Vol. 3 - Issue 40
November 2, 2023
A Community Newspaper a Serving N orthwest North Dakot “GRATITUDE UNLOCKS THE FULLNESS OF LIFE.”—MELODY BEATTIE
Prepping for the
holiday seasons
NOVEMBER IN TIOGA: A MONTH OF COMMUNITY, FUN & FESTIVITIES Page 3
NAVIGATING A DE-STRESSED HOLIDAY SEASON
Main Street Musings by Alyssa Stromberg Page 5
HOLIDAY COOKING FOR A CROWD MADE EASY
Page 6
SLOW COOKING THANKSGIVING TURKEY Page 7
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Page 9
2 • The Oracle •November 2, 2023
LOCAL EVENTS SPONSORED BY To Have Your Community Event Added Email: info@vocella.com
FORTUNA Every Tuesday- Range Night at Northwest Sportsman Club RAY Thursday November 2nd - Picture Retake Day at RHS Monday November 6th - Wrestling Starts at RHS November 6th - November 10th Volleyball Regionals at WSC Tuesday November 7th - Bookmobile at RHS Tuesday November 7th - Girl Scout Meeting 4:00 - 5:00pm at RHS Commons Area Tuesday November 7th - Hunters Education 6:30 - 9:00pm at RHS Wednesday November 8th - Early Out Day at RHS 2:00 Dismissal Wednesday November 8th Region Drama/One Act Play at New Town Wednesday November 8th FCCLA District Meeting at Minot
9:30 am - 2:00pm Thursday November 9th - Veterans Day Music Program (3rd & 4th, HS Band) 2:30 - 3:30pm at RHS Thursday November 9th - Hunters Education 6:30 - 9:00pm at RHS Friday November 10th - Football Dakota Bowl at Fargo Friday November 10th - Veterans Day Break - NO SCHOOL CROSBY Monday November 6th - City of Ambrose Council Meeting 5:006:00pm Monday November 6th - Crosby City Council Meeting 7:00 9:00pm at Crosby City Hall Monday November 6th - Dakota Star Quilt Guild 7:00 - 8:00pm at Pleasant Pheasant Fabrics
Wednesdays: Storytime at the Divide County Library 10:00am - 10:45am Fridays: Cards & Games at Divide County Senior Citizens Center 1:302:30pm Movie at Dakota Theater 7:30pm Saturdays: Movie at Dakota Theater 7:30pm Sundays: Movie at Dakota Theater 7:30pm WILLISTON Saturday November 4th - Teen & Miss Williston Preliminary Competition Old Armory Theater Saturday November 4th - The Williston Arc- Widows Weekend 10a-4p TIOGA Friday November 3rd - Early Closing 5:00pm at Tioga Community Center
Saturday November 4th - Taste of Family Traditions - Wrestling Fundraiser 5:00pm at Tioga Community Center November 6th - November 9th Region 8 Volleyball Tournament at Williston State College Monday November 6th - Commission Meeting 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM City Hall - 16 1st St NE, Tioga, ND 58852 Monday November 6th - Wrestling Practice Begins at THS Wednesday November 8th Company Meeting 6:00 - 9:00am at Tioga Community Center Wednesday November 8th - FCCLA District Meeting Wednesday November 8th Region 9 Drama Contest at New Town Thursday November 9th - Veterans Day Program (grades 4-6) 5:15pm at Central Elementary School Thursday November 9th - Blood Drive at TMC 10:00am - 3:00pm Thursday November 9th - Visitor
Promotion Meeting 5:30 - 6:30pm City Hall - 16 1st St NE, Tioga, ND 58852 Friday November 10th - City Hall CLOSED in observance of Veterans Day Friday November 10th - NO SCHOOL - Veterans Day Observance Friday November 10th - Tioga Community Center CLOSED in observance of Veterans Day Tioga Community Center Schedule Mondays: Yoga Flow 9:30am10:30am Learn English Class 10:00am11:00am Tuesdays: Pickleball 5:00pm8:00pm Wednesdays: Storytime 10:30am-11:00am Youth Group 6:00-9:00pm Thursdays: Slow Flow 6:00pm7:00pm
Did You Know?
