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
See More on Page 5
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-
(Story Continues on Page 2)
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
2 • The Oracle • February 16, 2023
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FORTUNA Every Tuesday - Range Night at Northwest Sportsmans Club March 17th & 18th - Annual Mike Selle Memorial Pool Tournament at The Teachers Lounge March 24rd & 25th - 3rd Annual Fortuna Curling Club Women’s Bonspiel. Contact Cassie Rauser to sign up your team: 701-641-8891
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RAY Feb. 24, 25, & 27th - Boys Basketball Districts Saturday, March 11th:Ray Fire Dept. Social/Raffle with Dueling Pianos at Ray Auditorium 5:30pm-7:30pm
CROSBY Thursday February 16th: Boys BB vs. Powers Lake at DCHS 4:14pm Friday, February 17th: Planning & Zoning Commission 8:00am Friday, February 17th: Cards and Games At Senior Citizen Center 1:30pm To Have Your Community Event Added Email: IT@vocella.com
LIGNITE Saturday, February 18th: Masquerade Adult Prom at 109 Club & Steakhouse 10:00pm Saturday, March 18th: Leprechaun Loop Fun Bus and Ted & Kari at 109 Club WILLISTON Saturday, February 18th: Winter Fest at Cross Ranch State Park 1:00pm-5:00PM Wednesday, February 22nd: Pheasants Forever Cabin Fever Gun Grab At River’s Edge 6:30pm
TIOGA Thursday, February 16th- Sunday, February 19th: Preacher in the Patch at Tioga Community Center 7:00pm Thursday, February 16th: 2nd Annual Chamber Mixer at Hidden Beauty Salon & Spa 6:00pm-8:00pm Thursday, February 16th: No wrestling Practice at Tioga Community Center Monday, February 20th: CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF PRESIDENT’S DAY Saturday, February 25th: Cocoa with the Popo at Tioga Community Center 4:00pm March 1, Tioga Comm. Center. 7pm District 2 Reorganization Meeting & Other Business DISTRICT 2 GOP Reorganizational Meeting Wednesday, March 1st, 7:00PM Tioga Community Center 410 6th St, NE, Tioga, ND Reorganizational meeting and other business. -Chelsea Carr, District 2 Treasurer.
BEST FRIENDS FOREVER: Part 1 of 4: Missing Person Barbara Cotton (Continued from Page 1) side she had beautiful brown wavy hair, and hazel eyes. She walked with a unique sway due to a S-shaped curvature in her spine. Barb had a beautiful smile and always radiated happiness. She was a little on the quiet side until you got to know her. On the inside Barb had a heart of gold. She was kind to everyone and even when upset she was soft spoken. Barb and Sandee became best friends quickly, and life seemed to be looking up for Barb. The Cotton siblings played with Sandee and all the neighborhood kids often. The four of them especially were always together. As they got older Barb and Sandee would have sleepovers in the camper outside Barb's home. They would play games all night, talk about their boy crushes, laugh and enjoy life together. Those memories will always be some of Sandee’s favorites. With Sandee being a year ahead of Barb in school she was heading off to high school soon. It’s only natural for relationships to shift and change, but the girls remained friends; however, they did drift apart some-
what and started to hang out with new friends. Diane Laducer met Barb through a mutual friend. They were about 13 or 14 and had similar interests. Both seemed to be old souls, loved going to coffee shops, watching scary movies, reading, listening to music, talking and smoking their cigarettes. Back then it wasn’t unusual for kids to be smoking or drinking. We have to remember this was over 40 years ago. Times have changed for sure. Barb became close to Diane’s family as well, spending most of her time there as she was beginning her teen years. We can all probably relate to the hardships between mothers and daughters in those years. Barb had to grow up quicker than others due to the family dynamic. She argued a lot with her mom, typical teen times. Barb wanted to be independent and do her own thing. As Barb’s mother, Louise, clearly wanted there to be rules still. Louise knew Diane’s house was a good place for her to be so she did still allow Barb to sleep over there. As Barb was finding her own
independence, her friends still described her as kind and generous to a fault. She liked to see the good in all people. She felt that bad people were just misunderstood. One story was that Barb let a stranger sleep on the couch because he had nowhere to go. It would seem that Barb possibly came across as naïve, not seeing the repercussions for things when just trying to be a good person. Barb never seemed scared or feared others and would walk home alone at night on many occasions. She put others before herself and would give anyone anything if it would help them. She seemed to be that friend that we all hope to have in our lives. During these times Barb’s dad passed away, and her oldest brother Frank started coming around, staying for periods of time then leaving again depending on whether or not he had a girlfriend. Frank was labeled a womanizer. Barb did not trust nor like Frank. He tried to rule the house when he was there, something that clearly would upset any child or teen who was used to living with just their mom
