The Vocella Graphic - January 18, 2024 by Vocella, Inc.

Vol. 1 Issue 12

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Price: FREE

A Community Newspaper Serving Williston and the Bakken Area

SUN DOGS PHOTO COURTESY DEB BREIVIK, 7X PHOTOGRAPHY/CHAOS NO. 7 ECRWSS Postal Customer

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Thursday, January 18, 2024

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In this issue About Us

ocella, 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 Vocella 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 still find the trusted Community Shopper, 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

From the Designer Dear Valued Readers, Let’s talk about “paying it forward.” Most everyone knows what the phrase means, but maybe they aren’t sure how to make it happen. Listen, I am not always a ray of sunshine, radiating positivity, like these weekly little notes might suggest. I am as guilty as any of being a Negative Nancy, feeling discouraged, irritated or down. I try to focus on positivity here because I think there’s plenty of negativity in the world already — and when I read something like this, or watch a reel on Instagram of the same nature, I honestly do try to take it to heart. I hope even one of our readers does the same. One thing that really brightens my attitude is to brighten someone else’s day. Paying it forward — doing something for someone that truly helps them or fulfills a need — whether it’s something physical or even emotional. Little things really do add up, so don’t feel like it has to be a grand, sweeping gesture, either. One of my favorite Instagram personalities, Sharon McMahon, has a saying that I’ll paraphrase here: No single person can do everything, but every single person can do something, and that the opposite of hopelessness is action. So if you’re reading the news and feeling discouraged or like the world is on fire, remember you may not be able to fix everything, but you can do one thing. The smallest pebbles still create ripples. Smile at someone. Ask the cashier how their day is and really listen. Donate to the Denim Drive (page 7). Volunteer. Share your knowledge or passion with someone else. There are a million little ways you can make a difference to just one person. So, as we navigate life’s highs and lows together, let’s commit to being the pebble that creates ripples of positivity, one act of kindness at a time.

Falon Justice

Managing Engagement Editor/Sales

Erica Kingston

Copy Editor/Writer

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Web Visit us online at www.vocellagraphic.com and www.communityshopper.com

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McKenna Layne

Reach us by email or phone: Monday - Thursday | 9:00am to 5:00pm & Friday | 9:00am - Noon Office hours are by appointment. Call 701.572.4851

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PROFILES — Epping’s frozen oasis

News & Press Releases news@vocella.com

Advertising sales@vocella.com

Billing billing@vocella.com

General Inquiries info@vocella.com

NEWS 04 — Summer meal program — Rios removed from committee — Tioga school bond approved OIL & AG 05 — Future of oil is bright in ND HEALTH & WELLNESS 06 — Wellness Wednesday - sleep — Cervical cancer screening

GIVING BACK — ASBT scholarships — Denim Drive Here’s to a brighter, kinder world for us all, — Blood donations needed

J.C. & Susan LaBar Owners/Publishers

This Issue

CULTURE — Sun dogs

THE COMMUNITY SHOPPER Job listings 02 Classifieds 03 To Do About Town 05 Community Calendars 06 Puzzle Page 07 Realty 08

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Thursday, January 18, 2024

Profiles

Epping’s frozen oasis Community ice rink provides winter recreation “It's fun to hear the kids out there playing.” -Mayor Travor Bemis

ARCAND-WILLARD ALL SEASON SPORTS ARENA. PHOTO BY ERICA KINGSTON.

