2 0 UNDER 4 0
P R O FILE 2018 | CELEB R AT E T H E BAS IN
Recognizing our finest
Williston Herald hosts the inaugural 20 under 40
Whether you call it the Bakken, the Wil-
liston Basin or any other name, one thing
is not up for debate — our area is one of
opportunity.
The 20 young professionals the Williston
Herald picked for our inaugural 20 Under
40 celebration personify the opportunities
available here. The oil and gas industry
is, of course, well-represented among the
group, but it is not alone. Williston’s first
City Administrator is being honored, as is
a Northwest District Court judge, the Wil-
liams County Sheriff, educators, health-
care professionals and many others.
We are lucky to live in an area where
there is the opportunity for so many young
professionals to make a difference, and
we’re lucky to live in a community where
Recipients will be honored at
the 20 Under 40 Banquet on
Friday, March 2, 2018
20 Under 40 Honorees
so many have chosen to take advantage of
that opportunity.
Our first crop of honorees are an out-
standing example of what Williston and
the rest of the region has to offer. People
who were born and raised here have joined
with newcomers and truly transformed
northwest North Dakota.
Our community is immeasurably richer
for their contributions. What’s more, the
future is truly bright as our honorees con-
tinue to make a difference in every aspect
of our community.
We hope you’ll join us in celebrating
our first 20 Under 40 honorees. We look
forward to many more years of celebrating
the achievement of young professionals in
our region.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
In addition to honoring the Williston Herald’s 20 Under 40, Friday
evening’s event is also a chance to celebrate the achievements of Lois
Reierson, the Herald’s Citizen of the Year.
Reierson, who was profiled earlier this week, has been deeply involved
in the Williston Lions, as well as working as Senior Health Insurance
Counselor.
Biographies written by: Elizabeth Hackenburg
Photos taken by: Lexi Anderson, Tangled Roots Photography
Victoria Arneson
MATH TEACHER AT BAKKEN ELEMENTARY
Age: 34
Family
She and her husband Terry
have five children - Austen,
19, Dillon, 14, Faith, 11, Ema-
leigh, 11, and Terrick, 9.
Hobbies
Traveling, reading, and
spending time with her
kids.
Community Involvement
Arneson volunteers at Eck-
ert youth homes, tutor stu-
dents who need extra help
with math, and she and her
Codi Austreim
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE WILLISTON
COYOTE FOUNDATION
Age: 39
Family
She and her husband Jaden
have twin 7-year-old daugh-
ters, Alex and Averi.
Hobbies
Sports, especially basketball
and volleyball, traveling,
spending time with friends.
Community Involvement
Williston Community
Builders board member,
helped create Williston
Friendly Faces in 2010,
Rheanda Axtman
MANAGER OF CARDIO PULMONARY AT ST.
ALEXIUS HEALTH IN WILLISTON, REGISTERED
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
Age: 28
Family
Axtman and her husband
Jake have a 2-year-old son,
Braxton.
Hobbies
Spending time with her son
and friends, bike riding,
sports, Bison athletics, and
traveling.
husband are licensed foster
parents. They are active in
New Hope Church as well.
Arneson is also a member
of ND United, a teachers’
union, and the Williston
Education Association.
Career Path
Arneson started working
as a teacher’s aide, then
got married, had twins and
stayed at home. She went
back to school and became
a sixth-grade grade teacher,
and went on to earn a mas-
ter’s degree in math from
Western Governor’s Uni-
versity before focusing her
which has since merged
with Williston Community
Builders, volunteers as a
coach at the ARC, coaches
her daughters’ traveling
basketball team.
Career Path
Austreim earned a master’s
degree in English com-
position from NDSU. She
taught at Williston High
School for six years, and
Williston State College for
three years. After the birth
of her daughters, Austre-
im stopped teaching and
began working for family
businesses. Once the girls
Community Involvement
Axtman is a member of the
Williston Park Board.
Career Path
Axtman ran track and
earned a degree in allied
science/respiratory care
from NDSU. After college,
she began working at CHI
St. Alexius Health Williston
as a respiratory therapist.
About her
“I was born and raised
in Williston, but I left for
college to go to NDSU. (Go
Bison!) I graduated in 2011
FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 | WILLISTON HERALD
teaching career on math.
About her
“I struggled a lot with
school, my teachers told my
parents I wouldn’t graduate
from high school because
(my grades) were very low,
but when I went to high
school my goal wasn’t to
be in education. After I
had my first son he was in
Head Start and I saw how
children can be helped at a
young age, and I decided to
go into teaching.
I like sixth-graders
because they’re sweet and
sour, it’s really a vital time
for them, especially in
math, to have someone take
the time to reach them and
help them.
started school, a position
opened up at the Coyote
Foundation.
About her
“The reason why I’m
involved in the community
is because on one hand I
want to make it a better
place for my two little girls,
but I also want to set an
example for them that it’s
our responsibility to help
and give back and make
a difference whenever we
can. Sometimes it’s a small
thing like going to clean
up a park on clean up day,
or it’s big things like the
Festival of Trees event. My
kids talk about volunteer-
ing, and helping people
who need help, and that’s
and moved back home to
Williston to work. In 2014 I
married Jake Axtman, who
is also from Williston, and
in 2015 we had our first
baby, Braxton.
Professionally, as a
respiratory therapist one of
my goals is to become an
asthma educator.”
Proud of
“Helping organize and run
the Jangs Gang golf tourna-
ment. The golf tournament
is in memory of my and
Logan’s older brother, Tyler
Jangula. One hundred per-
B1
My grandmother Beverlee
Hundley always told me to
get an education, because
no one can take it away. She
also inspired me to read.
We share a love of reading
and books and go through
at least 100 books a month
together. She is 86 and still
travels the world. She is an
amazing lady.
I also wouldn’t be able
to put as much passion,
energy and love into what
I do without my husband’s
support.”
Proud of
“My marriage, my faith
and my kids, and after that
would be my career and my
degrees.”
important to me… I think
they are probably my main
motivation in pretty much
everything I do.
I surround myself with
like-minded people, there
are so many people in the
community who feel like
I do, who just get the job
done, and don’t ask for
credit. They just step up and
fill that role.”
Proud of
“How Williston Commu-
nity Builders has grown
and fostered and nurtured
the Festival of Trees. It has
grown by leaps and bounds,
and has become what I
would say is one of the most
successful and fun events in
the community each year.”
cent of the profits go to the
Tyler Jangula Scholarship,
which is given to a NDSU
Bison football player.”
B2 WILLISTON HERALD | PROFILE 2018 | FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018
KEVIN BLACK
CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF CREED-
ENCE ENERGY SERVICES
Age: 29
Family
Black and his wife Kalli have
a daughter, Reagan, 2, and
son, Rawley, 7 months.
Hobbies
Golf in the summer, curling
in the winter, cheering on
the NDSU Bisons.
Community Involvement
Although Creedence Energy
Services operates out of
Williston, Black lives in Mi-
not. He is a member of the
Sunrise Rotary Club, Young
Professional Network and
Souris Basin Planning
Council. He serves on UND’s
Petroleum Engineering
Industrial Advisory Board,
and belongs to the Society
of Petroleum Engineers and
the American Petroleum
Institute.
Career Path
Black graduated from NDSU
with a degree in industrial
engineering. He moved to
Williston and worked for a
year as a sales engineer in
training with Champion
Technologies. He trans-
20 Under 40
ferred to Baker Hughes in
Minot to work as an account
manager for the production
chemicals division, and
three years ago, started
Creedence Energy Services
with his cousins, Wyatt and
Malachi Black.
About HIM
“I am incredibly bless-
ed and fortunate to have
an amazing family that
has been very supportive.
Starting this company with
my two cousins has been an
incredible ride, we started
the company when oil had
dipped below $30 a barrel,
but we survived, and I am
grateful for the support of
the community and the
opportunity to work in oil
and gas. This is very much
a shared honor and recog-
nition. I also want to extend
a massive thank you to all
of our employees, without
them we wouldn’t be where
we are today as a a leader
in oilfield chemicals in the
Williston basin.”
Proud of
“On a personal level it’s my
two kids, my daughter is
the absolute joy of my life,
my son is only 7 months but
he’s growing up quick too.”

