The Oracle - August 23, 2023

Second Annual Rust or Bust brings vintage and homemade treasures to Crosby

By Michelle Svangstu

The saying “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure” rings true for Rust or Bust organizers Tonia Eriksmoen and Erin Sorum. Both women have a love for all things vintage.

These ladies have a love for all things vintage, and are bringing the event back for it’s second year on September 16th, from 9am-3pm at the Crosby Community Center.

“I started out looking to bring something to the (Divide County Threshing Bee),” said Sorum. “It started out as a ‘Little House on the Prairie’ museum and shop. I expanded from one room the first year, to two rooms the next, and pretty

soon I had the entire Depot filled with junk, cupcakes and glass-bottled pop. It was so fun to see the people come through and find a car full of treasures to take home.”

Eriksmoen said that she soon followed suit and opened her own shop at the Threshing Bee. She expanded every year until opening her own business, “Bin Junkin,” from her family farm, where she not only sells vintage items, but restores them into something new for shoppers to use in their own home.

Suppressing

FEDERAL DUCK STAMP REQUIRED PRESS RELEASE. ND GAME & FISH — A federal duck stamp is required for waterfowl hunters 16 and older

beginning Sept. 1.

Page 3

BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR CHILDREN

By Alyssa Stromberg

As your kids embark on a new academic year, it’s crucial to maintain open lines of communication to support their growth and development.

Page 5

(Continues on Page 6)

Helpful advice from Crosby Counseling, Page 8

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR ANTHRAX Press Release.

NDSU Extension Anthrax cases contine to be identified in southwestern North Dakota. Page 9

“DO NOT INDOCTRINATE YOUR CHILDREN. TEACH THEM HOW TO THINK FOR THEMSELVES, HOW TO EVALUATE EVIDENCE, AND HOW TO DISAGREE WITH YOU.” — RICHARD DAWKINS

LOCAL EVENTS SPONSORED BY

To

FORTUNA

Every Tuesday- Range Night at Northwest Sportsman Club

RAY

Friday August 25th - Football (H-Ray) vs. Heart River 7:00pm

Saturday August 26th - Volleyball Coal Country Classic - Hazen/Beulah

Monday August 28th - Elementary Football Starts

Monday August 28th - Football JH & JV (H-Powerslake) vs. Divide County

Tuesday August 29th - FCCLA Back to School BBQ 5:00-7:00pm

Thursday August 31st - Volleyball 2JH, C, JV, V at Tioga 3:00-9:00pm

Wednesdays:

Ladies Night at the Ray Golf Course

2:00pm

Thursdays:

Mens Stag Night at the Ray Golf Course

2:00pm

CROSBY

Monday August 28th - Football JH & JV (Powerslake) vs. the Outlaws

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:

Tailgating Fundraiser

Movie at Dakota Theater 7:30pm

Sundays:

Movie at Dakota Theater 7:30pm

WILLISTON

Thursday August 24th - Week 9 Summer

Nights On Main 2023 featuring Josey and the Whalers 5-9p downtown Williston

Friday August 25th - Roll Back to School

Sk8 Nite 6:00pm at Raymond Family

Community Center

Saturday August 26th - 2023 Donn

Skadeland Memorial Golf Tournament

8:30a check-in 10a shotgun start at The Links of North Dakota

Saturday August 26th - Williston Basin

Speedway Dirt Track Racing WBRA

Summer Series Championship Grand-

stand gates open at 6p Races start at 7p at Upper Missouri Valley Fairgrounds

Sunday August 27th - Super Smash

Bros Tournament 3:00pm at New Hope Church

Monday August 28th - Basin Kruzers

Main Street Block Party-August 6-8:30p 4th St to Broadway

Wednesday August 30th - Williston

Community Builders Annual Free Back to School BBQ 5:30p until gone at Davidson Park

TIOGA

August 25th - August 27th - Movie:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 7:00-9:00pm at Tioga Theater

