Vocella, Inc. (pronounced vō-chellä) is a multimedia company that aims to engage, excite, and empower people through compelling and entertaining products and services with a hyperlocal focus on community, business, arts, culture, and entertainment.
We are delighted to introduce the latest chapter in our journey: the Vocella Graphic. This newly designed newspaper boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic, featuring stunning artwork and informative articles. Crafting this visually captivating paper has been a labor of love, with our dedicated team painstakingly perfecting every aspect, from its appearance and tone to its expanded coverage area.
Furthermore, nestled inside, you will still find the trusted Community Shopper, complete with all the familiar content you’ve come to rely on. This includes classified ads featuring help wanted listings, rummage sales, and more, as well as business news, events, and community updates.
So, thank you for joining us as we continue to grow and do our very best to serve our communities.
J.C. & Susan LaBar Owners/Publishers
Karolyn Moltzan
General Manager/Lead Design
McKenna Layne Design/Social Media
Erica Kingston Editorial/Copy Editor
Christian Marshall Community Ambassador/Sales
KARY MOLTZAN, GM & Lead Design news@vocella.com
Dear Valued Readers,
There’s a popular saying of “in the end you’ll only regret the chances you didn’t take.” Regret is a feeling we've all experienced at some point in our lives, whether it's for actions we've taken or opportunities we've missed. It has a way of lingering in the shadows, whispering doubts and what-ifs into our minds.
Often, it's the fear of regret that holds us back from taking risks or pursuing our passions, despite the warning of that previous quote. We become paralyzed by the thought of making the wrong choice, of looking back with remorse at what could have been. But what if we flipped the script? What if we saw regret not as a cautionary tale, but as a teacher?
Learning to navigate regret is as much about embracing the lessons it offers as it is about finding peace with our decisions. It's about recognizing that life is messy, and mistakes are inevitable. Instead of dwelling on what we cannot change, we can focus on what we can learn from our experiences and how we can grow from them.
So, how do we move forward when regret threatens to consume us? It starts with acceptance — acceptance of our imperfections, our missteps, and our humanity. It's about forgiving ourselves for the choices we've made and understanding that hindsight is not always 20/20.
But perhaps most importantly, it's about taking action. Rather than allowing regret to paralyze us, we can use it as fuel to propel us forward. We can make amends where necessary, course-correct when possible and embrace new opportunities with a sense of courage and resilience.
So really, in the end, regret is not a sign of failure, but a reminder of our capacity for growth and transformation. Face it head-on, learn from it, and ultimately, let it guide you toward a future free from the shackles of what might have been.
With warmth and understanding, Kary Moltzan
Find us on Facebook and Instagram: @thevocellagraphic and @thecommunityshopper
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Contact Us PO Box 389 1411 West Dakota Parkway, 2A Williston, ND 58801 701.572.4851
TOP: R. H. COPELAND PUBLISHED THE FIRST NEWSPAPER IN WILLISTON ON JULY 8, 1895. | LEFT: A CLIPPING FROM THE FIRST ISSUE OF R.H. COPELAND’S “WILLISTON GRAPHIC” ON JULY 9, 1895. | RIGHT: AN ILLUSTRATION IN R.H. COPELAND’S NEWSPAPER THE “WILLISTON GRAPHIC” FROM THE FEB. 17, 1910 ISSUE. | FROM THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS DIGITIZED ARCHIVES AT LOC.GOV.
“It's
a platform for telling those stories; historical ones, cultural ones, to profile important and interesting people in the community and be a platform for people's voices to be heard.”
-JC
LaBar, owner and publisher of the “Williston Graphic”
At the tail end of the period now known as the Wild West, when many western North Dakota towns were being established, so were the social systems at their infancy that would begin to lay the groundwork for these new communities.
In 1895, when Williston was still in its infancy, Royal H. Copeland, a son of English immigrants and newspaperman with roots in Ohio, published the first newspaper in Williston. The “Williston Graphic” came off the press on its inaugural day on July 9, 1895 as the first newspaper to the area.
Throughout its 24 published years, the “Williston Graphic” not only brought political, national and local news to the budding community, but interspersed between ads and the news stories of the week were sections dedicated to poetry, short stories, illustrations, reader submissions and correspondence from surrounding towns. Copeland saw that in the midst of reporting the world’s happenings was a place for the humanities of creativity, culture and art.
JC LaBar shares that same sense of communal connection and interaction, which has laid the groundwork for this very publication that is an ode to the cultural history of Williston as well as a future where voices on each side can be shared and heard.