La Lynda Blotsky
VICE PRESIDENT AT WILLISTON TRINITY
CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Age: 28
Family
She and her husband Zacha-
ry have a daughter, Lennon,
3, and son, Isaac, 17, and a
dog, Drexyl.
Hobbies
Continuing to learn,
currently pursuing a PhD
in education from Walden
University. Reading, writing,
and supporting Crusader
sports teams. Blotsky is also
passionate about adoption.
Community Involvement
A co-founder of Hope
Group for infertility sup-
port, involved in activities
at Life Church Assembly
of God, assistant volleyball
coach at Williston Trinity
Christian School.
Career Path
Earned a degree in elemen-
tary education with minors
in early childhood edu-
cation and middle school
education at Mayville State
University. Taught middle
school language arts and so-
cial studies for four years at
Trinity Christian. Returned
to school at Rocky Moun-
tain College and earned a
Proud of
master’s degree in educa-
“My husband and I were
tion leadership in 2015.
told that we would not be
About Her parents and we didn’t settle
“I’m just very passionate for that. I have 245 kids (at
about making sure that school) and two beautiful
every child has a positive children at home.”
education experience.
Every child feels like family
in my school, I treat every
child as if they have my last
name. I’m very passionate
about loving others and
doing for others what Jesus
would have done for us, and
adoption is my ultimate
passion.”

Sarah Christianson
CO-FOUNDER AND OWNER OF KAY MICHAEL
LEE STUDIO
Age: 30
Family
Christianson has a boy-
friend, Alex, and lives with
her two shitzus.
Hobbies
Cooking, baking, and doing
beadwork on her dancers’
costumes
Community Involvement
The studio performs
halftime shows for school
sports in the region, and
does a Halloween produc-
tion every other year. Its
dancers also are involved
with Entertainment Inc.
Career Path
Christianson earned a
dance degree from Min-
nesota State and has taken
dance workshops across the
country. She also spent time
dancing in Fargo before
returning to Williston and
opening the studio with her
sister Serena in 2011.
About Her it’s still going today. That
“Dance is in an expression makes me really proud, as
of your soul, I like it because well as the progress of my
it fills a void in your heart students and the recogni-
that no one can ever touch. tion that they earn.”
It brings a happiness to the
dancer and the audience, it
creates a spiritual feeling,
and it’s a giving back art too,
it’s really rewarding for both
sides.”
Proud of
“We had the confidence
and support of our friends
and family to fulfill a dream
that we’ve always had, and

Congratulations
Kim
Wenko
for being
Selected as a
20 under 40
recipient!

