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Briefly

TV listings,

LA Times

Crossword puzzle

Look in today’s newspaper for the redesigned TV listings and the LA Times Crossword puzzle.

Man accused of multiple thefts pleads guilty

BISMARCK (AP) – A Mandan man accused of stealing items across three counties has pleaded guilty to 18 of the 38 counts against him.

Lorren Schrenk is charged with theft of property in Kidder County, Morton County and Burleigh County. Authorities say he stole dozen of items, including a car hauler trailer, a riding lawn mower and attachments, a tractor with loader, a forklift and an ATV.

The crimes allegedly took place over several years.

Schrenk is slated for two trials in September on a total of 19 charges.

Schrenk’s lawyer, Thomas Glass, did not immediately respond to a phone message seeking comment.

Warrant issued for man suspected of robbing hotel

BISMARCK (AP) – A warrant has been issued for a Grand Forks man believed to be involved in a recent robbery at a hotel in Bismarck.

The 24-year-old man was charged this week in South Central District Court in Burleigh County with felony robbery. He faces a minimum of four years in prison.

Authorities say the man entered the Ramada Inn on Aug. 24 carrying a handgun and a black trash bag. He allegedly aimed the gun at a night auditor and demanded money.

The man allegedly walked out with $3,400 in cash from hotel lockboxes. Police say surveillance video from the hotel suggests he knew where the money was kept at night.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Rule would allow community

members to teach

BISMARCK (AP) – Gov. Jack Dalrymple is expected to sign off on an emergency administrative rule change that will allow community members to temporarily fill vacant teaching positions.

The state Education Standards and Practices Board on Thursday approved the changes, which were recommended by the governor.

Under the proposed rule change, community members would be able to teach in their areas of expertise for up to one year in non-core areas, including health and physical education classes.

Nick Archuleta is the president of North Dakota United, the organization that represents thousands of teachers across the state. Archuleta says his organization is opposed to the new rule, arguing teachers need to have more than just “content knowledge.”

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Traffic fatality identified

MAKOTI The North Dakota Highway Patrol has identified a 26-year-old Plaza woman who died in a two-vehicle crash on Ward County County 20 as Brittany Westman.

The Highway Patrol also identified the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident as Cocoa Cummings, 33, New Town.

Cummings was wearing a seat belt, Westman was not wearing a seat belt, the Highway Patrol said.

The accident happened four miles north of Makoti Wednesday afternoon.

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Money set aside for faster Internet

Some $5.6 million in federal money have been designated to increase high-speed Internet access for North Dakotans living in rural areas, according to the office of Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D.

CenturyLink notified the Federal Communications Commission that it will accept funds through the Connect America Fund in 33 states, including North Dakota. Together with CenturyLink’s own investments, that funding will allow CenturyLink to build out high-speed Internet to more than a million rural households and businesses across the nation over a six-year period including about 8,000 rural locations in North Dakota alone.

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TV guide changes to daily fomat

Today, The Minot Daily News will publish its final Select TV magazine-style television listings publication. Instead, readers will have access to the TV listings in a daily format within the daily newspaper complete with most of the syndicated content provided in the magazine. That content will appear over the seven-day publishing cycle of The Minot Daily News.

The move is strictly a business decision. In announcing the move, The Minot Daily News publisher Steve McLister said, “We will provide our readers with TV listings content, just in a slightly different format, and at the same time deliver the same if not an increase in readership to our advertisers.”

Starting on Sunday, Aug. 30, a page will be dedicated daily to TV listings and the LA Times Crossword puzzle.

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Missing inmate arrested in Williston

WILLISTON (AP) – An inmate who went missing from a minimum-security prison in Bismarck more than two months ago has been arrested in Williston.

Thirty-nine-year-old Ernesto Difabio left the Missouri River Correctional Center on June 14. Authorities say he was found hiding in the basement of a Williston home on Tuesday and taken into custody.

Police also arrested the woman who owned the home on a charge of hindering law enforcement.

Difabio had been serving a five-year sentence on convictions for burglary and theft in the Williston area when he went missing.

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Regatta rescheduled to this Saturday

GARRISON The Fort Stevenson Regatta is being planned for this Saturday.

The event, set for the de Trobriand Marina with a captain’s meeting at 9 a.m. and racing starting at noon, was postponed last Saturday because of the weather. The course of the regatta depends on the wind. For more information call Fort Stevenson State Park at 337-5576.

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Plaza woman dies in two-vehicle collision

MAKOTI A 26-year-old Plaza woman died in a two-vehicle collision on Ward County Road 20, four miles north of Makoti Wednesday afternoon.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol said a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by a 33-year-old woman from New Town, had passed two vehicles. After passing, she failed to maintain control of the vehicle and the vehicle began to fishtail. The Plaza woman, driving a 2012 Subaru WRX, was going east. She slowed down and began moving toward the shoulder to avoid collision. The Subaru began to slide sideways, facing south as it entered the south ditch. The Chevrolet struck the driver’s door of the Subaru with the front end. The two vehicles spun clockwise about 90 degrees. The Subaru came to rest in the south ditch.

The names of both drivers have not been released yet. The accident happened at 4:17 p.m.

