National School Board Appreciation Month. Thank you to our school board members, for your leadership, dedication, and service.
National School Board Appreciation Month Spotlight - Suzie Jacobson; School Board Member
I was raised on a first-generation dairy farm in Magic Valley, Idaho, where I developed a strong work ethic and the ability to persevere through challenges. I completed my early education at private schools through eighth grade, followed by graduation from Kimberly High School in 2008. I recently earned a Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Business Administration and am currently pursuing CFA certification.
In 2012, I relocated to Divide County to join a construction company and promptly became engaged with the local community. After relocating to North Dakota, I married my husband, Devin, in 2017. Together, we reside on his family farm north of Alamo, where we are raising our three sons. Andrew and Caleb attend Divide County Elementary School, while Keenan is enrolled at Crosby Kids Daycare. With a background in finance, I have been employed with The Bank of Tioga for over six years.
My community involvement has expanded through volunteer work and local initiatives, helping me build connections and support area development. These experiences deepened my commitment to creating a strong environment for families and businesses. For eleven years, I’ve served in various leadership roles on boards and committees. I am honored to join the school board and look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to advance our district.
I was raised on a first-generation dairy farm in Magic Valley, Idaho, where I developed a strong work ethic and the ability to persevere through challenges. I completed my early education at private schools through eighth grade, followed by graduation from Kimberly High School in 2008. I recently earned a Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Business Administration and am currently pursuing CFA certification.
In 2012, I relocated to Divide County to join a construction company and promptly became engaged with the local community. After relocating to North Dakota, I married my husband, Devin, in 2017. Together, we reside on his family farm north of Alamo, where we are raising our three sons. Andrew and Caleb attend Divide County Elementary School, while Keenan is enrolled at Crosby Kids Daycare. With a background in finance, I have been employed with The Bank of Tioga for over six years.
My community involvement has expanded through volunteer work and local initiatives, helping me build connections and support area development. These experiences deepened my commitment to creating a strong environment for families and businesses. For eleven years, I’ve served in various leadership roles on boards and committees. I am honored to join the school board and look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to advance our district.
🚨 Mini Maroons Update 🚨
There will be no Mini Maroons this Saturday due to varsity basketball games being played out of town.
If you turned in registration after the first session, I apologize, but it was too late to receive a T-shirt.
📅 Reminder: The Mini Maroons performance will take place on February 5th. Families will need to pay the price of admission to attend. Athletes will be free.
Thank you for your understanding and support!
There will be no Mini Maroons this Saturday due to varsity basketball games being played out of town.
If you turned in registration after the first session, I apologize, but it was too late to receive a T-shirt.
📅 Reminder: The Mini Maroons performance will take place on February 5th. Families will need to pay the price of admission to attend. Athletes will be free.
Thank you for your understanding and support!
🏀❄️ Basketball Fans — Get Ready for a Full Week of Hoops! ❄️🏀
It’s a cold week weather-wise, but things are heating up on the court. Bundle up and come support our teams!
📍 Tuesday | Home vs. Parshall
🏀 Junior High: 4:15 PM
🏀 JV: 5:30 PM
🏀 Varsity: 7:00 PM
📍 Friday | At Ray (Busy Night!)
➡️ Junior High – Old Gym
Boys: 3:30 PM
Girls: 4:30 PM
➡️ New Gym
JV Girls: 3:00 PM
JV Boys: 4:30 PM
Varsity Girls: 6:00 PM
Varsity Boys: 7:30 PM
📍 Saturday | At Killdeer vs. Hettinger
(All games Central Time)
JV Girls: 1:00 PM
JV Boys: 2:30 PM
Varsity Girls: 4:00 PM
Varsity Boys: 5:30 PM
🧣❄️ Stay warm, travel safe, and let’s pack the gyms or cheer loud on the road.
Go Maroons! ❤️🏀
It’s a cold week weather-wise, but things are heating up on the court. Bundle up and come support our teams!