Saturday August 26th - Pilates 9:30-

10:30am at the Tioga Community Center

Monday August 28th - Municipal Court

6:30-7:30pm at Tioga Commission Hall

Tuesday August 29th - Marketing Class:

SEO for Beginners 7:00-9:00pm at Tioga

City Hall - Use Welo St Door

Wednesday August 30th - Slow Yoga 7:00-8:00pm at the Tioga Community Center

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

Fall Turkey Season Set

PRESS RELEASE. ND GAME & FISH — The fall turkey season is set with 4,435 licenses available to hunters, 460 more than last year. Applicants can apply

online by visiting the North Dakota Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov. The deadline is Sept. 6.

Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply. Nonresidents can apply for

remaining fall turkey licenses following the first lottery.

The fall wild turkey season runs from Oct. 14 through Jan. 7, 2024.

Swan Lottery Held

PRESS RELEASE. ND GAME & FISH — The swan lottery has been held and all 2,200 licenses were issued.

A total of 2,920 applications were received. Unsuccessful applicants will re-

ceive a refund to their credit card.

Individual results are available online at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov.

Federal Duck Stamp Required

PRESS RELEASE. ND

GAME & FISH — A federal duck stamp is required for waterfowl hunters 16 and older beginning Sept. 1. Waterfowl includes ducks, geese, swans, mergansers and coots.

This year’s 2023-24 federal duck stamp is available for electronic purchase through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov, or license vendors registered with the department’s licensing system. Physical stamps are not available at North Dakota license vendors but can still be purchased at many U.S. Postal Service offices.

Did You Know?

Federal Duck Stamps are conservation revenue stamps; 98 percent of the purchase prices goes directly to help acquire and protect wetland habitat and purchase conservation easements for the National Wildlife Refuge System. Wetlands acquired with Duck Stamp dollars help purify water, aid in flood control, reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.

https://www.fws.gov/service/duck-stamps

The electronic stamp is a purchase item like any other hunting or fishing license. When the purchase is completed the electronic stamp is valid immediately. “Federal Duck Stamp” will be printed on the license certificate, along with an expiration date 45 days from the date of purchase. The physical stamp will be sent by postal mail.

The physical stamp is processed and sent by the official duck stamp vendor in Texas and should arrive to buyers well before the

expiration date printed on the electronic license. The physical stamp must remain in possession of the hunter after the 45-day electronic stamp has expired. Individuals with questions regarding the status of their physical stamp can contact the federal duck stamp vendor customer service number at 800-852-4897.

The federal duck stamp has a fee of $25. An additional $2 fee is added to cover shipping and handling costs of the physical stamp.

Image Source: U.S. Fish & Wilkdlife Servce: https://www.fws.gov/media/duck-stamp-2023-2024. Joseph Hautman, Artist.

WESTBY WATCH

New Community Center Coffee Hours Sunday School Returns to Immanuel

Immanuel Lutheran Church

400 West Hwy 5 Westby, MT 59275

Greetings:

By Heidi Whitney

HOT DISH!

The closing of Smith’s Prairie Kitchen earlier this month has left residents without a local hotspot for a cup of joe and conversation.

In the spirit of keeping people connected, a few volunteers have decided to set up a sort of make-shift

coffee shop at the Westby Community Center.

The public is welcome to spend an hour or two drinking coffee and catching up on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 am to 10 am. Coffee is provided free of charge.

MonDak Sports Openers

It has been a busy few weeks for MonDak sports as Cross County, Volleyball, and Football open their seasons this weekend. The MonDak Cheer Team has also returned this season and will be rooting on the Volleyball squad in Westby on Friday.

According to coach Ken Whitney, there are 6 MonDak athletes competing in Cross Country this season. The team will travel to Wolf Point on Friday for their season opener.

