Not really here. Editor of @AgendaWeek, covering corporate boards, executive pay, ESG, and more. FT employee, views are my own. She/her
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Melissa Anderson
Intergenerational Technology Services offered at Jefferson Public Library
JEFFERSON – Starting in September, the Jefferson Public Library will be offering free one-on-one technology support to adults age 50 and older and adults age 18 and older with disabilities. Intergenerational Technology Services (IGeTS)-Mobile will be offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 5 pm. at the Jefferson Public Library, 321 South Main Street, Jefferson, WI, beginning Sept. 8, 2026.
10 NC restaurants named ‘best of the best’ in the US, TripAdvisor says Original
From up-and-coming concepts to award-winning classics, North Carolina’s food scene is full of delicious dining spots — including a few that have been named among the best in the country. released its annual Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best winners, highlighting the ultimate destinations, hotels, restaurants and things to do around the world. The “Best of the Best” title is awarded to sites with “above-and-beyond reviews and opinions” over a 12-month period.
Expanding Law Firm PR Programs Crucial to Empowering Diverse Voices
Law firms occupy a unique space in societal evolution. Behind every contemporary issue in the news lies a lawyer—and a law firm. The question is: How can lawyers convey their expertise across industries and markets in an impactful, responsible and resonant way that transcends the noise? Public relations.
Couche Couche (Cajun Breakfast Cereal)
This lightly fried, soft and chewy cornmeal cereal is served with cane syrup–sweetened milk and makes a great breakfast or dessert. Tested by Food & Wine Test Kitchen Photo: Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Margaret Dickey / Prop Styling by Jillian Knox A lightly fried cornmeal cereal served with cane syrup–sweetened milk, couche couche is a truly Cajun dish.
Cavalier County Commission approves budget at last meeting
The Cavalier County Commission conducted regular business during their recent meeting. The commissioners also reviewed and approved the final budget. The Commission discussed the roads as well as roadmen and equipment with Cavalier County Road Supervisor Terry Johnston. Over the course of discussion Commissioner Stanley Dick noted that there is concern that the western portion of the county would not be amicable to the moving of a plow truck to Langdon.
Melissa's Musings
Over the course of the debacle of the year known as 2020, the United States government has made attempts to bolster a flagging economy and assist its citizens. Thus far the only assistance has come through the CARES Act earlier this year with all other federal level attempts stalling out due to politics. This has set the stage for President Donald Trump to bring his own ideas onto the playing field. One of President Trump's latest ideas is a dangerous idea. He is considering a payroll tax holiday.
Melissa's Musings
Infrastructure is way more than simply good roads. Good roads are a key element to a solid infrastructure, but it's really so much more than just that. General Dwight "Ike" Eisenhower returned home from WWII with a deep appreciation for the German road system. He saw how it made the German army much more effective and how the roads made everything in the German economy better.
Cavalier County Commission has light agenda
The Cavalier County Commission met to conduct county business on Tuesday, September 1. The meeting focused primarily on the immediate future of the courthouse in terms of both COVID recommendations and staff. The Commission heard department updates from several areas of the courthouse. Anita Beauchamp provided a department update from the clerk of court’s office as did Steph Bata from the tax director’s office.
Melissa's Musings
Home Fall is my favorite time of year. It's also a very sad time as both my parents and maternal grandparents left this world in late autumn. Still, fall feels like home to me. This lead me to musing about what "home" means. Is it a location? Is it a place where all treasures are kept? Is it where you can finally relax? Is home a place you search for, or is it where you are found? References to what "home" is lies scattered throughout literature, film, and song.
Langdon City Commissioners focuses on old business
The Langdon City Commission held their end of August meeting with a full agenda of old business being the focus. The city departments of water and street have been busy awaiting the end of the spraying season before the water tower repair can begin and reviewing frost boil repairs being done by TriState Paving. Langdon City Auditor RoxAnne Hoffarth informed the Commission that Langdon was awarded City of the Year by the North Dakota League of Cities.
Melissa's Musings
How perceptive of you Election years suck. Let's be honest about that. The reason they suck is that suddenly everyone else is wrong, and nobody is right. That's the power of perception. Perception is powerful. Just like magicians in Las Vegas, the slight-of-hand tricks and misdirection are utilized in every method available (in some cases even illegally). What sets you apart becomes the main talking point and the misdeeds of the incumbent becomes the combative stance.
Cavalier County Commission discusses business
The Cavalier County Commission held a short meeting on Tuesday, August 18. The commissioners discussed various topics, but COVID-19 related issues were focused on. The Commission discussed the CARES Act funding that they could expect - $209,500 based on Sheriff’s Department salaries from March through July. The contract with the City of Langdon was also considered because a third of the expenses would be related to that agreement.
