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Plea entered by accused store robber

Christopher Ryan Olson, 20, Tower City, pleaded not guilty Thursday to robbing a convenience store in December.

Olson’s attorney, Tom Gunderson, waived a preliminary hearing for Olson.

According to an affidavit, Olson allegedly told the store clerk during the robbery that he would shoot her in the head if she didn’t open the register fast enough. Olson did not have a weapon on him when he was arrested and the state does not allege that a weapon was used during the offense. However, he is charged with a B felony because he allegedly acted like he had a firearm and threatened the clerk. He is also charged with refusing to halt, a Class B misdemeanor, and possession of marijuana paraphernalia, a Class B misdemeanor.

Olson was arrested Dec. 21, 2015, after a patrol officer spotted two men running from the Rebel 1 convenience store at 2625 North Broadway. According to a criminal affidavit, the men were wearing dark clothing and had ski masks covering their faces. One of the men was carrying a large amount of paper bills in his hands. The officer pursued the men on foot, but only caught one of them.

When the officer tackled him, Olson allegedly told him, “I’m on felony probation and now I am going back to the pen!” F–!” Olson was on probation for burglary when he was arrested.

According to the affidavit, Olson claimed he didn’t know the other man who was with him.

The robbery and other convenience store robberies that happened at about the same time were under investigation. No other arrests had been made in those cases.

A pretrial conference was set for 10 a.m. on April 6 before Judge Richard L. Hagar.

Olson continues to be held at the Ward County Jail.

Andrea Johnson

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Frantsvog declines another legislative term

Rep. Robert Frantsvog, R-Minot, announced Thursday that he will not seek re-election to the North Dakota House of Representatives from District 40.

“Serving the citizens of Minot and the surrounding community in the North Dakota Legislature has been a great honor and my pleasure since I was first elected in November 2008,” he said. “I want to thank my fellow legislators in Districts 3, 5, 38 and 40 for their support during my term of office. I enjoyed working with this great group of people as well as the dedicated legislative staff. I also want to thank the citizens for their continued support throughout the past eight years. I look forward to staying active in Minot and to see the continued progress in our great community.”

Frantsvog has served in four regular legislative sessions and one special session. Much of his service during those years had been on the transportation and industry, business and labor committees. Frantsvog did not participate in a portion of the 2015 session due to health concerns.

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Shepherd pleads not guilty to spitting at cop

Anthony Christopher Shepherd, 29, Minot, pleaded not guilty Thursday to spitting at a Minot police officer last August.

According to a criminal affidavit and testimony given by Patrol Officer Jay Haaland at a preliminary hearing, the officers responded to a bar fight at The Blue Rider Bar in Minot on Aug. 4. Shepherd and other people were standing outside the bar. Shepherd allegedly started yelling at the bartender and behaving aggressively and the officers handcuffed him and put him in the back of a patrol car. At that point, Shepherd allegedly spat at Patrol Officer Brandon Schmitt, hitting him on the chest. Haaland testified that he could smell alcohol on Shepherd’s breath and he appeared intoxicated. Defense attorney Ryan Sandberg asked Haaland whether Shepherd intentionally spit at the police officer. Haaland said Schmitt asked, “Did you just spit on me?” and Shepherd said he did.

Shepherd was charged with a Class C felony, which could send him to prison for up to five years if he is convicted.

Judge Richard Hagar found probable cause for the charges to go forward.

A pre-trial conference date has been set for 11 a.m. on April 6 in North Central District Court in Minot.

Andrea Johnson

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Hearing on Tesoro pipeline set for Watford City

WATFORD CITY The North Dakota Public Service Commission will hold a public hearing in Watford City on Feb. 11, regarding a proposal for a crude oil pipeline in McKenzie County.

Tesoro High Plains Pipeline Company, LLC, has submitted an application for a permit for the Targa Antelope Lateral Pipeline Project. The new 1.4-mile long, 12-inch diameter crude oil pipeline would enable Tesoro to more fully utilize its existing pipeline system, increase the storage and transportation capabilities of the system and provide increased flexibility in transporting Bakken production to Tesoro’s Mandan Refinery and other customer outlets. The maximum capacity of the pipeline would be 75,000 barrels per day, with a normal throughput of about 30,000 barrels per day. Estimated cost of the project is $8.9 million.

The pipeline would connect the Targa Resources surface site and associated facilities with Tesoro’s existing main trunk line, about one mile south of Tesoro’s Charlson Station.

The hearing begins at 11:30 a.m. in Teddy’s Residential Suites. An administrative law judge will conduct the hearing and related proceedings and issue a recommended findings of fact and conclusions of law and a recommended order. The public service commissioners will review all the information in the record and make the final decision on the case at a later date.

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Airman selected for high-level leadership award

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE Senior Master Sergeant Justin R. Deisch of the 705th Munitions Squad-ron at Minot Air Force Base, has been selected as the Air Force winner of the 2015 Lance P. Sijan United States Air Force Leadership award in the Senior Enlisted Category.

The award recognizes the accomplishments of officers and enlisted members who have demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership in the performance of their duties and the conduct of their lives.

Deisch is superintendent, Quality Assurance, with the 705th.

“I’m not surprised chief-select Justin Deisch won the USAF Lance P. Sijan Leadership award,” said Maj. Shane Lensgraf, commander of the 705th Munitions Squadron. “Justin consistently displays the leadership traits that make us the best Air Force in the world. Our troops are in great hands under his watchful eye and strong leadership.”

