Knife used in Minot assault

Minot Police say a knife was used during an assault that occurred in the parking lot outside the Blind Duck bar. The incident happened at 12:17 a.m. Thursday.

According to a Minot Police report, a 40-year-old man received a small cut to his hand from a knife during the altercation. The suspect, 38-year-old Christopher Oneal, was taken into custody on an unrelated charge of failure to halt when he failed to stop for officers while running from the scene. The incident remains under investigation.

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Dakota College at Bottineau awarded grant

Dakota College at Bottineau will receive federal Department of Education grant funds of $1.1 million over five years. This funding is part of the Department of Education’s TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program, which seeks to provide academic and general support services to low-income, first-generation or disabled college students in order to increase graduation rates, create a climate that will facilitate student success and help them transfer from two-year to four-year colleges.

“Dakota College will use grant funds to enhance their student services by launching a new Student Support Services program on campus. This program is designed to increase graduation, retention, and transfer rates among student populations that struggle to complete a degree. “The DCB faculty and staff strive to do whatever is necessary to help students succeed,” said campus dean Ken Grosz, in a press release, “and the Trio Grant provides additional resources that will enhance their efforts.” Four new staff positions will be created to run the program including a director, two coordinators and an administrative assistant.

This is the first time Dakota College at Bottineau has received this grant, according to Dakota College at Bottineau. Eight colleges in North Dakota were awarded funds under the TRIO Student Support Services grant program.

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New farm vehicle requirement effective August 1

Beginning Aug. 1, a covered farm vehicle with a regular license plate will need a designation form inside the vehicle when transporting farm or ranch products. This federal exemption allows regularly plated North Dakota vehicles, not falling into the farm plate category, to move their own agriculture products and still qualify for relief from certain commercial driver’s license regulations.

This requirement does not affect current farm exemptions for vehicles that have farm plates.

For questions about the new regulation, please call the Highway Patrol Motor Carrier Division at 328-5128. The new designation form may be obtained from the NDDOT website at or by calling the NDDOT Drivers License Division at 328-2601.

A covered farm vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or less and traveling in the United States or 26,001 pounds or more and traveling in the state in which it is registered. When crossing states lines, the definition includes vehicles greater than 26,001 pounds and operated within 150 miles of the farm or ranch.

A covered farm vehicle does not include a vehicle operated by a for-hire carrier or a vehicle transporting hazardous materials in a quantity that requires the vehicle to display placards.

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Area communities receive grants

Area communities will receive grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program.

The city of Anamoose will receive $194,905 to start a revolving loan fund to provide financial assistance to small and emerging businesses in the area and to create a food hub.

Towner County Economic Development Corp. will receive $80,000 to start a revolving loan fund program to provide financial assistance to small and emerging businesses in Towner County.

Dakota College at Bottineau will receive $70,496 to purchase equipment to be used as part of a new Aquaponics Production and Management business training program to provide farmers and entrepreneurs the job training they need to start their own business using aquaponics to grow vegetables indoors, year round.

A $12,600 grant was awarded to Women and Techology to provide training in modern business technology and solutions to boost the capabilities of rural entrepreneurs and their workforce.

The Rural Economic Area Partnership Investment Fund, Inc. received $24,222 to conduct strategic planning for the CONAC and Southwest Rural Economic Area Partnership zones to develop 5-year strategic plans to better address the needs of rural communities.

The REAP Investment Board received $25,000 to be used in conjunction with the 2014 RBOG study for a Lake Sakakawea Ferry System

In addition, the city of New England received a $94,000 grant to purchase refrigeration equipment to be leased to the local grocery store. The new equipment will assist in upgrading the current equipment as part of the store’s expansion

Adams County Development Corporation received $12,000 to complete a feasibility study for a hotel in Hettinger.

The Prairie West Development Foundation received a $23,375 grant to purchase refrigerated dairy coolers to be leased to the local grocery store.

The grants were announced by Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., who serves on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee.

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Grants awarded to area schools

Area schools have received Energy Impact Grant funding from the Board of University and School Lands.

All school grants will be used for school renovations and other capital improvement projects.

Williston Public School District No. 1 received $2.65 million. Killdeer Public Schools received $830,999. McKenzie County Public School District No. 1 received $1.39 million. New Town Public School District received $950,622. Stanley Public School District received $741,165. Bottineau Public School District received $655,655. MLS-Mohall received $403,754. Tioga received $415,429.

Other awards went to the Dickinson, Beach and Bowman school districts. The Land Board awarded a total of $15 million to K-12 schools.

Another $1.3 million was awarded to airports in western North Dakota’s oil and gas region.

Minot International Airport received $165,878 for phase-two construction of a terminal access road and development of a master plan. Garrison Municipal Airport received $178,678 for construction of a fueling apron and runway rehabilitation. Kenmare Municipal Airport received $157,331 for runway light improvements. Washburn Municipal Airport received $64,871 for apron and taxway expansions. Westhope Municipal Airport received $96,793 for an apron expansion project and development o fa master plan.

Dickinson’s Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport also received $642,486 for apron improvements, security upgrades and for the development of a master plan and wildlife hazard assessments.

