The Oracle - April 20, 2023

COOKIE-ING UP CREATIVITY:

Crosby local designs beautiful, customized treats

SMALL TOWN, BIG TALENT:

Art Classes Bring Creative Edge to Crosby

By Heidi Whitney

New Century Ag’s Westby location opened its new agronomy center earlier this month.

Page 4

EASTER EGG HUNT IS A FAMILY AFFAIR

By Alyssa Stromberg

How many eggs does it take to put on a community Easter egg hunt? 1500! Read how the Petty family keeps an Easter tradition alive.

Page 5

SOFT

INTERVIEW

By: Heather Roland

Betty Sandberg retired as the secretary at the Divide County High School in June of 2022. While she still fills in some at the school, with more time on her hands, she has jumped into customized cookie baking. She brings an extra measure of joy to

recipients at many local events and celebrations!

“I hope that it does.” Sandberg agreed; make life a little happier at festivities with personalized cookies. From weddings to baby showers to birthdays, Sandberg’s cookies have shown (Story Continues on Page 7)

By Michelle Svangstu

You might not find a world-renown museum of art in downtown Crosby, but you just may find a group of art lovers and aspiring artists coming together in creative fashion. Allison Muncaster, art instructor at (Story Continues on Page 6)

ROOM INSTALLED AT TIOGA POLICE DEPARTMENT

By Josh Nelson, Tioga Chief of Police

Soft interview rooms play a valuable part in helping victims feel comfortable after traumatic crime, and Tioga is happy to announce that theirs is now finished.

Page 9

NELSON COUNTY PIG

Get

Pages 4 & 7.

DOMESTIC;

PUBLIC URGED TO REPORT PIG SIGHTINGS

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture urges people to call if pigs are sighted outside of normal farm areas after one farmer in Nelson county was attacked.

Page 8

Betty’s delicious cookie artwork. Photo by Betty Sandberg.

A group of area youth enjoy creating art with bubbles at the April art class. Photo courtesy Allison Muncaster

LOCAL EVENTS SPONSORED BY

WE AREhiring!

FORTUNA

Every Tuesday- Range Night at Northwest Sportsman Club

RAY

Thursday April 20th - Juniors T4 in Watford City

Thursday April 20th - Junior Track & Field at Rugby 3:00pm

Thursday April 20th - Elementary GBB/

BBB at Tioga High School Gym 4:00pm

Thursday April 20th - Soft Ball at DLB/ LC 4:30pm

Friday April 21st - Marketplace for Kids

8:30am

Friday April 21st - Varsity Track & Field at Nedrose 12:00pm

Friday April 21st - Baseball at Berthold 4:00pm

Friday April 21st - Softball vs. Stanley (Home) 4:30pm

Saturday April 22nd - Varsity Track &

Field at Shiloh/Bismarck 10:00am

Monday April 24th - 7th-12th Spring Music Concert 7:00pm at Ray Public School

Tuesday April 25th - Varsity Track & Field at Stanley 1:00pm

Tuesday April 25th - Elementary GBB/

BBB vs. Divide County (Home) 4:00pm

Tuesday April 25th - Baseball vs.

Renville Co. (Home) 4:30pm

Thursday April 27th - Varsity Track & Field at Underwood 3:00pm

Thursday April 27th - Baseball at

Newtown 4:30pm

Thursday April 27th - Softball at Tioga 4:30pm

CROSBY

Friday April 21st - Planning and Zoning

Commission 9:00-11:00am

Friday April 21st - Cards and Games at Crosby Senior Citizen Center 1:30-

2:30pm

April 21st-23rd - Movie at Dakota Theater 7:30pm

Wednesday April 26th - Story Time at the Divide County Library 10:0010:45am

Friday April 28th - Cards and Games at Crosby Senior Citizen Center 1:302:30pm

April 28th-30th - Movie at Dakota Theater 7:30pm

LIGNITE

Thursday April 20th - Junior High Track at Rugby

Friday April 21st - Varsity Track at Nedrose

Tuesday April 25th - Varsity Track at Stanley

WILLISTON

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

Friday April 21st - Williston Kids’ Day

Out 5:00-8:00pm at Upper Missouri Valley FairGrounds

Tuesday April 25th - HUNKS the Show

8:00-10:00pm at The Grand Williston

Hotel & Conference Center

Saturday April 29th - Clean Williston

2023 8:00am - Noon at Williston Public

Works 1121 5th St E

TIOGA

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

Monday April 24th - Marketing Workshop for Tioga Businesses 7:00pm at Tioga City Hall