XNLV373064
20
Under 40 FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 | PROFILE 2018 | WILLISTON HERALD B3 A3

Jeremy Cox
REGIONAL MANAGER AND PART OWNER OF nomic Development Board,
THE ENGINEERING AND INSPECTION FIRM president of North Dakota
STRATA INC.
Society of Professional Engi-
neers, Chapter 5, a member
Age: 35 of the Williston Area Build-
Family ers Association board and
Cox and his wife Janie have active in New Hope Church.
a daughter, Reese, 5, Halle, He is also a 2013 graduate of
3, and a newborn son, Leif. Leadership Williston.
Career Path
Hobbies
Spending time with family, Cox began working for Stra-
ta Inc. in 2008, and became
BBQing, hunting, fishing,
weightlifting and working a department manager
that same year. In 2011, he
out.
moved from Wyoming to
Community Involvement open a branch office in Wil-
Cox is president of the liston. In 2013, he accepted
Williston Regional Eco- an offer to join the compa-
ny’s shareholders’ group,
and he was promoted to his
current position in 2017.
About HIM
“I’m always looking for
new projects to take on. I’ve
decided if I’m going to live
in a community I’m going to
give back and help make it
better. I’ve enjoyed serving
on the boards and serving
in the community. I also
enjoy dispelling the stigma
of Williston. You talk about
it to people who aren’t from
here and they’re not aware
of the good things here.
I enjoy promoting those
things that Williston offers.
Since I moved here there’s
just kind of that stigma of
Williston the boom town,
that it’s cold, it’s flat, there’s
nothing to do here except
work. With my community
service I’ve tried to promote
the many good things that
are here.”
Proud of
“Number one is family, just
having my wonderful wife
and three healthy amazing
kids. Career-related would
be started a successful
branch office and main-
taining that through the
downturn we’ve had over
the last couple of years.”

Jason Everett
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER AT KLE CON- Contractor’s Association.
STRUCTION LLC
Career Path
Age: 32 Family businesses gave
Everett early exposure to
Family the construction and timber
Everett is married to Marie industries. By the time he
Michelle. The couple has a was 15 years old, he was
dog named Dexter. spending his summers
working in construction in
Hobbies
Travel Alaska. Several years later,
he was working in his native
Community Involvement Washington in timber,
Organizes donations and earthworks, underground
fundraisers put on by the utilities and asphalt paving.
company for various com- Everett had a hand in some
munity causes. President of land development projects,
the North Dakota chapter of but a dip in the state’s hous-
the National Underground ing industry resulted in the
creation of KLE Construc-
tion, a family business. The
company was headquar-
tered in Seattle before Ever-
ett came to Williston with a
friend in 2011. By 2013, the
business had relocated to
Williston.
About HIM
“I am passionate about
helping young people who
see a future in business,
and I especially like helping
those who want to be in
businesses like construction
or the oil industry. I like to
anticipate work, and look at
other opportunities. I have a
lot of fight in me, and if you
throw me into any situation,
whether it’s helping people
building a business or
pursue some other kind of
project, I’m going to figure
out a way to get it done.”
Proud of
“I’m proud of marrying my
wife, and also growing the
business and establishing
ourselves in the communi-
ty. Regardless of financial
experts saying we wouldn’t
make it, we had resilience,
and that’s an accomplish-
ment. We never gave up and
we kept our word and we
told people were were here
to stay and they laughed at
us, but we pushed forward
in a positive direction re-
gardless of what was going
on around us.”

Gabe Gratz
PHARMACIST AND OWNER OF G&G PHARMA- New Hope Church.
CY AND SERVICE DRUG PHARMACY
Career Path
Age: 34 Gratz graduated from
NDSU’s pharmacy school in
Family 2007. He lived in the Twin
Gratz and his wife Tara, Cities for seven years while
have a daughter, Olivia, 8, working in pharmacies at
sons Hunter, 5, and Elling- CVS and Target, but he and
ton, 2, and newborn daugh- his wife returned home to
ter Blakely. Williston when he recog-
Hobbies nized an opportunity to
Golfing, boating and fish- start a new pharmacy. He
ing. purchased Service Drug
in 2013, and opened G&G
Community Involvement Pharmacy in 2014.
Sits on the Downtowners
Association board and is About HIM
involved with activities at “We really wanted to
come back close to home…
the boom was starting its about us. We’ve grown
downward trend but it was exponentially over the past
still going on, and there three years and we have
was a need for pharmacy a lot of positive feedback.
services. With G&G we were To see where we’re at now
part of the building process, and the volume that we do,
were able to work with the and the fact that we went
architect on the space’s de- from nothing to where we
sign. It was a fun process to are now is something we’re
try to provide Williston with really proud of.”
the services it needed while
it was in a state of growth.”
Proud of
“Most pharmacies don’t
experience a zero start, but
we had a zero start. When
we opened we had zero cus-
tomers and nobody knew

CONGRATULATIONS
TO THE FOLLOWING ENTREPRENEURS ON BEING
NAMED TO THE 20 UNDER 40 CLASS OF 2018.

Gabe Gratz
Owner & Operator of G&G Pharmacy
and Service Drug Pharmacy

Jon Greiner
Owner of Basin Safety Consulting

Katie Kringen
Owner of Chatter Pediatric Therapy

Kevin Black
President of Creedence
Energy Services

DAVID TUAN | 20 UNDER 40

The City of Williston congratulates David Tuan on being
named to the 20 Under 40 Class of 2018. David joined
Kim Wenko the City of Williston in 2013 to become the Director of
Owner of Style Uncorked Boutique Public Works. He was promoted to City Administrator
in November of 2016. Under David’s wise direction,
the City of Williston has become an even stronger
organization. The City of Williston thanks David for his
outstanding leadership!