as their parent. Diane and Barb had big dreams of moving out and getting their own apartments when they were 16. Diane was actually getting married in July of 1981. Barb had her dress ordered, and we can assume she was so excited to be her Maid of Honor. They both worked hard getting jobs at local diners. Barb was very good at saving her money and opened up a savings account. She had goals of going to college and being an accountant. For the time, it was quite a bit of money. She was able to save about $4,000 by the time she was 15. This girl was strong willed and driven. It might be noteworthy to mention that when her dad died each of the kids were given a portion of his Social Security money that was put into savings each month. This was a different account then Barb’s savings account from her jobs and Barb would have needed Louise to gain access to this money as a minor. Diane felt she and Barb confided in each other for everything. One-night things got heated when Barb snuck Kathy to a party with her. Kathy was two years young-
er than Barb, so she was probably around 12 or so. Kathy feared her mom and ended up telling her where she was when she came home without Barb. The fighting continued to escalate, but at least Barb knew she could stay at Diane’s. The week of April 6th, 1981, Diane and Barb didn’t see much of each other, if at all. Looking back, Diane realizes it was the first week they weren’t together all the time. Their schedules were busy, but they still talked, and nothing made Diane think anything was wrong. On April 10th, the girls talked on the phone about what they were each doing the next day. Barb told Diane she was going with her friend to take her friend’s dog to the vet, and they agreed they would catch up later. After midnight in the early hours of Sunday the 12th Sandee was woken up by her phone ringing. She was home alone and just felt that something wasn’t right. It was Louise, she asked if Sandee knew where Barb was. Join us next week for Part 2 of Barbara Louise Cotton.
Capturing the beauty
of selfless giving
February 16, 2023•The Oracle • 3 D FIN ON US E B O O K FAC
2022
TEAGAN’S INTERIORS
(7 9 6 5 01 ) -63 67
C R O S B Y, N O RT H D A K O TA
A Photographer ’s Story By Rachel Venture If you have ever been to the Threshing Bee, a high school basketball game, or just about anything happening in Crosby, you’ve most likely seen Don Anderson dashing about snapping photos of the action. For more than three decades, Don Anderson has been capturing candid moments in sports, agriculture and family events for all to enjoy. He has done this completely free of charge. Having lived in the area for more than 60 years, Don has poured his heart and soul into the community as well as his time. At the Divide County boys and girls basketball games, the absolutely worst possible time as far as Don was concerned, his over 10 year old camera suddenly gave the dreaded “Blue Screen of Death”. The camera never came back on properly with that all too well known “Error” code flashing over, and over. After running several “self-fixes” and some other troubleshooting techniques, he posted his apologies to Facebook, picked a spot in the bleachers and cheered for the kids from the sidelines, saving the mourning of his camera for a later time. Don has carried the selfless values of honest documentation and was always showing up to community events and fundraisers on his own dime and time. Losing his camera
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Grandson Hunter and Don Anderson talking photos during a Junior Gold State Tournament
was more than just losing a tool for a hobby, it was losing a part of his passion. The artistic flair of Don’s photos are unique to his art, and missing out on moments and memories was just not right. Having seen his apologetic post, Kristi Haugenoe of Crosby immediately jumped into action and quietly opened a benefit account at the Bank of Tioga for Don Anderson and set up a fund on Venmo for a new camera. Within 10 days, enough funds had been raised by the community for Don to pick out a brand new camera. He was so grateful to continue his documentation of local events and happenings. If you ask Haugenoe or anyone else who enjoys Don’s photos, “it’s not just about the
photos, it's about the memories”. Memories for parents, grandparents and relatives, for kids to share with their kids one day and for those loved ones far away to feel a little bit closer to home. What a delight it has been for the friends, neighbors and fans of Don Anderson to be able to give a little something back to a man that has given so much of himself to so many people.
Did You Know?
The USA was supposed to adopt the metric system but the ship carrying the standardized meter and kilogram was hijacked by pirates in 1793 and the measurements never made it to the States.
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4 • The Oracle • February 16, 2023
20 YEARS OF SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS
AND
By Michelle Svangstu It’s not always easy to attract or maintain successful
KayCee Lindsey, Divide County Community Development Director
businesses in rural, western North Dakota towns. Kaycee Lindsey, Community Development Director with the Divide County Jobs Development Authority, says that since 1993, the voter-approved Spirit Fund has been utilized to keep Crosby and its surrounding trade area thriving. Lindsey explains, “100% of the funds we disburse come from people shopping locally. For every dollar spent in our local businesses, 1% comes back to Crosby to support local organizations and businesses – both those that currently exist and entrepreneurs who are looking to bring new business to the area.” Applicants who seek assistance from the Spirit Fund can apply for funding in one of three ways: a Community Enhancement Grant, an Interest Buy-Down Program or an Exterior Revitalization Grant.
