Welcome
Grand Forks South Forks Lions
If you haven't been to a Lions Club meeting you are missing a lot. Just check out the the tremendous presentations taking place weekly. Consider joining the club, it might just be the most fun and rewarding experience.
Click on the Photo Below for the Current Update of the South Forks Lions
Please Click on the Photo Below for the July 2024 Club Update - Enjoy!
Christmas in the Park 2022
Lifetime Achievement Award - Leon Comeau
Click on the picture of Lion Leon to see the video from the ceremony.
Please click on the photo below for a short video recognizing the many charities that the South Forks Lions contribute.
It's Time for Christmas in the Park
November Update
Click on the photo below for the most recent club update.
Lions on the Links a Huge Success
The South Forks Lions anticipated a very good event in memory of Wayne Westlund and Lowell Schweigert but no one expected it to be the huge success it was. All golfer and hole sponsorships were sold out more than a month in advance. The day, Monday, June 7 could not have been more perfect. Golfers arrived early and were ready to go. A great meal followed the event with prizes awarded. Special Melvin Jones awards were received by the Westlund and Schweigert families. The Lions want to thank everyone involved that made this event so special. To the families, UND, Lions, sponsors and golfers - thank you. To see photos (courtesy of Laura Schweigert Photography) please click on the photograph below.
For the most recent update click on the picture below or any of the other pictures to see what is happening with the South Forks Lions.
It's Coming!!!
On Monday, June 7, 2021 the Grand Forks South Forks Lions will be hosting the "Lions on the Links" golf scramble. If you'd like to play and/or be a sponsor for this event click below for more information. To sign up to golf and/or to sponsor a hole please click this link https://lions-on-the-links.perfectgolfevent.com/ or below on the photo.
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Last Charter Member George Hastings Passes Away
An original founding member of the South Forks Lions, George Hasings passed away on March 17, 2021. Lion George was the last original charter member for the club. George held many different roles and leadership positions within the Lions, including President. Lion George always had fun and enjoyed being a member. Please click on the photo of George below to view his obituary as found on the Historic Norman Funeral Home website:
Grand Forks County Social Service Worker George Jirout spoke recently at the Grand Forks South Forks Lions Meeting about important child welfare issues. Please click on the photo below to view the video from that presentation.
Mike Mannausau of the UND Alumni Association recently updated the South Forks Lions Club about all things UND. Please watch the Zoom Video below for all the details. If you have considered joining a service organization why not give the Lions some consideration. It is a fun and informative club that has served the community for decades. We look forward to hearing from you. Now click on the picture below and enjoy the video from that discussion.
2021 marks the 100th anniversary of Multiple District 5 as demonstrated by the choice of this year’s theme: 100 Years of Unity Through Diversity. In 1921 the Sioux Falls Downtown Lions, Fargo Lions, Bismarck Lions, Aberdeen Lions, and the Rapid City Downtown Lions became the first clubs to be chartered in Multiple District 5. These clubs deserve special recognition along with clubs from Saskatchewan who will be celebrating their centennial as a constitutional area. Throughout all of MD5, we are asking clubs to award 100 Melvin Jones Fellowships during the 2020-2021 Lions year. These Lions will receive special recognition during the Convention.
Various “live” events will be on tap as deemed appropriate and necessary but participation by registered Lions or guests will be solely from your home or other remote locations of your choosing and viewed on the Zoom platform. Eligible voters will be able to cast their votes using an electronic system. Training sessions, award and memorial ceremonies will partially be pre-recorded along with live question and answer time.
Perhaps the single greatest benefit of a virtual convention lies in the lower cost of attendance. There will be some costs associated with planning and presenting the 2021 convention but we have set an affordable registration fee of $25 per person. Registration will be conducted through an online system that will take into account the Canadian/United States monetary exchange rate. We encourage ALL LIONS in Multiple District 5 to register!!