📍 Tuesday | Home vs. Parshall
🏀 Junior High: 4:15 PM
🏀 JV: 5:30 PM
🏀 Varsity: 7:00 PM
📍 Friday | At Ray (Busy Night!)
➡️ Junior High – Old Gym
Boys: 3:30 PM
Girls: 4:30 PM
➡️ New Gym
JV Girls: 3:00 PM
JV Boys: 4:30 PM
Varsity Girls: 6:00 PM
Varsity Boys: 7:30 PM
📍 Saturday | At Killdeer vs. Hettinger
(All games Central Time)
JV Girls: 1:00 PM
JV Boys: 2:30 PM
Varsity Girls: 4:00 PM
Varsity Boys: 5:30 PM
🧣❄️ Stay warm, travel safe, and let’s pack the gyms or cheer loud on the road.
Go Maroons! ❤️🏀
Hello Divide County! Our 2Words Theme of the Week is QUICK & SLOW. Good Luck to all of our Athletes!
Congratulations to our Divide County Elementary Quarter 2 Students of the Month! We are proud to recognize these students for consistently demonstrating our core expectations of Respect, Responsibility, and Safety. Your positive choices and leadership help make DCE a wonderful place to learn and grow. Keep up the great work! Pictured L to R: Klaus Brodal, Joshua Hernandez, Bowden Nordstog, Ramona Roche, Senna Jensen, Karen Rust, Vanessa Bennet Burau, Les McGhan, Perry Ellis, Christy Bangura, Etta Johnson, Elizabeth Wissbrod, Aynslee Kruger, Hadley Nelson
Congratulations to our Quarter 2 MVR (Most Valuable Readers) and MVL (Most Valuable Learners) winners! We are proud of the dedication, effort, and positive attitudes you demonstrate each day. Your commitment to learning and growth does not go unnoticed, and you truly set a great example for others. Keep up the outstanding work—we are so proud of you! Pictured L to R: Laura Cole, Reid Eide, Leighton Myers, Ana Coates, Scarlett Nitsche, Harper Guenther, Elorah Bertossi, Meredith Nordstrom, Elizabeth Wissbrod, Rylei Bracco, Riah Williams. Freya Throntveit, Stella Rindel
Schedule Update 🚨
Due to the weather, tonight’s boys basketball games have been rescheduled to February 2nd.
🕓 Junior High: 4:30 PM
🕠 JV: 5:45 PM
🕖 Varsity: 7:15 PM
Stay safe and we’ll see you on February 2nd! 🏀
Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 the Boys Basketball Game, Trenton @ DC has been postponed for tonight. I will post the new date as soon as I can.
Thanks
Kent Harding
Thanks
Kent Harding
National School Board Appreciation Month Spotlight - Sam Pulvermacher; School Board Member
I am a proud product of Divide County and currently serve as a member of the Divide County School Board. I graduated from Divide County High School in 2005 and went on to attend North Dakota State University, where I earned a degree in Child Development and Family Sciences. I later continued my education at the University of North Dakota, earning a second bachelor’s degree in Social Work.
My husband, Derik—also a Divide County native and a 2003 graduate—and I made the decision to return home in 2010. Since then, I have worked for Divide County Social Services/North Star Human Service Zone, where I have served children, families, and our community for more than a decade.
We are the proud parents of three children—Aliza, Liam, and Deklan—who keep us very busy with their involvement in a variety of activities and sports. My commitment to youth and families extends beyond my professional work and school board service. I am actively involved in the community through leadership roles with Prairie Tumbleweeds, Divide County Traveling Basketball, Community Action Partnership, and as a Cub Scout Leader.
I was elected to the Divide County School Board in 2019 and was honored to be re-elected in 2025. I am deeply committed to supporting our students, staff, and families and take great pride in serving the community that shaped me. I celebrate my Maroon Pride every day.
I am a proud product of Divide County and currently serve as a member of the Divide County School Board. I graduated from Divide County High School in 2005 and went on to attend North Dakota State University, where I earned a degree in Child Development and Family Sciences. I later continued my education at the University of North Dakota, earning a second bachelor’s degree in Social Work.