The Land Board also awarded $11.5 million in grants to the region’s local law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services and non-profit service organizations. Since 2011, the state has appropriated more than a half-billion dollars in Energy Impact Grant funds alone, a small portion of the state’s overall commitment to helping the oil and gas region’s counties, cities, schools and other political subdivisions address the challenges of rapid growth.Since 2011, the state has appropriated more than a half-billion dollars in Energy Impact Grant funds alone, a small portion of the state’s overall commitment to helping the oil and gas region’s counties, cities, schools and other political subdivisions address the challenges of rapid growth.

“Working together, we are making great progress in addressing the impacts associated with a growing economy and population,” said Gov. Jack Dalrymple, chairman of the Land Board. “These grants are part of a much larger, ongoing commitment to working with our local leaders in western North Dakota so that we continue to build on our advancements.”

Other Land Board members are Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, Secretary of State Al Jaeger, Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler and State Treasurer Kelly Schmidt.

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Minot Police hold National Night Out

The Minot Police Department’s annual National Night Out will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 4 in the North Hill Soccer Complex in the 1200 block of 21st Ave. NW.

Target and other community agencies are partners in the event, which promotes public safety and gives recognition to people and agencies that keep the community safe. There will be free games, food, music, face painting, inflatables, cupcake walk, Trinity Criticair helicopter, educational booths, law enforcement special equipment displays, K9 demonstrations, and fingerprinting for school age children. Some 3,000 people attended last year’s event.

Agencies that will be at the event include Minot Police Department (the Bomb Squad, SWAT Team, Bike Patrol, K-9 Unit and Animal Control Officer), North Dakota Highway Patrol, Minot Air Force Base Security Forces, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Minot Community Ambulance Service, Canadian Pacific Railroad Police, North Dakota Game and Fish, Minot Region Law Enforcement Explorer Post 9472.

Other groups that will have a presence at the event are Target, Trinity Health, SRT, American Bank Center, Minot Area Credit Unions, Burdick Job Corps Center, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, State Farm Insurance, Thorman Ins & Fin Svcs, Inc., Minot Area Children’s Museum, First District Health Unit, Minot Air Force Base Team Wellness, PATH, Companions for Children, Independence, Inc., Rock the Leaves, Women of the Moose, Dakota Hope.

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Senate passes highway bill with $1.6 billion for N.D.

WASHINGTON A six-year highway bill approved by the U.S. Senate will provide North Dakota with more than $1.6 billion and enable 159 North Dakota transportation projects to advance, Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., announced Thursday.

The formula increases highway funding for the state to $270 million, about $30 million a year more than it currently receives, he said. The Senate also passed a 90-day, short-term House measure that extends highway funding until Oct. 29 while the two chambers work to finalize a long-term bill.

According to Hoeven and Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., the Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy (DRIVE) Act increases transit funding to North Dakota from more than $14 million in the first year to more than $17 million by the sixth year. It includes $30 million for the Tribal Transit Program, $72 million for university transportation research, cuts red tape for farmers hauling fuel and makes enhancements for safer highways as well as freight and passenger rail service through implementation of new technologies and new tools for federal safety watchdog agencies. A program also exists to provide grants for large projects of national or regional significance and includes at least a 20 percent set aside for rural areas.

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Wind blows down sports facility in Garrison

GARRISON (AP) – Winds gusting in excess of 75 mph demolished a nearly completed sports facility in Garrison.

The winds on Tuesday blew down the structure that included grandstands, a press box and a concessions area. The facility that cost tens of thousands of dollars was to have siding installed next week.

School Superintendent Nick Klemisch says the facility was funded with donations from the community, and will be rebuilt.

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N.D. signs agreement with feds to augment rail inspections

BISMARCK (AP) – North Dakota’s Public Service Commission has signed an agreement with the Federal Railroad Administration that will allow the state to supplement federal oversight of burgeoning oil train traffic.

The PSC says it signed the agreement with the federal agency on Wednesday.

The North Dakota Legislature in April approved $523,000 to fund the state-run rail safety pilot program that includes two rail safety inspectors.

The pilot program is to be in place four years, although lawmakers have only funded it for two.

The funding is part of the agency’s $22.2 million budget.

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Trial date set for Williams

A trial date has been set for Dec. 7-10 for Michael Alexander Williams, who is charged with gross sexual imposition, a Class A felony, and burglary, a Class B felony.

Williams, 32, is accused of breaking into the southeast Minot apartment of a woman on the morning of Dec. 26, 2014, and attempting to rape her.

In court on Wednesday, North Central District Court Judge Gary Lee said he has ordered that Williams be tried separately on separate misdemeanor charges. Williams is also charged with refusing to halt, a Class B misdemeanor, for allegedly refusing to stop when he was being chased by police. He faces three indecent exposure charges, all Class A misdemeanors and all with different alleged victims, that were filed in October 2014; two stalking charges, both Class A misdemeanor charges and with different alleged victims, from October 2014; and a disorderly conduct charge, a Class B misdemeanor, from October 2014.

