Heroes on the frontlines
WILLISTON GRAPHIC news@vocella.com
Amid these daunting conditions, the efforts of regional volunteer fire departments have been nothing short of heroic. From Williams County to surrounding areas, volunteers have answered the call without hesitation, risking their own safety to protect lives and homes.
The following is a partial list of departments that have played pivotal roles in the firefighting efforts. Their bravery is a testament to the strength and resilience of the communities they serve.
- Alamo Rural Fire Dept
- Epping Rural Fire Dept
- Grenora Rural Fire Dept
- Ray Rural Fire Dept
- Tioga Fire Dept & Ambulance
- Trenton Rural Fire Dept
- Wildrose Rural Fire Dept
- Williston Rural Fire Dept
- Crosby Rural Fire Dept
- Kenmare Fire Dept
- Portal Fire Dept
- Lignite Fire Dept
- Stanley Fire Dept
- Powers Lake Fire Dept
- Columbus Fire Dept
- Bowbells Fire Dept
- Burlington Fire Dept
- Medicine Lake Fire Dept (MT)
- Culbertson Fire Dept (MT)
- Bainville Fire Dept (MT)
- Froid Fire Dept (MT)
-Williams County Highway Department
-North Dakota Department of Transportation
-Private industries and local residents
-Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative
Wildfires ravage western North Dakota
Communities rally to reclaim what was lost
WILLISTON GRAPHIC STAFF news@vocella.com
The unrelenting wildfires sweeping through western North Dakota have devastated communities, claiming lives, injuring others and leaving behind a path of destruction. While firefighters and volunteers continue to work around the clock to contain the remaining blazes, the scope of their impact has reached far beyond burned acres and damaged property.
According to Williams County Emergency Manager Mike Smith, there were two fatalities and eight injuries during this week’s wildfires and nearly 90,000 acres were burned.
According to the Associated Press, Johannes Nicolass van Eeden, a 26-year-old South African, died of smoke inhalation on Saturday as he was driving home to Tioga. Edgar Coppersmith, 47, of Tioga, was identified Tuesday as the second fire-related fatality after having been taken to Denver due to fire related injuries. In addition, several others have been treated for smoke inhalation and injuries resulting from firefighting efforts.
Williams County Emergency Management said that there has been extensive damage to electrical infrastructure and significant loss to property. The North Dakota Highway Patrol and the Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, have both assisted with aircraft for spotting any residual fires and assessing damage.
On Oct. 8, the Williams County
Board of County Commissioners declared a local State of Emergency in response to the recent high winds and grass fires. Satellite imagery and Civil Air Patrol flight observations show that approximately 84,934 acres have burned across central and eastern Williams County between Oct. 5 and Oct. 6. An investigation into the start of the fires is ongoing. Williams County residents can contribute assessment efforts by reporting livestock and structural damage or loss through the Williams County website at www.williamsnd.com/contact-emergency-management.
A press release from the Williams County Emergency Management said: “The two largest fires each covered swaths of land approximately 20 miles in length, with the first burning from 12 miles north of the intersection of Highway 85 and Highway 2 (13 Mile Corner) southeast, just past the western extent of Ray. The second main fire began northwest of Ray and burned southeast, ending just south of Tioga. Both fires crossed extensive portions of Highway 2 as the area experienced sustained winds of 40 mph and gusts up to 73 mph. The majority of fires were contained by 3 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6. Hotspots and smaller fires continued to burn through Sunday into Monday.”
From mid-morning Oct. 5 through Oct. 6, the Williams County Dispatch Center fielded 182 calls that were 911 emergencies and. Incident Command from the Williams County Emergency Operation Center coordinated response efforts across more than 30 agencies from North
Dakota and Montana. The majority of first responders were from volunteer-based agencies.
