Burke County Tribune

COLUMBUS FIRE DEPT.
BY TERESA ROERING

A couple of years ago the department added two new brush trucks, and this new truck is a compliment to those.
There are approximately 20 firemen who make up the department of volunteers.

Scott Kihle, fire chief for 20 plus years, stated that the new truck means the community has a more reliable truck, which is completely brand new and doesn’t run the risk of breaking down like older equipment.

The department is always looking for more volunteers, and any interested parties can attend a firemen’s meeting, which are held every third Monday of the month at 8 p.m. at the Columbus Fire Hall.

The fire department is also going to host an open house for the community so everyone can see their new equipment. This will be sometime in June/July.

VIDEO & AUDIO
BY TERESA ROERING

The owners, Wayne and Gina Footh, both have backgrounds in writing, recording, editing, graphic design, music performance, camera work, production, sound engineering and outreach ministries.

They were inspired to tell a different side of the story from a local perspective after watching the documentary “Crude Independence.”

“There are many great stories in our communities that not only tell of how the oil boom has impacted the local lives, but are examples of encouragement, inspiration, and spiritual awakenings,” Gina commented.

Currently, Lostwood Media is working on their next movie, “Second Time Around,” starring talented actors from Powers Lake, many of whom were in their first movie.
“Second Time Around” is a series they are working on called the “Dakota Series.”

They have recently wrapped up a documentary movie, “Remember” about the Blue Jay football team’s recent season. Proceeds from that documentary will go to support the football team.

The cost of their services will sometimes depend on the project but do run around $65/hour.

If you would like to contact Lostwood Media, you can reach them at 701-629-0142, or on the web at www.lostwoodmedia.com.

BY STEVE ANDRIST

PHONE HOME

Survey says! Nine out of ten moms prefer a phone call on Mother’s Day.
Prefer a phone call as opposed to what? Prefer a phone call over a personal visit?

“Hey, Mom, just called to let you know that I’m going to be coming home for Mother’s Day.”
“Oh, well that would be nice dear but a phone call is more than enough. I mean with the shape of the economy and the sequester and all, maybe it would be more fiscally responsible for you to just call.”

“Uh...you don’t want me to come see you for Mother’s Day?”
“No, that’s not what I’m saying at all dear. I just don’t want to be a bother and you were just here 29 months ago for a lovely visit and I just got this new phone and you sound so nice so far away.”

Not wanting to disappoint my mom I got her exactly what nine out of ten moms prefer and added one more call to the bustling Mother’s Day phone lines.

The telephone call volume on Mother’s Day is higher than any other day of the year. All those Mother’s Day wishes zooming around the planet, just imagine the variety of conversations going on between moms and their children.

Once the salutatory, “Happy Mother’s Day” is out of the way, it would be interesting to hear how many different directions the conversations splinter into. The weather, current events, bunions, spear hunting, bingo, incontinence, bikini wax…the topics are limitless I’m sure.

What you talked about isn’t all that important. It’s the simple act of communicating with someone near and dear to you that is important. Taking the time to fill each other in on the goings on in your everyday lives. Everyday lives that were closely entwined under one roof for at least the first 18 years of your life.

Generally during that time frame we’re busy growing up and Mom is busy working, washing, cooking, and cleaning, so the majority of conversations are you being talked at by an overwhelmed and underappreciated Mom.

When I complain to my mom about something the kids have done to irritate me, she just smiles and gives me that, “serves you right moron” look.

I would describe my childhood as idyllic and my mom as a sort of entertainment director and ringmaster of the entire four ring circus. She is a humorous, witty, creative, patient person who somehow managed to fight off the urge to smother me and my brothers with a pillow in our sleep. My sister would have cheered her on.

We were grade “A” knuckle heads…okay…are grade “A” knuckle heads that won the mom lottery. Despite our never-ending dimwittedness and blatant disregard for sensible normal behavior Mom rarely lost her temper with us. When someone rarely loses their temper it’s always startling when they do.

I can still see Mom’s angry face inches from mine, speaking through tightly clenched teeth in an attempt to keep everyone in the Ben Franklin Store in Stanley from hearing her curse at the boy who has just rammed the grocery cart into the back of her heals for the 17th time.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. I love you and am thankful to have you in my life each and every day. You done good. Thanks for taking my call Sunday.