Tuesday April 25th - Tioga Municipal Court 6:30-7:30pm at Tioga Commission Hall

April 28th - 30th - Movie: Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves 7:00pm at Tioga Theater

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

Third Consecutive Record Count of Bighorn Sheep

North Dakota Game & Fish Department

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 2022 bighorn sheep survey, completed by recounting lambs in March, revealed a record 347 bighorn sheep in the grasslands of western North Dakota, up 4% from 2021 and 15% above the fiveyear average. The count surpassed the previous record of 335 bighorns in 2021.

Altogether, biologists counted 96 rams, 206 ewes and 45 lambs. Not included are approximately 40 bighorn sheep in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and bighorns introduced to the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in 2020.

Big game biologist Brett Wiedmann was pleased to see an increase in the survey for the fifth consecutive year.

The northern badlands population increased 4%

from 2021 and was the highest count on record. The southern badlands population was unchanged at the lowest level since bighorns were reintroduced there in 1966.

“We were encouraged to see the count of adult rams down just slightly from last year, and adult ewes were at record numbers,” Wiedmann said. “Unfortunately, following a record summer count of lambs, winter survival was only 54%, the

lowest level on record and well below the long-term average. The lamb recruitment rate was also near a record low. Nearly six months of harsh winter conditions was the likely cause of poor winter survival of lambs.”

Department biologists count and classify all bighorn sheep in late summer, and then recount lambs the following March as they approach 1 year of age to determine recruitment.

Department staff, in

conjunction with biologists from the Three Affiliated Tribes Fish and Wildlife Division, also reported the bighorn sheep translocated in January 2020 from Rocky Boy’s Reservation in Montana to the Fort Berthold Reservation performed exceptionally well their third year in the state, as the population has nearly tripled.

There are currently about 470 bighorn sheep in the populations managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, National Park Service and the Three Affiliated Tribes Fish and Wildlife Division.

Wiedmann said the next benchmark is 500 bighorns in the state, which seemed improbable just a few years ago.

“Considering how severe last winter was, we were very encouraged by the results of the 2022 survey,” Wiedmann said.

A bighorn sheep hunting season is tentatively scheduled to open in 2023. The status of the season will be determined Sept. 1, following the summer population survey.

Game and Fish issued five licenses in 2022 and all hunters were successful in harvesting a ram.

PRIDE OF DAKOTA SHOWCASE DATES RELEASED

BISMARCK – The North Dakota Department of Agriculture has released the Pride of Dakota showcase and holiday showcase dates for 2023.

“We are pleased to offer events around the state again this year,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. “Last year our showcases were attended by more than 40,700 people and supported 617 local businesses.”

The dates, events and times are:

• Sept. 8-9–Dickinson Showcase, West River Ice Center – Friday 3pm-8pm; Saturday 9am-5pm

• Oct. 27-28 – Minot Showcase, Magic Place, State Fairgrounds – Friday 3pm-8pm; Saturday 9am-5pm

• Nov. 3-4 – Grand

Forks Showcase, Alerus Center – Friday 3pm-8pm; Saturday 9am-5pm

• Nov. 17-18 – Fargo

Holiday Showcase, Scheels Arena – Friday 12pm-8pm; Saturday 9am-5pm

• Dec. 1-2 – Bismarck

Holiday Showcase, Event Center – Friday 12pm-8pm; Saturday 9am-5pm

Goehring said that many retailers across the state stock Pride of Dakota products. A complete listing may be found at www.prideofdakota. nd.gov in the Retailers section.