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The Community Enhancement Grant is aimed at helping businesses and organizations promote, build and maintain programs that benefit the health, cultural, educational, or social activities of local residents. Kaycee notes, “If you look at thriving communities across the state, one of the key factors is having attractive, accessible activities and quality health care in your backyard. People living here or looking to make the Crosby area their home are less likely to stay if there isn’t something for them to engage in or medical care close by. A lot of these activities and programs also provide local jobs and often bring in visitors, which in turn brings in dollars and stimulates the local economy.” The “Interest Buy-Down Program” is most often awarded as local funding in conjunction with funding from the Flex-Pace Program from the Bank of North Dakota (BND). The program is designed to help new businesses with startup costs and assist current businesses with updates, remodels and/or expansions to better serve their customers. Says Lindsey “we [the Spirit Fund] put in 30% [of requested funding] and BND puts in 70% to help get these business projects up and running. It’s a win-win for everyone – both the business owner and the community.” The Exterior Revitalization Grant wasn’t always part of the Spirit Fund allocations, but in 2021 Crosby City Council members recognized that having an attractive main street
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was an important part of drawing people into local businesses. “In 2021, $20,000 was set aside for small businesses to apply for up to a $5000 matching grant to make improvements to the exterior of their existing structure,” Lindsey noted. “Repairs, such as paving the grocery store parking lot, beautification like the mural on the wall of the Rooted Home and replacing a door and window at the Hair Loft may seem trivial to some, but people don’t want to go into businesses that look run down. They’ll keep going until they find a place that appears well kept. Main Street makes a big first impression and tells a story. People looking to make the DC area home are going to ask themselves, ‘Is this a community I want to be part of?’. So it’s vital that they see and experience all of the exceptional businesses and organizations we offer here.” The Spirit Fund has had a hand in supporting several local projects over the years, including the development of the Crosby Kid’s Daycare, replacement of the boiler at the Dakota Theater and repairs to the former Noonan school. This past week, the Crosby City Council voted to approve $56,380 in funding for 10 different local organizations, including the Meadowlark Arts Council (Art Installation at Writing Rock Historic Site), Crosby Country Club (Electrical Updates), Divide County Historical Society (Bandstand Repairs), St. Luke’s Hospital (New Mental and Behavioral Health Program), the Divide County School District (Stu-
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dent Career Program), Divide County Park Board (Restoration of Camping Spots at Skjermo Lake), Divide County Travelling Basketball (Tournament and Administrative Costs), Prairie Tumbleweeds (Replacement of Equipment), Divide County Economic Development Council (Expenses related to Annual Burgers and Brew Event), and the Crosby Chamber of Commerce (Summer Bash Expenses). The Spirit Fund board and City Council also approved a plan to assist with funding for an upcoming expansion/update of the Crosby Airport. Lindsey says that local people choosing to shop local is ultimately the key to maintaining a successful and thriving business environment. “We’ve been trained to think that big box stores are the only places to get certain things and that they’re always cheaper but they’re not,” Lindsey said. “Don’t just assume that the local stores will be more expensive. I encourage people to make a conscious effort to go in and talk to our local businesses. Give them the opportunity. They can often order the product you want and do it at a competitive price.” Lindsey also emphasizes how your dollar affects the community: “On average, $0.67 of every $1 spent in the local community stays here,” She stated. “It stays because of paid wages to local employees who are often your neighbor, your child, or your friend, and those wages are often re-spent within the community. And that doesn’t count all of the donations local businesses make to hometown organizations. The big box stores like Wal-Mart and
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Target and the big oil companies aren’t regularly donating to our local food pantry, prom, benefits, and sports fundraisers. It’s your friendly neighborhood businesses that are doing that. If we choose not to shop here, they don’t have money to pay employees, and they don’t have money to put back into the community. We all need each other to thrive.” “What it all comes down to, is the value you place on the community you live in,” Lindsey added. “The Spirit Fund is just a small piece of the puzzle. If everyone can just shift a small amount of their spending, even 10% every year, to shopping locally, we can continue to grow our economy and maintain a sustainable, business-friendly environment.” Entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations interested in applying for Spirit Fund assistance are encouraged to contact Kaycee at 701-965-6006 or email her at dcjda@nd.gov. Print a Classified in the Oracle for $7 up to 25 words. Place it in the Community Shopper, also, for $10 total.
