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:
Dear Valued Readers, I recently read a report about the most common scams currently being perpetrated specifically on older Americans, and I wanted to share some information that may help protect you and your loved ones. As technology evolves, so do the tactics of scammers, particularly targeting older adults. In 2023 alone, banks reported more than $27 billion in suspicious activity related to elder scams, with the FBI indicating an average loss of $33,000 per case — likely a conservative estimate due to underreporting. It's crucial to be aware of these scams to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Tech Support Scams: Scammers pose as tech support representatives, claiming your computer has a virus. They ask for remote access or payment for unnecessary services. Remember, legitimate tech companies will not call you unsolicited. Never grant access or pay without verifying the source.
Government Imposter Scams: These scammers pretend to be from government agencies, like the IRS or Social Security, often threatening legal action or demanding payment. Government agencies will never call to demand immediate payment or threaten arrest. Always verify by contacting the agency directly using official contact information.
Grandchild or Child Scams: Using AI, scammers can mimic the voice of your grandchild or child, claiming they’re in trouble and need money. Always verify the story by calling other family members or the person directly before sending money.
Investment Scams: Promises of high returns with little risk are red flags. Scammers use these to lure you into fraudulent investments. Always research and consult with a trusted financial advisor before investing.
Romance Scams: Scammers build emotional connections through online dating sites, then fabricate crises that require financial help. Be cautious about sharing personal information and money with someone you’ve never met in person.
Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers claim you’ve won a prize but ask for fees or personal information. Legitimate lotteries do not require payment to claim winnings.
To safeguard yourself and your loved ones, be skeptical of unsolicited calls, emails or messages. Don’t rush decisions, and always verify information through reliable sources. Discuss these scams with family members to stay informed and vigilant.
Stay safe and protect your hard-earned savings!
Kary Moltzan
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Profiles
The legacy of Teddy Roosevelt National Park
ONE MAN’S EFFORT IN CONSERVING A BELOVED LAND
I have always said I would not have been President had it not been for my experience in North Dakota. It was here that the romance of my life began.
- Theodore Roosevelt
In the heart of North Dakota’s beautifully rugged badlands is a sanctuary that embodies the beliefs and mission of man who saw the beauty and importance of the natural world. The 70,448 acre Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a testament to the spirit of America’s “conservation president,” Teddy Roosevelt. While the park’s landscape has become a traveler’s destination that is home to the tales and lore from days gone by, it also mirrors Roosevelt’s life efforts of preserving and sharing a beloved land.
Like many notable men of history, Roosevelt was drawn to the raw, untamed idea of the American West. In 1883, the young New Yorker came to North Dakota in pursuit of hunting bison, in a time of mourning the loss of his mother and wife. At that same time, agricultural and industrial expansion were making progress and the American wilderness was slowly disappearing.
In his youthful time of grief, the beauty and resilience of the badlands touched Roosevelt deeply as he described the badlands as a place of great beauty and wildness that resonated with his soul. In a journey that began as a quest of solitude and healing quickly evolved into a lifelong passion for conservation.
Over the next few years, Roosevelt invested in and developed cattle ranches throughout the region. The trials and tribulations of ranching on the frontier, the camaraderie with other ranchers and witnessing the balance of nature and human doing fueled Roosevelt’s idea and need to protect and safeguard the land.
Roosevelt returned to the east coast and became the 26th president in 1901. His time in North Dakota had impacted him and influenced his environmental policies. He led the way in the conservation movement by setting aside 150 national forests, 51 national bird preserves, four national game reserves and five national parks. In addition, Roos-
evelt established the National Forest service in 1905 among many other land preservation efforts.
Shortly after Roosevelt’s death in 1919, friend and associate of his cattle ranching days in the N.D. badlands, Sylvane Ferris, appointed a committee to establish a memorial in his honor — the town of Medora was the chosen town for the project. In 1921, the North Dakota legislature had their representatives in Congress assist in setting land aside for a park. In 1924, the Little Missouri Badlands were explored by a group to outline the area for a national park, resulting in the formation of the Roosevelt Memorial National Park Association.
