Scoping It Out

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cousin Earl Gross as he goes through some major surgery early next week.

Cousin Earl and his wife Joyce have long been members of this community.

Cousin Earl is one of those guys who has been a part of family for a lot of folks with his likeable style on KEYZ 660 AM radio for a very long time.

We have had the pleasure of knowing Cousin Earl for more than 25 years and we wish him the best.

With a speedy recovery he will be back on the airwaves real soon.

At the same time our thoughts go out to the family of former Gov. Art Link.

Gov. Link passed away on Tuesday at the age of 96.

The Alexander native has ties to the area and he is known as a farmer from the western part of the state.

May he rest in peace.

With Memorial Day around the corner we encourage you to take time out and remember our fallen warriors.

Memorial Day was set aside for this purpose and we think it is most appropriate to do just that.

These veterans have gone above and beyond the call of duty and we must salute them for that.

A service locally is being planned to begin with the WHS City Band at 10:30 a.m., followed by the ceremony at 11 a.m. at Riverview Cemetery.

Erwin “Bud” Hanson of Crosby, a World War II Naval Aviator, will be the featured speaker.

We had the pleasure of delivering the address last year and that proved to be a big thrill.

Clayton Benth, a WWII veteran, will once again serve as the master of ceremonies.

If you are unable to attend, simply take some time from whatever you are doing to say thanks.

Without the sacrifice of so many we wouldn’t have the freedom to do what we like to do.

Sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day.

The Scope has been on the run, including a trip to northern Minnesota to take part in the 62nd annual Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener.

It sure was a great day and my old Navy buddy Jimmie Ness proved to be a good companion.

The host cities proved to be most gracious, while our host John at the Sunset Resort was fantastic.

Check back for more details.

With the 78th annual Williston Band Day now in the books one has to consider it a huge success.

Some 15 bands were on hand with the Bismarck Century Patriot Band serving as the Guest Band.

Former Williston Chief of Police Don Wentz was on hand to serve as Grand Marshal.

The Williston bands were impressive as well, along with several area entries and the Mossing School of Music from Regina, Saskatchewan on hand.

This impressive unit, under the guidance of Tom Fogderud, led the parade and put on a stunning performance at the Virgil Syverson Performance Center on Saturday afternoon.

Harmon Park was overflowing with family and vendors, along with some jumping castles for kids to have added fun.

The weatherman must have had a chat with Mother Nature as the day proved to be spectacular on the weather front.

But, that can’t be said for the day after.

Now planning begins for the 79th annual, with thoughts leaning toward the 80th celebration.

It should be noted that Col. Jon Larvick has been selected to serve as Grand Marshal in 2011.

The wheels are already turning, so come along for the ride.