The Oracle - April 27, 2023

WESTBY TAKES

2ND AT ACADEMIC OLYMPICS

By Heidi Whitney

Westby High School had a strong showing at the Region lV MASSP Academic Olympics held in Glasgow.

Page 4

THE SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF SPRING

By Alyssa Stromberg

If you’ve been outside, you have no doubt heard the flocks of birds coming back to our area. The Sandhill Cranes, geese, and ducks. Pelicans are also overheard, but they are seen not heard as they fly over.

Page 5

FACING CONFLICT WITH

CONFIDENCE

From Crosby Counseling

We’ve all been there. A conversation needs to be had, a behavior needs to be dealt with, a boundary needs to be set. This happens almost daily in our homes, our marriage, our friendships, workplace, colleges, and in community organizations. So why is it so hard??

Page 7

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT TIOGA COMMUNITY CENTER

By

Haley Felber

The outdoor skating rink will be open soon along with other events and happenings at the Tioga Community Center.

Page 8

A LETTER TO OUR READERS:

Dear Readers and Valued Subscribers,

We are excited to announce that we will be transitioning our newspaper to a 100% digital format and that this will be the last physical print edition. With this move, we can bring you the latest news, opinion pieces, and in-depth reporting faster and more efficiently than ever.

In line with our mission to deliver reliable community news and information to as many people as possible, we are making all of our digital content free for our subscribers as we prepare to combine

this publication into another which will serve a greater area. You can access our articles, features, and columns without subscription fees.

We understand that some of you may have questions or concerns about this transition, and we're here to help you. Please call us at 701-572-4851 or email us at news@vocella.com if you have any questions or require further information. Our team will be happy to assist you.

We appreciate your support and loyalty to The Oracle. We are excited to continue delivering high-quality local journalism in a new and more accessible format. Thank you for your continued readership, and we look forward to serving you in the future.

Sincerely,

J.C. LaBar, Publisher

Locals Enjoying a Summer Swim, Photo Courtesy Crosby Swimming Pool Facebook Page

LOCAL EVENTS SPONSORED BY

WE AREhiring!

FORTUNA

Every Tuesday- Range Night at Northwest Sportsman Club

RAY

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

Friday April 28th - Softball at Minto South Hill 12:00pm vs Bottineau & 2:00pm vs DLB

Saturday April 29th - Elementary GBB/ BBB at Alexander Jamboree

Saturday April 29th - Varsity Golf at DLB 10:00am

Saturday April 29th - Varsity Track and Field at Rugby 12:00pm

Monday May 1st - Varsity Track and Field at Nedrose 12:00pm

Monday May 1st - Baseball at Tioga

4:30pm

Monday May 1st - JV Softball vs. Williston 4:30pm

Tuesday May 2nd - Varsity Golf at Kenmare 10:00am

Tuesday May 2nd - School Board

Election 11:00am

Tuesday May 2nd - JH Track & Field at Nedrose 3:00pm

Tuesday May 2nd - Softball at Divide County 4:30pm

Wednesday May 3rd - 3rd grade Wax

Museum High School Gym 1:00pm

Wednesday May 3rd - 9th-12th grade

Student Appreciation Banquet 6:308:30pm

Thursday May 4th - Varsity Golf at Watford City 10:00am

Thursday May 4th - Track & Field NWC at Stanley 12:00pm

Thursday May 4th - Baseball vs. KBB

4:30pm (Home)

Thursday May 4th - Softball at New Town 4:30pm

Thursday May 4th - 5th and 6th grade Music Concert 6:30pm

CROSBY

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

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

Wednesday May 3rd - Divide County Commission Meeting 8:00am

Friday May 5th - Cards and Games at Crosby Senior Citizen Center 1:302:30pm

May 5th-7th - Movie at Dakota Theater 7:30pm

LIGNITE

Monday May 1st - Burke County

Elementary Math Meet

Wednesday May 3rd - School Early

Release 3:00pm

Thursday May 4th - Burke Spring Concert 7:00pm

WILLISTON

Saturday April 29th - Clean Williston

2023 8:00am - Noon at Williston Public Works 1121 5th St E

Monday May 1st - 2023 Paddlefish

Season Opening Day at Missouri

Yellowstone River Confluence

May 5th-7th - WHS Presents Disney

Frozen the Broadway Musical 7:00pm at Williston High School 4200 32nd St W

Saturday May 6th - 2023 Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Mondak Chapter

Banquet 5:00pm at Upper Missouri

Valley Fairgrounds

Saturday May 6th - Boots & Brews

2023 5:30pm at Raymond Family

Community Center

TIOGA

April 28th - 30th - Movie: End of the Rope 7:00pm at Tioga Theater

Monday May 1st - Commission Meeting 7:00pm at City Hall - 16 1st St NE, Tioga, ND 58852

May 5th-7th - Movie: Air 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

SOIL HEALTH COVER CROP GRANT

PROGRAM

APPLICATIONS TO OPEN SOON

BISMARCK – The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) Soil Health Cover Crop Grant Program will open up for applications next month. NDDA will provide costshare assistance to producers.

