Scoping It Out

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.

Since 1963 residents of Williston have had an opportunity to view the “Butterfly Bank.”

Butterfly bank demolished

Early Monday morning that unique structure, which served as a downtown drive-up station for American State Bank & Trust Co., met with the wrecking ball.

Bank officials indicated the facility, which was constructed in 1963, had served ASBT well but it was time to move on.

A modern facility was constructed in the rear parking lot of the downtown main branch and once that went into operation it was only a matter of time until the wings would be clipped.

We’ll tell you more about this exciting piece of architecture in a future post.