The Good Life Magazine – September-October 2023

DAD LIFE
More Than Just Grill Masters
The Changing Roles of Dads in Modern Parenting
WRITTEN BY: PAUL HANKEL
In the not-so-distant past, the image of a father was often
limited to being the provider, the disciplinarian, and
the one who would occasionally step in with the stern
"wait until your father gets home." However, times have
changed, and with it, the role of dads in parenting has
undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, us dads
are embracing a much more active and nurturing role
in raising their children, reshaping the landscape of
modern parenting in profound ways.
The Rise of the Involved and Emotionally-connected Dad
Gone are the days when fathers were relegated to the
sidelines of parenting and only brought in as the last line
of discipline. We modern dads need to be more than just
a passive observer; we need to be an active participant in
every aspect of our children's lives. From diaper changes
to bedtime stories, from school pickups to cooking family
dinners, modern dads are proving that parenting is not
just a mother's domain.
This shift has not only broken traditional gender
stereotypes but has also set a powerful example for the
younger generation, demonstrating that caregiving and
emotional support are responsibilities shared by both
parents. This trend has broadened with the increase in
the number of fathers choosing to work from home or
work hybrid work schedules that allow them to be home
more. Dads are no longer relegated to the 5:30-bedtime
timeframe or being weekend warriors!
The Power of Quality Time
Us modern dads understand the significance of quality
time with our children. We recognize that creating
strong emotional bonds from the very beginning is
essential for our children’s development. Engaging
in activities like playing, helping with homework,
attending school events, and exploring shared hobbies
create a sense of connection that lasts a lifetime. These
shared experiences become the foundation of trust
2 | THE GOOD LIFE

and open communication between fathers and their
children, creating an environment where children feel
comfortable sharing their feelings with their fathers.
There’s nothing “beta,” about being there emotionally
for your kids.
As a self-diagnosed workaholic, I have come to
fully understand that, yes, quantity of time is just as
important as quality of time. Being under the same roof
as your child does not necessarily equate to quality
time spent together. I have had to work very hard to be
actively engaged – does that mean I sometimes have
to sit through detailed explanations of the computer
game Roblox and its many intricacies? Absolutely. But
it’s hard not to smile and be excited about something
my son is excited about… even if I have no idea what
he’s talking about.
Kings of the Kitchen and Lords of Laundry
In modern parenting, the division of responsibilities
between parents is becoming increasingly fluid. We
dads are not just lending a hand; more and more we
are equal partners in the daily grind of parenting and
family life. Gone are the days of “barefoot and pregnant
wife”. Us dads are now donning the domestic roles in
an effort to balance out household responsibilities.
This shift has come due to the changing scope of
everyday family life. My father was able to work one or
two jobs and support our family while my mother was
able to stay home for most of our lives growing up. We
were very fortunate. However, for millions of families,
this is no longer an option due to the rising cost of
living and the expensive nature of raising a family.
Sports participation is a prime example of rising
costs: see my previous articles for a full rundown of
the expenses.
From managing household chores to making important
decisions, the collaborative and shared approach to
parenting and household duties benefits both parents'
personal growth and the overall family dynamic. The
sharing of responsibilities not only eases the burden
on mothers but also encourages a more balanced
and happy household where both parents are equally
involved. Happy wife, happy life, correct?
The Future of Parenting: A Shared Vision
As more fathers embrace their multifaceted roles,
they are creating a future where children grow up with
a broader understanding of changing gender roles,
empathy, and the importance of working together
as a family unit. Us modern dads are rewriting the
script, actively participating in our children's lives,
and nurturing a sense of partnership within families.
By breaking free from outdated stereotypes and
embracing our roles wholeheartedly, fathers are
shaping the future, one bedtime story, fart joke, and a
shared laugh at a time. Welcome to the new fraternity
of paternity, gentlemen. •
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CONTENTS
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023
VOLUME 11 | ISSUE 2
02
DAD LIFE
More Than Just Grill Masters
The Changing Roles of Dads in
Modern Parenting
06
The Perfect Squash and
Pumpkins
How to Maximize the Harvest
10
HAVING A BEER WITH
Justin Storm
Staring at storms since childhood,
WDAY Radio's meteorologist
lives up to his name
14
Sausage Fest
An Oktoberfest-Style Event
24
Homeward Animal Shelter
Little Pumpkins
Available for Adoption
26
Fargo Power Couple's
Growing Empire
30
LOCAL HERO
Answering the Call
Life Lessons with Fargo Police
Captain Bill Ahlfeldt
18
ON THE COVER
Veterans Honor Flight
Commemorating the Great
4 | THE GOOD LIFE COVER IMAGE BY: ANDY FELICIOTTI
Note from the author:
This article is dedicated to Ronald Nowacki who passed away on
August 2. Thank you for your service, and welcome home, Ronald.

