The Oracle Volume 3 Issue 1

VALLEY OF THE DAMMED

By Alexa Althoff-Garro

Mystery, intrigue and a bit of adventure. That’s what the ‘Valley of the Dammed’ has to offer. Page 4

KEEPING THE TIOGA COMMUNITY CONNECTED

By Haley Felber

Welcome to our Tioga Community Events column! We’re so excited to be able to bring you this valuable resource as we strive to keep our communities connected. Page 3

FRAMED: Local Craftsman Creates Custom Frames for Your Favorite Art

By Michelle Svangstu

Craftsmanship has been a long running tradition in the Anderson family. Taking after his grandfather, James, Ryan has carried on the generations old practice with FRAMED. Page 5

LEARNING

THROUGH EACH GAME

By Kristen Ator

Crosby, ND. Lady Maroons Varsity vs. Minot Majettes. Page 7

$2.00

“YOU

FORESEEING A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR THE ORACLE

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

EDITORIAL

by J.C. LaBar

EDITORIAL

By Alexa Althoff-Garro

The wind on the North Dakota plains never stops blowing, and neither do the Winds of Change.

This time the gusts have ushered in a wonderful event which has brought The Oracle into the fold of a larger publishing entity in the area.

This evolution will bring many benefits to readers which I scarcely could have accomplished on my own.

The reigns of our beloved newspaper have been handed over to J.C. LaBar, the current owner of “The Community Shopper” based in Williston.

Still manning the helm of sales and advertising will be our very own Jill Vassen. As for myself, I’ll be contributing history articles and helping to give a guiding hand whenever necessary.

I have known J.C. LaBar for nearly 8 years, even having worked for him at Red Rock in Williston. As a local, he is ex-

tremely attuned to the people in the area, as well as a family man who holds himself with equal parts honor and humor. So, it is with great confidence and excitement that the mantle of “Publisher” now sits by his name rather than mine.

Rest assured, The Oracle will continue to serve the community in a way that is factual, uplifting, interesting, and relevant. You’ll still be able to submit a “Pet of the Week”, laugh at the “Rumor Mill”, and read fascinating stories from around the area.

The history of this paper will be one to remember. From our humble origins in Fortuna, to this new exciting expansion, words can hardly express the sincere gratitude I have for everyone who supported us along the way.

I have no doubt that you, the loyal reader, will enjoy what is to come.

As always, thank you for reading and see you next issue.

-Alexa

Hello, dear reader! Thank you for picking up a copy of The Oracle! What an honor to be carrying this production into the future. Alexa and I are passionate about providing objective journalism with positive and uplifting content. I’m excited that she will continue being a contributor. Her tremendous talent and dedication made The Oracle what it is today. I hope you continue to find that same spirit alive and well on every page.

The Oracle will always strive to provide some respite from the constant bombardment of negative news. It’s worth remembering that the level of attention given to an issue does not necessarily reflect its actual importance. What we focus on ultimately determines who we are and contributes entirely to our happiness and success. I hope you find some joy in these pages, and always remember that happiness is a thought away.

Thank you for your continued support.

- J.C. LaBar

ARE TODAY WHERE YOUR THOUGHTS HAVE BROUGHT YOU; YOU WILL BE TOMORROW WHERE YOUR THOUGHTS TAKE YOU.” - JAMES ALLEN

New Publisher, J.C. LaBar; Sales Manager Jill Vassen; & Former Publisher Alexa Althoff-Garro

LOCAL EVENTS SPONSORED BY

BUILDING THE FUTURE RESTORING THE PAST

FORTUNA

Every Tuesday - Range Night at Northwest Sportsmans Club

Fortuna Curling Club League - Get your teams ready!

Tuesday, February 14th: City Council Meeting at City Hall 7:00pm

March 17th & 18th - Annual Mike

Selle Memorial Pool Tournament at The Teachers Lounge

March 24rd & 25th - 3rd Annual Fortuna

Curling Club Women’s Bonspiel. Contact Cassie Rauser to sign up your team: 701641-8891

RAY

Friday, February 3rd: Ray Chamber Chilli Cookoff at Ray Mall 4:00pm

Saturday. February 4th: Little Hoopsters

8:15am

Saturday. February 4th:Boys Basketball

Jamboree 12:00pm

Saturday, February 11th: Williams County Kids Ice Fishing Tournament at Kota Ray Dam 1:00pm-4:00pm

Feb. 24, 25, & 27 - Boys Basketball

Districts

TIOGA

Thursday, February 2nd: Garden Club at Tioga Community Center 9:30am

Thursday, February 2nd: Dakota Storm Peewee’s Wrestling Practice 3:30pm-6:15pm

*Practice will be every Mon, Tues + Thurs from 3:30pm-6:15pm

Thursday, February 2nd: Slow Yoga at Tioga Community Center 6:00pm-7:00pm

Monday, February 6th: Tioga City Commission Meeting at City Hall 7:00pm

Monday, February 6th: Yoga Flow at Tioga Community Center 9:30am-10:30am

Friday, February 10th: Williams + Ree Comedy Show at Tioga Community Center 7:00pm (Doors open at 6pm)

Thursday, February 16th: No Slow Yoga at Tioga Community Center

Thursday, February 16th- Sunday, February 19th: Preacher in the Patch at Tioga Community Center 7:00pm

Thursday, February 16th: No wrestling Practice at Tioga Community Center

Monday, February 20th: CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF PRESIDENT’S DAY

Saturday, February 25th: Cocoa with the Popo at Tioga Community Center 4:00pm

March 1, Tioga Comm. Center. 7pm District 2 Reorganization Meeting & Other Business

CROSBY

Every Wed. in Feb: Learn to Skate, Community Center. 5:30pm

Thursday, February 2nd: Boys Basketball JV vs. Minot DCHS JV-5:00pm, V-6:30pm

Friday, February 3rd: Cards & Games at Crosby Senior Center 1:30pm- 2:30pm

Monday, February 6th: Crosby City Council Meeting at City Hall 7:00pm-9:00pm

Monday, February 6th: Dakota Square Guild at Pleasant Pheasant Fabrics 7:00pm-8:00pm