The Williston STAR Fund is proud of XNLV372435

XNLV372436

your contributions to our community!

www.cityofwilliston.com
 B4 WILLISTON HERALD | PROFILE 2018 | FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 20 Under 40
Jonathon Greiner
FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF BASIN SAFETY supports local events. About HIM us would have been able to
CONSULTING CORPORATION “I’ve always looked for get there without choosing
Career Path the opportunity to make the right kind of people to
Age: 32 Greiner graduated from my world a slightly better surround ourselves with.”
Williston State College, and place, whether it’s been in
Family went on to Minot State Uni- helping out people over- Proud of
Greiner lives with his 15- versity, where he studied in seas or building a company “Being able to work with my
year old black Labrador, Mexico and Thailand before or working with kids. I best friends. They’ve moved
Luca. graduating in 2011. He think it’s important to give from different states and
created Basin Safety Con- as much of your energy areas, one friend came from
Hobbies Minnesota, another one
sulting in 2012, and in 2014, and creativity as you can
Traveling, basketball and from Colorado, and they
founded Basin Contracting towards the projects and
performing as a musician. helped start the company.
Environmental Services. He people that are brought into
Community Involvement has also been involved with your life. I also think it’s im- I’ve got a younger brother
Greiner sits on the board for other business venture in portant to always be looking who works for me too. I
the Northwest Chapter of the Williston area, includ- for new opportunities as think that’s an accomplish-
Child Evangelism Fellow- ing Lantern Coffee. a person and involve as ment.”
ship, has been involved many quality people in that
with Youth for Christ, and process as possible. None of

Logan Jangula
LICENSED ADDICTION COUNSELOR AT struggle simultaneously
NORTHWEST HUMAN SERVICE CENTER with substance use and
mental health problems.
Age: 27 “By doing so, I can hopefully
help them live life on life’s
Family terms.”
Jangula lives with his wife,
Ala. About HIM
“I am from Williston, I was
Hobbies born and raised here. I spent
Spending time with family
the past eight years in Fargo,
and friends, reading, travel- where I went to school and
ing within the United States
met my now wife, Ala. My
and internationally. wife is a teacher at the high
Career Path school here in town, which
Jangula plans on becoming suits her perfectly. I have an
a licensed mental health older sister Rheanda, who is
counselor, in order to be the director of the respira-
able to help people who tory department at the hos-
pital here in town. My older Co-Occurring Disorders
brother Tyler is and always from Hazelden Betty Ford,
will be my role model. I am as I never imagined I would
grateful for my memories do such a thing.”
of him, as he passed on way
too early in his life. My par-
ents Henry and Randi have
done a great job with raising
us three kids, they taught
us how to treat people with
respect and work hard at
what we do.”
Proud of
“The thing that I am most
proud of is graduating from
school with a master’s de-
gree in Addiction Studies:
Integrated Recovery for

Katie Kringen
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST AND Community Involvement
OWNER OF CHATTER, A PEDIATRIC THERAPY Chatter hosts a Sensitive
CENTER.
Santa event during the
holidays for children with
Age: 32
sensory issues.
Family
Career Path
Kringen and her husband
Josh have a son, Cruz, 5, Kringen earned a mas-
ter’s degree in speech and
and daughters Piper, 3, and
Harlow, 8 months. language pathology from
Minot State University.
Hobbies She first worked in public
Going to the lake during the schools in Minot, then at
summer, supporting local the Peace Garden Consor-
and state sports. tium near Bottineau and
in Glendive, Montana as a
speech pathologist before
she and her family moved to
Williston. She opened her
private practice in 2015. By
2016, she’d begun adding
other therapists, and now
has a staff of 10.
About HEr
“I come from a large
family, and I’ve always loved
meeting people. I’ve gotten
to meet so many people
throughout my jobs, and
the families I’ve met in
the Williston area through
Chatter are awesome.”
Proud of
“I’m really proud of my
employees. The therapists
I’ve hired are good people
and they’re really good
at what they do. We’re all
professionals here working
together. I’m also proud of
my family, and my three
kids.”

Congratulations
Proudly serving TAYLOR
you every step
of the way OLSON On behalf of the
Furuseth Olson
since 1938. & Evert, PC

We Belong
to you!
• Personal &
Business accounts

• Home loan

• Agriculture lending
XNLV373794

• Car loans
Bakken’s 20 Under 40

Williston Main Office

MAILING ADDRESS: PO BOX 2237
1300 Bison Drive • Williston ND 58802-2237
XNLV371413

