The Oracle - June 14, 2023

Divide County Rodeo 2023

3

Days of Action-Packed Family Fun

By Michelle Svangstu

Rodeo isn’t new to the Divide County Fair, but this year’s fair will be filled with fast-ridin’, calf-ropin’ and barrel-racin’ action!

Dan Maier from the DC Rodeo Committee says “We really wanted to take a look at what it takes to get people to the fair, and even more important, what does the future of rodeo look like for Divide County?” It was those questions that drove the committee to expand their rodeo offerings in 2023, offering exciting, family-friendly activities all three days of the fair.

Friday night, says Dan, fans can come out and cheer on their favorite cowboys and cowgirls during the 1st Annual “Ag Olympics.” Contestants will compete to see who tosses the highest hay bale, test their strength in a T-Post Pounding contest, and see whose boots can scoot the fastest in the wheelbarrow race. The committee has teamed up with the DC FFA to help run and organize the event,

Ensuring Community Safety: The Vital Role of 911 and Non-Emergency Reporting

TRAP SHOOT A FAMILY AFFAIR

By Alyssa Stromberg

Learn more about the Orland Stringer Memorial Trap Shoot in Medicine Lake.

Page 6

FIRST LADY, DOLLY PARTON ANNOUNCE STATEWIDE EXPANSION OF IMAGINATION

LIBRARY

PRESS RELEASE

Partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will provide free books to Montana children from birth to age five in every Montana zip code.

By

and the FFA also built the bar for the hay bale toss. “There is no entry fee and anyone age 13 and older is welcome to compete,” notes Dan. “We’re hoping this event is one-more step towards getting people, especially youth, excited about western sports.” The top winner in each event will take home a $100 cash prize.

Following the Ag Olympics, the ladies will

CRAFTS-4-U

take the arena by storm for the ND05 NBHA Barrel Race. Shares Dan: “The Barrel Races are open to anyone. There are 4 Divisions, and even if you don’t have the fastest horse of the night, there is an opportunity to win in one of the other divisions. The prizes are a cash deal – all of the entry fees are pooled and the cash is split between the winners according to division at the

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Page 7

DAKOTA GARDENER: DO NOT BUY LADYBUGS

By Tom Kalb,

NDSU

Instead of buying sleeping lady beetles from CA, it makes more sense to provide an environment that is inviting to our local lady beetles.

Page 10

BURGUM WELCOMES

APPROVAL OF $68M IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR CAREER ACADEMIES

North Dakota Governor’s Office Press Release

ND receives funding for 13 career academies across the state where students can pursue high-demand careers in the trades, health care, technology and other sectors to help meet workforce needs.

Page 14

“WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO ENVISION WHAT’S POSSIBLE.” - MICHELLE OBAMA, THE LIGHT WE CARRY

Tioga Police Dept. Page 3

LOCAL EVENTS SPONSORED BY

FORTUNA

Every Tuesday- Range Night at Northwest

Sportsman Club

RAY

Wednesday June 14th - School Board

Meeting 6:00pm at Ray High School

Thursday June 15th - Boys Basketball

Summer Workouts 6:30am at Ray High School Gym

Friday June 16th - Girls Basketball Summer

Workouts 9:30am at Ray High School Gym

Tuesday June 20th - Boys Basketball

Summer Workouts 6:30am at Ray High

School Gym

Wednesday June 21st - Boys Basketball

Summer Workouts 6:30am at Ray High School Gym

Thursday June 22nd - Boys Basketball

Summer Workouts 6:30am at Ray High School Gym

LIGNITE

Wednesday June 14th - School Board Meeting 7:00pm

CROSBY

Wednesday June 14th - Divide County Jobs

Development Authority Meeting 8:00am9:00am at Divide County Courthouse

Conference Room

Friday June 16th - Planning & Zoning

Commission 9:00-11:00am

Monday June 19th - Burger Night 5:30pm7:30pm at Crosby Moose Lodge

Tuesday June 20th - Upper Missouri District

Health Unit-Monthly Vaccination Clinic

9:00AM - 5:00PM Divide County Court-

house, 200 N Main St. Rm 2201

Tuesday June 20th - Divide County Food

Pantry at Concordia Lutheran Church

10:00AM - 1:00PM at Concordia Lutheran

Church, 301 Main St NW, Crosby

Wednesday June 21st - Divide County

Commission Meeting 8:00-11:00am

Wednesdays:

Storytime at the Divide County Library 10:00am - 10:45am

Summer Reading Program at Divide County Public Library 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Fridays:

Cards & Games at Divide County Senior Citizens Center 1:30-2:30pm

Movie at Dakota Theater 7:30pm

Saturdays:

Movie at Dakota Theater 7:30pm

Sundays:

Movie at Dakota Theater 7:30pm

WILLISTON

June 15th - June 18th - 2023 Fort Union

Rendezvous at Fort Union Trading Post

National Historic Site

June 16th - June 18th - Monster Mash at Lewis and Clark State Park

Saturday June 17th - James Memorial Preservation Society 30th Birthday Celebration

4-7p at James Memorial Art Center front lawn

Saturday June 17th - 2023 Williams County Parks Summer Concert Series presents “DMJ Productions” 7-9p at Blacktail Dam