February 16, 2023•The Oracle • 5
Enjoy Cocoa RECREATION AT TIOGA DAM REAWAKEN YOUR SENSES WITH TIOGA ND
With The POPO By Josh Nelson, Tioga Chief of Police Tioga Police Department’s annual “Coco With The Popo” has been set for Saturday, February 25th between 3:00pm and 6:00pm at the Tioga Community Center. The event is free to the public and will have food served by Cash Wise Foods along with a laser tag course set up for all to enjoy. Cocoa with the Popo was created as a spin off from Coffee With a Cop with an emphasis on having the ability to interact with members of the community of all
Kathryn, Canvas, and Dorinda during the 2022 event.
ages. Creating events geared towards creating rapport with community members of all ages is paramount as we rely on each individual's support to remain a successful and effective police department.
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114 N Main St., Tioga, North Dakota | 701-664-3276
By Rachel Venture As mankind progresses, we learn more about our anatomy and the importance of exercise. We may not need to tirelessly work to hunt and gather our food for existence but we still need to expel that energy in order to maintain a healthy life. In the modern world, we are bombarded with screens and ads and the noise of working life but what if fitness didn’t have to be like that? Fitness comes in many forms and the City of Tioga wants to give its citizens a variety of options in the form of a new exercise running and walking pathway. Located near the Tioga Dam, the new pathway will feature workout equipment and play structures at every quarter mile on the pathway. The City of Tioga has been waiting with bated breath for a year and a
half, procuring construction permits from the appropriate authorities and grant money. The Heritage Foundation donated $200,000 to the project, Garrison Diversion Conservancy and the North Dakota Forest service also granted money to the project and construction is going to be in full swing as the ground thaws. Fresh tree saplings are part of the grants donated. “We want to build a trail where people can walk around the dam,” Salinas, City Auditor of Tioga, stated. “It's approximately 2.7 miles around, we’ve actually already started.” Started, they have indeed. The City has already put in a dog park, fixed the camper spots providing water, and added sewer and electricity where there was none before. The campsites also have fresh new fire pits
and benches for campers and tourists. The city also has loose plans to build a pavilion for events like weddings, family reunions and local town festivals. Salinas added, “The commissioners - they have a real vision that keeping healthy and exercising is important; and this park is a big part of that vision.”
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Chamber members are invited to join us for the Second Annual Chamber Mixer hosted by Hidden Beauty Salon & Spa and The Oracle! Come see what these great businesses have to offer, and meet & mingle with fellow Chamber members in the Tioga business community! Stop by the Tioga Chamber mixer February 16th from 6-8pm at the Hidden Beauty Salon & Spa for light snacks.
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If you own a business and would like to see what our Chamber is all about, come on in and meet some of our Chamber business owners in the community and what they have to offer!
6 • The Oracle • February 16, 2023
THE WESTBY WATCH By Heidi Whitney
Senior basketball players and their parents were honored on Senior Night last Saturday.
S e v e n Thunder B a s k e t b a l l Wrestlers Finishes Regular Season
Thunder
State Bound
The girls region 3 individual wrestling tournament took place in Williston on February 10. Earning trips to state were Kaylie Clingman (3rd at 125); Amanda Shields (7th at 140); and Madi Leatherman (3rd at 170). The boys had their region tournament in Kenmare on February 11. Sophomore Cade Else successfully defended his title as region 3 champ. Others earning trips to state were TJ Boyer (4th at 113); Victor Christian (3rd at 132); and Riley Hennager (3rd at 160).
The Thunder had a tough last weekend of the regular season, with the boys losing two and the girls winning a nail biter on Friday and suffering a loss to state-ranked Plentywood on Saturday. On February 10, both teams headed to Fairview. The boys fell short 36-78 and the girls came out on top 45-43. High scorer for the boys was Adam Paine
with 14. Erika Christian was the high scorer for the girls with 14. Emma Smart added 12. Senior Night was held in Westby on February 11 where the boys fell to Plentywood 19-43, while the girls lost to the Wildcats 29-57. Paine was the top scorer for the boys with 7. Kiarra Brunelle and Smart each netted 6 for the Lady Thunder.
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Please contact Heidi Whitney at 406-672-5696 to add an event! ALL TIMES ARE MOUNTAIN Thurs. Feb 16 - Sat. Feb 18: MonDak district girls and boys basketball tournaments @ Sidney. Sun. Feb 19: Services at Assembly of God, 10:30 am. Coffee hour at Immanuel, 10:30 am. Services at 11:30 am.
Did You Know? On the night of 22-23 July 1945 USN Commander Eugene Fluckey sent a shore party from his submarine USS Barb (SS-220) to sabotage a railroad. The raiders
Did You Know?
became the only Allied force to invade mainland Japan in the war, and the Barb became the only sub in history with a confirmed kill on a train.
