Every year since firefighting began in North Dakota the NDFA has held its convention in a different community around the state. This year it is Devils Lake’s turn to host the 300 to 350 firefighters who normally attend this special gathering. Many of them will bring their spouses with them, as well, temporarily increasing the population of the area considerably.

Community Connect expands what it offers and how it can help first responders as they respond to emergencies and provide information for those who are signed up.

Molly Johnson is Devils Lake’s most recent Unsung Hero. Molly grew up in Devils Lake and was the youngest of David & Agnes “Toots” Crouch’s eight children. Volunteering was introduced to Molly at a young age. “My dad was very active in the Devils Lake community,” stated Johnson. “I can remember he was the President of the Eagles Club in town and was always busy helping at the club. He was very humble and just went about quietly volunteering and giving back.” He was so humble that at his funeral, Johnson found out something she didn’t know about her dad. Johnson said, “Sid Paulson did the eulogy and he said my dad was instrumental in getting the Devils Lake Volunteer Fire Department Ice Fishing tournament off the ground!” Johnson said that she didn’t know this and was filled with pride when she found out! The DLVFD Ice Fishing tournament has turned into one of the biggest fundraisers in Devils Lake.

Molly Johnson is Devils Lake’s most recent Unsung Hero. Molly grew up in Devils Lake and was the youngest of David & Agnes “Toots” Crouch’s eight children. Volunteering was introduced to Molly at a young age. “My dad was very active in the Devils Lake community,” stated Johnson. “I can remember he was the President of the Eagles Club in town and was always busy helping at the club. He was very humble and just went about quietly volunteering and giving back.” He was so humble that at his funeral, Johnson found out something she didn’t know about her dad. Johnson said, “Sid Paulson did the eulogy and he said my dad was instrumental in getting the Devils Lake Volunteer Fire Department Ice Fishing tournament off the ground!” Johnson said that she didn’t know this and was filled with pride when she found out! The DLVFD Ice Fishing tournament has turned into one of the biggest fundraisers in Devils Lake.

The Sixth grade class of Oberon Public School took First place at the Dakota Language Challenge on April 10, 2024, at the Four Winds school in Fort Totten, ND.

By now most White traders learned how to read and write but, also the local Government officials and white settlers. Ten years after the 1851 Treaties were signed the Dakota people discovered they were cheated. They sold all their land in Minnesota for eight cents an acre. In the fall of 1862 the Dakota in a fit of frustration attacked and killed 400 or more settlers and soldiers. Depoulating a vast area in Minnesota. While this event at face value seemed to end the Dakota Bible project, it was a God-send as all the prisoners in prison camps in Davenport, Iowa and Fort Snelling were offered the chance to occupy their idle hours by learning to read and write. With Reverend Dr. Williamson (Pezutawicasta) and Rev. Riggs (Tamakoce) present, they were able to read the Bible and other Christian material. They led to the big Dakota religious revival, When the prison doors were opened in 1865 the Dakota began to start churches. This led to having hymn books printed and native pastors installed. Today the Presbyterian, Congregational, Episcopal and Catholic Churches are continuing the language as well as the education systems that formerly suppressed the Dakota culture are now embracing it. What happened to the Missionaries? The Pond brothers went to Bloomington, MN to administer to the white settlers, the Reverends Williamson and Riggs continued on with their families to administer to the Dakota. Their lives are another chapter in Dakota history.

It’s spring which means the weather will be warmer, the skies clearer, and it’ll be better to do more traveling by vehicle. While this winter wasn’t the worst, we still got days of extreme cold, snow, and ice that we had to drive through. It might be time to get your car checked if you haven’t already. We spoke to a representative at Devils Lake Cars who gave us some advice on you can prepare and take care of your car in springtime.

It’s that time again… time for the LRPL’s Semi-Annual Book Sale!

We have been hearing about Christian Nationalism for some time. We may hear comments about Christian Nationalism more during this election cycle. It is vitally important to point out that the U.S. was not founded as a Christian nation, but a secular nation providing the freedom to choose to be religious or not and equally free to choose what religion everyone chooses for themselves. Some of the founding fathers were indeed Christian and others were not particularly religious.