MISSILE ORIGINATED FROM ABANDONED FARM, OWNER HAD PLANNED TO SELL
By Maggie Bellows
GARRISON — The missile that launched into Canada early Tuesday came from a former Cold War-era missile silo on private land in McLean County, according to local officials.
The property, roughly 12 miles outside Garrison, belongs to John Thorn, a former local resident who had been back in town following the passing of his father-in-law, Bob Spade.
Thorn had also been preparing for the demolition of the farmstead buildings.
"I didn't even know the damn thing was still active," Thorn said in an interview. "I was just trying to close a chapter."
According to county records, the silo was formally decommissioned in the 1980s. Thorn, who previously worked as a farmer, had planned to sell at a loss due to declining land value and maintenance costs.
Thorn has lived near Medora in recent years. His son, folk musician Gram Thorn, who grew up in the area before moving to Grand Forks, was not able to be reached for comment.
Local officials were not aware of any military activity at the site.
"There's been nothing on the books indicating that land was still in use for defense purposes," said County Commissioner Dave Leland. "If that silo was reactivated, it happened without any notice to us."
With tensions rising between the U.S. and Canada, it remains unclear whether Thorn will be able to proceed with the sale—or if the federal government will seize the land.
"I have a feeling this just became somebody else's problem," Thorn said.
NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS STRUGGLE AS CHINA TRADE WAR CONTINUES
By Sarah Lindstrom
Mark Engel inspects soybeans on his farm near Stanton. Photo: Sarah Lindstrom
STANTON — While the focus has now shifted to Canada, another trade war has been quietly devastating Mercer County farmers for more than a year.
Since early 2025, China has slashed U.S. soybean imports by nearly 70%, cutting off a major export market for North Dakota farmers. The result? Skyrocketing storage costs, plummeting prices, and tough decisions for local growers.
Mark Engel, a fourth-generation wheat farmer near Stanton, says the situation is the worst he's seen in his lifetime.
"We've got silos full of soybeans and nowhere to send it," Engel said. "The government keeps telling us to be patient, but we've been patient for a year and a half. How much longer?"
The federal government has offered aid packages, but many farmers say they're barely breaking even.
"We don't want handouts," Engel said. "We want a market to sell in."
NEW OWNERS BRING LIFE BACK TO STANTON CAFÉ
By Sarah Lindstrom
STANTON — After sitting empty for nearly two years, the old diner on West Street has reopened its doors under new ownership, keeping alive a longtime breakfast tradition in Stanton.
Husband and wife team Beau and Lisa Callahan, originally from Bismarck, bought the shuttered Riverbend Café earlier this summer and spent months renovating the space while keeping its small-town charm intact.
"We didn't want to change too much," Lisa Callahan said. "People have been eating here for generations, and we want them to feel like they're coming home."
The new Stanton Café features many of its original menu items, including the town-favorite cinnamon rolls, which used to sell out by 9 AM on weekends. The Callahans tracked down the former baker, a retired local named Norma Lepp, who agreed to come back a few days a week to make them.
"She's the real secret to this place," Beau Callahan said.
The café is open Tuesday through Sunday from 6 AM to 2 PM.
LOCAL ARTIST TURNS RAILROAD SCRAP INTO SCULPTURES
By Luke Bradley
This steel bison sculpture was made by Dale Ketterling from discarded track spikes. Photo: Luke Bradley
UNDERWOOD — What some see as rusted-out junk, Dale Ketterling sees as art.
The retired railroad mechanic, who spent 40 years working along the Dakota Northern line, now spends his time salvaging scrap metal from decommissioned tracks, turning it into intricate sculptures that dot his backyard and various spots around Underwood.
"I never thought I'd be doing this," Ketterling said, standing beside a six-foot-tall bison made entirely from discarded track spikes. "I used to fix trains. Now I just find old parts and try to make them into something worth looking at."
His work has gained a following, with locals stopping by his home workshop to see his latest creations. One of his sculptures—a steel cowboy tipping his hat—now sits in front of the Underwood Community Center.
Ketterling doesn't sell his art, but he's happy to donate pieces for local fundraising events.
"Folks have supported me all my life, so this is my way of giving something back," he said.
TROUT STOCKING UNDERWAY AT LAKE SAKAKAWEA
By Dennis Lowry
LAKE SAKAKAWEA — Anglers heading out to Lake Sakakawea this fall should expect good fishing conditions, as the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is in the process of stocking thousands of trout in area waters.
Fisheries biologists say this year's stocking efforts are focusing on rainbow and brown trout, with over 200,000 fish being released into the reservoir system.
"Lake Sakakawea has been a strong fishery for years, and we want to keep it that way," said Mark Jensen, a fisheries manager with Game and Fish.
Fishing conditions have been better than average this season, thanks to a wet spring that helped maintain water levels and create strong habitat conditions.
Local bait shops say they've seen a steady stream of anglers from across the region, with many reporting solid catches of walleye and smallmouth bass as well.
"Fall is usually one of the best times to fish up here," said Ron Wetherbee, owner of Wetherbee's Tackle & Bait in Garrison. "The summer crowds start to thin out, and the fish are biting as they prepare for winter."
HAZEN FOOTBALL READY TO DEFEND STATE TITLE
By Tanner Greaves
HAZEN — The Hazen Bison are set to open their 2026 football season Friday night with high expectations following last year's state championship win.
The Bison will face longtime rival Beulah, a matchup that has drawn a bigger crowd than usual given the national news focus on Mercer County.
Head Coach Matt O'Brien said his team is focused on football, not politics.
"Our guys are here to play," O'Brien said. "We're not thinking about anything else."
Kickoff is at 7 PM at Hazen High School.
