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New Year’s Day hike kicks off celebration

WASHBURN Knife River Indian Villages near Stanton will kick off the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary celebration in 2016 with a New Year’s Day hike.

On Jan. 1, a park ranger will join staff from North Dakota Parks & Recreation at Washburn’s Fort Mandan for a First Day Hike. The partnership event will get participants outdoors and give them an opportunity to enjoy public lands in new and unique ways.

Beginning at 3 p.m. from the Fort Mandan Visitor Center near Washburn, hikers will get a small taste of the Lewis and Clark expedition’s time in North Dakota, as their path winds through the scenic riverside forest to Fort Mandan where a warm fire will welcome them. Authentic period attire, including buffalo robes, hunting frocks, and blanket coats, will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis as an option to interested participants. A time for refreshments and conversation will bring the hike to a close.

“The coming year will be filled with exciting events, and we wanted to get started right away,” said Alisha Deegan, Knife River education specialist. “The chance to partner with a local state park and get people outside on the very first day of the new year was an opportunity too good to pass up.”

The Fort Mandan Visitor Center is located two and a half miles west of Washburn, along County Road 17. For more information contact Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site at 745-3300 or visit fortmandan.com.

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Bank contribution supports Minot apartment project

United Community Bank contributed $200,000 to the state’s Housing Incentive Fund in December to support the redevelopment of Park South Apartments in Minot.

“United Community Bank supports projects that benefit our community. We are proud to contribute to this renovation as it fills an important need in Minot,” said Randy Conway, president of United Community Bank.

The renovation of Park South will result in accessible and affordable apartments for households age 55 and older. Additional units will be reserved as workforce housing. The project’s management staff plans to offer social activities and health and nutrition services for the senior tenants.

Capitalized by contributions from state taxpayers, HIF provides developers of affordable rental housing with low-cost financing if they agree to set-aside units for essential service workers, main street employees, and fixed-income households.

United Community’s contribution supports a $2 million HIF conditional commitment NDHFA made to Park South in July. The total cost of redeveloping the property is estimated to be almost $7 million. Before the project can begin, Park South must secure an additional $850,000 in contributions.

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Heffta headed to trial in March

Analisa Heffta, 30, Grand Forks, will go to trial sometime in late March in North Central District Court on Class C felony charges of possession of stolen property and possession of a short-barrel weapon.

Heffta appeared in court for a pre-trial conference on Thursday and her attorney, Robert Martin, said she wants to go forward with a trial. Judge Gary Lee said the trial will likely be scheduled for the last week in March.

Police arrested Heffta and William Allan Downey, 26, from Marseilles, Ill., on Sept. 1 at a Minot motel. According to a criminal affidavit filed with the court, police found a sawed-off shotgun in the motel room. Previous news accounts say police had been called to the room at the Select Inn in Minot to investigate a report of drug activity. The shotgun was reportedly stolen.

Following the incident, Downey was charged with theft of property, possession of a short-barrel weapon and prohibited possession of a firearm by a felon. Downey was sentenced this week to five years in prison, with all five years suspended, and three years of supervised probation for the charges in that case.

Andrea Johnson

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Cops investigate armed robbery

Minot police are investigating a reported armed robbery Wednesday night at the Simonson’s Station at 1310 South Broadway in Minot.

According to a press release, two men wearing gray jackets and black ski masks entered the store around 9:43 p.m., brandished a firearm and demanded money. An undisclosed amount of money was taken during the robbery. The men fled the area prior to the suspects’ arrival on the scene. Police do not know if the suspects left the area on foot or in a vehicle. Police arrived at the store at 9:48 p.m. Wednesday.

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Economy to stay weak in rural parts of 10 states

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Bankers expect economic activity to remain slow in rural parts of 10 Western and Plains states over the next few months.

The region’s economic index declined again in December to 41.5 from November’s 43.7. Any score below 50 on one of the survey’s indexes suggests that factor will decline.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the monthly survey of rural bankers released Thursday. He says the current low energy and crop prices are slowing the economy.

