Vocella, Inc. (pronounced vō-chellä) is a multimedia company that aims to engage, excite, and empower people through compelling and entertaining products and services with a hyperlocal focus on community, business, arts, culture, and entertainment.
We are delighted to introduce the latest chapter in our journey: the Williston Graphic. This newly designed newspaper boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic, featuring stunning artwork and informative articles. Crafting this visually captivating paper has been a labor of love, with our dedicated team painstakingly perfecting every aspect, from its appearance and tone to its expanded coverage area.
Furthermore, nestled inside, you will find the Williston Graphic Business section, complete with all the familiar content you’ve come to rely on. This includes classified ads featuring help wanted listings, rummage sales, and more, as well as business news, events, and community updates.
So, thank you for joining us as we continue to grow and do our very best to serve our communities.
Publishing & Sales Team
J.C. & Susan LaBar Owners/Publishers
Karolyn Moltzan
General Manager/Lead Design
McKenna Layne Design/Social Media
Erica Kingston Editorial/Copy Editor
Christian Marshall Community Ambassador/Sales
KARY MOLTZAN,
GM & Lead Design news@vocella.com
From the Designer: This Issue
Dear Valued Readers,
In our fast-paced world, where conversations often happen at the speed of a text message, it's easy to fall into the habit of listening to respond rather than listening to understand. I can fully admit this is one skill I have not yet mastered. It can be hard to truly hear what others are saying when it contradicts our own feelings and beliefs. However, whether in our personal relationships or professional interactions, truly understanding others is essential for effective communication and meaningful connections.
Listening to understand means giving your full attention to the speaker, without immediately formulating a rebuttal or response. It’s about appreciating their perspective, even if it differs from your own. Here are some strategies to help us master this valuable skill.
Firstly, practice active listening. This involves fully concentrating on what the speaker is saying rather than passively hearing their words. Maintain eye contact, nod and use verbal cues like "I see" or "go on" to show that you’re engaged. Resist the urge to interrupt or interject your own thoughts until the speaker has finished.
Secondly, ask open-ended questions. These questions encourage the speaker to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings, providing a deeper understanding of their perspective. Instead of asking yes-or-no questions, try asking "How did that make you feel?" or "What do you think about this?"
Reflect on what you hear. Paraphrase or summarize the speaker’s message to ensure you’ve understood it correctly. For example, you might say, "So what you’re saying is…" This not only shows that you’re listening but also helps clarify any misunderstandings.
Avoid making assumptions. It’s easy to jump to conclusions based on our own experiences or biases, but doing so can hinder genuine understanding. Approach each conversation with an open mind, and be willing to adjust your viewpoint based on new information.
Empathize with the speaker. Try to put yourself in their shoes and understand their emotions and motivations. Empathy goes a long way in building trust and rapport, making it easier to resolve conflicts and find common ground.
Lastly, take a moment to pause before responding. This brief pause allows you to process what has been said and formulate a thoughtful, respectful response. It also demonstrates that you value the speaker’s input and are considering it carefully.
By listening to understand, we can foster more meaningful and productive conversations. It’s a skill that enriches our interactions and strengthens our relationships, both personally and professionally. Let’s strive to be better listeners and appreciate the diverse perspectives that each of us brings to the table. Here’s to understanding and connecting!
Kary Moltzan
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Contact Us PO Box 389 1411 West Dakota Parkway, 2A Williston, ND 58801 701.572.4851
On July 21, 1910, the William’s County newspaper the “Williston Graphic” ran a front page graphic announcing the city’s population count of 5,126 — enough people to organize an Elks Lodge in the town. The Williston Elks Lodge No. 1214 was then instituted in 1911. | Clipping found on the Library of Congress website, loc. gov.
Profiles Beloved Disney musicals come to Williston
J.C. LABAR news@vocella.com
YIt isn't as structured as a school program. They're here because they want to be here.
- B. Michael Quale, YES Co-Founder
year, the program has enrolled 155 children and teens, all of whom will be on stage in one of the two shows. Some will even be performing in both.
erything runs smoothly.
outh Education on Stage is currently rehearsing for its 39th season. We caught up with co-founder B. Michael Quale as he helped with rehearsals for their latest productions, the beloved Walt Disney musicals “Finding Nemo Jr.” and “Newsies Jr.”
Youth Education on Stage was founded in 1985 by B. Michael Quale and the late Jack Dyville.
“He had a dance school at the time and performance was his life,” said Quale of Dyville. “It was his idea… and he felt there was greater interest than just dance.”