The Sijan award, first presented in 1981, was named in honor of the first U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to receive the Medal of Honor. Lance Sijan, as a captain, was shot down over Vietnam Nov. 9, 1967, and evaded capture for 45 days despite severe injuries. He later died while in a Vietnamese prisoner-of-war camp and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism.

Deisch will attend a presentation ceremony in the Pentagon at a later date.

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State aviators to be inducted into hall of fame

BISMARCK Two people who have had a significant impact on aviation in the state will be inducted into the North Dakota Hall of Fame at a ceremony March 8 in Bismarck. Fred Adams and Gary Ness will join 39 previous inductees.

Adams has served as a business pilot and federal pilot examiner. He has been instrumental with the National Business Aviation Association’s Certified Aviation Manager Program and the North Dakota Aviation Council.

A Navy aviator, Ness later served as executive director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission from 1986 to 2008. Throughout his career, he has been active in state and national aviation issues.

The inductions will take place during the Upper Midwest Aviation Symposium.

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War on Coal presentation during Ag Expo

Ward County Farm Bureau is sponsoring “The War on Coal” seminar at the KMOT Ag Expo Jan. 27 and 28 at 2 p.m. in the seminar room. The seminar will be held in the All Seasons Arena on the North Dakota State Fairgrounds.

“The lignite coal industry is important to our state,” said Chad Rubbelke, Ward County Farm Bureau vice president. “But the Environmental Protection Agency has issued its Clean Power Plan that will seriously hamper our industry. Ward County Farm Bureau is proud to have Bruce Carlson, Verendrye Electric Cooperative manager discussing the impacts and implications the EPA plan will have on our rural and urban communities.”

Rubbelke said 79 percent of North Dakota’s electrical generation comes from coal and the state has the cleanest power plants in the world. “Bruce’s knowledge and dedication to presenting the facts about this topic will give people the whole story behind the coal issue. It’s worth knowing,” Rubbelke said.

Rubbelke said representatives from Farm Bureau will also be on hand to answer questions about the organization’s position as well as its approach to solving the issue.

The event is free and open to the public.

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Corps seeks comments on proposed sewer extension

ST. PAUL, Minn. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is seeking public comments on Phase 6 of the proposed city of Minot Puppy Dog Sewer System Improvements environmental infrastructure project in Minot.

The city of Minot, with funding assistance from the Corps’ Environmental Infrastructure Assistance program, is proposing to construct about two miles of sewer main on the south side of the city. The project would be designed to extend the existing sanitary sewer system and provide service to an area where septic systems are failing.

An Environmental Assessment has been prepared describing the project and associated environmental effects. The report can be viewed and downloaded from the St. Paul District’s website at www.mvp.usace.army.mil by searching Minot sewer extension.

A public review and comment period on the draft environmental assessment begins Jan. 25 and ends Feb. 25. Questions and comments should be directed to Elliott Stefanik, Corps biologist, at 651-290-5260 or Elliott.L.Stefanik@usace.army.mil. Mailed correspondence should go to the St. Paul District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Attention: Regional Planning and Environment Division North, 180 Fifth St. E., Suite 700, St. Paul, MN, 55101-1678.

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Dalai Lama heads to U.S. for medical checkup

DHARAMSALA, India (AP) – The Dalai Lama is headed to the United States for a medical checkup, although the Tibetan Buddhist leader said he has no specific health complaints.

The Dalai Lama told reporters he has been going to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., for regular health checkups for the past nine years.

In September, the Dalai Lama canceled a series of appearances in the United States on the advice of his U.S. doctors. The 80-year-old was told to rest for several weeks after a medical checkup.

The Tibetan Buddhist leader’s health is a matter of concern for his followers across the world, and especially for the hundreds of thousands of Tibetans who live in India.

The Dalai Lama said he is likely to return to his Indian headquarters in March.

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Members of Michigan diocese angered at priest’s arrival

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (AP) – Some parishioners in a Michigan Catholic diocese are concerned that a former Minnesota archbishop who left amid a clergy sex abuse scandal is helping out in a Battle Creek church.

The Kalamazoo Gazette reports that former Archbishop John Nienstedt is celebrating Masses at St. Philip while its pastor recovers from an illness.

Nienstedt resigned from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in June after charges were filed claiming the church failed to protect children.

Nienstedt has not been charged, and Kalamazoo diocese spokeswoman Victoria Cessna says the church has no knowledge of pending allegations against Nienstedt.

St. Philip parent Samantha Pearl says “the church is demonstrating that it is willing protect those who have hurt children.”

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Russians celebrate Epiphany by diving into freezing waters

MOSCOW (AP) – Thousands of Russians have taken a dip in icy waters to celebrate Epiphany, a major holiday in Orthodox Christianity marking the baptism of Jesus.

Water blessed by a priest on the Epiphany week in Orthodox tradition is considered holy and pure, and bathing in it is believed by some to have healing powers.

In Moscow, authorities set up 60 official bathing sites for believers for the ceremony, from open air pools to holes cut in ponds. Temperatures in Moscow were 14 degrees Fahrenheit overnight.

Russia’s defense ministry organized Epiphany celebrations for troops serving at Russia’s military base in Syria by putting up an inflated rubber pool.

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Meeting set for Surrey highway improvements

SURREY A public input meeting to discuss proposed improvements to westbound U.S. Highway 2 at Surrey will be held Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Surrey City Hall.

The proposed improvements are for the westbound BNSF grade separation (overpass), located on Highway 2 at mile marker 154.989. The project consists of replacing the existing structure and the partial re-grading of the approach roadways. Traffic will be maintained through the use of median crossovers and two-way traffic on the eastbound roadway.

Representatives from the N.D. Department of Transportation will be on hand to answer questions and discuss concerns.