The strong U.S. dollar and a slower pace of manufacturing are also factors.

The bankers aren’t very optimistic. The confidence index remained in negative territory even though it improved slightly to 39.8 in December from November’s 38.9.

Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

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Minot State’s wrestling team will be the featured team at this week’s Noon Luncheon Series, as the Beavers prepare for their final home dual of the calendar year.

The Noon Luncheon series is held each week during home contests, and provides a behind-the-scenes look into Minot State athletics. Coaches and players are featured guests, and will answer questions and provide insight into wins, losses and the weekend’s action.

MSU wrestling will take on Minnesota State-Mankato tonight, as the Beavers and Mavericks clash on the mat at 6 at the MSU Dome.

Minot State first-year coach Evan Forde will be today’s keynote speaker, and is expected to bring his freshmen and redshirt wrestlers as featured guests.

While wrestling will be the main event, the undercard will feature MSU men’s and women’s basketball, as both teams are set to travel for respective matchups at the University of Mary. Game times are set for 6 and 8 p.m. at the McDowell Activity Center, with the women’s teams scheduled to tip off first.

MSU women’s coach Sheila Green Gerding and men’s coach Matt Murken will serve as featured speakers, along with student-athletes Morgan Hunter and Shyla Carr representing the women’s team and Winston Williams and Tyler Rudolph representing the men’s program.

Lunch will again be served this week by Sevens Restaurant at the Vegas Motel. Today’s platter includes Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet peas and onions, salads and dinner rolls, and the mysterious “Tiger” brownie.

Beginning prompty at noon, the cost of today’s event is $10 and is open to the public.

For more information, contact the Minot State athletic department at 858-3041.

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Magicians top St. Mary’s 54-20

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BISMARCK – Minot High’s wrestling team pinned its way to a West Region victory Tuesday against St. Mary’s.

In a dual beginning at 145 pounds, the Magicians opened an immediate 30-point lead on the back of five pinfall victories en route to a 54-20 win over the Saints.

Minot eventually secured seven pins, which produced 42 points. It’s other 12 points came by way of forfeits at 126 and 132 pounds.

Four of the Magicians’ pins were recorded in the first period, with Brody Armstrong’s 53-second pin of Noah Zander at 120 pounds being the quickest of the bunch. Devin Stein and Ethan Benham also combined for a pair of first-period pins at 145 and 152 pounds, respectively, to begin the dual.

After falling behind 30-0, the Saints then enjoyed their best spell of the dual. With two major decisions at 195 and 220 pounds, St. Mary’s won two more matches at 106 and 113 to shrink its deficit to 20 points.

The Magicians are now 2-1 on the year in region play, and welcome Stanley for its final dual of the calender year Tuesday at Magic City Campus.

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Minot tops Jamestown in swim dual

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JAMESTOWN – The Minot High boys swim and dive team rolled to a 112-74 dual victory over Jamestown Thursday evening in Jamestown.

The Magi got a win from Luke Kobes in the 50-meter freestyle, winning in a time of 24.50 seconds.

Also winning for Minot was Taylor Miller, who claimed first in the 100 freestyle at 55.37.

Minot’s Jordan Hamilton finished first in the 100 backstroke at 1:01, while teammate Easton Evanoff was second at 1:02.

The Magi also got a win in the 200 individual medley as Ben Opozda finished with a time of 2:15.

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

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Two men arrested, face burglary charges

Andrew Peterson, 25, Fargo, and Joseph Lindsey, 27, from Garrison are facing burglary charges following a burglary near Ryder on Wednesday morning.

According to a press release, many buildings and a home were entered at 191 St. SW in Ryder. Approximately $2,300 worth of hand tools and miscellaneous hunting equipment was stolen.

At about 5 p.m. on Wednesday, the Minot Police Department received a call that someone was selling items out of the back of a pickup truck at a business located on South Broadway. Deputies responded and identified items in the truck from the farmstead burglary. After they completed their investigation and obtained search warrants, Peterson and Lindsey were arrested and taken to the Ward County Jail.