Wednesday, February 8th: DC JDA Meeting at Courthouse Conference Room 8:00am-9:00am

Wednesday, February 8th: StoryTime at DC Library 10:00am-10:45am

Friday, February 10th: Cards & Games at Crosby Senior Center 1:30pm- 2:30pm

Monday, February 13th: Mac-A-Bee’s Book Club at Crosby Self Serve 5:15pm6:15pm

Wednesday, February 15th: DC Commission Meeting at DC Courthouse 8:00am-11:00am

Wednesday, February 15th: Early Dismissal at DC Schools 2:00pm

Wednesday, February 15th: StoryTime at DC Library 10:00am-10:45am

Last Defendant Sentenced to Serve 30 Years

in Federal Prison for a Large Drug Distribution Enterprise Targeting the Spirit Lake, Turtle Mountain and Fort Berthold Indian Reservations

FARGO – United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that on January 13, 2023, United States District Judge Daniel L. Hovland sentenced 34-yearold Baquan Sledge, a/k/a Rell, a/k/a TJ, a/k/a Matthew Pierce, to serve 30 years in prison followed by three years supervised release.

In June of 2022, following a 12-day trial, a jury returned guilty verdicts on multiple counts against Sledge and another man from Detroit, Michigan, for their leadership in a drug trafficking organization targeting three of North Dakota’s Native American Reservations.

Baquan Sledge was convicted of Continuing Criminal Enterprise, Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Money Laundering Conspiracy, Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone, and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premise. Sledge also forfeited his rights to more than $20,000 in seized United States currency.

Baquan Sledge and his trial co-defendant, Darius Sledge, a/k/a Ace, a/k/a Man Man, a/k/a Frank Love, a/k/a Gary, a/k/a Bill, were the leaders of a criminal enterprise involving obtaining and transporting oxycodone from Detroit, Michigan to sell in the District of North Dakota in tribal communities.

This case is part of “Operation Blue Prairie,” an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation into the multi-state trafficking of oxycodone. The multi-agency investigation led by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement revealed that from 2015 to 2019 the Sledge defendants and their co-conspirators targeted areas with fewer law enforcement resources where they could distribute controlled substances at a premium price. The Sledge defendants and others used local residences and people for distribution and stash houses to further their criminal activities for monetary gain. In total, twenty-six defendants were charged in

the case.

Baquan Sledge and others involved in the enterprise came to the attention of law enforcement in 2015. While there were points of contact between the primary defendants and law enforcement throughout the intervening years, it was difficult to track their activities because of their intentional relocation of their distribution efforts and their use of different aliases in different locations. An additional challenge was the complicated myriad of jurisdictions involved, including state, tribal and federal agencies.

Following trial, Darius Sledge was convicted of Continuing Criminal Enterprise, Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Money Laundering Conspiracy, and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premise. Darius Sledge was sentenced to serve 30 years in prison followed by three years supervised release.

“This sentence is a final step in an extensive, successful effort to dismantle

a drug trafficking ring that deliberately targeted North Dakota's tribal communities,” said US Attorney Mac Schneider. “It is also a warning: Those who distribute dangerous drugs on reservations will be caught, prosecuted, and sentenced to federal prison.”

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Rolette County Sheriff’s Department, Bottineau County Sheriff’s Department, Ward County Narcotics Task Force, Lake Region Narcotics Task Force, Man-

dan Hidatsa Arikara Division of Drug Enforcement, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, North Dakota Crime Laboratory, Michigan State Police, Minot Police Department, United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations.

The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, with Assistant United States Attorneys Dawn Deitz and Lori Conroy assigned with the assistance of lead investigator Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement Special Agent Isaiah Soldier.

In total, 26 defendants were charged and convicted in the case.

KEEPING THE TIOGA COMMUNITY CONNECTED:

DISCOVER FUN EVENTS AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER

By Haley Felber, Tioga Community Center Director

We have several fun events going on this month!

First, anyone who’s 21 years or older is welcome to purchase a ticket to attend the Williams and Ree Comedy Show on Friday, February 10th. Doors open at 6 pm, showtime is at 7 pm and drinks will be served by the Rig Lounge before and during the show. Bruce Williams and Terry Ree have been a traveling, comedic duo for over 50 years.

Their television credits include Country Kitchen, HeeHaw, Laff TV and Comedy Central, and they’ve recently appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. Tickets for the show are $35 and can be purchased in-person at the Tioga Community Center or by calling the main office at 701-664-3192, ext 1. You’re not going to want to miss this! We also have Preacher in the Patch coming back February 16th through

February 19th at 7 pm each night, and Cocoa with the Popo on Saturday, February 25th from 3-6 pm. Mark your calendars!

Starting this month, pickleball will continue to be on Tuesdays, but with a new time of 6-8pm. If you’ve never played pickleball before, it’s a cross between tennis and ping pong. It’s a lot of fun, easy to learn and a really good workout. Oh and it’s free! Please bring a clean pair of shoes, and as always, everyone is welcome to join.

If you’re a parent to a wrestler, you may already know that Dakota Storm Wrestling practice begins on Thursday, February 2nd at 3:30pm. Practice will be every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-6:15 pm (depending on age group).

As a note to the general public, we’d like to mention that there will not be any open gym during this time, nor will the activity room be available;

both will re-open at 6:30 pm these nights. The playroom and library will remain open as normal, but as a friendly reminder, children must be accompanied by a parent while in the playroom.

And as always, our wonderful yoga instructor, Natalie Cain, will be teaching yoga flow in the activity room every Monday from 9:30-10:30 am, excluding Monday, February 20th, as we are closed in observance of Presidents Day. Natalie also teaches slow yoga on Thursday evenings, and does pop up yin yoga and pilates classes on the weekends. All classes are $10/person.

Please follow the Tioga Community Center Facebook pages for full schedules and updates. We post monthly calendars on the first day of each month.

ND’s Anti-Corporate Farming Law Faces New Fight Over Ownership Rules

By Mike Moen Prairie News Service

Gov. Doug Burgum wants amendments to North Dakota's anti-corporate farming law, arguing certain rules make it harder to boost livestock production, but advocates for smaller producers worry about potential ripple effects.