“As a conservation program, the primary goal of the program is to protect and enhance soil health statewide,” Agriculture

Commissioner Doug Goehring said. “In particular, the program targets cropland areas impacted with saline

REGISTER FOR GAME WARDEN EXAM

or alkaline soils.”

Cover crops must be planted by June 15, 2023, and the online application must be completed by June 20, 2023. There is a costshare payment of $25 per acre for applicants. There is a 160-acre cap per applicant per year.

Eligible seed mixes and other information is available at https://www.ndda. nd.gov/soil-health-covercrop-grant-program or by contacting Jason Wirtz at 701-220-1628 or jwirtz@ nd.gov.

North Dakota Game & Fish

Individuals interested in taking the exam to select candidates for a full-time temporary district game warden position must register by June 6. The test is at 10 a.m., June 9, at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department's main office in Bismarck.

Applicants must register by submitting an online application through the North Dakota State Job Openings website.

Applicants must be at least 21, have a bachelor’s

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degree at time of hire or an associate degree with either 2 years of law enforcement or wildlife experience, have a valid driver’s license and a current North Dakota peace officer license, or eligible to be licensed. Candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive

background check and must not have a record of any felony convictions.

Salary through training is $4,500 per month. For more information, see the district game warden job announcement on the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov.

TOUGH WINTER CHALLENGED WILDLIFE, LANDOWNERS

North Dakota Game & Fish

A winter that started in early November and hung around until April like an unwanted guest tested the endurance of wildlife and landowners, both fixtures on the landscape familiar with unpredictable North Dakota weather.

“North Dakota has one of the toughest climates in the lower 48 and this winter was certainly one of the most difficult we’ve seen,” said Bill Haase, state Game and Fish Department assistant wildlife division chief. “Winter was difficult on wildlife and people, and we appreciate all those landowners out there, especially livestock producers who had the tolerance and compassion to deal with the impacts from deer and other animals.”

By early April, the Game and Fish Department had fielded nearly 250 depredation reports statewide for just white-tailed deer. More than 100 of those calls landed in the Jamestown office for deer alone.

Deer depredation was

more notable in areas where wildlife habitat was lacking on the landscape. This was especially true in the eastern third of the state where food and cover is generally lacking, thus forcing deer herds to concentrate in isolated livestock operations.

“There are some landowners, livestock producers in particular with livestock feed supplies, who tend to have the most issues with deer and other wildlife being attracted to their locations,” Haase said. “We certainly heard from some and we have a lot of tools that we can help minimize these issues.”

There are short-term solutions that the department can provide produc-

ers with depredation issues, such as wrapping bales and motion sirens. And longterm solutions, like permanent hay yards, portable panels designed specifically to keep deer out of livestock feed supplies and food plots. The department provides hay yard materials at no cost and provides cost-share for construction. Currently, there are about 750 of these structures dotting North Dakota’s rural landscape.

“Hopefully, winter is finally behind us, so we ask any landowners who had depredation issues and are interested in long-term solutions to give us a call to see if there is something we can do to help with hay yard fencing, portable panels and depredation food plots,” Haase said.

To inquire about these options, call Game and Fish at 701-328-6300. Also, for a deeper dive into winter’s depredation issues and options to provide relief to livestock producers during the next tough winter, listen to episode 16 of the NDO Podcast.

While there is a need to help producers safeguard livestock feed supplies, there is also a demand for more wildlife habitat on the landscape.

“Going into winter, we probably had the poorest habitat conditions we’ve had in a long time in the state,” said Kevin Kading, department private land section leader. “There just isn’t much habitat in a lot of places, but we need to rebound somehow. We need habitat on the landscape.”

Going forward, Kading said, if a landowner is interested in developing habitat, there is a host of programs set up to do just that.

“There are more programs, money and funding available right now for habitat than ever before, really,” Kading said. “And it's not just through the Game and Fish Department. It's through USDA, partners and other conservation groups. The Game and Fish Department can be a good source to start with. We can certainly walk landowners through all of these differ-

ent options and point them in the right direction.”

While wildlife habitat is one of the aspects that can help alleviate depredation issues, so is hunting access. Kading said the Department’s Private Land Open To Sportsmen program is a remedy for both of those by providing habitat for wildlife to rebound and providing access opportunities for hunters. To further encourage hunter access, Kading also suggests landowners enrolling in the hunter-landowner contact program and posting Ask Before You Enter signs on their property.