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urbantoadmedia.com | 5

6 | THE GOOD LIFE

The Perfect Squash
and Pumpkin
How to Maximize the Harvest
WRITTEN BY: JEFFREY MILLER
Harvest season is a grand time of year. All the hard work
of planting and tending crops, from a tiny container
garden to a large-scale agricultural operation, has come
to fruition. Nothing says autumn, however, like pumpkins
and squash.
There are a wide variety of squash that are commonly
grown. Summer squash like zucchini, crookneck and
patty pan are harvested throughout the late summer and
have a short shelf life. They are best enjoyed fresh from
the garden.
During the months of September and October winter
squash become ripe and ready to harvest. Common types
of winter squash include Butternut, Acorn, Buttercup
and Spaghetti. On our small homestead, Cottonwood
Bend Farm, we grow Butternut and Spaghetti. Mashed
Butternut, with a dash of brown sugar, goes well with
venison while Spaghetti squash is a great alternative to
pasta noodles. Melanie’s homemade spaghetti sauce,
with Italian venison sausage added, is tough to beat
when mixed with al dente spaghetti squash.
During the heat of the summer, it’s exciting to watch the
squash vines crawl over the garden, seemingly adding
feet of growth each day. The big, beautiful blooms soon
start growing fruit, and it’s hard not to get hunger pangs
as the harvest approaches.
The most difficult thing about growing winter squash is
knowing when to pick them. Harvest them too early and
the flavor is poor, as the sugars won’t be fully developed.
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The big, beautiful blooms start growing
fruit, and it’s hard not to get hunger pangs
as the harvest approaches.
In addition, the squash will rot in storage. Harvest too
late and the flesh will be mushy and unappetizing, best
used as food for a flock of chickens.
There are a few easy tips to ensure ripe, delicious
squash. Temperatures that dip close to or just below
freezing at night are ideal. The leaves and vines will
begin to die, and the rind will become hard. Poke the
rind with a fingernail, and if it goes in easily the squash
is not ready. A rind that requires pressure to dent is
properly ripe.
Color can also be an indicator of ripeness. Butternut
squash turns a deep orange color when ripe, Spaghetti
squash turns a deep yellow and Acorn squash will
develop an orange spot on their otherwise dark color.
I like to carry a pruning shears with me to cut the stem.
If the stem is broken and removed from the squash, the
storage time will be vastly reduced. Leaving a couple
inches of stem ensures protection from moisture,
bacteria and fungi.
As we store all our squash for meals over the winter,
we need to cure the fruit before they are cellared.
After picking, the squash is laid out on the deck with
adequate air flow. If it doesn’t freeze hard at night, they
remain for a week or two to develop a cured outer layer.
Once that occurs, they are stored in the cool basement
on wire racks. Any fruit with bruises or nicks in the
outer rind is eaten first, as it will get soft quickly.
Properly cured and stored, most squash can last for
months. Delicata and Acorn have a shorter shelf life,
only a month or two, while Spaghetti, Butternut and
Buttercup can last until spring.
It's also an option to cut the meat into chunks and
preserve it in quart jars. As a low-acid food, squash
must be canned using a pressure canner. Water bath
canners do not reach a high enough temperature to
adequately preserve the harvest.
Pumpkins add a dash of color to doorsteps and
decks during the month of October, and the kids love
carving scary faces in jack-o-lanterns. Just like squash,
8 | THE GOOD LIFE

pumpkins must be picked at the
optimal time to ensure there
aren’t mushy, sad jack-o-lanterns.
In our garden, the growing fruits
are hidden under the copious
amounts of vines and leaves.
Once a light frost kills the vines,
the pumpkins appear to jump out,
the splashes of orange looking
like a beacon.
The color is the first indicator. A
shiny pumpkin is still developing,
as they develop a dull color as they
mature. Leave the bright ones in
the field. However, if a hard frost
is predicted they can be picked
early. Dan Iwen, co-owner of Tim’s
U-Pick Pumpkin Patch located
north of Arthur, says that once a
pumpkin starts turning orange,
it can be picked and cured. The
pumpkin must be placed in a
well-ventilated area and allowed
to cure in the sunshine.
Like squash, the rind is firm
on a mature pumpkin. Squishy
pumpkin skin means the fruit
needs more time.
When the pumpkins are ready to
be picked, use a garden snip or
knife to cut the stem for a handle.
Leave three to four inches to
ensure plenty of protection from
moisture. Making the cut on
either side of the stem and not
directly above the stem ensures
the least amount of water loss.
Pumpkins are not recommended
to be canned, even in a pressure
canner. Enjoy pumpkin fresh in
soup and pies.
Once carved, pumpkins will
deteriorate quickly. The kids
wait until a week or so before
Halloween to carve their
masterpieces to make sure they
are still spooky for the big night.
No matter if you are picking
squash and pumpkins at a local
pumpkin patch or in the garden,
ensuring the fruit is ripe will
ensure the best results for the
best time of year! •
urbantoadmedia.com | 9

HAVING A BEER WITH | JUSTIN STORM
WRITTEN BY: BEN HANSON
PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
Staring at storms since childhood,
WDAY Radio's meteorologist lives up to his name
No one has ever mistaken a meteorologist for a comedian.
“Quite a character,” sure, but not an outright funnyman.
So color me confounded about how mismatched my
expectations were to the reality of visiting with Justin
Storm, WDAY Radio’s wildly underappreciated (and likely
underpaid) meteorologist, who delighted me with tales
of fake Christmas trees, UFOs and a fictitious racehorse
named Stormy Daniels.
Maybe it was the crisp lager courtesy of Drekker’s
Brewhalla, but I did not want this particular interview
to end. I was more than a little upset with myself for not
10 | THE GOOD LIFE

