The Oracle - August 30, 2023

CELEBRATING THE HARVEST: TIOGA’S FARM FESTIVAL 2023

By

Haley Felber

As Labor Day weekend bids farewell to summer, Tioga eagerly prepares to welcome locals and visitors alike to its highly anticipated 64th Annual Farm Festival event.

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CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE PROCLAMATION

ND GAME & FISH — Big game hunters should note the 2023 chronic wasting disease proclamation for baiting and transportation requirements for deer, elk and moose as a precaution against the spread of chronic wasting disease.

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EXPLORING THE REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION: A CONVERSATION WITH DOUG

BURGUM

Vocella Oracle

In a recent episode of the podcast “Here’s Where It Gets Interesting” hosted by Sharon McMahon, listeners were treated to a thought-provoking and insightful discussion with North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.

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Shopping Local: Find Something For Everyone at Crafts 4-U

By Michelle Svangstu

When living no less than an hour or two from the “big city,” a shopping trip can become an all-day event, combing aisles of goods only to come home empty-handed, unable to find what was needed. For Crafts R-U owner Pam Urvand, that is exactly why she continues to provide goods in Crosby and give back to the community.

“I took over Crafts 4-U from Cheryl Lokken and Karen Sparks June 1, 1993,” Urvand said. “ It was a consignment and handmade crafts store then, and they offered it to me because I consigned my crafts with many stores and did craft shows.”

After the first year, Urvand added clothing for the whole family, craft supplies, home and yard decor,

jewelry and tuxedo rents. After five years, she started to offer embroidery and silk screening as well as Carhartt, Ariat and Wrangler clothes.

Since that time, Urvand has continued to add to her line of goods, carrying name brand and boutique style clothing for men, women and kids, including Tribal, Kancan, Judy Blue, Nike, Adidas and Under Armor.

Embracing the Farewell of Summer: Reflections on the Changing Seasons

By Alyssa Stromberg Page 5

“PROGRESS IS IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT CHANGE; AND THOSE WHO CANNOT CHANGE THEIR MINDS CANNOT CHANGE ANYTHING.” — GEORGE BERNARD SHAW

LOCAL EVENTS SPONSORED BY

FORTUNA

Every Tuesday- Range Night at Northwest Sportsman Club

RAY

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

Friday September 1st - Football at South Prairie 5:00pm

Tuesday September 5th - Elementary

Volleyball at Powers Lake 3:45pm

Tuesday September 5th - Girl Scout Meeting 4:00pm in Ray Schools Commons Area

Tuesday September 5th - JH, JV Football vs. South Prairie (H-Ray) 5:00pm

Tuesday September 5th - JH, JV, V Volleyball at Alexander 5:00pm

Thursday September 7th - Girls’ Golf at DLB (NWC) 10:00am-4:00pm

Thursday September 7th - 2JH, C, JV, V Volleyball (Home) vs. Divide County

Thursdays: Mens Stag Night at the Ray Golf Course 2:00pm

CROSBY

Friday September 1st - Varsity Football at Westhope 7:00pm

Monday September 4th - Divide County & Crosby Public Offices CLOSED

Monday September 4th - Burger Night

5:30-7:30pm at Crosby Moose Lodge

Monday September 4th - Dakota Star

Quilt Guild 7:00-8:00pm at Pleasant

Pheasant Fabrics

Monday September 4th - City of Ambrose

Council Meeting 5:00-6:00pm

Monday September 4th - Crosby City

Council Meeting 7:00-9:00pm at Crosby City Hall

Tuesday September 5th - Divide County

Commission Meeting 8:00-11:00am

Tuesday September 5th - Volleyball at Williston Trinity Christian School 4:009:00pm

Wednesday September 6th - Crosby Area Chamber Meeting 8:00-9:00am at Divide County Courthouse

Thursday September 7th - Volleyball at Ray 3:00-9:00pm

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

Wednesday August 30th - Williston

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

Friday September 1st - Rock Dee House

Dueling Pianos 6-10p at Busted Knuckle

Brewery

Saturday September 2nd - 2023 Williams

County Parks Summer Concert Series

presents “Alma Cook” 7-9p at McGregor

Dam

Saturday September 2nd - 1st Annual

Masquerade Gala 6:30-11p at Old Armory Theater

TIOGA

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

September 1st - September 3rd - Move: Meg 2: The Trench 7:00-8:00pm at Tioga Theater

Monday September 4th - Community Center CLOSED

Monday September 4th - City Hall CLOSED

Tuesday September 5th - Commission

Meeting 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at City Hall16 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

Youth Group 6:00-9:00pm

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

Upland, Youth Pheasant Seasons on the Horizon

PRESS RELEASE. ND GAME & FISH — With September in our sights, hunting seasons for upland game in North Dakota open soon.

