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Ben Koppelman talks Property Taxes and House Majority Leader Campaign

Ben Koppelman sits down to discuss his race in District 16 (West Fargo) and his vision to become the next House Majority Leader. 🗳️ But that's just the beginning—property taxes take center stage as Koppelman shares insights on his alternative plan if Measure 4 fails to pass. 🏠💡 Get the…
October 25, 2024

A Mammoth May be Hiding Below a North Dakota Garage

Search for bones resuming more than 35 years after the first find By: Jeff Beach Some mammoth bones have been gnawing at North Dakota State Geologist Ed Murphy for more than 35 years.  Murphy on Tuesday described for the North Dakota Industrial Commission how he became aware of a find of…
August 30, 2024

29 apply to join North Dakota Ethics Commission

By: Mary Steurer (North Dakota Monitor) The governor’s office received applications from 29 North Dakotans interested in joining the Ethics Commission. The top candidate will fill the open seat left by Chair Paul Richard, who announced plans to retire earlier this year. Members of the Ethics Commission are appointed by…
August 20, 2024

Nine GOP-led attorneys general sue Biden administration over voter registration efforts

BY: DARRELL EHRLICK (North Dakota Monitor) Nine states, including North Dakota, are challenging an executive order by President Joe Biden that would enlist federal agencies to help register residents to vote, and those states say the order undermines their power to control elections, calling it federally subsidized program aimed at…
August 19, 2024

Audit criticizes Commerce handling of filmmaker grants

BY: MARY STEURER (North Dakota Monitor) A recent audit of the Department of Commerce said the bidding process for the agency’s controversial 2023 film grant broke from standard procedure in a way that may have disadvantaged some applicants. The audit report, published online, focuses on the Department of Commerce’s financial activity…
August 17, 2024

Summit jumpstarts pipeline efforts with purchase of old land easement agreements

BY: JACK O'CONNOR (North Dakota Monitor) Summit Carbon Solutions has purchased old land easement agreements from a former rival company to help speed up its carbon pipeline construction project, Summit officials confirm. Summit’s former rival, Navigator CO2, attempted its own carbon dioxide pipeline project before backing out in October 2023.…
August 17, 2024

Theodore Roosevelt National Park scenic loop could be repaired by November

BY: MICHAEL ACHTERLING (North Dakota Monitor) Construction along part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit 48-mile scenic loop could be completed by November, if the weather cooperates, according to a senior National Park Service official. In 2019, a 4-mile stretch of the scenic loop roadway slid down a steep embankment in…
August 17, 2024

Public – and some lawmakers – shut out from discussion of school choice legislation

BY: AMY DALRYMPLE (North Dakota Monitor) An important discussion about the future of North Dakota’s K-12 education system appears to be happening in private. The discussion is so private, in fact, that even some Education Committee lawmakers seem to be in the dark.  The Legislature’s interim Education Committee was directed through…
August 16, 2024

Collaboration, government efficiency highlight US Senate committee hearing at Grand Farm

BY: JEFF BEACH (North Dakota Monitor) CASSELTON — While hosting a congressional field hearing, Greg Tehven, one of the founders of North Dakota’s Grand Farm, called on the federal government to honor its financial commitments in a timely manner.  “It was very uncomfortable sitting in this room and telling my…
August 16, 2024

Minot lawmaker remembered as ‘even keeled,’ great friend across 18 years of public service

BY: MICHAEL ACHTERLING (North Dakota Monitor) It may have been unconventional to roll a beat-up pickup onto a political convention floor, but that was in character for Rep. Randy Schobinger. In 1996, that was a resounding success for the Minot lawmaker, according to his friend and former campaign staffer. Schobinger,…
August 16, 2024

Commission taps candidate with industry background for North Dakota’s next top oil regulator

BY: MARY STEURER (North Dakota Monitor) The North Dakota Industrial Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to select a candidate who made his career in the oil and gas industry to be the state’s top oil regulator. Nathan Anderson is slated to take over as Department of Mineral Resources director on Sept.…
August 14, 2024

Medical marijuana businesses are primary backers of North Dakota recreational pot ballot measure

By: BY: MICHAEL ACHTERLING (North Dakota Monitor) North Dakota medical marijuana businesses are high on the list of donors backing the state’s legalized pot ballot measure, according to campaign finance reports. More than $287,000 has been donated to the ballot initiative’s sponsoring committee by two organizations associated with North Dakota…
August 14, 2024

Ballot questions tackle high property taxes that come with rising home values

BY: ELAINE S. POVICH (North Dakota Monitor) No state illustrates this year’s flurry of ballot measures to cut property taxes better than Colorado. There, the results of two likely voter questions could reduce funding for schools, roads, emergency responders and other local government services. Colorado’s ballot measures are just two…
August 14, 2024

Design taking shape for North Dakota’s Military History Museum

BY: MICHAEL ACHTERLING (North Dakota Monitor) The new North Dakota Military History Museum will be tall enough to suspend a helicopter or drone. It will incorporate thousands of personal service stories from North Dakota veterans and, according to the state’s adjutant general, represents a “Thank you for your service” from…
August 9, 2024

North Dakota Democrats view Walz as ‘champion’ for rural America

BY: MICHAEL ACHTERLING (North Dakota Monitor) North Dakota Democrats believe Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will be a champion for rural America and reacted positively in the first hours after Kamala Harris picked Walz as her running mate. State House Minority Leader Rep. Zachary Ista, D-Grand Forks, said Walz seems to…
August 6, 2024

Legacy Fund in-state investment program poses tricky transparency questions

By: Mary Steurer (North Dakota Monitor) Leaders guiding a program to invest state money in North Dakota are puzzling over the best way to share its work with the public in a sector where too much transparency can scare off business partners. The Growth Fund, established in 2021, has two…
August 5, 2024

Former lawmaker violated conditions of release in child sex abuse case, records show

BY: AMY DALRYMPLE (North Dakota Monitor) A former North Dakota legislative leader who is scheduled to plead guilty Thursday to a child sexual abuse charge has violated conditions of his release, court records say. Ray Holmberg accessed the internet for reasons not approved under his pretrial monitoring and frequented the…
August 4, 2024

Coachman approved as independent governor candidate for November ballot

By: North Dakota Monitor staff  Michael Coachman, a U.S. Air Force veteran and repeat candidate for state office, will appear on the November ballot as an independent candidate for governor. The Secretary of State’s Office notified Coachman he was approved for the ballot in a July 15 letter. The Larimore resident…
July 30, 2024

North Dakota counties report absentee ballots with missing postmarks

BY: AMY DALRYMPLE (North Dakota Monitor) At least five North Dakota counties received absentee ballots through the mail that were missing postmarks, a situation Secretary of State Michael Howe calls “completely unacceptable.”  The Burleigh County Canvassing Board voted 5-4 on Monday morning to accept 58 ballots that were received by…
June 25, 2024

Complaint alleges Stutsman County election worker failed to initial ballots

BY: MICHAEL ACHTERLING AND AMY DALRYMPLE (North Dakota Monitor) JAMESTOWN, N.D. – An election judge in Stutsman County is under investigation for failing to initial multiple ballots given to voters during North Dakota’s primary election on June 11. Secretary of State Michael Howe said a complaint that’s under review also…
June 25, 2024

Former North Dakota lawmaker to plead guilty to child sex tourism charge

BY: AMY DALRYMPLE (North Dakota Monitor) Former North Dakota state Sen. Ray Holmberg has signed an agreement indicating he will plead guilty to a child sex tourism charge. A plea agreement filed in U.S. District Court on Monday says Holmberg will voluntarily plead guilty to a charge of traveling with…
June 25, 2024

NDGOP governor candidates Armstrong, Miller report comparable primary war chests

BY: MICHAEL ACHTERLING (North Dakota Monitor) North Dakota Republican-endorsed governor candidate Rep. Kelly Armstrong reported four times the number of large-dollar donors as his Republican competitor Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller in their quests to become the state’s next governor. The candidates’ pre-primary campaign financial disclosures with the Secretary of State’s…
May 18, 2024

Federal bill on noncitizen voting could have unique impact for North Dakota

BY: MARY STEURER (North Dakota Monitor) A U.S. House bill to require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections could have unintended consequences for North Dakota, the only state that does not require voter registration. The proposal — brought forward by House Speaker Mike Johnson on May 8 —…
May 17, 2024

Gov. Doug Burgum attends Trump trial, calls it ‘election interference’

BY: ASHLEY MURRAY AND MICHAEL ACHTERLING (North Dakota Monitor) North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, on Donald Trump’s shortlist for vice presidential picks, appeared in the Manhattan courtroom Tuesday alongside the former president who is on trial for allegedly falsifying business records in relation to hush money paid to porn star…
May 16, 2024

Dem-NPL leader calls on Bismarck lawmaker to resign after guilty verdict

A jury found a state lawmaker guilty of violating an obscure conflict-of-interest law after a 10-hour trial Friday. At issue in the case was Rep. Jason Dockter’s involvement in the lease of a Bismarck building to the Attorney General’s Office and the North Dakota Department of Health and his subsequent…
May 4, 2024

Armstrong, Miller debate shows difference of personality but not policy

BY: MARY STEURER (North Dakota Monitor) When two Republican candidates for governor of North Dakota — Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller and U.S. Rep. Kelly Armstrong — squared off in a Tuesday evening debate on Prairie Public, they appeared to agree more often than not. The candidates both held themselves out…
April 24, 2024

Summit highlights economic benefits of carbon pipeline in second chance at permit

By JEFF BEACH (North Dakota Monitor) Summit Executive Vice President Wade Boeshans cited Summit Carbon Solutions paying more than $14 million annually for electricity to operate its carbon capture and storage project as an economic benefit to North Dakota, but SuAnn Olson had a different reaction.  “Where is this power…
April 22, 2024

Plaintiffs in gender-affirming care lawsuit seek testimony from lawmakers about anti-LGBTQ bias

MARY STEURER (North Dakota Monitor) Plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging North Dakota’s ban on gender-affirming medical care for minors seek to question two lawmakers about their motivation for sponsoring the legislation. Attorneys for Gender Justice, the advocacy group representing the plaintiffs, in March sought to order Rep. Bill Tveit, R-Hazen,…
April 21, 2024

Firetruck, Motorcycle Injury Crash

ND Highway Patrol What: InjuryWhere: 40th Avenue South and 45th Street South, Fargo NDWhen: 4-12-2024 at 11:42 AMRoad Conditions: Dry, goodWeather Conditions: Sunny, 55 degrees FCrash Involvement: Vehicle/MotorcycleType of Crash: SideswipeAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Fargo Police Department, Fargo FireDepartment, Sanford AmbulanceVehicle No. 1: 2005 Honda CBR1000 MotorcycleDriver No.…
April 12, 2024

Truck Crash Results in Serious Injury

ND Highway Patrol Grand Forks County US Highway 2 CMV-involved Single Vehicle Injury CrashWhat: InjuryWhere: US Highway 2, near mile marker 313; approximately 1 mile east of Petersburg, NDWhen: April 11, 2024; at 11:41 PM CDTRoad Conditions: Good, dryWeather Conditions: Clear, darkType of Crash: Single vehicle, CMVAgencies Involved: North Dakota…
April 12, 2024

Bighorn Sheep Increase Continues

ND Game and Fish Department Fourth Consecutive Record Count of Bighorn SheepThe North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 2023 bighorn sheep survey, completed by recounting lambs in March, revealed a record 364 bighorn sheep in the grasslands of western North Dakota, up 5% from 2022 and 16% above the five-year…
April 8, 2024

Train Kills Man Near Carpio

ND Highway Patrol release What: FatalityWhere: Highway 52 mile marker 67 approximately 1.5 miles northwest of CarpioWhen: April 7, 2024 at 1:00 pm CTWeather Conditions: CloudyCrash Involvement: Train/PedestrianAgencies Involved: NDHP, Ward County Sheriff’s Office, Carpio FD, Burlington FD, andBerthold Ambulance ServicePedestrianHometown: Carpio, North DakotaGender/Age: 84 year old maleInjury: FatalNARRATIVE: At…
April 7, 2024

Wicked Days in Dakota 

A Slice of Life North Dakota’s capital city of Bismarck took grew out of some of the wickedest days in frontier history. The Northern Pacific Railroad, advancing from the populated East, made it as far as the Missouri River. It was there that Edwinton, later renamed Bismarck, was born.  It…
April 6, 2024

Hearing in Knutson Murder Case

Refining the Jury Questionnaire MINOT – If the court hearing is any indication, the longest running murder case in Minot may also turn out to be the most contentious. Nichole Rice, Minot, is charged with the murder of Anitia Knutson. Knutson’s body was found in the apartment she shared with…
April 5, 2024

Minot Shooting Suspect Arrested in Indiana

City of Minot release Earlier today (Thursday), the Fort Wayne Police Department arrested Quantdre OctaviousMersier in Fort Wayne, Indiana for the shooting that occurred on November 17,2023 in NW Minot.The Fort Wayne Police Department Gang and Violent Crimes Unit made the arrestwith assistance from the US Marshall’s Service.Mersier was arrested…
April 4, 2024

Rare Occurrence in Minot Courtroom 

Jury Released on First Day of Trial  MINOT – A jury selected Wednesday was released from duty Thursday without hearing a single word of testimony in the case against Kamauri Kennedy. Kennedy is charged with two AA felonies, Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder, both punishable by a sentence of…
April 4, 2024

Farmers Union's 90th Season of Summer Camp

Discounts offered for early camp registration JAMESTOWN – North Dakota Farmers Union is celebrating a 90-year milestone with the start of its youth summer camping program in June. “What began on the shores of Spiritwood Lake near Jamestown in 1934 is still going strong today,” said NDFU Education Director Miranda…
April 1, 2024

Ramaswamy Endorses Rick Becker

Rick Becker release North Dakota (April 1, 2024) — Today, former Republican candidate for President Vivek Ramaswamy releases the following statement officially announcing his endorsement of Dr. Rick Becker for Congress: “The U.S. government is giving massive taxpayer money to companies to build a CO₂ pipeline across the Midwest, including…
April 1, 2024