BY ERICA KINGSTON

he winter days are still long and dark, although more light is being gained as spring creeps nearer. Many head to work before sunup and don’t get home until it is dark again The rural community of Epping, N.D., which boasts a population of 80 people, is a relatively quiet town. But in the past few years, on the dark nights of winter, the lively sound of chattering kids, skates gliding over ice and the whack of hockey sticks can be heard late into the evening. The Epping ice rink is in the middle of town and has been a labor of love from the city of Epping to its residents and surrounding communities. With a warming house equipped with skates for use and lights that come at dusk, the community rink has provided a winter activity for all willing to come. Now in its third year, the idea of an ice rink started when the city had extra funds from the oil and gas industry. Having previously put money into the town pavilion to transform it from a summer building to a four-seasons event hall for community use, the city began planning its next project. “We started looking at what we could do to put (funds) back into

the community that will help grow our small community and help keep it alive,” Epping mayor Trevor Bemis said. “As the community ages, you get an older population. If you don’t get the younger population to come in, the town is going to die.” After the pavilion project had finished, the city had an area of old basketball courts that needed updating. After talking with an engineering firm, it was decided that a new basketball court would be the most efficient use for the space to be able to provide the most opportunities for recreation. From there, the possibility of freezing the court came from seeing how the city of Tioga, N.D., puts up its rink. The engineering firm found a company that made hockey boards for basketball courts and the ball got rolling. This complex was then named the Arcand-Willard All Seasons Sports Arena after families who had dedicated their time to maintaining the park in the past. “We knew we wanted to put something more in,” Bemis said. “What would the community and the kids benefit from and what would get people to come to Epping?” The efforts worked, as fam-

ilies from surrounding areas and towns of Tioga and Williston have come to Epping to play on the ice due to it not being overcrowded. “It’s fun to hear the kids out there playing and then going to talk to the families that show up,” said Bemis, who lives near the rink. “I get home from work and can hear hockey or people skating. Probably about 70% of the time there’s somebody out there.” The rink is lit by light-sensitive lights that come on around 5 p.m. and shut off close to 10 p.m. The warming house is always open, keeping skaters warm while gearing up. People in the local community have donated old figure and hockey skates as well as the city-bought multi-sized skates. These are kept in the warming house for anyone to use and are on a first-come, first-serve basis with no checkout process, but implied respectfulness from those who chose to use them. Maintaining the rink is no small task. Continual work is needed for resurfacing and keeping the ice cleared. Four men from Epping

have taken on the job: Mayor Bemis, maintenance supervisor Travis Sattler, public works director Bruce Turcotte and rural fire department chief John Sheldon. Sattler does much of the day-to-day maintenance of sweeping the ice and getting the snow off while he and Turcotte do the resurfacing when needed. “It's kind of all hands on deck to get things done since it's such a small community,” Bemis said. “Some of the kids in the area had noticed there were cracks and they were out there with their water bottles filling the cracks back in.” Although the rink requires work and manpower to keep it in good condition, Bemis says it is worth the effort to put it up to see the joy it has brought the community. To find the rink, head to Epping and take a drive down second street; roll a window down and listen for the swish-swash of metal skates against ice.

Epping, ND

Thursday, January 18, 2024

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News & Updates

North Dakota among states Rios removed from committo join new summer meal tee after berating police program for low-income kids during DUI arrest About 42,000 North Dakota students to benefit

District 23 GOP calls for resignation, begins exploring recall process

BY ASHLEY MURRAY

BY MICHAEL ACHTERLING

WASHINGTON — Children from low-income families in 35 states, four tribes and all U.S. territories will now receive permanent food assistance during the summer months when schools are closed, including North Dakota. Children in 15 states will be excluded from the benefits. Low-income families will now receive $40 each month for each eligible schoolaged child, up to $120, to buy groceries beginning in the summer of 2024. The cash will come via electronic benefit transfer, often called EBT, and will be added to food assistance debit cards. Congress authorized the program’s permanent status in December 2022. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that the program will reach 21 million children — or around 70% of U.S. children eligible for government meal programs — in the states, tribes and territories that signed on to be part of the initial launch. A list of implementing agencies in those states, tribal lands and territories will be available in the spring of 2024, according to the USDA. USDA is encouraging families to check for updates at www.fns.usda.gov/sebt/ household. Notably the participating four tribes have lands in Oklahoma, Texas and Mississippi, three states that are not part of the launch. The USDA said other states that will not provide the new grocery benefits for low-income children include: Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming. Some states are preparing to launch the program in 2025, but the USDA did not identify which ones. Agency language in a press release Wednesday noted that “(w)orking with future implementers is a top priority.” “No kid should have to spend their summer hungry, or without nutritious food,” USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small said in the press release. “Summer EBT is a giant step forward in meeting the needs of our nation’s children and families throughout the year, and especially in the summer months.” Schools are typically where low-income children can access free or reduced breakfast or lunch when classes are in session. Those children become vulnerable to hunger during the summer months, according to the USDA and several organizations that monitor child nutrition assistance. Pilot programs USDA cites success during several pilot programs conducted during the summers of 2012 to 2013 as the basis to recommend the new benefit. During the test programs, amounts ranging from $30 to $60 were provided during summers for families already