The state law in question, in place for 90 years, does not allow corporations to purchase agricultural property. The idea has been to protect family farms. The governor proposed lifting ownership restrictions dealing with livestock.

Sarah Vogel, the state's former agriculture commissioner, feels changes would result in corporations wiping out the so-

cioeconomic fabric of smaller communities.

"When a corporation buys the farmland, they might be bringing their supplies by semi-truck, owned by another subsidiary of the same corporation," Vogel explained. "And towns where corporate farms dominate, you see those small businesses die and wither."

Vogel contended farmers can obtain more land for livestock production by coming together to form cooperatives. A statement from the governor's office said aside from seeking amendments for ranches, the rest of the law would remain intact. In 2016, voters rejected moves by the Legislature to relax some elements of the law.

Environmental groups worry any changes would lead to pollution issues seen in other states after regulations are loosened.

Scott Skokos, executive director of the Dakota Resource Council, said a primary concern is the waste from large confined animal feeding operations wreaking havoc on local waterways.

"Places like Des Moines and other places in Iowa have had to spend millions of dollars to treat their water because it has been polluted by both runoff," Skokos pointed out. "And then also the animal feces from the CAFOs."

VALLEY of the DAMMED

Sunken cities and lost artifacts aren’t something commonplace in northwest North Dakota. However, in 1953, those things did indeed happen right along the banks of the Missouri River.

The small town of Sanish was once nestled in the valley long before New Town was established or the Garrison Dam was even conceived of. Once home to nearly 500 people, Sanish had a history of rodeos, commerce, and fertile farmland. Going back further in history, one would find the lush region originally home to Arikara (Sahnish), Mandan and other upper Missouri cultures.

Today, the original townsite is completely underwater and only rearing vague skeletal impressions of foundations when the river drops in times of great drought. What follows will be a topical exploration of the Sanish sinking into obscurity, and the loss of other towns along the river when the Garrison Dam was erected. The original Sanish townsite was first established in 1914 along the Soo Line Railroad. According to Origins of North Dakota Place Names (1966):

Named by Charles N. Hoffman, once farm superintendent of Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. This Arikaran word for “real people” named a village between the eastern bluffs of the Missouri River on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, a site known to the Indians from the earliest times as the Old Crossing, where buffalo herds forded the river in their annual migrations… The first settlers came soon after the act of Congress, dated Aug. 3, 1914, authorized the reclassification of these agricultural lands.

The early years of Sanish appear to be a peaceful time of continual growth. The newspaper, the Sanish Sentinel, began operations in 1915 and headlines were not unlike those in Divide or Williams County. Church events, sports scores, the occasional farm mishap, and other news dots the black-and-white pages of the Sanish Sentenel.

Once the 1940s rolled around, those headlines took on a markedly specific topic. The construction of the Garrison

Dam and the Flood Control Act. In the mid-1940s many articles were published that did not hold the future dam in a favorable light. A study done in 1932 by geologist Warren J. Mead gave people cause for concern. The study stated that a dam at Garrison would not be stable and the project was eventually abandoned and moved to Montana. This gave people pause once the Army Corps of Engineers proposed building an even larger dam at the site. (See Figure 1 below).

Although skeptics were numerous, new engineering and schematics were developed. The project proceeded onward with eventual final approval.

By 1947, with the imminent arrival of the rising waters, a level of panic set in to preserve what history of the Mandan and Arikara scholars could. Associate Director A. E. Demaray of the National Park Service said, “Ultimate flooding of the river valleys in the Missouri basin will "obliterate a vast part of the basic material of human history which is indispensable to a proper understanding of this major North American archeological area." (See Figure 2 below)

walking”. Its fate was decided by Washington DC and other federal entities. Farmers, tribal members, townspeople, and homesteaders had nothing left to do but fight for fair prices regarding their land. The oil industry had reared its head in this battle and mineral rights would be a hot point of contention amongst those selling their interests.

One headline in 1951 read “Valley of the Dammed”. The pun appears to be very much intended. In it, the writer states:

It’s about the oil and mineral rights in the first place. I’ve been thinking and I’ve been wondering if a bunch of land “buyers” for the Army Engineer Corps have the right to say whether they will or will not buy a man’s oil rights.

From newspaper accounts, the average land price was around $32 per acre with the highest being $74 per acre and the lowest $24 per acre. This was according to the third in a series of federal condemnation court cases. The average paid in 1949 of just $32 per acre would be the equivalent of just $399.05 today. A paltry sum for lush and historic land.

New Town, as we know it now, received the name simply because that’s just what it was: A new town. Another suggestion, according to James Mcmaster (Editor of the New Town News in 1976) was to combine Van Hook with Sanish to create the name “Vanish”. This is perhaps the most clever of names, but one that did not stick.

By Alexa Althoff-Garro

Over the next few years, Sanish would be a “dead man

An article published in January of 1952, just months before Sanish would be wiped from the map, a story is told of significant division. 144 people voted for combining Sanish assets with Van Hook (a neighboring town) to create Newtown, and 69 voted against it. Some of those loyal to Sanish created a new town just above the waterline which is still present to this day, although much smaller. The old townsite was aptly dubbed “Old Sanish”. (See Figure 3 next)

had rodeos and other things going on there.”

The first Sanish rodeo was held in July of 1947 with 80 entrants and the Sentinel reported 8,000 people in attendance. The Watford band opened the show with “the Indian travois leading the way”. This rodeo also included an air show as well as traditional dances with music. Even facing the eventual demise of Sanish, the townspeople soldiered on to create an annual event that would be remembered to this day.

Yellow Bird even noted personal experiences with remnants from the bygone age of Sanish.

“Even that bridge, there are remnants of it next to 4 Bears Casino, I remember going across that bridge,” he recalled. “The bridge was built in the 1930’s, I believe. When I was growing up, we would cross it and it looked like you’d almost hit the other person.”

Teasing a new book coming out from a fellow author, he noted there will be one coming out discussing this very time period through the University of Oklahoma Press. Yellow Bird stated, “The cover photo shows the trailers that were pulling the buildings and houses out of there [before the flooding].”

