It’s 5 a.m., and you are slowly awakened by gradual, loud, and then fading “ varooooms.” It’s July in North Dakota, and the spray planes are out in the stillness of the early morning to spray crops for area farmers. I am an early riser, so it really doesn’t bother me to be awakened so early. I usually grab my phone and catch up on Facebook or read the morning news. On one particular morning, as I was curled up in a chair with my coffee in hand and my puppy, Petey, on my lap, I started thinking about spray planes and what skill it takes for the art of aerial acrobatics to apply chemicals to the crops. Lazily, I started to google random things about planes on my phone, and I discovered that July 24 is “Amelia Earhart Day,” so I read about her and how she got started in flying in 1921. I began to wonder if there was any interesting history about aviation in Cavalier County, so I started looking in old newspapers to see what I could find. I was not disappointed.

Previously in Staying Hip with Halle, I wrote about the newest “Twisters” film and the movie’s lead actor that is stirring up a storm. I also happened to introduce readers to a strange new title used to describe some of the trendiest male actors, a phenomenon known as “rat boy summer.” You may have heard the phrase online or on tv with the phrase even recently making its way on the TODAY show with Hoda and Jenna. If you aren’t familiar with the title, don’t fear, I am here.

Hello from your friends at PNC! In honor of the Pembina County Fair last week, we decided to play some “fair” games. You may be wondering what exactly “fair” games are, so let me shed some light on the subject. Fair games are pretty much the exact same thing as carnival games. However, due to the fair being in town and not the carnival, I simply re-named the games to fair instead of carnival. Earth shattering, isn’t it? Anyways… When I think of the fair, lots of thoughts flood my mind. I think of the smell of the traditional fair food like mini donuts or foot long corn dogs. The fair is the only place where you can walk around with a ruler-sized hotdog that is covered in batter and deep-fried while being propped up on a giant stick, and nobody bats an eye. I think of the sounds of the rides with screaming and laughing kids strapped into seats on machines that can be taken down and put back up in a single afternoon. I can hear the taunting of the carnival workers harassing parents to let their children play just one game. They are guaranteed to win! The only problem is they fail to remind you that the stuffed animal your kid wins will cost you $50 at the fair and only $2 at your local store.

The library had 24 patrons come through the doors this past week. We are planning on doing a bracelet making class on Tuesday, July 30 at 3:00 p.m. We would like to invite kids ages 5 and up to participate. Snacks will be provided after the class.

Mental health treatment within the criminal justice system plays a pivotal, yet often overlooked, role in both the well-being and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals. This is often overlooked by the general population due to attitudes against the incarcerated and the lack of overall media attention. It is my belief that change needs to take place.

I saw the river of creamy liquid on our garage floor at the base of the freezer. I was on the way to retrieve something to thaw for dinner a few years ago.

We are in the dog days of summer and many gardens are on full display. Some North Dakotans long for this time of year as they spend their weekends at the lake, at rodeos or simply outside. Other North Dakotans are spending their time indoors, as they don’t like the heat and are looking forward to the cooler days that we will have in a couple of months. The cooler months bring us a second chance to grow some cool-season crops.

The mention of an inheritance may turn our thoughts toward property and possessions. While tangible stuff with a limited life-span would capture our attention with “striking it rich,” a family reunion has tweaked my thinking. I’ve been reminded that the greater riches are neither tangible nor unexpectedly acquired.

Celebrate the 125th Annual Deuce of August with a scenic morning run or walk Mountain, N.D. – As the 125th Annual Deuce of August Celebration approaches, the excitement continues to build for one of its standout events, the Life in The Vast Lane 5K.

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