Details for every part of the 100 Years of Unity Through Diversity MD5 Convention, will be made clear as we proceed.
Do not for a minute think that we’re forgetting to have FUN. Lions SERVE but we also know how to have FUN! Stay tuned!
South Forks Lions Donate to St. Joseph's Social Care and Thrift Center
In addition to 225 pounds of food the donation also included $480 cash
For Current Updates on South Forks Lions Activities Please Click on The Photos Below
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UND Athletic Director Bill Chaves Addresses Lions
Please Click on Picture Below To View Presentation
When accessing the presentation you will be asked for a password, please enter: 6V+=Gx8?
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Todd Hanson Addresses Misquito Control for Grand Forks
Please Click On The Picture Below To View The Presentation
When accessing the presentation you will be asked for a password, please enter: 9M*.4.5^
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Lion Tom Saddler Discusses the Veterans Memorial Park in Grand Forks
Please Click on the image below to view the presentation from Tuesday's meeting.
The Final Dick
Compton Memorial
Shootout
If you missed the last episode of this fantastic annual event, by clicking on the image below you can catch a glimpse of the action. What a fitting end to what has been an annual fun-filled day of great basketball. The "Shootout" began in 1996 and led by long time Lion Richard "Dick" Compton. Teams from Eastern North Dakota and Western Minnesota met on the hardwood to compete at a high level. Many shootouts included top ranked teams. It was greatly appreciated that Dick's wife Chris and sons Pat and Mike could be on hand to celebrate and bring the end to a conclusion. A special Lions thank you also goes to Lion Brad Westrum who has spearheaded the event since Dick's passing in 2005. Lion Brad has worked tireously to keep the event alive in an increasingly difficult environment to schedule teams. Brad's efforts have been instrumental in keeping the event a top notch basketball gathering over the last many years. It should be noted also that the event received tremendous coverage from the Grand Forks Herald and sportswriter Greg DeVillers. DeVillers covered all 25 events and deserves thanks on behalf of the South Forks Lions club. It was fitting on this somewhat sad and reflective day of this great event coming to an end that the last game, featuring top ranked Four Winds-Minnewaukan vs. Thompson, the defending Class B Champions, would go down to the wire in a thrilling battle between the 2 powerhouses. Click on the image below to see a breif video.
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One Last "Lions Shootout"
Please click on the picture below to view the latest Lion update, including information on the upcoming 25th Annual Dick Compton Memorial Lions Shootout.
Now is the time to start planning to visit Christmas in the Park light displays this holiday seasonl. With more displays and better than ever you're sure to enjoy this fun part of the season. Please plan to attend and know that you and many others are contributing to Lions efforts to serve and address many community needs. The entrance fee may not seem like much, but together with everyone else, it makes a big difference. We look forward to seeing you in the Park. Thank you in advance!
St. Joseph Social Care and Thrift Store
Mickey Munson spoke at the weekly Tuesday morning South Forks Lions meeting on November 26. He spoke of the many services provided including housing, meals, food distribution and the Thrift Store. Mickey discussed the need for volunteers to help accomplish the many things happening at St. Joseph. Donations for the Thrift Store as well as food donations (non-perishable items) are greatly appreciated this time of year. Cash donations help them buy certain fresh food such as milk, fruit and meat, items that are hard to donate. The South Forks Lions thank Mickey for his time and wish him well in his new position at St. Joseph's. For more information on St. Joseph's Social Care and Thrift Store please click on the photo below.
Look What You're Missing if You're Not A South Forks Lion
Lions Speakers Are Fantastic
Ritterman Discusses Community Growth
Kevin Ritterman, CEO of Dakota Commercial spoke to the South Forks Lions at their Tuesday, November 19 meeting at the Ramada Inn in Grand Forks. Kevin said that Dakota Commercial focuses on commercial sales and leasing. Dakota Commercial is actively engaged in both commercial and primarily multi-family development. The Grand Forks community is their primary focus geographically but they serve a larger area including Fargo, Williston, East Grand Forks and Mandan. Kevin spoke of many projects currently underway in the Grand Forks area including Selkirk on 4th which will combine both housing and commercial in a new modern building. The South Forks Lions thank Kevin for his informative presentation on the many exciting developments occuring in our area. For more information on Dakota Commercial, please click here.