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Poitra charged with vehicle theft, burglary

Kavyn Kelly Poitra, 19, Minot has been charged with stealing a motor vehicle, burglary, using fictitious plates and driving under suspension.

According to a press release issued by the Minot Police Department, they received a tip Monday night that a stolen vehicle was parked in the 700 block of South Broadway. When they arrived, police spotted the vehicle and stopped it as it was being driven away. Poitra was the driver of the vehicle.

Police say that the vehicle was stolen from Roughneck Motors on Dec. 1.

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Penitentiary locked down after fight between inmates

BISMARCK (AP) – State officials say the North Dakota State Penitentiary was placed on lockdown Wednesday evening following a fight between two inmates.

North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation public information officer Michelle Linster said that the facility was locked down immediately after an inmate assaulted another inmate just after 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Linster says the victim sustained non-life threatening injuries and the incident is under investigation.

She did not release the inmates’ names.

The lockdown is keeping prisoners in their cells and suspending visitation.

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Three charged after death of 19-year-old

Three Minot people are facing charges following the death of Aidin Vanderhoef, 19, on July 4.

According to a press release issued by the Ward County Sheriff’s Department, Vanderhoef was found dead at a Minot residence. Vanderhoef was from Minot but did not live at the place where he was found. Authorities say they also found items at the home that would indicate unlawful narcotics possession and use. As a result of the investigation, Aaron Bruce, 21, Minot, has been charged with unlawful manufacture/delivery and possession with intent to deliver heroin; manslaughter; tampering in a criminal investigation and theft of property along with ingestion of a controlled substance. Tyler Desilets, 18, has been charged with hindering law enforcement and ingestion of a controlled substance. Jacob Lagge, 21, has been charged with hindering law enforcement and ingestion of a controlled substance.

All defendants in this case have been arrested and at the time of this release are incarcerated at the Ward County Jail waiting appearances in court.

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Break-in reported at mobile home park

At 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Ward County deputies were called to 5110 Highway 2 East, B row, of Holiday Park for a report of a subject trying to break into a residence.

During the attempt an altercation between subjects followed and a shot was fired from a handgun.

Suspects identified in this incident were located a short time later in the 700 block of 19th Ave. SE in Minot. As a result of this investigation, the following people have been charged:

Kyle Desjarlais, 23, Minot, charged with conspiracy to commit burglary, a Class B felony.

Michael Desjarlais, 33, Minot, charged with burglary, a Class B felony, and reckless endangerment, a Class C felony.

Both men were taken to the Ward County Jail pending their appearance in Ward County Court.

No injuries were reported as a result of the gun shot.

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Railroad rep to be in Minot Jan. 20

A representative of the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board will be in Minot Jan. 20.

People who wish to make appointments to file an application or obtain information should contact: Railroad Retirement Board District Office, US Post Office Bldg., Room 312, 657 Second Ave. N., Fargo, ND 58102-4727, or by calling 1-877-772-5772. People will need to provide their name, address, Social Security number of the railroad employee and a daytime telephone number.

The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board is a federal agency that administers Railroad Retirement and Railroad Unemployment Insurance Acts.

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Sanderson sentenced for indecent exposure

Daniel Ewell Sanderson, 24, Minot, was sentenced to probation Wednesday for exposing himself to a young girl in a private residence in Minot on Dec. 26, 2014.

North Central District Court Judge Todd Cresap sentenced Sanderson to a year in the county jail, with all but two days suspended, and also gave him two years supervised probation. Sanderson must undergo a sex offender evaluation and register as a sex offender. He is also forbidden from having contact with the victim.

The Class A misdemeanor crime was reported to police in January.

Andrea Johnson

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Corps takes comment on oil pipeline

OMAHA, Neb. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is taking public comment on an environmental assessment prepared to evaluate potential environmental impacts from construction and operation of a crude oil pipeline across private lands encumbered by federal flowage easements and federal land managed by the Corps.