Formal dining rooms were once a must-have in homes, but that popularity has waned in recent decades. Dining rooms were the spaces to host holiday dinners or family birthday parties. Slowly but surely, dining rooms became obsolete in modern homes that favored open-concept layouts. And in those homes that had formal dining areas, the need for home office spaces or playrooms for children saw many dining rooms repurposed. According to the National Association of Home Builders, 43 percent of millennials prefer the look and feel of an open-concept layout and casual dinner parties. Howev-
er, even though dining rooms may no longer be de rigueur, designers are noticing an increase in clients requesting formal dining spaces, according to a report in Southern Living. Perhaps it's a matter of open-concept fatigue. After spending a year or more during the height of the pandemic at
home with few to no barriers between rooms, homeowners may be looking for homes that carve out niches for specific tasks (and privacy) once more. It may not be long until homes come back to including more traditional layouts with separate dining spaces to make hosting a little more intimate.
November 2, 2023•The Oracle • 3
November in Tioga:
A month of community, fun and festivities
By Haley Felber Get ready for an action-packed and entertaining November at the Tioga Community Center. The community is buzzing with exciting events that promise to bring joy, laughter and plenty of opportunities to come together. Kicking off the month on Nov. 4 at 5 p.m. is the second annual Taste of Family Tradition Fundraiser, brought to you by Dakota Storm Wrestling. This event is all about good food, fantastic company and a chance to win amazing prizes. For just $40, you can secure your ticket and immerse yourself in a world of delectable dishes, door prizes, intriguing auction items and entertaining games. It's a night you won't want to miss, and tickets are available at The Farmers Daughter and Ace Hardware.
Tioga Community Center. Phot Source: Tioga Community Center Facebook.
As if that wasn't enough excitement, on Nov. 11, the annual Fireman's Carnival is coming to town, starting at 7 p.m. This carnival is more than just fun and games; it's an opportunity to try your luck at bingo, indulge in delicious carnival food and even get a shot at winning gift certificates, guns and grills in the raffle drawings. It's a night of
pure family fun that's sure to bring smiles to faces of all ages. For all you bingo enthusiasts, mark your calendars for Nov. 17, when the annual WEVSC Turkey Bingo takes center stage. With 41 games, including 40 Bingo and one thrilling blackout round, you'll be on the edge of your seat all evening. It's the perfect chance to test your
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luck and win some turkeys. As the month comes to a close, don't forget to embrace the holiday spirit on Nov. 28, when the third annual Medora Christmas Musical takes over the Tioga Community Center. The show kicks off at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m., giving you the opportunity to soak in the festive atmosphere and enjoy this heartwarming performance with friends and family. Tickets go on sale soon and are $30 each; they can be purchased in person at the Community Center or by calling 701-664-3192, ext 1. With a lineup like this, Tioga is set to have an unforgettable November packed with fun and community spirit. So, gather your loved ones and get ready for a month of laughter, excitement and cherished memories. These events are not to be missed, so mark your calendar and be part of the festivities.
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4 • The Oracle •November 2, 2023
THE WESTBY WATCH By Heidi Whitney MonDak Among “Elite 8”
in Montana 6-man Mondak cruised past Big Sandy 30-6 on Saturday to earn a spot in the Montana 6-man football quarterfinals. A 10-yard touchdown pass by quarterback Graham Wright to Thomas Arnson and a two-point conversion kick by Elliot Rudningen gave the Thunder an early lead at the end of the first quarter, 8-0. The next two quarters were all Thunder bringing
them into the fourth with a comfortable 28-0 lead. Late in the second, Wright ran a 44-yard interception return to bring the Thunder lead to 14-0 at the half. Wright threw a 45-yard TD pass to Riley Hennager and a 30-yard TD pass to Rudningen in the third. Rudningen also had one successful two-point conversion kick. Hennager picked up a
safety in the fourth, where Big Sandy scored their only TD of the game on a 10yard run. On defense, Cade Else led the Thunder with 12 tackles. Landyn Brunelle added 7. The Thunder will travel to Hysham this week to take on Custer/Melstone/Hysham on Saturday, the number one seed from the south.
HOT DISH!