Donate via text to DVAC today
The Domestic Violence and Abuse Center (DVAC) needs your help. The services that they provide to those in need depends on the generosity of others. Executive Director Debra Olson has now found a way to make the donation process that much easier during hectic times - donation by text message. “I had been throwing the idea around for about 2 years. I had seen this done with other non-profit organizations and felt it would work in a rural area like ours,” Olson said.
Northern Canola Growers Association advocates push for new fuel source
This year has not been kind to many different industries, but the oil industry has been hit especially hard. Much like the dinosaurs - "it’s made from oil" - may soon be a thing of the past. The Northern Canola Growers Association, (NCGA) along with the U.S. Canola Association (USCA), have put forward renewed efforts to take the use of canola to a whole new level.
Melissa's Musings
Where's the Outlet? I recently had some electrical work done to my house (Thanks to Derak Mostoller Electric!), and one of the things I noticed was I had a lot of outlets. I mean a lot. I counted. For the floorplan we have, there seemed to be an overabundance. Now typically, that's not a bad thing. If there is one thing I hate is not having enough outlets and having to stretch cords all over the place to plug things in - talk about tripping hazards and a headache.
City of Langdon up for reassessment
The Langdon City Commission met on Monday, August 10 with a full agenda. During department updates the Commission was informed by Langdon City Water Department Supervisor Jason Busse that one of the water towers does have a leak and that plans are being made to drain it for repair. The city will pull from that water tower until it has drained enough water to repair the leak and will then divert water from other areas of the city.
Lost art of folk art
The Blacksmith. One of the most important members of a small community for centuries. They turned metal into more than just a thing, they turned it into something that was needed - something that would be used daily - something that many now call folk art. Local Dennis Schill has been a practicing blacksmith for several years now.
Melissa's Musings
Wash those hands I'm the proud parent of a highly intelligent and lively soon to be first grader. Kindergarten was rough for us. The reason being that the social butterfly gene has fully emerged in my daughter making playtime and fun more important than numbers and letters. Flash forward to the spring and she did amazingly well, I think, with her focus getting better and everything improving. Then COVID arrived in the state.
Cavalier County Commission prepares for upcoming budget
The Cavalier County Commission had a lot of business to discuss at their recent meeting held on Tuesday, August 4. Besides their usual review of county roads with Cavalier County Road Supervisor Terry Johnston, the Commission reviewed a proposal from the North Dakota Association of Counties.
CCMH welcomes new ambulance director
Cavalier County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) has focused on how they can best serve the community from the beginning. Recently, they added to their staff a new ambulance director in Chris Sanders, whose focus on community matches CCMH perfectly. “I am originally from Missouri. I am married, and my wife’s name is Melinda, and my son, Levi, is 26. I started on July 6, and I am loving the community and the area along with the support from the hospital staff and administration.
What happens after the positive result from COVID-19?
You have followed the guidelines to protect yourself from COVID-19 infection. Despite your best efforts, you begin to feel a little sick. A summer cold, nothing more. Still, being responsible, you call in to the local clinic and get tested for COVID. Your symptoms begin to subside a little, but a few days later, you get the call with the result. It was positive.
Keeping an eye on the roads
One of the biggest concerns for a highly rural area like Cavalier County is having the roads to connect us to the world at large. With a population under 4,000 people covering just about 966,400 acres with 95 percent being agricultural, having good roads is a must. “I believe that the county roads are very important to the economy of the area, especially the farm economy to transport goods and to get their grain to market,” Cavalier County Road Supervisor Terry Johnston said.
Danny Roy races into the River Cities Speedway Hall of Fame
A lifelong love of racing was kindled in Danny Roy in 1957 when his parents brought him to his first race when he was 4 years old. A short 16 years later, the little boy entered the race track in his own race car to compete. On July 24, 2020, Danny Roy was inducted into the River Cities Speedway Hall of Fame bringing the love of racing to a new height. “It makes you feel kind of special that so many years after I quit racing people still remember you.
Deuce of August celebration set
The Icelandic community of Mountain invites one and all to the Deuce of August celebration happening the first weekend in August. The event has trimmed some of the usual weekend festivities due to COVID-19, but the majority of the festivities, including the parade and Heritage Program, will continue. “We wanted to give a little time and see how this pandemic would develop before we made decisions.
Precautions for COVID more important than ever
Cavalier County had its first confirmed case of COVID-19 just a few short weeks ago, and in that time frame the number has now reached the teens with more expected to be identified in the coming weeks. Cavalier County Public Health District has been diligently informing the public on the steps that can be taken to protect themselves. “The top priority of our office is responding to the public health needs of our community.