Rather than limit kids to theater and acting classes, Y.E.S. teaches them by having them perform in actual shows. Demand in the last few years has been high, and the response has been almost overwhelming.
“Our main concern has been picking shows that accommodate such a large cast,” said Quale.
A large cast is an understatement. This
This year, the program is split into two groups: junior high and high school students performing “Newsies Jr.,” and younger children performing “Finding Nemo Jr.” Kids who wish to participate must pay a $40 enrollment fee and have at least completed preschool. This experience helps give kids a background in socialization, teaching them to work well with others on stage.
“A lot of kids have an interest in this, and it is a type of discipline, even though most people who might come by our classes would think there is no discipline,” Quale joked. “So, it isn’t as structured as a school program. They’re here because they want to be.”
Williston local, Allayna Stevens, serves as artistic director and choreographer, overseeing both productions. Quale said she works with the other directors to ensure ev-
Karli Keck is directing “Finding Nemo Jr.” and Paula Buschta is directing “Newsies Jr.” The productions will showcase the talent of all 155 young performers, who will bring these classic stories to life. The music for both shows is being directed by Caitlyn Knicks, and technical design, including sets, costumes and props, is being overseen by Quale.
“We couldn’t do it without the support of the parents who volunteer and support the program,” he said. “It takes a lot of coordination and communication to make this happen.”
“Finding Nemo Jr.” is an underwater adventure that follows the journey of a young clownfish named Nemo as he is separated from his father and must find his way back home. “Newsies Jr.” is a high-energy musical inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City, featuring rousing songs and captivating dance numbers.
“We are incredibly excited to bring
these two iconic Disney shows to our stage for our 39th season,” said Quale. “The dedication and talent of our young performers, combined with the creative vision of our directors and technical team, promise to make these productions unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages.”
Both productions will be held at the Old Armory Theatre in downtown Williston. “Finding Nemo Jr.” will have four performances scheduled for July 22 and July 23, with performances at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. “Newsies Jr.” will be performed Wednesday, July 24, and Thursday, July 25, at 6 p.m. each night, with a matinee scheduled for Friday, July 26. Tickets are now on sale and are expected to sell out fast. Adult tickets are $10, and students in grades 1-12 pay only $8. Tickets may be purchased upstairs at the Old Armory, located at 320 1st Ave. E., Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, or may also be purchased at the door up to 30 minutes before showtime.
Youth Education on Stage
ABOVE: STUDENTS REHEARSING ON STAGE. RIGHT: YOUNG "FISH" PEAK OUT FROM THEIR SEAGRASS DURING REHARSAL FOR "FINDING NEMO, JR." | SUBMITTED PHOTOS
MHA Nation builds massive greenhouse
WILLISTON GRAPHIC STAFF news@vocella.com
PARSHALL — The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation is constructing a 1.3-hectare greenhouse near Parshall, set to be one of the largest in the U.S., to grow lettuce, tomatoes and strawberries. This initiative aims to restore the tribe’s agricultural heritage, disrupted in the 1950s when the Garrison Dam flooded their lands. The greenhouse, part of the $76 million Native Green Grow project, will eventually expand to 5.9 hectares and provide fresh produce to the 8,300 residents of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation and beyond, addressing food scarcity exacerbated by the region's isolation.
The MHA Nation expects to produce up to 6.4 million kilograms of food annually and create 30-35 jobs in the initial phase. This effort aligns with a national trend towards food sovereignty among Native American tribes, which gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal aid has
supported various tribal food initiatives, such as underground greenhouses in South Dakota and meat processing plants in Oklahoma.
A key element of the MHA Nation's project is leveraging the natural gas from North Dakota's Bakken oil field. The tribe plans to capture and compress this gas to heat the greenhouse and produce fertilizer, addressing the environmental issue of gas flaring. The greenhouse’s development is bolstered by the tribe's access to potable water and natural gas resources, integral to powering the facility.
The oil production on the Fort Berthold Reservation, which had nearly 3,000 active wells as of April, yielding 203,000 barrels a day, has financially empowered the tribe, enabling investments in infrastructure such as schools, roads, housing and medical facilities. This greenhouse project represents a significant step towards reclaiming the tribe’s self-sufficiency and food security, reflecting a broader movement for Indigenous food sovereignty.
Grant bootcamp: Communities navigate maze of federal infrastructure aid
MIKE MOEN PRAIRIE NEWS SERVICE
NORTH DAKOTA — Federal officials have opened up a new round of funding under one of the many grant programs tied to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
As the multiyear initiative unfolds, North Dakota cities are getting an education on how to apply for funds. Since the law's passage, North Dakota has been awarded more than $3 billion, with investments in roads and bridges, water systems and high-speed internet.