“We have such polarized views on things, I think people’s voices are silenced by the echo chambers that we exist in,” LaBar said. “Both sides get silenced in their own right. The ‘Williston Graphic’ is more of a middle ground and lets people have a voice.”
LaBar had been made aware of R.H. Copeland’s original ‘Williston Graphic’ newspaper around the time he was looking into buying the Shopper as a means to produce the community paper he envisioned.
“I immediately liked the name, mainly because I wanted to create a paper that included the art and the culture of the community,” LaBar said. “So I thought ‘graphic’ was appropriate and it brought to mind a paper that I had heard of prior which is ‘The Graphic’ — a London paper, which, at the time, incorporated illustrations, which is something I also wanted to do.”
Although LaBar says that this publication isn’t meant to be a continuation of Copeland's newspaper or the London publication, there will be similarities in the inclusion of local storytelling and artistic contribution. LaBar’s ‘Williston Graphic’ is meant to be a publication that is more alive for the digital era.
tion, which was named “Vocella Graphic,” to its newest form: the “Williston Graphic.” The changes haven’t only been in the physical form — behind the scenes there have been countless hours of dedicated work by the Vocella team to rebrand and bring an all-new community-minded website that encourages users to share, create and advertise in their own way.
Williston, N.D., was founded in 1887 as the Great Northern Railroad stretched west. With advertising in the Atlantic Monthly in the early 1900s reading, “Go to Opportunity Land. Get away from the over-crowded East — go where opportunities exist for every man willing to work — where industry reaps generous rewards — where a man is judged by ‘what he does’ and not by ‘what he’s worth.’ Go to the great, growing, thriving Northwest.” New towns began to grow with those enticed by a new frontier.
“(The ‘Williston Graphic’) is more of a lifestyle newspaper,” LaBar said. “In any local area, there is a ton of interesting history and stories from the past up to the present that, in a way, get missed by traditional media. (This) is a platform for telling those stories; historical ones, cultural ones, to profile important and interesting people in the community and be a platform for people's voices to be heard.”
“This paper is meant to be news, history, culture, arts and then creative stories, poetry and things of that nature that reflect our area,” LaBar said.
The Shopper has undergone big changes in the past two years of being published by the LaBars. From adding local news articles and writers to changes for the design and sales team and the addition of the front por-
ERICA KINGSTON ekingmediawriter@gmail.com
LaBar and his wife Susan purchased the Community Shopper in 2022 with a vision to transform it into a publication created for the community and by the community; to have a paper that was localized to the area and involved the people in its content.
Erica is a freelance writer and copy editor. She is a wife and mother of four who believes in the comfort and power of words.
Growing up is hard. Childhood can be a challenging time as youth and their families work through cognitive, emotional and physical conditions that are constantly changing. At any given time, as many as one in five youth are struggling with a mental, emotional or behavioral health disorder. So, what can be done to improve mental wellness in youth?
Be aware of the signs and symptoms of struggling and be aware of changes. Early identification of problems is important so that children get the help they need. Without early diagnosis and treatment, children with mental disorders can have problems at home, in school and in forming friendships. Mental disorders can also interfere with a child’s healthy development, causing problems that can continue into adulthood.
Mental health is important to overall health, as some disorders cause chronic health conditions that can continue through a lifespan. Being mentally healthy during childhood means reaching developmental and emotional milestones and learning healthy social skills and how to cope when there are problems. Mentally healthy children have a positive quality of life and can function well at home, in
school and in their communities.
Some signs and symptoms that could indicate problems include: not reaching developmental milestones, emotional changes or outbursts, changes in personality (outgoing, social, shy, sad, shutting-down), loss of interest in something they loved, changes in school or academics or an increase in risky behavior.
Parents
You know your child best.Talk to your child’s teacher and healthcare professional if you have concerns about the way your child behaves at home, in school or with friends. Talk with your child about their emotions and create a safe space for them to come to you for help. Help your child develop their own self-awareness and give them the “tools” they need to be successful.
Youth
It is just as important to take care of your mental health as it is to take care of your physical health. If you are angry, worried, or sad, don’t be afraid to talk about your feelings and reach out to a trusted friend or adult. Growing up is a lot of work, and no one can do it alone, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Teachers and school administrators
You work with youth on a daily basis and may be attune to picking up changes within a child. Schoolwork and peer pressures can bring out signs of stress and anxiety in a child that may not come out at home. Work with families and healthcare professionals if you have concerns about the mental health of a child in your school.