June 21st- June 25th - 2023 Upper Missouri Valley Fair at Upper Missouri Valley Fairgrounds

June 23rd & June 24th - UMV Fair Regional Cornhole Tournament at Upper Missouri Valley Fairgrounds (Bowman Building)

TIOGA

Wednesday June 14th - Slow Flow Yoga

7:00-8:00pm at the Tioga Community Center

Thursday June 15th - Tioga Historical Soci-

ety Meeting 6:30pm at Tioga Museum

Thursday June 15th - Airport Authority

Meeting 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM 2237 Aviator Way Tioga, ND 58852

Thursday June 15th - Marketing Class:

MASTERING BRAND DESIGN 7:00 PM -

8:00 PM City Hall- use Welo St Door

June 16th - June 18th - Movie: Elemental

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Tioga Theater

Monday June 19th - Commission Meeting

7:00 PM at City Hall - 16 1st St NE, Tioga, ND 58852

Monday June 19th - Pilates 9:30am-

10:30am at the Tioga Community Center

Tuesday June 20th - Park Board Meeting

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Tioga Park Shop

Tuesday June 20th - Wake Up Yoga

7:45am-8:45am at the Tioga Community Center

June 22nd - June 23rd - U-Mary Volleyball

Satellite Camp 10:00am-4:30pm at the Tioga Community Center

Thursday June 22nd - Rhubarb Fest 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Downtown Tioga

June 23rd - June 25th - Movie: Elemental

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Tioga Theater

Tioga Community Center Schedule

Mondays: Yoga Flow 9:30am-10:30am Learn English Class 10:00am-11:00am

Tuesdays: Wrestling practice 3-6:30pm Pickleball 5:00pm-8:00pm

Wednesdays: Youth Group 6:00pm-9:00pm

Storytime 10:30am-11:00am

Thursdays: Wrestling practice 3:00pm6:30pm Slow Flow 6:00pm-7:00pm

ND Issues Medicaid Renewal Plea After Thousands Disenrolled

By Mike Moen, Prairie News Service

North Dakota officials are urging people receiving health coverage through a key public program to stay on top of their renewal if they are still eligible. It follows the end of pandemic rules for Medicaid. At the start of the COVID crisis, Congress paved the way for states to keep people continuously enrolled in Medicaid. But with the public health emergency over, states such as North Dakota are unwinding the provision.

Krista Fremming, interim medical services division director of the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services explained when they recently sent out renewal notices,

only one in three people returned them. She pointed out it is possible that some people found other options, but her team suspects many who still need help did not take the necessary steps to secure it.

"For the forms that were returned, about seven in ten people still qualified," she added. "So, that gives a

good indication that many of the unreturned forms are for people who would still qualify. And we want to continue their coverage, if they do. "

She said more than 4,000 people were disenrolled last Wednesday. The state carried out a media campaign, as well as outreach with providers, in

hopes of ensuring recipients knew the forms were mailed to them. Fremming said the state is exploring other ways to connect with members. Those who were disenrolled have 90 days to return the forms to receive back-dated Medicaid coverage if they still qualify.

Fremming added they are especially worried about households with children losing coverage.

"We know that getting vaccinations and having access to dental care and behavioral health services

are so important to laying a strong foundation for children as they grow up," she continued.

North Dakota has an auto-renewal process to make it easier for staff to verify if an individual still qualifies for coverage. But Fremming said it is still new and limited, and added it does not include people who have self-employment income, or who are subject to asset tests. Meanwhile, renewal forms are mailed out around the 20th of each month and are due within 30 days.

According to 2022 data, more than 126,000 North Dakotans have insurance coverage through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program. (Adobe Stock)

Ensuring Community Safety: The Vital Role of 911 and Non-Emergency Reporting

The Tioga Police Department

In any thriving community, the safety and well-being of its residents are paramount. A crucial aspect of maintaining public safety is the efficient and timely reporting of emergencies and non-emergency incidents. Today, we delve into the importance of using the emergency number 911 for immediate life-threatening situations and the significance of the non-emergency number 701-713-3355 for reporting crimes, open cases, and other incidents that require police attention.

The Power of 911

When faced with a critical situation that poses an immediate threat to life, property, or safety, there is no more powerful tool than dialing 911. This emergency hotline connects callers directly to highly trained dispatchers who can assess the situation, provide guidance, and dispatch the appropriate emergency services. By dialing 911, citizens gain access to the

swift response of law enforcement, fire departments, and medical personnel. It is essential to remember that 911 should only be utilized for emergencies that require immediate attention, such as crimes in progress, medical emergencies, fires, or accidents with injuries.

Non-Emergency Reporting: Your Gateway to a Safer Community While 911 is the go-to number for emergencies, it is equally vital to utilize

the non-emergency number, 701-713-3355, to report crimes, open cases, and other non-urgent incidents. By utilizing this dedicated line, community members can help ensure that law enforcement resources are allocated effectively, enabling a more efficient response to non-life-threatening situations. This number is specifically designed for incidents such as theft, property damage, suspicious activity, and noise complaints or to provide additional information

related to ongoing investigations.

