Freelance writer. San Diego native. Former Spin Cycle columnist for former alt-weekly San Diego CityBeat. Opinions are mine, so neener...
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Articles by John R. Lamb
Advice for overwintering your plants
Many of your plants had a great run this season and their time appears to be up. But what if you could keep the magic going all winter long? In this episode, Don and John go over the basics of overwintering plants like geranium and hibiscus, including the space you'll need and some guidelines for care. Plus, Don's dad joke returns! Don Kinzler, a lifelong gardener, is the horticulturist with North Dakota State University Extension for Cass County. Readers can reach him at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu .
Harvesting your fall veggies
All the hard work and worry you put into your vegetable garden comes to fruition in fall. In this episode, Don and John go over the basics of harvesting and storing your fall veggies. Plus, they go over some of the science behind fall colors. Don Kinzler, a lifelong gardener, is the horticulturist with North Dakota State University Extension for Cass County. Readers can reach him at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu .
What to do with your drought-stricken lawn
Take a walk down any street in our region and it's as plain as day: this dry summer was rough on our lawns. But where do we go from here? In this episode, Don and John go over the steps you can take to bring your lawn back, starting with a little TLC this fall. Don Kinzler, a lifelong gardener, is the horticulturist with North Dakota State University Extension for Cass County. Readers can reach him at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu .
Tom Brosseau, Prairie Public to end 'Great American Folk Show'
GRAND FORKS, N.D. — After six years, around 1,000 guests and countless miles criss-crossing North Dakota, Tom Brosseau is wrapping up his public radio program, “Great American Folk Show.” The final show will air on Prairie Public Radio at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29. It will be the 182nd episode of the program. The Grand Forks-based singer/songwriter paired interviews and recordings of North Dakota artists and personalities with nationally known friends, including John C.
How to help your garden handle the heat
The heat of the summer can be a mixed blessing, depending on your garden. What are the best ways to approach it? In this episode, Don and John discuss our current stretch of hot weather and give you the best advice for keeping your garden happy. Plus, what to do if your trees are damaged by woodpeckers. Don Kinzler, a lifelong gardener, is the horticulturist with North Dakota State University Extension for Cass County. Readers can reach him at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu .
Phyllis Torgrimson
Jan. 22, 1941 - Jul. 02, 2026 FERGUS FALLS, Minn. - Phyllis Torgrimson, 85, Fergus Falls, Minn. died Thursday, Jul. 2. There will be a celebration of life at 11:00 AM, Friday, July 10th, 2026, at PioneerCare, Fergus Falls, MN. Visitation will be Friday starting at 10:00 AM until time of service. Arrangements by Glende-Nilson Funeral Homes.
Larry W. DeGrote
Dec. 26, 1949 - Jun. 16, 2026 HUTCHINSON, Minn. - Larry W. DeGrote, 76, Hutchinson, Minn. died Tuesday, Jun. 16, in Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. Memorial Service will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with interment in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Redwood Falls, Minnesota.
Clifford Olson
Jun. 12, 1948 - Jun. 08, 2026 GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Clifford Olson, 77, Thief River Falls, Minn. died Monday, Jun. 8. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Stephanie White officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Arrangements by Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN.
Cleone Ann Boettcher Original
Cleone Ann Boettcher, 89, of Duluth, passed June 3rd 2026. She was the daughter of Perry and Irene Shaw Butler. She was proceeded by her parents and two infant brothers. She was also proceeded by her husband, Larry Boettcher in 2010 and son, Chris in 2019. She is survived by son, Tim [Paulanne] Boettcher; daughters, Lisa [Rick] Lovold and Tina [Duane] Brown.
Allan W. Smith
Jan. 10, 1947 - Jun. 14, 2026 MAYVILLE, N.D. - Allan W. Smith, 79, Grand Forks, N.D. died Sunday, Jun. 14, in Luther Memorial Home. Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m. Monday, June 22, 2026, in the Norman Funeral Home Chapel. Family Greeting: One hour prior to the service in the funeral home on Monday. Interment: Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND. Arrangements by Norman Funeral Home, Grand Forks, ND.