Head Coach Blake Lampert, along with assistants Tony Holecek and Mark Lewis will travel with MonDak football to Fromberg on Saturday for their first kick-off of the season. The game will mark MonDak’s return to 6-man football after playing 8-man

since 2020.

The Thunder Volleyball team returns to the court in Westby on Friday under the direction of Angela Garcia and assisted by Aaron Rudningen. The MonDak Thunder Cheer Team will make its first fall appearance since 2021 at that match under the direction of Tea Thiessen and Michelle Freeman.

See HotDish for game times.

As a new school year begins it is important for us to attend to our children’s religious formation as well. Beginning September 10th Immanuel Lutheran Church will be offering Sunday School to answer this call. All children preschool through 6th grade are invited to participate each Sunday beginning at 10:30 until 11:15. During this time through reading, art, music, and our imaginations we will learn all the important stories of the Bible.

More volunteers are needed to make this happen so if you have a talent to share please contact me or Val Moore (406-385-7983) even if it is only on an occasional basis.

Along with myself, Heidi Whitney, Sharla Adams and Ashley Moore have graciously agreed to teaching thus far and we are thankful for that.

Please call the church office at 406-385-2341 to leave a message or sign up at Westby Grocery to reserve a spot for your child. We will need a contact number along with your child’s name and age.

All families are welcome to worship with us each Sunday at 11:30.

Peace in Christ, Pastor Josh Parris

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

ALL TIMES ARE MOUNTAIN

Fri Aug 25: MonDak Cross County meet @ Wolf Point, 10 am. MonDak Volleyball games @ Westby. Junior High begins at 1 pm. Junior Varsity to follow 20 minutes after Junior High ends. Varsity begins 20 minutes after Junior Varsity ends.

Sat Aug 26: MonDak Football @ Fromberg, 1 pm, Sun Aug 27: Services at Assembly of God, 10:30 am. Coffee hour at Immanual, 10:30 am. Services at 11:30 am

Want the chance

see your

Back-to-school tips for effective communication with your children

By Alyssa Stromberg

The back-to-school season is a time of transitions and adjustments for both parents and children alike. As your kids embark on a new academic year, it's crucial to maintain open lines of communication to support their growth and development. Here are some essential tips for effective communication with your children during this important time:

1. Listen actively. Take the time to truly listen when your children want to share their thoughts or experiences. Active listening involves giving them your full attention, maintaining eye contact and responding with empathy. By doing so, you create a safe space where they feel valued and understood.

2. Set aside quality time. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to overlook the importance of spending quality time with your children. Dedicate time for one-on-one conversations, family dinners or engaging in their favorite activities. This fosters a sense of connection and reinforces the idea that you're always available to talk.

3. Encourage expression. Create an environment where your children feel comfortable expressing their feelings and opinions. Avoid being judgmental or dismissive of their thoughts, even if they differ from yours. Show appreciation for their perspectives and they'll be more likely to confide in you.

4. Be patient. Sometimes children might find it challenging to articulate their emotions or concerns. Be patient and give them the time they need to open up. Avoid pressuring them to talk. Instead, let the conversation flow naturally.

5. Ask open-ended questions. Instead of asking questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no," opt for open-ended questions that encourage your children to share more details. For example, ask, "What was the best part of your day?" or "How did you feel when that happened?"

6. Share your experiences. Don't be afraid to share stories from your own childhood or experiences. This not only makes you more relatable but also demonstrates that you understand and have faced similar challenges. Such stories can offer valuable insights and solutions.

7. Use positive reinforcement. When your children open up to you, acknowledge their willingness to share. Offer praise and positive reinforcement to reinforce their behavior and encourage further communication.

8. Respect privacy. While open communication is crucial, it's equally important to respect your children's privacy. If they express a desire to keep something private, honor their wishes and let them

know you're always there to support them when they're ready to talk.

9. Problem-solve together. Use conversations as opportunities to problem-solve and brainstorm solutions. When faced with challenges, involve your children in finding ways to address them, empowering them to take ownership of their decisions.

