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! 🏀❤️
🏀 Big District Wins! 🏀
What a night for Maroons basketball! Both our boys and girls teams picked up huge district wins last night—way to compete, stay locked in, and get it done when it mattered most!
Let’s keep that momentum rolling at home this weekend:
📍 Tonight – Girls Basketball (Home)
JV starts at 5:45 PM
Varsity to follow
📍 Tomorrow – Boys Basketball (Home)
Junior High at 3:00 PM
JV at 4:00 PM
Varsity at 5:30 PM
Come out, fill the stands, and bring the energy as we continue district play at home. Let’s go Maroons!
What a night for Maroons basketball! Both our boys and girls teams picked up huge district wins last night—way to compete, stay locked in, and get it done when it mattered most!
Let’s keep that momentum rolling at home this weekend:
📍 Tonight – Girls Basketball (Home)
JV starts at 5:45 PM
Varsity to follow
📍 Tomorrow – Boys Basketball (Home)
Junior High at 3:00 PM
JV at 4:00 PM
Varsity at 5:30 PM
Come out, fill the stands, and bring the energy as we continue district play at home. Let’s go Maroons!
🎉🏀 Game Day Alert! 🏀🎉
Our Varsity Girls Basketball game will be broadcast live on Game Day Media, and the link is provided below(or search game day media on YouTube) so you won’t miss a minute of the action!
Even better — you can watch the game right from the stands while cheering on our boys at their home game. Double the hoops, double the excitement!
Let’s pack the gym, show our school pride, and cheer loud for our Maroons!
Go Maroons!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONyKdDqePgI
Happy New Year Divide County! Our 2Words Character Development theme of the week to kick off the new year is COMMITMENT COUNTS!
UPDATED: NO SESSION 2/7 AS WELL DUE TO STARS HOME BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT: WE WILL ONLY HAVE 3 SESSIONS THIS SEASON.
🏀 Mini Maroons Basketball Is Back! 🏀
We’re excited to kick off Mini Maroons Basketball for students in grades K–6 this Saturday, January 10th! This fun-filled program is all about learning the basics of basketball, building teamwork and sportsmanship, and—most importantly—having FUN while staying active and involved with Maroons athletics from a young age .
📄 Registration sheets will be sent home with students tomorrow, so keep an eye on backpacks!
✨ Why Mini Maroons?
This program gives our youngest athletes a chance to:
Learn fundamental basketball skills
Practice working as a team
Build confidence in a positive, encouraging environment
Feel the excitement of being part of Maroons basketball
🎉 Performance Info:
We will have one performance this season. To participate, athletes must attend at least 2 sessions.
📅 Schedule Note:
Please note on the registration we will be off one weekend due to Varsity basketball games.
We can’t wait to see the gym filled with energy, smiles, and Mini Maroons spirit! Let’s get ready for a great season of learning, teamwork, and fun! 🏀🙌
🏀 Welcome Back! First Week Back from Holiday Hoops 🎉
We’re jumping right back into game mode after the holiday break! Here’s what the first week back looks like—lots of action, home and away, and plenty of chances to cheer on our teams! 📣
🗓 Tuesday
Girls – Away @ Plaza
JH: 5:00 PM
Varsity: 6:15 PM
Boys – Home vs. Alexander
JH: 5:30 PM
Varsity: 7:15 PM
🗓 Thursday
Girls – Away @ Powers Lake
JH (2 games): Starting at 3:30 PM
JV: 5:45 PM
Varsity: 7:15 PM
Boys – Home vs. Tioga
JH: 4:30 PM
JV: 5:45 PM
Varsity: 7:15 PM
🗓 Friday
Girls – Home vs. Kenmare
JV: 5:45 PM
Varsity: 7:15 PM
🗓 Saturday
Boys – Home vs. Williston T-C
JH: 3:00 PM
JV: 4:00 PM
Varsity: 5:30 PM
Let’s pack the gyms, bring the energy, and kick off the new year strong!
We’re jumping right back into game mode after the holiday break! Here’s what the first week back looks like—lots of action, home and away, and plenty of chances to cheer on our teams! 📣
🗓 Tuesday
Girls – Away @ Plaza
JH: 5:00 PM
Varsity: 6:15 PM
Boys – Home vs. Alexander
JH: 5:30 PM
Varsity: 7:15 PM
🗓 Thursday
Girls – Away @ Powers Lake
JH (2 games): Starting at 3:30 PM
JV: 5:45 PM
Varsity: 7:15 PM
Boys – Home vs. Tioga
JH: 4:30 PM
JV: 5:45 PM
Varsity: 7:15 PM
🗓 Friday
Girls – Home vs. Kenmare
JV: 5:45 PM
Varsity: 7:15 PM
🗓 Saturday
Boys – Home vs. Williston T-C
JH: 3:00 PM
JV: 4:00 PM
Varsity: 5:30 PM
Let’s pack the gyms, bring the energy, and kick off the new year strong!
