The Good Life – September-October 2024

DAD LIFE 

WRITTEN BY: PAUL HANKEL 

A Dad's Survival Guide 

Ah, back-to-school season. That 

magical time of year when the 

house is quieter, the Wi-Fi gets a 

break, and your grocery bill should, 

theoretically, go down. For dads, it’s 

a bittersweet moment— a mix of 

relief, nostalgia, and sheer panic. 

It’s time to pack away the life jackets 

and hit the attic to bring down the 

twelve tubs of Fall/Halloween décor 

that your significant other has been 

nagging you to do for the last three 

weeks. 

Fear not, fellow dads, for this guide 

will help you navigate the back-toschool 

season with humor, grace, 

and perhaps a bit of duct tape. 

The Supply List: 

A Test of Endurance 

My goal this year is to not have a 

repeat of the Great Online School 

Supply Order of 2023. I, per usual, 

waited until the Thursday before 

school started to school shop. 

Mistake #1. 

Mistake #2 was ordering my son’s 

school supplies online through 

2 | THE GOOD LIFE 

Walmart’s online school supply 

ordering portal. 

What I thought would be a quick twoday 

ship of one box quickly delved 

into roughly 14 small packages 

containing all the school supplies 

that arrived over six days. As if that 

wasn’t enough of a headache, I 

neglected to check with my student 

regarding what items are considered 

popular/acceptable or not. Lesson 

learned, it's back to in-person school 

supply shopping for this household. 

The first hurdle is the dreaded 

supply list. Remember when school 

supplies lists consisted of a couple of 

pencils and a notebook? Those days 

are long gone. You’ve got binders, 

highlighters, folders in every color 

of the rainbow, three to eleven boxes 

of Kleenex, depending on the school 

district, and something called a 

“quad-ruled composition notebook.” 

What even is that? 

Tip: My only two concrete tips for 

the supply portion is to do in-person 

shopping or online order pickup. 

Secondly, leave the children at 

home. Turn it into a date night! 

The Clothing Conundrum 

Next up: the wardrobe. Summer 

growth spurts mean last year’s 

clothes fit like compression gear. 

Shopping for kids' clothes is a unique 

torture. First, there’s the battle over 

what’s cool versus what’s schoolappropriate. 

Your idea of a sensible 

sweater is their idea of social suicide. 

And don’t even get me started on 

this new phenomenon: preteens and 

teens who wear sweatshirts when 

it's 90 degrees out. I’ll write a whole 

column on that later. 

Tip: If they are teens or familiar with 

money, give them a budget and let 

them make choices within reason. 

Just be prepared for the negotiation 

skills of a seasoned diplomat, all 

taking place in the comforting aisles 

of Old Navy! 

Bedtime Bedlam 

I am the first to admit that my 

bedtime policy can get somewhat… 

lax during the summer months. I

often find myself thinking, “Do I want to enforce bedtime 

at 10 pm, or do I want to have a 45-minute argument about 

it and, hopefully, he will be asleep by 11 pm?” Choices, 

choices. 

Tip: I’ve learned to not wait until the weekend before 

school starts to reinstall the school year bedtime routine. 

I recommend starting during the weeks prior. Are your 

students going to react well if you jump right from a 

“lawless” bedtime policy to a firm school year bedtime 

policy? Absolutely not. Instead, try slowly moving up 

bedtime as the first day of school approaches. Consider 

using an Alexa device or cellphone timer to help structure 

the remaining time before bed. 

So Little Time for Activities 

Sports, clubs, music lessons, and more. As a selfdiagnosed 

workaholic, even I am in awe of my son’s sports 

and extracurricular schedule during the school year. Your 

role? Chauffeur, cheerleader, and sometimes, unwitting 

participant. It’s all part of the gig. 

Tip: Keep a calendar. Sync it with your phone, your 

significant other’s phone, and possibly the neighbor’s 

phone. Carpool whenever possible and, for the love of all 

things holy, refer back to the schedule! 

Lastly, make a promise to yourself and your family that 

you will take time to slow down and enjoy the holidays. 

I recently started doing this and the results have been 

*chef’s kiss*. 

The Emotional Rollercoaster 

Back-to-school isn’t just about logistics. It’s an emotional 

time, too. Kids are nervous, excited, and sometimes 

downright terrified. As a dad, your job is to be the calm 

in the storm, the rock they can cling to. Even if you’re 

internally panicking about whether they’ll make friends, 

like their teacher, or remember what bus route they ride to 

and from school on. 

As a former educator, I find that the back-to-school 

transition can be especially challenging for students who 

are either entering a new school or are transitioning from 

grade school to junior high or junior high to high school. 

Tip: Listen more than you talk. Offer reassurance and 

share your own school stories — preferably the ones where 

you messed up and still survived. Lastly, go with them to all 

new school year activities, if they want you to or you can! 

The Silver Lining 

Amidst the chaos, there’s a silver lining. Back-to-school 

means growth — for your kids and for you. It’s a reminder 

of how quickly they’re growing up and how important these 

moments are. Cherish the first-day photos, the late-night 

Target runs for last-minute supplies, and the talks about 

exactly how much Axe Body Spray is too much. Because 

before you know it, they’ll be packing for college, and you’ll 

miss these days. • 

urbantoadmedia.com | 3

CONTENTS 

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024 

VOLUME 12 | ISSUE 2 

2 

DAD LIFE 

BACK TO SCHOOL 

A Dad's Survival Guide 

6 

FEELING 

10 

14 

18 

24 

26 

30 

DUCKY 

The Magnificence of 

the Marsh 

HAVING A BEER WITH 

HORACE MAYOR 

Jeff Trudeau 

BLUE COLLAR CAREERS 

Who Will Fill These Jobs? 

ON THE COVER 

K-9 JIB AND JESSE SMITH 

How Special Agent Jesse 

Smith and K-9 Jib Are 

Working Together to Keep 

Kids Safe From Crimes 

Using Technology 

HOMEWARD ANIMAL 

SHELTER 

The Cutest Pumpkins 

in the Patch 

PICKLEBALL 

The Fastest Growing Sport 

You've Probably Wanted to Try 

but Haven’t Yet 

LOCAL HERO 

JUSTIN FISHER 

A Life of Civil Service 

4 | THE GOOD LIFE

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Jeffrey Miller 

Krissy Ness 

Danielle Teigen 

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Feeling 

Ducky 

6 | THE GOOD LIFE

The Magnificence of 

the Marsh 

WRITTEN BY: JEFFREY MILLER 

Sloughs and marshes are often regarded as smelly, 

dirty places. The fetid water isn’t clear and cool like 

a summer lake, the vegetation around the edges 

grows rank and thick, and the odor of the marsh 

must be experienced to believe. For the duck hunter, 

however, the marsh is close to heaven. 