For the latest updates, including ongoing firefighting efforts and community impacts, the North Dakota Response team continues to post critical information on their Facebook page, NDResponse. Unified support
The response to these wildfires has extended far beyond firefighting teams. Local oil companies have stepped in to provide essential resources, dispatching water haulers and delivering much-needed fuel to support the crews on the ground. In addition, community members have launched various fundraising efforts to assist those impacted. Several GoFundMe accounts and special donation accounts have been set up at local banks, allowing residents near and far to contribute financial support. Look for ways to help on Facebook page “Ray / Tioga Fire Recovery Network - Coordinating - Connecting - Rebuilding”
The Tioga Community Center has also become a hub for donations, where everything from food and clothing to home essentials is being collected for those in need. Beyond monetary contributions, individuals have stepped up in extraordinary ways. During the height of the crisis, farmers and ranchers offered their livestock trailers to help evacuate animals from fire-threatened areas. Many have provided temporary pastures and hay for displaced livestock, ensuring that the animals are
CONTINUED PAGE 4
AN AERIAL SHOT SHOWS JUST A SMALL EXAMPLE OF THE DESTRUCTION GRASSFIRES CAUSED OVER THE PAST WEEKEND IN WILLIAMS COUNTY | WILLISTON GRAPHIC
About Us
Vocella, Inc. (pronounced vō-chellä), Williston’s only locally-owned media company, is proudly operated by longtime residents JC and Susan LaBar. What started as a living room project has grown into something special, thanks to a belief that everyone deserves access to honest, objective news—free from bias. After purchasing The Shopper, JC and Susan expanded their mission by launching Williston Graphic, a community publication dedicated to delivering impactful journalism that informs and uplifts.
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WILLISTONGRAPHIC.COM
This Issue
Concert Assoc.
“Autumn burned brightly, a running flame through the mountains, a torch flung to the trees.” — Faith Baldwin
CONTEST: Create your profile on WillistonGraphic.com and upload your fall photo or art for a chance to be featured!
Your Voice. Your Community. Tell Your Story.
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
BOOK STORES
Books on Broadway 121/2 West Broadway
Williston (701) 572-1433
BOUTIQUES
Dakota Dreamin' Williston (701) 641-2913
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
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
HEALTHCARE
CHI St. Alexius 1301 15th Ave W Williston (701) 572-7651
McKenzie Health 3-4th St. E Williston (701) 577-6377
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
Williston Home & Lumber 320 26th St E Williston (701) 572-8356
INDUSTRIAL SERVICES
IESS 314 42nd St West
Williston (701) 572-2393
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
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Williams County Williston (701) 577-4500 (Auditor)
OILS & LUBRICANTS
Advanced Filtration 4502 139th Ave W Alexander, ND (701) 770-2275
PAINT
Finesse Painting Williston (205) 441-0009
Etch Your Sketch Williston (701) 609-0839
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
Second Opportunity ReStore 2124 2nd Ave W Williston (701) 774-2537
Talon Smoke Shop 1804 W Trenton, ND (701) 572-5110
SEPTIC
Braaten Plumbing 5237C 134th Ave NW Williston (701) 774-0070
TRAILER SERVICES
MLD Trailer 1909 44th St. West Williston (701) 651-9742
TRANSPORTATION
Northwest Dakota Public Transit Williston (701) 577-6753 Watford City (701) 842-3440
UTILITIES
Mountrail-Williams Electric Coop Williston, ND (701) 577-3765
Sheridan Electric Co-op Medicine Lake, MT (406) 789-2231
WEED CONTROL
Master of None LLC Williston, ND (701) 580-5664
WILDFIRES
Continued from front
cared for as their owners rebuild.
Farmers and landowners didn’t stop there—they took to the fields themselves, using tractors and equipment to create firebreaks, crucial barriers that helped slow the spread of flames and protect both rural homes and infrastructure. Their swift action was instrumental in assisting firefighting efforts and saving countless acres of land.
Gov, Doug Burgum visited the fire-ravaged areas on Oct, 7, expressing deep gratitude for the combined efforts of local authorities, volunteers, and the private sector.
“The collaboration we’ve seen in these fire zones is nothing short of incredible,” Burgum said. Help for ranchers and livestock
The fires have had an overwhelmingly harsh effect on local ranchers and farmers. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association is actively assisting producers in tracking down lost livestock and offering financial aid through the “Out of the Ashes Wildfire Disaster Relief Program.” Ranchers are encouraged to report missing animals and apply for aid, while those
in need of feed can access resources via the Hay Hotline.
Additional support is available through the USDA’s Livestock Indemnity and Forage programs, offering a vital lifeline to those affected by the wildfires. Producers can learn more by visiting https:// www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/county-extension-offices.
Mental health help is available
A crisis of this magnitude can become overwhelming and difficult to cope with, but there is help and resources available. Any individual who may need someone to talk to or emotional support are encouraged to call 988, the Mental Health Crisis Line provided by the American Red Cross and FirstLink. This line remains open 24/7 for anyone struggling with the emotional toll of these events.
