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VOCELLAGRAPHIC.COM
Thursday, November 2, 2023
News & Updates
Meet Izzy
Ray volleyball
Tioga’s newest crime fighting companion off to Region 8 Tournament By Chelsy Weisz, Editor TIOGA N.D. — In a promising development for the Tioga Police Department, a lively and spirited two-year-old black Labrador named Izzy has joined their ranks. With Officer Walker Koropatnicki as her dedicated handler, this dynamic duo is all set to become an invaluable asset to law enforcement in Tioga. Their journey began just last week when Koropatnicki traveled to Fargo, N.D., to welcome Izzy into their team. The focus right now is on Izzy’s training, with plans for her to become certified in drug detection, tracking and article searches. It’s important to note that she won’t be trained for apprehension, in consideration of the city’s stance on canine apprehension following past experiences with bite dogs. The funding for Izzy’s acquisition came through AKC Reunite, a program dedicated to supporting law enforcement agencies in acquiring K9 partners. A significant figure in this process was Pete Nielsen, who played a pivotal role in establishing and growing the West Fargo Police Department’s K-9 program back in 2011. As of Oct. 2, Pete Nielsen now holds the position of Chief of Police for West Fargo. Koropatnicki’s enthusiasm for Izzy’s arrival is palpable, and he eagerly anticipates their upcoming training. Earlier this year, he attended the highly regarded Desert Snow training, a three-day workshop celebrated for its comprehensive approach to vehicle searches during traffic stops. The training equips attendees with the skills necessary to
Officer Walker Koropatnicki & Izzy. Submitted photo.
detect criminal activity and uncover illegal contraband concealed within hidden compartments. Koropatnicki’s participation in this training underscores his commitment to providing the highest level of service and safety to the Tioga community. Izzy’s impact isn’t confined to the city limits alone. Presently, Tioga PD often has to wait 45 minutes to one and a half hours for an outside agency’s K9 unit to respond to calls. Izzy and Koropatnicki will be prepared to assist surrounding agencies with call-outs, significantly reducing response times and enhancing safety across the region. As Tioga welcomes Izzy and Koropatnicki into their fold, there’s an undeniable sense of excitement and anticipation. Together, they’re poised to make a positive impact in ensuring the safety and security of the community. Keep an eye out for this dynamic duo on the streets of Tioga, as they embark on their mission to serve and protect.
Ray Varsity Volleyball team. Photo source ndhsaanow.com.
By Erica Kingston RAY N.D. — On Monday, the Ray Jays volleyball team went 3-1 against Powers Lake - Burke Central to take the win at the Class B District 16 tournament in Kenmare, N.D. Ray has earned a spot in the Class B Region 6 games where they will play against Williston’s Trinity Christian on Nov. 6 at Williston State College. “I feel that we really came together as a team and played as one unit,” head coach Angie Cancade said. “The girls showed they had some grit and took advantage of some key momentum swings when it mattered to come out on top.” The Jays had an impressive 30 collective kills throughout the night, led by Myia Knox with 11. Knox had an ACL tear last year and has only been back playing for one month. The Jay’s serving was on point with only five missed serves, while dropping 13 aces over
the net, with five by Brinlee Cancade alone. With 11 wins and 17 losses for the season, Cancade said their season has been one of ups and downs with some wins they didn’t think they’d take and some upsetting losses. “I think we have learned from all of it and have a much better team as a whole this season,” Cancade said. “These girls really enjoy each other’s company on and off the court and that can make all the difference.” Ray will take on Williston Trinity Christian for their first game of the Region 8 tournament at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 at Williston State College. The two teams have matched up twice this season, resulting in a split at the NWC tournament and a 3-0 win for Ray during the regular season. “(Trinity Christian is) a team that doesn’t just give up and is very scrappy,” Cancade said. “They have pretty solid defense and my girls are going to have to be very aggressive to pull off the win.”
Stanley students taking
one-act play to regional competition By Erica Kingston STANLEY N.D. — A group of students from Stanley have worked hard to prepare and are ready to take their efforts to the next level by hitting the road with their theatrical comedy performance about a protagonist who is put in front of a jury. Stanley high school’s group of eight students and advisor Chase Gluekert will perform their one-act play of “Hero on Trial” at the Region 9 one-act play competition in New Town, N.D., on Nov. 8. “Hero on Trial” is a play written by John Kendall that tells the story of Beth, who falls asleep in a library only to fall into a dream where a hero gets put on trial and other characters such as a villain, villager and a lady in distress give testimonies in front of a judge. Eight schools will compete at regionals
in New Town in front of judges who will give feedback and placements. The top two teams will continue on to the state competition. In 2019, Stanley school took their one-act play all the way to state, winning the championship. Gluekert, the social studies teacher and one-act advisor, is no stranger to the stage as he has performed with Entertainment, Inc! out of Williston, during highschool with the Williston High School theater program and during his college career. “I’ve done theater for a long time and I’m really happy to bring it here to this community,” Gluekert said. The “Hero on Trial” actors will do a test run for the school before heading to regionals. The community can enjoy a performance put on for the public at the Stanley High School gym on Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
