Vol. 3 - Issue 41
November 9, 2023
A Community Newspaper a Serving N orthwest North Dakot
V E TER ANS DAY “TWO THINGS CAN BE TRUE AT ONCE - EVEN OPPOSING TRUTHS.”—UNKNOWN
Honoring Heroes — Past & Present
United States Serviceman, Merlin Munson (right), pictured with his family in April of 1943. Photo submitted by his great niece, Kary Moltzan.
NORTH DAKOTA’S DEER GUN SEASON OPENER & ICE HAZARDS Page 3
A GIFT OF MEMORIES: A TIMELESS APPROACH TO GIFT GIVING
Main Street Musings by Alyssa Stromberg
Page 5
TALON METALS GETS $115M DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GRANT
Page 6
BURGUM APPOINTS FROM
TEACHER TASK FORCE
PRESS RELEASE
Page 7
TAEKWONDO TO THE MARINES
By Rachel Venture
Page 9
2 • The Oracle •November 9, 2023
LOCAL EVENTS SPONSORED BY To Have Your Community Event Added Email: info@vocella.com
FORTUNA Every Tuesday- Range Night at Northwest Sportsman Club RAY Thursday November 9th - Veterans Day Music Program (3rd & 4th, HS Band) 2:30 - 3:30pm at RHS Thursday November 9th - Hunters Education 6:30 - 9:00pm at RHS Friday November 10th - Football Dakota Bowl at Fargo Friday November 10th - Veterans Day Break - NO SCHOOL Monday November 13th - City Commission Meeting at Ray City Hall Monday November 13th - Girls Basketball Practice Begins at RHS Monday November 13th - Gymnastics Starts Tuesday November 14th - Hunters Education 6:00 - 9:30pm at RHS Tuesday November 14th Grades 7-12 Music Concert 7:00 - 8:30pm at RHS
Wednesday November 15th ASVAB Interpretation - Juniors 12:45 - 1:35pm at RHS Wednesday November 15th Football Co-Op in Powers Lake 5:00 - 6:00pm November 16th - November 18th - State Volleyball Tournament at Fargo Dome Thursday November 16th Hunters Education 6:00 - 9:30pm at RHS Friday November 17th - Municipal Court at Ray City Hall Friday November 17th - One Act Play (School Performance 7-12) 2:45 - 3:15pm at RHS Friday November 17th - One Act Play Public Performance 7:008:00pm at RHS CROSBY Monday November 13th - Mac-ABee’s Book Club 5:15 - 6:15pm at Crosby Self Serve Thursday November 16th - Divide County Commission Meeting 8:00 - 11:00am Friday November 17th - Planning & Zoning Commission 9:00 -
11:00am Wednesdays: Storytime at the Divide County Library 10:00am - 10:45am Fridays: Cards & Games at Divide County Senior Citizens Center 1:302:30pm Movie at Dakota Theater 7:30pm Saturdays: Movie at Dakota Theater 7:30pm Sundays: Movie at Dakota Theater 7:30pm WILLISTON Thursday November 9th - Ladies Night at Elite Designz 4:00PM Thursday November 9th - Business After Hours by WACC 5:30pm at Western Area Water Supply Friday November 10th - Hollywood Scandal Murder Mystery Fundraiser for Olive Motherhood Foundation 6:00pm at the Old Armory Saturday November 11th - Veterans Day Wing Cook Off 4pm at the New Armory
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City Hall Tuesday November 14th - School Board Meeting 5:30pm November 16th - November 18th - State Volleyball Tournament in Fargo Thursday November 16th - Tioga Historical Society Meeting 6:30 7:30 pm at Tioga Museum Thursday November 16th - Airport Authority Meeting 7:00 PM 8:00 PM 2237 Aviator Way Tioga, ND 58852 Friday November 17th - Blood Drive at THS Friday November 17th - JH Wrestling - Minot Early Bird Tournament at Jim Hill Middle School Friday November 17th - WEVSC Turkey Bingo 6:00 - 10:00pm at Tioga Community Center Tioga Community Center Schedule Mondays: Yoga Flow 9:30am10:30am Learn English Class 10:00am11:00am Tuesdays: Pickleball 5:00pm8:00pm Wednesdays: Storytime 10:30am-11:00am Youth Group 6:00-9:00pm Thursdays: Slow Flow 6:00pm7:00pm
