The Oracle - July 6, 2023

PARENTS, TEACH-

OVER MONTANA SCHOO PRIVATIZATION

By Mark Moran, Big Sky Connection

Parents and public school teachers have filed a lawsuit in state court to stop new, private-school legislation from going into effect. House Bill 562 creates so-called choice schools, which have separate boards and are not required to meet public school academic criteria. Comments from Rylee Sommers-Flanagan, executive director, Upper Seven Law.

Page 2

5TH ANNUAL SUICIDE AWARENESS RUN PRESS RELEASE

Death comes in many forms and almost always with heartache, pain and sadness for those left behind. There are some who turn that grief and loss into a desire to help others feel less of that pain by taking action, which is how the Suicide Awareness Run in Lignite came to be.

Page 3

IT’S TIME FOR THE BASH

By Alex McCann Johnson

It’s time to head to Grenora for a Saturday full of events, great food & fun! Page 5

Threshing Bee Brings nosTalgia To Modern day Fun

By Michelle Svangstu

The 54th Annual Divide County Threshing Bee is right around the corner and is sure to set a spark in the hearts of every generation. Erin Sorum, a longtime member of the historical society and organizer of the Threshing Bee says the 2023 show is full of exciting new activities in addition to many old favorites.

Friday, July 15th kicks off with the Tractor-Cade, which will wagon train from the Threshing Bee to the Crosby Golf Course and back again. In addition to the tractor-cade, the kitchen and bakery will both be open for breakfast, and the Dakota Star Quilt Guild will have their hand-made quilts on display at the Daneville. (Story Continues on Page 6)

HEADED TO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FINALS RODEO

“BECAUSE A BODY OF MEN, HOLDING THEMSELVES ACCOUNTABLE TO NOBODY, OUGHT NOT TO BE TRUSTED BY ANYBODY.” — THOMAS PAINE

Threshing Bee Demonstration, Courtesy DC Historical Society Facebook Page

Story by Erica Kingston. Pages 8 & 9

Photo Credit: Craig Maley.

LOCAL EVENTS SPONSORED BY

To

FORTUNA

Every Tuesday- Range Night at Northwest Sportsman Club

RAY

Monday July 10th - Jimmy vb camp-wc junior high at Ray High School Gym

Tuesday July 11th - Jimmy vb campwc senior high at Ray High School Gym

Tuesday July 11th - AOK Movie in the Park 9:00pm at Ray Park

July 12th - July 14th - Jimmy vb team camp at Ray High School Gym

July 17th - July 28th - Gym Floor

Finishing at Ray Public School

Monday July 17th - School Board Meeting 6:00-7:00pm at Ray Public School

CROSBY

Monday July 10th - Mac-A-Bee’s Book Club 5:15-6:15pm at Crosby Self Serve

Wednesday July 12th - Divide County

Jobs Development Authority Meeting

8:00AM - 9:00AM at Divide County Courthouse Conference Room

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

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

Thursday July 6th -Week 2 Summer

Nights On Main 2023 featuring Dan Brekke 5-9p at downtown Williston

Friday July 7th - 2023 Williams County

Parks Summer Concert Series presents

“Ted & Kari” 7-9p at Epping/Springbrook Dam

July 8th & July 9th - 2023 Buffalo Trails

Days at Epping, North Dakota

Tuesday July 11th - Williston Basin

Speedway Dirt Track Racing Dakota

Classic Modified Tour Grandstand gates open at 6p Races start at 7p at Upper Missouri Valley Fairgrounds

Thursday July 13th - Week 3 Summer

Nights On Main 2023 featuring Face

For Radio 5-9p downtown Williston

July 13th & July 14th - 43rd Annual API

Golf Tournament at Eagle Ridge Golf

Course & Links of North Dakota

Friday July 14th - Sunday July 16th

- Christmas in July 9:00am - 8:00pm

Lewis & Clark State Park

TIOGA

Monday July 10th - Planning & Zoning

Meeting 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM at City Hall - 16 1st St NE, Tioga, ND 58852