701-572-4000
20
Under 40
Verlan Kvande
WILLIAMS COUNTY SHERIFF
Age: 39
Family
Kvande lives with his wife
Charissa, stepson Connor,
17, and stepdaughter Makia,
16. His oldest son, Ty, 18,
recently joined the Army.
Hobbies
Hunting and fishing.
Community Involvement
Member of the Missouri
Basin Bowmen Association,
active with the local Citi-
zen’s Police Academy.
MaTT Leibel
FOUNDER OF LIEBEL’S GUIDE SERVICE,
EIGHTH-GRADE EARTH SCIENCE TEACHER AT
WILLISTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
Age: 32
Family
He and his wife Amy have a
son, Mason, 4, and daughter
Bridget, 11 months.
Hobbies
Fishing, hunting, refereeing
basketball and football.
Community Involvement
Gives fishing seminars at
sports and recreation shows
for both adults and kids,
coaches middle school boys
John Lisle
CO-FOUNDER, OWNER AND PROJECT MAN-
AGER AT S&B DRILLING
Age: 33
Family
Lisle and his wife Kelsey
have a daughter, Aurora, 9,
and a son, Griffin, 7.
Hobbies
Hunting, fishing, and
spending time outdoors and
with family.
Community Involvement
The company regularly
sponsors various activities.
Past events include Sum-
mer Jam, the downtown
XNLV373048
701-580-8116
WILLISTON OFFICE
1411 W. Dakota Pkwy, Ste. 3A
Bill Murphy Mitzi Bestall
Co-Owner Managing
Broker Associate
Mike Galt Sarah Schroeder
Broker Associate Broker Associate
Paul Ficara
Broker Associate
Jill Kjorstad
Broker Associate Nobody sells more Real Estate than RE/MAX!
Paula Jarland John Voll Lori Schneider Kim Burkle Dwight Ebel Kristy Aasheim
Nicole Billings Luane Ebel Lee Lusht Karen Burau Debbie Brumfield Vicki Smith
FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 | PROFILE 2018 | WILLISTON HERALD
Career Path
Kvande joined the Williams
County Sheriff’s Office as a
corrections officer in 1998.
In 2002 he switched to the
patrol division until he was
promoted to investigations
in 2007. He was promoted
numerous times, finally
being named chief deputy
with the rank of captain in
2011. In the summer of 2017,
the Williams County Com-
mission appointed him as
sheriff after the retirement
of longtime Sheriff Scott
Busching.
and girls basketball and
middle school golf.
Career Path
As a teacher, Liebel’s sum-
mers are free, which has
allowed him to do a lot of
fishing. He earned a North
Dakota Governor’s Cup
award in 2011 during a fish-
ing tournament, and used
the prize money to start Li-
ebel’s Guide Service in 2012.
The business introduces
clients to good fishing spots
on Lake Sakakawea near
New Town and Williston.
rib cookoff, the API Chili
Cookoff, Lemonade Day,
and the Festival of Trees. It
also sponsors a night and
has a display at the Holiday
Lights Drive at Spring Lake
Park. This past year Eliza-
beth’s Dance Expressions
received money raised by
the company at the lights
drive. Lisle also serves as an
ambassador for Veterans
Outdoors Adventures North
Dakota.
Career Path
Lisle worked as a police
officer in Houston while
earning his criminal justice
Congratulate
G&G PHARMACY WOULD LIKE TO
GABE GRATZ
ON BEING SELECTED AS A
20 UNDER 40 RECIPIENT
1500 14TH ST. WEST, STE 150 • WILLISTON
572-RXRX (7979)
M–F 8am-8pm • Sat. 9am–6pm • Sun. 12pm–5pm
www.BakkenRealty.com
Shelly Lutz Jennifer Evanson Kathryn Kihle
Angela Nordsven Holly Riggins Nikki Ritter
About HIM
“Coming out of high
school I was looking at going
to college, but after a few
classes I realized that electri-
cal engineering wasn’t going
to be my thing. I worked at a
couple of jobs in the com-
munity, did a small stint in
the oil field, and planned
on going to college at Devils
Lake for the police acade-
my, but after I had done all
my enrollment I was given
an opportunity to come
on at the sheriff’s office in
Williams County. I’ve hit
my longterm career goal as
far as being the sheriff of
Williams County, my next
goal is to be elected by the
citizens of Williams County.”
About HIM
“The outdoors has always
been one of my biggest
passions, my dad was a big
influence on that, and I
thought when I was grow-
ing up that being a guide
would be awesome. I went
to school and got a teaching
degree, but I am living my
dream to be going fishing so
much.
When you have a job
that’s not really a job it’s the
best thing you could have.”
Proud of
“I am most proud of my
family, they’re pretty awe-
degree. He also worked
as a firefighter and joined
the Army Reserves, which
resulted in a 12-month
deployment to Iraq in 2004.
Later, he worked on rigs in
Denver, then began working
in the oilfield in Williston
before co-founding S&B
Drilling in early 2015.
About HIM
“I just try to remember
where i came from - my
whole goal as a leader in the
community is so the next
guy I mentor has it a little
easier than I did and ends
up being a better leader
than I am. My business
partners Clayton Carmack
and Chris Carmack have
been a huge part of my
WATFORD CITY OFFICE
232 Main Street North
Charla Olson Jennifer Sieg
Julie McEndree Danielle Knudson
B5 A5
Proud of
“I am most proud of my
children. My boy has decid-
ed to go into the military to
be a combat medic, and my
step kids have done excel-
lent in school, they all have
high GPAs along with being
in athletics.
On a professional level, I’m
proud of starting with this
organization at a young age
knowing that this is what
I wanted to do. I’ve been
able to remain here for the
entirety of my career and
been given the opportunity
to grow and advance myself
through this organization.”
some. I’m also proud of the
business, going from being
by myself to having three
other guys that work with
me.”
success and without them I
would not have experienced
the successful venture we
have found here in Willis-
ton together. Without my
wife’s support and helping
me out and taking care of
the family all those months
I was away from home
we definitely wouldn’t be
where we’re at.”
Proud of
“Fatherhood, it’s very simi-
lar to being a leader. I want
them to have it a little easier
than I did and to be doing a
little better than I did.”
www.ggpharmacywilliston.com
701-842-4224
JoAnn Callahan Sharlo Halverson
XNLV372419
Katie Walters Carla Kemp
 B6 WILLISTON HERALD | PROFILE 2018 | FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 20 Under 40

