Vocella Graphic - November 30, 2023

Vol. 1 Issue 5

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Price: FREE

A Community Newspaper Serving Williston and the Bakken Area

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VOCELLAGRAPHIC.COM

Thursday, November 30, 2023

In this issue About Us

V

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, As the most senior veteran of what was once simply “The Shopper,” my journey with this company has spanned over two decades, multiple iterations and many transformative moments.

My role with The Shopper began in 2002 and has taken me from classified ad manager and front desk customer service to graphic designer and now lead designer. Over the years, I’ve actively participated in the intricate processes that have moved this business forward — from logo redesign and layout, to IT and technical challenges, to procedural enhancements, website development and more.

Change is an inevitable part of any organization’s growth, and it’s often met with hesitancy and fear. However, I’ve always believed in pushing boundaries, seeking the next best thing, finding more efficient procedures and embracing better ways of doing things — a philosophy that has guided me throughout my years here.

As we express gratitude for the blessings in our lives this holiday season, I find myself immensely thankful for the time I’ve spent as an integral part of this organization. The Shopper, The Community Shopper and now the Vocella Graphic have not only been my workplace but have become a significant part of my life and identity.

I am grateful for the opportunity to bring to life the visions of others and share these creations with all of you, our dedicated readers. Your support has been instrumental and we thank you for embracing the changes, the innovations and the growth. We are continually working to enhance your reading experience, and we hope you enjoy the exciting developments we are bringing to you.

With heartfelt thanks,

Falon Justice

Managing Engagement Editor/Sales

Erica Kingston

Copy Editor/Writer

Socials

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

Office Hours

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

Design/Social Media

Vonni Anderson

Accounts Receivable

Heather Calkins Web Ops

Lead Designer

Find us on Facebook and Instagram: @thevocellagraphic and @thecommunityshopper

Karolyn Moltzan

Lead Design/Production

PROFILES — Barbara Cotton Pt. 3

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NEWS — ND, MN WIC — Tribal redistricting — WPRD survey

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OIL & AG — Wheelers WCSD Award

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HOLIDAY — Reindeer Games — Krampus

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CULTURE — World nativities exhibit

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Kary Moltzan,

J.C. & Susan LaBar Owners/Publishers

This Issue

News & Press Releases news@vocella.com

Advertising sales@vocella.com

Billing billing@vocella.com

General Inquiries info@vocella.com

Contact Us PO Box 389 1411 West Dakota Parkway, 2A Williston, ND 58801 701.572.4851

THE COMMUNITY SHOPPER Job listings 04-05 Community Calendars 06 To Do About Town 07 & Announcements Classified Ads 08 & Realty

VOCELLAGRAPHIC.COM

Thursday, November 30, 2023

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Profiles

Who took Barb?

PART 3 OF 4: MISSING PERSON BARBARA COTTON

BY KRISTIN MILLER

T

here are three persons of interest in the disappearance of Barb Cotton, and unfortunately, none of them are alive today. This is where your help comes in.

When reading the details around each POI, if something triggers a memory, no matter how big or small, we ask you to please do the right thing and call the Williston P.D. to help bring closure to the Cotton family.

Person of interest, Stacey Werder: You will remember that Stacey was Barb´s “boyfriend,” however the only person to ever confirm that fact, or that he was ever in Williston, was Louise. To this day there are no other accounts of that information.

Stacey was born in Yreka C.A. in 1959.

He is described as a smaller kid, very intelligent, quiet and was bullied as a child. Others have said he was a really nice guy. His siblings knew a different version of him. According to his sisters, as Stacey got into his teen years he would have fits of rage with a flip of a switch. His family recalls Stacey trying to harm them on several occasions. Stacey’s untreated mental health issues continued to get worse as he got older. He joined the Navy in 1978 but was allegedly discharged for Paranoid Schizophrenia.

Stacey then became a drifter and left home. He got a job as a laborer for an oil crew (per his death certificate) and hitch-

hiked from town to town, supposedly going through Williston where only Louise can say that he was there. Then two days after Barb went missing, he went on to Montana.

During his travels, he met a guy named Red, who also said how nice Stacey was and he never feared him during their time together.