NORTH DAKOTANS REMINDED TO CALL BEFORE YOU DIG

Governor Burgum Proclaims Safe Digging Month in North Dakota

“North Dakotans are very supportive of products made, manufactured, processed or produced in the state,” Goehring said. “I encourage people to continue to support our state’s local businesses, not only during showcase season, but year-round.”

Administered by the Business, Marketing and Information Division of the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, the Pride of Dakota program provides member companies with cooperative marketing and promotional events, such as in-store demonstrations, Pride of Dakota Day, and the Pride of Dakota and Holiday Showcases. The program also provides educational opportunities and representation at regional, national and international marketing expositions. More than 500 North Dakota companies are Pride of Dakota members.

BISMARCK, ND – Governor Doug Burgum has proclaimed April as Safe Digging Month in North Dakota. In recognition, the North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) is reminding everyone of the potential dangers and consequences of digging without first calling 8-1-1, North Dakota’s Call-Before-YouDig number.

“As we have been digging out all winter due too enormous snow fall, let us always remember ‘Safe Digging’,” said Commissioner Sheri Haugen-Hoffart, who holds the damage prevention portfolio. “Traditionally, April brings out-

door work, which includes digging. Safe digging month is a way to remind us all to call 811 before starting any digging project.”

North Dakota law requires anyone conducting an excavation to notify 8-1-1 at least two days in advance of digging. Personnel will be sent to mark the locations of the under-

Did You Know?

Lightning is five times hotter than the surface of the sun. A single bolt of lightning, which strikes within 50 microseconds, can contain enough energy to power a small town for an entire day. Unfortunately, humans cannot effectively harness such large amounts of energy, nor efficiently store it.

GROCERY STORE CO-OPS COULD EXPAND IN NORTH DAKOTA

Mike Moen, Prairie News Service

In northeastern North Dakota, some rural grocery stores have embraced the "co-op" model in trying to stay afloat and address concerns about food deserts emerging in small towns, and a bill making its way through the Legislature could allow other areas to follow suit.

A pilot project in Walsh County involves the Rural Access Distribution Cooperative, where a handful of stores buy their goods in bulk together before they're delivered to each site.

Alexander Bata, presi-

dent of the cooperative, said it provides several benefits to the operations and the communities they serve.

"We want to make these stores more profitable and more sustainable while supplying better variety and lower prices to our consumers," Bata explained.

He noted in their first year, they appear to be meeting these goals. For example, one store saw a 23% increase in sales. He acknowledged there are some challenges, including finding truck drivers to pick up the supplies. The bill in question would set aside $1 million for other entities

around the state to apply for grants if they want to pursue a similar approach.

Bata pointed out not only does it help the stores and their customers, but it

can also be an asset to other small businesses in these towns because shoppers will not have to travel to a larger city nearby for several errands.

"They can get their tires up at the Farmers Union, and then they can go do some grocery shopping, go get their hair cut, and they can go back to work in that community that they work in," Bata outlined.

A recent Rural Policy Action Report called for more support for these types of efforts, noting 52 cents of every dollar spent at locally owned businesses recirculates in the region and builds the tax base.

So far, the bill in the Legislature has advanced through various hoops with overwhelming support.

(Story Continues on Page 11)

THE WESTBY WATCH

New Century Ag Agronomy Center Open for Business

By Heidi Whitney

New Century Ag’s Westby location opened its new agronomy center earlier this month.

Though the co-op is still working on getting a point of sale system set up, the products have arrived, and farmers are able to utilize the new facility to pick up chemicals and seed for spring’s work. The center is located just north of the New Century Ag Durum Shuttle.

Historically, Westby’s agronomy products have been sold out of two older structures located next to the New Century Ag gas pumps on Highway 5. In addition to being aged and without office space, these buildings did not have a heating system. In effect, Westby’s chemical inventory has needed to be transferred to New Century Ag’s Fortuna agronomy department every fall to prevent freezing, and then moved back every spring.

The Westby agronomy center is similar to the ones already in operation at New Century Ag’s Fortuna and Noonan locations. The new structure consists of a 100x100 foot drive through chemical warehouse and is connected to a building with two lobbies, two offices for staff, a kitchen, and restrooms. Westby’s agronomy manager is Scott Sova.

