The Oracle - April 6, 2023

By

Heidi Whitney

Spring sports, Ladies Bonspiel, & a sneak peek of New Century Ag. Page 4

WYATT BOTHE SIGNS WITH LUTHER NORSE COLLEGE

McKenna Walter

ND HOUSE BILL 1385

By Rachel Venture

By Scott Westlund

Scott offers a look at the importance of communication in building business relationships.

Page 5

KEEPING THE TIOGA COMMUNITY CONNECTED

By Haley Felber

April showers are supposed to bring May flowers, but most North Dakotans know this season for it’s MUD.

With the school year having only a couple of months left, seniors all over the state are looking forward to college. One such student from Ray High School, Wyatt Bothe, is excited as he finalizes his plans for the coming fall.

Wyatt has been attending school in Ray since he

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Summer Rec Program Offers Opportunity for Students to Stay Active

By Michelle Svangstu

When the last bell of the school year rings, students are eager to begin their summer, free of homework and filled with friends, fun and family. Unfortunately, a lot of kids end up spending a lot of their extra time on electronic devices. “Summer sports offers Crosby's 12U Girls Softball Team Won Both Their ND and MT Division Championships in 2022

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By Karlene Tura Clark

Read about the Schlenske family’s business, Let’s Go Webster, LLC based in the Historic Webster School.

Governor Doug Bergum signed into law an amendment to the House Bill Number 1385 that would change the stipulations of water agreement and the parties involved. It is deemed “AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 61-02-24 and 61-02-24.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to tribal con-

THE WORLD IS FULL OF SUFFERING, IT IS ALSO FULL OF THE OVERCOMING OF IT.” - HELLEN KELLER

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LOCAL EVENTS SPONSORED BY

WE AREhiring!

FORTUNA

Every Tuesday- Range Night at Northwest Sportsman Club

RAY

Tuesday April 11th - Region

9 Instrumental Competition at Powerslake

Tuesday April 11th - Special School Board Meeting 5:008:00pm

Wednesday April 12th - 7th Graders Scrubs Camp

CROSBY

April 10th - 15th - Missoula

Children’s Theater Week

Monday April 10th - Mac-ABee’s Book Club 5:15pm at Crosby Self Serve

Friday April 14th - Cards & Games at Crosby Senior Citizens Center 1:30-2:30pm

LIGNITE

Friday April 7th - No School

Tuesday April 11th - Region

9 Instrumental Competition at Powerslake

Wednesday April 12thSchool Board Meeting 7:00pm at Burke Central

WILLISTON

Saturday April 8th - Easter Egg Hunt 10a for kids up to preschool age, 11a for ages 6-9, Noon for ages 10 and up at Yellowstone Masonic Lodge, near Fort Buford and Missouri Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center

Saturday April 8th - Easter Pails & Bunny Trails 1:00 - 3:00pm at Lewis & Clark State Park 2023 Western ND Home & Garden Show - Friday 2:007:00pm Saturday 9:00am5:00pm at Raymond Family

Community Center

Friday April 14th - “End of the Rope” Red Carpet Premiere

7:00pm at Grand Theater 211

South Main Street

TIOGA

Friday April 7th - Movie: The Super Mario Bros Movie 7:00 pm at Tioga Theater 15 1st St

NE Tioga

Monday April 10th - Planning & Zoning Meeting 5:30pm City Hall - 16 1st St NE, Tioga

Tuesday April 11th - Tioga

Fund Meeting 6:00pm City Hall - 16 1st St NE, Tioga

Tioga Community Center Schedule

Mondays: Yoga Flow 9:30am10:30am

Wrestling practice 3pm6:30pm

Tuesdays: Wrestling practice 3-6:30pm

Pickleball 6pm-8pm

Wednesdays: Youth Group 6pm-9pm

Thursdays: Wrestling practice 3pm-6:30pm Slow Flow 6pm-7pm

ND HOUSE BILL 1385

tracts with the state water commission.” The bill was met with overwhelming supporting votes from both the State House and Senate with no “nays” and a single “absentee”.

This bill is seen publicly as an effort to avoid another situation like the 2016 Standing Rock Sioux Nation demonstrations in Cannonball North Dakota when indigenous tribe members and their supporters were met in freezing conditions with water cannons and armed military personnel. Subsequently the demonstrators were forced to abandon their encampments in an emergency fashion leaving trash and refuse behind for state officials and local residents to contend with. The incident lasted for much longer than originally anticipated, ended up making national headlines and attracting some larger civil rights groups and even

a couple celebrities. For a state that usually keeps its voice low and strong, this was not a good image for the press to be reporting on when ultimately it appeared to be a series of egregious miscommunications about pipeline building plans.

