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Vendor fair and bake sale to help cancer patients

The Trinity CancerCare Center will host a Vendor Fair and Bake Sale fundraiser Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CancerCare Center at Town & Country Center.

A share of the proceeds from the vendor and bake sales will be donated to the center’s CancerCare Patient Assistance Fund, which helps patients and their families pay for out-of-pocket expenses associated with cancer treatment.

Jewelry, handbags, cosmetics, home decor, food and kitchen items will be featured. Vendors include: Designs by Arella, Glamour Gams, Younique, Young Living Essential Oils, Signature Homes, Mary and Martha, KEEP-Collective, Designs by Dorothy, Real Time Pain Relief, Scentsy, Damsel in Defense, Jamberry Nails, Miche bags, 31 gifts, Lefse, Pampered Chef, Embroidered Towels, In a Pickle, Organo Gold Coffee, Mary Kay, ViVi jewelry, Pink Zebra fragrances, Perfectly Posh, Norwex cleaning products, Usborne Books, Tupperware, Tastefully Simple and Dove Chocolate.

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Ambassador hopes to return for Hstfest

Norwegian Ambassador to the U.S. Kare Aas said he would love to return to Minot’s Norsk Hstfest either this fall or the following year.

Aas attended the Norsk Hstfest in Minot last year and met with officials from Minot State University and representatives from the city and county.

On Wednesday, he spoke via Skype to a group of students at Minot State University about Hostfest and about weightier topics, such as concerns over climate change.

Aas said climate change is of concern to Norway and it is important to continue research into changes in the environment. Aas said the international community will come together at a climate summit in Paris in November on Wednesday and will attempt to come to an agreement on reducing carbon emissions. He said Norway is encouraged by a bilateral agreement reached between the United States and China on climate change late last year. Domestic decisions regarding energy consumption also impact the goal of reducing carbon emissions, said Aas, along with industry in developing countries.

Aas also spoke about some of Norway’s other top priorties, including the Arctic and the relationship between NATO, Norway and the United States.

The talk was part of a new initiative by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C., called the #VirtualAmbassador Program. Aas has also spoken via Skype with students from other American universities.

Andrea Johnson

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Chamber’s Honors Banquet set for today

The Minot Area Chamber of Commerce’s 53rd Annual Honors Banquet will be held at 6:30 p.m. today at the Holiday Inn. Students from eight area schools with a grade point average of 3.75 or higher will be recognized for their hard work and dedication to their education. The event also honors teachers and staff with 25 years of service.

The evening’s speaker will be Col. Roy Collins, commander of the 5th Mission Support Group at Minot Air Force Base. Collins is the senior leader and manager of support activities necessary to maintain the combat readiness of all units assigned to the base.

The eight schools recognized are Berthold, Bishop Ryan Catholic School, Des Lacs-Burlington, Glenburn, Minot High, Our Redeemer’s Christian School, Sawyer and Surrey.

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Georgia truck driver on trial in N.D. crash

(AP) – A Georgia truck driver is on trial on negligent homicide charges in a triple-fatal crash in North Dakota nearly two years ago.

Vernon Wright, of Hiram, Georgia, could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted in the fiery crash on U.S. Highway 2 near Stanley in June 2013 that killed two Minot men and a Rhame man.

Prosecutors say Wright could have taken a safer route. The defense maintains Wright wasn’t legally required to do so, and that some vehicles in the crash might have been traveling too fast for the foggy conditions.

Authorities allege Wright was driving a tanker trailer filled with oil and was at fault for the crash. The tanker trailer exploded and five other vehicles involved in the incident burned.

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Authorities ID woman who died in rollover crash

BISMARCK (AP) – The Highway Patrol has identified a Bismarck woman who died in a single-car rollover in Burleigh County.

Authorities say 26-year-old Cassie Shaw failed to negotiate a curve on state Highway 1804 in foggy conditions early Monday. Her car went into the ditch, struck an approach, became airborne, landed and rolled.

Shaw was alone in the car and died at the scene.

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Man arrested after crashing pickup into house

GRAND FORKS (AP) – Formal charges are pending against a Grand Forks man who authorities say crashed his vehicle into a house.

The 26-year-old man allegedly crashed his pickup truck into two cars, a tree, a fence and then into the home shortly before 6 p.m. Monday. No one was hurt.

The driver fled the scene but was apprehended a short time later. He was arrested on numerous charges including reckless endangerment and driving under suspension.

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Minot State is offering students, faculty, staff, fans and boosters more than one opportunity to welcome its new head wrestling coach Evan Forde.

The MSU athletic department will host a press conference and meet-and-greet at the Beaver Dam between 2:30-3:30 p.m., followed by a social from 5:30-7:30 at the Monte Carlo room of The Vegas Motel. The press conference will give local media and the MSU community a chance to hear Forde’s vision for Minot State’s wrestling program.

The social will be an informal gathering. Fans from the wrestling community and MSU boosters and supporters are invited to attend, where Forde will again address the group. Attendees can order food off the menu from Seven’s Restaurant and Bar, and a cash bar will be available.

Both events are free to the public. For more information, contact the Minot State athletic department at 858-3041.

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Hardy bringing versatility to MSU track and field

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Minot State track and field coach Stu Melby added another piece to his 2014-15 recruiting class as Clarence Hardy – a sprinter, jumper and hurdler – has signed a national letter of intent to compete for MSU’s men’s team next season.

A Sicklerville, N.J. native, Hardy will add to the Beavers’ sprint group, but could also fill a spot in the jumping department, an area in which MSU has lacked the past couple seasons.

“Clarence brings a lot of jumping skills to our program that will fill a hole we have had lately,” Melby said in a press release. “He may move into the multi events to add more diversity to our program at the conference level.”

Hardy boasts personal bests of 15.3 seconds in the 110-meter hurdles, along with a 6 foot, 1 inch mark in the high jump. He’s also recorded leaps of 21-3 and 41-3 in the long and triple jumps, respectively. Hardy is a two-time all-conference performer at Winslow Township High School.

The Beavers have signed 11 incoming student-athletes to the men’s and women’s track and field teams.

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Triplett adds 2 more signings

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Minot State softball coach Bill Triplett continues to add pieces to his 2016 puzzle.

He announced the signings of two more incoming student-athletes – Tylar Holland and Daniela Carbajal – to play for the Beavers next season. Holland signed an intent to enroll at Minot State, while Carbajal inked a national letter of intent.

A centerfielder from Clancy, Mont., Holland was named to Montana’s all-state team as a junior and is currently batting .389 as a team captain for Helena High.

“Tylar is a very good athlete,” Triplett said in a press release. “She plays volleyball, hockey and softball, and she also excels in the classroom. … I’m glad she chose Minot State.”

Carbajal is a middle infielder from San Marcos, Calif. She’s played four seasons for Mission Hill High, and club softball for the San Diego Breakers and San Diego Legacy, her current team.

“I really like the versatility that Daniela brings to the table,” Triplett said. “She’s played a lot of second base and shortstop, but she’s also spent time at third base and first base. I also like the fact that she is an ‘A’ student.”

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Police arrest four for prostitution solicitation

Four men were arrested Friday and charged with soliciting a prostitute in an undercover operation held by the Minot Police Department.

The men responded to fake advertisements posted on websites. The ads promised sex for money, and one offered a minor girl.

The Minot police investigations division ran the undercover operation and arrested the men as they entered a south Minot hotel for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.

In addition to the prostitution charges, one man was charged with soliciting a minor and another with trying to prevent arrest. All four had Minot addresses.

The four men charged were Zhermie Toledo, charged with solicitation of prostitution, solicitation of a minor and luring a minor by computer or other electronic means; Jeremy Kunishige, solicitation of prostitution and preventing arrest; Tallen McGinley, solicitation of prostitution; and Troy Brueggemeier, solicitation of prostitution.

Canvass ups final election count

The official vote tally on a Minot Park District sales tax proposal showed the measure was defeated 1,863 to 3,795, based on canvassing results Monday.

The only change occurred with the counting of eight additional absentee ballots, postmarked on or before April 20, the day before the election. All but one of the ballots recorded a “no” vote on the measure.

The measure would have replaced the Minot Park District’s property tax with a 1 percent city sales tax. The sales tax would have funded park district operations and paid for construction of a proposed $88 million Minot Aquatics & Recreation Center.

Jill Schramm

New Town woman crowned Miss Indian World at powwow

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – A North Dakota State University student from New Town has won the title of Miss Indian World.

Pageant officials say 22-year-old Cheyenne Brady was crowned Saturday night at the 32nd annual Gathering of Nations at the University of New Mexico arena in Albuquerque.

Brady, a member of the Sac and Fox tribe, was chosen among 21 Native American women from different tribes and traditions.

As Miss Indian World, Brady will travel around the world and serve as a cultural ambassador for a year.

The crowning closed three days of festivities at what is considered North America’s largest powwow. The event draws hundreds of competitive dancers and tens of thousands of spectators from across the U.S. and parts of Canada and Mexico.