Anonymity and Confidentiality

The non-emergency number is a valuable tool for individuals wishing to remain anonymous or keep their information confidential. Whether you have information regarding a crime or wish to report suspicious activity without revealing your identity, dialing 701713-3355 allows you to provide vital information

discreetly. The Tioga Police Department respects the importance of confidentiality and understands individuals’ concerns when coming forward with information. Your willingness to report non-emergency incidents can contribute to the overall safety and well-being of the community.

Educating the Community

Raising awareness about the availability and significance of the non-emergency number is crucial for ensuring its effective use. The Tioga Police Department is committed to educating the community about the appropriate use of 911 for emergencies and the non-emergency number for non-urgent incidents. The department aims to inform and empower residents through community outreach programs, social media campaigns, and informational materials, enabling them to make informed decisions when reporting incidents and ensuring that valuable resources are allocated wisely.

Conclusion

Promptly reporting of emergencies and non-emergency incidents is vital in maintaining a safe and secure community. By recognizing the power of 911 for immediate life-threatening situations and utilizing the non-emergency number 701-713-3355 for reporting crimes and open cases, community members can actively contribute to a safer environment. Remember, your willingness to report incidents.

THE WESTBY WATCH

Else Earns Trip to North Dakota State Rodeo

By Heidi Whitney

HOT DISH!

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

ALL TIMES ARE MOUNTAIN

Sat June 17: Graveside services for Clifford Johnson, 10 am at Daneville Cemetery. Reception to follow at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Already well known as a standout wrestler (of humans) for the MonDak Thunder, Cade Else has proven that his talents are not limited to the mats.

An upcoming junior at WHS, Else qualified for the North Dakota High School Rodeo Association’s state meet in steer wrestling June 7-11 in Bowman.

Else missed his steer in the first go and went on to capture 6th place in the 2nd go, placing him 7th in the average. Back in the short go he placed 6th, ending the year in 12th place.

Else is the son of Talli and Tad Else,

grandson of Ron and Julie Nelson, all Westby.

Second Annual “Honoring Heroes” Golf Tourney Set for July 1

It is time to sign up for the Honoring Heroes golf tournament to be held at the Plentywood golf course on Saturday July 1st.

Cost to enter the tournament is $400.00 for a 4 person team. It will be an 18 hole scramble, 3 flights by handicap.

Proceeds from the event will support VFW and American Legion fundraisers.

Registration begins at 8:30 am with a shotgun start at 10:00 am. There will be mens and womens hole prizes, a 50/50 drawing, lunch at the Tee Box Tavern, and

Famous Dave’s will serve dinner at the Vet’s Club. To register contact the VFW in Plentywood at 406765-1188. If you or any member of your team is a veteran, please contact tournament founder, Seth Wiseman, at 701-651-8344.

Sun June 18: Services at Assembly of God, 10:30 am. Coffee hour at Immanuel, 10:30 am. Services at 11:30 am.

Sun July 9: Annual WDC Cornhole Tournament and free will offering BBQ at Onstad Memorial Park. Register your team through the Westby Development Corporation Facebook page or contact Heidi Whitney at 406-672-5696. Talk to Kim at the store if you would like to volunteer to help out or donate desserts!

and

Top Photo: Else showing his steer wrestling skills. Photo by Branded J Imagery. Photo 2: A multi-sport athlete, Else also shines as a wrestler for the MonDak Thunder. Last season he placed 8th at 120 at the North Dakota State Wrestling Tournament. Photo courtesy of the North Dakota High School Association.

One ladybug can eat up to 5,000 insects in its lifetime!

New New Century Ag Digs

Heidi Whitney dropped by the recently opened New Century Ag Agronomy Center in Westby on June 12. The new chemical and fertilizer retail building is

HELP WANTED

managed by agronomist Scott Sova (right). A 2023 WHS graduate, Cole Gebhardt (left) is working with him for the summer before he leaves for college in Mi-

not this fall to study criminal justice. Sova reported “Our new facility allows us to have a wider range of product offerings, greater inventory and quicker turn-

around time as opposed to our old facility.”

Current business hours are from 7 am to 7 pm daily.

Bazil E. Anderson

August 31, 1932 - December 13, 2022

Obituary

Memorial services for Bazil Anderson will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, June 30, 2023. Reverend Josh Parris will officiate the service at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Westby, MT. Burial will be in Westby Cemetery with a luncheon to follow.

Bazil died on December 13, 2022 in Banner Baywood Hospital of Mesa, AZ from complications of a fall. He was 90 years old.

Trap shoot a family affair

By Alyssa Stromberg

The first full weekend of June is the Orland Stringer Memorial Trap Shoot in Medicine Lake. This year’s shoot brought in 38 shooters from across Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming. The weather this weekend is always a gamble, but it was a gorgeous sunny and warm weekend.

Of the 38 shooters, there

was a family of four (mom, dad and 2 boys), husbands and wives, father-son combos, and a dad, daughter, and grandpa shooting. It is truly a family affair - the National Anthem was even sung by a young girl who isn’t old enough to shoot, but her whole family is involved one way or another.

The trap club grounds were full of campers, laugh-

ter, food, and friends; as well as tales as tall as the prairie is flat.

It has been said the food served and the gals that serve it are top notch! The food is homemade and is served with a side of humor. Even if you aren’t shooting, you’re invited to come up and partake in a good time and watch an ever-growing sport. There are always

$27 Million for MT Habitat Restoration

By Mark Moran, Big Sky Connection

The Bureau of Land Management has announced a $161 million investment in wildlife habitat projects in 11 western states, and Montana is getting the largest share of all.