For those who have lost personal belongings, livestock or property and/or need assistance of any kind can find a list of wildfire recovery resources compiled by ND Response at ndresponse.gov/ wildfire-recovery. Please check on your neighbors and loved ones as the community heals.
An ongoing crisis
As of Oct. 6, fires near Highway 2 and around Ray had been contained, but firefighters remained vigilant, monitoring the
area for any signs of resurgence. In stark contrast, fires like the Elk Horn and Bear’s Den blazes further south continue to burn as of Oct. 8, threatening to wreak more havoc.
The Elkhorn Fire near Watford City and Grassy Butte, now one of the largest active fires in the region, has consumed over 28,400 acres. Firefighters have managed to contain about 40% of the fire, with improved weather conditions offering some hope of slowing the spread. Still, the fight is far from over, with high winds and low humidity in the forecast posing a new threat.
Meanwhile, the Bear Den Fire, near Mandaree, has charred over 11,746 acres and is at 30% containment, according to the state Department of Emergency Services on Oct. 8. Unlike the Elkhorn Fire, this blaze has already caused significant destruction, including the loss of two homes and multiple outbuildings.
As the fires continue to burn, the situation remains fluid. Communities are holding their breath as firefighters and volunteers press on in their relentless efforts to protect what they can. This article reflects the latest available information as of Oct, 8, 2024. For real-time updates, visit WillistonGraphic.com.
News Briefs
Fort Buford State Historic
Site hosts Ghost Walk
STATE HISTORICAL SITE OF NORTH DAKOTA
WILLISTON – Halloween is fast approaching, which means it’s almost time for the annual Ghost Walk at Fort Buford State Historic Site near Williston. The family friendly event is free and open to the public.
The Ghost Walk will begin at 6 p.m. central time on Oct. 19, with the last tour beginning at 8:15 p.m. After listening to the historical spirits, enjoy refreshments at the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center. Please come dressed for the weath-
er, and bring a flashlight if you wish. The boardwalks will be illuminated by solar lights.
Fort Buford State Historic Site and Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center are managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center is open daily, Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m., closed Monday-Tuesday. For more information, contact Cheyenne Teal, 701-572-9034 or shsbuford@nd.gov. Find information about upcoming programs of the State Historical Society at history. nd.gov/events.
Upcoming Workshops:
Oct. 12
Pumpkin House
Oct. 17 & 19
Succulent Pumpkins
Oct. 26
Fall Centerpiece 2024
701-572-6083
701-570-1170
3515 Front St. W Williston, ND 58801 www.HandyAndysNursery.com
Williston Concert Association host “Letters from Home” on Oct. 15
ERICA KINGSTON ekingmediawriter@gmai.com
The Williston Concert Association is bringing their second concert of the season to Williston on Oct. 15 with USOstyle band Letters From Home.
Letters From Home blends singing and tap dancing as they honor legendary artists like Frank Sinatra, the Andrews Sisters, Vera Lynn, the Nicholas Brothers, Creedence Clearwater Revival and the like. Each show, although never the same, is promised to be funny, historical and inspirational.
Letters From Home will perform at 7 p.m. on Oct. 15 at the Bakken Auditorium at 502 West Highland Drive in Williston. Tickets can be purchased at the door as well as seasonal memberships.
This is the second concert of the 2024-2025 season for the Williston Concert Association.
Correction:
In our article titled, “Former Wilkinson Elementary special education teacher charged with child abuse”, last week, we unintentionally omitted the following: This article was written using information from KFYR's article, "Former Wilkinson Elementary special ed teacher charged with child abuse after ‘throwing’ seven-year-old," by Michael Anthony, published on Oct. 1, 2024. We apologize for this oversight.
One more is scheduled before the year’s end with Jason Coleman singing country and pop favorites on Nov. 5. In the spring, Jared Freiburg and the Vagabonds will perform rock n’ roll on April 26 and Land of Hope and Dreams - Ernie Haase and Signature Sound will finish the concert season strong with their vocal quartet of Americana and hymns. Those with seasonal mem-
berships can enjoy each concert put on by the WCA as well as reciprocity with the Dickinson Area Concert Association and Watford City’s Long X Arts Foundation.