They ended up camping out together for about a week in Malta, M.T. On July 15, 1981, Red and Stacey went to a local theater where an incident occurred. Stacey spilled a drink that contained alcohol in it, and he got into a heated conversation with an employee. Red didn’t want any troubles with authorities, so he left. Stacey ended up getting arrested for disorderly conduct. That day Stacey called his sister from jail and told her he was coming home. She told him that she had a dog and to not come at night because the dog might bite him. Stacey told her it wouldn’t matter the way he was coming home. The last thing he said to his sister was to please tell their mom that he loved her and that he was sorry for what he did. That night or early morning Stacey hung himself in jail.

Could Stacey have been apologizing for harming Barb, or was he possibly just apologizing for all the things he did to his family when in a state of paranoia? Was he capable of kidnapping Barb when he didn’t have a car? Would Stacey have known Williston well enough to hide Barb’s body to never be found? Stacey’s sisters believe he would have been capable of harming Barb without question.

Person of interest, Francisco (Frank) Javier De la Peña Frank became a POI due to police records that were able to verify that he was in Williston around the time Barb went missing. Frank was arrested in Wyoming for the murder of two young girls. A witness has come forward in recent years remembering seeing Barb outside the Plainsman Hotel.

Randy Falcon recalls being outside smoking a cigarette with a friend, who has since passed away. Barb came over asking for a cigarette, and a guy came over and handed her one. Randy believes the guy, after seeing a photograph, was Frank De la Peña. Randy said that

night they offered to walk Barb home, and she said she would be fine to go alone. Randy and his friend left, and he recalled Frank still being there. That was the last time Randy saw Barb. It was then confirmed that Frank was admitted to the Williston Hospital on May 1, 1981, for a mental breakdown. The next day he was released from the hospital.

On May 5, 1981, after being fired from his job for arguing and fighting with other workers, Frank left for Wyoming. On his trip he attempted to abduct multiple people without success. Then on May 8, 1981, two young girls were found murdered by Frank De la Pena. He was later arrested in Colorado and took his own life in jail on May 21 or 22, 1981.

Could Frank have followed Barb the night she went missing and lured her into his car? Could Frank have killed her? Wouldn’t Barb’s body have been found by now? The bodies of Frank´s other victims were not hidden. Was it just a coincidence that he was in the town around the time Barb went missing?

The last person is tough to write about.

Out of respect for the family we will do our best to handle this part with sensitivity while still acknowledging that he is a person of interest…

The final installment of Missing Person: Barb Cotton will be in next week’s issue. Read parts one and two online at vocellagraphic.com

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Thursday, November 30, 2023

News & Updates

Legal wrangling continues ND, MN beat national average for WIC enrollment over redistricting for ND tribal areas VOCELLA STAFF

BY MIKE MOEN, PRAIRIE NEWS SERICE CLARIFICATION: North Dakota Native Vote Board Chair Wes Davis isn’t opposed to having all affected tribes in the same district.

His comment regarding Spirit Lake Nation indicates that tribes altogether shouldn’t be packed into a subdistrict advocates view as an obstacle in terms of representation. (3:30 p.m.

CST, Nov. 26, 2023) North Dakota officials said they will appeal a recent federal court ruling requiring the state to rework legislative voting district boundaries for certain tribal areas, as Native American advocates pressure the state to comply with the order.

Last week, a judge said the state violated a federal statute in its redistricting plans by diluting the Native American voting strength for communities along the Spirit Lake and Turtle Mountain Chippewa reservations. A key action was packing the populations into a separate subdistrict.

Wes Davis, board chairman of North Dakota Native Vote, said one of the areas in question, District 9, did not need any changes.

“We had fair representation across the board, especially with the amount of population that we have in Rolette County,” Davis explained. “Adding Spirit Lake into it, it hurt the power of that vote.”

His comment doesn’t suggest opposition to sharing legislative boundaries with other tribes. Instead, advocates want a full singular district they say would reflect mean-

ingful representation for all tribes involved, as opposed to a subdistrict.

Despite the judge agreeing with the sentiment, North Dakota’s Secretary of State announced yesterday an appeal will be filed based on a separate federal court decision from this week. It said private plaintiffs cannot sue under a key section of the Voting Rights Act. Davis hopes tribal members in the affected areas reach out to state election leaders to share their views.

