Local News

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Two arrested in stolen vehicle

Minot Police stopped a vehicle that failed to stop at a red light at 22nd Avenue and South Broadway Friday afternoon. It was quickly learned that the vehicle was stolen and that the occupants would face a variety of charges.

According to police, the vehicle contained a large amount of property that did not belong to the owner of the vehicle. Police were checking to see if the property in the vehicle matched any reported stolen in recent thefts.

Driver Jonathan Brisson, 31, Halliday, was arrested for driving under suspension, class B misdemeanor; possession of a dangerous weapon, class B misdemeanor; possession of marijuana paraphernalia, class B misdemeanor. Police were expected to serve a warrant to Brisson for possession of a stolen motor vehicle, class C felony; possession of a controlled substance methamphetamine, class C felony and possession of controlled substance Schedule IV, class C felony.

A passenger in the vehicle 21-year-old Kayle Hager, Williston, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia other than marijuana, class A misdemeanor; possession of marijuana, class B misdemeanor; ingestion of a controlled substance, class A misdemeanor, possession of a controlled substance methamphetamine, class C felony and possession of controlled substance schedule IV, class C felony.

Forced entry

into business

Minot police were dispatched Friday morning to Action Auto Wrecking, 1215 Valley St., for a burglary which occurred sometime during overnight Thursday.

Force was used to gain entry to the business. Police say they collected evidence at the scene but that it did not appear anything was taken from the business. An investigation is being conducted.

Fairgoers urged to buy tickets from State Fair

North Dakota State Fair ticket buyers should look out for inflated prices and invalid tickets from unauthorized ticket sellers.

“We have recently become aware of companies selling 2016 North Dakota State Fair tickets for much higher prices. We urge consumers to buy their tickets directly from us to ensure they get valid admissions, the best seats and the best prices,” said Renae Korslien, manager of the State Fair.

“Consumers should be skeptical of any tickets not sold through the North Dakota State Fair box office or the official North Dakota State Fair website. Some tickets purchased on other sites do not work when ticket holders try to enter the grandstand. We want to make sure everyone who wants to see the entertainment can do so,” Korslien said.

North Dakota State Fair tickets go on sale Tuesday.

Local News

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Attorney appeals disciplinary action

A North Dakota Supreme Court hearing has been set for March 7 for a Minot attorney who is challenging a disciplinary action.

Attorney Michael Ward filed an appeal of a hearing panel’s findings, conclusions and recommendation that he be suspended from the practice of law for four months and pay $11,804 for the costs of the disciplinary proceedings.

Supreme Court disciplinary counsel filed a petition for discipline against Ward in April 2014, alleging Ward violated the rules of professional conduct related to competence, diligence and communication while representing a client in connection with proceedings to challenge a will and a trust. Ward denied the allegations that any ethical misconduct occurred and requested the charges be dismissed. A hearing panel ruled Ward violated the rules of professional conduct related to competence and diligence, but found no clear and convincing evidence he violated the rule related to communication. The ruling was filed last December.

Ward argues the panel erred in its decision. His court filings state his client initially retained another attorney to represent her and that attorney filed an objection to the will, but not the trust. After the statute of limitations had run, Ward substituted as counsel but was not informed of the 120 day statute of limitations until months later.

Ward has been licensed in North Dakota since graduating from the University of North Dakota Law School in 1966.

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Williston police spending more time on drug investigations

WILLISTON (AP) – Violent crime dropped last year in Williston, but police in the western North Dakota oil patch hub spent many more hours investigating drug activity.

The police department’s 2015 annual report shows that rape, assaults and robberies all dropped in the city compared to 2014, the Williston Herald reported.

However, the detective division spent more than 1,100 hours on drug investigations, more than double the hours spent in 2014. The drug activity is connected to high rates of burglary and theft in Williston, authorities said.

“Criminal activity became more organized,” Lt. Detective David Peterson said. “Typically we weren’t dealing with one person committing a theft based on opportunity. We were dealing with multiple individuals working together to purposely go out and seek valuables, commit burglary, sell stolen property and transfer the proceeds for narcotics.”