“Our private land staff is well versed in a lot of different programs and partner programs that are out there. The simplest and quickest thing we can do is put grass on the ground. It’s quick to establish, and it creates quality fawning and nesting cover,” Kading said. “There are a lot of different opportunities for landowners right now that our staff can help with to put grass on the ground.”

2022 Deer Season Summarized

North Dakota Game & Fish

A total of 47,590 North Dakota deer hunters took approximately 25,093 deer during the 2022 deer gun hunting season, according to a post-season survey conducted by the state Game and Fish Department.

Game and Fish made available 64,200 deer gun licenses last year. Overall hunter success was 53%, with each hunter spending an average of 4.4 days in the field.

“The lower success was due, in part, to deteriorating weather conditions during the beginning of the season,” said Casey Anderson, wildlife chief for the North Dakota Game and Fish De-

partment. “We were met with high winds immediately followed by blizzard conditions, producing measurable snow amounts and below normal temperatures for most of the season.”

Hunter success for antlered white-tailed deer was 43%, and 40% for antlerless whitetails.

Mule deer buck success

was 64%, and 70% for antlerless mule deer.

Hunters with any-antlered or any-antlerless licenses generally harvest white-tailed deer, as these licenses are predominantly in units with mostly whitetails. Buck hunters had a success rate of 54%, while doe hunters had a success rate of 56%.

Game and Fish issued 10,822 gratis licenses in 2022, and 8,301 hunters harvested 3,578 deer, for a success rate of 43%.

A total of 1,168 muzzleloader licenses were issued, and 1,018 hunters harvested 461 white-tailed deer (223 antlered, 238 antlerless).

Hunter success was 45%.

A total of 27,720 archery licenses (24,414 resident, 3,306 nonresident) were issued in 2022. In total, 22,985 bowhunters harvested 7,780 deer (6,491 whitetails, 1,289 mule deer), for a success rate of 34%.

The department is in the process of determining recommendations for licenses in 2023. In addition to harvest rates and winter aerial surveys, Game and Fish staff monitor other population indices to determine license numbers, including depredation reports, hunter observations, input at advisory board meetings, and comments from the public, landowners and department field staff.

THE WESTBY WATCH

Westby Takes 2nd at Academic Olympics; Baker is Top Senior

Westby High School had a strong showing at the Region lV MASSP Academic Olympics held in Glasgow.

The 2023 WHS team consisted of seniors Kira Baker and Cole Gebhardt; junior Erika Christian; sophomore Annika Joyes; and freshman Thadious Bahny-Huffman. The team placed 2nd in the written competition out of nine area schools. They lost in the second round of the oral competition.

Individually, Baker was named the Top Senior in the written tests. Additionally, she placed first in the English and Math tests, second

in the Social Studies test, and fourth in the Science test. Also noteworthy–this is Baker’s third year in a row receiving top honors among her peers in the district, being named Top Sophomore in 2021 and Top Junior in

2022. The Academic Olympics was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19. Also placing in the top ten in the Social Studies test were Joyes (sixth) and Gebhardt (seventh).

By Heidi Whitney

PROUD COMMUNITY SPONSOR!

HOT DISH!

Please contact Heidi Whitney at 406-672-5696 to add an event!

ALL TIMES ARE MOUNTAIN

Sun. April 30: Services at Assembly of God, 10:30 am. Coffee hour at Immanuel, 10:30 am. Services at 11:30 am. Singspiration at Assembly of God, 6 pm-8 pm. Come listen or bring an instrument and share a song. Refreshments provided.

WHS CHOIR AND BAND BOTH RECEIVE TOP RATINGS AT FESTIVAL; 18 STUDENTS HEADED TO STATE

Despite days of snow, wind, and no travel advisories on the notorious highway 5 between Westby and Plentywood last week, as well as school closure April 19-20, the Westby band and choir students took part in the District 13 Music Festival in Culbertson April 21-22. They emerged victorious over mother nature in our unpredictable corners of eastern Montana and western North Dakota, and came home with an array of honors.

Both the 6-12 grade band and 9-12 grade choir received Superior (1) ratings from both judges, the highest rating a group can receive. In the sight reading sessions, the band also earned Superior ratings from both judges. The choir received one Superior and one Excellent rating in sight reading.

Eighteen Students qualified for the State Vocal and Ensemble Festival in Billings May 5-6 based on their performances in Culbertson.

Soloists receiving Superior ratings and trips to state in Billings May 5-6 were Faith Olson (vocal) and Sayler Stewart (vocal).