North Dakota and western Minnesota have 

innumerable potholes and marshes that abound 

with ducks. While the green-headed drake mallard 

is the first thing most people think of when they 

think about ducks, there is a wide variety of species 

that move through our area on both the spring and 

fall migration. Some, classified as puddle ducks, 

dabble on the top of the water and will also feed in 

harvested grain fields. Beside the mallard, species 

include gadwall, green and blue-winged teal, 

shoveler and wigeon. Divers, with legs set further 

back on the bird’s body so they can dive deep under 

the surface of the water, include such species as 

canvasback, ring-necked ducks and buffleheads. 

Duck hunters love being afield when the weather 

is foul, with wind and rain keeping flying ducks low 

to the ground. Last fall, my buddy Mike Bush and I 

set out to hunt a publicly accessible slough. As we 

waded through the cool water in the darkness of the 

morning, stars shined brightly above us. Just before 

dawn, however, clouds rolled in and obscured the 

sky. Accompanying the clouds was a cold, billowing 

fog. Enough ducks sliced through the fog, just 

above the decoys, for us to nearly shoot our limit. 

Conversely, bright sunny days, called “bluebird 

days” in the vernacular of duck hunters, cause most 

birds to fly high and out of shotgun range. Still, 

sunny days often produce poor hunting. 


Successful duck hunters are in for a treat 

when they get their bag home. 

Neophyte duck hunters need to begin their search for 

waterfowl with not only a resident hunting license but 

also a Federal Duck Stamp. Because ducks migrate 

through the breadth of the country, Federal Duck 

Stamp dollars help to conserve wetlands critical to 

duck reproduction and migration. Minnesota hunters 

also need a State Duck Stamp. 

The bag limit for ducks not only includes total birds 

but species limitations. In 2024, for instance, North 

Dakota allows hunters to take 6 ducks each day. 

However, only five of them can be mallards, with 

only two of them being hens. Only 3 wood ducks, 2 

redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 1 scaup and 1 pintail can 

be taken in the daily limit. Because of this, the new 

duck hunter must study their quarry closely. A game 

warden will not give the new hunter a break, they 

are expected to know and understand their quarry. 

Ignorance is no excuse to break the law. 

In addition to a daily limit, there is a possession limit. 

Three daily limits can be stored at the hunter’s home, 

which is 18 ducks. Any additional ducks above that 

limit would be exceeding the limit, and to hunt more, 

the hunter must consume the meat. This regulation 

encourages the consumption of the meat and prevents 

excessive harvest by a hunter without consumption. 

Ducks can only be hunted with shotguns, as it is not 

a rifleman’s game. Twelve and twenty-gauge shotguns 

are most toted afield, and semi-automatic and 

pump shotguns must be plugged to allow only three 

cartridges to be loaded. Of course, a double barrel 

shotgun doesn’t need to be plugged. 

Standard lead shotgun shells have been illegal to use 

for waterfowl since 1991. When lead shot falls to the 

bottom of a slough, it can be ingested by birds. The 

resulting lead poisoning deaths necessitated nontoxic 

shot for waterfowl. Though steel shot is the 

most common, bismuth and tungsten are also legal 

non-toxic alternatives. 

Finding a location to hunt is best done by putting 

on miles of driving, searching out concentrations of 

birds. Late in the day, ducks will be flying to feeding 

8 | THE GOOD LIFE

and loafing areas. If a small 

slough, filled to the brim with 

ducks, is located on public land, 

the hunt is on the next morning. 

When the land is privately 

owned, a stop or phone call 

to the landowner needs to be 

made. If permission is not 

given, the hunter must continue 

the search. 

Gear required for duck hunting 

can be as simple or complex 

as desired. I prefer a dozen 

floating decoys, a pair of 

waders to keep dry, simple duck 

call and camouflage clothing. 

Duck hunting doesn’t have 

to be gear intensive, though 

sporting manufacturers may try 

to convince otherwise. Rather 

than spending money on gear, 

the prospective duck hunter is 

better off spending time in the 

field, learning the craft. 

Successful duck hunters are in 

for a treat when they get their 

bag home. I’ve often heard 

people complain that duck 

tastes like liver, but that is only 

true when the delicate meat is 

cooked too long. When cooking 

duck breast, it is best done rare 

to medium rare. Or, if welldone 

temperature is desired, 

slow cooking is the key. My 

family loves duck on the table, 

especially when sliced thin and 

turned into tacos or burritos. 

Fast, hot temps will turn the 

delicious meat into something 

akin to a charcoal briquet. 

Duck hunting is much more 

than just shooting some birds 

out of the sky. Mornings on the 

marsh, witnessing the magic 

of the annual migration, is 

something that is always worth 

the early morning wake-up 

calls. In our modern world, the 

ancient rite of migration is an 

experience unlike any other. • 


HAVING A BEER WITH | JEFF TRUDEAU 

WRITTEN BY: BEN HANSON 

PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA 

Long time readers know this 

isn’t a column for hard-hitting, 

investigative journalism. And 

in no way do these lighthearted 

conversations over afternoon beers 

serve as any sort of endorsement. 

That said, walking out of Drekker’s 

Brewhalla after two hours with 

Horace Mayor Jeff Trudeau, I 

was stuck on one unavoidable 

conclusion … this guy is exactly 

the kind of person I’d want as my 

mayor. 

Trudeau — no relation to the 

Canadian Prime Minister — grew 

up in Jamestown, N.D., came to 

Fargo for college and graduated 

from NDSU with a computer 

science degree. He and his wife 


moved into their newly built home 

in Horace in 2004 with plans to 

raise a family and enjoy life in their 

quiet little town. Politics was not 

on his radar. But like a rogue wave 

swallowing an unsuspecting ship at 

sea, politics eventually came after 

him. 

“I’m the type of neighbor you’d 

want to have,” Trudeau said. “I treat 

people very fairly, and I work hard.” 

In a small town, it’s impossible to 

be an under the radar nice guy, 

and Trudeau was too nice to go 

unnoticed. During the election 

just before Covid struck, he got 

enough unsolicited write-in votes 

for City Council to catch everyone’s 

attention. Then came the recall. 