Matt Gardner, executive director of the North Dakota League of Cities, said what is great about the package is towns and cities have more direct access to funds, instead of most of it being distributed by the states. It also means there is stiff competition.
"One thing to consider is, of the 355 cities in North Dakota, 306 of those are under a thousand people in population," Gardner pointed out.
He suggested smaller communities might lack the capacity to examine the dozens of programs and figure out compliance needs for grants. The National League of
Cities is hosting "bootcamps" for local governments to help them become more savvy in applying. The latest funding announcement was for a pilot effort to help reconnect areas cut off from opportunity by past transportation projects.
Gardner acknowledged the Biden administration is trying to make the application process easier with free technical assistance but noted municipalities may need a few more tips on not wasting time in seeking grants that would not fit their needs. And they need to know if they can cover matching funds.
"This money isn't free. I mean, it comes with strings," Gardner emphasized. "If a city is applying directly, in general, it's going to be those local funds (that are also needed)."
He added several towns can work together on a single application with hopes of the state covering matching funds, potentially boosting approval chances. Gardner agreed with elected officials who said the infrastructure law will help communities thrive, creating temporary jobs along the way. His only caution was a potential spike in project costs if the investments collectively drive up demand for supplies.
NASA astronaut James Buchli to receive Rough Rider Award
WILLISTON GRAPHIC STAFF news@vocella.com
NORTH DAKOTA — NASA astronaut James Buchli will receive the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award on July 30 at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, as announced by Gov. Doug Burgum.
Buchli, the 49th recipient of the state's highest commendation, was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2019. He is celebrated for his pioneering contributions to American space history, including four space shuttle missions, orbiting Earth 319 times and traveling 7.74 million miles. Born in New Rockford, Buchli was the first North Dakotan in space and has been deeply involved with UND’s Space Studies program.
The award ceremony will occur at 10 a.m. in UND’s Robin Hall, with a reception following. Buchli’s career as a Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut is marked by significant achievements in scientific experiments, satellite deployments and defense-related space operations. Gov. Burgum praised Buchli for his perseverance, expertise and leadership, noting his role in inspiring future aerospace professionals.
The Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award honors North Dakotans who achieve national recognition, reflecting positively on the state. Buchli’s portrait will be displayed in the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Hall of Fame at the State Capitol in Bismarck.
For more information, scan the QR code for Governor Burgum’s press release.
ND launches latest component of child care crisis response
MIKE MOEN PRAIRIE NEWS SERVICE
NORTH DAKOTA — North Dakota officials highlighted a new project Monday to boost childcare access for parents with nontraditional work hours.
A local provider likes what the state's been doing to help facilities and families but hopes for more action. Health and Human Services leaders will appear at a child care facility in Fargo to discuss a pilot initiative, giving operators financial incentives to increase capacity for childcare slots outside the hours of 7:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m.
Kathy Busche, owner of Kathy's Kids Daycare in Hazen, said she will need to see more details but would have interest in signing up. She explained it has been a big need in her area.
"We're right in the middle of coal country and so, a lot of our plant workers are working 12-hour shifts, starting at 6:30 in the morning," Busche observed. "We have
hospital workers that are working 12-hour shifts."
The announcement is part of a series of investments the state adopted last year to ease the childcare burden felt across North Dakota. Busche noted she especially likes the inclusion grant to provide day care for kids with special needs. She feels the state could go further in offering incentives to retain staff.
The state has been providing a stipend, which maxes out at $3,600, to help stabilize the child care workforce. Busche emphasized her workers have already used up their portions.
"Now, there's really no incentives left to keep staff," Busche contended. "Without staff, we can't have more kids."
Busche feels the state should not write a "blank check" to address problems and wants policymakers to keep evaluating what is working. She hopes staff retention is among the topics state lawmakers revisit when they return to session early next year.
Health & Wellness
Wellness Wednesday Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Becoming the caregiver of a family member can be one of the highest honors and a very fulfilling experience. But with an outpouring of compassion for the ones we love also comes the responsibility to provide care and support to those who cannot do so themselves. It often comes with challenges and stress while navigating the various situations and decisions that come with the journey. Caregivers often report higher rates of depression, anxiety and increased health problems due to the stress caused by a loss of relationships, involved activities and feelings of powerlessness. As a response to these negative impacts, Powerful Tools for Caregivers was created.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an evidence-based, self-care education program for family caregivers. Originally developed for caregivers of adults with chronic conditions, it has now expanded to include classes for parents of children with special needs. This is not a support group but rather a 6-week education program where focus is on the caregiver and developing skills and knowledge for self-care while caregiving. The emphasis of the course is on “YOU, the caregiver, not the care receiver” and developing a “box of self-care tools.” So, what are some of these “Powerful Tools”?