Deputy Nets Fleeing Suspect

ND Highway Patrol Mclean County Sheriff’s Department Pursuit Crash in Burleigh CountyWhat: Injury CrashWhere: Highway 83 Southbound MM 100, 8 miles north of BismarckWhen: 04/01/2024 at 5:04 AM CentralRoad Conditions: GoodWeather Conditions: CloudyCrash Involvement: Vehicle/VehicleType of Crash: Deployment of Grappler Police Bumper/RolloverAgencies Involved: Mclean County Sheriff’s Department, Burleigh County Sheriff’sDepartment,…
April 1, 2024

Report Bald Eagle Nest Sightings

ND Game and Fish The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is asking for help locating active bald eagle nests.Conservation biologist Sandra Johnson said the department is looking for locations of nests with eagles present, not individual eagle sightings.Eagles lay eggs in early to mid-March, which hatch about a month…
April 1, 2024

Dakota Lounge Shooter Sentenced

Headed to Penitentiary MINOT – He shot two men inside a crowded bar. Now he has been sentenced to serve a lengthy time behind bars. Theophris Drake, 41, Birmingham, Ala., pled guilty in October 2023, to the shooting of two men among a crowd of patrons in the Dakota Lounge…
March 28, 2024

Minot Site for Nuclear Triad Symposium

Task Force 21 to Host MINOTOT – Minot Area Chamber EDC Task Force 21 will host a nuclear triad symposium in Minot Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The symposium will focus on sustaining credible nuclear deterrence amidst growing challenges while speakers cover modernization including the Sentinel and B-52 projects, the state…
March 26, 2024

7 Vehicles in McKenzie Co. Crashes

ND Highway Patrol McKenzie County Three-Vehicle CrashWhat: Property CrashWhere: Highway 23 Mile Marker 12 approximately 8 miles East of Watford CityWhen: March 26, 2024, approximately 8:00 AM CTRoad Conditions: DryWeather Conditions: ClearCrash Involvement: Three VehiclesType of Crash: Sideswipe and Rear-EndAgencies Involved: NDHP, McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office, Keene Fire and Rescue,…
March 26, 2024

Victim, Vehicles, Residence Burned

Murder Trial Ahead MINOT – The murder trial of Kamauri Kennedy, 34, is scheduled to begin April 3 in North Central District Court. A status conference in the case was heard in front of Judge Gary Lee on Monday. Kennedy’s trail to the Ward County courtroom is a lengthy one.…
March 25, 2024

Fatal Crash Near Langdon

NDHP release What: FatalityWhere: State Highway 5 MM 281, 1 mi east of LangdonWhen: 21:45 (09:45) PM CDST on 3/23/2024Road Conditions: GoodWeather Conditions: clear, dark no lightingCrash Involvement: Vehicle v. VehicleType of Crash: Head onAgencies Involved: Langdon ambulance, Langdon Fire, Cavalier County SO, NDHPVehicle No. 1: 2016 Chevrolet MalibuDriver No.…
March 25, 2024

True Tale from Dakota Territory

A Slice of Life A story that captured the attention of newspaper readers all across the United States had an unbelievable ending in North Dakota, then Dakota Territory. The year was 1877, one year after the defeat of Lt. Colonel George Custer and five companies of the vaunted 7th Cavalry…
March 24, 2024

Late Winter Storm for ND

National Weather Service Key Messages● Impactful winter storm across much of western and central North Dakota tonight throughMonday, with the greatest impacts along and south of Interstate 94.● Medium chances of at least 12 inches of snow, generally along and south of Interstate 94.● Greatest uncertainty in snow amounts remains…
March 22, 2024

2024-26 Fishing Regulations Set

ND Game and Fish Department release North Dakota’s 2024-26 fishing proclamation is set, with regulations effective April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2026. New fishing licenses are required April 1.Anglers can find the North Dakota 2024-26 Fishing Guide online at the state Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov, or at…
March 21, 2024

Former Pastor Sentenced for Theft from Church

Gullickson Ordered to Repay, Additional Jail Time WASHBURN – Erin Gullickson, 49, Benedict, will serve another seven months in the McLean County Jail, followed by three years of supervised probation. Gullickson, the former pastor at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Max, was found guilty by jury trial of theft of…
March 20, 2024

ND Age Limits Amendment Bound for Ballot

Retire Congress ND Meets Threshold for Ballot Initiative FARGO -- Retire Congress North Dakota announces that its proposed amendment to the North Dakota state Constitution that would prohibit anyone from North Dakota over aged 80 from serving in Congress will be on the June 11th primary ballot. The proposed amendment,…
March 20, 2024

Winter Weather Returns

Two Snow Events Likely Key Messages ● High chances (90%) for accumulating snow Wednesday afternoon through Thursday evening. ● Highest snow amounts Wednesday afternoon through Thursday evening expected from Williston to Bismarck and Jamestown to Lisbon, North Dakota. ● Medium to high chances for more impactful winter weather this weekend,…
March 19, 2024

New Town Area Fatal Crash

ND Highway Patrol What: Fatality CrashWhere: ND Highway 23 MM 40 approximately 7 miles West of New Town, NDWhen: 03/18/2024 at approximately 1820hrs CSTRoad Conditions: Good, DryWeather Conditions: OvercastCrash Involvement: Vehicle/VehicleType of Crash: SideswipeAgencies Involved: Three Affiliated Tribes Police, North Dakota Highway Patrol, McKenzieCounty Sheriff’s Office, New Town Fire, New…
March 19, 2024

Farm Tractor Fatal

ND Highway Patrol release What: FatalityWhere: 4800 Block of 9th Street NE; approximately 6 miles west of Cathay, NDWhen: Reported March 18, 2024; at 9:02 AM CDTRoad Conditions: Dry, gravelWeather Conditions: Clear, windyCrash Involvement: Single VehicleType of Crash: EjectionAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Wells County Sheriff’s Office, andFessenden Ambulance…
March 18, 2024

There’s Always Tomorrow

A Slice of Life When does Spring arrive? Seems like the answer is always tomorrow, but then I’ve grown accustomed to disappointment over my many years in North Dakota. I enjoy the changing of the seasons, others do too, but my patience is quite limited when it comes to Spring.…
March 17, 2024

Harsh Sentence for Evil Act 

Murder Mom Gets Life   MINOT – A lengthy sentencing hearing resulted in life without parole for Heather Hoffman, 27, Minot, for the murder of Alexander Eckert, the father of her young daughter.   In announcing his sentence, Judge Gary Lee directed that Hoffman have no contact with her daughter for life,…
March 15, 2024

Guilty Verdict in Vegas Murder

Jury Convicts Darrian Jackson MINOT -- The final day of the Darrion Jackson murder trial was riveting, from closing arguments through a brief deliberation by the 12-person jury. Jackson, 33, Fargo, was charged with the murder of Timothy Smith, 38, Minot, at the Vegas Motel on January 30, 2023. The…
March 15, 2024

Elk, Moose, Bighorn Sheep Applications Online

ND Game and Fish Elk, moose and bighorn sheep applications are available online at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov. The deadline for applying is March 27. A total of 833 elk licenses are available to hunters this fall, an increase of 230 from last year. Licenses in units…
March 14, 2024

Minot Motel Murder Trial Underway

Fargo Man Accused in Shooting MINOT – Several witnesses followed opening statements Tuesday in the murder trial of Darrion Jackson, 33, Fargo. Jackson is charged with felony AA murder in the shooting death of Timothy Smith, 38, Minot. According to a statement of facts filed with the court, Minot Police…
March 12, 2024

Game and Fish Grants Available

ND Game and Fish release Grant Supports High School Trap LeagueLocal clubs or communities interested in receiving a grant to support a high school trap shooting team must have the application in before April 1. Existing teams that have received a grant in the past are not eligible.The North Dakota…
March 11, 2024

HP Involved in Bismarck Crash

NDHP release NARRATIVE: In the early morning hours on Sunday, March 10, 2024, right around when thetime changed to Standard Time from 2:00 am to 3:00 am, a North Dakota Highway Patrol carwas struck head-on by a vehicle traveling the wrong way on US-83 near the Costco in northBismarck.A NDHP…
March 10, 2024

A Risky Splash

A Slice of Life Several years ago, I was the key instigator of an incident that still wakes me up some nights. Not in a cold sweat or turn-on-the-light fear, but rather with a chuckle and a laugh. However, the incident which I am about to reveal placed me in…
March 10, 2024

Sen. Cramer Denounces Biden Speech

Responds to President’s 2024 State of the Union Address WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, R-ND, issued the following statement after President Biden delivered his 2024 State of the Union address. “I thought it was the worst State of the Union address I have ever listened to or sat through. We…
March 8, 2024

Sakakawea Outlook Sinks Again

Peak for 2024 Reached in January RIVERDALE – The Missouri River Basin runoff forecast has dropped considerably from one month ago. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers latest projections for snowmelt runoff into the system is now just 66% of normal. A month ago, that number was 73%. According to…
March 6, 2024

Trump Wins ND Caucus

ND Republican Party release Sandi Sanford, Chairwoman of the North Dakota Republican Party, announced the results of the North Dakota Republican Presidential Caucus late Monday evening. Vote results of the caucus are: Donald Trump with 84% (29 delegates) 1,933 turned out for the caucus, which the Republican Party had been…
March 5, 2024

Commission Accepting Public Comments on NDHP Performance

ND Highway Patrol release NARRATIVE: Colonel Brandon Solberg would like to announce the Accreditation PublicComment Portal for the North Dakota Highway Patrol now open. Since 1989, the NDHP hasbeen accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).and has received meritorious recognition for being accredited for more than…
March 5, 2024

Food Plot Seed Offered by Game and Fish

ND Game and Fish release Hunters, Anglers Asked to Participate in SurveyThe North Dakota Game and Fish Department is collaborating with North Dakota State University on a statewide survey aimed at understanding the economic impact of hunting and fishing activities in the state. The survey will be distributed via email…
March 4, 2024

Dogsitting Riley

A Slice of Life I volunteered for the task, like it too. But it has come with some interesting moments. Perhaps some are too interesting. Maybe that’s why I keep doing it. I am referring to my adventures as a dog-sitter. Not just any dog, but Riley, a Brittany spaniel…
March 3, 2024

Winter Weather Advisory

National Weather Service Winter Weather AdvisoryURGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGENational Weather Service Bismarck ND130 PM CST Sat Mar 2 2024 NDZ009>011-017>019-021-030330-/O.CON.KBIS.WW.Y.0007.240303T0000Z-240304T1200Z/Williams-Mountrail-Ward-McKenzie-Dunn-Mercer-McLean-Including the cities of Parshall, Watford City, Killdeer,Stanley, Beulah, Hazen, New Town, Halliday, Underwood, Wilton,Washburn, Minot, Garrison, Turtle Lake, and Williston130 PM CST Sat Mar 2 2024 /1230 PM MST…
March 1, 2024

Spring Outlook for Souris River

Runoff Potential Very Minimal MINOT – This spring’s runoff into the Souris River basin is more likely to be measured in ounces than in acre feet. Snow cover is either gone or very minimal throughout the drainage with developing drought conditions becoming a major concern. The latest Flood Potential Outlook…
February 29, 2024

Traffic Fatality on US-83

ND Highway Patrol release What: Fatal CrashWhere: US-83 at mile marker 41 at the intersection with ND-34/64th St. SE just north of HazeltonWhen: February 26, 2024, at approximately 9:30amRoad Conditions: Dry, clearWeather Conditions: 5 mph wind, 43FCrash Involvement: Pickup and Semi tractor-trailerType of Crash: Right AngleAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway…
February 27, 2024

Dan Ruby, District 38 House of Representatives

Join us for a stimulating discussion as we sit down with District 38 House of Representatives Incumbent, Dan Ruby, on The Dakotan's Election Central. We dive into pressing topics such as property taxes, term limits, and the key issues facing North Dakota. Don't miss this engaging conversation that provides valuable…
February 25, 2024

Clever or Quirky, Wise or Weird…Hmmm

A Slice of Life Lest you think I fell off a dock and hit my head on my fishing boat, it is with complete honesty that I am about to freely reveal, in complete detail, precise facts of a very important and personal nature. I have not been coerced, am…
February 25, 2024

One Dead Near Watford City

NDHP release McKenzie County Fatal Crash - UPDATEWhat: Single Vehicle Fatal CrashWhere: Highway 85 Mile Marker 180, 4 miles south of WillistonWhen: 2/23/2024 approximately 10:48 PM CSTRoad Conditions: DryWeather Conditions: ClearCrash Involvement: Single VehicleType of Crash: Rollover CollisionAgencies Involved: NDHP, McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office, Williston Rural Fire Department,Williston AmbulanceVehicle No.…
February 24, 2024

Burgum endorses Miller in North Dakota governor’s race against Rep. Armstrong

BY: MICHAEL ACHTERLING - FEBRUARY 21, 2024 (North Dakota Monitor) North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum on Wednesday endorsed Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller to be his successor, referencing her similarity to Donald Trump as a political outsider and business leader. Miller announced her run for governor last week. She will compete against Republican U.S. Rep. Kelly…
February 22, 2024

Threat, Arrest at Minot School

Minot Police Department release Online threat directed towards Erik Ramstad Middle School Thursday We were notified of a threat directed towards Erik Ramstad Middle School around 1 p.m.this afternoon that was posted to a social media platform.The investigation led to the identification of a 15-year-old juvenile suspect, who is chargedwith…
February 22, 2024

Minot Legislator Proposes Tax Revision

Alternative to Initiated Measure MINOT – There's a better way to do it. That was the message delivered by Rep. Scott Louser, R-Dis. 5, Minot, during a press conference held at the City Auditorium. Louser has penned a 23-page bill that he hopes to introduce to the 2025 legislative session.…
February 21, 2024

Game and Fish Advises Early Fish House Removal

ND Game and Fish release While the deadline for removing permanent fish houses from North Dakota lakes is March 15, the state Game and Fish Department is urging anglers to consider removing their houses early in areas of the state where ice conditions are deteriorating.Given the current long-range weather forecast…
February 20, 2024

US Congress Candidate, Trygve Hammer discusses campaign, federal aid bill, and more

In this exclusive interview, North Dakota US Congress Candidate, Trygve Hammer, sits down to discuss his campaign, the recently passed $95 billion federal aid bill, and more. Get a firsthand look at his vision for North Dakota and the nation, and hear his perspectives on crucial issues facing our communities…
February 20, 2024