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DULUTH, Minn. – Minot State’s softball team fell short in both games Sunday, ending the regular season with a pair of road losses at Minnesota Duluth in Northern Sun play at Malosky Stadium.

The Beavers (32-21 overall, 13-17 NSIC) dropped a 3-0 decision to the Bulldogs in Game 1, and then couldn’t finish off a comeback in the nightcap, falling 9-8. The losses ended the Beavers’ season as they finishing just a game back of Southwest Minnesota State, which finished in the 10th and final playoff position.

In the opener, MSU finished with just two hits off Minnesota Duluth’s Cayli Sadler as she twirled a shutout to improve to 18-10 on the year. Minot State got a two-out, first-inning single from senior shortstop Ali Cygan and another two-out single from sophomore centerfieder Jordan Grant in the fifth, but could not advance either past first base.

In fact, Minot State only had one runner reach second against Sadler as freshman catcher Rylee Cygan walked and moved up on a sacrifice bunt by Grant in the third. Sadler proceeded to escape the same inning with two of her nine strikeouts.

Minot State senior starter Mindy Lorimor conceded three runs on eight hits in defeat. Duluth plated two in the fifth and scored one in the sixth to account for all the runs in the game.

The nightcap was as slugfest compared to Game 1 as the Bulldogs staked leads of 1-0, 5-4 and 9-4 before eventually holding off MSU’s late charge.

The Beavers rallied in the sixth to cut it to 9-8 as Grant plated two with a double to right, and Ali Cygan pushed across two more with a double down the left field line.

Cygan ended her decorated MSU career with a 3-for-4 day, driving in two. Grant went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, senior Leyna Downey went 2-for-4 in her final game and Cornejo drove in four with the grand slam.

Strong pitching drops Beavers

ST. CLOUD, Minn. The Minot State baseball team hoped to secure an upset win Sunday afternoon against No. 2 St. Cloud State in Northern Sun action, but the Huskies once again validated their national ranking, closing out the four-game weekend series with a sweep.

SCSU took the opener, 7-0, and the nightcap, 12-2.

Similar to Saturday’s first game, SCSU was propelled to a Game 1 win in part to a standout starting pitching performance, this time from Miks Shledon.

Sheldon limited the Minot State offense to just two hits en route to his eighth win of the season, retiring 19 consecutive MSU?batters to close out the game.

Sunday’s nightcap produced the Beavers’ first lead of the series as MSU went up 2-1 in the top of the third inning. But the lead was short lived as SCSU countered in the bottom of the third with two runs of its own to stake a 3-2 advantage after four complete.

Five more runs in the bottom of the fourth all but solidified a win for the Huskies in the series finale.

Minot State (11-28, 8-20) heads to Minnesota-Crookston this Wednesday for its final road series of the season before closing out the regular season at home with a four-game set against Minnesota Duluth. The Beavers will honor their five seniors in between the doubleheader on Saturday.

“We’ve got to come into the Crookston games on Wednesday and be willing to work for it,” Minot State coach Brock Weppler said in a press release. “We can’t expect them to roll over because they’re not going to. We’ve got to come out and attack, attack, attack.”

Beavers take 10th at NSIC Championships

MORTON, Minn. – Minot State’s women’s golf team couldn’t match its Round 3 production, but shot its second best score of the tournament (372) en route to a 10th-place finish at the Northern Sun Championships played Sunday at Dacotah Ridge Golf Course.

The Beavers shot a 362 on Saturday in the third round to move in front of Minnesota Crookston for 10th. MSU’s 372 – giving it a four-round total of 1,532 – for the tournament was enough to stay in front of the Golden Eagles as the Beavers were seven strokes ahead of UMC.

MSU sophomore Kayla Barke finished with the team’s best overall score, taking 27th overall with a 358. She carded a 90 in the fourth round, the top score for the Beavers on the day.

Minot State junior Danielle Foster continued steady play at the tournament, firing a 93 in the final round. She finished in a tie for 34th overall with a 370.

Augustana took home both the team and individual titles. The Vikings clinched a conference championship with a four-round score of 1,284, while Sierra Langlie held off teammate Emily Israelson for individual medalist honors, shooting a 312 for the tournament.

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MSU up to 10th at NSIC Championships

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MORTON, Minn. – Each of Minot State’s golfers avoided a Round 3 recession at Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference women’s golf championships Saturday at Dacotah Ridge Golf Course.

The Beavers entered the round trailing Minnesota Crookston for 10th place, but erased that deficit with a team-best 362 on Saturday, MSU’s best combined score of the tournament.

Minot State boasts a three-day score of 1,160 ahead of today’s final round, which begins at 9 a.m.

MSU’s highest-ranked golfer after three rounds is sophomore Kayla Barke, who carded an 86 on Saturday. With an individual tally of 268, Barke is tied with Genie Short of Minnesota State-Mankato for 23rd overall.

The Beavers’ remaining four golfers all cut strokes in Round 3, with junior Danielle Foster shooting an 88 to sit in a tie for 33rd. Junior Kayla Palczewski and sophomore Samantha Cottingham enjoyed improvement in the third round as Palczewski carded a 92 down from a 104 and Cottingham shot a 96 down from a 109.

With three golfers among the top four of the individual tournament, Augustana is pacing the field with a 968, 16 strokes better than second-place Concordia-St. Paul with one round to play. Augustana’s Sierra Langlie is the individual leader after three rounds, holding a six-stroke advantage over Rachel Gray from C-SP with a total of 235.

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MSU sweeps javelin, 400 hurdles at Al Cassell Relays

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JAMESTOWN – A sweep in the javelin highlighted a productive day for the Minot State track and field team at the Al Cassell Relays, hosted by the University of Jamestown on Saturday.

MSU freshman Kayla Lewis won the women’s javelin with a toss of 125 feet, 9 inches, while MSU classmate Cody Schmidt topped senior teammate Phillip Streccius to win the men’s event with a throw of 193-3. Streccius threw 168-feet-11 for second.

“It was a pretty good day in the gray, cool weather,” MSU coach Stu Melby said in a press release. “We have several people beat up or sick so we were a little shorthanded, but everyone came through. We are focusing on getting healthy and ready for conference. It’s time to sharpen up and cut back in preparation for the next two weeks.”

Javelin was MSU’s best event, but the Beavers enjoyed steady production in other field events. MSU freshman Kira Gilbreath finished third in the javelin with a throw of 110-9. Gilbreath also finished sixth in the shot (39-5) – a personal record – and 20th in the hammer throw (106-11).

“We continue to show improvements across the board, so it’s exciting,” Melby said. “We look forward to nicer weather and fresher legs and arms for the next two weeks.”

On the track, Minot State senior Glyn Borel had his best day in a Beaver uniform as he won the men’s 100-meter-dash with a time of 11.03 seconds, a personal record. He finished fifth in the 200-meters with a 23.16.

Borel was one of four on-track champions for the Beavers. Senior Tyler Flatland took home a title in the men’s 400 hurdles, falling just shy of an NCAA Division II provisional mark with a 53.49. Junior DelRay Audet continued a strong month with a title in the women’s 400 hurdles, recording a personal best 1:03.81.

Minot State’s winning sprinters were joined by distance specialist and junior Allison Windish, who picked up her second straight title in the women’s 5,000 run (18:56.17).

The Beavers wrap up the regular season with a meet at Minnesota State-Moorhead on Saturday, followed by the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference outdoor championships May 8-9 in Sioux Falls, S.D.

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Majettes edge Sheyenne, sweep West Fargo

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FARGO – Minot High’s girls tennis team toppled both West Fargo and Sheyenne in a pair of non-region duals Saturday at Bismarck High.

Led by the bottom half of their varsity lineup, the Majettes edged the Mustangs in a 5-4 result, followed by a convincing 9-0 sweep of the Packers.

Less than a day removed from Friday’s lackluster home result against Century, Minot coach Scott DeLorme was pleased with the way his players responded.

“We saw some major improvement throughout the entire lineup,” he said. “We’re really stressing reducing our number of unforced errors, and we’re seeing that happen. Hopefully that can continue into this week.”

Freshman Alyssa Henson, junior Tessa Wilson and seventh-grader Haya Dodin – the Majettes’ No. 4, 5 and 6 singles players, respectively – led Minot to victory against Sheyenne following losses from sophomore Evie Reynolds at No. 1 singles, senior Nathasa Klein at No. 2 and freshman Kali Askvig at No. 3.

Henson bested Sheyenne sophomore Annie McIntosh, 6-2, 6-4. Wilson dropped just two games in a 6-2, 6-0 result over junior Katie Brown. Dodin – who won all 24 singles games she encountered Saturday – swept eighth-grader Olivia Dobinz, 6-0, 6-0.

In doubles, the bottom half of Minot’s lineup picked up meet-clinching victores in the No. 2 and No. 3 slots.

The Majettes made short work of West Fargo in their final dual of the day, dropping just two sets in a nine-match sweep. They host Dickinson and Williston at Hammond Park this week before competing in the West Fargo Invitational.