My husband, Derik—also a Divide County native and a 2003 graduate—and I made the decision to return home in 2010. Since then, I have worked for Divide County Social Services/North Star Human Service Zone, where I have served children, families, and our community for more than a decade.
We are the proud parents of three children—Aliza, Liam, and Deklan—who keep us very busy with their involvement in a variety of activities and sports. My commitment to youth and families extends beyond my professional work and school board service. I am actively involved in the community through leadership roles with Prairie Tumbleweeds, Divide County Traveling Basketball, Community Action Partnership, and as a Cub Scout Leader.
I was elected to the Divide County School Board in 2019 and was honored to be re-elected in 2025. I am deeply committed to supporting our students, staff, and families and take great pride in serving the community that shaped me. I celebrate my Maroon Pride every day.
National School Board Appreciation Month Spotlight - Melissa Adams; School Board Member
I grew up on our family farm and ranch in rural Fortuna, where I learned the value of hard work, commitment, and community at an early age. I began my schooling at Fortuna Grade School and later moved to Crosby in seventh grade, eventually graduating from Divide County High School.
After high school, I attended North Dakota State College of Science, earning a degree in Architectural Drafting and Estimating. Following college, I moved to Fargo, where I worked for an architectural firm for several years before starting my own drafting business.
In 2004, I made the decision to return home to Divide County and settle back on the family farm, where I raised my two children. Both of my kids are proud graduates of the Divide County School District and spent 13 years playing hockey with the Crosby Comets. Today, my son is farming here in Divide County, and my daughter recently graduated with a degree in Agricultural Business and is currently exploring career opportunities.
Giving back to the community that gave me so much has always been important to me. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to serve on several local boards and committees, including the Divide County Planning and Zoning Board. I am currently in my 10th year on the Gooseneck Township Board and have served on the Divide County Fair Board for 19 years, including the past 10 years as Board President. I am also proud to serve as a member of the Divide County School Board—going on my 8th year.
Divide County has always been home to me, and I remain deeply committed to supporting our schools, agriculture, and community for generations to come.
I grew up on our family farm and ranch in rural Fortuna, where I learned the value of hard work, commitment, and community at an early age. I began my schooling at Fortuna Grade School and later moved to Crosby in seventh grade, eventually graduating from Divide County High School.
After high school, I attended North Dakota State College of Science, earning a degree in Architectural Drafting and Estimating. Following college, I moved to Fargo, where I worked for an architectural firm for several years before starting my own drafting business.
In 2004, I made the decision to return home to Divide County and settle back on the family farm, where I raised my two children. Both of my kids are proud graduates of the Divide County School District and spent 13 years playing hockey with the Crosby Comets. Today, my son is farming here in Divide County, and my daughter recently graduated with a degree in Agricultural Business and is currently exploring career opportunities.
Giving back to the community that gave me so much has always been important to me. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to serve on several local boards and committees, including the Divide County Planning and Zoning Board. I am currently in my 10th year on the Gooseneck Township Board and have served on the Divide County Fair Board for 19 years, including the past 10 years as Board President. I am also proud to serve as a member of the Divide County School Board—going on my 8th year.
Divide County has always been home to me, and I remain deeply committed to supporting our schools, agriculture, and community for generations to come.
There will be no JV game tonight, January 15th vs. Tioga. The Junior High game will now be played at 5:45 PM with the Varsity to follow around 7:00 PM.
National School Board Appreciation Month Spotlight - BJ Wehrman; School Board Member
I was born and raised in Divide County and attended Divide County Schools from kindergarten through my graduation in 1995. After high school, I attended North Dakota State University–Bottineau for one year before transferring to North Dakota State College of Science, where I earned a degree in Agribusiness in 1998. In 2003, I returned to the Crosby area to farm, a role I have proudly held for the past 23 years.
I married my wife, Kami, in 2005, and together we are raising our two children, Skylar and Jurnee. Our family enjoys spending time together following our children’s activities, as well as hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling whenever possible.
