Linton, ND

The Emmons County Interagency, as part of the Region VII Safe and Drug Free Communities held a community program on underage drinking on April 29th at the Linton Community Center . A survey taken at last year’s community program indicated a need and desire to continue these programs in our community.

Shannon Nieuwsma reviewed the following comments from last year’s survey: parents feel that the leading cause of underage drinking is that parents and our community are too accepting of drinking. When questioned about what can be done, the responses from the survey thought that there should be more law enforcement, a change the attitude of parents and youth in our community in regard to drinking and more activities for youth that don‘t involve drinking.

Becca Gerhardt, Coordinator of Region VII Safe and Drug Free Communities, presented information on adolescents and alcohol use. Alcohol kills more adolescents than all other drugs combined. North Dakota was number one in the states for alcohol use in the past month among people who are ages 12-17.

Recent scientific research indicates that alcohol takes a greater toll on brain development for those under age 21 because of the huge changes taking place in the adolescent brain. The damage to the brain includes impacting memory and learning capabilities and some of this damage is irreversible. Other concerns with underage drinking include a negative impact on decision making capabilities, impulse control and the lowering of inhibitions which increase risk taking behavior in adolescents such.

Gary Sanders, Emmons County Sheriff indicated that he was surprised by the amount of underage drinking when he moved to the area in 1994. The trend since he has been here has been to move some of the larger out door parties to occupied farmsteads or homes to avoid law enforcement. Gary related there were 65 alcohol related arrests in Emmons County in 2007. Forty-one of those were minor in possession or minor in consumption.

Gary also cautioned parents that adults who contribute or host parties-even allowing kids to party on their property -can be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a Class A misdemeanor. Above the legal implications, parents take on a huge liability issue.

Becca indicated that there needs to be more education and a change of attitude of underage drinking in our communities. Many parents feel that allowing their kids to drink underage curbs their desire to binge drink in college. This is not backed up by evidence. Of concern however is that the younger a person begins to drink, the higher the chance they have of becoming alcohol dependent, four times higher than for adults who didn‘t drink until they were age 21.

Terry Elhard spoke of underage drinking being an issue in McIntosh County also. He said that most crimes are committed when people are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Interagency also helped sponsor Danae’s Song, a school lyceum attended by all three schools in the county. This program is a mother’s story about her daughter’s death in a drunk driving collision and the impact this had on the family and the community. The Bank of Hazelton, BNC National Bank, Strasburg State Bank, KEM Electric, and Security State Bank helped sponsor the school lyceum.

Thanks to all the sponsors, speakers and parents who supported this important message

A small group of Linton Residents met to discuss the beautification process of the city of Linton and also the two parks within the community.  Many ideas have been tossed around in an effort to get the ball rolling on this project.  A future meeting will be held with collaborators to secure designs for the community and the hope is that a theme will evolve for the community to follow.  This is a high priority to the residents of Linton and its exciting to see new developments with this project.  Stay tuned for further progress on this exciting venture!

The Linton Senior Center Members have been on the move raising funds for their new building project.  In the short time they have been fund raising, they have managed to secure over $25,000.00 to put towards the project.  This does not take into consideration the time, effort, and supplies that have been donated to the project.  A meeting has been planned to include the youth of the community in the decision making to come up with new and innovative ideas for the center.  A tour has also been planned to a neighboring community for ideas and advice on how to run the center.  Other developments on the project are in the works, so stay posted for future updates!  If you would like to help out with this project, feel free to contact the Emmons County Extension Service for more information.

The club is selling Valley City Pizzas. The goal is to raise money to help with 4-H Camp registration fees for club members. Several camps are being held at Western 4-H Camp in Washburn this 2008 season. The camps are open to All youth. Camps being held are Livestock Camp, Tractor Safety Camp, Survivor Outdoor Recreation Camp-The Ultimate Challenge, Kids in Action Camp,  World of Wonder Camp, Barrel and Pole Horse Camp, Military Youth Camp-Pravo Platoon, Military Youth Camp-Alpha Platoon, Trail Riding Horse Camp, Lights, Camera, Action! Camp, Clover Camp and Beginning Outdoor Skills Camp. Cost of camp ranges from $100- $175. Scholarships are available to Emmons County 4-Hers. Scholarships are available to everyone if you register two weeks prior to the start date of the camp you plan to attend. Answers to questions and information on registration can be gotten by calling the Emmons County Extension Office at 254-4811 or by visiting Western Camp website.

Linton Lion President Virgil Hulm presents Linton Park-board member Ken Schneider with a $2,000 check as part of the club’s pledge toward the swimming pool improvement fund. The Lions run a variety of projects raising money for many causes in the community. Last year the pool was redone, and the new water slide will be open this spring.

Grandma’s Kuchen of Westfield, ND was featured on the 12/12/2007 airing of New Morning with Kimberly Whitfield (Hallmark Channel). This video is the segment of the show about Grandma’s Kuchen and Westfield.

Update on 03/08/2008: One of the men in the video, Jerry Van Beek, passed away just recently. His wife, Marilyn, has now moved away. With that, Westfield lost a big chunk of its population and has only two or three permanent residents left. I was going to describe Jerry as the one with the cowboy hat, dark glasses, and deep voice - but it’s easier to say he is the only man speaking throughout the video segment.

The 2008 Livestock Judging Season is underway!  Judgers have already competed in two contests, with one to go and then it’s on to State!  The youth have been doing well.  Highlights include a 1^st place individual finish in the junior division and a 4^th place individual finish in the senior division at the Little International held in Fargo.  Judging teaches youth life skills that they will use forever!  Communication, Memorization, Organization, and Visual Evaluation are all skills being sharpened by the judgers.  If you or your children have an interest for livestock agriculture, get them involved by contacting your local Extension Office or FFA advisor!  Judging kids typically go on to be leaders in the industry and take active roles in their communities because of the skills they have learned as youngsters.  Be a part of forming our future community leaders and enroll them in the judging program today!

Nodak Homes provides low-income and elderly housing in 4 units in Linton. The grant will be used to update the shingles, siding and windows on the three 4-unit buildings.

The Emmons County Commissioners have approved the installation of an elevator and upgrade of the main floor restrooms. This will shape the courthouse to comply with American’s Disability Act (ADA) requirements for public buildings.

Construction will begin within the next one to two months.

The Coyote Country 4-H club is keeping busy. Projects recently completed are: made Christmas ornaments and delivered them to the assisted living apartments; helped the Lions Club buy and wrap Christmas gifts for the needy children in the community; collected pop tops for the Ronald McDonald House; made Easter baskets for the folks in the assisted living apartments; helped raise food donations for the Linton Food Pantry and collected recycled eye glasses for the Lions International Drive for countries that cannot afford glasses.