10. Be a role model. Children often learn how to communicate by observing their parents. Display effective communication skills in your interactions with others, showing them healthy ways to express thoughts, feelings and concerns.

As your children head back to school, maintaining open and effective communication lays the foundation for strong relationships built on trust and understanding. With these tips, you can create an environment where your children feel supported, valued and empowered to share their experiences and emotions.

Fresh Flower Fridays! Receive $2.00 o a grab & go boquet when you mention this ad! Your Destination for Floral Bliss in Medicine Lake, MT

Second Annual Rust or Bust brings vintage and homemade treasures to Crosby

Montana.

“We were going all over and just started thinking ‘Why can’t we do this in Crosby?’” Eriksmoen said.

“We had the facilities here, and we figured there are probably people just like us who can’t always get away and travel several hours to

go to an event, so we started planning.”

From craft vendors to decor, food vendors to lifting help, Sorum and Eriksmoen put together a successful event in 2022, with around 300 people in attendance.

“It was so much fun and we had such great feedback that

we decided to do it again,’’ Sorum said.

Several vendors will be returning again this year and the event will be adding 14 new vendors.

The 2023 Rust or Bust event will host several ‘junk’ or vintage/antique and craft booths, in addition to two boutiques. Bakken Babes, a local homemade baby and kid clothing boutique, and Tessa Larson’s Bulls and Bows which has a variety of unique gifts, home decor and clothing.

Other vendors will be bringing fall decor, cornstalks, handmade jewelry and baked goods. CK’s, Ciara Sorum Welding, will be back with her custom welded pots, home and yard art. Frames by Ryan James is returning with one of a kind hand-crafted frames and photos.

The Rooted Home will be set up with a dried flower bar and Goody’s Girls, Amber Haugland, Heather Svangstu and Caitlyn Lindsey, will be back with a well of treasures from old and new, western, vintage, repurposed, leatherwork, signs and more. The two hosts themselves will have a variety of vintage and repurposed items to choose

Tonia Eriksmoen and Erin Sorum showcase some of the unique items they picked up on a recent trip.

from, and Sorum will have her nostalgic Charm It bracelets displayed.

No event is complete without food and the Crosby Comets Hockey Moms Kitchen will be serving up a delicious menu with specialty breakfast and lunch sandwiches and homemade soups. Henny’s will have their coffee cart just outside the entrance with specialty event drinks such as the Rusty Mocha, the Spunky Junky and a Pumpkin Macchiato available to warm up shoppers as they seek out their treasures. Rust or Bust fans can also purchase merchandise with the event’s new logo. Fans can check out and order the t-shirts, sweatshirts and mugs on the event’s Facebook page. Anyone who

wears their official Rust or Bust shirt to this year’s event will receive free admission (a $5 value).

Eriksmoen and Sorum said that this event is about having fun while bringing value to the community.

“We love the hunt,” says Eriksmoen. “The best part is finding unique items, then using it for something new or different than its original purpose.” Sorum said. “It’s great to see so many people come to our corner and be able to showcase all of the talented people within the Crosby area.”

Doors open at 9 a.m. on Sept. 16 at the Crosby Community Center and shoppers have until 3pm to seek out their treasures. Eriksmoen and Sorum also encourage attendees to take in the local

sidewalk sales as the Divide County Multicultural Faire, “A Mosaic of Culture,” will be located on Crosby’s Main Street.

Vendors with unique vintage, antique, handmade or homemade items are welcome to sign up before the Sept. 2 deadline and can send an email to crosby.rust. bust@gmail.com or call or text Tonia at 701-339-7973 or Erin at 701-580-5939 . Four tiers of booth sizes are available, ranging from $20$150, with returning vendors receiving 50% off their booth price. To purchase merchandise and stay informed on the latest updates, please follow the event’s Facebook Page “Rust or Bust.”