Fast forward to today, House Bill 1385 amends the language to clearly define the parties that can enter into water agreements such as “Any political subdivision, including county, township, city, park district,

and water resource district, and federally recognized Indian tribes, may separately or jointly, with the state of North Dakota through the commission, or federal departments or agencies, investigate, plan, and do all things necessary for participating in or undertaking underground or surface water surveys, development, construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of works, dams, and projects for the beneficial utilization and control of water resources,

and may enter into contracts with the commission to pay rents, charges, or other payments for the use of works of the commission.”

The new amendment directly involves local Native American tribes in the decision making process of things like pipeline routes and water access areas. Quite a few citizens of North Dakota were under the assumption that legal stipulations like this already existed but common courtesy and an equitable attitude were the only things that had maintained the relationship between Tribal leaders and the oil companies since the discovery of oil in the Bakken. As bigger companies moved in from out of state during the last booms, the North Dakota traditions of mutual respect seemed have been put on the back burner a bit thus resulting in the 2016 Standing Rock incident but now, with this

amendment passed and signed, all Native Tribes with any stake in water resources have a say and a duty to be involved in any planning of development of its resources for the benefit of everyone. This once again demonstrates the North Dakota attitude of equal no-drama solutions to everyday issues that allows us to get back to working hard.

WYATT BOTHE SIGNS WITH LUTHER NORSE COLLEGE

was in kindergarten and has been a well rounded student with his grades, sports, and music. However, his passion for one sport overshadowed everything else. Wyatt has loved football since he was 7 years old and started his career in 2014 while he was in the 4th grade. Now, having played football for 9 years, he can’t imagine not having it in his life. Wyatt was an All Conference Honorable Mention his junior year and was All Conference this year. He also was chosen as an alternate for the Shrine Bowl this year.

With football on his mind, he started looking at colleges with the goal to play. In October 2022, he was accepted into North Dakota State University. However, he kept his options open and continued to explore colleges that would be able to give him the opportunity to continue his football career. Luther

Norse College was another he strongly considered.

“They were one of the first colleges to contact me and ask me to come down for a visit, and my uncle played there, as well. I got to ask him questions about the college and he said it was a great experience. I also have some family that lives down there,” Wyatt explained. Wyatt has officially decided on Luther Norse College in Decorah Iowa. He committed to playing football at Luther in February. Wyatt’s parents, Jen & Richard Bothe, are extremely excited for him. “His dad and I couldn’t be more proud! Wyatt has talked about playing football since he was 7 years old. With hard work and dedication he gets to continue doing what he loves. We are sure going to miss him, but we will be at every game and can’t wait to see what his future brings!” remarked Jen. His

family members are definitely his biggest supporters. At every game you could see his parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and so many more of his relatives, whether it was football, basketball or baseball. “I’m glad he gets to achieve his dreams,” said Wyatt’s twin sister, Bryn.

Wyatt’s future is certainly bright as he gets ready to graduate on May 21, attend college in fall to get a degree in business, and play football. He was able to visit Luther Norse College in February and got to take a look at the campus that will be his home for the next 4 years. “I’m kind of sad he will be so far away, but I’m excited to watch him continue doing what he loves,” Jen said about the trip. Wyatt officially signed with the college on April 5th at 2:00pm at Ray High School.

“I’m just very excited

and happy to get the chance to continue doing what I love,” said Wyatt.

BURGUM SIGNS BILL BENEFITING ACTIVE DUTY, GUARD AND RESERVE BY EXEMPTING MILITARY PAY FROM INCOME TAX

BISMARCK, N.D. – As part of ongoing efforts to make North Dakota the most military-friendly state in the nation, Gov. Doug Burgum today signed a bill that exempts military pay from state income tax for active duty, National Guard and Reserve members, building on legislation signed in 2019 that exempts military retirement pay.

The adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard, Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, and the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 2293, state Sen. Scott Meyer of Grand Forks, were among those who joined Burgum for a bill signing ceremony in the Black Hawk helicop-

ter hangar at the North Dakota Army National Guard’s Aviation Support Facility in south Bismarck.

Statewide, SB 2293 is estimated to reduce North Dakota service members’ income taxes by $4 million in the 2023-25 biennium. Military pay encompasses all federal pay for training, education, mobilization and bonuses as well as state pay when called to support an emergency on state active duty.

“By joining the roughly 20 states that don’t tax military income, North Dakota is recognizing the sacrifice of military service and building on the momentum of our ongoing efforts to

make ours the most military-friendly state in the nation,” Burgum said. “We’re grateful to the legislators, National Guard officials, military supporters and everyone else who advocated for this important tax relief.”

Currently, 12 states fully exempt military income from state income tax, including Minnesota, and 14 states partially exempt it, according to testimony on the bill. Nine states have no income tax, including South Dakota. As a result, military service members often choose a state with exemptions for military pay or no income tax as their official state of residence.