Lee had said at a June hearing that he would not allow the state to present DNA evidence in the case if it was not turned over to Williams’ defense attorney, Eric Bauman, by Wednesday. The state crime lab had not completed its testing by June, though Baumann had requested the information weeks earlier. Baumann said on Wednesday that the DNA results are now back and have been turned over to him.

Williams is next scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 2 for a pre-trial conference.

Andrea Johnson

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Airmen deploy to SW Asia

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE A small group of North Dakota Air National Guard airmen assigned to the 219th Security Forces Squadron at Minot Air Force Base left this month for a six-month deployment to Southwest Asia, where they will support U.S. Central Command operations.

About 15 airmen volunteered for the base defense and security operations mission being led by Tech Sgt. Michael Clow. The 219th made history by becoming the first National Guard unit to team up with an active-duty Air Force unit, the 91st Missile Wing at Minot AFB, to provide security for one of the nation’s three missile fields.

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Seaman accused of burglary

Raymond Seaman, 36, Minot, is accused of burglarizing a rural home six miles south of Parshall on Saturday, according to a press release issued by the Mountrail County Sheriff’s Department.

Seaman appeared before North Central District Court Judge Richard Hagar on Monday. He is charged with possession of stolen property, criminal trespass, theft of weapons, theft of motor vehicle, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Bond was set as cash or surety bond of $10,000. Seaman awaits the posting of his bond in the Mountrail County Jail in Stanley.

According to the press release, the sheriff’s department received a 911 call from the rural Parshall home owner who found the front door of his home had been kicked open, then entered and burglarized. The man’s 2014 white Ford F150 pickup truck was also stolen from his yard.

A gray GMC 1/2 ton pickup was parked in the man’s yard and still running. The sheriff’s department investigated and discovered the GMC pickup belonged to Troy Siemieniewski, Rugby, who was wanted in Ward County on two arrest warrants. Siemieniewski was located later Saturday in Parshall. He told investigators he had lent his vehicle to his friend, Seaman, who was working in the Parshall area. Siemieniewski had an alibi for the time of the burglary and was turned over to the Ward County Sheriff’s Department on the two open warrants.

On Saturday evening, the sheriff’s department received a call reporting that a man driving a white Ford pickup was trying to break into cabins at the Pouch Point Bay camp site, 16 miles south of New Town. Information was passed along to a Mountrail County deputy in the area. He saw the vehicle in question at the Cenex station in New Town and arrested Seaman, the driver.

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N.D. fines Idaho company $900K for failing to clean up spills

BISMARCK (AP) – North Dakota regulators have fined an Idaho company $900,000 for not cleaning up spills at oil well sites.

North Dakota’s Industrial Commission levied the fine against Alturas Energy LLC on Tuesday.

Department of Mineral Resources Director Lynn Helms says the company was issued a complaint in April but has not responded.

Regulators will now ask that a district court judge enforce the state’s order and issue a ruling against the company that could allow for the confiscation of assets.

Alturas officials did not return telephone calls seeking comment.

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OSHA identifies Arkansas man killed on job in N.D.

DICKINSON (AP) – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has identified an Arkansas man who died on the job in North Dakota.

OSHA says 23-year-old Alex Lee, of Conway, Arkansas, was operating a construction packer for a street project in Dickinson on July 15 when the packer slid down an embankment and rolled on him, crushing him.

Lee was working for Fargo-based John T. Jones Construction.

OSHA is continuing to investigate.

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Bismarck mother admits leaving kids in car to shoplift

BISMARCK (AP) – A Bismarck woman has been sentenced for leaving two small children alone in a car while she shoplifted from a Wal-Mart store.

Twenty-four-year-old Dawn Morsette pleaded guilty on Tuesday to felony child neglect. She was ordered to perform at least 25 hours of community service and ordered to undergo a parenting course. If she violates any conditions she could be sentenced to up to five years in prison.

Authorities said Morsette left the 3- and 5-year-old children alone in a car with the front windows rolled halfway down for more than half an hour on June 5 while she went into the store. The children were discovered after Morsette was apprehended for shoplifting.

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Speeding suspect allegedly responsible for bogus 911 call

FARGO (AP) – Police say a man who fled a traffic stop in Fargo was responsible for a bogus 911 call about a shooting as he tried to throw police off his trail.

Sgt. Chris Helmick said the suspect was stopped for speeding Tuesday night and fled on foot. They say a 911 call reporting a shooting at a liquor store that never happened was later traced to the man’s cellphone.

Formal charges are pending against the 21-year old Minneapolis man who was arrested on charges of fleeing police and possessing a stolen vehicle. Authorities say the car he was driving had been stolen in Wisconsin.

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Electronic cigarette law effective Aug. 1

New prohibitions on electronic cigarettes take effect in North Dakota on Aug. 1.

A bill approved by the 2015 Legislature prohibits minors from using, possessing or purchasing electronic smoking devices, alternative nicotine products or any of their component parts, and requires child-resistant packaging for liquid nicotine containers. The new law also requires that all tobacco products, electronic smoking devices and alternative nicotine products be sold with the assistance of a clerk. These products can no longer be displayed or sold through the use of self-service displays.