Even with the court victory ordering new political boundaries, Davis argued Native Americans have to consistently maintain dialogue about their need for fair representation and voting access.

“Our historical relationship with states is not the best relationship,” Davis pointed out. “Having to voice that, along with the translation exhaustion of state governments versus tribal governments, is huge. So, you want to make sure that your voices are heard.”

According to the Native American Rights Fund, the 2020 Census showed the number of Native voters in North Dakota grew to nearly 6% of the state’s voting-age population. But the organization said the Legislature adopted a district map reducing the number of candidates Native voters could elect in northeastern North Dakota.

Last week’s court ruling had given the state until late December to produce new maps. Now, the appeal announcement likely complicates the timeline.

NORTH DAKOTA — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recent report reveals that North Dakota and Minnesota outperformed the national average in enrolling residents in the federal Women, Infants and Children program. In 2021, 53.2% of eligible individuals in North Dakota and 61.5% in Minnesota utilized WIC, surpassing the national average of 51%. However, North Dakota struggled to enroll pregnant women, with only 37.6% accessing WIC compared to 50.6% in Minnesota.

The WIC program provides health care and nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant women, mothers and children up to age five. To qualify, participants’ income must not exceed 185% of the federal poverty rate, and they must not receive Medicaid, food stamps or direct cash assistance while showing risk factors for negative health outcomes.

While both states had higher coverage rates for infants, children and postpartum women compared to the national average, Minnesota outpaced North Dakota across all categories. WIC struggles nationally to reach qualifying pregnant women, with only

43.7% receiving benefits. However, postpartum mothers and infants exhibit some of the highest coverage rates.

In North Dakota, challenges include limited access to maternal care facilities, as 71.7% of its counties are classified as maternity care deserts, lacking obstetric care providers. The report suggests improving WIC coverage by better connecting the program with prenatal care facilities, highlighting the success of outreach efforts in areas like Minnesota’s Polk, Norman and Mahnomen counties.

Despite the challenges, stakeholders recognize the importance of targeted outreach and support for pregnant women, aiming to improve overall coverage and ensure that eligible individuals, especially firsttime participants, connect with the WIC program.

Women and children in this area seeking assistance from WIC should contact the local Upper Missouri District Health Unit, with locations in Divide County, McKenzie County, Mountrail County and Williams County.

WPRD seeks input through community needs survey

BY ERICA KINGSTON WILLISTON, N.D. — The Williston Parks and Recreation District plays an important role in the Williston community. Providing programs and facilities for every age group requires meticulous planning and behind the scenes work, which is currently being considered.

As the WPRD works toward creating a Parks and Facilities Master Plan, they are calling on the community to be a part of the future of the district by submitting their input through an online survey with the chance of winning a membership to the ARC. The Community Needs Survey aims to gather insight as to the wants and needs of the parks and facilities in Williston. The community is encouraged to provide feedback on preferences, priorities and amenities for the facilities under the WPRD’s care. The survey will be open until Dec. 22.

By helping with their cause, WPRD is giving away a chance to win a year membership or one of the 14 1-month memberships to the ARC. An email will be sent out to those who win. The survey will take

about 15-20 minutes, with all responses kept confidential. To find the survey, visit www. surveymonkey.com/r/WillistonParks.

WPRD is currently in the feedback gathering phase of their Master Plan. All results from these efforts will be compiled and put together in a prioritized list for the park board to move forward with the plan.

“The survey is huge for us. It’s our biggest ask out of the community for feedback,” said Joe Barsh, executive director of WPRD. “Hopefully we can learn from that what is needed most and where it’s needed so we can prioritize our operation to serve the community.”

To learn more about the district’s Master Plan project, visit vocellagraphic.com to read “WPRD calls for community input on Master Plan,” or scan the QR code.

Patrick Barlow

Written by Adapted from the story by Charles Dickens Directed by Jim Ryen Sponsored by WSC Foundation

Nov. 30, Dec. 1 & 2 - 7:00pm Dec. 3 - 2:00pm Old Amory Theater 320 First Ave. E., Williston

VOCELLAGRAPHIC.COM

Thursday, November 30, 2023

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Oil & Ag

Wheelers receive Williams County Soil District Achievement Award WILLIAMS COUNTY SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT RAY, N.D. — This year’s 2023 Achievement Award winner is Thomas & Lynnette Wheeler. Wheeler’s operates a farm and ranch north of Ray. Tom’s great grandfather, Elton, homesteaded the farm in 1902.