Those who are unable to attend the meeting can send written statements or comments by mail by Feb. 12, to Stephen Wirtz, Bridge Division, NDDOT, 608 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505 or swirtz@nd.gov with “Public Input Meeting” in the e-mail subject heading.

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Williston man dies in 2-vehicle accident

WILLISTON A 43-year-old Williston man died Wednesday in a two-vehicle crash on N.D. Highway 1804 near Williston.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol said Robert Schieno died at the scene, 15 miles southwest of Williston.

Schieno, driving a 2004 Buick Regal, was going southwest on Highway 1804, and a 2006 Peterbilt, driven by James Wingert, 56, Minot, was traveling northeast in the same area. Schieno’s car entered Wingert’s lane of travel. Wingert attempted to avoid the collision and drove the truck into the ditch. Schieno’s car struck the side of the truck. Wingert was not injured.

Schieno was not wearing a seatbelt, the Patrol said. Wingert was wearing a seatbelt.

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Midwest, Plains bankers had dire view of rural economy

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – A survey shows some bankers had a dire view of the rural economy in their 10 Western and Plains states.

A report released Thursday says January’s Rural Mainstreet Index plunged to 34.8 from 41.5 in December. It’s the lowest overall index figure since August 2009. Survey officials say any score below 50 on any of the survey’s indexes suggests that factor will decline.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the monthly survey of rural bankers and says it’s the fifth straight month for a decline. He again blames lower prices for agriculture and energy commodities and downturns in manufacturing.

The farmland and ranchland price index dropped to 23.9 in January from December’s 28.8.

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The Minot Story Hour: Putting on a Valentine’s Day party

The Minot Story Hour is a live community storytelling event that focuses on the real stories of people here in Minot. On Saturday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. at the Minot Public Library, the Minot Story Hour will be hosting another storytelling event, “Love Actually: Stories of Real Love and ‘It’s Complicated.'”

During this event, folks from the Minot community who have volunteered to share their stories will step up to the microphone and, in 10 minutes or less, share a real story from their own lives that relates to the “Love Actually” theme. As in past events, these stories will prove to be heartwarming, heartbreaking and, at times, laugh-out-loud funny.

“What I love about this event is that we have a whole night dedicated to stories of love. Real love. These stories will be complicated and risky and touching and challenging. They will mess with people’s Valentine’s Day plans… but in a good way,” said Travis Gerjets, who, along with Emily Nesdahl, makes up the volunteer team that coordinates MSH events.

“We will have a diverse cast of storytellers all sharing from their real lives,” Gerjets added. “There will be live music and good food and warm drinks. There will be a safe place for us to listen to each other and grow together as a community. And I guarantee you will laugh out loud at least once. What better way to spend a Saturday on Valentine’s Day weekend?”

The Minot Story Hour is still looking for volunteer storytellers for this event. If you would like to be a storyteller, please submit your story idea to theminotstoryhour@gmail.com.

More information about the event can be found on Facebook.com/theminot storyhour.

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Farmland assessments continue to rise

Assessed values for farmland in Ward County continue to rise.

The Ward County Commission Tuesday approved new assessed values for 2016 that raise the county farmland average from $538 an acre to $570 an acre.

The 2016 state-certified average value for an acre of farmland is about $605 in Ward County. That places the county’s 2015 assessed values outside the tolerance allowed under state law. The state this year is allowing a 10 percent tolerance.

County Tax Director Ryan Kamrowski recommended a 6 percent increase to bring the county average to $570, or about 94.3 percent of the state’s certified value.

The Agribusiness and Applied Economics Department at North Dakota State University calculated the statewide average value per acre at $829 for cropland, $144 for noncropland and $615 for farmland in general. In Ward County, the value per acre of cropland averaged $745 and noncropland $146.

Jill Schramm

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Charges stack up against Barnes

Joseph Recardo Barnes Jr., 36, is facing a third Class A misdemeanor charge of violating a protection order that forbids him from contacting his ex-wife

According to a criminal affidavit, Barnes allegedly called his ex-wife from the Ward County Jail 27 times between Dec. 30 and Jan. 5. He was previously charged with two misdemeanor counts of violating the protection order by allegedly calling his ex-wife more than 200 times from the jail between Nov. 18 and Dec. 22.

Barnes is charged with aggravated assault, a Class C felony, for allegedly shooting his estranged wife through the arm and side on Nov. 8 at a southeast Minot apartment. The couple’s three children, two sons ages 12 and 11 and a 10-year-old daughter, were in the residence at the time of the shooting, according to court documents. Barnes’ wife was treated at Trinity Hospital following the incident and reportedly identified Barnes as the shooter. Barnes allegedly fled the scene and police arrested him about a week later following a traffic stop. Some Minot schools were on a heightened security status following the shooting.

During one of the calls, according to the criminal affidavit, Barnes and his wife discussed whether the state’s attorney’s office or the police are listening to their calls. Barnes’ wife tells him they are not supposed to be talking and Barnes replies, “(expletive) them. I don’t care what they say.” The couple also reportedly discussed his wife’s testimony and the pending aggravated assault charges. In a call on Dec. 30, Barnes reportedly told his wife to keep writing letters to the court asking for the no contact order to be dropped. He called the system a joke and told his wife the judge, the state’s attorney and his own attorney were going to lunch together and are working against him. He allegedly told his wife that he would start calling her using other numbers.

Barnes claimed the shooting was accidental during a hearing last week on the earlier misdemeanor charges.

