Vocella Graphic - December 7, 2023

Vol. 1 Issue 6

Thursday, December 7, 2023

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A Community Newspaper Serving Williston and the Bakken Area

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Thursday, December 7, 2023

In this issue About Us

V

ocella, Inc. (pronounced vō-chellä) is a multimedia company that aims to engage, excite, and empower people through compelling and entertaining products and services with a hyperlocal focus on community, business, arts, culture, and entertainment.

We are delighted to introduce the latest chapter in our journey: the Vocella Graphic.

This newly designed newspaper boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic, featuring stunning artwork and informative articles.

Crafting this visually captivating paper has been a labor of love, with our dedicated team painstakingly perfecting every aspect, from its appearance and tone to its expanded coverage area.

Furthermore, nestled inside, you will still find the trusted Community Shopper, complete with all the familiar content you’ve come to rely on. This includes classified ads featuring help wanted listings, rummage sales, and more, as well as business news, events, and community updates.

So, thank you for joining us as we continue to grow and do our very best to serve our communities.

Publishing & Sales Team

From the Designer Dear Valued Readers, As the most senior veteran of what was once simply “The Shopper,” my journey with this company has spanned over two decades, multiple iterations and many transformative moments.

My role with The Shopper began in 2002 and has taken me from classified ad manager and front desk customer service to graphic designer and now lead designer. Over the years, I’ve actively participated in the intricate processes that have moved this business forward — from logo redesign and layout, to IT and technical challenges, to procedural enhancements, website development and more.

Change is an inevitable part of any organization’s growth, and it’s often met with hesitancy and fear. However, I’ve always believed in pushing boundaries, seeking the next best thing, finding more efficient procedures and embracing better ways of doing things — a philosophy that has guided me throughout my years here.

As we express gratitude for the blessings in our lives this holiday season, I find myself immensely thankful for the time I’ve spent as an integral part of this organization. The Shopper, The Community Shopper and now the Vocella Graphic have not only been my workplace but have become a significant part of my life and identity.

I am grateful for the opportunity to bring to life the visions of others and share these creations with all of you, our dedicated readers. Your support has been instrumental and we thank you for embracing the changes, the innovations and the growth. We are continually working to enhance your reading experience, and we hope you enjoy the exciting developments we are bringing to you.

With heartfelt thanks,

Falon Justice

Managing Engagement Editor/Sales

Erica Kingston

Copy Editor/Writer

Socials

Web Visit us online at www.vocellagraphic.com and www.communityshopper.com

Office Hours

McKenna Layne

Reach us by email or phone: Monday - Thursday | 9:00am to 5:00pm & Friday | 9:00am - Noon Office hours are by appointment.

Call 701.572.4851

Design/Social Media

Vonni Anderson

Accounts Receivable

Heather Calkins Web Ops

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NEWS 04 — Mandated reporter training — Heritage Park high tea — Plant hardiness map updated OIL & AG 05 — Corporate land-ownership — Beef anthrax in Grant County CULTURE — Williston Wind Ensemble — Baboushka

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LIFESTYLE — Gift-giving season

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Lead Designer

Find us on Facebook and Instagram: @thevocellagraphic and @thecommunityshopper

Karolyn Moltzan

Lead Design/Production

PROFILES — Barbara Cotton Pt. 4

Kary Moltzan,

J.C. & Susan LaBar Owners/Publishers

This Issue

News & Press Releases news@vocella.com

Advertising sales@vocella.com

Billing billing@vocella.com

General Inquiries info@vocella.com

Contact Us PO Box 389 1411 West Dakota Parkway, 2A Williston, ND 58801 701.572.4851

THE COMMUNITY SHOPPER Job listings 04-05 Community Calendars 06 To Do About Town 07 & Announcements Classified Ads 08 & Realty

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Thursday, December 7, 2023

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Profiles

The disappearance of Barbara Louise Cotton PART 4 OF 4: MISSING PERSON BARBARA COTTON

BY KRISTIN MILLER

T

he last person of interest is tough to write about.

Out of respect for the family we will do our best to handle this part with sensitivity while still acknowledging that he is a person of interest.