Tuesday July 11th -Tioga Fund Meeting

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM at City Hall - 16 1st

St NE, Tioga, ND 58852

Thursday July 13th - Visitor Promotion

Meeting 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM at City Hall - 16 1st St NE, Tioga, ND 58852

Friday July 14th - Blood Drive @ TMC

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM at Tioga Medical Center Clinic Bottom Level

Tioga Community Center Schedule

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

Learn English Class 10:00am-11:00am

Tuesdays: Pickleball 5:00pm-8:00pm

Wednesdays: Storytime 10:30am11:00am

Thursdays: Slow Flow 6:00pm-7:00pm

Parents, Teachers Sue Over Montana School Privatization

Educators say “choice schools” siphon money away from the state’s public classrooms

By Mark Moran, Big Sky Connection

A coalition of parents and public-school teachers has sued to prevent the privatization of schools in Montana.

Gov. Greg Gianforte has signed House Bill 562, allowing for the creation of so-called "choice schools," which have a different set of criteria than regular public schools.

The bill would create these choice schools and, along with them, establish separate boards not accountable to state accreditation standards and therefore, critics argued, unconstitutional.

There

Rylee Sommers-Flanagan, executive director of Helena-based Upper Seven Law, said the measure also exempts privatized schools from state regulations providing for teacher certification, curriculum require-

ments and school safety regulations, right down to, and including, emergency health care provisions for Montana children.

"Things like concussion protocol. What do you do when a kid has a con-

cussion? Teacher qualification is another one," Sommers-Flanagan outlined. "Making sure that teachers actually have qualifications that are consistent across the board and hopefully pretty high level. "

Sommers-Flanagan noted the structure is a first for Montana, and argued separate and unequal standards are unfair for Montana's public schools. Supporters said it gives the state's parents the freedom to choose the school which best suits their student's needs.

Sommers-Flanagan countered state lawmakers should not be allowed to funnel public money to

private institutions, which is essentially what choice schools are, and contended the health of Montana society depends on a free, high-quality public education system. She added creating separate schools comes at the expense of regular K-12 classrooms.

"But what they will do is -- they will absolutely do is -- they will reduce the amount of money to existing public schools that have real standards," Sommers-Flanagan stressed.

The lawsuit asks a state judge to issue an injunction to keep the measure from going into effect.

were 7,547 charter schools throughout the United States in the 2019-2020 school year, compared with 1,993 in the 2000-2001 school year, according to Statista. (Adobe Stock)

5th Annual Suicide Awareness Run

By Rachel Venture

Death is a tough subject for anyone to discuss and yet it is the one thing all humans have in common. Death comes in many forms and almost always with heartache, pain and sadness for those left behind.

What we do with those feelings of grief and loss tend to define us as individuals. Some hide their grief to deal alone and at a later time. While others tend to let their emotions out in a relieving and audible manner. There are some who turn that grief and loss into a desire to help others feel less of that pain by taking action.

Grady Bakken lost his dear brother Guy Bakken to suicide in October of 2012.

Guy was an adventurous, fun-loving bachelor. He was fit, a successful CPA partner at a Denver firm and a world traveler. Grady would have never imagined that, on the inside, his brother was struggling with suicidal thoughts. “I mean, he was happy,” Grady said. “This could happen to anyone.”

After Guy’s death, with the help of his loving wife, Grady took his grief and found the strength to address suicide prevention. Five years ago, that strength came to fruition in the form of a group motorcycle ride and biking excursion that has raised money and spirits in our community.

On July 8 at 9:30 a.m., cyclists of all types and welcomed car enthusiasts can

register for the 5th Annual Suicide Awareness Run at the 109 Bar & Steakhouse on Main Street in Lignite.

After breakfast and a brief tribute to Guy the bicycles will leave on the gravel trail to Wildwood Park. Hikers are also welcome to join.

At noon the spark plugs ignite and the group will head out on a 120 mile run, stopping in Columbus, McGregor, Noonan and Crosby before ending back at the 109 Bar & Steakhouse for dinner at 6 p.m..