enrolled in other summer nutrition assistance or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, otherwise known as WIC. The new program will expand the reach of already established summer meal programs, according to the USDA. Those programs include free summer meals via delivery or at designated community sites. Private nonprofits, local government agencies and youth sports programs are often the sponsors and played a significant role as the program expanded beyond summer during pandemic school closures. Participation in those programs has decreased since the pandemic, according to an analysis by the Food Research and Action Center, or FRAC. The advocacy organization attributes the decrease in part to Congress’ delay in greenlighting community sponsors to operate the programs in 2022. Top-ranking states for participation in the summer lunch programs in 2021 and 2022, according to FRAC’s analysis, included New Jersey, New York, Vermont, New Mexico and Maryland. The lowest-ranking states for average daily participation were Texas, Alaska, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Louisiana and Nebraska. Ashley Murray’s original article for The North Dakota Monitor, “North Dakota among states to join new summer meal program for low-income kids” can be found at https:// northdakotamonitor.com/2024/01/11/northdakota-among-states-to-join-new-summermeal-program-for-low-income-kids/

What North Dakotans need to know

An estimated 42,000 North Dakota students will benefit from the program, said Linda Schloer, school nutrition director for the Department of Public Instruction. Most families won’t need to apply for the program. However, families are encouraged to make sure their schools have their updated contact information on file so that benefits can be issued to the students, Schloer said. The Department of Public Instruction plans to do outreach to schools starting in February so the benefits can be issued to students before the end of the school year. Erin Oban, state director for USDA Rural Development, said the program removes barriers to access and affordability. “School meals are often the most reliable source of food for kids of struggling families,” Oban said. – North Dakota Monitor

BISMARCK — North Dakota legislative leaders this week removed Rep. Nico Rios from the interim Judiciary Committee after the Williston lawmaker berated police officers during a December drunk driving arrest. House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, R-Dickinson, chair of Legislative Management, which oversees interim committee assignments, said that Rios’ comments during his arrest were inappropriate for a committee that routinely takes testimony from law enforcement. Rios, arrested on Dec. 15 for DUI and test refusal, made a series of homophobic and racist comments toward the arresting officer during the more than hour-long traffic stop and booking process, which was captured on an officer-worn body camera. “I wasn’t going to subject members of the law enforcement community to have to testify in front of a committee in which he was a member,” Lefor said. Rios, a Republican, also attempted to use his position as a lawmaker to influence the officer, the video shows. Lefor has called on Rios to resign, as have leaders of the District 23 GOP, which endorsed Rios as a freshman legislator for the 2022 election. Holand Neubauer, chair of the District 23 GOP, said Rios has not responded to the district’s Dec. 29 call for his resignation. “He’s been asked and we’re kind of waiting for his decision before we can make any decision on our end,” Neubauer said. The district executive committee has contacted the North Dakota Secretary of State’s office to inquire about the steps, signature requirements and procedures of a possible recall, Neubauer said. However, members want to hear from Rios directly on whether he intends to resign before going any further. Multiple attempts to contact Rios for comment this week were unsuccessful. In a Dec. 27 statement on social media,