The season opens for sharp-tailed grouse, Hungarian partridge and ruffed grouse on Sept. 9. Following that, the two-day youth pheasant season for legally licensed residents and nonresidents ages 15 and younger opens Sept. 30.

Shooting hours are onehalf hour before sunrise to sunset. Sharptails, ruffed grouse and partridge each have a daily limit of three and a possession limit of 12. The daily limit for the youth pheasant season is also three birds, but the possession limit is six.

All hunters, regardless

of age, must have a general game and habitat license. In addition, hunters 16 and older need a small game license.

Grouse and partridge hunters should refer to North Dakota OUTDOORS August-September issue for an outlook on the fall hunting season, available online by the season opener on the state Game and Fish Department’s website gf.nd. gov.

Hunters are urged to keep up with the daily rural fire danger index, issued by the National Weather Service, to alert the public to conditions that may be conducive to accidental starting or spread of fires. County governments also have the authority to adopt penalties for violations of county re-

strictions related to burning bans. These restrictions apply regardless of the daily fire danger index and remain in place until each county’s commission rescinds the ban. Information on current fire danger indexes is available through ndresponse. gov.

For other season information and regulations, hunters should consult the North Dakota 202324 Hunting and Trapping Guide.

Celebrating the Harvest: Tioga's Farm Festival 2023

By: Haley Felber, Tioga Community Center Director

As Labor Day weekend bids farewell to summer, Tioga eagerly prepares to welcome locals and visitors alike to its highly anticipated 64th Annual Farm Festival event. From Sept. 8-10, the town will come alive with a vibrant celebration of agriculture, community and the bounties of the harvest season. It’s an event that promises fun, entertainment and a chance to experience the rich agricultural heritage that defines this picturesque region.

Labor Day Prelude

Before Farm Festival kicks off, Tioga residents and visitors will revel in the festivities of Labor Day weekend. As the last hurrah of summer, Labor Day weekend has historically been a time for relaxation and appreciation for the hardworking spirit that drives the nation. Families, friends, and neighbors

Did You Know?

On August 30, 1983, Lt. Col. Guion Bluford, Jr. was the first African-American in space aboard the space shuttle Challenger Bluford was also the first black American astronaut (1982) and was inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame (1997) and into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame (2010).

gather to enjoy outdoor activities, picnics and various events before the transition into the fall season.

Farm Festival Highlights

The Farm Festival, taking place from Sept. 8-10, encapsulates the essence of rural life and pays homage to the tireless efforts of farmers and the vital role they play in our communities. This annual event is an opportunity for locals and visitors to connect with the roots of Tioga and North Dakota while enjoying an array of attractions.

Special Note: In honor of the Farm Festival, the community center will be closed during regular business hours from Sept. 8-10. Everyone is encouraged to join the festival and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Tioga’s agricultural community.

September: National Yoga Month

Beyond the celebrations of the Farm Festival, Sep-

tember is also recognized as National Yoga Month—a time to explore the benefits of mindfulness and physical well-being through the practice of yoga. The community is encouraged to take a moment to prioritize self-care and consider joining our yoga classes throughout the month. Our calendar provides details of the class schedule, ensuring that you can find the perfect session to rejuvenate your body and mind.

As summer fades into the embrace of autumn, Tioga comes alive with the spirit of togetherness and appreciation for the land that sustains us. The 64th Annual Farm Festival invites us all to reconnect with our roots and relish in the joys of community and harvest. Mark your calendars for Sept. 8-10, and join us in celebrating this beloved tradition that showcases the very essence of Tioga’s soul.

THE WESTBY WATCH

Sunday School Returns to Immanuel

By Heidi Whitney

HOT DISH!

