American State Bank & Trust Co. Donates to Family Crisis Shelter
AMERICAN STATE BANK & TRUST CO.
American State Bank & Trust Company is proud to support the community by donating a collection of handmade quilts to the Family Crisis Shelter. These quilts, which were purchased at the recent St. Joseph’s Mardi Gras Auction, will provide warmth and comfort to families in need.
most.”
ASB has a longstanding commitment to community service and outreach. This donation is part of the bank’s broader efforts to support local organizations that make a difference in the lives of residents.
The Family Crisis Shelter is a 24-hour, seven day-a-week, crisis intervention program for victims and families of domestic violence and sexual assault, serving a tri-county area of northwestern North Dakota.
schedule you right away!
ASB PRESIDENT/CEO, DAVE HANSON, AND MARIE COLLINS, EXECUTIVE
AND STAFF
CARRILLO PRIATO, JADYN KRIEGER FROM THE FAMILY CRISIS SHELTER HOLDING
DONATED. | SUBMITTED PHOTO
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Williams County Parks Announces 2025 Camping Season Information
WILLIAMS COUNTY PARKS DEPARTMENT
Beginning Monday, March 3, campers will be able to reserve campsites at Epping/Springbrook
Dam and Little Egypt for the 2025 camping season. The online campsite reservation system will open at 9 a.m. for Epping/Springbrook Dam and at 9:30 a.m. for Little Egypt.
Campsites at Kota Ray Dam are expected to be ready for camp-
ers by Memorial Day weekend. Construction for park improvements as part of the Parks Master Plan will begin in May 2025 at Blacktail Dam. Campsites will be limited for the camping season and seasonal sites will not be offered. More information about park clo-
sures and the availability of campsites at Kota Ray Dam and Blacktail Dam will be released later this spring. As in past years, campsites will continue to be first come, first served for the campground at McGregor Dam.
For more information about campsite reservations and the campgrounds managed by Williams County Parks, visit williamsnd.com/departments/parks/.
North Dakota’s Priorities: What Do They Say About Our Future?
WILLISTON GRAPHIC STAFF
During the current North Dakota legislative session, lawmakers have made decisions that raise important questions about the state’s priorities. A bill to provide free school meals for children failed in the House, while another bill offering tax breaks to oil companies moved forward. At the same time, lawmakers have considered resolutions related to religion in government, the removal of certain books from libraries, and changes to marriage laws. These decisions highlight a pattern that many residents are questioning: Is North Dakota focusing on the right things?
One of the biggest debates this session was about whether the state should provide free school meals for children in need. The bill failed, meaning that some students may continue to struggle with hunger at school. On the other
hand, lawmakers supported a bill to give tax breaks to oil companies, aiming to expand the industry’s footprint in North Dakota.
This raises a key question: If the state has money available for tax breaks to large corporations, why is there not enough to ensure children have food at school? Supporters of free meals argue that feeding students would help them focus and perform better in class, leading to long-term benefits for the state. Meanwhile, those in favor of oil tax breaks believe they will create jobs and strengthen North Dakota’s economy. However, critics argue that large oil companies are already profitable and that tax breaks come at the cost of other public needs.
Another set of bills this session focused on religion’s role in government. A resolution that declared "Christ is King" was introduced but ultimately failed. Another proposal pushed for teaching intelligent design—a concept linked to religious beliefs—alongside evolution in public schools.
The U.S. Constitution calls for a separation of church and state, ensuring that government remains neutral in religious matters. This is meant to protect both religious and non-religious individuals from government interference. While supporters argue that such resolutions reflect the values of many North Dakotans, others believe they blur the line between personal beliefs and government policy.
Another bill that passed in the North Dakota Senate focuses on restricting certain books in libraries. Supporters of the bill argue that some materials are inappropriate for young readers and should be removed. However, opponents worry that the government is limiting access to information and deciding what people can and cannot read.
Libraries exist to provide knowledge and different viewpoints, allowing people to decide for themselves what to believe. Limiting books based on certain viewpoints or ideas raises concerns
about censorship. Should lawmakers be the ones deciding what information is available to the public?
Most recently, North Dakota lawmakers advanced a resolution urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The resolution does not carry legal weight but sends a strong message about the state's stance on LGBTQ+ rights. Supporters argue that marriage should be left to individual states, while critics see it as an attempt to strip rights from same-sex couples. This move, combined with other moral policing efforts, further emphasizes the legislature’s focus on social conservatism rather than addressing pressing economic and infrastructural issues that affect all North Dakotans.