Comments must be postmarked or received by Jan. 8.

A copy of the draft environmental assessment for Dakota Access Pipeline can be found online in the digital library at www.nwo.usace.army.mil.

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Man accused of dealing heroin sentenced to prison

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A Minneapolis man convicted of selling heroin in the North Dakota oil patch was sentenced Wednesday to seven years in prison, at least a decade less than the government wanted.

Vincent Dionne pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver heroin, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Seven other people are charged in the case.

Prosecutors say Dionne began dealing marijuana on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in early 2012 and then moved on to prescription pills and heroin when he saw the prevalence of opioid abuse in the region. He was arrested after a traffic stop in July 2013 near Underwood, in central North Dakota.

“Ultimately, the defendant simply sold what the drug market demanded,” the government said in its sentencing memorandum, which called for a sentence between 17 and 22 years in prison.

Defense attorney Charles Sheeley said Dionne is a father of seven children who had been an influential member of his community until he got hooked on drugs

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Fire destroys Des Lacs farm shop

DES LACS A weekend fire destroyed a farm shop near Des Lacs, according to the Des Lacs Fire Department.

The department was called about 1:35 p.m. Saturday after workers at the Dan Herzig farm, about three miles north of Des Lacs, detected smoke coming from the building.

Fire chief Darrell Francis said the shop was destroyed, along with contents that included a loader tractor, two pickups and a variety of farm tools and other equipment. He said the building was largely consumed by the time firefighters arrived, due to the presence of vehicle fuel and tires that fed the flames. Firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading to nearby propane and fuel tanks.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Burlington and Minot Rural departments also responded.

Jill Schramm

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Burglary suspect faces multiple charges

Minot Police responded to a possible burglary in progress in northwest Minot at 12:29 a.m. Monday. Arrested upon arrival while leaving the scene was Raphael V. Cook II. Police say a search of the vehicle he was driving revealed several items of paraphernalia related to methamphetamine. Police say Cook also had marijuana and a large amount of methamphetamine on his person.

Cook was taken to Ward County Jail and held with no bond. Cook had a warrant for a parole violation through the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Additionally, he was charged with False Information to Law Enforcement, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver within 1,000 feet of a school, a Class AA felony; Possession of Methamphetamine Paraphernalia and possession of Marijuana less than one ounce.

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Parking structure set to open next week

A portion of a downtown parking structure will open Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.

City manager Lee Staab told the Minot City Council Monday that 35 spaces on the third level of the Renaissance structure will open to free parking. The area will be sealed off from construction that will be continuing on the structure, set to fully open in mid- to late January.

Entrance to the parking structure will be off Third Avenue Southeast.

Jill Schramm

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Four males armed with pistols rob

juveniles; police search for car

Minot Police are asking if anyone sees a gold in color Pontiac with a red or maroon bumper to contact the Minot Police Department immediately and notify them of the vehicle’s location.

On Friday at 10:36 p.m., officers responded to a report of several individuals who had been robbed at gunpoint in the area of The Point at 1501-1st St. NW. When officers arrived they found five juveniles who had been at The Point when they were approached by four males wearing bandannas over their faces and armed with pistols. The suspects ordered the juveniles to turn over their property and patted them down. The suspects then left the area in the gold-colored Pontiac.

Trooper posted outside

North Dakota

governor’s office

BISMARCK (AP) – The North Dakota Highway Patrol has posted a trooper outside the governor’s office at the state Capitol.

The patrol is in charge of Capitol security. The patrol says the positioning the trooper on Friday was not done in response to mass shootings elsewhere.

The trooper is assigned a desk in Memorial Hall, an expansive space that connects the House and Senate chambers and the offices of the governor and attorney general.

Visitors to the North Dakota Capitol are not searched or required to pass through metal detectors.

Highway Patrol officers and privately employed security personnel walk the Capitol’s corridors. An office for them is located on the Capitol’s first floor.

The building and grounds has a system of surveillance cameras, and some offices have alarms to summon immediate help.