The 2014 North Dakota Youth Tobacco Survey shows e-cigarette use increased among high school youth from 1.6 percent in 2011 to 6 percent in 2013.

The requirement for child-resistant packaging comes in response to a jump in the number of calls nationally related to poisoning from liquid nicotine used in electronic devices. Calls to poison control centers increased from one per month in 2010 to 215 last February alone. More than half of those calls involved children 5 years old and younger.

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Border counties awarded grants for law enforcement

North Dakota’s northern border counties will receive $621,763 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Operation Stonegarden Grant program for border security and to enhance coordination with Canadian law enforcement.

The grant awards by county are: Cavalier and Pembina, each $85,000; Bottineau, $81,763; Burke and Divide, each $80,000; Renville, Rolette and Towner, each $70,000.

Sens. John Hoeven, R-N.D., and Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., announced the grants Tuesday. Earlier this year, FEMA awarded more than $3.7 million to North Dakota through the Department of Homeland Security’s State Homeland Security Grant Program to help the state prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from catastrophic events. Both FEMA grant programs are under the purview of Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Appropriation Department of Homeland Security Subcommittee.

Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, brought U.S. Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to North Dakota earlier this year to meet with law enforcement.

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Man dies in ATV crash in Sheridan County

MARTIN (AP) – A Bismarck man died over the weekend in an all-terrain vehicle crash in Sheridan County.

The Highway Patrol says 32-year-old Cole Weckerly was a passenger on an ATV that overturned on a gravel road between Martin and Selz about 5:30 p.m. Saturday. He died at the scene.

Authorities say charges are pending against Damon Tesmann, 36-year-old Goodrich man who was driving the ATV. The patrol says the driver told officers he purposely made the ATV fish-tail and lost control. The driver suffered undisclosed injuries.

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Traffic accident victim identified

RAY The North Dakota Highway Patrol said Allen Robbins, 70, Great Falls, Mont., died Monday morning in a one-vehicle rollover on Williams County Road 42, 10 miles northwest of Ray. His name was released Tuesday.

Robbins, driving a 2012 Kenworth, was traveling on the county road when he failed to properly negotiate a curve in the road. The vehicle went into the ditch and rolled.

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Signs of drought being reported in western N.D.

FARGO (AP) – Parts of eastern North Dakota received up to an inch of rain over the past week, but dry conditions and signs of drought are being reported in the west.

The Agriculture Department says in its weekly crop report that soil moisture statewide still is in good shape. Topsoil moisture is rated 89 percent adequate to surplus, and subsoil moisture is 93 percent in those categories.

The report says North Dakota’s staple spring wheat crop is maturing at a pace ahead of last year. Eighty-four percent of the crop is rated in good to excellent condition.

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Willow City crash injures two

Two area men were injured in a vehicle crash near Willow City Tuesday afternoon, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

Sean Prellwitz, 18, of Willow City, who was driving a 2004 GMC Envoy, and passenger Timothy Kissiar, 19, of Rugby were transported to Bottineau for medical attention. Prellwitz was flown to Minot and Kissiar transported by ground ambulance to Minot.

The Envoy was traveling north on 15th Avenue Northeast at 3:43 p.m. when it hit a soft portion of roadway and the driver lost control. The vehicle rolled and came to rest on its roof in a slough.

The crash remains under investigation.

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Trenton man injured in ATV incident

A Trenton man was injured in an ATV crash Monday evening on the east side of Trenton, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

Preston Oen, 44, was traveling east on Highway 1804 on an Arctic Cat ATV at 7:35 p.m. when a red sedan, also traveling east, passed him on the shoulder of the roadway. The sedan then pulled in front of Oen and abruptly applied the brakes, the Highway Patrol reported. The ATV struck the rear of the sedan, entered the ditch and overturned.

Oen was ejected and landed on the shoulder of the roadway. He was transported by air to Minot for medical treatment.

The Highway Patrol continues to seek the driver of the sedan, who fled the scene.

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2015 N.D. State Parade Winners

Winners of the North Dakota State Parade were announced Tuesday. The 34th annual parade was held Saturday in Minot. Units in the parade request to be judged. Following are the winners:

Grand Marshal overall winner Kalix Recycling Center.

Roughrider Award Best Equestrian Minot Y’s Men’s Rodeo.

Flickertail Award Best Musical Group Rock the Leaves.

Chairman’s Award Best Commercial Theme Fiancee Bridal.

Governor’s Award Best Non-Commercial Theme Moose Lodge.

Youth Sweepstakes Award Best Youth Entry Minot High School Hockey.

Parade Committee Award Most Humorous N.D. Clowns.

Heritage Award Depicting N.D. Heritage White Shield Spirit Riders.

Pioneer Award Best Antique Vehicle Ruthville Rednecks.

Lewis and Clark Award Best Military Unit 50th Commemorative of Vietnam War.

N.D. State Fair Award Best Modern Motorized Vehicle Minot Zoo Crew.

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Another charge filed against Soper

The Minot Police Department filed an additional charge against Charles William Soper Wednesday, according to a news release from the department issued late Wednesday.