Caregivers develop a wealth of tools
to:
• reduce personal stress
• change negative self-talk
• communicate their needs to family members and healthcare or service providers
• communicate more effectively in challenging situations
• recognize the messages in their emotions, deal with difficult feelings
• make tough caregiving decisions
Completing the Powerful Tools for Caregivers class has been shown to improve a caregivers self-care behavior, ability to manage emotions, self-confidence in coping with demands and use of community resources. Every participant receives a workbook that is theirs to keep, reflect back
on and read up on specific scenario topics. And to top it off, grant funding has made the course free to all North Dakotans!
If you would like to sign-up, you’re in luck. There are currently 35+ trained class leaders within NDSU Extension that offer both in-person and virtual workshops to family caregivers across the state. With that many available leaders, there are always new classes to sign-up for. Available classes are located on ndc3.org and listed on the NDSU Extension website under “events” (there is an online class starting Sept. 25), or you can call your local extension office with questions or to request a local in-person class.
Until next time, continue extending knowledge and changing lives with NDSU Extension.NDSU Extension.
RITTER BROTHERS
Advertisement | Andrew Kuester
It’s hot! Summer is “getting on” and we’ve seen some of our favorite plants arrive, perform, and finish their display of blooms in our landscape. The season of Late July through September is often considered by many the “dog days” of summer. We often think that many of our opportunities for performance in our landscape have passed us by. Nothing could be further from the truth! In a series of articles, we’ll share with you some of our favorite shrubs for “late summer” interest.
While a likely unknown shrub candidate, Snowberry or Symphoricarpos are native plants throughout the central and eastern United States. They have since been distributed and introduced into nearly all of the fifty states.
Useful as a low hedge or border, Snowberry often do best in areas of plentiful moisture, and yet areas that drain well. These shrubs also benefit from some afternoon shade. Great locations for these would be under trees or along the East side of a building or fence where they will likely receive a break from the hot afternoon sun.
Something unique about snowberry is the color and time period of the fruits. Blooming in early July, these plants have gray-green foliage atop often wiry stems; the plants in this Genus vary in height and spread. The white or pink flowers begin to develop in late June or early July. They are born in groups or in long clusters depending on the Species. The flowers then mature to attractive clusters of fruits in mid to late
August. Varying in color by species, the fruits are often white, pink, or red. The color on these fruits is often held until well into September. The color can begin to fade when the snow sometimes arrives. The fruits are often a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Some Snowberry are taller and more upright while others are shorter and have a more sprawling habit. Whether upright or creeping, they all have a light tendency to sucker and run. While not dramatically quick, they can “naturalize” if they are not paid attention to.
A smart trick we like for shrubs and perennial plants that can be “friendly” is to bury them in a larger nursery container. If you leave the lip of the container just above the soil level, it can be hidden with mulch or rock. This plastic nursery container will help to create a barrier and reduce the plant’s ability to sucker to areas where it is not desired. Always be sure that the container you choose has adequate drainage and ability for water to disperse into the soil around it.
As you may have guessed, the best time to prune this shrub would be in the fall after it has lost its leaves. Removing around 20% of the largest, thickest stems in the fall will help to create room for fresh young growth to appear from the root system. This will help to promote more flowers and fruits to develop. The leaves, while attractive graygreen have little to no fall color or interest to them. Though what the leaves lack, these plants make up for in the fruit.
The Society of the Strange and Peculiar: Rickford, N.D.
BY MICHAEL RICE AND ROB STAFFORD michaelricewrites@gmail.com robisdreaming@gmail.com
This is an ongoing series. The Society of the Strange and Peculiar is an analog horror serial about the fictional town of Rickford, ND and the events that transpired there.
History is full of “perfect” people and funnily enough, an equal amount of liars. I don't want to be one of them (though I doubt history will remember me), so let's paint a clear picture. Every fiber of my being wanted to telephone into headquarters and tell them I quit.
“Yes, Field Lieutenant, I know I signed up to chase and pursue the supernatural and paranormal but being forcibly shanghaied into some other dimension is more than I signed up for!”
I can almost hear them talking behind my back, calling me a yellow-bellied craven. No sir! Let it be said that Sherman Atticus Ward is no coward!
I picked up two coolers, sock warmers, and snacks at the supermarket in town. My cart must have had the quietest wheels in existence because I startled a couple people as I walked down the aisle. One woman looked like she saw her first ghost. I hope I didn't look that dumb when I had my first paranormal encounter. I'll make sure to stomp around next time. I don't think I looked that disheveled from camping in the prairie.
