Mueller family files lawsuit against truck driver, farmers

The family of a 72-year-old Cummings, N.D. woman has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in connection with the accident that killed her last summer.
Barbara Mueller was killed July 25 when her SUV struck the tires of a combine being hauled on a trailer. The semi hauling the combine stalled on a bridge near Blanchard, N.D.
Her heirs are seeking at least $50,000 in the lawsuit, which was filed against Ryan Berggren, the driver of the semi truck, and the farmers he worked for, Raedell and Dan Braaten of Braaten Farms of Kindred, N.D.
Berggren, 27 of Walcott, N.D., has been charged with negligent homicide and reckless endangerment in connection with the incident, which also involved another vehicle striking the combine’s tires before Mueller. Berggren has pled not guilty to three felony charges.
Mueller’s relatives have stated they will not comment until the case is resolved. 

Bernard Nugent

Bernard “Bernie” Nugent, 84, Detroit Lakes, Minn. died Monday, December 15, 2008 from injuries suffered in an automobile accident.
David-Donhower Funeral Home of Detroit Lakes is in charge of arrangements.

Omar Moen

Omar S. Moen, 84, Mayville, N.D.  died Thursday, April 16, 2009 at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, N.D.
Funeral services were Monday, April 20 at Mayville Lutheran Church. Burial was in Mayville Cemetery.
Baker Funeral Home of Mayville was in charge of the arrangements.

Ho Ho Ho

Warm Christmas greetings to all…

~ from the Banner staff! 

Preaching patriotism

Father William Sherman

By NEIL O. NELSON

Veterans and friends and families of veterans mustered Tuesday for Hillsboro’s annual Veterans Day program.

A crowd of more than 100 attended the annual community program at the Hillsboro Events Center. The program was coordinated again this year by the Osmon-Lane Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4172 and Commander Rich Gehrke. 

Hillsboro Days – Parade, Fun and Sunshine

Tracking: Hillsboro

Wednesday’s early afternoon northbound BNSF train had to switch tracks to make room for the longer southbound train that was crossing the railroad bridge on the north edge of Hillsboro. A BNSF switchman  cleared the tracks on the city’s south side.

H-509 awards $42,400 in scholarships to HHS seniors, grads

H-509 — Hillsboro High School’s scholarship foundation — recently awarded $42,400 in scholarships to HHS seniors and alumni.

It is the largest annual award ever given by the local non-profit foundation.

As part of the Awards Day program May 13 at HHS, the local chapter of Dollars for Scholars continued its tradition of recognizing academic excellence. Every senior who applied — 24 of the 27 members of the Class of 2008 — received at least two scholarships or an average of nearly $1,600 each to further their education. 

Elaine Laxdal asks: Can you believe it?

By NEIL O. NELSON

Her 9th grade students were asking her why she was retiring.

Elaine Laxdal simply showed the kids pictures of her grandkids.

The kids know now why their teacher is leaving their kitchen to spend more time in her own kitchen.

No stranger to any kitchen, especially the kitchen in the Family and Consumer Science (FACS) classroom in the Hillsboro High School, Elaine Laxdal is excited about the thought of retirement. 

Burro tracksters team compete

HHS track and field athletes have competed in two recent track meets and one Burro runner has qualified for state.

Senior Kiley Coles ran a state-qualifying time of 5:33.5 in the 1600 meters Tuesday at the Central Cass Invitational. She won that event as well as the 800 meters (2:31.9) and placed 2nd in the 400 meters (1:04.6).

Coles has been a state qualifier every year since she was an 8th grader.

Teammate Rachel Meyer placed 3rd in the 800 and 1600 at Casselton. The freshman’s times were 2:41.7 and 5:59.4. Senior thrower Maggie McLean placed 4th in both the discus and javelin. Her distances were 93’5” and 94’1”. Sophomore Calli Lemm placed 6th in the 3200 meters with a time of 14:24.4.