At press time, a seed pick-up day had been sched-

uled for Wednesday April 19 from 11 am - 2 pm at the agronomy center, along with a burger feed for the farmers

Kittleson Celebrates 90 Years

Long time Westby resident Enid Kittleson turned 90 on April 10th. A celebration with friends and family was held at Pioneer Manor for the birthday girl on her big day. Happy Birthday Enid!

SIGNS OF SPRING

The

decorations

the Westby School gymnasium on the evening of April 13. Under the direction of Ken Whitney, this year’s line is made up of

Writer Submissions Wanted

20 high school and junior high students. The drumline (always a crowd favorite), along with 2 other ensembles and 9 soloists from Westby High School will perform in Culbertson on Saturday at the District 13 Music Festival for a chance

to earn a trip to the Montana State Music Festival in Billings May 5-6. Locals should also mark their calendars for the Westby K-12 Spring Music concert April 25 at 7 pm.

Easter Egg Hunt is a Family Affair

By Alyssa Stromberg

How many eggs does it take to put on a community Easter egg hunt? 1500! The Medicine Lake Community Club puts on various events throughout the year, however, the Easter egg hunt has become the Petty Family’s project; it is truly a family affair.

For the last 6 years at least, the family plans a weekend and fills the 1500 eggs with candy and prizes together. On the day of the hunt Stephany (mom) and Ryah go and scatter the eggs and create the different age groups, along with a few other volunteers. Emme

hangs with dad and gets to enjoy the hunt. As the start time approaches Ryah is whisked away to don the bunny suit. When Ryah reappears, she is the Easter Bunny and interacts with excited little kids.

Saturday April 8 was the warmest day we have had since winter started, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. It was a beautiful, sunny day. Eggs were scattered, and littles were excited to see the Easter bunny and find the eggs. It was a fast and furious, chaotic three minutes from start to finish.

2023 Westby drumline practiced beneath the under-construction Westby/ Grenora prom

in

Emme Petty with the Easter Bunny

SMALL TOWN, BIG TALENT: Art Classes Bring Creative Edge to Crosby

Divide County High School (DCHS), and community members Roderick Schoefield, Emily Richardson and Valerie Tracy are working together to bring the community exciting opportunities to experience art in a new way.

“A lot of people think art is just drawing and painting, but it’s so much more than that. It’s really about creating something meaningful and using a variety of tools to do that.” Muncaster says. A St. Louis, MO native, she moved to Crosby when her husband, John, accepted a position as a math instructor at DCHS. She also took a job at the school as a paraprofessional while working towards an art degree at Minot State University – which led to her current role as the art instructor at DCHS. Allison shares, “I’ve always had a passion for art, my dad and grandma were both artists and I spent a lot of time at craft fairs growing up. Painting, photography, and stained glass art are some of my favorites, but I love to try new things.”

That love for art inspired her to get involved with Art Jam, a group of local artists who get together once a month at Henny’s to create. “Roderick is really the one who got it going. We hangout, chat, do art –just be creative together. We usually have a topic for the month, and then everyone just creates based around that using whatever mediums they prefer – watercolor, pencil drawings etc.

Crafters could even come and make a project – it’s open to anyone who enjoys creating unique pieces of art.”

While Art Jam is open to anyone, the group realized that there may be others in Crosby who might be interested in art, but weren’t sure how to get involved.

“Emily, Val, Roderick and I decided to work together to provide an opportunity for the community to experience different types of art,” notes Muncaster. “The Meadowlark Arts Council sponsored the supplies for the classes, and we decided to just start putting it out there, hanging flyers and posting all over social media. We really didn’t know what to expect.” As it turns out, about 17 people, adults and children, turned out for the first class, held April 1st. “We wanted to do something fun and engaging for everyone, so we did a ‘painting with bubbles’ project. Bubble solution and food coloring was mixed together, and then the bubbles were blown onto paper. It was a great time for everyone, and we learned more about what worked well and what didn’t, so we can make the next class an even better experience.”