Randy Benson
Randy William Benson passed away unexpectedly on June 7, 2026, at the age of 47. Randy was born on February 24, 1979, in Alexandria, Minnesota. He grew up in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, and graduated from East Grand Forks Senior High School, where he participated in football, hockey, and wrestling. Following high school, Randy attended college in Staples, Minnesota, studying drafting.
Louise Solseng
Nov. 12, 1937 - Jun. 10, 2026 THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. - Louise Solseng, 88, Thief River Falls, Minn. died Wednesday, Jun. 10, in Oakland Park Communities surrounded by her loving family. Visitation will begin at 3:00 PM with the service to celebrate Louise’s life at 4:00 PM on Monday, June 22, 2026, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Barb Price and Cindy Ellingson officiating. A time for lunch and fellowship will follow the service.
Concert promoter Jade Presents closes, cancels several ND events
FARGO — The shows will not go on. That’s the message from Fargo-based promoter Jade Presents, which announced in a social media post Thursday morning, May 28, that it was closing its doors. The news comes days before the company was set to kick off the outdoor concert season at Bluestem Amphitheater in Moorhead with Sip & Sail, featuring a Jimmy Buffet tribute act.
Concert promoter Jade Presents closes, cancels several ND events
FARGO — The shows will not go on. That’s the message from Fargo-based promoter Jade Presents, which announced in a social media post Thursday morning, May 28, that it was closing its doors. The news comes days before the company was set to kick off the outdoor concert season at Bluestem Amphitheater in Moorhead with Sip & Sail, featuring a Jimmy Buffet tribute act.
How to adapt your garden to this cool, late spring
Rather than actually springing, this spring has been more of a "now you see it, now you don't" situation, and that's given gardeners in our region a twinge of anxiety. In this episode, Don and John go over some ways to help get your growing season off to a great start, even if the weather didn't get the memo.
The 2026 Growing Together Yard and Garden Draft
The NFL recently held its 2026 draft, and while it was certainly entertaining, we thought there was a way to make it better: make it about gardening! In this episode, Don and John use the draft format to choose their dream lineup of trees, shrubs and plants that would make a winning combination in their yards. Along the way, maybe you'll get some ideas of your own and find new aspects to consider about the choices you make.
Some garden tasks you can do in early spring...and some you shouldn't be doing
We've had a couple stretches of warm weather in the upper Midwest, and if you're like us, you're probably itching to get out into the yard and garden. In this episode, Don and John talk about some early spring tasks you can do to set yourself up for planting, like getting out to the garden centers to take advantage of sales. They also discuss a few things you probably shouldn't do this early.
Don't get pranked in the garden this April Fools Day
It's that time of year, between the Spring of Deception and Third Winter, when you just simply can't trust nature. In this episode, Don and John look use the upcoming April Fool's Day as inspiration for a look at all the tomfoolery happening in and around your garden, like old wive's tales, deceptive plants, and a prank or two you can play on your favorite gardener.
Grow your best onions this season
Did you know the average American eats 20 pounds of onions a year? In this episode, Don and John give you the lowdown on a true culinary staple that would be a welcome addition to any vegetable garden, from the best varieties for our region to the planting and harvesting techniques that set you up for mouthwatering success.
Barbara A. Langer
Jan. 02, 1939 - Jan. 05, 2026 GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Barbara A. Langer, 87, Grand Forks, N.D. died Monday, Jan. 5, in Altru Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial: 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2026, in St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks, ND. Visitation: One hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Monday. Burial: In the spring of 2026, in Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND. Arrangements by Norman Funeral Home, Grand Forks, ND.
Louis W. "Billy" Zola
Louis W. “Billy” Zola, age 89 of rural Oslo, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at his home near Oslo. Louis W. Zola was born January 10, 1936 in Oslo, MN the son of the late William and Palagia (Paschke) Zola. He attended rural school at District 19 in Walsh County and graduated from Oslo High school in 1953. He was drafted into the United States Army and served from 1959-1961. He was in Missouri, New Jersey and Washington State.