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TIOGA Thursday November 9th - Veterans Day Program (grades 4-6) 5:15pm at Central Elementary School Thursday November 9th - Blood Drive at TMC 10:00am - 3:00pm Thursday November 9th - Visitor Promotion Meeting 5:30 - 6:30pm City Hall - 16 1st St NE, Tioga, ND 58852 Friday November 10th - City Hall CLOSED in observance of Veterans Day Friday November 10th - NO SCHOOL - Veterans Day Observance Friday November 10th - Tioga Community Center CLOSED in observance of Veterans Day Saturday November 11th - Tioga Community Center CLOSED for Fireman’s Carnival Saturday November 11th - Fireman’s Carnival 6:00 - 9:00pm at Tioga Community Center Monday November 13th - Planning & Zoning Meet 5:30 PM 6:30 PM City Hall Monday November 13th - Girls Basketball practice begins at THS Monday November 13th - Temple Homemakers 6:30 - 8:30pm at Tioga Community Center Tuesday November 14th - Tioga Fund Meeting 6:00 - 7:00pm at
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November 9, 2023•The Oracle • 3
North Dakota's deer gun season opener coincides with cautions of early ice hazards By Chelsy Weisz, Editor
As North Dakota’s most anticipated deer gun season is set to commence on Nov. 10 at noon Central time, the state Game and Fish Department urges hunters to exercise caution due to potentially hazardous early ice conditions. The season, which opens annually on the Friday preceding Veterans Day, brings excitement and tradition to local hunters, with this year’s opener aligning with the second weekend of November, a calendar placement not seen since 2018. However, amidst the eagerness, there's a crucial safety reminder for hunters: appearances can be deceiving with early ice. Smaller and mid-sized bodies of water may look safely frozen, especially as ice can form rapidly overnight, but the thickness can vary just inches apart. While deer may navigate across such surfaces, it is far more treacherous for hunters. The Game and Fish De-
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partment emphasizes that ice near the edges of a cattail slough, where many hunters may find themselves, can be misleadingly thicker than in the middle. Hunters are advised to avoid walking on frozen stock ponds, sloughs, creeks, and rivers during the 16.5-day season that spans through Thanksgiving. Key tips include being wary of snow-covered ice, which can obscure cracks, weak spots and open water. Variations in daily temperatures also affect the ice's expansion and contraction, altering its stability. Hunters should stay clear of areas near submerged trees, brush, embankments and structures where ice is typically thinner. As hunters gear up for a season that marks a time-honored ritual in the state, safety remains paramount. Observing these precautions will help ensure that the thrill of the hunt does not turn into a perilous venture.
4 • The Oracle •November 9, 2023
THE WESTBY WATCH By Heidi Whitney
Come one, come all!
Westby High School All School Reunion Meeting
HOT DISH!
Community Center November 13 6:30 pm
Please contact Heidi Whitney at 406-672-5696 to add an event! Sun Nov.12: Services at Assembly of God, 10:30 am.
Join in the fun as we plan for an epic celebration!
Coffee hour and Sunday School at Immanuel, 10:30 am. Services at 11:30 am. Don’t forget coffee time at the Westby Community Center on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 am -10 am!
Everyone is invited!
Did You Know?
In the Roman calendar, November was the ninth month until January and February were added, causing it to move to the 11th month.