"Ever since
I was a kid
I was always staring
at storms, flipping on
the weather any time
a storm was coming."
– Justin Storm
preparing more probing questions — this redheaded
onion had layers upon layers left to peel away, and I had
my protective beer goggles firmly in place.
Consistent with what you’d expect of a man who’s made
a career of staring at clouds, Storm’s fascination with
the weather started at a young age. A native of the
Brainerd area, where severe summer weather
can pack a serious punch, Storm crossed the
Red River and headed north to earn his degree
in atmospheric sciences from the University of
North Dakota after completing his general studies
at Central Lakes Community College. Side note:
DON’T OVERLOOK 2-YEAR SCHOOLS, KIDS!
Within weeks of his first semester at UND, Storm found
himself eye-to-eye with… well, a storm (no relation). It was
love at first sight, and he took it as a clear sign he was
where he needed to be.
Tell me a bit about yourself, where you grew up,
how you got into this career, etc?
I grew up in Brainerd and lived there basically all my
life until I moved to UND. I still didn’t know what I
wanted to do, but my dad said I should probably
pick something, so I figured I might as well pick
something that I was interested in. Ever since I
was a kid I was always staring at storms, flipping
on the weather any time a storm was coming. So I
picked weather.
What’s your first meteorological memory?
I was probably 8 years old… was at my friend’s July
birthday party. We were leaving and there’s this big
storm coming through with the most lightning I had
ever seen. The sky was dark, downpouring rain, hail.
I went home and just sat there staring at the lightning.
My mom kept telling me to get away from the window
because there was a tornado a few miles out and sirens
were blaring.
I’m sure you’ve heard a hundred jokes about
your name, so have you ever considered
switching careers?
It’s one of the reasons why I went into the
weather! I figured I’d get a job because of
my last name. It’s like “Your tailor’s name is
Taylor!?”
What generation meteorologist are you…
third, fourth?
First one!
Have you ever considered a job as a pro wrestler?
“Justin Storm, the Mad Meteorologist” has a
good ring.
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HAVING A BEER WITH | JUSTIN STORM
There you go! You know I hadn’t thought of that, but that
would be funny. I’ve gotten the superhero name a lot from
the X-men movies.
Last question about your name… were you
super popular in weather school? Were
people constantly whispering “there goes
Justin Storm… he’s got it made!”
I heard a couple of comments but nothing that
really stood out. In my class I don’t want to say
I was at the top, grade wise I was not, but I
can say I was conceptually understanding
what was going on with the weather
better than most. At UND they test
a lot for math and physics aspects,
but forecasting is where I excelled.
Whenever we were in discussion, I
felt like I had an edge.
How much do you think about
the weather? Is it constant, or do
you shut that part of your brain
off when you’re not working?
I’m always thinking about the weather
because it changes every day, so you have to
keep an eye on it. But when I know there’s no
bad weather over a weekend and I’m not working,
I try not to look at it then. I try to give myself breaks when
I can, and that just so happens to be when the weather is
nice and beautiful out!
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever seen in the
sky?
A UFO! We were outside at the Xcel Energy Center
after a Wild Game. I looked up and I saw this dot
of light, but bigger than a satellite… almost bright
like an airplane but not blinking. All of a sudden,
it whips a tight U-turn and goes right back
up where it came from. And then it just
disappeared completely.
If you had a horse in the Kentucky
Derby, would you name it
Lightning?
No… I’d probably name it Stormy
Daniels! I was at a horse race once,
and there was a horse there called
Stormy Holiday, so I got the idea
then.
What was the most trouble you
got into as a kid?
I never really got in trouble in high school,
or never got caught getting in trouble… but
in first grade it was show and tell, and I had
caught a bunch of bees outside, left them out, they
got cold and died. So I brought in the bees to show, and
apparently they were just in a dormant stage and came
12 | THE GOOD LIFE

ack to life as they warmed up in my locker. So they
almost had to shut the school down because bees were
swarming out of my locker.
In your opinion, what is the greatest game show
of all time?
I guess this is where it helps to watch game shows…
[struggles to come up with a single name]. Wipeout. It’s
Wipeout… big rubber balls that smash people off the
pedestals.
Biggest on-air blooper?
There’s been a good handful of those. Thankfully I’m able
to joke around them and pull myself out. I can’t think of
any bad ones, but we were opening up the show one day,
and I’m starting to talk and introduce everyone… I mixed
myself up with Dean Wysocki.
What’s the scoop on Wysocki’s source of
Yuengling beer? What kind of operation is he
running?
He talks about this beer all the time, and I still don’t think
he’s given me one. So I don’t even think it exists at this
point. He says it's the best and you can’t find it anywhere.
In one minute, teach me something interesting
about the weather.
Raindrops aren’t round or tear shaped. They fall like
little hamburgers because of the air resistance flattening
them out. It looks like a bean or hamburger as it’s falling.
If they get big enough, they split as they fall. Oh, and my
coworker, Janae, didn’t know not to look at the sun or
you’ll go blind. That was interesting.
Your worst roommate ever… What made him so
terrible?
My worst roommate was my buddy, Jared. He would
take an hour to an hour-and-a-half long showers. He’d
take up the bathroom for one to two hours. But he’s
from Arizona, and they don’t have Christmas trees down
there. So up here he got a fake one, but he left it up yearround.
So for three years I lived with a Christmas tree in
my living room.
What does the good life mean to you?
The good life is just being able to enjoy each and every
day doing what you enjoy doing... being able to spend
time with friends and family, making memories to think
about down the road in the future. Most importantly, it’s
about having fun. •
urbantoadmedia.com | 13

WRITTEN BY: KRISSY NESS
PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
An Oktoberfest-Style Event
Are you like me and are pining for an Oktoberfeststyle
event in the Fargo-Moorhead area? Well, look no
further than Sausage Fest. The third annual event is
held at the First Presbyterian Church in Moorhead,
led by Pastor Robert Drake.
Drake has been in the area since 2017 and has seen
what Fargo-Moorhead offers. Still, he also recognized
what the place was missing, an Oktoberfest-style event.
As mentioned, the area has a weak Oktoberfest
presence. As so many people in Fargo-Moorhead
have German heritage, this is needed. It boasts the
opportunity to bring those of us with German heritage
together and celebrate our roots. On top of that, it
brings families together to celebrate our community
friendships. And boy, does he deliver!
At this outdoor event, you will find a beautifully
decorated space with a sizeable 100-foot tent filled
with a bier-hall-inspired eating area, German and fallinspired
decorations, as well as German-style beer
provided by Swing Barrel Brewing Company. You will
also find German-inspired food from Wurst Bier Hall,
an Eastern Europe wine selection – curated explicitly
for this event, and sausages supplied by local vendors.
That is not all, in addition to the great food and drinks
there will be so many games!
There will be a giant bouncy house obstacle course,
a barrel rolling contest, a root beer stein-holding
contest, and many more games for the kids. Most of
the games and activities will be free for kids, but you
will find some that require tickets to participate.
14 | THE GOOD LIFE