REP. NICO RIOS, R-WILLISTON. (PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE NORTH DAKOTA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY)

Rios apologized to law enforcement and said he understands why people are calling for his resignation. He stated he is “mulling” all aspects of his future. Court records show he’s scheduled for a Feb. 5 hearing. In a letter to the Williston Herald, Williston Mayor Howard Klug admonished Rios’ behavior and said the citizens of Williston deserve better representation. Lefor said decisions about Rios’ future may ultimately come down to the voters of his district. Legislative Management is unlikely to name a replacement for Rios on the interim Judiciary Committee because there are already 18 members assigned, including 11 House members and seven state senators, Lefor said. “The number of interim committee spots that we allocated this session was far higher than other sessions,” Lefor said. Michael Achterling’s original article for The North Dakota Monitor, “Rios removed from committee after berating police during DUI arrest” can be found at https://northdakotamonitor.com/2024/01/10/rios-removed-from-committee-after-berating-police-during-dui-arrest/

Tioga school bond approved BY VOCELLA STAFF TIOGA — Voters in the Tioga School District approved a $23.6 million bond issue this week by a two-to-one margin, with 66.9% in favor and 33.1% opposed. The election results revealed 202 yes votes and 100 no votes. The funds will finance the construction of a gymnasium and additional classrooms at Tioga High School, prompted by increased enrollment at Central Elementary School. With no room for expansion, the proposed project aims to address the demand for more space by adding facilities to Tioga High

School, including a separate wing for sixth grade students. The Tioga district spans parts of Burke, Divide, Mountrail and Williams Counties, with the current K-12 enrollment at 536, reflecting an 80-student increase in the past five years. Financing the bond entails a 20.7 mills increase, translating to an annual assessment of $93.16 per $100,000 of property valuation. To secure funding, school officials plan to apply for a low-interest loan through the state’s School Construction Loan Program.

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Thursday, January 18, 2024

Oil & Ag

The future of oil and natural gas industry in North Dakota is bright

BY RON NESS, PRESIDENT OF THE NORTH DAKOTA PETREOLEUM COUNCIL OP-ED NORTH DAKOTA — We all benefit from a strong oil and natural gas industry. The billions of dollars in taxes and royalties paid to the State of North Dakota each year pay for education, infrastructure, and social services across our great state. In fact, over 50% of all tax revenue collected by North Dakota is paid by the oil industry. We also employ almost 50,000 people in high-paying jobs and careers. And the oil we produce here helps make our nation more energy secure and less dependent on unfriendly foreign suppliers. Industry investments in the North Dakota Bakken oilfield continue to be strong. We have a stable rig count and the number of producing wells continues to increase. North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reported that our state recorded a new all-time high of 18,619 wells averaging 1.245 million barrels of oil per day in October 2023. New technologies continually reduce the effects of drilling for and producing oil. Three-mile lateral wells, advances in innovation, improved practices, and inventions have helped our industry lessen our impact on the environment while increasing the efficiency of exploration and drilling activities. North Dakota oil and natural gas companies lead the world in the design and implementation of clean and efficient oil and gas exploration, development, and production technologies. North Dakota producers are now using satellites, global positioning systems, remote sensing devices, unmanned aerial aircraft, and 3-D seismic technologies to assist with oil recovery, resulting in fewer exploratory wells. The adoption of emerging technologies such as AI and real-time analytics is expected to pick up as companies seek to enhance environmental safeguards and operational efficiency. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that up to 3.3 billion barrels of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil are still available in the Bakken Formation. Industry experts are even more optimistic and estimate the recoverable oil left in the Bakken is more like seven to ten billion barrels of oil. New technologies are opening the door for our state to take advantage of this great natural resource to the benefit of North Dakota and the nation.