Delma J. Hartz
Dec. 24, 1933 - Jan. 04, 2026 CAVALIER, N.D. - Delma J. Hartz, 92, Cavalier, N.D. died Sunday, Jan. 4, in Wedgewood Manor. Funeral service will be held Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Methodist Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held for one hour before the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Cavalier Ambulance Service. Arrangements by Askew Funeral Home.
Evelyn Slominski
Jul. 04, 1933 - Jan. 02, 2026 GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Evelyn Slominski, 92, Grand Forks, N.D. died Friday, Jan. 2, in Valley Senior Living on 42nd. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Oslo, MN. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the start of the service at the church. Burial will be held later in the spring of 2026. Arrangements by Amundson Funeral and Cremation Service.
Patricia A. Cariveau
Aug. 17, 1934 - Jan. 01, 2026 MILACA, Minn. - Patricia A. Cariveau, 91, Milaca, Minn. died Thursday, Jan. 1. Services be held at Our Lady of the Black Hills Church in Piedmont, SD on January 9, 2026 with Visitation 10:30am -11:30am, Rosary at 11:30am and the funeral mass at 12:00pm. Burial will be at Black Hills National Cemetery. Arrangements by Kirk Funeral Home, Rapid City.
Mark Patrick Altepeter
With profound sadness, we share the unexpected and heartbreaking loss of Mark Patrick Altepeter, age 72, of Walker, Minnesota. On December 30, 2025, Mark tragically lost his life after stopping his vehicle and stepping out to assist a person in need—a final, selfless sacrifice perfectly embodying his generous spirit and lifelong kindness. Born October 19th, 1953, in Crookston, Minnesota, Mark was the fourth of seven children raised by Eleanor and Raymond Altepeter in Euclid, Minnesota.
Michael Olson
Jun. 29, 1949 - Sep. 23, 2025 MCVILLE, N.D. - Michael Olson, 76, McVille, N.D. died Tuesday, Sep. 23. A graveside service will be held at 10:00am on October 3rd, 2025 at Center Lutheran Cemetery, rural McVille, ND. Arrangements by Stanley Iverson Funeral Home, McVille, ND.
Brian Peterson
Apr. 05, 1973 - Sep. 16, 2025 FARGO, N.D. - Brian Peterson, 52, Oklee, Minn. died Tuesday, Sep. 16. Brian Frederic “Bird” Peterson of Oklee, Minnesota, beloved husband of Letty, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Vibra Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota, surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM with service to celebrate Brian’s life at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Oklee, MN.
Father Rick Lambert Original
Aug. 19, 1953 - Sep. 22, 2025 FARGO, N.D. - Father Rick Lambert, 72, Thief River Falls, Minn. died Monday, Sep. 22. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 26, 2025 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN. Interment will follow at St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.
Carolee Ann Thomas Original
Carolee Ann (Hamberg) Thomas passed away surrounded by family on Sunday September 21, 2025 in Phoenix, AZ. Carolee was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 1945 in Warren, MN. She joined the family as the youngest child of 5 children- her father called her “Peachyweechy”. She grew up on the family farm in Warren surrounded by animals, fields and family. When she was 5 her family moved to Grand Forks, ND where she went to school and graduated from Grand Forks High School in 1963.
Schafer Promoted at Bank Forward
Bank Forward is pleased to announce the promotion of Savannah Schafer to Third-Party Risk Officer. Savannah joined the Bank Forward team in 2020 and works out of the Grand Forks branch. In her new role as Third-Party Risk Officer, she is responsible for identifying, assessing, managing, and monitoring the risks the organization faces from its relationships with external vendors, suppliers, and partners. Bank Forward operates under one charter in thirteen North Dakota and Minnesota communities.