When Muncaster isn’t co- hosting a community art class, you’ll find her teaching students at DCHS via in-person classes and over ITV (Interactive Television) to students in other school districts. “I really love giving students the op-

portunity to express themselves through art. We do painting, sculpture, abstract art – and I try to incorporate new things they might show interest in. I always tell my students ‘you really can’t be wrong in art – art is felt, it’s freedom of expression. You just have to find your niche.’” Allison also reminds students that the beauty of art is often in the eye of the beholder. “One of my favorite things to do is show them a piece of art and ask them how much they think it sold for. It’s not uncommon to get responses like “That looks ridiculous - Maybe $10,” – and the reaction when I tell them that it actually sold for 40 million dollars is priceless. It really opens their minds to the possibilities – that art doesn’t have to be ‘beautiful’ for it to have meaning and value to the owner.”

Students at DCHS have two opportunities each year to display their works of art during the Art Showcase, held once in the fall at the end of the 1st semester, and again at the end of the year, in collaboration with the music department’s spring concert. “It’s a great opportunity for the community to see the wide range of artistically talented youth we have right here in Crosby,” says Muncaster.

For those interested in attending an Art Jam session or an upcoming art class, information can be found via Facebook on the “Art Jam Discussion Group” page, as well as being posted to the local community pages. “Art is for everyone,” notes Allison. “We want people to know that they don’t have to have any special talents to join in. Just give it a try – come with an open mind and a desire to create and you just might be surprised.”

COOKIE-ING UP CREATIVITY:

Crosby local designs beautiful, customized treats

up for every party you can think of! “Usually (when) people are ordering cookies, it’s for something happy.” Sandberg gladly admits.

She does not stick strictly to cookies, but it is her forte. “I’ve never really advertised… and I’m as busy as I want to be.” Sandberg states. Her cookies must certainly speak for themselves! Betty has served the Crosby community for years in many capacities, including recently driving the hospital van. Cookie baking is just one more avenue that Betty has found to ‘serve’. “I really do feel like it’s a ministry in a way, and it’s just a cookie.” Sandberg shared. “People come to the house to pick them up, and I usually don’t meet them at the door, you know, usually I’ll have the cookies in another room and say: Oh, come in.”, and maybe it will just be a minute, but it’s just enough time to (ask) “How are you?” Cookies are a ‘sweet’ way that Sandberg has found to form and maintain relationships in her community of Crosby.

Sandberg works with her customers in coming up with the perfect design and message to communicate through every order. She finds many of her

ideas online; “I’m in a couple of cookie groups (on Facebook) and Pinterest is just the most wonderful resource!” Sandberg might have ‘royal’ty in her veins, for she is surely Crosby’s ‘Cookie Queen’. It’s no coincidence that she makes almost exclusively royal icing cookies, and each is a perfect work of art. Sandberg confessed; “It is time consuming, but I have time!” Her time pays off. Not only are her cookies beautiful, they are also as delicious as they look!

In addition to custom orders, Sandberg also posts in the community Facebook groups whenever she has her tasty treats out of the oven and available for purchase. “I’ve always loved to do anything kind of creative.” Sandberg admits. There’s no question that Sandberg makes Crosby a little brighter, and a little tastier too!

More of Betty’s beautiful cookie artwork. Photo by Betty Sandberg.

PADDLEFISH SNAGGING SEASON OPENS MAY 1

North Dakota’s paddlefish season opens May 1, and snaggers should note that the sale and distribution of tags are similar to last year.

Paddlefish tags are available for purchase online at the Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov, at license vendors, and during normal business hours at Game and Fish offices in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Jamestown, Lonetree (Harvey), Riverdale and Williston. Snaggers buying tags online or at a vendor should plan accordingly and allow for a few days delivery as tags are distributed through the mail.

The season is scheduled to continue through May 21. However, depending on overall harvest, an early in-season closure may occur with a 24-hour notice issued by the state Game and Fish Department.