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Fluid release occurs at Williston area well site

WILLISTON A release of oil and saltwater at the Myron 9-4 #7H oil and gas well about 15 miles northwest of Williston has been contained, according to officials with the North Dakota Oil and Gas Division.

StatOil Oil and Gas LP reported Wednesday that an estimated 2,100 gallons of oil and 12,600 gallons of saltwater were released, contained and recovered on site.

The cause was listed as equipment failure, which caused a tank to overflow.

A state inspector has been to the location.

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Film about white supremacist showing in state

BISMARCK (AP) – An award-winning documentary about a white supremacist’s failed takeover of Leith will be shown in North Dakota theaters next month.

“Welcome to Leith” by New York filmmakers Michael Nichols and Christopher Walker chronicles the saga of Leith and its clash with Craig Cobb. It’s played at film festivals around the world and landed a deal with a New York-based film distributor.

First Run Features calls the film “carefully crafted, timely and highly provocative.”

Nichols says that with recent incidents such as the shooting at a Charleston, South Carolina, church that killed nine, people are paying more attention to “domestic extremism.”

Briefly

Regatta rescheduled to this Saturday

GARRISON The Fort Stevenson Regatta is being planned for this Saturday.

The event, set for the de Trobriand Marina with a captain’s meeting at 9 a.m. and racing starting at noon, was postponed last Saturday because of the weather. The course of the regatta depends on the wind. For more information call Fort Stevenson State Park at 337-5576.

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Plaza woman dies in two-vehicle collision

MAKOTI A 26-year-old Plaza woman died in a two-vehicle collision on Ward County Road 20, four miles north of Makoti Wednesday afternoon.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol said a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by a 33-year-old woman from New Town, had passed two vehicles. After passing, she failed to maintain control of the vehicle and the vehicle began to fishtail. The Plaza woman, driving a 2012 Subaru WRX, was going east. She slowed down and began moving toward the shoulder to avoid collision. The Subaru began to slide sideways, facing south as it entered the south ditch. The Chevrolet struck the driver’s door of the Subaru with the front end. The two vehicles spun clockwise about 90 degrees. The Subaru came to rest in the south ditch.

The names of both drivers have not been released yet. The accident happened at 4:17 p.m.

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Fluid release occurs at Williston area well site

WILLISTON A release of oil and saltwater at the Myron 9-4 #7H oil and gas well about 15 miles northwest of Williston has been contained, according to officials with the North Dakota Oil and Gas Division.

StatOil Oil and Gas LP reported Wednesday that an estimated 2,100 gallons of oil and 12,600 gallons of saltwater were released, contained and recovered on site.

The cause was listed as equipment failure, which caused a tank to overflow.

A state inspector has been to the location.

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Film about white supremacist showing in state

BISMARCK (AP) – An award-winning documentary about a white supremacist’s failed takeover of Leith will be shown in North Dakota theaters next month.

“Welcome to Leith” by New York filmmakers Michael Nichols and Christopher Walker chronicles the saga of Leith and its clash with Craig Cobb. It’s played at film festivals around the world and landed a deal with a New York-based film distributor.

First Run Features calls the film “carefully crafted, timely and highly provocative.”

Nichols says that with recent incidents such as the shooting at a Charleston, South Carolina, church that killed nine, people are paying more attention to “domestic extremism.”

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Traffic accident victim identified

MCGREGOR The North Dakota Highway Patrol has identified the victim of a two-vehicle crash near McGregor as James Cain, 72, Wildrose.

Cain’s car and a semi driven by Robert Miller, 54, Noonan, collided at the intersection of N.D. Highways 50 and 40, one-fourth mile south of McGregor Tuesday afternoon. The Williams County Sheriff’s Office and Tioga Fire Department also responded to the accident.

The accident is still under investigation.

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Health centers to receive federal funds

Health centers in Beulah, Turtle Lake and Northwood will receive more than $100,000 in federal funding to expand current systems and improve primary care service at community health centers.

Coal Country Comunity Health Center in Beulah will receive $41,328; Northland Health Partners Community Health Center in Turtle Lake will receive $31,041; and Valley Community Health Centers Community Health Center in Northwood will receive $30,187.

The funds are authorized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, according to the office of Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D.

“Quality and affordable health care is a critical lifeline for so many North Dakota families,” said Heitkamp in a press release. “These federal funds will support and help expand the already top-notch care provided by community health centers across our state so they can continue to meet the growing demands of their communities and help more individuals and families get the care they need. Making sure all North Dakotans are healthy and safe is important for the success and future of our state and I’ll continue to push for strong investments in rural health care.”

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MSU, Dakota College enrollment numbers reported

Student enrollment is up slightly at Minot State University, according to a press release.

The total headcount on the first day of classes this week was 3,341, up three students from the fall of 2014.

Of those 3,341 students, 3,061 are undergraduates and 280 are graduate students.

There are 352 new freshmen students at Minot State, an increase of 11 over last fall.

Some 223 students this fall are enrolled through Minot State University programs at Minot Air Force Base.

First day enrollment at Dakota College at Bottineau was reported at about 771 total students.

Final enrollment numbers won’t be available until the fourth week of classes.