“Suppressing Emotions: The Hidden Toll on Your Health and Well-being”

Crosby Counseling

Not expressing your emotions is literally making you sick. Our experiences and emotions are stored in our body. Have you ever felt that sick feeling in your stomach when you’re nervous or that tension in your jaw when you get angry? These are the physical responses to the emotions we are experiencing. We all have them every day. Our bodies are constantly talking to us but most of us tend to ignore it.

As we learn more and more about the body and the brain, we are learning that emotions have a lot to do with how the body functions, sustains and recovers. Holding onto emotions creates stress in the body and reduces the body’s ability to heal naturally. We end up with a less effective immune system. We need to be more in-tune with our body and listen to the signals. Some of the signals may be stomach aches, tight muscles,

pain in joints, headaches, colds, fatigue, constipation, insomnia, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, bloating, cold sores, to name a few...

This doesn’t mean you should go out and “express yourself” in any way you want, but we all need to find helpful ways for our body to release emotions. We have

gone through some of these in previous articles but here are some as a reminder:

• Talking to someone close to you

• Physical exercise – increasing intensity may help

• Write it out

• Be in nature

• Tense and relax muscle

groups

• Deep breathing and imagine releasing the emotion with your exhale.

• Mindfulness exercises

• Healthy meals

• Increase daily water

• Sleep

Obviously, the list could go on and on. The point is,

listen to your body when it sends off signals and take care of it naturally!

Print

Staying Informed Becomes Harder for North Dakotans

By Mike Moen Prairie News Service

This month, North Dakota has become the latest state to be swept up in the declining presence of local news media. One expert sees it as a concerning trend,

STEAKHOUSE THE CLUB AND

especially as it relates to accountability and democracy.

In northeastern North Dakota, Ness Press has ended publishing eight weekly newspapers. Operators of the family-run business say a lack of ad revenue, and

having no one else to take over, prompted the decision. The papers centered around local announcements.

Dr. Melissa Vosen Callens, associate professor of communications at North Dakota State University, who teachers media literacy, worries it is part of a nationwide erosion of local news, which creates lasting harm.

"Newspaper deserts are dangerous," Vosen Callens asserted. "It limits our access to information, particularly local information, often in already marginalized communities."

She pointed out when

people have to seek information elsewhere, their searches may lead them to disinformation and misinformation on social platforms. She noted it increases polarization, which added greater threats to democracy.

Groups tracking the growing prevalence of news deserts said North Dakota has more than two dozen counties with only one newspaper, and two counties have none.

Only a handful of North Dakota's newspapers are daily publications. Vosen Callens emphasized without consistent local coverage,

it is harder to know what's happening in the community, which can have longterm social, political and economic implications.

"Local journalism, for example, often reports on and questions government spending," Vosen Callens stressed.

She added media organizations in larger cities around the region cannot keep track of everything going on in smaller towns around them. And as more papers and other local media close up shop, it leaves a gap in holding municipalities -- and those who lead them -- accountable.

Jessica Watterud, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Melissa Nystuen, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Have you ever noticed that queasy sensation in your stomach during nervous moments or the tightness in your jaw when anger strikes? These physical reactions are direct responses to the emotions we carry within us. (Adobe Stock)

Be on lookout for anthrax

Anthrax cases continue to be identified in southwestern North Dakota.

PRESS RELEASE. NDSU Extension and Ag Research — Anthrax continues to be a concern for cattle producers in North Dakota. Several more cases of anthrax in cattle have been confirmed in southwestern North Dakota.

“This is a reminder to our cattle producers that the threat of anthrax is present,” says Gerald Stokka, North Dakota State University Extension veterinarian. “It appears that during times of high rainfall or very dry conditions, the spores are uncovered and cattle are at risk of infection.”

