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 daily lives, we often find ourselves at a crossroads: the choice to act thoughtfully or to react impulsively. This is something I personally grapple with, and I’ve found that choosing to act rather than react can significantly impact our relationships and overall well-being. It’s about taking control of our responses and making conscious decisions that align with our values and goals. It’s definitely not easy and may not come naturally. Here are some tips to make that conscious decision to slow down and not react.
Firstly, pause and reflect. When faced with a challenging situation, take a moment to breathe and gather your thoughts before responding. This brief pause can prevent impulsive reactions driven by emotion and allow you to consider the best course of action.
Next, assess the situation objectively. Separate your emotions from the facts. Ask yourself, "What is really happening here?" and "What outcome do I want to achieve?" This helps you respond constructively rather than reactively.
Set your intentions. Decide in advance how you want to handle common stressors or conflicts. By setting intentions, you create a mental roadmap for your actions, making it easier to stay composed. For instance, if a meeting might be tense, remind yourself to stay calm and listen actively.
Practice empathy and understanding. When interacting with others, try to see things from their perspective. Empathy can diffuse tension and lead to more compassionate and effective responses. Understanding others' struggles and motivations fosters more harmonious relationships.
Develop coping strategies for managing stress. Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness and regular physical activity can help you maintain a calm state of mind. When you’re less stressed, you’re more likely to act thoughtfully rather than react emotionally.
Learn from past experiences. Reflect on situations where you reacted impulsively and consider how you could have handled them differently. This reflection provides valuable insights and helps you make better choices in the future.
Lastly, take responsibility for your actions. Own your decisions and their consequences, and be willing to make amends if necessary. Accountability is key to personal growth and demonstrates maturity and integrity. By choosing to act rather than react, you empower yourself to handle life's challenges with grace and intention. It’s a powerful practice that can lead to more positive outcomes and a greater sense of control over your life.
Here’s to thoughtful actions and deliberate choices!
Kary Moltzan
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Contact Us PO Box 389 1411 West Dakota Parkway, 2A Williston, ND 58801 701.572.4851
Profiles XWA hosts Williston Basin Airshow
A DAY OF SKY PERFORMERS, ACTIVITIES AND VENDORS
The Williston Basin International Airport staff and volunteers have been working around the clock and their efforts are about to come to fruition as aerobatics performers swoop and loop across the sky above XWA at the 2024 Williston Basin Airshow next weekend.
Sky-high performers, activities for all ages and vendors will kick off at the airport on Aug. 3 as the community is invited to the fourth annual Williston Basin Airshow at XWA.
“This is a great event for the entire family,” said airport administrative assistant Kayla Stamp. “There are a wide-range of activities that attendees can take advantage of.”
This year’s performers are a good mix of past favorites and new acts. The B-25 from the Commemorative Air Force in Minnesota and UND aerobatics instructor Michael Lents will be the returning attractions and those coming for the first time will be Bill Stein in his color-changing Edge 540, Jim Peitz performing in his aerobatic Bonanza, Kyle Fowler with his Long EZ for GO EZ Aerobatics and Anthony Oshinuga flying the Pitts S-1S.
The Dakota Territory Air Museum will present two of their newly restored aircrafts: the P-47D Thunderbolt and the P-51C Thunderbird, both historic planes providing a look at aviation history and performance. In addition to the aviation sights, the Williston Community Library bookmobile will have aviation activities for kids as well as books for checking out, Jump-N-Fun Inflatables will be on-site and is included in the price of the Airshow ticket and Overland Aviation will have plane rides available for purchase on a first-come-first-serve basis.
History Flight Experiences are available to purchase online from the Commemorative Air Force in Minnesota. Flights are available for all three historic aircrafts that will be brought to the show. Some restrictions apply to these flights and visitors are encouraged to review their website before purchasing tickets. Links for these History Flight Experiences can be found online at flywilliston. net/airshow.php by following the History Flights icon.
“The Williston Airshow brings our region together for a family-friendly community event, creating a space where people of all ages can enjoy all things aviation,” said Airport Director Anthony Dudas. “This event provides a unique opportunity to share a passion for aviation, science and technology, inspiring the next generation of aviation
The Williston Airshow brings our region together for a family-friendly community event, creating a space where people of all ages can enjoy all things aviation..