One day, the postal worker who 

delivers his mail stopped Trudeau 

to ask him if he was considering 

making it official. He demurred, 

but left the door open just enough. 

The next day, the letter carrier 

showed up with the paperwork in 

hand. The wave had caught him. 

Trudeau served on the City Council 

for one term up to the day he was 

sworn in as Mayor of Horace, which 

was only two weeks prior to this 

interview. Luckily for us, he was 

happy to escape the daily onslaught 

of serious questioning from actual 

news outlets. I was happy to give 

him the reprieve.


HAVING A BEER WITH | JEFF TRUDEAU 

When you’re not mayoring, 

how do you fill up your days 

and nights? 

I work a lot at my day job at Microsoft. 

My wife and two kids are my world, 

and we try to spend as much time as 

we can, raising them right. Mayor is 

a title that means nothing to them 

… until they realize they have to act 

more appropriate in public because 

of me. 

What will you always 

remember about campaigning 

for office? 

The first time around for city council 

was very contentious. There was a 

lot of social media activity, which 

you do your best to ignore and 

remember it’s just people trying to 

get a reaction. You just gotta stick 

to the facts and not fall into their 

trap. I didn’t have a big campaign 

for mayor, as I didn’t have anybody 

running against me. Maybe I’m the 

fool who was willing to take on this 

challenge. 

Who’s your favorite mayor of 

all time? 

Didn’t know I had a favorite mayor. 

I’ll go with “Paw Patrol” and Mayor 

Goodway (vs. Mayor Humdinger, the 

bad mayor). I am a fan of Mr. Dardis 

and how he runs West Fargo. I try to 

learn how he does his job as mayor. 

I respect all the previous mayors 

of Horace and have no problem 

reaching out to them for help. 

Do your mayoral powers work 

at home … like at bedtime, can 

you issue a lights out decree? 

I can, but usually the kids are pretty 

good about going to bed on their 

own. I don’t think the Mayor card 

would work very well with my wife. 

She never fails to remind me that I 

signed up for this. 

What’s your favorite Christmas 

cookie? 

My wife does a really good job on 

the Ritz crackers with peanut butter 

dipped in chocolate and peanut 

butter blossoms. It starts about the 

first week in December. She will 

take some time off from work, I’ll 

take the kids somewhere and she’ll 

call up friends to make a weekend 

out of it … and we come home to a 

bunch of cookies. 

12 | THE GOOD LIFE

If you lose your keys, where do you go to get a new 

key to the city made? 

I still have yet to get a key to City Hall. It’s waiting for me, I 

just have to go pick it up. I do have a friend who owns a lock 

shop who could help me out, though. 

What’s the best perk of the job you didn’t see 

coming? 

I didn’t know that the cell phone I get will have priority 

access if the regular network goes down. I’ll feel like 

Batman without the mask, or looks … or the car. 

What’s the worst? 

Lots of media visits. What I think a lot of the media doesn't 

understand is that we have day jobs. So what fits into their 

schedule doesn’t necessarily fit into ours. Hopefully they’re 

at least on time. 

I understand you’re a practical joker … any good 

stories you’re willing to share? 

Prior to 9/11, I was headed to a bachelor party in Vegas 

and I snuck something into the groom’s bag deliberately 

for TSA to find. I planned it with his fiance’s help. At the 

airport, I chatted up the TSA agent and got him on board 

to play along. “Check on 2” I hear from the end of the line, 

as the agent digs in to find the device I had planted. The 

Catholic Priest standing there was icing on the cake. 

What kind of theme park would fit well in Horace? 

Since we don’t have a water park yet, I have pitched that to 

several developers already. Hopefully we will still have that 

in the Fargo area when that gets completed, but if money 

were no object, I’d have something like that for the kids to 

do in the winter. 

What’s the favorite drink of Horace? 

Bloody Mary or Bloody Caesar, starting at 8:00 am for 

tailgating or pregaming. 

If you took a cross-country motorcycle trip and 

you were stuck in the side car, who would you 

want driving the motorcycle? 

Definitely wouldn’t be my wife. You’re going to get me in 

trouble! I don’t know if I have any friends that I’d trust. 

What’s your go-to movie quote? 

I thought the rocky mountains would be a lot rockier than 

this. 

What does the Good Life mean to you? 

The good life is knowing that you raised your kids properly. 

Knowing that you have a good life at home, good career 

and that you have time to enjoy the life you created. • 


The workforce has seen unprecedented fluctuation 

in recent years, from the rise of technology, 

including AI, to the relentless fight to work from 

home after the pandemic. However bad it is for 

white-collar jobs, we are seeing that more and 

more when it comes to blue-collar jobs. 

Due to the significant economic inflation over the 

past few years and the dismal living wages, people 

are increasingly unwilling to undertake strenuous 

work, even to make ends meet. This issue is not 

confined to the United States. Countries worldwide 

are grappling with the challenge of finding 

affordable labor, with undesirable consequences. 

As we move away from the “normal” we created 

during the worldwide pandemic, it is becoming 

increasingly apparent that the hiring force for these 

jobs needs to change. 

As adults, we teach our children that higher 

education is the key to success, but we all know 

that is not entirely true. However, people are paying 

attention to the surging costs of gas, groceries, 

higher education, and basic everyday needs; even 

fast-food restaurants charge prices that rival sitdown 

restaurants and people cannot afford them. 

According to Sachchidanand Shukla, in an article by 

economicstimes.com, “Top-of-the-pyramid 

white collar and similar-nature 

jobs will struggle a tad till more 

certainty and clarity on global 

macroeconomic conditions 

and geopolitical tensions 

emerge. Blue collar 

and semi-skilled or 

unskilled segments 

will find it difficult to 

attract the required 

number and quality 

of people.” 

14 | THE GOOD LIFE

WRITTEN BY: KRISSY NESS 


According to economictimes.com, “With key sectors 

such as manufacturing, construction, real estate, facility 

management, security services, and e-commerce facing 

up to a 30 percent labor demand-supply gap, experts 

are advocating for immediate measures such as higher 

wages and a stronger focus on skill development to 

enhance the availability of blue-collar workforce.” 

To take a closer look at the United States, according to 

mckinsey.com, “The U.S. skilled labor market is facing 

record-high pressure, particularly for companies with 

manufacturing and construction operations. Increasing 

labor scarcity, amplified by the COVID-19 disruptions, 

has intensified competition for talent, raising the sectors’ 

average wages by more than 20 percent since the first 

quarter of 2020.” Furthermore, “To understand the scope 

of the problem and identify potential countermeasures, 

we looked at several critical skilled roles, including 

welders, construction laborers, electricians, and other 

skill categories that are vulnerable to increased churn. 