Community involvement has always been important to me. Over the years, I have served on several local boards, including the Divide County Fair Board, Northwest Water Users Board, Blooming Prairie Township Board, and the New Century Ag Board. I currently serve on the Divide County School Board, where I am committed to having a voice in decisions that impact our schools and community. Serving on the board allows me to contribute to the long-term success of Divide County and help ensure our district continues to grow and thrive for future generations.
I was born and raised in Divide County and attended Divide County Schools from kindergarten through my graduation in 1995. After high school, I attended North Dakota State University–Bottineau for one year before transferring to North Dakota State College of Science, where I earned a degree in Agribusiness in 1998. In 2003, I returned to the Crosby area to farm, a role I have proudly held for the past 23 years.
I married my wife, Kami, in 2005, and together we are raising our two children, Skylar and Jurnee. Our family enjoys spending time together following our children’s activities, as well as hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling whenever possible.
Community involvement has always been important to me. Over the years, I have served on several local boards, including the Divide County Fair Board, Northwest Water Users Board, Blooming Prairie Township Board, and the New Century Ag Board. I currently serve on the Divide County School Board, where I am committed to having a voice in decisions that impact our schools and community. Serving on the board allows me to contribute to the long-term success of Divide County and help ensure our district continues to grow and thrive for future generations.
National School Board Appreciation Month Spotlight - Melissa Nystuen; School Board Member
I grew up in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and graduated from St. Cloud State University, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work followed by a Master’s degree in Social Work. I also hold a degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Emotional and Behavioral Disorders and am a certified yoga teacher. My educational background and training reflect a strong commitment to supporting individuals’ mental health, well-being, and educational success.
In September 2009, I moved to North Dakota to live on my husband’s family homestead, originally established by his great-grandfather in 1904, where my husband now farms alongside his father. Upon relocating, I worked for Williams County Social Services in Child Protection. From 2014 to 2016, I served as a Clinical Therapist in Crosby and Tioga with Solutions Behavioral Healthcare. In 2016, I opened my private practice, Melissa Nystuen Counseling Services, LLC, in Crosby, while continuing outreach services as a Clinical Therapist at the Tioga Medical Center Specialty Clinic.
My husband, Eric, and I have been married for 16 years as of January. We are proud parents to three children: Kaileah, age 20, who attends Minnesota State University, Mankato in the nursing program and works as a CNA at Oak Terrace Assisted Living in the Memory Care Unit; Will, age 14, who lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan and plays Tier 1 AAA hockey with Fox Motors; and Harrison, age 11, who attends Divide County Elementary School as a sixth grader and participates in hockey, basketball, baseball, and football.
I am currently serving my third term on the Divide County School Board and will reach nine years of service in June. Serving on the board allows me to combine my professional experience with my passion for education, student support, and community engagement, ensuring thoughtful leadership and advocacy for the students and families of Divide County.
I grew up in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and graduated from St. Cloud State University, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work followed by a Master’s degree in Social Work. I also hold a degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Emotional and Behavioral Disorders and am a certified yoga teacher. My educational background and training reflect a strong commitment to supporting individuals’ mental health, well-being, and educational success.
In September 2009, I moved to North Dakota to live on my husband’s family homestead, originally established by his great-grandfather in 1904, where my husband now farms alongside his father. Upon relocating, I worked for Williams County Social Services in Child Protection. From 2014 to 2016, I served as a Clinical Therapist in Crosby and Tioga with Solutions Behavioral Healthcare. In 2016, I opened my private practice, Melissa Nystuen Counseling Services, LLC, in Crosby, while continuing outreach services as a Clinical Therapist at the Tioga Medical Center Specialty Clinic.
My husband, Eric, and I have been married for 16 years as of January. We are proud parents to three children: Kaileah, age 20, who attends Minnesota State University, Mankato in the nursing program and works as a CNA at Oak Terrace Assisted Living in the Memory Care Unit; Will, age 14, who lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan and plays Tier 1 AAA hockey with Fox Motors; and Harrison, age 11, who attends Divide County Elementary School as a sixth grader and participates in hockey, basketball, baseball, and football.