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Magi fall from 1st to 4th in final round

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JAMESTOWN – The Minot High boys golf team placed fourth at the East-West Classic on Saturday at Jamestown Country Club.

Grand Forks Red River took the team title with a 634, shaving off 24 strokes from its first-round score. Shanley placed second after carding a 635, and Fargo Davies rounded out the top three with a 636.

Minot was the only top-five team to add strokes on Day 2.

“We ran into a little trouble with penalties,” Minot coach Shane Hannegrafs said. “A couple shots here or there, and pars turned into double bogeys.”

The Magicians were led by junior Cody Reynolds, who placed just outside the top 10 with a two-day score of 158. Minot’s Cole Nelson and Kessler Heilman both fired 163s, good for second on the team.

“Heilman, as a freshman, had two outstanding rounds of 80 and 83,” Hannegrafs said. “He chipped and putted very well.”

Mandan’s Colton Murphy carded a 147 to edge Pat Traynor of Shanley and Thomas Nelson of Wahpeton by a stroke to claim the individual crown, his second consecutive first-place finish.

Minot is back in action on Friday at the St. Mary’s Invitational.

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Magi drop 3rd consecutive West Region bout

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DICKINSON – Minot High’s baseball team is in a funk.

Sitting last in the West Region standings, the Magicians lost their third straight region game late Friday against Dickinson in a 10-4 victory for the Midgets. Now three full games back of region co-leaders Jamestown, Mandan and Century, the Magi host eighth-place St. Mary’s at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at Corbett Field.

Minot senior pitcher Hunter Duttenhefer took the loss Friday after 4 2/3 innings on the hill. Before being chased from Dickinson’s seven-run fifth, he allowed seven runs – six earned – on two hits and five walks, striking out three.

Senior right fielder Alex Arrayan produced Minot’s lone multi-hit performance of the day, going 2-for-3 at the plate with a team-best two RBIs. Sophomore infielder Garrett Larson also went 1-for-3 with a triple and an RBI for the Magicians.

In the nightcap, Minot’s offensive production was limited to just one hit in a 2-1 defeat. Arrayan recorded the only base hit for the Magicians, while eventually scoring their only run, too.

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McCrae pleads guilty to drug charge

Danielle McCrae, 46, changed her plea Thursday to guilty on a felony drug in district court in Minot. Her son, Daniel Dufloth, 26, is still facing a double-A felony drug charge.

The two were arrested in March on charges of possessing drugs with intent to deliver within 1,000 feet of a school. Both had pleaded not guilty early this month but McCrae changed her plea Thursday to guilty.

“She changed her plea to class A possession with intent to deliver heroin, and possesion with intent to deliver cocaine,” said county state’s attorney Rozanna Larson.

McCrae was sentenced to three years in prison followed by three years of probation.

“She is sentenced to serve 10 years with seven years suspended for three years on supervised probation,” said Larson.

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Consortium receives grant

The North Central Rural Water Consortium II has been awarded a more than $2.3 million loan to expand water services to 250 users in the Granville, Deering and Surrey areas.

The financing is provided by USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Program.

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Canvassing board to meet

The Minot Canvassing Board Committee will meet Monday to canvass results of last Tuesday’s special city election.

The meeting begins at 3:30 p.m. in Minot City Council chambers in City Hall.

The unofficial vote tally was 1,862 to 3,788 in opposition to a measure would have replaced the Minot Park District’s property tax with a 1 percent city sales tax. The sales tax would have funded park district operations and paid for construction of a proposed $88 million Minot Aquatics & Recreation Center.

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U.S. oil and natural gas rig count down

Oilfield services company Baker Hughes Inc. says the number of rigs exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. declined by 22 this week to 932 amid depressed oil prices.

Houston-based Baker Hughes said Friday 703 rigs were seeking oil and 225 explored for natural gas. Four were listed as miscellaneous. A year ago, 1,861 rigs were active.

Among major oil- and gas-producing states, Texas lost 19 rigs; North Dakota lost five; Oklahoma was down three; and Alaska, New Mexico and West Virginia each lost one.

Louisiana gained two rigs, while Arkansas, California, Colorado, Kansas and Pennsylvania each gained one. Ohio, Utah and Wyoming were unchanged.

The U.S. rig count peaked at 4,530 in 1981 and bottomed at 488 in 1999.

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Wylie Hammond passes away at age 68

Wylie Hammond, 68, a longtime director of the Native American Cultural Center at Minot State University, passed away on April 18 in Tennessee.

Hammond had been director of the Native American Cultural Center for about 18 years before he retired about three years ago.

“He and I were really close,” said Richard Jenkins, vice president for student affairs at Minot State. “”He was a real fun-loving guy who loved to eat. He was tall and always hungry.”

Minot State is celebrating its annual Spring Honor Dance and Celebration today and Saturday.

Hammond’s family asked that memorials be directed to scholarships for Native American students at Minot State, said Jenkins.

Though Hammond was not Native American himself, he was well accepted by the Native Americans he worked with and some even thought he was native.

“Wylie was a great guy to work with,” said Jenkins. “His influence on our Native American population was a real strong one. His legacy will be carried on by others, but he will be missed.”

Services for Hammond will be held on Sunday in Dandridge, Tenn.

Andrea Johnson

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Tioga Aero Center to hold grand opening

Tioga Aero Center will hold a grand opening celebration from 3 to 7 p.m. May 1.

The event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication program with a tribute to veterans. There will be walking tours, airplane displays, music, dinner, a movie and popcorn. Door prizes will be given and a raffle for a free airplane ride will be held.

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‘Pick Up The Patch’ kicks off this week

Several North Dakota communities and the companies that operate in them are planning community clean-ups and “Pick Up the Patch” events beginning this week.

“Our members are invested in our communities, and we want to support them and help make a positive impact in any way we can,” said Alexis Brinkman, government affairs manager for the North Dakota Petroleum Council. “Many of the challenges in western North Dakota, such as housing and traffic, will take time, but this is a way we can make an immediate impact in our cities while also building relationships with community leaders and community members.”

Events scheduled for the coming weeks include:

Started April 22-May 6: New Town

April 25: Williston

April 28: Parshall

May 1-16: Dickinson

May 2: Watford City

May 2: Bismarck-Mandan

May 2-9: Killdeer

May 13: Tioga

May 20: Stanley

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Five arrested for vandalizing

Five juveniles were recently arrested for allegedly vandalizing more than 20 vehicles at Olson’s Towing.

Court hearings have been set for the suspects, according to Capt. Bob Barnard of the Ward County Sheriff’s Department.

On March 29 authorities responded to Olson’s Towing for a reported assault and when the officers arrived there, it was discovered that the group had vandalized dozens of vehicles, resulting in more than $5,000 in damages.

Initially, two of the individuals were arrested as they fled the scene and later, three others were also arrested and charged accordingly.

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Bid awarded for New Town project

NEW TOWN The bid for the New Town Main Street project was awarded to J M Marschuetz Construction Co., with a bid amount of $17,730,000, according to North Dakota Department of Transporation officials.

A construction start date for the project has not yet been set but construction is anticipated to begin later this spring.

Project work will include concrete overlay, widening, shoulder reconstruction, storm drain reconstruction, curb and gutter reconstruction, lighting, signals, sewer reconstruction, and water main reconstruction.

The construction company is based in Eureka, Mo.

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BNSF cars re-railed after derailment

STANLEY Six cars of a BNSF train carrying ties derailed upright northeast of Stanley late Tuesday night.

Amy McBeth, Minneapolis, BNSF public relations director for this region, said the cars were re-railed Wednesday morning.

“We are storing the cars in that area for our track expansion work in the region,” McBeth said.

She said the incident occurred on BNSF’s branch line northeast of Stanley and did not impact customers on the railroad’s main line.

Eloise Ogden

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Company relieved from flaring rules

BISMARCK (AP) – State regulators are giving an oil company some temporary relief from North Dakota’s gas flaring rate requirements.

XTO Energy argued it had nowhere to take gas from 143 oil wells in Dunn and McKenzie counties because gas-processing company OneOK couldn’t secure an easement agreement from the Three Affiliated Tribes and build a 20-mile pipeline expansion.

The state Industrial Commission on Tuesday granted six-month exemptions for 89 of the wells.

XTO has been complying with the state flaring rules by restricting production or by installing gas units at individual wells.

XTO is a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corp.

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MSU volleyball announces 2 more signees

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Minot State’s volleyball team added two more student-athletes to its 2015 recruiting class as Danielle Pelletier and Alison Fuata have signed national letters of intent to join the Beavers

The two join Logan Desorcy, who signed Wednesday, and two other incoming freshmen: Kelsey Dewulf and Roxanne King, who signed national letters of intent during the early signing period in November.

“Danielle and Alison will really give us more depth on our roster,” MSU assistant coach Ren Cefra said in a press release. “I feel they both have a chance to make an impact on this team right away. We are excited to have both of them join the group we have signed already.”

