The Oracle - August 16, 2023

Multicultural Faire to showcase the diversity oF divide county

By Michelle Svangstu

Lefse and lutefisk might be holiday staples on many tables here, but it isn’t only the Norwegians who celebrate their heritage in Divide County.

A group of community members from all walks of life have come together to host the first annual Divide County Multicultural Faire; “A Mosaic of Culture,” to be held Sept. 16 on Crosby’s

Main Street.

According to the group’s Facebook page, the Faire is designed to “showcase all the diverse countries, cultures and ethnicities that are found in Divide County.” So far, there are 14 booths signed up, each of which will display a variety of items, poster displays, clothing and pictures representing their country and

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Burgum grants request from education standards board for flexibility to help address teacher shortage

Goehring activates Harvest Hotline

PRESS RELEASE

BISMARCK, N.D. – Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has activated the North Dakota Harvest Hotline.

“Farmers who need custom combining and combiners looking for a job should call us at 701328-5110,” Goehring said.

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RAP AUCTION SLATED

Press Release, ND Game & Fish

Confiscated hunting, fishing and trapping equipment will be sold Aug. 19 at the North Dakota Wildlife Federation’s Report All Poachers auction in Bismarck..

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RECOGNIZING THOSE PEOPLE WHO GO UNSEEN

By Alyssa Stromberg

International Overdose

Awareness Day is Aug. 31. This year’s theme is “recognizing those people who go unseen.”

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SHEEP STARTER FLOCKS AVAILABLE FOR ND YOUTH

Press Release. NDSU Extension

For the 15th year, North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension and the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association are offering North Dakota youth an opportunity to become involved in the sheep industry and build their own flock.

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“LIFE IS GOOD WHEN YOU ARE HAPPY; BUT MUCH BETTER WHEN OTHERS ARE HAPPY BECAUSE OF YOU.” — POPE FRANCIS

LOCAL EVENTS SPONSORED BY

FORTUNA

Every Tuesday- Range Night at Northwest Sportsman Club

RAY

Thursday August 17th - First Day of School for Ray Public School District

Friday August 18th - Football (H-Ray) vs. Shiloh Christian

Friday August 18th - Municipal Court at Ray City Hall

Saturday August 19th - Varsity Volleyball

Scrimmage 10:00am-2:00pm at Bishop Ryan Catholic School, 316 11th Ave NW, Minot, ND

Wednesday August 23rd - Girl Scouts Fall Sign Up 4:00-5:00pm in the Ray School Commons Area

Wednesdays: Ladies Night at the Ray Golf Course

2:00pm

Thursdays: Mens Stag Night at the Ray Golf Course

2:00pm

CROSBY

Friday August 18th - Planning and Zoning Commission 9:00-11:00am

Monday August 21st - K-12 Open House/

Meet the Teacher Night 5:00-6:30pm

Monday August 21st - Burger Night 5:307:30pm at Crosby Moose Lodge

Tuesday August 22nd - Divide County Commission Meeting 8:00-11:00am

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

Grill

week

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 August 17th - Week 8 Summer Nights On Main 2023 featuring Slamabama 5-9p downtown Williston

Friday August 18th - 13th Annual Missouri River Catfish Clash Rules Meeting

7p August 18 at Midway Junction Bar followed by social 7-10p

Saturday August 19th - 3rd Annual Williston Airshow

Saturday August 19th - 13th Annual

Missouri River Catfish Clash Tournament

hours 9a-5p Check-in is 8-9a at Lewis & Clark Bridge. Weigh-in is 5p.

Sunday August 20th - Harmonic Creative World Youth Symphony Ensemble Concert 2pm First Lutheran Church

Thursday August 24th - Week 9 Summer Nights On Main 2023 featuring Josey and the Whalers 5-9p downtown Williston

TIOGA

Thursday August 17th - School Starts for Tioga School District

Thursday August 17th - Tioga Historical Society Meeting 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM at the Tioga Museum

Thursday August 17th - Airport Authority Meeting 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM at 2237

Aviator Way Tioga, ND 58852

August 18th-August 20th - Movie: Haunted Mansion 7:00-9:00pm at Tioga

Theater

Monday August 21st - Commission Meeting 7:00-9:00pm at City Hall - 16 1st St NE, Tioga, ND 58852

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

RAP Auction Slated

PRESS RELEASE

ND Game & Fish

•

•

THREE POINT PARTS, SKIDSTEER, TRACTOR ATTACHMENTS

Confiscated hunting, fishing and trapping equipment will be sold Aug. 19 at the North Dakota Wildlife Federation’s Report All Poachers auction in Bismarck. The auction is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Schaumberg Arena.