State and local school districts prepare for the fall
The Langdon Area School District (LASD) has formed a committee to determine if and how the school will go about the upcoming school year. The diverse group of school administrators, teachers, parents and health officials met via virtual meeting and phone conference on Tuesday, July 14 for the preliminary discussion. Later that day, Gov.
HiWay Laundry is the place to be
HiWay Laundry in Langdon has found new owners and a new lease on life. Doug and Mindi Lill have taken over the business and have been hard at work making it not just a laundromat but a fun place to be. “Doug has always wanted to own a car wash, and the laundromat is something important to the community. With Doug’s electrical background and construction experience, it seemed like a good fit.
Cavalier County Extension continues 4-H program
Summer is the time of fairs and projects for kids involved in 4-H. This year, the experience of 4-H has been completely different as the members participate in online meetings and virtual competitions. Cavalier County Extension Agent Anitha Chirumamilla explains that this year has been a whole new challenge in adaption. “Since the pandemic started, we had challenges on how to conduct the program.
St. Alphonsus welcomes new priest
St Alphonsus Catholic Church of Langdon has welcomed a new priest to the parish. Father Michael Hickin is looking forward to serving the Cavalier County Catholic parishes. “I’m following a much-beloved pastor, which is great but that also comes with its pressures. Fr. Phil spoke so highly of the other area ministers and how well they worked together [and I’m] happy to continue that tradition,” Fr. Hickin said. Fr. Hickin was ordained a Catholic priest in 1997.
Tour de Rendezvous rides out despite COVID
One of the best ways to see the area that is the Rendezvous Region is by bike, which is why four years ago Nathan Smith organized the first Tour de Rendezvous bike ride. This year, the route that Smith has designed will start and end in Walhalla on Saturday, July 11. “We have a 21 and 55 mile route. The ride rotates each year within the Rendezvous Region so we involve different cities. We want this to truly be a tour of the Rendezvous Region,” Smith said.
Frost Fire Summer Theatre will be back “Just 4 You” tube
The Rendezvous Region often has a lot to boast about in terms of summer events. This year has brought every event to a standstill as COVID-19 makes them impossible to hold. One of the biggest attractions of the summer for the area is the Frost Fire Summer Theatre production and, in true theater fashion, the show will go on. Long time directors David and Amy Paukert were tasked with the unique challenge this year to bring the Frost Fire Summer Theatre to the audience that has loved it for 35 years.
Frost Fire Park hosts “Not Prom” for area teenagers
A memory from high school for just about every American is attending prom. This year put a stop to many memory-making events or changed how they were done. For Langdon and Walhalla, both school districts decided to not hold a formal dance for their students leaving that universal memory-making event unaccounted for in these teens' yearbooks.
Brick Mine Pro Hillclimb all set for July 3
So many of favorite summer events have been canceled or postponed this year as a result of COVID-19, but one of the most action-packed events to take place in the area is ready to roll. The Brick Mine Pro Hillclimb sponsored by the Eagle Ridge Motorcycle Club and the Pembina Gorge Dirt Riders is ready to tear to it up beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 3 near the Brick Mine Bridge in beautiful Wahalla.
4J Mosquito Control helps you enjoy the outdoors
There is no noise more annoying during the summer than the sounds of mosquitoes as they attempt to land and grab a quick meal. Green grass and blue skies no longer have to include those pesky mosquitoes as 4J Mosquito Control begins serving the area. “We saw Mike Hartz was looking for someone to cover Cavalier County for spraying, and we thought this looked like fun and would be an excellent opportunity for us to work together as a family.
Cavalier County has first confirmed case of COVID-19- Now what?
Cavalier County has reported it’s first case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual is self isolating and the North Dakota Department of Health is working to identify people who have been in close contact with the affected individual. If you are identified as a close contact, you will be contacted and given further advice about the steps to take.
Cavalier County Courthouse not ready to open yet
The Cavalier County Commission addressed numerous items of business that will change the current set up in the courthouse from just employee to the public. The Commission, along with Cavalier County Public Health District’s Steph Welsh, discussed the next steps in opening the courthouse to the general public. The courthouse departments completed an assessment of what they will do for clients as well as keeping employee welfare in mind.
Bottle Barn gets Corked and Barreled
The only liquor shop in Langdon is now under new ownership as Scott Anderson, owner of the Cork & Barrel chain in Jamestown and Carrington, has added Bottle Barn to the chain. Anderson gained official ownership of Bottle Barn as well as the FM Mall building at the end of April. “I found out about this store before Christmas and ended up buying the store. In this business, the more stores you can get, the better off; you can buy better and your costs get a little better.
