The Oracle - April 13, 2023

MY

NORTH DAKOTANS ARE UPSET OVER LAWMAKERS’ CHOICES WHEN IT COMES TO FUNDING MEALS

By Karolyn Moltzan

ND Lawmakers recently voted down expanding funding for students’ meals while increasing the per diem for state employees.

Page 2

WESTBY WATCH

By Heidi Whitney

Easter Egg Hunt success, April Fool’s Birthday surprises and the MonDak Tracksters compete in the Dawson County Invitational.

Page 4

MICRO ADJUSTMENTSMACRO RESULTS

By Chelsy Weisz, City of Tioga Economic Development Director Micro

adjustments macro results are starting to happen in Tioga.

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BURGUM APPLAUDS

ORDERING BLM TO RESUME SALES OF OIL AND GAS LEASES ON FEDERAL LANDS

Gov. Doug Burgum applauded a ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Traynor order ing the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to resume quar terly sales of oil and gas leases on public lands in North Dakota.

Page 10

THE HEART OF A SMALL TOWN

THE LOUDEST LIBRARY:

TRACI LUND FILLS THE LIBRARY WITH THE SOUNDS OF LEARNING AND FUN

By Michelle Svangstu

Customers enjoy meals and conversation at Hopie’s Honker Pit.

By Alyssa Stromberg

Small towns have people come and go; businesses open and close or stand empty. Change is a way of life and small towns go with the ebb and flow. With the changes come memories, history and stories and new life into what was.

In 1962 the doors to Lake Bowl Lanes opened and became the place for people of all ages to come together, visit and swap sto-

ries for years to come. The bowling alley remained a mainstay in Medicine Lake until the mid-2000’s. During that time the owners realized the community needed apartments more than a bowling alley. So, the bowling alley remodel began, and The Honker Pit restaurant and apartments were constructed.

It’s your typical scene from the movies…the library suddenly fills with loud laughter and conversation when suddenly it pans over to the somber librarian, who puts her finger to her lips and harshly shushes the giggles - reminding everyone the library is meant for quiet and not for fun….. that is, unless your librarian is Divide County’s Traci Lund.

Meet the T E A C H E R

Fast forward to the present. If you are traveling to

“My friends always joke that this has to be the loudest library in North Dakota,” laughs Traci. I love to talk and laugh, and to hear the library filled with children – it’s one of the best parts of my job.” Originally from Minot, Lund grew up helping her mom, a teacher, get her classroom ready. “I remember telling her that I was ‘never going to do this.’

Divide County

My plan was to be a business lady wearing stilettos in a Manhattan skyrise, but looking back, I know that

(Story Continues on Page 6)

CRAFTS-4-U

(Story Continues on Page 5)

About Me

Meet the Teachers

Get to know the educators in your community!

Pages 4 & 7.

MY NAME IS CRAIG FOURNIER Why Education?

FARMERS, RANCHERS, & OILMEN WE CARRY LOWEST

Librarian, Traci Lund

LOCAL EVENTS SPONSORED BY

WE AREhiring!

FORTUNA

Every Tuesday- Range Night at Northwest Sportsman Club

RAY

Friday April 14th - Elementary GBB/

BBB at Stanley 4:00pm - 7:30pm

Friday April 14th - Softball vs. Bishop Ryan (Home)

Saturday April 15th - Elementary BBB at Trenton Jamboree

April 16th-18th - FCCLA State Conference

Sunday April 16th - 4-H 3:00-5:00pm at Ray Schools Commons Area

Monday April 17th - Baseball vs. Stanley (Home)

April 18th - 19th - NDSA 8th Grade

Tuesday April 18th - Bookmobile 9:00am - 2:00pm at Ray School

Tuesday April 18th - Junior High Track & Field 12:00pm at Stanley

Tuesday April 18th - Elementary GBB/ BBB vs Trenton (Home)

Wednesday April 19th - April School

Board Meeting 6:00pm at Ray Schools

CROSBY

April 10th - 15th - Missoula Children’s

Theater Week

Friday April 14th - Cards & Games at Crosby Senior Citizens Center 1:30-

2:30pm

April 14th - 16th - Movie at Dakota

Theater 7:30pm

Monday April 17th - Burger Night

5:30pm - 7:30pm at Crosby Moose Lodge

Tuesday April 18th - Divide County Food Pantry at Concordia Lutheran

Church 10:00am - 1:00pm

Tuesday April 18th - Upper Missouri District Health Unit - Monthly Vaccination Clinic 9:00am - 5:00pm at Divide County Courthouse

Wednesday April 19th - Story Time at Divide County Library 10:00-10:45am

LIGNITE

April 17-21 - NDSA/NWEA testing for K-11 at Burke Central

Tuesday April 18 - Math and Reading Night at Burke Central

Tuesday April 18th - Junior High Track at Stanley

Friday April 20th - Junior High Track at Rugby

WILLISTON

2023 Western ND Home & Garden

DAKOTANS ARE UPSET OVER LAWMAKERS’ CHOICES WHEN IT COMES TO FUNDING MEALS

By Karolyn Moltzan

On March 27, North Dakota lawmakers voted against Bill 1491 which would have increased the number of children in the state who were eligible for free meals through their school lunch program. The bill had passed in the house before the senate voted it down in a vote of 23-24.

“It’s really the problem of parents being negligent with their kids, if their kids are choosing to eat in the first place,” argued ND Senator Mike Wobbema (R) during the debate.

Bill 1491 wasn’t intended to provide free school lunch to all children attending K-12 in North Dakota. Currently a federal program provides free lunches to children from families making up to 130% of the poverty level. Bill 1491 would have provided lunches for students who come from

families that fell between 130% and 200% of the poverty level. For example, students coming from households with 4 children whose parents earned less than $60,000 per year would have qualified.

What seems to have most people upset about the situation, though, is that just days later many of the same ND Senate lawmakers voted to increase the per diem meal reimbursements for state employees traveling within the state from $35 to $45, largely argued justified due to inflation. That’s an increase of 29%, and a ben-

efit that would be available to the senators who voted for it.

Meanwhile, the average school lunch in the US costs approximately $3. While that may not seem like much, all Americans are feeling the squeeze of inflation, including the hardworking parents of North Dakota.

The ND House has not given up on the idea, however, as they have attached the provision to a broader school funding bill. Senate Bill 2284 started as a school funding bill with a much more narrow focus, but this week the House added several pages of amendments, including expanding the free lunch program. Williston Representative Scott Dyk and several other committee members attempted to remove the lunch funding from the bill, but were unsuccessful.

Show - Friday April 14th 2:00-7:00pm

Saturday April 15th 9:00am-5:00pm at Raymond Family Community Center

Friday April 14th - “End of the Rope”

Red Carpet Premiere 7:00pm at Grand

Theater 211 South Main Street

Thursday April 20th - Entertainment,

Inc! Presents One Strange Night

7:00pm at the Old Armory Theater in Williston

Friday April 21st & 22nd - Wild West

Days Extreme Bull Riding 7:30pm at Raymond Family Community Center

TIOGA

April 14th-16th - Movie: Super Mario Bros Movie 7:00pm at Tioga Theater 15 1st St NE, Tioga, ND

Monday April 17th - Commission Meeting 7:00pm at City Hall - 16 1st St

NE, Tioga, ND

Tuesday April 18th - Park Board Meeting 6:00pm at Tioga Park Shop

Thursday April 20th - Tioga Historical Society Meeting 6:30pm at the Tioga Museum

Thursday April 20th - Airport Authority Meeting 7:00pm at 2237 Aviator Way Tioga, ND 58852

Tioga Community Center Schedule

Mondays: Yoga Flow 9:30am-10:30am

Wrestling practice 3pm-6:30pm

Tuesdays: Wrestling practice 3-6:30pm Pickleball 6pm-8pm

Wednesdays: Youth Group 6pm-9pm

Thursdays: Wrestling practice 3pm6:30pm

Slow Flow 6pm-7pm

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR EDUCATORS

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is sponsoring professional development for educator workshops this summer in Fargo, Devils Lake and Dickinson.

Using Visual Arts to Teach Life Science will be held June 6-7 at North Dakota State University in Fargo. The workshop will be fun and fast paced with many hands-on activities educators can use in their classrooms, discussion of classroom and curriculum integration, and identification of local resources. North Dakota resources, environment and wildlife will be emphasized. Participants will experiment with clay, water, pastel and colored pencil. No previous art experience is necessary.

Habitats of North Dakota: A New Generation of Lessons will be offered June 27-28 at Lake Region State College, Devils Lake, and July 11-12 at Dickin-

son State University, Dickinson. The North Dakota Habitats curriculum and new Habitats Lesson Plans will be used as textbooks. The course is suitable for elementary and secondary teachers. The workshop will be fun and fast paced with many hands-on activities educators can use in their classrooms, discussion of classroom and curriculum integration, and walking field trips, weather permitting. All supplies are provided.

For more information contact curriculum specialist Sherry Niesar at 701527-3714. University graduate credit is available for the workshops. Register by visiting the North Dakota Game and Fish website: gf.nd.gov/news/6484.

NORTH

Burgum signs bill granting emergency aid to help cover extraordinary snow removal costs;

state agency leaders provide updates on preparations for blizzard, flooding

BISMARCK, N.D. –

Gov. Doug Burgum today signed legislation that provides emergency grants to help cover extraordinary snow removal costs for local governments. The governor and other state leaders also highlighted how state agencies are collaborating with local entities and each other to prepare for and respond to this week’s major snowstorm and the high likelihood of spring flooding.

Senate Bill 2183 appropriates $20 million for emergency snow removal grants to eligible tribal governments, counties, cities and townships. Joining Burgum for a bill signing ceremony at the Bismarck District Office of the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) was the bill’s prime sponsor, Sen. Terry Wanzek of Jamestown, and co-sponsors Rep. Mike Brandenburg of Edgeley, Sen. Jerry Klein of Fessenden, Sen. Mark Weber of Casselton, Rep. Keith Kempenich of Bowman and Rep. Alisa Mitskog of Wahpeton.

“This record-setting winter has strained resources at every level of government,” said Burgum who urged support for the aid in his Jan. 3 State of the State address. “By expediting $20 million in emergency snow removal grants to qualifying city, county, township and tribal governments, we can relieve some of the burden on communities and local taxpayers and help ensure that while this winter was one for the record books, it doesn’t have to haunt their

financial books.”

Senate Bill 2183 passed the Senate 46-0 and the House 91-1. The bill provides $15 million in funding for reimbursement grants to tribes, counties, cities and townships for snow removal costs from Oct. 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2022, and an additional $5 million for reimbursement for the period of Oct. 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023. Any unallocated funds from the first period can be made available as part of the second period. The bill will reimburse up to 60% of costs exceeding 150% of the average of four of the last five years’ snow removal costs.

Nearly all of North Dakota except for the northwest corner was under a blizzard warning from this morning through Wednesday night, with total snow accumulations of 8 to 17 inches and wind gusts of up to 55 mph forecast for the Bismarck area, with higher snow totals to the east. Heading into this week, Bismarck was only 6.3 inches short of its

record seasonal snowfall total of 101.3 inches set in the winter of 1996-97.

“This has been trying on our patience, our resiliency, our fortitude and our budgets,” Wanzek said. “I have 100% faith in the spirit of North Dakota citizens to be able to pull through this tough winter. And while we as leaders have little influence over controlling Mother Nature, we do have some ability to provide financial relief for their burgeoning budgets.”

“As we came into Bismarck back in November, we knew we had problems. We knew that the snow lev els were significant and we were going to have what looked like a tough win ter – and we did, and we have, and it isn’t over yet,” Brandenburg said. “And as chairman of Nora Town ship, I really want to tell you that the people out there in the townships and the cities and counties, they need this. They really need his help.”

The Department of Emergency Services will

Patrol; and North Dakota Department of Water Resources Director Andrea Travnicek, described how state agencies have collaborated with local officials and each other to prepare for this week’s storm and subsequent flooding, including pre-positioning personnel and equipment in the hardest hit areas.

“We are synched, we’re coordinated and we’ll be ready to go,” Dohrmann said.

be sending out application forms through the North Dakota League of Cities, North Dakota Association of Counties and each county’s Emergency Manager by the end of the week. All funds will be disbursed by June 30, state Homeland Security Division Director Darin Hanson said.

State leaders including Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, director of the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services; North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Director Ron Henke; Col. Brandon Solberg, superintendent of the North Dakota Highway

Officials urged motorists to be patient, check the ND Roads app for road conditions, heed no travel advisories and give snow plows room to operate. Residents were reminded to have their homes stocked with food, water and medicine; monitor local weather and news and have a battery-powered radio in case of power outages; check gas meters and furnace vents to make sure they’re clear of snow; and take the time to check on their neighbors. Burgum and others also expressed gratitude for the tireless work of snowplow crews, law enforcement, first responders, radio dispatchers, emergency management personnel and others.

THE WESTBY WATCH

GOOD FRIDAY EGG HUNT

By Heidi Whitney

PROUD

Under the guise of a Westby Play Room Grand Opening, Jens Hansen (5 year old Kindergarten student at Westby School) successfully held a surprise 70th birthday party for his grandma Julie Leininger at the Westby Community Center on April 1. Hansen got a little help from his mom, Lexi (Leininger) Hansen.

ALL

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

am. Mon. April 17: Westby Development Corporation Board meeting, 7 pm at Westby Community Center. Fri April 21-Sat April 22: District 13 Music Festival at Culbertson High School, 9:00 am to 3 pm both days. All

Photo submitted by Lexi Hansen. A group of Westby youngsters posed for a picture following the Westby Play Room egg hunt at the Westby Community Center April 8. In its infancy, Mangel reported that hours for the playroom have yet to be ironed out. Stay tuned to the Westby Watch for more information as it unfolds.

Party planner Jens Hansen (right) poses for a picture with grandma Julie and his three year old brother Emil. Photo by Sharla Adams.

Dozens gathered at the Westby Community Center to greet Julie Leininger on her 70th birthday on April 1. Photo by Sharla Adams.

MonDak Tracksters

Compete at Dawson County

By Heidi Whitney

After having their first scheduled meet canceled due to weather, the high school MonDak track athletes of Westby and Grenora were able to compete at the Dawson County Invitational in Glendive Friday April 7.

Katelynn Folvag placed 6th in 100m hurdles and 6th in 100m for the Thunder.

Governor Gianforte Calls for Greater Innovation in Education

HELENA, Mont. –

During a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Greg Gianforte today highlighted proposals to bring greater innovation to education and build a stronger workforce.

“We all want Montana students to receive a high-quality education that prepares them well for the future,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Each student is unique and should have access to the best education possible that meets his or her individual needs. Student success, and

Montana’s future, depend on classroom innovation, individualized learning, and work-based learning.”

Gov. Gianforte discusses innovative education bills moving through the legislature

Promoting trades education and increasing access to individualized, work-based learning opportunities to develop a stronger Montana workforce is a top priority for Governor Gianforte.

In 2021, the governor authorized every school district in the state to establish individualized, work-based learning paths for students.

“Individualized, workbased learning pathways help our kids and grandkids get the experience they need to build the foundation for a good-paying career, reach their full potential, and achieve the American Dream,” Gov. Gianforte

continued. “I’m encouraged more schools are offering these innovative programs, but there’s still work to do.”

The governor called for the passage of HB 257 sponsored by Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, R-Kalispell, which provides $4 million annually to allow schools to expand access to advanced opportunity programs.

“Expanding access to advanced opportunity programs is a win for students, families, and educators. With it, we’ll open the doors to greater opportunity for our kids, regardless of the next path they choose,” Gov. Gianforte said, while celebrating the bill’s progress through the legislature. HB 257 passed the House 87-10 in late February and is scheduled to be heard in the Senate today.

The governor also touted reforms to the Montana Digital Academy and progress of the Individualized Education Act, which passed third reading in House yesterday.

“Taken together, these reforms will give students and parents maximum flexibility for the courses they want to take whether within the district, through the Dig-

ital Academy, or on a jobsite for work-based learning,” the governor continued.

Gov. Gianforte also noted work to build a highly skilled, highly qualified workforce, including increasing access to apprenticeships and nearly doubling the Montana Trades Education Credit (MTEC) in HB 245, carried by Rep. Sue Vinton, R-Billings, to build the skills of hardworking Montanans.

Empasizing the need for more skilled workers and infrastructure to ramp up housing capacity, the governor spoke on the importance of the Home Ownership Means Economic Security (HOMES) program, carried in legislation by Rep. Mike Hopkins, R-Missoula.

“We want to encourage smart, denser housing development using incentives and an innovative, market-based approach. As a businessman who has created jobs, I know this approach works best. We’ll keep working to get the HOMES program across the finish line so we can get more Montanans into an affordable home of their own,” the governor said.

THE HEART OF A SMALL TOWN

or through Medicine Lake, you have undoubtedly driven by or even stopped in and experienced the friendly atmosphere at the Honker Pit.

Hopie’s Honker Pit is the place to be! In 2017 Hope and Tim Ereth purchased the Honker Pit. In 2018 the doors opened. On the menu you will find pizza and other menu items, coffee, and fun drinks too. The food is amazing, and the service is top notch! Hope added a small gift area and keeps the community dressed in our Red Hawk gear. But above all the ob-

vious, Hopie’s is a place where you can go and feel like you’re with family. A place where the youth can learn work ethics and are mentored by some of the most genuine people you’ll ever meet.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience the smiles of all that you meet and the culinary favorites, make Medicine

Lake and Hopie’s Honker Pit a destination. I promise it won’t be the last time you stop. Every community needs a Hopie’s Honker Pit.

Hopie’s Honker Pit in Medicine Lake offers great food, drinks, smiles and conversation.

Gov. Gianforte discusses innovative education bills moving through the legislature

THE LOUDEST LIBRARY:

TRACI LUND FILLS THE LIBRARY WITH THE SOUNDS OF LEARNING AND FUN

life wasn’t really for me. This is what I was meant to do.”

Traci has been a librarian at the Divide County (DC) Library since 2009. “After my interview for the job, they showed me the library and I was amazed – I saw the big potential here and said “I can do this.” Lund has taken her role as librarian seriously, while developing fun programs for kids and the community along the way. “There wasn’t a story time when I started. Originally I planned an hour, but it was too much, too long for the kids to be still. So we went for half an hour and haven’t looked back – I usually read three books, we do dances, listen to music and/or do a craft. Sometimes I can just tell that 3 books is going to be too much that day, and we only read one – or in the middle of a book I realize the craft I had planned probably isn’t going to work and I change it up at the last minute. You just have to adapt to the group of kids you have that day, to keep it fun and exciting, so they see the library as some place they want to come back to.”

On top of the weekly Wednesday story time, Lund also plans summer reading activities to keep kids engaged. The program, which runs throughout the month of June, has been popular and grown exponentially in recent years. “We’ve had amazing participation from the community – last year I had to split story time into 2 sections because we had so many kids.” This year’s summer reading program is called “All Together Now,” and will boast a variety of books, crafts, snacks and experiments. “We get to do some bigger

things this year, thanks in part to a $2000 grant we received from the Glen Perkins Educational Foundation,” shares Lund. “We’ll continue to have story time for the younger children on Wednesday mornings, and then in the afternoon, from 1-2pm we’ll have a program for older students, with fun books and activities like painting a stained glass heart and learning new languages – we’re even going to do some science experiments where we get to see some things ‘blow up,’ laughs Lund. “The kids are also going to get an opportunity to give back to the community by planting flower pots and delivering them to local businesses.” Program participants can also win fun prizes. “I usually have four different prizes,” says Lund, “and they earn a chance to win them by reading books, tracking their time and turning in their record sheets at the end of the month. It’s so fun to see how excited they get to win a prize, and it’s a great incentive to get them to read at home.”

When Lund isn’t busy planning story time and summer reading, she keeps busy making sure the library is in order. “Even

before COVID, we started cleaning every returned book. Once the book is cleaned and checked in, we make sure it gets back to its rightful place on the shelf.” Being a librarian, however, involves more than just book organization. “We do so many different things each day – ordering, sending out and receiving books for people through the ND Interlibrary Loan program, attending ND Library Association meetings, helping people with the computer, photocopying articles, writing grants, planning for library programs and activities, ordering supplies for those activities, maintaining the website, paying the library bills, updating policies – there is always something keeping us busy.” The library was also awarded a $5000 grant towards the purchase of new books.

“It’s such a great opportunity to freshen up our offerings for every age group,” shares Traci.

This year has been extra busy for Lund as Denise Benson and Paulette Hall both retired from their positions at the library. On top of being the sole public librarian, Lund also added the title of “school librarian” to

her name, which means the addition of teaching library classes to the elementary grades. “I have rotating 30-40 minute classes Monday-Thursday, and we cover a variety of topics – copywrite, plagiarism, poetry, cause and effect, even how to find the right book for their interests and reading level. We read and discuss magazine articles, and this year the older students did a kind of mock trial, where they read this book "Did Spongebob Kill Squidward?” and had to present their case as lawyers. I real-

ly try to teach them how to think critically,” says Lund. “Now that I have a year under my belt, I can start to make a plan for next year, to keep improving and help them understand that reading is forever relevant to their life.”

“We are really blessed to have such a great boardI couldn’t do what I do without their support,” says Traci. “We want kids to know that the library is a safe space - to ask questions, to come sit in the quiet, listen to music, read, color….everyone is welcome here.”

Librarian Traci Lund shares an Easter story at the Divide County Library.

Burgum declares statewide emergency for spring flooding, directs state resources to be on standby

BISMARCK, N.D. –

Gov. Doug Burgum today issued an executive order declaring a statewide emergency for spring flooding as soaring temperatures and heavy snowpack are expected to produce widespread flooding across the state this week and next week, especially in eastern North Dakota.

The executive order officially puts all state agencies, including the North Dakota National Guard, on standby to provide resources and capabilities as needed. The state has been mobilizing public and private partners to prepare for and assist in the flood fight since the start of the year.

“Deep snowpack that’s ripe for melting will combine with a rapid warmup this week to put North Dakota’s flood fighting skills to the test once again, so it’s essential that state agencies be ready to respond at a moment’s notice,” Burgum

said. “North Dakotans are experienced flood fighters, and working together with our local, state and federal agencies in a whole-of-government approach, we can overcome whatever challenges lie ahead.”

The executive order activates the State Emergency Operations Plan to assist local and tribal officials, alleviate hardships, implement appropriate recovery actions and future mitigation measures, and facilitate restoration of services and infrastructure.

In addition, legislative leaders today planned to propose $2 million for natural disaster response and recovery funding as an amendment to the Office of the Adjutant General’s budget.

“As citizens prepare for the worst and hope for the best in communities and rural areas across North Dakota, the Legislature stands fully ready to support the

state’s flood response and recovery efforts,” House Majority Leader Mike Lefor and Senate Majority Leader David Hogue said in a joint statement.

At least six counties –Cass, Dickey, Grand Forks, LaMoure, Pembina and Richland – have issued emergency declarations to address flooding and storm impacts, and additional counties are considering declarations.

Flood outlooks issued by the National Weather Service point to the potential for significant river, tributary and overland flooding in the Missouri, James, Sheyenne and Red river basins, with Top 10 flood crests possible in many locations. With the emergency declaration now in place, the state Department of Emergency Services will continue to partner with local agencies on flood preparation and response efforts.

Last week, Burgum

ANTI-TRANS BILLS IN ND GIVE WAY TO 'GOVERNMENT OVERREACH' MESSAGING

By Mike Moen, Prairie News Service

In the coming days, North Dakota's governor will decide whether to sign several bills targeting transgender individuals.

LGBTQ advocates say no matter what happens, they will double down on efforts to educate the public about potential harm. The Legislature has sent the governor measures to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth, "drag" shows in public places, and more. Similar bills have surfaced in other Republican-led states.

Barry Nelson, executive director of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, said GOP lawmakers here are being swayed by out-of-state groups, and ignoring the perspectives of constituents.

"I don't believe the average North Dakotan believes in government overreach and targeting vulnerable individuals," Nelson argued.

Nelson would not rule out legal challenges if some bills become law. But he added they will strongly focus on engaging with people around the state about how the efforts lead to mental and physical harm, particularly to transgender youth.

The governor did veto a recent bill dealing with the use of pronouns, but his position is unclear on the bills just sent to his desk.

Another bill clearing the Legislature would remove transgender individuals from state data collection.

Nelson stressed it is concerning, given gender identity is now part of the state's Youth

signed a bill passed by the Legislature that provides $20 million for emergency snow removal grants to eligible tribal governments, counties, cities and townships.

North Dakota residents are urged to prepare for flooding before it happens, including determining whether they’re in a floodplain and identifying the fastest way to higher ground and which nearby roads are most likely to flood. For more information, visit

www.weather.gov/flood.

For those curious about their flood risk, NDRAM is a flood-risk identification portal that conveys flood warnings and U.S. Geological Survey flood-stage data in the “Weather” tab. Those looking to purchase flood insurance or who have questions about existing flood insurance policies are encouraged to contact their flood insurance agent immediately.

Risk Behavior Survey, and proposals like these could derail key research.

"It provides rich data as far as how those who are nonbinary and transgender are dealing with mental health and other behavioral issues in school," Nelson explained.

Supporters of such bills claim they want to prevent "inappropriate" topics in schools while protecting children from medical care they might regret. But health professionals countered gender-affirming care is vital for the well-being of some young people, and the process involves parental input.

Nelson added physicians, along with members of the faith community, look to be emerging allies in their fight against these legislative efforts.

MICRO ADJUSTMENTS - MACRO RESULTS

By Chelsy Weisz, City of Tioga Economic Development Director

Micro adjustments macro results are starting to happen in Tioga. In my last column I spoke about my meeting with local businesses in Tioga with the goal of testing the soil to see what we are working with, and how we can en-

sure Tioga flourishes. While I am continuing to meet with businesses, patterns are emerging, and solutions are starting to be formed.

One of the recurring themes has been businesses’ desire to improve their digital marketing efforts. While many businesses shared that they do currently utilize social media, they haven’t

been using it consistently to drive their desired results. Many business owners have shared they struggle with having a plan when it comes to social media marketing. In an effort to support our local business, the city will be hosting monthly economic development marketing workshops open to all small business owners in Tioga.

Topics we will be covering include identifying your target customer, how to create a content calendar, setting up your social media profiles and schedule your content, setting up and promoting an event on Face-

book, setting up auto-replies and frequently asked questions on Facebook and Instagram messenger. Each workshop will consist of two parts, the first part of the workshop will be training on a specific topic. The second part of the workshop will be time set aside for business owners to put into practice what they have learned.

In speaking with business owners, it was split down the middle when it came to when to schedule these workshops. Starting out we will be holding the same class at two different times. One will be during

Economic Development Marketing Workshop

Chelsy Weisz, City of Tioga Economic Development Director

the day and another will be offered during the evening, in order to ensure businesses large and small have an opportunity to attend the workshop.

The workshops will be free for local businesses to attend, and will be held at City Hall The first two dates for the economic development marketing workshops will be held on April 18th and 2:00 pm and April 24th at 7:00pm. If you would like to be on the email list for these workshops, please email me at economic.dierctor@cityoftioga.com and I will send over the schedule along with upcoming topics. You can also keep an eye on the City’s Facebook page as well as the calendar on the City’s website at https://www.tiogand.net/local-news-events/events-calendar/

GNDC Announces List of Top Women to Know and Watch in North Dakota Business

The Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC) is excited to announce their inaugural lists of 15 Women You Need to Know and 5 Women to Watch in North Dakota business. These lists call out individuals to celebrate their success as these accomplishments are furthering the progress of their organizations and industries.

This list of 15 Women You Need to Know in ND Business is comprised of agents of action. In building the list, GNDC looked at trailblazers at all levels – in their organizations, among their peers, and in their community. These women have taken on leadership roles – either formally or by default.

“Too often, we see that women do not take the time to celebrate their accomplishments. Shying away from spotlight or acknowledgement of their efforts,” stated Amanda Remynse, GNDC Vice President, Operations and Outreach. “This list is set to nod at those keeping the lights on and making payroll. They

hustle each day fulfilling their professional and personal missions. They are the go-to’s, individuals that have the answers or if they don’t – they know someone that does.”

Additionally, GNDC is celebrating 5 Women to Watch. Comprised of aspirants, this list has nominees set to make big impacts – whether it’s in a new position or field. We want to acknowledge that these women have their sights set high towards progress; we support their work.

15 WOMEN YOU NEED TO KNOW IN ND BUSINESS

• Paula Anderson, Sterling Carpet One Floor & Home

• Jill Beck, North Dakota Association of REALTORS

• Jill Berg, Spherion Staffing Services/Insight Consulting

• Helen Bullinger, Bullinger Tree Service

• Cindy Griffin, Harvestone Low Carbon Partners

• Kelby Hovey, Basin Electric Power Cooperative

• Christie Huber Obenauer, Union State Bank

• Kristi Jean, ComDel Innovation, Inc.

• Heather Jones, City Air Mechanical, Inc.

• Brekka Kramer, Minot Area Chamber EDC

• Marlene Miller, Altru Health System

• Ann Pollert, General Equipment Sales & Supplies, Inc.

• Nancy Slotten, Border States Paving, Inc.

• Danita Tysver, Stark Development Corporation

• North Dakota Women’s Business Center Spotlight: Meg Wold, MegA-Latte Coffee House

5 WOMEN TO WATCH

• Cassie Andress, Cassie’s Cleaning Company/Rural Route Therapies

• Beth Feldner, Xcel Energy

• Mackenzie Gable, Northern Improvement Company

• Anna Nelson, Williston

Area Chamber of Commerce

• Representative Emily O’Brien, District 42/ Bioscience Association of North Dakota

GNDC will be honoring these individuals with weekly spotlights and commence the celebration with

a luncheon. With premier sponsor, Xcel Energy, the Women You Need to Know List & Luncheon will be hosted at Sixteen 03 Main Events on Tuesday, May 9, from 11:30 – 1 PM. Tickets and sponsorships are available online or by contacting GNDC.

Burgum applauds judge’s ruling ordering BLM to resume sales of oil and gas leases on federal lands

BISMARCK, N.D. –

Gov. Doug Burgum today applauded a ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Traynor ordering the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to resume quarterly sales of oil and gas leases on public lands in North Dakota.

“It should not take a court order to compel the Biden administration to obey the law, or to have the BLM do what it has been

directed by Congress to do, but in this case it did, and we applaud Judge Traynor’s order which requires BLM to resume their lawfully required quarterly oil and gas lease sales,” Burgum said. “From the beginning, North Dakota has opposed President Biden’s illegal ban on federal oil and gas leasing, and we will continue to fight their misguided attacks on U.S. energy that hurt the global environment

by pushing energy supply to countries that don’t produce energy as cleanly as the United States and put our nation’s economy and energy security at risk. For global stability, we should be selling U.S. energy to our friends and allies, not forcing them to buy it from our adversaries.”

In his ruling, Traynor found that BLM “very likely violated their mandatory statutory duties to plan and

timely complete mandatory analyses of individual parcels in North Dakota” for oil and gas lease sales on federal lands.

“The Federal Defendants effectively conceded as much when they told this Court no ‘determinations of availability’ were made in North Dakota during Q4 2022,” Traynor noted in reference to a sale that was supposed to take place in the fourth quarter of 2022,

adding, “The President also proceeded to say the quiet part out loud when he announced to the public there would be ‘no more drilling’ in November 2022.”

Did You Know?

In 1975 King Charles III (then a Prince) was the British monarchy’s first qualified scuba Diver and first to dive under the Arctic ice.

Proposed HUD Rule Underscores Housing Access Woes in ND

By Mike Moen, Prairie News Service

Public comment is winding down for a proposed federal rule on inclusive affordable housing. Native American voices in North Dakota's capital city hope local leaders take any new directives to heart.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development wants feedback on the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing plan, which requires participants, such as local governments, to be more diligent in eliminating any housing segregation that still exists today.

Cheryl Kary - executive director of the Sacred Pipe Resource Center - said in the Bismarck-Mandan area, such development often excludes low-income residents and people of color.

That makes it harder to access housing that pops up in their neighborhoods.

"And as soon as those units are built, they're filled," said Kary. So, that leaves a lot of people on the streets."

HUD says public comments have to be submitted by April 10.

Bismarck's community development director says in a statement - "Regardless of the rulemaking, the City of

Bismarck is locally supportive of efforts to overcome patterns of segregation, promote fair housing choice, eliminate disparities in opportunities, and foster inclusive communities free from discrimination."

The Sacred Pipe Resource Center's director of community outreach, Brianna Iron Road, said local housing development doesn't take into account the cultural needs of Native populations.

"For instance," said Iron Road, "housing units are getting smaller and as we know, a lot of minority families have larger nuclear families, or it's multi-generational

families in one place. "

And she argued that rules, including application requirements for rental units, are stricter for marginalized populations.

Micki Schily is a member of the Center's housing council and has experienced homelessness in recent years due to housing barriers.

She said local governments need to engage more with minority groups when forming development plans.

"If they were actually listening to constituents, we wouldn't need to have these predatory housing forums," said Schily, "we wouldn't need to advocate and put our voices out there."

These businesses are looking for their next great hire!

For more details and info to apply, find their Help Wanted ad in the Community Shopper.

Did You Know?

The Mandan were not migratory, like many of the indigenous people of the plains area. They did not live in tipis and were among the few Northern Plains tribes who farmed.

Meet Oreo!

Oreo is Leslee’s pet Mini Rex buck bunny. His color is called “broken blue otter”. His favorite treat is celery. Leslee has enjoyed learning all about how to take care of him.

NATIONAL & WORLD HEADLINES

TURKISH AND RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTERS MEET TO DISCUSS PEACE TALKS

Turkish Foreign Ministers are attempting to convince Russian foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that peace talks are critical on a state visit this week. In a cryptic speech to the state foreign assembly, Lavrov said “ Ceasefire negotiations need to be based on the principle of the new world order. Which we all need. Instead of a unipolar world order, an order lead by one hegemon.” In the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the Kremlin expressed multiple times that this was a strategic military operation to “de-nazify” parts of Ukraine. Now the story has shifted to achieving this new world order with a singular leader and purpose. This has lead military experts to speculate that Russia is not interested in peace talks at all and is stalling while preparing its populace for a long and drawn out conflict. In the last 15 years in particular, Vladimir Putin has expressed his ideas about the United States trying to take over the world on multiple public occasions and this Russian new world order hardly seems different.

INDIA FAILING AT GREEN ENERGY

India is the third largest greenhouse gas emitter but government officials are looking to change that by investing heavily in solar,

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK:

After a seemingly endless winter, Spring brings an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and reminds us of hope - that even in the darkest days, brighter days are just ahead, and there is always light at the end of even the longest tunnel.

wind and nuclear energy. Coal burning at the moment is half of the country’s energy supply. The Indian government has an overall goal of reducing carbon emissions to a net zero by 2070 but the country is up against a big challenge as energy needs also increase. The need for energy has tripled in the last decade with the modernization of factories and new facilities being built every day. The government wants to increase personal solar panel use but much of India’s electricity using population lives in apartment complexes where roofs are communal gathering and gardening spaces. India had a goal of reaching 40 gigawatts of output from rooftop panels by 2023 but the reality is around 8 gigawatts as homeowners and apartment dwellers discuss complicated energy bill splitting and where to put panels in the future.

German Government Getting Bad Grades

A new infratest d-map survey taken of German citizens has found that the elected government of 16 months has been failing to live up to promises about the environment and its protection. The relatively left leaning government has been too slow in affecting its agenda and German citizens are making their sentiments known to Chancellor Olaf Schultz. Only 18% of Germans say they feel the government is on

track to meet its green energy goals. In response, German officials have decided to pump more money into the country’s rail system, and some older auto bonds will be getting reconstructed.

AIR BATTLE IN GAZA DURING HOLY DAYS

Israeli military forces engaged in nighttime air strikes in the Gaza Strip then in Lebanon. The Israeli government stated that they hit targets that are bases for the alleged terrorist group Hamas. This comes after 30 rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israel on Thursday, the largest attack from Lebanon since 2006. Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, convened a special counsel to discuss how to respond. The Israeli military said most of the rockets were intercepted before they could reach populated areas due to the iron dome anti-missile system. An uptick in violence is believed to be due to Israeli Armed Forces raiding the third most holy center for Islamic believing people last week. An emergency security council meeting of the United Nations was convened to encourage both parties to exercise restraint. This is a holy month for all three religions in the area and conflict is coming at the worst possible time.

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