Person of interest, Frank Cotton Barb’s older brother was named a POI by the police. Some of Barb’s siblings don’t recall thinking he could be a suspect until he died in 1999. We will go into the reasons surrounding that. Let’s start by talking about who Frank was to his siblings. Kent, Barb’s other brother, describes Frank as a father figure. Kent and Frank got along great. He was always there to help Kent out, and he looked up to him. All the siblings acknowledged that Frank did a lot of good things to help the family and Louise.

Other people that knew Frank said he was a loner and didn’t have any friends. However, Diane and Kathy allege there is a whole different side of him that was not so good.

According to Diane and Kathy, Frank had made inappropriate remarks and advances towards family members. He was known as a womanizer. There was an incident with his own niece where charges were pressed against Frank. Louise called her own granddaughter a liar and stood behind Frank. The sisters truly believe without a doubt that Louise would have covered for Frank in a situation like Barb’s disappearance. When Frank was dying from cancer in 1998, Louise had Barb declared legally deceased. Barb’s Social Security money from her father was then moved into Barb’s

savings account. According to some accounts when Frank died in 1999, Louise seemed to stop looking for Barb. She had Frank and Barb´s names next to each other on the headstone.

In 2004, Louise was sick and Kathy, Barb’s sister, was her caretaker in her final months. Kathy remembers her mom reflecting on her life saying that she was going to burn in hell for what she did.

Louise would put her head in her hands, rock and shake her head back and forth repeating that she was going to burn in hell for what she did. Kathy always tried to get her mom to explain what that meant, but Louise would just get upset and say never mind in a short manner. The sisters do believe looking back that Frank could be a suspect, and Louise would have, without a doubt, protected him until the ends of the earth. Her words could have implied that she helped Frank get away with it. Or it could have not been related at all to Barb’s disappearance.

Could Frank be the one who killed his sister? Could Barb have fought back if he had tried touching her, and perhaps accidentally hurt her, or worse?

Could Louise have made Stacey look like the suspect to get eyes away from Frank? Or is Frank innocent? Unfortunately, Frank is not here to defend himself or

give a different version.

To all the people reading this, if you remember anything about Stacey Werder, Frank De la Peña or Frank Cotton from around the time Barb went missing, please contact Williston PD. Maybe you were with Frank Cotton and can be his alibi.

Possibly you saw or heard more about Stacey Werder or Frank De la Peña. Any kind of information, although it may seem irrelevant, might be the missing piece. Someone out there knows what happened to Barb Cotton.

Information that can indicate someone’s guilt, is just as important as information that can prove someone’s innocence. It is time to bring Barb home to rest in peace.

If anyone is reluctant to reach out to the police, you can email findbarbcotton@ gmail.com and remain anonymous.

To this day Barb has never been found. Her family and loved ones have continued in their search efforts in hopes that a new lead or a breakthrough happens.

The saying “it takes a village” couldn’t be more true to keep things going. Barb’s sister Kathy willingly had her DNA taken at the Williston Po-

lice Department to be put in the database after her mother died in 2004.

Her best friends Sandee and Diane have never given up hope of finding their friend. Barb’s siblings and family members have continued to do all they can to find answers.

One thing that seems to be a common problem with cold cases is a lack of records maintained by police. However, with the many new advances in the technology used in cases like these, records are better maintained and new types of evidence can be uncovered. That’s why it is so important to bring a voice to these cases.

In Barb’s case, the WPD deemed her a runaway. This led to a lack of records due to many people in Barb’s life not being interviewed until the last few years. In 2019, WPD had three new detectives assigned to Barb’s case and they have taken a deeper look into all the files.

That year, Barb’s brother, Kent, was finally interviewed by the WPD for the first time. Barb’s sister, Diane, was also interviewed for the first time in 2020. With over 40 years since Barb went missing, this unfortunately means many people that needed to be questioned have passed away.

To read more about Barb Cotton’s case and resources on her disappearance, visit findbarbcotton.com Find parts one, two and three at vocellagraphic.com.

Barbara #FindBarbCotton

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Thursday, December 7, 2023

News & Updates

New features added to online mandated reporter training

Heritage Park serves high tea, teaches old fashioned arts

NORTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

BY ERICA KINGSTON

NORTH DAKOTA — North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS), in partnership with Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota, today announced the launch of enhanced interactive online training for mandated reporters.

There are between 1,000 to 1,200 confirmed cases of child abuse or neglect in North Dakota each year. The training serves as a fundamental tool in informing mandated reporters what to report and how to report concerns about suspected child abuse or neglect.

Mandated reporters are individuals who are required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect of children. These include health care professionals, educators, law enforcement, child care providers, social workers, first responders and other individuals. While the training is required for professionals working with children, the online training is free and available to the public.

“The training has been updated to include current policy and is profession-specific, providing crucial information customized by profession on how to recognize and report suspected child abuse and neglect,” said HHS Children and Family Services Section Director Cory Pedersen.

Because extreme stress, unmet needs and uncertainty for families may increase the risk of child abuse and neglect, the training also focuses on prevention. Training partici-

WATFORD CITY, N.D. — As this mild winter slowly but surely turns the corner into colder temperatures, McKenzie County Heritage Park and the North Dakota Oil Museum in Watford City have plans of keeping warm and busy this winter.

On Dec. 9, Heritage Park will host high tea as a final fundraiser for the year. An evening of elegance, patrons are invited to come in fine attire and fancy hats, or just as they are, to enjoy treats, tea and good company with a view.

“This event will be more of a social,” said director Farin Moore. “We will have tea, or course, little deserts, sandwiches and a history of tea lesson.”

High tea will take place at Heritage Park on Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. Tickets must be reserved, as space is limited; to do so, visit High Tea at Heritage Park on Facebook and follow the eventbrite link or call Farin Moore at Heritage Park. Those who reserve tickets will be guaranteed to go home with a teacup. This event is open to all ages and tickets are donation based. All proceeds go to furthering the park’s community events.

Since moving into their new building, the park has the space and ability to host more events. Dec. 1 marked the first date of a winter long series entitled Wintering Well.

On the first Friday of each month from 6-8 p.m. this winter Heritage Park will be teaching skills from past eras by diving into

pants will learn how to recognize if a family is in need of support or whether a child is in danger.

Describing some of the new features that promote both safety and well-being, Children and Family Services Prevention and Protection Administrator Kirsten Hansen said, “There are case examples to help individuals better understand safety, along with links to resources and services that can help meet families’ needs.”

The training is available online at https://mandatedreporter.pcand.org/, and individuals who complete it will receive a certificate of completion.

The training fulfills the annual training requirement for educators and child care providers that state lawmakers approved in House Bill 1144 during the 2023 session.

Reporting Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect HHS reminds individuals that if they suspect a child in North Dakota is being abused or neglected, they should call the statewide toll-free Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Line at (833) 958-3500, 711 (TTY). If it’s an emergency and a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

Find more information about child protection services on the HHS website at hhs. nd.gov/cfs/cps.

old-fashioned creative arts to promote community and learning.

The first skill taught was crocheting; a supply list was given on the Facebook page, as beginners were encouraged to come and learn to make a washcloth, and the more experienced to bring a current project.

Wintering Well is geared toward adults and tweens who want to learn alongside their parents. Classes are donation based and no registration is needed. A snack and drink will be provided and a list of materials needed will be posted on their Facebook page.

Other skills throughout the winter months will include sourdough making, embroidery and knitting.

“Since we have moved into this building in the last year we have had the opportunity to have more classes and events,” Moore said. “So this is hopefully the first of many that we will be able to do.”

Heritage Park and the N.D. Oil Museum is a testament to the history of McKenzie County. When the Long X museum closed, the park received all of their collection. Along with items donated from the county, Heritage Park tells the story of the county’s progress through the years.

The park and museum are located at 904 2nd Avenue South West in Watford City and can be reached at 701-842-6434 to reserve tickets for the high tea event or to learn about the Wintering Well series.

A new plant hardiness zone map from the USDA

BY JULIE WEISENHORN, EXTENSION HORTICULTURE EDUCATOR | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION U.S. — With its higher resolution and more accurate zonal information, the new USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM) can be helpful as you plan your garden or landscape.

However, it's good to remember that while the PHZM is a helpful resource, it does not guarantee that your plant will perform well in your landscape based on the hardiness zone alone. A plant's performance is based on other factors like how it was planted, soil type, light, space, wind and overall care.

As a gardener, it's still important to always follow the best practices of plant selection, planting and ongoing care from season to season. A plant's growing requirements should always match the site conditions in your landscape.

Keeping this in mind, here's what to know about the new map and how it was developed.

What's new about the new map?

• The new data is based on 1991-2020 GIS data collected from over 13,000 weather stations.

• Zones 12 and 13 were added in Puerto

•

•

Rico and Hawaii and can help northern gardeners decide when to bring in/put out tropical plants.

Higher resolution and more accurate zonal delineation, including in and around cities, mountains and bodies of water.

Plant hardiness zones are based on 30year averages of weather extremes (coldest temperatures). Climate changes are based on overall annual average temperatures over 50-100 years.

New data: 1991-2020 The edition of the USDA PHZM, revised and published in 1990, was drawn from weather data from 1974–1986.

The longer period of 30 years of data in the 2012 and this 2023 version of the USDA PHZM was selected by the group of horticultural, botanical and climatological experts who led the review of the latest revision as the best balance between smoothing out the fluctuations in weather from year to year and the concept that perennial plants mostly experience what is termed "weather" rather than "climate" during their lifetimes.

The 1991-2020 period also aligns with the period currently in use by climatologists to describe baseline climate "normals" in the U.S. New zones: 12 and 13 Two new zones were added to the 2012

and 2023 editions of the USDA PHZM. Zones 12 and 13 have been introduced for regions with average annual extreme minimum temperatures above 50 F and 60 F, respectively. They appear only on the maps for Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 8

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Thursday, December 7, 2023

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Oil & Ag

ND farmers still navigate corporate land-ownership policy maze

BY MIKE MOEN, PRAIRIE NEWS SERVICE NORTH DAKOTA — North Dakota’s farming landscape is seeing policy shifts dealing with corporate ownership of agricultural interests. Now, there’s fresh debate at the federal level.

Earlier this year, the Legislature loosened restrictions under the state’s longstanding anti-corporate-farming law. The changes, which followed lengthy debate, focus on livestock operations.

In Congress, the National Family Farm Coalition is among the groups calling for passage of the Farmland for Farmers Act, which would restrict the amount of farmland large corporations can own.

Ben Vig, who farms small grains in east-central North Dakota, said he’s happy to see the federal proposal, noting the broader corporate influence within agriculture these days.

“The idea that we have checks and balances when we purchase our food -- well, sometimes, the corporations own everything and we’re subjected to what they put as a price,” Vig observed.

He’s referring to corporate dominance in such areas as meat processing. And foreign ownership of U.S. ag property also has emerged as a concern; the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports foreign investors hold

about 40 million acres of American farmland.

The North Dakota Farmers Union has said it doesn’t think the federal bill would overlap with the state-level changes, but it does support the Congressional efforts.

Groups representing large ag firms have criticized recent federal attempts to establish market fairness, warning they would harm consumers. But Vig said giving the little guy more “wiggle room” to operate keeps farming communities thriving.

“And we still have people taking care of the land or taking care of small-town infrastructure,” Vig pointed out. “Whether we’re serving on a township board, or serving on a church board and a school board, we still know who the neighbors are.”

Corporate influence within agriculture also has led to concerns about the impact on land prices.

The Farmland for Farmers Act was introduced by U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey. And separate bipartisan efforts are focused on foreign investors.

At the state level, North Dakota got attention for the livestock-related ownership changes, but lawmakers also advanced legislation to restrict foreign governments from acquiring farmland.

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New beef cattle anthrax case in Grant County NORTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

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BISMARCK, N.D. — A new case of anthrax in beef cattle in Grant County has been confirmed by the North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The last confirmed case was in August.

The latest case brings the total number of cases for the year to 25.

“The case shows how anthrax spores can remain in an environment for a long period of time,” State Veterinarian Dr. Ethan Andress said. “There is a vaccine and many producers in the affected area worked with veterinarians to administer vaccinations earlier this year.”

Vaccines must be given annually for continued protection. Producers should monitor their herds for unexplained deaths and work with their veterinarian to ensure appropriate samples are collected and submitted to a diagnostic lab to give the best

chance of obtaining a diagnosis.

“While it is unusual to see anthrax this late in the year, producers should remember that occasionally cases can be seen, especially when mild weather allows cattle to remain out on pasture,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said.

More information about anthrax and a map of current and past cases are available on North Dakota Department of Agriculture website at www.ndda.nd.gov/diseases/ anthrax.

Anthrax is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. The bacterial spores can lie dormant in the ground for decades and become active under ideal conditions, such as heavy rainfall, flooding and drought. Animals are exposed to the disease when they graze or consume forage or water contaminated with the spores.

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Thursday, December 7, 2023

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Culture

New Williston Wind Ensemble to perform holiday concert

BY RACHEL VENTURE

W

hen the wind is always blowing, it’s hard not to hear music in the air.

Williston must be a very musical town — from the morning meadowlark’s song to the thousands of citizens that turn up for Band Day, Williston is truly blessed with the joys of music. Eric Rooke and John Bisbee of Williston High School have invited some of our local musical talent to form the new Williston Wind Ensemble.

Similar, but different from City Band and Community Orchestra, this group of community members and students have been meeting and practicing band music for six weeks and will continue throughout the school year. Their first concert will be this Dec. 10 in the Williston High School Theatre at 4 p.m. and is free to the public. Directors Rooke and Bisbee want to bring all ages and social groups together in the spirit of music.

“Anyone that knows how to play an instrument can come and join us, we just ask that you come to most of the rehearsals,” Rooke said. “We’ve put together six nice pieces of music for our upcoming concert.”

Band Day is a special day to everyone in Williston and for Eric and John, this is their biggest day.

They plan to have the new Williston Wind Ensemble perform at the park on Band Day as well.

“We decided to do this because we thought we needed to offer an opportunity for our former band students and band members of the community to come together and play some great band literature,” Rooke said. “We’re looking into possibly expanding into a jazz ensemble as well so there’s some unknowns and exciting things on the horizon for the future.

We’re experimenting and trying out the wind ensemble for our very first time and in six weeks we were able to put together a band of almost 50 people.”

Williston is privileged to have dedicated and creative people like Bisbee and Rooke to keep education interesting and community oriented. For anyone interested, reach out to the Williston Wind Ensemble Facebook page to join the band or hear their holiday themed concert on Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. at the Williston High School.

Baboushka, a tale of winter’s regret and Christmas Joy VOCELLA STAFF

I

n the frost-kissed lands of ancient Russia, where winter’s chill painted the world in icy hues, there lived a solitary woman named Baboushka. Her tale, whispered through time and tumbled in the winds of tradition, began long before the revolution’s echoes.

Baboushka, a figure wrapped in mystery, was no stranger to the hearts of the Russian people.

Amidst the festive legends of St. Nicholas, she stood as a guardian of another narrative — one of self-discovery, regret and an enduring quest for something special.

Portrayed as an elderly soul with a headscarf tightly wound against the biting winds, and a cloak, worn and dark, draping her frail frame. Baboushka’s humble abode, a small hut nestled at the crossroads where four paths converged, became her fortress of solitude. No neighbors, no bustling villages — only the occasional sounds of passing wagons and the rhythmic footsteps of strangers provided her companionship during the fleeting warmth of summer.

But when winter swept through the land, Baboushka found herself in darkness. Too feeble to wield the axe for logs and too destitute for candles, she sat in her silent dwelling, waiting for the return of summer.

One winter night, voices and tinkling bells pierced the quietude. At first, Baboushka mistook

them for nature’s own melodies — the clinking of icicles on frozen branches.

Yet, as the sounds grew louder, curiosity prompted her to light the last candle and peek through frosted windows.

To her astonishment, three figures, dressed in fur, perched atop camels, graced her doorstep. They spoke of a celestial star guiding them to a newborn king. Inviting Baboushka to join their quest, they left when met with her hesi-

tant refusal. Regret weighed heavy on her heart, and so, fueled by an inexplicable longing, she decided to seek out the three wise men and the special child they pursued.

Wrapped in her woolen scarf, adorned in her worn cloak, and cradling a basket of treats, Baboushka stepped into the cold unknown. Village after village, she shared the tale of the wise men and the elusive baby, hoping for a lead. Alas, each child she encountered was not the one she sought, and yet, she left them small gifts as tokens of goodwill.

Years passed, and the search endured. Baboushka, a lone wanderer against the canvas of time, remained undeterred. Some say, had she lived, she would still be traversing the lands, searching for that special child — a child who, unbeknownst to her, was none other than Jesus Christ.

Baboushka’s image endures — a guardian, a seeker, and a bestower of joy. In modern Russia, the legend lives on. Children awaken on Christmas morning to find gifts in their beds, whispered tales attributing them to none other than the ageless, Baboushka. And so, the story weaves its magic through the generations, reminding all who listen of the timeless spirit that infuses the season with wonder and joy.

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Thursday, December 7, 2023

Lifestyle

Prairie Fare: Gift-giving season

BY JULIE GARDEN-ROBINSON, NDSU EXTENSION FOOD AND NUTRITION SPECIALIST

“I

think it’s time to leave,” I said to my husband.

My husband picked up our kid, who could transform into a marble statue or a column of wiggly jelly.

At this moment, our kid was a screaming two-by-four tucked under my husband’s arm enroute to the car.

This was a little embarrassing.

We had been looking at the toy section. Our child wanted a particular toy right then.

Eventually, our child learned that the “screaming statue” tactic resulted in our leaving the store immediately.

Now that our kids are in their 20s, selecting gifts isn’t as easy as a trip to the toy store.

Gift cards seem to be a logical choice that allow people to choose what they want. Sometimes, however, gift cards get tucked in a drawer and are found much later, if ever.

According to a Credit Summit survey of 1,200 consumers, half of consumers lose their gift cards.

An estimated $21 billion is tied up in unused gift cards.

While gift cards are appreciated by many, what are some other gifts for adults? If you give gifts for the holidays, consider a few ideas and free online resources from NDSU Extension.

1. Give a gift that promotes safe food preparation. A food thermometer, an apron and a set of potholders are usually welcome additions to a kitchen. Grilling enthusiasts might enjoy long-handled food turners. If you like to sew, you can make the potholders and apron in the favorite colors and design of the recipient.

See www.ag.ndsu.edu/food and check out the “Home Food Safety” section for handouts about thermometers, food storage and more. They are free to download and share.

2. Create a cookbook of favorite family recipes. If you have the actual recipes in the handwriting of a relative, photocopy or scan them to make an extra-special keepsake. Add some digital photos of the recipe writer.

Although great-grandma’s home food preservation recipes might be tempting to share, we caution against sharing “old” food preservation recipes. Cookie and cake recipes usually are fine to share, but food preservation research has led to changes in our recommendations.

Be sure to compare “old” canning recipes to current ones. Sometimes, canning recipes withstand the test of time, but often they do not. See ag.ndsu.edu/food and go to “Food Preservation” for the latest information.

3. Consider a gift that helps you avoid food waste. We all have experienced increased prices at grocery stores. Unfortunately, an estimated 31% of food is wasted at the retail level or at home according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service.

Let’s work together to avoid throwing away edible food. How about a new set of microwaveable bowls, freezer containers and/or an insulated lunch bag to make use of these “planned-over” foods? Consider composting leftover food scraps, such as potato peelings.

See the “Food Preparation” section at ag.ndsu.edu/food. The “Pinchin’ Pennies in the Kitchen” series of publications have ideas to make foods from what you have on hand. These can be printed into a booklet of ideas.

See “How to Compost” at ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/how-compost if you want to learn how to turn vegetable table scraps into “black gold” for growing gardens.

4. I have a potential gift as a thank you for reading “Prairie Fare.” We created 2024 recipe calendars. I’d like your feedback and invite you to enter a drawing for 50 free calendars (one per person) by Dec. 23.

Go to https://forms.gle/L1R5qUbthp4SQEE99 and enter the two-minute survey. If the survey link does not work for you, please send an email to julie.garden-robinson@ndsu.edu and include your name, full mailing address and an idea for a column topic. Be sure the subject of your email says “calendar drawing.”

How about some beverage, soup or bread mixes as gifts for family and friends? We have several “quick mixes” (at ndsu.ag/quick-mixes), which can be made as a recipe or layered in a jar for a gift mix.

(Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., R.D., L.R.D., is a North Dakota State University Extension food and nutrition specialist and professor in the Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences.)

Julie Garden-Robinson’s original column for North Dakota State University “Prairie Fare: Gift-giving season includes gift drawing for readers” can be found at https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/ news/columns/prairie-fare/prairie-fare-gift-giving-season-includes-gift-drawing-for-readers

NDSU EXTENSION OFFERS SEVERAL QUICK MIX RECIPES, WHICH CAN BE LAYERED IN A JAR FOR A GIFT MIX. (ADOBE STOCK)

Herb Quick Bread 2 cups all-purpose white flour 1 cup whole-wheat flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 3 teaspoons caraway seeds ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon dried thyme If making a gift mix, layer the recipe ingredients in a clean quart-sized jar. Cover the jar tightly with a lid, decorate if desired and attach a copy of the recipe card.

1 recipe/jar Herb Quick Bread mix 1 egg 1 cup fat-free milk 1/3 cup canola oil Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk and oil. Add the wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until moistened. Place mixture in a 9- by 5-inch loaf pan coated with nonstick cooking spray and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes in pan; remove from pan and place on a wire cooling rack.

Makes 16 servings. Each serving has 140 calories, 5 grams (g) fat, 4 g protein, 21 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber and 180 milligrams sodium.

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Thursday, December 7, 2023

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Puzzle

Christmas

USDA HARDINESS MAP Continued from page 4

Open House

Tuesday, December 12 | 11 am – 3 pm 223 Main Street Join us for Christmas Treats & Great Holiday Entertainment!

A great day to bring your Fill A Forgotten Stocking Gift for a Teen!

11:00 am First Lutheran Church Bell Choir 12:00 pm Christina Winslow 1:30pm St. Joseph’s 3rd & 5th Grade Choir 2:30pm First Lutheran Church Bell Choir

701-774-4100 | www.asbt.com

GIFT CARDS

IMAGE SOURCE: USDA AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE.HTTPS://PLANTHARDINESS. ARS.USDA.GOV/

The two new zones will also provide guidance on the cold sensitivity of tropical ornamental plants, helping northern gardeners decide when to bring tropical plants indoors from a deck or patio as the temperature cools.

Finer scale for zonal delineations Because the 2012 and 2023 maps were created digitally with GIS technology, they have a higher level of resolution and can show smaller areas of zone delineations than earlier maps.

• Cities tend to hold more heat because they encompass large areas of concrete and blacktop, so a city or town might be assigned to a zone warmer than the surrounding countryside.

• Higher elevations tend to be colder than surrounding lower areas, so the top of a mountain might be an area of cooler zones.

• A location near a large body of unfrozen water, especially downwind from the prevailing breeze from that water, might provide milder winter weather and be in a warmer zone.

Climate change and plant hardiness zones Climate changes are usually based on trends in overall annual average temperatures recorded over 50-100 years.

The USDA PHZM represents 30-year averages of what are essentially extreme weather events (e.g., the coldest temperature of the year); changes in zones are not reliable evidence of whether there has been global warming.

Compared to the 2012 and 1990 maps, zone boundaries in this 2023 edition have shifted in many areas. The new PHZM is generally about one-quarter-zone warmer than reported in the 2012 PHZM through-

out much of the United States as a result of a more recent averaging period (1976-2005 vs. 1991-2020).

However, some of the changes in the zones are the result of additional data sources and improved interpolation methods. These zone shifts can sometimes result in a cooler rather than warmer zone. The most substantial changes are seen in the upland areas of Alaska.

Details about the making of the map • A complex algorithm allowed for more accurate interpolation between weather reporting stations, and it accounted for such factors as elevation changes and proximity to bodies of water.

• Temperature station data for this 2023 edition of the USDA PHZM came from many different sources. North Dakota is located in the North Central region, where data was collected primarily from weather stations of the National Weather Service and several state networks.

• Data from 13,625 stations (a substantial increase compared to the 2012 map version) were incorporated into the maps.

• The USDA PHZM was produced with the latest version of PRISM, a highly sophisticated climate mapping technology developed at Oregon State University.

Details about PRISM can be obtained from the PRISM Climate Group website.

Julie Weisenhorn’s original column for University of Minnesota Extension, “A new plant hardiness zone map from the USDA,” can be at https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-gardennews/new-plant-hardiness-zone-map-usda#sources-3534510

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THE NEW USDA PLANT HARDINESS MAPS ALLOW GARDENERS TO PLAN EARLY THIS YEAR FOR SUMMER 2024 PLANTING.