Pelletier is a 6-foot middle blocker from Regina, Saskatchewan. She was a four-sport standout for Balfour Collegiate, earning the school’s Heart Award as well as the most valuable player award during her prep career. She also played for the Cougar Volleyball Club in Regina.

Fuata is a 5-9 outside hitter from Hilo, Hawaii. She earned varsity letters in volleyball, soccer and tennis all four years at Waiakea High School. She was a member of the USA Volleyball High Performance Team and was also a member of the powerful Pilipaa Volleyball Club out of Hilo.

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Fulbright becomes 9th addition for MSU baseball

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The Minot State baseball team announced Tuesday the signing of Mark Fulbright to a national letter of intent, making him the ninth addition to MSU’s 2015 signing class.

“He has great upside on the mound and will continue to improve over time,” MSU baseball coach Brock Weppler said in a press release. “Mark has the ability to help us on the mound right away. We are very excited to have Mark joining Minot State University.”

A 6-foot-2, 180-pound right-handed pitcher from Sierra Vista, Ariz., Fulbright hopes to bring added depth and strength to the Beavers’ pitching staff.

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Majettes and Demons battle to goalless draw

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BISMARCK – Minot High’s girls soccer team hit the post once and the crossbar twice during Tuesday’s West Region tilt at Bismarck, but the Majettes failed to find the breakthrough as they drew with the Demons 0-0.

Senior goalkeeper Kaitlyn Stenberg tallied seven saves for Minot, while Bismarck senior Lauren Sayler racked up eight of her own, keeping the Majettes off the scoresheet for the first time all season.

Minot coach Matt Pfau admits his team’s ball control could have been better.

“Our possession wasn’t as good tonight,” he said. “We didn’t spread the field out enough, and that slowed us down. … We were creating good opportunities. We just have to find a way to finish them.”

The Majettes welcome Grand Forks Red River and Grand Forks Central for a pair of 60-minute games Friday at Optimist Soccer Complex.

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Minot High tennis edged by St. Mary’s

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BISMARCK – The Minot High girls tennis team split the six singles matches, but dropped two of the three doubles decisions as St. Mary’s edged the Majettes 5-4.

“We lost a tough match with St. Mary’s,” Minot coach Scott DeLorme said in an email. “We had plenty of chances, but we let them slip away.”

In singles, Minot senior Latasha Klein downed Regan Bradley 6-4, 6-4, Tessa Wilson topped Kaitlyn Grossman 7-5, 6-1 and seventh-grader Haya Dodin defeated Mallary Donlin 6-2, 6-0.

The duo of Klein and sophomore Evie Reynolds won the only doubles match for Minot as they topped Bradley and Lauren Botsford 6-0, 6-7, 6-0.

The Majettes host Century on Thursday.

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N.D. residents may qualify for Renter’s Refund

BISMARCK The deadline is May 31 for low-income seniors and disabled individuals to apply for the North Dakota Renter’s Refund.

The Renter’s Refund is a part of the Homestead Tax Credit program. Applicants must be 65 years old or older or be disabled. They may be eligible if their incomes are less than $42,000 a year and if 20 percent of their annual rents exceed 4 percent of their net incomes. Money paid for lot rent by mobile home owners also could qualify for the refund.

An application and instructions can be found on the Office of State Tax Commissioner’s website at nd.gov/tax. Residents also may call 328-3127 or 877-328-7088 (option 6).

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Red Cross launches new emergency app

The American Red Cross has released a new Emergency App which gives people instant access to weather alerts, life-saving information and ways to contact family and friends in one free, easy-to-use app for mobile devices.

The all-inclusive app provides expert advice on what to do in case of disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, home fires, wildfires and more. The free Emergency App is available in app stores for smartphones and tablets by searching for the American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/apps.

“When an emergency occurs, it’s important for families to stay safe and connected,” said Brian Shawn, Fargo, Red Cross communications director in North Dakota. “Our Emergency App does that. It covers 14 different types of disasters and lets users customize more than 35 emergency alerts so that they will know what to do no matter where they live or travel.”

“Family Safe” is a new, unique feature that allows the app user to notify loved ones who are in an area affected by an emergency or disaster. The recipient can instantly see the alert details as well as specific “what to do now” steps, and then respond with either “I’m safe” or “I’m not safe.” The feature works even if the recipient has not downloaded the Emergency App.

The Emergency App has many features, including:

Emergency first aid information for situations such as heart attacks, heat-related emergencies as well as water safety information;

Preloaded content so users can access guidance from Red Cross experts even without mobile connectivity;

A single map with open Red Cross shelter locations and weather information;

A home fire section with detailed prevention and safety tips as well as Red Cross “After the Fire” information;

A “Make a Plan” feature to help families plan what to do and where to go if a disaster strikes; and

The ability to easily toggle between English and Spanish.

In addition to smartphones and tablets, the feature will be available on the new Apple Watch and can be downloaded from the Apple Watch App Store starting Friday.

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Schmidt wins javelin with Division II provisional distance

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Minot State junior and Stanley native Cody Schmidt has made an immediate impact in his first season with the MSU men’s track and field team.

Schmidt threw a season-best 59.46 meters to win the javelin at the Dickinson State Blue Hawk Games – hosted at the Hank Biesiot Activities Center – good for a NCAA Division II provisional qualifying mark. He was a part of a split team for the Beavers as MSU had athletes at both the Blue Hawks Games and Beach Invitational, hosted by Long Beach State at Cerritos College’s Falcon Stadium in Norwalk, Calif.

Schmidt currently sits 25th overall in Division II with the 195-foot toss.

At the Beach Invitational, MSU junior DelRay Audet, a Minot native, continued a productive west-coast display, finishing just shy of a personal record in the 400-meter hurdles Saturday. She finished second in her heat with a time of 1 minute, 4.14 seconds and finished 32nd out of 64 runners, most hailing from Division I schools. She was 53rd out of 67 in the women’s 100 hurdles, clocking a time of 15.64.

Minot State senior Sienna Dailey also enjoyed a solid weekend despite battling illness. She finished in 42nd overall in the women’s 400 dash with a time of 58.18, topping 48 other runners in the event. She also took 86th place out of 120 in the 200 dash, finishing the race in 26.06 seconds.

On the men’s side, MSU’s Josh Sandy also competed in the 200 and 400 dashes against a total of 189 other runners, clocking respective times of 23.32 (79th place) and 51.96 (85th). Senior sprinter Tyler Flatland registered MSU’s best individual finish on the track at the Beach Invitational, taking 10th out of 42 runners in the men’s 400 hurdles (53.86).

At the Blue Hawk Games, MSU junior Allison Windish, of Wimbledon, won the women’s 5,000 run with a season-best time of 18:53.33. Minot State also took first in the women’s 400 relay with a 49.18 – the third-fastest time in MSU history – an effort spearheaded by juniors Dijah Silva, Erica Clark, Velva native Breanne Sherlock, and sophomore Mary Roy.

MSU’s men’s 400 relay team of sophomore Chigozie Anaukwu, senior Glyn Borel, junior and Williston native Alex Cundiff and junior Farai Madungwe took second overall, but recorded the second-fastest time in MSU history with a 42.49.

Roy and MSU freshman Randii Widmer, of Devils Lake, both finished with a pair of personal records in the long jump and the triple jump. Roy was second in the long jump (5.39 meters) and third in the triple jump (11.13), while Widmer took fifth in the long jump (4.94) and seventh in the triple jump (10.09-meters).

The Beavers are back in action as a whole unit at the University of Jamestown Al Cassel Relays on Saturday in Jamestown.

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MSU moves up in final round

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Minot State’s women’s golf team was the only club to improve on its first round score Sunday during the Augustana Spring Invitational at Prairie Green Golf Course.

The Beavers fired a 370 to move from sixth place to fifth, hopping Minnesota State-Moorhead after trailing the Dragons by two strokes entering Sunday’s final round. Minot State was 35 strokes better than the Dragons on Sunday and finished with a two-day total of 752.

MSU sophomore Kayla Barke finished in a tie for 12th overall, tallying a two-day score of 170 after carding an 87 on Sunday.

The Vikings ran away with their own tournament despite shooting 23 strokes worse in the second round. Augustana fired a 617 for the title, led by individual medalist Kali Trautman, who carded a title-winning score of 149.

MSU’s biggest mover was junior Danielle Foster, who jumped up to a tie for 31st overall after cutting 15 strokes off her first round score. Foster carded a 93 in the second round for the Beavers’ second best score of the day.

Junior Kayla Palcewski and sophomore Samantha Cottingham placed 28th and 29th, respectively. Palcewski finished with a 191 over two rounds, hitting a 95 on Day 2. Cottingham cut five strokes off her first round score to finish with a 95 on Sunday and a 195 overall.

Minot State competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Spring Championships next week.

