Vol. 1 Issue 50 | FREE
BAKKEN WEEKLY EDITION
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Your Voice. Your Community. Tell Your Story.
NDLA honors Glenn Perkins Educational Foundation as 2024 Major Benefactor of the Year WILLISTON GRAPHIC STAFF news@vocella.com
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ibraries are community pillars, offering education, connection and inspiration to people of all ages. While librarians often receive well-deserved recognition for their dedication, it’s important to also celebrate those who support libraries from outside the profession. This year, the North Dakota Library Association proudly named the Glenn Perkins Educational Foundation as the 2024 Major Benefactor of the Year at its annual conference, held on Oct. 3 in Bismarck. Glenn Perkins, a modest and frugal farmer from Ray, N.D., was a frequent visitor to his local library, where he would read the newspaper daily. Known for his humility, Perkins refused to allow his foundation to make substantial donations to libraries during his lifetime, as he didn’t want any recognition for his generosity. His passion for education and libraries, however, was undeniable. Perkins quietly set up a plan to ensure that libraries in Williston, Burke, Divide, Williams and Mountrail Counties would receive long-term support after his passing. The Glenn Perkins Educational Foundation has since become a crucial benefactor for numerous public and school libraries in North Dakota. Its contributions have helped fund essential projects, improve ser-
ANDREA PLACHER, PRESIDENT-ELECT OF NDLA PRESENTS AMY WELLS WITH FIRST STATE BANK & TRUST THE AWARD ON BEHALF OF THE GLENN PERKINS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION. | NDLA FACEBOOK PAGE. vices and expand resources, ensuring that libraries continue to thrive and serve their communities. This foundation has enabled both rural and urban libraries to grow and innovate, benefiting countless students and
readers of all ages. Nomination letters submitted for the award highlight the foundation’s far-reaching impact. These testimonials show the gratitude felt by library leaders for the
foundation’s ongoing support. "The Foundation’s belief in our project and our vision for the Children’s Library was a significant factor in attracting others to contribute," one library director wrote. Another added that the Foundation has proven time and time again and that it advocates for the children and the libraries. The NDLA’s Major Benefactor of the Year award is presented annually to individuals or organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to the development and sustainability of libraries in North Dakota. The Glenn Perkins Educational Foundation’s commitment to libraries embodies the spirit of this award, ensuring that Perkins’ legacy of community support continues for generations. Accepting the award on behalf of the foundation was Amy Wells from First State Bank & Trust, who was joined by NDLA President-Elect Andrea Placher. The recognition ceremony served as a reminder of the difference that benefactors like the Glenn Perkins Educational Foundation can make, not only through financial support but also by inspiring others to invest in the future of libraries. NDLA extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Glenn Perkins Educational Foundation for its generosity and commitment to North Dakota libraries. Thanks to benefactors like Perkins, the vital role of libraries will endure for years to come. For more information about NDLA visit their facebook page, North Dakota Library Association.
Pedestrian seriously injured in Williston City Commission Williston Walmart parking lot tackles zoning, infrastructure crash and public safety SARAH WILSON-BODA swilson@vocella.com
WILLISTON GRAPHIC STAFF news@vocella.com
WILLISTON – A pedestrian was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle in the Walmart parking lot in Williston on Saturday afternoon, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol. The incident occurred around 4:31 p.m. on Oct. 12, when a 2019 Ford F350, driven by 34-year-old Ryan Sonn of Williston, was traveling southbound through the parking lot. As Coleetta Roth, 68, also of Williston, exited the store and walked toward her vehicle, the truck hit her. Roth sustained serious injuries and was transported to CHI St. Alexius Hospital by ambulance. Sonn was uninjured in the in-
WILLISTON – The Williston Board of City Commissioners met on Oct. 8 to address a broad range of issues, including infrastructure improvements, zoning changes and preparations for upcoming community events. The meeting, which saw both in-person and virtual attendance, led to the approval of several key measures aimed at supporting growth and public safety in the city. The session began with the unanimous approval of the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the Sept. 24 meeting, along with accounts, claims and bills dated from Sept. 19 to Oct. 2. Street clo-
cident. The crash, described as a front-end collision, occurred under clear weather conditions and on a dry road surface. The North Dakota Highway Patrol, along with the Williston Police Department, Fire Department and ambulance, responded to the scene. The crash remains under investigation
sures were approved for upcoming events, including the Fire Prevention Week Parade, the Veteran’s Day Flag Raising and the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. Commissioners then turned their attention to infrastructure enhancements. A range of special assessments was approved to fund essential improvements across Williston. This included the Appletop Drainage Project, which aims to alleviate flooding near Lewis & Clark School through street grade modifications and new storm drainage installations. Although the assessments were slightly higher than anticipated, they were considered necessary for effective flood prevention. The Annual Sidewalk Improvement Program, a voluntary opt-in program for residents, was also approved CONTINUED PAGE 4