I am currently serving my third term on the Divide County School Board and will reach nine years of service in June. Serving on the board allows me to combine my professional experience with my passion for education, student support, and community engagement, ensuring thoughtful leadership and advocacy for the students and families of Divide County.
National School Board Appreciation Month Spotlight - Stephanie Reistad; President of the Board
I grew up as a proud farmer’s daughter on a farm south of Columbus, North Dakota. I attended high school in Columbus until the end of my junior year, when the school closed, and later graduated from Burke Central High School. I earned my undergraduate degree from North Dakota State University in Psychology, with a minor in Child Development and Family Science. In 2011, I completed my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Minot State University and most recently earned an Early Intervention Leadership Graduate Certificate from the University of North Dakota in fall 2025.
In 2003, I moved to Lignite to teach Head Start, and in 2012 my family relocated to Divide County, south of Noonan. My husband, Ryan, is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Supervisor from Lignite, and together we have two children, Victoria and Jake, both of whom attended Divide County schools. Victoria graduated from Divide County in 2018 and later from NDSU with a double major in Accounting and Business Administration. She is currently a CPA at Bobcat and is married to her high school sweetheart, Joran Oien. Jake is currently a junior at Divide County. In my free time, I enjoy watching sports and attending concerts whenever possible.
Since 2013, I have served as the Program Coordinator for the OFI Infant Development Program (Region 1 Early Intervention), supporting infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities and working closely with their families. I am currently in my 14th year of service on the Divide County School Board and remain deeply committed to supporting children, families, and education in our community.
I grew up as a proud farmer’s daughter on a farm south of Columbus, North Dakota. I attended high school in Columbus until the end of my junior year, when the school closed, and later graduated from Burke Central High School. I earned my undergraduate degree from North Dakota State University in Psychology, with a minor in Child Development and Family Science. In 2011, I completed my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Minot State University and most recently earned an Early Intervention Leadership Graduate Certificate from the University of North Dakota in fall 2025.
In 2003, I moved to Lignite to teach Head Start, and in 2012 my family relocated to Divide County, south of Noonan. My husband, Ryan, is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Supervisor from Lignite, and together we have two children, Victoria and Jake, both of whom attended Divide County schools. Victoria graduated from Divide County in 2018 and later from NDSU with a double major in Accounting and Business Administration. She is currently a CPA at Bobcat and is married to her high school sweetheart, Joran Oien. Jake is currently a junior at Divide County. In my free time, I enjoy watching sports and attending concerts whenever possible.
Since 2013, I have served as the Program Coordinator for the OFI Infant Development Program (Region 1 Early Intervention), supporting infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities and working closely with their families. I am currently in my 14th year of service on the Divide County School Board and remain deeply committed to supporting children, families, and education in our community.
National School Board Appreciation Month Spotlight - Krista Verlinde; Vice President of the Board
I grew up on a ranch in rural McKenzie County, North Dakota, and graduated from Watford City High School. I earned my undergraduate degrees from North Dakota State University, earning a BS in Economics and Business Administration.
I later moved to Divide County, settling in rural Noonan with my husband, Zach, who is originally from this area and a graduate of Divide County School District. Together, we are raising our four children on my husband’s family farm. Outside of work and family life, I am a proud hockey mom and enjoy supporting my children in all of their activities.
Professionally, I work at The Bank of Tioga, where I assist clients with a variety of lending products. I have served on the Divide County School Board for 8.5 years and am currently in my third term. During my tenure, I have served as Vice President for more than half of my time on the board, and I remain committed to supporting strong governance, fiscal responsibility, and student success within the district.
I grew up on a ranch in rural McKenzie County, North Dakota, and graduated from Watford City High School. I earned my undergraduate degrees from North Dakota State University, earning a BS in Economics and Business Administration.