The biggest thing that we're doing this year is kids are totally free!
Speaking of kids and free things! “The biggest
thing that we’re doing this year is kids are totally
free!” exclaimed Drake. “They can enter the event
for free, they eat for free, and their meal includes a
pop, milk, or water, all free.”
It is great to see an event put on by the community
for the community in which children can come and
play and get a meal. At the same time, their parents
don’t have to worry about spending a lot of money
for them to have fun. But don’t worry; there is much
fun for the adults too.
For adults, there will be games like Hammerschlagen,
a beer stein-holding competition, a lumber “Jack
and Jill” sawing contest, a German-inspired costume
contest, and a fall bizarre.
The fall bizarre will include local vendors from
the area selling their homemade products,
such as art, décor, and homemade
delectables. Fargo-Moorhead
has put on some
fantastic events
featuring local
vendors, which
is something to
be proud of. I can’t wait for another
excuse to support them. You never
know what you may stumble upon.
urbantoadmedia.com | 15

There will also be two live
bands playing throughout the
event: The Meat Rabbits – a rock ‘n’ roll polka band,
and the Johnson 5 – who play cover hits from the past
few decades. If you head to the Sausage Fest Facebook
event page, you will find more information and pictures on
what to expect.
In addition to this fantastic entertainment, there will be
a celebrity judge sausage contest. That’s right, WDAY-
TV anchor Kevin Wallevand, Clay County Sheriff Mark
Empting, Head Women’s Basketball Coach of MSUM
Karla Nelson, and WDAY-Radio host Bonnie Amistadi will
be judging the best sausages in the region. You won’t want
to miss your hometown celebrities deciding on who they
crown the winner.
I can’t forget to mention that Farley from BOB95 FM will
be emceeing the whole event, so you know it will be a blast.
Drake and his team have put a lot of thought into
Sausage Fest and want to create a family-friendly
Moorhead community event that brings people
together. You will surely have a good time with all the
events, games, and entertainment. So do yourself a
favor and save the date.
More and more people are learning about Sausage Fest
each year, which is exciting. Not only for those who put
on the event but for those who attend. “We have seen the
event at a 20% growth year after year,” said Drake. That
amount of growth in the short time Sausage Fest has been
around is impressive, and I can’t wait to see what this year
brings.
Sausage Fest will be on September 30th from 2:30 to 8:00
pm; you can find presale tickets on the Eventbrite website
for $20 or purchased for $25 at the event that day.
Drake shared with me what the good life means to him
when it comes to putting on this event. “The Good Life
to me means being outside in Minnesota in the fall with
a German beer in hand, watching kids and families and
adults enjoying all the fun,” expressed Drake.
Throw on your best German attire, grab the kids, and
spend the evening celebrating community and good food
and drinks. I, for one, will not be missing out. •
16 | THE GOOD LIFE

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ON THE COVER | VETERANS HONOR FLIGHT
Veterans Honor Flight
Commemorating the Great
WRITTEN BY: HILLARY W. SORENSON
PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
Jane Matejcek has spent the last 32 years working as a
nurse at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Fargo,
North Dakota, and has devoted nearly the past two decades
to commemorating Veterans’ service through her work
with Veterans Honor Flight of North Dakota/Minnesota.
As president of the non-profit organization, Matejcek,
along with a board of nine others work vigorously to
connect with Veterans throughout North Dakota and
Minnesota, and fly them to Washington, D.C., to visit the
memorials erected in their honor.
The Honor Flight Network is a nationwide non-profit
with 129 independent regional hubs across the United
States that provide Veterans the resources necessary
to make the trek to D.C. There are currently only five
states that do not have a regional hub, however, the Lone
Eagle Honor Flight ensures all Veterans regardless of
their geographical limitations are able to participate by
purchasing them a plane ticket and connecting them with
the Honor Flight Network.
As of 2023, Honor Flight of North Dakota/Minnesota has
taken 1,976 Veterans to the Washington Memorials and
has another trip planned for October with an additional
100 Veterans. Matejcek said there are 683 on the waitlist
for future flights.
The Beginning of a Nationwide Mission
In May of 2005, Earl Morse, a physician assistant
at a Veterans’ clinic in Ohio, began flying patients to
Washington to see their memorials. “He was a pilot
himself,” Matejcek said.
18 | THE GOOD LIFE

“So, on a Friday afternoon, he asked one of the Veterans if
he could fly him to see his memorial, and the Veteran was
so moved, he began to cry. And it was really a privilege for
him to start flying these Veterans there. So, he did, every
weekend.”
Matejcek said Morse took his idea back to his Aero Club,
which had about 300 members, and began asking for
volunteers, but there was a catch, “they had to escort
the Veteran around D.C. and it couldn’t cost the Veteran
anything,” Matejcek said. By the end of the first year,
roughly, 137 Veterans took flight.
“There was another business owner, Jeff Miller, who
helped design the World War II monument,” Matejcek said.
“He heard what Earl was doing, so he started fundraising
to charter a commercial plane, and he called his Honor
Air. Then in 2006, the two joined and rebranded as the
Honor Flight Network.”
Flight Plans
The mission is anything but simple, however, Matejcek and
the Honor Flight team plan out every detail down to the
required color-coded duffels the Veterans carry. Veterans
who served in World War II, the Korean, and Vietnam
Wars, and those who are critically ill are added to the
waitlist. Matejcek said World War II Veterans always go
to the top of the list followed by the Korean War Veterans
and then those with dire health conditions. “We encourage
you to call if you’re on the list and your health has changed
because we want you to get there before you physically
can’t go,” Matejcek said. “If we get someone who may not
urbantoadmedia.com | 19