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Beavers edged in final match

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LAKE ELMO, Minn. – Minot State’s men’s golf team finished 1-3 overall as they fell 3-2 to Winona State at the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bear Match Play Invite on Sunday at Tartan Park Golf Club.

The Beavers finished with six team points over the weekend as each match offered as many as five points to be had. MSU tallied four points with three- and one-point matches on Saturday.

St. Cloud State – which defeated MSU?on Saturday – won the event with nine points.

On Sunday, MSU’s No. 2 and 3 golfers, sophomore Karson O’Keefe and senior Nicholas Liebel, each earned wins. O’Keefe defeated Winona State’s Nick Hernandez 3-and-2, while Liebel topped Troy Salewske 3-and-1.

The Beavers lost three tight matches to finished with the two points as senior Kowan O’Keefe was edged 3-and-2 at the No. 1 slot, freshman Jersey Kelly lost 3-and-2 and junior Shadreck Chiweshe was defeated 2-and-1.

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Barke among top 15 at Augustana Spring Invite

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Minot State sophomore Kayla Barke shot an 11-over score of 83 on Saturday at Prairie Green Golf Course, positioning herself in a 12th-place tie at the Augustana Spring Invitational.

The Beavers are in sixth in the team standings after Round 1 with a 382, two strokes back of Minnesota State-Moorhead in fifth and 19 behind Minnesota Crookston in fourth.

With a 297, Augustana leads the event with as the only team to break 300. Sioux Falls is second with a 321, while Bemidji State carded a 342 for third.

Kali Trautman of Augustana leads the tournament with a 2-under score of 70, besting Sioux Falls’ Tavia Rutherford by three strokes.

MSU junior Kayla Palcewski shot the Beavers’ second-best round of the first day, carding a 96 for 28th overall. Sophomore Samantha Cottingham sits 31st overall with an even 100, while freshman Jade Teske shot a 103, good for a 33rd-place tie.

The tournament continues at 9 a.m. today.

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Minot State splits 2 matches at Golden Bear Invite

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LAKE ELMO, Minn. – Minot State’s men’s golf went 1-1 during the first day of the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bear Match Play Invite on Saturday at Tartan Park Golf Club.

The Beavers defeated host C-SP in a 3-2 result during the second round after falling to St. Cloud State, 4-1. Teams played two rounds on the first day and will finish up with a single match this morning.

Minot State will take on Winona State, who went 0-1-1 on Saturday.

Against St. Cloud State, MSU junior Shadreck Chiweshe was the team’s lone winner, topping SCSU’s David Scharenroch at No. 5, while senior Kowan O’Keefe – the runner-up at last weekend’s Northern Sun Championships – and senior Nick Liebel were edged in their matches.

In its win over the Golden Bears, Minot State’s No. 1, 2 and 3 players all earned wins.

The third round and final match is set for 9 a.m. today, the final scheduled meet for the Beavers this season.

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Flatland finishes in 18th at Mt. SAC Relays

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WALNUT, Calif. – Minot State Senior Tyler Flatland finished in 18th place in the 400-meter hurdles at the 57th annual Mt. SAC Relays at Historic Hilmer Lodge Stadium Friday.

Flatland took fourth in his heat, racing against NCAA Division I athletes from UC Riverside, Long Beach State, North Dakota State, Houston and Northern Arizona.

He was 18th out of 32 racers overall with a time of 53.87 seconds at the largest track & field competition in the world with over 13,500 competitors competing over three weekends and six days.

Also competing on day 1 was senior Sienna Dailey, who finished in 57th place in the women’s 400-meters with a time of 57.78.

MSU also participated in the Cal State LA Twilight Open late Thursday night.

MSU’s junior DelRay Audet had a solid outing as she finished ninth overall in the 400-meter hurdles, clocking in at 1:04.06. The time was a personal best for Audet and moved her into No. 2 all-time at MSU. She moved into fifth in the women’s 100 hurdles all-time at MSU, taking 15th at the meet.

Junior Joel Cartwright also earned a PR in the men’s 1,500-meters, running a 4:16.51 to place seventh overall. He followed that up with a 16:14:34 for a fourth-place finish in the men’s 5,000.

The Beavers continue at the Mt. SAC Relays and a second team will travel to Dickinson State for the Blue Hawks Games as the team is split in two for the weekend.

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Majettes edge Blue Jays

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The Minot High girls tennis team won two of three doubles matches to edge Jamestown 5-4 on Saturday at Hammond Park.

“Overall it was a pretty good day for us as we saw multiple girls win some big matches for us,” Minot coach Scott DeLorme said. “… It’s great to see so many different players winning throughout different spots as it shows they’re all capable.”

Alyssa Henson and Haya Dodin each won thier individual matches. Henson topped Medora Pringle 6-1, 6-1, while Dodin downed Alice Mitkcoff 6-0, 6-0. Both Henson and Dodin won doubles matches as well. Henson and Kali Askvig won a double 6-2, 6-2 over Megan Larson and Pringle, while Dodin and Tessa Wilson defeated Payton Hoggarth and Savannah Montoya 6-4, 6-3.

The Majettes travel to St. Mary’s on Tuesday.

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MHS?girls soccer rebounds with 4-1 victory

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JAMESTOWN – The Minot High girls soccer team scored early and often in its 4-1 win over Jamestown on Saturday.

Just over a minute into the game, the Majettes opened the scoring as senior forward Teasha Hughes found the back of the net, unassisted, to claim the early lead. Minot scored three more times in the opening half as freshman midfielder Kelsi Mensen scored twice, while sophomore midfielder Sofia Lewis added another en route to a 4-0 halftime lead.

The Blue Jays (3-1-1) only manged three shots on goal in the entire game and none in the first half while the Majettes were on constant attack, firing a total of 17 shots, nine in the first and eight in the second half.

The Majettes are back in action on Tuesday as they travel to Bismarck.

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Lions sweep Midgets

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DICKINSON – Bishop Ryan remained unbeaten as it swept a doubleheader – 5-2 and 8-4 – against Dicksinon late Friday.

Senior Hannah Stewart was once again the catalyst for the Lions (9-0 overall, 6-0 Western Division) as she recorded a total of five hits, a homer, and three RBIs over the course of both games. Anna Petz, Shayla Elm and Eden Kramer all had multi-hit games while Hailee Jundt smacked a triple and drove in three in the opener.

Stewart started both games and had identical 10 strikeout performances.

Follow the Minot Daily News sports staff on Twitter @MDN_Sports.

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Unclaimed Properties Division seeks rightful owners

An estimated $50 million in unclaimed money is being held by the state of North Dakota, awaiting distribution to rightful owners.

The Unclaimed Property Division in the Department of Trust Lands is the designated holder of financial property that has been misplaced or lost by owners. The division acts as custodian of unclaimed funds from banks, insurance companies, hospitals, utilities, retailers, and local governments. It attempts to reunite people, businesses and heirs with their property through direct mailings to known addresses, advertising and annual publication of new owners added to the unclaimed properties list.

Until requested by the owners, unclaimed property proceeds are held in the Common Schools Trust Fund, which funds public education. The state guarantees that the money will be held forever for the rightful owner or heirs.

The entire database of owners can be searched online at land.nd.gov/

UnclaimedProperty/ or questions can be directed to the division at 328-2800 or unclaimed@nd.gov. The state encourages all residents and businesses to check the listing at least once a year.

Local Boy Scout troops to host open house Tuesday

Local Boy Scout troops are planning to host an open house Tuesday at the Moose Lodge to train the boys for river rafting, rock climbing and camping.

“When a boy joins Scouts, he will advance up the ranks with the highest and most notable rank being Eagle Scout. He attains ranks by camping, giving back to his community, achieving merit badges along with other requirements,” said Senior District Executive Kevin Mehrer in a press release Wednesday.

According to Mehrer, any boy can attend the open house; membership is not a requirement.

“Although Cub Scouts is where most of our Boy Scouts come from, you certainly don’t have to have been a Cub Scout to join in Boy Scouts, anyone can join,” he said. “Scouts is a fun atmosphere where any boy can come and fit in and have a really fun time.”

Fargo police find woman trapped in storage unit

FARGO (AP) – A 59-year-old Fargo woman is expected to recover after she was trapped inside a storage unit for days.

The Associated Press reports police believe the woman rents the unit from Bison Storage and had been living in there. They say she appears to have suffered mild hypothermia.

Sgt. Kevin Pallas says they had received reports of her coming in and out and thinks she just couldn’t open the door this time.

The woman was taken to the hospital to be examined.

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Motorcyclist dies in collision

An 18-year-old Elkhorn, Neb., man died Thursday afternoon when the motorcyclist failed to yield for a semi-tractor at an intersection two miles west of Minot on Ward County Road 14.

According to the Highway Patrol, the motorcycle collided with a semi operated by a 45-year-old Surrey man around 4:30 p.m.

The motorcycle was travelling east on County Road 14 and failed to yield at the intersection with Ward County 17. The driver of the west-bound semi was not injured in the head-on collision.

The victim was reportedly wearing a helmet but died at the scene.

