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Society news and notes

Three compete to become Miss Rodeo North Dakota

Three contestants are vying to serve as ambassadors for the state and sport of rodeo during the Miss Rodeo North Dakota Pageant to be held Oct. 10-13 in Minot. The pageant, in its 59th year, is being held in conjunction with the Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo, a championship for contestants from North Dakota and South Dakota competing in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association.

Candidates for the title of Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2014 are Miss Rodeo Ashley Deann Berntson, 20, Fargo; Miss Rodeo Mandan Codi Miller, 20, Amidon; and Miss Rodeo N.D. Winter Show Sarah Hass, 23, Valley City.

A panel of three judges will evaluate contestants in categories of horsemanship, personality and appearance during a number of activities during the course of the four-day pageant.

A brunch featuring contestant introductory speeches, impromptu questions, modeling and public interviews will be held Friday, Oct. 11, at 9 a.m. at the Grand Hotel. Admission is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Contestants will present speeches about North Dakota and will answer more impromptu questions at a pageant luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 12, at 11 a.m. at the Grand. Admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Register by Oct. 4 to receive the discounted admission rates by contacting Miss Rodeo North Dakota Pageant Association board member Jane Hammer, e-mail jane.hammer@vcsu.edu or phone 840-1880.

The horsemanship competition will be held Friday, Oct. 11, at 2:30 p.m. at the All Seasons Arena. The activity is free and open to the public. Contestants will also participate in the rodeo nightly at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 13, at 2 p.m. at the All Seasons Arena. For rodeo ticket information, visit (minotysmensrodeo.com) or call 852-5577.

The winner will be crowned before the Oct. 13 rodeo performance by Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2013 Krystal Carlascio of Jamestown. Carlascio will represent the state at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant held during the Wrangler Nationals Finals Rodeo in December in Las Vegas.

Among the many prizes awarded to Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2014 are a trophy saddle sponsored by First Community Credit Union and Northern Plains Steel; a trophy buckle sponsored by Milt’s Building Supply, Elgin; a jacket from Hensen’s Fur and Leather, Minot, and autograph sheets and print material by Image Printing, Bismarck. Other major sponsors include Nuverra/Power Fuels, Grand Hotel and the Minot Y’s Men Rodeo.

For more information, visit (missrodeond.org).

Minot State prepares to host ‘Great Plains Symposium’ in Oct.

To commemorate Minot State University’s Centennial Celebration, “Great Plains Symposium” will feature MSU’s legacy, place and vision Oct. 11-12 with speakers, presentations and performances. This event, co-sponsored by the North Dakota Humanities Council and the MSU Board of Regents, is on MSU’s campus.

“Minot State University would like to invite the community to attend the Great Plains Symposium Oct. 11-12. The symposium is open to all and features topics on MSU’s Centennial history, Great Plains immigrants and the region’s future,” said Warren Gamas, symposium co-chair. “Author Ian Frazier will present the keynote address Oct. 11 on issues related to his book, ‘Great Plains.’ His book is a provocative and fascinating study that does not hold back in its discussions of the many issues and challenges that are unique to our region.”

Frazier, an American writer and humorist, is best known for his 1989 non-fiction history “Great Plains,” his acclaimed 2010 best-selling opus “Travels in Siberia,” and as a writer and humorist for The New Yorker.

The symposium schedule features the following historical presentations:

“The North Dakota Experience” by D. Jerome Tweton, Chester Fritz distinguished professor emeritus of history, University of North Dakota.

“State Normal Schools and the Expansion of Educational Opportunity: Minot State’s Origins in a National Context” by Christine Ogren, associate professor of education policy and leadership studies, University of Iowa.

“Standing on ‘One Leg’: Immigrants on the Great Plains” by Raymond Screws, historian.

“When Dreams Come True: A Centennial History of Minot State University, 1913-2013” by Jonathan Wagner, professor emeritus of history, MSU, and Mark Timbrook, adjunct instructor of history, MSU.

“Digital Minot Project” by Bethany Andreasen, professor of history, MSU, and MSU history student interns. Andreasen and the student interns will present their research on the university’s history.

Two panel discussions will facilitate dialog. One discussion will look at North Dakota’s future. Another panel will feature MSU and the memories of retired MSU faculty and staff and alumni.

The Great Plains Symposium is free, though there is a minimal charge for Oct. 11 and 12 lunches. MSU students eat free.

To register or learn more, visit (minotstateu.edu). The registration deadline is Oct. 4.