Hugo's Serving Grand Forks for 80 Years
For the latest South Forks Lions update, please click on the picture below of the Pure Food Store - the precursor for Hugo's Grocery stores.
With Fall Fast Approaching Click on the Picture Below for Latest Club Update
For Previous Club Update Click on the Picture Below
Last South Forks Lions Charter Member Honored
George Hastings
On July 23, George Hastings was honored as the lone remaining Charter Member of the Grand Forks South Forks Lions. George is the last of the original 16 Charter members dating back to 1964, yes 55 years ago. Family members joined George for this special recognition (please see the Certificate of Achievement). In addition to the certificate George received a nice gift card. George will be forever known in the club for being the first to respond “I am” to the weekly question, “who is a Lion?”
George was presented with this special Certificate of Achievement for his 55 years as a South Forks Lion.
George was joined by family members in recognizing his achievement of 55 years as a Lion.
Grand Forks Lions club members celebrate with George.
55 Years of Service
Grand Forks South Forks Lions
On June 23, 2019, the Grand Forks South Forks Lions celebrated the 55th anniversary of their charter. Lion George Hastings is the lone charter member remaining - congratulations George.
Bernstrom Discusses City Streets
John Bernstrom, Communications Specialist from the Grand Forks Public Information Center recently spoke to the Grand Forks Lions. John mostly spoke about an annual concern for many residents – road work/projects. John discussed the various aspects of what goes into determining what roads will be worked on and timeframes. Some roads are city, some county and others are state highways. This all matters in how roads are paid for and that can determine when projects can be started. John discussed the current Cherry Street project – a complete reconstruct. He discussed the Demers Avenue project, also a reconstruct. He noted workers on the Demers project have found old trolley car tracks dating back to the time the downtown area was connected to the University via trolley. He also discussed the University Avenue project which he stated is a State project and is making good progress. It is also a reconstruct project, as opposed to a resurfacing project, and citizens will se a very different street when the project completes, including different medians and sidewalks. Some streets will also be different or closed completely within the University area. The Grand Forks South Forks Lions thank John for his informative presentation.
Moe is Lion of the Year
Recently Mike Moe was presented the Lion of the Year plaque by past Lion President Bruce Storhaug. Looking on is current President Roy Fillian.
Lorrainne Takaedza Newest Lion
Lorraine is welcomed to the club by former President Bruce Storhaug and sponsor Lowell Schweigert.
Medical Marijuana Dispensary Opened In Grand Forks Co-Owner O'Keefe Addresses Lions
Jonathan O'Keefe, co-owner of the Strive Life Dispensary in Grand Forks recently spoke to the South Forks Lions about the new business. Jon was born and raised in Grand Forks and graduated in 2005 from UND with a degree in Business Management. John and co-owner David Hale navigated a very difficult process to become an approved dispensary. From the application process, getting financial backing to getting in compliance with a long list of regulations to finding the right person in the industry to help them along, the team finally succeeded with the opening of the store in May 2019. O'Keefe noted that they submitted a 700 page application that essentially laid out every potential scenario they could face with their solution for each scenario. Jon said that they have had customers from across North Dakota with an age range of 27-81. Jon also stated that the industry is highly regulated and only people that meet certain conditions are able to access the dispensary. For more information on the Grand Forks Strive Life Dispensary click here. For more details see the brochure below:
Altru Moving Ahead With New Hospital
Click on Picture for More Information
Simplot Story is Amazing
Please Click on Picture for More Information
UND Alumni Association
Unforgettables Choir
Northern Lights Council Boy Scouts of America
Click on Picture for Update
For the latest Information on the South Forks Lions Click on the "Ask 1" Logo Below
South Forks Lions Shootout Review
January 30 Update
24th Annual Dick Compton Basketball Shootout - Saturday Schedule
Game #2 (12:30 pm) Mahnomen-Waubun vs. East Grand Forks
CONTESTS (2:00 pm) FREE THROW, 3 POINT SHOOTING, SLAM DUNK
Game #3 (2:45 pm) Crookston vs. Sacred Heart
Game #4 (4:15 pm) Thompson vs. Four Winds-Minnewaukan
Dr. Eric Johnson Receives Melvin Jones Award
Dr. Eric Johnson, of the Altru Clinic in Grand Forks, ND was presented with a Melvin Jones Award at a recent South Forks Lions meeting. Dr. Johnson has made presentations at the South Forks Lions meetings for many years on the topic of preventing and treating diabetes. Dr. Johnson served the American Diabetes Association on a national level and has a long association with Camp Sioux, a summer program for youth with diabetes. Shown here are Lions President Bruce Storhaug, Dr. Johnson and Lion Rex Huss.