Taken together, these decisions suggest that North Dakota’s government is focused on moral and ideological issues while struggling to provide practical solutions
to everyday challenges. While debates over values and beliefs are important, so are policies that directly improve people’s lives—like ensuring children have enough to eat.
As North Dakotans watch these legislative decisions unfold, the question remains: Are our lawmakers prioritizing the right issues for the people they serve?
This article was written using information from the North Dakota Monitor's articles, "North Dakota resolution urging to end same-sex marriage advances," (Feb. 24, 2025), "North Dakota House defeats 'Christ is King' resolution," (Feb. 18, 2025) "Bill targeting library content passes North Dakota Senate," (Feb. 2025), "Free school meals bill fails in the North Dakota House," (Feb. 2025), "Bill seeks to expand North Dakota’s oil footprint with tax breaks," (Feb. 2025).
Budget Resolution Explainer
WILLISTON GRAPHIC STAFF
Late Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a budget resolution that would change tax policies and reduce federal spending. The plan includes tax cuts for higher-income households while phasing out certain tax benefits that currently apply to middle- and lower-income Americans.
Analysis from the nonpartisan Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy suggests that: Households earning less than $157,500 per year may see higher taxes. The lowest-earning 20% (making $0–$28,600) could pay an estimated $790 more per year. Middle-income earners ($55,100–$94,100) may pay $1,530 more in taxes. The highest-earning 1% (making over $914,900) would receive an average tax cut of $36,320
Supporters argue that extending previous tax cuts will help businesses grow and prevent tax increases on some households. Critics point out that the structure of the plan shifts more of the tax burden onto middleand lower-income Americans.
The budget also proposes $2 trillion in federal spending cuts, which could reduce funding for: Medicaid and SNAP (food assistance); Housing and
education programs; Healthcare subsidies and senior benefits
Supporters say these reductions are necessary to reduce government debt and cut inefficient spending. Others warn that these cuts could reduce access to essential services for lower-income households.
Projections indicate that this plan would increase the national deficit by trillions of dollars, which could result in either future tax increases or additional spending cuts.
The budget will now move to the budget reconciliation process, where the House and Sen-
ate will negotiate a final version before a new vote.
If you have concerns about the impact of this budget, now is the time to reach out to your representatives. You can contact your senators and members of Congress at (202) 224-3121 to share your thoughts.
This article was written using information from AP's "House passes Republican budget plan," (Feb. 26, 2025), Newsweek's "Republicans advance budget despite opposition," (Feb. 26, 2025), and the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP, October 2024).
National
Trump's Actions Raise Constitutional Concerns Across Political Spectrum
Recently, President Donald Trump has made statements and taken actions that have raised questions about adherence to the U.S. Constitution. These developments have implications for all Americans, regardless of political affiliation.
Defiance of Court Orders
The Trump administration has faced multiple legal challenges, with over ten federal courts temporarily halting or rejecting its actions on various issues. Notably, there have been instances where the administration's compliance with court orders has been questioned. For example, a federal judge in Rhode Island ruled that the administration was not fully complying with an order to release federal grant money, leading to concerns about the executive branch's respect for judicial authority.
DEPARTMENT
Legal experts emphasize that obeying court orders is not optional. The Brennan Center for Justice points out that the administration must follow the law like everyone else, and defying judicial rulings is unconstitutional.
Executive Order Challenging Checks and Balances
One of the most concerning actions taken by Trump was an executive order asserting that he and his attorney general have the authority to determine what the law is, effectively bypassing the judiciary. This directly contradicts the Constitution's system of checks and balances, which establishes three separate branches of government to prevent any one branch from holding unchecked power. Legal scholars argue that this move undermines judicial authority and threatens the rule of law.
Proposed Third Term and the "Third Term Project"
President Trump has, on multiple occasions, suggested the possibility of serving beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms. These remarks have been made during public events, often in a lighthearted manner. However, they have sparked discussions about the sanctity of the 22nd Amendment, which explicitly limits presidents to two terms.
In response, a group known as the "Third Term Project" has emerged, advocating for a constitutional amendment to allow President Trump to run for a third term in 2028. This initiative, led by Representative Andy Ogles, seeks to gain support within the Republican Party for this significant constitutional change.
