Trenton Tigers Claim State Championship After Unbeaten Season
WILLISTON GRAPHIC STAFF news@vocella.com
The Trenton Tigers celebrated an extraordinary achievement on Saturday, clinching the six-man football state championship with a commanding 76-54 victory over the Drayton Bombers. With this win, the Tigers completed their season undefeated, showcasing resilience and teamwork throughout a thrilling game filled with momentum shifts.
The match began with an explosive start as Drayton quickly scored, taking an early 6-0 lead after a missed extra point.
The Tigers responded immediately, with Colton Adams powering through for a two-play touchdown, leveling the score at 6-6. Trenton's defense stepped up, allowing Adams to find the end zone again, putting the Tigers ahead 13-6.
The Bombers countered with a touchdown, but another missed extra point kept the score tight at 13-12. As the first quarter progressed, both teams demonstrated their offensive skills, ending the period in a 2020 tie.
The second quarter saw the intensity ramp up, with both teams exchanging powerful drives. Drayton’s innovative onside kicks and trick plays kept them competitive, but Trenton's defense held strong. A
Williston State College's New Turf Baseball Field Nears Completion
SOURCE: WILLISTONSTATE.EDU
WILLISTON GRAPHIC STAFF news@vocella.com
WILLISTON — Williston State College is on the verge of completing an exciting upgrade to its baseball facilities, with about 90 percent of the turf installation finished. College President Bernell Hirning recently updated the Williams County Commissioners, revealing that the innovative infield turf, designed to resemble natural dirt, has already been installed.
This new baseball field will serve not only the college but also act as a regional hub for teams across the northwest.
“As the high school teams need to play
crucial fumble recovery allowed the Bombers to take a slim 38-26 lead at halftime.
The second half marked a turning point for the Tigers. On the opening kickoff, Chapman returned it for a touchdown, narrowing the gap to 38-32. Momentum shifted as Trenton's defense forced turnovers, allowing the offense to capitalize effectively. The Tigers tied the game at 38-38, only for Drayton to briefly reclaim the lead with a touchdown pass.
Trenton quickly answered, with Ian Slater connecting with Korey Kendall for a touchdown, pushing the Tigers ahead 4544. As pressure mounted on the Bombers’ quarterback, a sack put them in a difficult
position, and their scrambling attempts fell short.
In a crucial moment late in the game, Trenton’s JayAllyn Courchene intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, extending the lead to 58-50. From that point on, the Tigers maintained control, with Adams sealing the victory by scoring two additional rushing touchdowns. The Bombers struggled to recover amid multiple turnovers in the final minutes.
With the final whistle, the Tigers celebrated their 76-54 victory, earning the title of State Champions and concluding their undefeated season.
ExxonMobil Evaluates Potential Sale of Bakken Assets in North Dakota
there in the spring, teams from Tioga, Stanley, Crosby or Watford City. If they need an extra field to play on, that’s what we’re here for,” Hirning said. “This is truly a regional complex.”
Beyond the turf, the facility will boast several enhancements, including improved lighting, seating and a press box. The college is making a concerted effort to complete as many improvements as possible before winter arrives.
Future plans also include similar upgrades for the nearby softball field, which will receive new turf and cosmetic enhancements scheduled for a later date.
BISMARCK — ExxonMobil is evaluating market interest in a segment of its Bakken assets, which encompass a considerable number of wells and land in North Dakota.
A spokesperson for the company revealed that the review includes around 137 operated wells, alongside 676 non-operated and royalty wells, covering approximately 49,000 net acres.
This evaluation is part of ExxonMobil's broader strategy to streamline and enhance its asset portfolio.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to continuously assess and refine our portfolio,” the spokesperson said. “We remain dedicated to investing in unconventional production in North Dakota as part of our long-term vision.”
Data from Rextag, an energy analytics firm, indicates that ExxonMobil currently produces about 100,000 barrels of oil daily from the Williston Basin, underscoring its substantial footprint in the region.
Mark Bohrer, Assistant Director of the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources, recently disclosed that ExxonMobil had reached out regarding the possible sale of these assets. However, he noted that there has been no follow-up communication from the company since that initial inquiry.
As ExxonMobil reviews its strategic options, the fate of its Bakken holdings remains uncertain, drawing keen attention from industry analysts and stakeholders eager for updates on potential developments. This article was written based on information from Reuters.