We had our annual Elf Legs Drawing Contest this year in Mrs. Burtman's 5th grade classes . There were so many great entries this year so the competition was tough! The winners were: Left to right in the group picture: Nina - 2nd place, Elizabeth - 1st place, and Etta - 3rd place.
Congratulations to these young ladies and a great job to all participants!
Gameday media will be broadcasting both the varsity girls and varsity boys games tonight vs the Mondak Thunder on YouTube. Girls game tips off at 5, boys game to follow.
GBB/BBB DC @ Berthold , Dec. 29, 2025, BBB JV DC v. Surrey @ 12:00 old gym, BBB Varsity DC v. Minot North @ 1:30 new gym, GBB JV DC v. Drake/Anamoose @ 1:30 old gym, GBB V DC v. Drake/Anamoose at 3:00 new gym, games streamed on Hudl.
🎄🏀 Christmas Vacation Hoops Are Here! 🏀🎄
Basketball doesn’t take a holiday—our teams are hitting the hardwood over break! Here’s what’s coming up:
✨ Berthold Extravaganza
📅 December 29–30
Monday, December 29
JV & Varsity Girls 🆚 Drake-Anamoose
JV & Varsity Boys 🆚 White Shield
Tuesday, December 30
Junior High Girls join the fun at 9:30 AM 🆚 Berthold
JV & Varsity Boys 🆚 Drake-Anamoose
JV & Varsity Girls 🆚 Berthold
🎉 Ring in the New Year on the Court!
📅 January 2
🏠 HOME vs. MonDak
JV & Varsity Girls and Boys
Games start at 2:00 PM
Pack your holiday cheer, wear your colors, and come support our teams all break long! 🎅🏀🎉
Basketball doesn’t take a holiday—our teams are hitting the hardwood over break! Here’s what’s coming up:
✨ Berthold Extravaganza
📅 December 29–30
Monday, December 29
JV & Varsity Girls 🆚 Drake-Anamoose
JV & Varsity Boys 🆚 White Shield
Tuesday, December 30
Junior High Girls join the fun at 9:30 AM 🆚 Berthold
JV & Varsity Boys 🆚 Drake-Anamoose
JV & Varsity Girls 🆚 Berthold
🎉 Ring in the New Year on the Court!
📅 January 2
🏠 HOME vs. MonDak
JV & Varsity Girls and Boys
Games start at 2:00 PM
Pack your holiday cheer, wear your colors, and come support our teams all break long! 🎅🏀🎉
🎄🏀 Holiday Hoops in Killdeer! 🏀🎄
Looking for a fun way to kick off the holiday season? Load up the sleigh and head to Killdeer on December 23rd to cheer on our DC squads! Nothing says Christmas cheer like basketball, school spirit, and a packed gym.
📍 Away Games – Killdeer
📅 December 23
⏰ All times Central
JV Girls: 2:00 PM
JV Boys: 3:30 PM
Varsity Girls: 5:00 PM
Varsity Boys: 6:30 PM
Throw on your Maroon, bring the noise, and help us turn the gym into a winter wonderland of DC pride. Let’s make it loud, festive, and full of holiday spirit! 🎅🎁🏀
Go DC!
Looking for a fun way to kick off the holiday season? Load up the sleigh and head to Killdeer on December 23rd to cheer on our DC squads! Nothing says Christmas cheer like basketball, school spirit, and a packed gym.
📍 Away Games – Killdeer
📅 December 23
⏰ All times Central
JV Girls: 2:00 PM
JV Boys: 3:30 PM
Varsity Girls: 5:00 PM
Varsity Boys: 6:30 PM
Throw on your Maroon, bring the noise, and help us turn the gym into a winter wonderland of DC pride. Let’s make it loud, festive, and full of holiday spirit! 🎅🎁🏀
Go DC!
Finally some home games for the DC Lady Maroons! 🏀
Friday, December 19 vs. Ray
Junior High: 4:30 PM
JV: 5:45 PM
Varsity: 7:15 PM
Saturday, December 20 vs. Powers Lake
Junior High (2 games): Starting at 1:30 PM
JV: 3:30 PM
Varsity: 5:00 PM
🎄 Looking for something to do to kick off your Christmas vacation? Come pack the gym and cheer on our Lady Maroons! These are two big District games, and the girls would love the home-court energy. Let’s go DC!
Friday, December 19 vs. Ray
Junior High: 4:30 PM
JV: 5:45 PM
Varsity: 7:15 PM
Saturday, December 20 vs. Powers Lake
Junior High (2 games): Starting at 1:30 PM
JV: 3:30 PM
Varsity: 5:00 PM
🎄 Looking for something to do to kick off your Christmas vacation? Come pack the gym and cheer on our Lady Maroons! These are two big District games, and the girls would love the home-court energy. Let’s go DC!
Due to deteriorating road conditions and the potential for blizzard like conditions, Divide County School District will have a 10:00 a.m. start on December 18, 2025. No breakfast will be served. Buses will run accordingly, and staff should plan to report based on the adjusted schedule. Please continue to use caution while traveling, drive slowly, and allow extra time. We will continue to monitor conditions and will communicate promptly if any additional changes are needed