For these roles, we found that from 2022 to 2032, 

annual hiring is expected to be more than 20 times the 

projected annual increase in net new jobs.” 

But where are we going to find people to fill those 

positions? Mckinsey.com says, “Gen Z workers report 

persistent cultural barriers to vocational training. 

Despite a recent 3 percent rebound in vocational 

enrollment (up from 2018 levels), a survey of 1,000 USbased 

18 to 20-year-olds found that 74 percent perceive 

a stigma associated with choosing vocational school 

over a traditional four-year university. An overwhelming 

79 percent of respondents said their parents wanted 

them to pursue a college education after high school, 

while only 5 percent said the same about vocational 

school.” 

It is up to the companies that need to fill these positions 

to make the jobs more appealing, whether that means 

higher wages, a more flexible work schedule, or a worklife 

balance. 

“As the push toward net zero gains momentum, between 

now and 2030, the global renewables industry will need 

an additional 1.1 million blue-collar workers to develop 

and construct wind and solar plants and another 1.7 

million workers to operate and maintain them. Not only 

will energy projects require a significant number of 

skilled trades workers, but also the skills and capabilities 

necessary to execute the work will shift, requiring both 

rapid workforce scale-up and upskilling,” according to 

mckinsey.com. 

It seems that some areas, including construction, are 

increasing their pay by as much as 20 percent. However, 

their biggest concern is unskilled workers, for whom 

safety is a major issue. 

“The problem is so acute that 83 percent of construction 

workers themselves list inexperienced workers as the 

largest safety concern,” according to mckinsey.com. 

With all this information, the question still hasn’t been 

answered: who will work these jobs? 

16 | THE GOOD LIFE

“Tackling these workforce challenges will likely 

need to involve collective action across private, 

public, and social sectors. The organizations 

that have been most successful at securing 

required skills have shifted from reactive, siloed, 

and inward-facing approaches toward more 

open and transparent forecasting, including the 

sharing of data with new partners,” according to 

mckinsey.com. 

Blue collar job opportunities in the F-M area 

provide a pathway to high pay with on-the-job 

training. This allows individuals to enter the 

workforce without needing extensive formal 

education. Many employers in the region offer 

training programs to equip workers with the 

necessary skills for these roles. The aboveaverage 

pay scale offered by these employers 

makes blue collar jobs an attractive option for 

those seeking stable and well-compensated 

employment in the F-M area. 

Outsourcing blue-collar jobs due to a lack of 

change in these statistics could 

result in a loss of employment 

opportunities and income 

for Americans. • 


ON THE COVER | K-9 JIB AND JESSE SMITH 

NOT YOUR AVERAGE PET 

How Special Agent Jesse Smith and K-9 Jib 

are working together to keep kids safe 

from crimes using technology 

18 | THE GOOD LIFE

WRITTEN BY: DANIELLE TEIGEN 


At six years old, Jib is no longer a high-strung puppy but 

rather a distinguished, well-behaved dog who knows 

exactly who has the best treats when he’s looking for 

a quick snack. He loves to play, so Jib regularly makes 

his rounds to various people with a well-timed nudge. 

But Jib isn’t just another beloved family pet. 

Jib has a job 

He’s an Electronics Detection K-9 working with North 

Dakota’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task 

Force. 

And his handler is Jesse Smith, a 14-year-veteran of 

the task force who’s been working with Jib for the past 

four years. 

Jib was trained at Jordan Detection K-9 in Indianapolis 

to detect the odor emitted from a chemical found in the 

memory of an electronic device, leading investigators 

like Smith to devices that contain child pornography 

or other illegal content. Smith first learned about 

dogs like Jib back in 2019 at a national conference. 

An organization then called Operation Underground 

Railroad (now known as OUR Rescue) shared its 

mission of fighting child sexual exploitation and 

human trafficking, and explained that an Electronics 

Detection K-9 named Bear found electronic evidence 

of child porn that helped convict former Subway 

pitchman Jared Fogle. 

Smith was intrigued, so the task force applied for a 

grant with the organization and was accepted; the 

task force was the first agency in North Dakota to use 

such an animal for that purpose. 

How it works 

Dogs like Jib are food reward dogs, Smith said. 

Jordan Detection K-9 takes in what it calls “secondcareer, 

choice assistance dogs” or rescue animals, so 

they have basic obedience skills and are not puppies 

when they begin the training. The organization 

currently works only with Labradors for their amiable 

temperament and natural friendliness, according to 

the website. 



JIB SEARCHING THE URBAN TOAD MEDIA OFFICE FOR A HIDDEN FLASH DRIVE. 

After being matched with Jib, Smith attended a twoweek 

handler school to learn about Jib and form a 

bond with the animal. 

“I had to learn how they indicated and what signs 

to recognize when he’s finding something,” Smith 

explained. The bond has to work for both, because 

Jib is with Smith 24 hours a day. Except when he’s 

seeking snacks from someone else in the office by 

finding a device someone has hidden to help him 

hone his skills. 

All electronic devices contain a chemical called 

triphenylphosphine oxide (commonly referred to as 

TPPO), which covers the circuit boards 

to prevent overheating. That’s why 

Jib is brought in to search 

warrant situations as a 

secondary tool to find 

anything humans may 

have missed. 

“We do a good job searching, but he always finds 

something additional,” Smith explained. “Like a messy 

car – you might think every inch has been searched 

but then he hits on a micro SD card in a cluttered car. 

You really have to learn to trust your dog.” 

In addition, dogs like Jib may be called upon by 

Highway Patrol in the event of a car crash and a cell 

phone is missing or perhaps in a missing person case 

to help locate a device. In some cases, the dogs assist 

in homicide cases where a person has been buried 

with a phone. 

Thanks to his friendly nature, Jib is also helpful in 

search warrants for another reason: de-escalation. 

“When we go into people’s houses on a search warrant, 

it can be upsetting for the family in the home,” Smith 

explained. “But he’s a sweet dog that kids love to pet, 

so we bring him in to help with that.” Jib may even 

sit with a victim before an interview to calm the child 

20 | THE GOOD LIFE

down. Smith and his fellow agents have stuffed Jib 

dolls they hand out to victims to further comfort them. 