Andrea Johnson

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Spill contained near Williston

WILLISTON Equipment failure was the cause of a contained release of saltwater, oil and freshwater at a saltwater disposal well occurred about 14 miles east of Williston.

Whiting Oil and Gas Corporation reported Friday to the North Dakota Oil and Gas Division that 31,290 gallons of saltwater, 420 gallons of oil and 15 barrels of fresh water (melted snow) were released, contained and recovered at the P Hovde 8-20 SWD site. The equipment failure caused tanks to overflow.

A state inspector has been to the location, state officials said.

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Minot State’s men’s and women’s basketball teams highlight the first Noon Luncheon Series of the new year this Friday at Sevens Restaurant at the Vegas Motel.

MSU women’s basketball coach Sheila Green-Gerding and men’s basketball head coach Matt Murken are slated as this week’s keynote speakers. Student-athletes Alex Haley and Kanesha Woods will also represent the women’s team, while Nathan Mertens and Chris Davis will be the men’s featured student-athletes.

The Beavers respectively host Upper Iowa and Winona State on Friday and Saturday at the MSU Dome. Minot State welcomes the Peacocks on Friday for 6 and 8 p.m. tip offs, and followed by a doubleheader against the Warriors the following day at 4 and 6 p.m.

The Noon Luncheon Series begins promptly at noon, and will feature spaghetti with meat sauce, tossed salad and dressing, veggie salad, cheese and relish tray, garlic toast and a spice cake. The cost of the event, which is open to the public, is $10.

For more information, contact the Minot State Athletic Department at 858-3041.

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No. 2-ranked Magi roll Turtle Mountain

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BELCOURT – Any time you can escape Turtle Mountain Community High School with a victory, you’re pretty happy.

Minot High boys basketball coach Dean Winczewski said as much Tuesday night.

And that’s exactly what his No. 2-ranked Magicians did.

Led by four players in double figures, Minot rolled the Braves to the tune of a 99-53 victory. The Magicians jumpe ahead by nearly 40 points in the first half and never looked back.

“We did tremendous job sharing the ball,” Winczewski said. “We executed very well in the first half, and pretty much for the whole game, I thought. We got a little sloppy at times, but otherwise it was a very good performance.”

Senior post Braydon Lund led the way with yet another double-double, as he scored a game-high 17 points along with 13 rebounds. Junior point guard KyJuan Johnson also poured in 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting, while also dishing out a team-best eight assists.

Behind those two, Chandler Albertson and Seth Peterson also chipped in double-figure efforts with 12 and 11 points, respectively.

“I thought we were crisp offensively, and we did a very good job defensively,” Winczewski said. “We kind of went out and executed the way we needed to.”

DiAndre Booker added nine points off the bench for the Magicians, while Justin Engg, Jesse Roberts and Ben Bolinske all chipped in eight points apiece for the Magicians (9-1 overall, 6-1 West Region).

Turtle Mountain’s leading scorer also secured a double-double, Lyle Radar poured in 12 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. Seth Azure and Taven Azure also added respective point totals of 11 and 10 for the Braves.

“They’re a very well-coached team,” Winczewski said. “We were able to get the jump on them early, and then it turned into a situation where the basket got pretty big for us.”

Minot travels to Mandan for a 7:30 p.m. tilt on Friday, while the Braves (3-5, 2-5) welcome St. Mary’s on the same night and time.

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Minot tops Legacy 70-12

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BISMARCK – The Minot High wrestling team rolled to a 70-12 win over Bismarck Legacy on Tuesday night at Magic City campus.

“We challenged the guys to go out and wrestle aggressive and we went out and got after it,” Minot coach Justin Racine said.

Brody Armstrong (120), Matthew Leier (126), Devin Stein (138), Ethan Benham (145), Tyler Thompson (152), Matt Rabe (170), and Wyatt Willenbring (285) all recorded pins for the Magi.

Minot’s Kelby Armstrong won by major decision at 106 pounds.

“Our guys took control early and kept after it,” Racine said. “It was just a real solid night of wrestling for us.”

Minot hosts Bismarck on Thursday.

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Cramer to hold mobile office

WASHINGTON Congressman Kevin Cramer will be holding mobile office hours in Velva and Harvey on Thursday, Jan. 21.

For help regarding issues with the the Veterans Administration, Social Security benefits or disabilities, Medicare billing problems, immigration issues, military records or medals, or for assistance with any federal agency, constituents can stop by during mobile office hours.

The office will be open in Velva from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the school library.

The office will be open in Harvey from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the public library.

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Fire damages home in Velva

A small fire on Tuesday in an attic at a house in the 500 block of 1st Ave. West in Velva left its occupant homeless, said Velva Fire Chief Mike Heisler.

The Red Cross is assisting the man, according to a press release from the Red Cross office.

Heisler said no one was injured in the fire, though there was heavy damage. He declined to identify the occupant of the house.

Andrea Johnson

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Baesler seeking re-election

BISMARCK (AP) – Superintendent Kirsten Baesler says she will seek a second four-year term as North Dakota’s superintendent of public instruction.

Baesler on Tuesday said she will request a letter of support from delegates to the North Dakota Republican state convention, which is being held April 1-3 in Fargo.

Baesler says she’s running for re-election to continue progress on a number of education initiatives, including strengthening college preparation for high school seniors. Her initiative aims to reduce the number of North Dakota students who require remedial studies while in college and broaden availability for advanced high school coursework for students who are excelling.

She says she’s especially excited by the challenges offered by the new federal education law, which Congress approved in December. It allows state and local officials more control over education.

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Godfread announces bid for state insurance commissioner

BISMARCK (AP) – A lawyer and a state chamber of commerce vice president says he is running for North Dakota insurance commissioner.

