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Mediator is exactly
Rural Voices
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2020-05-03
" The man feeding a remote Alaska town with a Costco card and a ship " - The Hustle
The advent of COVID-19 has made it more difficult for isolated, rural communities to maintain access to basic necessities such as food, water, and personal care products. In an article for the Hustle, journalist Zachary Crokett recounts the story of a Gustavus, Alaska grocer named Toshua Parker, who has taken it upon himself to supply the needs of his fellow townspeople in a time of crisis. Through the use of a shipping freighter, business connections, and a trusty Costco membership card, Parker has mostly succeeded in supplying the community's consumer needs and has made his business, Toshco, an economic pillar of Gustavus. The success of Parker's small, rural business in the face of COVID-19, according to Crockett, is representative of a "renaissance" of rural businesses, which are an important component of supplying a town's consumer needs. Without these businesses, isolated rural communities such as Gustavus would have a harder time enduring the pandemic relative to communities with robust economic centers. -
2020-06-16
Class of 2020 Celebrated by a Rural Community
The rural community of Tuttle, Oklahoma honored their class of 2020 high graduates with a sign made out of a round bale of hay. The round bale was located just off of State Highway 37 next to the Tuttle Grain & Supply. As part of the creativity, the bale had a sign saying: "Class of 2020" with comments such as "Proud of You!" and "Congrats!" as well as "Great Job!" The sign then covered the face of the hay bale in the design of a large face mask. The community was acknowledging the circumstances that altered the 2020 senior year and graduation to be a smaller event. -
2020-11-03
Voting Lines Stretched Across Two Parking Lots
On November 3, 2020 I took a photo of the voting line that was spread across the Legacy Bank and Library parking lots in Blanchard, Oklahoma. The small community has several voting precincts and this is just one of them. At one point it was mentioned that people were waiting up to three hours to vote at this voting location. The crowd appeared to be somewhat spaced apart and some were wearing masks. The pandemic affected how people stood near each other, which would've been normally much closer. -
2020-07-10
Summer Coin Shortage Still Going in November
On July 10, 2020 the local bank had a sign displayed that warned of the coin shortage that was caused by the pandemic. Due to the shortage, local businesses were limited in the amount of coins they could request from the National Bank in Blanchard, Oklahoma. On July 24, 2020 we decided to do our part and cashed in all of our coins. This gave us some extra cash and gave the bank some extra rolls of coins to distribute to the local businesses. Signs at local fast food restaurants still display their signs on the coin shortage and occasionally cannot make exact change. For certain restaurants like Taco Bell, they were encouraging over the summer to donate the remaining change to a charity they would then distribute the money to. This is example of how the pandemic has changed our lives in unpredictable ways. -
2020-08-07
Health Insurance Providers mailing reusable masks for medical appointments
On August 7, 2020 I received a message from a relative that their health insurance company had mailed them a small envelope with a cloth mask. At the time in Oklahoma, masks were still fairly difficult to find in stores and reusable masks were still available mostly online at considerable costs. The elderly relative said that her and her husband were told to use these if they went to a doctor's appointment or to a hospital. The pamphlet also advised them on the best way to wash and dry the mask for further use. This is something that seems like a small cost to the company, but could benefit everyone if it helped prevent people from getting sick, especially from COVID-19. -
2020-09-15
US Postal Service notice on voting by mail during COVID-19
On September 15, 2020 I received a post card mailer from the U.S. Postal Service. The message is: "If you plan to vote by mail, plan ahead." The reverse side had my information and a note detailing a list of suggestions to prepare for mailing in a ballot during the 2020 U.S. Election. Personally, I've voted in many elections over the past few decades and voted by mail for a long time before this election as well - I've never received any information like this. You can tell that during the pandemic there was going to be a lot of pressure on voting by mail. Personally, I turned in my ballot at least a month before the actual day in fear that the postal system would be overwhelmed in the days right before the election. This is the first year where voting by mail didn't seem like a convenience, but felt like it was a large part of election history. The pandemic seems to be shifting our daily lives in ways that no one would've expected at the beginning of 2020. -
2020-11-09
Canada-US border Communities in Alberta Adapting to Pandemic
While popular within Canada, the border closure between the two countries has undoubtedly hurt businesses in both. Especially in border communities that are undeniably linked. -