– Andrea Johnson

Briefly

Vargas changes plea to guilty

Nelson Fabian Miranda Vargas changed his plea to guilty Tuesday. He admitted to luring a minor a 15-year-old Minot boy by computer or other electronic means, a Class A misdemeanor, in May.

North Central District Judge Todd Cresap sentenced Vargas to a two-year deferred imposition of sentence, with two years of supervised probation. He also must pay $575 in fines and fees and register as a sex offender for at least 15 years.

According to court records, Vargas, who was 20 at the time, made contact with the 15-year-old boy on Grindr, a dating app used by gays, on May 2. The two arranged to meet in Minot’s Roosevelt Park Zoo for a sexual encounter. The boy told Vargas he was a minor, but lied and said he was actually 16. The boy’s parents brought him to the police station to report the crime on May 2 and a police officer later spotted Vargas’s car at the park and arrested him.

In court on Tuesday, Vargas apologized to the victim’s family, to the state of North Dakota, and to the military for his behavior. He promised that nothing like this will ever happen again.

Cresap decided state law required him to order Vargas to register as a sex offender. While the statute does allow the judge to defer from the requirement to register under some circumstances, Cresap said they don’t apply in Vargas’s case. He said “luring a minor by computer” is predatory and there is too great an age difference between Vargas and the boy.

The crime is a misdemeanor under state law because Vargas was under age 21 at the time and the boy was over 15.

Andrea Johnson

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Williston State has high enrollment

WILLISTON Opening day enrollment numbers were up at Williston State College.

The headcount on opening day Monday was 862, up from 626 in the fall of 2014.

The number of scheduled credit hours and full-time equivalent students were also up, according to the college.

Enrollment numbers won’t become official until after the third week of classes.

Andrea Johnson

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Leeds to receive federal funds

LEEDS The city of Leeds will receive federal funding for water improvements, North Dakota’s congressional delegation announced this week.

The funds will be used for sanitary sewer improvements in Leeds. It includes $910,500 in grants a grant of $335,000 and a $575,500 Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant in addition to a $1.08 million loan to support the project.

The federal funds come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.

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Jury says Dailey is not guilty

Kihley Blaine Dailey, 23, of Minot was found not guilty of rape by a jury on Wednesday.

Dailey was charged with Class AA felony gross sexual imposition, a charge which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole. He was accused of forcibly raping an 18-year-old woman in Minot last year.

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Tribal Access Program launched

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched the initial phase of its Tribal Access Program for National Crime Information to allow tribes to access national crime information databases for criminal and civil purpose, according to the office of Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D.

TAP will help tribes analyze their needs for national crime information and assist them in finding appropriate solutions, including a state-of-the-art biometric/biographic computer workstation that can process finger and palm prints, take mugshots and submit records to national databases, as well as enable them to access Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) systems through the DOJ.

Previously, various regulations and statutes weakened the ability of tribes to fully participate in national criminal justice information sharing through state networks, according to Hoeven. TAP removes the red tape and creates a partnership between tribal agencies and national crime information databases, which will free the flow of information and strengthen safety in tribal communities.

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Weak economic growth seen for 10 states’ rural areas

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – A new survey suggests that the economic outlook for 10 Midwest and Plains states is weaker than in previous months.

The Rural Mainstreet Index sank to growth neutral 50.0 in August from 53.4 in July. The survey indexes range from 0 to 100. Any score below 50 suggests decline in that factor in the months ahead. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says the weaker business conditions for agriculture and energy businesses accounted for the downtown.

The confidence index, which reflects expectations for the economy six months out, slumped to 42.0 from 46.6 last month.

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Rugby man dies in car-combine collision

RUGBY A 56-year-old Rugby man died in a car-combine collision 2 miles west of Rugby Saturday night.

According to a news release, Gary Degenstein, driving a 1996 Mercury sedan, was going north on 27th Avenue NE when he failed to observe a southbound combine driven by Mark Ostrem. Degenstein collided head-on with the combine’s header, causing fatal injury. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor, the news release said. The accident happened at 9:20 p.m.

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department and several other law enforcement agencies, and Rugby Ambulance and Fire Department responded to the accident.

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Rolette receives federal funding for water and sewer

The city of Rolette has received $929,000 in federal funds and a $1.2 million loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program.

The money will be used to support water and sewer line improvements and to help build a new well for the city, according to the office of Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D.

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Citation in Minot for underage tobacco sales

Minot Gas LLC at 330-20th Ave. SW was cited for selling tobacco to a minor during a compliance check of local tobacco retailers on Tuesday, according to a press release from the Minot Police Department.

The business is facing its second violation within a 12-month period, which could result in it losing its tobacco license for a week. The violation of selling tobacco to a minor also carries a $50 bond for the clerk, according to the police department.

According to the city ordinance, a first offense carries a $100 penalty for the business; the second offense within a year means the business’s tobacco license is suspended for a week. A third violation would mean the business’s tobacco license would be suspended for 30 days and a fourth violation would mean its tobacco license is suspended for one year.

The 32 other businesses that were checked on Tuesday passed the test by refusing to sell tobacco to a minor.

Sgt. Margie Zietz said this was a good overall result. The police department recruits minors to attempt to purchase tobacco during the compliance checks, she said.