Spending, Immigration, and War - Dr. Rick Becker, US Congress Candidate, breaks it down

Dr. Rick Becker joins The Conversation, as part of The Dakotan's Election Central Coverage, to talk about the top issues that are facing the US and North Dakota. The recent 95 billion dollar foreign aid bill is discussed along with some North Dakota Politics. He rejects the idea of him…
February 19, 2024

Long Range WX Outlook

El Nino to La Nina Likely Enjoy it while you can. That is the underlying message in the latest long-range weather outlook issued by the Climate Prediction Center. This winter is destined to go into the record book as one of the warmest ever for North Dakota, thanks to a…
February 19, 2024

The Old Blue Coat

A Slice of Life Several years ago, when I was still riding with Company M, U.S. Army 7th Cavalry memorial regiment, I became friends with one of the older members of the unit. We were both very interested in the frontier military, and each had a collection of artifacts and…
February 18, 2024

Miller to Run for Governor

Tammy Miller release Doug Burgum’s Lt. Governor Tammy Miller Launches Campaign for GovernorMiller is a Business Leader Who Will Keep North Dakota’s Growth and Success Going Lt. Governor Tammy Miller launched her campaign for Governor today vowing to build on the successes of the Burgum administration and keep North Dakota’s…
February 15, 2024

Killer Sentenced

Murder at Lamplighter Lounge MINOT – Moments before sentencing Justin McDermott, 35, Minot, for the late December 2022 murder in the parking lot of the Lamplighter Lounge, Judge Gary Lee told the court that, “This sort of conduct just can’t be tolerated.” With that, Lee sentenced McDermott to 40 years…
February 14, 2024

Information Sought in Deer Poaching

ND Game and Fish release North Dakota Game and Fish Department officials are looking for information in connection to a deer poaching case on Oahe Wildlife Management area south of Bismarck near the Emmons-Burleigh county line.An antlerless white-tailed deer was shot and left intact in a field sometime around Feb.…
February 14, 2024

Casting Call for ND Movies

Canticle Productions NORTH DAKOTA CASTING CALL! Audition for TWO new North Dakota Films! Audition for HAZEL and MEDORA: EMPRESS OF THE BADLANDS on March 1 & 2 in Bismarck!   We are casting all ages for supporting roles, stunt riders, and extras!   To learn more, go to http://canticle-productions.com/auditions
February 14, 2024

North Dakota to Face Federal Government in Trial

Seeks to Recoup $38 Million for Destructive 2016 DAPL Protests Sen. Kevin Cramer release WASHINGTON – For five years, North Dakota has been involved in a legal battle with the United States regarding the federal government’s negligence associated with the unlawful Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) protests from August 2016 to…
February 13, 2024

Attempted Murder, Chase, Leads to Prison 

Defendant Laughed About Killing Officers  MINOT – It was time to pay for his actions and when the proceedings concluded Joshua Chambers, 19, Minot, racked up 75 years in prison sentences in front of North Central District Judge Richard Hagar Monday afternoon. Hagar tacked on slightly more than $71,000 dollars…
February 12, 2024

ND Game and Fish News

ND Game and Fish release  Spring Turkey Apps DueSpring turkey applicants should note the deadline to apply is Feb. 14.Applicants can apply online at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov.Spring turkey licenses are available only to North Dakota residents. The season opens April 13 and continues…
February 12, 2024

Talking Tennis Ball 

A Slice of Life I know what you are thinking, this guy must have hit his head in a foiled attempt to leap the net. There is no such thing as a talking tennis ball.   True, to my knowledge, but since you’ve already been lured in by a catchy headline…
February 11, 2024

Wells County Injury Crash

ND Highway Patrol release What: InjuryWhere: Hwy 200 near MM 200 (Approximately 10 miles east of Bowdon, ND)When: February 9th 2024 at 10:15 AM Central timeRoad Conditions: GoodWeather Conditions: CloudyCrash Involvement: VehicleType of Crash: Rear EndAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Wells County Sheriff’s Department,Carrington PD. Bowdon Fire, Sykeston Fire,…
February 10, 2024

NDSF Unveils Final Act for Showpass

ND State Fair release MINOT -- The North Dakota State Fair (NDSF) is thrilled to announce the final two acts for the Grandstand Showpass lineup for the much-anticipated 2024 Fair. With a blend of chart-topping country and energetic performances, these final additions promise to elevate the entertainment experience for fairgoers.…
February 9, 2024

Sakakawea Forecast Sinking

Latest Runoff Outlook Declines RIVERDALE – Snowfall and its Snow Water Equivalent continues to track well below normal in the Missouri River Basin. The latest numbers revealed in the February outlook compiled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers show a decline in the Forecast of Annual Runoff from 20.1-million-acre…
February 8, 2024

Coachman running for governor as independent

BY: MARY STEURER - FEBRUARY 6, 2024 (North Dakota Monitor) Michael Coachman, a U.S. Air Force veteran and returning candidate for state office, announced Tuesday he is running for governor as an independent. “As Governor I will change the focus of North Dakota’s political objectives by becoming a state focused…
February 6, 2024

Senator Cramer Statement on Border Legislation

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) issued the following statement regarding the Senate border security and supplemental funding bill. “After reading the text, there are some really good policies I wish we could have, and I’m sure Donald Trump would love to have, but this bill provides too many…
February 6, 2024

Youth Conservation and Leadership Summer Camp Opportunity

ND Game and Fish release The North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade summer camp is June 3-7 at the 4-H Center in Washburn.The five-day camp is a hands-on immersive learning experience for youth ages 13-17 designed to educate participants about the importance of wetland ecosystems, waterfowl biology, flock dynamics, shooting skills and…
February 5, 2024

Machine Talk 

A Slice of Life I replied courteously and, realizing what I had done, looked around quickly to see if anyone was listening. There was. How embarrassing!  But wait. People within hearing distance were not staring, pointing or anything like that, just chatting. Much to my relief, nothing out of the…
February 4, 2024

State Fair Stage Act Revealed

ND State Fair release MINOT – The North Dakota State Fair has officially announced that Machine Gun Kelly will be part of the 2024 NDSF line-up. Machine Gun Kelly is set to hit the stage on Thursday, July 25, 2024. The North Dakota State Fair is scheduled from July 19…
February 2, 2024

Students Injured in Mandan Crash

ND Highway Patrol 1 Vehicle Injury Crash in Mandan What: Injury  Where: 8th St NW & 5th Ave NW, Mandan When: 01/31/2024 at 1:05 P.M. CST Road Conditions: Good/Patch of Ice Weather Conditions: Sunny Crash Involvement: Vehicle/Tree Type of Crash: Fixed Object Agencies Involved: ND Highway Patrol, Mandan Police Department,…
February 1, 2024

Former Pastor Guilty of Theft 

Funds Taken from Max Church  WASHBURN – A 12-person jury returned a verdict of guilty Tuesday afternoon in the Theft of Property trial of Erin Gullickson, 48, Benedict.   Gullickson was charged in early May 2023 with taking nearly $80,000 in funds from Our Savior Lutheran Church in Max where she…
January 31, 2024

Fatal Crash Near Minnewaukan

ND Highway Patrol What: FatalityWhere: US Highway 281 and ND Highway 19 Intersection; approximately 3 miles north ofMinnewaukan, NDWhen: January 30, 2024, at 11:35 AM CSTRoad Conditions: Good, dryWeather Conditions: Sunny, clearCrash Involvement: Vehicle/VehicleType of Crash: Right angleAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Benson County Sheriff’s Office, Leeds Fire& Rescue,…
January 31, 2024

Minor Injury Crash Involving Emergency Vehicle

ND Highway Patrol iWhat: Injury crashWhere: southbound Interstate 29, approximately 2 miles south of Buxton, NDWhen: 01/28/2024, approximately 7:45 PMRoad Conditions: GoodWeather Conditions: ClearCrash Involvement: Vehicle/VehicleType of Crash: Rear-endAgencies Involved: NDHP, Traill County Sheriff’s Office, Buxton Fire, West Traill AmbulanceVehicle No. 1: 2014 Hyundai Santa FeDriver No. 1: Body Cota;…
January 30, 2024

Mountain Snowpack Trending Very Low

Major Water Source for Lake Sakakawea This winter has been exceedingly mild, spurred by a strong El Nino, and has produced minimal snowfall – so far. The Rocky Mountain snowpack is trending much less than normal according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The latest Snow Water Equivalent data…
January 30, 2024

Watchable Wildlife Checkoff on State Tax Form

ND Game and Fish Department release North Dakotans interested in supporting wildlife conservation programs should look for the Watchable Wildlife checkoff on the state tax form.The state income tax form gives wildlife enthusiasts an opportunity to support nongame wildlife like songbirds and birds of prey, while at the same time…
January 29, 2024

What a Snarled Mess 

A Slice of Life It didn’t seem so bad with the door closed but, good grief, what a mess. A real, big time, embarrassing mess.  What kind of person could create such an embarrassment? Ah...me.  Now, dear reader, I respectfully ask that you do not rush to judgement as to…
January 28, 2024

Tom Campbell pivots to US House race against Becker, Hammer

BY: MICHAEL ACHTERLING - JANUARY 26, 2024 (North Dakota Monitor) Former North Dakota state senator Tom Campbell now plans to run for the state’s at-large U.S. House seat instead of governor. Campbell said in an interview Friday he had been planning on running for governor in 2024, but when current North Dakota…
January 27, 2024

Seven Vehicle Crash Near Ross

ND Highway Patrol release NARRATIVE: The North Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating a seven-vehicle injury crashthat occurred on January 25, 2024 at approximately 9:30 AM CST at the intersection of Highway2 and 93rd Ave. NW (approximately 4 miles west of Ross). There was heavy fog that greatlyreduced visibility.A 2015 Kenworth…
January 25, 2024

Guilty as Charged in Original Bar Shooting 

Travis McDermott Sentencing Set  MINOT – Travis McDermott, 41, Minot, has been found guilty of Manslaughter and Reckless Endangerment. A jury returned that verdict following two days of testimony in front of North-Central District Judge Todd Cresap. A key moment in the trial was the showing of video, from two…
January 25, 2024

Spring Turkey Season Set

ND Game and Fish release The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is offering 8,137 wild turkey licenses for the 2024 spring hunting season, 725 more than last year.Thirteen of the 22 hunting units have more spring licenses than last year and eight remain the same. Unit 21 (Hettinger and…
January 25, 2024

Charges in Injury Rollover

ND Highway Patrol release What: Injury CrashWhere: I-94 mm 317, 10 miles east of Tower CityWhen: January 23rd 11:56 PM CentralRoad Conditions: wet, scattered iceWeather Conditions: Clear, WindyCrash Involvement: Single VehicleType of Crash: RolloverAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, PageAmbulance, Sanford Ambulance, Buffalo Fire, Buffalo Quick…
January 25, 2024

Graphic Video in Manslaughter Trial 

Detective Refutes Defendant’s Statement  Jurors were shown graphic video Tuesday of a fatal shooting that occurred at Minot’s Original Bar and Nightclub on May 14, 2023.  Travis McDermott, 41, Minot, charged with Manslaughter and Reckless Endangerment for his role in the shooting, hung his head while the video played on…
January 23, 2024

Lake Sakakawea Finally Frozen 

Second Latest Freeze in History  RIVERDALE -- North Dakota’s largest body of water, Lake Sakakawea, was declared frozen-over on January 18 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  A very pleasant winter laden with several weeks of well above-average temperatures spurred by an El Nino influenced weather pattern, was responsible…
January 22, 2024

Becker Announces Bid for Congress

Seeks Rep. Kelly Armstong's Seat Rick Becker release Washington, DC is packed with corrupt politicians more concerned with funding foreign conflicts than addressing the issues we face here at home. The only solution is to elect proven conservative fighters who have a record of standing up to the establishment and…
January 22, 2024

Accident Kills One Near Ray

ND Highway Patrol What: Fatal CrashWhere: Highway 2 near mile marker 41 (approximately 12 miles west of Ray ND)When: January 22, 2024 @ approximately 1:00 AM CSTRoad Conditions: Snowy/IcyWeather Conditions: CloudyCrash Involvement: Single-Vehicle (CMV)Type of Crash: RolloverAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Williams County Sheriff’s Office, RayAmbulance, Ray Fire Department…
January 22, 2024

Cold Adjustment

A Slice of Life  Weird how 0-10 degrees feels pretty good after a spell of below zero temperatures and “dangerous” wind chills. I call it a North Dakota heat wave.   A bit much perhaps, but after a cold snap of several days like what was experienced throughout the state recently,…
January 21, 2024

Trinity Hospital St. Joseph's Evacuated

Trinity Health release Close to 20 patients were evacuated from Trinity Hospital St. Joseph's Saturday evening after a pipe burst, causing water to stream into the facility. A total of nine patients in Rehabcare and 10 from the inpatient Behavioral Health unit were removed from the building. All were relocated…
January 20, 2024

MSU Topples #1 Mankato at Beaver Lodge

No. 21 Minot State 81, No. 1 Minnesota State, Mankato 71 MINOT -- Fresh off making history earlier this week by earning a first-ever NCAA Top 25 ranking, the Minot State University Beavers added to that history with their first win over a No. 1 nationally ranked foe. And, Minot…
January 20, 2024

Record Number of Geese Tallied in State

ND Game and Fish release The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s annual midwinter waterfowl survey in early January was a record breaker.During the aerial midwinter survey, one of the longest running coordinated migratory bird surveys in North America, biologists counted more than 300,000 Canada geese.“Our old record was about…
January 18, 2024

Legislative Support for End Property Tax Petition

End Unfair Property Tax release BISMARCK — Representative Jim Kasper, (D46) Fargo, and End Unfair Property Tax Chairman Rick Becker have announced a coalition of dedicated public servants including legislators, former legislators, and 2024 legislative candidates have joined to publicly endorse a crucial initiated measure aimed at implementing much needed…
January 18, 2024

Murder Suspect Arrested in Minot

Minot Police release The Minot Police Department and US Marshals Office arrested a suspect innorthwest Minot Wednesday afternoon in connection with a 2021 homicide thatoccurred in South Carolina.33-year-old Sherrod C. Joyner was arrested for an outstanding homicide warrantout of Richland County, SC.Joyner was arrested without incident and transported to Ward…
January 18, 2024