ON THE COVER | VETERANS HONOR FLIGHT
make it to the next flight, even if we are overbooked,
we put them on and fly our staff out earlier.”
Matejcek said that one of the unique benefits of Honor
Flight of ND/MN is the ability to stay overnight in D.C.
as many Honor Flights are only able to make a quick
day trip. “We’re one of the few Honor Flights who stay
overnight,” Matejcek said. “We are really privileged.”
As a nurse, Matejcek is responsible for reviewing
applicants’ health and obtaining doctors’ letters, and
additional resources needed to make the Veterans
comfortable on the three-day weekend.
Matejcek said two Veterans share a hotel room unless
they have an escort and are grouped by communities.
“So, hopefully when we get back they can have coffee
together and have lifelong friends. And that has been
so successful,” she said.
Matejcek said the first day is spent at the U.S. Army
Museum, World War II Memorial, and having a
banquet supper with a few surprises along the way. On
the second day, the Veterans are brought to Iwo Jima,
the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Vietnam
Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial,
Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and
the U.S. Air Force Memorial.
“The third day, we’ve done Fort McHenry, National
Archives and the U.S. Navy Memorial – it really is a
jammed-pack trip,” Matejcek said. The Honor Flight
team makes an effort to visit all the sites and has tried
several different approaches over the years to make
every veteran’s experience exceptional.
Coming Home
Ronald Nowacki, a Vietnam Veteran, who served in the
United States Army from 1970 to 1972 was stationed
in Da Nang and as one of his duties, he ran convoys
along the border. Mr. Nowacki was also awarded a
Bronze Star Medal for helping a wounded soldier to
safety.
In the spring of 2023, Mr. Nowacki traveled to
Washington with Honor flight, and at the time, was
20 | THE GOOD LIFE

fighting a six-year-long battle with cancer. He was
placed in hospice care in July 2023.
‘welcome home.’ In my heart, I feel like he got the closure
he needed knowing he was going home.”
His daughter, Nicole Nowacki, said
the experience for her father was
“incredible and a dream come true.
He was shocked at the kindness of
people.” When Nowacki asked her
father what his favorite part of the
trip was, he stated, “Coming home.”
Nowacki said, when her father
returned home from the war, he was
told to change out of his uniform
because people’s perceptions around
the Vietnam War were not always
favorable, and he never received a ‘welcome home’.
“He was a very proud veteran,” she said. “He never went
anywhere without his hat, and he was happy to let people
know he was a vet – it was such an important part of his
life… but having that history and being able to see it, he
started to cry. He finally found peace because he got that
“His favorite thing about
the trip was coming home.
He finally found peace
because he got
that welcome home.”
– Nicole Nowacki
A Documentary in the
Making
Tracy Briggs, InForum reporter,
and friend of Matejcek, used to
be a member of the Honor Flight
committee, but now serves as a
media representative.
“Basically, she was one of the
founders of Honor Flight,” Matejcek
said. “She was really instrumental
in writing the by-laws and guidelines
that we still follow today for Honor
Flight.” Briggs, who has been on the last three flights,
is currently making a documentary on Honor Flight and
hopes to release the footage this fall.
“I saw families getting closer through the flights,” Briggs
said. “We knew these Veterans would really appreciate
seeing the memorials, but what really touched me was
urbantoadmedia.com | 21

ON THE COVER | VETERANS HONOR FLIGHT
when they’d bring a son or daughter, and you’d see them
sharing these things together. At the end of the trip, the
son or daughter would say, ‘Dad never told me about his
war years, but he really opened up to me on this trip.’”
Briggs said she doesn’t have plans of doing another flight
anytime soon, but supports the non-profit and looks
forward to the documentary. “I wanted to tell the story of
how it’s really made their last few years – especially for the
World War II guys – it’s really deepened and made their
later years rich with their families,” Briggs said. “This
trip is more than just sightseeing – it’s changed the way
families communicate together.”
Support the Cause
There are 16.5 million Veterans in the United States and
a little under half served before the Gulf War. Since 2005
the Honor Flight Network has honored 273,543 Veterans
and Honor Flight of North Dakota/Minnesota wants to
continue to be a part of that number. “There are so many
people still on the list,” Matejcek said. “We really need
supporters to keep these flights going. If we run out of
money there are no Honor Flights.”
22 | THE GOOD LIFE

Matejcek says she remembers a time when a board
member put a bus reservation on their personal
credit card so the trip could continue. “We’ve come
a long way since then, and It’s because of these
supportive communities – ” Matejcek said. “It takes
a village to make these things happen, and that’s
nice because it’s the community’s way of saying,
‘thank you.’” •
VIEW MORE IMAGES
FROM THE HONOR FLIGHT
urbantoadmedia.com | 23

Little Pumpkins
Available for Adoption
PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY: HOMEWARD ANIMAL SHELTER
These are just a
few of the many
faces in our care
that are patiently
waiting for their forever
families to find them. We know there’s a match out there
for all of them. And for all the rest of their friends at the
shelter and in foster homes that aren’t pictured here on
these pages. Maybe one has been waiting all this time to
rescue YOU... Adopt a shelter pet today!
At Homeward Animal Shelter, our mission is: “Rescue. Shelter.
Protect. Rehome.” We provide a second chance at happiness
to lost, abandoned, and owner-surrendered animals; and
educate the community on the proper, loving, and kind
treatment of animals.
Homeward Animal Shelter is committed to preventing animal
overpopulation and spays/neuters all animals 6 months or
older before adoption. Since its inception in 1966, Homeward
Animal Shelter has placed nearly 41,000 animals
in lifelong homes. •
Mickey
Male | 2 years old | Pit Bull Terrier Mix
I can have dog friends, but I would really prefer being the only dog in your home! I also
am great in my kennel - the staff here put me in a kennel in the front office because I
am the quietest one in the building, and I’ve never had an accident. Talk about a flex! I
really enjoy going on walks and playing with my dog friends. If my name weren't Mickey,
it probably could be Smiley. I am never without my big smile. Why not take a chance on a
super handsome guy like me?
Denzel
Male | 4 years old | Tabby & White DSH
Hi there, I’m Denzel, and I'm here to make your world a better place. Sure, I may not have
the chunkiest figure, but who needs extra fluff when you've got charisma in abundance?
I'll win your heart faster than a mouse can say 'cheese'! And speaking of mice, I'm pretty
good at catching those little critters (just saying). I’m gentle and sweet and get along great
with kids and other cats. Please meet me soon so I can win your heart.
Euphoria
Female | 2 years old | Pit Bull Terrier Mix
Hey there, I’m Euphoria, and I’m here to bring a burst of happiness and energy into your
life! If you’re seeking a dose of pure bliss wrapped in fur, look no further. I’m a young
and exuberant shelter mutt with a heart full of love and a smile that can turn even the
gloomiest day around. I love to play and I’m always up for an adventure! My joyful spirit
will brighten your life and I know we’ll just be the best of friends when you meet me. If
you’re looking to add a lot of love, laughter, and fun in your life, look no further… I’m your
girl! I’ll be right here waiting for you.
24 | THE GOOD LIFE