“This policy will assist our active duty members and their families when they decide where to set their state residency, it will assist our National Guard with recruiting efforts, and it will assist workforce development by veterans filling job openings once they separate from the military,” Meyer said. “The passage of SB 2293 continues to show that North Dakota is a leader in providing quality of life opportunities for our service members. They’ve earned it.”

North Dakota currently has about 5,500 Guard and Reserve members and nearly 7,300 active duty service members primarily at the

Grand Forks Air Force Base and Minot Air Force Base, according to the Department of Defense.

“This historic bill clearly demonstrates the great regard for our military by our state elected leaders,” Dohrmann said. “I am appreciative of the Governor and our legislators who supported this and other bills that directly benefit National Guard members and their families.”

The bill passed the House 89-3 and the Senate 40-4. Bill co-sponsors were Sen. Jordan Kannianen and Reps. Jason Dockter, Craig Headland, Mike Nathe and Steve Vetter.

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THE WESTBY WATCH

By Heidi Whitney

PROUD COMMUNITY SPONSOR!

Please contact Heidi Whitney at 406-672-5696 to add

ALL TIMES ARE MOUNTAIN

Thur. April 6: Maundy Thursday Joint Parish Service at St. Olaf Lutheran in Grenora, 6:00 MST/7:00 CST pm.

Fri. April 7: Good Friday Joint Parish Service at Immanuel in Westby, 6:00 MST/7:00 CST

Once again, mother nature is ruling track season on the hi-line.

The 2023 MonDak Thunder track team has been training in the hallways of Grenora School and getting in outdoor time whenever possible to gear up for the season.

The Thunder’s first meet was scheduled for March 31 in Glasgow. The

meet was canceled due to snow cover.

There are 20 athletes competing in high school track for the Thunder this season. There are 46 students competing in grades 5-8.

Head coach of the Thunder is Sue Meyer. She is assisted by Kim Meyer, Tony Holecek, and Ken Whitney.

New CeNtury Ag expANsioN

Sun. April 9: Services at Assembly of God, 10:30 am. Coffee hour at Immanuel, 10:30 am. Services, 11:30 am.

New Century Ag’s Westby location has finally seen its new agronomy cen-

ter come to fruition. Stay tuned next week for a full report in the Westby Watch.

Shown here are a group of MonDak Thunder junior high and high school trackersters getting ready to take on the dreaded 5th Avenue West hill in Westby on the last day of March.

Westby senior Sayler Stewart shares a laugh with coach Kim Meyer on a sunny March 31 practice surrounded by snow hills and temperatures in the mid-20s. A 1600m and 3200m competitor, Stewart was an all-state runner in cross country last fall placing 11th at the state C meet in Missoula.

WESTBY LADIES TAKE 4TH AT BONSPIEL Twelve Chilis and Soups Fill Up Crowd at “A

Sisters in Curling placed 4th in the 3rd annual Women’s Bonspiel at the Fortuna curling rink. Shown at right (left to right) are Sharla Adams, Coach Gracia Gilbertson (of Fortuna), Jayde Mangel, Lexi Hansen, and Heidi Whitney.

The team also won the “Best Dressed” Award and Mangel took home the “Best Dance Moves” title.

A total of 15 teams from Minot, Williston, Crosby, Westby, Fortuna, Canada and everywhere in between took part in the bonspiel March 24 - 25 in Fortuna. The “Sisters” lost to the championship team out of Minot in their first game

on Friday, sending them to the loser bracket where they beat out four teams before

losing the consolation game on Saturday night to a team from Williston.

Did You Know?

Sony sold its waterproof Walkman in a bottle of water to prove it was really waterproof.

LITTLE TASTE OF WESTBY”

The Westby Development Corporation held a chili/soup cook off on March 25 to raise funds for the annual Westby Community Parade of Lights and Festival of Trees at the Westby Community Center. Coming in first place was the team consisting of Garrett and Sharla Adams and Dorcas Drawbond, all of Westby. The Adams/Drawbond team served up “Dorcas’s Famous Chili.”

A free will donation was asked in exchange to sample all of the goods and to cast your vote for the best.

Coming in 2nd place

were Brenda Ryals and Tara Stewart with their version of Zuppa Toscana soup. Coming in third was the husband/wife duo Robyn and Brian Wiley’s clam chowder. Fourth place was awarded to Karla Christensen and Peggy Bowman’s buffalo chicken chili.

Westby Development board member Jody Lagerquiest reflected on the night declaring “everyone was a winner.”

Funds from the event will be used to replace light bulbs for the annual parade and tree festival.

What is the definition of building relationships?

By Scott Westlund

Since I started to work for this membership in 2011, Rick Knick made it quite clear that the recipe for success was to build relationships with anyone possible.