Andrea Johnson

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Senators want ban lifted on oil exports

Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp say they are in favor of the U.S. Department of Commerce lifting the ban on U.S. oil exports to Mexico. This would end the 40-year-old ban on the export of crude oil.

“The Administration has acted on our request and approved an exchange of crude oil with Mexico, which is a step in the right direction as we work to end the ban on U.S. oil exports,” said Hoeven. “We continue working to lift the crude oil export ban because it will create good-paying jobs for our citizens, enhance domestic production and help grow our economy. Additionally, oil exports will help to increase the global supply of crude, which will lower the price of gasoline and other fuels and put more money in consumers’ pockets.”

Heitkamp said loosening the antiquated ban on U.S. oil exports is a major victory “for those who, like herself, wonder why this country is hurting itself by not letting U.S. oil into the global marketplace.”

“After calling for oil swaps with Mexico earlier this year, it’s encouraging the Administration has responded with action,” Heitkamp said. She said oil is the only commodity in North Dakota that faces these sorts of export restrictions, and it’s past time for that change.

Pipeline hearing set for Stanley

STANLEY The North Dakota Public Service Commission will hold a public hearing in the Mountrail County South Complex Building at 8103-61st St. NW in Stanley at 9 a.m. Friday regarding a proposal for a crude oil pipeline in McKenzie and Mountrail Counties.

Sacagawea Pipeline Company, LLC (a joint venture between Paradigm Pipeline, LLC and Grey Wolf Midstream, LLC) has submitted an application to construct and operate a new 70-mile long, 16-inch diameter crude oil pipeline and associated facilities. The Sacagawea Pipeline will have a maximum capacity of $20,000 barrels per day with a normal throughput of 140,000 barrels per day. Estimated cost of the project is $100 million.

The pipeline would originate at Paradigm Midstream Service’s Keen Crude Oil Terminal located approximately 2.5 miles south of Keene and would end at the Phillips 66 Partners Palermo Rail Terminal Facility located west of Palermo.

The hearing provides an opportunity for members of the public to contribute to the PSC’s official record. Any comments from members of the public must be received at the hearing and under oath to be part of the record People with concerns, questions or support for the project are encouraged to attend the hearing and present their information. Information received after the hearing will not be part of the official record and cannot be used as a basis for the commission’s decision unless certain additional procedures are followed.

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Second round of mosquito spraying

The City of Minot, in conjunction with the Minot Air Force Base and the Ohio Air National Guard, will conduct the second round of aerial spraying for mosquito control next week.

The spraying is scheduled to take place Tuesday in the evening hours. A C-130, a large military aircraft, will make several low altitude passes over the city.

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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Walker pretrial rescheduled

A pretrial conference has been rescheduled for Oct. 22 at 1:15 p.m. for Shadwick Walker, 37, Stanley, in North Central District Court before Judge Todd Cresap.

Walker is charged with two counts of gross sexual imposition, both Class AA felonies, and one count of corruption of a minor, a Class C felony.

According to court documents, he is accused of having sex with a girl in Stanley when she was between the ages of 14 and 16. The first two alleged incidents occurred in 2012, when the girl was 14 and Walker was 33 and 34, and the third incident allegedly occurred in May 2014, when the girl was 16 and Walker was 36.

Charges were filed against Walker in February 2015.

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Forecast predicts bigger N.D. wheat crops this year

FARGO (AP) – The latest estimates from the federal Agriculture Department predict a bigger spring wheat and durum crop in North Dakota this year.

Spring wheat production is forecast at 298 million bushels, up 2 percent from 2014. Durum wheat production is pegged at 38.5 million bushels, up 36 percent from last year.

Winter wheat is forecast to be down 56 percent, but it’s not a major crop in North Dakota at 12 million bushels.

Production of soybeans and alfalfa hay also is expected to be down in the state. But production increases are forecast for barley, oats, corn, dry beans and sugar beets.

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Testing expanded at drone test site

GRAND FORKS, (AP) – The Federal Aviation Administration has approved an expansion of unmanned aircraft system testing in North Dakota.

Officials with the Northern Plains UAS Test Site and the FAA say night testing of drones will now be allowed. The entire state also is now available for testing at altitudes higher than 200 feet.

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Man wounded by gunshot

Minot Police say they responded to a call of a shooting at an apartment in the 2800 block of Sixth Street Southwest at 9:50 p.m. Sunday.

According to police, a 50-year-old male was transported to Trinity Hospital with a gunshot wound.

The incident was reported as accidental but police are continuing to investigate.

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Roosevelt Park pool closed until further notice

Roosevelt Park pool in Minot will be closed until further notice due to a mechanical issue. Minot Park staff is working to correct the problem as soon as possible.

The kiddie pool will be open from 1 to 7 p.m. while the main pool and slide remain closed. Updates will be provided to the public as soon as more information on reopening the pool is available.

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Watford City man injured in motorcycle crash

WATFORD CITY A Watford City man was transported by air medical transportation to Trinity Hospital in Minot following a Monday morning accident on U.S. Highway 85, approximately 10 miles south of Watford City.

The 59 year old was traveling south on a 2010 Harley-Davidson motorcycle when he lost control while attempting to negotiate a curve, entered the ditch and rolled. The driver and lone occupant was not wearing a helmet. The accident occurred at 8:45 p.m. Monday.