I later moved to Divide County, settling in rural Noonan with my husband, Zach, who is originally from this area and a graduate of Divide County School District. Together, we are raising our four children on my husband’s family farm. Outside of work and family life, I am a proud hockey mom and enjoy supporting my children in all of their activities.
Professionally, I work at The Bank of Tioga, where I assist clients with a variety of lending products. I have served on the Divide County School Board for 8.5 years and am currently in my third term. During my tenure, I have served as Vice President for more than half of my time on the board, and I remain committed to supporting strong governance, fiscal responsibility, and student success within the district.
Hello Divide County! Our 2Words Character Development Theme of the Week is THERMOMETER vs THERMOSTAT. Great content for everyone to use!
🏀 Basketball Schedule Update 🏀
Here’s a look at a busy week of Maroons basketball—come out and support our teams!
Monday
JV Boys & Girls travel to Westby
JV Boys: 6:00 PM (CT)
JV Girls: 7:30 PM (CT)
Junior High Girls at Trenton
4:30 PM, playing 6 quarters
Thursday – Home vs. Tioga
Junior High Girls: 4:30 PM
JV: 5:45 PM
Varsity: 7:15 PM
Friday – Home vs. Trenton
Junior High Boys: 4:30 PM
JV: 5:45 PM
Varsity: 7:15 PM
Saturday
Junior High Boys at Ray for a Jamboree
Games at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM
Girls vs. NSP (Home)
C-Squad: 1:15 PM
Varsity: 2:30 PM
Let’s pack the gym and cheer on our Maroons all week long!
Here’s a look at a busy week of Maroons basketball—come out and support our teams!
Monday
JV Boys & Girls travel to Westby
JV Boys: 6:00 PM (CT)
JV Girls: 7:30 PM (CT)
Junior High Girls at Trenton
4:30 PM, playing 6 quarters
Thursday – Home vs. Tioga
Junior High Girls: 4:30 PM
JV: 5:45 PM
Varsity: 7:15 PM
Friday – Home vs. Trenton
Junior High Boys: 4:30 PM
JV: 5:45 PM
Varsity: 7:15 PM
Saturday
Junior High Boys at Ray for a Jamboree
Games at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM
Girls vs. NSP (Home)
C-Squad: 1:15 PM
Varsity: 2:30 PM
Let’s pack the gym and cheer on our Maroons all week long!
On Thursday, January 8, North Dakota State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier visited Divide County Elementary and Divide County High School. He was welcomed by students and staff, who provided tours of both buildings and shared highlights of their learning environments. During his visit, Mr. Bachmeier spent time in classrooms observing instruction and engaging in conversations with students and staff. (Photos provided by The Journal)
🏀 Mini Maroons Starts TOMORROW! 🏀
We’re excited to kick off Mini Maroons at the High School—here are a few important details to help things run smoothly:
📍 Location: High School Gym
🚪 Entrance: Weight room side door
⏰ Times:
Grades K–3: 9:30–10:15 AM
Grades 4–6: 10:30–11:30 AM
🕘 Please do not arrive before 9:15 AM.
👨👩👧 Important Reminders:
Students not participating must be accompanied by an adult at all times and remain inside the gym.
Athletes are expected to follow directions and show good sportsmanship—those who are not behaving will be asked to go home.
All students must have a waiver turned in before they can participate.
We can’t wait to see our Mini Maroons learning skills, building teamwork, and having fun on the court! 🏀❤️
We’re excited to kick off Mini Maroons at the High School—here are a few important details to help things run smoothly:
📍 Location: High School Gym
🚪 Entrance: Weight room side door
⏰ Times:
Grades K–3: 9:30–10:15 AM
Grades 4–6: 10:30–11:30 AM
🕘 Please do not arrive before 9:15 AM.
👨👩👧 Important Reminders:
Students not participating must be accompanied by an adult at all times and remain inside the gym.
Athletes are expected to follow directions and show good sportsmanship—those who are not behaving will be asked to go home.
All students must have a waiver turned in before they can participate.
We can’t wait to see our Mini Maroons learning skills, building teamwork, and having fun on the court! 🏀❤️
