Maxwell Marko
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Digital content producer and sports reporter @gfherald. @bgsu and @bgfalconmedia alum. Buffalo native and suffering Sabres fan. Mark Pysyk Enthusiast.
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Articles by Maxwell Marko
Langdon Area-Munich fends off Ray-Powers Lake to head back to Dakota Bowl
LANGDON, N.D. — A bend-don’t-break performance from Langdon Area-Munich’s defense and a key play from its special teams earned the Cardinals the privilege to defend their North Dakota Class A state championship next Friday. In a 21-7 state semifinal win over Ray-Powers Lake on Saturday afternoon, fourth-seeded Langdon Area-Munich had just over 80 yards of offense through the first three quarters, but put the game into cruise control heading into the final quarter of the game.
North Dakota's Pembina Gorge State Park completes first season
WALHALLA, N.D. — Pembina Gorge State Park eased into its first summer season as North Dakota’s 14th state park. The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department was happy with the season, not only for Pembina Gorge, but also nearby Icelandic State Park. Parks and Recreation manager Mike Duerre always appreciates a busy season without too many surprises. “We weren't at full capacity on the weekends for sure. But our holiday weekends were pretty good.
Sacred Heart sweeps Fertile-Beltrami for Section 8A title, earns first MSHSL state berth
CROOKSTON, Minn. — East Grand Forks Sacred Heart head coach Emily Vonasek placed a medal around the neck of each of her players Friday night. As each senior came up to accept it, a different story came with them. Those nine seniors registered a role on a team that is now Section 8A champions and will make the program's first appearance in the Minnesota State High School League state tournament. “They know what they bring to this team and every one of them has so much value," Vonasek said.
Red River Regional Council welcomes partnership with Bush Foundation at State of Region 4 event
MINTO, N.D. — Red River Regional Council announced during its State of Region 4 event Wednesday night a multi-million-dollar grant and partnership with the Bush Foundation. While specific dollar amounts were not disclosed, it is a five-year partnership with the foundation. The RRRC, as well as the Red River Community Housing Development Organization, will now be able to tackle housing and workforce issues in rural communities while having more resources at its disposal.
Langdon Area-Munich shuts down Velva-D-A-G in second half to earn Division A semifinal berth
LANGDON, N.D. — Coming in as the fourth seed in the Division A playoffs, Langdon Area-Munich was looking to fight its way through the bracket. Now, after a 28-6 win over Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison, the Cardinals are hosting a semifinal matchup. The game on Saturday on home turf turned into a bit of a slog at times, but Langdon was eventually able to control the game handily with tough runs and timely turnovers on defense.
Pembina working on short-term bridge solution while seeking funding for full replacement
PEMBINA, N.D. — Work and planning are ongoing in Pembina to address the Stustman Street bridge that was closed in June due to multiple safety issues. A short-term solution is underway, while an overall replacement of the bridge is on the horizon. Pembina City Engineer Dean Helstrom said the ultimate goal is to fully replace the bridge to a 16-ton capacity.
Walsh County Childcare Center project earns North Dakota Community Development Award
GRAFTON, N.D. — The Walsh County Childcare Center has received the Economic Development Association of North Dakota’s 2026 Community Development Award. The project was recognized and presented to the Walsh County Job Development Authority at the State of Region 4 event in Minto on Wednesday, Oct. 28. Led by the Walsh County JDA, the $1.38 million project transformed an existing 5,000-square-foot office building in Grafton into a childcare center licensed for 65 children.
East Grand Forks outlasts Wadena-Deer Creek in 8AA quarterfinal five set thriller
EAST GRAND FORKS — Wadena-Deer Creek’s Payton Gravelle and East Grand Forks’ Lanee Hams went down swinging until the very end on Friday night. It was a tall task to stop for either defensive unit and while the former racked up 34 kills on the night, it was Hams and the Green Wave who came away with a five-set win to advance to the next round of the Section 8AA tournament. Each set featured back-and-forth action.
Red River Regional Council welcomes partnership with Bush Foundation at State of Region 4 event
MINTO, N.D. — Red River Regional Council announced during its State of Region 4 event Wednesday night a multi-million-dollar grant and partnership with the Bush Foundation. While specific dollar amounts were not disclosed, it is a five-year partnership with the foundation. The RRRC, as well as the Red River Community Housing Development Organization, will now be able to tackle housing and workforce issues in rural communities while having more resources at its disposal.
Red River Regional Council welcomes partnership with Bush Foundation at State of Region 4 event
MINTO, N.D. — Red River Regional Council announced during its State of Region 4 event Wednesday night a multi-million-dollar grant and partnership with the Bush Foundation. While specific dollar amounts were not disclosed, it is a five-year partnership with the foundation. The RRRC, as well as the Red River Community Housing Development Organization, will now be able to tackle housing and workforce issues in rural communities while having more resources at its disposal.