The identity of the man and the extent of his injuries were not included in the North Dakota Highway Patrol report. The Highway Patrol and McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

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Tribe receives grant for law enforcement

The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa will receive a $11,770 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance to aid in law enforcement efforts.

The grant will enable the tribe to buy portable breath and drug kits to ensure community safety and address drinking and driving and illegal drugs on the Turtle Mountain Reservation.

The funding comes through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, according to North Dakota Sens. John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp. JAG allows states and units of local government, including tribes, to support a wide range of activities to control and prevent crime based on state and local needs. Cass County also is receiving $57,346 for crime prevention and law enforcement communication equipment at the Fargo Police Department.

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Nichols pleads not guilty to GSI

Leighton Anthony Nichols pleaded not guilty Thursday to two separate counts of gross sexual imposition, both Class A felonies.

He is accused of having inappropriate sexual relationships with two different teenage girls last fall. At the time of one of the encounters, Nichols was 19 and the girl in question was 14.

A pretrial conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. Oct. 14 before Judge Richard Hagar in North Central District Court.

Andrea Johnson

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Police announce promotions

The Minot Police Department announces the following promotions:

Lt. Justin Sundheim will be promoted to the rank of captain. He will be the administrative commander. This position is responsible for coordinating all of the department’s training, hiring and recruitment.

Sgt. Shawn Wegner will be promoted to lieutenant and assigned as the afternoon shift commander in the patrol division. He will supervise a patrol shift of two sergeants and 14 police officers.

Senior Officer Steve Schoenrock will be promoted to the rank of sergeant and assigned to the night shift in the patrol division. He will assist the night shift commander with supervising 14 police officers.

There will be a promotion ceremony today at 3 p.m. in the police department training room in City Hall.

The promotions are effective Monday.

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Woman in I-94 crash identified

VALLEY CITY (AP) – The Highway Patrol has identified a Gackle woman who died when a pickup truck towing a camper went out of control on Interstate 94 west of Valley City.

Sixy-one-year-old Cynthia Elhard was driving the truck, which rolled with the camper in the median late Tuesday morning. She died at the scene.

A 49-year-old female passenger was treated at a Valley City hospital and released.

The truck and camper were destroyed in the crash.

Briefly

Nichols pleads not guilty to GSI

Leighton Anthony Nichols pleaded not guilty Thursday to two separate counts of gross sexual imposition, both Class A felonies.

He is accused of having inappropriate sexual relationships with two different teenage girls last fall. At the time of one of the encounters, Nichols was 19 and the girl in question was 14.

A pretrial conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. Oct. 14 before Judge Richard Hagar in North Central District Court.

Andrea Johnson

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Police announce promotions

The Minot Police Department announces the following promotions:

Lt. Justin Sundheim will be promoted to the rank of captain. He will be the administrative commander. This position is responsible for coordinating all of the department’s training, hiring and recruitment.

Sgt. Shawn Wegner will be promoted to lieutenant and assigned as the afternoon shift commander in the patrol division. He will supervise a patrol shift of two sergeants and 14 police officers.

Senior Officer Steve Schoenrock will be promoted to the rank of sergeant and assigned to the night shift in the patrol division. He will assist the night shift commander with supervising 14 police officers.

There will be a promotion ceremony today at 3 p.m. in the police department training room in City Hall.

The promotions are effective Monday.

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Woman in I-94 crash identified

VALLEY CITY (AP) – The Highway Patrol has identified a Gackle woman who died when a pickup truck towing a camper went out of control on Interstate 94 west of Valley City.

Sixy-one-year-old Cynthia Elhard was driving the truck, which rolled with the camper in the median late Tuesday morning. She died at the scene.

A 49-year-old female passenger was treated at a Valley City hospital and released.

The truck and camper were destroyed in the crash.

Briefly

Nichols pleads not guilty to GSI

Leighton Anthony Nichols pleaded not guilty Thursday to two separate counts of gross sexual imposition, both Class A felonies.

He is accused of having inappropriate sexual relationships with two different teenage girls last fall. At the time of one of the encounters, Nichols was 19 and the girl in question was 14.

A pretrial conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. Oct. 14 before Judge Richard Hagar in North Central District Court.

Andrea Johnson

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Police announce promotions

The Minot Police Department announces the following promotions:

Lt. Justin Sundheim will be promoted to the rank of captain. He will be the administrative commander. This position is responsible for coordinating all of the department’s training, hiring and recruitment.

Sgt. Shawn Wegner will be promoted to lieutenant and assigned as the afternoon shift commander in the patrol division. He will supervise a patrol shift of two sergeants and 14 police officers.

Senior Officer Steve Schoenrock will be promoted to the rank of sergeant and assigned to the night shift in the patrol division. He will assist the night shift commander with supervising 14 police officers.

There will be a promotion ceremony today at 3 p.m. in the police department training room in City Hall.

The promotions are effective Monday.

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Woman in I-94 crash identified

VALLEY CITY (AP) – The Highway Patrol has identified a Gackle woman who died when a pickup truck towing a camper went out of control on Interstate 94 west of Valley City.