Anthrax is a disease in cattle caused by bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. It has a special survival mechanism called spore formation. This characteristic allows the bacteria to produce very hardy spores with a high survival rate. The spores can survive for years under the right conditions. When these spores come into contact with susceptible cattle, they can “hatch” and infect cattle, resulting in disease and death.

Often the only initial sign of anthrax infection is finding dead cattle. Cattle can die without signs of illness for a number of reasons, including lightning strikes, clostridial infections and toxicities, but anthrax always should be considered, according to Stokka. If anthrax is suspected, do not perform a necropsy. Take a blood sample and submit to the NDSU Veterinary Diag-

nostic Laboratory for confirmation.

“If the diagnosis of anthrax is suspected and confirmed by your veterinarian and the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, then vaccination needs to be implemented as quickly as possible,” he says.

The commercial vaccine available is a live attenuated (nondisease-causing) spore vaccine. The dose is

Youth Outdoor Festival in Minot

The event is Aug. 31 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Game and Fish Conservation and Outdoors Skills Park on the grounds of the North Dakota State Fair.

Young outdoor enthusiasts will experience outdoor activities that relate to archery, fishing, waterfowl and upland game. Prizes will be awarded. For more information, contact Game and Fish outreach biologist Greg Gullickson at 701-720-1640.

recommendation.

“Consider removing all cattle from the pasture where anthrax deaths are suspected because spores present can infect the remaining animals,” Stokka advises.

Also, anthrax carries a risk to humans, so take care to not disturb the carcass. The recommended method of disposal is to burn the carcass and soil on which the carcass was found after placing them in a trench dug in the immediate area of the death.

1 cc administered subcutaneously in the neck region. All adult cattle and calves should receive the vaccine, and treatment with antibiotics should be withheld because it may interfere with the immune response. However, when faced with an outbreak situation, administering an antibiotic and a vaccine concurrently has been effective. Consult your local veterinarian for a

For more information, visit the NDSU Extension publication “Anthrax” at www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ extension/publications/anthrax.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Aug. 15, 2023

Source: Gerald Stokka, 701-231-5082, gerald.stokka@ndsu.edu

Editor: Elizabeth Cronin, 701-231-7881, elizabeth. cronin@ndsu.edu

Contact your veterinarian if anthrax is suspected. (NDSU photo)

PRESS RELEASE. ND Game & Fish — The North Dakota Game and Fish Department,

local wildlife clubs and other sponsors will usher youngsters into fall during the annu-

al Youth Outdoor Festival in Minot.

ND Schools Prep for Laws Targeting Transgender Students

By Mike Moen Prairie News Service

North Dakota school districts are making final preparations for the new academic year. But there are questions about what the environment will be like for transgender students on the heels of new state laws.

North Dakota recently adopted measures LGBTQ advocates say further erode the rights of trans students - including prohibitions on the use of preferred pronouns, and requiring staff to inform parents if a student identifies as transgender.

Fargo's superintendent has said those directives conflict with federal law, and the district will prioritize non-discriminatory policies.

Grand Forks Superintendent Terry Brenner said they'll comply, but he said he worries about the potential fallout.

"My concern is that the suicide rate was high among transgender students previous to the law being enacted," Brenner said, "and

there's concern that that metric will rise moving into the future."

Brenner noted that his office faced calls to refuse to adhere to the new laws - but in the end, the district felt the need to be in compliance.

Prior to the changes, Grand Forks had accommodations for things like pro-

noun requests - and Brenner said they didn't cause problems.

The issue is playing out in other states, with Virginia's largest school district saying it won't follow anti-transgender laws.

North Dakota also now restricts transgender students from using the bathroom consistent with their

gender identity.

The American Civil Liberties Union of North Dakota's Advocacy Manager Cody Schuler said districts have been put in a tough spot.

He said staff know what's best for students, and they now risk playing a role in pushing some of them away.

"There are people who are contemplating or have already left the state because they've lost health care with the gender-affirming care ban," said Schuler. "There are those who have already had a hard enough time in their school districts. Now those families who have transgender family members - it's not a large population in the state - but it is a significantly vulnerable population."