2020-07-03T11:54
COVID-19 in My Small Suburban Town of West Chester, Pennsylvania
In my small suburban town of West Chester, Pennslyvania, the effects of COVID-19 were abundantly evident. People of all ages were impacted in significant ways. High school graduates were forced to stay home under Governor Wolfe's stay at home advisory during a time sacred to spending time with peers before college takes us our ways. The elderly worried about the safety of doing basic tasks like grocery shopping, most likely contemplating if this basic need will be an ill-made or possibly fatal decision. Another major event to be noted was the shortages of food and other necessities in the supply chain. This was a real wake-up call for many families in my town. Anxiety and panic definitely could be seen in everyday homes. I recall my one friend racing to Costco after hearing a small supply of toilet paper was in stock. He ended up spending a couple of thousand dollars, filling five carts to the brim with essentials. The sight of many bare shelves triggered this spontaneous decision to hoard. Many families acted similarly in my area, believing that the only option was to prepare to outlast a complete shutdown. While many businesses were forced to shut down, a local dairy farm called Bailey's Farm took advantage of the situation. It proposed a unique solution to the food shortage. Bailey's Farm began to increase its food output by collaborating with local farms across West Chester and Kennett Square. This agreement lessened competition among farms, allowing farms to focus on producing goods that they are most efficient at producing. Bernards Orchard grew a variety of fruits. Baileys Farm increased its milk and cheese production by adding more cows to their grassland. Northbrooke farms sold local pies, bread, pastries, and their famous apple cider donuts. Many other farms contributed to this network; however, these were the farms that I primarily worked with. These farms began to deliver goods to the doorstep of families. This solution relieved families from worrying about contracting COVID-19 in grocery stores, running out of food during a shortage, and simultaneously supported local farms. At the beginning of summer, I had hours of free time; I was advised to stay home and limit interactions with my friends. To utilize my time wisely, I began to look for work to have savings for college. Jobs were scarce because of the many closed businesses. I was beyond grateful when Bailey's Farm reached out and hired me as their new milkman to drive their refrigerated truck. Yes, I occupied the small niche of a milkman during a Global Pandemic. -
2020-11-05
“Once the World Stopped” - Final Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLg4GmKELd4&feature=emb_title Theater students and faculty at the University of North Dakota (UND) were left with a semester’s worth of classes to fill when the performing arts department was closed down due to COVID-19 restrictions. The students and faculty decided to put a play into production that “follows a group of high school students 30 years into the future learning about the many events of 2020. Mr. Silverside, the class substitute, takes the class on a journey to the past through his experiences, stories and interactive assignments.” “UND student and actress/writing team member Erin Chaves said the goal was to create a piece that would be relatable to multiple audiences and that also carried a strong message. When meetings about the production got started this fall, students spoke about their experiences from the summer, whether that included learning a new recipe or watching a new show or dealing with more serious topics, such as the Black Lives Matter movement or losing a job.” -
2020-11-06
1 in every 15 North Dakotans have tested positive for COVID-19 since March.
“The prevalence of COVID-19 in the state is increasing, and North Dakota's recent surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths is becoming unmanageable. As of Friday, Nov. 6, almost 10,000 North Dakotans are known to be infected with the virus, 613 people have died either due to or with COVID-19 and the state's 14-day average positivity rate on all tests has nearly doubled in one month…North Dakota is performing the worst in the United States with the highest death rate and positive case rate per 100,000 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” North Dakota is struggling with its surge in cases. The military base that my family and I live on has gone back into HPCON-C (Health Protection Condition- Charlie), which basically means the base is at the level of lockdown that we faced in the beginning of the pandemic. While travel has been discouraged for everyone during the pandemic, military members have had actual movement restrictions put on them, meaning that we haven't seen our family since last year and probably won't be able to again until at least summer of 2021. We were lucky enough to travel to South Dakota for a quick getaway before the fall semester started again, but our trip was cut short due to the spikes in cases in South Dakota. -
2020-10-10
North Dakota state legislative candidate dies due to complications with COVID-19.
