Williston Graphic Weekly - October 3, 2024

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McKenzie Health expands services to historic Plainsman Building in Williston

The Plainsman Building in downtown Williston, long a hub for local businesses and residents, now serves as the home of an essential addition to the region's healthcare landscape: McKenzie Health.

Formed in July 2004 through the merger of the Good Shepherd Home Corporation and the McKenzie County Memorial Hospital Corporation, McKenzie Health has centralized healthcare services in McKenzie County. According to its website, McKenzie Health’s facilities include a 24-bed critical access hospital, rural health clinic, specialty clinics, urgent care, Good Shepherd Home for long-term care, Horizon Assisted Living, and the Connie Wold Wellness Center.

This broad range of facilities reflects the organization’s mission: “Our commitment is to the patients and their families, whatever their needs may be. Our goal is to achieve the highest level of healthcare for these patients and their families. We are rural USA; therefore, we provide hometown values committed to quality services, continuity of care, assurance of qualified staff, and family involvement for individual patients and clients.”

Over the past decade, McKenzie Health has experienced steady growth, significantly impacting healthcare access and quality in western North Dakota.

A 2023 study by North Dakota State University's Agribusiness and Applied Economics department, alongside the NDSU Center for Social Research, assessed McKenzie Health’s economic contributions to McKenzie County. The study examined trends affecting the region and how the healthcare system responded to the challenges presented by population growth, largely driven by the oil and gas industry boom.

To meet the demands of the expanding population, McKenzie Health expanded its services over time. This included adding general surgical services in 2018 and orthopedic services in 2019. By 2021, the healthcare system had opened a pediatric clinic, which brought on board OB-GYN

SUBMITTED PHOTO

providers. The following year, McKenzie Health added services in echocardiography, ear, nose, and throat care, and maternity services, further extending its reach to meet a broad range of healthcare needs.

The study also highlighted McKenzie Health’s role in providing jobs and boosting the local economy. As the healthcare system grew, so did employment opportunities, offering positions in various healthcare fields and contributing financially to the region's development.

In 2024, McKenzie Health took another major step by expanding its operations into the historic Plainsman Building at 3 4th St. E in downtown Williston. This expansion marked the organization’s continued growth and commitment to serving the area.

Since the grand opening of the Williston location in June, McKenzie Health has extended its hours of operation to include Saturdays, giving the community a crucial alternative to the ER at CHI St. Alexius Health, which was previously the only healthcare option available on weekends.

McKenzie Health has brought two major clinics to Williston: the Orthopedic Outreach Clinic and an Urgent Care Clinic.

The Orthopedic Outreach Clinic offers patients access to some of the region's top orthopedic specialists. The clinic’s services cover a wide range of treatments, ensuring patients receive comprehensive care for musculoskeletal issues. Services offered include:

• Total joint replacement for hips, knees, and shoulders

• Sports-related surgeries, such as meniscal, ACL, and ligament reconstruction

• Trauma surgery

• Shoulder surgery, including rotator cuff repair

• Hand surgery, including carpal tunnel procedures

• Foot surgery, including bunion correction

• Treatment of arthritis and joint pain

• Tendon injury therapy and treatment

• Both non-operative and operative fracture treatments

In addition to these services, the clinic is equipped with imaging facilities, allowing for a streamlined experience for patients. One standout feature of the Orthopedic Outreach Clinic is that patients can seek care without needing a referral from their primary care provider.

The second clinic, McKenzie Health’s Urgent Care Clinic, caters to patients seeking care without an appointment. This clinic provides a wide range of services, covering everything from routine health needs to more acute issues. Services include:

• Sports physicals

• Tetanus shots

• Flu vaccines

• Allergy and asthma treatment

• Care for coughs, colds, and sinus infections

• STD testing

• Treatment for throat pain, earaches, and bronchitis

• Care for back pain, migraines, scrapes, bruises, minor cuts, and burns

Imaging services are also available at the Urgent Care Clinic, but require appointments.

With its extensive list of services, McKenzie Health is more than ready to address the healthcare needs of all community members, from young children to seniors. Whether residents are seeking specialized surgical care or quick treatment for minor injuries, McKenzie Health offers a convenient, accessible solution. The addition of these clinics in Williston represents the healthcare provider’s commitment to improving the overall quality of life for the community.

For more information about McKenzie Health, including details from the NDSU study, visit mckenziehealth.com.

North Dakota approves

$3.2 billion gas-toliquids

plant

TRENTON — North Dakota regulators have approved Cerilon’s plan to build a $3.2 billion gas-to-liquids plant near Trenton in Williams County. The facility will convert natural gas into products like diesel fuel, lubricants and naphtha.