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

ALL TIMES ARE MOUNTAIN

Fri Sept 1: MonDak Football vs. Plevna @ Grenora, 6 pm (Mountain)

Sat Sept 2: MonDak Cross @ Poplar, 10:00am

Sun Sept 3: Services at Assembly of God, 10:30 am. Coffee hour at Immanual, 10:30 am. Services at 11:30 am

Don’t forget coffee hour every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:00am at the Community Center!

Immanuel Lutheran Church 400 West Hwy 5 Westby, MT 59275

Greetings:

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 pre-school through 6th grade are invited to participate each Sunday beginning at 10:30 until 11:15. During this time through reading, art, mu-

sic, 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 (406-3857983) 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

Embracing the Farewell of Summer: Reflections on the Changing Seasons

By Alyssa Stromberg

As the days grow shorter and a slight chill graces the air, we find ourselves once again at the cusp of bidding adieu to the cherished season of summer. The end of summer carries a bittersweet sentiment, a delicate interplay of nostalgia and anticipation as we transition from the warmth and vibrancy of the sunny days to the crisp embrace of autumn. This time prompts us to reflect on the passing of time and the beauty inherent in change.

Summer, with its sun-drenched escapades and leisurely moments, has a way of etching memories into our hearts. It is a season of exploration, whether it's lounging on sandy beaches, embarking on road trips, or savoring the simplicity of an ice cream cone on a lazy afternoon. The laughter of children playing in parks, the scent of barbecues wafting through the air, and the kaleidoscope of colors in blooming gardens – all these elements combine to create an enchanting tapestry that defines summer.

However, the end of summer does not mark an abrupt conclusion; rather, it initiates a gradual transition. Leaves take on hues of gold and crimson, signaling the forthcoming change in landscape. There's a sense of renewal as we prepare for autumn's arrival, a season that evokes cozy evenings, pumpkin-spiced aromas, and the allure of nature's transformation. The end of summer encourages us to embrace the cyclical nature of life, to recognize that just as the world around us changes, so do we.

As summer draws to a close, let us not mourn its passing, but rather celebrate the memories it has granted us and the lessons it has imparted. Let us welcome the changing leaves as a reminder that life is a continuous journey, full of ebbs and flows. The end of summer is not an ending, but a transition – a gentle reminder that life is a series of interconnected moments, each contributing to the vivid mosaic of our existence.

Photo source: Alyssa Stromberg

Shopping Local: Find Something For Everyone at Crafts 4-U

Customers can also browse from catalogs and choose the items they like.

“Most items will ship here in 2-3 days,” Urvand said. “I can also custom embroider or silkscreen several items such as t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, caps and bags.”

With the oil boom came a need for fire-resistant workwear and Urvand met the need by carrying a large selection of FR items in store. Customers can order in other styles and brands that may be required for their job.

“I keep it discounted all year around for the lowest prices in the area,” said Urvand.

Local sports fans can also

find DC Maroons, Crosby Comets and Crosby Cubs gear to show off their team-spirit in style.

“I sometimes sell items on-site for sports and community events,” said Urvand. “And often give discounts or a portion of the proceeds back (to the organization.)”

Crafts 4-U can design and order the gear needed for any event for sports teams, businesses and school reunions. She can do logos, merchandise and custom t-shirts as well as mugs, can cozies, pends and banners. But the store isn’t Urvand’s only priority.

“I’ve always believed in giving back and helping

others,” she said. “Donating to benefits, (community) events – it makes my heart happy. I’m also known

for giving baked goods to my neighbors, friends, the plumber, handymen, the companies I embroider and

silkscreen for – I like to show my appreciation.”

The Urvand family has lived in Crosby for 32 years, 30 of which she has owned and operated Crafts 4-U. “(Crosby) was a great place to raise our kids and now grandkids,” Urvand said. “I appreciate everyone’s patronage and believe great customer service should be the number one priority for any business. I love my job and working with customers.”

Shoppers can shop Crafts 4-U at 23 North Main St. in Crosby and can follow their Facebook page for updates and features on new in-store merchandise. Customers are welcome to reach out to Urvand anytime at 701965-6106 or email her at crafts4u@nccray.com.

Deadline: Fridays, 3PM for

Crafts 4-U. Photo source: Michelle Svangstu.

Chronic Wasting Disease Proclamation

PRESS RELEASE. ND

GAME & FISH — Big game hunters should note the 2023 chronic wasting disease proclamation for baiting and transportation requirements for deer, elk and moose as a precaution against the spread of chronic wasting disease.