Minot State Men's BB Ranked

Minot State University release MINOT – The Minot State men’s basketball team made history as the Beavers cracked the NCAA Top 25.Winners of five straight and sitting in third in the NSIC with a 13-3 overall record, the Minot State men were ranked No. 21 in this week’s NABC Division…
January 17, 2024

Winter Weather

National Weather Service
January 17, 2024

Hunters Urged to Participate

ND Game and Fish release Hunters Urged to ParticipateNorth Dakota hunters receiving a survey this winter are encouraged to help with wildlife management by completing the survey online or returning it to the state Game and Fish Department.Big game, small game, waterfowl, swan, turkey and furbearer questionnaires are being sent…
January 16, 2024

An Examination of Normal 

A Slice of Life  Well, that’s different. So different that it is normal. Huh?  When purchasing a cup of coffee a few days ago at a local convenience store, choosing what brew I would try, I found myself staring at normal as a selection. I was expecting to see Carribean…
January 14, 2024

Dangerous Wind Chill Continues

National Weather Service Key Messages● A prolonged Arctic outbreak will continue to bringwidespread sub-zero temperatures and life-threateningwind chills to western and central North Dakotathrough Tuesday morning.● Wind chills down to 65 degrees below zero remainpossible through this morning, and could remain lessthan 35 below zero during the daytime hours. Windchills…
January 14, 2024

Interstate 29 Fatal Crash

ND Highway Patrol release What: Fatal CrashWhere: Interstate 29, MM .5, 7 miles south of Hankinson, NDWhen: January 12, 2024 @ ~08:15 am CTRoad Conditions: Good, dryWeather Conditions: Cloudy, breezyCrash Involvement: Single vehicleType of Crash: Single vehicle vs. fixed objectsAgencies Involved: Richland County SO, Hankinson Fire,Vehicle No. 1: 2011 Honda…
January 12, 2024

Motley Crue at ND State Fair

ND State Fair release MINOT -- The North Dakota State Fair announces the return of the legendary Mötley Crüe to North Dakota as part of the 2024 NDSF lineup. The iconic rock band is set to headline on Friday, July 19th, 2024, at the North Dakota State Fair, scheduled for…
January 12, 2024

Expanded Wind Chill Warning

National Weather Service Significant Blowing Snow Possible Tonight Through SaturdayKey Messages● A prolonged Arctic outbreak will bring widespread sub-zero temperatures and dangerous to life threatening wind chills to western and central North Dakota through Tuesday morning.● The worst conditions are expected over the weekend when wind chills could fall as…
January 12, 2024

Senators Introduce Bill to Allow States to Secure Border

Sen. Kevin Cramer release WASHINGTON – Since President Biden took office in 2021, there have been at least eight million illegal border crossings into the United States and more than 5 million apprehensions at the southern border. Along the southern border, Texas and Arizona have constructed temporary barriers made out…
January 11, 2024

Sheridan County CMV Injury Crash

ND Highway Patrol release What: Injury CrashWhere: Highway 14 near mile marker 58 (approximately 15 miles south of Anamoose ND)When: January 9, 2024 @ approximately 1:30 PM CSTRoad Conditions: DryWeather Conditions: Clear and daylightCrash Involvement: Single-Vehicle (CMV)Type of Crash: RolloverAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office, HarveyAmbulance,…
January 10, 2024

Blowing Snow, Dangerous Cold Outbreak

National Weather Service ImpactsNear white out conditions possible in rural areas with hazardous, possibly dangeroustravel.TimingFriday evening through Saturday.ActionsConsider delaying travel. Slow down on roads. Coupled with life threatening cold, ensure vehiclegas tanks are full (or batteries charged) and have a winter survival kit. BRIEFING LINK: https://www.weather.gov/media/bis/DssPacket.pdf
January 10, 2024

Ready, Set, COLD

National Weather Service A prolonged period of below zero temperatures along with dangerously cold wind chills expected this weekend. We start to moderate early next week. Best chance for snow (70-90%) is on Friday, with another inch or two of snow forecast.
January 10, 2024

Fatal Crash near Harvey-Names

ND Highway Patrol release What: Fatal CrashWhere: Intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 19 (approximately 17 miles north of Harvey)When: January 8, 2024 @ 11:52 AM CSTRoad Conditions: WetWeather Conditions: SunnyCrash Involvement: CMV and SUVType of Crash: Right AngleAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, Harvey Fireand…
January 9, 2024

Arrest in October Shooting

Minot Police release The Minot Police Department has arrested a suspect regarding the Oct. 9, 2023,shooting incident that resulted in the death of Davin Eby Smith, 34, of Minot.Officers arrested Ian W. Abrahamson, 23, of Minot, Monday for his involvementin the October shooting.Abrahamson is charged with Aggravated Assault with/ a…
January 8, 2024

Hunter Education Classes

ND Game and Fish release Hunter Education ClassesIf you were born after 1961, are 12 years or older, you must take an in-person or home study certified hunter education course before you can get a firearm or bowhunting license in North Dakota.Understanding this, especially if you have your sights set…
January 8, 2024

Bobcat Zone 2 Closed

ND Game and Fish release Jan. 8 -- Bobcat hunting and trapping in Zone 2 is closed after the zone’s predetermined harvest limit of eight has been reached. Zone 2 is land east of U.S Highway 83. The bobcat season in Zone 1 has no harvest limit and is open…
January 8, 2024

Latest Freeze Watch for Sakakawea 

A Slice of Life  When the big water freezes is something that has captured my attention as long as I can remember. By big water, I’m talking about Lake Sakakawea, which is actually a reservoir.  Garrison Dam, Lake Sakakawea, call it what you want. By any name it is North…
January 7, 2024

Arrest in Overdose Deaths

Minot Police release The Minot Police Department arrested a suspect Friday in connection with a series of recentoverdoses in Minot.Antuan J. Smith, 25, of Minot, was arrested on four counts of Delivery of ControlledSubstances Resulting in Death or Injury (Class A Felony).Smith was transferred to the Ward County Jail. If…
January 6, 2024

Rolette County Injury Crashes

ND Highway Patrol release What: Two Injury CrashesWhere: Highway 3, mile marker 222 (approximately 12 miles south of Dunseith ND)When: January 4, 2024 @ approximately 3:30 AM CSTRoad Conditions: DryWeather Conditions: CloudyCrash Involvement: Single vehicle (CMV) & Three-vehicleType of Crash: Single vehicle (CMV) & Three-vehicle rear endAgencies Involved: North Dakota…
January 5, 2024

Early Projection: No Rise for Lake Sakakawea  

First 2024 Runoff Outlook Very Low  RIVERDALE – Lake Sakakawea’s current elevation, slightly over 1,838 feet, is not expected to change in 2024 according to the Missouri River Basin first runoff outlook of the year.  Projected Missouri River Basin runoff compiled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is for…
January 5, 2024

Fatal Crash in Dickey County

ND Highway Patrol release What: FatalityWhere: 10000 block of 85th Ave SE (6 miles southwest of Ellendale, ND)When: January, 4th 2024 at 1:AM Central timeRoad Conditions: Ice covered.Weather Conditions: CloudyCrash Involvement: VehicleType of Crash: RolloverAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Dickey County Sheriff, Ellendale Fire.Vehicle No. 1: 2006 Dodge Ram…
January 4, 2024

Murder Venue Changed 

Judge Halts Trial  MINOT – The long-awaited murder trial of Shawnee Krall, 30, Minot, will wait a while longer.  Judge Stacy Louser ordered that the trial be moved out of North-Central District Court due to publicity surrounding the case. The action came during the second day of jury selection on…
January 4, 2024

Ice Fishing Underway 

Beware Ice Conditions  Ice fishing is a popular wintertime activity in North Dakota, but this year’s warm weather has limited ice making on many of the state’s bodies of water. However, some ice fishermen have been venturing out for a few weeks. They’ll likely be joined by many more in…
January 2, 2024

Reflections

A Slice of Life When one year comes to an end and the other begins, it is a natural time to reflect on the year past and to hopes for what the new year may bring. Of course, resolutions abound – lose weight, quit smoking, finally take that trip you’ve…
December 31, 2023

Minimal Missouri Basin Snowpack

Tracking Below 20 Year Low The amount of snowfall that will impact the water level in Lake Sakakawea next summer is tracking below minimum levels established from 1991-2020 record keeping. Data from 1999-2020 reflects more recent weather trends believed to be more indicative for long-term comparisons. The effect of a…
December 29, 2023

ND State Fair Announces Two Acts for 2024

MINOT – The North Dakota State Fair (NDSF) announces two standout acts scheduled to perform during the nine days of the 2024 Fair as part of the Grandstand Showpass. Set for July 19-27, 2024, the fair promises an electrifying entertainment experience for attendees. Lainey Wilson: Multi-award-winning singer songwriter, Lainey Wilson…
December 29, 2023

Christmas Eve Murder

Tear Filled Courtroom MINOT – The courtroom was packed, standing room only with overflow listening and peering in from the hallway. On the television screen at the front of the courtroom the accused sat in black and white striped inmate clothes inside the Ward County Jail. Judge Gary Lee, taking…
December 26, 2023

Christmas Eve Rollover Accident

ND Highway Patrol release What: Injury CrashWhere: I-94 MM 217 (3 miles east of Tappen)When: 12/24/2023 at 10:03 AM CSTRoad Conditions: Icy/SlushWeather Conditions: CloudyCrash Involvement: VehicleType of Crash: RolloverAgencies Involved: ND Highway Patrol, Steele Fire and Rescue, Kidder County Ambulance,Tappen Fire and Rescue, Sanford AirMedVehicle No. 1: 2005 Chrysler Town…
December 25, 2023

One Dead in Minot Shooting

Minot Police Department release 12/24/2023 We are investigating a shooting that took place in a southwest Minot apartment.One male was pronounced dead on scene, and an additional female victim was transported to Trinity Hospital.The suspect is in custody.Additional details will be released tomorrow. The Dakotan -- Daniel Breijo is being…
December 25, 2023

Walsh County Fatal Crash

ND Highway Patrol release Walsh County Fatality CrashWhat: FatalityWhere: Walsh County Road 19 at 15900 blockWhen: 12/23/2023 @ 20:00 PMRoad Conditions: WetWeather Conditions: FoggyCrash Involvement: 1 VehicleType of Crash: RolloverAgencies Involved: Oslo Fire, Minto Ambulance, Walsh County Sheriff’s Office, ValleyAmbulance, NDHPVehicle No. 1: 2019 Peterbilt pulling a coal trailerDriver No.…
December 24, 2023

Patrol Car Struck at Accident Scene

ND Highway Patrol release At approximately 1:50 am on December 24th, an NDHP patrol vehicle was struck eastbound on I-94near MM 236, two miles west of Cleveland, ND, in Stutsman County. The patrol vehicle was a 2021Ford Utility Police Interceptor (Explorer).The NDHP Trooper was investigating a crash in the median…
December 24, 2023

Bird Chatter 

A Slice of Life  Every December dedicated bird watchers conduct Christmas Bird Counts throughout the United States. Several of the counts are conducted annually in the Minot Area. The counts are part of a national effort led by the Audubon Society.  Though I have never considered myself a serious birder,…
December 24, 2023

Warm Winter Remains on Track 

Latest Three-Month Outlook  Prognostic Discussion for Long-Lead Seasonal Outlooks  NWS Climate Prediction Center College Park MD  830 AM EST Thu Dec 21 2023   SUMMARY OF THE OUTLOOK  El Niño conditions are currently observed, and equatorial sea surface  temperatures (SSTs) are above average across the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. The El…
December 21, 2023

Free Ice Fishing Weekend

ND Game and Fish release North Dakota’s free ice fishing weekend is Dec. 30 and 31. Resident anglers may fish those two days without a license. All other winter fishing regulations apply.The weekend provides a great opportunity to try ice fishing for the first time or take someone new. Share…
December 21, 2023

“A Waste of My Life” 

Lengthy Sentence Ordered  MINOT – The defendant asked that his attorney be ordered out of the courtroom. Judge Richard Hagar disagreed, eventually telling Joshua Smith, 33, Williston, that “You’re a sick man.”  Smith had a sentencing hearing Wednesday morning after earlier being found guilty of nine felonies, the most serious…
December 20, 2023

City Rejects Human Relations Ordinance 

Proponents Called Cowards  MINOT – By a 4-3 vote the City Council rejected a Human Relations Committee ordinance enacted in 1976. The vote also tossed aside a new ordinance drafted by an Ad Hoc committee tasked with reviewing the issue.  The matter had been contentious and Monday’s council meeting was…
December 19, 2023

Bahnson Named Game and Fish Employee of the Year

ND Game and Fish release Dr. Charlie Bahnson, wildlife veterinarian for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in Bismarck, received the agency’s Director’s Award for professional excellence at the department’s annual staff meeting in December.Jeb Williams, Game and Fish director, said Dr. Bahnson is an incredible asset to our…
December 18, 2023

The Muffin Caper 

A Slice of Life  Recently, dear reader, I was the mastermind, the architect, of a clever plot very carefully planned so that I could gain the upper hand. However, like the flinging of a boomerang, all is wonderful until it hits you in the back of the head.  Of course,…
December 17, 2023

Off Highway Vehicle Rollover Crash

Grand Forks County Serious Injury What: Serious InjuryWhere: 1300 Block of 9th Avenue NE; approximately 2 miles north of Thompson, NDWhen: December 15, 2023, at 6:06 PM CST.Road Conditions: Good, gravelWeather Conditions: ClearCrash Involvement: Single OHVType of Crash: RolloverAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Grand Forks Sheriff’s Office, Thompson Fire&…
December 16, 2023

Garbage Truck Fatal

ND Highway Patrol McHenry County Single Vehicle Fatal CrashWhat: FatalityWhere: Highway 2 MM 180, 13 miles west of Towner, NDWhen: 12/15/2023 at approximately 1152 AM CSTRoad Conditions: GoodWeather Conditions: SunnyCrash Involvement: Single VehicleType of Crash: Fixed Object (Ditch)Agencies Involved: McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, North Dakota Highway Patrol, TownerFire, Granville Fire,…
December 15, 2023