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USN - Official U.S. Navy photo 19-N-83952 from the U.S. Navy Naval History and Heritage Command The U.S. Navy submarine USS Barb (SS-220) in San Francisco Bay, near the Mare Island Navy Yard, California (USA), 3 May 1945.
February 16, 2023•The Oracle • 7
Kota Ray Kids
Fishing Derby By Rachel Venture Fishing is an activity as old as mankind itself. Since the dawn of the sharpened stick, we have been gathering with family and friends near water to catch fish, tell stories and catch up with those we care about. The United Sportsmen of Williston, Scenic Sports, and Williams County collaborated this weekend to bring locals their annual Kota Ray Kids Ice Fishing Derby. Kids from all over the state showed up to test their skills
in this adorable and exciting match. Families enjoyed a BBQ while they cheered on their favorite mini fishermen, all of which took home a prize.
The United Sportsmen of Williston have their annual banquet and fundraiser coming up March 31st, so stay tuned for more details.
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START YOUR ENGINES By Rachel Venture If you fill up at Scenic sports and keep heading down 1804, you might start to hear the rumble of snowmobiles. This weekend the Dakota 660 Ice Racers will be holding their annual Night Ice Drag Sled Raced at Lake Vernon, near Douglas ND. Billy Blatnik, one of the
winners of last weekend's drag sled races here in Williston, along with Pete Griffore of the Dakota 660 Ice Racers are organizing this brightly lit night time spectacle, and competitors from all over the midwest and Canada are expected to attend. Last year's races saw every sled imaginable from the antique 440’s of old to the modern custom
mod prototypes straight out of the imagination of a true petrolhead. Bring the family, a flashlight, and some earplugs to witness this high-speed, high-stakes exhibition for yourself. Spectators insurance is $10 at the gate and registration for competitors begins at 3pm. Races will begin at 5 PM.
Laughter Abounded at Williams & Ree Show In Tioga, ND It's time to get goofy! Tioga was blessed with the presence of two of the silliest and most amazing comedians in town. Bruce and Terry from Williams & Ree. From start to finish, their performance had us roaring with laughter as they lit up the stage and filled it with electrifying energy!
8 • The Oracle • February 16, 2023
END OF THE ROPE
The story of North Dakota's last case of frontier justice. Editorial by J.C. LaBar McKenzie County State’s Attorney Dennis Edward Johnson wrote the true story "End of the Rope," a book about the disappearance of the Haven family and the vigilante lynching of Charles Bannon—the last lynching in North Dakota. Dennis Johnson passed away at age 65 on Thanksgiving Day, November 25th, 2021, just three months after filming wrapped on the feature film based on the book, which shares the same title. Filmed in McKenzie County and produced by the North Dakota-based production companies Canticle Productions and D&N Cinematics, it is expected to be released this year. The story begins February 9th, 1930, when Albert Haven, his wife Lulia, and their four children: Daniel, 18; Leland, 14; Charles, 2; and Mary, their 2-month-old baby, disappeared without a trace. The family lived on the farm for over ten years. Their disappearance didn't raise any alarm until after their mail began piling up and relatives from Minnesota started inquiring about their whereabouts. At this time, McKenzie County Sheriff William "Bill" Jacobsen began investigating their disappearance. Upon visiting the farm, Sheriff Jacobsen found the family's hired hand, Charles Bannon, living on the property and taking care of the farm's activities. When asked about the family's whereabouts, Bannon said that he drove them to the train station where they boarded the train heading west to Colton, Oregon. Investigating Bannon's claims, Sheriff Jacobsen learned that the ticket agent at the train
with Charles Bannon, James Bannon, and a confessed thief named Fred Makie. Deputy Hallan refused to let the mob in, after which they battered the door with large timber. They demanded that he open the door to Charles's cell. Hallan once again refused. After considerable effort, the mob eventually busted down the door. The crowd dragged Charles to the Haven farm, where they intended to get the truth out of him. Public Administrator Evanson, who had been staying at the Haven farm, State's Attorney J.S. Taylor, accused killer Charles Bannon, Williams County Deputy Sheriff Earl confronted the men facGorden and Sheriff Charles Jacobson ing them at gunpoint. He station had no recollection In Charles Bannon's first the rest of the Haven family convinced them to take their of selling tickets to the Ha- confession, he stated that because he was scared. business elsewhere. Comven family. Furthermore, the Mrs. Haven was mentally ill In his confession, Ban- plying, they took Bannon to postmaster in Colton, Ore- and had gone insane, killing non stressed that he acted a nearby bridge that crossed gon, indicated that no such the entire family. He drew alone in the killings and that Cherry Creek. The men tied family lived in the area. The a barnyard map showing his parents knew nothing Bannon's hands behind his State’s Attorney filed a com- where he helped her bury the about the murders. Authori- back, placed a noose around plaint for larceny against bodies. Bannon's attorney ties later tracked down James his neck, and forced him to Charles Bannon after he had took his confession and the Bannon in Oregon, where he stand on the bridge railing. sold livestock and property map to the authorities claim- was extradited back to North They began shouting at him, from the farm. ing Bannon was covering for Dakota to face charges of "jump!