Each year, Jib attends an extensive training event to 

be re-certified, and the training covers a variety of 

scenarios. “He’s trained to find devices in cars, water, 

snow … anything we can simulate,” Smith said. 

At 6 years old, Jib is considered a seasoned 

professional and Smith foresees him being a part of 

the task force as long as he is able to keep up with 

his training and skills. The task force signed a 5-year 

contract with OUR Rescue, which helps provide 

monthly allowances for food and coverage of vet bills. 

The task force reports stats to the organization about 

Jib’s work, such as the number of search warrants he 

is deployed on, presentations he attends, and more. 

Just this past year, Smith and Jib were featured at the 

Red River Children’s Advocacy Center’s annual spring 

conference to talk about their work. 

As long as Jib remains healthy and trained, Smith 

expects him to continue on this career path for 

many years to come. “These dogs are different from 

narcotics and arson canines, where they can be 

inhaling harmful chemicals or substances,” Smith 

said. 

“We do a good job searching, 

but he always finds something 

additional. Like a messy car 

– you might think every inch 

has been searched but then 

he hits on a micro SD card in a 

cluttered car. You really have 

to learn to trust your dog.” 

– Special Agent, Jesse Smith 

Why this work matters 

North Dakota’s Internet Crimes Against Children 

Task Force is a collaborative unit that works with the 

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 

to process cyber tips received about potential illegal 

activity, as well as with local agencies such as Cass 

County Social Services, the Crimes Against Children 

& Human Trafficking Unit within the Fargo Police 

Department, the Red River Children’s Advocacy 

Center and more. 

Smith has spent the last 14 years with the task force 

processing cyber tips that come in for North Dakota. 

He has to determine how to handle each tip and then 

follow through with subpoenas, casework, search 

warrants and more. 

They are all working toward one goal: to protect 

children from crimes using technology. 

So how is that even possible with technology use as 

prevalent as it is? 

Smith said it comes down to awareness and 

education, much like hunter safety or driver’s ed 

classes. “Cell phones can be just as dangerous when 



PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY: JESSE SMITH 

you consider the exploitation and online bullying 

that is happening there,” he explained. “Stats show 

we only spend an average of 43 minutes talking to 

kids about internet safety in their lifetime.” 

A Fargo native, Smith was inspired to pursue a life 

of service after volunteering with a church mission 

in Croatia for two years after he graduated from 

high school. He returned and began pursuing a 

criminal justice degree at North Dakota State 

University, then decided to enroll in a local police 

academy to begin his career sooner. He worked 

as the Ramsey County deputy sheriff for five years 

before becoming a special agent with the task force. 

“I loved patrol and doing everything a deputy sheriff 

does, but I also loved the whole idea of the ‘To Catch 

a Predator’ thing where I could chase bad guys that 

way,” he said. 

A more stable schedule is also helpful when it 

comes to his family life: Smith has been married 

to his wife Betsy for 20 years, and they have 3 

children: Zyler (15); Jack (13); and Zoey (6). And 

Jib, of course. 

At home, the entire Smith family gets in on working 

with Jib to keep his instincts strong. They’ll hide 

electronics around the house for Jib to locate. “They 

enjoy the game,” Smith said of his three children. 

As a father, Smith sees even more purpose in the work 

he and Jib do because he wants his own children to be 

safe in their electronic device use. He joked that he 

feels bad for them sometimes because his kids didn’t 

get cell phones or online gaming access until later 

than others, thanks to his job. 

So what tips does Smith have for others who want to 

keep kids safe from crimes using technology? 

“Be involved, have open communication with them,” 

Smith said. “I trust my kids but am I going to check 

their phone? Yes, I am. Trust but verify.” 

He shared that SnapChat is the number one 

offender when it comes to cyber tips about potential 

exploitation or extortion; as of the beginning of 

August, nearly 900 cyber tips had come in for North 

Dakota and 400 of them were from SnapChat. More 

and more are coming from other social platforms 

“This is hard work and it can be difficult to deal with sometimes, 

but when you start rescuing kids and making a difference in kids’ 

lives, that makes this so much more meaningful and helps you know 

this work has a purpose.” – Special Agent, Jesse Smith 

22 | THE GOOD LIFE

like Facebook and Instagram or online games such 

as Roblox. “Anywhere you find kids, you can find 

predators,” he said. “And kids can be victimized by 

anyone from anywhere in the world.” 

Parents should get notifications about apps their 

children have, if they are allowed to have the app at 

all. “Sometimes I say yes, and sometimes I say no, but 

they always have to tell me why they want a certain 

app,” Smith said. Have passwords and check devices 

regularly, and know the signs of bullying. If kids 

are gaming online with other people, set a rule that 

they can communicate over the TV but not through 

headsets in case of bad language or lewd comments. 

“This is hard work and it can be difficult to deal 

with sometimes, but when you 

start rescuing kids and making 

a difference in kids’ lives, that 

makes this so much more meaningful and helps you 

know this work has a purpose.” 

The Good Life 

What does the good life mean to Smith? 

To me, the good life would mean reaching a point 

where my role is no longer necessary because the 

issues we address have been eradicated. It would 

signify a world where children are safe from bullying, 

solicitation, extortion, blackmail, and other forms 

of harm. Until we achieve that, those of us on the 

Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force will 

remain focused on protecting them. For now, the 

good life for me includes spending quality time with 

family, friends, and colleagues, and enjoying the great 

outdoors. • 


PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY: 

HOMEWARD ANIMAL SHELTER 

THE CUTEST PUMPKINS 

IN THE PATCH 

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. • 

For information on adopting, volunteering or to make a 

donation, visit: homewardonline.org 

MOON PIE 

Female | 3 years old | Pit Bull Terrier Mix 

Hello, my name is Moon Pie, and I am a honey! I was saved off a reservation and since 

coming here, I've learned how great it is to have a family to love me. I've never met a 

person I don't like and think I'm a lap dog (don't mind the fact that I am WAY too big to 

be in a lap). I love to snuggle right in, "dance" with my people, and shake paws whenever 

I get a chance. I'm still learning how to walk on a leash, but I'm easily corrected when I 

forget and start to pull too much; I just forget how big I am sometimes. I'm a little picky 

about who my dog friends are, because I want to be in charge in my space, so I either 

need to be an only dog or with a submissive male dog, that doesn't mind a lady dog 

bossing him around. 