Interested in learning more? There are many free, new resources that have been made available to our community to help with mental health. The Upper Missouri District Health Unit has an online resource called “Credible Mind” that allows people to do a self assessment of their mental health, topics and insights to learn more, and lists of community resources. There are some really great podcasts to listen to and articles to read that are specific to issues that you may be facing. NDSU Extension has a few options for lessons that I can provide in group settings as an educational resource, such as suicide prevention and stress management.
Join me every Wednesday this month as I highlight May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Until next time, continue extending knowledge and changing lives with NDSU Extension.
michaelricewrites@gmail.com rvs264@utulsa.edu
The Society of the Strange and Peculiar is an analog horror serial about the fictional town of Rickford, ND and the events that transpired there.
Attention citizens of North Dakota:
In compliance with advice from council, the Society of the Strange and Peculiar will be releasing the information gathered regarding Rickford, ND. This is in an effort to disprove any false information following pending litigation and investigation. We hope that our transparency in these matters will help inform and warn the citizens of the MonDak region as to what has been uncovered in that otherwise forgotten town.
Our involvement in Rickford started in the spring of 2022. Upon receiving an anonymous letter detailing the area’s woes, Sherman Ward, Sr. Investigator for the Society of the Strange and Peculiar, requested funding for an expedition. Once the proper capital was raised, Ward boarded the Amtrak in Minneapolis and traveled to Williston, ND. Much of what happened during his survey, we can only piece together from his journal and the artifacts our recovery team found on location.
If anyone has seen Investigator Ward (a thirty-sevenyear-old man with sandy brown hair and a medium build), please assist him at all costs in contacting the Society. He may be the only man on earth who knows all that transpired there.
Please note, the information released is still being in-
vestigated and is, at this time, ostensible. We hope, with the help of the public, to find our lost friend. Due to the disturbing nature of our findings, reader discretion is advised.
Warning: in no way is the Society of the Strange and Peculiar encouraging people to investigate Rickford, ND. The area is to be avoided at all costs. We will not be liable for any injury that may befall the person or persons who visit the area. Consequently, we will be redacting key pieces of information in the interest of public safety.
All information, willingly provided, is the property of the Society of the Strange and Peculiar: April 8th, 2022. Day 1.
Arrived in Williston, ND, with minimal delay (hopefully this luck will carry over into my research). Leaving the station, I checked into the redacted and left my bags in a room almost certainly filled with its own nefarious history. After fighting with the half rusted over deadbolt, I wandered across the street to redacted ’s bar. Upon entering, I discovered the clientele one would expect in a blue collar town living by the creed “work hard and party harder.”
Picking the brains of the locals proved a challenge. Nobody I talked to has even heard of the small town of Rickford (which lends the letter some credibility). Although, there was an elderly gentleman who slammed his drink back and silently walked away at the mention of the village. He walked with a cane that sported the carved head of a badger. I need to remember to make it a point to search for this patron during my trips back in town.
Returning to my room at the murder motel, I pulled out the mysterious letter and studied it for the nth time before turning in.
This story will continue to unfold in the following week’s issues.
PART TWO OF A THREE-PART STORY SERIES. READ PART ONE ONLINE AT WILLISTONGRAPHIC. COM.
Emma Kleingertner and Hailey Beam were two of those women. Coming from Ypslilanti and Jamestown, N.D., they traveled with their husbands and were a part of a group of 15 fishermen hailing from parts of North Dakota, Michigan and Colorado — people they have met fishing in year’s past. Some of the group stayed in hotels while others camped in tents or slept in their vehicles. The culture of community has been what keeps them coming back year after year.
“That’s one of my things about why I come out here: lifelong friendships,” said Kleingartner, who has been paddlefishing for nearly a decade now. “We aren’t super close throughout the year, but we always come back here to do this together.”
Anglers rely on snagging to harvest paddlefish, as they mostly feed on zooplankton and do not take bait. In the spring, paddlefish swim upstream out of Lake Sakakawea to spawn in the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers, coinciding with the snagging season. As there is some skill required, luck plays a
HAILEY BEAM AND EMMA KLEINGARTNER HAD SPENT THE DAY FISHING WITH THEIR GROUP ON THE FAR SHORE OF THE CONFLUENCE LAST MAY, BOTH WITH NO LUCK. | PHOTO BY ERICA KINGSTON
big role in bringing a fish to shore. For the first two years of fishing, Kleingartner went home empty handed.
“I said, on the third year, if I didn’t get anything, I wasn’t coming back,” she said.