Big plays on defense, special teams spark Polk County West Section 8A quarterfinal win
GRAND FORKS — A strong first-half shutout set off an eventual blowout win for Polk County West in the first round of the Section 8A playoffs. In its 42-14 win over Bagley, key offensive plays early welcomed a chaotic end to regulation at Cushman Field. The trio of Tiyaz Davis, Jace Motl and Grady Horken made the big plays on the ground. As a team, the Thunder rushed for over 100 yards in the first half in short spurts. In total, the team rushed for 265 yards and three touchdowns.
Red River Regional Council set to present State of Region 4 in Minto
MINTO, N.D. — Red River Regional Council is set to present its State of Region 4 event at the Minto Community Center on Wednesday, Oct. 28. The gathering will touch on workforce, housing and other topics that have been the focus of the council this year. RRRC executive director Dawn Mandt will welcome discussions on the impacts of the 3% property tax cap and the role of rural philanthropy in community development.
Cavalier cruises past Griggs-Midkota in playoff opener behind Jack Gunderson's 5 TDs
CAVALIER, N.D. — Cavalier head coach Brady Laxdal wanted to set the tone for the Tornadoes in the team’s playoff opener on Saturday. After a disappointing season last year, his squad kicked off the postseason about as strong as it could have. In a 62-6 win over Griggs-Midkota at Rod Oksendahl Field, the Tornadoes dominated in the running game, led by Jack Gunderson's 228 rushing yards and five touchdowns. “We wanted a home playoff game," Laxdal said. "That was our goal all year, and we got it.
Grand Forks farmers market considers indoor expansion proposal
GRAND FORKS — A feasibility study about the Town Square Farmers Market is considering potential indoor locations. While still in the early stages, research is being done to determine what an indoor facility would look like for the traditional summertime event in downtown Grand Forks. Blue Weber, community outreach liaison with Bolton and Menk, has been part of the early process and believes there is capability in the downtown area to house a growing farmers market.
Walsh County Career Builders workforce retention efforts receive state recognition
GRAFTON, N.D. — Walsh County’s Career Builders program has continued to see positive marks after the third quarter of its third year. Walsh County Job Development Association executive director Stacie Sevigny has overseen a program that has supported 58 job placements across 17 employers, with a 91% retention rate among participants completing their three-year commitment. One employer was added to the program in this year's Q3 and others have inquired.
Central stays out in front to beat Red River in Cushman Classic
GRAND FORKS — An early score and a methodical offense put Grand Forks Central on the track it had been searching for the past two weeks in its 14th Cushman Classic victory Friday night. Long drives and timely plays on defense and special teams helped the Knights secure a 23-13 win over Red River. Even after getting inside the 5-yard line twice without a score, Carson Kotrba’s 121 rushing yards and Brody Leddige’s 156 yards from scrimmage pushed Central to lift hardware at the final whistle.
Great Plains Food Bank gifts Freedom Church with new refrigerated van for food rescue program
GRAND FORKS — A new set of wheels for Freedom Church rolled down North Third Street on Wednesday as the church welcomed a refrigeration van to use for executing its food rescue program. Made possible by grant funding from Feeding America, Great Plains Food Bank made its latest stop at Freedom Church to deliver the refrigerated retail rescue van as an investment in the ongoing efforts to tackle food insecurity across the state. “The Great Plains Food Bank thrives on partnership.
DigiKey makes $100 million investment into expansion projects over next 18 months
THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. — DigiKey has entered the next steps of an expansion project in Thief River Falls while investing over $100 million over the next 18 months to scale its global product distribution center and order management system. The announcement follows a span of significant growth for DigiKey, which is on pace to grow more than 50% in 2026. The incremental growth is estimated at $1.5 billion, with another $1 billion estimated through 2027. “We’re completely rethinking our order flow.
DigiKey makes $100 million investment into expansion projects over next 18 months
THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. — DigiKey has entered the next steps of an expansion project in Thief River Falls while investing over $100 million over the next 18 months to scale its global product distribution center and order management system. The announcement follows a span of significant growth for DigiKey, which is on pace to grow more than 50% in 2026. The incremental growth is estimated at $1.5 billion, with another $1 billion estimated through 2027. “We’re completely rethinking our order flow.