This is the obituary of the North Dakota state legislative candidate, Dave Andahl, who won the seat posthumously in the 2020 election. Mr. Andahl died due to complications with COVID-19, a tragic loss for North Dakota communities. “David Dean Andahl, 55, passed away on Oct. 5, 2020. David was born in Bismarck on Oct. 30, 1964, to Ronald and Patricia Andahl. David was passionate about farming and ranching, his home state, and the quality of life of its people. David was known for being a compassionate, generous, ambitious, and inviting soul. He brought a warm light into so many people's lives over the years. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14 at the family farm, 14501 15th St. NW, Bismarck, 58503. For those attending, masks are required; we also ask you to please social distance and provide your own chairs. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Burial will be held at Baldwin Cemetery. David graduated from Century High School, obtained his associate's degree from Bismarck State College, and attended North Dakota State University, where he studied animal science. After attending NDSU, he pursued one of his lifelong dreams and became a successful professional driver. He was known as "Dakota Dave," because of being from North Dakota, and his commitment to promoting his home state. As president of Dakota Sports Marketing, David showcased the economic and tourism opportunities offered by the state. He connected with former Governor Ed Schafer, who supported the concept, and was a participating dignitary in starting one of his races. Upon retiring from active racing, David worked as a contractor, serving as a professional driving instructor for various large automobile manufacturers and organizations around the country. Some of this work included obtaining high-level security clearance from the United States Government for training that was needed during the war in Afghanistan. David said he learned a great deal from his travels, but North Dakota was always calling him home. David was a partner and general manager of 4T Ranch north of Bismarck. The ranch has been in the Andahl family for three generations and takes its name from the year his grandparents married (1940). As Bismarck grew, many developers expressed interest in segments of 4T Ranch, but David and his family had a vision about the legacy they wanted to leave. In 2013, they founded 4T Ranch Developers, Inc. with David serving as president. They created "The Ranch," a unique rural subdivision with a community feel. His commitment to leaving a legacy called David to serve on the Burleigh County Planning and Zoning Commission for 16 years, including chairing the commission for eight years during a time of rapid growth and change for the region. David cited developing a Comprehensive Plan for Burleigh County as one of the major accomplishments during his tenure, creating a solid foundation for the future. David was interested in doing even more for the state and threw his hat in the ring for the Republican endorsement for the North Dakota House of Representatives from District 8. In the June primary election, David was selected as one of the successful candidates. One of his fondest wishes was to have the opportunity to serve in the legislature. David is survived by his parents, Ronald (Patricia) Andahl; his sister, Darcy; his son, Charles (Tia) Lacy; his adopted grandmother, Joan Zacher; his dear friend, Audrey Ekstrom; his beloved dog, Hank; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ty, his grandparents, and his beloved dogs, Bear and Zeus.” -
2020-10-12
Indigenous People's Day Gathering
This is a photograph of various indigenous peoples, from tribes in the Pacific NorthWest, gathering in downtown Seattle to celebrate Indigenous People’s Day and commemorate missing and murdered indigenous people. -
2020-11-06
Montana Family Farms
The impact of covid, supply and demand and the meatpackers in Montana. -
2020-11-06
The Rona in Rural America
This article is highly interesting because it discusses the supposed political side of covid and its supposed effect on rural communities, rise in numbers, and the overall function of these rural communities. -
2020-08
143 Year Tradition Interrupted
The Grantsburg Fair was a big part of my life growing up and it happened every year in August. 2020 would have been the fair's 143rd year but was interrupted due to the pandemic. It was surprising to hear that something that was so expected from my childhood could be interrupted by COVID. -
2020-11-06
Supporting a Tradition in a Pandemic
Grantsburg, Wisconsin has been known for years to have a robust volleyball program. Even during a pandemic the school district and students were able to keep up the level of commitment needed to be competitive enough to win championships. -
2020-09-11
Wisconsin School Lunch
As a way to mitigate risks for students during lunchtime, the local agricultural society donated picnic tables to the students so they would be able to eat outside with friends mask free. This is important to the pandemic because it shows rural Wisconsin school life and how the community was able to come together to provide for the young students. -
2020-06-11
Life Continues