TAYLOR OLSON
other surrounding munic- am the most proud of is
ipalities and governmen- work-related. I am proud
tal entities. of our community and
ATTORNEY AT FURUSETH, OLSON & EVERT, Olson is also the Babe how we have been able
P.C. THE FIRM IS CONTRACTED BY THE
About HER to persevere and respond
Ruth Baseball committee “I grew up in Williston
CITY, AND OLSON ALSO SERVES AS THE chairperson, an adjunct to the many challenges
CITY’S PROSECUTOR IN WILLISTON’S MU- and graduated from high of the oil boom. I look
NICIPAL COURT. professor at Williston school in 2001. In 2011
State College and has been around at the positive
I moved back to Willis- changes to our commu-
Age: 35 the ethics chair for Lead- ton with my husband to
ership Williston for the nity in the seven years I
begin practicing law. We have been here, and I am
Family past five years. She also bought into the law firm
She and her husband speaks at various Williams proud to have been a teeny
in 2013 and have worked tiny part of that. We have
Jordon Evert have two County functions. together ever since. Our a very resilient commu-
daughters, Dylan, 3, and
Career Path first daughter, Dylan, nity and a lot of people
Andilyn, 1.
Olson earned an account- was born in 2014 and our who really care about our
Hobbies ing degree from St. Cloud second daughter, Andilyn, citizens.
Spending time with fam- University, then worked in was born in 2016. The
ily, watching the Minne- in public accounting for majority of my family still Proud of
sota Twins, skiing at the three years before going resides in Williston and The personal accomplish-
family cabin in Big Sky, to law school at UND. She my husband’s family all ment I am the most proud
MT and reading. earned her law degree and lives in North Dakota.” of is completing the Susan
passed the North Dakota Proudest of: “Most days, G. Komen Breast Cancer
Community Involvement bar exam in 2011 and the my biggest accomplish- 3-Day in Minneapolis with
Member of Williston State ment is getting my two a friend in 2007. The two
Montana bar in 2012. She
College Foundation, Wil- kids to daycare on time of us raised $5,000 for
is co-owner of Furuseth,
liston Coyote Foundation, and getting myself to breast cancer research and
Olson & Evert, P.C., which
State Board of Psychology work in matching shoes. walked 60 miles in 3 days.
contracts as the city
Examiners and numerous On a more serious note, It is something I will never
attorneys for the City of
State Bar of North Dakota I would say one of the forget!”
Williston along with many
boards and committees. accomplishments that I

Congratulations We’re your local

Congratulations ONE STOP OIL SHOP.
Congratulations We’ll take care of all your Oil, Lube and Filter services.

Congratulations
Not looking for an oil change? Need a Transmission Service?
Batteries not cranking like they should?” Stop on by and we can
take care of you. Check out our other services to see how we
can help keep your vehicle running like she should!

Jason
Everett
XNLV372395
and all 20 of the
20 under 40 honorees! Big Sky Batteries
324 26th St. E
Bravo on your Williston, North Dakota
achievements and M- F 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
jobs well done! XNLV373522
#1 IN SERVICE Sunday - 12:00PM - 4:00 PM
XNLV372409

Congratulations
Congratulations
Kevin Black
XNLV372924

Honorees of Williston’s 20 Under 40

& Lois Reierson - Citizen of the Year for being selected as a
20 Under 40 recipient

“Your dedication, enthusiasm,

and insight are inspiring to us all.
We wish you many years of
continued achievements!”
-Team Creedence

1111 2nd Ave W, Williston, ND • 701-572-9402 • Toll free: 800-892-6040

Hours: M-F 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-5pm, Closed Sun
XNLV372898
20
Under 40 FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 | PROFILE 2018 | WILLISTON HERALD B7 A7

KIRSTEN SJUE when my father Garth Sjue

JUDICIAL DISTRICT JUDGE J.D. with distinction, from
UND’s School of Law. She
Age: 36 served as a judicial law
clerk for Judge Gerald W.
Family VandeWalle, Chief Justice of
Sjue and her husband the North Dakota Supreme
Mike have a 3-year-old son, Court from 2006-07, and
Andrew. for Judge Ralph R. Erickson,
Hobbies Judge of the United States
Reading, spending time District Court for the Dis-
with family. trict of North Dakota, from
2007-09. Sjue was an asso-
Community Involvement ciate attorney with Crowley
Serving the community Fleck PLLP in Williston
through her job, participa- from 2009-13, and an assis-
tion in activities with her tant State’s Attorney with
son. the Williams County State’s
Attorney’s Office from
Career Path 2013-15. She was appointed
Sjue is a 1999 graduate of District Court Judge for the
Williston High School. She Northwest Judicial District
earned a degree in political in Williston in 2015.
science from UND, gradu-
ating summa cum laude in About Her
2003. Three years later, she “My family moved to
received her law degree, Williston in the early 1980s
graduated from law school
at UND, and we’ve been here
ever since. I feel fortunate
to call Williston my home,
and I am truly grateful for
the opportunity to work
in public service by giving
back to this community
and this area in northwest
North Dakota which have
given me so much. I am also
blessed to be surrounded by
many family members and
long-time friends who have
remained in or returned
to Williston over the years,
including my parents Garth
and Verlette, my brothers
Kiel and Matthew, my moth-
er-in-law Kathy, my sister-
in-law Karmyn, and six
nieces and nephews.”
Proud of
“Professionally, I would
have to say becoming a
judge. After law school, I
had the privilege of working
for two excellent judges,
Chief Justice VandeWalle
and Judge Erickson, who
demonstrated for me what
it takes to be a thoughtful
and principled jurist, with
grace and humility along
the way. They were the ones
who inspired me to seek
a judgeship as my career
path. The local judges in the
Northwest District, especial-
ly Judge Nelson, have also
been exceedingly generous
to me with their time and
mentorship over the years.
Although I know I still
have a lot of growing and
learning to do to become
the best judge I can be, I
am very thankful for the
support of the local bar and
the community at large, and
I hope to live up to the high
standard set by the many
fine judges who have influ-
enced me in my career.”

