It is easy to label the phone book as an unimportant resource or archaic publication; however, if you give it a chance – you’ll find hidden gems! For instance, did you know our Ward County population is 68,427? It is! This information can be found on page B-4. There are three sections that I find incredibly valuable for our military students and families, especially newcomers!
Firstly, there is information on our local schools. There’s a section titled “City Information” with subheadings and contact information for the following: MAFB District #160 School Board Members, Minot Public School District #1 School Board Members, Administration, and MPS Principals and Schools (B-2). This is great! Also, there’s a section listing “Area Public Schools” with local school districts and contact information (B-3). From Anamoose/Drake to Westhope Public School, there are a total of 30 districts, including MAFB! As your School Liaison Program Manager, I am required to input local school information into a data collection website called Record Management System or RMS. With the phone book’s help, I can efficiently and accurately update my records this month, calling each school for our military-connected student count. My data can then be used to support local, state, and national military-connected student initiatives.
Secondly, there are two sections titled “Minot Air Base Services” and “Minot Air Base Listings” showcasing Minot Air Force Base organizations and contact information (A-Youth 1, A – Minot 2). There’s also a MAFB map (B-8). These listings and map will undoubtedly aid our military population, who could be looking for the Airman’s Attic/Loan Closet 701-723-1818, Library 701-723-3344, or Education Center 701-723-2772. (Please note: The “Bus (School)” phone number listed in “Minot Air Base Services” does not take you to our on-base winter busing Manager, MPS, or Glenburn busing, but rather the MAFB Vehicle Management Office. In addition, there is no “Prairie Pre-School” and when you attempt to call the number listed, the line disconnects. So, the phone book isn’t 100% accurate. In these instances, I can help you!)
Thirdly, there is a section titled “Emergency Planning Guide” with suggested tips for local home safety and disaster prevention, as well as, contact information for emergency management (B-6 and B-7). Did you know the City of Minot will open a shelter at Edison School during Tornado Warnings? Another tip: “Store important documents, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses and insurance papers in a fire-proof box or in the refrigerator” (B-7). Although this is interesting and may be feasible for you, I read this to my husband and he responded, “We’re not putting our documents in the refrigerator.” Instead, this two-page guide can be ripped out of your phone book and displayed on your refrigerator! The tips can both help prevent emergencies and guide you in case of sudden emergencies. Our military-connected students and families, especially, should have this local information available.
I have ripped out the above pages from my local phone book, laminated them, and placed them in my office under my laptop and at home, the Emergency Planning Guide is on my fridge. Next year, I will replace these documents with our local phone book’s newest edition and smile, because it’s a perfect way to ring in the New Year!
SRT Communications: Classified Directory (Phone Book Publication): 2025. https://www.cdi.media/srt
The information in this article is provided as a resource and does not constitute endorsement by Minot AFB, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense of the external website, or the information, products, or services contained therein.
