In the News. . . (March08)
A snow castle in March?
by Carrie Opdahl
It's hard to believe that at the end of March we were still able to play in the snow. Shouldn't it be spring?
Although some people weren't complaining because they were able to get another couple trips to the fish house in, or play a game or two of snow ball massacre with the kids; but for others, me included, simply wanted to see more of the sun.
Today, April 1st, the notorious day of 'Fools' proved no joke that temperatures didn't exceed 45 degrees. And the sky was cloudy with a western horizon threatening to drop something from it's darkness. Please, no more snow!
I heard meterologist, Joe Goldade, say today on KHND1470 Radio, Harvey, that there is less than six weeks left until thunderstorm season, which in translation to me means 'hot weather.' All I have to say is, 'Bring it on!'
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In the news . . . (April08)
Tillarie Jones during competition in Carrington, ND in March 2008.
Jones Miss North Dakota delegate
by Carrie Opdahl
Nervous but confident, Tillarie Jones, Fessenden, says she is ready to give forth her best effort in her upcoming Miss North Dakota Scholarship pageant in Williston, ND, June 14-16, 2008.
Jones, 17, daughter of Tonya Rolen, Fessenden, was crowned Miss Dakota Country at the local competition in Carrington in March 2008, entitling her a spot in the Miss North Dakota pageant.
Ironically, Jones, a senior at Fessenden-Bowdon High School, didn't previously considered entering the local pageant. "A younger girl at my school, Megan Eichele, recommended me to the pageant director and then later I signed up to be a contestant," Jones said.
At the local pageant, Jones competed against five girls. Her platform was 'Stop Drug and Alcohol Abuse Among Adults and Teens,' and her talent was a dramatic monologue; her character was 'Backstreet Mammy' an older Caribbean mother who spoke to her daughter about fulfilling her dreams.
"I was nervous. I didn't know if I would do well or not," said Jones. But she found her confidence and her best smile and took home the title.
Pageanting is a new adventure for Jones. She has modeled for the last two years, but said being a contestant in a pageant has been an awesome experience. "I thank God for this opportunity and will continue to do my best," said Jones.
Contestants will compete in five phases of competition: private interview, talent, evening wear, fitness in swimsuit, and expression of personality in casual wear. This year's State pageant will host 24 woman competing for the title of Miss North Dakota.
Scholarships are awarded with each title, encouraging women in North Dakota to continue their education in preparation for their futures.
The competition is open to young women ages 17 to 24. Local pageants are held across the state of North Dakota and all local title winners, are eligible to compete at the State Miss North Dakota Pageant.
The woman who is crowned at the State pageant in Williston will go on to compete in the 2009 Miss America pageant.
The 2008 Miss North Dakota Scholarship pageant will be held at the Williston High School Auditorium. For more information, contact Marilyn McGinley at 701-577-7009.
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In the news . . . (Sept/Oct. 2007)
Ahh Fall!
Cool mornings, warm evenings
internet photo
North Dakota is about one of the most beautiful places to be, especially when Autumn rolls around. The landscape is filled with low, billowing hills traced with tree rows scattered throughout the scene. The smell of harvest whisps on the wings of the wind and the chill reminds you that you're alive.
The days are shorter now, with dark setting in before supper is on the table. But we sacrific one fortune for another here in this great state. Our fall prepares us for winter, of which is about as bitter as old ale, but our breath is taken away - everytime - at the wonder, and magic of the Northern Lights. Let's not forget to mention our other fortune, the twinklings of millions upon millions of stars that are not bashful to show them selves in our quiet, dark skies.
The oncome of winter, the -30 degree and sometimes colder temps, the shrill wind and the blustery snow might bring a tinge of dread, but hold fast! for Winter is truly a blessing. It cleanses the Earth so that it may take on new life in the Spring. And winter makes us appreciate our warmer months! Oh, to be a North Dakotan! The home that everyone should know!
Halloween Warm-up
We are Calling
all ghouls and goblins
To warm up your toes
and even your nose.
Give your belly a fill
of what it will.
Cookies, warm cider,
nothing could be finer.
Tricks or Treats?
You'll just have to see!
Main Street Cafe'
You know the way!
October 31st at dusk,
seeking this out is simply a MUST!
Happy Hauntings!!
Brought to you by
Fessenden Civic & Commerce
Bringing good things to you!
In the News . . .
(August 2007)
It's raining, it's pouring . . .
4-6 inches in hours
Kayaking in the ditches of Hwy. 52? Who would have guessed. But it's true. After 4-6 inches of rain fell in a matter of hours on Friday, Aug. 3, it didn't take long before conditions were favorable for kayaking in near whitewater fashion.
The above kayaker, Dean Knodel, was paddling along near his home south of Fessenden, as was Brook Hagemeister, below.
The ditches in this area retained so much water that it became the public swim hole.