Sixy-one-year-old Cynthia Elhard was driving the truck, which rolled with the camper in the median late Tuesday morning. She died at the scene.

A 49-year-old female passenger was treated at a Valley City hospital and released.

The truck and camper were destroyed in the crash.

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2 area airports receive more federal funds

More than $1 million in federal funding was awarded to the Garrison and Tioga airports for updates and developments, Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp announced Wednesday.

The funds, authorized by the U.S. Department of Transportation, are as follows:

– Garrison Municipal Airport-$567,302. The funds will be used to rehabilitate the airport’s existing runway and minimize debris.

– Tioga Municipal Airport-$523,442. The funds will be used to construct a taxiway and apron.

The funds are in addition to funding announced July 31. The amounts announced at that time were: Garrison, $2.7 million; and Tioga, $5 million. Funding for several other area airports was announced at that time.

Back to school immunizations

First District Health Unit reminds parents that it’s time to update their children’s immunizations before they head back to school.

School aged children are required to receive certain disease fighting vaccinations. Most children entering kindergarten will need two shots. Each shot is a combination of two vaccines. These vaccines include MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), chickenpox, polio, and dTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis). Children can receive these immunizations once they turn 4.

Three vaccinations are recommended for children entering seventh grade. They are required to receive the Tdap (adult tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and MCV4 (meningococcal) and are highly encouraged to receive the HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine. The HPV vaccine is recommended for both girls and boys starting at age 11 to prevent HPV-related cancers later in life.

Some college students may also be required to receive a booster of MCV4 (meningococcal). This booster, which is recommended for adolescents age 16 and older, prevents some types of meningitis. There have been recent outbreaks of meningitis on college campuses throughout the country.

Vaccines play a vital part in protecting the health of our children and community and helping safeguard people from potentially fatal diseases. Call today to schedule an appointment with your physician or call First District Health Unit at 852-1376.

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Proposals being sought for Ag in the Classroom programs

BISMARCK (AP) – North Dakota’s Agriculture Department and the state Agriculture in the Classroom Council are seeking proposals for Ag in the Classroom programs.

State Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring says Ag in the Classroom helps young people learn about where their food comes from and how to make better food choices.

Ag in the Classroom includes curriculum materials for teachers, training seminars, a magazine, a website and other tools.

Goehring says about $105,000 is available for programs in the current two-year budget cycle. The deadline to apply for grants is 4 p.m. Central time on Aug. 17.

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Man accused of threatening partiers in Watford City

WATFORD CITY (AP) – A Texas man is accused of using a vehicle and a gun to threaten people at a party in the North Dakota oil patch town of Watford City.

Authorities allege 43-year-old Waylon Palmore, of Kirbyville, Texas, pointed his pickup at a group of partiers across the street from his mobile home early Sunday and revved the engine.

When one of the partiers blocked his truck with another vehicle, Palmore alleged pointed a handgun at the group.

Palmore faces a felony terrorizing charge with a maximum sentence of five years. Court documents don’t list an attorney for him. A listed telephone number couldn’t be found for him in Watford City, and listings in Texas are disconnected.

Palmore could enter a plea at a Sept. 10 hearing.

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City of Minot lawn watering notice

The city of Minot is asking residents to abide by the voluntary guidelines for watering lawns which state: Residents with even-numbered homes water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Residents with odd-numbered homes water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. All residents may water on Sundays. This is a part of the city of Minot Water Management Plan Policy adopted by city council.

Assistant Public Works Director Jason Sorenson says that this tends to happen in dry summer months. “Our average production at the water treatment plant is about 6 million gallons per day. During the summer as people use more water for lawns and other activities, that number goes up to around 9 million gallons per day, but over the past couple of weeks, we’ve jumped up to 12 to 13 million gallons per day.”

Although the guidelines above are voluntary, the Public Works director has the authority to issue a ban on lawn watering if the situation worsens.

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United Way has new location

Souris Valley United Way moved locations and is now located at 1941-4th St. SW.

The organization celebrated the move with a ribbon cutting and open house Wednesday. Souris Valley United Way mobilizes “people, organizations and resources in an impactful effort to advance education, financial stability and health while addressing basic human needs.”

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PSC hearing set for ethane pipeline

BISMARCK The North Dakota Public Service Commission will hold a public hearing Aug. 13 in Williston on a proposal for an ethane pipeline in Divide and Williams counties.

Vantage Pipeline US has submitted an application to construct and operate a new 47-mile long, 8-inch diameter ethane pipeline and associated facilities. The West Spur Lateral Pipeline will have a maximum capacity of 30,000 barrels per day and will transport liquid ethane, a component of natural gas. Estimated cost of the project is $85 million.

The pipeline will start at the Stateline II Gas Processing Plant, owned by ONEOK Partners, near Williston and end with a connection to the existing Vantage ethane pipeline system near Stady. The Vantage pipeline supplies ethane to petrochemical facilities in Alberta, where it is converted into ethylene. Ethylene is the building block for a wide range of consumer and industrial products such as plastics, antifreeze, rubber, detergents and solvents.

The hearing begins at 9 a.m. in the Ernie French Center, NDSU Williston Research Center.