Man sentenced

to 8 years in prison for dealing cocaine, meth

FARGO (AP) – A man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for dealing cocaine and methamphetamine in the Grafton area.

Jose Ramos pleaded guilty in September to two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. Authorities say the 40-year-old Ramos distributed at least 500 grams of cocaine.

U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson says Ramos has a history of unevaluated substance abuse and ordered a chemical dependency assessment.

Ramos must serve four years of supervised release when he gets out of prison.

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Cookies for airmen

People are reminded that the annual Minot Air Force Base Airmen Cookie Drive is in need of homebaked cookies. About 1,200 dozen cookies are needed. The cookies go to first-term airmen who live in the dormitories on base and may not be going home for the holidays.

Those who would like to contribute a few dozen homemade cookies can drop them off at the downtown drop-off site, the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce at 1020-20th Ave. SW from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7-10. The cookies will be packaged at Minot AFB and distributed to the airmen. For more information call the Chamber at 852-6000.

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Bill provides funds for repairs, upgrades to N.D. roads & bridges

The new five-year highway bill that Congress approved on Thursday will provide North Dakota with more than $1.3 billion and enable more than 100 North Dakota transportation projects to advance.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said the formula is favorable to North Dakota and increases annual highway funding for the state to $263 million, about $23 million a year more than it currently receives.

The bill also provides a total of $76 million over five years for transit projects in North Dakota.

“These investments will create new jobs, provide a sustained boost to our nation’s economy and help keep America and North Dakota competitive in the global marketplace,” said Hoeven.

The $1.3 billion over five years for North Dakota will make possible more than100 transportation projects across the state that were formerly at risk, and does so without raising taxes or increasing the deficit, Hoeven said.

“This long-term bipartisan bill makes needed investments to repair and expand North Dakota’s roads and bridges so families can get their kids to school safely and workers can securely travel to and do their jobs,” said Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D.

In 2013, 16.4 percent of bridge in North Dakota were structurally deficient, Heitkamp’s office reported. According to an NDSU-Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute study, 54 percent of roads in western North Dakota needed improvements like resurfacing, widening, reconstruction and other maintenance in 2015.

“This legislation provides state and local highway departments certainty as they design their long-range highway and mass transit plans. This certainty is especially important for cold-weather states like North Dakota with short construction seasons,” said Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D.

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Cookies for airmen

People are reminded that the annual Minot Air Force Base Airmen Cookie Drive is in need of homebaked cookies. About 1,200 dozen cookies are needed. The cookies go to first-term airmen who live in the dormitories on base and may not be going home for the holidays.

Those who would like to contribute a few dozen homemade cookies can drop them off at the downtown drop-off site, the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce at 1020-20th Ave. SW from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7-10. The cookies will be packaged at Minot AFB and distributed to the airmen. For more information call the Chamber at 852-6000.

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Bill provides funds for repairs, upgrades to N.D. roads & bridges

The new five-year highway bill that Congress approved on Thursday will provide North Dakota with more than $1.3 billion and enable more than 100 North Dakota transportation projects to advance.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said the formula is favorable to North Dakota and increases annual highway funding for the state to $263 million, about $23 million a year more than it currently receives.

The bill also provides a total of $76 million over five years for transit projects in North Dakota.

“These investments will create new jobs, provide a sustained boost to our nation’s economy and help keep America and North Dakota competitive in the global marketplace,” said Hoeven.

The $1.3 billion over five years for North Dakota will make possible more than100 transportation projects across the state that were formerly at risk, and does so without raising taxes or increasing the deficit, Hoeven said.

“This long-term bipartisan bill makes needed investments to repair and expand North Dakota’s roads and bridges so families can get their kids to school safely and workers can securely travel to and do their jobs,” said Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D.

In 2013, 16.4 percent of bridge in North Dakota were structurally deficient, Heitkamp’s office reported. According to an NDSU-Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute study, 54 percent of roads in western North Dakota needed improvements like resurfacing, widening, reconstruction and other maintenance in 2015.