The North Dakota Public Service Commission unanimously approved the siting application, with the requirement that Cerilon file a construction management plan to address traffic concerns. Residents expressed traffic-related worries during a public hearing in June. Cerilon’s director of sustainability, Rochelle Harding, said the traffic plan should be ready by mid-to-late 2025, with construction expected to begin in 2026. Around 2,000 workers will be on site at the project's peak, and Cerilon plans to bus them in to reduce vehicle traffic.

The state Department of Transportation is planning to add turn lanes at a key intersection near the plant on State Highway 1804. Cerilon also intends to capture carbon emissions from the plant and send them via pipeline to a sequestration site.

In addition to liquid products, the facility will produce excess electricity to help supply the region’s power needs.

This was written using information from the North Dakota Monitor article "PSC approves huge natural gas processing plant: Cerilon to develop plan for construction-related traffic" by Jeff Beach, published on Sept. 27, 2024. For more information scan the QR code or visit WillistonGraphic.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.

We’re all about keeping it local. Whether it’s city council updates, school news, or community events, we bring you the stories that affect your daily life. Our mix of free print distribution and digital access means you’re always in the loop— no subscriptions required. We encourage community participation through events, stories, and our membership platform, where residents can contribute directly. Sign up now at WillistonGraphic.com.

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"And the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep and atuumn was awakened." - Raquel Franco

Challenge: Leave your phone at home and go for a walk to enjoy the cooler weather and beautiful changing leaves.

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

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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

Former Wilkinson Elementary special education teacher charged with child abuse

WILLISTON GRAPHIC news@vocella.com

WILLISTON — A former special education teacher at Wilkinson Elementary has been charged with child abuse following an incident involving a seven-year-old student.

According to court documents, Erin Hurley allegedly grabbed the child by the collar and pushed them into another room in November 2023. The case was investigated by Institutional Child Protection Services earlier this year after a report of suspected abuse.

Police say video evidence shows Hurley locking the stu-

dent in the room and placing a chair in front of the door to block it. The footage also shows her flicking the lights on and off multiple times.

Hurley, who resigned in February after being placed on administrative leave, has been charged with child abuse.

The student told police Hurley "threw" them into the room and slammed their head. A paraprofessional present at the time said the situation "went too far" and made them uncomfortable, according to the police report. If convicted, Hurley faces up to 10 years in prison. A bond hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

44th Street West, Williston, ND 701-651-9742 or 706-988-0396 mldtrailerrepairandwelding@gmail.com

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News Briefs

Excitement and curiosity build for the new elementary school

WILLISTON — Williston Basin School District #7 is preparing for an exciting milestone on Oct. 4, when it will break ground on a new elementary school. Set to open in 2026, this new school marks a significant step in the district’s effort to address overcrowding and create more space for students in a growing community.

According to Paula Lankford, the district’s director of public relations, the school has been “a long time coming” and is part of a broader plan to build two new elementary schools. The first of these schools will focus on moving fifth graders back into the elementary system, helping alleviate pressure on the middle school, which currently serves students in grades 6-8. This shift will also allow for smaller class sizes and provide students with more one-on-one attention, a key goal for district educators.

The school is designed to accommodate 600 students in grades K-5 and will feature a centrally located special education suite. This suite will be equipped with resources for children with

non-verbal autism, along with a speech pathology room, commons area, and large windows similar to those in other classrooms. Its placement on the first floor, following input from parents and safety concerns, reflects the district's commitment to accessibility and specialized care.

The facility will also include multiple playgrounds, flexible furniture, and multi-use common areas, ensuring a modern and engaging learning environment. A separate gym and cafeteria are also planned, with safety protocols in place similar to those used in other district schools.

Ahead of the school’s opening, a community meeting will be held on Oct. 3 at Missouri Ridge School to discuss boundaries for local elementary

schools. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m., and questions can be submitted in advance through the district’s website or by mail.

The groundbreaking ceremony itself will take place at 5 p.m. on Oct. 4 at Williston Square (1316 33rd St. W). The event is open to the public, and the district invites community members to join in celebrating this important step toward the future of education.

For more information, scan the QR code or visit WillistonGraphic.com.

PHOTO JLG ARCHITECTS

Did you know that one third or 33% of the Williams County population is made of older adults aged 55 plus? This is higher than the state and national averages. With the aging baby boomer population, healthcare advances and increasing life expectancies, the current population of older adults is expected to continue to grow into the future.

An aging population means higher use of health care services and a greater need for family and professional caregivers, which has broader implications for all of society. This revelation has spurred recent national studies on older adults’ health and well-being. Findings have really put a spotlight on taking a lifespan approach to healthy aging. Healthy aging should be important for everyone, not just older adults. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle from infancy through older adulthood is vital to healthy aging. So how do we help maintain healthy living for all?