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Police officers in accident near Minot

Two Fort Berthold tribal officers were slightly injured in a two-car accident on Friday, five miles south of Minot.

According to the N.D. Highway Patrol, David Heinze, 53, Minot, was driving a 2011 Ford Ranger south on U.S. Highway 83. As he slowed to enter a median crossover, Officer Jeremiah Nelson, 37, the driver of a 2012 patrol car, crested the hill just behind Heinze. Nelson attempted to avoid striking Heinze’s vehicle, but was unable to do so. The patrol car struck Heinze’s vehicle on its passenger side, causing it to roll and come to its left side in the median. After impact, the patrol car also went off the road and came to rest in the median.

Nelson and his passenger, Andres Martinez, 35, Mandaree, were both slightly injured. Heinze was not injured.

All three men were wearing seat belts. Airbags deployed in the patrol vehicle.

The accident happened at 12:30 p.m. Friday.

A Highway Patrol officer said Friday that Nelson would be cited for care required.

Andrea Johnson

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Blue Cross Blue Shield of N.D. cutting 73 positions

FARGO (AP) – Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota is eliminating 73 positions due to the loss of the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System contract.

Fifteen of the positions involve layoffs. The remaining 58 are open positions that aren’t being filled.

Blues President and CEO Tim Huckle says the company also will shave $4.7 million from annual vendor contracts and an additional $2.7 million in printing expenses, building costs and consulting fees.

He says the cost-saving measures are an “unavoidable necessity.”

Sanford Health Plan began providing coverage for the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System on July 1, after out-bidding Blue Cross Blue Shield, which had provided coverage to the group for nearly four decades.

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Minot State senior defensive end Thomas Bryson was named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference’s North Division preseason defensive player of the year, league officials announced Wednesday.

“He’s an accomplished player and has had a good offseason,” MSU coach Tyler Hughes said. “I believe in Thomas, and look forward to what he can do going forward.”

Bryson was named to the All-NSIC North Division first team and the NCAA Super Region 3 third team as a junior last season. He finished second in the league in sacks (10.5) and sixth in tackles for a loss (16.5), and was third on the Beavers with 68 total tackles.

Bryson is the first MSU football player to be honored on the preseason teams since the university became a member of the Northern Sun. He is joined by Minnesota Duluth’s Drew Bauer (North offensive player of the year), University of Sioux Falls’ Luke Papilion (South offensive player of the year) and Minnesota State-Mankato’s Josh Gordon (South Defensive Player of the Year).

Along with Bryson, MSU senior wide receiver Porter Sturm was picked as a 2015 NSIC player to watch. Sturm finished last season with 27 receptions for 392 yards, good for third on the team in both categories. He caught three touchdown passes to run his career total to 11 in three seasons.

Minot State was picked seventh overall in the North Division by the NSIC coaches, and was selected as 15th overall. Minnesota Duluth was selected as the North’s favorite, while Minnesota State edged out Sioux Falls for first in the South Division. Minnesota State was also the No. 1 overall selection in the league, while Duluth and Sioux Falls were 2 and 3, respectively.

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Kasey Kahne to visit Minot for World of Outlaws

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Donny Schatz won’t be the only high-profile driver present at Nodak Speedway on Aug. 23.

NASCAR standout and World of Outlaws team owner Kasey Kahne will also be in attendance for the Gerdau Magic City Showdown, presented by Schatz Crossroads Truck Stop. Kahne owns the No. 9 car of Daryn Pittman – the 2013 World of Outlaws champion – as well as the No. 49 of Brad Sweet.

Kahne will host an invitation-only meet and greet at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds’ Carousel Pub – located under the grandstands – at 4 p.m. on race day.

To be invited, fans must purchase tickets by Aug. 19. Those with advance tickets will then have their names entered into a random drawing, from which 250 fans will be selected and subsequently notified via email or phone. Tickets can be purchased online at slspromotions.ticketforce.com, or by calling SLS Promotions at (815) 844-2023.

The Gerdau Magic City Showdown marks the ninth consecutive year the World of Outlaws have visited Nodak Speedway. Schatz was won each of the past three years.

The pit gate is scheduled to open at 2 p.m., with grandstands opening at 4. Hot laps will begin at 6:30, and racing is set to begin an hour later.

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Last-chance registration for fall youth soccer

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Interested in signing your child up for fall soccer? It isn’t too late.

Despite an initial registragion deadline of Aug. 1, the Minot Soccer Association is offering one final on-site registration opportunity from 5-7:30 p.m. this Monday at Optimist Soccer Complex. Cost is $65.

The season spans between late August and early October, and all teams are guaranteed 10 games.

For more information, call 833-5878, or email recsoccerminot@gmail.com.

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

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Parshall airport receives federal funds

PARSHALL The Parshall-Hankins Municipal Airport has been awarded more than $63,031 in federal funds, according to North Dakota Sens. John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp.

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the grant to construct a 4,800-square-foot hangar.

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Heitkamp finishes tour honoring Vietnam veterans

Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., concluded her series of 15 speeches on the Senate floor over the course of six months to honor the lives and sacrifice of North Dakota servicemembers who gave their lives during the Vietnam War.

Heitkamp has shared the stories of more than 160 North Dakotans who did not return home from the Vietnam War.