Kleingartner was successful and brought in her first paddlefish on a snagand-release day in her third year. As per regulations, paddlefish can only be harvested and kept on certain days of the week. While it remained in the water, Kleingartner estimated the large female to weigh around
70 pounds. That same year, she snagged a smaller one on a keep day. Since then, Kleingartner has pulled in six keepers and a handful of others on release days.
Beam has come with Kleingartner’s group for the past two years, having the good fortune to fill her tag with a 30-pounder during her debut year.
“Well, I technically got two, but the (first) one we didn’t gaff correctly,” Beam explained. Once paddlefish are brought close enough to shore, they are pierced and pulled in by a gaff, a long handled pole with a large hook at the end.
“But the second one, Emma gaffed and it was beautiful,” she said.
Both women agreed that there is nothing quite like the feeling of hooking a paddlefish. Through Kleingartner’s many travels and deep sea fishing experiences, she hasn't found any fish that match the exhilaration of battling a paddlefish.
“When you hook it, it just stops you dead,” Kleingartner explained. “It’s a super adrenaline rush, and then you reel as much as you can. But sometimes you just can’t because they are just pulling so hard.”
Unlike other fishing, the community aspect in paddlefishing begins once one gets snagged. Those along the shore reel up their own lines so that the fisherman who's hooked on can do the work to be successful. The bank quiets with excitement and many will offer advice and help with gaffing.
“You’re either onshore or in the trees and the bushes and I don’t think you even process where you’re going,” Beam said. “You're focused and you’re just following what they say. You could be stepping on a cactus in bare feet and wouldn't have a clue.”
Although the fight is rarely longer than five to ten minutes, it is intense and physical and can be a battle of upwards of 20 minutes, if the fisherman is lucky enough to prevail without first snapping the line.
“Most people are really friendly and helpful,” Kleingartner said. “It’s usually encouraging even when it's crowded. People work together.”
Both women went home without filling tags after their four days of fishing the slow start of the 2023 season. Kleingartner and her husband, Alex, and their dog returned the following weekend, taking their boat, tackle and camping gear to a favored spot down the river. With the paddlefish finally running, each of them filled their tag the next morning, within the first three hours of fishing: Emma’s weighing 62.6 pounds and Alex’s around 20 pounds.
Michele Moore remembers when her mom would bring her siblings to watch the riverbanks bursting with fishermen tirelessly trying to snag a paddlefish. Read about how Moore has made paddlefishing a family affair in next week’s third, and final, installment. Visit vocellagraphic.com to read part one.
ERICA KINGSTON
ekingmediawriter@gmail.com
On May 3, President Biden presented Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky with the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Ledecky, one of the most decorated swimmers in U.S. history who has ties to the community of Williston, was one of the 19 recipients of the honor at the White House earlier this month.
Among some of the others to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Ledecky were Rep. Nancy Pelosi, former Vice President Al Gore and Opal Lee, who is considered the grandmother of Juneteenth, among others. Ledecky was one of two athletes recognized at the ceremony; also honored was the late Jim Thorpe, the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal.
“This is definitely (a medal) that's very meaningful and very unique. And never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined I would be receiving this recognition. So I'm very, very honored,” Ledecky told NPR’s “All Things Considered” host Juana Summers.
The community has supported and followed Ledecky’s swimming career with her ties to the area with Williston being her mom’s hometown — her grandparents, Dr. Edward J. (Bud) Hagen and Kathleen Hagen raised their family in Williston. Their family has done a lot for the Williston aquatics; Ledecky’s mom, Mary Gen (Hagen) Ledecky was a Coyote swimmer and
the late Dr. Hagen is responsible for the opening of the first indoor pool in town. Ledecky came to swim the first lap in the Williston ARC pool when it opened in 2014.
Ledecky has an exciting summer coming up with the release of her book, “Just Add Water,” just weeks before she competes in her fourth Olympic games during
the 2024 Olympics in Paris. The book is a memoir from her lifelong journals covering the years of her swimming origins in Maryland through becoming an Olympian.
“I first started keeping a journal when I was 14 years old, to document my training in the lead-up to the 2012 London Olympics,” Ledecky said in a press release from Simon and Shuster. “Paging through them last year, I realized these journals included elements of my wider story in swimming. I also wanted to be able to show that I wouldn’t be where I am without the love, support and encouragement of people who have influenced me.”
At 27 years old, Ledecky is a seven time gold medalist in her three trips to the Olympics, six of which are individual golds, the most ever for a female swimmer. She also has 26 world championship medals, of which 21 of those are gold. She will be heading to the 2024 Olympic games in Paris which will begin on July 26.