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November 9, 2023•The Oracle • 5
Gift of memories: A timeless approach to holiday giving The holiday season is upon us once again, and with it comes the age-old tradition of gift giving. While there’s nothing wrong with a beautifully wrapped present or a thoughtful gadget, it’s worth considering a different approach to gifting this year — one that creates lasting memories. In a world where material possessions often lose their luster with time, memories hold a special place in our hearts. They are the intangible treasures that continue to shine, long after the wrapping paper has been discarded. Here are a few ways to give the gift of memories this holiday season: Experiences over objects: Consider gifting experiences rather than physical items. Concert tickets, cooking classes or a weekend getaway can create memories that last a lifetime. These shared experiences foster deeper connections and offer a chance to create new traditions. Customized photo albums: In the digital age, many of our cherished photos remain trapped on our smartphones or computers. Compile a collection of meaningful pictures into a beautifully crafted photo album. This gift not only encapsulates past memories but also inspires future moments
together. Handwritten letter: In a world of emails and text messages, the art of letter writing has lost its touch. A heartfelt, handwritten letter expressing your feelings, memories and gratitude can be a truly meaningful gift. It’s a timeless keepsake that the recipient can revisit whenever they need a reminder of your love and connection. Acts of kindness: Sometimes, the most memorable gifts are acts of kindness. Volunteer together at a local charity, help a neighbor in need or engage in a random act of kindness. The memories created through these selfless acts will leave a lasting impact on both the giver and the receiver. Give the gift of time: Time is perhaps the most precious gift of all. Dedicate quality time to your loved ones, whether it’s a day at the park, a movie night or simply spending an afternoon catching up. It’s the time spent together that forges the most enduring memories. This holiday season, let’s challenge ourselves to think beyond the material and embrace the idea that the best gifts are those that create memories.
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6 • The Oracle •November 9, 2023
Talon Metals gets $115M Department of Energy grant
Nickel Processing Facility in Mercer County
Talon Metals Corporation has signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy setting the terms, conditions and performance milestones for $114,846,344 in grant funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The agreement will allow Talon to begin accessing funding under the DOE with milestones for the siting, design, permitting, community engagement, construction and commissioning of a battery minerals processing facility in Mer-
cer County. The operation will be capable of processing ore from multiple sources in North America. The North Dakota processing facility will produce nickel in concentrate for Tesla. “We are grateful to be entrusted with this funding ... to reduce America’s dependence on foreign countries like Russia and China for critical minerals like nickel," said Talon CEO Henri van Rooyen. "This agreement includes our commitments to engage with the local community
in North Dakota to ensure community input and benefit sharing, develop a diverse workforce with our partners in organized labor and seek meaningful input from tribal sovereign nations in the region.” Talon’s facility was selected by DOE in October 2022 as one of the projects that will receive funding to expand and secure the United States domestic manufacturing of electric batteries for electric vehicles and grid storage. “We are committed to
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producing the necessary ingredients like nickel for the U.S. battery supply chain while also protecting the environment and cultural resources where we operate," said Talon Chief External Affairs Officer and Head of Climate Strategy Todd Malan. "Now we can move forward with our partners to advance the planning and construction of the battery minerals processing facility in North Dakota.”
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November 9, 2023•The Oracle • 7
Burgum Appoints Teacher Task Force PRESS RELEASE BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum announced last week the members of the Task Force for Teacher Retention and Recruitment created through executive order in September to address the state’s chronic teacher shortage. The 15-member Task Force consists of Burgum and State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler, or their designees, and 13 members appointed by the governor and representing stakeholders across the education community: Patti Stedman, West Fargo, a West Fargo School
CRAFTS-4-U
Board member and member of the Education Standards and Practices Board Bret Dockter, Harvey, a Harvey Public Schools teacher Ashley Seykora, Rugby, Rugby Public Schools instructional coach Abby DuBord, Bismarck, a Bismarck Public Schools teacher Luke Schaefer, Minot, CEO of the Central Regional Education Association Robert Lech, Jamestown, Jamestown Public Schools superintendent John Porter, Fargo, director of the South Valley and Rural Cass Special Education Units James Green, Watford City, high school principal at McKenzie County Public Schools
Sherry Tandeski, St. John, elementary school principal at St. John Public Schools Jenny Bladow, Northwood, director of teacher education, College of Education & Human Development, University of North Dakota, and member of the Education Standards and Practices Board Erin Jacobson, Bismarck, coordinator of the Teacher Support System State Sen. Dean Rummel, Dickinson State Rep. Steve Swiontek, Fargo. “We’re deeply grateful to these members and all the candidates for their passion and willingness to dedicate their time to this critically important effort to address our state’s teach-
er shortage,” Burgum said. “Working together, we can identify best practices and policies for retaining and recruiting teachers and ensure they have the resources and support they need to deliver a world-class education to students across North Dakota.” The Task Force will conduct stakeholder meetings and roundtable discussions to gather feedback from pertinent stakeholder groups across the state. Members will make recommendations in several areas, including increasing recruitment to the teaching profession, improving teacher preparation programs, teacher licensure, teacher evaluation, working conditions and supports, as well as reviewing compensation and contracts.