Banners Janitorial Paper Products We have the perfect gift for any occasion!
Graphics Supplies Engraving
Stickers Signs Zep  Bridesmaid Gifts • Birthday • Baby Shower 
Trophies Restaurant & Professional
Bar Supplies Distributor

XNLV372401
Personalized
Gifts

m
- 5:30p
:30am - 1pm
y-Frid a y
Mondased for Lunc
8
h 12pm Gift certificates
C lo available
upon request
NORTHWEST SUPPLY
“Now With Vinyl Graphics, Signs & Banners” 4 West Broadway
224 East Broadway • Williston, ND • Ph: 701-572-6420 Williston, North Dakota Your Local
XNLV372932

e-mail: nwsupply@nemontel.net • Cell: (701) 770-2300 • Fax (701) 572-4906 701-713-4435 Etsy Retailer

We are a locally owned KEEP KEEP

and operated oilfield
service company YOUR YOUR
FAMILY FAMILY
SAFE SAFE
BY KEEPING
Our Services Include:
YOUR TIRES
SOUND.
XNLV372746

• Hot Shot • Semi Trucks

• Super Vac Trucks • Winch Trucks
• Pipe Straightening • Bit Re-Tipping
DAN’S TIRE
XNLV372209

• Welding & Fabricating

• Breakout Machine
• Weed Spraying
Dan’s Tire Service is the leader in name
brand tires, wheels, and auto repair services. SERVICE
We service customers in Williston, Watford
City, Stanley, and Bakken.
now hiring truck drivers
(701) 572-8232 / 5482 North US Highway 85 • Williston, ND 58801
www.petroleumservicesandtools.com danstirewilliston.com / Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 7:00am-5:30pm / Sat. 8:00am-Noon / Sun.: Closed