Like many, Tom grew up working on the family farm, along with his five siblings.

However, none of them were as interested in taking over the family farm as Tom. In 1976, he started operating his first piece of land and gradually started taking over the family farm. Not too long after taking up farming full time, he married his wife Lynnette in 1981 and they had two children.

The Wheeler farm has made some pretty drastic changes over the years. From farming with horses, to buying their first tractor in 1942, to getting their first autosteer in 2003. The practices when his dad and grandpa were still farming are much different than the ones used today. Back in the day, dikes were built to conserve water and summer following was just what you did. Only half the land a year was cropped on the farm.

The traditional crops grown were wheat and durum and occasionally they would also plant barley and oats. From the early teens to the 1950s’ they raised certified seed potatoes.

The potatoes were railed to many different states, including Alabama and Mississippi.

Eventually a potato association was formed in Ray. Potatoes were also sold directly out of the field. This helped contribute to Tom and his sibling’s college fund. To this day, almost every year about an acre of potatoes are still planted. Most of the potatoes are given away or donated to the lutefisk dinner in Ray. The 1980’s were a hard time for most farmers and Tom remembers well the dirt blowing into his eyes. This has always resonated with him and made him believe that he needed to do everything he possibly could to protect the soil in the future. Starting about 2003 farming techniques improved again, and every piece of land was continually cropped, which meant minimal tillage for the land. For many years, they used a hoe drill to seed crops. In 2020 they were able to purchase their first disk drill and became a LEFT: THOMAS AND LYNETTE WHEELER. BELOW: WHEELER FARM NEAR RAY, N.D. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

no-till operation.

Over the years they have made many improvements from leveling out the dikes, to planting trees, using variable rate fertilizer on most of the farm. They have also increased the diversity in their crops by raising wheat, durum, barley, lentils, canola, oats, peas, field corn, soybeans and safflower. They have also given mustard, flax and sunflowers a try as well. In the last two years they have also seeded pollinator habitat areas as well as cover crops.

Since the beginning of the operation, the Wheeler’s have always had cattle around their operation. The operation today has about 60 head of cattle that are split up into 3 different herds. They continue to seed some fields back to grass/hayland, improve water infrastructure, have implemented an intensive grazing rotation by installing cross fences and graze cattle out in the field stubble usually until calving season in April. Tom credits his two sons for being a driving force for trying new conservation practices.

The NRCS and Soil Conservation District have also been a major help in steering the farm in the right direction in becoming better stewards of the land. These organizations were able to help the farm take advantage of incentive programs through EQIP and CSP. The practices implemented have contributed to the success of building soil structure and no longer allowing the soil to blow across the land. In the future, they would like to fence out stock ponds and seed full season cover crops to improve their water quality and continue to build soil health.

Tom and Lynnette have been married for 42 years and have two children, Blake and Evan. Lynnette retired from being a first grade teacher in Tioga after 34 years. Tom, however, is not ready for retirement yet but is looking forward to a time when all decisions will be made by the next generation.

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Thursday, November 30, 2023

VOCELLAGRAPHIC.COM

Holiday

Reindeer Games, family fun at the ARC

BY FALON JUSTICE

G

ather ‘round, folks! The holiday season is upon us, and you know what that means – it’s time for the 9th annual “Reindeer Games” hosted by the Williston Community Builders. Mark your calendars for Dec. 1, because, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Williston ARC will transform into a winter wonderland of festive fun.

Picture Christmas trees adorned with love and care, each stuffed with goodies from local sponsors.

It’s the Christmas Tree Court, and you get to be the judge by casting your vote for your absolute favorite.

Who said democracy wasn’t fun? But that’s not all.

They pull out all the stops to ensure you have a holly, jolly time. Picture-perfect memories are just a flash away with free professional pictures with the one and only Santa Claus. Say cheese, and let the magic of the season capture your joy.

Now, what’s a holiday gathering without some heartwarming tunes? Join us for a festive sing-along with the Gloria Dei Glory Band. Spoiler alert: they know how to spread musical cheer that’ll have you humming all the way home.