This is important because even though we are in the midst of a pandemic and many adults feel that their lives have come to a standstill, many younger people are still trying to experience the major young adult milestones that we all got to experience in normal times. -
2020-06-12
I Survived Covid-19
Journal by Ella Riechers, a fifth grade student at Sherman Elementary in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, describing her experiences with Covid-19. -
2020-05-21
Covid Morning Routine
“Morning Routine” is an ad I created about Covid-19. The reason I chose this medium is that many advertisements on the internet and TV are related to the virus. “Morning Routine” is about my brother's routine and how he gets ready in the morning. It seems like a normal routine like everyone else which is to wake up, brush your teeth, put on clothes, put your shoes on and go out to the rest of their day. In the end, it shows a close of him putting on a mask. In the news, there is a lot of talk about when normal is coming back. Countries all over the world were under lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19. In Minnesota, the confirmed cases are not as extreme other states like New York. My personal experience with Covid-19 is doing my part of trying to make things better. In my family, many are nurses so are making sacrifices and working hard. I am still in college trying to become a nurse so staying home is doing my part to make their job easier. On social media, many of my peers and others are complaining about when all of this will be over. People are going out acting like life is normal by hanging with friends without social distancing and not wearing masks. As time goes by, many countries are now easing lockdown trying to bring up the economy against, but the consequences are increasing the chance of the virus spreading more. Although I try to stay home as much as possible, I have uncles and aunts that are getting older and are at a higher risk by the coronavirus so I grocery shop for them every week and deliver them. When I go to grocery stores, I get very anxious because many people are not wearing masks. I don’t want to be the one responsible for getting corona and getting my family sick. The coronavirus is going to stay and be here for a while until a vaccine is found and produced on a large scale. This in my opinion is the new normal because I don’t think we will ever go back to normal. This pandemic has and will keep changing the way we live in the future. -
2020-05-07
Quarantine Cross-Stitch
In Spring 2020, after the pandemic closed the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire campus, UWEC history major Katie Boucher handmade this cross stitch during quarantine. -
2020-04-29
Neighborhood Fence, Chippewa Falls, WI
A simple poetic sentiment on my neighbors fence is more than enough to brighten a day. It might have been written with the "community chalk" placed near the sidewalk a few doors down. -
2020-04-29
Social Distancing Wisconsin Style
The image is of a yard sign using a dairy cow as a measuring device for social distancing. Wisconsin’s dairy industry is a major contributor to its agrarian culture. This yard sign makes a funny reference to both the dairy industry and COVID-19. -
2020-09-25
Business as Usual
COVID has sent the planet for a loop. In general, we are all reeling from the changes and policies that have been implemented. However, in some areas where life moves a little slower, there are some things that continue on, business as usual. -
2020-08-20
Get Out!
Even in a global pandemic when everything is shut down, there are still a million things to do and see. This was our family’s trip up Kennebec Pass, which is only an hour from our hose. Covid is the perfect opportunity to explore your own back yard, provided you do so safely! -
2020-10-09
Adapted Halloween
The Town of Bayfeld has outlined the procedures for Halloween during COVID. -
2020-08-08
Extra Protection
When my family and I toured the Old Hundred Mine in Silverton, Colorado, we needed to be protected! In addition the usual hard hat and warm clothing, masks are also required. -
2020-10-09
How Kids are Coping
This is an example of how our local school district is helping children navigate and make sense of this pandemic. -
2020-10-30
Teaching Today
This is a photo of my friend, Lindsay. She is a high school teacher here in Colorado. We live in a small town that was fortunate enough to not feel the panic of the pandemic until well-after other places had. She misses her students, and there are real concerns for the mental health of not only the kids, but the teachers too. -
2020-10-30
Concerns From the 4-Corners
This is a screenshot from my phone from this afternoon. I live in Colorado, but depend on New Mexico for several things. I made a quick trip to Target today, and while in the checkout line, everyone’s phones went off. -
2020-10-27
COVID in Rural Wisconsin
This submission goes into detail from a front line worker on why rural Wisconsin is hit so hard when it comes to COVID, it is important because there are so few voices coming out of this part of the United States. -
2020-10-01
No New Cases
A recent photo from the Burnett County Sheriff's Office that shows the county had no new cases. It shows the pandemic is not worsening at the moment in a very rural area in Wisconsin -
2020-07-20
Rural Rainbow