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Minot cop injured during arrest

Police arrested a 40-year-old Minot man Thursday for disorderly conduct following an incident in which a police officer received minor injuries.

According to a police report, a woman called police requesting assistance around 5:30 p.m. as her vehicle broke down along Highway 2 and her son, identified as John Rude, began to strike the vehicle with a tire iron. Officers located Rude in a nearby mobile home park, Colony Park. When officers attempted to speak with him, he fled on foot. As they caught up and approached him, he grabbed a wood pallet and threw it at the officers.

The pallet struck one of the officers causing minor injuries. Officers were able to gain control and custody of Rude and he was taken to Ward County Jail and booked on the following charges: refusal to halt (Class B misdemeanor), assaulting a peace officer (Class C felony), and preventing arrest (Class C felony).

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Vehicle found in Las Vegas

A press release from Minot Police late Friday morning stated that a vehicle sought in conjunction with a human trafficking case in Minot has been located in Las Vegas, Nev. The release also stated that the owner of the vehicle, Kevin Jackson Fleming, had not been located.

Fleming is wanted by Minot Police on a class AA felony warrant for human trafficking. Police made the case against Fleming April 6 at a south Minot hotel. At that time police arrested 20-year-old Tayari Chanel Meadows on charges of human trafficking. A 14-year-old and a 16-year-old girl were in the company of Meadows.

Further investigation led to the placing of charges against Fleming whom police said had fled the area. Meadows is being held at the Ward County jail.

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Museum to hold spring cleaning

The Ward County Historical Society’s Pioneer Village Museum will hold a spring cleaning next week, beginning on Monday.

Sue Bergan, site director, said the work will begin at 10 a.m. and continue to 5 p.m. each day next week, through Saturday. The museum is located at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds.

Volunteers are needed to clean houses and buildings and to do yard work, among other tasks.

The museum’s opening day is May 9. The museum is planning a white elephant sale that day and also needs donations for the sale.

The spring opener party at the museum will be on May 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bergan said the event will include “Pioneer Days.” According to the museum’s Facebook page, the event will include pioneer food such as “cowboy beans and biscuits.” Activiites for children will include roping, wool spinning, soap and candle making and corn husk dolls. A blacksmith will also be on site.

For more information, call the museum at 839-0785.

Andrea Johnson

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$32,000 raised for Minot AFB activities

This year’s annual Prairie Warrior Association Auction raised about $32,000 that will go to support Minot Air Force Base.

“It was due to the great auctioneering of John Bearman and the many contributors. Minot came through again,” said Betty Fedorchak, auction chair.

The auction was held April 11 in the Holiday Inn Riverside in Minot. Sponsored by the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Committee, this was the 29th year of the auction and Fedorchak’s 28th year as auction chair.

Through the years and with this year’s proceeds the auction has raised around $600,000 for Minot AFB morale efforts.

Money raised at the auction goes to activities at the Minot base including competition teams, annual awards banquets, Operation Warmheart, a yearround program for families in need, and Thanksgiving baskets during the holiday season. Proceeds from the auction are divided between the base’s 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing.

Eloise Ogden

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Boy Scouts to host open house

Local Boy Scout troops are planning to host an open house Tuesday at the Moose Lodge to train the boys for river rafting, rocking climbing and camping.

“When a boy joins Scouts, he will advance up the ranks with the highest and most notable rank being Eagle Scout. He attains ranks by camping, giving back to his community, achieving merit badges along with other requirements,” said Senior District Executive Kevin Mehrer in a press release Wednesday.

According to Mehrer, any boy can attend the open house; membership is not a requirement.

“Although Cub Scouts is where most of our Boy Scouts come from, you certainly don’t have to have been a Cub Scout to join in Boy Scouts, anyone can join,” he said. “Scouts is a fun atmosphere where any boy can come and fit in and have a really fun time.”

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Steady turnout at early voting

Early voting in the Minot Park District election has been steady, said election workers on Wednesday.

They estimated that about 1,550 people would have cast their votes by the end of the day on Wednesday.

At 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, there were a total of 1,518 total voters.

There were 461 early voters on Monday and 632 early voters on Tuesday.

Early voting continues today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Minot Municipal Auditorium, Room 201.

People are voting on a measure that would replace the district’s property tax levy with a 1 percent sales tax to fund district operations and pay for a proposed $88 million Minot Aquatics and Recreation Center.

Final voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 21, also at the Minot Municipal Auditorium, Room 201.

Andrea Johnson

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Chancellor finalists chosen

Four finalists have been chosen for the position of North Dakota University System chancellor.

They are Michael Thomas, president and CEO of the New England Board of Higher Education; Mark Hagerott, deputy director and distinguished professor in the Naval Academy Center for Cyber Security Studies; Paul Turman, system vice president for academic affairs with the South Dakota Board of Regents and Robert Donley, executive director and CEO of the State University System of Iowa’s Board of Regents.

The State Board of Higher Education selected the four candidates from seven during a meeting on Tuesday in Bismarck.

The finalists will participate in constituent meetings and in-person interviews April 28-30. The board plans to select the chancellor at its May 14 meeting, following final interviews, according to a press release.

Andrea Johnson

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NDDOT phone app released

BISMARCK The North Dakota Department of Transportation has released a free smartphone application that allows users to renew their vehicle registration, update their permanent address, temporary address and email.

The app, called “NDRenewals,” is free and available for download for iPhone and android devices through the app store. The mobile application also includes a reminder to alert motorists through their device when their vehicles are up for renewal.

“This new mobile friendly app allows customers to go online and access and update their motor vehicle information anywhere, anytime,” said Russ Buchholz, Transportation Department information technology director. “All you need is your motor vehicle invoice number or the vehicle’s title number to renew your registration.”

The app is another way the Transportation Department is streamlining communication and making it easier for everyone to access services remotely. People can still go online at dot.nd.gov to renew their motor vehicles or visit any of the branch offices located throughout the state.

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MSU soccer releases 2015 schedule

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Minot State women’s soccer coach Jason Spain unveiled the Beavers 2015 schedule, highlighted by a tough non-conference road trip to begin the season and 10 games at newly renovated Herb Parker Stadium, the program announced Tuesday.

MSU, who is coming off a 10-7-2 overall record and a spot in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference postseason tournament, will open with a pair of exhibition games against the University of Manitoba at The Herb. The Beavers play host to Manitoba at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 and at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23.

The Beavers then head south to face some of the top teams in the NCAA Division II Central Region, playing at Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., Thursday, Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. MSU then plays at Fort Hays State Sunday, Sept. 6 and finishes with perennial powerhouse Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Mo., Saturday, Sept. 12.

“Our schedule is littered with ranked teams,” Spain said. “It’s very challenging and I cannot wait to see our team march through. We set up a schedule every year with the thought of national tournament and 2015 is no different.”

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Minot routs Bravettes

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BELCOURT – Minot High’s softball team cranked out 54 runs in a doubleheader sweep of Turtle Mountain on Tuesday.

The Majettes won the opener 32-1, and the nightcap 22-0.

“We are building off of last week,” Minot coach Gerard Cederstrom said. “Pitchers threw strikes, the girls made plays in the field and we are hitting. It was a nice win.”

Junior shortstop Hanna Andrysiak had three extra base hits with two doubles and a triple for Minot (3-2), while freshman pitcher Marisa Andrysiak had three hits, including a double.

Junior Cassie Aksvig was the winning pitcher in Game 1, while Marisa Andrysiak recorded the victory in Game 2.

The Majettes host a doubleheader against Century on Thursday at South Hill Softball Complex at 4:30 p.m.

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Majettes fall to Coyotes

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WILLISTON – Minot High girls tennis team lost to Williston 6-1 on Tuesday night.

“Despite the score we saw some good things today,” Minot coach Scott DeLorme said. “… We had some lower ranked players playing against there 1, 2, and 3 players, and we competed very well.”

Sophomore No. 1 singles player Evie Reynolds and freshman Alyssa Henson were the only Majettes to record a win as they topped Jami Wells and Bella Soyuod in a doubles match, 4-6, 6-4, 10-7.

The Majettes take on Mandan on Thursday at 4:15 p.m.

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Kramer pitches no-hitter as Lions sweep Flashes

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SAWYER – Senior Jonah Kramer pitched a complete game no-hitter as Bishop Ryan defeated Sawyer 17-0 in Game 1 of a doubleheader Tuesday. The Lions won the nightcap 17-1.

The bats were working for Ryan as it cranked out 13 hits in the opener, highlighted by multi-hit games from seniors Tanner Sanders and Jared Will, sophomore Derek Bartsch and freshman Alex Burckhard.

In Game 2, freshman Caden Shean took the hill for the Lions and surrendered one run on one hit in three innings of work.

Sophomore Eli Stewart and junior Wyatt Smith both had a pair of RBIs in the same game.

-Daily News Staff

Lions sweep Sabres to remain unbeaten

Bishop Ryan’s softball team stayed perfect Tuesday with a doubleheader sweep of Legacy on Tuesday at the South Hill Softball Complex.