The Westby Drum Line received a Superior rating and will perform at state with 17 members. The drum line at district consisted of 20 percussionists, but three of them are in junior high, and therefore cannot ad-

vance with the team to state according to MHSA guidelines.

Drummers included (grade in parentheses) Eric Petersen (7), Gavin Jensen (8), Lennox Youpee (8),Thadius Bahny-Huffman (9), Blake Stewart (9), Rylie Gebhardt (9) Annika Joyes (10), Victor Christian (10), Cade Else (10), Kenyon Kyle (10) Madison Leatherman (11) Erika Christian (11) Devon Eson (11), Gage Riley (11), Olivia Christian (12) Sayler Stewart (12), Kira Baker (12), Cole Gebhardt (12),

No Business Like Snow Business in Westby…

Andrew Petersen (12), Braden Pulvermacher (12)

The Westby Band and Choir is directed by Ken Whitney. Assistant choir director is Amy Griffin. The choir is accompanied by Susan Kahrs and Noni Gibbs of Westby. Ensembles are accompanied by Vicki Grimsrud, of Culbertson.

As appears to be the norm for spring on the hiline, snow fell in buckets during the 3rd week of April. Westby School canceled classes on April 19-20 due to blizzard conditions, and ranchers struggled to get to calving mommas.

The runner-up WHS 2023 Academic Olympic Team. Shown left to right: Thadious Bahny-Huffman, Annika Joyes, Kira Baker, Cole Gebhardt, and Erika Christian

Amateur Westby weatherman and ranch hand Emil Hansen reported that by the evening of April 20 in Westby the snow measured 11 inches.

THE SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF SPRING

By Alyssa Stromberg

If you’ve been outside, you have no doubt heard the flocks of birds coming back to our area. The Sandhill Cranes, geese, and ducks. Pelicans are also overheard, but they are seen not heard as they fly over.

Pelican migration is an extraordinary journey that covers thousands of miles; an estimated 4940 round trip. The American White Pelican winters in the Gulf of Mexico, mid to late April they begin their migration back to their nesting grounds. Medicine Lake Refuge is home to one of three of the largest pelican colonies in North America.

The large pelican colony on Big Island and Bridgerman Point has been in

existence since at least 1939 and is one of the largest colonies in the United States, with about 3,000 to 5,000 nests each year.

Some fun facts about

pelicans:

• Pelican babies are called pinkies, they are born without feathers and their skin is pink.

• Adult pelicans have a

horn on their beaks, once they have mated and laid eggs the horns fall off.

• Pelicans have a wingspan of 9 feet, the only bird with a larger wingspan is the American Condor.

• Two eggs are laid and hatched but only one fledges, at around 17 to 28 days, chicks are still flightless at that stage. Within their colony,

young gather in groups. They start migrating when they are 10 to 11 weeks old, just one week after making their first flight.

Making a trip out to Bridgerman Point on the Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge to the observation post is well worth the drive.

CROSBY PARK BOARD MAKES PLANS FOR SUMMER FUN

of the Crosby Parks Board says the board and summer staff have been working hard to prepare for the 2023 summer season. “We’re on track to open the pool as soon as school is out and the weather cooperates,” notes Miller. “Last year was hard with the pool being down most of the summer. We’ve been diligent this year to ensure everything is in working order. Once we can actually get water into the pool we can complete a final test of the boiler and open for the season.”

In addition to pool maintenance, the park board is currently hiring lifeguards. “Kayla Wolf will be our manager this summer,” notes Greg. “We have a few returning lifeguards and junior lifeguards, and would like to have a few more on the schedule. Josie Gillund will be heading up swimming lessons, and lifeguards who help teach this year will earn an additional dollar an hour during that time.” While Crosby doesn’t offer lifeguard certification, teens can get certified in Williston. “Just reach out and we can help you get to the right place,” notes Miller.

The Crosby Parks District is also hosting summer rec t-ball, baseball and girl’s softball, which is overseen by Kristen Ator. “Registration is currently open for the summer ball programs and Kristen is already meeting with other towns to schedule games and tournaments. The program has been growing, so

we’re excited to see where it goes this year.” Parents can register on the Parks District website and need to have students registered by May 1st, 2023. “The earlier you can register the better, so we know what we’re dealing with numbers-wise for teams, and can schedule accordingly,” says Greg.

On top of the pool and summer ball programs, the Parks District is responsible for maintaining all of the city parks and ball fields. And that, says Miller, requires having multiple hands-on-deck. “We’re currently looking for more summer help. Nick Ator and Melissa Rindel will be heading up management and maintenance of the parks, but we’re hoping to have some summer help to assist with weeding, raking, mowing, emptying garbages etc. We want our parks to look good and be somewhere the public wants to go.” While teens under age 16 can’t use the riding mowers, they are still valuable employees to the parks district. “Students under 16 can still push mow and help with all the other tasks, “says Greg. “We’re shooting for everyone to have 40 hour weeks this summer – there is plenty of work to go around and always something to do.”

