Items

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  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.”
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  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.
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  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.”
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  2020-05-31

  Black Lives Matter in North Dakota

  After the George Floyd murder, citizens in Minot, ND put together a protest and vigil for Mr. Floyd at Oak Park in Minot, ND. Minneapolis is a mere eight hours from Minot and there were many people affected by Floyds murder in North Dakota.
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  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.
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  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.
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  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.
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  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.
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  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.
• 2020-10-12

  Adding some humor to the classroom.

  Although Minot State University is taking every precaution to combat COVID-19, there has been a spike in positive cases in Minot, specifically at the University. MSU has created unique ways to encourage the students to wear masks in any public area and incorporate some humor into classes during this stressful time; including offering free masks boasting the MSU mascot, the Beaver, with a witty saying: “Wear the DAM mask!”