24th Annual Dick Compton Shootout Schedule
Review of Recent Meetings
Click on the photo below
2018 South Forks Lions Photo Review
Click on Photo Below 2018 Year in Photo Review
Photo Recap of 2018 ND Lions Convention
Click on the 101 Donations below
2018 Christmas In the Park
For Update Click on the Photo Below
Please enjoy the new format. Click on photo below.
Ripley Speaks on Career and Technical Education
On April 3 the South Forks Lions Club of Grand Forks were pleased to welcome Eric Ripley from the Grand Forks Public School system to speak about Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities. Eric is the Director of CTE for the Grand Forks Public Schools and Director of the Grand Forks Area Career & Technology Center. Eric graduated from the University of North Dakota with his undergraduate degree in Business Education and his Masters Degree in Career & Technical Education/Educational Leadership. Prior to his current administrative position, Eric previously taught at Valley Middle School as a CTE computer teacher and at Red River High School as an Information Technology teacher. 
If you missed Eric’s presentation you missed an impressive amount of information on the opportunities that Grand Forks students have in the Career and Technical Education area. Eric discussed how many students are able to identify career interests as a result of CTE programming and ultimately move more quickly towards their career interests post high school than the traditional 4 years of college, with well paying jobs and considerably less debt.
Here is a brief video of Eric presenting to the South Forks Lions: CTE Video
The South Forks Lions thank Eric Ripley for taking the time to enlighten club members to the many great opportunities that students have in the area of CTE. For more information on these programs please go to the official CTE website HERE .
Inman Discusses Minnkota Power Cooperative
Dan Inman, Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer for Minnkota Power Cooperative, recently spoke to the Grand Forks South Forks Lions club. His presentation was highly informative as he discussed the Minnkota Power Cooperative, which has been in operation for 78 years, and their new building on 32nd Avenue South in Grand Forks. If you missed this presentation you missed a lot. From the Minnkota Power Cooperative web-site:
“Minnkota Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit electric generation and transmission cooperative headquartered in Grand Forks, N.D. Formed in 1940, Minnkota provides wholesale electric energy to 11 member-owner distribution cooperatives located in eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. These members serve nearly 135,000 consumer accounts in a 34,500 square-mile area, including many of the region’s homes, farms, schools and businesses.” Dan covered many areas including selling of power to retailers, their generation facilities to security. The South Forks Lions than Dan for his time and presentation. For more detailed information about Minnkota, please click on this link…Minnkota Power
Hoop it Up! Lions Basketball Shootout is Here
The 2018 Annual Dick Compton Memorial South Forks Lions Shootout is here. This weekend on Saturday, February 3, 2018, the Grand Forks South Forks Lions club hosts 8 teams from Minnesota and North Dakota. This highly successful event has witnessed fantastic games and tremendous performances from some of the best basketball teams and players in the region. This years slate of games is no different. All games are played at the Grand Forks Central Gymnasium. The schedule is as follows:
11:00 a.m. Cavalier vs. East Grand Forks
12:30 p.m. Sacred Heart vs. Win-E-Mac
2:00 p.m. Shooting Contests (Free throws, 3 point and Dunk contest)
2:45 p.m. Crookston vs. Park River Fordville-Lankin
4:15 p.m. Thompson vs. Four Winds-Minnewaukan
Funds raised by this great event go to support many local charities. The South Forks Lions appreciate everyone that has attended in the past, and thankfully that has been a lot of fans, because your attendance makes this a fun environment for players, families and friends. Spread the word and plan to come to a game, heck, stay for the whole day, you'll have a blast.