Montana is set to receive close to $27 million for wildlife habitat, clean water and restoration projects on public land. The BLM has set aside just over $9 million for the Upper Salmon River, $9.5 million for the Blackfoot-Clark Fork, and almost $7 million for the Hi-line Sagebrush Anchor.

Joel Webster, vice president of Western conservation

for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, said they are all areas in need of critical habitat restoration.

"This $27 million is going to protect communities from wildfire. It's going to improve rangeland conditions, not only for wildlife but also for local grazers and livestock producers. It's going to help put people to work," Webster outlined. "It's a win-win."

The BLM is investing more than $2 billion to restore public lands and waters across the United States, with an eye toward meeting conservation goals established in the America the Beautiful initiative.

While the ecological and habitat restoration projects

are critically important for Montana, Webster noted the investments will bolster economic conditions and recreational opportunities for residents and tourists.

"It's important for mule deer and pronghorn, and doing restoration work out there is going to help ensure that land remains productive, and that people continue to make a living out there," Webster explained. "But also that we have great hunting opportunities on that landscape, as well."

At nearly $27 million, Montana received the largest share of habitat restoration money of the 11 western states receiving BLM grants.

little kids of all ages enjoying the outdoors and seeing who can get the dirtiest.

The Medicine Lake trap club is held on Tuesday evenings, and they do have other shoots throughout the year, though none are as well attended as the Orland Stringer Memorial Shoot.

Mark your calendar for next year - it is always a good time, and it is nice to

see the youth taking part. Whether related, part of the shooting community, or Medicine Lake community, the trap club is a family atmosphere. When you take in the trap shoot, you leave with new friends and of course a full stomach!

Joe Johnson (grandpa), Chris Petty (dad), Ryah Petty

Spectators enjoying the afternoon

First Lady, Dolly Parton Announce Statewide Expansion of Imagination Library

Partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will provide free books to Montana children from birth to age five in every Montana zip code

PRESS RELEASE. HELENA, Mont. – Advancing her initiatives as Montana’s first lady, Susan Gianforte today announced the statewide launch of the Imagination Library of Montana in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The non-profit program boosts early childhood literacy by

providing free high-quality, age-appropriate books to Montana children.

“Literacy is critical for our kids and their development. When parents read to their kids or when a child reads, it engages them, it fires their imagination, and sparks their curiosity,” First Lady Susan Gianforte said.

“I’m proud of the partnership we’ve developed with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and local organizations throughout Montana. Working together, we’ll make sure all our youngest kids have access to reading resources so they can dream, grow, and reach their full potential.”

Dolly Parton said, “I’m so excited to be launching my Imagination Library statewide in Montana! I want to send my very special thanks to First Lady Susan Gianforte for her partnership in making this amazing gift available to children and families across the state.”

Through the partnership, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will provide a free book each month to any Montana child, ages 0 to 5 years old, who is registered with the organization.

A child may be registered at imaginationlibrary.com.

The partnership will assist programs already in place while also expanding programs statewide to every zip code in all of Montana’s 56 counties.

Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has gifted over 200 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland. This is achieved through funding shared by The Dollywood Foundation and Local Program Partners. The Imagination Library mails more than 2 million high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to en-

rolled children from birth to age five. Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More.

The program has been widely researched, and results demonstrate its positive impact on early childhood development and literacy skills. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Boosting literacy to empower more Montana children and promoting and expanding access to STEM education, particularly for girls and students in our rural communities, are the first lady’s chief initiatives. For more information, or to register a child, please visit imaginationlibrary. com.

Divide County Rodeo 2023 - 3 Days

Family Fun end of the night.”

Saturday afternoon kicks off at 1pm with the excitement of ropes flyin’ at the 2nd Annual Roy Olin Memorial Shootout. “The team roping is open to 40 teams,” says Maier. Following the team roping qualifier, the women’s breakaway roping qualifier will take the arena. “Entries for the women’s breakaway are limited to 20. The top 5 in both the team roping and women’s breakaway qualifiers will come back on Sunday afternoon for a Shootout and a chance to win the jackpot, worth $7500 in payouts.”

The weekend action culminates on Sunday with the opportunity for kids and adults to sport their ranch-hand skills during the 2023 Ranch Rodeo. Youth events begin at 10am with the 13-18 year old contestants, followed by the 8-12 year olds at 11:30 and the littlest ranchers (3-7 years old) at 1pm. The younger cowhands can try their hand at fun-filled activities, including stick horse races and racing against the clock to put a pair of underwear on a real, live goat. “This is a really great chance for all kids, whether they live in town or the country, to team up with friends and try their hand at western sport,” notes Maier. Kid’s will also have the opportunity to test their riding skills for the annual “Mutton Bustin’” contest, which will take place at 2:45pm, just before the adult ranch rodeo begins. “All kids are welcome to participate,” and helmets and protective vests will be provided for each rider, “shares Dan. “The kid’s events always bring a great

crowd full of fun and laughter, and we’re hoping to capture some of the crowd and keep the excitement going for the adult ranch rodeo.”