SOURCE: TRENTON PUBLIC SCHOOL FACEBOOK
WILLISTON GRAPHIC STAFF news@vocella.com
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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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Williston Boom Softball Announces Early Tryouts for 2025 Season
WILLISTON GRAPHIC
STAFF news@vocella.com
WILLISTON — The Williston Boom Softball program is gearing up for its 2025 season with early tryouts, reflecting the program’s continued growth and recent success. According to a press release, this year's tryouts will be held earlier to finalize team rosters sooner, giving athletes more time to prepare for the upcoming season.
The program, which saw its 10U and 14U teams crowned State Champions in 2024, aims to build on its accomplishments by expanding into five competitive teams. These teams will span the 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, and 18U age groups, depending on participation numbers at tryouts.
Tentative tryout dates for the 16U and 18U teams are scheduled for Jan. 26 and Feb. 2, while dates for the younger age groups—
10U, 12U, and 14U—are still to be determined. Athletes interested in joining are encouraged to register early, as the program plans to close registrations by Jan. 26. Registration for tryouts is available through the Williston Parks & Recreation District, with team registration to follow once rosters are set.
For more information about tryouts or registration, participants are encouraged to contact Tyler Burnett, WPRD Travel Sports
Coordinator, at Tyler@wprd.us.
The Williston Boom Softball program is focused on providing a positive and competitive experience for local youth, with an emphasis on skill development, teamwork, and community involvement. More details can be found on the Williston Boom Softball website at https://www.willistonfastpitch.com or on the Williston Parks & Recreation website at https://www.willistonparks.com.
Tetons Triumph in Rivalry Showdown: Lake Region President Rocks Teton Green After Friendly Challenge!
WILLISTON — In a night filled with excitement, intensity, and school spirit, the Williston State College Tetons came out victorious over the Lake Region State College Royals on Oct. 15 during a nail-biting volleyball match. The game, held on Sophomore Night, was one of the last chances for the Tetons to show their strength this season—and they did not disappoint!
The stakes? A friendly wager between WSC’s President, Dr. Bernell Hirning, and Lake Region’s President, Dr. Doug Darling. If the Tetons won, Dr. Darling had to don a green Teton volleyball shirt the next day. If the Royals had taken the win, Dr. Hirning would have worn blue in support of the Royals.
With a close match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Tetons came through with the win! As promised, Dr. Darling sported his Teton green gear on Wednesday, October 16th.
“Lake Region played their hearts out, but I knew our Tetons had what it took to pull through,” said Dr. Hirning. “Dr. Darling was a great sport, and this was a fun way to celebrate the camaraderie between our two institutions. We may compete on the court, but we’re all on the same team when it comes to supporting our students and communities.”
The idea for the challenge came from Jenae Hunter, Dr. Hirning’s executive assistant, who saw it as an opportunity to foster some friendly competition while strengthening the relationship between the two colleges.
“This was all about celebrating the strong bond we share with our sister institutions like Lake
DR. DOUG DARLING, LAKE REGION COLLEGE | WSC
Region,” said Hunter. “While the rivalry adds a little extra excitement, it’s great to see how both schools come together in the spirit of fun and unity. This challenge brought out the best in everyone—on and off the court.”
IMAGE SOURCE: Williston Police Department North Dakota Facebook
Health & Wellness
Wellness Wednesday Hunting and Harvesting Game Birds
KATELYN JESPERSEN
WILLIAMS COUNTY FAMILY & COMMUNITY WELLNESS EXTENSION AGENT
Game birds offer a challenge to hunters and the reward of a delicious meal at the table, bringing various distinctive flavors and excellent sources of protein. But getting a successful hunt from field to fork takes a level of care and precaution throughout the hunting and harvesting stages to prevent contaminating the meat with bacteria or gastric juices. If improperly handled, off-flavors and odors may develop in the meat, and your risk of foodborne illness may increase. For optimum eating quality, remember the following handling tips during hunting, storage and food preparation.
• Be prepared for the hunt. Remember to bring a sharp hunting knife, a steel or whetstone, light rope or nylon cord, plastic bags, clean cloths or paper towels and a cooler filled with ice.