Judge: “A Very Serious Matter” 

A Murder Without a Body  MINOT – A murder case that has been in the court system for three years is approaching culmination – perhaps.  Shawnee Krall, 30, Minot, is charged with AA felony murder in the death of Alice Queirolo, 29, Minot, in December 2020. However, due to the…
December 15, 2023

Zebra Mussels Discovered in South Dakota

ND Game and Fish release Zebra mussels have been confirmed in the lower end of Lake Oahe in South Dakota, after the species was detected at both the East Shore and Cow Creek boat ramps during inspection done by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks staff.Ben Holen, North Dakota Game…
December 13, 2023

Early Ice Awareness

ND Game and Fish release Outdoor enthusiasts need to be aware of early ice conditions before traveling onto and across North Dakota waters.A few reminders include:• Edges firm up faster than farther out from shore.• Snow insulates ice, which in turn inhibits solid ice formation, hiding cracks, weak and open…
December 11, 2023

2 Vehicle Head On Fatality Crash North Bismarck

ND Highway Patrol What: FatalityWhere: On 71st Ave NE (east of intersection of 26th St NE), BismarckWhen: 12/11/2023 at 7:22 AM CSTRoad Conditions: Frost CoveredWeather Conditions: ClearCrash Involvement: Vehicle/VehicleType of Crash: Head OnAgencies Involved: ND Highway Patrol, Burleigh County Sheriff’s Department, Metro AreaAmbulance, Bismarck Rural Fire Department, Bismarck Fire DepartmentVehicle…
December 11, 2023

Pleasant Pleasures 

A Slice of Life  Politics. Scandals. Wars. Protests.   Sometimes it is hard to slow down and appreciate life, to enjoy the real pleasures of life rather than get caught up in clashes of every sort.  Do this. Do that. Beware. Believe this. Believe that. Fact check.  It makes it…
December 10, 2023

Minot State Begins Renovations of MSU Dome

Minot State University release MINOT – Looking to expand the practice facilities for teams and also create more office and learning spaces in the MSU Dome, the first phase of renovations began on Monday with the removal of the bleachers on the east side of the third floor.“Thanks to some…
December 8, 2023

UPDATE-Mercer County Sheriff’s Deputy Dies During Pursuit

NARRATIVE: On 12/6/23 the Bismarck Police Department received the report of a stolenvehicle from Bismarck. The stolen vehicle was a 2017 Black Chevy Tahoe and was being drivenby 42-year-old Ian Cramer of Bismarck.The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office located Cramer and the 2017 Black Chevy Tahoe in Hazen.When law enforcement approached…
December 7, 2023

Suspect Arrested for Attempted Murder

Minot Police Department On Nov. 16, Minot Central Dispatch received a report of a burglary and assault at aresidence in northwest Minot early in the morning.The suspect reportedly broke into the residence and strangled the victim.Eventually, the victim escaped the home and contacted police.Officers from the Minot Police Department arrived…
December 7, 2023

Closet Offender Sentenced 

Pled Guilty to Felony Charges  MINOT – When police notified a Minot mother that Cale Schalesky, 24, Hettinger, had been released from jail she responded by saying she already knew because Schalesky was in her daughter’s closet that morning.  Schalesky was apprehended on a charge of Gross Sexual Imposition-Sexual Contact-Victim…
December 5, 2023

Latest Game and Fish News

ND Game and Fish release Urban Pollinator Program DeadlineEducators interested in applying for the Urban Pollinator Program must apply by Jan. 10.The program was created to assist educational organizations in developing urban pollinator gardens. Elementary, middle, and high schools, special education schools, colleges, and educational clubs are eligible to apply.…
December 4, 2023

Much More than a Game 

A Slice of Life  The scoreboard above the end of the rink reads 2-0 in the first period. A young player is called for cross-checking, a two-minute penalty, and shows his disgust by pounding on the plexiglass before stepping into the penalty box and slamming the door.   The angry display…
December 3, 2023

Verdict is Guilty 

Life Sentence Possible  MINOT – A Makoti man is facing a life sentence in the State Penitentiary without the possibility of parole following a verdict reached by a 12-person jury in North-Central District Court Thursday.  Nathaniel Sanchez, 37, listened to the reading of a guilty verdict on the AA felony…
November 30, 2023

Family Testimony 

Accused Faces Life in Prison  The first full day of testimony in the trial of Nathaniel Sanchez, 37, Makoti, charged with Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, included former family members on the witness stand. The charge against Sanchez is a AA felony punishable by life in prison.  The State…
November 28, 2023

ND Farmer's Union Convention Set

Dec. 15-16 in Bismarck JAMESTOWN – North Dakota Farmers Union, the state’s largest farm organization, kicks off its 97th annual state convention on Friday, Dec. 15, at the Bismarck Event Center. Ag education will be front and center at the convention through a series of breakout sessions focused on property…
November 27, 2023

ND Game and Fish News

Mountain Lion Zone 1 Late Season OpensNorth Dakota’s early mountain lion season in Zone 1 closed Nov. 26, and the late season, when hunters can pursue lions with dogs, is open.During the early season, hunters took six cats from a harvest limit of eight. Under the season structure, a conditional…
November 27, 2023

Roll-over Fatality near Dickinson

ND Highway Patrol What: Fatality CrashWhere: Interstate 94 MM 69(5 miles east of Dickinson)When: 11/25/2023 8:13PM MTRoad Conditions: Blowing snow/ Ice covered.Weather Conditions: Windy, Light snowCrash Involvement: One VehicleType of Crash: RolloverAgencies Involved: NDHP, Stark County Sheriff’s Office, Dickinson Ambulance, RichardtonAmbulance, Dickinson Fire and RescueVehicle No. 1: 2003 GMC SierrraDriver…
November 26, 2023

Our Wildlife Refuges

A Slice of Life Minot is situated within a short drive of several National Wildlife Refuges, each with their own diversity of habitat. They are managed for wildlife and for compatible public use. Upper Souris NWR has public use areas for shore fishing, maintains boat ramps for open water fishing…
November 26, 2023

Head-on Fatal

ND Highway Patrol What: Two vehicle fatal crashWhere: Cass County Road 38 & 6th Ave in Alice, NDWhen: November 25, 2023 at 12:15 P.M. Central TimeRoad Conditions: Dry asphaltWeather Conditions: clear skiesCrash Involvement: A Jeep struck a semi head-on.Agencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Buffalo QuickResponse,…
November 25, 2023

Man Dies from Gunshot Wound

Suspect Still at Large Victim dies from injuries sustained in a shooting incidentUpdate 11.24.23:Ansu Kamara, 29, of Minot has died from injuries sustained in the shooting incident thatoccurred on Nov. 17 in NW Minot. Minot Police Department has issued an arrest warrant forQuantdre Octavious Mersier. Investigation is ongoing. With the…
November 24, 2023

Game and Fish Responds to Public

Advisory Board Meeting in Bismarck BISMARCK – Issues involving the state’s deer herd were among the topics discussed at a Game and Fish Advisory Board meeting held here Tuesday. Each year Game and Fish holds a series of eight Advisory Board meetings across the state each spring and fall to…
November 22, 2023

Sen. Cramer Blasts MAFB Message

BISMARCK — U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), issued the following statement after Minot Air Force Base leadership sent a message to servicemembers warning them of the dangers associated with being near the Dakota Patriot Rally held at the state fairgrounds in Minot.…
November 21, 2023

Salmon Spawn Completed

ND Game and Fish release Fisheries crews completed their annual salmon spawning operation on the Missouri River System, collecting 944,000 eggs.North Dakota Game and Fish Department Missouri River System fisheries supervisor Russ Kinzler said this year was more of a challenge to collect eggs.“The spawn started about a week later…
November 20, 2023

Berthold Crash Victim Identified

ND Highway Patrol release UPDATED: Ward County Fatal CrashWhat: Fatal CrashWhere: 411 Tyler St in Berthold, NDWhen: 11/18/2023 at approximately 10:08PM CSTRoad Conditions: GoodWeather Conditions: GoodCrash Involvement: Vehicle/TreeType of Crash: Fixed ObjectAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Ward County Sheriff’s Office, BertholdPolice Department, Berthold Fire Dept., Berthold Ambulance, First ResponseVehicle…
November 20, 2023

Man’s Best Friend 

A Slice of Life   I write about dogs a lot, but never enough. They deserve more.  No matter what I write about dogs it always seems inadequate, yet here I go again. Dog owners will understand. Dogs do not read. At least I don’t think they do, at least not…
November 19, 2023

Wells County Fatal Crash

ND Highway Patrol release What: Fatality CrashWhere: 28th St NE near 42nd Ave NE, approximately 14 miles NE of Harvey, NDWhen: Between the evening of 11/17/2023 and the early morning of 11/18/2023Road Conditions: GoodWeather Conditions: NoneCrash Involvement: Single Vehicle RolloverType of Crash: RolloverAgencies Involved: Wells County Sheriff Office, Harvey Ambulance,…
November 18, 2023

Possible Dismissal in Knutson Murder Case 

Judge to Rule on Request  MINOT – No decision was immediately made at a Motion to Dismiss hearing in the long-running Anita Knutson murder case. The hearing was held Friday morning in front of North-Central District Court Judge Richard Hagar. Knutson was murdered in June of 2007, but it wasn’t…
November 17, 2023

Favorable Winter Forecast Improves 

Mild Winter Likely  Persistent El Nino conditions carry the prospect of a rather mild winter for North Dakota through February and beyond.  El Nino is a warming of Pacific Ocean waters that influences winter weather. Forecasters say no two El Ninos are the same, but current outlooks are encouraging news…
November 16, 2023

A Fatal Scam 

Death by Poisoning  MINOT – A man is dead. His longtime girlfriend is charged with murder. A $30 million inheritance scam is believed to be the reason.  Ina Kenoyer, 47, Minot, was arrested October 31 for a AA felony charge of Murder-Intentional, Knowing, or with Extreme Indifference, for the September…
November 14, 2023

Wrong Way Fatal on Interstate

ND Highway Patrol release UPDATE: Interstate 29 Wrong Way Driver Head-On Fatal Crash Near GrandinWhat: FatalityWhere: Interstate 29, southbound, at mile marker 93; approximately 1 mile north of GrandinWhen: November 12, 2023, at 12:49 AM CSTRoad Conditions: GoodWeather Conditions: ClearCrash Involvement: Vehicle/VehicleType of Crash: Head-onAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol,…
November 13, 2023

Man Dead After Vehicle Plunges into River

City of Minot release Minot Central Dispatch received a report of a vehicle that entered the Mouse Riverlate Saturday November 11.At 11:14 p.m., Minot Police and Minot Fire responded to the report of a vehiclesubmerged in the Mouse River at 5th Ave & 8th St NW.Officers arrived on the scene…
November 13, 2023

Hunters Cautioned of Ground Conditions

ND Game and Fish release With North Dakota’s deer gun season opening soon, the state’s countryside will see an influx of hunters traveling rural backroads to fill their tags. Knowing that, the Game and Fish Department encourages hunters to assess travel routes during the upcoming season as recent precipitation has…
November 7, 2023

Game and Fish Administrative Rules Hearing Set Dec. 12

ND Game and Fish release The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will hold a public hearing to address proposed rules changes to Title 30 of the North Dakota Administrative Code. The hearing is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at the agency's main office in Bismarck.  The…
November 6, 2023

Those Darned North Dakota Winters 

A Slice of Life Fall. Thud. Winter.  North Dakota just went from a very pleasant fall season to a heavy dose of winter in just a few hours. People who were riding bicycles or raking leaves, and children who were joyously jumping in them, turned to winter clothing and shoveling…
November 5, 2023

The Chase Continues 

Sentencing Delayed  MINOT – What was to have been a sentencing appearance for a man who previously pled guilty to multiple felony charges was delayed Thursday afternoon.  Joshua Chambers, 19, Minot, appeared along with his court appointed attorney, before Judge Richard Hagar. The attorney explained to Hagar that his defendant…
November 2, 2023

Sentenced to 40 Years 

Accomplice to Murder  MINOT – Regina Goodale, 35, Minot, found guilty of Accomplice to Murder earlier this year, received a 40-year prison sentence at a hearing in North-Central District Court Wednesday for her role in luring her husband to his death.  Judge Todd Cresap, after hearing from the defendant’s attorney, the…
November 1, 2023

Daycare Death Set for Trial 

Provider Faces Murder Charge  CARRINGTON – Patricia Wick, 48, Jamestown, is scheduled to go to trial on charges of Murder, Child Abuse, and Operating a Daycare Without a License.  The charges stem from a September 26, 2022, medical call at a day care at 438 2nd St. South. According to…
October 31, 2023

Minot Woman Arrested for Poisoning Boyfriend

Minot Police release The Minot Police Department arrested a Minot woman on Oct. 30 and charged her with killing her boyfriend through poisoning.  Steven Edward Riley Jr, a 51-year-old Minot man, died on Sept. 5, 2023, at a Bismarck hospital. Riley was initially brought to Trinity Hospital but was transferred…
October 30, 2023

Murder Case Delayed 

Judge Orders Medication  MINOT – Casey Vollmer, 34, Minot, has been ordered to take medication before the court goes forward with prosecution of a AA felony murder charge.  “It’s my observation that Mr. Vollmer has constant tremors just sitting there,” said Judge Gary Lee during a status conference in North-Central…
October 30, 2023

Traill County Injury Crash

ND Highway Patrol What: One vehicle rollover with minor injury Where: Southbound I-29 milepost 97 (7 miles South of Hillsboro) When: October 29, 2023 at 04:15 A.M. Central Time  Road Conditions: Dry concrete Weather Conditions: Overcast  Crash Involvement: Vehicle left roadway and overturned. Agencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol and…
October 29, 2023

Haunting Experiences 

A Slice of Life Paranormal activity? Hauntings? Ghosts? Possible?  Not just possible, but true. At least that’s my view. In the words that follow I offer a few personal examples why I cannot dismiss encounters with the supernatural.  A few years back I drove to Fort Laramie, Wyoming to participate…
October 29, 2023