For information on adopting, volunteering or
to make a donation, visit:
homewardonline.org
Sonic
Male | 2 years old | Black DSH
Hi! I’m Sonic, a charming, solid, lovable boy with all the purrs and none of the fuss. As
long as I’m fed and loved, I’m happy. There’s really not a lot that rattles me. I’m not picky
about toys or treats, just happy to be around my humans, and if my days can involve a little
playing, a little relaxing, and a little birdwatching, then all my dreams will have come true.
If you are looking for a confident, warm, furry pal who is just longing for a family to watch
over and care for, please come and meet me today!
Storm
Female | 10 months old | pit bull terrier mix
Hi there, my name’s Storm. I’m a very energetic and intelligent girl, and I’ve been on the
lookout for a home that can keep up with my boundless enthusiasm and give me plenty
of opportunities to use my clever mind. I’m told I’d make the perfect running buddy, hiking
companion, or even a beginner sport dog – honestly, I’m up for any adventure you can
throw my way!
Beaver
Male | 8 years old | Tabby DSH
I’m a handsome, stately, 8-year-old gentleman with giant green eyes and a sweet meow.
I am truly a mellow fellow, calm, and unphased by barking or loud environments. I enjoy
lap time, nuzzling my human, and a little play time on the side. I would love to find a home
where I can be my sweet gentlemanly self and make your life complete! I know my perfect
family is out there somewhere and I hope we will find each other soon.
Tortoise
Male | 1 year old | Gray DSH
Hi, I’m Tortoise, a happy playful kitty with striking dark gray fur and a cute black nose.
My caretakers at Homeward say I’m a sweet snuggle-bug who was probably taken from
my mama too soon, because I like to nuzzle and lick at your arm like I’m trying to nurse. I
promise I don’t mean any harm, and my caretakers say that this is a tendency I will likely
grow out of when I find a secure and loving home. For now, you can just redirect me so
that I remember I am a grown-up and that all is well. Meat tubes are the way to my heart.
I enjoy playing, exercising, puzzle toys, and cat treats! And my party trick is to stick out my
tongue in photos :) More than anything, I would like to meet YOU!
Saving a life, will change yours!

FARGO POWER COUPLE'S
GROWING EMPIRE
In the middle of the night between dreams.
Stepping into the shower. Staring quietly out the
window during an afternoon thunderstorm. You
never know when or where inspiration will strike.
For Mike and Deanne Svaleson, inspiration came
bouncing along during their many weekends
spent traveling from one of their kids’ basketball
tournaments to the next.
“All four of our kids play traveling basketball,”
explained the Svalesons, appropriately while
driving in the car together on an early Friday
evening. “We’ve been all over the Upper Midwest…
North Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota,
Wisconsin and even Nebraska. And every facility
we went to, it always seemed like we were either
jammed into a school or some makeshift facility
where tournaments were kind of an afterthought.”
After sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in
uncomfortable bleachers in hot, humid
gymnasiums for the umpteenth weekend in a row,
WRITTEN BY: BEN HANSON
PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
26 | THE GOOD LIFE

the Svalesons began thinking there must be a better way. So
they started paying as much attention to the facilities as they did
to the action on the court. They took notes. They brought tape
measures. They found what worked and didn’t work at every
stop along the way, and soon enough the idea for the Empire
Sports Complex started to become more of a goal than a dream.
“We wanted to bring something to the Fargo community that
worked for everyone involved,” Mike said, “including those that
maybe can’t afford to travel every weekend or have busy lives
that simply don’t allow them to travel as regularly as these
traveling teams require. So we wanted something that could be
multi-purpose… something that could host tournaments as well
as a practice facility for skills training and lessons.”
The Empire features two full-size indoor
basketball courts, one outdoor court, up to four
volleyball courts, six hoops and mezzanine space.
Empire Sports Complex
Fargo’s newest hardcourt sports complex – now open and getting
busier and busier as word gets out – features two full-size indoor
basketball courts, one outdoor court, up to four volleyball courts,
six hoops, a mezzanine space of nearly 4,000 square feet for
a grand total of 21,000 square feet of shooting, spiking and
swishing potential.
urbantoadmedia.com | 27

Its relatively quick development and early success comes
thanks to the Svaleson’s already proven business acumen.
Mike has been a business owner and entrepreneur
basically his entire life. He launched Turf Tamers in 1999
with little more than a push mower and a weed eater and
has grown that business into one of the most recognized
and respected brands in the community. Deanne owns
and operates the equally well-known Petro Stopping
Center off I-29 in south Fargo. So the power couple are
no strangers to things like planning, budgeting, operations
and, of course, success. They knew from the get-go that
they wanted to do this right.
“Not yet,” Mike chuckled when asked if they’d learned
any new lessons along the way that they may apply to
whatever venture comes next. “We’re taking it at the right
pace. We really don’t want to make any big mistakes. We
haven’t had anything too crazy go wrong so far. “It took
lots of planning and knowing what you’re doing and what
you want to accomplish. Measure twice, cut once, as they
say.”
Growing Empire with Minimal Growing Pains
The challenge, according to the Svalesons, is keeping the
Empire Sports Complex as busy as possible throughout
the year. Their vision sees the courts full during all hours
of the day, weekdays and weekends, all four seasons of the
year (five if you count road construction season).
“We’re taking baby steps to get what we want in there, how
much and when,” Deanne said. “We want to make sure
we stick to the core reason we opened Empire: basketball
and volleyball. We do own the land next door, but until
there’s a need for it there’s no reason yet to expand. We
have to figure out how to keep the facility busy all the time
first before we grow too big.”
For Fargo, this steady approach will pay off with a sports
complex that is run for the right reasons. Kids will enjoy
expanded opportunities to participate in sports without
the need for travel, and the entire community will soon
discover the Empire’s full range of options when it comes
to hosting various events and extracurricular activities.
“The plans are just to keep it full,” Mike reiterated. “We
want to have as many tourneys as we can, and when it’s
off season figure out how to host dodgeball, pickleball,
kickball… the amount of people who call and ask to use
the space for this or that has been surprising. There’s
always somebody who has an idea for what they want to
do in there, and we’ve been slowly adding those fun things
into the mix. For example, we just bought six commercial-
28 | THE GOOD LIFE