Local News

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Affordable housing development assistance available

BISMARCK North Dakota Housing Finance Agency is currently accepting applications for development assistance through the state’s Housing Incentive Fund.

“NDHFA’s mission is to ensure that everyone in the state has access to housing they can afford,” said Jolene Kline, the agency’s executive director. “The Housing Incentive Fund has proven to be a powerful tool in addressing this need in communities statewide.”

HIF, a self-supporting state agency, supports the development of multifamily housing for essential service workers and low- and moderate-income households. About $9 million is available; $5 million is set aside for communities with populations less than 12,500. Rural community populations will be determined using 2010 U.S. Census data.

HIF program information can be found online at ndhousingincentivefund.org. To be considered for funding, applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. (CST) March 31. Contact NDHFA at 800-292-8621 or hfainfo@nd.gov for more information.

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Minot man arrested on drug charges

A Minot man has been charged with drug possession near a school following a traffic stop Wednesday, according to the Minot Police Department.

Adrian Dale Hagins, 32, is charged with possession of methamphetamine, with intent to deliver, within 1,000 feet of a school, which is a Class AA felony. He also is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class C felony. He faces misdemeanor charges of driving under suspension and fictitious registration. He was taken to the Ward County Jail.

The arrest occurred after a Minot police officer conducted a traffic stop for an expired registration as Hagins was driving in the area of Third Street and Fifth Avenue Northeast at 12:47 a.m. While waiting for the vehicle to pull over, the officer observed a bag being thrown from the vehicle, the police report stated. During the traffic stop, the bag was retrieved and found to contain a substantial amount of methamphetamine, along with items of drug paraphernalia. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to seizure of additional drug paraphernalia.

Editorials

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Meeting set to discuss Highway 1806 improvements

WATFORD CITY A public input meeting will be held today from 5-7 p.m. in the Civic Center Room at Watford City Hall, 213 2nd Street NE in Watford City to discuss proposed improvements to N.D. Highway 1806 in McKenzie County. There will be a formal presentation at 5:30 p.m.

The proposed road improvements will be from 31st Street NW to Junction 23B. Representatives from the North Dakota Department of Transportation and KLJ will be available to answer questions.

Those unable to attend can submit written statements or comments by March 11 to Gabe Schell, Kadrmas, Lee, & Jackson, PO Box 1157, Bismarck, ND 58502-1157 or email: gabe.schell@kljeng.com with “Public Input Meeting” in the e-mail subject heading.

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Retirement planning focus of AARP Lunch and Learn

AARP North Dakota is hosting a retirement planning lunch and learn from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Sleep Inn & Suites in Minot.

The information presented will focus on those retiring on a fixed income. There are many people on fixed incomes who rely on Social Security for the majority of their retirement income. The discussion will focus on budgeting and making informed decisions about Social Security.

The lunch and learn is not meant to be a replacement for investment, tax and legal advice, but as an educational session that gives soon-to-be retirees tools and resources to help them prepare financially for retirement.

The lunch and learn is free and open to all. Registration is required. To register, call toll-free 1-877-926-8300 or go online to www.aarp.org/nd.

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Brine spill occurs near Killdeer

KILLDEER North Dakota Department of Health officials report a 6,258-gallon brine spill occurred as a result of a pipeline release.

The spill happened at a well owned by Marathon Oil about six miles north of Killdeer in Dunn County. There is no evidence of the spill impacting wetlands at this time.

Health Department officials are working with the company on remediation plans.

Local News

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SBPC receives federal grant

Souris Basin Planning Council has been awarded $66,000 to support economic development in the Minot region, according to Sens. Heidi Heitkamp and John Hoeven.

The grants will be used to implement comprehensive economic development strategies that bring together the public and private sectors to strengthen and diversify the economy. The federal funds are made available through the Economic Development Administration, a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

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Famed novelist Harper Lee passes away

Harper Lee, novelist of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” has died in her home state of Alabama, but not before affecting generations of readers.

Janet Anderson, Minot Public Library director said she was saddened to hear the news.