The Adult Ranch Rodeo puts the real-life skills of cowboys and cowgirls to the test. Teams will compete in trailer races, wild cow-milking, double mugging, range branding and the rescue race. “The Roy Olin Shootout finals will happen right after the first ranch rodeo event,” says Maier. As always, the ranch rodeo not only gives teams bragging rights for a 1st place finish, but an array of exciting prizes will be awarded to the top team in each race.

“It’s really about showcasing western sport and getting people, especially youth, involved in and excited about rodeo” says Dan. “It’s an all-around great sport for kids to develop both mental and physical skills – you always have to be thinking ahead, looking around, developing your hand-eye coordination. Plus, it teaches kid’s responsibility – spending time training and taking care of their animals is essential to success in the arena.”

Rodeos don’t happen without people, however, and the DC Rodeo Commit-

tee, which recently earned a 501 C3 Non-Profit designation, says that without volunteers and the sponsorships of local businesses, the annual rodeo wouldn’t be possible. “Our local businesses are very generous. We have different levels of sponsorship, the highest being this year’s presenting sponsors: The Depot, New Century Ag, Jacobson Livestock and The Bank of Tioga. Ranchers can also participate in our “Brand of Honor” program, which will help fund the building of a crow’s nest at the arena. “$250 gets your brand burned into a board and displayed on the crow’s nest when it goes up,” says Maier. And of course, we can also use a few extra hands for events, so volunteers are always welcome.

While the upcoming fair events are the current focus, the committee has a vision for the future of rodeo in Divide County. “We have a goal to grow,” shares Dan. “Hosting other events throughout the summer, hosting a full rodeo, even having a high school rodeo team in the future aren’t off the table. We already have local kid’s individually involved in rodeo, and it would be pretty awesome to

have a local team students could join and participate in.” Two of those students, Billi Fortier, daughter of John and Roxanne Fortier, and Ryder Phelan, son of Amber Haugland recently qualified for state and national events – Billi in team roping for the June 2023 ND State High School Rodeo and Ryder in the steer

wrestling competition for the National Rodeo to be held in Perry, Georgia in June.

“The future of rodeo in Divide County is looking bright,” says Maier. Questions and registration for the upcoming rodeo events should be directed to Tabitha @ 701-641-0521.

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

Dakota Gardener: Do not buy ladybugs

then fly up nearby mountains to hibernate.

The beetles sleep together in huge clusters of up to 40 million. While sleeping, they are harvested with portable vacuums, refrigerated and then packaged for sale.

By Tom Kalb, Horticulturist NDSU Extension

The ladybug is a gardener’s best friend.

This beneficial insect is like the sheriff in our gardens, protecting our plants from aphids and other bad bugs.

Ladybugs have voracious appetites, too. One ladybug can eat 50 aphids a day and over 5,000 aphids in its lifetime.

Although ladybugs are our friends, don’t buy them for your garden. You will be wasting your money.

There are dozens of different species of ladybugs (more properly called lady beetles) in the Dakotas. The most commonly sold lady beetle is the convergent lady beetle.

These lady beetles eat heartily during autumn in the valleys of the western United States, develop a fat layer in their bodies and

The biggest problem with buying lady beetles is the insects still think they are hibernating in the mountains. When they wake up in nature, they migrate for miles down to the valley before feeding again.

The same thing happens with purchased lady beetles. Studies have shown that purchased lady beetles will fly for miles after being released, burning up their fat layers before eating insects or laying eggs.

Within 48 hours, less than 5% of the lady beetles you release in your garden will remain. Some of these may have been injured when shipped.

Even if a few lady beetles remain for a few days, they are not hungry and are not likely to lay eggs in your garden.

In general, buying lady beetles and other predatory beneficial insects have their limitations in open gardens. You need to have lots of pests in your garden for the predators to eat. Once these pests are eaten, the predatory insects will fly away from your garden to look

for more food.

Concerns have been raised that the natural habitat of lady beetles is being damaged in harvesting operations. Furthermore, scientists have expressed concerns that the distribution of harvested lady beetles across our country can spread parasites to our local lady beetles.

Another limitation is the convergent lady beetle almost exclusively eats aphids. It doesn’t like to eat cabbageworms, potato beetles or cutworms, for example.

Instead of buying sleeping lady beetles from California, it makes more sense to provide an environment

that is inviting to our local lady beetles.

Lady beetles will feed on nectar and pollen. You can attract them with flowers such as dill, coriander, alyssum, sunflower and yarrow.

Minimize the use of persistent insecticides that threaten our lady beetles. If a pest outbreak occurs, use a short-lived and relatively safe insecticide. Spinosad and neem can kill pests while posing a minimal risk to lady beetles.

Lady beetles are our best friends. You can’t buy friendship. Best friends are priceless.

For more information

about gardening, contact your local NDSU Extension agent. Find the Extension office for your county at www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ extension/county-extension-offices.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – June 6, 2023

Source: Tom Kalb, 701328-9722, tom.kalb@ndsu. edu

Editor: Kelli Anderson, 701-231-7881, kelli.c.anderson@ndsu.edu

https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/ news/columns/dakota-gardener/dakota-gardener-do-not-buy-ladybugs

Instead of buying sleeping lady beetles from California, it makes more sense to provide an environment that is inviting to our local lady beetles.