Mountrail-Williams
Electric Cooperative
XNLV371772
 B8 WILLISTON HERALD | PROFILE 2018 | FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018
DAVID TUAN
CITY ADMINISTRATOR FOR CITY OF
WILLISTON
Age: 34
Family
Tuan is single and lives with
his dog.
Hobbies
Spending time on the lake,
hunting and fishing, com-
peting in marathons and
other long-distance races,
and obstacle course races
and bike races.
Community Involvement
President of the Korner
Lions Club.
Heather Vangelder
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR AT
ONEOK
Age: 32
Family
My immediate family consists
of my dad, mom, and younger
brother.
Hobbies
Reading, cooking, going to
music festivals, fishing, camp-
ing, hiking, working in the
yard and volunteering.
Community Involvement
VanGelder is the Secretary/
Treasurer for the Boys and
Girls Club of Richland County.
She is also a member of the
Job Service for Employers
committee, the Sports and
Recreation Committee
through the Sidney Chamber
Kim Wenko
CO-OWNER OF STYLE UNCORKED
Age: 38
Family
Wenko and her husband
Shawn have two daughters.
Brooklyn is 6 and London
is 3. The family also has two
dogs, Jetta and Bo.
Hobbies
Reading
CUSTOM, HANDMADE, PERSONALIZED, GRAPHICS, SIGNS,
OTB
STICKERS, PRINTING, FURNISHINGS, MEMORABILIA, UNIQUE,
START THINKING
CONVERSATIONAL, FAITH, FUN, RECONDITIONED, REPURPOSED,
GIFT, SAFETY, WORK, PROMOTIONAL, CUSTOM, HANDMADE,
PERSONALIZED, GRAPHICS, SIGNS, STICKERS, PRINTING,
FURNISHINGS, MEMORABILIA, UNIQUE, CONVERSATIONAL, FAITH,
FUN, RECONDITIONED, REPURPOSED, GIFT, SAFETY, WORK,
PROMOTIONAL, CUSTOM, HANDMADE, PERSONALIZED, GRAPHICS,
SIGNS, STICKERS, PRINTING, FURNISHINGS, MEMORABILIA, UNIQUE,
CONVERSATIONAL, FAITH, FUN, RECONDITIONED, REPURPOSED,
GIFT, SAFETY, WORK, PROMOTIONAL, CUSTOM, HANDMADE,
PERSONALIZED, GRAPHICS, SIGNS, STICKERS, PRINTING,
FURNISHINGS, MEMORABILIA, UNIQUE, CONVERSATIONAL, FAITH,
FUN, RECONDITIONED, REPURPOSED, GIFT, SAFETY, WORK,
PROMOTIONAL, CUSTOM, HANDMADE, PERSONALIZED, GRAPHICS,
SIGNS, STICKERS, PRINTING, FURNISHINGS, MEMORABILIA, UNIQUE,
CONVERSATIONAL, FAITH, FUN, RECONDITIONED, REPURPOSED,
GIFT, SAFETY, WORK, PROMOTIONAL, CUSTOM, HANDMADE,
PERSONALIZED, GRAPHICS, SIGNS, STICKERS, PRINTING,
FURNISHINGS, MEMORABILIA, UNIQUE, CONVERSATIONAL, FAITH,
FUN, RECONDITIONED, REPURPOSED, GIFT, SAFETY, WORK,
PROMOTIONAL, CUSTOM, HANDMADE, PERSONALIZED, GRAPHICS,
SIGNS, STICKERS, PRINTING, FURNISHINGS, MEMORABILIA, UNIQUE,
CONVERSATIONAL, FAITH, FUN, RECONDITIONED, REPURPOSED,
GIFT, SAFETY, WORK, PROMOTIONAL, CUSTOM, HANDMADE,
PERSONALIZED, GRAPHICS, SIGNS, STICKERS, PRINTING,
FURNISHINGS, MEMORABILIA, UNIQUE, CONVERSATIONAL, FAITH,
FUN, RECONDITIONED, REPURPOSED, GIFT, SAFETY, WORK,
PROMOTIONAL, CUSTOM, HANDMADE, PERSONALIZED, GRAPHICS,
SIGNS, STICKERS, PRINTING, FURNISHINGS, MEMORABILIA, UNIQUE,
PROMOTIONAL, CUSTOM, HANDMADE, PERSONALIZED, GRAPHICS,
SIGNS, STICKERS, PRINTING, FURNISHINGS, MEMORABILIA, UNIQUE,
CONVERSATIONAL, FAITH, FUN, RECONDITIONED, REPURPOSED,
GIFT, SAFETY, WORK, PROMOTIONAL, CUSTOM, HANDMADE,
PERSONALIZED, GRAPHICS, SIGNS, STICKERS, PRINTING,
FURNISHINGS, MEMORABILIA, UNIQUE, CONVERSATIONAL, FAITH,
FUN, RECONDITIONED, REPURPOSED, GIFT, SAFETY, WORK,
1135 2nd Ave. W. Ste 201 • Williston, North Dakota
XNLV371968
PROMOTIONAL, FAITH, FUN, GIFT, SAFETY, WORK, PROMOTIONAL
7 0 1.57 0.2 426 • M-F 9:00-6:30
Career Path
Tuan began pursuing a
physics degree after grad-
uating from high school,
until joining the Army in
2006. During that time, he
learned field engineering
and developed in interest in
civil engineering. He moved
from Canada to the United
States in 2008 to earn a civil
engineering degree from
UND, and began working in
Williston in 2010. He was
hired by the city in 2012,
first working in the engi-
neering department, then
becoming public works
director. He applied for the
job as city administrator,
of Commerce and the Sidney
Young Professionals. She is
a member of Class VIII with
the Rural Leadership of North
Dakota program, and also vol-
unteers for various communi-
ty activities in Sidney, Watford
City, and Williston.
Career Path
After finishing college at the
University of Montana, Van-
Gelder returned to Wyoming
to pursue an education career.
She taught preschool at a
Head Start program for four
years, eventually becoming
the supervisor/lead teacher
for the program. She then
spent time teaching fourth
grade before moving to Sidney
and starting work with ONE-
OK as an operations specialist.
She was promoted to commu-
Community Involvement
Wenko sits on the United
Way board and on the Wil-
liston State College Business
Advisory Board. She is the
PTO president at St. Joseph’s
School, and a member of
the retail community with
the Williston Chamber of
Commerce.
Preschool thru 12th Grade
701-774-9056 www.wtcsnd.org
ONE FAMILY - ONE SCHOOL - ONE BUILDING
Congratulations
Rheanda Axtman
&
Logan Jangula
WILLISTON’S 20 UNDER 40
5317 W 2nd • Williston, ND • 701-774-1094
and was selected for the
position in 2016.
About HIM
“I’ve moved around a lot
and spent time in differ-
ent cities, and it’s always
been of interest to me what
makes a city work - what
people, organizations and
cultures are critical. Moving
to Williston, I didn’t expect
it to be very different from
anywhere else I’ve lived, but
it was very different, people
here were really invested
in creating a future. I’ve
always wanted to find a
place where I could make a
difference and enjoy some
creative leeway in what I do,
it’s very satisfying to work in
the public realm on things
nity relations coordinator for
the company in 2016.
About HEr
“From having been born
in a small town in Wyoming,
I greatly enjoy being able to
spend time outdoors with
family and friends. Although I
consider myself a dog person,
I am still caring for the same
old, stray cat that appeared
on my door-step in college.
Having grown up in a town
with fewer than 2,000 people,
I have always considered my-
self a rural person. With this
in mind, I find myself enjoy-
ing a rural lifestyle more and
more, through traveling back
and helping on my boyfriend’s
family ranch/farm. From
fixing fence to pulling calves,
there is always something
new and “interesting” I find
myself enjoying each time we
go back. Having a background
Career Path
Wenko earned a degree
in communications from
Black Hills State Univer-
sity, and a master’s degree
in educational leadership
from NDSU. She worked for
nine years at Williston State
College, but left the school
early this year after opening
a franchise retail store in
the Renaissance building
downtown. Eventually, the
store became an individual
business endeavor, and was
renamed Style Uncorked.
CONGRATS TO WTCS VICE
PRINCIPAL MRS. BLOTSKY for
being selected for the Williston
Herald’s “20 under 40”!
She is a top notch outstanding
educator! She is truly a
blessing to our staff
and students.
Mrs. Blotksy helps
lead the BEST
STAFF in the
REGION!
ON BEHALF OF
20 Under 40
that you can see affecting
the public life. At the time
I got here, people were
gearing up for building a
community, it was a place
where your success was
built on the merits of what
you can bring to the table.”
Proud of
“I’m proud of the impact
that I feel I have in this
community. I feel I’m able to
help a lot of people from the
position I hold, and it makes
me proud that I have that
opportunity and that I’ve
earned that from the city
commission. I’m proud that
I have the support of the
board and that they trust
me to interface with the
public and represent them.”
in both education and fine
arts allows me to appreciate
and communicate the many
great attributes of Eastern
Montana and Western North
Dakota to those who other-
wise have a hard time finding
us on a map.”
Proud of
“In my current role, I am very
proud of all of the organiza-
tions I have been able to help
or support reach their goals,
whether it be through fund-
raising or volunteering. There
are so many organizations,
which really are the pulse of
the communities we live in,
and so much of their success
can be bolstered through do-
nations of dollars and time. I
believe our smaller communi-
ties have so much to offer due
to these organizations, and I
am proud for having been able
to serve them.”
About Her
“I was taught growing up
that you always give back
to your community, and
along with that, I am always
thinking of new ideas to
try or how to improve the
current processes.”
Proud of
“My family. Being able to be
a role model for my daugh-
ters - showing them that
when you set your mind to
something your goals are
achievable.”
XNLV372422
XNLV373051