Doors open at 10 a.m. Items include more than 60 firearms, fishing equipment, bows, spotlights and tree stands.

More information, including a comprehensive list of items for auction, is available by visiting the wildlife federation’s website at northdakotawildlife. org.

Proceeds from the auction fund the RAP program.

The RAP line, 701-3289921, offers monetary rewards for information that leads to conviction of fish and wildlife law violators. The RAP line is available 24 hours a day, and callers can remain anonymous.

Burgum grants request from education standards board for flexibility to help address teacher shortage

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov.

Doug Burgum today granted a request from the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) for emergency rulemaking to provide school districts with additional flexibility that will temporarily allow expanded use of student teachers to help address the state’s teacher shortage. Burgum also announced the future formation of a task force to address challenges in recruiting and retaining teachers.

“Our administration has reviewed the request pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 28-32-03, sought and received input from districts across the state, and agrees that emergency rulemaking is reasonably necessary. Therefore, your request is granted,” Burgum stated in his letter to ESPB. “As the ESPB executive director has stated, this is a Band-Aid, not a permanent solution. This

Did You Know?

Lack of support, struggles with student behavior issues, and more have 55% or educators now indicating that they are ready to leave the profession earlier than planned. In fact, 35% of teachers say they are likely to quit within the next TWO years.

How can you help?

Show support for teachers in word and deed. Most teachers use their own money to supply their classroom, so helping fund essentials is a big. Volunteer to help in the classroom or on trips.

emergency action simply gives local school boards and administrators additional flexibility and retains local control in determining how to fill teacher openings with the best interests of students in mind.”

“In addition, our administration will be developing a statewide task force through executive order that will focus on teacher recruitment and retention strategies, programs and policies with the necessary voices around the table, in-

cluding representation from the local level,” Burgum continued. “With support of a facilitator, this task force will have a very clear purpose: to identify policies and practices that will help establish a pipeline of quality professional educators who receive the support they need to be their best so that our students receive the world-class, taxpayer-efficient education they deserve.”

The full letter can be viewed here

By Heidi Whitney

MonDak Back to 6-Man Football

The MonDak Thunder will return to compete in Montana 6-man football this fall after spending the last three seasons playing 8-man.

According to head coach Blake Lampert, “It’s going to be exciting. It’s going to be fun. The kids are really excited. Six-man is more of our comfort zone.”

The MonDak Thunder football co-op began in

the fall of 2012. The co-op played 6-man football for the first eight seasons until enrollment numbers moved them up to the 8-man division in the fall of 2020.

During the initial eight years of MonDak 6-man football, the boys of fall took home more than their fair share of hardware, including state runner-up titles in 2014 and 2016 and a championship title in 2017.

The Thunder will play their first game of the 2023 season in Fromberg on August 26. The first home game for the Thunder is scheduled for September 1 in Grenora versus Plevna. Thirteen boys make up the 2023 team. Assistant coaches are Tony Holecek and Mark Lewis.

Goehring activates Harvest Hotline

“Your name and information will be entered into the Harvest Hotline database to be matched up with other callers.”

Goehring said North Dakota Department of Agriculture employees will answer calls to the hotline weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Callers can also leave a message on evenings and weekends. The service is free of charge.

A self-service Harvest Hotline map is also available again this year. The map can be found by clicking on “Resource Maps” at

www.ndda.nd.gov. Users may click on the icons to retrieve information about harvesters available in their area.

“Both farmers and harvesters are already utilizing the service,” Goehring said.