DigiKey makes $100 million investment into expansion projects over next 18 months
THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. — DigiKey has entered the next steps of an expansion project in Thief River Falls while investing over $100 million over the next 18 months to scale its global product distribution center and order management system. The announcement follows a span of significant growth for DigiKey, which is on pace to grow more than 50% in 2026. The incremental growth is estimated at $1.5 billion, with another $1 billion estimated through 2027. “We’re completely rethinking our order flow.
DigiKey makes $100 million investment into expansion projects over next 18 months
THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. — DigiKey has entered the next steps of an expansion project in Thief River Falls while investing over $100 million over the next 18 months to scale its global product distribution center and order management system. The announcement follows a span of significant growth for DigiKey, which is on pace to grow more than 50% in 2026. The incremental growth is estimated at $1.5 billion, with another $1 billion estimated through 2027. “We’re completely rethinking our order flow.
National Weather Service forecasts record El Niño this winter. What does that mean for Grand Forks?
GRAND FORKS — The National Weather Service of Grand Forks is forecasting a record El Niño this winter. For the immediate region, this may mean above-average temperatures during the coming months. In the past, strong El Niños have been less snowy, but major snowstorms can still happen. NWS is still expecting average precipitation rates overall. “This will probably be a low-key, not-as-snowy winter.
Geena Jordheim scores sudden-death winner to send East Grand Forks to Section 8A final
EAST GRAND FORKS — Time and time again, East Grand Forks Senior High put tries on Hillcrest goalkeeper McKinlee Ballweg to no avail. In sudden-death overtime, it felt like it was only a matter of time before one of the East Grand Forks strikers sent the team to the Section 8A final. On the eighth corner kick of the match and with 1:18 left in the first extra frame, Geena Jordheim corralled a rebound and put in the game-winner after assisting on the game-tying goal.
No Forks Pizza popping up around Grand Forks
GRAND FORKS — When you have a hankering for home cooking, sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands. Caked on Branden Kuersteiner’s flour-covered fingers is a true passion for New York pizza that he has begun sharing with Grand Forks and the surrounding area in the last six weeks under the pop-up business No Forks Pizza. What started as an urge to satisfy his own craving for a New York slice has turned into a side business for Kuersteiner. “This is a passion for me.
East Grand Forks shuts down Sacred Heart in five set stunner
EAST GRAND FORKS — Just when it appeared East Grand Forks Sacred Heart was roaring back for a win Tuesday, East Grand Forks Senior High shut down any hope of a comeback and pulled off a five-set win. “We just wanted to stay aggressive. Losing that fourth game could have been a huge momentum booster. I’ve seen it happen many times. You lose the fourth and then you come out flat. I give our kids a lot of credit; they came out and played to win.
Town Square Farmers Market continues growth after another successful season
GRAND FORKS — It was another successful season for the Town Square Farmers Market in downtown Grand Forks. After last month finishing its latest run, President Dawn Rognerud has noticed a positive trend in the post-COVID era for the Saturday gathering. She estimates foot traffic this year at least matched 2025 levels, if not exceeded them. Notably, there was an increase in vendors in 2026.
Fargo Davies' Brielle Stevens and Luka Rout win at EDC cross country championship
GRAND FORKS — A hot day at Lincoln Park was sure to keep distance runners in check at the Eastern Dakota Conference cross country championship on Saturday. Fatigue was something to keep an eye on as races went on in the 84-degree heat. Davies sophomore Brielle Stevens had other plans.
Walsh and Pembina counties give insight to students with ninth annual Manufacturing Day
DRAYTON, N.D. — Two hundred and forty students were able to get firsthand access to local manufacturing and trade jobs this week as the Pembina and Walsh County Job Development Associations partnered for the ninth annual Pembina-Walsh Manufacturing Day. The program has seen an overall push in recent years as workforce has become a priority in rural North Dakota areas like Walsh and Pembina County.
Donations, fundraisers on the rise for Grand Forks' Circle of Friends
GRAND FORKS — Circle of Friends Animal Shelter has seen a wave of community support since acknowledging that financial strains have put it in a position to reconsider its no-kill status. In the 11 days since a Grand Forks Herald report about Circle of Friends’ concerns , the Grand Forks nonprofit has seen $5,500 in donations compared to $1,300 in the the 25 days prior. It's a welcome sight for the shelter as its leaders say they are working to keep the animals' best interests at heart.
Timely stops for Red River make for memorable second win of season over Wahpeton
GRAND FORKS — Grand Forks Red River had as good a start as a team attempting to stop the rushing attack of Wahpeton’s Jack Gilbertson could have. Instead of hanging heads following a stalled opening drive shut down at the 1-yard line, Brody Behm wrapped up Gilbertson in the end zone for a safety. The Roughriders would hold on to the lead the rest of the way at Cushman Field on Friday.