My aunt's photo of a rainbow on her dairy farm in rural Wisconsin. It shows how a lonely and quiet area in rural Wisconsin during the midst of a pandemic can have beautiful parts to it. -
2020-10-09
Socially distanced Military STEP promotion
CCMSgt Langston and other members of leadership surprised SSgt. Kasten with a STEP promotion to TSgt. outside of his hotel room, where he was being quarantined. Minot AFB in Minot, ND has been battling the pandemic and its effects on morale among the Airmen. This story represents the comradery associated with military members and keeping traditions alive. -
2020-10-27
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe: Executive Order
On October 27, 2020, Chairman Faith of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe issued an Executive Order mandating the wearing of face masks within the boundaries of the Standing Rock Reservation. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the hardest among minorities, including Native American tribes. With COVID numbers increasing in the Dakotas, it is no surprise that the local tribes are cracking down on safety measures. The protection of their people and culture will always be their number one concern. -
2020-10-29
Governor Bergum adjusts COVID-19 risk level for North Dakota counties
In the early stages of the pandemic, North Dakota shut down like every other state. However, during reopening over the summer, safety protocols, such as masks, were not state mandated, only recommended. This has led us to being the state with the highest cases of COVID in the U.S. right now. During Governor Burgum’s press briefing on October 29, 2020 he adjusted the COVID-19 risk levels for various counties in North Dakota, bumping nearly half of the counties in the state into high risk categories and a quarter of the rest into moderate risk. Governor Bergum is still not pushing for a mandate on wearing masks in public areas, only recommending it. -
2020-10-17
Women's March goes virtual in North Dakota
This screenshot captures a story published by a local news provider in North Dakota. The story is important because it describes another effect of COVID, relying heavily on technology. Having to organize a women’s march via Zoom showcases the resiliency of people and their dedication to a cause. -
2020-05-20
Birthday Bubble
My son’s birthday was in May. We usually have a big party for him and invite all his friends. This year, by the time May came around, schools were closed so we did not distribute invitations to his classmates like we usually did. Geographically, we live in a bubble. We live in a rural community in a sparsely populated part of the country. So this year, the party was pared down, and took place outside. We invited only a couple friends who all lived within our little neighborhood and we had maintained close contact with since this all began. All went well, and for that I am thankful. -
2020-10-12
Corporate Mask Mandates Not Being Enforced in Oklahoma
I live in Oklahoma and there is currently no statewide mask mandate, nor has there been one since the business shutdowns started in March. When businesses such as Walmart and Walgreens began mask requirements, I assumed this would be at least a barrier of protection for those of us that wear masks. In Oklahoma City and Norman, both nearby larger urban cities, there are city mask mandates. These seem to be somewhat enforced in the stores and very few people are seen not wearing a mask in those cities. In nearby, more rural areas, such as Newcastle. Walmart began store or corporate mask mandates that forced customers to wear a mask. The door's entry was blocked by a guided entry path that led shoppers past a store employee that handed out masks for those that did not have one. This seemed to be a fairly good deterrent for those that avoided masks. By July I was noticing that customers took masks, but then later threw them in the trash. Employees were not enforcing the masks and some customers were avoiding those that didn't wear masks. In September we entered the Newcastle, Oklahoma Walmart and noticed that the entry had changed and Walmart was no longer acknowledging people that did or did not wear masks. By the beginning of October, as COVID-19 cases were reaching high daily numbers in Oklahoma, Walmart customers in Newcastle were now increasingly shopping without masks. My girlfriend and I used to count the number of people that didn't wear masks, it was a mental note of whether things were improving or dissolving. Now, we count those that wear masks. The number that wear masks are consistently lower, than those without. We have been to Walmart more than once since first of October where we were two of less than ten shoppers that had masks. The numbers seem to be on the decline and Walmart is not enforcing its own requirements. The last time we needed products from Walmart, we decided to go to Walgreens in Newcastle instead since it was less crowded. There were only five to six other customers besides us in Walgreens, but we were the only two wearing masks. -
2020-10-14
Slimy, Uncomfortable, and Antibacterial