After many proposals and counter-proposals, the “dirty thirties” halted the process by bringing drought and agricultural and ranching failures. Homesteaders were forced to sell their land back to the federal government at a low price; much of what was purchased under the Resettlement Act is now part of the Little Missouri National Grasslands. In 1934, multiple groups signed an agreement to start a Roosevelt Regional Park Project, in hopes of it becoming a state
park.
The Civilian Conservation Corps started work, administered by National Park Services employees, with a camp in the North and South Roosevelt Regional Parks. This effort constructed roads, trails, picnic areas, campgrounds and buildings. In 1941, all projects ended — the North Dakota government did not want the land as a state park and some felt the area did not possess qualities to merit a national park.
After much compromise and efforts from North Dakota congressmen, on April 25, 1947, President Truman signed the bill to create Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park, which included the lands that make up the South Unit and Elkhorn Ranch today (the North Unit was added to the memorial park in 1948), thus immortalizing the lifelong efforts of Teddy Roosevelt’s conservation efforts.
On Nov. 10, 1978, the area was given national park status under President Carter and the name was changed to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in honor of his contributions to conservation and to his work to protect the unique badlands land-
scape he so cherished. The park is a living tribute to his vision.
While driving though the North Unit, sightseeing for animals in the South Unit, enjoying the attractions in Medora or watching the Medora Musical, the lands Roosevelt loved echo his admiration. Visitors from far and wide come to the North Dakota badlands, becoming educated in its rich history, because of the courageous and passionate living legacy of Theodore Roosevelt who saw great value in its natural beauty.
To learn more about the TRNP, visit www.nps.gov/thro/index.htm.
ERICA KINGSTON
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.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
BISON IN THEODORE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL PARK. | ERICA KINGSTON
News Briefs
Nemont to transfer North Dakota telecom properties to NCC
WILLISTON GRAPHIC STAFF news@vocella.com
RAY, ND — Nemont Telephone Cooperative, Inc and Northwest Communications Cooperative have reached an agreement for NCC to acquire Nemont's telecommunications properties in North Dakota. This transaction will see NCC, a North Dakota-based provider of fiber-to-the-home internet services, taking over service for Nemont customers in Williston, Trenton, Fortuna, Ambrose and East Westby.
Both Nemont and NCC share a commitment to delivering quality technology and customer service. Their leadership teams have a long-standing relationship, collaborating on issues affecting rural communications in America and sharing some technological resources. This acquisition will bring the North Dakota customers under the service of a local cooperative, offering them closer and more personalized support.
"In today’s ever-changing broadband industry, the benefits of being hyper-local are clear,” Mike Kilgore, CEO of Nemont, commented. “NCC is an excellent company and shares our core goals."
Jeremy Becker, CEO of NCC, echoed
the sentiment saying that they are honored to continue to provide services to benefit North Dakota customers.
Once the sale is finalized and receives the necessary approvals from the state and the FCC, NCC plans to communicate directly with customers to facilitate a smooth transition of services. Both cooperatives are dedicated to ensuring that this changeover is as seamless as possible, with customer satisfaction as their top priority.
Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Scobey, M.T., Nemont provides telecommunications services to northeastern Montana, south central Montana, and northern Wyoming. The company focuses on connecting rural communities with innovative wireline and wireless broadband services.
NCC was established in 1951 and is based in Ray. They offer a range of telecommunication services, including fiber-based Internet, video, telephone and business phone systems across 17 exchanges in northwest North Dakota. The cooperative is also involved in community support initiatives, providing scholarships, grants and sponsoring local events. NCC is a proud owner of Dakota Carrier Networks. For more information, visit nccray.com.
ND seeks better housing for older population
WILL WALKEY PRAIRIE NEWS SERVICE
NORTH DAKOTA — A new design competition is looking to find better housing for Fargo's aging population.
Like many other states, North Dakota has a growing number of people increasingly burdened by their own homes. Oftentimes, they want to stay in their communities but their properties might be too large, too expensive to maintain or too unsafe to occupy.
