May 5-7, 2026

This conference engaged participants on a variety of public health topics such as environmental health, infectious disease, immunizations, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, community health and public health leadership.  Attendees were encouraged to collaborate with other public health professionals and explore innovative programs and share insights that will shape the future of public health.  

Spring 2026

July 25, 2026

Kat’s Sunshine Ride is a motorcycle and car ride that honors Katarina’s life by taking riders on a meaningful journey through locations that were special to her, while raising funds for Justice For Katarina LLC’s advocacy and community programs. At each stop, riders engage in a safe, organized way, combining fun, remembrance, and community support into one impactful event.

September 2026

Help us put more stories into kids’ hands. We’re hosting a kids book drive to collect new or gently used books for children of all ages. These books will be shared with kids in our community who may not have easy access to their own stories at home.

If you have books your family has outgrown or would like to donate something new, we’d love your help. Every book makes a difference and helps spark a love of reading.

Thank you for helping us spread the joy of books, one story at a time.

October 2026

As temperatures drop, many families and individuals in our community are facing the cold without the gear they need. We’re hosting a winter gear drive to collect coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and other cold-weather essentials for people experiencing crisis.

New or gently used items in good condition are welcome. Your donation can provide comfort, warmth, and a bit of relief during a difficult time.

Thank you for helping our neighbors stay warm this winter.

Coming Soon...TBD.

September 2024

The toy drive was organized in memory of 6‑year‑old Katarina Louthain to honor her joyful spirit by collecting toys, blankets, diapers, and other donations for children at Sanford Children’s Hospital and families in need. What began as a way for the Grand Forks Air Force Base community to support one of their own turned into a heartfelt effort that brought joy and comfort to many local families during a difficult time.

December 2024

Through a special T-shirt drive, Justice For Katarina LLC raised over $2,000 to support local families, helping cover student lunch and library balances. The effort was further amplified by SMSgt Brieeann Sachs, who crocheted sunflower purse accessories to sell, with all proceeds going directly to feed struggling families at Nathan Twining Elementary School.

February 2025

The amendment in HB 1503 updates North Dakota law on injuries caused by driving under the influence by revising subsection 2 of section 39-08-01.2. It keeps mandatory prison time for causing serious bodily injury while DUI, but adjusts how the offense is classified and how the penalty language is structured, particularly around minimum sentencing and repeat offenses. The core policy remains the same; DUI-related injury is treated as a serious felony with required incarceration, but the amendment refines and recalibrates the statutory framework rather than creating a new offense or eliminating existing penalties.

March 2025

HB 1558 would have allowed North Dakota courts to order restitution specifically for the children of a victim killed in a criminal vehicular homicide. The bill directed judges to consider factors like the child’s financial needs, care costs, health, and standard of living when setting restitution, while also accounting for any insurance or other compensation already received. It also made related changes to probation provisions so the restitution orders could be enforced. The bill ultimately did not pass, failing in the Senate.

March 2025 to CURRENT

Katarina’s Kindness Corner is a community-focused initiative created to carry forward Katarina’s heart by turning support into direct, tangible good. It exists to meet quiet, everyday needs that often go unseen. Through donations and community support, Kindness Corner helps remove barriers for children and families, whether that means covering school lunch balances, providing basic necessities, supporting classrooms, or stepping in when a small act of help can make a big difference. It also funds a program for underprivileged children at Red River Valley Athletics, providing free uniforms, gear, and even sponsoring tuition so every child has the opportunity to participate and thrive. Katarina’s Kindness Corner is rooted in the belief that kindness is a form of justice too. It is about showing up, giving without judgment, and reminding people that they are not alone. Every act of generosity reflects Katarina’s spirit and ensures her legacy is one of compassion, dignity, and care for others.

December 2025

The Katarina Kindness Drive partnered with Grand Forks AFB community to collect winter gear and hygiene items for the Northeast Human Services Center, supporting people in need of warmth and essentials this season.

Thanks to an outpouring of support from the base and donation sites like Vital Nutrition and SU Nutrition in Grand Forks, we were able to distribute supplies not only to that clinic but also to domestic violence shelters, family crisis centers, and many unhoused individuals in our community. I also want to say thank you to the Store Manager, David Riddle, at the North Dakota Boys & Girls Ranch in Grand Forks, ND, for their contributions. Without the support of the community, our organization would not be able to help so many within our community.

Throughout Grand Forks, we donate books of Katarina’s, and in honor of Katarina, because of her love of reading, we fostered it in her. Reading is key for learning and comprehension: reading to each other and independent reading. We cannot understand the world around us without learning, and we cannot learn without reading. This donation was made at the County Building, where CPS is located in Grand Forks, ND.

These stones are created by Veronica, with help from others who’d like to join in. Each colorful stone is decorated on one side and marked with “Justice For Katarina” or “www.justiceforkatarina.org.” They’re meant to spread awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving in a bright, engaging way as they’re placed and discovered across the USA.