Dinner will include a street dance with band Killing Smallz, a raffle and auction. Last year, the run made over $13,000 that was donated to The American Foundation for Suicide

Prevention and Firstlink, a suicide and crisis lifeline. Grady hopes to outdo that number this year.

Grady has chosen to help by celebrating the life of his beloved brother and helping to keep others from suffering the same fate. Grady said, “If we can help just one person, that

makes it worth it. Don’t you think?”

Registration is $50 and all proceeds go to the AFSP. So shine up those Indians, grease up the bike bike chains and join in helping those in the darkness to come into the light.

Tribal Education Groups Respond to SCOTUS Ruling on Admissions

By Mike Moen, Prairie News Service

Advocates for underrepresented college students continue to assess the fallout from last week's U.S. Supreme Court decision dealing with affirmative action. That includes voices within the Native American higher education community.

In a major ruling, the

court's conservative majority largely overturned decades of precedent that prompted colleges and universities to consider a prospective student's race in trying to maintain diverse campuses.

Cheryl Crazy Bull, president of the American Indian College Fund, said Natives technically aren't considered a race because

of their tribal citizenship. But she said while it was limited, Indigenous students did benefit from affirmative action.

"We have been able to go to law school, go to medical school, get into business school," said Crazy Bull, "all of those kinds of things because the broad implications of affirmative action are rooted in the value of that diversity."

She said she sees this as an opportunity for colleges and universities to expand their outreach into Native communities.

Schools around the country have issued statements saying they remain committed to campus diversity.

For 2020 data, the Postsecondary National Policy Institute says 22% of college-age Native Americans were enrolled in schools compared - with 40% of the overall population.

Crazy Bull said groups such as hers also hope the

decision doesn't discourage Indigenous students from applying to mainstream campuses.

She said allies need to reassure these individuals that there is a place for them at these schools and that administrations not only bolster their recruitment, but make the students feel welcome once they get there.

"I also think institutions need to take proactive steps," said Crazy Bull, "to ensure that students are visible on campuses, that they

have the support systems in place."

The same data from the PNPI show that since 2010, Native American enrollment at U.S. colleges has declined by nearly 40%.

Other groups joining the American Indian College Fund in its response include the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, the Cobell Scholarship Program and the Native Forward Scholars Fund.

Several groups representing Native American college students say the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to largely remove affirmative action from college admissions is “disheartening.” (Adobe Stock)

THE WESTBY WATCH

Drawbond Celebrates 100 years

New Arrivals!

Finley (left) and Piper Hefner: Mark and Nicole (Sorenson Hefner) welcomed twin girls on June 16th, Finley and Piper. Finley arrived first at 5lbs 14oz and then Piper at 6lbs 3oz. Proud grandparents are Daryl and Donna Sorenson of Westby. The Hefners make their home in Minneapolis.

By Heidi Whitney

HOT DISH!

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

ALL TIMES ARE MOUNTAIN

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

Westby Development Corporation’s annual Cornhole Tournament and BBQ. Tournament starts at 2 pm. Food will be served at 5 pm.

Honoring Heroes Tourney Results

Rue Marlee Olson was born to Cooper and Shavon Olson of Flaxville on June 18. Proud grandparents are Kelly and Shari Olson of Westby.

Did You Know?

Watermelon contains vitamin C, potassium and magnesium.They are in the same gourd family as squash and cucumbers.

The second annual Honoring Heroes Golf Tournament took place in Plentywood on July 1.

Seth Wiseman, founder of the event comment-

ed. “The tournament went great! We had 18 teams, and we had 11 veterans play that we were able to recognize and honor.”

Shown here are 8 of the 11 veterans that competed in the Honoring Heroes tournament July 1. Photo by Hallie Wiseman.

Family and friends gathered at the Westby Community Center on June 25 to celebrate Tillie Drawbond’s (seated) 100th birthday. Happy Birthday Tillie!

WHEN I AM 90

By Alyssa Stromberg

When I am 90, I will wear a crown and dress in my finest. When I am 90, I will embrace the love and attention from my friends and family.