RON NESS, PRESIDENT OF THE NORTH DAKOTA PETREOLEUM COUNCIL

The key to the long-term, environmentally sound, and efficient production of the Bakken resource is the use of new and evolving technologies. The use of EOR (enhanced oil recovery) techniques is critical to our future success. By injecting CO2 in wells as they decline in productivity, EOR will substantially extend the life of a well and the amount of oil that can be recovered from that well. Improvements in horizontal and directional drilling technology, including new three-mile lateral wells, will make it possible for a single well to produce oil from a much larger area. Doing so reduces the number of wells necessary to develop the Bakken’s tremendous oil resource while further protecting wildlife and the Bakken’s natural beauty. The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) has also developed the Bakken Production Optimization Program which shows how state lawmakers, state regulators, landowners and the industry can work together for the benefit of mineral owners, shareholders, and taxpayers. We are looking forward to another good year in North Dakota’s oil industry. In fact, we will be celebrating the milestone of having produced five billion barrels of oil in the Bakken by mid-year in 2024. Come join the celebration at the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference on May 14-16, 2024, at the Bismarck Event Center. We will be showcasing our industry, its leaders, its best practices, and new technologies coming soon to the oil and gas industry. Learn more at wbpcnd. com.

Thursday, January 18, 2024

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Health & Wellness

Wellness Wednesday

elcome back to Wellness Wednesday with the NDSU Extension. I am Katelyn Jespersen, the family and community wellness extension agent for Williams County. For the next few weeks, I will be covering the topics from our new Nourish program that launched this month. First up is sleep, because what better way to begin our wellness journey than by talking about how our day begins. Why is sleep important? Sleep supports overall good health, brain function, everyday performance and physical health. A persistent lack of sleep can lead to a higher risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, depression and stroke according to the National In-

stitutes of Health. Sleep helps regulate our hormones and lack of sleep causes higher stress hormones and higher appetite hormones, which can both lead to weight gain. How do you know if you have enough sleep at night? Did you know that one in three adults do not get enough sleep? Check out the recommended sleep chart to see if you are getting the right amount of sleep for you to stay healthy. If you want to make a change in your health, start with monitoring your sleep hygiene. To learn more about the tips and tricks for better sleep hygiene, check out our Nourish program at www.ndsu.edu/ agriculture/extension/programs/nourish. In this week’s topic of sleep we talk about sleep do’s and don’ts. Do wash bedding weekly, keep the room dark and quiet, use lavender

and regular exercise to promote good sleep. Don’t keep a warm temperature in the bedroom, use devices in bed, consume alcohol, nicotine or caffeine before bed. The program is available online and can be done at your own pace and on your own time or contact me if you would like to set up an in-person version for a group of people. Follow our NDSU Extension Williams County Facebook page or check out the NDSU Extension webpage to find out more information about our programs. Join me next week as I highlight brain health as the next topic from the Nourish program. Until then, continue extending knowledge and changing lives with NDSU Extension.

KATELYN JESPERSEN WILLIAMS COUNTY FAMILY & COMMUNITY WELLNESS EXTENSION AGENT

Women’s Way encourages women to make cervical cancer screening a priority NORTH DAKOTA HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

his January, during Cervical Cancer Prevention Month, North Dakota’s breast and cervical cancer early detection program, known as Women’s Way, encourages women to stay on track with important preventive health screenings – including cervical cancer screenings. Women’s Way is administered through North Dakota Health and Human Services and local health partners.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 93% of cervical cancer cases are preventable through regular screenings like Pap tests and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) screenings. Screenings should be a top priority for those who are due for one. “Screening guidelines vary by age. We encourage women to talk to their health care provider about whether they are due for screening, which screenings are right for them, and how often they should be screened,” said Women’s Way Director Susan Mormann.