The Lions won Game 1 by a 9-8 score, lifted by a walk-off homer from freshman McKinlee Harmon. Ryan then won Game 2 by a relaxed 12-1 final score.

Senior Hannah Stewart went 4-for-4 with a homer and five RBIs in the opener, while junior Sheyenne Schmidt blasted a grand slam in the nightcap for the Lions (7-0).

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Minot remains under burn ban

The Minot area remains under a burn ban due to dry and windy conditions.

Gov. Jack Dalrymple on Monday extended the statewide fire emergency until April 30.

Initially, he declared a fire emergency for the state on April 1 in response to dry conditions, high wind, low humidity, unseasonably warm temperatures and burn bans and fire restrictions declared throughout the state, but that executive order would end Wednesday.

The governor can extend the statewide fire emergency beyond April 30 if necessary.

Dalrymple issued a burn ban for areas in the North Dakota Fire Danger Rating designated as high, very high or extreme or when a red flag warning is issued. The warning means critical fire weather conditions are happening or will be shortly. The weather service has issued a number of fire weather watches and red flag warnings since March 13, including a warning on Saturday for all of North Dakota.

Minot Fire Chief CJ Craven reminds residents that the burn ban includes Minot and applies to all outdoor fireplaces and fire pits.

The weather service has documented below average snowfall and precipitation across the state with above normal temperatures, leaving many natural fuels such as tall grasses very dry and standing vertical, rather than flat as is typical for this time of year, making them more susceptible to the rapid spread of wildfires.

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WSC to receive grants for needs

WILLISTON Williston State College will receive workforce enhancement grants from the North Dakota Department of Commerce for their oil-field training and yard equipment training programs.

The matching grants total $300,000. The majority of the required match comes from Oasis Petroleum, which donated equipment to support the gas training programs and has served as a partner for Train ND for the past three years. The funding will be used to help create or enhance training programs that address workforce needs of North Dakota’s private sector employees. For instance, Wayde Sick, director of workforce development for the N.D. Department of Commerce, said some of the funding will be used to purchase a forklift and front-end loader for use in training.

The grants put an emphasis on safety, according to Sick. Grant funding may be used for curriculum development, equipment, recruiting participants, and training and certifying instructors. Funds may not be used to supplant funding for current operations, according to a press release.

Andrea Johnson

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MSU president to throw out 1st pitch

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Minot State week-long inauguration of Steven W. Shirley, the university’s 11th president, will include a pair of first-pitch ceremonies.

Shirley is scheduled to throw the first pitch to start the Beavers home stand against Northern State April 18 at 1:30 p.m. at Corbett Field. He will do the same at MSU softball’s second game later that day against Concordia-St. Paul at South Hill Complex. That game is tentatively scheduled to start at 3 p.m., the second game of an NSIC doubleheader.

MSU Athletics will also honor Shirley and say thank you to its fans with a tailgate at MSU baseball and softball April 18 and 19. MSU will serve burgers and brats at the baseball game Saturday starting at 1:30 p.m. at Corbett Field. The Beavers will serve food Sunday at South Hill Complex at the softball game against Minnesota State starting at Noon.

Along with the ceremonial first pitches at the two games, MSU will also spend time at local elementary schools conducting reading sessions with children. MSU student-athletes and coaches as well as Shirley will conduct the reading sessions at multiple schools throughout the festive week.

“We are excited to have Dr. Shirley be a part of our events during his inauguration celebration,” Rianne Farrugia, MSU Assistant Athletic Director-Marketing & Promotions said. “It is important for us to connect with the public and our grade schools. The reading event should be a lot of fun for the elementary students as well as our student-athletes. On the weekend we hope everyone can come out to see Dr. Shirley throw out the first pitch, eat lunch and watch some great baseball and softball.”

For more information on all the events surrounding the Inauguration and MSU athletics, please contact Minot State at 858-3041.

-Daily News Staff

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Beavers’ Ward stepping down

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After four seasons at Minot State, volleyball coach Travis Ward has decided to step down from coaching to pursue other business opportunities, the university announced Thursday.

“I want to thank Travis for his service to MSU. He definitely elevated our volleyball program in an extremely tough conference,” MSU Athletic Director Rick Hedberg said. “(Northern Sun) volleyball is the top league in all of Division II and he moved our program up in the standings each year. I wish him the best as he steps away from the coaching profession.”

Ward will continue with the Beavers until May 1, but a national search to find MSU’s seventh head volleyball coach in school history will begin immediately.

“I want to thank Rick and (former MSU president David Fuller) for the opportunity,” Ward said. “I will miss the Minot community. I am proud of the kids and the commitment they made. It was fun to watch them grow and they built a solid foundation for the future.”

He finished his career at MSU at 47-76, helping the Beavers transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II and move from 15th in the NSIC in the program’s first season to 10th this past season. MSU won a season-high eight games in the NSIC this past year.

In just four seasons, he will finish as the Beavers third winningest coach, trailing Dana Fielder (189 wins) and Ruth Struyk (83 wins).

-Daily News Staff

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Majettes start season with bang

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WEST FARGO – Minot High girls softball team cranked out 12 runs on 11 hits en route to defeating Fargo South 12-1 in the Majettes season opener Friday at the West Fargo Invite.

“Our girls got after it right away,” Cederstrom said. “The consistent hitting was good to see watch. I’m pleased.”

The Majettes got production from the heart of their order as the three, four and five hitters went a combined 10-for-12 and six RBIs

Anchoring the solid hitting was cleanup hitter, junior shortstop Kayla Budeau, who went 3-for-4 with two triples and four RBIs.

Junior Cassie Askvig got the start and she went the distance giving up just one hit and one run.

Minot plays Shanley and West Fargo today at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., respectively.

-Daily News Staff

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Majettes undefeated after 2 games

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MANDAN – Minot High’s girls soccer team tied Fargo North 1-1 and routed Fargo South 8-0 on Friday at the East-West Crossover at Mandan Dakota Centennial Park.

Taryn Love netted the equalizer in the second half against the Spartans. Kaitlyn Stenberg made five saves for the Majettes.

Against the Bruins, Sofia Lewis, Teasha Hughes and Malena Lennon each scored two goals. South didn’t put a shot on net.

-Daily News Staff

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Lions roll past Brandon Valley

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Bishop Ryan’s softball team topped Brandon Valley (S.D.) 6-0 on Friday at the West Fargo Invite.

Hannah Stewart paced the Lions (3-0), going 3-for-4 with three RBIs and a double.

Ryan continues play at the tournament today before returning to region play.

-Daily News Staff

Local Sports

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Minot State narrows coaching search to four finalists

Four candidates have been named as finalists for the Minot State head wrestling coach position. All will receive on-campus interviews over the next week.

The finalists are James Reynolds, Jimmy Rollins, Evan Forde and Cole Spree. The on-campus interview process is set to begin Friday and conclude Thursday, April 16. The interview process involves faculty, staff, student-athletes and an open forum for media and community members.

Reynolds will begin the process on Friday, Rollins is scheduled for Monday, Forde Tuesday and Spree finishes the process on Thursday.

-Daily News Staff

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Gorney leads Minot at Carlson Booster Invitational

DICKINSON – Senior sprinter Karter Gorney won the 200-meter dash and anchored the victorious 800 relay as the Minot High boys and girls track team finished second and third, respectively, at the Carlson Booster Invitational.

Gorney clocked in at 22.64 seconds in the 200 dash, while the 800 relay – consisting of sophomore Chris Carlson, freshman Adrian Davis-Aguilar and senior Nick Soltis – crossed with a time of 1:33.72.

Senior jumper Davis Koppinger added the only other first-place finish for the Magicians in the high jump with a measure of 5 feet, 10 inches.

On the girls side, the only individual champion was senior Jessica Drady, who won the javelin with a throw of 107-5. Drady took first in the same event at the state meet last May. The girls 3,200 relay also took first, topping the field with a time of 10:32.73.

Bismarck won the boys competition with 156.5 points, while Minot placed second with 121. Century won the girls event with 152.5 points, besting runner-up Bismarck by 44 points. The Majettes took third with 108.

-Daily News Staff

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Tigers set AL shutout record to start season, beat Twins

DETROIT (AP) – Shane Greene and the Detroit Tigers set the modern AL record for the longest shutout streak to start a season, extending their string to 24 innings while beating the Minnesota Twins 7-1 on a rainy Thursday.

After the start was delayed by rain for over 3 1/2 hours, new Twins manager Paul Molitor’s team dropped to 0-3. And when Minnesota scored its lone run in the seventh, it was unearned.

Detroit broke the AL mark of 22 innings set by the 1947 Chicago White Sox, STATS said. The longest such streak in the majors since 1912 is 32 innings by the 1963 St. Louis Cardinals.

Greene (1-0) gave up four hits in eight innings and struck out five.

Kyle Gibson (0-1) allowed six runs on eight hits and five walks in 32/3 innings.