-Anthony Dudas, airport director
professionals. Airshows offer a distinct form of entertainment, combining the thrill of aerobatic performances, the nostalgia of vintage aircraft displays and the engagement of interactive exhibits, making it a highly anticipated event on the community calendar.” 2024 Airshow performers
Bill Stein— Stein has logged over 7,000 hours of aerobatic and formation flight and delivers high-energy aerobatics in his color-changing Edge 540 .
Jim Peitz — A South Dakota native who has been flying since the 1970’s, Peitz will smoothly and gracefully maneuver his aerobatic F33C Beechcraft Bonanza, highlighting the aircraft’s agility.
Kyle Fowler — Fowler will be performing dynamic aerobatic routines in his unique Long EZ for GO EZ Aerobatics.
Anthony Oshinuga — Bringing thrilling stunts and passionate flying, Oshinuga will showcase the Pitts S-1S Aerobatic Biplane named “Black Hawk.”
General admission tickets are available online before the show at a discount, but can also be purchased at the
gate. Premium seating tickets are also available online. Gates open to the public at 9 a.m. and performers will take to the sky at 11 a.m and perform until 1 p.m. Activities and vendors will be available throughout the day. Bleacher seating is available, but limited, so onlookers are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.
The Williston Basin Airshow, as it has come to be known, began in 2021. Prior to that, the airport hosted fly-ins at Sloulin Field as a way to get pilots and the community together for pancakes, aviation appreciation and activities. Ryan O’Rear, the assistant airport director, said that these events were static in nature, with no aerial performances. When the new airport opened, the opportunities opened up for expanding the airshow.
In 2021, the airport worked with the Dakota Territory Air Museum to develop an introductory airshow to the Williston community. After the inaugural show, the
Williston
airport developed plans to continue the airshow with hopes of growing bigger each year.
“Our aim is to bring the community a varied experience each year,” O’Rear said. “We are working on even bigger plans for future shows now that it’s become a staple in Williston.”
In addition to the entertainment, Director Dudas said that a portion of the proceeds from the airshow go to benefit the Western Star Aviation Education Foundation, which plays a crucial role in reducing financial barriers to aviation education and offers scholarships for flight training and aircraft maintenance programs to people in the region.
“By supporting this event, attendees are also contributing to the future of aviation and helping aspiring professionals achieve their professional aspirations,” Dudas said.
For information on history flights, tickets, performers and vendors, visit flywilliston.net/airshow.php or scan the QR code on page 12.
Erica is a freelance writer and copy editor. She is a wife and mother of four who believes in the comfort and power of words.
BILL STEIN IN HIS COLOR-CHANGING EDGE 540. | SUBMITTED PHOTO
Health & Wellness
Wellness Wednesday Beat the Heat
There is hot, and then there is HOT. Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity for at least two to three days. In extreme heat, your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to illness and even death. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. The best way to protect your health is to know how to stay cool and be able to recognize the warning signs of heat illness.
Stay Hydrated — Drink plenty of water while avoiding sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks. If you are sweating a lot, you may need to replace the electrolytes lost through sweat by combining water with snacks or a sports drink. You can check your hydration level by noting urine color, dark yellow indicates you are not hydrated enough.
Dress Cool — Wear lightweight, loose and light-colored clothing. Other accessories include wide-brim hats and umbrellas to cut down on direct sunlight and cooling items such as cooling towels, wearable fans and misting bottles.
Stay Cool — Limit outdoor activity and stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, find a cool location such as a store, gym, church or library. To cool off quickly, try taking a cool shower or bath.
Learn Emergency Skills — Recognize and respond to heat illness and become First Aid and CPR certified. You can help prevent heat illness by checking on others, especially those at higher risk: older adults, infants/children, people with medical conditions or pregnancy and outdoor workers.
Do you know how to recognize the types or heat illnesses and respond accord-
ingly? Do you know when to seek medical help or at what level of illness does it become an emergency? Becoming First Aid and CPR certified is the best way to gain the knowledge necessary to help someone who is suffering from a heat illness, but just knowing the following types and symptoms can help.
We are in the hot days of summer and have high temps forecasted throughout the country. Arming yourself with heat safety knowledge will allow you to better prepare and protect your health in the face of extreme heat. Help spread the knowledge to others and together we can all beat the heat! To learn more, go to American Red Cross, Ready.gov, CDC.gov, and/or look into local First Aid and CPR classes to become certified. Until next time, continue extending knowledge and changing lives with NDSU Extension. KATELYN JESPERSEN WILLIAMS COUNTY FAMILY & COMMUNITY WELLNESS EXTENSION AGENT
Flash Fiction
The Society of the Strange and Peculiar: Rickford, N.D.