A general guideline, she said, is that women ages 21 to 29 should have a Pap test every three years. Beginning at age 30, a Pap test along with an HPV test is recommended every five years, as long as test results are normal. Some women may benefit from more frequent screening and should talk to their health care provider about their risk. “Symptoms of cervical cancer typically don’t appear until the cancer has grown into nearby tissue. That’s why early detection is your best protection,” Mormann said. “We remind women who are concerned about the cost of breast and cervical cancer screenings, that Women’s Way may be able to provide a

way to pay.” Women’s Way serves North Dakota women ages 21-64 who have qualifying incomes and are uninsured or underinsured, including having high deductibles and copays. As many as 17,000 North Dakota women may qualify for help covering the cost of breast and cervical cancer screenings. Local Women’s Way coordinators can help women enroll in the program and connect with screening services. Find out more about Women’s Way by visiting hhs.nd.gov/womens-way or calling 701-328-3398 or 800-449-6636, 711 (TTY).

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Thursday, January 18, 2024

Giving Back

Style Uncorked hosts annual Denim Drive BY FALON JUSTICE

tyle Uncorked Boutique is celebrating its 5th annual Denim Drive. Specializing in trendy clothing for all sizes, from 0 to 3XL, the boutique has become a fashion hotspot and a master of giving back to the community. As the calendar turns to 2024, the boutique is kicking off the year with its highly anticipated Denim Drive. Having successfully run the drive for the past four years (excluding those pesky COVID years), Style Uncorked has established itself as a dedicated force for community service. Co-owner Kim Wenko explained the motivation behind their charitable endeavors. “It’s important to give back to a community that supports you,” Wenko said. The boutique organized various fundraising and awareness sales throughout the year, including events like the Miss North Dakota Pageant and Shop for a Cause for the Sea Lions, pool project and Mondak Animal Shelter. From Jan. 15-31, customers were encouraged to bring in gently used denim and, in return, received a 25% off coupon valid through April 15. The collected denim, dress pants, tops and other necessities added by Style Uncorked will be donated to the Family Crisis Shelter in Williston. In the previous years’ Denim Drive, shoppers had generously contributed over 125 pairs of denim. Wenko took it further

It’s important to give back to a community that supports you. - Kim Wenko

by utilizing her Thrivent Action Team Community Impact Card and injecting $250 in seed money into the volunteer activity. If looking for more ways to help the Family Crisis Shelter, they are always in need of these in-kind donations: Food: Cereals, pasta, beans, ramen noodles, rice, boxed meals, sides, sugar, flour, pancake mix, boxed desserts, packaged sauces, spice, drink mixes, bread, crackers, oatmeal, dressings, condiments, veggies, fruits, soup, canned tuna or chicken, coffee, tea, peanut butter, jelly, cooking oils, meats. All foods are welcome. Everyday Essentials: Shampoo/conditioner, body wash/bar soaps, feminine products, lotion, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, shaving gel, hair product, hair brushes, combs, hair ties, bath towels, washcloths, makeup. Clothing Items: Womens socks, underwear, bras, boys and girls socks and underwear, diapers size 3-6, pull-ups size 2T4T. Household items: Laundry soap or pods, dryer sheets, bleach, all purpose cleaners, toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning wipes, dish soap and sponge, stain remover, luggage, bedding. Extras: Dressers, couches, beds (in good condition), table and chairs, end tables, coffee tables, lamps, vacuums, microwaves, dishes, pots and pans.

American State Bank scholarship National shortages underscore pleas for blood donations applications available online PRESS RELEASE WILLISTON — American State Bank & Trust Company announced that four different scholarship applications are now available online at asbt.com for high school seniors and current college students. ASB&T’s Trust Department facilitates the scholarships. The Kingsley T. Davidson Memorial Scholarship: Applicants must be graduating from/or graduates of a Williams, McKenzie or Divide County High School. The John Eberle Scholarship Fund: Applicants must be seniors in high school or have graduated from high school and reside within Divide, Williams or Burke counties for at least two years prior to application. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 2.00, have a financial need and remain a full-time student. Preference is given to nursing and ag students. Eberle scholarship recipients can apply annually and re-