—jump!" Bannon reOn December 12th, a murder committed by Mrs. complicity in the murders. portedly replied, "you boys 1930, Charles Bannon was Haven. Along with Bannon's Although Charles testified started this. You will have to arrested. Authorities found attorney, his mother, and to his father's innocence, au- finish this." Initially, no one Albert Haven's winter cloth- the minister, officers met at thorities kept James in cus- stepped forward to push him ing, the children's toys, and the Haven farm, where they tody. James and from the bridge other family belongings on uncovered the bodies of the Charles Bannon until one man A crowd of at were relocated the farm. The Havens dis- Haven family. Also found least 75 men, finally stepped appeared in February, a was the matted hair of Mrs. from Williston from the crowd, all wearing cold month in North Dako- Lulia Haven—proof that to the stone jailshoving him to masks, house in Schafhis death. ta when no one would ever Charles had lied once again. converged on Governor think to venture out without Confronted with his lies, er to await trial their warm clothes. Also Bannon broke down and for the murders. the stone jail. Shafer called Details of the murder of found was a crumpled letter made a second confession. Charles Banmurders from Charles' father, James. He admitted involvement the The letter was postmarked in the murder of the Hav- spread quickly through- non "shameful," ordering from Colton, Oregon. In it, en family and dragging the out McKenzie County. Lo- an investigation into the inJames stated he could find body of Mrs. Haven out to a cals became concerned that cident and sending a special no evidence that the Havens wolf's den behind the house. Charles Bannon would be investigator to investigate had ever arrived in Colton. Later that same day, Sher- taken to Williston and would and identify those responsiSince rumors were already iff Jacobsen and the Coun- not be convicted. On Janu- ble for the murder of Charles spreading about foul play ty Coroner recovered Mrs. ary 29th, 1931, a crowd of Bannon. Investigators conand believing Bannon would Haven's and young Charles' at least 75 men, all wearing cluded that the lynching was be safer outside McKenzie missing remains. After three masks, converged on the well-planned in advance County, Charles was moved additional confessions, Ban- stone jail in the small town of and that three or more leadto the Williston Jail in Wil- non admitted to accidentally Schafer. Deputy Sheriff Hal- ers kept the mob organized (Story Continues on Page 9) liams County. killing Daniel and murdering lan was in the jail that night
February 16, 2023•The Oracle • 9
END OF THE ROPE (continued) Renewed and under control. However, the investigation yielded no leads that would identify the responsible parties. The community was a hush, and the men's identities remain a mystery to this day. Charles Bannon's father was tried, convicted, and sentenced to life in prison for the Haven murders. James' attorneys appealed the conviction arguing that he was not involved and that the evidence did not support the charges against him. The North Dakota Supreme Court upheld his conviction. James Bannon was later released due to a terminal illness and died shortly after on September 12th, 1950. To learn more about the story or to get a copy of the book, "End of the Rope," by Attorney Dennis Edward Johnson, call or visit the Pioneer Museum of McKenzie County at 701-444-2990. If
you're interested in watching the film, there are several showings across the state: • Watford City, March 24 & 25, 4pm, Six Shooter’s Theater • Fargo, March 31, 7pm, Fargo Theater • Grand Forks, April 1, 7pm, Chester Fritz Auditorium, UND • Williston, April 14, 7pm, T&J Agnes Grand Theater • Minot, April 15, 3pm & 7pm, Oak Park Theater • Bismarck*, April 21 & 22, 7pm & 8pm, Grand Theater • Belfield, April 28, 7pm, Belfield Theater You can purchase Premiere Tickets at endoftheropefilm. com. *Special VIP Movie Experience Package is available as an add-on at checkout for April 22 showings.
NASP State
Tournament
Scheduled
Mon, 02/13/2023 PRESS RELEASE NORTH DAKOTA GAME AND FISH The North Dakota National Archery in the Schools Program state tournament is scheduled for March 17-18 at the State Fair Center in Minot. The tournament will feature competition in bullseye, 3-D and varsity. The tournament consists of team and individual competition in elementary, middle school and high school divisions, with $40,000 in prizes awarded including $20,000 in higher education scholarships. The state tournament and all other local and regional NASP tournaments are open to any student in grades 4-12 who attends a school that offers NASP lessons during the school day. A complete listing of tournaments in North Dakota is available on the official NASP tournament website at http://www. nasptournaments.org/. A certified NASP archery instructor must preregister participants for all NASP tournaments. For more information, or to find out if your child’s school participates in NASP, contact Jeff Long, North Dakota state coordinator, at jrlong@nd.gov, or call 701-328-6322.