Barbara Wivholm turned 90 years of age on March 20, 2023, and her family made it a special occasion. March weather is still very unpredictable, so the Wivholm clan planned for a birthday celebration fit for royalty.

June 15, 2023, the Wivholm family converged on Medicine Lake. It is large and well-loved in the community. The family consisted of Barbara’s seven children, 11 of her 14 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and not to be forgotten her two grandpups. Barbara’s family came from parts of Montana, Florida, Texas, California, North Dakota, and Alaska.

As part of the family celebrations, there were meals with fish from Alaska, celebrating upcoming nuptials, a trip out to the

Medicine Lake Refuge, and a town party. It was a celebration fit for a queen and when you achieve the age of 90, well you get to be queen!

At 90 years old Barbra still has a sense of hu-

Hopie’s Honker Pit

mor, a smile that lights up a room, and enjoys visiting with those that stop and see her. She is a true matriarch of her large family and is adored by her grand and great grandchildren.

It’s Time For The Bash!

By Alex McCann Johnson

Get ready to mark your calendars for the highly anticipated Grenora Bash, a family-friendly event set to take place on Saturday, July 15, 2023. The Grenora Community Club has organized a day filled with activities and entertainment to bring the community together in a celebration of summer.

The highlight of the event is the all-day rib cookoff, where masters of the BBQ arts will showcase their culinary skills. The aroma of sizzling ribs will fill the air as participants compete to cook the best ribs. The cookoff will start at 9am and the ribs will be

judged at 5:30pm, a day set for connoisseurs of mouthwatering barbecue.

Sports enthusiasts won't want to miss the 3 on 3 basketball tournament. Registration for the tournament will be held at 9am in the school parking lot, giving players a chance to showcase their skills and compete for victory.

For the young and young at heart, Main Street will be transformed into a wonderland of bouncing joy with the arrival of bouncy houses in the afternoon. Generously donated by the Grenora Regional Economic Development, these inflatable attractions will provide endless entertainment

for children and create an atmosphere of pure delight for the entire family.

In addition to the bouncing fun, everyone can find sweet treats from Susie Q's Ice Cream Truck, serving up delicious flavors that are sure to satisfy any craving. Meanwhile, car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to show off the finest vehicles in town at the Show & Shine Car display, beginning at 4pm..

As the day progresses, there will be a free-will meal from 5:30 to 7:30pm, generously sponsored by Dakota West Credit Union and held at the community center. This delightful feast will not only fill your

stomach but also warm your heart, as the community gathers to enjoy a delicious meal together.

For those seeking more active activities, Main Street will be turned into a hub of friendly competition with pickleball and games. People can also participate in the cornhole tournament from 5pm to 7pm. And if you're feeling lucky, make your way to Bingo from 7:30pm to 9pm, offering the opportunity to win exciting prizes.

As the day continues on, everyone will then be ready for the big finale, the street dance, set to kick off at 9pm and continue until midnight. Let loose, dance the night

away, and celebrate the joy of community spirit with music that will keep you moving and grooving.

The Grenora Bash is an event that is sure to be enjoyed by the entire community and all proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the various events organized by the Grenora Community Club. So, mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and make your way to this fantastic event that promises a day filled with fun.

Keep up-to-date with your local events by checking in with The Oracle!

Above: Barbara racing into her 90th trip around the sun. Below: Barbara with her family.

Photo credits - Brenda Wivholm.

Threshing Bee Brings nosTalgia To Modern day Fun

Laughter abounds at 4:00 PM when the “Looney Lutherans” entertain ticket holders for the first annual “Tea at the Bee.” For those who can’t make afternoon tea but are looking for a funfilled evening, a free 7pm featuring the Looney Lutherans will take place at the Potter Building.