• Field dress the bird prompt-
ly. Remove the entrails and crop as soon as possible, because the grain in the crop may ferment if not removed. Wipe out the cavity with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not use grass or snow as this will contaminate the carcass.
• Cool the carcass quickly and keep cool during transport to retain flavor and maintain the quality of the bird. A temperature above 40 degrees Fahrenheit is meat’s worst enemy. Allow air to circulate in the carcass by hanging or laying the bird in a well-ventilated place. Do not pile warm birds in a mass and consider storing the birds in a cooler or ice chest out of the sun.
• Process the birds to prepare for consumption. This could be plucking, skinning or deboning, depending on the meals you plan to have with the meat. Be careful not to cross-contaminate while keeping the meat and prep area as clean as possible.
• Choose a preservation method that is food safe. Meat can be refrigerated below 40 F
for up to three days or frozen below 0 F for up to one year. Other methods that detailed directions include canning, smoking and making jerky.
• All wild game should be cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165 F. The juices should run clear and no pinkness should remain.
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NAPA - Wolf Point.............................................(406) 653-2213
All Seasons Motorsports - Sidney......................(406) 433-6712
Ironhide Equipment............................................(701) 572-5050
Williston Marine Services...................................(701) 580-9962
For more information on any North Dakota game animal processing, preserving, food safety and even recipes go to NDSU Extension – Food and Nutrition – Wild Game. As always, remember to abide by game regulations for hunting, transporting and storage of wild game in accordance with ND Game & Fish. I wish you luck on your hunt and
hoping you reap the rewards of a delicious, safe, field-to-fork meal. Until next time, continue extending knowledge and changing lives with NDSU Extension.
https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/ pocket-guide-care-and-handlinggame-birds-field-table
Safe Trick-or-Treating Tips
Halloween is enjoyed by people of all ages, but few get a bigger kick out of the holiday than children. There are costumes to be worn, time spent with friends and the opportunity to collect free candy and other treats.
Although Halloween can be a fun time, the Children's Safety Network warns that it's also a time when accidents can happen. According to the CSN, the most dangerous day for child pedestrians is Halloween, with two times as many child pedestrians dying on Halloween compared to other days. It is essential to prioritize safety on Halloween, and following these guidelines can help.
• Make sure costumes are short. Costumes that drag on the floor are tripping hazards, which can lead to injury. Be sure that costumes do not cover the feet or drag on the ground.
• Trick-or-treat in groups. Children are safer in numbers due to the increased visibility of a crowd and because, if some-
thing happens, others can call for help. Parents can use their discretion on what age they feel is mature enough to let children go out alone. Until then, children should be accompanied by adults.
• Improve visibility. It's important to be seen while trick-or-treating, and that can be achieved by making sure costumes and trick-or-treat bags feature reflective tape. Trick-or-treaters also can carry flashlights or glow sticks to improve visibility, and stick to areas with streetlights if going out after dark.
• Stay on sidewalks. Whenever possible, trick-or-treaters should stick to the sidewalks and avoid walking on the roads. This may not always be possible in neighborhoods without sidewalks, where parents and youngsters must be especially careful.
• Eat before trick-or-treating. A meal or snack before trickor-treating can reduce the tendency to fill up on candy while out and about. All can-
dy and other treats should be inspected by an adult before it is eaten.
• Keep pets locked away. Animals can become skittish when there are many people loitering outside of homes or ringing doorbells. Keep pets in a quiet room away from the action to prevent them from getting loose, injured or scared enough to bite or scratch someone.
• Avoid masks that obstruct vision. It can be hard to see peripherally with a mask on, so avoid costumes with masks that compromise vision.
• Test out makeup beforehand. All makeup used for costumes should be tested for allergic reactions prior to use. Heed the warnings on packaging and avoid putting makeup too close to the eyes or lips.
These are some safety strategies designed to keep Halloween fun and incident-free this year.
(MetroCreativeConnections)
Through a Lutheran Lens
Margaret and
PASTOR ZACH HARRIS FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH
PART TWO:
{Well, if you have been holding your breath for the conclusion to last week’s story, now is the time to get some fresh O2 in your lungs. To truly understand the following, you need to check out last week’s article that gives the background story of my mother-in-law, Margaret, and her long-running feud with a squirrely opponent in her own backyard. When last we heard, the villain (in my mother-in-law’s estimation anyway) had whisked away leaving Margaret at her wits end trying to put her battle campaign into perspective.}
As my mother-in-law tells this story, there are two emotions that run simultaneously in my listening to her recollection. On one front is a movie version that plays like a war montage with “When Jonny Comes Marching Home Again” played sorrowfully on the banjo in the background, as there are slow-mo depictions of each scene with BB’s just missing the villain as he scurries away to freedom. On the other front, is that theme music from the old Bennie Hill show with the same montage at super speed, and a comic bent.
