Sheyenne Community Celebrates Milestones and Mourns Losses

From quilting gatherings to retirement parties, Sheyenne residents come together to mark important events in their lives.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The small town of Sheyenne, North Dakota has been abuzz with community activity in recent weeks. Local quilting groups have been meeting to finish projects, Grace Lutheran hosted a potluck and annual meeting, and residents attended retirement and memorial services for community members. The town is also preparing to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States through an oral history project. Despite the joyous occasions, the community has also mourned the loss of several beloved figures.

Why it matters

Sheyenne is a tight-knit rural community where residents come together to celebrate milestones, support one another in times of loss, and preserve the town's history. These events highlight the importance of community engagement and the ways in which small towns can foster a sense of belonging and shared experience.

The details

The Community Quilters of Sheyenne met on February 4th to finish a quilt, tie a nine-patch, and sort through donated fabric. Grace Lutheran hosted a potluck and annual meeting on February 8th. Residents also attended retirement and memorial services for community members, including an open house for Ruth Braaten, who served as director of the Child Development Center, and a celebration of life for Kevin Harwood. The town is also participating in a project with the North Dakota State Historical Society to digitally record oral histories from local residents.

  • The Community Quilters met on February 4, 2026.
  • Grace Lutheran hosted a potluck and annual meeting on February 8, 2026.
  • An open house retirement party for Ruth Braaten was held on February 4, 2026.
  • A celebration of life service for Kevin Harwood was held last Saturday.
  • The oral history project with the North Dakota State Historical Society runs through December 2026.

The players

Karen Birkeland

Member of the Community Quilters group.

Ruth Braaten

Served as director of the Child Development Center at LHGS since 2005.

Kevin Harwood

Resident of Cando who was honored at a celebration of life service.

Steph Taylor

A professional broadcast personality who will conduct interviews for the Soulful Sounds of the Prairie oral history project.

Carl Daugherty

One of the interviewees for the Soulful Sounds of the Prairie oral history project.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.