Taking this information very seriously, I spent many years building that “force” of people who make things happen across this service territory.

Success is built on the ability to communicate what a co-op is and what they represent.

Just such relationships have been built with members across this region including our important tribal members.

From the start, their cul-

ture has fascinated me. In fact, I did a term paper on the History of the Sioux and Assiniboine tribes for a college course. Most of the material in the paper was based on face-to-face interviews with folks who know these tribal members.

Great relationship and one that continues to this day.

In past acquaintances you will find ways to help one another as the pureness of the relationship continues to grow. Schools react when you come to see them, programs within the community know that this cooperative stands ready to help when there is a need, and people/members know that we are here to help when

they need it. There were several times where I would take a member to town so they could get groceries, pay their gas bills, or help in any way we could..

In essence this cooperative becomes part of our members lives. From collections to community support, we drive to be a part of everyone’s lives.

On the collections front we have Tasha running this program. She is very good at finding out what is going on in the members’ lives and making adjustments internally to help them out. In essence, she has become a part of their lives.

This is the cooperative spirit, this is what makes a

cooperative special, this is why the memberships created their cooperatives.

It’s all about relationships and creating them.

I am reminded of a story that happened recently about helping a fellow utility in the region move one of their projects forward. MDU had been trying for several years to get a hold of the right people to start and finish a transmission project North of Poplar. Not knowing who to call, we helped out by leaning on the folks we have built relationships with. When everyone came to the room together, the project started to move forward.

It is these precious relationships that turn the

Scott Westland, CEO/General Manager of Sheridan Electric

wheels in Northeast Montana. It is these precious relationships that make things happen in this area, and it is the willingness to do the hard things in order to achieve the simple things.

Champs of the “Little Taste of Westby” chili/soup cook off (left to right) Dorcas Drawbond, Sharla Adams, and Garrett Adams.

Summer Rec Program Offers Opportunity for Students to Stay Active

students the opportunity to get outside and stay active,” says Kristen Ator, manager of the Crosby Summer Rec program.

Ator, who is also a 3rd grade teacher at Divide Elementary, got her start with Crosby’s Summer Rec program three years ago. “My husband Nick was asked to help with the field maintenance and game scheduling. He was already coaching, and it just became a lot to manage, so I helped him with it. This will be my second summer managing the scheduling on my own, while Nick continues to coach and maintain the grounds.”

“When we moved here, we were looking for opportunities for our kids to get involved in activities,” notes Kristen. Our oldest was four at the time, and she had a great summer playing parent-led t-ball. She continues to play, and it’s so fun to see all the kids grow and develop their skills and have fun while being part of a team.”

Summer Rec offers t-ball, baseball and softball options for boys and girls. Their team placement depends on their age as of January 1st, 2023. “T-ball offers two different teams,” explains Ator. “We have a parent-led team for students under age 5, where the parks district provides all the equipment and all the parents help the kids with batting and running the bases. It’s a great opportunity for younger children to have fun while developing basic skills. The traveling baseball team for kids ages 5-7 has their own designated coach, and typically plays games in our local region – Kenmare, Bowbells, Stanley, Ray, Powers Lake and

Tioga. It’s another opportunity for kids to have fun with their friends in a safe but active environment.”

In addition to the t-ball teams, Crosby Summer Rec offers baseball in two different age divisions: Peewees, ages 8-10, and Midgets, ages 11-12. “We typically field two peewee teams,” notes Ator. “One team is “coach-pitch” and the other is “player-pitch.” Part of my job is helping parents decide which team is the best fit for their child based on age, experience and the child’s personality. It helps that I know most of the kids from school, so I already have a pretty good idea of which team they’d be more comfortable playing on,” says Kristen. Ator also notes that some girls choose to play peewee coach-pitch baseball before transitioning to the sometimes faster-paced 12U girls softball. “It’s a great opportunity for them to continue building their skills before moving to softball,” she notes. “If parents aren’t sure what to do, they can always reach out to me and I’m happy to walk them through the options so we can make the best decision for that girl.”

As the summer rec program has grown in recent years, Ator says they’ve been able to add an 18U girls softball team, and are considering moving to a fast-pitch softball league.

“We have a region meeting coming up, and there is a lot of interest in a girl’s fastpitched league. There is even a gal from Tioga who would be willing to come and help teach pitching to our girls and coaches, so we’ll see what comes of it. The change might not happen until next year, but we’re excited to start the

conversation.”

While summer rec offers 18U girls the opportunity for play, 18U boys, on the other hand, transition out of the Midget program to a local Babe Ruth/Legion team. “Our goal is to have a solid program that focuses on developing players' basic foundational skills in their younger years, and hopefully that will result in the players and teams finding more success as they transition into the higher levels of play. The high school also now has boys baseball and girls softball, so hopefully what we’re doing every summer makes a positive impact on those teams as well.”