Information on concerts and memberships can be found on the Williston Concert Association’s website at concertassociation.net/willistonnd. Email willistonconcertassoc@gmail. com for questions.
GENERAL ADVERTISING POLICY
Please review your ad on the first day of publication. If there is a mistake, notify us immediately. We will make changes for errors and adjust your bill, but only if we receive notice before next week’s deadline, 3pm Tuesday. We limit our liability for any other damages which may result from an error or omission in or of an ad. All ad copies must be approved by Vocella, which reserves the right to request changes, reject or properly classify an ad. The advertiser, and not Vocella is responsible for the truthful content of the ad.
WILLISTON CONCERT ASSOCIATION
Health & Wellness
Wellness Wednesday
National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 6-12
KATELYN JESPERSEN
WILLIAMS COUNTY FAMILY & COMMUNITY WELLNESS EXTENSION AGENT
Raising awareness of fire prevention week may impact our communities a little harder this year. We know all too well the dangers of fire and the damage it can cause as we witnessed firsthand this past week with the wildfires that ravaged through the area. A disaster such as this can cause several emotional reactions, such as sadness, grief, anger, fear, gratitude or pride. As each individual begins to assess their own damages, both physically and mentally, I hope we are able to help each other out as a community and work together throughout the recovery process.
Emotional damages: Stress and mental health
We know those impacted and living in areas impacted by wildfires are experiencing a high level of stress. If you find yourself or
Flu Shot Fees: (approximately)
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Payable at the time of service.
We will bill BCBS, Sanford, United Health Care, Medica, Meritain, Medicaid, and Medicare Part B.
Please bring your insurance card.
Covid vaccinations will also be available as supplies last.
Ask us about our RSV, shingles, and other immunizations.
For more information please visit our website www.umdhu.org
someone you know beginning to exhibit unusual behavior such as lack of focus/motivation, uncharacteristic anger or alcohol abuse, it may be time to evaluate stress levels and the overall situation. If you feel or see a problem, please do not ignore it. NDSU Extension has resources that address many areas of stress including how to help others during crisis, dealing with stress after a crisis, helping your child cope and links to managing stress in agriculture. If local mental health resources are needed, call or text 988 to get assistance.
Physical damages: Recovery and prevention
Recovering from property damages can be long and intensive. The State Fire Marshall emphasizes the importance of safety before returning to fire-damaged property as he advises residents to wait for local clearance and even then, to be cautious of structural weakness and compromised utilities. When it comes to repairing damages, look for your resources. There are funding sources from
insurance and disaster programs available to help in greatly reducing or eliminating any financial burdens to those already hurting. Prevention of future fire damages will vary depending on living situations, but we can all make efforts to aid in prevention. Common prevention tips include testing smoke alarms annually, practicing a two-minute fire escape drill, creating a home fire plan, clearing homes of flammable debris, maintaining landscaping to reduce fire spread and replacing roof/windows to better protect your home.
To learn more about fire prevention or resources for recovery, please visit the National Fire Protection Association website at nfpa.org or go to the NDSU Extension website for links and resources. Look out for one another and take care out there as we all work through our own struggles. Until next time, continue extending knowledge and changing lives with NDSU Extension.
is is what we stand for... National Pride... We Love Our Country/2nd Amendment/ State's Rights/ Voter ID/ Limit Big Government/ Poll Watchers/ Fair Media/ Lower Taxes / Keep the Country Open & Close the Southern Border
OCTOBER
Join Pastor Tom Brock, host of the national TV show
e Pastor's Study, for a special presentation on "False Teachings in Today's Church".
Sunday, October 13th, 4:00 PM
Light of Christ Church, 512 17th Street West, Williston All are welcome!
Calendar & Events
Deadline is Tuesday at 3pm for that Thursday’s paper. Place your ad today! Visit www.willistongraphic.com
Prairie Pioneer Farmers Union Annual Local Meeting
Monday, October 14th | 6 PM at the Williston Brewery
Election of O cers, Election of State Delegate to the State Convention and any resolutions, and any other business. Call 701-570-3983 if you plan to attend.