However, amending the Constitution is a rigorous process, requiring approval from twothirds of both the Senate and the House, as well as ratification by
three-quarters of the states. Given the current political landscape, achieving such a consensus appears highly unlikely.
Implications for American Democracy
These developments have raised concerns among legal scholars and political analysts about the potential erosion of constitutional law. The U.S. Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances designed to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. Defying court orders, issuing executive orders that bypass judicial authority and proposing extensions to presidential terms are unconstitutional actions that directly challenge this system. It is important to note that these concerns are not limited to any single political group.
Recent actions and proposals associated with President Trump have prompted a national dialogue
about constitutional violations and the preservation of democratic governance. These issues are pertinent to all Americans, underscoring the importance of vigilance in upholding the nation's foundational principles. This article was written with information from The Guardian’s "Republican says he wouldn't back unconstitutional third Trump term" (Feb. 23, 2025) and "Trump halts medical research funding in apparent violation of judge's order" (Feb. 23, 2025). Newsweek’s "What Is the Third Term Project? Pro-Trump Group Bids to Change Constitution" (Feb. 20, 2025), Brennan Center for Justice’s "Obeying Court Orders Isn't Optional" (Feb. 11, 2025), The New Yorker’s "What Happens if Trump Defies the Courts" (Feb. 22, 2025) and The Washington Post’s "Trump’s Executive Order Challenges Checks and Balances" (Feb. 21, 2025).
DOGE’s Savings Claims Face Scrutiny as Stimulus Plan Raises Questions
The Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, has claimed it saved $55 billion by canceling federal contracts. However, multiple reports suggest the actual savings are far lower, raising concerns about transparency and the potential impact of using these savings for stimulus payments.
DOGE announced it had cut over 1,100 government contracts, focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, and climate programs. But an investigation by NPR found that more than half of these contracts, valued at $6.5 billion, had not actually been canceled. In reality, only about $2 billion in contracts were fully terminated.
The Wall Street Journal conducted its own analysis, estimating the true savings at around $2.6 billion. Furthermore, it found that only 2% of the canceled contracts were related to DEI programs, contradicting DOGE’s claims that such initiatives made up a significant portion of the savings.
Adding to the controversy, President Trump and Musk have proposed distributing these savings to taxpayers in the form of
“DOGE dividends.” The plan would issue stimulus checks funded by the alleged savings, aiming to return money to the public. However, experts argue that this approach overlooks a key financial reality: canceling contracts does not actually put money back into government accounts.
The U.S. government operates on a budget with a national debt exceeding $34 trillion. The Treasury Department has clarified that reducing spending helps slow debt growth but does not eliminate deficits or generate surplus funds. Critics argue that distributing these so-called savings through stimulus payments could increase the deficit. Since the government has not physically recouped any money, issuing checks may require additional borrowing, ultimately adding to the national debt.
Furthermore, economists warn that injecting billions of dollars into the economy through stimulus payments could contribute to inflation. When more money is available for consumers to spend but the supply of goods and services remains unchanged, prices tend to rise. This was seen during past
stimulus efforts, where increased consumer spending contributed to inflationary pressures.
The debate highlights a broader issue: how to balance cutting wasteful spending with responsible fiscal management. While DOGE’s efforts to reduce unnecessary expenditures are significant, experts say meaningful change would require both reduced spending and increased revenue. Without addressing the larger economic picture, using claimed savings for short-term payments could weaken efforts to control the deficit and further increase inflation.
For now, DOGE’s figures remain under scrutiny, and whether stimulus payments will be issued remains uncertain. What is clear is that cutting government costs alone is not a simple fix for the country’s financial challenges.
This article was written using information from NPR’s "DOGE Overstates Savings from Federal Contracts" (Feb. 19, 2025), The Wall Street Journal’s "DOGE Claims It Has Saved Billions. See Where." (Feb. 20, 2025) and USA Today’s "DOGE Dividend: Stimulus Checks Proposed by Trump, Musk" (Feb. 22, 2025).