Watch President Biden present Ledecky with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by scanning the QR code to watch the ceremony from the PBS NewsHour. Ledecky is recognized at minute 38:50.
WILLISTON — The Western Star Foundation, an organization of the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to welcome the public to support our budding entrepreneurs during Lemonade Day 2024, which has moved up this year to Saturday, May 18.
Along with the date change, the format has also shifted to a Junior Market, where all booths or stands will be in one location and the kids will be selling more than just lemonade. Market-goers can expect to see everything from lemonade to treats, to dog treats, to magic tricks and beyond!
“During our first-ever Lemon University courses, we were blown away by the creativity and business sense that these you-preneurs are already exhibiting. Some are seasoned professionals, having participated in Lemonade Day in previous years, while others are new to the game. On both ends of the spectrum, they amazed our staff and volunteers who got to help them hone their business plans, marketing skills, customer service and product offerings,” said Anna Nelson, president of the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce and Western Star Foundation. “We are so thankful for our boards of directors, sponsors, volunteers and this community for supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.”
When: Saturday, May 18. Doors open at 10 a.m., booths close at 2 pm.
Where: Raymond Family Community Center, 1002 11th Street West in Williston
Who: For a full schedule and business listing, visit willistonchamber.com/ lemonade-day-2024
By providing kids with real-world, experiential learning opportunities that equip them for the opportunities and difficulties of the corporate world, Lemon University goes beyond traditional education. This program aims to provide Williston’s youth, our future business owners and leaders, with important life and professional skills including entrepreneurship, financial literacy and communication.
Youth empowerment: Promotes creativity and innovation by giving young people the self-assurance and capacity to follow their entrepreneurial goals.
Community involvement: When local companies and the community work together, harmony is created, which marks it easier for young people to grow and prosper.
Skill development: Emphasizes financial savvy, problem-solving, critical thinking and effective communication — all crucial for both personal and professional growth and company success.
Economic growth: By exhibiting their inventiveness and promoting local economic growth, young entrepreneurs support the Lemon Junior Market and the local economy.
For more information, contact Anna Nelson at anna.nelson@willistonchamber. com or by phone at 701-577-6000.
WESTERN DAKOTA ENERGY ASSOCIATION
WILLISTON — North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler has announced that three finalists have been chosen for Governor Doug Burgum to consider for a future opening on the state Board of Higher Education.
Earlier this week, a nominating committee chose Sanford Health executive Donald Campbell of Mandan, electrician Alan Goos of Fargo and Williston bank executive Patrick Sogard as finalists from a group of ten applicants for the board.
Baesler is chairwoman of a five-member committee, established by the North Dakota Constitution, that is responsible for reviewing applicants and forwarding the names of potential candidates to the governor, who appoints the board’s eight voting members.
Campbell is a vice president and chief human resources officer for Sanford Health. Goos is an electrician for Advanced Electrical Systems LLC of West Fargo who holds a Phd in chemistry. Sogard, who is an attorney, is chairman of American State Bank and Trust of Williston.
Burgum will appoint the new board member later. He will succeed John Warford of Bismarck, who is leaving the board June 30 after serving four years on the panel. Warford is the board’s vice chairman and was eligible to serve a second four-year term, but he declined to seek reappointment. The four-year term of Warford’s successor begins July 1, and is subject to confirmation by the North Dakota Senate when the ND Legislature meets in 2025.
From the Western Dakota Energy Association weekly newsletter, May 10, 2024
Oil prices and rig count — as of May 10, 2024
BY VOCELLA STAFF news@vocella.comAfter a short ceremony, the American Legion Post #37 will provide brats and burgers. The community is invited to attend this event. In the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at the Raymond Center. For more information, contact Williston Parks and Rec at 701-572-9272. Rededication ceremony for Dakota Park Field set for June 15 SOURCE: WESTERN
NORTH DAKOTA — The Williston Boys Baseball Committee and the Williston Park District have announced that there will be a rededication ceremony of the Dakota Park Cal Ripken Complex on June 15 at 11 a.m. Dakota Park, which is located at 16 Avenue West and 26 Street in Williston, will celebrate its rededication with the completion of a third baseball field at the complex in conjunction with the Badlands Bash Cal Ripken baseball tournament held that weekend. The ceremony will consist of naming all three fields after longtime baseball committee members and volunteers that have made an impact on the baseball program and the youth of the community. The fields
will be named in honor of Floyd Semenko, John Liffrig and Robert “Bob” Miller.