The rain came so quickly that roads were washed out, and flood conditions were high. Unfortunately for farmers in this area, their ready-to-harvest crops will have to wait until the fields are dry enough to get the combines in again. But with regular rainfall in this area, this is proving to be a difficult task.
All the above photos were submitted bylocal photographer
Jennifer Hagemeister, copyright @ 2007.
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In the news . . . (July 2007)
THE WELLS COUNTY FAIR
100 Years of not just good, but GREAT!!
Chariot races filled the grandstands on Sunday. These horses were raring to run and the well-trained riders working the reins put on a grand show.
Always a favorite, the Bull-A-Rama was a full-house. The entire grandstand was packed, as well as all the bleachers and in front of the grandstands in the grass and more were standing in the entrance way. INCREDIABLE!
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In the news . . . (June 07)
Unofficial reports - but the rain gauge said . . .
2-1/2 Inches in just a HALF HOUR!!!
Storm pictures just outside of Fessenden.
No holey buckets here, we got the full splash - all in a matter of about a half hour, was the unofficial report of the rain burst that drenched Fessenden a little after 6 p.m. on June 12.
The storm threatened the area all afternoon with its cloud-covered skies, deep in colors of blue and black. Just after 4 p.m. the wind kicked up, whispering promises of what lie ahead. During the 5 o'clock hour, the clouds spit a few drops, but nothing like what fell during the 6 o'clock hour.
All at once the skies opened up and let the water rush down, making visibility difficult. Windshield wipers at full speed couldn't keep up with the demand. A meer run from the car to the house, or otherwise, left clothing wringing wet. City streets were temporarily flooded - clear up to the tops of the curbs!!
But rain never hurt anyone, right? True. But this heavy, fast rain did hurt something. . . the Fessenden Auditorium's roof caved in. The building, located on Main Ave., had been in a dilapitated state prior to the rains; but the roof had been in tact, as well as the walls prior ~ but the pooling water was too heavy and too much for the building to withstand. Locals at T-Bones restaurant, just two buildings away to the north, said they heard the loud crash sound of the roof falling in, but figured it was just thunder.
The building, as of June 13, has been condemned by City officials.
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In the news . . . (May 07)
The Grandstand fundraiser a BLAST
Members of the Wells County Grandstand Restoration committee have reason to be so celebrate after a successful, fun-filled fundraiser event. Pictured from left, back row, Eileen Clough, David Clough, Pam Held, Lowell Anderson, Dennis Kanwischer. Front row, Jennifer Hagemeister, Janice Kanwischer, Marge Anderson, Amy Lamm, Donna Eichele. PHOTO by Jennifer Hagemeister.
The Wells County Grandstand Restoration committee rocked around the clock to put together the hit 'Blast to the Past' 50s party held at the Eagles Club, Harvey, April 27.
Some guests arrived in their rumbling 1950s pickups and cars, and headed into the 'Sock Hop' dressed in the latest fashions of poodle skirts, bobby socks, saddle shoes, and scarves for the KITTENS, and blue-jeans, rolled-sleeve (cigerette pack enclosed) white t-shirt, or button-up white shirts with collar pulled up in the back, black suede shoes and VO5 duck-butt hairdos for the CATS.
The Eagles was transformed to an old-fashion 50s diner, decorated with old-time records, posters, life-sized standees of Elvis and others, center-pieces resembling milk shakes and ice cream cones and the classic jukebox rang out songs of ol'.
"We had a fantastic time. It was so fun to see those who dressed up, it just really made the theme," said committee member Amy Lamm. "This event went over very well!"
And go over it did. The Grandstand Committee brought in over $5,500. Their free-will supper of hamburgers, coke-floats, chocolate malts, french fries and onion rings, was a success, as well as the auction, 50/50 raffle and pie sales.
"We even had prizes for a hola-hoop contest, best-dressed contest and others. This event was put together by an awesome team. We thank everyone for their support, because without all of you, this fundraiser would not have come to fruition!" said Lamm.
Committee members are David Clough, Amy Lamm, Janice Kanwischer, Carol Beck, Norman Rudel, Marge Anderson, Pam Held and Jennifer Hagemeister.
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In the news . . . (Mar/Apr 07)
It's SPRINGTIME!
And that means SUN, THAWING, PUDDLES and yes, MUD!
April is the month of rainshowers, so MUD will be in our vocabulary's for a little longer.
Farmers will be, or already have, started their springs work. Getting their tractors in order, their crops in line and their seed located is the ritual most farmers partake in once the snow is mostly or no-longer present on the land.
Soon we can expect to see tractors pulling seeders out into the fields, getting the planting off to a good start. The prediction is, according to the 'Weather Man' who presented at the Eagles Club in Harvey March 22, the summer is going to be HOT and DRY!
So the farmers who get an early start should have crops heading out during the hot spell, which for the most part is what is needed, as long as there is a little moisture put in the mix.
Mother Nature: Please be good to our farmers this year! |