Janelle Moos, associate state director of advocacy for AARP North Dakota, said there are not enough options for people looking to downsize.
"A lot of housing and zoning has really promoted single family homes or very large scale apartments," Moos explained. "We've kind of lost that middle ground to say, 'There are other types of housing that exist and can coexist and what people want, right?'"
AARP is asking interested architects, designers, builders and students to submit designs for those midlevel units, including a
duplex, triplex or cluster subdivision. Moos pointed out the goal is to show off the viability of age-friendly homes and hopefully come away with some plans for future development.
More than 65% of North Dakota residents named housing as the state's biggest overall need in a survey last year.
The competition closes in early October and the winner is eligible for a cash prize. Moos noted people can then hire the designer, obtain a building permit and begin construction.
"The hope is that it's not just a conversation and it's not just a hypothetical," Moos emphasized. "We want to come away with several really viable, buildable, missing middle housing plans with universal divine design elements. So, by that I mean truly age-friendly."
Judges and advisers include government officials, design experts and architects from across the state. Nationwide, one group estimates a need for more than 800,000 senior housing units by 2030.
ND voters weigh in on Biden reform plan for U.S. Supreme Court
MIKE
NORTH DAKOTA — Far removed from the nation's capital, voters in rural states like North Dakota are sharing their thoughts about a plan to hold the U.S. Supreme Court more accountable.
The nation's high court has come under intense scrutiny amid ethics scandals and decisions to overturn a number of long-standing precedents. On Monday, President Joe Biden urged Congress to impose term limits for justices, as well as a binding code of conduct.
Jessica Dryer, a voter in Rolla, agreed changes are needed. She cited her dissatisfaction with the court revoking the constitutional right to an abortion and ruling in favor of Donald Trump in the presidential immunity case.
"I think our Supreme Court in general has just become way too political," Dryer asserted. "The law should be about the people, and not about a political party."
Biden's plan also calls for a constitutional amendment to reverse the recent opinion providing broad presidential immunity from criminal charges tied to official actions.
While she welcomes reform efforts, Dryer noted she is torn about term limits, noting there is still potential value from wisdom shared by those with a long service history. Public polling has shown strong support for court reforms but analysts say Biden's plan likely will not be approved by a divided Congress with an election looming.
The White House argued the new ethics code is needed after some justices in the court's conservative wing did not disclose luxury trips paid for by influential donors.
Sharon Larsen, a voter in Williston, said she is not against making changes but would rather see policymakers address their own political issues first and then come together on a bipartisan reform plan.
"The representatives, they certainly aren't helping keep the country stable," Larsen pointed out.
Despite a souring public opinion of the Supreme Court, Larsen still has enough confidence in justices to carry out their constitutional duties. She feels Biden's plan is a power move right before the election. Vice President Kamala Harris, now the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, expressed support for the proposal.
PHOTO SOURCE: NCCRAY.COM
MOEN PRAIRIE NEWS SERVICE
Community Interest
Katie Ledecky
Notable for power in sport and character amid Olympic events
27.
A
This article was sent to print on July 30, before Ledecky’s final Olympic events. Check next week’s issue for an overview of Ledecky’s Olympic results.
With the Olympics well on their way, showcasing the best of the best that each country has to offer, swimmer Katie Ledecky has been noticed not only for her demanding presence in the pool, but also for her kind and resilient character.
In her first event in the Paris Olympics on July 27, as the swimmers were readying for the 400-meter freestyle, Ledecky walked to her podium in lane four to find that her opponent, Australia’s Ariarne Titmus, had accidentally placed her things in the bin that sat behind Ledecky’s assigned starting block. In an exchange that could have been sharp and quick — and was speculated by the media — between two rivals, became a conversation out of kindness. Ledecky told The Washington Post that she didn’t want to make Titmus feel bad about claiming the wrong lane and that the two have a lot of respect for one another and love competing against each other. Ledecky took bronze in the event, with Titmus claiming gold and
AND
Canada’s Summer McIntosh taking silver. Ledecky and Titmus embraced in an inpool hug at the finish of the race.