It’s easy to understand why many loyal to Sanish did not wish to have their land flooded and homes relocated. Loren Yellow Bird is a Fort Union Park Ranger, author, and widely known for working closely with Leonardo DiCaprio on the film “The Revenant” to ensure the accuracy of the Arikara language. Yellow Bird noted that part of the culture of Sanish included great rodeos which drew people from all around the area.

“All these communities were interrelated, I do know that,” Yellow Bird said. “I do know they

Today, Sanish still stands at the banks of the Missouri River with her old bones showing when the tide gets low. News articles whisper out of the past of Sanish golfers attending tournaments in Crosby, or local barns being struck by lightning. Eventually, the Sanish Sentinel would cease publication on August 14th of 1952 and move to New Town as the “New Town News and Sanish Sentinel”. They published a newspaper the very next Friday without missing a date. In fact, if you picked up a paper today, you’ll still see “Sanish Sentinel” in the masthead.

(Continued Page 5)

Sanish 1952

Sanish Rodeo

VALLEY OF THE DAMMED

ART FRAMED:

LOCAL CRAFTSMAN CREATES CUSTOM FRAMES FOR YOUR FAVORITE

By Michelle Svangstu

Ryan James Anderson comes from a long line of craftsmen. His father, Bert, and his uncles, Don and Doug, are all known in the Crosby area for their skilled work as contractors. However, it was his grandfather and namesake, James, who really stirred his passion for framing.

“My Grandpa made custom frames for many years,” Anderson said. “He just had this simple sign for his business that had holes punched in it to string Christmas lights through to light it up. We have it hanging right here in the shop, and I just have a lot of good memories of being here with him. I even have his gun for attaching the

NATIONAL & WORLD HEADLINES

RADIOACTIVE CAPSULE STILL MISSING IN AUSSIE OUTBACK

Austrailian officials admit a radioactive capsule the size of a 10-cent coin was actually missing weeks before anyone realised it was lost. The capsule is a 19-gigabecquerel caesium 137 ceramic source, which is commonly used in radiation gauges. It was supposed to be contained in a secure device which had been “damaged” on a truck which travelled from the mine site north of Newman in the Pilbara to a depot in Perth. It remains missing at time of publication.

LONDON WORKER DEAD AFTER BEING CRUSHED BY URINAL

A man who was doing maintenance work was crushed by a telescopic urinal at Cambridge Circus in London’s West End theater district Friday afternoon, police confirmed. Telescopic urinals, put in the area 20 years ago, remain underground during the day and raise hydraulically overnight to reduce street urination, according to BBC News. The incident happened near the Palace Theater where “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” is playing.

COLORADO BEAR TAKES OVER 400 “SELFIES”

A motion-activated camera near Boulder caught over 400 images of a bear which took interest in its camera. The department uses images recorded by the cameras to map wildlife habits and habitat, and to monitor land use and protection needs for wilderness areas. Out of 580 images on the camera, the bear took 1st place with the massive amount of images. Officials noted this was out of the ordinary due to the fact that most of the wildlife never even notices the cameras.

SAILOR RESCUED AFTER 24 DAYS ADRIFT AT SEA

The Colombian navy rescued a man from Dominica who says he survived 24 days adrift in the Caribbean on a sailboat by eating ketchup, garlic powder and seasoning cubes. Elvis Francois, 47, had scrawled the word “help” in English on the boat’s hull, which officials said was key to his rescue. Francois said he collected rainwater with a cloth. He said Francois was found in good health, but told official he had lost weight.

glazier points [metal tabs] to the back of each frame, so I guess it’s like having a little piece of him here with me when I work.”

Anderson got his start making custom frames for friends and family.

“I’d see a piece of art I knew they’d like, frame it and give it as a present,” Anderson explained. “My buddies started commenting like, ‘Hey, you might be onto something here’, and encouraged me to start a business making frames. One of them even designed my logo.”

Ryan has a display of several custom-framed prints and photos for sale in the entry of their woodworking shop, including a couple of pieces by Crosby native Erin Redlin Benson.

“I’m really into tattoo flash and pop culture prints, but that’s not everyone’s thing,” Anderson said. ”I try to have a variety of things available, and I’ve noticed that the pictures of local sites and old buildings and tractors - things like that seem to sell best at the vendor events.”

For those who bring in cherished photos or prized artwork, Anderson carries a variety of woods and stain colors to choose from. He particularly enjoys making custom barn-

wood frames, especially when the barnwood has significance to a customer. Anderson noted, “The attachment of having barnwood from your own family farm as part of your home, that’s cool to me.”

Ryan is also able to custom cut the glass and matting for your unique project right in his Crosby shop, and can even stamp custom words and phrases into the frame itself. From start to finish, he says, an average size frame will take about one week to complete.

Frames by Ryan James has not only created one-of-a-kind frames for family, friends, and local residents - his work has been made for and shipped to customers in other states, including California.

“I always give credit to an artist when I post any of their work I frame on my Facebook page,” Anderson said. “Well, [this artist] reposted my work to his page, and this guy from California saw it and found my business.”

In the end, though, it’s the artwork’s value to his customers that matters the most. Anderson explained, “When people come in with art or photos that mean a lot to them, being able to create something of quality to preserve it, that’s worth something.”

Though shop hours vary due to outside work, Ryan invites the public to stop by “anytime the lights are on.” You can also contact him via Messenger from his Facebook page “Frames by Ryan James,” or send an email to framesbyryanjames@gmail. com.

Ryan Anderson with original photo and frame of old Crosby elevator.

When the waters came, some artifacts and buildings were saved, while an untold amount has been lost to the rising tide.

Sanish stands as a stark reminder of how necessary it is to

preserve our history in this area, and just how resilient of a people we all are.

Print a Classified in the Oracle for $7 up to 25 words. Place it in the Community Shopper, also, for $10 total.

My Little Sweetie Kid’s Day Out

The Magic of Mini Maroons

By Nick Ator

Divide County Mini-Maroons basketball is a volunteer program made up by parents and community members who want to help develop fundamental skills in our area youngsters.

Each Winter, Divide County students in 1stt to 6th grade have been participating in Mini-Maroons basketball. This year’s camps began running on Saturday, January 7th, and wraps up on Feb. 11th.

Mini-Maroons also conducts 3-on-3 practices for grades 3-6 each Wednesday evening for kids who want to come and play against their peers. The Wednesday night pick-up games are competitive and exciting to watch from a coach’s perspective!

Coaches this year include many community members such as: Nate and Jody Nelson, Kent Harding, Zach Johnson, Dalyss Hanson, Trevor Thomte, Kami Wehrman,

SCENE AROUND TOWN

Dylan Kolstad, Mandy Wheeling, Tyler and Nikita Swanson, Derik and Sam Pulvermacher and Nick and Kristen Ator. Both boys and girls high school basketball players have helped coach on some of the mornings as well; especially girls’ senior player Jule Stenson.

The practices generally consist of basic fundamental drills, rules break-downs and competitive drills. I know I speak for all of the coaches when I say it’s great to see so many kids coming out to play basketball and learn from good fair, clean competition!

The highlight for the kids

is always getting to play in front of the big home crowd at Divide County High School on Haggin Court. This year they have already played halftime of home games on January 26th and will play in Crosby again on February 7thh. Anytime the Mini-Maroons play at a Divide County home game it makes for an even better reason to get out and support your local school’s basketball program. On behalf of the coaches we would like to thank all the kids and their parents for making the time to participate and improve themselves. Go DC and Go Maroons!

Right: Blake Vassen 1st Grade, along with her Cousin Finley, were all smiles and excitement for their day at school! #familymoments

Below: A cozy Wednesday vibe at Henny’s Coffee in Crosby!

DEFENSE IS THE KEY JH Lady Maroons vs. Trinity Christian Crusaders

By Kristen Ator and Olivia Grote

The Lady Maroons junior high team was back in action after a week off due to weather postponements.

They faced off with the Trinity Christian Crusaders on Tuesday January 24th at Haggin Court. This year’s Maroons team is a young group of ladies with six 6th graders and three 7th graders.

In the match-up, the ladies were looking to pick up the defensive pressure to get out and running a skill the team really excels. The Maroons jumped out to a 16-2 lead after the first quarter Jurnee Wehrman leading the way with 6. Half-time saw the Maroons take a 29-2, holding the Crusaders scoreless. Paige Smithberg put on the defensive pressure getting 6 points off of

steals. The 3rd quarter saw the Maroons outscore the Crusaders 11-3 with Wehrman tallying another 9 to her game high 15. The Maroons finished off the game with 10 points in the 4th quarter to win 50-11.

Scoring totals: Jurnee Wehrman 15, Paige Smithberg 11, Riley Caraballo 8, Bristol Hallgren 6, Harper Lindsey 4, Zoey Lervik 3, Bella Osvold 2, Greenlee Haugland 1 and Olivia Grote with solid minutes on both ends of the floor.

Up next for the Maroon is a road trip to Alexander on Friday, January 27 and the Powers Lake Jamboree with games vs. Ray and Powers Lake on January 28th. The season is coming to an end with 6 games left to play before the season ends on February 2nd.

Learning Through Each Game Lady Maroons Varsity

vs. Minot Majettes

By Kristen Ator

Girls varsity team met up with Minot High on Tuesday January 24th in a rescheduled game due to the winter storm in December.

Turnovers plagued the Maroons throughout the game against a tough defensive team in the Majettes. Lady Maroons trailed the 1st quarter 6-18 with Billie Fortier finishing some tough contested points down low, with assists from Senior leader McKenna Hallgren, to lead the quarter with 4 points for the Maroons.

Back and Forth Battle

JV Lady Maroons vs. Williston Trinity

By Kristen Ator

The girl’s JV team took the court on Tuesday January 24th for the first of three games last week.

The game saw the score all tied up at 9 after one quarter of play with Brita Oppegaard scoring quarter high of 4 and Audrina Fortier controlling the back court for the Maroons. After one half of basketball played the Maroons took the lead 21-19 behind two of Skylar Wehrmans three 3 pointers in the contest. A defensive battle during the 3rd quarter saw both teams just scoring 5 and 4 points each with Maroons having a slight edge going into the 4th.

the fall of 2023. Way to go ladies! Your coaches, families, school, and community are proud of you.

Five of the ten points scored in the 2nd were those by starting 8th grader Skylar Wehrman but the Maroons still

trailed 16-33 at half. The Maroons came into the second half with some fire where they were only outscored 11-10 in the 3rd quarter, leading the way was Billi Fortier with 4 more toward her 10 points for the game, a Maroons high.

The bigger Minot High team once again dominated the 4th to win by a final of 61-30. Next up for the Maroons will be road games Friday, January 27th to Alexander and Saturday January 28th on the road to Powers Lake in a District 16 match-up

Scoring Totals: Billie Fortier 10, McKenna Hallgren 8, Skylar Wehrman 5, Audrina Fortier 4, Brita Oppegaard 3.

The Crusaders tallied up the points in the 4th behind Petra Thomas scoring 8 of her game high 19 to push the Crusaders past the Maroons 40-34. Maroons Scoring: Skylar Wehrman 11, Brita Oppegaard 6, Rose Neal 4, Audrina Fortier 4, Riley Caraballo 4, Brooke Fortier 3, Maddy Faggerland 2 with contributions from Bianca Brudwick, Paige Smithberg Megan Wolter and Bella Osvold.

What a great day to be a Maroon! Congratulations to Brooklyn Fortier and Reagan Casteel on signing with Lake Region State College in Devils Lake to play Volleyball in

Participation Needed in Hunter Harvest Surveys

WHERE DID ALL THE NEWSPAPERS GO?

From 344 to appx. 80: How ND Socialists Passed A Bill That Killed

It’s the early 1910’s. You’ve recently moved your family from the east and seek to put down roots in the Dakotas. Early cars and trucks are making their way to the far corner the country, and the Great Depression seems inconceivable.

any money, and it would greviously injure the free press.

While North Dakota’s 2022 hunting seasons have come and gone, hunter success, or lack thereof, still matters to wildlife managers.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has conducted hunter harvest surveys for more than a half-century, using the findings to help manage the state’s wildlife populations.

Thousands of surveys are sent annually, and participation is strongly urged because hunter harvest plays a noted role, for example, in setting hunting license numbers for the upcoming season.

Hunters are surveyed about their hunting activity because understanding how many animals were removed from the population is an important ecological piece of information. The information collected from the hunter harvest surveys is compared against where the Game and Fish Department stands with its harvest objectives at any point in a given year. And that can mean, in some cases, license increases. But ultimately, these surveys are important because they in-

form the recommendations passed along to the governor during the proclamation setting process.

Thousands of big game, small game, waterfowl, swan, turkey and furbearer questionnaires will be emailed to randomly selected hunters. A follow-up survey will be mailed to those who did not respond to the first survey.

Not everyone who, say, receives a hunter harvest survey for the 2022 deer gun season will have harvested a deer, but those hunters still need to fill them out and return their surveys.

The surveys are designed so that a random sample of hunters receive them, and it’s understood that some hunters weren’t successful, which in a lot of ways is just as important as knowing who did harvest a deer.

The hunter harvest surveys are short and take very little time to complete. A follow-up survey will be mailed to those who did not respond to the emailed survey.

The more surveys returned to Game and Fish from hunters, the more robust the statistical information is to help produce better harvest estimates.

Now, imagine running presses, setting type, conversing with local businesses owners, announcing new churches being built, and helping to build a town on the vast praire. Few newspapermen on the frontier could imagine that in 1919 a socialist-based political party would bring about a law ending their entire livelihood, eventually forcing many out of business.

ND Studies (www.ndstudies.gov) explains the the infamous Senate Bill 127. It went by various names like ‘The Printers Law”, ‘The Newspaper Bill’, and even ‘Brinton’s Law’.

“In North Dakota, freedom of the press was restrained by a law passed by the 1919 legislature that was dominated by the Nonpartisan League (NPL),” the website states. Senate Bill 157 created a State Printing Commission which was to choose an official newspaper for each county. The official newspaper would earn as much as $20,000 each year printing official state, county, and city notices.”

Proponents of the bill said it would save the government money and ensure anyone who was undergoing foreclosure would be notified. The NPL touted horror stories of people losing their farms over small mortgage debts they had not known about because the notice was published in a farflung newspaper. People opposed said this was a stunt by the NPL to benefit financially, the government would not save

Before this law was enacted, each county had up to three official newspapers. In 1910 alone, there were 344 newspapers. Today, North Dakota has approximately 80 daily and weekly papers. According to the U.S. Census, North Dakota had a population of around 580,000 people. Today, we have grown to 779,094 residents as of the 2020 census.

So, who was able to be designated as the Official Newspaper for each county? After the law passed a popular vote by a slim margin, and was signed into law by the Governor, a NPL committee chose for each county.

The Nonpartisan League was formed in 1915 and first made it onto a ballot in 1918. It began in North Dakota and was started by Arthur C. Townley, a former organizer for the Socialist Party of America.

All over North Dakota, the NPL chose newspapers which favored their ideology or donated to their party. In Divide County, 1919, the Divide County Farmers Press was chosen as the Official Newspaper.

By the end of 1919, many newspapers saw the writing on the wall and closed up shop. In this year alone, The Fortuna Leader, The Crosby Review, Wildrose Plainsman, Alkabo Gazette, all stopped the presses.

The man behind this infamous, and mostly forgotten bill, was Job Wells Brinton. Brinton, who would serve as a member of the Printing Commission, also owned several NPL newspapers.

One man who stood against Brinton was Attorney General William “Wild Bill” Langer. Years later, Langer was described as “tempestuous,” “swashbuckling,” and “thor-

oughly unpredictable in his actions and attitudes.” In college, Langer allegedly helped incite a riot that destroyed the yacht club at Columbia after his fellow freshman were captured by sophomores. At one point in his tenure as Attorney General, he barricaded himself in his office and refused to be removed. Throughout his time, he continued to be loved by voters. He even won his final election in 1958 without the endorsement of his party and, refusing to leave his ailing wife’s bedside, without making a single speech. Langer died on November 8, 1959.

Langer opposed Senate Bill 127 in 1919, but even with his strong opposition, Governor Lynn Frazier signed it into law. Voters had passed this bill with 55,703 voting yes, and 48,975 voting no. Interestingly, Divide County passed it by a large majority (1,229 to 600). This was most likely due to the influence by the NPL and their pro-farming platform.

“The 1921 and 1923 legislatures did not have a majority of NPL members,” ND Studies stated. “Both legislatures amended Senate Bill 157 (Chapter 187, 1919 Laws of North Dakota) to allow voters to choose the official county newspaper. Though the undemocratic qualities of Brinton’s Law were removed from the law books, North Dakota never again had as many newspapers as it had before 1919.”

So what do you think? Were the small town papers doomed to begin with? Did this bill bring about the end of the greatest generation of newspapers the state had ever seen?

100 years later we can certainly speculate on the effects of Bill 127. For all of our readers and fellow history buffs, this one’s for you.

ND GAME & FISH Press Release

Donkey Basketball in Grenora Exceeds FBLA’s Expectations

By Heidi Whitney

On January 16th, the Grenora school gymnasium was filled with a very different kind of athlete. Equus asinus (the scientific name for the common donkey) were the star players in something known as “Donkey Basketball”.

Community members, MonDak Thunder basketball players, teachers and coaches from Grenora Public School (and Westby) donned Donkey basketball uniforms and played the sport from atop their mounts. These uniforms represented four local business sponsors to support the Grenora chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).

on your donkey. The player you are passing to must also be seated on his/her donkey.

-A player can go after a loose ball or rebound while dismounted from their donkey, but must always have hold of their donkey’s reins. Note: these donkeys are stubborn.

-In case of a tie, due to the extreme amount of time it can take to score a basket in donkey ball, overtime is substituted with events such as dance offs.--Incidentally, game one in Grenora ended in a 2-2 tie after two 8-minute halves. In the dance off, Thomas Arnson of Grenora High School snatched the crowds “make some noise” vote in the end over Jenna Rust.

How did Donkey Basketball arrive in Grenora?

Spectators came in droves to watch the show and so many laughs were had by all. Donkey Basketball was created in the 1930s. A dive into the Divide County Historical Archives leads to news of several Donkey Basketball games taking place in Crosby, Noonan, Wildrose, Columbus, and Burke County High School throughout the 1950s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.

THE RULES

-4 players from each team take the court, each with their designated donkey.

-In order to pass or shoot the basketball you must be seated

Ashley Lampert, Grenora 3rd grade teacher and FBLA co-advisor said, “About a year ago, Joe came up with the idea.”

Joe, known by his students as Mr. Paine, is the Dean of Students at Grenora Public School. Paine came up with the idea because he remembered in his school days going to Donkey Basketball events. Paine recalled, “I remembered my school had them when I was a kid and they were really well attended so I went online and found DairyLand Basketball.”

Dairyland Basketball is a company based out of Wisconsin that travels the country with a team of donkeys to play ball.

key Ball player, and member of FBLA said in hindsight, “It was actually really easy to sell tickets.”

Oster explained that once you sold one to one person, that person would pass the word and ticket requests would start coming in from others.

When Paine came to Lampert with the idea she was immediately hooked.

“Growing up in Crosby I remember they always had it [Donkey Basketball] in Stanley,” Lampert said. “It was always a big deal.”

Lampert admitted that she and her FBLA club were a bit worried about the business risk of holding a Donkey Basketball tournament in such a small town.

“We were super nervous,” Lampert expressed. “In a small town there are only so many people to sell tickets to.”

In order to cover costs a minimum number of tickets had to be sold. In the end, 475 tickets were sold and a profit of approximately $5700 was netted. This figure included monies from a free will offering soup supper held before the games and a 50/50 raffle.

“It was so great to see the gym that packed,” Lampert reflected. “I think the kids were in awe about how exciting and fun it was. Some got to be involved and play so that was a double bonus.”

Tyson Oster, a junior at Grenora High School, Don-

“It’s the best fundraiser we have ever had.” Oster added. “So many people have said they hadn’t laughed that hard in; they don’t remember how long.”

Paine was equally as pleased with the event.

“It was nice to do something out of the ordinary for a fundraiser,” Paine said. “When you have a raffle for a quarter of a beef and sell tickets for 20 bucks, only one person wins. When you have an event like donkey basketball, everybody wins.”

Co-FBLA advisor Stephanie Paine expressed a desire to give a ‘shout out’ to Chuck Huber of Farmers Union Insurance in Grenora for providing bottles of water and dinner rolls to go along with the soup supper. Students and their parents provided 15 different soups that were enjoyed by spectators before the game. Paine also acknowledged team sponsors Life Lovin’ Mama of Grenora, The Big G Cafe in Grenora, Western Dakota Credit Union, and Montrail Williams. She also thanked Life Lovin Mama

for providing t-shirts for the sponsors’ teams at cost.

Stephanie explained that monies raised will be used to pay for the annual FBLA state leadership conference to be held in Bismarck this April. Leftover funds will help pay for FBLA’s community service projects. There are currently 17 members of the Grenora FBLA. In the end, Big G Cafe team from Grenora took the championship game against Montrail Williams. Earlier in the night Big G Cafe defeated Life Lovin’Mamma before Montrail Williams prevailed over Western Dakota Credit Union.

Saturday, Feb. 11th

Snowball Formal Dance - 9:00pm $10 Entry - Includes 1 Free Drink 50/50 Raffle, Hors D’oeuvres, & Drink Specials

Sunday, Feb. 12th

Superbowl Party & Shrimp Boil - 6:00pm Pool Tournament - Noon - $20 Buy in

Wednesday, Feb. 15th

Burger Night Sponsored by DCHS FFA

Saturday, March 4th St. Luke’s Community Foundation Gala

Stephanie Paine - Submitted Photo. Robert Langberg of Grenora looks to shoot.

Stephanie Paine - Submitted Photo. Emma Smart, Ryan Wade, and Landyn Brunelle fight for a loose ball.

Stephanie Paine - Submitted Photo. Graham Wright of Grenora High School is all smiles despite his predicament.

Stephanie PaineSubmitted Photo.

Above, Clayton Ledahl and his donkey lead the pack on a “fast” break.

THE WESTBY WATCH

Westby Development Presents: “A Little Taste of Westby”

On March 25, locals will go to battle to see who is the master amateur chili/soup chef around these parts.

The Westby Development Corporation will sponsor the event at the Westby Community Center. Proceeds will support Westby’s annual Parade of Lights and Festival of Trees.

Beginning at 5:30 pm (Mountain), all are invited to come and sample the fare. Cost is yet to be determined, but it will undoubtedly be an excellent value for what patrons will receive. Tasters will then vote for their favorites. There is no fee to enter as a contestant. Prizes award-

ed are also yet to be determined.

“The money is needed for more decorations and lights,” Brenda Ryals explained “We are afraid our big string of lights is on its last legs.”

The current lights have been in use since the inaugural event in December 2018.

Ryals also noted that monies will be spent to provide children’s activities at the Westby Community Center on the night of the parade. In previous years, different activities have been provided for kids on the afternoon of the parade such as gingerbread house building. What are Ryals and the

WDC’s hopes for the event? Ryals stressed that the hopes are certainly not limited to fundraising. “It’s good for people to get together. It brings the community together for a night of fun.”

To enter your chili or soup in the contest, contact Brenda Ryals at 406385-7973 or Heidi Whitney at 406-385-7423.

By Heidi Whitney

HOT DISH!

ALL

TIMES ARE MOUNTAIN

Fri Feb 3: MonDak Thunder Basketball @ Savage: JV girls

3 pm, JV boys 5:30 pm, Varsity girls 7 pm, Varsity boys 8:30 pm.

Sat Feb 4: Mondak Thunder Region 3 Wrestling Tournament.

Sun Feb 5: Sunday Services at Assembly of God, 10:30 am.

Coffee hour at Immanuel, 10:30 am. Services at 11:30 am.

BURGUM UNVEILS 2023 NORTH DAKOTA TOURISM AND MARKETING CAMPAIGN,

100TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF THE STATE HIGHWAY MAP

Press Release | January 25, 2023

Gov. Doug Burgum along with North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman and North Dakota Department of Transportation Division Director for Planning and Asset Management Director Scott Zainhofsky unveiled the new tourism and marketing campaign, and the 100th anniversary edition of the North Dakota state highway map today.