Jon Godfread says he will make a formal announcement on Wednesday.

Godfread is a Republican. He is vying for the seat being vacated by Adam Hamm, who announced in December that he will not seek re-election in 2016. Democrats do not have a declared candidate for the position.

Godfread was born in Bismarck but grew up in Grand Forks. He has a law degree from the University of North Dakota.

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N.D. native among B-52 aircrew for Bison game flyover

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE A North Dakota native will be among the B-52 aircrew from Minot Air Force Base who will conduct a flyover for the ceremony today for the North Dakota State University Bison championship game in Frisco, Texas.

Maj. Ryan McGough, a Valley City native, is among the six crewmembers who will be aboard the plane when it makes the flyover. Lt. Col. Mike Brogan is aircraft commander.

The plane and crew are from Minot AFB’s 5th Bomb Wing’s 69th Bomb Squadron.

The game between the Bisons and Jacksonville State University is being played in Toyota Stadium beginning at 11 a.m.

Eloise Ogden

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Drug bust bags Minot man

A Minot man is facing multiple drug related charges after the Ward County Narcotics Task Force initiated a search warrant at his residence. Minot Police say Joseph Headrick, 25, 909 38th Street SE, was placed under arrest as a result of the search.

According to police, Headrick was charged with two felonies, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute within 1000 feet of a school and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Other misdemeanor charges were Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Destruction of Evidence.

Police say approximately $6,000 in U.S. currency was seized along with approximately seven ounces of methamphetamine with a street value of $14,000. Hedrick’s residence was searched this past Wednesday.

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Federal funds for tribes to combat diabetes

NEW TOWN North Dakota’s congressional delegation announced $620,774 in federal funding for diabetes treatment and prevention support has been awarded to the Three Affiliated Tribes on the Fort Berthold Reservation.

The funds are made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Indian Health Service.

Voters decide against larger school board

at DL-B

Voters in the Des Lacs-Burlington school district have decided against increasing the size of the school board from five to seven members.

The unofficial vote tally in Thursday’s special election was 198 votes against the measure and 59 votes in favor.

A group of citizens brought a petition to the board in November asking for an election to decide whether the number of board members should be increased. They said they wanted a larger board to improve representation.

Andrea Johnson

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Saltwater spill occurs near Williston

WILLISTON A saltwater spill resulting from a pipeline leak in the Williston area occurred Thursday, the North Dakota Department of Health reported.

The spill took place at a site operated by Meadowlark Midstream Company, LLC, located about 15 miles north of Williston.

Initial estimates indicate about 7,854 gallons of saltwater (brine) were released. At this time, it appears that no surface water has been impacted, Health Department officials said. Personnel from the Health Department responded to the incident. They will continue to monitor the investigation.

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North Dakota to get tribal input on CO2 reduction plan

BISMARCK (AP) – North Dakota’s Health Department plans to solicit input from American Indian tribes as it prepares a plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants.

State officials already have taken comments from hundreds of state residents, from students to environmental groups. The Health Department now plans to reach out to tribes and low-income groups.

President Barack Obama last August unveiled new federal rules designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. power plants. Under the new standards, North Dakota must cut its emission rate by almost 45 percent by 2030.

North Dakota is suing the Environmental Protection Agency, but in the meantime state health officials are working to develop an implementation plan for the new rules.

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Funds to provide housing for Native American vets in Dakotas

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – Two federal agencies are assisting 40 Native American veterans in the Dakotas with permanent homes.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are providing $190,000 to the Ogala Sioux Tribe on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota and $174,000 to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in Belcourt, North Dakota. The funds will help 20 veterans of each tribe who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

It’s part of $5.9 million in grants to 26 tribes across the country helping 500 Native American veterans.

HUD Secretary Julin Castro says by targeting resources directly to tribes, the agency can better honor the service and sacrifice of Native American veterans who need a roof over their heads.

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37 people in the running to be the next president of UND

GRAND FORKS (AP) – Thirty-seven people are in the running to be the next president of the University of North Dakota.

The North Dakota University System released the list of applicants Friday. Forty people applied and three later withdrew.

Most of the applicants are administrators at other schools around the U.S. There also are applicants who have worked or are currently working at schools in Canada, Kazakhstan, United Arab Emirates and India.

UND President Robert Kelley retires next week after nearly seven years at the school. Former North Dakota Gov. and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer will serve as interim president until Kelley’s successor is named.

A search committee will whittle the field of candidates to 2-4 finalists. The state Board of Higher Education will make the final decision on who gets the job.

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Romesha to attend State of the Union address

Medal of Honor recipient Army Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha of Minot will be the guest of Congressman Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., at the State of the Union address Tuesday in Washington D.C. Romesha will be part of the “We the People in the Balcony Program.”

Romesha moved to Minot after leaving the Army and serves as a member of Cramer’s Veterans’ Advisory Board.

“I am deeply honored Clint accepted my invitation to attend the State of the Union Address,” said Cramer. “He is a valued member of my veterans’ advisory board and helps inspire and support thousands of veterans in North Dakota and across the country with his commitment to speaking out on veterans’ health care and employment issues.”

Romesha earned the medal for actions on Oct. 3, 2009, at Combat Outpost Keating in Afghanistan. He also was inducted into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon where the names and memories of all service members who have earned the Medal of Honor have been enshrined.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., has invited Greg Tehven, Fargo, executive director and co-founder of Emerging Prairie, a digital media company, as his guest to the State of the Union address.