“Ledecky, the 27-year-old from Bethesda who counts the 400 free in 2016 among her seven Olympic golds, is among the nicest, most pleasant people you could encounter in this shiny steel suburb west of Paris — or anywhere on the planet, for that matter,” Barry Svrluga wrote in his column for The Washington Post on Saturday entitled “Ariarne Titmus and Katie Ledecky have pushed each other to immortality.”
“She is not as much threatened by Titmus, who memorably beat her in this event at the Tokyo Olympics to become the standard-bearer at the distance, as she is pushed by her.”
Titmus took gold in the 400 freestyle with a time of 3:57.49 with McIntosh only 0.88 seconds behind her and Ledecky coming in at 4.00.86. This bronze accounts for Ledecky's eleventh Olympic medal.
Throughout her swimming career, in her recently released memoir “Just Add Water” and during this year’s Olympic games, Ledecky has been noted as a swimmer set apart by the way she emotionally and psychologically approaches life and the pres-
Paris Olympics Games include:
• Archery
• Artistic Gymnastics
• Artistic Swimming
• Athletics
• Badminton
• Baseball Softball
• Basketball
• Basketball 3x3
• Beach Volleyball
• Boxing
• Breaking
• Canoe Slalom
• Canoe Sprint
• Cricket
• Cycling BMX Freestyle
• Cycling BMX Racing
• Cycling Mountain Bike
• Cycling Road
• Cycling Track
• Diving
• Equestrian
• Fencing
• Flag Football
• Football
• Golf
• Handball
• Hockey
• Judo
• Karate
• Lacrosse
• Marathon Swimming
• Modern Pentathlon
• Rhythmic Gymnastics
• Rowing
• Rugby Sevens
• Sailing
• Shooting
• Skateboarding
• Sport Climbing
• Squash
• Surfing
• Swimming
• Table Tennis
• Taekwondo
• Tennis
• Trampoline
• Triathlon
• Volleyball
• Water Polo
• Weightlifting
• Wrestling
sures of the sport.
Louisa Thomas wrote “What makes Katie Ledecky great” for The New Yorker on Sunday that read, “What sets her truly apart is her mind-set, how she is able to approach the sport emotionally and psychologically. In that, Ledecky is a marvel.”
Ledecky will face Titmus again in the 800-meter freestyle event on Aug. 3, where Ledecky is the favorite in the longer distance. Ledecky’s Olympic schedule is the 1500-meter freestyle prelims on July 30 with the 1500 finals on July 31 and the 800-meter freestyle prelims on Aug. 2 and the final on Aug. 3.
As North Dakota and Williston watch Ledecky’s events with hopeful anticipation, claiming her as their own, Ledecky offers fans much to be proud of, in and out of the pool.
“In her memoir, she describes swimming in pools as ‘creativity within bounds,’ and says she craves the strange sense of both weightlessness and resistance that the water provides,” the New Yorker article stated. “One has the sense of someone almost amphibious, and of a comfort that many of us will never feel—as though she is part of the water through which she moves.”
ERICA KINGSTON
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.
KATIE LEDECKY (RIGHT) TOOK
SELFIE ON THE PODIUM IN PARIS AFTER RECEIVING BRONZE IN THE 400-METER FREESTYLE ON JULY
SUMMER MCINTOSH (LEFT) TOOK SILVER
ARIARNE TITMUS (MIDDLE) TOOK THE GOLD. | PHOTO CREDIT: @KATIELEDECKY INSTAGRAM
Health & Wellness
Wellness Wednesday Feeding a family shouldn't break the bank
Food prices have been rising for the past several years. Many families may be concerned about how they will get healthy meals on the table for their loved ones. You can provide your family with nutritious, tasty and simple meals, even when times are tough.
The following tips may help you stretch your budget:
Figure out a food budget. Consider the number of people in your family and how often you eat out. Save your grocery and restaurant receipts to help keep track of food expenses.