AE2S Announces New Office in Boise, Idaho
AE2S announces the opening of the civil and environmental consulting engineering firm’s first office in the State of Idaho. “We are excited to establish AE2S as a local business in the City of Boise and look forward to continuing to share a fresh perspective with communities throughout the region,” says Grant Meyer, AE2S CEO. Cody Sprague, PE, is the Operations Manager of the AE2S Boise office.
Judith E. Boone
Feb. 23, 1935 - Sep. 21, 2025 GRAFTON, N.D. - Judith E. Boone, 90, Grafton, N.D. died Sunday, Sep. 21, in the Lutheran Sunset Home. Memorial services will be Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Grafton Federated church, Grafton, ND. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at the Crescent Cemtery, Grafton, ND. Arrangements by Tollefson Funeral Home, Grafton, North Dakota.
Stanley Leroy Paulson
Oct. 23, 1944 - Sep. 18, 2025 SHAKOPEE, Minn. - Stanley Leroy Paulson, 80, Osakis , Minn. died Thursday, Sep. 18, in All Saints Senior Living.
Shirley M. Schroeder Original
May. 17, 1944 - Sep. 21, 2025 WEST FARGO, N.D. - Shirley M. Schroeder, 81, West Fargo, N.D. died Sunday, Sep. 21, in New Perspective Senior Living. There will be a visitation on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 5-6:00 P.M. followed by a Prayer Service at 6:00 P.M. at Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. There will be a visitation on Friday, September 26, 2025 from 9-10:00 A.M. followed by a Funeral Service at 10:00 A.M.. at Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, Fargo.
Ramona May Gravdahl
Funeral Services for Ramona May (Ellis) Gravdahl, 94 of Northwood, ND formerly of Sisseton, SD will be Friday, February 14, at 2:00 P.M. at the Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD with the Rev Tom Mueller officiating. Organist will be Shelva Landmark. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of Ramona's Family and Friends. Burial will be in the Sisseton Cemetery, Sisseton, SD at a later date.
Perry N. Haugo
Perry Haugo, 69, of Aneta, ND passed away Monday, February 17, 2025 at the Northwood Deaconess Hospital, with his family by his side. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Ottawa Lutheran Church, rural Aneta, ND. Perry N. Haugo was born on October 17, 1955, at Northwood Deaconess Hospital in Northwood, ND to parents Vincent and Alice (Hegna) Haugo.
Deloris Baldock
Deloris Helen Baldock, 78, passed away in her home in Altamonte Springs, FL, on February 10, 2025. She was born on December 6, 1946, in Mayville, ND, the daughter of James and Esther Baldock. Deloris graduated from Hatton High School, Class of 1964. Following graduation, she attended North Central College in Minneapolis, MN. She then transferred to Northwest College in Kirkland, Washington and completed her B.A. in Biblical Studies in 1969.
Joanne Lorene Stolp
Joanne Stolp, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on February 4, 2025, in Plano, Texas. She was 90 years old. She was born on December 26, 1934, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Einar Mantyla and Elizabeth (Johnson) Mantyla, Joanne was raised in Lake Norden, South Dakota. She graduated from high school there before marrying the love of her life, Orvis Dell Stolp, on September 12, 1953, in Hayti, South Dakota.
Patrick E. Burris
Mar. 17, 1931 - Feb. 13, 2025 GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Patrick E. Burris, 93, Grand Forks, N.D. died Thursday, Feb. 13, in Altru Hospital in Grand Forks. Memorial Service: 4:00 p.m. Monday, February 24, 2025, in the Historic Norman Funeral Home Chapel. Family Greeting: One hour prior to the service in the funeral home on Monday. Interment: At a later date in Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND. Arrangements by (The Historic Norman Funeral Home, Grand Forks, ND).
Margaret D. McCaffrey
Mar. 11, 1935 - Feb. 07, 2025 GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Margaret D. McCaffrey, 89, East Grand Forks, Minn. died Friday, Feb. 7, in Valley Senior Living. Arrangements by Dahl Funeral Home, East Grand Forks, MN.