Feeling crafty? Dive into the world of creativity with cookie decorating and crafts that’ll make your

inner artist shine. Plus, we’ve got the perfect accompaniment – hot cocoa, courtesy of our friends at Young Bucks Coffee and Eatery. Sip, savor and let the warmth of the cocoa match the warmth of the season.

Here’s the cherry on top – entrance is free with just one small request: bring a non-perishable food item.

Why, you ask? Because the Williston Community Builders are all about spreading kindness and generosity. Food items will be donated to local food banks, making this festive gathering not just about joy but also about giving back to our wonderful community.

And here’s the grand finale: this is your golden opportunity to preview the amazing Christmas trees that will be auctioned at the Festival of Trees event. Channel your inner judge, cast your vote for the people’s choice, and your favorite tree might take home the crown.

So, grab your friends, family and that neighbor who’s always humming Christmas carols – everyone is invited! Let’s make this year’s “Reindeer Games” the most festive, heartwarming and community-centric yet. See you there, and may your holiday season be merry and bright!

A jolly jaunt through the history of Krampus VOCELLA STAFF

'T

is the season to be jolly, right?

Well, not if you've been naughty. Meet Krampus, the hooved harbinger of holiday havoc, a festive fright straight from the darker corners of European folklore. As Santa Claus was checking his list twice, Krampus was busy rattling chains and doling out discipline to the mischievous. So, grab some cocoa, cozy up, and let's take a journey through the history of Krampus.

The story begins in the Alpine regions of Europe, where Krampus made his first hoofprints. The word "Krampus" is derived from the German word "krampen," meaning claw. Imagine a creature with cloven hooves like a goat, twisted, ram-like horns, shaggy dark fur, a devilish demeanor and a penchant for punishing children who landed on the naughty list. Often wielding chains with a cacophony of rattling, Krampus is depicted as a captor and punisher of the naughty, further emphasized by the presence of a ‘switch’ and a basket or sack for carrying away misbehaving children. The addition of a long, lolling tongue adds an extra element of grotesqueness to his appearance. That's Krampus in a nutshell, or rather, a nutcracker.

Krampus wasn't born with a love for festive fear; he evolved over time, incorporating elements from pagan rituals and ancient beliefs. Some speculate that Krampus has roots in pre-Christian traditions, with ties to mythical creatures and spirits that roamed the winter nights, keeping the balance between the earthly and supernatural realms.

As Christianity spread throughout Europe, Krampus found himself rubbing shoulders with St. Nicholas. While St. Nick

was busy doling out gifts to well-behaved children, Krampus became the yin to his yang, the dark side of the holiday coin. Together, they formed a dynamic duo of yuletide justice.

Fast forward to the 16th century, and Krampus celebrations were in full swing.

The tradition of the Krampuslauf, or Krampus run, emerged. Locals donned terrifying Krampus costumes, complete with horns, fangs and fur, and paraded through the streets, scaring the sugar plums out of anyone unlucky enough to cross their path.

In the 19th century, the Krampus tradition took a peculiar turn with the rise of Krampus cards. These festive missives depicted Krampus in all his menacing glory, terrorizing children in various creative ways. Forget about elves making toys; Krampus was here to whip the holiday spirit into shape.

In the 21st century, Krampus has found a new home in pop culture. He's the star of horror movies, the subject of comic books, and even has his own line of greeting cards.

Fans of the animated series "Phineas and Ferb" may find a familiar holiday creature in the Kinderlumper, a nod to the legendary Krampus, proving that even in the realm of animated hijinks, the spirit of Krampus is alive and well.

So, as the halls are decked and the tree is trimmed, spare a thought for Krampus, the horned enforcer of holiday morality. While Santa is checking his list and checking it twice, Krampus is lurking in the shadows, ready to deliver a lump of coal – or a bit of holiday horror – to those who have been less than saintly. After all, 'tis the season for both merriment and mischief.

VINTAGE KRAMPUS POSTCARD FROM EARLY 1900S. BY UNKNOWN AUTHOR - PUBLIC DOMAIN.

VOCELLAGRAPHIC.COM

Thursday, November 30, 2023

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Culture

CHI hosts World Nativities exhibit A

guided

tour

of

100

artisanal

nativities “The stories behind these nativities are a lot more important than the objects themselves.”