Mike Orr, of Grand Forks Park District, inducted into NDRPA Hall of Fame
GRAND FORKS — Mike Orr, Grand Forks Park District director of facilities and programs, was inducted into the North Dakota Recreation and Park Association Hall of Fame in the organization’s recent award season. Orr has spent nearly four decades with the Grand Forks Park District, serving in a variety of leadership roles focused on sports, fitness, facilities and recreation. He also has provided extensive service to NDRPA, including serving as president, secretary and treasurer.
Mike Orr, of Grand Forks Park District, inducted into NDRPA Hall of Fame
GRAND FORKS — Mike Orr, Grand Forks Park District director of facilities and programs, was inducted into the North Dakota Recreation and Park Association Hall of Fame in the organization’s recent award season. Orr has spent nearly four decades with the Grand Forks Park District, serving in a variety of leadership roles focused on sports, fitness, facilities and recreation. He also has provided extensive service to NDRPA, including serving as president, secretary and treasurer.
Two timely strikes push Riders to Cushman Cup win over Central
GRAND FORKS — Grand Forks Red River head coach Brian Gutierrez emphasized to his team before Thursday’s Cushman Cup matchup against Grand Forks Central that the hardest thing to do in rivalry games like this one is to strike first. Not only did the Roughriders find a timely way to do that, but they also managed to find an even timelier way to score last.
In sole varsity year, Grand Forks Red River golfer Eva Gallegos soaking it all in
GRAND FORKS — Grand Forks Red River junior Eva Gallegos had plenty of golf experience coming into this golf season but no high school competition experience. Now, playing her only varsity season, she ranks in the Top 10 in scoring average in the East Region and will contend for the state title on Monday. In such a short stint, Gallegos is soaking it in while remaining focused on the course. “I felt that joining the high school varsity team helped me to become a better golfer," she said.
Sheyenne's Sellheim fends off late push from Red River's Fabian for EDC meet win at soaked King's Walk Original
GRAND FORKS — West Fargo Sheyenne golfers made a point not to watch the scoreboard on the course Monday. There wasn’t much of a choice as rain poured down at King’s Walk Golf Course and if hands weren’t on a club, they were holding an umbrella or in pockets. When Sheyenne's Aubrey Sellheim walked up to the 18th green, she had no idea if she still held a two-stroke lead over Alexis Fabian of Grand Forks Red River.
Manitoba time change could have some impacts in North Dakota, but it's not a priority
PEMBINA, N.D. — The Manitoba government earlier this month announced a permanent adoption of daylight saving time, meaning residents will no longer be switching clocks each fall. The decision came after longtime opposition to the annual changing of the clocks. In May, Manitobans were surveyed by the provincial government to share their views, and nearly 72,000 votes were submitted. Of those surveyed, 92% wanted to see an end to seasonal time changes, according to a release from the province.
Grand Forks Public Schools inducts six into Teacher Hall of Fame
GRAND FORKS — It was a day of thanks at Red River High School on Sunday as Grand Forks Public Schools inducted its 2026 class into the school district's Teachers Hall of Fame. Along with longtime teachers and administrators, the crowd gathered to celebrate those who have put education first in the Grand Forks community. Six inductees were honored on Sunday: JoNell Bakke, Michael Bisenius, Ronald Gruwell, Allen Janes, Melanie Popejoy and Jody Thompson. Bisenius was honored posthumously.
Manitoba time change could have some impacts in North Dakota, but it's not a priority
PEMBINA — The Manitoba government earlier this month announced a permanent adoption of daylight saving time, meaning residents will no longer be switching clocks each fall. The decision came after longtime opposition to the annual changing of the clocks. In May, Manitobans were surveyed by the provincial government to share their views, and nearly 72,000 votes were submitted. Of those surveyed, 92% wanted to see an end to seasonal time changes, according to a release from the province.
Grinde claims third Border Battle title at muddy Lincoln Park
GRAND FORKS — Hillsboro’s Claire Grinde led the large pack at Lincoln Park on Saturday. She’s familiar with the feeling. Although just a freshman, she competed in her third Border Battle meet through the muddy park. Just like the previous two, she took home a first-place finish of 17:55, where she completed the girls’ Class A 5K almost a minute before second-place finisher Briauna Thompson of Standing Rock. “I felt like I was pretty calm right away.
Circle of Friends Animal Shelter at brink of losing 'no-kill' status
GRAND FORKS — The pendulum has begun swinging back the other way for Circle of Friends Animal Shelter. Months after returning to the black financially, the shelter is on the brink of jeopardizing its no-kill status, which it has striven to maintain for more than a decade. An influx of animals with acute needs and changes in the county’s nonprofit budget have shelter representatives asking tough questions with few reliable answers.