Plan and prepare. Being prepared is the key to creating tasty meals and stretching your budget. Set a time during the week to sit down with your local grocery store’s sale ads. Are ground beef and buns on sale? Hamburgers it is! Scour the sale ads for items that you could incorporate into this week’s menu.
After you have created a week’s worth of meal ideas, make a list of ingredients you need. Check the kitchen for items you may have already. When you go to the store, stick to your list.
Buy some items in bulk. Flour, sugar, rice, beans, canned or frozen vegetables,
whole grains and other food items can be stored and used in your weekly meal plan.
Keep it simple. Not every meal has to be fit for royalty. Simplify your mealtime process and focus on enjoying time with your loved ones. You will reduce your stress and save money.
Watch for deals. For example, some meats purchased in bulk are cheaper by the pound, and you can freeze them in mealsize packages. In season, fresh produce from a farmers market often is a better buy. Plain pasta often costs less than processed pasta meals. Generic brands are good quality but often are less expensive than name brands. Supplement what you eat with what you grow. A family garden can be a great project and also provides fresh vegetables or other food items for the table.
Budgeting Q&A: “As a family, we recently created a food budget after we looked at all our other monthly expenses. Now I’m having a hard time staying on my food budget. Any tips?”
Answer: Setting a budget is the first step, and often the hardest part, so good work! However, now that you’ve set the budget, you need to learn how to stick to it. Here are some questions and tips I have
for you! Do you find yourself at the grocery store several times a week? Try limiting your grocery excursions to once a week by making a weekly menu plan. You’ll save gas and be less likely to be swayed by temptation. Do you have trouble saying no to your kids on shopping trips? Try shopping strategically. Let each child with you choose one fruit, vegetable or “fun” food. Be sure they know they only get one choice and stick to the rules, but allow them to switch items if they wish before you pay. Are you spending a lot of money on processed foods such as frozen pizza, french fries or fruit snacks? Try cutting back. Stick closely to your identified grocery items for your meal plan. “Impulse” buys can increase your bill dramatically. Leave some flexibility for good deals, but avoid randomly adding items you have not considered for your meal plan. For more information, recipes and ideas, check out our NDSU Extension – Food and Nutrition website. We have hundreds of recipes and even a “Growing Together” Cookbook! Until next time, continue extending knowledge and changing lives with NDSU Extension.
WILLIAMS COUNTY FAMILY & COMMUNITY WELLNESS EXTENSION AGENT
Flash Fiction
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.
April 13, 2022 continued
I could feel Donny getting angry. Ky may have been insightful, but she didn’t know better than to avoid pissing off a big guy alone in the dark. She seemed to realize what she had done and took a step back. I could almost hear Donny clenching his fists in the dark.
“Ky, I…” he said, with a surprising amount of self-control.
Ky stopped. I couldn’t see her, but Donny’s controlled tone must have surprised her. Before either of them could speak, there came a rustling from the underbrush. Donny moved towards Ky and grabbed her arm, pulling her behind him.
“Don’t touch-” Ky began, but stopped as a low growl filled the night air.
My eyes darted from bush to bush,
trying to find the source of the noise, but it seemed to resonate along the hazy night air. There was another rustling sound in the bushes nearest the pair. I strained my eyes trying to spot what was causing it and cursed the clouds blocking the moonlight. Donny straightened his back and puffed out his chest.
“Get outta here!” he yelled into the bushes. I took a step back, responding to the primal command.
The rustling stopped and everyone seemed to hold their breath. The silence brought with it a worse dread than the rustling in the bushes, almost as if the air began to crackle at the lack of sound. Then a voice, human in part but not in whole, seemed to resonate along the night once more.
“Is that you, Lou? I can smell you. I can taste you on the air.”
My blood went cold at the sound of that voice. It was familiar, in a sense. Almost like I had heard it in a dream I’d since forgotten.
Donny wasn’t taking it much better than I was. His arms shook despite his raised fists and his shoulder hunched in.