FOOTLOOSE 

Female | 6 months old | Black DSH 

Hi, my name is Footloose, and I am looking for my forever home. My sibling Modesto got 

adopted right away, but I've had a bit longer of a stay at my foster's house. I LOVE to 

play with spring toys, they are my absolute favorite! I also love sprinting through my cat 

tunnel to chase my best friend, Marbles. I have a favorite wand toy that I bring to my 

foster mom at least 4 times in the night. 


Although I love to play, I am quite the cuddler as well! I prefer to sleep in between my 

foster mom's legs, but anywhere will do. I will also demand quite a few kisses throughout 

the day! I am litter box trained and have never had any accidents. If you're looking for a 

new best friend to adore, I am definitely your gal!

GARY 

Male | Nearly 10 years old | Bulldog Mix 

Hi there, I'm Gary. I'm the cutest, most laid-back companion you'll ever meet! I hardly ever 

bark, so I'm perfect for a peaceful home. One of my favorite things is to lay on the couch 

right by your side, soaking up all your cuddles and love. 

I'm great with kids and really enjoy their company. When it's time for a walk, I get so 

excited that my little butt wiggles all over the place! And don't worry, I walk on my leash 

like a pro. 

If you're looking for a chill, cuddly dog, I'm definitely the one for you! I would prefer to be 

the only pet in the home so I can soak up all the love and attention. I can't wait to meet 

my forever family! 

HANNAH 

Female | 10 years old | Grey Tabby DSH 

Hi, I'm Hannah, a little grey tabby with a good heart who is looking for a family to call my 

own. At age 10, I know my own mind, and I can say with certainty that I'm not a big fan 

of barking, even though some of the dogs here do seem pretty nice. I enjoy chin rubs and 

scratches around my ears. I'd most prefer a quiet home where I can feel safe and loved, 

and once I do, I will return that love 1000-fold. I won't let you down … please choose me! 

CLEMENTINE 

Female | 3 years old | Pit Bull Terrier Mix 

Hi, I'm Clementine, a sweet and affectionate lady with a goofy streak and a strong, 

playful spirit. I absolutely adore people and can't get enough belly rubs. Seriously, they're 

the best! My smile stretches from ear to ear, and I promise it'll brighten your day every 

time you see it. 

I'm not too fond of cats or small dogs, but I love big dogs and would be thrilled to have a 

playmate my own size. My biggest dream is to find my forever home where I can share 

all my love and joy. Maybe I'm the special girl you've been waiting for? Come meet me 

and let's find out! 

ISLA 

Female | 2 years old | Black & White DSH 

Hi world, I'm Isla, and as you can see from the photo, I'm an amazing little girl who is 

recovering from having my front right leg removed so that I can live a pain-free life. I'm 

adapting like a champ; I still play and cuddle with the best of them — only sometimes 

I might need a helping hand to climb into your lap or to sit beside you on the sofa. The 

folks at HAS tell me I am one of the sweetest, most loving cats they have ever met, so I'm 

looking for a family where cuddles and kisses are of the utmost importance! If this sounds 

like you, please come and find me today. 

BENJI 

Male | 1 year old | Lab/Retriever / Cattle Dog Mix 

Hi there! I’m Benji, a 1-year-old ball of energy and joy. I absolutely love the water, and 

there's nothing better than having plenty of room to roam and explore. I’m all about 

adventure, and with so much puppy still in me, I’m always on the go, ready for whatever 

fun comes my way! 

Now, I have to be honest … cats just aren’t my thing, and I can be a bit picky about my 

dog friends. But if you’ve got kids over 12 who love to play and explore, I think we’d get 

along great! I’m looking for an active family who will love me unconditionally and share 

in all the adventures life has to offer. If you’re up for a life full of fun, I’m ready to be your 

loyal sidekick! 


WRITTEN BY: PAUL HANKEL 

26 | THE GOOD LIFE

Pickleball 

The Fastest Growing Sport 

You've Probably Wanted to Try 

but Haven’t Yet 

Once considered a quirky pastime played primarily 

in retirement communities, pickleball has exploded 

in popularity across the United States. This hybrid 

sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, 

and ping-pong, has become a favorite for people of all 

ages and skill levels. From local parks to professional 

tournaments, pickleball is quickly becoming a 

mainstay in American recreational sports. My son 

took an interest, so we spent the summer checking 

out some of the area’s pickleball courts and getting 

the scoop on the FM pickleball scene. 

A Brief History 

You can’t make this up … pickleball was invented in 

1965 by three DADS — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and 

Barney McCallum — looking to entertain their bored 

children during the summer. Sound familiar? 

Using a badminton court, a lowered net, ping-pong 

paddles, and a perforated plastic ball, they created a 

game that was both fun and easy to learn. It’s rumored 

that the name "pickleball" is said to have come from 

creator Joel Pritchard's dog, Pickles, who would 

chase after the ball. Though some argue it was named 

after the term "pickle boat" in crew (rowing), where 

oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other 

boats. I prefer the first explanation better. 

The Appeal of Pickleball 

One of the key factors behind pickleball's rise is its 

accessibility. The game is easy to learn and can be 

enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Unlike 

tennis, which requires significant running and high 

levels of agility, pickleball is played on a smaller court, 

making it less physically demanding. This has made it 

particularly popular among older adults looking for a 

fun way to stay active without putting too much strain 

on their bodies. Pickleball is also much less expensive 

and accessible as compared to other recreational 

sports such as golf, tennis, etc. The rise of pickleball 


isn’t just limited to casual play. However, the sport has 

seen a surge in professional tournaments and leagues, 

offering significant prize money and attracting 

top-tier athletes. The USA Pickleball Association 

(USAPA) has been instrumental in promoting the 

sport, organizing events, and setting official rules 

and standards. Major sports networks have begun 

broadcasting pickleball tournaments, and dedicated 

pickleball courts are popping up in parks and sports 

complexes nationwide. 

A Community Sport 

It took me a while to put my finger on why, in my humble 

opinion, pickleball has such a strong following. After 

playing it all summer and researching it thoroughly 

I’m convinced that it is the social aspect that has 

contributed to pickleball’s rise in popularity. Many 

players enjoy the sense of community that comes 

with the sport. If you were to walk onto a pickleball 

court on any random Saturday, you would be greeted 

by senior citizen players, families, and teenage and 

college-age players. Some are serious players, and 

some play casually. That’s the beauty of this sport. It’s 

for everyone. 

Local clubs and community centers often host regular 

lessons, games, and tournaments, which all help to 

foster a welcoming environment where newcomers 

can quickly find their place. 