Mandatory harvest of all snagged paddlefish is required on Tuesdays,

Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. On these days, all paddlefish caught must be kept and tagged immediately. All paddlefish snagged and tagged must be removed from the river by 7 p.m. of each snagging day. Free fish cleaning services again will be provided at the confluence by North Star Caviar. Any fish left at the confluence fish cleaning caviar operation after 8 p.m. the day they were snagged will be considered abandoned and the snagger is subject to a fine.

Snag-and-release of all paddlefish is required on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays. Participants during snag-and-releaseonly days need to have a current season, unused paddlefish snagging tag in their possession.

Legal snagging hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time daily. One tag per snagger will be issued. Snagging is legal in all areas of the Yellowstone River in North Dakota, and

in the area of the Missouri River west of the U.S. Highway 85 bridge to the Montana border, excluding that portion from the pipeline crossing (river mile 1,577) downstream to the upper end of the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Management Area (river mile 1,565).

If the paddlefish season closes early because the harvest cap is reached, an extended snag-and-releaseonly period will be allowed for up to seven days immediately following the early closure, but not to extend beyond May 21. Only snaggers with a current season, unused paddlefish snagging tag are eligible to participate. Only a limited area at the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers downstream to the pipeline crossing (river mile 1,577) is open during this extended season. For the extended snag-and-release days only, hours for snagging are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT.

Use or possession of gaffs is prohibited on snag-

Nelson County pig domestic; public urged to report pig sightings

BISMARCK – A feral pig that was recently reported in Nelson County has been determined to be a stray domestic pig after being examined by authorities. Ryan Powers, with USDA Wildlife Services, examined the carcass and made the determination. The pig was destroyed after it reportedly charged a farmer in his yard.

North Dakota animal health officials urge anyone who observes pigs at large to keep their distance and report them to the state veterinarian’s office at 701-3282655.

“If you encounter a pig at large, do not attempt to capture or engage with the animal,” State Veterinari-

an Dr. Ethan Andress said. “If approached, they can be dangerous. They have poor eyesight and can respond unpredictably.”

and-release-only days, and, if it occurs, during the snagand-release extension period.

All paddlefish snaggers must possess a paddlefish tag, in addition to a valid fishing license for anyone 16 and older. Cost of a paddlefish tag is $10 for residents and $25.50 for nonresidents. Lost or destroyed tags will not be replaced.

The Game and Fish Department will allow camping during the open paddlefish season at Lewis and Clark Wildlife Management Area Pumphouse, and at Neu’s Point WMA. Howev-

er, no roads or gates will be open at Neu’s Point, therefore camping is allowed in the small Neu’s Point parking lot, and the rest of the WMA for walk-in access. All other WMA regulations apply. Outdoor enthusiasts are urged to be aware of the current fire index.

Snaggers will also notice new concrete boat ramps were constructed at both the confluence and Sundheim Park. Snaggers are reminded that camping is not allowed at Sundheim Park.

Though this pig was likely an escaped domestic pig, feral swine have occasionally been reported in the state in the past and have recently been reported in neighboring states.

“Feral swine are a growing concern in many parts of the country, not only to

public safety, but also due to their ability to spread disease and cause damage to crops and property,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said.

When feral swine are sighted, individuals should not destroy them. Authorities should be notified so it can be determined whether they have an owner, or whether they need to be removed and tested for disease. In 2009, the North Dakota Legislature enacted legislation to prohibit releasing feral swine as well as to prevent activities promoting or supporting the hunting of feral swine.

For more information on feral swine, go to www.ndda. nd.gov/feralswine.

SOFT INTERVIEW ROOM INSTALLED AT TIOGA POLICE DEPARTMENT

By Josh Nelson Chief of Police Tioga, ND

The Tioga Police Department is always trying to make changes to help us better serve those in our community who need us. In June of 2022, Chief Nelson

attended the North Dakota Chiefs of Police Conference, where he learned of soft interview rooms. A soft interview room is extremely valuable for interviewing people who have been victims of a traumatic crime.

Soft interview rooms are designed to help a victim feel safe and comfortable while in a non-intimidating environment to obtain as much information as possible from the victim.

When a victim can tell their whole story with all its details, it helps to protect them from having to retell their story multiple times and relive the trauma. The department’s goal is to secure a conviction of the offender without re-traumatizing the victim. Chief Nelson learned from this

conference about an organization, Project Beloved, which awards grants to departments to design and furnish soft interview rooms.