Eloise Ogden

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Powerball jackpot largest in history

The largest jackpot in history is now over three-quarters of a billion dollars, according to the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office. The draw for the $800 Million Powerball jackpot is Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 9:59 p.m. (CT). Tickets must be purchased by 8:58 p.m. (CT) on Saturday to be eligible to win. Both the annuity of $800 million and cash option of $496 million are U.S. lottery records.

“We are excited about this record-breaking jackpot,” said Randy Miller, director, in the press release. “We had a $100,000 Powerball with Power Play winner in December to end the year and we’re hoping to start the New Year with more big wins for North Dakota Lottery players.”

The previous record for the Powerball jackpot was $590 million in 2013. The Powerball jackpot starts at $40 million and grows until someone wins. Powerball tickets cost $2 per play and for just $1 more add Power Play to increase non-jackpot prizes (excluding the Match 5 prize). For more information on Powerball, visit LOTTERY.ND.GOV.

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No bond bench warrant issued for Lavallie

Judge Doug Mattson issued a no bond bench warrant Thursday morning for Sheena Lavallie, 28, Minot, who failed to show up for a scheduled preliminary hearing in North Central District Court.

According to Minot police, Lavallie, 28, was charged Nov. 29 after officers noticed a vehicle circling through the parking lot of the Minot Police Department. Police found that the vehicle had a license plate that did not match the vehicle’s registration and that the vehicle had been stolen. They also found meth. Lavallie is charged with theft of property, a Class C felony, and possession of methamphetamine, also a Class C felony.

Lavallie bonded out of the Ward County Jail on Dec. 16, paying 10 percent of a $5,000 bond, or $500. Mattson also ordered that the $500 bond be forfeited.

During a hearing on Thursday, defense attorney Marquis Bradshaw told Mattson that he has not heard from Lavallie in over a week.

At a bond hearing on Dec. 15, Lavallie had claimed that she was having difficulty getting bond because of the record of another woman who shares her first, middle and last names, was born the same year and has children the same ages of her children. Judge Gary Lee then granted her a reduction in bond.

After a story about that bond hearing appeared in The Minot Daily News, another woman who said she is also called Sheena LaVallie, contacted the newspaper and claimed that the Sheena Lavallie charged with possession of stolen property and methamphetamine had lied. The second Sheena LaVallie, who said she now lives out of state, told The Minot Daily News that the first woman’s record has caused legal problems for her rather than the other way around.

The Ward County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Thursday they have mugshots on file for two different women named Sheena Lavallie.

Andrea Johnson

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Auditor/Treasurer’s office to close temporarily

The Ward County Auditor/Treasurer’s Office will be closed to the public this afternoon and Monday afternoon. The office will close at noon both days.

The closing is to allow staff the time to unpack in the office’s new location in the county administration building. Property owners can deposit tax payments in a drop box at the Courthouse secured entrance or stop by the auditor/treasurer’s office Friday or Monday morning or other weekdays during regular business hours.

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Southeast District Judge Tufte announces bid for high court

BISMARCK (AP) – Southeast District Court Judge Jerod Tufte has announced his candidacy for the North Dakota Supreme Court.

Tufte announced his bid on Thursday. He is the first person to declare candidacy for the high court seat being vacated by Justice Dale Sandstrom, who announced his retirement last month.

Gov. Jack Dalrymple appointed Tufte to the bench in 2014. Tufte was Dalrymple’s staff attorney for four years prior to that.

Tufte holds a law degree from Arizona State University. He has served as a state’s attorney in Kidder and Sheridan counties. He also is a member of the National Guard, has served as legal counsel to military commanders and served a tour of duty in Kosovo.

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Fertilizer plant housing approved in Mercer County

STANTON (AP) – The Mercer County Commission has given permission to owner of empty oil patch man camp units to bring them to a location between Hazen and Beulah to house workers building a urea fertilizer plant

One of the main topics of concern was the extent of boring that needs to be done be to ensure there are no hidden underground mine tunnels. The area is riddled with early 20th century underground mine works near where the state Public Service Commission has injected grout to stabilize the property.

Commissioners on Wednesday upheld the zoning board’s recommendation that the location be bored to the PSC’s recommendation. Zoning member Dwight Berger says the abandoned mine program manager recommends 50 bore holes as deep as 120 feet.

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Williston man pleads guilty to pushing woman down stairs

WILLISTON (AP) – A Williston man who police say seriously injured a woman by pushing her down a flight of stairs during an argument has pleaded guilty to aggravated assault.

Thirty-seven-year-old Joby Zimmerman was arrested last July after the incident that authorities say caused brain injuries to the woman, who spent several days on life support.

Zimmerman avoided a trial this week by reaching a plea deal with prosecutors. A sentencing date was not immediately scheduled. He faces up to 10 years in prison.

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North Dakota State University gets food safety grant

BISMARCK (AP) – The state’s congressional delegation says North Dakota State University is getting a $148,000 federal grant for food safety research.

The delegation says the money comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The money will be used by university researchers to improve methods of destroying salmonella in low-moisture foods that are vacuum steam pasteurized.

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Sheriff says theft of construction equipment a bit unusual

WAHPETON (AP) – Thieves made off with an estimated $25,000 worth of construction equipment from a shop in rural Richland County.

Sheriff Larry Leshovsky said the incident was reported Dec. 15. Thieves reportedly stole various pieces of equipment from a construction company at an undisclosed storage shed west of Kindred, along state Highway 46.

Leshovsky says authorities often see thefts from construction sites, but not from shops.