“This legislation provides state and local highway departments certainty as they design their long-range highway and mass transit plans. This certainty is especially important for cold-weather states like North Dakota with short construction seasons,” said Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D.

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Retirement open house held for Jay Fisher

A retirement open house will be held Friday, Dec. 11, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the North Central Research Extension Center, south of Minot, for Jay Fisher, center director.

Fisher has given more than 37 years of service to North Dakota State University and to the state’s agriculture. He has served as an agronomist, Extension District director as well as center director. His community involvement includes being among those instrumental in the development of Minot’s Port of North Dakota intermodal facility.

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Ready to Run North Dakota Holds Training

In an effort to increase women’s representation in government, the North Dakota Women’s Network is hosting two trainings to encourage women’s political participation.

On Jan. 24, a workshop will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Bismarck Public Library. This smaller workshop will feature a session from Tessa Gould, campaign manager for Heidi Heitkamp, on launching a campaign, as well as a panel of elected women to provide real world experience and advice. Cost to attend is $20.

On Feb. 5 and 6, a full training will be held in Room of Nations in the Memorial Union on the North Dakota State University campus in Fargo. This two-day training will include sessions such as message training, media strategies and fundraising. Cost is $35, which includes lunch on Feb. 6.

These trainings are made possible with support from the Busch Foundation, FM Area Foundation’s Women’s Fund, Eileen Fischer and Karen Ryberg.

For more information on Ready to Run and to register, visit ndwomen.org.

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Minot man dies in Mandaree area traffic accident

MANDAREE The North Dakota Highway Patrol has identified the victim of a traffic accident that occurred Tuesday at the intersection of N.D. Highways 73 and 22, four miles northwest of Mandaree.

The Highway Patrol said Phillip Taggart, 36, Minot, died in the accident.

A passenger in Taggart’s vehicle, Ryan Jerke, 27, Delmont, S.D., was injured as well as the drivers of the two other vehicles, Lacey Eckert, 26, Durango, Colo., and Craig Bruyere, 55, Tyler, Texas. Those in the accident were taken to Trinity Hospital in Minot.

The Highway Patrol said Eckert, driving a 2012 Ford F-150, was going east on Highway 73. Taggart, driving a 2008 GMC Sierra, who was going north on Highway 22, slowed to turn west on Highway 73. Eckert, driving the Ford, neglected to stop at the stop sign at the intersection and struck the driver’s side doors of the GMC. The GMC spun counterclockwise and went into the east ditch, coming to rest southwest of the intersection about 50 feet into an adjacent pasture.

After impact, the Ford was struck by the Freightliner, driven by Bruyere, who was going south on Highway 22. The Ford spun counterclockwise and came to rest in the northbound turn lanes. The Freightliner overturned and came to rest on its top, blocking the northbound and turn lanes. The road was closed for a time.

Eckert was not wearing a seat belt. It was not known if Taggart and Jerke were wearing seat belts. Bruyere was wearing a seat belt, according to Highway Patrol information.

The Highway Patrol said the accident happened about 7 a.m. when it was still dark but the weather was clear. Road conditions also were good.

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MSU wrestling wins twice to start dual season

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Minot State’s wrestling team won two out of its three first duals of the 2015-16 season.

With a 28-16 win over Northwestern College, first-year coach Evan Forde started his career 1-0. In the next match up against McKendree – a Super Region 3 rival – the Beavers didn’t fair as well, falling 32-6. But they were able to end the day strong with a win in the final match to secure a 26-20 victory over Simon Fraser.

“We wrestled fairly well today,” Forde said in a press release. “It was great to pick up a couple of wins, but I think we realized that we have a lot to work on. The plan is to keep getting better every time we compete, starting tomorrow at the Battle of the Rockies.”