Snowfall Totals

National Weather Service Public Information StatementNational Weather Service Bismarck ND919 AM CDT Fri Oct 27 2023 …SNOWFALL REPORTS… Location Amount Time/DateStanley 15.5 in 0811 AM 10/27Washburn 14.0 in 1140 PM 10/26Harvey 14.0 in 0619 AM 10/27Hazen 13.4 in 0600 AM 10/27New England 13.3 in 1000 PM 10/264 WNW Stanton 13.2…
October 27, 2023

Semi, Cars Burn on Interstate

ND Highway Patrol What: Vehicle fire, truck with vehicle carrier.Where: I-94, westbound lane, mile marker 175, 6 miles west of Sterling.When: Approximately 12:30pm Central Time Road Conditions: Wet/Icy, slushWeather Conditions: Snow, blowing snow, about 25 degrees.Crash Involvement: Semi Truck Tractor with car carrier trailer loaded with 9 vehicles.Type of Crash:…
October 26, 2023

Winter Storm Continues Until Early Friday Morning

National Weather Service Key Messages● Snow continues over much of western and centralNorth Dakota.● The greatest additional snow amounts are expectedfrom southwest into central North Dakota, includingthe Bowman, Dickinson, Elgin, Bismarck, Washburn,Harvey, and Carrington areas.● Light freezing rain is possible to the southeast of a linefrom Hettinger to Bismarck to…
October 26, 2023

Facing AA Murder 

Burned vehicles, body  MINOT – It is a murder case that has involved law enforcement in multiple states, burned vehicles, a burned residence, and a body discovered in burned vehicle.   Kamauri Kennedy, 34, Minot, charged with AA felony Murder-Intentional or Knowing; and AA felony Conspiracy to Commit Murder-Intentional, had a…
October 25, 2023

Bomb Threat at State Hospital

ND Highway Patrol Scene cleared at ND State Hospital Jamestown– The s cene has been cleared at the ND State Hospital after a bomb threat was called in this morning at 8:45 a.m. Local law enforcement conducted searches and no suspicious items were located. Through the ground search and additional…
October 25, 2023

Senators Concerned Regarding Critical Minerals Trade Agreement

WASHINGTON – U. S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, co-led a bipartisan letter expressing several concerns regarding a potential critical mineral free trade agreement between the United States and Indonesia. The letter follows reports that the Biden administration is in negotiations…
October 25, 2023

Highway Patrol Vehicle Struck

ND Highway Patrol release On Tuesday, October 24th, at approximately 8:00 pm, a ND Highway Patrol patrol vehicle was struck eastbound on I-94 near the tri-level in Fargo. The patrol car was a 2022 Ford Police Interceptor Utility. The NDHP trooper was investigating a crash at this location. The trooper…
October 25, 2023

Winter Storm Warning 

National Weather Service Key Messages For the latest:  https://www.weather.gov/media/bis/DssPacket.pdf ● Heavy snow continues across northwest and northcentral North Dakota through tonight, with locallyheavy snow possible in some areas.● Snow is expected across much of western and centralNorth Dakota tonight through late Thursday night.● There remains uncertainty in the timing of…
October 24, 2023

Guilty Pleas Entered in Shooting 

Defendant Surrenders to Authorities  MINOT – A trial scheduled to begin Tuesday was cancelled following the entering of guilty pleas Monday by Theophris Drake, 40, Birmingham, Alabama. Drake is charged with five felonies stemming from the shooting of two individuals at the Dakota Lounge on February 4 of this year. …
October 23, 2023

NDFU urges lawmakers to retain funding for fertilizer production

JAMESTOWN – As the state legislature reconvenes today to reauthorize components of an Office of Management and Budget legislative bill that was ruled unconstitutional by the N.D. State Supreme Court, North Dakota Farmers Union is urging lawmakers to retain a program designed to support in-state fertilizer production. “Expanding in-state fertilizer…
October 23, 2023

Fatal Crash near Glen Ullin

ND Highway Patrol What: Fatal CrashWhere: Morton County Rd. 139, about 3 miles west of Glen UllinWhen: Between 12:42 am and 8:30 am CTRoad Conditions: Dry/ClearWeather Conditions: ClearCrash Involvement: Single vehicle rollover/drove off roadwayType of Crash: Head on with end of metal bridge rail, overturn into the creekAgencies Involved: North…
October 23, 2023

Moments and Memories 

A Slice of Life It is a special place. The fish are big. The memories bigger.   Tobin Lake at Nipawin, Saskatchewan has long been a favorite destination of fishermen from both Canada and the United States. Every year anglers descend on the Canadian water with the expectation of hooking into…
October 22, 2023

A Bird in the Hand 

A Slice of Life Sometimes what seems to be a small, insignificant slice of life has a much greater meaning than first realized. I offer the following example.  A few days ago, I noticed my dog was paying an unusual amount of attention to a small pond in my backyard.…
October 15, 2023

Delay Looming in Dakota Lounge Shooting Case 

Judge to Rule on Attorney Withdrawal  MINOT – With a court trial set for less than two weeks away the defendant is seeking a change of attorney. Judge Douglas Mattson heard arguments on a Motion to Withdraw in a courtroom here Friday.  Theophris Drake, 40, Birmingham, Alabama, who is facing…
October 13, 2023

Pedestrian Struck, Arrest Made

ND Highway Patrol What: Vehicle struck a pedestrian and the vehicle fled the crash sceneWhere: 400 block of 11th Ave S in Wahpeton, on the north side of the Wahpeton AirportWhen: October 12th, 2023 @ approximately 7:40 pmRoad Conditions: Dry, dark, limited lightingType of Crash: Vehicle struck a pedestrianAgencies Involved:…
October 13, 2023

Minot Shooting Victim Identified

City of Minot release Davin Eby Smith, 34, Minot, died as a result of a shooting incident that occurred in northwest Minot on Monday night. No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing.  Update 10/10/2023 The victim of a shooting incident in northwest Minot on Monday evening has died.…
October 12, 2023

MSU Men's, Women's Basketball Rankings

Preseason Northern Sun Conference Polls
October 12, 2023

Knutson Murder Trial Set 

Roommate Charged in Death  MINOT – A trial date has finally been set in one the lengthiest murder cases ever conducted in this state.  Nichole Rice, 36, Minot, is charged with Murder-Intentional or Knowing-Adult Victim, in the stabbing death of her former roommate at a northwest Minot apartment. Anita Knutson’s…
October 12, 2023

End Property Tax Effort Ongoing 

Drive to Bring Initiated Measure to Voters  BISMARCK – It is still in the early stages but the effort to end North Dakota’s property tax appears to be gaining momentum. The End Unfair Property Tax movement hopes to obtain 45,000 signatures from North Dakotans to place an initiated measure before…
October 10, 2023

Bareback Leader Kramer Ready for Minot Rodeo

Minot – Max cowboy Ben Kramer is having the best year of his life. The bareback rider enters this weekend’s Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo in Minot in first place in his event, and is ranked 34th in the PRCA world standings. He’s won first place at rodeos in the Badlands…
October 9, 2023

Homer Hanky 

A Slice of Life  The place was absolutely crazy. The noise was deafening. The packed stadium went wild as the baseball soared over the centerfield fence at the old Metrodome in Minneapolis. Put four on the board for the Minnesota Twins!  It was a World Series game against the St.…
October 8, 2023

Police Seek Improved Facility 

Host Public Tours of Department  MINOT – While the exterior of the structure is solid, the inside is much different. The layout is a network of narrow hallways that lead to scattered small work areas and storage places. Heating and wiring are nearing the end of its lifespan. Patrol vehicles…
October 6, 2023

Latest ND Game and Fish News

ND Game and Fish release Inspecting for Zebra MusselsThe North Dakota Game and Fish Department is asking water recreationists and property owners to check for zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species when removing boat lifts, docks and other equipment from state waters.Ben Holen, ANS coordinator, said water recreationists and…
October 5, 2023

Murder Trial Requested 

Shooting Death at Minot Motel  MINOT – The man charged with murdering another at a north Minot motel has entered a “not guilty” plea and his court appointed attorney, Steven Mottinger, has requested his client’s case be heard by a jury.  Darrion Jackson, 34, Fargo, was scheduled for a pretrial…
October 4, 2023

ND Game and Fish News

• Bismarck Office Temporarily Closed to Public Access• Order 2024 OUTDOORS Calendars• PLOTS Regulations• Fall Mule Deer Survey Begins• Fall Cleanup Events Eligible for Earth Day Patch Bismarck Office Temporarily Closed to Public AccessThe North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s main office in Bismarck will close to public access the…
October 2, 2023

Sen. Cramer Statement on Senate Passage of Funding Bill to Avert a Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) issued the following statement after voting to support the House of Representatives’ 45-day funding bill. This legislation overwhelmingly passed the Senate with a vote of 88 to 9, averting a federal government shutdown at midnight. The bill extends current government funding levels until…
October 1, 2023

Angler’s Anguish – Kooky or Clever? 

A Slice of Life  Most fishermen: What’s the forecast?  Answer: Wind 15-20 and a 30% chance of rain.  Most fishermen: Yuk. Let’s go another day.  Muskie fisherman: What’s the forecast?  Answer: Wind 25-35 with higher gusts possible, 80% chance of rain/snow with accumulations of 15-20 inches possible, moon phase favorable. …
October 1, 2023

One Dead in Dickinson Area Crash

ND Highway Patrol What: Fatal CrashWhere: Interstate 94 MM 73, 9 east of DickinsonWhen: 09/28/2023 12:30 PMRoad Conditions: DryWeather Conditions: Clear, sunnyCrash Involvement: One vehicleType of Crash: Front end/fixed object impact off roadwayAgencies Involved: NDHP, Stark County Sheriff’s Office, Dickinson Ambulance, Dickinson Rural Fire DepartmentVehicle No. 1: 1995 Lincoln ContinentalDriver…
September 29, 2023

Murder Suspect Arrested on I-94

ND Highway Patrol NARRATIVE: On 9/26/23 around 1:24pm, a North Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper made a routine traffic stop on a car for an equipment violation on I-94 near Mapleton, ND. The car was occupied by a male driver and one female passenger. The driver and passenger were observed switching…
September 28, 2023

“He Gets It” 

Gov. Burgum’s Second Debate  North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum did his best to make an impression with a national viewing audience despite limited minutes in the latest Republican presidential candidate debate. The debate was held Wednesday evening at the Ronald Reagen Center in California.  FOX Business host Charles Payne, in…
September 28, 2023

Roommate Death Fills Courtroom 

Nichole Rice Charged with Murder of Anita Knutson  MINOT – As she exited the courtroom, she passed inches away from the parents of the woman she is charged with killing.  Nichole Rice, 36 , made a pretrial conference appearance in North-Central District Court Wednesday in front of Judge Richard Hagar.…
September 27, 2023

Murder Trial Set 

Judge Allows 10 Days  MINOT – The long-awaited trial for Shawnee Krall, 30, Minot, has been scheduled to begin January 2, 2024. Judge Stacy Louser set the date during a brief hearing in North-Central District Court Wednesday morning.  Krall, will have been jailed for more than three years when the…
September 27, 2023

Daycare Death in Minot

Ward County Sheriff's Department release On September 20, 2023, the Ward County Sheriff's Department, First Response Ambulance Service Minot Rural Fire Department, Burlington Fire Department and the Burlington Police Department were dispatched to a NW Minot address for an unresponsive fifteen (15) month old child, who was later pronounced deceased…
September 25, 2023

Guilty in Death of Child 

Prison Sentence for Bicycle Crash  WATFORD CITY –- Julian Montoya, 21, Watford City, entered an amended plea of guilty Monday for striking and killing a child on a bicycle. The action came in Northwest District court in front of Judge Robin Schmidt.  Montoya originally pled not guilty to Negligent Homicide-Child…
September 25, 2023

Youth Pheasant Weekend

ND Game and Fish News Youth Pheasant WeekendNorth Dakota’s two-day youth pheasant season Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 is a great opportunity to introduce a new hunter to the outdoors with limited competition.That’s when legally licensed residents and nonresidents 15 and younger can hunt rooster pheasants statewide. An adult at…
September 25, 2023

Burgum Qualifies for Second Debate 

Republican National Committee Approval Needed  MINOT – Several national sources are confirming that North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, a Republican candidate for President of the United States, has met the qualifying criteria necessary to participate in the second Republican presidential debate scheduled for Wednesday of this week.  FOX News, which…
September 25, 2023

Rodeo Talent Eyes Minot

Badlands cowboys, cowgirls enter Circuit Finals Rodeo in first place in respective events MINOT – The best cowboys and cowgirls in the Dakotas will be in Minot next month for the Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo. And these number ones lead the charge, in their respective events. North Dakota cowboy Chase…
September 25, 2023

Students Analyze Renewable Energy 

Envirothon Offers Outdoor Classroom  FOXHOLM – Science students from throughout the Minot area had some hands-on learning outdoors at the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge this past week and followed up their experience with 10-minute oral presentations before panels of judges.   The topic for Envirothon 2023 was interesting and…
September 25, 2023

Four Vehicle Injury Crash

ND Highway Patrol What: InjuryWhere: Interstate 94-mile marker 345 (West Fargo)When: 09/24/2023 at 11:46 P.M. central timeRoad Conditions: GoodWeather Conditions: OvercastCrash Involvement: 4 vehicle crashType of Crash: Rear end, right angleAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Cass County Sheriff’s Department, WestFargo Police Department, West Fargo Fire Department, and Metro Ambulance.Vehicle…
September 25, 2023

Finger in the Flame 

A Slice of Life Quite often men behave like, well, men. At least that’s my explanation for what I am about to reveal.  Men relish the tough guy persona, of which the trait of never showing pain is one of the foremost measurements of the male sex. Of course, there’s…
September 24, 2023

8 Injured near Makoti

ND Highway Patrol What: Injury CrashWhere: The intersection of Highway 23 and 338th St NW (near mile marker 81) approximately1.5 miles north of Makoti, ND.When: September 23, 2023, at approximately 0549 PM CSTRoad Conditions: WetWeather Conditions: CloudyCrash Involvement: Vehicle vs VehicleAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Ward County Sheriff’s Office,…
September 24, 2023

Legislation to Prevent Declaration of National Emergency for Purposes of Imposing Gun Control