Saturday, says Sorum, is the busiest day of the Bee. A fan favorite, the farm toy show will be held at the Moose building on

the Threshing Bee grounds all three days, in addition to the Oink Quack Moo Petting Zoo, which will be set up at the livery barn for all the animal lovers in attendance. The annual car parade kicks off at 10: 30 AM for all to enjoy, and kids will have a chance to win a prize at the “Duck Pond” throughout the day. The excitement builds at 11:30 AM when the kid’s have a chance to run for their favorite treats at the Candy Scramble, followed

by the main street parade, a corn shucking demonstration on the Threshing Bee grounds and the Borderline Auto Club car show from 12:OOPM - 4:00 PM at Vournas Field.

The fun continues with an afternoon threshing show on the north hill at the Bee, and a second seating of “Tea at the Bee” for ticket holders. Kids can have their own fun at 3pm finding real-life treasure scrambling for money in the straw, held at the Bummer Barn. A new addition, says Erin, is the horse races – a family-friendly competition for all ages! Competitors of every age are invited to bounce their way to victory, with prizes being handed out to the “fastest rider” in each age division - no experience required!

The musical delights of The Songbirds, a group of local students will fill the air at 6pm, followed by friends and neighbors gathering to share their gifts at the annual talent show. Notes Erin, “The talent show is always well-attended, and everyone always has a good time – there have been some very entertaining, creative entries in year’s past.”

Sunday may be the last day of the Bee, but the fun activities continue throughout the day, starting with the Village Church Service at 9am, followed by a car parade, round two of kid’s can-

dy scramble, and the final 2023 tractor parade. Following the parade, Bee-goers can take in one final threshing demonstration, and end the weekend cheering for their favorite drivers in the adult and kiddie tractor pull.

There will be no shortage of tasty eats at this year’s Threshing Bee, with the Bakery and Kitchen being open each day starting at 7am. Brake-Check Chuckwagon will be serving the kitchen breakfast and locals Morgan and Kayla Jacobs will be taking care of the lunch offerings. Heather Oppegaard is baking up delicious treats to offer up at the bakery. The flea market will also be open all weekend for those looking for new treasures to take home, there will be sodas and water for sale at the Farmer’s Bar, and on Saturday Sorum’ s Westland will be at the Westland Station on the Threshing Bee grounds handing out free glass bottle Coca-Cola’s.

“The threshing bee is just a fun opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy both things

past and things present,” says Sorum. “We are always looking for new ideas and activities that every generation can appreciate and enjoy, while still providing the nostalgic past-times people have come to know and love.” Sorum also says that without the generosity of sponsors and volunteers, the Threshing Bee couldn’t continue. “This year’s show sponsor is Burke-Divide Electric, and others including Bank of Tioga, New Century Ag, Crosby Assembly of God, 1st State Bank, Shanon Gjovig, NCC and Stony Creek Ranch are the reason we are able to keep putting not just a national, but internationally attended threshing bee that is both family and budget-friendly.”

“Community volunteers are really what make the Bee happen each year,” notes Erin. “Many of our volunteers don’t attend meetings, but they show up each year to get the grounds and buildings ready for touring, help with registrations and organization, serving food etc. –The Threshing Bee couldn’t

Divide County Threshing Bee, Courtesy DC Historical Society Facebook Page

Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I., American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI

soon. Anyone with questions or interested

in joining the historical society/helping with the Threshing Bee can reach out to Erin

2023 DEER LOTTERY HELD, LICENSES REMAIN

ND Game & Fish PRESS

RELEASE:

North Dakota’s deer gun lottery has been held and more than 4,300 licenses remain. Only resident applicants who were unsuccessful in the lottery can apply for remaining licenses.

Successful applicants can expect to receive their deer license by early August.

HERE? OR HERE?

More than 68,500 individuals applied for a deer gun lottery license, in addition to over 13,000 gratis applicants. The 2023 deer gun proclamation allows for 53,400 deer gun season licenses.

Unsuccessful applicants can apply online for remaining licenses beginning July 5. The deadline for applying is July 19.

Looney Lutherans

Sorum at Sorum’s Westland in Crosby or calling 701965-6812.

SANDSTROM HEADED TO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FINALS RODEO

By Erica Kingston

A single pickup and horse trailer were parked at the Ray Rodeo Arena on a late midweek morning. Three pups rested in the shade of the truck while Sidney Sandstrom and her horse Benny worked in the dusty, warm sun of the arena.