One of the biggest things the district is working on is finding a full-time Parks and Rec Director for the community. “Not having a director puts a lot of extra work on everyone, the board and the summer staff. Everyone has been great about taking on some extra duties, and the hockey club has some great volunteers that stepped up to manage the program and the facility. It’s a lot to keep up with though, and most of those volunteers aren’t being paid for their time.” Continues Greg, “The Parks Director is responsible to oversee everything – parks, pool and Community Center maintenance and management, staffing, coaches, scheduling for summer rec ball and the hockey program, and managing the district’s finances – among other things. It’s a multi-faceted job and is perfect for someone who prefers not to sit behind a desk all day –they will definitely have an opportunity to be active,” shares Miller.

While the hiring committee is vetting applicants and preparing to interview potential employees, says Greg, “our main goal is to get everything back in order and move forward. Get the pool open, make sure our grounds are in good shape, and provide an opportunity for kids to play ball this summer. It’s a great opportunity to give back to our community, notes Miller. “We anticipate a great season ahead, and are working diligently to make that happen.”

Anyone interested in summer jobs, the Park Director position or in any summer rec programs can check out the Crosby Park District Facebook page or website, or send an email to crosbypd@outlook.com.

FACING CONFLICT WITH CONFIDENCE

We’ve all been there. A conversation needs to be had, a behavior needs to be dealt with, a boundary needs to be set. This happens almost daily in our homes, our marriage, our friendships, workplace, colleges, and in community organizations. So why is it so hard??

Well, we worry about what might happen when we do it or even worse SAY it. So, we avoid the dread. And for a while, that works. What ends up happening though is the issue doesn’t go away. More often it only gets bigger, more complicated and the emotions involved get stronger. You know that feeling that hangs in us, thoughts that won’t leave us, and the sleepless nights created from it.

It is important to take time to handle a situation calmly and appropriately. Think it through before acting. When we take time to process how we want to handle it, what we want to say, and consider the different outcomes, that is healthy. The next step is actually addressing it.

Dealing with issues

as they come up will lead to less stress in your life, strengthen relationships, less stress for the people around you, and empower you in the future. When a person knows what to expect from you, they don’t have to wonder what your reactions might be and will come to you more often.

What’s Happening at the Tioga Community Center

By: Haley Felber, Community Center Director

Did you know roller skating uses 80% of your body’s muscles?! What a fun way to get a cardio workout while burning up to 650 calories an hour! Our outdoor skating rink will be open soon – it is typically open 24/7 (weather permitting.) We have skates of all sizes, hockey sticks, hockey hot balls, wrist guards, skate trainers, and NEW hockey nets. What’s even better than that is that it’s all FREE to use! We only ask that you respect our equipment and put it neatly back inside the warming house when you’re finished.

OPEN LATER ON

WEDNESDAYS

Starting on May 17th, the community center will be open until 8:00 pm every Wednesday, now that Youth Group is done for the school year. Building hours for all other days will remain the same. Of course, building hours are still subject

to change due to holidays, weather, or events within the facility. Please check the Tioga Community Center Facebook page or online calendar (tiogand.net/calendars) for updates.

SCHEDULED EVENTS

This Memorial Day, please take time to focus on what this day means. It’s not about barbecues and graduation parties. It’s a day to honor those who lost their lives while defending their country. Please join the Tioga American Legion Post 139 and American Legion Auxiliary for their annual Memorial Day Service and meal at the Tioga Community Center. Teddy Roos-

evelt will also be attending! Other events to look for include the Tioga Lions Club Charter Event on Saturday, May 6th and “Check Out the Chamber” Day on Saturday, May 13th. All are welcome to attend! Check the Tioga Community Center Facebook page for more details to come.

LOOKING BACK

Well, what do you know, another busy month! March was about as active as February. Out of the 30 days we were open, we had 2,141 people utilize the facility during our regular business hours. Our busiest day was Tuesday, March 28th, with 146 people coming through

EHM confirmed in McHenry County horses

BISMARCK, N.D. – Equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) has been confirmed in two McHenry County horses.

The property has been quarantined and no other properties or horses have been identified as exposed at this time. North Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division is assisting the owner and local veterinarian.

EHM is caused by equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV1) and occasionally equine herpesvirus-4 (EHV-4).