Ator doesn’t just stay busy with routine game scheduling and team rosters, she also helps coordinate, hire, and pay coaches and umpires, something the program is still in need of for the upcoming summer. “We still have several coaching positions open and we’re always looking for umpires,” notes Kristen. “You don’t need to have any special training, just a heart for kids and a little experience with baseball or softball.”

As in past summers, Kristen hopes to host at least one tournament in Crosby. “It really brings the community together,” notes Ator. “There are so many who step up to volunteer as team hosts, or even as part of the clean-up crew. Local food trailers set-up, and many of the businesses sponsor free water and snacks, in addition to the dollars they donate back to the program.” Local residents, she says, also come out just to support the kids. “Many come to get something to eat, catch a couple games and visit with neigh-

bors. It’s a great time for everyone.”

“I like to encourage parents who aren’t sure about summer rec to ‘just try it,’” shares Ator. “Not only do the kids get the opportunity to get active and be outside, they get to spend time with friends developing not just physical skills, but social skills – teamwork, problem-solving, showing up on time, responsibility, leadership. Those life-long lessons, developing good character, knowing that everyone matters and every-

one contributes to the good of the team are take-aways that will go with them forever.”

Players must be registered by May 1st – more information on registration and an early bird discount can be found on the Crosby Park District’s Facebook page. For more information on teams, or if interested in coaching or serving as an umpire, please contact Kristen Ator at 701-897-1982 or email her at kristen.c.ator@ gmail.com.

Burgum appoints Curtis Biller, reappoints Timothy Mihalick to North Dakota Board of Higher Education

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum today announced he has appointed Curtis Biller of Fargo and reappointed Timothy Mihalick of Minot to four-year terms on the North Dakota Board of Higher Education.

Biller has served as a principal of Fargo-based Strengths Inc., a human resources consulting firm, since 2004, and also has been a partner in Northern Plains Business Advisors of Fargo since 2020. He will fill the board seat being vacated by Nick Hacker, who has served on the Board of Higher Education since July 1, 2015, and is not eligible for another term.

Biller currently serves on the board of directors of the Sigma Chi Leadership Institute, a nonprofit learning service provider in accreditation candidacy through the Middle States Association’s Commission on Elementary and Secondary Education. He also

has served as a volunteer in youth leadership development at Trollwood Performing Arts School in Moorhead, Minn., and is a Big Brother volunteer.

“Curt’s background in business, education and personal development will provide valuable perspective as the Board works with our university system to ensure quality, respond to market demands and navigate the rapidly changing landscape of higher education,” Burgum said. “We appreciate Curt and all of the candidates who showed their passion for higher education in North Dakota.”

Mihalick is a business development officer at First Western Bank & Trust of Minot. He was appointed to a four-year term on the board in 2019.

Prior to taking on his current role in September 2017, Mihalick worked for the Minot-based real estate investment firm IRET for

36 years, including as president and CEO for eight years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Minot State University and is a current member and past president of the MSU Board of Regents. Mihalick has served as past president of both the Minot Family YMCA and the Sertoma Club of Minot and as a board member and vice chairman of Trinity Medical Center.

“We are deeply grateful for Tim’s service on the board since 2019 and look forward to him continuing to drive innovation, strategy and positive change for higher education in North Dakota during a second four-year term,” Burgum said. “We also thank Nick Hacker for his eight years of outstanding service to the Board of Higher Education, including his leadership as chair.”

The Board of Higher

STEAKHOUSE STEAKHOUSE

Education has eight voting members appointed by the governor, including one student member, and two non-voting members who

represent the North Dakota University System’s faculty and staff. The board oversees the system’s 11 public colleges and universities.

Governor Gianforte: “Let’s Keep Moving Forward on Montanans’ Priorities”

Governor urges continued progress on Budget for Montana Families, pro-housing reforms

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today urged continued progress on his Budget for Montana Families and commonsense, pro-housing reforms to make housing more affordable and attainable for Montanans.

“Together, let’s keep moving forward on Montanans’ priorities. Let’s continue opening the doors of greater opportunity so more folks can prosper,” Gov. Gianforte said in a press conference at the State Capitol. “Ultimately, Montanans sent us to Helena to address their priorities, help them thrive, and make it easier for them to achieve the

American dream. Let’s get it done.”

Last summer Gov. Gianforte stood up a diverse, bipartisan Housing Task Force to provide recommendations to make housing more affordable and attainable for Montanans. During the press conference, Gov. Gianforte highlighted one of the task force’s recommendations he adopted into his Budget for Montana Families, the Home Ownership Means Economic Security (HOMES) Program.