Thursday, October 10
Pottery Open Studio (Grades 3-8)
4:00 pm
James Memorial Art Center
Sk8 Nite: Costume Party! 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Raymond Family Community Center
Friday, October 11
OMF Royal Icing Cookie Class w/ J Bean Cookie Co 6:00 pm Williston ARC
Gong Sound Bath 6:00 pm Midwest Metaphysics
Saturday, October 12
Customer Appreciation Day 8:00 am - 2:00 pm MonDak Hardware
9 Pin Fundraiser Tourney Benefiting Williston Basin United Way 2:00 pm - 5:30pm Strike Zone & Sports Den
Sunday, October 13
OMF Fall Festival 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Spring Lake Park Boat Keel
Wednesday, October 16
Childbirth 101 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm CHI St. Alexius Health Williston Medical Center
Bakken Area Communities
Health Unit-Monthly Vaccination Clinic 9:00am5:00pm at Divide County Courthouse
Tuesday October 15th - Divide County Food Pantry at Concordia Lutheran Church 10:00am - 1:00pm
Tuesday October 15th - Burger Night 5:307:30pm Crosby Moose Lodge
Thursday, October 17
Loving Kindness Meditation & Sound Bath
6:00 pm Midwest Metaphysics
NWC @ Berthold
Saturday October 12th - XC Regionals @ Stanley 11:00am
Saturday October 12th - Elem FB vs Sidney Silver (Ray) 11:00am - 12:00pm Monday October 14th - Elem VB vs DC 4:006:00pm
Monday October 14th - JV FB @ Bishop Ryan 5:00 - 7:00pm Tuesday October 15th - City Commission Meeting at Ray City Hall
Tuesday October 15th - XC @ Killdeer Golf Course 5:00pm Tuesday October 15th - VB @ Williston Trinity
Christian 5:00 - 9:00pm Wednesday October 16th - Municipal Court 1:303:00pm at Ray City Hall
Wednesday October 16th - School Board Meeting 6:00 - 7:00pm Thursday October 17th & Friday October 18thFall Break, No School
CROSBY
Monday October 14th - Mac- A-Bee’s Book CLub 5:15 - 6:15pm at Crosby Self Serve Tuesday October 15th - Upper Missouri District
Calling all storytellers, artists, and hunters! Williston Graphic is excited to announce our October contests, with multiple ways to win $100 and see your work published. This month, we’re looking for the best Thanksgiving story, fall-themed artwork, and hunting trophies or stories. Winners will be featured in our November issue, delivered to every home and business in Williston and beyond, as well as in our Hunting Guide! Scan the QR Code for more info!
Wednesdays: Storytime at the Divide County Library 10:00am - 10:45am
Fridays: Cards & Games at Divide County Senior Citizens Center 1:30-2:30pm Movie at Dakota Theater 7:30pm: Friday - Sunday STANLEY
Saturday October 5th - “THE BROWN FAMILY” from Iowa 7pm at the Sibyl Center for the Arts
TIOGA
Thursday October 10th - ABCJHx2 Volleyball at DC 3:00 - 8:00pm Thursday October 10th - Visitor Promotion Meeting at Tioga City Hall 5:30 - 6:30pm Thursday October 10th - Tioga Country Club 6860 105th Dr NW 6:00 - 7:00pm Friday October 11th - Varsity Football @ South Prairie 7:00pm Saturday October 12th - Volleyball NWC @ Berthold Saturday October 12th - FTC Learning Day @ Bismarck Saturday October 12th - XC Regionals @ Stanley 11:00am Saturday October 12th - Northwest Sportsman's Association Banquet 5:00 - 10:00pm at Tioga Community Center
Thank You!
Thank You to family and friends for all the prayers, cards, flowers, food, visits, hugs, memorials, phone calls, texts, and caring showered on us after the accidental death of our brother, Rodney Lynn Miller. Your generosity was overwhelming and greatly appreciated. Your kind expressions of sympathy and friendship will always be cherished and remembered.
Thank You for the comfort and help from Rev. Josh Parris and Sherri Heser SAM, the Everson-Coughlin staff, Warren Sundet, West Prairie Lutheran congregation for all your assistance at the funeral and the lunch provided by WELCA.
God’s blessings to all. Peace, Rodney Lynn Miller Family
FARM & RANCH
•
The Housing Authority Of the City of Williston
The Housing Authority of the City of Williston is now accepting applications for 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, 3 bedroom, and 4 bedroom units. *Income, eligibility, and admission preferences apply. Applications are available at The Housing Authority of the City of Williston located at 1801 8th Ave West Williston, ND 58801 Monday-Friday 9am - 4pm