The additional charge stems from images obtained from electronic devices seized from his home and place of business earlier this year.

Soper, who is still in jail for his prior offenses, was charged with possession of certain materials prohibited, a Class C felony, according to the news release. That statute prohibits the possession of any motion picture, photograph or visual representation that includes sexual conduct by a minor.

Soper, 50, the former Sawyer Public Schools superintendent, is facing previous charges for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old boy and human trafficking charges connected with his alleged relationship with the 15-year-old boy.

BLM federal lease auction nets $36,805

A Bureau of Land Management oil and gas lease auction netted $36,805 in revenues from the sale of six federal leases, totaling 1,594.88 acres, in North Dakota on Tuesday, according to a press release.

BTA Oil Producers of Midland, Texas, submitted the highest per-acre bid at $110 per acre for a 120-acre parcel located in Golden Valley County. This was also the highest single-parcel bid, coming in at $13,200.

BLM oil and gas leases are awarded for a period of 10 years and for as long thereafter as there is production in paying quantities. The revenue from the sale of federal leases, as well as the 12.5 percent royalties collected from the production of those leases, is shared between the federal government and the states.

Connect with Veterans Act reintroduced

U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., Jerry Moran, R-Kan., Angus King, I-Maine, and John Boozman, R-Ark., have reintroduced the Connect with Veterans Act, according to a press release from Heitkamp’s office.

The legislation is intended to better connect the nation’s new veterans with services, resources and benefits that are available in their communities to help them transition back to civilian life.

Heitkamp’s office notes that there is a post-9/11 veteran population of more than 7,000 people in North Dakota.

Among other things, the legislation would create a directory of contact information to help local communities, as well as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and State Departments of Veteran’s Affairs, connect returning veterans with services and resources such as employment and health care resources.

Events planned at Pioneer Village during fair

David “Doc” Brien and Gabriel Brien will give a presentation on the Metis culture at 2 p.m. and again at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Ward County Historical Society’s Pioneer Village on the fairgrounds in Minot.

The demonstration will include fiddling, the broom dance and the sash dance and a presentation on the cultural history of the Metis and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.

The pioneer village museum’s buildings and exhibits will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day during the North Dakota State Fair, said Sue Bergan, site director.

There will also be a non-denominational church service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday in the Lutheran church in the Pioneer Village.

Andrea Johnson

Watford housing complex complete

WATFORD CITY A housing complex in Watford City that will house employees of the McKenzie County Healthcare Systems and North Dakota Housing Finance Agency has been completed.

“We are thankful for the development assistance afforded us by the state of North Dakota,” said Dan Kelly, McKenzie County Healthcare Systems CEO, in a press release. “Through the state’s participation in the project, we can now offer our workers an affordable housing alternative.”

McKenzie County Healthcare Systems received $1.83 million from the state’s Housing Incentive Fund to support the construction of the $6.3 million development. North Dakota Housing Finance Agency is the program administrator.

Eighteen of the apartments in the 24-plex are reserved specifically for Essential Service Workers individuals employed by the medical facility in lower-wage positions including nurses’ aides and lab technicians. Depending on income and household size, these units will rent for $721 to $1,386 per month. The apartment complex is located at 318-10th Ave NE.

Earlier this month, North Dakota Housing Finance Agency announced that it has awarded HIF conditional commitments to 24 new developments. Two of the projects Wolf Run Village II and Watford City Apartments will be located in Watford City. The developments will bring additional ESW units to the community along with housing for other lower-wage workers and some market-rate units.

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Train derailment disrupts Amtrak

Amtrak service that was disrupted by a freight train derailment in Montana Tuesday should be back to normal in Minot Saturday, according to Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari.

The eastbound Amtrak train terminated in Whitefish, Mont., Thursday so did not arrive in Minot as scheduled that day. The eastbound train will be arriving today.

The westbound train was held in St. Paul due to the derailment, canceling service through Minot today. Westbound train service will resume on Saturday.

Magliari said passengers either received refunds or were rebooked. An additional sleeper car was added to today’s eastbound train through Minot to accommodate passengers being rebooked.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad had the tracks cleared and re-opened on Thursday after nine cars near the end of a 116-car freight train derailed in northeastern Montana near Blair, about 40 miles east of Wolf Point and 50 miles west of Williston, on Tuesday at about 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time.

BNSF spokesperson Amy McBeth said the railroad tries to reroute traffic where possible following an incident that puts tracks out of service. Customers may experience delays of 48 to 72 hours on freight shipments due to Tuesday’s derailment, she said.

Jill Schramm

Senate passes Every Child Achieves Act

The U.S. Senate passed the Every Child Achieves Act, legislation intended to replace the No Child Left Behind Act, according to the offices of Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D, and Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D.

According to a press release, the measure is bipartisan and reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. It will allow states to develop their own educational accountability plans, will restore state control over education standards and prevent the federal government from mandating or incentivizing academic standards, including the Common Core.

The act includes legislation intended to bolster science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. States will be allowed to award funding to create or enhance a specialty school focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics or a special program within a school. The U.S. Department of Education will be able to identify STEM-specific needs of states and school districts and align exiting STEM programs with identified needs to avoid unnecessary duplication.