“The novel has been required reading for decades” said Anderson, “which shows how important it is to our culture.”

“To Kill a Mockingbird” in addition to “Go Set a Watchman,” portraying Scout’s life as an adult, are checked out quite frequently and still have a waiting list at the Minot library. “Mockingbird’s” portrayal of small-town justice, and lack thereof, as microcosm of an America struggling to evolve has been a powerful influence on U.S. literature and generations of students who have read the book since it was published in 1960.

Anderson hopes Lee’s death gives others an opportunity to revisit this important piece of literature.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author was 89.

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Man serving life for slaying loses appeal

WILLISTON (AP) – The North Dakota Supreme Court has rejected the appeal of a man convicted of murder in the shooting death of a Williston-area hobby rancher.

Ryan Stensaker is serving life in prison with the possibility of parole in the spring 2013 death of 58-year-old Jack Sjol. Sjol’s body was found in a garbage dump with bullet wounds to his head, face and left arm.

Stensaker was convicted in December 2014 after a trial that failed to answer why Sjol was killed.

Stensaker appealed, arguing that the state’s case was based on circumstantial evidence and that prosecutors never presented a motive.

Supreme Court justices rejected those arguments. They also ordered a correction to a clerical error, saying the case improperly states Stensaker was convicted of murder conspiracy rather than murder.

Local News

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Railway crossing warning signals to be improved

Area railway crossing warning signals will be improved with more than $1 million in federal grant funding awarded to North Dakota, according to U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp and John Hoeven.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation will receive the grant funding to enhance railway crossing warning signals at locations including:

– 126th Avenue NW of Epping.

– 86th Avenue NW east of Ross.

– 79th Avenue NE Ramsey County CMC 3638 NW of Devils Lake.

The federal funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Railroad Safety Grants for the Safe Transportation of Energy Products by Rail Program.

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Area housing authorities receive federal funds

Minot and area housing authorities have been awarded grants from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., announced.

The funds are made available through HUD’s Capital Fund program, which supports management improvements as well as the development, financing and modernization of public housing.

Housing authorities receiving the grants include:

– Minot Housing Authority: $331,569.

– Housing Authority of the City of Williston: $129,094.

– Ramsey County Housing Authority: $83,190.

– Rolette County Housing Authority: $69,344.

_ Mercer County Housing Authority: $40,234.

– Towner County Housing Authority: $23,977.

– Benson County Housing Authority: $18,545.

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Williston State College sets enrollment record

WILLISTON (AP) – Williston State College has broken its spring enrollment record for the second straight year.

School officials say that 1,028 students have registered for classes, topping last year’s mark of 1,009 students. Full-time students are up 21 percent over spring 2015.

Officials attribute the gains to an early entry option for high school students and the Williston State College Foundation’s scholarship program for Williams County high school graduates. More than 600 students are enrolled through those two programs.

The school is also projecting higher enrollment for next fall, due in part to the economic downturn in oil country.

Local News

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Mom admits neglect, just wants to see kids

A 34-year-old Max woman pleaded guilty to Class C felony child neglect Wednesday in return for a plea deal that calls for a deferred imposition of sentence for 18 months and 18 months of supervised probation.

Karren Brita Hansen admitted that Ward County Social Services visited her home on Sept. 21, 2015 and found marijuana, drug paraphernalia and meth residue. Social workers also claimed the house was dirty.

Hansen told Judge Doug Mattson that she disputes some of the facts in the case. She said she had a padlock on her door and the kids could not have accessed the illegal materials. She also said there was no feces on the floor.

However, when Mattson inquired whether she wanted to go to trial, Hansen said no.

“No, your honor, I want to go home to my kids,” said Hansen.

She said the problems in her home have been corrected.

“Social Services has been to my house,” said Hansen. “It has made note that everything is up to their standards now.”

Her co-defendant, Preston Lesmann, 28, of Max, pleaded guilty Wednesday to possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor. He was sentenced to 60 days in the Ward County Jail with all that time suspended except for 11 days. Lesmann will also be required to be on probation for 11 months. The state dropped a Class C felony child neglect charge and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia against Lesmann.