Donna Marie Lindwick Original
Aug. 11, 1945 - Feb. 13, 2025 MOORHEAD, Minn. - Donna Marie Lindwick, 79, Moorhead, Minn. died Thursday, Feb. 13, in River Pointe Senior Living. Funeral Service: 11:00 AM on Friday, February 21, 2025, in Dahl Funeral Home, 2029 Central Ave. NW, East Grand Forks, MN. Visitation: One Hour Prior Funeral Service on Friday in Dahl Funeral Home. Interment: Resurrection Cemetery, East Grand Forks, MN. Arrangements by Dahl Funeral Home, East Grand Forks, MN.
Janet Lucille Holaday Original
Janet Lucille Holaday died at her home on February 14, 2025 after a long and courageous battle with metastatic colon cancer. Her strength, determination and twice monthly chemotherapy allowed her to live longer than 95% of those diagnosed with her condition. She was born in Cresco, Iowa on August 29, 1945, to Alberta Bart Holaday and Sidney E. Holaday. She grew up in Jamestown, North Dakota and spent most of her life there.
Barbara East
Barbara (Isaacson) East, age 91, passed away January 1, 2025 at Evergreen Senior Living in Cloquet, MN. She was born to Arthur and Lucille Isaacson in Sawyer, MN.
Arvy J Larson
Jun. 25, 1930 - Nov. 23, 2024 FERGUS FALLS, Minn. - Arvy J. Larson, 94, Fergus Falls, Minn. died Saturday Nov. 23, in the Fergus Falls MN Veterans Home. Celebration of Life, will be held at the Veteran's Home, Fergus Falls, MN on Sunday Dec 15, 2024, 1pm-3pm. Ashes will be buried in the North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery, Mandan, ND, at a future date.
Joseph F. Zahradka
Joseph F. Zahradka, age 81 of Grand Forks, ND passed away December 8, 2024 at the Altru Hospital. He was born December 30, 1942 in Lakota, ND the son of the late William J. and Hannah (Courtney) Zahradka. He was raised near Lankin, ND and attended Park River High School. Following his graduation from the University of North Dakota School of Law and admission to the North Dakota Bar Association, he joined the US Air Force and became a pilot. He married Roberta McKinnon on April 3, 1965 in Grand Forks.
Margaret "Margie" Larson
Jan. 06, 1946 - Dec. 09, 2024 GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Margaret "Margie" Larson, 78, Grand Forks, N.D. died Monday Dec. 09, in Altru Hospital. Memorial Service: Pending.
David Pladson Original
Jul. 04, 1929 - Dec. 08, 2024 MAYVILLE, N.D. - David Pladson, 95, Mayville, N.D. died Sunday Dec. 08, in Sanford Hospital. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 13, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Hatton, ND. A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the church. Arrangements by Bilden-Askew Funeral Home, Northwood, ND.
Margaret E. Sather
June 20, 1937 - Dec. 6, 2024 GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Margaret E. Sather, 87, Grand Forks, formerly Starkweather, N.D., died Friday, Dec. 6, in Valley Senior Living on 42nd St. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., followed by a funeral at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 12, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. Burial will be in the spring in Trinity Bergen Cemetery in Starkweather. Arrangements by Amundson Funeral Home.
Heather Hughes
Aug. 19, 1969 - Dec. 7, 2024 BISMARCK, N.D. - Heather Hughes, 55, Bismarck, N.D., died Saturday, Dec. 7, in Bismarck from liver failure. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 12, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks, N.D. A luncheon will be noon Thursday at the church.
Ray Abentroth
Ray Louis Abentroth, age 98, of Hillsboro, ND died Friday, December 6, 2024, at Sanford Hillsboro Long Term Care facility under the care of Hospice. Ray was born April 26, 1926, twin of Fay Abentroth, to Charles and Daisy (Bingham) Abentroth, of rural Cummings, ND. Ray grew up on the family farm and attended Bingham School, graduating from Caledonia High School in 1944. Ray and Fay took over the family farm with the untimely death of their father in 1943. They farmed all their lives.
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