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New hearing set for Gerard

North Dakota Supreme Court site records show that a change of plea and sentencing hearing has been scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Feb. 10 in North Central District Court for Douglas Verne Gerard, 32, Minot, who is facing a Class C felony armed robbery charge. Gerard is also charged with prohibited possession of a firearm, a Class C felony.

Gerard is accused of attempting to rob three people at gunpoint at a Minot hotel on July 29, 2015. According to an affidavit filed with the court, Gerard, whom all three people knew, came into the room and spoke with one of the people. Then he came back with another man, later identified as William Alan Downey, 26, of Marseilles, Ill. The three victims told police that Gerard and Downey had long guns. Gerard allegedly pointed his gun at one of the women and yelled “hands.” Downey pointed his gun at the man in the group. Gerard allegedly had “zip ties” and told the three victims to put them on and restrain themselves with them, but they failed to cooperate. The three people told police that Gerard became angry and pumped his gun and a shell came out of the gun. The three people told police that Gerard said he would kill them. One member of the group was able to wrestle the gun away from Downey and struck him several times with the gun. One of the women was then able to run out of the room. After that happened, Gerard told Downey that they had to go and they got into a Ford Mustang convertible and fled. Police investigated and eventually located and arrested Gerard and Downey.

Downey was sentenced last month to a total of 20 years in prison for the robbery, with all but eight years suspended.

Andrea Johnson

City proposes retaining wall

A $1.3 million plan to replace riprap protecting a slope along Hillcrest Drive will come before the Minot City Council Monday.

Engineers have determined that erosion poses a risk if the rock slope protection along the northeast Minot street isn’t replaced. The proposal is to construct a retaining wall, consisting of a soldier pile wall with a concrete veneer. The wall would run along the south side of the street, across from seven homes.

The water and sewer utilities on Hillcrest Drive also are in need of attention, and the proposal suggests replacing them at a cost of about $500,000. The council’s Public Works and Safety Committee voted Wednesday to recommend the council approve the project.

The work would be done this summer. The city also is looking at replacing a retaining wall at City Hall. Plans for the project will be considered at a later date.

Jill Schramm

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Hearing set for Klock in Stanley court

A preliminary hearing has been set for 1:45 p.m. Jan. 28 in North Central District Court in Stanley for Terry Brady Klock, 26, of New Town.

Klock is accused of deliberately leaving toilet paper on a space heater to try to burn down a recreational vehicle trailer parked at a Parshall campground on Dec. 15.

According to an affidavit filed with the court, a Mountrail County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a domestic violence call on that date. A witness told the deputy that she witnessed a man and a woman yelling outside and saw the man get hit by a woman driving a car. The officer approached the RV where Klock resided, which had no door, and noticed there was toilet paper on a space heater that had started on fire. The officer entered the camper and removed the toilet paper. He interviewed Klock, who allegedly admitted trying to burn down the trailer.

Klock is charged with endangering by fire or explosion, a Class C felony. According to the affidavit, there were propane tanks near Klock’s camper and his alleged actions put his neighbors at risk.

Andrea Johnson

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Men receive probation for Reckles Endangerment

Two men were sentenced to probation Wednesday for allowing four children to ride in the back of a pickup truck while their families were traveling from Alabama to Idaho last August.

Gale Ferrel, 58, father of two of the children in the back of the pickup, and Jeremiah Parker, 34, father of the other two children in the back of the pickup, were both sentenced to one year in jail, with all time suspended, and three years of supervised probation. They were also ordered to comply with Mountrail County Social Services regarding the children. Amber Parker, 32, Jeremiah Parker’s wife, was also sentenced in December and received the same plea deal, with a one year suspended sentence and three years of supervised probation. All pleaded guilty to one count of Class C felony reckless endangerment. If they successfully complete probation, the charges will appear on each of their records as a misdemeanor.

According to the Ward County Sheriff’s Department and a criminal affidavit filed with the court, Amber Parker was the driver of the pickup that was stopped at 4:15 p.m. Aug. 20 near Berthold. Four children, ages 8, 8, 7 and 6 were found riding in the box of the pickup under a hard fiberglass cover. The deputy reportedly observed three of the kids trying to lift the cover. When the deputy asked one of the children why they had tried to move the cover, he told her, “We were all sweaty. We were just trying to get some air. We were scared.” The deputy wrote that all of the kids appeared sweaty and one of the kids told her it was so hot he couldn’t breathe. She noted that the children could have fallen out of the back of the pickup truck while it was in motion. It was 87 degrees outside.

The Parkers and Ferrel and three other children, ages 10, 2, and 1, were found riding in the cab of the pickup. Only the 1-year-old was in a car seat. The Parkers reportedly told authorities that they had no other way to transport the children where they were going without putting them in the back of the truck.

Court records now list Minot as Ferrel’s address and Stanley as Jeremiah Parker’s address.

Andrea Johnson

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Des Lacs sets special election

DES LACS Des Lacs city voters will go to the polls March 1 to decide whether to close a railroad crossing.

The Des Lacs City Council set the election date Monday in response to a petition from residents in November. Concerns about the frequency of train whistles and the poor visibility at the crossing prompted the petition. The city held a public meeting Dec. 7 at which it also heard objections to closing the crossing, according to Mayor Ryan Davy.

Closing the crossing largely would affect Main Street access for a number of residents living north of the tracks, although there is other access in and out of town.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad statistics show an average of 38 trains run through town on its tracks in a 24-hour period.

Jill Schramm

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Gerard to go to trial on robbery charge

Douglas Verne Gerard, 32, Minot, will go to trial on Class C felony armed robbery charges. Gerard’s attorney, Kyle Craig, told North Central District Court Judge Doug Mattson at a status hearing on Wednesday morning that Gerard plans to persist in a not guilty plea on the charges against him. Gerard is also charged with prohibited possession of a firearm, a Class C felony. No trial date was immediately set for Gerard.