Noteworthy items include:

• Whole carcasses of animals harvested in North Dakota can remain in the deer unit, or may now be transported anywhere in the state. However, carcass waste must be disposed of via landfill or waste management provider. This does not apply to heads dropped at CWD collection sites or lymph nodes submitted for CWD surveillance. Taxidermists and game processors can also accept intact carcasses of animals harvested within

North Dakota but assume responsibility for disposal.

• A new management strategy that allows baiting restrictions to be removed in a unit if the number of adult deer equivalent to at least 10% of the gun licenses allocated in the unit are tested for CWD within a year, and all the results are negative. If the sampling goal is not met or CWD is confirmed in the unit, the baiting restriction will remain.

• No new units have been added to the baiting restriction list for 202324. Due to the timing of finalizing the proclamation, a one-year pause was placed on adding new units. Units 2K1 and 3B2 are scheduled to be added to the restriction list in 2024 due to a positive CWD detection during the 2022 hunting season within 25 miles in an adjacent unit. They will not be added if the 10% goal is reached this

year and all CWD test results are negative.

• Hunters are prohibited from transporting into North Dakota the whole carcass or parts, except the lower-risk portions, of deer, elk, moose or other members of the cervid family harvested outside of North Dakota. State Game and Fish Department officials will conduct surveillance of the state by region on a four-year rotation. This year, the CWD surveillance effort will consist of deer gun units in southeastern North Dakota. Outside of this area, hunters can still have their animal tested by taking it to a Game and Fish district office, any deer head collection site (primarily located in the surveillance area) or using a mail-in self-sampling kit. A unit outside the annual surveillance zone is still eligible to have a baiting restriction removed if the sampling goal is met, or can be added as a restricted unit if a positive is found.

Image Source: North Dakota Game & Fish; gf.nd.gov/magazine/2020/ keeping-cwd-in-check;

Exploring the Republican Presidential Nomination: A Conversation with Doug Burgum

In a recent episode of the podcast “Here’s Where It Gets Interesting” hosted by Sharon McMahon, listeners were treated to a thought-provoking and insightful discussion with North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. Though recorded prior to participating in a televised debate amongst other Republican nominee hopefuls, the episode sheds further light on Burgum’s ideas and policies that could potentially shape the future of the United States, in a much more substantial way than 30 second sound bites on the debate stage do.

Governor Doug Burgum’s Vision for America

The interview delved deep into Governor Burgum’s vision for the nation. Known for his innovative

faces.

Innovation and Economic Growth

One of the focal points of the discussion was Burgum’s emphasis on fostering innovation and driving economic growth. Drawing from his experience as a former tech executive, he highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to create job opportunities, promote entrepreneurship, and ensure America’s competitiveness on the global stage. His proposals for

dustries and encouraging research and development may strike a chord with

tion’s economic trajectory. His perception of and solutions to the questions around energy independence & green energy; how they both correlate to our position in the global economy; and how all of those things are intertwined with our national security and more were an eye-opening and thought provoking conversation Americans generally aren’t privy to with short sound bites meant for shock value. Hearing real ideas and policy is very refreshing in this day and age of campaigns that tend to focus more on bashing the competition.

Education and Workforce Development

Education and workforce development emerged as crucial components of Burgum’s vision. The governor underscored the need for aligning education with the demands of the job market, ensuring that American citizens are equipped with

those concerned about the future of work in an increasingly automated world.

Inclusive Governance and Bipartisanship

In a time of heightened political polarization, Burgum’s commitment to inclusive governance and bipartisanship was a central theme of the conversation. He stressed the importance of finding common ground to tackle pressing issues such as healthcare, infrastructure, and climate change.

The Potential Impact of Burgum’s Candidacy

As speculation continues to swirl around Governor Burgum’s potential candidacy for the Republican Presidential nomination, this interview provided a window into the kind of leadership he envisions for the nation. His unique blend of tech-savvy innovation and pragmatic governance

enough to deep dive into each of the mentioned policies, readers would be better served by listening for themselves. Sharon McMahon has a knack for adeptly facilitating engaging and informative conversations with her guests without political bias, and did so again with North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. By delving into his ideas, policies, and vision for the country, the podcast offers listeners a more substantial glimpse into the mind of a potential Republican Presidential nominee. As the political landscape evolves, Burgum’s stance on innovation, education, and unity could potentially shape the discourse surrounding the 2024 Presidential race.