Senior 157-pounder Marcus Polak and sophomore 125-pounder Jason Huger both picked up multiple wins Friday. Polak won his first match with a 5-0 decision and final match by a 21-4 tech. fall after falling in his second match 8-3. Huger had a strong day earning two pins in less than 40 seconds. In his first match of the day he earned a win pinning his opponent in 24 seconds while in his last match he pinned his challenger in 35 seconds. Huger, himself was pinned after 1:37 in his second match.

“Jason was very agressive today,” Forde said. “He is talented and dangerous. It was good to see him pick up a couple of falls today.”

In the first dual of the day against Northwestern College the Beavers traded wins back and forth until the final two matches when Minot State was able to pick up 12 points due to forfeits. In the second match MSU earned just one victory over McKendree coming from a Tiger Paasch pin. Minot State once again traded matches in the final dual of the day against Simon Fraser. Going into the final heavyweight match the Beavers were trying to hang on to a three point lead. Senior heavyweight Mitchell Eull secured the victory for his team with a 6-0 win over his opponent.

Minot State will compete today in the Battle of the Rockies tournament, which begins at 9 a.m.

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Ramirez, Rebelo named to NSCAA all-region teams

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two Minot State soccer players were named to 2015 NSCAA NCAA Division II Women’s All-Central Region teams by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Junior forward Ninja Ramirez an offensive standout for Minot State in her debut season with the team, was named to the All-Central second team while senior defensmen Emilie Rebelo was named to the third team after a successful transition to the defensive end of the field.

Ramirez broke the single season record for the Beavers with 16 goals and 36 points. Rebelo, despite playing of the defensive side of the ball, scored four goals of her own and totaled 10 points.

The two players helped Minot State reach the NCAA tournament and secure the team’s first ever tournament win.

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MSU indoor track and field ranked 12th

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – Both Minot State men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams were ranked 12th in the preseason Northern Sun Intercollegiate coaches’ poll.

Minnesota State-Mankato topped the men’s rankings, receiving all but one of the first-place votes. The Mavericks also took both of the track and field spots for the men’s preseason athletes of the year. Mary earned the top spot on the women’s side with 10 first-place votes. Winona State thrower Kaitlyn Long and Mary distance runner Alexis Zeis were named the field and track preseason athletes of the year, respectively.

The Minot State men’s athletes to watch are junior 400-meter runner Tyler Bates and sophomore pole vaulter Kaleb Kirby. Last season Bates finished sixth in the 400m dash at the NSIC Indoor Championships with a time of 51.07. Kirby posted a season-high 4.45m jump at the Thundering Herd Classic last year.

The MSU women’s athletes to watch are senior hurdler DelRay Audet and senior thrower Brilee McWilliams. Audet ran a season-best 9.39-second 60m hurdle at the Thundering Herd Classic last season and earned NSIC all-academic team honors. Last year McWilliams placed 27th in the weight throw at the NSIC Indoor Championships.

Minot State will compete in its first event at the Super 8 Open in Bemidji, Minn. on January 16.

Miller gives

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Bison win over Arkansas State

JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) – Paul Miller scored 23 points, including the game-winning 3-pointer with 3.3 seconds left, and North Dakota State rallied to beat Arkansas State 74-73 Friday night.

A.J. Jacobson, who had the key play to set up Miller’s winner, stole the inbounds pass to seal the win.

The Bison (5-2) trailed 73-68 when Sean Gardner made two free throws for Arkansas State (2-6) with 58 seconds left. The Bison missed a shot, but Anthony Livingston missed a pair of free throws for the Red Wolves.

Carlin Dupree made the first of two free throws for the Bison with 41 seconds left but Dexter Werner grabbed the offensive rebound and scored the putback to make it 73-71 with 40 seconds to plays. With 12 seconds left Jacobson, who scored 18, drew an offensive foul on Livingston, setting up the winner.

Livingston finished with 29 points and 11 rebounds for Arkansas State and Gardner had 16 points.

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Cop-spitter pleads guilty

Chase Lee Albohm, 28, Jamestown, pleaded guilty Thursday to spitting at Renville County Sheriff Michael Hatfield last year.