Sidney, an 18-year-old from Ray, N.D., has been practicing here, often twice a day, for many weeks this summer with big goals in mind. At the State High School Rodeo in June, she won first place in the events of reined cow horse and cutting, earning herself a seat at nationals. She and her horses are busy at work as they prepare for the 2023 National High School Finals Rodeo that will be held in Gillette, W.Y., on July 16-22.

“I had a bad start to the year, so I needed a perfect state to be able to go (to nationals),” Sidney said. And with a shy smile, continued, "It went as planned.”

This definitely is not Sidney’s first rodeo, as she has a family with a history of suc-

Stop By While You’re in The Bakken

Bar Hours:

-1AM 7 days a week Grill Hours: 11AM

9:45PM 7 days a week.

cessful junior high and high school rodeo careers. Her sib-

lings Makenna, Hunter and Parker Sandstrom have all made their way to nationals in the past.

Sidney will travel with her parents Jake and Summer Sandstrom on their final participating pilgrimage to na-

Sidney competes in the Reined Cow Horse event on her horse, Benny. Photo Credit: Craig Maley.

tionals later this month, making this the 12th family trip to the NHSFR in their 15 years of North Dakota high school and junior high rodeo.

“I’ve learned a lot from my siblings,” Sidney said. “My mom helps a lot and my future brother-in-law (Tucker Harmon) comes down to the arena and works colts every day. I’ve learned a lot from him, sportsmanship-wise.”

The Sandstrom family are members of the Grain Palace Rodeo Association in Ray. The GPRA has been a group for about 40 years and has members from Crosby, Williston, Tioga, Stanley and Ray. For a small membership fee, members can use the arena.

“(The Sandstrom’s) are an extremely humble and giving family,” said Jessica Grove, GPRA president. “The reason my daughter could even start rodeoing was because they allowed her to use their horses. They are always the first to help and teach anyone who needs it at the rodeo.”

Grove’s daughter, Bailey, who has had her own notable high school rodeo career, grew

up in the arena with Sidney where they started in youth rodeos around the age of three.

“I feel like most kids, including myself, just stole their dad’s rope horses and that’s how most of them got started,” Sidney said.

She and her older brother switched to online homeschooling when she was in seventh grade to have the freedom to travel. In the winter, they would go to Texas to rodeo. Throughout the years, reined cow horse and cutting have been Sidney’s favored events. With the help of her coaches Spencer Ingalls and John Hovde, she has done well.

“Cow horse and cutting are everything that would be done on a day-to-day ranch, just with an audience,” Sidney explained. Reined cow horse is a test in the abilities of rein, herd and cow work while cutting requires the horse-rider team to sort one cow out of a herd and keep it out.

“You cannot pick up a rein on the horse,” she said about the cutting event. “It’s all up to the horse. You drop everything and ride with your feet

and your horse locks on to the cow.”

This is Sidney’s fourth year qualifying for nationals. Working her two horses for an hour each day in preparation, she has big goals in sight for this final year. North Dakota has never had a participant place in the top five of the reined cow horse or cutting events and she is set on making that happen. A competitive nudge from her sister and brothers’ placings at nationals is also a driving force.

“My siblings have had top 15 championships, but never top five. So, just kind of beating the siblings,” Sidney said, laughing.

After nationals, Sidney is heading to Texas to get settled before starting college. She plans to continue with the events she enjoys with the National Reined Cow Horse Association and National Cutting Horse Association. Her brother, Parker, will go with her as he pursues the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Pro Rodeo.

Book Review: Votes of Confidence by

Upcoming Programs at Fort Buford and the MissouriYellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center

Jeff Fleischer

By Kylar Moltzan

Votes of Confidence explains how our government was founded and why it was founded that way; how our government is currently run and why; and why voting is important. The author, Jeff Fleischer does lean just a tiny bit left, but it’s barely noticeable in just one or two spots, and does not affect the impact of the book overall. Lastly, he writes in a way that makes it feel like you’re just having a conversation with the author.