Improving the “Social Determinants of Health” for people of all ages can posi-

Health & Wellness

Wellness Wednesday Healthy aging — a goal for everyone

tively affect health and well-being later in life. These determinants are broken down into five domains: economic, social, education, healthcare and environment. Let’s look into how each of these domains affects health and well-being as we age:

• Economic stability means being able to access resources to afford the necessities of life — like affordable housing, healthy foods and adequate health care. But in the United States, nearly one in ten older adults lives in poverty. A goal could be to reduce food insecurity, follow dietary guidelines and implement meal plans.

• Social and community context, which involves our interactions with family, friends and others in the community, has a significant impact on our quality of life. Showing people who have strong social connections have a lower risk of health conditions like heart disease, stroke, dementia, and depression, as well as being better able to cope with stress. But about one in four older adults in the United States is socially isolated, which can negatively affect their health. A goal could be to get together more often or engage in crafts/ games/hobbies with others.

• Education access and quality is closely tied to many aspects of health — like the ability to find, understand and use health information to improve personal health, known as health literacy. But many older adults struggle to understand complex health information or have trouble accessing and using electronic health care. A goal could be continuing education classes and extending personal knowledge, so that we continue to learn new skills throughout a lifetime.

• Health care access and quality is a priority for people across the lifespan. But as we age, our health care needs change and may become more complex. Barriers to access could include distance to providers or specialists, changing health insurance coverages and increasing out-of-pocket costs. A goal could be increasing awareness of tools and resources such as the existing MyHealthFinder or Rural Health Information Hub, that improve health care access.

• Neighborhoods and the built environment greatly affect our chances of aging well. For example, accessible homes and reliable public transit can

allow older adults to live independently. And safe, wheelchair-accessible sidewalks, trail, and green spaces make it easier for everyone, including older adults, to get regular physical activity. Policymakers and community planners can identify goals and strategies to improve neighborhoods and infrastructure to meet older adults’ needs.

Taking action to increase any of these Social Determinants of Health can positively affect healthy living at any level, whether it be a personal goal or community change, and it can be implemented at any age range, not just older adults. Developing and maintaining healthy aging practices throughout the lifespan contributes to greater resilience and opportunities to thrive as we age. To learn more about the different domains and goals, visit the Social Health Determinants of Health webpage at astho.org. To learn more about improving your personal health and well-being, visit the NDSU Extension website for available classes and information. Until next time, continue extending knowledge and changing lives with NDSU Extension.

Job Listings & Classifieds

Deadline is Tuesday at 3pm for that Thursday’s paper. Place your ad today! Visit www.willistongraphic.com

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 (701) 572-2006

OCTOBER

Calendar & Events

Events and special promotions happening in the coming weeks!

Saturday, October 5

Boundry-Setting

Milestone Miles 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Williston Parks & Recreation Distric

Halloween Gnomes 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm RoseLight Designs Co

Family Game Night 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Lamb of God Lutheran Church - WELS

Tuesday, October 8

Pumpkin Patch Playtime 10:00 am 424 32nd Ave W Unit 23

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 Looking

OMF Bingo Night! 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm UMVF

Sunday, October 6

11th Annual Polka Service 9:00 am Light of Christ Lutheran Church

Marvin’s Room 2:00 pm The Old Armory

Bakken Area Communities

RAY

Thursday October 3rd - Volleyball @ Stanley

3:00 - 9:00pm

Thursday October 3rd - Elem VB vs Tioga 5:00 - 7:00pm

Thursday October 3rd - JH Football @ Watford

City 5:00 - 7:15pm

Friday October 4th - FB vs. Stanley @ Powers

Lake 7:00pm

Saturday October 5th - Elem VB Jamboree @

Alexander

Saturday October 5th - XC at Rugby Golf Course 11:00am

Saturday October 5th - Elem FB @ Sidney 12:30 - 1:30pm

Monday October 7th - JH & JV FB @ Stanley

4:00 - 8:30pm

Tuesday October 8th - Elem VB vs DC (Old Gym)

4:00 - 6:00pm

Tuesday October 8th - VB vs Parshall 5:009:00pm

Wednesday October 9th - Blood Drive 12:006:00pm at Ray Public School

Thursday October 10th - Seniors - CAM (2nd & 3rd periods) 9:20 - 11:10am

Thursday October 10th - JH VB @ Williston (Phil Jackson Fieldhouse) 4:30 - 6:30pm

Thursday October 10th - VB @ Mon-Dak (Grenora)

6:00 - 9:00pm

CROSBY

Monday October 7th - Crosby City Council Meeting

7:00 - 9:00pm at Crosby City Hall

Monday October 7th - Dakota Star Quilt Guild 7:00 - 8:00pm at Pleasant Pheasant Fabrics

Wednesday October 9th - Divide County Jobs

Authority Meeting 8:00 - 9:00am at Divide County Courthouse Conference Room

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 3rd - Life Line Screenings

8:00am - 5:30pm at Tioga Community Center

Thursday October 3rd - Garden Club 9:3011:30am at Tioga Community Center Conference Room