In general, buying lady beetles and other predatory beneficial insects have their limitations in open gardens. (Pixabay)

Governor Gianforte Expands Work-Based Learning for Montana Students

PRESS RELEASE. HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte recently expanded work-based learning opportunities for Montana students, signing three bills into law to support schools in offering internships, apprenticeships, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

“Student success and Montana’s future depend on classroom innovation and individualized and workbased learning,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We’ll continue to think outside of the box and push beyond the traditional brick and mortar to prepare students for their future and build a high- ly skilled, highly qualified workforce.”

Cut Bank High School Welding Demonstration

Advancing his pro-student, pro-parent, pro-teacher education agenda this legislative session, Gov. Gianforte delivered a series of wins which support classroom innovation.

First, the governor reformed the Advanced Opportunities Program to support schools in expanding work-based and personalized learning opportunities for students.

The Advanced Opportunities Program provides $4

million annually to schools for programs that advance students’ career and educational success.

House Bill 257, signed by the governor and sponsored by Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, R-Kalispell, doubles the amount of funding individual elementary, high school, and K-12 districts may receive through the program while increasing the percentage of funding that goes directly to students.

“The Advanced Opportunities Act is a win for students, families, and educators. With it, we will open the doors to greater opportunity for our kids, regardless of the next path they choose,” Gov. Gianforte

said.

Rep. Sprunger added, “I was proud to carry the bill that builds on the last four years of success ensuring our school districts have the funding they need to prepare the next generation of Montanans. Look no further than the Flathead to see the benefit of CTE programs at work.”

Second, the governor signed House Bill 458, sponsored by Rep. Fred Anderson, R-Great Falls, to get career coaches into more Montana schools to support students in their educational and career endeavors.

“Career coaches help students obtain valuable, insightful experiences through internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities. I thank Rep. Anderson for his commitment to bringing more innovation to education,” Gov. Gianforte said.

Last month with the bill sponsor’s support, the governor returned the bill with amendments to eliminate a new and unnecessary state certification requirement for career coaches. The legislature adopted the governor’s amendments on May 1.

“Not all education is gained in a classroom environment. Expanding CTE programs and removing artificial barriers to career coaches in schools is critical to broadening opportunities for Montana’s high school students,” Rep. Anderson added.

Lastly, the governor signed House Bill 382, sponsored by Rep. Greg Oblander, R-Billings, to triple funding for Career and Technology Student Organizations (CTSO) in Montana.

The seven existing CTSOs in Montana, including Future Farmers of America and SkillsUSA, expand students’ access to workforce training programs, increase graduation rates, and facilitate students’ transitions to post-secondary education or employment.

Greater funding will support these organizations in serving more Montana students, including non-public and home school students. In addition to incentivizing CTSOs to strengthen their industry partnerships, the bill will also create internship and work-based learning opportunities and expand remote programming to rural communities.

Bill sponsor Rep. Oblander said, “I’ve talked with both students and leaders participating in CTSOs and have seen and heard first-hand the importance of making sure the next generation of Montanans have the resources they need to be successful in whatever career path they choose. I appreciate the opportunity to carry this bill for that very important reason.”

Last month, the governor also signed a bill into law to expand proficiency-based and individualized learning opportunities for Montana students.

Gov. Gianforte observing a welding demonstration by students at Cut Bank High School

Despite Challenges, Report Has Clues to Boost Rural Mental Health Care

By Mike Moen, Prairie News Service

A new report spotlighted some of the challenges to accessing behavioral health care for the one in seven Americans who live in rural areas.

Those behind the findings say there are solutions to boosting care access in states such as North Dakota.

Kendall Strong, senior policy analyst at the Bipartisan Policy Center, said integrating behavioral health into primary care can help improve health outcomes and get patients the mental health and substance-use treatment they need. She pointed out just like physical health issues, if you do not tackle behavioral problems that arise, it can develop into something much more serious.

"If you are having issues with substance use, or depression, anxiety, and you let it fester, we know it gets worse," Strong explained. "And when that happens,

you often need more acute care later on. More acute care, as we know, is often more expensive."

One of the report's recommendations is to boost training and other resources for North Dakota's more than 20 federally qualified health centers, which have pioneered a team-based approach to care. When patients go in for their annual medical checkup, they can also meet with mental health, dental and even vision care professionals during the same visit.

The lack of mental health professionals is one of the biggest barriers to accessing care in rural America. The report recommended strengthening workforce development programs, including the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program.

Strong emphasized providers are more likely to work in places where they get their training, and most medical schools and res-

idencies are in cities and suburbs.

"And if you don't practice in a rural area, if you're not from a rural area, if you don't live in one already, you're less likely to train there and stay there," Strong stressed. "So we think that allowing the program to be expanded, continued and built upon will allow more providers to train in rural areas."

Strong said the unique challenges in states like North Dakota, such as the ripple effects in tribal areas and the noticeable percentage of military Veterans, really stand out in trying to foster bipartisan support in Congress.

"We think that those ones that are specific to rural areas are helpful in that even if we're offering them under the idea that they will help rural areas, they're really going to help the system as a whole."

Prairie Fare: 7 steps to making your own charcuterie board

has its historical roots in the 1800s, most likely in Switzerland. Melted cheese mixed with wine, flour and herbs and served with bread sustained some of the less-wealthy people without easy access to fresh food.

