Isolation aside – did you know Bismarck is one of the top five cities in the U.S. with the cleanest air, when measuring ozone (smog) and particle pollution, and all of North Dakota holds an A-grade for lack of ozone pollutants?

And did you know this week’s news has a new take on prom night, on marathons, and on love letters?  Read on.

WSC nursing students Joyce Jones, Joslyn Ivernon, Sarah Neu, Tiffany Henry, and Jamie Korsa are gathering up donations from area businesses for the Family Crisis Center. (Williston Herald)

I have a feeling a lot more people would wear masks if they had access to one (some people don’t know how to sew, etc).  Fargo’s Blackbird Woodfire is both keeping people healthy and doing it for a good cause – by selling $5 masks to support the Great Plains Food Bank backpack food program. (KVRR)

The Sons of Norway in Devils Lake held a food drive and was able to donate $900 worth of non-perishables to the food banks in Devils Lake and Michigan. (Devils Lake Journal)

Social workers from the Dickinson School District have organized a group of volunteers to put together necessity baskets for 70 area families. (KX Net)

These birthday parades are the true definition of community. (Grand Forks Herald)

Beach’s Mike Zier put together a social distancing prom – complete with hot dogs, gifts from local businesses, and photos – for his students. (KX Net)

The Dickinson School District is now offering hot breakfasts and lunches – instead of cold bagged lunch – to its students. (Dickinson Press)

The folks at St. Gabriel’s received thousands of “love” letters thanks to Grams for Grands. (KFYR TV)

Jennifer Kirkeby’s Pay It Forward Project takes donations and turns them into matched funds and shakes for healthcare workers. (KVRR)

Dickinson State’s Debora Dragseth is spreading love to her students 2.5”x2.5″ at a time. (Dickinson Press)

Lincoln’s Theresa Addison ran a totally custom Boston Marathon. (KX Net)

Congratulations to Wahpeton’s Hanna Johnson, who will be attending Harvard in the fall! (Wahpeton Daily News)

Park River’s Adele Hankey has a pretty fancy pen pal. (Grand Forks Herald)

West Fargo’s Amber Preston has created an online comedy special based on her debut comedy album, “Sparkly Parts.” (Fargo Forum)

Congrats to Minot’s Ice Cold Ryders motorcycle club, who received the Partners in Education Organization award for raising $17,000 for Minot Public Schools. (KX Net)

We are so fortunate to live in a state that is #FeedingTheWorld. (Dickinson Press)

Oh, honey, you know I love a good bee story. (Williston Herald)

The photo in today’s post was taken by Steve Silverman. It is called “Sunset at Infinity Point,” and was photographed on the North shore of Lake Sakakawea near Indian Hills in central North Dakota.  Legend has it that Lewis and Clark stood on this spot to view their path west.