Lastly, I think that the smaller court and slower pace 

of the game also make it easier to chat and socialize 

while playing, which has helped build a tight-knit 

community of enthusiasts. These factors are also 

appealing to those with limited mobility or those 

who are easily winded due to beer and chicken winginduced 

bellies such as myself. 

Health Benefits 

Beyond its social and professional appeal, pickleball 

offers numerous health benefits. It provides a full-body 

workout, improving cardiovascular health, balance, 

and coordination. Pickleball’s moderate intensity 

means it’s an excellent option for those looking to stay 

active without the high risk of injury associated with 

more strenuous activities. 

The Gear 

One of the most attractive features of pickleball is 

the minimal equipment required to get started. This 

aspect is especially attractive for us hockey and 

baseball parents, who already spend thousands on 

those sports! All you need is a paddle, a pickleball, 

and access to a court. Paddles come in a variety 

28 | THE GOOD LIFE

of materials, including wood, 

composite, and graphite, catering 

to different preferences and playing 

styles. Balls are inexpensive and 

designed specifically to provide the 

right amount of bounce and control. 

Lastly, unless you’re paying for a 

day pass at an indoor rec center or 

signing up to play in a tournament, 

it's free to access most courts! 

Getting Started 

For those interested in trying 

pickleball, there are plenty of 

resources available to help you get 

started. 

- Many communities offer beginner 

classes and clinics, providing 

instruction on the basic rules and 

techniques. 

- Online tutorials and videos are 

also widely available, offering tips 

and strategies to improve your game. 

- Joining a local pickleball club can 

be a great way to meet other players 

and find regular games. 

- Friendly reminder: before you 

step on the court for the first time, be 

sure to stretch! 

Locally, the pickleball scene in 

the FM area is BOOMING! With 

numerous clubs, parks, and indoor 

facilities, players of all skill levels 

can find opportunities to play and 

improve their game. 

The Future of Pickleball 

As pickleball continues to grow in 

popularity, its future looks bright. 

The sport’s “playability”, health 

benefits, and community appeal 

have positioned it as a favorite 

pastime for many, young and old. 

With ongoing efforts to promote and 

expand the sport, pickleball is poised 

to become a staple in the American 

sports landscape. Will it ever replace 

American football as America’s new 

favorite pass-time? Probably not. 

However, former Patriots great, Tom 

Brady, is part owner of Major League 

Pickleball, one of the most prominent 

professional pickleball leagues. So … 

there’s that. • 


LOCAL HERO | JUSTIN FISHER 

LOCAL HERO 

JUSTIN FISHER 

A LIFE OF CIVIL SERVICE 

WRITTEN BY: JEFFREY MILLER 


The cool late spring Manitoba air 

felt good. My buddy Justin Fisher 

threw another log on the crackling 

fire, and the flare of heat felt good. 

Our bear hunt started the next 

day, allowing us time to relax and 

get into vacation mode. Though 

I’ve been friends with Justin for 

years, I didn’t know the entirety 

of his extraordinary life. Those 

modest to the extreme, I was able 

to convince him to start talking. 

He was born in Great Falls, MT in 

1981, the second of two children. 

His father was in the Air Force but 

didn’t reenlist the following year 

as they moved to Jamestown, his 

mother’s hometown. His father 

became a firefighter, continuing a 

career in civil service. His parents 

divorced in 1989, and his mother 

went back to college to be a nurse. 

The Fisher family was steeped in 

education and civil service. 

The unthinkable happened in 

1996, when his mother passed 

away following a snowmobile 

accident. Justin admits he felt a 

bit rudderless following the loss 

of his mom. Two years later, at the 

age of 17, he decided to follow in 

his family’s footsteps and enlist 

in the National Guard, along with 

his best friend Pete. As soon as 

he finished high school, he was 

shipped off to Fort Leonard Wood, 

Missouri. In addition to Basic 

Training, he underwent required 

Advanced Infantry Training as a 

combat engineer. 

After returning home to North 

Dakota, Justin attended the 

University of North Dakota for 

three years pursuing a BS degree 

in Biology. On Valentine’s Day 

2004, he was deployed for his 

first tour in Iraq. 

In those days, he said, the 

technology for roadside bombs 

was quite rudimentary. His 

company would advance in front 

of mobile units, sweeping the area 

for ordinances. In the days before 

remote detonation, he said, you 

can see the copper cables glinting 

in the desert sun, leading into the 

hills. Another tactic employed 

was to stuff a goat’s carcass with 

explosives. He learned to always 

be on the lookout for defunct 

animals on the side of the road. 

Towards the end of his first 

deployment, a bomb exploded 

in front of the armored Humvee 

30 | THE GOOD LIFE

THERE WAS NO SURPRISE, TO THOSE CLOSEST TO HIM, 

THAT HE CHOSE A CAREER IN CIVIL SERVICE. 

vehicle Justin was occupying. As 

is routine after an injury, he was 

examined in a field hospital. The 

biting pain in his side was found 

to be a perforated appendix. After 

surgery, a battered Justin was 

sent to Germany for two weeks to 

recover. 

Soon after returning to Iraq, he 

was given the opportunity to 

accompany equipment on a 

boat headed back to the States. 

The ship took over 30 days 

to make the trek back, and 

in the process crossed the 

Equator. In Navy parlance, 

that’s called a Shellback. 

Back again at college, 

Justin finished up his 

bachelor’s degree at 

North Dakota State 



THE BOMBS WERE MORE DANGEROUS, 

WITH MORE BEING BUILT WITH COPPER. 

COPPER WOULD LIQUEFY UNDER THE 

HEAT AND CAUSE MASSIVE INJURIES. 

MANY DESTROYED VEHICLES WOULD 

SHOW EVIDENCE OF COOLED COPPER 

ON THE SIDES. 

University 

in Zoology in 

2007. It wasn’t 

long, however, 

before he found himself 

back in Iraq. 

Things had changed dramatically. 

No longer were deceased goats 

used to hide roadside bombs. 

The technology had advanced 

tremendously, and remote 

detonation was used extensively. 

Justin’s detachment again was in 

the front of the line, acting as a 

bird dog on a hot trail. The bombs 

were more dangerous, with more 

being built with copper. Copper 

would liquefy under the heat and 

cause massive injuries. Many 

destroyed vehicles would show 

evidence of cooled copper on the 

sides. 

Justin’s platoon completed 

hundreds of missions, clearing the 

road between towns and villages. 