EHV-1 is not uncommon and can cause respiratory disease, abortion, neonatal death and has a neurologic form of the disease that has become more common. EHM Vaccines are available for the respiratory and

reproductive forms of EHV1. They do not reliably prevent the neurologic form, but may offer some level of protection. Vaccinating horses after exposure is not recommended.

“With summer coming, many horses will be moving to events around the region,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. “Care should be taken to reduce exposure to other horses and one should never bring a sick horse to an event.”

EHV-1 can be spread through the air, contaminated equipment, clothing and hands. Biosecurity measures that can reduce the risk of spreading the disease include avoiding shared food or water containers and preventing nose-to-

our doors. That averages out to about 71 people per day!

CLASS OF 2023

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose”. – Dr. Seuss. Graduation is right around the corner. If you’re still looking for a place to host a graduation party, look no

further! For more information on how to rent space for a graduation party, please call us at 701-664-3192, message us on Facebook, or send an email to: communitycenter@cityoftioga.com

Print

nose contact.

Out-of-state horses and other equines entering North Dakota for any length of time must be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection. These documents are helpful in locating and contacting an owner with potentially exposed horses when there is a disease concern.

“Work with your local veterinarian to set up effective vaccination programs,” said Dr. Andress, “Vaccination is no substitute for biosecurity, but can help reduce disease signs and fatalities when an exposure does occur.”

Although highly infectious and contagious among horses, EHV-1 poses no threat to human health.

Opening Friday April 28th

BURGUM SIGNS BILL PROVIDING $25M TO SUPPORT AGRICULTURE DIVERSIFICATION AND DEVELOPMENT

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum today signed legislation that more than doubles funding for the state’s Agriculture Diversification and Development (ADD) Fund to provide grants for new or expanding value-added agriculture businesses as well as public infrastructure improvements to support such businesses.

House Bill 1276 provides $25 million to the ADD Fund for the 20232025 biennium, with up to $10 million of that amount available for agriculture infrastructure grants to political subdivisions.

“Agriculture is the bedrock of our economy in North Dakota, and supporting new or expanding businesses that want to diversify agriculture will strengthen the industry as well as the communities that depend on farming, ranching and ag processing for jobs and tax revenue,” Burgum said. “We appreciate Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goeh-

ring, the commodity groups, the Bank of North Dakota and all the legislators who worked to expand this impactful program.”

The ADD Fund was created by 67th Legislative Assembly in 2021 with a $10 million appropriation to the Bank of North Dakota, which administers the fund. No more than 25% of the ADD Fund may be utilized for grants in a biennium.

Last year, the ADD Fund awarded more than $2.1 million in grants to 10 projects in nine North Dakota communities, resulting in over $100 million in ag-based project developments, Goehring testified in committee. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture houses the ADD grant committee that reviews applications and recommends grants from the fund.

“The increased funding for the ADD Fund will further expand and enhance the agriculture industry in North Dakota,” Goehring said. “The money allocat-

ed for ag infrastructure will help ensure our rural roads, water, sewer and other projects are in place to support new value-added projects.”

Value-added agriculture businesses eligible for the grant funding include food production and processing facilities, feed or pet food processing facilities, commodity processing facilities, agriculture product manufacturers and animal production facilities. The grants may be used to establish or expand a value-added agriculture business, or to purchase or lease equipment.

House Bill 1276 was approved unanimously in the House and 44-2 in the Senate. It was introduced by Rep. Bernie Satrom of Jamestown and co-sponsored by Rep. Mike Brandenburg, Jim Grueneich, Jared Hagert, Craig Headland, Keith Kempenich, Dwight Kiefert, Mitch Ostlie and Paul Thomas and Sens. Cole Conley, Larry Luick and Terry Wanzek.

"On the Edge of the Wind: Native Storytellers & the Land" New Exhibition to Open April 27

BISMARCK, N.D. – A new exhibition opens to the public at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck on Thursday, April 27. "On the Edge of the Wind: Native Storytellers & the Land" helps visitors explore the connections between cultural practices, regional landscapes, and tribal stories. Based on interviews with 13 Native storytellers and knowledge keepers compiled over 10 years, this exhibition includes photographs, artifacts, and videos of elders sharing traditional stories.

"On the Edge of the Wind" was produced by the North Dakota Council on the Arts in partnership with the State Historical Society of North

Dakota. “This exhibition is a tribute to the rich legacies and oral traditions that are held and shared by the storytellers,” says David Newell, exhibitions manager with the State Historical Society. “Visitors will find contemplative experiences and ways to explore deeply meaningful places and spaces across the region.”