Submissions

First implemented in 1992, when adverse weather conditions caused a heavy demand for custom combining, the Harvest Hotline has been offered annually as a free service for farmers and custom harvesters.

Recognizing those people who go unseen

By Alyssa Stromberg

In Montana, the overdose statistics state that there are 143 overdose deaths per year and that 1.43% of all deaths are from drug overdose.

Overdose deaths have increased at an annual rate of 9.94%. The state overdose death rate is 14.1 deaths out of every 100,000 residents, according to the

Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention.

International Overdose Awareness Day is Aug. 31. This year’s theme is “recognizing those people who go unseen.” We would like to say to these people: we see you. Theirs are the voices we should amplify, and their strength and experience should be held up as examples to us all. Too of-

ten, however, they are left to bear the burden of this crisis alone and in silence. This year on Aug. 31, let’s acknowledge and support the people in our communities who go unrecognized by raising awareness of the hidden impacts of overdose and promoting education of overdose response. The Plentywood town square will be a place

to remember those who were lost to overdose. A place where family and friends can bring awareness to the pain of losing a loved one by tying a purple ribbon on a memory tree.

On Monday, Aug. 21, a tree lighting ceremony will be held at the town square to remember those loved ones lost to overdose or suicide. The ceremony is a public event and all are welcome to attend.

World Suicide Prevention Day is Sept. 10 and yellow ribbons will also be available for those that want to remember the loved

ones lost to suicide. The Sheridan County Behavioral Health Coalition Tree of Memories will be available from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30.

The Sheridan County Behavioral Health Coalition is working to open discussions on a topic that is difficult at best. The coalition’s goal is to promote individual, family and community behavioral health awareness and wellness. The coalition does not provide direct services, but rather they provide education and connections.

Hopie’s Honker Pit

Multicultural Faire to showcase the diversity oF divide county

will be staffed by someone who is able to share more about their culture.

Currently, the countries Belgium, the Philippines, Hungary, Mexico, Honduras, Norway, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Denmark will all be represented, as will the state of Hawaii. In ad-

dition, there will be booths featuring costumes, hair braiding, jewelry and face painting. Local travel agent Jan Jacobson will be there to showcase the world of culture one could experience on a well-planned vacation. There is no charge to have a booth and hosts are welcome

to share samples as well as have items for sale, including food, provided those foods are cooked in a commercial kitchen.

Faire goers can not only immerse themselves in the multitude of cultural displays, they can also get their fill of cultural foods from food trucks like Nicos Tamales and Jams Thai Food. To top off a good meal, Ames A La Mode will be there to provide the ice cream. Food trucks will be located in the Farmers Union Insurance parking lot.

No street fair is complete without music, and the Faire is sure to delight people of all ages with a variety of entertainment on the free stage,

located on the front lawn of the county courthouse. Attendees will also be provided a “passport,” which will include a map of booths, the schedule of entertainment and a small feature about each country and culture represented.

After a “trip around the world,” attendees can make their way to the Crosby Community Center to pick up unique vintage and handmade goods and foods at the second annual Rust or Bust vendor show and check out sidewalk sales offered up by the local main street businesses.

The group plans to have a “display of hands,” as a reminder to be kind and

“Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand).” Residents at Northern Light Villa and the Crosby Kids Daycare will be tracing, cutting out and decorating hands that will then be posted in the windows of main street businesses. Families, businesses and other community organizations are welcome to participate and add their own “hands” to the downtown display.

Those interested in hosting a cultural booth, helping with the display of hands, providing entertainment or just being a helping hand can visit with Marie Kauhako by stopping by Hindsite Creations Wednesday-Saturday or calling 701-965-5124.

A meeting to finalize event details is set for Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Crosby Senior Citizens Center. Everyone who plans to participate in the event is asked to attend.

For the most up-to-date information on the activities to be featured, be sure to check out the event’s Facebook page “Divide County’s Multicultural Faire.”

Burgum highlights progress in addressing workforce during NGA’s 2023 Summer Workforce Symposium

PRESS RELEASE

FARGO, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum today highlighted progress North Dakota is making in addressing the state’s workforce challenges during the National Governors Association’s (NGA) 2023 Summer Workforce Symposium in Fargo.