grade inflatables for parties. We
can do so many things, we just
want to do them right.”
“We’ve already had several
tourneys, birthday parties,
retirement parties and
corporate events,” Deanne
piped in. “The space is bright
and light and has been very well
received. We put some thought
into how families can use it and
be comfortable. It’s not your
typical gym setting. The colors
and light are not like you’re
walking into a high school gym.
It’s really beautiful inside.”
The Empire Sports Complex
was built the right way and
for the right reasons… and
by the right people. From the
four-year-old’s birthday party
to early morning pickleball,
the Svalesons see unlimited
potential for those who will be
able to make use of and enjoy
their facility. A good life for all.
“The good life is having a
healthy and successful group of
family and friends with a great
work life balance and some free
time to enjoy my hobbies,” Mike
said. “It’s having an occupation
that leaves me the flexibility to
be there for my family.” •
urbantoadmedia.com | 29

LOCAL HERO | BILL AHLFELDT
Life Lessons with
Fargo Police Captain Bill Ahlfeldt
Work is a huge part of someone’s life. In fact, according
to a 1997 study by Amy Wrzesniewski, work constitutes
more than one-third of most human adults’ waking life.
Sometimes, however, people are put into situations where
their purpose shines through.
For Fargo Police Captain Bill Ahlfeldt, his purpose is to
protect and serve the community he has called home
since 1998.
With more than 20 years dedicated to serving the City
of Fargo, Ahlfeldt has served in various roles, including
police training officer, patrol officer, personal and property
crimes investigator, narcotics investigator, patrol sergeant
and sergeant of the Office of Professional Standards.
He’s been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award
for the Special Operations Training Association and
served nearly 20 years on the Red River Valley SWAT
team. He worked his way through the ranks, first as an
entry operator, followed by team leader and instructor,
before becoming commander — a position he held for
seven years, making him the longest-serving commander
and the longest-serving member of the Red River Valley
SWAT team.
All of those experiences have taught him a lesson or two.
Lesson One: Working hard for what you
want.
Ask him where he’s from, and Ahlfeldt will tell you
Williston, ND. But that’s only partially true.
“I moved a lot when I was a kid,” he said. “My dad’s a
minister, so we moved quite a bit when he went into to
the ministry. We went all over Illinois. When I was 12,
we moved to Dayton, OH, for a year and a half before
we moved to Williston when I was 14.”
Ahlfeldt called Williston home until he graduated high
school. It’s where he met his high school sweetheart,
now his wife, and his escape when it’s time for a bit of
relaxation. But he says moving around wasn’t always
the easiest, and settling in was not always the most
fun.
30 | THE GOOD LIFE

“At the time, I was unhappy with moving,” Ahlfeldt said.
“As a kid, you know, you just start to make friends (before
having to move again). We didn’t stay places very long, but
as I look back on it now, (moving) gave me some social
skills that I don’t think I would’ve had if I hadn’t done that.”
WRITTEN BY: EMMA VATNSDAL
PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
Those skills he learned when he was young would help
him for the rest of his life.
“I can get along with just about anybody and make friends
and get along in any environment,” he said. “When I look
back on it, the things in life that are worth something
aren’t easy to attain. That was probably my first lesson,
and I just didn’t know it. It was really kind of a blessing in
disguise, moving around.”
But through all the moving and all the starting-overs, one
thing remained constant: Ahlfeldt’s desire to don that blue
uniform. He says there are even photos of him wearing a
toy gun and badge phase.
“Through all this, I wanted to be a police officer,” he said.
“There are pictures of me wearing a toy gun and badge.
I’ve wanted to do it ever since I can remember.”
Lesson Two: Life never goes the way
you plan it.
Near the end of high school, Ahlfeldt took a bit of
a hiatus from his dream. He started his college
career in the pre-law program at North Dakota
State University (NDSU), majoring in political
science with an emphasis on pre-law.
That hiatus didn’t last long, though.
“I had to take an elective course, and I took
Tom McDonald’s Intro to Criminal Justice,”
Ahlfeldt said. “While taking that course,
there was an advertisement for a summer
internship with the North Dakota Highway
Patrol as a commercial vehicle inspector. It
was a paid position — and it paid pretty well
at the time.
“I can get along with just about
anybody and make friends and get
along in any environment.”
– Bill Ahlfeldt
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LOCAL HERO | BILL AHLFELDT
I applied for it, got it, and made a really good friend and
mentor there, who I am still in touch with. He’s a retired
trooper and such a great example of an officer and how
they can communicate and de-escalate, and he’s just a
very, very good person. And a good officer. I learned a
lot from him as a whole.”
With every summer internship, however, once those
leaves turn brown, the work must come to an end.
“I just got engaged to my wife, and we had this big
plan that I was going to be a North Dakota Highway
Patrolman,” he said. “And she was going to be a college
professor; that was her dream, and we would settle in
North Dakota.”
But of course, life always has ways of throwing a wrench
into plans.
“I applied for a full-time job (with the North Dakota
Highway Department), but I didn’t get it,” he said. “So
I just started applying everywhere. I knew I wanted
to be a police officer after Tom McDonald’s class and
after doing my internship with the Highway Patrol. So I
applied everywhere. I applied to Fargo; I applied to the
Minnesota Highway Patrol, Bismarck PD, I think I filled
an application out to South Dakota Patrol, Nebraska
Highway Patrol, Border Patrol, Montana Highway
Patrol, and the first to pick me up was the Border
Patrol.”
After a discussion with his wife, they decided moving
far from home was not the choice for them or their
new marriage, and he turned down the border patrol
position.
The next offer came from the Montana Highway Patrol.
He packed his bags and set out for a 17-week training
academy in Helena, MT.
“I didn’t get to see my wife for quite a while, it was 800
miles (from Fargo to Helena) I think,” he said. “We were
only married three months at that time.”
With three weeks left in the Montana Highway Patrol
academy, Ahlfeldt’s wife was offered a scholarship for a
Ph.D. at NDSU in her field of study.
“So we had to make another very important life
decision,” he said.
32 | THE GOOD LIFE