I work at a bar in north-east Wisconsin. The stereotypes regarding the people of Wisconsin and their love for drinking and the bars are pretty accurate. There isn't much to do in the small town I live in besides that. When Covid began, people were most concerned with the bars being open. We were closed for a while as many devoted patrons, and the Tavern League of Wisconsin tried to fight the orders. We've been open now for several months and still most people that come into the bar do not take the virus or safety measures seriously. There's been times where customers tell me I don't have to wear my mask, or I don't need to wipe down their table, or use hand sanitizer as much. I am constantly around people at my job and risk a lot of contact with the public. I take the safety measures seriously and constantly use hand sanitizer. Since Covid, we have bottles of hand sanitizer everywhere, and now, because of the demand of sanitizer, we have strange brands made out of different products than I am used too. Every time I put on hand sanitizer it comes out all slimy all of my hands. It's incredibly uncomfortable and it feels like you almost need to wash your hands after to get rid of the gross feeling. But eventually it rubs in, and I go on with my job, only to follow up the uncomfortable sensation of slimy hand sanitizer with the complaints of customers who think the virus is fake and there shouldn't be any regulations in place that may hinder the bar experience. -
2020-10-13
Real, Rural Concerns
My husband, son and I moved (back) to Durango, Colorado from Monument at the end of February. We closed on our house, started back at school and reconnected with the friends we missed while we were away. Then the news stories started popping up here and there about a new and unidentified virus that is showing up in cities. "Good thing we live here!" I thought to myself. We live in the mountains, in a scattered neighborhood outside a small town in a sparsely-populated area of the country. We'll be fine. My husband's job went to 100% telework. Since he works for the Federal Government, I figured it was just very precautionary and we settled into the convenience of having him home! My son's school went on spring break, more time for playing and friends! I saw on the news that all the schools in Wisconsin (my home state) closed for the rest of the year! Holy cow! I still figured we would not see anything real from this now-named Coronavirus. Then my son's school closed for the year. Suddenly, the entire nation, even our little rural hamlet, came to a shuddering halt. By now, it is into March, nearly April. Tourists still show up to get their last ski runs in, and first hikes and rafting trips of the year in. I suppose that is good. Our entire area relies on tourism so if we can keep things moving, that is a positive, right? Well it turns out there is a pretty huge downside of living in a remote area during a pandemic. Yes, we do not come into contact with many people, we don't have a freeway anywhere nearby, and we do not have a large airport. However, we also lack the resources to have a mass of patients at our hospital. There is one main medical facility that serves a very large area. If this virus shows up here, we could be doomed. With my husband and son home, we hunkered in to see what was going to happen. Fast forward to October, and we have had a handful of cases in our county and neighboring ones, despite the rush of Texas and California tourists this summer. We lost a couple cherished restaurants and establishments, and were not immune to this pandemic. But taking an assessment at the moment, I'm pretty proud of our area. There were arguments on masks, social distancing, sports, and restaurants, that shadowed the nation as a whole, but I saw communities band together like never before. Out of this crisis, there blossomed a new understanding and grace lent to our neighbors that we maybe did not express before. New programs popped up to help those who were struggling, because in reality, we were ALL struggling. This area historically struggles with suicide, and there has been an enormous push to reach out to everyone possible and offer all kinds of hands, or ears as the case may be. All in all, I am proud of my community and I am proud of how we are weathering this storm, among so much other commotion battling for our focus. -
2020-03-20
Fresh Air, But For Only So Long
During the pandemic, specifically between March and June, there wasn't much for me to do with work. I would help my Dad with his now unfamiliar school work. I did play games and watched the entirety of Parks and Recreation, but couldn't stave off the boredom. I needed to do something. So, I would go on walks. Sometimes I would go by myself and sometimes I would take my dog Carolina. She loves taking walks and it was something new for her with every walk. I lived in a rural part of town and the air was fresh. The smell of flowers drifting in the air, while also smelling cow manure as well. All I could hear was the sound of the birds, neighbor dogs and the farm animals. Carolina would stare at those dogs or animals, but never approach them. It was wonderful to breathe in the warm air. Cars were a rare sight and sound when I would walk along the asphalt with no issues. It was so quiet. It was nice to have the road to ourselves. Prior to COVID, people would be driving along our road frequently and we could hear them even from the end of our driveway. There seemed to be less garbage in the ditches too. Sometimes, I would see whole