Heitkamp’s office said the legislation also includes language that addresses human trafficking and to provide training to help educators receive training on the issue so they better work with students and their families.

Heitkamp’s office said the legislation also includes expanded funding for quality early education programs.

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ADA anniversary celebration today in heritage park

The public is invited to join Independence, Inc., in celebrating its 20th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act today from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Scandinavian Heritage Park, 1020 S. Broadway.

A ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. to present awards for Disability Advocate of the Year and Youth Advocate of the Year. Food, fun, games and live music will follow. A free-will donation will be taken.

The mission of Independence, Inc., is to advocate for the freedom of choice for individuals with disabilities to live independently through the removal of all barriers. Independence serves 11 counties in northwest North Dakota. Independence has been open in Minot since 1995.

The Americans with Disabilities Act is the most comprehensive civil rights law for more than 56 million Americans with disabilities. The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The law was signed by President George H. W. Bush on July 26, 1990.

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Construction starts on N.D. 41 and N.D. 23 near Velva

VELVA Construction is under way on N.D. Highway 41 from Velva south to N.D. Highway 23, according to the North Dakota Department of Transportation. Construction will be continuing onto Highway 23 to U.S. Highway 83. The work consists of paving, striping and rumble strips.

During construction, a pilot car will direct traffic though the work zone, and flaggers will be present. A width restriction of 15 feet is in place. Speeds are reduced.

The project is to be completed in August.

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Benefit motorcycle rally set for July 25

The Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch will hold its annual Motorcycle Rally July 25.

Departure will take place from Pure Honda, located at 1520 Highway 2 East in Minot. The rally benefits the National Youth Project Using Minibikes. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. at Pure Honda. Kickstands up at 11 a.m. The cost is $20 per bike, which includes late breakfast and early dinner.

The route is from Minot, traveling through the Turtle Mountains. The final leg will end mid-afternoon, then travelers will head back to Magic City Harley-Davidson at 515-20th Ave. SE, for light supper and prizes.

NYPUM uses the bikes as incentives for the youth at DBGR to achieve goals and, in turn, teaches the youth how to care for and safely ride the off-road bikes.

RSVP is requested, but not mandated, to allow for meal preparation.

Sponsors for the event include: Advanced Business Methods; Robert and Shirley Detlaff; IT Consulting, Inc.; Grand Hotel; Jerome’s Collision Center; Johnson Sport Center, Inc.; Magic City Harley-Davidson; Pure Honda of Minot; Sport Specialties, Vallely Sport & Marine; and V-Twin Performance.

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Minot AFB also orders water conservation

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE As direct customers of the city of Minot water supply, residents of Minot Air Force Base also are restricted on watering their lawns.

On Monday, the city of Minot issued a ban on watering lawns and washing cars after a contractor struck a supply line that provides raw water to the Minot Water Treatment Plant. North Prairie Rural Water District also is asking customers who receive rural water though the Minot plant to conserve water.

“We have engaged with Balfour Beatty to implement the ban on watering of lawns in the base housing areas,” said Maj. Jamie Humphries, chief of Public Affairs at Minot AFB. Balfour Beatty Communities, a private company, owns family housing at the base.

Humphries said golf course personnel have also been asked to cease watering.

Minot Public Works director Dan Jonasson said Monday the city hopes to have the line fixed later this week. The city will issue a notice when residents can start watering again.

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Investigation leads to drug arrest

A 22-year-old man was arrested by Minot Police Monday for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of other weapons.

Michael Steven Meadows II is being held in the Ward County Jail in Minot without bond. No address was given for Meadows.

According to a news release, a Minot Police officer stopped a motor vehicle near midnight for several traffic offenses in southeast Minot. Through further investigation Meadows, the vehicle’s operator, was found to have a large quantity of methamphetamine on him. More methamphetamine, equipment related to narcotics distribution and dangerous weapons were found in a search of the vehicle.

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Famous Dave’s is coming to Minot

Hungry for some lip-smackin’ barbecue? Famous Dave’s is projected to open in Minot in early summer of 2016 in what used to be the Royal Fork Buffet Restaurant at 1420-24th Ave. SW, a Famous Dave’s official confirmed Tuesday.

Brisket Burgers, Bar-B-Que Classics and award-winning ribs will soon call Minot their home just before they call your stomach their home.

Briefly

Two die in two-vehicle crash near Williston

WILLISTON Two people died early Thursday in a two-vehicle collison on N.D. Highway 1804, 20 miles east of Williston.

The names of the two males who died in the accident were not released yet. One of the males was driving a 2014 Dodge pickup and the other male was a passenger in the vehicle, the North Dakota Highway Patrol said.

The driver of the other vehicle, Michael Baldwin, 40, Tioga, was not injured. He was driving a 2013 Peterbilt hauling water tanker.

The Highway Patrol said Baldwin was going west on Highway 1804 and the pickup was going east in the westbound lane. The vehicles collided head-on in the westbound lane. After impact, the pickup started on fire. Both occupants in the pickup died at the scene.