Folklorist and photographer Troyd Geist of the Council on the Arts worked closely with storytellers to document their stories for more than 10 years. Featured storytellers include Alvina Alberts (19121997), Dakotah; Keith Bear, Mandan/Hidatsa; Francis Cree (1920-2007), Ojibway/Cree/ Assiniboine; Alex DeCoteau, Ojibway; Dakota Wind Good-

house, Lakota; Debbie Gourneau, Ojibway; Calvin Grinnell, Hidatsa; Dan Jerome, Métis/Ojibway; Anna Littleghost, Lakota; Lenore White Lightning, Dakotah; Mary Louise Defender Wilson, Dakotah/Hidatsa; Courtney Yellow Fat, Hunkpapa Lakota; and Marvin Baldeagle Youngman, Ojibway.

"On the Edge of the Wind" is free to the public and is open from April 27, 2023, through October 2024. Find exhibition details and videos at https:// bit.ly/OnTheEdgeOfTheWind. The ND Heritage Center & State Museum is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free.

As Court Case Plays Out, ND Lawmakers Approve Abortion Ban

By Mike Moen, Prairie News Service

North Dakota has been steeped in a legal challenge to the state's trigger ban on abortions, which is currently blocked.

Now, the Legislature has advanced a bill which includes a separate ban with narrow exceptions. The measure heading to Gov. Doug Burgum's desk would put in place a near-total ban on the procedure. There are a few exceptions, including cases of rape and incest.

Amy Jacobson, execu-

tive director of Prairie Action ND, pointed out the exceptions would only apply to those cases for up to six weeks. She noted the cutoff is before most women even know they are pregnant.

"Not being able to terminate that pregnancy revictimizes them again," Jacobson argued. "And it's shameful that the North Da-

Did You Know?

Longyearbyen is the world’s northernmost settlement with a population greater than 1000 and the largest inhabited area of Svalbard, Norway. It is forbidden to be buried there, because the town’s only cemetery closed over 70 years ago. It is so cold there that bodies do not decompose, and some previously buried there still carry traces of an influenza virus that caused an epidemic in 1918.

kota Legislature would not do more for these victims."

Prairie Action and other opponents called on the governor to veto the bill. Another exception applies to health risks for the mother, but it is not tied to the six-week cutoff. Republican sponsors of the bill say they're trying to clear up language under state statute in relation to the trigger ban which was to take effect after federal protections were overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The state Supreme Court

recently ruled the trigger ban should remain blocked while a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality moves forward. Meanwhile, sponsors of the current plan said it reinforces North Dakota's standing as a "pro-life" state.

Jacobson countered the viewpoint does not align with what voters want.

"In 2014, overwhelmingly the voters rejected an attempt to ban abortion in the state of North Dakota," Jacobson emphasized. "I think that speaks volumes.

So, we're hoping that the governor will hear this call."

The 2014 ballot measure would have added language to the state constitution specifying "every human being at any stage of development" has an "inalienable right to life." It was defeated by nearly 30 percentage points.

As for the bill headed to the governor, anyone caught performing an abortion would be charged with a Class C felony. The patient would not face charges.

BURGUM SIGNS BILL CREATING OFFICE OF LEGAL IMMIGRATION TO HELP ADDRESS NORTH DAKOTA’S WORKFORCE CHALLENGES

BISMARCK, N.D. –Gov. Doug Burgum today signed bipartisan legislation creating an Office of Legal Immigration within the North Dakota Department of Commerce to help businesses recruit and retain foreign labor and address the state’s workforce challenges.

The immigration office will develop a pilot program to support businesses pursuing or employing legal immigrants and help communities develop plans and activities to integrate immigrants. The office also may contract with other state agencies and private organizations to develop and administer programs or services related to bringing legal immigrants into the state’s workforce, including those already in the United States. The bill includes authorization and funding for two additional Commerce team members to administer the office.

“Working with the Legislature, we continue to pursue a comprehensive

strategy to address North Dakota’s workforce challenges, and the Office of Legal Immigration will play an important role in those efforts by helping employers recruit and retain legal immigrants,” Burgum said.

“We’re grateful to the bill’s sponsors, the Department of Commerce and the business and medical communities for supporting this legislation to alleviate our extreme workforce shortage, which remains North Dakota’s No. 1 barrier to economic growth.”

The bill requires Commerce to conduct a study – with input from employers – on immigration op-

portunities, immigration goals and ways to measure progress, and a structure for a pilot program to support businesses and communities pursuing legal immigration. Commerce also must develop a fee-based system for immigration office services to be implemented in the 2025-27 biennium.

North Dakota had the second-lowest unemployment rate in the nation in March, at 2.1%. Job Service North Dakota reported more than 17,000 online job openings in March, the most recent month available, and estimates are that the actual number of available jobs may be twice that many because employers aren’t posting every open position.