This was a VERY Good book. All in all, one of my favorite books I’ve ever read! I give this 5 stars.

Did You Know?

PRESS RELEASE. WILLISTON, N.D. – The public is invited to July programs at Fort Buford State Historic Site and the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center near Williston. All events are free and open to the public. All times are Central time.

July 8 Sixth Infantry Encampment, Fort Buford State Historic Site, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. The day features demonstrations of military life by living historians, including a rifle and cannon demonstration at 2 p.m. Bring socks or a t-shirt to the laundresses to discover how the solders’ clothing was washed. Learn how the weather station, telegraph, and Signal Corps functioned at the fort.

July 16 “Plein Air on the Prairie,” Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center, 12-2 p.m. Bring your art supplies and join members of the Williston Area Visual

Artists for Plein Air painting.

July 23 History and Nature Lecture Series, Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center, 2 p.m. Join Daphne Clark as she presents “Nature Journaling.” Learn how this type of journaling is used for relaxation and therapeutic purposes. Hear how Lewis and Clark, Prince Maximillian, and others have used this method for scientific studies. Bring a notebook or journal to participate.

For more information,

contact Yvette Bachmeier or Calvin Henderson at 701.572.9034. The Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center is part of Fort Buford State Historic Site managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. Fort Buford is open daily 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center is open daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Find information about upcoming programs of the State Historical Society at history.nd.gov/events.

Fort Buford played a vital role as the place where the famous Hunkpapa Sioux leader, Sitting Bull, surrendered.

NDSU Extension Master Gardeners honored

Several Master Gardener volunteers were honored during the recent North Dakota State University Extension Master Gardener program awards ceremony.

The NDSU Extension Master Gardener Program is a volunteer service organization that beautifies communities, educates the public about gardening, donates fresh produce to local food pantries and encourages pollinator conservation.

After completing 40 hours of class work, participants begin a two-year internship working toward becoming Certified Master Gardener volunteers by volunteering 48-hours as educators, citizen scientists and garden coordinators in cooperation with NDSU Extension. Remaining an active Master Gardener is achieved by meeting annual minimums for hours of volunteerism and continuing education.

Those honored at the awards program were (all cities are in North Dakota unless otherwise noted):

• Adult Education Award

– Jaden Deckert, Baldwin

• Communications Award

– Penny Seifert, Wahpeton

• Elder Care Project – Annette Kost, Bismarck; Pauline Economon, Fargo

• Extension Master Gardener of the Year – Laurie Podoll, Jamestown

• Extension Support Award – Donald Kinzler, Cass County Extension, Fargo

• Feeding the Hungry –

Liz Suhr, Ray

• Innovation Award –Heather Szklarski, Grafton

• Public Garden Award –Corrine Frey, McHenry County Extension Office Garden

• Ronald Smith Community Service Award

– Laura Munski, Grand Forks

• Working with Underserved Populations –Karen Armstrong, Rolette

• Youth Education - Beth Hill, Bismarck; Donalee Strand, Hatton

• Master Gardener Diagnosticians – These individuals completed their 20-hour apprenticeship in 2022 and earned the advanced title of Master Gardener Diagnos-

tician: Lucinda Halvorson, Fargo; Cindy McLean, Fargo

• 100 Hour Service Club members – Along with their continuing education hours, these Master Gardeners completed between 100 and 199 volunteer hours in 2022 (volunteer hours in parentheses): Candace Allen, Moorhead, Minnesota (100); Nancy Stegman-Allen, Moorhead, Minnesota (156); Sandy Bieber, Bismarck (123.5); Pauline Economon, Fargo (107.5); Diana Freese, Kent, Minnesota (105); Ann Guanella, Oberon (132); Elizabeth Hill, Bismarck (108); Linda Hovda, Parshall (166); Kathleen Johnson,