“Our servicemembers put their lives on the line each and every day to protect our nation’s freedom and safety,” said Heitkamp. “We owe much to the brave North Dakotans who put our country above themselves during the Vietnam War. We also owe it to the families who forever carry invisible scars to continue to honor the sacrifices and commitments these men made. Over the past six months, it has been an honor to speak about the courage and lives of those who died during the Vietnam War on the Senate floor, and I’ll continue to make sure that the legacies of these brave North Dakotans live on.”

During her speech, Heitkamp honored the following North Dakotans who were lost in the Vietnam War:

– William Potter, Grand Forks

– Herbert Lapp, Hebron

– Roger Alberts, Fort Totten

– Mitchel Hansey, Scranton

– Michael Wolf Jr., Beulah

– Randolph Marthe, Esmond

– Thomas Senne, Valley City

-Cleo Levang, Forman

– David Nesset, Fargo

– David Johnson, West Fargo

– Jon Robbins, Dickinson

Heitkamp began her series of speeches in March to honor servicemembers from North Dakota who lost their lives in the Vietnam conflict as this country marks the 50th anniversary of the war.

To view Heitkamp’s webpage dedicated to honoring North Dakota’s KIA and MIA Vietnam servicemembers including video of her speeches on the Senate floor, visit: www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=honoring-north-dakota-s-vietnam-veterans. A copy of a poster recognizing these fallen men can also be found on the webpage.

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Bishop Ryan’s wrestling team promoted from within to fill its vacant head coaching position.

Taking over for Chase Lee, Minot State and Ryan alumni Steve Lipp will assume charge of the Bishop Ryan wrestling program, school officials announced Tuesday. Lee has stepped down from the same position, as he’s assumed a new role as the school’s principal.

Lipp’s tenure as head coach will begin this season.

“I’ve been with these kids for a long time now,” said Lipp, who has served as an assistant under Lee since 2012. “Coaching them the last three years with Chase, I’ve gotten to know them pretty well. I’m certainly excited, and I know the kids coming back are going to be excited about it. It’s a good opportunity for me, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Lipp is no stranger to wrestling success, both as a coach and a competitor.

A 1986 Ryan graduate, Lipp was a three-time Class A state place winner for the Lions, including two runner-up finishes. He then wrestled for Minot State, where he became a two-time NAIA All-American in his final two seasons with the Beavers. Lipp was a 2008 inductee into the Minot State Wrestling Hall of Fame.

“I think that my experience both as a collegiate wrestler and as a coach really gives me an advantage,” Lipp said. “I’ll be helping the kids with some different techniques, some different styles, but we’ll still certainly implement that agressive, tough-nosed style that we’ve used before.”

Lipp is currently the director of advancement at Ryan, and has been a youth wrestling coach for the Dakota Rattlers Club since 2004. He’s inheriting a Ryan program that has won three consecutive Region III dual championships.

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Tauros’ NAHL Showcase schedule announced

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The Minot Minotauros’ schedule is finalized.

North American Hockey League officials announced Monday the schedule for this season’s NAHL Showcase, hosted annually at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minn. The Tauros will take on three teams from the South Division – Wichita Falls, Amarillo and Corpus Christi – along with one team from the newly formed East Division: the Aston Rebels, an expansion program.

Minot is still buzzing from its best season in franchise history. The Tauros finished 2-2 at the Showcase last September en route to a program-best 37-17-6 record and a third consecutive NAHL postseason appearance. This year, they’ll play two of their games in prime-time slots, as they battle Wichita Falls at 7:15 p.m. on Sept. 23, and Aston at 7 p.m. the following night.

The NAHL Showcase is one of the premier junior hockey scouting events in the country, as more than 330 scouts are expected to attend, including several from NHL and NCAA programs. The four-day event led to a record 222 NCAA commitments in 2014, along with five NHL draft selections.

All 60 of Minot’s regular season games – including all four Showcase battles – will be broadcast on fasthockey.com.

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NDSU to play Illinois, Iowa State in men’s hoops

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FARGO, N.D. (AP) – Nonconference games at Illinois and Iowa State highlight the upcoming season schedule for the North Dakota State University men’s basketball team.

Bison head coach David Richman says the team’s schedule has “a little bit of everything,” with games against teams in two of the nation’s premier basketball conferences and also games against quality mid-major programs.

NDSU opens the season at defending Big West Conference regular season champion UC Davis on Nov.13. The Illinois game is Nov. 15 and the Iowa State game is Dec. 1.

The home opener at Scheels Arena is Nov. 18 against Valley City State.

NDSU last season made its third NCAA Tournament appearance in school history.

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Musberger to call NDSU-Montana season-opener

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MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) – Longtime sports broadcaster Brent Musburger, who grew up in Billings, will call the season-opening football game between Montana and four-time defending FCS champion North Dakota State in Missoula.

The FCS battle will be aired on ESPN starting at 1:30 p.m. on Aug.29 and marks the start of the football season as part of the network’s second annual FCS Kickoff.

First-year Montana football coach Bob Stitt said Musburger called him Monday to let him know that he and color commentator Jesse Palmer will call the game.

Musburger has called seven BCS National Championship games, including the last five.

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