“These individuals committed countless hours to make sure that we had the ability to provide financing, promotion and facilities that our community could be proud of and our youth could have a great baseball experience,” said Larry Grondhal of the Williston Boys Baseball Committee. “These three individuals have nearly 100 years of commitment to our youth and community.”
WATFORD CITY — Grading and construction crews from Minnesota-based Central Specialties Inc. have resumed work this spring on a project to construct a divided four-lane on Highway 85 from Watford City south to the Long X Bridge.
The Alexandria, Minnesota contractor was awarded a $77.2 million contract in February 2023 for the 10.29 miles of Hwy 85 in the project. The southern part of the route runs through the Little Missouri Badlands, an area with highly-eroded buttes and hillsides made up of soft silts and clays with sparse vegetation, requiring extensive grading work to carve out space for two additional lanes.
Bill Gathman, project engineer for the NDDOT's Northwest District, said most of the work last year involved grading, installation of drainage structures and ensuring the stability of the road surface in rugged terrain. He said much of the grading work focused on the south end of the project, so crews are now working their way toward Watford City.
"Last year I would say they got probably 60-to-70 percent of the dirt done, so they're just continuing on with that work right now," Gathman said.
He said there's a bridge along the route about three miles south of Watford City
that is being taken out to be replaced with large, precast box culverts.
"Half of it (the box culvert) was delivered this spring which they've got installed, and now they'll build that back up and move traffic over the top of the box while they remove the bridge and put the rest of the box culvert in," Gathman said.
Crews are also placing horizontal drains in the south end of the project to reduce the risk of landslides, which was historically a problem in the area just north of the LongX Bridge. Gathman said cattle guards and wildlife "jump outs" are also being put in place.
"There are tall wildlife fences in the Badlands, but if an animal were to somehow get on the road side of that fence, we give them an opportunity to get back on the other side of that fence," he said. "On the road side they would climb up a hill, so then they could jump back over to the other side of the fence. But when they're on the other side of the fence, it's too high to jump onto the road side."
Gathman said some paving was done last fall, and wherever the crews are able to put down more asphalt, it is being done. He said there will be several layers of pavement on the road to allow it to stand up to heavy oilfield truck traffic. Work on the project is scheduled to be completed this fall.
From the Western Dakota Energy Association weekly newsletter, May 10, 2024
BY VOCELLA STAFF news@vocella.com
The dance of colors across the night sky, known as the northern lights, has captivated humans for centuries. This natural spectacle, scientifically termed aurora borealis, occurs predominantly in high-latitude regions, such as the Arctic and Antarctic. However, on rare occasions, it graces more southern locales, as evidenced by the recent historic geomagnetic storm.
In a display of power, a colossal sunspot unleashed solar flares, triggering a geomagnetic storm of unprecedented magnitude. This phenomenon, spanning the width of
17 Earths, elevated geomagnetic activity to level 5, categorized as "extreme" conditions. This event marks the first level 5 geomagnetic storm since October 2003. As a result, the northern lights displayed their brilliance across the globe, casting hues of green, pink, purple and red this past weekend.
The northern plains were host to a dazzling display in the night skies on May 10 and 11, as many took to the outdoors, cameras in hand, and we were lucky enough to receive some of them as submissions from our readers. Thank you, readers, for sharing these stunning images!
To view all the amazing submissions we received, go to willistongraphic.com!
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Few things add to the aesthetic of an outdoor environment more than trees. Trees offer numerous benefits to us and to the landscape. Unfortunately in the climates of the Western Dakotas and Eastern Montana, we do not receive enough annual rainfall to support tree life natively. The annual rainfall needed to support tree life naturally is around 35 inches of annual precipitation. Here in Western ND, we come up short of that number by over half! That coupled with some of our soil challenges, it is no wonder we struggle with trees in our region. From the benefits of producing oxygen that we breathe to the shade and cooling that they provide to the privacy and wind protection, there are many reasons for planting trees. In this five part series, I’ll give you a few of my favorite “Shade Tree” choices for our region. Last week we discussed Honeylocust.
The Linden is among the favorite trees we sell as there is not much to dislike about these trees. Linden, or Basswood, offers a medium growth rate and has attractive dark green spade-like foliage. In addition to their stunning foliage, they also have a yellow flower that opens in late June or early July. These flowers come at a time when little else is blooming in the landscape. Among my favorite cultivars of Linden is perhaps the Harvest Gold. That Mongolian Linden has a beautiful exfoliating bark that offers nice interest in the landscape as the tree gets older. Linden are an average shade tree with a height of between 40 and 50 feet and a spread of between 25 and 35 feet. These trees tend to be pyramidal-shaped when young and mature to a nice round shape when older.