-Garrick Hyde

This large wall hanging of a Nativity scene was hand-sewn in Senegal by Samba, a local tailor. The scene depicts the Holy Family under a bright star, joined by two shepherds with staffs and four animals. The scene is surrounded by strips of bright African cloth sewn together in a quilt style.

The hanging measures 26 inches tall by 45.5 inches wide.

Samba is a Muslim from the Mourid brotherhood of Senegal. He is a well sought-after designer. In his shop, items are piled on top of each other so he will toss them aside to make a path for customers to walk through and look around. He keeps an album of pictures of his designs. He has about six men who assist him with production. To place orders, customers describe what they would like, or even draw out pictures and ask him to try it. He jots the information down in a plain notebook with a few scribbles that only he and his main assistant can read. Customers return later to collect exactly what they ordered and it looks better than anything they had pictured in their mind. Photo Submitted by Garrick Hyde.

BY ERICA KINGSTON

T

wenty years ago, Garrick and Ginger Hyde, in the thick of parenting, were brainstorming ideas on how to raise their kids up to be compassionate and giving people. Through a series of connections, and what Hyde describes as miraculous events, the family connected with artisans of hand-crafted nativities in China and then into Asia, Latin America and Africa.

Nearly two decades later, the Hyde’s have helped 550 artisans in developing countries find an audience for their work.

Through this effort, the Hyde’s themselves have an impressive collection of unique and hand-made nativity scenes from across the globe.

Garrick Hyde, president of CHI St. Alexius Health in Williston, has curated a selection of 100 nativities from his family’s collection to display, free of charge, to the public this holiday season. The exhibit will run from Dec. 4-15 with guided tours showcasing not only the nativities, but the artist, country and story of each one.

“When we started this project, it wasn’t intentional that we would start collecting them for ourselves,” Hyde said. “I learned very early that (the artisan’s) dignity was very important to them. They wanted the ability to work and didn’t want handouts … We weren’t looking so much to have these (nativities) as to use them as a vehicle to help people in a meaningful way.”

The Hyde’s have a personal collection

of 572 nativities, but far outweighing the physical objects is a genuine humanitarian passion for each individual artist, which is undeniable when Hyde begins to talk about the project. At the World Nativities exhibit, not only can the public view 100 unique, non-traditional nativity depictions, they will also see a photo of the artisan, where they are from and the story behind their work told by hospital volunteers and Hyde.

Forethoughts of nordic alpine villages and snowy scenery should be set aside. The exhibit will showcase nativities that were made to reflect and represent the people, animals and climate of the artist's home country as portrayed through its characters and materials. One nativity, currently being displayed in the hospital lobby, boasts crocodiles, sable antelope, elephant, giraffe and a hippo alongside the holy family. The animals and bright colors from the pop cans it was made from showcases the culture and flare of its country of origin, Zimbabwe.

Most of the artists behind the making of these nativities come from a place of struggle and because of that, many are constrained as to the materials they use. Some are made of oil barrels, pop cans, newspapers, bottle caps, dried orange peels, fabrics or gourds. Hyde said one of the most unique mediums in the collection is AK-47 bullet casings from the Liberian Civil War — this nativity is scheduled to be on display during next year’s exhibit. A Mexican depiction made from car parts, where the baby Jesus is a spark plug,

can be seen in this year’s lineup.

“There is so much cultural richness in these nativities because they really reflect the local customs, traditions and art forms of the artists, wherever they live,” Hyde said.

This project is a heartfelt donation of time and culture from Hyde and the staff at CHI to their community. This is a first installment of a five year plan to annually showcase different nativities from Hyde’s collection. The exhibit is solely for the community to enjoy and nothing will be for sale.

Although this is a new annual tradition to Williston, the Hyde’s are not new to doing nativity exhibits. Each December from 2006-2011, they set up nativities in their home and invited people in. After the initial year, the word spread and tours were booked up all month long. In those six years, 8,400 people walked through their home, listening to Hyde tell of each nativity.

“The stories behind these nativities are a lot more important than the objects themselves,” Hyde said.

Since the beginning of this family project in 2004, the Hyde’s have connected with 550 artists in 56 countries to bridge the gap between producer and consumer with more than 11,000 nativities sold for the artists.