Carried by Rep. Mike Hopkins, R-Missoula, in HB 825, the HOMES program invests $200 million to expand water and sewer

infrastructure and ultimately increase the supply of affordable workforce housing.

“Let’s get the HOMES Program across the finish line so we can increase the supply of housing – and get more Montanans into an affordable home of their own,” Gov. Gianforte continued.

Gov. Gianforte also praised several other pro-housing reforms before the legislature, including SB 382 carried by Sen. Forrest Mandeville, R-Columbus, SB 258 introduced by Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson, SB 245 sponsored by Sen. Daniel Zolnikov, R-Bill-

ings, and SB 323 carried by Sen. Jeremy Trebas, R-Great Falls.

The governor also called for continued action on various elements of his Budget for Montana Families in the press conference.

“Montanans are counting on us to be good stewards of their hard-earned dollars, and our Budget for Montana Families delivers,” Gov. Gianforte said. “After returning $1 billion to taxpayers, we’re using our surplus like any Montana family would – paying off our debt, repairing what needs fixing, and saving for a rainy day.”

To repair critical state

infrastructure, the governor pointed to his proposed $300 million, generational investment in the state’s behavioral health care system and state hospital, in HB 872, and $200 million investment to repair and expand capacity at the state prison, in HB 5.

The governor also emphasized the importance of more than doubling the state’s rainy day fund, in HB 424, and establishing the Local Disaster Resiliency Fund, in HB 269.

“These investments are critical to the health and safety of Montana families and communities through(Story Continues on Page 12

KEEPING THE TIOGA COMMUNITY CONNECTED

By Haley Felber, Tioga Community Center Director

“April showers bring May flowers”, or at least that’s how the saying goes. I think I speak for most when I say that I’m ready for the snow to melt, and the flowers to start blooming. However, there’s also a messy side to the transition into spring…MUD. While many

are excited for the temperatures to rise so they can take a stroll outside, DIRT-y roads aren’t always ideal. Luckily, we’ve got our gymnasium for the community to utilize in times of need, and for some, habitually.

As one of the simplest forms of physical fitness, walking has many benefits, such as: To maintain

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a healthy body weight and lose fat, improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen your bones and muscles, increase energy levels, improve your mood, cognition, memory and sleep, strengthen immune system, improve balance and coordination, as well as prevent or manage various conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes.

If you’re looking to get your steps in, you are more than welcome to bring a clean pair of shoes and come do some laps inside the community center. Roughly 20 laps around our gym is

the equivalent of one mile! Typically, the best time to come by is in the morning, as to avoid other events or activities in the building. So, grab your shoes, and get to steppin’.

LOOKING BACK

February was another busy month! Out of the 27 days we were open, we had 1,945 people utilize the facility during our regular business hours. Our busiest day was Thursday, February 2nd with 132 people coming through our doors. That averages out to 72 people per day!

WEDDING SEASON IS UPON US

Over the years we have had several weddings and/ or receptions take place inside our building. I have seen so many creative and beautiful décor displays; photos of some of these can be found on our community center Facebook page. So far, we have three weddings booked in our facility for 2023, with the first one being in April. For more information on how to rent space for your wedding or other events, please call us at 701-664-3192, message us on Facebook, or send an email to: communitycenter@cityoftioga.com

ND

Lawmaker:

Still Hope for Expanding School Meals

By Mike Moen Prairie News Service

This week, the North Dakota Senate rejected a plan to expand eligibility for free school meals, but the idea has support from many agencies and organizations, and a key sponsor said he is not giving up.

The bill, which had cleared the House earlier this session, called on the state to provide an additional $6 million so more students could get no-cost meals offered under the Federal School Lunch Program.

Rep. Zach Ista, D-Grand Forks, one of the bill's sponsors, said a large contingent of North Dakotans have made their voices heard on the issue. He argued the Senate is missing an opportunity to address growing concerns about food insecurity around the state.

"There are people that, you know, even come from two-income households that

are struggling to make ends

meet," Ista pointed out.

More than two dozen individuals, educators, and organizations testified in support of the bill. Ista noted the funding could be included in a larger spending plan before the session ends. The current measure failed in the Senate by only one vote. Some Republicans acknowledged hunger issues among children, but argued parents should take more responsibility for the issue.

As backers try to win

over more support in the Senate, Ista added they still have visions for a plan to establish free meals for all students, regardless of income.

"The $6 million figure, I think, is a good down payment on expanding no-cost school meals in the state as this issue continues to resonate with North Dakotans," Ista stressed.

Before clearing the House, the bill originally had $89 million set aside for "universal" school meals, but was eventually trimmed to $6 million. This year, Minnesota adopted no-cost meals for all students, joining a handful of other states taking similar action.

“There are people that, you know, even come from twoincome households that are struggling to make ends meet,” Ista pointed out.