The roads were dusty, hot, and 

dangerous. On one fateful day, 

his unit was sweeping a backroad 

along an irrigation canal. Steep, 

dry hills were on both sides of 

the road and rolled down to form 

a narrow bottleneck. As soon as 

the vehicle entered the narrowest 

point, a bomb exploded in front of 

the vehicle. 

The RG-31 armored vehicle 

equipped with a mine roller, 

attached in front of the vehicle, 

did its job and deflected most 

of the blast, The vehicle was 

violently spun to the side and into 

the edge of the canal, the only 

water for miles. The dust settled 

around the vehicle in the still air. 

32 | THE GOOD LIFE

MILITARY PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY: 

JUSTIN FISHER 

Justin was injured in the manner 

many soldiers were during the 

war, with a Traumatic Brain Injury 

(TBI). The intense explosion and 

pressure that occurred inside the 

vehicle had caused serious injury 

to his head, especially the small 

bones of the ear. While we don’t 

often think about how delicate the 

head and ears are, once an injury 

occurs to the fine bones in the ear, 

life becomes very difficult. 

Justin was sent back to the States 

to recuperate from the injury. His 

wife, Jenny, whom he had married 

in 2006, was living in Nebraska 

and working towards becoming 

a Physician’s Assistant. Despite 

there being very little wrong with 

his physical appearance, he felt 

like he was in a fog. Even tasks as 

simple as walking proved difficult, 

and vertigo caused constant 

headaches. 

Justin swatted some annoying 

mosquitoes away as he described 

the intensive therapy he undertook 

for over four months. He realized 

that he was facing a new normal, 

having to relearn many aspects 

of his life. In previous conflicts, 

soldiers would come home with 

missing limbs or obvious war 

wounds. While a TBI appears to be 

invisible, it can change a soldier’s 

life forever. For his injury, Justin 

was awarded a Purple Heart. 

Justin was at a crossroads in his 

life. Out of service, he searched for 

a path forward. The first step on 

his new path was expanding his 

knowledge of the natural world. 



Working with Craig Stockwell 

at NDSU, he began studying 

aquatic invertebrates. Figuring 

out a way to study when dealing 

with headaches, he would listen 

to audiobooks when the pain was 

so severe he had to close his eyes. 

His academic career flourished. 

Soon he found himself working 

on research with Dave Mushet 

on Northern Leopard Frogs. He 

spent an entire summer in the 

wetlands of various watersheds 

in North Dakota, sampling 

innumerable frogs in the fetid 

smelling marshes. The data was 

then used to identify genetic 

diversity on a small and large 

scale. His research moved from a 

master’s degree to a PhD, which 

he received in 2015. In addition 

to genetic work, he became an 

expert in Geographic Information 

Systems (GIS). 

There was no surprise, to 

those closest to him, that he 

chose a career in civil service. 

After serving his country in the 

National Guard Justin wanted 

to work with what he most 

loved, the environment and the 

outdoors. He started his career 

with the Natural Resources 

Conservation Service (NRCS) in 

Wetland Compliance. He worked 

in the Fargo Field Office, which is 

where I first met him. 

His intelligence and knowledge 

opened many doors, and he 

moved on to work with the 

Minnesota Red River Basin 

Initiative in 2016, working as a 

Wetland Restoration Biologist. 

The days in the marshes, 

searching for frogs, had instilled 

a deep-seated love of wetlands in 

his soul. 

In the fall of 2021, he accepted 

a position with the Army Corps 

of Engineers. Focusing on large 

impact ecological projects, he 

worked with the removal of the 

Drayton Dam and on projects 

within the FM Diversion Project. 

Finally, in September 2023 he 

moved to the US Department 

of Energy. Engaging with states 

working to develop jobs in new 

energy, he works with Kentucky 

and West Virginia to use 

exhausted coal lands to produce 

green energy. Not only is his work 

good for the environment but it 

helps restore jobs lost when the 

fossil fuels were depleted. 

Justin’s vast knowledge of ecology, 

from small prairie potholes to 

large scale ecosystems, has 

prepared him to effortlessly work 

with small, local stakeholders on 

up to the Federal government. 

“We only have one environment, 

and it’s up to us to do the best for 

it,” he said, as he added another 

log to the fire. A longtime admirer 

of one of the greatest ecological 

teachers, Aldo Leopold, Justin 

hopes his work can help the 

public have a polite discourse 

on environmental problems and 

solutions. “Once you change 

thought processes, the science is 

easy.” 

Outside of his busy work life, 

Justin and his wife are raising 

34 | THE GOOD LIFE

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY: JUSTIN FISHER 

three amazing kids. Their kids, 2 girls and a boy, are 

involved in competitive swimming, cross country and 

high school fishing. It is a rare weekend that doesn’t find 

the Fisher family at a pool or cross-country course. 

I’ve been fortunate to call Justin Fisher a friend for 

some years now, and we still find time in the fall to 

pursue whitetail deer with our bows. Though Justin has 

harvested plenty of game, he says his favorite part of the 

outdoors is the chance to step back from his busy life 

and enjoy the simple pleasures nature offers. Though 

he said, with a grin, he’s sure looking to seeing some 

black bears! 

As the fire burns down and we make our way to our small 

cabin in the Canadian Bush, I feel like I’ve learned more 

about my extraordinary friend. Even better, I’m excited 

to see what the future holds for him and his family. • 


••• 

• • 

•• •• 

•• 

MinnKota 

RECYCLING 

RECYCLE 

Fargo Redemption Center 

901 4th Ave N - Fargo 

Closed Mondays 

Tuesday-Friday 9 to 5 

Saturday 9 to 3 

Detroit Lakes, MN 

526 Hwy 59 N - Detroit Lakes 

Mon-Fri 9 to 5 

Saturday 8 to noon 

DOCUMENT DESTRUCTION 

MinnKota is a National Association for Information 

Destruction (NAI D) "AAA" certified service provider 

for both plant-based (off-site) and mobile (on-site) 

destruction of printed media and computer hard 

drives . 

DONATIONS 

Continue to make those Miller High Life donations to 

Cass-Clay Veterans Assistance Fund and in Detroit 

Lakes to the VFW Color Guard. For other registered 

organizations, visit our website or scan the QR code. 

MinnKota EnviroServices, Inc. is locally owned and operates two recycling facilities in Fargo, ND and Detroit Lakes, MN. 

MinnKota provides services to over 3,100 commercial locations in the region and has been recognized as the "Best in 

North Dakota" by the State Department of Health. Visit us at: minnkotarecycling.com

The Good Life – September-October 2024

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