Please contact Heidi Whitney at 406-672-5696 to add an event! Sun Nov.5: Services at Assembly of God, 10:30 am. Coffee hour and Sunday School at Immanuel, 10:30 am. Services at 11:30 am. Don’t forget coffee time at the Westby Community Center on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 am -10 am!
MonDak Volleyball Ends Season at Districts It was a tough district tournament for the Lady Thunder in Plentywood last week where they lost out in two games. Thursday pitted the #8 seeded Thunder against the
#9 Lustre Lions, a team they prevailed over earlier this month in four sets. This go round, the Thunder couldn't quite get things going and fell in three sets. In loser-out action on
Did You Know?
Volleyball was invented by William G. Morgan in 1895, but it did not become an Olympic sport until 1964
Writer ns o i s s i m b u S Wanted Want the chance to see your writing in the Oracle? email submissions to news@vocella.com
Friday, the Thunder took on the Culbertson Cowgirls, a team they lost to in an exciting 5 set game earlier this month. The ladies were unable to secure a victory this time, losing in 3 sets.
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In Print & Now in our NEW ONLINE DIRECTORY! Scan the QR code to get started or go to www.communityshopper.com We can help! Reach us at 701.572.4851 | sales@vocella.com
November 2, 2023•The Oracle • 5
Navigating a de-stressed holiday season November has arrived and so has the ences or homemade presents. A thoughtful
holiday season. The holidays are typically gesture can mean more than an expensive a time of joy, celebration and togetherness, gift. however, in recent years, have become syn- Embrace Gratitude: onymous with stress for many. The pressure
Practicing gratitude can be a powerful
to create the perfect holiday experience, stress reliever. Take time each day to reflect combined with the demands of modern life, on the things you’re thankful for. It can shift can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Prioritize Self-Care Amid the holiday hustle and bustle, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care. By nurturing your well-being, you’ll be better equipped to handle holiday stress. Set Realistic Expectations One of the leading causes of holiday stress is the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations. Instead of striving for perfection, embrace imperfection and focus on creating meaningful moments with loved ones. Simplify Traditions Reevaluate your holiday traditions. Are
your focus from what’s lacking to what you already have. Plan Ahead Avoid the last-minute rush by planning your holiday preparations well in advance. Create a to-do list, schedule tasks, and delegate responsibilities when possible. This way, you can enjoy the holiday moments without feeling rushed. Say No When Necessary Learn to say “no” to additional commitments or events that will only add to your stress. Setting boundaries and prioritizing your well-being is essential during the hol-
there aspects that add unnecessary stress? iday season. In a world that often pushes us to be Simplify where you can – maybe it’s scaling down decorations or gift-giving. Re- constantly busy, the holiday season offers member, it’s the quality of time spent with a valuable opportunity to slow down and loved ones that matters most.
cherish the moments that truly matter. By
Manage Finances
de-stressing and reevaluating our priorities,
Financial stress often accompanies the we can transform this season into one of holiday season. Create a budget and stick genuine joy and connection. to it. Consider alternative gifts, like experi-
Hopie’s Honker Pit
6 • The Oracle •November 2, 2023
Holiday cooking for a crowd made easy Cater a meal There's certainly pride that comes with offering guests a table full of homecooked foods. But the expense, effort and time that goes into creating a masterful menu can be taxing. If a lot of people are coming for the holidays, hosts can find out which area businesses offer holiday catering packages and consider them. This frees up more time for mingling with guests. And food establishments often have experience knowing just how much food to have per person, reducing waste and helping hosts avoid having a refrigerator full of leftovers they may or may Plan make-ahead dishes Simplifying holiday dishes that can be reheated seroles, stews, soups, and that is quite popular for hol- not eat. cooking comes down to or set in chafing dishes for baked pasta dishes. Avoid iday gatherings. Many hams spending less time in the buffet meals are prefera- fresh pasta offerings, like come pre-cooked and pre- Delegate some tasks It's alright to ask guests kitchen on the day of the ble. There's lots of dishes to spaghetti and meatballs, for sliced, so producing a flaexample. Leftover noodles choose from, including casvorful main course may be to bring something to the festivities. Make-ahead will get mushy and will not just a matter of dressing it holiday dinner. In fact, they reheat very well. up with seasonings or even may be eager to pitch in. If using the glaze that often someone brings a salad, anKristi Haugenoe, Agent Ham is a good choice comes with such products. other an appetizer and othBus: (701) 965-6319 Ham is a forgiving dish ers some desserts, then it is 17 Main St S Crosby, ND 58730 just up to the host to provide khaugeno@amfam.com the main course and maybe MARK YOU CALENDARS! THE a side or two. This removes Sunday, November 12th a lot of the pressure. 