Thursday October 3rd - Volleyball vs Nedrose 5:00 - 8:00pm

Friday October 4th - Varsity Football vs Berthold 7pm

Saturday October 5th - JH Volleyball Tournament at Berthold

Saturday October 5th - Volleyball at Washburn Tournament

Saturday October 5th - 5th/6th Grade FB (H) vs

VFW Royals 11:00am

Saturday October 5th - XC at Rugby Golf Course 11:00am

October 6th & October 7th - FBLA Fall Leadership Conference in Bismarck

Monday October 7th - Commission Meeting at Tioga City Hall 7:00 - 9:00pm

October 8th & October 9th - MTSS at Jamestown

Tuesday October 8th - ABCJH Volleyball vs Trenton 4:00 - 8:00pm at THS

Tuesday October 8th - Tioga Fund Meeting at Tioga City Hall 6:00 - 7:00pm

Wednesday October 9th - FFA District 1 Leadership Conference at Stanley

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

Fridays: Half Court Pickleball 5:00 - 8:00pm

To have your community event added, email: info@ vocella.com

Iheard an interesting phrase at a conference I attended recently: “Tradition is peer pressure from dead people.” This pronouncement brought forth laughter from the crowd and contextually was spoken with a bit of derision in its tone. However, of the eight hours I sat in this particular day of class, this phrase was the only whole phrase I wrote down.

On the one hand, I could laugh along with everyone else as a pastor who has all too often had to deal with “Tradition” in the form of that oft quoted church phrase, “We’ve NEVER done it THAT way!”

(Translation for non-church folk: “We’ve ALWAYS done it THIS way!”) I believe that was the context in which this phrase was intended (to be honest, I don’t know—my mind was already whirling toward what this column is about).

It reminded me of how many grand traditions have been kept out of some false sacrosanct feeling of obligation to the actions of ancestors. Take for example the old cottage our family still visits that my grandfather built in 1933. It was only in the past decade that we added A/C in the form of

Through a Lutheran Lens All Saints: I see dead people Spirituality

window units because we never had those before. Open windows had been endured for most of my life because “that’s the way the cottage was designed.” Finally, someone in the family decided on one of those 105-degree July days that if my grandfather had had the option of A/C, he would have probably loved it! The open window WAS the A/C of his day! And what many times gets taken for tradition today was simple necessity in the past. And my guess is that if some of those dead people could talk, they would heartily agree that the newer version is much preferred.

For all you church folks out there, you can probably fill a whole book with the list of things like this that the past 2000 years have found written in stone that were never intended to be canonized. From wordings in bulletins, to buildings and parts of buildings, to anything with some kind of brass plaque on it, there is someone out there who will put so much stock in church stuff that was just utilitarian that they forget the actual canon of the Gospel and Scriptures that the Faith is based on!

But what caused a sly smile on my face as that phrase was spoken last week was my twist on the intention of how that phrase was to be taken. Especially as the first Sunday coming up in November is All Saints Sunday when we remember all those who

have died in the faith, hear that phrase again: “Tradition is the peer pressure of dead people.” Hear that first word not spoken, but sung by the voice of Tevye from “Fiddler on the Roof.” Tradition in that voice is something to be cherished even when it may make life harder rather than easier. The peer pressure of tradition that I feel is a sense that was taught to me by my parents first and foremost. Truth, honesty, equality, compassion, empathy and many other characteristics that I try (and many times fail) to emulate were the very traditions that were taught from my earliest memories.

There are school teachers whose wisdom whispers in my ears as I move through life as if they were speaking over my shoulder, though I know they have not walked the earth for years. Friends and parishioners whose funerals I presided over still offer guidance to me. And not only my mother and father, but aunts and uncles and grandparents still speak to me in how we hold a paint brush, how we treat everyone with respect, and how we realize that whatever we face today that seems impossible is overshadowed by what God can do with just a mustard seed of faith! It is the tradition of what our family stands for passed from one generation to another. And to quote from “The Sixth Sense,” yes, I see dead people.

And there is a sense of peer pressure from that great cloud of witnesses.

I wish I had a great churchy way to turn that phrase into a positive. To tell you that the peer pressure comes from one who tells us to love God and others more than self (and not to hate). That the one whispering over my shoulder says not to worry about what we eat, drink or wear and just to look at how the Father takes care of those birds in the trees. That the Church is not a building; God’s children come in every shape, size, color and packaging you can imagine; and Hope, Love and Truth are not abstracts but a person named Jesus.

Yeah, I wish I could use that image. But that Tradition is modeled not by dead people, but by someone who is very much alive. And of course the most important Tradition is to share the promise that just as He is alive, so too will be all those others I’ve mentioned, as well as you and me and all God’s children!

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.

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