There was another rustle, this time from
behind them. Donny whipped around to put himself between Ky and the sound, but staggered back as a figure rose from the brush. I stepped forward impulsively. I don’t know what sort of duty I have to the figures that seemed to appear out of nowhere as if from dreams, but my humanity demanded some level of action. As I drew closer, the clouds parted, and I wished I had never cursed the dark.
The thing that stood before me was, without question, the owner of that hideous semi-human voice. It stood like a man; arms, legs, hands and feet, but its deformed features were those of some malignant beast. Tufts of spiked fur dotted its naked body like leprous blotches. Water dripped continuously from its every orifice, filling the air with a stagnant stench. Sharp teeth overflowed from its mouth, mashed and overlapped in the desperate need to fill the too small cavity. Its fingers seemed webbed together, cut at the knuckles with jagged claws rose out of its torn skin. Ky turned to run but tangled her feet and fell to the ground. Donny staggered back, his entire body recoiling at the sight. It was only after the thing lunged forward and sunk its teeth into Donny’s outstretched arm that I managed to will my body past its paralytic fright.
KATELYN JESPERSEN
Community raises over $22,000 for Bras for a Cause at Williston Basin Motor Speedway
J.C. LABAR NEWS@VOCELLA.COM
The community of Williston came together in a display of generosity during intermission at the Williston Basin Motor Speedway races on Saturday. Local businesses and attendees joined forces to raise over $22,000 for Bras for a Cause, a local charity that supports individuals diagnosed with cancer.
Funds were raised through live auctions of items donated by local businesses and racecar drivers. Key contributors included Red Rock Ford, Williston Auto, X-Connect, Grand Treasure Casino, Wolla Trucking, Darn TV and Brad Johnson Farms. Additionally, race car drivers donated door panels, adding to the event's success.
A Charity with a Growing Impact Bras for a Cause has been a pillar of support in the Williston community since its founding 12 years ago at Buster's Bar. The charity aims to offset expenses for locals diagnosed with cancer. Over the years, the organization has grown significantly, now hosting several fundraisers throughout the year.
"This money is crucial for Williston, especially to help with bills, travel, lodging and food during treatments,” Michele Nelson, a Bras for a Cause board member, said on the importance of these funds. “It takes a little bit of stress off the patient when they know they have a little bit more money to work with.”
Upcoming Events and Fundraisers
The annual bra auction, a highly anticipated event, will occur on Nov. 2 at the fairgrounds. Participants will create and model themed bras to be auctioned off to raise funds. Both men and women model the bras over tank tops, adding a humorous twist to the event. Last year's auction raised over $130,000, and the goal is to surpass that amount this year.
"The men tend to raise more money than the ladies," Nelson joked. "It’s quite funny."
In addition to the bra auction, Bras for a Cause will host a gumbo cookoff at the New Armory in February or March. Another event, Hammy Sammy Day, will take place at Buster's Bar on Aug, 23, from 1 to 7 p.m., offering another opportunity for the community to support the cause.
Honoring Heidi Eide
On Aug. 3, Bras for a Cause will host a memorial feed and auction in honor of Heidi Eide, a passionate supporter of the organization who recently passed away. The event will be held at Buster's Bar and Slaters Bar in Williston.
"Heidi was a big supporter of Bras for a Cause, and we felt it was important to give back," Nelson said.
Personal Connections to the Cause
Nelson’s involvement with Bras for a Cause is deeply personal. She has witnessed many family members battle cancer, including her father and stepmother. This personal connection fuels her dedication to the organization and its mission.
"My dad had a big family, and six out of 13 were diagnosed with cancer,” Nelson said. “My mom’s family had six out of 10 die of cancer."
How to Support Bras for a Cause
Applicants must provide proof of a cancer diagnosis to receive assistance from Bras for a Cause. The board meets regularly to review applications and make funding decisions. While the organization initially focused on breast cancer, it now supports individuals diagnosed with any type of cancer.