The Tioga Police Department had two identical interview rooms with gray walls, plastic chairs, and stainless-steel tables. After contacting Project Beloved, they agreed to help us turn one of those interview rooms into a soft interview room. Project Beloved designed the soft interview room and donated all the furniture and photos to

Economic Development Marketing Workshop

complete the project. Project Beloved even chose a mellow paint color to help the room feel more inviting. We proudly announce that we completed our soft interview room last week. The new soft interview room features comfortable chairs, a rug, softer lighting, a weighted blanket, artwork, essential oils, and a diffuser. Project Beloved was founded to bring light to the darkness that followed the rape and murder of Molly Jane Matheson and Megan Getrum, only days apart, by the same offender. An exciting component of this room is that the photos hanging on the wall were taken by Megan Getrum before her murder. Megan was an aspiring photographer, and these photos help her spirit shine in others’ darkest times. More information about Project Beloved can be found at https://www. projectbeloved.org.

ADDRESSING WORKFORCE: Burgum signs bill expanding scholarship program to apprenticeships

BISMARCK, N.D. – As part of ongoing efforts to address the state’s workforce challenges, Gov. Doug Burgum has signed legislation allowing state scholarship dollars for qualifying students to be used toward apprenticeship programs in North Dakota, along with two other bills aimed at supplying agricultural workers and helping formerly incarcerated individuals transition back into the workforce.

House Bill 1382 was unanimously approved in the House and Senate. It expands on existing law that currently provides scholarships for full-time students who attend a two-year or fouryear college or university and meet certain requirements such as maintaining a grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher.

Under HB 1382, the State Board of Higher Education and State Board for Career and Technical Education (CTE) will establish eligibility

requirements for the apprenticeship scholarship, including full-time enrollment, program progress and a minimum GPA or equivalent measure. Students who meet the requirements and are enrolled in qualifying registered apprenticeship programs would be eligible for a scholarship of $500 each term, up to $6,000.

“As we continue working to ensure that all students leave high school choice-ready for college, career or the military, it’s important to support students who choose an apprenticeship as their career path. These students are receiving an educa-

tion while also providing valuable contributions to our state’s workforce and economy,” Burgum said. “We’re grateful for the support from the Legislature, Department of Public Instruction, CTE, higher ed and the private sector for expanding opportunities for our students.”

“This bill provides additional options for our students to use the scholarship money they have earned. North Dakota’s scholarship benefit now goes beyond the traditional two- or four-year college or university. This bill gives students a greater opportunity to pursue an apprenticeship if that is the career pathway that they prefer. This bill supports the mission that all North Dakota students are choice ready when they graduate,” said Kirsten Baesler, the state superintendent of public instruction.

The bill was introduced by House Minority Leader Josh Boschee of

Fargo and co-sponsored by Reps. Jayme Davis of Rolette, Pat Heinert of Bismarck, Jim Jonas of West Fargo, Mike Nathe of Bismarck, David Richter of Williston and Cynthia Schreiber-Beck of Wahpeton and Sens. Ryan Braunberger of Fargo and Michael Wobbema of Valley City.

Gov. Burgum on Wednesday also signed the Job Service North Dakota budget bill, HB 1016, which includes support for programs aimed at meeting workforce needs.

For the first time, the budget includes state general fund dollars to support the H2A Visa Program for temporary agricultural workers. Administered by Job Service, the program helps farmers and other agricultural employers who have a shortage of domestic workers by bringing non-immigrant foreign workers to the United States on a temporary or seasonal basis. The program has grown signifi-

cantly in the last 15 years, from processing 219 H2A visa applications in 2007 to processing 846 applications in 2022.

The Job Service budget also includes funding for a collaborative effort with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and a nonprofit entity to create a Job Placement Pilot Program that will connect recently or soon-to-be released ex-offenders with in-demand jobs in North Dakota. The program, recommended by the state’s Workforce Development Council, will ensure that wrap-around, supportive services are provided to participants. As of 2020, North Dakota averaged 1,400 prisoner releases each year. Funding will support two temporary employees who will work directly with DOCR case managers and the nonprofit to identify employers and participants and ensure a successful transition to employment.