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Select familiar foods Hosts may be tempted Brunch Event Free Will Breakfast to try all of the delicious Support Lindsey Miller, Miss Rodeo North recipes featured in magaDakota 2023, as she competes for Miss Rodeo America 2024 in Las Vegas! zines or online around the 118 Main Street American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I., American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 holidays. However, sticking Lignite, ND Bingo Every Thursday at 7 006441 – Rev. 11/15 ©2015 – 9141155 701-933-2337 with familiar dishes that you PM Pot $1199 have made before reduces Kristi Haugenoe, Prime Rib Steaks, Seafood, and Burger Baskets y r the chances for error. Rece Ev Full Salad Bar on weekends. Agent y a d r tu a S Tue-Sat Lunch: 11 am- 2 pm ipes that can be whipped up (701) 965-6319 Night WE PROTECT THIS Supper: 5 pm-9 pm | Bar: 3 pm-close by rote will make holiday cooking tasks easier and quicker. Sandwiches and Cooking for a holiday crowd doesn't have to be difBreakfast Burritos ficult, especially when hosts Available Daily. employ a few strategies to simplify meal creation. A number of things can be expected during the holiday season. Children will anxiously await visits from Santa and travelers recognize there is bound to be traffic on the roadways and crowds at the airport. And if you're opening your home to guests, those visitors will be expecting some delicious food. Meals are a big component of holiday entertaining, so much so that holiday hosts may spend weeks pondering what to serve guests. These guidelines can help simplify cooking for a crowd.
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November 2, 2023•The Oracle • 7
Simplify your feast by slow cooking your Thanksgiving turkey Food features prominently in many holiday celebrations, but perhaps no holiday is more closely associated with eating than Thanksgiving. In fact, Thanksgiving and food are so closely connected that many people lovingly refer to the holiday as "Turkey Day," which is an homage to the popular main course that finds its way to millions of Thanksgiving dinner tables across the country each year. Side dishes abound on Thanksgiving dinner tables, but turkey still takes center stage. That reality can put some pressure on hosts tasked with preparing the meal for their family and friends. Unlike some other dishes that require a laundry list of ingredients and lots of prep work, turkey is a relatively hands-off main course. However, home cooks know a dried out turkey is not on anyone's holiday wish list. Slow cooking can help to avoid such a result. This recipe for "Holiday Turkey," courtesy Andrew Schloss' "Cooking Slow" (Chronicle Books), calls for slow cooking the bird. Such an approach should result in a delicious and mouth-watering main
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course that satisfies anyone who's anxious to sit down at the Thanksgiving dinner table this year. Holiday Turkey Makes 15 servings 1 fresh turkey, about 15 pounds, preferably freerange 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 quart apple cider 2 teaspoons dried poultry seasoning Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Remove the giblets from the turkey and discard (or save for another use). Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels. Rub it all over with salt and pepper. Refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours.
During that time, the surface of the turkey will become visibly dry and the skin will tighten; this encourages a nice crisp skin on the finished bird. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator 1 hour before you plan to start roasting. Preheat the oven to 450 F. Put the turkey on a rack set in a large, flameproof roasting pan. Drizzle the oil over the top. Roast for 1 hour. Reduce the oven temperature to 175 F. Pour the cider into the roasting pan and sprinkle the poultry seasoning in the liquid. Continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh (but not touching bone) registers to 170 F. Transfer the turkey to a carving board, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for about 15 minutes
(see tip). Meanwhile, skim the fat from the surface of the liquid in the pan. Put the roasting pan over two burners and bring the pan drippings to a boil over high heat. Cook until the juices reduce and thicken slightly, enough to coat a spoon, about 10 minutes. Taste for seasoning. Carve the turkey and serve with cider pan juices. Resting tip: Slow-roasted meats need far less resting time (pretty much none) than those that are traditionally roasted. The reason for resting meat that has been roasted at a high temperature is to allow juices that have collected in the cooler center time to migrate back into the dryer (hotter) exterior sections after it comes out of the oven. Because slow-roasted meats are
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Wine Tasting Friday, November 3rd
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cooked evenly and a temperature that keeps most of the juices in place, a resting period is largely unnecessary. A brief resting time does allow the meat to become a little firmer as it cools, making it easier to carve.