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.
April 12, 2022
The sunset over the prairie soothes me into the closest thing to peace I’ve found in some time. Combined with the low crackle of the fire and a mug of instant coffee (decaf, my nerves are too shot for the good stuff, even if it weren’t nearly bedtime) this may be the first pleasant moment of the trip. I signed up for the supernatural, but I’ve come to appreciate these moments far more. The sun is about to set and I think I will tuck in for the night.
I heard something outside my tent. Not sure how long I’ve been asleep, if at all, but I swear I hear low voices moving with the sound of footsteps. They are growing far-
ther away. I am going to follow them, but I’ve learned not to explore without making a note of what I’ll be doing first.
April 13, 2022
No one who has seen what I just saw can stand with reason and deny the validity of the Society. Now that I have bandages and disinfected my wounds, as best I can, who knows what otherworldly plague that thing carried with it, let me… But I am getting ahead of myself. Order is key in these matters.
I heard the sounds outside my tent and made to follow. It was the strangest thing. I could hear the sounds of two people walking a little ways ahead of me in the dark. I could hear the rustling of their feet, hear the indistinct sound of whispered conversation, but even in the brightest moments of the night I could not see their form. The moon went behind some clouds and I slowed, determined not to lose my footing. A lot of good that did. No sooner had I slowed than the world spun, and I found myself face down in the grass.
I couldn’t find what it was I’d tripped over, but when I looked up, I spotted two figures
walking away from me. I can never decide if I need to stop asking questions or ask even more. Neither choice would have made a difference then, as there were no answers to be had either way. I followed a little more closely once I could see them and caught snippets of their conversation.
“…going off to work the mine after you graduate,” said a female voice.
“It’s just what you do around here,” a male
voice answered.
“And you’re happy with that?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
There was a long silence then.
“I just don’t understand how you can be content with this place,” the female voice said.
“What else is there?”
“What else? Donny, there is everything else.”
“Yeah, sure, but how am I supposed to get there if I don’t work the mine first?”
“I’m leaving as soon as I can,” the female voice answered. “And you won’t see me working in the dank dark.”
“Come on, Ky. What’s the difference between the mines and the register at Fran’s?”
“The difference is that people leave Fran’s. You name me one Bottomer who walked away, and I’ll give you what you brought me out here for right this second.”
I held my breath. Donny didn’t seem to know what to say. To his credit, I wouldn’t have a clue how to handle something like that when I was still in school. She’d called him out on both his immediate plans and his plans for the future.
Summer EBT program offers food assistance to North Dakota families
WILLISTON GRAPHIC STAFF news@vocella.com
NORTH DAKOTA — North Dakota Health and Human Services has announced that families have until Aug. 30 to apply for assistance with the cost of food during the summer through the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program, also known as SUN Bucks.
The program provides eligible families with a Summer EBT card containing $120 per eligible child, which can be used to purchase groceries throughout the summer. North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler expressed enthusiasm for the program, highlighting its role in ensuring children have access to nutritious meals all summer, aiding their overall well-being and academic performance.
The Summer EBT program is a collaborative effort involving HHS, the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction and
the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. HHS Commissioner Wayne Salter emphasized the program's importance in promoting healthy, stable families by making nutritious food more accessible.
Children who attended schools participating in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program and received free or reduced-priced meals during the school year were automatically enrolled, with 32,000 children already benefiting. Families whose children were not automatically enrolled are encouraged to apply if they meet the eligibility criteria, such as those who didn't complete an application for free or reduced-priced meals during the school year or those attending schools offering free meals to all students.
Applications for the SUN Bucks program can be submitted by scanning the QR code.
2024 Governor’s Photo Contest for Travel and Tourism now open
NORTH DAKOTA TOURISM
NORTH DAKOTA — The North Dakota Governor's Photo Contest for Travel and Tourism is back, inviting residents to capture the beauty and excitement of our state for a chance to win cash prizes and statewide recognition. This year’s contest is a partnership between the Governor's Office, AAA of North Dakota, North Dakota Tourism and the North Dakota Council on the Arts.
“North Dakota is a state of extraordinary beauty and diverse experiences, and this photo contest is a wonderful opportunity for residents to showcase what makes our state special,” Gov. Burgum said. “We encourage everyone to participate, capture the magic of our seasons, and share their unique perspectives with the world. Let’s celebrate North Dakota’s beauty together and inspire others to discover our great state.”