North Dakota Governor, Doug Burgum

NORTH DAKOTANS REMINDED TO CALL BEFORE YOU DIG

Governor Burgum Proclaims Safe Digging Month in North Dakota

ground facilities, typically within a couple of days. The markings are valid for 21 days after they are placed. This process is coordinated through North Dakota One Call. The Public Service Commission’s role is to enforce the requirements of the state’s damage prevention laws and take action when violations are reported to the Commission. The PSC can levy a fine up to $25,000 per violation depending on severity.

Each year North Dakota’s underground utility infrastructure is jeopardized by unintentional damage from those who fail to call 8-1-1 to have underground facilities located prior to digging. Since 2009, the PSC has received and processed 306 complaints related to violations of the Call-Before-You-Dig law. In total, approximately $399,250 in fines have been assessed against companies or individuals who have violated the law. The consequences of striking an underground utility can be severe including explosions resulting in injury or death, service interruptions or damage to the environment.

The significant residential and business growth occurring throughout North Dakota and the increased demand for pipeline infrastructure to support the energy industry have dramatically increased demand for the One-Call Program.

Safe Digging Month is endorsed each April by the North Dakota Public Service Commission, the Common Ground Alliance and the North Dakota OneCall Board. For more information about 8-1-1, visit the North Dakota One-Call Board’s website at www. ndonecall.com. For safe-

ty tips, best practices and other information, visit the Common Ground Alliance website at www.commongroundalliance.com.

(A copy of the Governor’s Proclamation is included in the attachment.)

The North Dakota Public Service Commission is a constitutionally created state agency with authority

to permit, site and regulate certain business activities in the state including electric and gas utilities, telecommunications companies, power plants, electric transmission lines, pipelines, railroads, auctioneers, commercial weighing devices, pipeline safety and coal mine reclamation. For more information, contact the Public Service Commission at (701) 328-2400 or www. psc.nd.gov.

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NATIONAL & WORLD HEADLINES ALABAMA SHOOTING

A sweet 16 birthday party ended in tragedy on April 15, 2023 in Dadeville, Alabama as a shooter killed 4 and injured 28. Early reports say one of those killed was the birthday girl’s brothers. Among those injured, some were in critical condition. Officials are still working to discover details and motive that led to the shooting. According to the Gun Violence Archive, this marks 160 mass shootings so far in 2023, which means there have been more mass shootings this year, than there have been days in the year up to this point.

THROWING MONEY OUT THE WINDOW

Authorities reacted to an unusual situation April 16th as they investigated reports of a driver literally throwing cash out of his windows while driving down

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK:

In a world that seems to admire and even celebrate constant “busyness” it’s important to remember that rest is not something to be earned. Rest is not a reward for working yourself to the bone. It is always deserved and indeed as necessary to life as the air we breathe. So rest, and let go of the guilt of simply being still.

an interstate near Eugene, Oregon. Chaos ensued as drivers stopped to collect the money, reportedly $100 bills.

Colin McCarthy, of Eugene, OR, told troopers he wanted to “gift” roughly $200,000 (McCarthy’s estimation) to others. There is no way to confirm the amount actually littered on the highway as so many other motorists picked it up. No criminal charges were brought against McCarthy, as Oregon State Police requested he stop throwing money, as it caused a traffic hazard, to which he agreed. Officers said the motorists thoroughly gathered the loose money as no further “litter” could be found along the roadway.

PUTIN MAKES IT HARDER TO AVOID MILITARY DUTY

The Russian parliament on April 12, 2023 approved a law that made the country’s draft more efficient and

harder to evade. Russian officials say the new bill is only meant to fix problems with the conscription process, while citizens who oppose the measure fear it is meant to facilitate another mobilization. The new law would allow for digital notification, and does not take into account whether the electric summons had been read. Currently, citizens are “called up” by paper documents that must be hand delivered.

UNREST IN SUDAN

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