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY: BILL AHLFELDT
Ultimately, the couple decided Ahlfeldt would move back to Fargo so
his wife could finish her schooling. The North Dakota Highway Patrol
offered him his seasonal vehicle inspection job back, which was slated
to end in October 2001.
“In the middle of all that, 9/11 happened and they started opening up
job positions everywhere,” he said. “Fargo opened up and they had
shelved my name when I put my application in previously.”
Ahlfeldt was hired on December 19, 2001.
“I really didn’t know where I was going to go. I knew my calling was in
law enforcement, and I wound up here in Fargo as a city cop,” he said.
“I’ve just had the wonderful opportunity to do many things.
That’s my second big life lesson: you can plan all you want, but the plan
isn’t always going to work out. You have to be flexible and be able to
regroup and make sound decisions about life.”
Lesson Three: Support matters.
Ahlfeldt says he’s always worked hard to grow as a police officer and
treat people fairly.
“I was a young cop, and I made mistakes,” he said. “You learn from
mistakes, and everything you do, and that makes you better.”
But officers have a lot to overcome when working with their communities
— especially in a climate where events around the country can make
that job even more difficult.
“Law enforcement, we say police work is the front seat to the craziest show
on Earth,” Ahlfeldt said. “And it is, but when you get a little bit older and
have 22 years under your belt, you sit back and think that’s not all it is. I
can think of some really crazy stuff but also it’s this incredible opportunity
urbantoadmedia.com | 33

LOCAL HERO | BILL AHLFELDT
“My purpose is to be a
guardian or protector. I
was made to do this.”
– Bill Ahlfeldt
to be involved in a
person’s life when
they need someone
the most.”
He says a simple traffic crash could be just one of three
in a day for an officer, but for the people involved, that
simple crash could be the only one they ever experience.
“It may be the only experience with law enforcement
they are going to have,” he said. “How you treat them
at that time is going to leave a lasting impression of not
only your department but law enforcement as a whole.
If law enforcement is involved in a negative situation in
another part of the country, we pay for it in North Dakota
as well. And we have to understand and be accepting of
that, and we have to understand another side of it and
say ‘yeah, I can see why people might see it that way.
This is the only experience they've had.’”
But the hatred of their profession that stems from
incidents in other parts of the world can be taxing.
“Law enforcement almost has to put on this facade
because we’re the protectors, we’re the guardians,
right? But (officers) are very emotional, caring people
and they care about their community. They didn’t go
into the job because they didn’t care. So when portions
of the community hates, it affects us. Emotionally and
mentally.”
However, as Ahlfeldt says, the Fargo-Moorhead
community is different.
“We live in a very supportive community with great
people,” Ahlfeldt said. “I’m not going to say it’s been
easy, but our community has definitely supported us
through everything. We are very fortunate.”
This is especially evident in the wake of tragedies such
as the 2016 death of Officer Jason Moszer, as well as
July 14, 2023, when Officer Jake Wallin sacrificed his
life in the line of duty.
“Our community is just so supportive of our mission
here and of us,” he said. “This person just gave their life
for their community and you see this huge outpouring
of support. Our culture in the upper Midwest is just very
good at that.”
Support within the department has evolved as well.
The peer support team works to help lessen the
impacts of post-traumatic stress with officers through
many different methods. The team also looks for signs
officers might be showing that indicate they may need
additional support and provides resources for them to
reach out to if they need help.
Lesson Four: Sometimes it’s about the
5-9, not the 9-5.
Ahlfeldt’s life isn’t entirely about his career though.
The Police Captain enjoys hunting and fishing in
34 | THE GOOD LIFE

his homeland of Western North
Dakota and chasing his children
around to their various activities.
Even with his busy life, he makes
time to care for himself by running
or lifting weights every day.
GRAPHIC DESIGN +
PHOTOGRAPHY
“That’s what’s so cool and exciting
about life,” he said. “You just don’t
know what’s going to happen next
and you have to take advantage of
every opportunity and enjoy every
opportunity.”
He also enjoys spending time
gardening, being outdoors and
spending time with his wife and
children.
“I find home and family life very
important,” he said. “I could not
be effective in this career without
the support of my wife, children,
parents, and in-laws.”
And when it comes to his idea of
the Good Life, the family man has
a few “F-words”:
“Family, faith, following your
calling and finding fulfillment in all
of it,” he said. “I’ve absolutely loved
every single minute I’ve spent here.
And I’ve been so fortunate for it to
be my calling, so I feel like I’m able
to do what I was meant to do, and
build friendships along the way —
not only in the community but at
the department — and affect lives
in such a positive way.”
Ahlfeldt says he isn’t sure what the
future will bring, but for now, he is
happy doing what he loves.
“I think human beings are a lot like
bees,” he said. “There are different
types of bees for different types of
things, and they are just made that
way. They all have their purpose
and contribute to the success of
the hive. And human beings are
the same way.
My purpose is to be a guardian or
protector. I was made to do this.” •
urbantoadmedia.com | 35