Historic Webster School a Successful Family-Owned Small Business for the Community

By Karlene Tura Clark

Meet the Schlenske’s. Ben and Kristin Schlenske’s built their small business Let's Go Webster LLC in September 2021. Their home and base of operations is the Historic Webster School in Webster, North Dakota. It is a small schoolhouse that operated from 1905 to 1970.

Ben and Kristin bought the historic building from the family of Thomas Webster. Thomas Webster attended the school and discovered his love of learning there. The renovation “was a labor of love for Thomas Webster,” Kristin said. When Mr. Webster passed, the family sold it to Ben and Kristin and they began Let's Go Webster LLC.

They turned it into a place for families to have fun and make connections within the community. They offer carnivals, family movie nights, karaoke, art, music, and baking classes.

Moving to Webster in July 2021, Ben, Kristin, and five of their eight children began building their business.

“We were just going to do a school for the arts, doing music lessons and art lessons and things like that… that was kind of our dream to have our own business and do it as a family,” said Kristin.

Their business continued to grow when they found a wide interest from the community.

“When we first got here, we really didn't intend

for everybody to come in, and we just thought we'd do these lessons, but we found that people really love and connected to them. They really appreciated that somebody was trying to take care of this school, historic place, and we found that people wanted to come in,”

Connecting with the community was the main goal for Ben, Kristin, and their family.

Kristin said, “It's been really great for us because we've wanted to connect with the community and have things that families can do. That's really our aim is to kind of bring arts and music and things like that, not that it's not here, there's other people doing good things, but to contribute to that and make that more available and then also allow people to come and see the beauty of this historical place.”

Interest has not just come from the small town of Webster, but also from Devil’s Lake and other surrounding areas. The biggest draw being the CarniFall in October drawing over a couple thousand people to the historic school house.

They even opened their own bakery, named Breadster at Webster. Not only do they sell delicious baked goods, but they provide Bakery Bootcamp, a class for lovers of all things yum-

the different events. They're especially involved in our CarniFall in the Fall, they run everything outside with my husband while I’m inside doing the bakery. We do a Christmas event with Santa Claus where they help by singing and performing different musical numbers with different instruments, so it's really great. They're extremely helpful…”

Let’s Go Webster not only hosts pumpkin patches, and Christmas events, but Kristin teaches private piano lessons, and voice lessons, while Ben teaches percussion and art. They do it all without missing a beat. They also bring in outside instructors from around the community.

the plans.”

That is just the beginning. Ben and Kristin continue to add projects and events. They learn and grow according to what they love and according to community interest.

“…my kids had been begging me to do a bakery for a long time, saying we should sell baked goods, and so we had to do that…”

…in October we opened the bakery, not realizing that the bakery would just keep going. We had a lot of good responses so we've maintained that and we just keep doing that through the year too…”

Even Ben and Kristin’s children help keep things running smoothly, by helping Ben with creative endeavors and Kristin in the bakery.

“…we do bring in other people partially because it's good to have other people come in and have a different variety of artists and collaboration…”

With Let’s Go Webster going strong, there are some things in the pipeline for the Schlenske family, including soap making, a LEGO class, and a book signing event.

The LEGO class will be a master builder series, where participants will learn to build things like cars and ramps, with no kits. There will be prizes for various projects.

The book reading features author Sarah Dixon Young. She will be signing and reading passages from her book The Winning of Lady Wisdom.

They also want to explore ancestry projects for the people of the community.

“…we hope that if people have a craft or something like that, that we can provide a place for them to do that…”

Let’s Go Webster LLC is a small business that has brought families and communities together. Memories old and new run through the Historic Webster School. Ben, Kristin, and their children continue to learn and grow with their neighbors and they show no sign of slowing down.

Kristin said, “…we're really kind of dabbling in a lot of things, but it's all things that we really love to do and so it makes it really fun…”

For information about future happenings visit: https://lets-go-websterllc-104846.square.site/ https://www.facebook. com/letsgowebster/ https://www.facebook. com/breadsteratwebster

Did You Know?

“When it's really busy they're helping in the bakery. They love to help decorate, but they help do other things, and they are always helping with the movies and

“…we have a plan to do an ancestry search history of the area, and help people find ancestors through technology. We have always thought that might be an interesting thing for some of the people here, so that's on

About 400 million years ago, before trees were common, the Earth was covered with giant mushrooms. Known as Prototaxites, the giant fungus originally was thought to be a conifer

my.

NORTH DAKOTA DNR NEWS whooping crane migration

Whooping cranes are in the midst of their spring migration and sightings will increase as they make their way through North Dakota over the next several weeks. Anyone seeing these endangered birds as they move through the state should report sightings so the birds can be tracked.

The whooping cranes that do travel through North Dakota are part of a population of about 500 birds on their way from wintering grounds in Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas to nesting grounds at Wood Buffalo National Park in

Canada, a distance of about 2,500 miles.