Senate Bill 2142 was introduced by Sen. Tim Mathern of Fargo and co-sponsored by Sens. Kristin Roers and Ronald Sorvaag, both of Fargo, and Reps. Zachary Ista of Grand Forks, Lisa Meier of Bismarck and Alisa Mitskog of Wahpeton. It passed the Senate 41-5 and the House 64-28.

North Dakota Governor, Doug Burgum

Avian influenza confirmed in Dickey County turkey flock

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Agriculture has received confirmation of the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Dickey County from South Dakota State University.

The State Board of Animal Health and the North Dakota Department of Agriculture are working closely with USDA-APHIS and local officials in the response. The premises has been quarantined and the flock is being depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Domestic birds in a 10 km control zone around the affected farm are being contacted and monitored to help prevent the spread of HPAI. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.

The detection triggers the suspension of commingling poultry/bird events both in Dickey County and birds from Dickey County. If no new cases emerge in 30 days, the suspension will be automatically lifted for that county.

There is no immediate public health concern due to this finding. The risk to people from HPAI is low despite the disease often

being fatal for birds. No human infections with these viruses have been detected in the U.S.

“Remember to restrict access to property, keep wild birds away from other birds and practice enhanced biosecurity,” State Veterinarian Dr. Ethan Andress said. “Birds should be kept indoors, especially during the spring and fall migration.”

“This is the first case of HPAI in poultry in the state this year,” said Agriculture

Commissioner Doug Goehring. “Protecting our North Dakota producers, who raise approximately 1 million commercial birds yearly, and our many backyard bird owners is high priority.”

Avian influenza exists in many wild birds and can be transmitted by contact with infected birds or ingestion of infected food and water. More information about avian influenza is available at www.ndda.nd.gov/avian-influenza and from the USDA-APHIS at www. aphis.usda.gov. Subsequent detections of HPAI in North Dakota will be posted on www.ndda.nd.gov/hpai.

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SOUTH FLORIDIAN SHOOTS AT INSTACART DELIVERY WORKERS

A South Floridian man shot at the vehicle of two Instacart Delivery workers after they mistakenly pulled into his driveway. Waldes Thomas Jr. and Diamond Harley Darville were attempting to drop off an Instacart delivery on April 15th but were having trouble locating the correct address. After pulling onto the property of Antonio Caccavale, Caccavale’s 12-year-old son approached them and they tried to pull out of the drive when they hit a boulder. Caccavale then came out to the vehicle and aggressively grabbed at the driver’s window. Caccavale claims to have heard his son calling for help and had seen Thomas driving erratically. Thomas reversed the car to leave, side swept Caccavale, and ran over his foot. Caccavale pulled his gun, aiming at the tires to disable the vehicle. They only realized they’d been fired upon after driving away. Police are unsure if a crime was committed as both parties appear justified based on the circumstances they perceived. A full investigation is underway from the police department.

SUPREME COURT

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK:

Finding opportunity in difficulty is easier said than done, especially in an age where information is literally at our fingertips every second of the day, and most of it negative. It won’t happen overnight - it takes years to make it a habit. Reflect upon your life’s events and understand how your decisions have shaped the outcomegood & bad. Then commit to making good decisions based on opportunity.

JUSTICE CLARENCE THOMAS GIFT SCANDAL

Justice Thomas omits “gifts” adding up to more than $1 million. Supreme Court Justices are required to file financial disclosures for gifts more than $480. Justice Thomas failed to disclose two decades worth of gifts including vacations, overnight stays, private jet trips and yacht cruises from Harlan Crow’s companies. Thomas claims the gifts were personal hospitality and therefore do not fall under the rules for disclosure. However, the 1978 Ethics in Government Act specifies that any food, lodging, or entertainment need not be reported. This does not include the overnight stays or trips meaning they should’ve been reported. The Ethics law also states: “’personal hospitality of any individual’ means hospitality extended for a nonbusiness purpose by an individual, not a corporation or organization... .” Of note, Thomas disclosed similar gifts for years before a 2004 Los Angeles Times story highlighted that he accepted more than any other Justice on the court.

KING CHARLES III IN A RUSH TO MAKE HIS MARK

After nearly 74 years of waiting,

King Charles has used his first six months as king to meet with faith leaders, reshuffle royal residences, stage his first overseas state visit and hold a sleepover at Windsor Castle. He has also opened the Royal Archive for researchers studying the link between the crown and slavery. Forgoing the decorum of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, Charles is becoming a more “human” king who displays his emotions and sits on the floor with his subjects. With the coronation less than two weeks away on May 6, the monarchy is showcasing the type of king Charles will be as he tries to show that the monarchy is still relevant and modern.

GOOD NEWS INTERNATIONAL CHURCH CULT RISES TO 58 DEATH TOLL

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