Gardening helps children get out to grow
Summer is finally here with the recent heatwave making everything green start to grow. A garden of flowers or food is a great way to not only have an excuse to be outside but also be an activity for life. “Gardening is for everyone, regardless of whether you live in an apartment or on a 100 acre ranch.
Frost Fire Park switches gears for summer
The story of the Rendezvous Region just got a lot more epic as the Frost Fire Park has officially opened its newest feature in their mountain bike park - its lift. The new unique feature now makes it easier than ever to get an up-close view of the beautiful scenery available in the Pembina Gorge. The lift had its first day of operation for the summer on Saturday, June 6. “I think the first day went great. It was a nice soft opening to try things out.
Cavalier County Extension welcomes Henry
The North Dakota State University (NDSU) Cavalier County Extension Service once again has a Family and Community Wellness Agent. Katie Henry of Langdon has been brought on to assist the residents of Cavalier County and meet the needs they present. Henry is originally from Mayville and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education along with minors in Health Education, Food & Nutrition.
Mask Drive in Cavalier County
Cavalier County Emergency Management and Cavalier County Public Health District are tackling the issue of masks. Specifically, the lack of cloth masks for the general public to wear as they go about their day and interactions with others. “The masks allow all of us to move about our daily lives without threat to others. 30-35 percent of COVID-19 cases are without symptoms. With a mask on, you decrease the risk of spreading this or any virus,” Karen Kempert, Cavalier County Emergency Manager, said.
June is Men's Health Month
A man's health is his most prized possession, and during the month of June, the United States puts the focus on improving the health of its male citizens. Cavalier County Memorial Hospital and Cavalier County Health District want to remind residents that now is a great time to bring the focus back on your general health. “With the warmer temperatures outside, we welcome the start of June and Men's Health Month.
Frost boils painful reminder of street conditions
Street projects have been a summer fixture for the residents of Langdon as the Langdon City Commission looks to improve the city roadways. This spring has brought a new headache as frost boils made themselves more apparent and 'a must' issue to be addressed by the commissioners. “Due to the very wet fall and very early winter, moisture made it deep into the streets to freeze. These [boils we are concentrating on] are the most important due to their severity. The original list was twice as long.
Streets in Langdon will soon be paved
As the area leapfrogged through the seasons, seeming to skip spring entirely, when the streets of Langdon left unfinished last fall would be completed was a question everyone wondered. The Langdon City Commission and Moore Engineering’s Andrew Aakre were planning and ready for favorable weather to complete street projects as soon as possible. “Much of the time in our part of the country, we are just at the mercy of when conditions are fit to begin working on construction projects again.
Anna Spivey named ND American Legionnaire of the Year
You know her when you see her. What many may not know is that a common figure in the Langdon community was nominated by Langdon Post #98 to be the North Dakota American Legion Legionnaire of the Year. Anna Spivey was announced as the 2019 recipient of the Legionnaire of the Year Award in the March issue of the ND American Legion News publication. “I knew they had nominated me, but I was surprised I had won.
Lafrenz Seed Solutions now serving area
For Austin Lafrenz, the seed business is family tradition. When the opportunity for re-entering the trade was presented, Lafrenz took it as a chance to, once again, have a part in the agricultural community of Langdon. “I was pretty much raised out at the seed plant when I was growing up. There is just a lot of history up there, and I always loved the business,” Lafrenz explained.
Hein Lawn Care Services ready to take on summer
As the dreams of green lawns and summer fun take hold, the need to maintain those lawns for summer fun takes center field. Businesses and facilities within the City of Langdon that contract their lawn care have found a new provider in Hein Lawn Care Services. Hein Lawn Care has secured work with three of the biggest contracts for the upcoming summer after purchasing equipment from the disbanded CS Lawn Care.
Will state budget woes hit hard locally?
The worst kept secret in the state is the fact that the state budget is highly dependent upon the oil extraction tax to fund it. From special savings like the Legacy Fund to the special projects like the Prairie Dog bill, North Dakota has for the past decade utilized the natural resources found in the Bakken shale to make the state successfully funded and encourage growth.
Now is the time for a better tomorrow
“A man who is good enough to shed his blood for his country, is good enough to be given a fair deal later.” - Theodore Roosevelt That quote is part of the emblem for the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (NDDVA) which was established in 1945.
2020 guidelines for this year's graduates
What should have been the last few weeks of school for the 2019-2020 school year is instead a collection of missed milestones associated with the end of the school year. There will not be a formal prom dance held, and the graduation ceremonies are going to be highly restricted. The local schools - Langdon Area School District (LASD), St. Alphonsus Catholic School (St. A’s), and Munich Public School - all shared how their schools are reconciling the change in end of school year activities.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Melissa
Contact Melissa, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack