Vol. 3 - Issue 3
February 16, 2023 $2.00 A Community Newspaper a Serving N orthwest North Dakot “WRITE IT ON YOUR HEART THAT EVERY DAY IS THE BEST DAY IN THE YEAR.” - RALPH WALDO EMERSON
BEST FRIENDS FOREVER 20 YEARS OF Part 1 of 4: Missing Person Barbara Cotton
By Kristin Miller Imagine waking up one day and your best friend is gone. Not “gone” as in you got into a petty fight and aren’t speaking. Gone as in never to be seen or heard from again. No note, no phone call, no body, nothing. For the last 42 years that has been the reality for Sandee and Diane when their best friend Barb Cotton just disappeared. We will eventually look at the questions surrounding her disappearance, possible suspects, and where the case stands today. But first, I want you to meet Barb. On November 10th, 1965, Barbara Louise Cotton was the 7th child born to Louise and John Cotton
Barbara Louise Cotton
in Tioga, North Dakota. She was of Native American and Caucasian descent. Two years later, Louise and John welcomed their 8th child, Kathy. The younger three sib-
lings Kent, Barb and Kathy were inseparable. Most likely due to their closeness in age, and the other five children were much older at this point. When Barb was seven her parents divorced. Her older siblings were already out on their own at this time living their life. Louise took
A Photographer ’s Story Story on Page 3
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Kent, Barb and Kathy and moved to Williston, North Dakota. Louise went out and got a job leaving in the mornings around 5:00am or 6:00am to make sure she could provide for the family and keep a roof over the kids’ heads. She found a small house to rent in a neighborhood only a half block from the elementary school so the kids could walk. There were neighbor kids for her children to play with to have a fresh start for all of them. Louise knew being a single mom wasn’t going to be easy, but she was doing everything she could to give them a better life. Sandee Evanson lived across the street from the new neighbors. She was so excited when her mom told her that a family with kids had just moved in. Sandee describes Barb as just such a kind person. On the out-
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SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS AND HELPING COMMUNITIES THRIVE By Michelle Svangstu It’s been 20 years since the Spirit Fund was first launched in Divide County to support small businesses and help ensure that communities are able to thrive. From shopping local to program promotion, this voter-approved program has kept Crosby and its surrounding trade area supported for two decades. Page 4
REAWAKEN YOUR SENSES WITH TIOGA ND RECREATION AT TIOGA DAM
By Rachel Venture Have you ever been to Tioga, North Dakota? The city itself is full of vibrant energy, proud residents and some of the most unique recreation found in any small town around. With recent renovations and ongoing improvements, visitors will be able to experience all that Tioga has to offer like never before. Page 5
C E L E B R AT E COMMUNITY BONDING AT THE SECOND ANNUAL KIDS ICE FISHING DERBY Fun for the Whole Family was had at Kota Ray Dam. Page 7