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8 • The Oracle •November 2, 2023
For Sale
HOSPITAL SEWING
BED AND MACHINES
Hospital bed that works well, 1 Singer Sewing machine and 1 miscellaneous sewing machine for sale. For details call 701-834-2214
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UK’s Wild Oysters Project Releases 10,000 Native Oysters to Restore Coastal Ecosystems The UK’s Wild Oysters Project has released 10,000 native oysters onto a human-made reef off the North East Coast of England with the purpose of removing pollutants and creating a new marine ecosystem. Native oysters can help improve ocean health by filtering and cleaning the water, providing habitat and sustenance, and serving as storm and tidal barriers, erosion preventers, and estuary protectors. These native oysters once thrived in UK seas but have seen a sharp decline of 95% since the 1800s due to over-harvesting, habitat loss, pollution, and disease. By reintroducing native oysters to the UK coastline, the project aims to restore the benefits they bring to coastal waters. The oysters on the new reef are not intended for consumption but rather to reproduce and hopefully spread to additional coastal waters. More than 827 tons of scallop shells and stones have been placed on the seabed over the course of recent weeks to create the new reef for the native oysters. These molluscs are capable of filtering around 200 liters of water every day, reducing nitrogen levels in the water, and improving coastal water quality. The reef restoration is the result of three years of collaboration between marine conservationists, local communities, and industry specialists. The project aims to restore native oyster populations, kick-start their natural growth along the coastline, and help contribute to healthier and more resilient coastal waters across the UK. Native oysters are ecosystem engineers, creating complex three-dimensional habitats that support an abundance of other marine life and are intrinsically linked with ecosystem biodiversity. The project involves the Zoological Society of London, British Marine, Blue Marine Foundation, and Groundwork North East and Cumbria.
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November 2, 2023•The Oracle • 9
How businesses can make the most of
Small Business Saturday Sales and consumer holidays compete for shoppers' attentions every year between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Such events save consumers billions of dollars every year, but small business owners know it's no small feat getting holiday shoppers to part with their hard-earned money. Competing for holiday shoppers is hard work, but those efforts can provide a big payoff. According to Finder's Black Friday Statistics 2022, 55 percent of men and 52 percent of women planned to shop Black Friday sales in 2022, when men planned to spend $465 and women intended to spend $300. If small business owners are concerned they can't compete on Black Friday, they can always look to Small Business Saturday, which encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local. Competition can still be steep on Small Business Saturday, but the following are some strategies business owners can employ to make the most of this unique event on the holiday season calendar. · Update your website. The Small Business Administration recommends that small business owners consider a digital makeover for their websites. Even though website to ensure it's up-to-date Small Business Saturday encourcan help small businesses make a ages individuals to shop in perstrong first impression with holison, modern consumers typicalday shoppers. ly peruse online offerings first. Updating an outdated website or simply reviewing all information, · Promote Small Business Saturday. Though it's been around for more including product details, on the
nels. The SBA recommends business owners encourage shoppers to snap selfies and tag their businesses on their own social medial accounts, which can increase engagement and potentially attract new customers. · Sell and promote gift cards. Gift cards help national retailers generate substantial revenue each year, and there's no reason why small businesses can't get their piece of the gift card pie. Gift cards remain wildly popular, as a recent survey from the National Retail Federation found that 54 percent of participants identified gift cards as the most-wanted gift of the 2022 holiday season. Small businesses can offer discounted gift cards on Small Business Saturday and promote those efforts on their websites and via social media. · Open early and close late. Small Business Saturday, which occurs on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, is a great opportunity for small businesses to start the potentially lucrative holiday season off on the right foot. The SBA urges small businesses to open early and close late on Small Business Saturday so they can capitalize as than a decade, Small Business much as possible on this popular Saturday is not yet the household retail holiday. name that Black Friday has become. Small business owners can Small business owners can emdrum up interest in Small Busi- brace various strategies to make the ness Saturday by promoting the most of Small Business Saturday. day on their social media chanMetro Creative Services
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10 • The Oracle •November 2, 2023
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November 2, 2023•The Oracle • 11