Be sure to check back next week for my next recommended "Shade Tree" for the Dakotas and Montana.
Williston Housing Authority 1801 8th Ave. W Williston (701) 572-2006
Ekblad Appliance 22 W Broadway Williston (701) 572-3769
Baja Auto Sales 521 Second St W Williston (701) 572-2252
Red Rock Ford 410 32nd Ave W Williston (701) 577-2142
Crafts 4 U 23 Main St. N Crosby, ND (701) 965-6106
Honey Bears, LLC 1411 West Dakota Parkway, Suite 1a Williston (701) 577-BEAR (2327)
Nakota Cleaning Williston (701) 483-4996
Pristine Pros, LLC Williston (701) 580-0992
S&L Cleaning Service Williston (701) 609-2545
John's Concrete Williston (701) 572-5926
Roughrider Mudjacking Minot (701) 839-9304
Soiseth Construction 1717 6th St W Williston (701) 572-8056
Williston Roofing 904 2nd St. W Williston (701) 339-2345
Tony's Transfer
Minot/Williston (701) 721-7930
American State Bank & Trust 223 Main St
Williston (701) 774-4165
Edward Jones 117 E Broadway
Williston (701) 572-8765
First State Bank & Trust 22 4th St E
Williston (701) 577-2113
Stifel Nicolaus 322 Main St. Williston (701) 572-4527
Western Cooperative Credit Union 1300 Bison Drive
Williston (701) 572-4000
Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home 112 4th St E
Williston (701) 577-3738
Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home 218 W Highlan Drive
Williston (701) 572-6329
PS Garage Doors of Williston 731 E Broadway Williston (701) 774-DOOR (3667)
Handy Andy's Nursery 3515 W Front St. Williston (701) 572-6083
Wildrose Nursery 200 1st Ave W
Wildrose (701) 570-3089
CHI St. Alexius 1301 15th Ave W
Williston (701) 572-7651
Williston Basin Eyecare Associates 1500 14th St W #100
Williston (701) 577-3937
Braaten Plumbing 5237C 134th Ave NW Williston (701) 774-0070
Haskin Heating & Cooling 2407 2nd Ave W, Suite D Williston (701) 770-4516
Teagan's Interiors 22 N Main St Crosby, ND (701) 965-6367
Ritter Brothers 319 Main St Williston (701) 572-2051
49th Latitude Land Survey 1411 West Dakota Pkwy, Unit 111 & 112, Suite 2b, Williston (701) 580-2651
Model Cleaners 1129 2nd Ave W Williston (701) 572-3734
Williams County Williston (701) 577-4500 (Auditor)
Precision Completion & Production Services 5042 Jackson St Williston (701) 774-5847
Advanced Filtration 4502 139th Ave W Alexander, ND (701) 770-2275
Finesse Painting Williston (205) 441-0009
Pro Safe Services 725 8th Ave W Williston (701) 774-3167
PHONE/INTERNET
NCC Ray 111 Railroad Ave Ray, ND (701) 568-3331
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
Rugby Homes & RV Center 321 Gate Ave Williston (701) 572-2250
Dakota Farms 1906 2nd Ave W Williston (701) 572-4480
Crafts-4-U
Downtown Crosby (701) 965-6106
Second Opportunity ReStore 2124 2nd Ave W Williston (701) 774-2537
Talon Smoke Shop 1804 W Trenton, ND (701) 572-5110
Braaten Plumbing 5237C 134th Ave NW Williston (701) 774-0070
TRANSPORTATION
Northwest Dakota Public Transit Williston (701) 577-6753 Watford City (701) 842-3440
GP Trucking Tioga, ND (701) 770-3796
Mountrail-Williams Electric Coop Williston, ND (701) 577-3765
Sheridan Electric Co-op Medicine Lake, MT (406) 789-2231
HOSPITAL BED AND SEWING MACHINES Hospital bed that works well, 1 Singer Sewing machine and 1 miscellaneous sewing machine for sale. For details call 701834-2214
8 1/2 X10 WALKWAYS 8x16 walkways 10 or 12 Call 701.641.2212 f-tfn
$5 FOR 18-PACK of Farm Fresh Eggs 570-9013 or 580-4148
2015 R.H. HEADLIGHT 1/2 ton GMC Pickup Call 701.641.2212 f-tfn
2) 8X16 GARAGE DOOR
Insulated Panels 2)7x16 Garage Door Rails Panels Call 701.641.2212
1956 HUDSON FOUR DOOR V8, AUTO TRANSMISSION. needs completely restored $1200. Snapper Garden Tractor $650. Glynn Thomson 701-834-2214 f-tfn
1984 ALPHA ROMERO
CONVERTIBLE 5 Speed, 4 cylinder, fuel injected, 5 new tires, good top, good body, Motivated Seller. $6500.00 Glynn Thomson 701-834-2214. f-tfn
PUREBRED CANE CORSO
PUPPIES for sale 1300$ ready on may 17 born on February 17. For more information contact 7012029886 f10-6/6
MARIOS POOP REMOVAL AND MORE - Poop Removal and Yard clean up services. 701-770-9937 f10-5/23
CATS AND SHOP CATS available to help you with rodent control! Spayed/neutered,
The Housing Authority Of the City of Williston
The Housing Authority of the City of Williston is now accep�ng applica�ons for 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, 3 bedroom, and 4 bedroom units.