In a fireside chat with Tim Blute, director of the NGA Center for Best Practices, Burgum noted the state legislature passed and he signed several major workforce-related bills last spring. The legislation included 12 of the 14 recommendations and endorsements from the state’s Workforce Development Council, which was restructured by Burgum and has representation from state and local government, the private sector, labor, and K-12, higher education and career and technical education.

“The beautiful thing in our state is that we actually get all the people around the

table and they all row in the same direction,” Burgum said during the symposium, attended by government and private sector officials from over two dozen states at the Microsoft Fargo campus. “We turned the dial this year.”

The legislation included:

• $66 million to support child care services as a critical component in alleviating the state’s labor shortage, with a focus on the quality, affordability and availability of child care.

• $12.5 million for the Regional Workforce Impact Grant (RWIP) program, which is supporting 63 projects statewide including skilled workforce training, career exploration, expansion of career and technical education offerings, affordable housing, talent attraction, child care and more.

• $12 million to expand the Find the Good Life talent attraction initiative.

• $2 million for skilled workforce training, $1 million to support internships and $2 million for new American workforce training grants.

Burgum and Blute also discussed the role of artificial intelligence in the workforce, with the governor saying productivity gains from AI could become a competitive advantage for the United States, as well as the importance of equipping K-12 students with technology skills to set them up for success in the workforce. Burgum noted a bill approved last spring made North Dakota the first state in the nation to approve legislation requiring cybersecurity education.

The NGA Center for Best Practices is hosting the Summer Workforce Symposium of the National Asso-

ciation of State Liaisons for Workforce Development Partnerships and the National Association of State Workforce Board Chairs Tuesday through Thursday in Fargo.

The symposium brings together state workforce development leaders who carry out their governor’s vision for workforce development policy, strategic investment, and the administration and oversight of federal and state workforce programs. Symposium programming offers these leaders opportunities to share challenges and best prac-

tices with one another and engage in solutions-oriented dialogue with subject matter experts, business and nonprofit partners, and policymakers across all levels of government.

North Dakota was one of six states selected in 2021 for the second phase of NGA’s Workforce Innovation Network, in which states worked to deploy cross-agency teams to identify and implement strategies that advance digital skill development and more equitable economic participation.

Dakota Gardener: Olla watering

Olla watering is a very old form of irrigation using clay pots that are buried in the soil and filled with water.

the soil and filled with water. Unglazed clay pots are porous and will allow water to move into the surrounding soil. The superpowers of water and soil move the water through the soil profile.

By Carrie Knutson, Horticulture agent

NDSU Extension – Grand Forks County

I will admit I scroll social media as much as the next person. However, my feeds are garden related. I saw a few posts about tips and tricks to keep vegetable gardens watered during dry conditions. One of those tips was using olla watering.

I had not heard of olla watering. So, I had to do some fact checking and research before I changed any of my gardening practices.

Olla watering is a very old form of irrigation using clay pots that are buried in

Soil has spaces in between soil particles (sand, silt and clay) and soil aggregates (groupings of soil particles and organic matter). These pores can be very small or large depending on the soil characteristics. For example, based on soil texture, a sandy soil will have larger pores while a soil with more clay will have smaller pores.

Larger pores do not hold on to water very well and the water will drain after rain. This is usually referred to as gravitational water. The water that stays in the smaller pores is held more tightly and is referred to as field capacity water. Soil is said to be saturated when all the pores are filled with water. Soil pores are connected and help water move through the soil. Water will flow in soil pores from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentra-

tion.

Olla watering uses the movement of water in soil pores to distribute water in a garden. The soil pores closer to the olla will be saturated and water will move outwards to open soil pores. Olla watering can reduce water waste by preventing run-off and reducing evaporation, by placing the water in the soil right where it needs to be.

How big of a clay pot do you need in your garden to make a difference? In their publication “Irrigating with Ollas,” the University of Arizona Cooperative Ex-

tension estimates that water from an olla will move out twice the diameter of the pot. For example, a 10-inch clay pot will provide water to an estimated 20-inch area round the plant. Remember this can vary depending on environmental conditions and soil texture.