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Zucker’s 2 goals lead Wild over Predators 4-2

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Jason Pominville scored with 2:03 remaining in regulation to give the Minnesota Wild a 4-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on Thursday night.

Jason Zucker scored twice and Marco Scandella had the other goal for Minnesota, which extended its franchise-record road winning streak to 12 games.

Filip Forsberg and Seth Jones had the goals for Nashville, loser of the last five games. When St. Louis beat Chicago, it meant the Predators can’t win the Central Division, which belongs to the Blues.

Goaltender Darcy Kuemper saw his first action in the NHL since Jan. 20. After starting 39 consecutive games, Devan Dubnyk finally got a rest Thursday. Having a playoff spot clinched, the Wild also did not dress their top three goal scorers: Zach Parise, Nino Niederreiter, and Thomas Vanek.

Kuemper made 32 saves.

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BU holds off North Dakota 5-3 in Frozen Four

BOSTON (AP) – Jack Eichel scored two goals and Boston University held off North Dakota 5-3 on Thursday night in the Frozen Four to advance to the championship game.

The Terriers (28-7-5) will face Hockey East rival Providence (25-13-2) in the title game Saturday night at TD Garden. The Friars beat Nebraska-Omaha 4-1 in the first semifinal.

Eichel opened the scoring on a power play in the first period, Brandon Hickey also had a power-play score and A.J. Greer and Doyle Somerby had second-period goals.

Matt O’Connor made 36 saves for the Terriers, seeking their sixth NCAA title. Providence, making its second trip to the championship, is trying to win for the first time in school history.

Luke Johnson, Troy Stecher and Connor Gaarder scored for North Dakota (29-10-3). Zane McIntyre stopped 22 shots.

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Vikings will host Buccaneers, Raiders in preseason

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Vikings will host Tampa Bay and Oakland in the 2015 preseason, bringing a handful of familiar faces back to face their former team.

The NFL announced the exhibition schedule Thursday, without finalizing exact dates and times.

After playing Pittsburgh in Canton, Ohio, at the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Monday night, Aug. 9, the Vikings will host the Buccaneers the following weekend, Aug. 14, 15 or 16. Former head coach Leslie Frazier is Tampa Bay’s defensive coordinator.

The Vikings will host the Raiders the weekend after that, Aug. 21, 22 or 23. Former quarterback Christian Ponder and offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave are now with Oakland.

The Vikings play at Dallas on Aug. 28 or 29 and at Tennessee on Sept. 3 to finish the preseason.

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Report: Steelers safety Troy Polamalu retiring

PITTSBURGH (AP) – Troy Polamalu’s iconic football career is over.

The eight-time Pro Bowl safety told the Uniontown Herald-Standard he informed Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney on Thursday night he will retire rather than return for a 13th season.

The 33-year-old Polamalu had two years remaining on his contract but saw his play dip significantly from his prime, which peaked when he was named the 2010 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Polamalu was limited to 12 games in 2014 due to a leg injury.

Local News

Briefly

Trial set for man accused of sexually exploiting minor

A trial date in District Court in Minot has been set for William Jose Goya, accused of sexually exploiting an under-age girl in the city.

His trial will be from June 8-12 in the Ward County Courthouse.

According to a court affidavit submitted in February 2014, Goya willfully engaged in sexual contact with a minor who was then less than 15 years old. The alleged crime took place during 2007 and 2008 at Goya’s residence.

Initially, Goya denied having any sexual contact with the child but later stated it may have happened while he had been consuming alcohol but that he did not remember, according to the affidivat.

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State Tax Commission extends hours

BISMARCK The North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner will extend office hours until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday to be more accessible to taxpayers as the tax deadline approaches.

Taxpayers may visit the office in the North Dakota State Capitol Building on the 16th floor or call 328-1247 for assistance. The north door of the building will be open late those days.

Taxpayers who are unable to file by the April 15 deadline should file an application for an extension prior to the deadline. However, taxes must be paid by April 15 to avoid interest. An application for extension may be filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Extensions that are granted for federal returns are also recognized for North Dakota returns.

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Minot man found guilty of gross sexual imposition

Corey Michael Costa, 24, of Minot, is scheduled for sentencing July 28, having been found guilty of gross sexual imposition in North Central District Court in Minot.

Costa was found guilty of willfully engaging in sexual contact with a girl under age 15 in December 2012 at an apartment in the city.

Costa was charged with a Class Double-A felony which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

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Man pleads not guilty in nonfatal stabbing

BISMARCK (AP) – A western North Dakota man has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and several drug-related charges in a nonfatal stabbing.

Tyson Gappert of Zap entered his plea Wednesday in South Central District Court. He faces up to 46 years in prison if convicted of attempted murder, aggravated assault and drug charges.

Gappert is accused of stabbing another Zap man in the stomach during a fight last month at the home of the man’s girlfriend. The victim required surgery for a punctured liver and was put in a drug-induced coma.

An email seeking comment was left early Thursday with Grappert’s attorney.

Local News

Briefly

Police locate missing girl

The Minot Police Department this week recovered a missing teenage girl and another 16-year-old girl and arrested two adult women who have been charged with offering sexual services.

One of the women, Tayari Chanel Meadows, 20, was charged with human trafficking regarding the missing girl from Las Vegas. Meadows had her initial appearance at the Ward County Courthouse Tuesday and her preliminary hearing will be May 14, according to court documents. She could receive life in prison if convicted.

The Minot Police Department was contacted Monday by a Las Vegas woman who had reported her 14-year-old daughter missing. The woman told police she opened her daughter’s email account and saw messages from Backpage.com, where an ad had been posted for “Angel” with a photo of a girl who looked like her daughter.

A Minot police officer posing as a potential customer set up a meeting with the 14-year-old at a rate of $200 an hour. At the hotel where the meeting was set up, the officer was met by Meadows, who was posing as the girl’s sister. Both teenage girls and the other woman were found at the hotel along with Meadows. All of them had ads on the site offering sexual services, according to the police department. Meadows allegedly told police she believed the missing teen to be 18 and that she was just helping her escape from her mother, but the 14-year-old said Meadows arranged “dates” for her in Minot and Williston and warned her that if she didn’t make money she wouldn’t eat and she’d be forced to hitchhike home.

The girl told police that after providing services to men, she was forced to turn over all the money to a man traveling with Meadows. She added that Meadows was aware she was just 14 but told her to say she is 18.

Police: Be aware of speeding scam

The Minot Police Department is urging residents in and around Minot to be aware of a speeding fine scam that is running in the area.

“The scammer is initiating a call from 701-210-2550 and stating they are a sergeant with the Stanley Police Department. They are currently using the story that the person was caught on video speeding and they are required to get a prepaid credit card and send money or there will be a warrant issued for their arrest,” the police department press release said.

“The number is not associated with that department and this is not the method departments will use to obtain unpaid fines,” said Capt. John Klug of the Minot Police Department.

If anyone gets any call from that number, Klug urges them to ask for the specific department name, name of the caller and call back number and address for the department.

“People should not engage in a financial exchange over the phone unless they initiated the call and know who they are talking to,” said Klug.

Local News

Briefly

City lets bids on downtown infrastructure project

Construction on a major downtown infrastructure project is expected to begin in May under a contract with Strata Corp. of Grand Forks.

The Minot City Council on Monday accepted Strata’s low bid of $14.4 million for the first phase of the project. Two bids were submitted. Strata’s bid was 23.5 percent over the estimate of $11.66 million.

Phase 1 is the largest phase of a three-phase project to replace 26 blocks of water mains, sanitary sewer lines, storm sewer lines, streets, sidewalks, street lights and other city infrastructure.

The city decided earlier this year to rebid the project in phases after a bid opening for the full three-year project came in too high at $29.7 million, or 27.5 percent more than the engineer’s estimate.

The U.S. Economic Development Administration has awarded the city $18 million for the downtown project. Other funding would come from Community Development Block Grant dollars and various other grant and city sources, including assessments to downtown property owners.

Jill Schramm

Human trafficking topic of conference at Minot State

The Minot State University Social Work Department will host a conference on the problems of human trafficking from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 30 in MSU’s Cyril Moore Science Center Auditorium

The cost of the conference is $85. The deadline for registration is April 15.

The featured speaker is Jassy Bindra, human trafficking awareness coordinator with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The conference is recommended for social workers, case managers, counselors and educators, medical staff, law enforcement, psychologists and nurses.

To register for the training, send registration and payment to Minot State University, Student Social Work Organization, 230L Memorial, 500 University Ave. W., Minot, ND 58707. The registration form should include first and last name, agency, address, city, state and zip code, email and phone number. A block of rooms has been reserved for those attending the conference at the Grand Hotel, 1505 N. Broadway, Minot.

The conference is available free of charge to MSU students and faculty.

For more information about the conference, contact faculty adviser Dionne Spooner at 858-3142 or by email at dionne.l.spooner

@minotstateu.edu.