Scoping It Out

Our thoughts and prayers go out to folks throughout the country who have been affected by the Hurricane Ike.

Chicago picked up a record 6 plus inches for the day leading to major flooding in the large city.

In addition many towns in Illinois paid the price with constant rain.

Reports from as far away as Cincinnati, Ohio, indicated high winds up to 75 miles per hour and power outages that could last up to four days.

Not good.

We can only hope things will improve on the weather front and folks can get their lives back together.

If you have any stories to share let us know.

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.

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.