ceive one scholarship per year for up to four years. The Frank A. and M. Esther Wenstrom Foundation Scholarship: Applicants must be a senior in high school at/or be a graduate of a Williams County High School or Carrington (N.D.) High School and must plan to attend/be attending the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. The Maude M. Schuetze Foundation Scholarship: Applicants must have graduated from one of the following Montana high schools: Culbertson, Westby, Plentywood, Medicine Lake, Froid or Bainville, and must attend an accredited college, university or trade School full-time for at least one year. All applications can be filled out and submitted online at asbt.com under the “For You” College Scholarship link. Deadline for all applications is April 1. Contact the Trust Department at 701-774-4120 for more information.

BY MIKE MOEN, PRAIRIE NEWS SERVICE U.S. — The American Red Cross said it is experiencing an emergency blood shortage. A regional facility in North Dakota said its situation is not quite as dire, but stressed the need to maintain strong supplies from donors. January is National Blood Donor Month and the urgent plea from the Red Cross noted the U.S. faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. Monica Janssen, donor relations coordinator for the Dak Minn Blood Bank in Grand Forks, which is a hospital-based donation site in Grand Forks, said even though they are in better shape, it does not mean volunteers should stop coming by. “If we aren’t getting our blood needs from our local community here and we have to go out and request blood nationally, we

might not have that as a backup,” Janssen explained. While donor support has been strong on the local level, Janssen emphasized they could use more supplies of O-negative. She feels the public might just assume blood supplies will always be there, but situations can change quickly, and not having enough from donors could be life or death for hospital patients in need. Janssen stressed it is important to remember blood donations expire after 42 days. “You can only donate every 56 days, so there’s that little bit of days in between where you can’t donate,” Janssen noted. “It’s the timing -- that’s what’s really hard for people to understand -- that there’s a timing issue.” She added another reminder is North Dakota teenagers age 16 and older can help with donations. It is not 18 and older as some might think. In states where the minimum age is 16, parental consent is required.

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Thursday, January 18, 2024

Culture

Sun dogs:

The sun’s flanked companions

SUN DOGS PHOTO COURTESY CHERRETT BRUNELLE

BY ERICA KINGSTON

ith the frigid weather, a familiar and beautiful, yet dreaded, sight has been seen in the sky: two rainbow-colored patches of light accompanying each side of the sun that have come to be called “sun dogs.” A reminder of sub zero temperatures, sun dogs are a phenomenon viewed on the coldest of winter days. Although very similar, sun dogs are more common than rainbows and form in the same way as refractions of light. While a rainbow's light is shone through droplets of water, sun dogs refract light through hexagonal ice crystals formed in cirrus or cirrostratus clouds, causing the ice to act as a prism. When light is refracted, it is broken into its component colors, creating a rainbow effect.

A sun dog is seen at 22 degrees to the left or right of the sun and a sun halo is formed as an entire circle of light, also at 22 degrees around the sun. Their colors can be seen as white, rainbow or red and orange hues closest to the sun fading to blue on the outer edges. Sun dogs not only vary in color as well as shape and size depending on the size of the ice crystals they are created from. In medieval times, the three lights of sun dogs were associated with the trinity and a sign of good fortune. In Greek mythology, it is said that the god Zeus walked his companion dogs across the sky and they appeared as the “false suns” on each side of the sun. Sun dogs have also been known to be called “mock suns”

or “parhelia,” which means “with sun” and are a part of the family of atmospheric optical illusions that include moon dogs and halos which appear as a bright “false moon” and are formed around the moon from the same refraction of light. Similarly, light pillars can also be seen on cold winter nights as hexagonal ice crystals reflect light from a city, or in the Bakken area, light from gas flares. When this happens, ice crystals are present in the entire column of light and not just the sky, indicating extreme temperatures. Information for this article was found at Almonac.com and kxnet.com.

MORE STUNNING SUN DOG PHOTOS. LEFT, DEB BREIVIK. MIDDLE & RIGHT, CHERRETT BRUNELLE.