Society news and notes

MHS’s Borud selected by national society

Troy Borud, a student at Minot High School-Central Campus, was selected for membership in the National Society of High School Scholars.

The national organization recognizes superior academic achievement and honors students for leadership, scholarship and community commitment.

Free admission at grand opening

WASHBURN – The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Washburn will celebrate the grand opening of its 9,000-square-foot expansion with free admission at the Center and Fort Mandan Saturday and Sunday.

North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, foundation president David Borlaug and Dakota Institute director Clay Jenkinson will be among dignitaries speaking at a formal dedication program Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Center’s new Wayne and Bernice Stroup Event Center. The afternoon will feature live music, food and interpretive programs at Fort Mandan, both Saturday and Sunday. Chuck Suchy performs Saturday at 3 p.m. and bluegrass group Cotton Wood is playing Sunday at 3 p.m. The Interpretive Center’s expansion includes a new library, which will showcase the recently acquired Patrick Gass journal edition, from 1807. It’s the first printed account of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. The new Erickson Gallery, featuring the original art of Bismarck’s Vern Erickson, is also included in the expansion.

“Our open house is a great opportunity for everyone to come see our new galleries, which have been enjoyed by visitors from around the world this past summer,” says Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation president David Borlaug.

Brothers Smoked BBQ will be available at Fort Mandan both days. Both facilities are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors should bring lawn chairs for the afternoon of musical entertainment. For more information, go to (FortMandan.com) or call 877-462-8535.

Minot Camera Club active again

Many members of the Minot Camera Club participated in the photography competition at the North Dakota State Fair, with club president Richard Debertin coming home with the “Best of Show” for a photo he took on the midway at the North Dakota State Fair the year before.

Another summer project was the second annual Photo Scavenger Hunt headed up by Ellen Fenner of Minot, with a good turnout and lots of creative photos taken. The team with Shelly Adams won for the quickest time, and the Arvid and LaVonne Carlson team took home top honors.

This month’s competition was “graffiti” with judge Ryan Stander from Minot State University. Taking first place in the color division was Johnnie Gorthy of Minot with his photograph called “Back in the Day.” Monochrome winner was LaVonne Carlson of Minot with her shot entitled “Wheezy Dragon.” LaVonne also captured first in the new “Artistic” division with her rendition of “Beethoven Perhaps.” Other members having photos that placed were Richard Debertin of Berthold, and Betty Nordstrom, Arvid Carlson, Judy Valgren and Steve Silseth, all of Minot.

The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, in the lower meeting room at the Minot Public Library, with a program about the “Exposure Triangle.”

Society news and notes

Minot’s Hauf receives honor

from Loyal Order of Moose

Michael Hauf, Minot, a member of Minot Moose Lodge No. 822, Loyal Order of Moose, was honored with the Pilgrim Degree of Merit, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a Moose member.

A conferral was held in Mooseheart, Ill., on May 25.

Hauf will receive a ceremonial gold blazer on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 4 p.m. at the Minot Moose Lodge, 400-9th St. SW.

Eighth annual ‘Tip A Cop’ event set for Sept. 24-25

“Serve and Protect” takes on a new meaning as Law Enforcement Torch Run volunteers donate their time to serve delicious food at Applebee’s restaurants, all for a great cause.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics will conduct the 8th annual statewide “Tip A Cop” event at all Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bars Sept. 24-25 from 5 to 9 p.m. Local law enforcement personnel in Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot and Williston will be working dinner shifts collecting “tips” to help Special Olympics provide programs to children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

“The partnership of Applebee’s, law enforcement and Special Olympics creates a dynamic trio of common attitudes and purposes. The end result will provide children and adults with intellectual disabilities a platform where they can exceed their personal bests, where they can participate with determination and pride and, feel the acceptance and respect of society in general,” says Kathleen Meagher, president and CEO of Special Olympics North Dakota.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run program is the largest grass-roots public awareness and fundraising program for Special Olympics throughout the world. The torch, which is “the Flame of Hope,” is a part of all Special Olympics ceremonies, symbolizing the unlimited potential of the human spirit.

Special Olympics North Dakota provides year-round programs of sports training, athletic competition and healthy athlete initiatives for 1,400 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in North Dakota.

Preliminary pageant to be held Oct. 19 in Williston

WILLISTON – A preliminary competition for the Miss North Dakota Scholarship Pageant will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Old Armory in Williston. Plans are to award the titles of Miss Williston, Miss Williams County and Miss Upper Missouri Valley. Winners will receive a $300 cash scholarship and other prizes and will compete for the title of Miss North Dakota in June of 2014. The winner of Miss ND will compete for the title of Miss America. The Miss America Pageant system is the largest provider of scholarships for women in the world.