In signing such laws, Gov. Doug Burgum argued the state is balancing the "rights and interests of students, parents and teachers."

But Schuler said what's happening in North Dakota goes beyond many of the culture war debates that have popped up around the country.

"This isn't about a Nativity scene at a Christmas program in the school auditorium," said Schuler. "This is about life-or-death situations with our youth and who they are and their human development."

"Nurturing Growth: The Crucial Role of Safety in a Child's School Experience"

A secure and nurturing school environment is paramount for the holistic growth of children. Feeling safe at school lays the foundation for effective learning, emotional well-being, and positive social interactions. When children perceive their school as a haven of safety, they are more inclined to explore, ques-

tion, express themselves, and build meaningful relationships. A sense of security fosters not only academic growth but also empowers children to thrive emotionally and mentally, allowing them to embrace challenges and reach their full potential. In an atmosphere free from fear and insecurity, children can focus on their

studies, develop healthy self-esteem, and engage in activities that encourage their personal development. Providing a safe space in schools is not just a responsibility; it's an investment in nurturing confident, resilient, and well-rounded individuals who are prepared to navigate the world beyond the classroom.

In its most recent session, the North Dakota Legislature advanced nearly a dozen bills deemed hostile towards the LGBTQ community, including several new laws that advocates say unfairly target transgender students. (Adobe Stock)

Navigating the Hiring Challenge: Understanding the Factors Behind Companies' Struggles to Hire

In today’s fast-paced and dynamic business landscape, the struggle to hire qualified candidates has become a prevalent challenge for companies across various industries. Despite the allure of job opportunities, a growing number of organizations find themselves grappling with the complexities of talent acquisition. Several key factors contribute to this trend, shedding light on the evolving dynamics of the job market and the need for innovative recruitment strategies.

1. Skills Mismatch: One of the primary reasons behind companies’ difficulties in hiring lies in the ever-widening skills gap. Rapid technological advancements and shifting industry demands often render traditional skill sets obsolete. As a result, employers face a shortage of candidates with the exact skills required to fill specific roles. Bridging this gap requires not only continuous training and development but also a fresh perspective on hiring criteria, emphasizing adaptable and transferable skills.

2. Changing Work Preferences: The modern workforce seeks more than just financial compensation. Factors such as work-life

balance, flexibility, and opportunities for professional growth play a pivotal role in an individual’s decision to join a company. As remote work gains prominence and flexible schedules become more commonplace, companies must adapt their recruitment strategies to highlight these attractive elements in order to stay competitive in the market.

3. Competition for Top Talent: The globalized nature of business has intensified competition among companies to attract the best talent. In-demand professionals often receive multiple job offers, granting them the luxury to choose organizations that align with their values and aspirations. To stand out, companies need to not only offer competitive salaries but also create a compelling employer brand that resonates with potential candidates.

4. Lengthy Hiring Processes: Cumbersome and lengthy hiring processes can deter talented individuals from pursuing opportunities within a company. Extensive rounds of interviews, assessments, and background checks not only delay the onboarding process but can also discourage candidates who are exploring

multiple options simultaneously. Streamlining hiring procedures while maintaining thorough evaluations is essential to securing top candidates before they are snatched up by competitors.

5. Lack of Diversity and Inclusion: Companies that fail to prioritize diversity and inclusion in their workforce may find themselves struggling to attract a broad range of candidates. A lack of representation among employees sends a negative signal to potential hires, suggesting an outdated or biased organizational culture. To overcome this hurdle, companies need to foster inclusive environments and actively promote diversity throughout their recruitment efforts.

6. Generational Differences:

The modern job market is a melting pot of various generations, each with unique expectations and preferences. Companies must tailor their hiring strategies to resonate with different age groups, recognizing that what appeals to a millennial might not resonate with a Gen Z candidate. Adapting recruitment approaches to accommodate varying generational needs can significantly enhance a company’s ability to attract and retain diverse talent.

