Scoping It Out

Celeste Krenz

After two beautiful days in Harmon Park the 2nd annual Williston Chokecherry Festival is in the books.

Early indicators point to a huge success, as the added opening night saw more than 600 guests being served up free hamburgers courtesy of Nemont.

Williston native Celeste Krenz was back home from Nashville and performed a concert in the all new Virgil Syverson Performance Center.

American State Bank & Trust employees were on hand to dish up some vanilla ice cream and 17 gallons later, topped with more than 3 gallons of chokecherry syrup, this proved to be a big hit.

Saturday morning began with a pancake feed provided by Mercy Medical Center and of course, chokecherry syrup.

This event was well attended once again with the Williston Korner Lions handling the cooking and serving duties.

NEMONT SERVES UP GREAT BURGERS

Nemont employees were on hand to provide free hamburgers and fun, while American State Bank & Trust Co. employees served up free ice cream topped with chokecherry syrup.

The “Chokecherry Kids” did a great job once again, with 9 of the original 12 on hand to take part all the fun and games.

CAMP LIBERTY PROVES TO BE A BIG HIT

This year Camp Liberty added a new twist, with more than 300 area youngsters taking part in the fun family activities that were offered.

A free pancake breakfast offered another chance to sample chokecherry syrup, compliments of Mercy Medical Center.

SELBY SERVES AS GRAND MARSHAL

Nancy Selby, who was the teacher who guided these bright minds, was selected to serve as Grand Marshal for the 2nd annual festivities.

While the numbers to the parade continue to grow, this year the participants had a great time.

In addition, a 5K Run, 5K Walk and a 1 Mile Kids Run attracted more than 70 entries.

DR. LOYE ASHTON RAN THE ‘CHOKECHERRY EXPRESS’

Special thanks to out to Dr. Loye Ashton as he served as engineer of the “Chokecherry Express” for some four hours as he made hundreds of youngsters happy by providing train rides throughout the park.

Dr. Ashton, who is a train fanatic, loves to drive the train and he offers a collection of trains at the Hedderichs Store in downtown Williston.

Retired Navy Capt. Terry Irgens, former director, Medical Materiel Supply Chain, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, with DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Robert Dail. Photo by Thomas Wilkins.

Another Williston native is being honored on the national front as Capt. Terry R. Irgens, USN retired, finds himself in the Defense Logistics Agency Hall of Fame.

During a ceremony, held in Washington D.C., Capt. Irgens was touted for implementing medical supply efficiencies.

He was recognized for his extraordinary leadership and support as director of the Defense Supply Center.

A 1964 graduate of Williston High School, Capt. Irgens first entered the U.S. Navy in 1969 and retired with his rank of Captain in 1996.

Capt. Irgens followed in his father’s footsteps, as Jim ran the Irgens Rexall Drug for many years.

We send out a Scope Salute to Capt. Irgens on this honor.

HEDLUND FEATURED ON ‘SCOPING IT OUT’

Williston native Nicole Hedlund was featured on our Friday (Aug. 1) issue of “Scoping It Out” on 660 News Radio.

Hedlund, a 1988 graduate of Williston High School, owns her own business and works as a pastry chef in Louisville, Colo.

She has attracted the attention of the Food Network and will be featured among other Colorado products on the Tuesday (Aug. 5) broadcast at 8:30 p.m.

Hedlund operates a business that deals with favorite deserts and amazing wedding cakes.

Tune in Friday to find out who our guest will be.

PETER NYGAARD MOVES ON TO NDSU DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

We have learned long-time Williston resident Peter Nygaard has moved to the eastern part of the state and accepted a position with the North Dakota State University Development Foundation.

His new role will find him involved as the assistant director of development for major gifts at NDSU.

Nygaard spent many years farming and ranching in the Williston area.

Before making the move he worked to raise funds as the Foundation Director at Mercy Medical Center.

We wish him and his family the best in this new venture.

SIZZLIN’ SUMMER PARTY HELD AT FIRST LUTHERAN

Success is the best word to describe the annual Sizzlin’ Summer Party at First Lutheran Church in Williston.

Everyone had fun and good food during an evening where everyone devoured burgers, brats and hot dogs.

In addition, there was plenty of great music featured.

This has proved to be a great community outing and you don’t want to miss it next time around.

Virgil Syverson Performance Center

During the final regular season outdoor concert of the Williston City Band at the Virgil Syverson Performance Center Thursday (July 24) a special presentation was made.

It was announced veteran performer Floyd Semenko was considering hanging up his trombone after some 60 years of making music.

Semenko was honored by his peers with a plaque and a standing ovation for his many years of service.

Semenko, who graduated from Williston High School, played under the direction of Virgil Syverson, 91, who still conducts the City Band.

While Semenko announced his retirement, pointing to his horn giving out, he left the door open for a possible return to the band.

That sounds much like the position of Green Bay quarterback Brett Farve, who is creating quite a stir these days.

We send out congratulations and a Scope Salute to Semenko on his many years of making music.

Should he decide to come back you can bet his chair will be open.

Hey folks, if you haven’t had time to get out and enjoy some vacation time, your chance to enjoy the Medora Musical will have to wait until next season.

However, you still have time to travel only a couple hours south of here and enjoy a good time with a family in Medora with a special event honoring Theodore Roosevelt .

The good folks in Medora have even extended the season this year with activities to run through Saturday with Clay Jenkinson on hand to offer the life of TR.

The musical was fantastic, as always, and you can now look forward to next season.

The voice of Job Christensen was worth the price of admission and now you can hear him in Williston on Thursday along with Joel Gilbertson.

A trip sponsored by American State Bank & Trust Co. earlier this summer was held in conjunction with the Teddy Talent Trek winners who performed as the pre-show that evening.

Along with the music and great food, the Medora outing proved to be fun for all.

We know Ross Carpenter, who spends his time as a KEYZ radio personality, recently spent two days experiencing Medora for the first time and he was impressed.

Click on www.medora.com or call 1-800-MEDORA1 for further details.