All Miss titles are open so to be eligible, participants must live in or go to school anywhere in N.D. Miss contestants can be a senior in high school through age 24.

In addition to the Miss titles, plans are to award three Outstanding Teen titles for participants in Grades 7-11. Outstanding Teen winners receive prizes and scholarships and will compete for Miss ND’s Outstanding Teen in June of 2014. A Princess Program for Grades 1-3 and 4-6 will be introduced this year. Participants will perform talent and model sportswear and party dress. The number of participants in the Princess Program is limited and all participants receive a title. There is no judging on the Princess Program level.

For entry forms, email willistonpageant@hotmail.com. There is a $75 sponsor fee to participate on the Miss, Outstanding Teen and Princess Program levels. Deadline to register is Oct. 7. For more information, call Debbie at 770-2241 or Stephanie at 770-2459.

MSU Academic Hall of Fame honors Kim Baldridge

Minot State University announces the induction of Kim Baldridge, professor of theoretical chemistry at the University of Zurich, into its Academic Hall of Fame for 2013. The MSU Faculty Senate selects inductees from faculty and community nominations to represent a range of outstanding career achievements by MSU alumni.

Baldridge will be honored at a banquet Sept. 29, beginning with a social at 5 p.m. and dinner at 5:30 p.m. The banquet will be in the Conference Center, in the Student Center, third floor. Community members as well as MSU students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend. Faculty are encouraged to sponsor students from their departments so they may interact with accomplished professionals who began their careers at Minot State.

A Minot native, Baldridge attended Minot State, graduating with majors in chemistry and mathematics in 1982. She holds a master’s degree in mathematics and a doctorate in theoretical chemistry from North Dakota State University. She also completed post-doctoral work in theoretical chemistry at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn. In addition to being a faculty member, Baldridge is founder and director of the Grid Computing Competence Center, which fosters research, education, infrastructure and usage of distributed computing at UZM. She is a prolific scientist, who has authored or co-authored 161 peer-reviewed articles, two books and 17 book chapters, mostly in the field of computational chemistry. She will speak at the banquet about her start at MSU and the opportunities she has had along her career path.

Banquet tickets are $27 for adults and $20 for students. Tickets may be obtained by contacting Amy Woodbeck, professional and community education coordinator, at 858-3989 or amy.woodbeck@minotstateu.edu. Parking is available on the Student Center’s east side.

Society news and notes

SJCHF?grants available for projects

The deadline for letters of intent for grants from St. Joseph’s Community Health Foundation is set for Oct. 15.

St. Joseph’s Community Health Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) public charity community foundation formed in June of 1998. The foundation has awarded more than $4 million in grants to organizations for many worthwhile projects to assist with programs that address quality of life issues in their communities.

This year, $450,000 in grant funds are available to organizations for projects and initiatives that address the mental, physical, emotional and/or spiritual needs of residents in the counties of Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, McLean, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville, Rolette, Sheridan, Ward and Wells.

Forms are available online at (communityhealthfoundationnd.com), by contacting Shelly Weppler, executive director, at St. Joseph’s Community Health Foundation, 308-2nd Ave. SW, Minot, ND 58701, by calling 837-1726 or by emailing sjchf@minot.com.

Barbecue kickoff for United Way campaign

The Souris Valley United Way’s 2013 campaign will begin Tuesday with Enbridge hosting a barbecue at the Arrowhead Shopping Center parking lot from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The barbecue costs $5. Burgers, hot dogs, beans, chips and soda pop will be served. All of the money raised will go to Souris Valley United Way 2013 campaign.

The organization hopes to raise $775,000 with this year’s campaign. Souris Valley United Way seeks local partnerships which will help people in the community with school readiness and youth leadership, provide emergency assistance to those in need, promote physical and emotional wellness, and provide supplemental nutrition programs.

To learn more about the campaign and the Souris Valley United Way visit their website at

(svunitedway.com).

DC-B ranks among national leaders

Dakota College at Bottineau was ranked 27th out of 700 community colleges in Washington Monthly’s 2013 ranking of U.S. community colleges, according to a press release issued by the two-year college.

Among the factors used to calculate the rankings were active and collaborative learning, student-faculty interactions, support for learners, academic challenge, retention/graduation rates and ratio of degrees awarded. According to the Washington Monthly, the best community colleges have deeply ingrained cultures of academic achievement and make outstanding contributions to the public good.

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