2023 ROGRESS P Wednesday, March 8, 2023
DICKINSON P R E S S
RESILIENCE RESILIENCE THE STUFF THAT PROGRESS IS MADE OF
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By James B. Miller, Jr. The Dickinson Press
n the northern plains of the United States lies a land of extreme weather and rugged terrain. This is a land where smiling faced people know how to survive and thrive against all odds, where they have weathered blizzards and droughts, floods and wildfires, and have emerged stronger than ever. This is southwest North Dakota, a land of resilience. Throughout its history, the southwest of North Dakota has faced many challenges. In the early days of settlement, pioneers had to contend with harsh winters and scorching summers. Yet, they persevered and built a thriving agricultural economy that continues to this day. In the 20th century, towns like Dickinson, Belfield, Richardton, Taylor, New England, Killdeer and countless others dotting the countryside faced new challenges as the state’s economy shifted from its mainstay of agriculture to the burgeoning booming energy of the Bakken. The oil boom brought an influx of new people, new ideas, new wealth and new hopes, but also brought with it a host of challenges. From overcrowded schools and housing shortages to environmental concerns and social issues. Once again, the people of southwest North Dakota rose to the challenge, finding innovative solutions and working together to build a foundation that has led to this brighter future. Today, our little corner of the world faces new challenges as it confronts record-setting inflation, supply chain issues, workforce shortages and an increasingly
polarized populace who are driven by social media and are losing their connection to their local community. But once again, the people of southwest North Dakota have risen to the challenge, demonstrating their resilience and strength in the face of adversity — finding commonality where others seek differences. From healthcare workers on the front lines to farmers battling the rotating door of drought and unusually wet summers; from small business owners struggling to stay afloat to educators working tirelessly to ensure that students continue to excel, southwest North Dakotans are showing their true colors in these difficult times. That is truly something!
Southwest North Dakota is a land of resilience, where its people have faced and overcome numerous challenges throughout history, and continue to do so today with innovation, strength and perseverance, as showcased in this year’s Progress Edition.
Dickinson Press file photos
This year’s Progress Edition is a celebration of that resilience, a tribute to the strength and perseverance of our neighbors. In the coming weeks, we will feature stories of innovation and progress, of ordinary people doing extraordinary things to make their communities a better place. We invite you to join us in sharing these stories of resilience with others, to help spread the message of hope and positivity that shines brightly in southwest North Dakota. Whether you’re sharing our articles on social media, picking up a printed copy at a local convenience store or discussing them with friends and family at
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an area cafe, we encourage you to take part in celebrating the accomplishments of our communities. As we reflect on the past and look forward to the future, we are reminded of the immense potential that exists within each of us who call southwest North Dakota our home. Together, we can continue to build upon the foundation of resilience and progress that has been established by those who came before us. You can see this in your city commission meetings, community relation programs by police and fire departments, in extracurricular sports activities in our schools, in the warm and welcoming face of the people you pass in the streets of downtown’s square. Thank you for joining us in this journey of discovery and celebration. We hope that you will continue to seek out the stories of resilience that exist all around us and that you will be inspired by the strength and determination of our fellow Western Edge residents. James B. Miller, Jr. is the editor of The Dickinson Press
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Pre-planning your final arrangements now can help ease the financial and/or emotional burden for your family during a difficult time.
Pre-planning allows you and your family to:
• Make decisions ahead of time
• Ensure wishes are carried out
• Pre-payment options are available for final arrangements
& Cremation Service (701) 264-7195 • 1133 I-94 Bus. Loop E Dickinson, ND 58601