The 2023 campaign was developed from image and advertising effectiveness research that took place in 2022. The campaign, called Hello, builds on feedback showing that North Dakota defies expectations with its vast outdoors, exciting events and cities, friendly people and affordability. The campaign’s messaging conveys a warm welcome to potential visitors and provides a sense of our genuine hospitality, ener-

getic vibe and invitation to take a road trip, explore our great outdoors, visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park and participate in countless activities, from golfing to art museums.

“Tourism marketing is critical to improving the awareness of our state,” Burgum said. “This new campaign highlights our citizens’ friendly nature while showcasing our mustsee activities available across the state. Increasing awareness of all North Dakota has to offer not only attracts visitors but also elevates our state as a potential new home for workers, businesses and families.”

The campaign was developed in response to a 2022 national awareness and perception study by Development Counsellors International (DCI). Research showed the state is perceived more favorably as a place to visit and live but overall lacks familiarity.

“We consistently hear about

North Dakota’s warm hospitality and welcoming communities,” Otte Coleman said. “This campaign plays off of our ‘North Dakota nice’ reputation and offers visitors inspiration and all the tools they need to plan and book their trips to our remarkable state.

The tourism and marketing strategy will continue to include a media mix of print, out-of-home, digital, social, sponsorships and video. The division will spend $3.1 million advertising the state in 2023.

North Dakota will be featured in niche programming, have an increased presence in digital advertising, be featured on an elevated train in downtown Chicago and continue a partnership with the Green Bay Packers.

One fun element of the 2023 campaign connects it with the 1-800-HELLO-ND phone number that has long been a staple of North Dakota travel

counseling.

Two new guides have been unveiled. The 2023 Travel Guide features beautiful imagery, refreshed itineraries and easy-to-find information to inspire and motivate visitors to experience North Dakota’s outdoor adventures, history and culture, while promoting attractions, events and places to stay.

Back for 2023 is the Hunting and Fishing Guide which includes guides and outfitter listings, resources for anglers and hunters, areas to hunt and fish, regulation highlights, license information and more.

Tourism and Marketing will distribute 275,000 travel guides and 40,000 hunting and fishing guides by mail, in visitor centers and rest areas, at events and per requests due to marketing efforts.

This is also the 100th anniversary of our North Dakota state highway map. This year’s map features QR codes which

direct users to online sources that provide specific travel information for that area.

“We’re excited to partner with Commerce’s tourism team to launch the 100th anniversary edition of the state highway map,” Transportation Director Ron Henke said. “The map features additional roads, areas of interest and QR codes to help the public take full advantage of all North Dakota has to offer.”

“Vocella, Inc Classi ed Advertising”

For more information call Community Shopper: 701-572-4851 e Oracle: 701-871-9866 or email IT@vocella.com

Deadline: Fridays, 3PM for Classi eds 2PM for Display Ads.

Sharla Adams - Submitted Photo.

Proceeds from A Little Taste of Westby will benefit the annual Parade of Lights and Festival of Trees.

Hidden Beauty’s Metamorphosis

cut away their troubles with a new look and have a bit of therapy. Owner Jessica Nygaard has been tucked away in the salon for eight years and prides herself on building her business like a home.

“We know our clients, and they know all about me,” Nygaard said. “They become your family.”

Nygaard quickly outgrew her first space she occupied in 2016, and took over the current building in 2018. The present location of Hidden Beauty was previously a cafe.

She chose to renovate the old restaurant which is now the chic Salon people frequent today. Her mother, Kim Longie, owned Dragonfly Floral which is next door.

Many people have asked Nygaard when she would open the renovated space. She is currently hard at work to present the boutique to the public. Painting and redecorating the space has brought a sleek metropolitan aestethic to Tioga.

“People walk in and are shocked by the look of the Salon,” Nygaard noted. “They don’t expect that in a small town.”

‘Hidden Beauty Boutique’ (tentative name) will likely house the latest skin care products within the current Hidden Beauty Salon & Spa. This is in addition to plants, decor, vintage furniture, gifts, and more.

By Roderick Schofield

There is a cozy little shop on Main St. in Tioga where time stands still and troubles

melt away.

Hidden Beauty Salon and Spa clients arrive stressed by their busy lifestyles, looking to

The two businesses complimented each other; One groomed plants, the other, hair. In October of 2022, Longie decided to retire and her daughter, Ashley Mesker, took ownership and continued the business from home. Dragonfly Floral can be contacted through Facebook or by calling 701-6489823 or 701-664-3150.

Did You Know?

The first traffic signal, erected in London in 1868, was powered by gas. A gas leak caused it to explode a month later.

Local Connections are Important

This will surely be a space for people to come relax, enjoy a cocktail, and shop. Events are in the works, plans to host birthdays, wine and shop parties, a ladies night, and more.

Nygaard plans to have the

new Hidden Beauty Boutique up and running by summer of 2023.

Hidden Beauty Owner, Jessica Nygaard

Left: Roderick Schofield (left) and J.C. LaBar(right) share a love of local art. Schofield displays his work which is framed by “Frames by Ryan James”, a Crosby craftsman. Seen here is a variety of art styles by Schofield.

Right: Various styles of art produced by Crosby resident, and Oracle contributing writer, Roderick Schofield.

Publishing Team Publisher / Editor: J.C. LaBar

Associate Editor: Heather Calkins heather@vocella.com

Copy Editor: Alexa Althoff-Garro

Journalist: Heidi Whitney Reporters: Rod Schofield & Michelle Svangstu

THOUGHT

Sports Contributors: Nick Ator & Kristen Ator

Sales Team

Sales Manager: Jill Vassen jillvassen@vocella.com

Production Team Lead Design: Kary Moltzan Design: McKenna Walter

Meet Randy! Randy is a Cockalier (Cocker Spaniel & Cavalier King Charles breeds), born on December 24, 2021, belonging to David & Regan Papineau. Randy sports a polka dot tie as a nod to guitar player Randy Rhoads.