Unbeatable Squirrel: A Tail Told Twice
The truth of this civil war over the turf of her yard is probably somewhere between.
What are we to make of this? Ecclesiastes says that there is time for war and time for peace. 2 Corinthians says, “Indeed, we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human standards.” And Isaiah looks to a time beyond war to envision: “The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.” None of which were in any way helpful in talking about the nuisance of this squirrel in my mother-in-law’s front yard.
But, it seemed like nature
had taken care of things as all assaults went silent for what seemed like an eternity. Perhaps, the ammo of BB’s had made an impression. Perhaps human cunning had outshone animal instinct. So, feeling that the battle was over, Margaret decided it was time to rebuild, bird feeders and hummingbird feeders. But when she went to start her car, it would not turn over. Given everything else, this was just a minor disturbance . . . that is until the mechanic took a good look under the hood. The good news was that he easily identified the problem, because he had seen it before. The engine cavity was a mass of chewed wires, acorns and hickory nuts!
And as my mother-in-law neared the end of this story, I had a revelation! “Margaret, wasn’t your wedding surprise that you went hunting on your honeymoon?” “Oh, yes, that was over 60 years ago!” “And if I’m not mistaken, wasn’t that SQUIRREL hunting?” And just when it seemed like I was getting to the origin of the whole feud, Margaret ended her story by telling me that she hadn’t had any trouble with squirrels lately. It turns out after she got her car fixed, as she was taking it out for a test-drive, there was a pronounced thump under one of the tires. A fluffy carcass was later found in tire tracks. The squirrel,
the BB gun, and the war have not been heard from since!
You might be hard pressed to find a moral from this story. Who was right or who was wrong certainly doesn’t seem to matter. But just look at all that was wasted in such a silly Civil War over the same space occupied by differing sides who could have very easily lived side by side without bothering each other. In fact, other than giving me a humorous story to recount, the only real moral I can come up with involves the winner and nuts. But I’ll let you work that out yourself.
Oh, and by the way, this one IS for you, Margaret! Though you, dear reader, might also ponder this coda: a question and answer from Luke 10—"And who is my neighbor?”—"Go and do likewise.” Maybe, Jesus has the answer to so much strife and confusion in a simple story that calls for empathy and compassion. If only we and Margaret could HEAR the answer.
Pastor Zach Harris has been an ordained minister for 33 years and currently serves First Lutheran Church in Williston. His column, “Through a Lutheran Lens: A Pastor’s Perspective,” will appear regularly in the Williston Graphic.
October 30th | 10 AM - 2 PM
Enjoy grilled burgers and brats!
WILLISTON — The Trust Department at First State Bank & Trust recently announced that applications are being accepted for the Doris Marcoux Educational Foundation Trust.
Doris Marcoux was a lifelong educator who established an educational endowment to assist students planning to become a teacher and/or entering the field of education.
Applications for the Spring Semester are due by December 22, 2024.
Scholarship applications can be found online at: https://form. jotform.com/240705030997154
Please contact Grace Olson in the bank’s Trust Department at 701-577-9618 for additional details.
First State Bank & Trust is a 98-year-old community bank based in Williston, ND that offers a full range of personal and business banking services and trust management. The bank has branches in Ray, ND and Crosby, ND. For more information about the banking services offered by First State Bank & Trust, call toll free 833-572-21134 or visit www. fsbtnd.bank.
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.
FARM & RANCH
GENERAL ADVERTISING POLICY
*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 (701) 572-2006
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.
Guess Who
I am a singer born in California on October 25, 1984. As the daughter of two pastors, I was only allowed to listen to Gospel music growing up. Eventually I found my way to popular music and had several hits involving kissing, being a dream, and having a tiger’s eye.
Answer: Katy Perry
Calendar & Events
OCTOBER
Get Ready for Spooky Speedway: Halloween