The accident happened at 1:25 a.m. .

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Ward County escaped inmate located

A Ward County Jail inmate who escaped while he was on work-release has been found.

The Ward County Sheriff’s Department said the department received information Thursday about an area where Thomas Bott, 28, might be located. Three deputies responded to the area and found Bott in a vehicle. He was placed under arrest without incident and taken to the jail.

Bott, who was on work-release as of Monday morning, did not return to the jail that afternoon. He is serving a sentence for probation violation resulting from a burglary conviction.

Escape charges for Bott are pending.

The Ward County Sheriff’s Department officials said they appreciate the numerous tips and assistance from the public.

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Dakota Square construction continues

The 24th Avenue Southwest entrance on the west side of Dakota Square Mall is closed and will be closed until late next week.

To enter the mall traffic is being detoured to the 22nd Avenue Southwest entrance on the north side near McDonald’s.

The roadwork is expected to be finished by the end of the month.

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Fire destroys city building in Beulah

BEULAH (AP) – Fire has destroyed a city building in Beulah.

The 6,000-square-foot building was used to store maintenance equipment including lawnmowers and trucks. Fire Chief Dave Layton said that one of the trucks started on fire Wednesday afternoon, and the flames spread to the building.

No one was inside at the time of the fire.

A damage estimate was not immediately available.

Briefly

Fugitives arrested, trio charged

Minot Police arrested two escapees and an accomplice at Country Acres Mobile Home Park No. 2 Monday at 10 p.m.

The escapees from the North Dakota Department of Corrections, Bismarck Transition Center, were identified as Brady Joseph Werre, 22, Bismarck, and Bryce Anthony Molina, 22, Bismarck. Michaela Young, 20, Minot, was arrested and charged with criminal conspiracy to commit escape, a Class C felony. All three subjects were taken to the Ward County Jail.

Minot Police were alerted in the early morning hours Monday of the escape of three men from the Bismarck Transition Center. Later they received information on the possible whereabouts of Werre and Molina. Both men were taken into custody without incident.

The search for the third escapee, Adam Lee Boppre, continues.

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Burglary info sought

Minot Police are asking for the public’s assistance in learning more information regarding a home burglary within the city. Officers responded to a burglary report Monday evening in the 1500 block of Cook Drive. Firearms, cash and jewelry was taken.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact Minot Police at 852-0111.

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Repeal of crude export ban urged

Kari Cutting, vice president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, will appear before the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture today to urge lawmakers to lift the ban on exporting crude oil and to highlight the positive economic impacts oil and gas development has had on rural communities, especially in North Dakota.

“In 2006, horizontal drilling technology unlocked the Bakken, resulting in a surge of oil and gas production, making North Dakota equivalent to the 19th largest oil-producing country,” said Cutting. “With development came a rural economic renaissance for our state. Once shrinking rural communities are now growing, as new people move to the state and others return home to be closer to family. Oil development has helped supplement incomes for many local farmers and ranchers who once worried about holding on to the family farm. A new diesel refinery that recently began operating and proposed fertilizer plants and other value-added projects will help further lower input costs for ag producers further helping rural growth.”

“But this rural renaissance is being threatened by foreign entities not always friendly to the United States and by restrictions imposed on the sale of oil abroad. The U.S. government should lift the ban on crude oil exports and allow oil produced in places like North Dakota to reach global markets. Lifting the ban on crude oil exports would immediately restore our competitiveness and revive the renaissance in rural America. Not only would rural America prosper, but all U.S. citizens would benefit from lifting the ban.”

The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Eastern time in the Longworth House Office Building. The hearing may be viewed live at: agriculture.house.gov/hearing/full-committee-agriculture-public-hearing-energy-and-rural-economy-economic-impact-exporting#.

Briefly

Fast food made faster

The next time you get a Taco Bell craving, you don’t need to leave your couch.

Taco Bell is now using delivery service DoorDash to make deliveries in more than 90 cities and over 200 restaurants around Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco and Dallas, The Associated Press reported this week.

That means depending on where you live, the entire Taco Bell menu will be available for delivery, including Crunchwrap Supremes, Beefy Fritos Burritos, Bacon Club Chalupas, Gorditas and more.

There is a delivery fee, and it depends on where you’re ordering from.

Aside from Taco Bell, DoorDash delivers food from restaurants like California Pizza Kitchen and The Cheesecake Factory. DoorDash is based in Palo Alto, Calif.

Taco Bell, a subsidiary of Yum Brands Inc., started testing delivery with DoorDash earlier this year and said that it plans to bring delivery nationwide, but did not specify a timeframe, The Associated Press said.

Minot is not currently offering Taco Bell deliveries.

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Mosquito spraying in Minot

The City of Minot, in conjunction with Minot Air Force Base and the Ohio Air National Guard, will once again conduct aerial spraying for mosquito control. The spraying is scheduled to take place during the week of July 13 to 17.

A C-130, a large military aircraft, will make several low-altitude passes over the city on the evening of the spraying.

