DICKINSON — Working and living in this community was the pleasure of my life. It’s been endlessly rewarding to produce interesting stories about the fascinating people who live here, inform citizens about their governments and even see Gov. Burgum sign legislation as a result of some of my reporting. But, like the sitcom “Friends” or a bowl of marshmallow Fruity Pebbles, all good things eventually come to an end. So too will my time with The Dickinson Press this Friday. I’ll still be in North Dakota, but on the other side of the state working for an awesome marketing company in Fargo.

So if you’re someone who enjoys asking questions and taking pictures in a thrilling career, I recommend applying for my job. Office positions tend to offer a fun atmosphere. But in my experience few, if any, compare to The Dickinson Press. It’s a groovy place.

I feel remiss that I can’t recognize every noteworthy individual I’ve met on this journey, but I doubt my editor has room for a 10,000 word column.

Speaking of James, he’s been a wonderful friend and mentor. I’ll definitely miss him showing me funny TikTok videos at the end of a long news day. Josiah is by far the best photographer I’ve ever met, he even made me look good. He’s also a formidable racquetball opponent. Gaylon has some pretty rad stories about living all over the country, and writes approximately 87 articles per week. Manny is doing great things and I’m excited to see more stories from him. Joy is probably the sweetest boss I’ve ever had. I sincerely admire her commitment to her faith and enjoy her often unfiltered sense of humor. Kudos to our advertising ladies as well, I couldn’t have paid my rent without their hard work to keep this operation profitable.

Since my first week living here I’ve been struck by the livelihood of Dickinson’s Catholic parishes. My hometown also has a prominent Catholic presence, but that was largely residual. I don’t mean to knock Davenport, but the churches sort of felt like they were gradually dying off, with shuttering schools and a shortage of priests. With the Bismarck Diocese you feel the opposite. Bishop Kagan has staffed

Trinity

with two wonderful young priests. The

Handmaids

of the Heart of Jesus play an active role as well. This has almost certainly boosted vocations because students have the opportunity to develop authentic spiritual bonds with those closest to God.

This deep devotion to faith shines just as brightly with Protestant Christian pastors I’ve interviewed too, such as

Ron Dazell

and

Joel Prange.

They are men who take scripture very seriously, with a deep passion for spreading the word of God.

Additionally, there’s a Dickinson Catholic Young Adults

group

that meets once a month to hear a speaker, share some food and socialize over drinks. This has been instrumental in helping me to deepen my faith. Learning about the artistic beauty and rich history of the

Ukrainian Catholic Church

from Fr. Martin Naggy was another wonderful experience.

More broadly, people in this corner of the Roughrider State embody the spirit of American Exceptionalism through their ruggedness, dedication to traditional family values and unwavering generosity. When my car broke down recently some friends from church loaned me one of theirs for three weeks until I found a replacement.

On a fall Sunday last year after interviewing New England’s theater cast, I decided to find a new running trail somewhere in Slope County before returning home. No such public space seemed to exist so I parked at the open gate of a beautiful ranch, then ran and hiked a couple miles on cattle trails. Walking back exhausted, I saw a large red van approaching and mentally prepared to get yelled at by the landowner. Instead an old man rolled down his window, jovially commented on the scorching heat and handed me an ice cold bottle of water.

I’ve seen many GoFundMe campaigns quickly exceed fundraising goals. Few empty seats can be found at an Eagles Club charity dinner. I am continually mesmirized by those who dedicate countless hours to volunteerism, often with little recognition. Such robust civic engagement is what keeps the community thriving.

Last year I covered a

Constitution Day

ceremony at Dickinson Middle School. It was heartwarming to see a public school system that still prioritizes instilling patriotism and reverence to our Founding Fathers. Long live The Dickinson Press, Teddy Roosevelt, Blue 42 steak bites and America.

Godspeed to all. I will miss this place more than you know.

Jason O’Day is a University of Iowa graduate, with Bachelor’s Degrees in Journalism and Political Science. Before moving to Dickinson in September of 2021, he was a general news reporter at the Creston News Advertiser in southwest Iowa. He was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa. With a passion for the outdoors and his Catholic faith, he’s loving life on the Western Edge. His reporting focuses on Stark County government and surrounding rural communities.