Debate Over
ND's Anti-Corporate Farming Law Underway By Mike Moen Public News Service For the second time in nearly a decade, North Dakota is considering changes to a longstanding law that blocks corporate ownership of farms. With lawmakers now hearing debate, both sides of the issue are laying out arguments. Governor Doug Burgum's administration is behind the proposed changes, arguing the state isn't competitive in livestock production. The bill would add ownership exemptions for certain feedlot operations. Mark Watne, president of the North Dakota Farmers Union, said not only would it deplete the number of independent producers around the state, but also push profits to out-of-state companies. He added there should instead be focus on solutions within North Dakota's state lines. "What we need to do is build processing plants, we need to find markets, we
need to shore up the supply chain where our farmers and ranchers can make a little bit more money - and then we will grow animals in the state," Watne said. It really comes down to economics."
Opponents also contend farmers can build up ownership by forming cooperatives. A key change in the proposal involves removing swine, dairy, poultry and cattle feeding from the definition of a farm or ranch. Opening a window for corporations to partner with farmers can reverse North Dakota's decline in livestock production and complement its other agricultural output, Burgum's staff has contended. Watne said the approach sought by the governor and other state leaders has had devastating effects in other
states, pointing to a major loss of independent farmers in Oklahoma. He said corporate ownership of agricultural land is bad business for smaller producers. "So, if you've got somebody rooting chickens or hogs today," Watne said, "they're not going to have a really good place to market unless they sign in with these folks and then they're at the mercy of whatever they come up with for contracts." He and other opponents noted North Dakota voters overwhelmingly overturned similar changes approved in 2015. Other supporters of the bill include the North Dakota Corn Growers Association, which has said the changes would provide more market opportunities for its members for livestock feed. The plan would still maintain strong restrictions on corporate ownership, the group has also argued. The bill's language sets a limit of 160 acres.
10 • The Oracle • February 16, 2023
A Glimpse of Days Gone By
Above: Family of Olaf Fugelberg, farmer. Williams County, North Dakota. Circa 1930. Public domain.
Right: A farmer and his family in front of home. Williams County, North Dakota. Circa 1930. Public domain.
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February 16, 2023•The Oracle •11
Burgum meets with Interior deputy secretary, NPS director on Painted Canyon, wild horses, water supply
PRESS RELEASE WASHINGTON, D.C. Gov. Doug Burgum met today with U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Interior Tommy Beaudreau and National Parks Service (NPS) Director Charles Sams to discuss a variety of North Dakota-related issues including the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, Painted Canyon, water supply project funding, oil and gas development on federal lands and the state’s recent offer to help the NPS manage the herd of wild horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. “We appreciate Deputy Secretary Beaudreau and Director Sams taking the time to discuss opportunities for collaboration and partnership on these and other issues important to North Dakota citizens,” Burgum said. “The Department of the Interior has wide-reaching impacts on our state, with its many agencies touching land, water, tribal affairs, mining, parks, and fish and wildlife, so it’s essential that we remain engaged with
their leadership on these critical issues.” Among the topics discussed were Burgum’s recent letter to Sams urging the NPS not to adopt its preferred alternative plan for managing the herd of roughly 200 wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park – a plan that calls for gradually eliminating the herd. Burgum reiterated his offer for the State of North Dakota to work with the NPS
to manage the herd in a size and manner that supports genetic diversity and protects the park. The governor noted that the five tribal nations with whom North Dakota shares geography also have provided their general support for continued preservation of wild horses and longhorn cattle in the national park. Burgum stressed the need to fund and complete the decades-old Garrison
Diversion project, which would supply Missouri River water to eastern North Dakota in times of drought, as well as the federal funding mechanisms for the Northwest Area Water Supply project. Burgum also discussed the need to resume oil and gas leases on federal lands; the potential benefits of improving the Painted Canyon rest area in conjunction with the planned Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
in Medora; and how carbon capture, utilization and storage can help extend the life of baseload coal power and support enhanced oil recovery, helping to keep energy prices low for consumers while strengthening U.S. energy security with environmental stewardship. Burgum is in Washington, D.C., to participate in the National Governors Association’s 115th Winter Meeting Thursday through Saturday. Burgum is a member of the NGA Executive Committee. Governors will discuss best practices and bipartisan collaboration on leading policy issues including infrastructure, workforce development and youth mental health, and will meet with a number of private and public sector leaders, including President Biden and Surgeon General Vice Admiral Vivek Murthy. The winter meeting is one of two annual gatherings of the NGA, a bipartisan organization representing governors from all 50 states and five U.S. territories.