Fondue pots were frequent wedding gifts years ago, and you can find vintage fondue pots in thrift stores and garage sales. Fondue often consisted of a melted cheese sauce into which you dip bread, vegetables, fruit, meat or other foods as you sat around a table and visited. Sometimes, small pieces of marinated meat are cooked on skewers in a pot of hot oil.

have allergies to wheat, milk or other foods. You might need to make a separate allergen-free board for guests with special dietary needs.

Here are seven steps to create a charcuterie board. Images of charcuterie are readily available online if you need artistic inspiration.

When I was young, my mother would have coffee parties now and then. All the neighborhood ladies came over for open-faced cheese and meat sandwiches, peach upside down cake (or something similar), nuts, mints and coffee. The food was served on glass trays with cups that fit into an indentation on the tray.

While my mother did her last-minute preparation, I would entertain the ladies by showing them a doll or some pictures I had drawn. I was too young to attend school at this point.

I recall my mother’s wide eyes when she returned to the room after clearing their trays and cups. I was wiping everyone’s face with a dish cloth.

They were laughing, and my mom was quite embarrassed. I was just cleaning their faces after they ate, like a mom would. I was not a food safety specialist back then.

I still have some of those glass trays and cups, which are now considered vintage, or maybe even “antique.”

Coffee parties were probably the Midwestern answer to “tea parties” that have gone on for centuries. Besides coffee parties and potlucks, many other serving trends have been popular through the years.

In the 1960s and again more recently, fondue parties have been a trend. Fondue

More recently, chocolate fountains have become a trend at celebrations such as weddings and other parties. You can dip fruit or pieces of cake into a flowing fountain of chocolate.

Of all the trends, “charcuterie” (pronounced “sharkoo-tree”) boards have caught my eye in recent years. This is another example of an old way of serving that has been adapted for modern times.

According to some sources, the word charcuterie first appeared in print in 1825. In French, the word meant “pork butcher’s shop.” In present times charcuterie often includes cured meat products such as salami, ham or summer sausage. These meat products were developed long ago out of necessity. Years ago, a way to refrigerate foods was not available in every home.

Charcuterie boards (or plates or platters) usually consist of proteins, cheese, nuts, fruits, vegetables, crackers or other grain artfully arranged. For example, often the meat slices are shaped into roses or other shapes.

These charcuterie boards are similar to meat and cheese trays but make a “full meal” with all the food groups on deck. If you’d like to create a fancy charcuterie board for a party, be mindful to provide options for people who may

1. Select a board and a few small bowls. A tray, plate, cutting board or baking sheet will work as a board for your creation. Make sure the board is sturdy and the size is sufficient to hold enough food for the number of guests. You may want to make more than one board to accommodate many people. Multiple, smaller boards may be easier to keep and store in the refrigerator than one large board. Bowls can hold small food items and dips or spreads.

2. Choose meats or other protein sources such as hard-cooked egg slices or deviled eggs. Fold or stack sliced or cubed meat to add eye-pleasing variety to the board. Sliced meats can be folded into halves or triangles and arranged like books on a shelf to create a ribbon-like illusion. Options could also include chunks of roasted or grilled chicken, turkey, ham, chorizo, pepperoni, prosciutto or salami.

3. Pick out crackers or bread. Try whole grain or multigrain crackers, sliced baguettes, pita bread, naan bites or pretzels.

4. Select cheeses. Try including a mixture of soft, semi-hard and hard cheeses for texture variation. Soft variations include feta, brie and ricotta. Semi-hard variations include gouda and jack. Hard variations include cheddar and parmesan.

5. Add color. Arrange fruits and vegetables on the board to add a pop of color and a variety of important nutrients, including fiber and vitamins A and C. Cut

fruits and vegetables into unconventional shapes to add eye-catching elements.

6. Fruits could include grapes, berries, cantaloupe, honeydew, oranges or dried fruit. Avoid including fruits that brown when sliced, such as apples and bananas. Vegetables could include bell pepper strips, broccoli florets, carrot sticks, snap peas, cucumber slices or celery sticks.

7. Include a dip or spread. Fill small bowls with dips, spreads, sauces or jelly. Options could include hummus (chickpea dip), jelly or jam, honey, flavored yogurt, salsa, mustards, or sour cream or cream cheese-based dip.

8. Fill in with extras. Add assorted food items such as nuts, seeds, pickled vegetables, granola or other sweet treats in small bowls.

(Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., R.D., L.R.D., is a North Dakota State University Extension food and nutrition specialist and professor in the Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences. Follow her on Twitter @jgardenrobinson)

NDSU Agriculture Communication – June 8, 2023

Source: Julie Garden-Robinson, 701-231-7187, julie.garden-robinson@ndsu.edu

Editor: Elizabeth Cronin, 701231-7881, elizabeth.cronin@ ndsu.edu

https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/ news/columns/prairie-fare/ prairie-fare-7-steps-to-making-your-own-charcuterieboard

Charcuterie boards can make a full meal with all the food groups.