Stacy Kusler Addresses Lions
Ms. Kusler, a Workforce Specialist at the Center for Rural Health, at the University of North Dakota, spoke to the Grand Forks South Forks Lions on Tuesday, January 30 about the need to address the shortage of medical providers across much of North Dakota. Kuslers’ job entails working to bring qualified medical providers to primarily rural areas in North Dakota. She provides a number of services that help medical students explore rural opportunities which may include help with student loans. For more detailed information about this vital program, please click here.
Dan Hill Honored With Melvin Jones Award
Long time South Forks Lions member Dan Hill was honored with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. The Melvin Jones Fellowship is the highest form of recognition that a Lion can receive for their charitable work. Congratulations Lion Dan on this special recognition. Lion Dan is joined by his wife Sue in the above photograph as they receive the Melvin Jones award.
Look What You’ve Missed
If you haven’t been coming to the weekly Lions meetings, you’ve missed a lot. Weekly Tuesday meetings at 7:00 a.m. at the Ramada Inn not only include delicious breakfasts but the best the area has in local speakers. A wide range of topics, programs, businesses and services are discussed by local leaders from their respective fields. The meeting is fun and informative and is over in 1 hour. It is the best 1 hour of the week. Please contact a Lion member and come for a visit, no pressure to join, but once you experience the fun time of gathering with other Lions, you won’t want to miss it. Now what have you missed recently.
Luke Giever of the North American Shale Magazine
Emilia Hodgson of the Foundation for Education
Mark Kennedy President of UND
Corey Mock of the Greater Grand Forks
Young Professionals
Brad Westrum of Gerrells Sports Center
Melvin Jones Recipients
Ross Jorgenson and Dennis Horner
Lion G Paul Larson receives recognition for hosting a fun evening at his home for his Lion friends
New Member Wayne "Red" Knoll
New Member Dwayne Hafner
UND Fighting Hawks Coach Kyle "Bubba" Schweigert
Leon Comeau Recieves the Robert John
LePage Service Award
Long time South Forks Lions member Leon Comeau recieved the prestigious Robert John LePage Service Award at the North Dakota Association of the Blind State Convention Banquet on the June 11 ceremony held in Minot. The award recognized the qualities of - 'quiet, dedicated service to others, without fanfare or accolades.' No better words describe Lion Leon better. The list of his efforts on behalf of others and the South Forks Lions Club is long and impressive. Quiet and done in the background really speak to his commitment to help others. His time, talents and financial gifts are matched only by his friendly and humble nature. The Grand Forks South Forks Lions are proud to call Lion Leon Comeau their own. Congratulations Leon, well done and well deserved.
If you are interested in becoming a South Forks Lions Member or simply would want more information please email us at: southforkslions@gmail.com.
To view photos from Lions events and see photos of the excellent speakers that educate the Lions every Tuesday morning please click on the link below. Learning about the many agencies, businesses and programs from the Greater Grand Forks area is one of the highlights of Tuesday morning meetings. Please contact one of the Lions and plan to attend a meeting and see for yourself.
South Forks Lions Photo Gallery of Speakers and Events
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