The active ingredient in the mosquito control spray is Naled. Naled poses minimal risk to the general population, pets and wildlife when applied using this method. Naled is highly toxic to insects, including honeybees. More information on Naled is available at epa.gov. Residents with additional questions may also contact the Public Works Department at 857-4140.

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Condensate spill reported at Tioga

TIOGA A condensate spill has occurred at a natural gas gathering line 10 miles south of Tioga, North Dakota Department of Health officials said. Hess Tioga Gas Plant LLC is the owner of the pipeline.

About 1 barrel of condensate was released. Condensate consists of heavier hydrocarbons present in natural gas that condense as liquids in a pipeline. The spill impacted an intermittent drainage of Dry Fork Creek. Health Department staff and an environmental contractor have been on location.

Briefly

Phone problems encountered

The Minot Daily News encountered a problem with its voice mail system Saturday. Customer and carrier messages cannot be retrieved presently.

The problem is expected to be addressed Monday.

City lists street closures, changes, hydrant testing

Street closures related to the 16th Avenue Southeast water project will be changing this week, according to information from the city of Minot.

Sixteenth Avenue should be open to through traffic on Friday. Fourteenth Avenue will be opened only to local traffic because 46th Street Southeast will remain under construction. Local residents will have limited access to 46th Street. Expect other road closures for short periods throughout the week.

From Saturday through Sunday, the frontage road at Gooseneck Implement and Butler Machinery will be closed, and traffic will be detoured onto 14th Avenue and across 46th Street.

The city also has announced the fire hydrant testing location for Tuesday will be the area from First Avenue Southwest to Ninth Avenue Southwest, between South Broadway and 16th Street Southwest.

Expansion project under way at Grenora school

GRENORA (AP) – A $10 million project is underway to add classroom space and a second gymnasium at the school in the oil patch town of Grenora.

Superintendent Troy Walters said the school is getting a $7 million loan from the Bank of North Dakota, which will reduce a bond approved last summer.

Enrollment in the town northwest of Williston has grown from 44 students in 2009 to a projected 200-plus in the fall. Walters says the addition will provide more space for the larger class sizes in the elementary grades.

The school also is opening a day care this year to help teachers who have young children.

The addition should be complete for the start of the 2016-17 school year.

Man killed in head-on crash north of Pingree

PINGREE (AP) – Authorities say a 24 year-old New Rockford man was killed in a head-on crash north of Pingree on Friday.

Highway Patrol Sgt. Tom Herzig says Adam Allmaras was driving a pickup southbound on Highway 52 when it drifted into the northbound lane shortly after 3 a.m.

A semi-truck driven by Bernard Gorman of Adrian was headed northbound. Authorities say Gorman attempted to avoid the crash by braking and driving onto the east shoulder.

Allmaras was pronounced dead at the scene.

Gorman was transported to a Fargo Hospital. His condition is unknown.

Briefly

Robbery outside N. Broadway store

Minot Police are investigating a robbery at Loaf ‘N Jug at 810 N. Broadway.

Police said that shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday Minot Central Dispatch received a report of a robbery that occurred outside Loaf ‘N Jug. Officers met with the victim, a 40-year-old man, who said he was talking with an individual that he knew in the parking lot. While doing so, he was approached by another man who brandished a handgun and demanded his money. The victim had $2,700 taken that belonged to the business where he is employed.

The suspect is described as a black male, 6-feet to 6-foot-3, 25 to 32 years of age, having facial hair and wearing dark clothing and a hat. It is believed the person the victim was talking to and the suspect know each other. The victim was not injured.

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Erickson to attend Girls Nation

Elizabeth Erickson, who will be a senior at Fargo Shanley this fall, is one of two girls who will represent North Dakota at the American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation July 25 to Aug. 1 in Washington D.C.

Erickson is the granddaughter of Elizabeth Steinberger of Minot. She was sponsored at Girls State last month by the Clarence McCormick American Legion Auxiliary Post in Donnybrook.

Erickson said she is excited to attend Girls Nation and get to meet other girls from all over the country who are also interested in politics. During Girls Nation, the girls from the different states will learn about how the federal government works. Girls from each state will write a bill and all of the girls will debate each bill and decide whether or not it will pass. Erickson said the girls will also have an opportunity to tour the White House and to see other sights in the nation’s capitol.

Erickson said she is interested in becoming a lawyer, though she hasn’t made up her mind yet.

She is the daughter of Michele and Ralph Erickson of Fargo.

Andrea Johnson

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Lawmaker defends Facebook post

BISMARCK (AP) – A North Dakota Republican state lawmaker is defending a Facebook post in which he called the recent Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage a victory for the mentally ill.

Rep. Dwight Kiefert of Valley City said that his post was taken out of context. He says he was trying to invite a discussion about whether homosexuality is a mental illness.

Kiefert did not return telephone calls from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Sen. Kelly Armstrong is chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party. He says “Kiefert’s thoughts are not the party’s thoughts.”

Kiefert was among the most vocal of lawmakers who objected to having a Muslim lead prayers at the Capitol on Ash Wednesday this year.

Armstrong says Kiefert’s “rants don’t serve the public good.”

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