Gerard is accused of attempting to rob three people at gunpoint at a Minot hotel on July 29, 2015. According to an affidavit filed with the court, Gerard, whom all three people knew, came into the room and spoke with one of the people. Then he came back with another man, later identified as William Alan Downey, 26, of Marseilles, Ill. The three victims told police that Gerard and Downey had long guns. Gerard allegedly pointed his gun at one of the women and yelled “hands.” Downey pointed his gun at the man in the group. Gerard allegedly had “zip ties” and told the three victims to put them on and restrain themselves with them, but they failed to cooperate. The three people told police that Gerard became angry and pumped his gun and a shell came out of the gun. The three people told police that Gerard said he would kill them. One member of the group was able to wrestle the gun away from Downey and struck him several times with the gun. One of the women was then able to run out of the room. After this happened, Gerard told Downey that they had to go and they got into a Ford Mustang convertible and fled. Police investigated and eventually located and arrested Gerard and Downey.

Downey was sentenced last month to a total of 20 years in prison for the robbery, with all but eight years suspended.

Andrea Johnson

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Federal housing support goes to veterans

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program has awarded two North Dakota reservations with a total $408,102 in federal funding to provide housing for Native American veterans.

The funds are being distributed to: Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, $173,942; and Standing Rock Housing Authority, $234,178.

The HUD program provides rental assistance for homeless veterans to find permanent housing.

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Minnesota man crashes into pillar

BURLINGTON A Pine City, Minn., man was injured when his vehicle struck a concrete pillar at the junction of U.S. Highway 2 and U.S. Highway 52 west of Burlington Monday.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol identified the man as Roger Teich, 53.

Teich was going west on Highway 2 at about 65 mph when the accident occurred. Teich told law enforcement officers he had fallen asleep. Teich, driving a 2013 Fort F-150 pickup, drifted into the right-hand ditch and struck the concrete pillar. He had to be extricated from the pickup and was taken by NorthStar Criticair helicopter to Trinity Hospital in Minot. Teich was wearing a seat belt. Charges are pending, according to the Highway Patrol. The crash remains under investigation.

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Woman faces child neglect charge

Amanda Lynn Uscanga, 24, Minot, is facing a Class C felony child neglect charge after authorities allegedly found three small children alone in a locked room in her trash-strewn apartment in November.

According to a criminal affidavit, the landlord of Uscanga’s downtown Minot apartment went to collect rent on Nov. 6 and found three children, including an infant and 1- and 2-year-old toddlers, locked in one of the bedrooms. Police who were called to the apartment reported that there were full trash bags blocking the door to the apartment and the sink and counter were overflowing with dirty dishes, partially eaten food and trash. The officer wrote that the children were also dirty and the two toddlers had dirty, matted hair. There was no clean clothing for the children. The baby boy’s diaper, clothing and bedding was saturated with urine, as was the 1-year-old girl’s diaper. A police officer could not find any milk or formula in the apartment. A 2-year-old boy led a police officer to the refrigerator and pointed to a nearly empty bag of cereal, which the officer gave to the two toddlers. All three children were taken into custody by Ward County Social Services, according to the affidavit.

According to the affidavit, Uscanga was absent and Leroy Kyles, the other renter of the apartment, had reportedly been in jail since the previous July. The officer wrote that he went to the apartment at 11:30 a.m. and was there for about an hour. He left a notice on the apartment door that the children had been removed by Social Services. According to the affidavit, Uscanga did not call Ward County Social Services to inquire about the children until 4 p.m. that day.

Uscanga made an initial appearance in North Central District Court on Tuesday.

A Class C felony charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Court records show that Boyce Properties filed a motion to evict Uscanga on Nov. 9.

Andrea Johnson

Briefly

Minot man arrested for assault

A Minot man was arrested by Minot Police Saturday in connection with the assault of a female and discharging a firearm at her during the altercation.

Phillip S. Maxwell, 33, was charged with aggravated assault domestic violence, reckless endangerment and terrorizing. He was taken to the Ward County Jail.

According to a news release, officers were called at 3:41 p.m. to investigate an incident that occurred Friday at a residence in the 800 block of Hiawatha Street. Officers met with the female victim and the investigation led to Maxwell’s arrest. He was arrested without incident during a traffic stop in southeast Minot.

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Voters to decide size of DL-B school board

Voters in the Des Lacs-Burlington school district will go to the polls Thursday to determine whether the size of the school board should increase from five members to seven members.

Polling hours will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. School district residents can vote either at the Des Lacs-Burlington High School or the Burlington-Des Lacs Elementary.

The election was scheduled after a group of concerned parents presented the school board in November with a petition asking for a special election to be held on whether to increase the size of the board.

Members of the Community Improvement Network told The Minot Daily News in November that increasing the size of the board would allow for a greater number of viewpoints to be represented and for more board involvement in the community. They said the size of the school district has expanded, but the board has not. Sara Nett-Torgrimson, a community organizer and member of the Community Improvement Network, said residents new to the district have not felt as included as people who have lived there a long time. She also said there was low voter turnout at the last school board election that was held.

Andrea Johnson

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Maintenance work planned at intersection

The North Dakota Department of Transportation will have work done on the signal system at the intersection of U.S. Highway 2 and the U.S. Highway 83 west bypass southwest of Minot on Wednesday.

The work will take place from about 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be traffic control and a flagger present to assist traffic through the intersection. Motorists may experience delays during this time.

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