The Hyde’s have not kept a penny for themselves from their efforts and all profit made is filtered back to the artisan’s home country to help orphanages and other charitable causes. The Hyde’s children were integral in the project, from helping to inspect boxes to

writing and coloring thank you notes, work they now value as grown adults. Although the Hyde’s continue this work, the pandemic has impacted the process in many ways.

“I feel blessed to be able to work with people that are doing something that became an expression of their faith,” Hyde said of the artists. “Almost all of (the nativities) are one of a kind and cannot be replaced. They don’t exist anywhere else and I enjoy sharing them with the public.”

The World Nativity display will start on Dec. 4 and run through Dec. 11. Patrons can enter through the hospital main doors and look for the exhibit in the medical library (which got a much needed face lift for this purpose.)

Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m and again from 6-8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10, from 3-7 p.m.

Groups of 10 or more can call Brittny Mayo at 701-774-7466 or email brittny. mayo@commonspirit.org to reserve a tour time.

Find more information and check exhibit time on the “World Nativities in Williston” Facebook event page by scanning the QR code.

Senior Center

Programs, activities and services to support local seniors Thursday, November 30, 2023 looking to stay active, adventurous and connected!

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Williston Senior Center

Programs, activities and services to support local seniors Foractive, a calendar of upcoming events and ongoing looking to stay adventurous and connected!

activities, stop in or visit us online anytime.

Williston Ray Crosby www.fsbtnd.bank

Crafting

Williston Council for the Aging 18 Main St, Williston, ND 58801 701-577-6751 | info@willistonseniors.org www.willistonseniors.org

Meet your neighbors, and join in the fun!

Cards & Games

Meet your neighbors, and join in the fun!

Fitness Special Events

Crafting Meet your Cards & Games neighbors, and Fitness join in the fun!

For a calendar & More!of upcoming events and ongoing Special Events activities, stop in or visit us online anytime.

Crafting Meals Cards & Games & More!

Meals

Monday-Thursday | 8:00am-4:00pm Friday | 8:00am-3:00pm Saturday — Sunday | Closed

Williston Council for the Aging

December 2023 18 Main St, Williston, ND 58801 701-577-6751 | info@willistonseniors.org www.willistonseniors.org

Monday

Tuesday

18 Main St, Williston, ND 58801 Please call 701-577-6751 by 9:30a to 701-577-6751 | info@willistonseniors.org Add or Cancel Meal www.willistonseniors.org Donation of $4 per meal is suggested and appreciated

Friday

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Offering a complete range of financial products and services

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Aaron Schmit - Financial Advisor James Laqua - Financial Advisor

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223 Main Street Williston, ND

701-774-4165

The right advice starts with a trusted relationship.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC, and are not insured by bank insurance, the FDIC or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the bank, are not guaranteed by the bank, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal.

American State Bank & Trust Co (ASBT) is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of RJFS. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

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(701)-577-3738 •PRE PLANNING Specialists •Monument Design •Personal Care since 1922

Advertise in this spot monthly.

Crafting 1 4th - 15th Food Drive: bring your non-perishables Cards & Games to the center

Fitness 5th - Dementia Coffee Chat

Special Events8th - Bingo and a Burger 15th - Christmas dinner at the Center - Call the Meals center early to reserve your place for the meal

& More!

6th & 20th Practice Pinochles (for those of you newer to the game or just want to play!)

** Menu Subject to Change

577-2113 Main Bank • 577-9618 Trust Services

Contact Falon at 701-572-4851

Special Events & More!

Wednesday Thursday

Daily** Williston Council for the Aging

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Fitness Meals

Meet your neighbors, and join in the fun!

For a calendar of upcoming events and ongoing activities, stop in or visit us online anytime.

VOCELLAGRAPHIC.COM

Mobility Products 1321 W Dakota Pkwy

• LiftWilliston, Chairs ND • Scooters 701-572-7711 • Power Wheelchairs Equal Opportunity Employer • Stair Lifts

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Advertise in this spot monthly.

Contact Falon at 701-572-4851 for details.

Northwest Dakota Public Transit Serving Williston & Watford City Seniors (60+) Ride FREE anywhere in city limits Paid for by a grant for seniors.

Door to Door Service Information and Reservations Williston: 701-577-6753 | Watford City: 701-842-3440