Sen. Kevin Cramer release WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined his colleagues in reintroducing the Protecting the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Act, which would prohibit gun control being imposed through a national emergency declaration by the President or a public health emergency declaration by the Secretary…
September 22, 2023

Autumn Be Stylin’ 

First Day of Fall Saturday  MINOT – It is starting to look like fall, with shorter days and leaves turning colors but, with the official first day of fall arriving Saturday, the temperatures have been trending more summerlike than what might be expected for September in North Dakota.  Official temperature…
September 22, 2023

The US National Debt Just Hit A Grim New Milestone 

Nicole Littlefield (Daily Caller News Foundation) on September 19, 2023  The U.S. national debt reached $33 trillion for the first time on Monday, according to data published by the Treasury Department.  The Treasury Department noted the national debt hit $33.04 trillion on Monday afternoon, several months after the U.S. hit the debt ceiling…
September 21, 2023

Crash Results in Serious Injuries

ND Highway Patrol What: InjuryWhere: ND 32 MM 96 approx ½ mi N of PillsburyWhen: 08:00 AM on 09/21/2023Road Conditions: GoodWeather Conditions: WindyCrash Involvement: 1 VehicleType of Crash: RolloverAgencies Involved: Hope Fire, Hope Ambulance Service, Valley City Ambulance Service,Valley City Fire, Sanford AirMedVehicle No. 1: 2011 Chevrolet AveoDriver No. 1:…
September 21, 2023

Injury Rollover Near Valley City

ND Highway Patrol What: One vehicle rollover crashWhere: I-94 MM 285 westbound, approximately 5 miles west of Valley CityWhen: September 21st, 2023 @ approximately 3:05 amRoad Conditions: Dry roads, normal summer driving conditions, dark & a non-lighted areaType of Crash: One vehicle rolloverAgencies Involved: NDHP, Barnes County Sheriff’s Office, Barnes…
September 21, 2023

Murder Trial Halted 

Attorney Dismissed from Case  MINOT – The murder trial for Shawnee Krall, 30, Minot, has been halted just days before it was to begin.  Defense attorney Breanna Delorme was granted permission in North-Central District Court this week to be removed from the case with the murder trial set to begin…
September 21, 2023

Fatal Plane Crash

ND Highway Patrol What: Fatal Plane CrashWhere: Corn field located west of Highway 281 & 12th St SE (Five miles south of NewRockford)When: September 19, 2023 at 12:32 P.M. Central TimeRoad Conditions: NAWeather Conditions: Partly CloudyCrash Involvement: Plane CrashAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, Foster CountySheriff’s…
September 20, 2023

Rugby Area Fatal

ND Highway Patrol What: FatalityWhere: US Highway 2, near mile marker 221, approximately 9 miles east of RugbyWhen: Discovered 09/19/2023, at 1:33 PM CDTRoad Conditions: GoodWeather Conditions: ClearCrash Involvement: Single vehicleType of Crash: Non-collisionAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Benson County Sheriff’s Office, PierceCounty Sheriff’s Office, North Dakota Bureau of…
September 20, 2023

Arrested in City Shoot ‘Em Up 

Bond Set at $200,000  MINOT – One of two people charged with alleged involvement in a shooting in this city is behind bars while an arrest warrant has been issued for the other.  Judge Gary Lee set bond this week for Sydney Roller, 20, Minot, for her alleged role in…
September 19, 2023

ND Game and Fish News

Waterfowl SeasonNorth Dakota’s waterfowl season opens for residents Sept. 23, while nonresidents may begin hunting waterfowl Sept. 30.The season for swans opens Sept. 30 for both residents and nonresidents who have purchased a swan license.Hunters may take six ducks, including mergansers, per day with the following restrictions: five mallards of…
September 18, 2023

Names Released in Bus, Pickup Fatal

ND Highway Patrol UPDATE: Rolette County Two-Vehicle Fatal CrashWhat: FatalityWhere: Intersection of BIA Roads 8 and 11, approximately 5 miles west of Belcourt, NDWhen: 09/16/2023 at 9:01 PM CDTRoad Conditions: GoodWeather Conditions: ClearCrash Involvement: Two-vehicleType of Crash: Right AngleAgencies Involved: Bureau of Indian Affairs Turtle Mountain Agency, Belcourt PoliceDepartment, Rolette…
September 18, 2023

Hollywood Horses 

A Slice of Life Old photographs have a way of bringing back to life events of years past.  Recently I was looking through some photographs taken on the set of the movie “Dances with Wolves,” a 1990 big screen blockbuster in which I played an insignificant part as a Union…
September 17, 2023

MAYSA Arena to Host U.S. National Sled Hockey Team 

Minot Parks release  Minot is set to become the epicenter of sled hockey action as Sled Hockey Week descends upon the city from March 10 to March 17, 2024. The focal point of this week-long celebration is the exhilarating rematch between the reigning Paralympic Winter Game Champions, Team USA, and…
September 16, 2023

Trial Set in Original Bar Killing 

Travis McDermott Charged with Manslaughter  MINOT – One dead, one arrested at the Original Bar on North Broadway about 1:45 a.m. on May 14, 2023.  The man accused of firing two gunshots that resulted in the death of Greyson Sletto, 32, Willow City, will go to trial in January 2024…
September 15, 2023

More Information on Crash Involving Volleyball Team

ND Highway Patrol Fatality Crash Nelson County Highway 32What: FatalityWhere: Highway 32 mile marker 151 about 6 miles south of Petersburg, North DakotaWhen: September 14, 2023, at 3:45 pmRoad Conditions: GoodWeather Conditions: Clear, SunnyCrash Involvement: Vehicle vs VehicleType of Crash: AngleAgencies Involved: The below list of responding agencies may not…
September 14, 2023

El Nino now 95% Certain 

Latest Projections for Winter Ahead  With each passing day the Climate Prediction Center becomes more and more certain that North Dakota can expect a warmer winter than usual in the months ahead.  In their latest outlook the CPC says they are 95% certain that a strong El Nino will influence…
September 14, 2023

Pedestrian Killed in Fargo

ND Highway Patrol What: Fatality CrashWhere: Fargo, intersection of 13th Ave S and 32nd St. S./West Trac Dr. S.When: 9-13-2023 5:50 AM CentralRoad Conditions: Good, DryWeather Conditions: ClearCrash Involvement: Vehicle/PedestrianAgencies Involved: Fargo Fire, Sanford Ambulance, Cass County Coroner’s Office, FargoPolice Department, North Dakota Highway PatrolVehicle No. 1: 2008 Chevrolet SilveradoDriver…
September 14, 2023

Crop Duster Fatality

Grand Forks County Fatal Aircraft Crash NARRATIVE: On 09/12/2023, at approximately 3:30 PM, the North Dakota Highway Patrol,along with the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office and Manvel Fire Department, responded toa report of a downed aircraft approximately 20 miles northwest of Grand Forks, ND. Anagricultural aircraft (crop duster) was found…
September 13, 2023

GUILTY 

Jury Finds Hoffman Guilty of Murder  MINOT – It took only 2 ½ hours Tuesday for a 12-person jury to reach a guilty verdict in the Heather Hoffman murder trial.   Hoffman, 26, Minot, was charged with the murder of 22-year-old Alexander Eckert in the doorway of Eckert’s northwest Minot…
September 12, 2023

Fate in Jury Room 

Deliberations Underway in Hoffman Murder Case  MINOT – The 12-person jury exited a North-Central District courtroom shortly before 11 a.m. Tuesday to begin deliberation in the murder case against Heather Hoffman, 26, Minot. Hoffman is charged with the murder of Alexander Eckert, 22, Minot, in the entry way of his…
September 12, 2023

Defense Rests in Hoffman Murder Trial 

Closing Arguments Expected Tuesday  MINOT – The defense rested their case after less than two hours of testimony in North-Central District Court Monday. The State’s case lasted two and one-half days, ending before noon Monday.   Heather Hoffman, 26, is on trial for the April 22, 2022, murder of Alexander…
September 11, 2023

Bighorn Licenses, Upland Game Survey

ND Game and Fish News Six Bighorn Sheep LicensesThe North Dakota Game and Fish Department allocated six bighorn sheep licenses for the 2023 hunting season, one more than last year.One license was issued in unit B1, one in B3, two in B4 and one in B5. In addition, one license,…
September 11, 2023

Juror Removed, State Rests in Murder Trial 

Defense Set to Present Case  MINOT – The State finished presenting their case against Heather Hoffman, 26, Minot, about 10:15 a.m. Monday. Hoffman is charged with the murder of Alexander Eckert, 22, on April 22, 2022. The defense will begin presenting their side of the case Monday afternoon.  The trial…
September 11, 2023

A Double Nice Greeting 

Identical Twins Enjoy Helping at Hostfest  MINOT – If the information is wrong just point a finger at the other person. Nobody will know anyway. You can do that when you are identical twins.  Bernie Sand and Betty Skari are identical twin sisters that have been greeting visitors to the…
September 11, 2023

Name Released in Towner Fatal

ND Highway Patrol McHenry County Fatal Crash - UPDATEWhat: Fatal CrashWhere: Intersection of Willow Road & 69th Street Northeast (approximately 4 miles north ofTowner ND)When: September 10, 2023 @ sometime before 7:28 AM CSTRoad Conditions: DryWeather Conditions: ClearCrash Involvement: One-vehicle rolloverType of Crash: RolloverAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, McHenry…
September 10, 2023

Finally Fall 

A Slice of Life I got an early start. Could not wait to get on the water. I thoroughly enjoy fishing, especially in the fall.  No, it’s not officially calendar autumn, but the fall season is underway. Leaves are starting to change colors, even dropping from some trees. Water temperatures…
September 10, 2023

Remaining Fall Turkey Licenses Available Sept. 20

ND Game and Fish release The fall wild turkey lottery has been held and more than 1,400 licenses remain in 13 units. Unsuccessful applicants will have a refund issued to their credit card. Beginning at 8 a.m. Central time on Sept. 20, all remaining licenses will be issued on a…
September 9, 2023

Prison for Man Who Falsely Blamed Republicans in Manslaughter Case 

Five Years Behind Bars  CARRINGTON – An incident involving a North Dakota man that attracted national media attention after claiming a person he drove over and killed was part of a “Republican extremist group,” learned his fate in a Foster County courtroom Friday.  Shannon Brandt, 33, had earlier entered a…
September 8, 2023

Violent Recording in the Courtroom 

Jury Hears Murder Defendant  MINOT – It was very heated, very emotional, and perhaps the most impactful evidence yet presented by the prosecution in the Heather Hoffman murder case.   As the State continued to present their evidence Friday morning, the jury listened to a recording of Hoffman and the…
September 8, 2023

Driver, Four Children Injured

ND Highway Patrol What: Injury CrashWhere: Highway 1806 MM 53(15 miles south of Mandan)When: 09/07/2023 at 1:25 PMRoad Conditions: GoodWeather Conditions: SunnyCrash Involvement: 1 Vehicle RolloverType of Crash: RolloverAgencies Involved: ND Highway Patrol, Morton County Sheriff Department, Mandan RuralFire, Metro Area AmbulanceVehicle No. 1: 2003 Chevrolet VentureDriver No. 1: Nicole…
September 7, 2023

Did She, or Didn’t She? 

Murder Trial Underway  MINOT – The state says she did it. The defense says she wasn’t even there and has identified who they believe committed the crime. Opening statements Thursday provided a glimpse of what may transpire in North-Central District Court over the next several days.   Heather Hoffman, 26, has…
September 7, 2023

Lengthy Sentence for Sex Offender 

North-Central District Court  MINOT – A Minot man found guilty in January of Gross Sexual Imposition-Victim Under 15 years of age, was sentenced to more years than sought by the state in a courtroom here Wednesday.  Michael Prescott, 24, Minot, was sentenced to 20 years in the State Penitentiary, serve…
September 6, 2023

Citizens Confront City Council President 

Angered by Property Tax, Proposed Sales Tax  MINOT – City Council President Paul Pitner’s letter to fellow council members did not go over well with city residents who voiced their opposition during Tuesday’s council meeting. Pitner wrote the letter of recommendation on the 2024 city budget.  Among the issues that…
September 6, 2023

Dead ID'd in Williston Crash

ND Highway Patrol UPDATED Williston Fatality CrashWhat: FatalityWhere: Highway 2 near mile marker 18 – within the city limits of Williston, NDWhen: September 4, 2023, approximately occurred sometime after 1100 PM CSTRoad Conditions: GoodWeather Conditions: Hazy, Dark - lightedCrash Involvement: One vehicle rolloverAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Williston Police…
September 5, 2023

Multiple Charges for Lignite Man 

Includes Gross Sexual Imposition  MINOT – Cassidy Johnson, 22, Lignite, made his initial appearance in North-Central District Court late Tuesday on three felony charges – gross sexual imposition, luring minors by computer, and possession of certain materials prohibited. The GSI charge is an AA felony punishable by up to life…
September 5, 2023

Mercer County Sobriety Check

ND Highway Patrol NARRATIVE: On Saturday, Sept. 9, the North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) and the MercerCounty Sheriff’s Office Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint at a predeterminedlocation in Mercer County. Impaired driving and impaired driving-related motor vehiclecrashes continue to be a threat to the safety of travelers on North…
September 5, 2023

All About Bass 

Developing an Angling Career  WASHBURN – Just a couple of years out of high school, Washburn’s Peter Olson is enjoying his passion for all things fishing.   He builds and develops lures, studies why and when certain colors and patterns attract fish, compares various speeds of presentations, and has a…
September 4, 2023

Not as it Seems 

A Slice of Life Sometimes a person believes the way he or she sees things is the way other people do too. But that’s a generalization, especially when it comes to kids.   Children have a much different way of looking at things than adults. Often a much more logical way,…
September 3, 2023

Latest NDGF News

Fall Turkey DeadlineNorth Dakota’s fall turkey application deadline is Sept. 6.Fall turkey hunters, including gratis applicants, can submit an online application through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov.Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply. Nonresidents can apply for remaining fall turkey licenses following the first lottery.…
September 1, 2023

All About Youth 

Learning and Fun at Outdoor Festival  MINOT – The 16th annual Youth Outdoor Festival was held Thursday evening at the State Fairgrounds Conservation and Skill Park.  The North Dakota Game and Fish event featured wildlife clubs throughout the area interacting with attendees, providing information, and presenting demonstrations.   “We’re here…
September 1, 2023