The charge is a Class C felony. North Central District Court Judge Doug Mattson sentenced Albohm to a year in jail, with all the time suspended. He will be on supervised probation for two years.

According to a criminal affidavit filed with the court, the incident began on Oct. 21, 2014, when Renville County Sheriff Michael Hatfield responded to a house fire in Renville County. Witnesses at the scene told Hatfield that Albohm had been in the house before the fire started. Hatfield saw Albohm running from the house. Hatfield put Albohm under arrest for assaulting an EMS/Mohall Ambulance employee. Albohm passed out and fell down and was transported by ambulance to Trinity Hospital in Minot. Hatfield rode along in the ambulance and, while the ambulance was traveling in Ward County, Albohm spat at Hatfield twice. He missed the first time but, on the second occasion, spat and hit Hatfield’s ear.

Albohm has already pleaded guilty last April in Northeast District Court to simple assault on an emergency worker, a Class C felony, and received 18 months in prison with all 18 months suspended and two years of supervised probation.

In court on Thursday, Albohm told Mattson that he was drunk when he “regrettably spat at Sheriff Hatfield.” Albohm said he was seriously injured in a car accident in July 2014 and might also have reacted badly when Hatfield tackled him and his head hit the pavement. He should not have been drinking and taking medication at the same time, he said. Albohm said he underwent an evaluation and six weeks of inpatient treatment for alcohol use at a facility in Jamestown. He said he regularly attends Alcohol Anonymous meetings and has a sponsor. He had not been able to work for a year on doctor’s orders, but now has a job. Albohm told Mattson he has been doing “excellent” for the past year and Mattson agreed.

Andrea Johnson

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Bad tag, stolen car add up to arrest

Minot police arrested Leonard Bailey Jr., 46, Minot, Tuesday for possession of a stolen vehicle.

According to a press release, an officer ran a registration check on a vehicle and discovered that its plates belonged to another vehicle. He arrested Bailey, who was driving the vehicle, on a City of Minot warrant. Upon further investigation, officers discovered the vehicle being driven by Bailey had been reported stolen from Minot. Bailey was taken to the Ward County Jail.

The vehicle was recovered at 8:50 p.m. in the Golden Nugget Trailer Court in Minot.

Briefly

Roughneck Motors burglarized

early Tuesday

Roughneck Motors at 725 20th Ave. SE was reportedly burglarized early Tuesday morning. According to Minot police, forced entry was made into the business and multiple items were taken.

The incident remains under investigation by Minot police.

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Companies donate $300,000 toward governor’s residence

BISMARCK A committee charged with raising $1 million in private donations for a new North Dakota governor’s residence announced three major donations Wednesday.

Nodak Mutual Insurance, based in Fargo, and Sanford Health, based in Sioux Falls, S.D., will be donating $100,000 each to the project. First International Bank and Trust, headquartered in Watford City, and the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of North Dakota, based in Mandan, will each be contributing $50,000.

The cooperatives participating in the Touchstone Energy Cooperative gift include Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Great River Energy, Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc., and NISC.

The fundraising committee is charged with raising $1 million in private funds in addition to the $4 million appropriated by the Legislature. Half the necessary amount needs to be raised before construction can begin.

Committee co-chairman Jim Poolman said more than $20,000 has been contributed on-line through the Friends of the North Dakota Governor’s Residence website.

“I am very encouraged by this level of giving, and that why I am very confident we can make our initial goal of raising the initial monies necessary to start construction by the end of the year,” Poolman said.

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Man sentenced to 10 years on federal drug, weapons charges

BISMARCK (AP) – A North Dakota man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison on federal drug and weapons charges.

A jury in August found Randy Skarda, of Watford City, guilty of four counts, including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a drug user.

The government asked for a sentence in the range of 14 years, based on the quantity of drugs alleged and the possession of a weapon.

Skarda’s lawyer, Kevin Chapman, argued in court documents that the government inflated the amount of drugs traced to Skarda and said his client’s firearms were “legal to own in general.”

Chapman asked for a sentence of 10 months.

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