Compiled by LAURENDONOVAN

Bismarck Tribune

A black and white head attached to a dressed out carcass were all that remained in a grassy pasture north of Amidon.

It appears someone helped himself to a 600-pound black-and-white-faced steer between Oct. 12 and Oct. 15, butchering it right there on the spot.

The crime occurred about 17 miles north of Marmarth, less than 80 yards off old Highway 16.

Richard Knopp, of Golva, a member of the Horsecreek Grazing Association, discovered the butchered critter.

He contacted Slope County Sheriff Pat Lorge, who's investigating.

Anyone who knows anything about the rustling incident is asked to call Lorge at 879-6271.

The North Dakota Stockmen's Association has a $5,000 reward for information that leads to a conviction in the case.

The old Highway 16 is an open range road, allowing the thieves to proceed with the crime without the hindrance of a fence.

- The Herald

Apple of their pie

Heather Peterson is an award-winning pie baker.

She's only 14, but she can turn out a pie that looks and tastes to perfection.

When she got drafted to bake 100 pies for Crosby's annual lutefisk supper Saturday, she said "yes," but provisionally.

Heather knew she needed a little help, and she got it from her mom, dad, two sisters, three brothers, and her grandparents.

She is, after all the "apple of their pie."

Her commitment truly became a family affair and everyone pitched in to help.

Even baby sister Emily, 4, learned to core apples, and Rebecca, 6, stirred in spices, while brothers Ben and Josh washed and sliced the apples.

Heather, with help, will make apple, sour cream raisin, pumpkin and pecan pies to sell at the supper.

They'll sell a slice for $1.50, or a whole pie for $7.

Heather's been baking and selling 30 pies a week at farmers markets in Ray and Crosby.

She's become so gifted, her pies, with their delicate fluting in the crust, look almost too perfect, and she gets asked if they're truly homemade.

"I've had people ask me that," Heather said.

Her proceeds, along with those of other family members who make and grow things to sell at the markets, have been pooled so the family could enjoy traveling together as part of their home school instruction.

This summer, Heather won the first-ever rhubarb cook off at the Divide County Fair with her orange cream rhubarb pie.

Unfortunately, it won't be among pie offerings at Saturday's supper.

- The Journal