families walking along the road, probably wanting to inhale that fresh air that I was enjoying. Mid to late summer though, the air became thick with smoke. The fires around Washington, especially from nearby Selah, were suffocating and my walks stopped. There was even a fire on the ridge behind our house and I was worried that we would have to evacuate. The sky was muggy and the area was too warm, thankfully, since we all started wearing masks, we could cope with the fires. Mostly, I was disappointed that the fresh air I breathed towards the beginning of summer was gone. The picture I chose to share was a picture I took of the fire that started on the ridge behind our house. It's not the best quality, but that smoke was what closed out the summer. There was a lot to deal with this summer; COVID and fires mostly, but somehow, we made it. *Photograph, this is something that I took myself. -
2020-10-03
Smalltown COVID-19
My experience during COVID -
2020-09-29
Just a regular day
My experience with the pandemic isn't one that drastically changed my life. I work at a gas station and I live in a rural town with the majority of the people being Republican. Which I know you must be thinking what does this have to do with it, well it actually has a lot to do! Majority of the people believe that this is all a hoax and do not believe in wearing a mask. Our customers who come into the store act as if Covid-19 isn't happening. I very rarely have someone who takes Covid-19 seriously, one customer that made me realize that times have change when he literally pulled out a disinfectant spray and then proceeded to spray the pinned before entering his pin. I have to admit even I thought he is exaggerating a bit by spraying the pin pad even when he is clearly wearing gloves. At my job my bosses did not really take Covid-19 seriously since they did not ask us if we wanted to wear mask, gloves, or even put the 6 feet markers on the floor so people would not crowd on top of each other. In fact most people out here in my rural community make comments saying "Are you really wearing mask", "You do know that is not going to protect you from anything" and my favorite one of all is "this is all a hoax, it will all calm down when the elections are over". All in all my town and I were not heavily affected or restricted with Covid-19. Although some places may have the mandatory mask requirements most people either avoided those places or just complained about how unnecessary it is to wear a mask. work, behind the scene *Photography and I found it at my job. -
09/20/2020
Andrew Small Oral History, 2020/09/20
This interview shares the early-on Covid-19 quarantine experience of Andrew Small, a second-year Asian studies major at Northeastern University. Andrew talks about where he was in the middle of March when universities started to shut down and send their students home, where he went, how quarantine and at-home learning affected his first year at Northeastern and touches upon what his reaction to how the state of Maine and how America responded to the pandemic. He also speaks briefly on how he thinks this will affect the future actions of Americans and what the pandemic has revealed about America. This interview was conducted as an assignment for HIST 1215: Origins of Today, instructed by Molly Nebiolo. -
09/18/2020
Lauren Murray Oral History, 2020/09/18
Lauren discusses how the pandemic has affected her university studies -
09/19/2020
John Riley Oral History, 2020/09/19
An account of one person's experience through the COVID 19 pandemic. -
2020-04-16
Zoom Book Club
The last time my book club met in person, March 2020, we talked about what we would read next. I noted that I had a few books about pandemics already on my shelves and we should read one of those. Camus' "The Plague", "Pale Horse, Pale Rider" by Katherine Anne Porter, "Journal of the Plague Year" by Daniel Defoe, "Love in the Time of Cholera" by Gabriel García Márquez... why did I have so many books about plagues...? We decided on Defoe and I said "Well, maybe we will be meeting by Zoom next time." The group was incredulous (I live in a small rural town in South Dakota) that we wouldn't be able to meet in person in April. If I had read this book in non-plaugue times it certainly would have been good read but it took on a lot of added meaning when I read it at the beginning of the quarantine. Thermometers may change but people never change. -
2020-08-30
South Dakota Restaurants Battle for Survival Amid Pandemic
This article focuses on the pandemic and how it has affected the mom and pop restaurants in rural America, South Dakota. It is important to note that all communities, large and small are dealing with this pandemic and restaurants are struggling for survival, but especially in rural areas. -
2020-06-23
Cows Graze on a High School's Baseball Field While Students Stay Away
While students continue to practice social distancing and campus won't fully reopen until October 5th, Summerville High in Tuolumne, California received some bovine visitors. In an article filled with puns, the author describes the situation and the corralling of the cows to the baseball field where they could be more easily retrieved and cool themselves with the sprinkler system while they waited. While the students are away, the cows will play!