FISHING FOR ADVENTURE: SPEARS AT SKJERMO LAKE NEAR FORTUNA THROUGH THE LENS OF DON ANDERSON
Don Anderson Photos: Left to Right: Jim Reistad,Terrance Bloom, Diana Bloom
The crisp winter air filled the lake as Don Anderson walked across it on February 12th. It was unexpected to see three familiar faces in the distance but when he did, his curiosity grew and he knew immediately that something great was about to happen. As it turns
out, Diana Bloom, her grandson Terrance Bloom, and long time family friend Jim Reistad were on Lake Skjermo, near Fortuna. They were trying their luck at ice fishing for Northern Pike, a perfect way to celebrate Terrance's 17th birthday!
It all started with a chance encounter at Henny's Coffee. Don Anderson was having his morning coffee and chatting with the locals when he noticed Scott Williams and his colleagues from the Fish and Wildlife office. Little did he know that this conversation would lead to him discovering an entirely new world of sport fishing. Spear Fishing for Northern Pike! As they began describing their experiences catching some of North Dakota’s largest freshwater fish, he couldn't help but get hooked on spearfishing.
Don Anderson Photos: Top Left: The first of 15 holes that Scott Williams had to drill. Top Right: Once the holes are drilled Mike Borgreen took this huge ice saw and cut the ice loose. Bottom Left: Diane Borgreen with the biggest catch of the day. Bottom Right: Mike, Scott, & Diane.
12 • The Oracle • February 16, 2023
NATIONAL & WORLD HEADLINES
PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD SAYS CHINESE SHIP AIMED LASER AT THEM The Philippine Coast Guard has accused a China Coast Guard ship of pointing a “military grade” laser at some of its crew, temporarily blinding them, aboard a vessel in contested waters of South China last week. The Chinese ship also “made dangerous maneuvers” in approaching within 150 yards (137 meters) of the Philippine vessel, the Philippine Coast Guard alleged in a statement posted on its official Facebook page, with photos purporting to show the laser’s green beam. AS USUAL, FEDS HAVE NO SENSE OF HUMOR New Jersey had a message for drivers who might be thinking of hitting the road while under the influence of marijuana: State road safety signs said “We’ll be blunt/ Don’t drive high.” Another tried to protect woodlands: “Hold onto your Butts/Help prevent Forest Fires.” Finally,
one announced: “Slow down. This aint Thunder Road.” Robert J. Clark, head of the federal agency’s New Jersey division, sent a cease and desist letter to the state. Clwrote that using highways signs for such messages does not “promote the safe and efficient use of the roadway, does not serve a highway purpose, is inconsistent with both law and regulations, and increases the liability risk to the owner of the roadway facility.” So far, New Jersey has not complied and continues to utilize humor and pop-culture reference to hopefully gain the attention of drivers. ANNUAL ICE FISHING CONTEST ENDS IN DEATH OF THREE FISHERMAN An annual ice fishing tournament on Vermont’s Lake Champlain has been canceled after the deaths of three fishermen on the lake since Thursday of last week. Wayne Alexander from Grand Isle, Vermont, died Thursday after falling through the ice, according to a release from
Vermont State Police. The 62-year-old’s body was found in the water hours after he was expected to return home. His truck was found at the park’s entrance. On Saturday, two brothers died after their utility vehicle broke through the ice, police said. DO LOOK UP: NEW ZEALAND CITY PLAGUED BY FALLING STREET LAMPS Wellington city council stated, ‘you would be seriously injured or killed’ by lamps weighing up to 15kg, like a microwave or bulk sack of rice. Spokesperson Richard MacLean said the council was aware of the problem. The lamp heads weighed up to 15kg (33lb), he said – about equivalent to a bulk sack of rice, fullgrown border collie or a microwave oven. They were falling from heights of 4-6m. The council was investigating the problem, MacLean said, and believed there had been a “bad batch” of lamps with degraded fixings.
First Lutheran’s 89th Annual
LUTEFISK DINNER Lutefisk & Norwegian Meatballs Delivery: 11am-3pm • Takeout: 11am-5pm Buffet Style Dining in the Fellowship Hall
Saturday, February 25, 2023 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM First Lutheran Church 916 Main Street • Williston, ND
EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO OUR ANNUAL LUTEFISK DINNER! Adults & High School Students - $20 Jr. High & Grade School - $10 Pre-School Children - FREE
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