There are pots specifically designed to be used for olla watering. Unglazed clay pots also can be used for olla watering. The drain holes will need to be sealed so the pot holds water. Usually, the olla has a cover to prevent evaporation.

The downside to olla

watering is the added expense of buying pots, as well as displacing soil and reducing growing space. My garden space is limited, and I don’t really want to spend more money on clay pots. So, I will continue to use my soaker hose and water with a sprinkler in the morning. If olla watering sounds like it will help you, give it a try! Happy gardening!

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Aug. 8, 2023

Source: Carrie Knutson, 701-780-8229, carrie.knutson@ndsu.edu

Editor: Kelli Anderson, 701-231-6136, kelli.c.anderson@ndsu.edu

Olla watering is a very old form of irrigation using clay pots that are buried in the soil and filled with water. (NDSU photo)

Sheep starter flocks available for North Dakota youth

For the 15th year, North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension and the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association are offering North Dakota youth an opportunity to become involved in the sheep industry and build their own flock.

Youth chosen for the Starter Flock Discounted Loan Program will receive an interest-free loan to purchase 10 yearling Rambouillet ewes from the association. The association will buy the ewes from NDSU’s Hettinger Research Extension Center (HREC).

“It is tremendous to see young people get involved in the North Dakota sheep industry,” says Dave Pearson, HREC shepherd. “These Wyoming-bred ewes are a great opportunity to learn with less initial input costs and no interest.”

Youth receiving the ewes will be assigned a mentor, who will be available to answer questions and help them with recordkeeping and setting management goals. The youth also have the option of arranging for a mentor on their own.

“Sheep production offers youth an opportunity to grow a business, learn record keeping and manage finances,” says Travis Hoffman, NDSU and University of Minnesota Exten-

sion sheep specialist. “We have more than 130 young producers that have learned about sheep in North Dakota with this program. A young sheep enthusiast can get a start by receiving 10 ewes with limited risk through a great loan program.”

The youth must pay back 70% of the value of the ewes. The first payment is due by Nov. 1 of the second year the youth have the ewes. The youth have two more years to pay off the balance of the loan.

To be eligible to receive ewes, youth must be 10 to 18 years old by Aug. 1 of the year they apply for a loan.

Go to https://ndsheep. org/starter-flock/ for an application or more information about the loan program.

Applications can be sent to Curt Stanley, preferably via email to curtssheep@gmail. com; or mailed to 7050 156th Ave. NW, Bismarck, North Dakota, 58503. Questions can be directed to Stanley at 701-333-8009. Applications are due by Aug. 20 via mail or email. Youth selected for the program will pick up their ewes at the Hettinger Research Extension Center on Saturday, Sept. 16.

For more information, contact:

* Stanley at 701-333-8009 or curtssheep@gmail.com

* Hoffman at 970-222-7569 or travis.w.hoffman@ ndsu.edu

* Pearson at 701-928-1410 or dlcabpearson@ndsupernet.com

* Wyman Scheetz at 701220-4639 or mscheetz@ westriv.com

NDSU Agriculture Communication – August 9, 2023

Source: Travis Hoffman, 701-231-2222, travis.w.hoffman@ndsu.edu

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

Youth chosen for the Starter Flock Discounted Loan Program will receive an interest-free loan to purchase 10 yearling Rambouillet ewes.

Sheep production offers youth an opportunity to grow a business, learn record keeping and manage finances. (NDSU photo)

Raw Milk Gets Foot in the Door in ND, But Health Risk Warnings Remain

By Mike Moen, Prarie News Servic

North Dakota has joined the raw-milk movement. The state now allows limited sales of the product, and officials are urging caution for consumers who plan on drinking it.

In recent years, dozens of states have loosened restrictions regarding the sale of unpasteurized milk amid vocal demand. Those wanting broader access say it tastes better and comes with extra health benefits.

But the Food and Drug Administration says those claims don't outweigh the risks, including disease-causing pathogens.

North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring echoed those concerns.

"Nothing's changed in 200 years," said Goehring.