State officials urge U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reaffirm existing DAPL route in comments on Draft EIS BISMARCK, N.D. – The Governor’s Office and other North Dakota state officials today urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to allow the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) to maintain its current route and continue to safely transport North Dakota crude oil as it’s been doing for more than six years. The Corps is holding public meetings today and Thursday in Bismarck to collect comments on its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the easement for the existing DAPL crossing at Lake Oahe. In addition to the Governor’s Office, comments are being submitted by representatives from the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources, Department of Agriculture, Public Service Commission and Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Under the Draft EIS, three of the five alternatives would effectively force DAPL to shut down. Gov. Doug Burgum has called those alternatives “unacceptable” and urged the Corps to reaffirm the existing easement under Alternative 3, while also criticizing the court-ordered DEIS process for the existing pipeline as costly and unnecessary. Comments submitted by the Governor’s Office today noted that with high inflation and gas prices creating hardship for individuals and families, the nation should be doing everything possible to ensure the safe and efficient production and transportation of affordable, reliable energy for citizens. “The safest, most efficient and most cost-effective means of transporting crude oil is through pipeline infra-
structure. The Dakota Access Pipeline has been in operation since June 2017 without incident. Currently, the pipeline safely transports approximately 600,000 barrels of oil per day, or more than 50% of the crude oil produced in North Dakota. Its current path – including the crossing at Lake Oahe in an existing utility corridor – was carefully vetted during a thorough public permitting process that lasted 18 months,” governor’s Chief of Staff Jace Beehler said in comments read into the official record on Burgum’s behalf. “Any reduction in available pipeline capacity will increase the risks and cost of transporting North Dakota oil to refining facilities by forcing oil onto less efficient trains and trucks. This also will increase congestion on our highways and railroads, negatively im-
pacting the safety of motorists and the ability of farmers and ranchers to move their commodities and livestock to market, thus harming our state’s two largest industries.” “Cutting off the flow of oil through DAPL also would drastically reduce the flow of oil tax revenue in our state. Oil tax collections account for roughly half of state tax revenues in North Dakota, supporting everything from schools, hospitals and airports to road construction, water projects and other critical infrastructure.” Shutting down DAPL would reduce state revenues by approximately $1.2 billion in the first year and $105 million per year after that until DAPL is up and running again, OMB estimates. The DEIS is the second step in the National Environ-
mental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review process and will be followed by a Final Environmental Impact Statement that will include the public comments received during the current comment period, which the Corps has extended through Dec. 13. A second public meeting to accept comment will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Radisson Hotel, 605 E. Broadway Ave., Bismarck. “We appreciate the Corps accepting public comment regarding the Draft EIS for the Lake Oahe crossing, and we encourage citizens to use this opportunity to provide their input in person or submit written comment by Dec. 13,” Burgum said.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe from My Baking Addiction
https://www.mybakingaddiction.com/pumpkin-cheesecake/#recipe
Ingredients Crust
• 2 c Graham Cracker Crumbs • 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted • 1/4 c Granulated Sugar
Filling
• 32 oz Cream Cheese, softened • 1 c Granulated Sugar • 1/4 c Light Brown Sugar, packed • 3 large Eggs • 15 oz. Pure Pumpkin Puree • 1/3 c Heavy Cream • 2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract • 1 tbsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
Instructions 1.
2.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with foil and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press this mixture
onto the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of the prepared pan. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes, then allow it to cool on a wire rack for approximately 10 minutes. 3. Using a stand or electric mixer, blend together cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, pumpkin, and heavy cream, mixing until everything is fully incorporated. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Finally, add in the vanilla and pumpkin pie spice, and continue mixing until well combined. 4. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust. 5. Bake for 60 minutes. The edges will appear set, but the center may still have a slight jiggle. At this point, crack
the oven door, turn off the heat, and allow the cheesecake to rest in the cooling oven for one hour. 6. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and place it on a cooling rack to cool completely. Once the cake has cooled, refrigerate it for at least 6 hours.