Whoopers stand about 5 feet tall and have a wingspan of about 7 feet from tip to tip. They are bright white with black wing tips, which are visible only when the wings are outspread. In flight, they extend their long necks forward, while their long, slender legs extend out behind the tail. Whooping cranes typically migrate singly, or in groups of 2-3 birds, and may be associated with sandhill cranes.

Other white birds such as snow geese, swans and egrets are often mistaken

for whooping cranes. The most common misidentification is pelicans, because their wingspan is similar and they tuck their pouch in flight, leaving a silhouette similar to a crane when viewed from below.

Anyone sighting whoopers should not disturb them, but record the date, time, location and the birds' activity. Observers should also look for and report colored bands, which may occur on one or both legs. Whooping cranes have been marked with colored leg bands to help determine their identity.

Whooping crane sightings should be reported to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offices at Lostwood, 701-848-2466; Audubon, 701-442-5474; the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in Bismarck, 701328-6300; or to local game wardens across the state. Reports help biologists locate important whooping crane habitat areas, monitor marked birds, determine survival and population numbers, and identify times and migration routes.

Governor Gianforte: “Let’s Keep Moving Forward on Montanans’ Priorities”

out the state. Let’s get it done,” Gov. Gianforte said.

Before taking questions, Gov. Gianforte urged legislators to move on his bills to invest in stronger families with an adoption tax credit and child tax credit, safer

communities with full funding for new highway patrol troopers, prosecutors, and criminal investigators, and property tax relief for lowand fixed-income Montana homeowners.

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NATIONAL & WORLD HEADLINES AIR POLLUTION IN THAILAND

Meet Baby Kitty! Baby Kitty is Elorah Bertossi-Lagein’s pet. She is a beloved member of the family and a great friend to Elorah.

This last winter has seen a serious uptick in hospital stays due to respiratory issues in Thailand. The country has struggled with smog in the past but the larger cities in the north seem to be experiencing unusually high levels of air pollutants and the air quality is further being impacted by a large wildfire, sparked by lightning, raging through the area. Fire fighting vehicles have been dispatched to the mountainous regions currently ablaze and are now joined by helicopters and water tanker planes but the options are limited given the steep terrain. The fire also threatens the Khao Yai national forest and wildlife reserve, the nation’s largest outdoor tourist attraction. “Khao Yai is part of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex; a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO, covering 5 protected areas from Khao Yai to [the] Cambodian border.” The fire crews have been put on official standby and defensive maneuvers only to protect homes and farmland but not much can be done to stop the mountain fires that are billowing smoke and carcinogens into the cities.

BELARUS AGREES TO HOLD NUKES

The Belarusian President Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko has warned the west that Russia may decide to deploy long range nuclear devices to his country. He made the announcement during his recent state of the nation speech marking a major escalation but in the same breath he called for an all out ceasefire in neighboring Ukrainian territories under Russian siege. Lukashenko also stated that “Ukrainians will fight until every Ukrainian is dead” and that this moving of nuclear weapons will pressure Ukraine to give into the demands of the Kremlin while preventing future bloodshed. It is important to note that Lukashenko asked Putin for these weapons to be deployed to his country, not the other way around.

ENGLISH KING VISITS

GERMANY

King Charles III had an official state visit to Germany this week and became the first British monarch to address the German parliament. His speech, which went back and forth between German and English languages and his jokes drew laughs from German lawmakers. He then hit a serious note on the Russian threat to peace in Europe, he noted the need to find terms of reconciliation between Ukraine and Russian and to learn from the death

and terrible destruction of WWII to prevent future atrocities and war crimes. The king went on to visit Ukrainian refugees who had taken shelter in Germany and to a joint military base outside Berlin to show the strength and unity of the two nations military forces. This post brexit cooperation is a sample of the new alliances and relationships forming since leaving the EU.

NEW INDIAN AFRICAN MILITARY ARMS DEALS

India has launched a new campaign to sell military weapons and equipment to African nations as an ambitious way to embolden its defense sector. On Wednesday, Army chiefs and commanders from 30 African nations including Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Syria, South Africa and Rwanda inspected Indian made drones, helicopters and artillery at an arms expo in India. The Indian-made military equipment is more in line with the budget of African warfare and some African countries already buy their weapons from India. With this new market, Indian lawmakers and business specialists are hoping to cut down on imports made from Russia and cut overall spending on Russian made materials but most Indian citizens see this as just another dangerous trade in warfare.

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK:

There’s a common saying, “Every day might not be good, but there is something good in every day.” I think the key is to challenge ourselves to be that good if we can’t seem to find it anywhere else. Turn off the doom & gloom news & make human connections, smile, help, be the good in someone else’s day.

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