By Julie Garden-Robinson, NDSU Extension food and nutrition specialist

Charcuterie boards can make a full meal with all the food groups. (Pixabay photo)

Burgum welcomes long-awaited Treasury approval of $68M in federal funding for career academies

PRESS RELEASE. BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum today welcomed news from U.S. Sen. John Hoeven that the U.S. Department of the Treasury has approved North Dakota’s application for $68 million in federal funding to help finance the construction of 13 career academies across the state where students can pursue high-demand careers in the trades, health care, technology and other sectors to help meet workforce needs.

The federal funding approval means the projects can move forward without needing to utilize the full $68 million line of credit from the state-owned Bank of North Dakota that was approved by the state Legislature in February when the federal funding was still uncertain.

“These career academies are a key component of our comprehensive efforts to address North Dakota’s workforce shortage,

and we’re grateful for the tireless efforts by our congressional delegation, North Dakota Career and Technical Education and our own state Office of Management and Budget team to work with Treasury to secure this federal funding,” Burgum said. “We also thank the Legislature for providing a backstop from the Bank of North Dakota to establish these career academies that will create new opportunities for our high school and college students and support economic growth.”

During a special session of the Legislature in No-

vember 2021, lawmakers approved $88 million for career academies, including $20 million in state funds that have already been distributed and $68 million from Treasury’s Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund. Career academy funding was proposed in Burgum’s “Accelerate ND” plan presented before the special session. In February 2022, the State Board for Career and Technical Education (CTE) awarded the $68 million to 13 career academy projects, which require a local dollar-for-dollar match. However, Treasury still had yet to release the federal funds when the Legislature convened in January 2023. In February, Burgum

signed the first bill of the session, providing a $68 million line of credit from Bank of North Dakota to fulfill the state’s funding obligation and avoid delaying construction of career academies.

The 13 projects awarded funds by the State CTE Board are:

• Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy – Dickinson

• Bakken Area Skills Center – Watford City

• Minot Area Workforce Academy – Minot

• Career Impact Academy

– Grand Forks

• Cass County Career & Technical Education Center – Fargo

• North Valley Area Career & Technology Center – Grafton

• Williston Basin Career and Technical Education Center – Williston

• Heart River Career and Technical Education Center – Mandan

• Southeast Region Career and Technology Center – Wahpeton

• Bismarck Public Schools CTE – Bismarck

• Lake Area Career and Technology Center –Devils Lake

• James Valley Area Career and Technology Center – Jamestown

• Sheyenne Valley Area Career and Technology Center – Valley City.

North Dakota Governor, Doug Burgum

NATIONAL & WORLD HEADLINES

THE US WANTS TO REJOIN UNESCO

The United States exited the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2018 due to what the Trump Administration called a bias against Israel. Last year, the U.S. started to make financial contributions to UNESCO after Congress agreed. UNESCO said in a press release Monday, June 12th, that the State Department sent a letter to the Paris-based organization announcing its decision to rejoin the group. In December, the group said the US could return as a member but their proposed plan must be approved by member states. This isn’t the first time the US has had rocky relations with UNESCO. In 2011, the US cut off funding under President Obama after a vote by UNESCO member states to admit Palestine. The US also left UNESCO in 1984 under President Reagan due to poor management and opposing values. The US then rejoined in 2002 under President George W. Bush with praise for reforms to the management structure.

TRUMP’S FORMER NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR CRITICIZES

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK:

Envisioning the future you want to achieve is powerful. According to the Search inside Yourself Leadership Institute, “When you’re able to clearly see your future, you’re more likely to make it happen. Visualizing your future clearly also helps you decide if that’s really the future you want for yourself.

Think of envisioning as both a life planning tool and a “bring it to reality” tool.”

TRUMP

Trump’s third National Security Advisor, John Bolton, sees trouble in Trump’s future. Bolton published The Room Where It Happened in 2020. This book was a memoir of his time in the White House and was highly critical about Trump’s presidency. Now, Bolton is calling for Trump to be held to the same standard as anyone else would be. If any other employee of the federal government who has security classification strayed from the rules, even in the slightest, they’d face severe penalties including being dismissed. Bolton believes that these indictments are a real issue that’ll have a huge impact on national security if not taken seriously. Bolton also calls for Trump to excuse himself from the presidential race claiming that Trump will try to draw out the trial as long as possible in hopes of winning the presidency so that he can pardon himself.

CANADA FIRES

Canada’s fire season typically runs from May through October. According to the U.S. National Environmental Satellite, Nata, and Information Service, this year is on track to be Canada’s worst wildfire

season on record. For the past decade, the average number of fires for at this time is 212, however, Quebec has already reported 446 fires this year. As of Saturday afternoon the Alberta government reported 75 active fires and the Quebec government reported 133 active forest fires with 72 of which, considered out of control.

4 SIBLINGS FOUND 40 DAYS AFTER PLANE CRASH IN COLOMBIAN JUNGLE

On May 1st, a single-engine plane carrying three adults and four children crashed in the Colombian Jungle after the pilot declared an emergency due to engine failure. Soon after the plane fell off the radar, search teams went looking for survivors. The four children and their mother were the only ones who survived the crash. Unfortunately, the mother died four days later. The four siblings survived for 40 days in the jungle, using an empty bottle to collect water, eating cassava flour and seeds, and using their familiarity with the forest’s fruits to survive. The siblings, 13, 9, 4, and 1 were rescued on Friday and are expected to spend two weeks in the hospital recovering.

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