This year's theme highlights North
Dakota's diverse seasons, showcasing the unique appeal of our state throughout the year. Photographers can submit entries in eight categories:
• Winter Scenery & Winter Activities
• Fall Scenery & Fall Activities
• Spring Scenery & Spring Activities
• Summer Scenery & Summer Activities
The contest is open to all North Dakota residents. Photographers can submit their entries online through Instagram, the contest website, or Flickr or by mail. The deadline for entries is Jan. 31.
Winners will be chosen in each category, with a grand prize winner receiving an additional cash prize and a free AAA membership. Winning photos will also be displayed in the State Capitol and used in promotional materials.
Full details and contest rules can be found by scanning the QR code.
Is your electric bill higher? Independent analysis says don't blame clean energy
top ten state for wind energy generation.
The report says states with significant clean energy growth have not generally experienced rate hikes above inflation.
NORTH DAKOTA — Advancing clean energy sources can be a tricky topic in oil-producing states like North Dakota.
But a nonpartisan analysis says the facts are clear about what causes electric bills to climb, and renewables aren't among them.
This month, a report from the independent think tank Energy Innovation says one third of U.S. households had to forego basic necessities to pay energy bills last year.
As the nation scales up the transition to sources like wind and solar power, those opposed to clean energy rebates and other climate policies say the movement is harming consumers - with higher costs to keep the lights on.
But report author Brendan Pierpontdirector of electricity modeling for Energy Innovation - said the facts show otherwise.
"Nationally, we found big drivers of rising rates are climate change impacts, and extreme weather - and fossil fuel costs," said Pierpont, "like volatile natural gas prices, and utility investment in aging, expensive coal plants."
Gov. Doug Burgum has increasingly become a staunch supporter of oil and gas production, but North Dakota has been a
Between 2010 and 2023, North Dakota was in the middle of the pack for rate increases, but still below the national average.
Those who oversee the power grid warn that the rapid push toward renewables could create reliability issues in the short term, especially with rising electricity demand from places like big data centers.
Grid improvement projects are taking shape, also affecting energy bills. But Pierpont suggested not enough of them are designed to expand transmission lines.
"It's only a pretty small portion of the total transmission and distribution pie that is expanding the grid," said Pierpont, "either to meet rising demand or to integrate new resources, like wind and solar."
Pierpoint said those cleaner sources are becoming much cheaper, and if utilities and grid operators focus more on larger projects that get them online, they'll offset the factors pushing electricity bills higher.
In 2022, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator approved a $10 billion transmission plan to accommodate growth in renewables. North Dakota falls under the MISO map.
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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.
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my years. Life is meant to be lived to the fullest, hand in hand with someone you truly care about.
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Announcements & Events
JULY
Events and special promotions happening in the coming weeks!
Thursday, July 25
Sunday, July 28
Night of Worship 6:00pm - 7:30pm New Hope Lobby
Community
July 26
12:15pm - 2:00pm Williston Senior Center Saturday, July 27
Fossil Resin Pouring Class 2:00pm Long X Arts Foundation Game Night
7:00pm - 12:00am James Memorial Art Center
Monday, July 29 Dragon Eye 4:00pm James Memorial Art Center
Sons of Liberty meeting 7:00pm Eagle Ridge Golf Course
Tuesday, July 30
Connecting Communities BBQ 11:30am - 1:00pm Davidson Park
Watercolor Butterflies 6:00pm James Memorial Art Center
OMF July Book Club
The One - 6:00pm Caffeinated
Wednesday, July 31
DIY Shrinky Dink Charm 4:00pm James Memorial Art Center
Yoga in Nature 5:30pm Williston Community Library
Thursday, August 1
OMF Mommy & Me Walk 10:00am Spring Lake Park Sand Volleyball Court Clay Camp! 4:00pm James Memorial Art Center
Bakken Area Communities
RAY
Wednesday July 31st - 3rd Red Raider BBall 6:30pm to 8:00pm Ray Public School
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
STANLEY
Saturday July 27th - “Keith Bear & Dancers” 7pm at the Sibyl Center
TIOGA
Tuesday July 30th - Somatics Yoga Workshop 6-8pm Tioga Community Center
Wednesday July 31st - Worship Fest 5:30pm Zion Lutheran Church
Wednesday July 31st - Zion Lutheran Church Youth Lock-in Event 8 - 11:45pm