North Dakota Governor, Doug Burgum
The Task Force must provide a final report with recommendations to the governor and superintendent by Sept. 30, 2024, and identify partners to sponsor legislation during the 2025 legislative session.
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8 • The Oracle •November 9, 2023
From Taekwondo to the Marines: Austin Agnew's journey of discipline and service
Positive Pulse:
Bright Stories for a Better World Creative Solutions to Budget Constraints: How a Low-Cost Linear Park Sets a Model for Urban Green Space Development Hayward, California, embarked on the ambitious task of creating a one-mile linear park with a meager budget of $2 million. Typically, such projects command significantly higher costs per square foot, presenting a formidable challenge. To surmount these budget constraints, the project team employed innovative techniques, such as using native plants, repurposing materials salvaged from construction waste, gathering fallen trees for seating, and refurbishing old benches. Remarkably, this modest budget yielded an inviting linear park adorned with lively wildflowers and outdoor gathering spaces. This undertaking serves as an exemplary model for park and recreation departments nationwide, grappling with escalating costs exacerbated by supply chain disruptions and heightened demand for outdoor spaces in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although urban green spaces offer an array of health and environmental advantages, the expenses associated with developing and maintaining them have surged. Consequently, cities and organizations are exploring inventive solutions to meet the burgeoning demand for accessible, wellmaintained parks while adhering to constrained budgets. Many cities have revitalized underutilized urban school playgrounds, transforming them into inclusive green spaces and public parks. Furthermore, there is a reevaluation of policies governing privately operated public spaces (POPS) to optimize green space resources. As construction and maintenance costs continue to escalate, the clamor for green spaces in urban settings intensifies. Cities and organizations are investigating various funding sources and pioneering strategies to cater to their communities’ burgeoning park demands within financial constraints. In spite of ongoing challenges, the manifold benefits of well-designed parks in terms of public health, safety, and community engagement reaffirm their status as a valuable investment.
BY RACHEL VENTURE We are all familiar with the slogan of the Semper Fi "jarheads" that help protect our great nation: “The few, the proud, the Marines.” The Marine Corps was created in November 1775 when the Continental Congress established two battalions to support troop landings on shorelines. The Marine Corps has participated in all American wars and is often considered the tip of the spear on battlefronts. In comparison to the United States Army, with its roughly half-million active-duty members, the Marines maintain a smaller force of a little over 175,000. When considering the military for Austin Agnew, there was only one clear choice: the Marines. Growing up near Sherwood, smaller in stature, Austin sometimes struggled to keep up with other kids in sports. His parents, David and Rachel Agnew, thought martial arts might be a good fit, and the taekwondo studio they chose became a pivotal part of his youth. He studied taekwondo throughout his youth and
Austin Agnew. Submitted photo.