Jones, Stassen power East Grand Forks over Warroad
EAST GRAND FORKS — A memorable night on the ground from Rafael Jones and through the air for Jaxon Stassen allowed East Grand Forks to once again defend its home turf on Friday night in an explosive 58-21 win over Warroad. Racking up 217 rushing yards, Jones was the straw that stirred the drink for the Green Wave on most drives, while Stassen’s 129 receiving yards pushed them away from Warroad into the second half. “I thought we did a really good job of establishing the run.
Oktoberfest returns to Alerus Center for sixth annual celebration
GRAND FORKS — Lederhosen and beer steins will be dusted off and brought out in Grand Forks as Oktoberfest festivities are just around the corner. Along with various bar crawls and family-friendly functions, Valley Senior Living’s Oktoberfest returns to the Alerus Center for its sixth annual celebration. Oktoberfest will take over the Alerus Center from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, and will feature live music, games, contests, an auction and, of course, lots of beer.
Simonson set to market logistics park in northwest Grand Forks
GRAND FORKS — A Simonson-owned development in north Grand Forks is soon to be ready for marketing. After working with the city to develop the land, the Grand Forks-based group has already received interest in commercial lots in what could be a logistics hub. Along with marketing land to local businesses and manufacturers, the group plans to save approximately 10 acres for further development and future use.
Central fends off triple option in win over Watford City
GRAND FORKS — Grand Forks Central couldn’t afford to turn the ball over against Watford City at the same rate it did last week in Dickinson. The Wolves' triple-option offense brought a challenge that left little room for error. By establishing its own run and shutting down the other side, Central came away with a 38-21 win over Watford City at Cushman Field on Friday. Carson Kotrba led Central with 146 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Grand Forks' Mullally Little Links welcomes young golfers
Nestled behind Grand Forks' Lincoln Golf Course and the Greenway bike path is Mullally Little Links Course. Not a miniature golf course but not a full-sized course either, it's a place designed specifically for children and beginners to the game of golf. The children’s course has been around for nearly 20 years but has seen an influx of use as golf in general has been on the rise in Grand Forks and around the country in recent years. The sport has attracted a younger demographic.
'Where I'm From' project at Grand Forks senior home brings strong childhood memories Original
GRAND FORKS — It’s not hard to come up with an answer to the question “Where are you from?” Bringing about the vivid memories from that answer is what residents at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks were aiming for with the “Where I’m From” project. Avis Fjestad from Cavalier, North Dakota, was one of 43 residents who authored a “Where I’m From” poem at Valley Senior Living. A six-month project allowed her to share her story with friends and family about the most important memories to her.
"Where I'm From" project at Valley Senior Living brings strong childhood memories
GRAND FORKS — It’s not hard to come up with an answer to the question “Where are you from?” Bringing about the vivid memories from that answer is what residents at Valley Senior Living were aiming for with the “Where I’m From” project. Avis Fjestad from Cavalier was one of 43 residents who authored a “Where I’m From” poem at Valley Senior Living. A six-month project allowed her to share her story with friends and family about the most important memories to her.
Central pulls off five set comeback for first win against Red River in five years
GRAND FORKS — It was as competitive as a volleyball match could be Thursday night at Grand Forks Central High School. A five-set comeback that was almost foiled by a comeback within the fifth set, the Knights battled it out with Red River for their first win over the cross-town rivals in five years. Outside hitters Marley Uhlir and Alex Gowan, along with Sophie Johnson and Norah Presteng, churned out a comeback that started with a turnaround in the third set.
Red River’s Alexis Fabian solidifies status with career low at King's Walk
GRAND FORKS — The emotional swings can change in an instant on the golf course, as Grand Forks Red River's Alexis Fabian experienced on Wednesday at King’s Walk on her way to medalist honors. Walking down the fairway on No. 17, she sat two shots up on West Fargo Sheyenne’s Ava Keene, who was even on the day. Fabian was in control of her destiny but in a tough spot, sitting in the left-side rough of the short par-four hole. Keene had driven the green and was in prime position for birdie.
Red River can't outlast quick strikes and momentum swings against St. Mary's
GRAND FORKS — After coming up a play short against West Fargo Horace last week, Grand Forks Red River couldn’t find the execution again against Bismarck St. Mary’s on Friday at Cushman Field. Unfortunate bounces and quick strikes turned a close matchup into a 27-14 win for the Saints. Costly turnovers bookended a stifled offense for the Roughriders as, despite 300 yards through the air from Reese Walters, they couldn’t convert when building momentum.
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