He said the biggest concern is for vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly and the immunocompromised.

This year, the state Legislature passed a law that allows producers to sell raw milk directly to consumers,

but retailers and wholesalers are still banned from any involvement.

And the legal sales only relate to the liquid form of raw milk, and not products such as cheese and yogurt.

As for sellers, Goehring predicted it will largely consist of smaller farms with only one or two cows looking for some extra income. He encouraged those individuals to be mindful of the risks, as well.

"If someone were to get sick from their product, and then all of a sudden, it becomes a big issue," said Goehring. "It just puts the dairy operation in a bad place."

Anyone who becomes sick does have the option to take legal action.

Sellers are urged to contact an insurance agent, but Goehring said getting liability coverage might be tough unless you go to great lengths to show you're trying to keep bacteria at bay.

Under the law, the state Agriculture Department is exempted from regulating sales of raw milk.

"TB, brucellosis, all those things are still present and they could be transmitted through the milk."

Roughly 30 states now allow some form of raw-milk sales, including North Dakota. (Pixabay)

NATIONAL & WORLD HEADLINES

MAUI WILDFIRES

The death toll of the wildfires on Maui have risen to 99 as of Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Of the 99, only three bodies have been positively identified via fingerprints. Anyone missing family members have been encouraged to visit the Family Assistance Center to provide DNA swabs to help identifications to be made. According to Maui County Fire Chief, Bradford Ventura, the perimeter of the Lahaina fires is cool and hasn’t expanded. Local officials began flying helicopters over the area on Tuesday to check for remaining hot spots. The Upcountry/Kula fires is the only other active fire and has proved to be more difficult to put out due to inaccessible terrain.

MONTANA JUDGE SIDES WITH YOUTH

On Monday, a Montana judge with young environmental activists in the case, Held vs. Montana. The case, which was heard at Lewis and Clark County Courthouse, is a first-of-its-kind in the U.S. The young activists argued that state agencies were violating their constitutional right to a clean and healthful

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK:

As adults, we often recognize that we enjoy the giving of gifts more than receiving them. But why reserve that feeling for holidays? Capture that feeling each day by doing something to make someone else happy each day. Share a smile, a hug, some cookies. It doesn’t have to be big. Making others happy will increase your own happiness. Be happy.

environment. The state was doing so by permitting fossil fuel development without considering its effect on the climate. This case adds to a small number of legal decisions across the world that establish governments as responsible for protecting their citizens from climate changes. While District Court Judge Kathy Seeley found the policy that Montana uses in evaluating requests for fossil fuel permits unconstitutional, it is up to the legislature to enact the policy. In the fossil-friendly state, change may be delayed.

INDIA MUDSLIDES

Mudslides and flash floods are a dangerous but common event in India during their monsoon season from June to September. More than 60 people have been killed in the northern Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Most of the deaths occurred in Himachal Pradesh where at least 55 people died Saturday through Tuesday. Around 8:00 am on Monday, a least nine people died in one of the deadliest incidents when flooding caused a temple to collapse in the state capital Shimla. The bodies of those

who died have been retrieved and rescuers will continue to clear debris. Five people have been rescued but around 20 to 25 more remain trapped under the debris as of Monday.

ECUADOR’S PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

Fernando Villavicencio was an outspoken anti-corruption candidate for Ecuador’s presidential election. Last week, Villavicencia was brutally murdered after a political rally. The suspected shooter died in police custody and 6 Columbian nationals were arrested in connection with the killing. The suspects are members of organized crime groups. This isn’t the first assassination of officials this year. Left-wing local party official, Pedro Briones was shot dead on Monday in Esmeraldas province. The mayor of Ecuador’s sixth largest city Manta, Agustin Intriago, was killed along with a young athlete he was talking to on the street last month. Candidate-elect, Walker Vera, was murdered just before he was going to take office in the city Muisne in May.

Publishing Team Publisher / Editor: J.C. LaBar

Journalist: Heidi Whitney

Reporters: Michelle Svangstu, Alyssa Stromberg & Rachel Venture

Sports Contributors: Nick Ator & Kristen Ator

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