*Income, eligibility, and admission preferences apply. Applica�ons are available at The Housing Authority of the City of Williston located at 1801 8th Ave West Williston, ND 58801 Monday-Friday 9am - 4pm (701) 572-2006
Events and special promotions happening in the coming weeks!
Thursday, May 16
Basics to Photography 6:30pm James Memorial Art Center
Friday, May 17 "R U OK?" Mental Health Awareness Event
6:00am - 6:00pm Deja Brew
Syttende Mai 11:00am - 2:00pm American State Bank & Trust
Mother Daughter Day 9:00am Keel Boat, Spring Lake Park Lemonade Day Junior Market
10:00am - 3:00pm Raymond Family Community Center
Sober Society Summer Kickoff BBQ 3:30pm 1924 6th Ave E
City Slicker Showdown 6:00pm McKenzie County Ag Expo, Watford City
Tuesday, May 21
Arbor Day Reclamation Drive 1:00pm Corner of 6th Ave E & 6th St
OMF May Book ClubThe Last Letter 6:00pm Caffeinated Wednesday, May 22
RAY
Ribbon Cutting for Williston Community Builders Community Garden 12:00pm 815 Highland Dr. E
Pottery Open Studio 6:30pm James Memorial Art Center
Saturday, May 18
Free Landfill Day 8:00am - 12:00pm Williston City Landfill
Game Night 6:30pm - 11:59pm Books on Broadway
Sunday, May 19
Clay Plant Markers
2:00pm James Memorial Art Center
Monday, May 20
Trenton Public School Athletic Awards Night 6:00pm Williston ARC
Courthouse
Thursday May 16th - JH Student Appreciation Assembly 2:15-3:15pm Thursday May 16th - Softball vs Watford City 4:00-7:00pm
Friday May 17th - Elementary Awards
Assembly 9:00 - 9:45am
Saturday May 18th - Region Baseball at Lansford
Saturday May 18th - Regional Track at Minot High
Sunday May 19th - Graduation at RHS Gym 2:30 - 3:30pm
Monday May 20th - Wednesday May 22nd - SB Regional at Minot South Hill
Monday May 20th - High School Golf @ Ray 10:00am - 6:00pm
Monday May 20th - School Board Meeting 6:00 - 7:00pm at RHS
Tuesday May 21st - FU Youth Day
Classes 9:00am - 2:30pm at RHS
Wednesday May 22nd & Thursday May 23rd - Coach Bolstad BBall Camp
Thursday May 23rd - Saturday May 25th - State Track at Bismarck
CROSBY
Friday May 17th - Planning & Zoning
Commission 9:00am - 11:00am
Tuesday May 21st - Upper Missouri
District Health Unit-Monthly Vaccination
Clinic 9:00am - 5:00pm at Divide County
Tuesday May 21st - Divide County Food Pantry at Concordia Lutheran Church 10:00am - 1:00pm
Tuesday May 21st - Burger Night 5:307:30pm Crosby Moose Lodge
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: Friday - Sunday
TIOGA
Thursday May 16th - Tioga Historical Society Meeting 6:30-7:30pm Tioga Museum
Thursday May 16th - Airport Authority
Meeting 7:00-8:00pm 2237 Aviator Way Tioga
Thursday May 16th - Booster Club
Awards Banquet 6:30pm
Thursday May 16th - Slow Flow Yoga 6:30 - 7:30pm Tioga Community Center
Thursday May 16th - Pilates 5:306:15pm Tioga Community Center
Friday May 16th - Last Day of School
Friday May 17th - OSHA Training Full
Gym 8:00am - 12:00pm Tioga Community Center
Accordion Fold Wreathes 5:30pm Williston Community Library