I’m back at the campsite now. The skeleton marking the two tracks was more gnarled than when I first arrived. People always say that prairies are boring and all the same but looking at this sunset, I think they're wrong. There is a different kind of beauty to this place. I can see why settlers would settle here.
Camera twenty-three from [redacted],
April 12, 2022, 13:37-13:38. Status- Removed After Standard Time Elapsed Man in dirty jeans, dark brown duster and newscap pushes a cart towards the sports and outdoor section.
Woman in jeans, purple coat and beanie inspects a portable space heater in the camping aisle.
Leisurely walking, the man turns the cart down the lane with the other shopper. As he reaches out and looks at hand and feet warmers, his shadow disconnects from its natural place and lunges from the man towards the woman. There's an inaudible shout from the woman as the shadow returns to its expected angle.
The man flinches from the scream and looks embarrassed. He turns and says something to the other customer. Woman moves away with haste, frantically looking back over her shoulder.
Camera thirty-seven from [redacted],
April 12, 2022, 13:53-13:54. Status- Removed After Standard Time Elapsed Man from the previous recording inspects different snacks, pulling them off and on the shelves. Seemingly unable to make up his mind.
Child (age four or five, gender unknown due to winter clothing) bolts from their mom down the aisle with excitement.
As the toddler passes the man, both of the child’s feet meet in the middle of their stride and stop in unison as if tripping over some invisible obstruction. Toddler lets out silent cries as it stands and looks back at the parent. The mother rushes over in haste, doing their best to comfort them. Nothing blocks the cart as it passes the area the child tripped. Man looks over at the kid with sympathy and walks away.
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Garage Sale Sat July 20th 12-6pm 419 4th Ave W NO EARLY SALES Household items, name brand women’s clothing, Harley Davidson clothing, vintage antique and collectibles, holiday decor, electronics and surround sound system, something for everybody! CASH ONLY
Announcements & Events
JULY
Events and special promotions happening in the coming weeks!
Thursday, July 18
Summer Reading Program
Bird Watching 3:30pm Williston Public Library Friday, July 19
Chair Yoga 10:30am Williston Senior Center Saturday, July 20
Main Street Market 9:00am - 12:00pm Hedderich's Lot
Entertainment Inc!
Volunteer Work Call
10:00am - 12:00pm The Old Armory, Williston
RAY
Wednesday July 24th - 3rd Red Raiders BBall 6:30 - 8:00pm Ray Public School
CROSBY
Friday July 19th - Planning & Zoning Commission 9:00am11:00am
Game Night 6:30pm - 12:00am Books on Broadway
Monday, July 22
Weeds Day 9:00am - 11:30am NDSU Williston REC
Let Your Hair Down: A Yoga Paint Party 7:00pm Rough Rider Center, Watford City
Tuesday, July 23
Exercise Class 10:30am Williston Senior Center
Summer Reading Program 3:30pm Williston Community Library
Wednesday, July 24
Summer Reading Celebration 4:00pm - 6:00pm Williston Community Library
Gong Sound Bath 6:00pm Midwest Metaphysics
OMF Mom's Walk (Adults Only)
8:00pm Western Star complex
Thursday, July 25
Summer Reading Program 3:30pm Williston Community Library
July 19th - July 21st - Divide County Threshing Bee 6:00am7:00pm
Saturday July 20th - Car, Bike, & Semi Show 12:00 - 4:00pm Vournas Field, Crosby
Wednesdays: Storytime at the Divide County Library 10:00am10:45am Fridays: Cards & Games at Divide County Senior Citizens Center 1:30-2:30pm Movie at Dakota Theater 7:30pm: Friday - Sunday
Sunday July 21st - Worship in the Park: BBQ After 10:30am Tioga City Park
Sunday July 21st - Church in the Park 9:30am Wilson Park
Sunday July 21st - Marlene & Sibyl Singers & Friends 3:00pm the Sibyl Center
Wednesday July 24th - 188th Army Band 7:00pm the Sibyl Center
TIOGA
Thursday July 18th - Bakken Rocks Cookfest 2:30pm Tioga Community Center
Thursday July 18th - Tioga Historical Society Meeting 6:307:30pm Tioga Museum Thursday July 18th - Airport Authority Meeting 7:00 - 8:00pm 2237 Aviator Way Tioga
Monday July 22nd - Tioga Municipal Court 6:30pm Tioga City Hall Wednesday July 24th - Power Yoga 7:00 - 8:00pm Tioga Community Center