For those interested in making a cash donation, checks can be mailed to Bras for a Cause, PO Box 315, Williston, ND 58802. For more information, visit ndbrasforacause.com or the Bras for a Cause Facebook page.
The community's support at the Williston Basin Motor Speedway event is a testament to the collective spirit and generosity that drives Bras for a Cause. As they continue to expand their reach and impact, the organization remains a vital resource for those facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
Find out more about Bras for a Cause and their upcoming events by scanning the QR code to view their profile at willistongraphic.com.
BRAS FOR A CAUSE LIVE AUCTION
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.
AIRPORT
Williston Basin International (XWA) 14127 Jensen Ln Williston (701) 875-8594
APARTMENTS
Williston Housing Authority 1801 8th Ave. W
Williston (701) 572-2006
APPLIANCES
Ekblad Appliance 22 W Broadway
Williston (701) 572-3769
AUTO DEALERSHIPS
Red Rock Ford 410 32nd Ave W
Williston (701) 577-2142
BOUTIQUES
Crafts 4 U 23 Main St. N Crosby, ND (701) 965-6106
CLEANING
Pristine Pros, LLC Williston (701) 580-0992
S&L Cleaning Service Williston (701) 609-2545
CONSTRUCTION
Williston Roofing 904 2nd St. W Williston (701) 339-2345
COURIER SERVICES
Tony's Transfer Minot/Williston (701) 721-7930
FINANCIAL
American State Bank & Trust
223 Main St Williston (701) 774-4165
Edward Jones 117 E Broadway
Williston (701) 572-8765
First State Bank & Trust 22 4th St E
Williston (701) 577-2113
Stifel Nicolaus 322 Main St.
Williston (701) 572-4527
Western Cooperative Credit Union 1300 Bison Drive
Williston (701) 572-4000
FUNERAL HOMES
Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home 112 4th St E
Williston (701) 577-3738
Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home 218 W Highlan Drive
Williston (701) 572-6329
GARDEN/GREENHOUSES
Handy Andy's Nursery 3515 W Front St.
Williston (701) 572-6083
Wildrose Nursery 200 1st Ave W
Wildrose (701) 570-3089
HEALTH & BEAUTY
SUBS Global in The Bakken Center 3410 4th Ave W, Suite 600 Williston 800-632-5201
HEALTHCARE
CHI St. Alexius 1301 15th Ave W
Williston (701) 572-7651
Williston Basin Eyecare Associates 1500 14th St W #100
Williston (701) 577-3937
HEATING & PLUMBING
Braaten Plumbing 5237C 134th Ave NW
Williston (701) 774-0070
Haskin Heating & Cooling 2407 2nd Ave W, Suite D Williston (701) 770-4516
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Menards 405 32nd Ave W Williston (701) 774-7636
JEWELERS
Ritter Brothers 319 Main St Williston (701) 572-2051
LAND SURVEYORS
49th Latitude Land Survey 1411 West Dakota Pkwy, Unit 111 & 112, Suite 2b, Williston (701) 580-2651
LAUNDRY SERVICES
Model Cleaners 1129 2nd Ave W
Williston (701) 572-3734
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Williams County Williston (701) 577-4500 (Auditor)
OILFIELD
Precision Completion & Production Services 5042 Jackson St Williston (701) 774-5847
Flowcore Systems 4401 16th Ave W Suite B Williston (701) 774-0627
OILS & LUBRICANTS
Advanced Filtration 4502 139th Ave W Alexander, ND (701) 770-2275
PAINT
Finesse Painting Williston (205) 441-0009
PEST CONTROL
Pro Safe Services 725 8th Ave W
Williston (701) 774-3167
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
Rugby Homes & RV Center 321 Gate Ave Williston (701) 572-2250
Arnie's Powersports & Cycle 413 2nd St W Williston (701) 572-3382
RETAIL
Crafts-4-U Downtown Crosby (701) 965-6106
Second Opportunity ReStore 2124 2nd Ave W Williston (701) 774-2537
Talon Smoke Shop 1804 W Trenton, ND (701) 572-5110
