North Dakota National Guard members check an insulator north of Mandan, N.D., in April. They were two of 28 North Dakota Soldiers, who were placed on state active duty orders this past spring to aid local power companies in the cleanup process after a late season snow and ice storm toppled about 12,000 power poles and left many areas in central North Dakota without power. As the 2010-11 winter approaches, the North Dakota National Guard is again ready to assist in any winter-related emergency. (Photo by Sgt. Ann Knudson, North Dakota National Guard)