Through a Lutheran Lens
FEAR FACTOR: I SHALL FEAR NO EVIL
PASTOR ZACH HARRIS FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH
“Fear is the path to the Dark Side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.”–Yoda
The words of the Jedi Master echo more and more with each passing day. The world seems even more off kilter than the simple shift of the magnetic poles that scientists have recently discovered. Perhaps it has been exacerbated by the cabin fevered-pitch the extreme winter has kept us in that only now can be seen in full relief as cold and snow give way to positive temperatures and our yellow sun’s strengthening rays. Perhaps it has to do with everything causing an irreparable divide with each and every controversy both newly discovered and as old as time (“tastes great” versus “less filling” anyone?). But I have of late come to a simpler explanation that is at the base of the extreme turmoil almost everyone seems to be embroiled in. It is simply the base emotion of “Fear.”
Now psychologists may preface their bread and butter with all kinds of prefixes to tell you what kind of phobia might be in the mix for a particular person at any particular time. But from a theological point of view, the
basis of almost every fear is ultimately the fear of Death even when the fear of a physical death makes no sense. After all, fear of physical death ranks number two for bunches of people right after public speaking. I wonder what that would mean if those people were asked to perform a eulogy for themselves ahead of time? The math is dizzying!
So, Yoda’s transitive property spelled out might explain a bunch, really. If I am afraid of “the other” maybe that’s because I think “the other” is going to make me obsolete or take my power or whatever way my “death” will be manifested. Well, by Yoda logic, that fear is going to make me frustrated leading to anger. That anger is going to boil over into hate. And hating, well hating takes up so much energy . . . it’s just taxing!
And you know how it feels when you are really worn out, it just is such a pain that it leads to suffering! And if we are all doing that
then aren’t we all just in a terrible mood altogether and all the time?
And where at Church Camp we might sing, “It only takes a spark to get a fire going” as a positive note, if you’ve already got enough gas spread around . . . well, here we are!
I know the two of you who read this column each week are thinking: “Ah ha! So that’s why I don’t get along with the other half of this column’s readership! But could there be more to this than a simple Seinfeld-moment of common observation?” Well, perhaps. You see, there’s a long answer and a short answer.
For the one of you who wants the short answer, it’s found in First John 4:18—“Perfect Love casts out fear.” It stands to reason (that’s by Jedi standards of course), that if we get rid of fear, that would take care of the anger, which should take out hate, and—by continuing logic—end suffering. BOOM! Answer given!
And that’s the spark so nice and concise . . . you guessed it . . . you’ll want to “Pass It On.”
For the other one who wants more detail (come on you couldn’t be contrary on everything else and then agree on brevity!), you’re in luck! The Church’s season of Lent is right around the corner, and Lent is when we get down and dirty with the realities and inconveniences we find in life. And at least for my part, I intend to hit this subject matter head on at First Lutheran in a series I have entitled “Fear in our Lives: Questions That Bother Me So.” The central subject is “Fear.” It’ll start next Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, March 5, at 6:30 p.m., with the normal Imposition of Ashes service and then continue the next five following Wednesdays starting with a meal at 6 p.m. followed by a service at 6:30 p.m. The first week starts by questioning our fears of death on the scale of the whole universe
then zeroing in each week closer and closer to our truest existential fear of death within ourselves. For you Matrix fans out there, this opportunity indeed brings up the blue pill/red pill dilemma all over again: do you just want to ignore all this and hit up an Easter Service before the big family feast Easter afternoon. Or do you want to face mortality, the actual deaths we fear and ultimately succumb to that make the Easter promise of Resurrection a true celebration you could appreciate? In fact, one you could just die for!
As a precursor to all this, the day before Lent begins next Tuesday is Shrove Tuesday, March 4, where as a final “Hurrah!” we are inviting the whole community for a Free Pancake Supper at 5:30 p.m. That’s the whole tradition of getting rid of the “fat” from the household before Lent begins. It’s the very basis of Mardi Gras . . . Wow! That was my original subject for this article but I wasn’t sure how to spell it. But autocorrect got it right away. Hmm. My bad.
Um . . . Pancakes next Tuesday anyone?
Pastor Zach Harris has been an ordained minister for 33 years and currently serves First Lutheran Church in Williston. His column, “Through a Lutheran Lens: A Pastor’s Perspective,” will appear regularly in the Williston Graphic.
Job Listings & Classifieds
The Housing Authority Of the City
of Williston
The Housing Authority of the City of Williston is now accepting applications for 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, 3 bedroom, and 4 bedroom units. *Income, eligibility, and admission preferences apply. Applications 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
POOL • DARTS • ARCADE Fun for the whole familY!
Bowling. Dining. Relaxing. VOTEDBESTBRICK-OVENPIZZAINWILLISTON!