery. For nature enthusiasts, the nearby Chahinkapa Park provides picturesque walking trails and tranquil picnic spots. The town also boasts the Wahpeton Wahper, the world’s largest catfish. This unique work of art is a great photo op.

The median price for a home in Wahpeton is $296,000, with a living cost factor 22% less than the national average. In addition, healthcare options include the St Francis Medical Center, a critical care facility that can handle almost any medical situation. With its blend of local attractions, affordable housing, and access to quality medical care, Wahpeton, North Dakota, stands out as a prime destination for retirees seeking a fulfilling and comfortable retirement lifestyle.

Watford City

Watford City is located in McKenzie County on the western edge of North Dakota. It owes much of its recent development to the state’s oil boom, which has brought significant growth to the town over the last couple of decades. Watford City has seen a remarkable transformation in recent years, but with a solid infrastructure, a warm community spirit, and abundant recreational activities, this small town of 6,000 residents strives to be a great place to live.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing. The park is home to bison and wild horses, so keep your eyes peeled as you explore the park’s many hiking trails. It’s not uncommon to spot these majestic animals during your visit. The best place for a steak is Outlaws Bar and Grill, located on South Main.

The median home price is $375,000, and the living cost is slightly higher than the national average. With excellent access to medical care through McKenzie Healthcare System. Nearly 7.4% of the resident population is over 65, but more retirees are flocking to the area every year.

Mandan

Mandan is a small town sitting on the western side of the Upper Missouri River across from Bismarck. The community has a population of just under 25,000 residents and has a rich Native American heritage. History buffs will enjoy the Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, where visitors can explore reconstructed military buildings and the iconic On-A-Slant Indian Village. Additionally, Mandan boasts an array of outdoor recreational opportunities, from fishing and boating on the river to hiking and camping in the nearby hills. With its picturesque landscapes and vibrant community spirit, Mandan provides residents with a tranquil retreat amidst the rugged beauty of the North Dakota plains.

With its close access to Bismark, there are ample healthcare options, including the Vibra Hospital of the Central Dakotas, a 41-bed critical care facility. The median home price is $370,000, with a living cost of 11% less than the national average. The downtown area has plenty of quaint shops and boutiques to venture through. If you need a place to eat, try Friends Family Restaurant, a local eatery serving home-cooked food and drinks.

In conclusion, North Dakota’s small towns offer retirees a tranquil haven to embrace a slower pace of life, connect with nature, and foster meaningful community ties. Whether you’re drawn to outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or simply seeking a close-knit community, these eight towns provide the perfect backdrop for a fulfilling retirement lifestyle.