into his high school years, earning a second-degree black belt. One day, at a pep rally for a football game, some cheerleaders noticed his ability to do backflips and were instantly intrigued by his talents. They invited him to join the cheerleading squad, where he became a popular member, performing the majority of the aerials and acrobatics at major functions and sporting events. After graduating with decent grades, it was finally time for Austin to live his dream of joining the Marines. After MEPS and basic training, he went on to study more specialized combat methods that complemented his black belt in Taekwondo. As a highly skilled
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martial artist, he quickly became a mentor to other soldiers, both in basic training and beyond. He then had a successful military career, both in the United States and abroad. "I'm just a humble man leading a humble life now,” Austin said. “I hang out with my cousins, I work, I go camping, I walk at Spring Lake Park. I’m no more of a man than any other member of the US military.” Humble indeed. Austin is also an ardent Raiders fan and takes any criticism in stride. "I want to go to Vegas sometime and see them play,” he said. Austin Agnew is just one of many examples of dedicated, hard-working young people who transfer their skills to the military. Many high school students even engage in ROTC to this day, learning military basics before they graduate. The popularity and interest in ROTC have been on the rise in the US and Canada, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
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November 9, 2023•The Oracle • 9
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10 • The Oracle •November 9, 2023
NATIONAL & WORLD HEADLINES
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Word of the Day
compunction: (noun)
1. a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad
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Off-Year U.S. Elections Yield Diverse Outcomes In the recent off-year general elections in the United States, voters in several states made important choices. Kentucky reelected Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat, securing a second term and defeating his Republican challenger, Attorney General Daniel Cameron. Meanwhile, Mississippi re-elected Governor Tate Reeves, a Republican, who emerged victorious against Democrat Brandon Presley. Virginia witnessed Democrats gaining full control of the General Assembly, putting an end to the possibility of a Republican trifecta with Governor Glenn Youngkin. Ohio passed a constitutional amendment to protect abortion access and legalized recreational marijuana, becoming the 24th state to do so. Rhode Island made history by electing Gabe Amo as its first Black congressman. Lastly, in New York City, Yusef Salaam, one of the Central Park Five, won a city council seat. These elections and referendums produced various outcomes, from incumbents retaining power to significant policy changes and historic victories. Virginia Governor Declares State of Emergency Due to
Wildfires Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency due to ongoing wildfires, with two of them causing particular concern. The Quaker Run Fire near Shenandoah National Park has burned 2,480 acres and is 40% contained, while the Tuggles Gap Fire in Patrick County has burned 500 acres and is 10% contained. Dry conditions and high winds are contributing to the fire risk, and much of Virginia is experiencing drought conditions. Climate change is increasing the frequency of intense wildfires in various regions.
Hospitals in Israel Prepare for Medical Care Amid Escalating Regional Tensions In the wake of escalating tensions and fighting between Israel and Lebanese militants near the northern border, hospitals in Israel, particularly in the north, are making preparations to continue providing medical care even during hostilities. For example, the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya, close to the Lebanese border, has moved its NICU and other facilities underground, protected from missile attacks. Hospitals like the Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa have converted
underground parking garages into fully functional medical facilities. These preparations are not new; Israel has been fortifying hospitals for years, especially in areas at higher risk of conflict. Currently, tensions between Israel and Lebanon have resulted in daily exchanges of rocket fire and artillery fire. The conflict in the region has intensified amid the recent Israeli military response to Hamas attacks in Gaza. Portuguese Prime Minister Resigns Amid Corruption Probe Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa has resigned amid a widespread corruption probe involving his government. His chief of staff was arrested, and multiple public buildings and properties were raided as part of the investigation. The prosecutor’s office said the Supreme Court was examining suspects’ “use of the prime minister’s name and his involvement” in alleged illicit activities. The president accepted Costa’s resignation, and a new election is expected to be called. Costa has asserted his innocence but said he is resigning because the dignity of the prime minister’s office is not compatible with any suspicion on his integrity.
THOUGHT OF THE WEEK:
In navigating life’s complexities, it’s essential to embrace cognitive dissonance, recognizing that contradictory ideas can and should coexist in our minds, as life rarely fits into a simple either/or box. Two truths really can exist at the same time even if they are in opposition of one another. You can think A is wrong, while also thinking B is wrong - you don’t have to choose on or the other. Don’t fall prey to the either/or definitives of others.
Published in Williston, North Dakota Serving NW North Dakota and NE Montana Publishing Team Publisher: J.C. LaBar Editor: Chelsy Weisz news@vocella.com Journalist: Heidi Whitney Reporters: Erica Kingston,
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