Latest ND Drought Briefing

National Weather Service
September 1, 2023

Lightning Strike Ignites Home 

No Injuries  A fire caused by a lightning strike damaged a home in northwest Minot early Thursday morning.   Minot Fire Department units were dispatched at 1:03 a.m. Thursday to 3301 Kodiak St. NW for reports of a fire. Once on scene, fire crews were met with large amounts of fire…
August 31, 2023

Storm Spectacular but Brief 

Rainfall Welcome  MINOT – The thunderstorm that centered over Minot shortly after 1 a.m. Thursday was loud, bright and, for a time, brought a deluge of rainfall. All in all, measurable precipitation in and near the city was about 1/3 of an inch.  Nevertheless, it was a welcome rainfall despite…
August 31, 2023

Four Crashes on I-94

ND Highway Patrol NARRATIVE:On August 29th from 7:30 AM until around 9:00 AM the North Dakota Highway Patrolresponded to four separate crashes along Interstate 94 in the Fargo metro area. This series ofcrashes caused a significant impact on morning travel. This was due to multiple travel lanesbeing temporarily blocked and…
August 29, 2023

Explosive Case 

Trial Set for Next Year  WILLISTON – A man who pled not guilty to eight felony charges has had a trial date set for July 17, 2024, in Northwest District court. The action came during an appearance before Judge Kirsten Sjue Monday afternoon.  Ross Petrie, 29, Pocatello, Idaho, was charged…
August 29, 2023

Passion for Medicine Runs Through Three Generations

Trinity Health release MINOT—As one of only two vitreoretinal surgeons in western North Dakota, Robert Gokey, MD, understands that a significant part of his job is showing up in critical situations to perform a surgical intervention when a person’s eyesight is on the line. Thanks to exceptional training and a…
August 29, 2023

Deadly and Dangerous 

Highway 83 and 23 Intersection  MINOT – Three dead and four injured in the past four months. All were daytime crashes in good weather and road conditions.  The intersection of U.S. Highway 83 and Highway 23, about 18 miles south of Minot, is claiming lives despite having an approaching traffic…
August 29, 2023

Tour, Press Conference Highlight Abandoned Keystone XL Pipeline

Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-ND release SCRANTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, R-ND, Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, participated in an Americans for Prosperity press conference and a guided tour through the Keystone XL Pipeline boneyard, which houses pipe segments originally intended…
August 28, 2023

The $250 Mosquito 

A Slice of Life Sometimes things just don’t work out as planned. Maybe not even close. The following incident vividly illustrates my point.  A few years back I took two daughters on what was destined to be a fun and pleasant fishing trip to Lake Metigoshe. The beautiful lake in…
August 27, 2023

Police Identify Deceased Man in Southwest Minot

Minot Police release The deceased man found Thursday morning in southwest Minot has been identifiedas 30-year-old Brandon J. Kvame of Minot, according to the Minot PoliceDepartment.“The autopsy has been completed, however the toxicology report is still beingconducted,” Investigations Commander Capt. Dale Plessas said. “The results oftoxicology could take several months.”“We…
August 26, 2023

Identified - Motorcycle Crash Kills Two

ND Highway Patrol What: FatalWhere: 16th Ave NE (County Road 4), on the southwest edge of LarimoreWhen: Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 1:58 PM CDTRoad Conditions: Good, dry asphaltWeather Conditions: Clear, sunnyCrash Involvement: Single vehicleType of Crash: Non-collisionAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office,Larimore Fire &…
August 26, 2023

Minot State Offers Museum Studies Degree

Minot State University release MINOT – Minot State University has announced a degree in museum studies, an interdisciplinary major where art meets business, communication, history, storytelling, and science. The Bachelor of Science in Museum Studies is a professionally oriented program designed to offer the tools to pursue a variety of…
August 26, 2023

Tommy Moose and NDHP

ND Highway Patrol release NARRATIVE: The Nodak Moose Legion donated 23 dozen “Tommy Moose” plush dolls to the North Dakota Highway Patrol. This effort was put together by the Junior Past President of Nodak 42 Moose Legion, Steve Foley. The Tommy Moose program aids in helping children overcome fears and…
August 26, 2023

Superintendent Vollmer Announces Retirement 

Education Leader to Leave in 2024  MINOT – The superintendent of Minot Public Schools, Dr. Mark Voller, has submitted his resignation effective June 30, 2024. Vollmer is in his 13th year as superintendent and has 22 years in the MPS district.  “I’ve loved every minute of it. Its been a…
August 25, 2023

Fentanyl Arrest on Interstate

NDHP Intent to Deliver Fentanyl arrest on I-94 near the University exit in Fargo NARRATIVE:On August 245th at approximately 4:19 PM North Dakota State Troopers responded to milemarker 350 on I-94 regarding an oversize semi-truck driver that was calling for assistance.When Troopers arrived, they learned that a Ford Edge SUV…
August 25, 2023

Odds Rising for Warm Winter 

Latest Long-Range Weather Outlook from CPC  What the weatherman has in store for the winter months is always of interest to North Dakotans, who often have a “we’ll see about that” response to long-range weather outlooks.  Nevertheless, indicators continue to favor a warmer than usual winter season for Minot and…
August 24, 2023

Reaction to Burgum on National Stage 

8 in Republican Presidential Debate  MINOT – North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum stood on stage Wednesday night for a debate with seven other contenders for the Republican presidential nomination. A national television audience heard candidates tout their plans for the future of the United States while pointing fingers and emphasizing…
August 24, 2023

Duck Brood Numbers Increase

ND Game and Fish Duck Brood Numbers Jump Nearly 80%State Game and Fish Department migratory game bird biologists expect a fall flight of ducks similar to 1998, 2004 and 2020.If those past seasons don’t ring a bell, the fall flight is anticipated to be about 23% above last year’s fall…
August 23, 2023

From ER to National Debate

Will Take to National Stage Tonight  UPDATE: FOX news reports Doug Burgum will be on the Republican debate stage tonight 8/23/2023. UPDATE: Sources report Burgum suffered a torn Achillies tendon and will need the support of crutches during an afternoon debate stage walk-through. No decision has been made as to…
August 23, 2023

Dot’s Pretzels to Close in Velva 

Final Day October 27  MINOT – The Dot’s Pretzel facility in Velva will be shutting down, affecting 27 current employees.  The Hershey Company, which made a November 2021 purchase of Dot’s Pretzels, made the announcement with the note that Dot’s Pretzels is the fastest growing pretzel brand in the U.S. …
August 22, 2023

Biden Administration Releases $6 Billion to Iran

Senators Demand Answers on Secret Negotiation WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, R-ND, member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Development, joined his Senate Republican colleagues in a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen demanding answers regarding the approximately…
August 21, 2023

Chronic Wasting Disease Proclamation

ND Game and Fish News Chronic Wasting Disease ProclamationBig game hunters should note the 2023 chronic wasting disease proclamation for baiting and transportation requirements for deer, elk and moose as a precaution against the spread of chronic wasting disease.Noteworthy items include:• Whole carcasses of animals harvested in North Dakota can…
August 21, 2023

Improving a Minot Landmark 

Construction Underway at Minot Gun Club  MINOT – It was built in the early 70s and has been home to some of the top shotgunners in the state and nation. Numerous registered major trapshooting events have been held there too. Now, with the meteoric rise of High School Clay Target…
August 21, 2023

Pedestrian ID'd in Williston Fatal

ND Highway Patrol : Williston Pedestrian Fatal CrashWhat: Pedestrian Fatality CrashWhere: 32nd Ave W near Bison DriveWhen: 08/20/2023 at approximately 338 AM CSTRoad Conditions: Good, DryWeather Conditions: ClearCrash Involvement: Vehicle vs PedestrianType of Crash: Pedestrian CrashAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Williston Police Department, WilliamsCounty Sheriff Office, Williston Fire, and…
August 20, 2023

Perfecto and the Chicken 

A Slice of Life Sometimes deep, dark secrets in a person’s past silently chew on them enough to force a confession, rather than continuing to “bottle up” a troubled and agonizing truth.   What follows, dear reader, is written with the belief that revealing a long-held secret that has tormented me…
August 20, 2023

ID in Flasher Motorcycle Fatality

ND Highway Patrol What: Fatal CrashWhere: ND-21, mile marker 114, 7 miles east of FlasherWhen: Friday, August 18, 2023 2:17 CDTRoad Conditions: Good seasonal driving conditions/normalWeather Conditions: Clear/Sunny, 12-17 mph winds, 84 degreesCrash Involvement: Single vehicle (motorcycle) rolloverType of Crash: Ran off roadway, overturnedAgencies Involved: North Dakota Highway PatrolMorton County…
August 19, 2023

Pedestrian Killed in Barnes County

ND Highway Patrol What: Semi vs. PedestrianWhere: Westbound I-94 milepost 299, five miles east of Valley CityWhen: August 18th, 2023 at 3:03AMRoad Conditions: Dry pavementWeather Conditions: Clear skies. Dark, not lighted.Crash Involvement: A semi driving westbound struck a pedestrian in the road.Agencies Involved: Valley City Police Department, Barnes County Sheriff’s…
August 19, 2023

Fatal Motorcycle Crash

ND Highway Patrol What: FatalityWhere: 1 mile west of Pekin on ND Highway 15When: 21:04 PM CST (09:04 PM) 08/17/2023Road Conditions: GoodWeather Conditions: Clear/windyCrash Involvement: 1 VehicleType of Crash: RolloverAgencies Involved: Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, McVille Ambulance, Tolna FirstResponders, NDHPVehicle No. 1: 2013 Suzuki MotorcycleDriver No. 1: 45 yo male,…
August 18, 2023

Facelift for Downtown 

Façade Program Restores Original Look  MINOT – Downtown has been undergoing significant changes in the past few years, and it continues with a popular program to dress up the facades of aging buildings, many which date back 100 years or more.  “We aren’t recreating museums here, but they will reflect…
August 18, 2023

Bismarck Man Touts End to Property Tax 

Cites Immoral Process and Legislative Overspending  MINOT – Former state legislator from Bismarck and previous independent candidate for U.S. Senate, Rick Becker, promoted his latest endeavor during a gathering in the city Wednesday evening.  At the former Columbian Club on North Broadway, Becker explained why he is heading up “End…
August 17, 2023

Guilty of Murder 

Accused Changes Plea in Minot Courtroom  MINOT -- Justin McDermott, 35, Minot, entered a guilty plea to a AA felony charge of Murder-Intentional or Knowing-Adult Victim, during an appearance in North-Central District Court late Wednesday morning.  The charge, which carries the possibility of life in prison without parole, stems from the…
August 16, 2023

Groundbreaking at MAFB

Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-ND, release MINOT – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, R-ND, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, gave remarks at the groundbreaking of the Minot Helicopter and Tactical Response Force Team Building which will be used to support new MH-139 Grey Wolf Helicopters. The MH-139 will replace the…
August 16, 2023

Three Peat Offender 

From Fine to Possible Prison Sentence  MINOT – What started as a minor misdemeanor in Minot Municipal Court has evolved into a B felony charge with a hefty penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.  Karleon Gregory, Minot, made an appearance before Judge Gary Lee…
August 16, 2023

End Property Tax to Appear in Minot 

Goal to Achieve Tax Relief  MINOT – It is a bold plan triggered by those who believe North Dakota’s property tax is unjust.  End Unfair Property Tax, an organization led by Dr. Rick Becker, Bismarck, is in the process of gathering signatures to put an initiated measure on the November…
August 14, 2023

Experiencing Fly-in Fishing 

A Slice of Life I woke to the swaying movement of leafy branches casting distinctive shadows on the ceiling of the tent. The call of a nearby loon, the gentle lapping of water on a rocky shoreline, and smell of a fresh pot of coffee percolating on a Coleman stove…
August 13, 2023

Virgil Hill to Receive Roughrider Award

BISMARCK – Gov. Doug Burgum has announced celebrated professional boxer Virgil Hill, a repeat world champion in both the light heavyweight and cruiserweight classes, as the 48th recipient of the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, the state’s highest commendation for its citizens. Raised in Grand Forks and Williston, Hill has…
August 10, 2023

Ward County Drought Conditions 

Slight Improvement Statewide  Ward County remains among the areas of the state where drought conditions are present. However, statewide, conditions have improved slightly according to the Drought Monitor’s weekly assessment.  “Recent beneficial precipitation resulted in improving conditions across parts of the Dakotas and Wyoming. Short-term drought expanded across northeast North…
August 10, 2023

The Lord’s Cupboard 

A Slice of Life  It’s a story that never gets old. People helping people. Concerned volunteers dedicated to a cause. Businesses assisting their community. Groups, teams, generously giving of their time.  All the above, and more, have become a part of the necessary service provided by The Lord’s Cupboard food…
August 6, 2023

CCC Construction Remembered 

Camp Maurek at Upper Souris NWR  FOXHOLM – There's not much physical evidence remaining of the existence of Camp Maurek, but a small monument and plaque help tell the story.  On the west side of the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, just below Lake Darling Dam, is a turnout and…
August 4, 2023

Helping Those in Need 

The Lord’s Cupboard Food Pantry  MINOT – On this distribution day at The Lord’s Cupboard food pantry the parking lot was filled with vehicles of all types. Some people were walking across the parking lot to the front entry of the pantry. Others were returning to their vehicles with a…
August 2, 2023

Record Attendance at State Fair 

Big Increase from 2022  MINOT – Attendance at this year's North Dakota State Fair set a new record.  According to a release from the NDSF, 356,534 people attended this year’s fair over a nine-day run from July 21-29. That’s an increase of 42,262 attendees from 2022 and a new all-time…
July 31, 2023

Park of Memories 

A Slice of Life Mom made my favorite, Juneberry pie, from berries I picked there. She made wonderful chokecherry jelly too, gathered in the same area.  A portion of one side of the steep coulee was grassy and made for perfect cardboard sliding in the summer. In the winter, when…
July 30, 2023

Escapee Captured

ND Highway Patrol Update JRMU Escapee Presumed DangerousCapturedNARRATIVE:On July 18th, 2023 at 9:45PM Nathan Allen Lang, 39 years old, escaped from the Ja