Horace (183.5); Annette Kost, Bismarck (129); Rhonda Miller, Fargo (118.5); Laura Munski, Grand Forks (108); William Niehaus, Fargo (130.5); Jan Reiser, Fargo (108); Julie Garden-Robinson, Fargo (163); Will Robinson, Fargo (102); and Nancy Scofield, Minot (100)

• 200 Hour Service Club members - Along with their continuing education hours, these Master Gardeners contributed 200 or more volunteer hours in 2022 (volunteer hours in parentheses): Joan Bishoff, Fargo (336); Felicia Davis Cooper, Fargo (210.75); Cindy Filler, Grand Forks (273.5); Mary Heyerman, Bismarck

(205); Anita Hofsommer, Fargo (260); Barbara Keyes, West Fargo (200.5); Laurie Podoll, Jamestown (202.25); Penny Seifert, Wahpeton (217); Anne Smith, Grand Forks (237); Karen Weber, Wahpeton (379); Jack Wood, Fargo (525); and Linda Worner, Fargo (211.5) For more information on the NDSU Extension Master Gardener Program, visit ndsu.ag/mastergardener.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – July 5, 2023 https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/ news/newsreleases/2023/ july/ndsu-extension-master-gardeners-honored

Source: Esther McGinnis, 701-231-7406, esther.mcginnis@ndsu.edu

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

FLOORS, TILE AND MORE!

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NATIONAL & WORLD HEADLINES

AUSTRALIAN TEENAGER BECOMES FIRST FEMALE TO LAND 720 TRICK

13-year-old Arisa Trew from Australia became the first girl to land the 720 Trick on Tuesday, June 29, 2023. The 720 trick consists of two full rotations. She was competing in Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert event with Tony Hawk, the inventor of the trick, cheering her on.

NUCLEAR WASTE WATER FROM FUKUSHIMA POWER PLANT TO BE DUMPED INTO THE OCEAN

Did You Know?

The popsicle was invented by acccident in 1905 when a child left a cup of powdered soda, water, & stick outside overnight.

Despite international opposition, the International Atomic Energy Agency has approved Japan’s plan to release more than a million tons of treated nuclear waste water into the ocean. The waste water comes from the Fukushima power plant that was destroyed because of tsunami waves triggering a 9.0 earthquake in 2011. The plan that was proposed in 2021 is maintained to be safe and consistent with relevant international safety standards. The wastewater which was used to cool the fuel rods of the

plant following the meltdowns in three of its reactors will be slowly released into the Pacific Ocean over the next 30-40 years.

VOLUNTEERS ENTER SIMULATED MARS HABITAT

Four volunteers entered a simulated Mars habitat at the beginning of June to start NASA’s year-long analog mission. The volunteers will face a variety of challenges that may arise in a real human mission to mars. These include resource limitations, equipment failure, communication delays, and more. The four volunteers will live in a 1,700 square foot habitat that includes private crew quarters, a kitchen, and two bathrooms as well as medical, work, and recreation areas. This mission is the first of three planned missions designed to help NASA learn more about “potential impacts of long-duration missions to Mars on crew health and performance,” (-nasa.gov).

SUSPICIOUS POWDER IDENTIFIED AS COCAINE

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK:

After having just celebrated America’s Independence Day, it seems appropriate to remember some of the wisdom of our founding fathers. One idea that comes to mind is that we are in a constant effort form a more perfect union. The job isn’t done, and maybe never will be, as there is always something more and better to strive for when it comes to equality, justice, & freedom.

AT WHITE HOUSE

While President Biden was at Camp David, the White House was evacuated Sunday evening when a suspicious powder was discovered in a common area of the West Wing. Secret Service agents found the suspicious powder during routine rounds in an area of the West Wing open to the public for tour groups. The White House was briefly evacuated while emergency personnel were called in to do a rapid test which identified the powder as cocaine. Further investigation by the Secret Service is pending.

17 MASS SHOOTINGS OVER 4TH OF JULY HOLIDAY

At least 17 mass shootings were reported from Friday, June 30 to the early morning hours of July 5th. As many as 18 were left dead in the incidents with at least 102 injured. The Fourth of July has become the most risky day for mass shootings each year, recent data shows.

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