For an in-depth exploration of Doug Burgum’s insights, find the free podcast episode, “The Republican Presidential Nomination with Doug Burgum” from Sharon McMahon’s podcast, “Here’s Where It Gets Interesting” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcast, Amazon Podcast, or Acast Podcast by following this link: https:// www.sharonmcmahon. com/blog/the-republican-presidential-nomination-with-doug-burgum

North Dakota Governor, Doug Burgum

Home Decor, Seasonal Decor, Magnolia Home Rugs, Window Treatments, and the Latest Trendz

HELP WANTED

Did You Know?

Local businesses contribute to greater wealth in their communities.

According to data from Civic Economics, for every $100 spent at local businesses, around $73 remains in the local economy. By comparison, only $43 remains in the local economy when people shop at nonlocally-owned businesses. Proceeds come from paying taxes that support the community, and local businesses buy supplies from other local businesses, further benefitting their economies. All of this keeps much more money within local communities.

Word of the Day rutilant: (adjective)

1. Glowing or glittering with red or golden light.

NATIONAL & WORLD HEADLINES

FLORIDA ATTACK

Saturday, three black shoppers were killed in a Dollar General located in Jacksonville, Florida. The shooter, Ryan Palmeter, 21, was equipped with body armor and armed with at least a high-powered rifle and a handgun. After opening fire on the store, he shot himself as officers arrived. The attack was described as overtly racially motivated by officials who said they found hand-drawn swastikas on the weapons he used. Palmeter also reportedly sent messages to the media, his family, and authorities before the attack. In 2017, he was detained under the Baker Act according to police reports. The Baker act is a state law allowing involuntary medical confinement for individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others without treatment.

UNC CHAPEL HILL SHOOTING

After 911 calls shortly after 1:00 pm on Monday came in, university police at UNC Chapel Hill issued an alert advising students to go inside immediately. Students and faculty then spent several hours in lockdown as police searched for a shooter. An associate professor in the

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK:

“Presented with the choices of ‘change your mind but lose your dignity,’ or ‘stay the same and keep it,’ people will go for the second one nearly every time. If we want someone to change their mind, we need to make it psychologically safe for them to do it.”

- Sharon McMahon Insults and attacks don’t convince anyone that what you have to say is valid.

department of Applied Physical Sciences, Zijie Yan, was shot and killed. The suspect is a graduate student, Tailei Qi. Qi was a graduate student in the same department and Yan was his faculty advisor. The suspect was taken into custody shortly after 2:30 pm but the university remained in lockdown for a couple more hours as authorities worked to confirm they had the right person. Qi was charged with first-degree murder and having a gun on education property at court on Tuesday. The firearm used has still not been located.

DETAINED AMERICAN

Paul Whelan has been detained in Russia since 2018 and was sentenced to 16 years on espionage charges in 2020. Paul Whelan, a former US Marine, strongly denies the allegations of espionage. On Monday, Russia Today, a state-controlled media outlet, released a video featuring Whelan. He is shown in his prison uniform standing among other prisoners, operating a sewing machine, and eating with others. He was asked to do an interview but declined. According to his brother, David Whelan, Paul was punished for his refusal to do the interview.

David also stated that the 6-minute video amounted to propaganda. U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken met with Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov in March and Whelan’s detention was one of the topics of their talks.

DID THE CEASEFIRE BRING AN END TO SUFFERING FOR CIVILIANS?

Last November, the civil war in Ethiopia ended with a ceasefire. This is after nearly two years, to the day, of fighting between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and the Ethiopian government forces and their allies. Despite the cease-fire, reports show that sexual violence continues to victimize women and girls of Northern Ethiopia. During the civil war, sexual violence was used by the armed forces. According to a staff member with the Organization for Justice and Accountability in the Horn of Africa, the reports show just how systematic, wide-spread, and non-random the attacks are. In most of the cases, there were multiple perpetrators and physical violence.

Publishing Team Publisher / Editor: J.C. LaBar

Journalist: Heidi Whitney

Reporters: Michelle Svangstu, Alyssa Stromberg & Rachel Venture

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

Lead Design: Kary Moltzan Design: McKenna Walter