7. Employer Reputation: In the age of information, a company’s reputation spreads quickly through online platforms and social media. Negative reviews about workplace culture, employee experiences, or unethical practices can significantly impact a company’s ability to attract top talent. Proactively addressing and rectifying such issues is crucial for maintaining a positive employer brand.

In conclusion, the struggles that companies face in hiring are a confluence of multifaceted factors ranging from skills gaps and

changing work preferences to intense competition and evolving demographics. To navigate this challenge, organizations must adopt a holistic approach that combines innovative recruitment strategies, a commitment to ongoing skill development, and a dedication to fostering inclusive and attractive workplace cultures. In this ever-evolving landscape, companies that adapt and prioritize talent acquisition strategies will emerge as winners, securing the skilled workforce necessary for sustained growth and success.

Word of the Day

zeugma: (noun)

1. A figure of speech in which a word applies to two others in different senses (e.g., “John and his license expired last week”) or to two others of which it semantically suits only one (e.g., “with weeping eyes and hearts”).

NATIONAL & WORLD HEADLINES

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP WINNER

Spain clinched victory in the FIFA Women’s World Cup on August 20th, triumphing over England with a 1-0 score. This achievement elevates Spain to an elite group of five countries, including the U.S., Germany, Japan, and Norway, who have secured World Cup victories. Impressively, Spain joins Germany as one of only two nations to have claimed World Cup titles in both men’s and women’s categories.

MISSILE STRIKE KILLS SEVEN

On Sunday, August 20th, a Russian missile struck Chernihiv Ukraine just as many were leaving church. Seven people were killed, 90 more injured, and a theater was damaged. At the time, President Volodymry Zelenskyy of Ukraine was in Sweden. The two countries announced an agreement that will aid Ukraine. The agreement

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK:

Fostering independent thinking in children is more impactful than prescribing beliefs. Equipping them with analytical skills and curiosity not only sparks a love for learning but also prepares them to navigate diverse perspectives effectively, enabling adaptability and meaningful contributions.

is for the production and use of Swedish CV90 infantry fighting vehicles.

HURRICANE HILARY

Hurricane Hilary made landfall in Southern California over the weekend of August 19th. This is the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in over 80 years. The week prior, the storm had intensified into a Category 3 system by the end of the week but lost strength as it approached the U.S., finally arriving as a tropical storm. Hilary brought wind gusts of up to 80 miles per hour while also dumping a half foot of rain in some spots across the region. Now, while continuing to lose strength, the storm is moving to Nevada. However, it has left millions of California residents in flood risk warnings, millions of homes and businesses without power, and shutting down major school districts.

RAIDED BY POLICE

The Marion County Record, a

small newspaper in Kansas, was raided by police on August 11th. Within the aftermath of the event, the paper’s publisher and owner, Eric Meyer, continues to push reporting on local news. The paper has a history of writing hard-hitting articles and not shying away from hard topics. In 2004, they wrote an article exposing the then City Administrator (now mayor) for allowing the use of a reservoir contaminated with blue-green algae for drinking water. This was despite a ban that was in place due to concerns for the toxicity of the algae. The paper often draws the ire of local officials - more recently including the city’s police chief. The paper was investigating the police chief before he raided their newsroom. Now, despite everything that has happened, Meyer is eagerly working on the city’s recent budget proposal.

Publishing Team Publisher / Editor: J.C. LaBar

Journalist: Heidi Whitney

Reporters: Michelle Svangstu, Alyssa Stromberg & Rachel Venture

Sports Contributors: Nick Ator & Kristen Ator

Sales Team

Sales Manager: Jill Vassen jill@vocella.com

Copy Editing & Production Team Falon Justice sales@vocella.com

Lead Design: Kary Moltzan

Design: McKenna Walter