Notes
• If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use two regular small pans or purchase two pre-made crusts from the store. • To prevent cracking, you can use a water bath while baking. Boil water and place it in a large baking pan. Set the cheesecake pan in the middle of the water bath and bake following the same instructions as above.
12 • The Oracle •November 2, 2023
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Word of the Day
unfalsifiable: (adjective) 1. not able to be proven false, and therefore not scientific
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Israeli Airstrike Kills Senior Hamas Commander; Foreign Nationals Allowed to Leave Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict A senior Hamas commander believed to be behind a recent attack and kidnapping in Israel was killed in an Israeli air raid on the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza. The airstrike resulted in at least 50 deaths. This development has raised concerns about the ongoing conflict’s potential to escalate further. Meanwhile, foreign nationals who had been trapped in Gaza due to the conflict were allowed to leave via the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. The Rafah crossing is currently the only operational entry and exit point for Gaza. This move offers relief to many foreign passport holders and injured individuals but also leaves behind a sense of sorrow as they leave family and friends in Gaza. Aid organizations are planning to rotate staff to provide essential services in Gaza, as the situation remains dire with thousands of casualties and overwhelmed medical facilities.
returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan, fearing separation from their families. Many of these Afghans are refugees hoping to resettle in the US, the EU, or other countries.
Millions of Undocumented Foreigners in Pakistan Face Deportation Deadline Pakistan’s government has set a deadline for millions of undocumented foreigners, including approximately four million Afghans, to leave voluntarily or face deportation. The deadline, which comes amid mounting political and economic issues in Pakistan, is raising concerns about the deteriorating relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Detention centers have been established across Pakistan to handle those who do not leave ahead of the deadline. Tens of thousands of Afghans have already
Gubernatorial Candidates Clash Over Opioid Settlement Funds Bragging Rights Opioid settlement funds, which total more than $50 billion and are being distributed to state and local governments over nearly two decades, have become a political issue as gubernatorial candidates in several states vie for bragging rights over the funds. These candidates, including attorneys general who pursued the lawsuits that produced the payouts, are eager to remind the public who brought home the windfall. Candidates in other states are touting their settlement
Highland Fire in Southern California Grows Rapidly, Forcing Evacuations The Highland Fire in Southern California, which began on Monday, has rapidly grown to nearly 2,500 acres and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents. The wildfire is currently only 10% contained and has already destroyed three structures while damaging six others. It is threatening an additional 2,356 structures. Some 4,270 residents are under mandatory evacuation orders, while 3,976 residents are under evacuation warnings. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and firefighting efforts are complicated by steep and rugged terrain in the area. Cal Fire is urging residents to remain vigilant and heed evacuation orders and warnings to ensure their safety.
credentials, too, potentially raising concerns about how settlement dollars are being spent, who is making the decisions, and whether the money will truly address the public health crisis. Some advocates and people personally affected by the opioid epidemic worry that mixing politics with settlement funds could result in ineffective investments. They believe it’s essential to keep the significance of the money in the public conversation beyond the election cycle. Cornell University Student Charged Over Threats to Jewish Students Federal prosecutors have filed charges against Patrick Dai, a Cornell University student, for allegedly posting threats of violence against Jewish students. He faces charges related to threats made through interstate communications. These threats included comments calling for the deaths of Jewish people, plans to “shoot up” a building frequented by Jewish students, threats to stab male students, sexually assault female students, and a pledge to “bring an assault rifle to campus and shoot all you pig Jews.” Dai has yet to enter a plea, and he could face up to five years in prison if convicted. The threats prompted fear in the Jewish community in Ithaca and led to a visit by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. She expressed concern about rising antisemitism on college campuses in New York and announced an investigation into antisemitism and discrimination at the City University of New York (CUNY). The case remains under investigation by various law enforcement agencies.
THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: Do you practice an “attitude of gratitude”? Many of us do during the holidays, but we should remind ourselves to do it year round. It turns what we have into enough, and in counting our blessings, we discover a profound richness that transcends material wealth. When we embrace gratitude, we open ourselves to joy, contentment, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us every day.
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