Andrea Johnson

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Voters give thumbs-up, thumbs-down on bonds

WILLISTON Unofficial election results show that voters in New School District No. 8 have rejected a bond referendum while voters in the Divide County School District approved a bond issue.

Preliminary numbers in New School District show there were 259 votes against the bond issue and 153 for the bond issue. Two votes were spoiled. The election was held Tuesday.

The bond issue would have paid for construction of a new K-8 school for the rural Williston school district. Voters rejected another school bond issue last year in the school district.

Voters in the Divide County district approved a $9.9 million bond issue for improvements to school buildings in Crosby Tuesday. The general obligation bonds will pay for heating system replacement, a classroom addition, an elevator and renovations to the elementary and heating system replacement and additional classrooms and bathrooms at the high school.

Sixty-one percent of voters supported bonding, with the unofficial tally at 287 to 183. The measure needed 60 percent to pass.

Andrea Johnson

Local News

Briefly

Judge: Yes, human trafficking is illegal

A judge has ruled that a human trafficking case can move forward against Kevin Jackson-Fleming, 19, of Carson City, Nev.

Jackson-Fleming’s lawyer, William Hartl, argued that the case should have been dismissed because it wasn’t actually a crime at the time it was committed. Hartl argued that the 2015 State Legislature repealed the old law against human trafficking and put a new one in its place that didn’t take effect until Aug. 1, 2015. Since the state Legislature didn’t include a clause leaving a portion of the old law in effect in the meanwhile, Hartl argued that there was no law against human trafficking in effect when Jackson-Fleming allegedly pressured a 14-year-old girl into prostitution on April 6, 2015.

Judge Richard Hagar wrote in his decison that there is a “saving statute” in North Dakota law that says crimes committed prior to a new law taking effect should be prosecuted using the prior law.

Jackson-Fleming is set to go to trial Feb. 23 in Minot on the human trafficking charge. He could receive up to life in prison without parole if he is convicted of the Class AA felony.

Andrea Johnson

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Area communities receive water supply grants

Area communities will share in $17.4 million coming to North Dakota to build and improve water supply systems, according to Sens. John Hoeven, R-N.D., and Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D.

The Bureau of Reclamation has awarded the money through the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program, Garrison Diversion Unit in North Dakota. With a previous $7.4 million Bureau of Reclamation award for rural water, North Dakota will receive nearly $24.8 million for essential water supply projects.

Area projects receiving assistance include:

Makoti, new 100,000-gallon elevated water tank and installation of new water main.

Glenburn, new transmission line, extension of the current pipeline network and new reservoir and mainline.

Mohall, new 225,000-gallon water tower and removal of old tower.

Sherwood, loop the water mains within the city to supply better quality water.

Local News

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Corps seeks comment on business development

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is taking public comments on a proposed permit application for a new business in North Dakota Prairie Industrial Park, located east of Minot.

Jeff Anderson of Roadbuilder Investments has proposed commercial development for a construction business on property along 74th Street Southeast, north of U.S. Highway 2.

The Corps is taking comments regarding impacts to endangered species, historic properties, water quality, general environmental concerns and other public interest factors. Written comments or any request for a public hearing must be postmarked by Feb. 26.

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Minot man arrested on child pornography charges

A 21-year-old Minot man was arrested Tuesday in connection with child pornography charges.

Minot Police reported Jessi L. Sweig was arrested at Minot Air Force Base for one count of promoting an obscene sexual performance by a minor, an A felony, and 10 counts of possession of prohibited materials (child pornography), a C felony.

The Minot Police Department conducted an investigation into Sweig allegedly being involved with child pornography, which led to a search warrant being served on Feb. 1 at an address in northeast Minot. Several electronic devices were seized and searched resulting in numerous images of child pornography being discovered.

Investigators with the Minot Police Department, in cooperation with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and Ward County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Sweig. He was transported to the Ward County Jail where he will be held until his initial appearance.

Local News

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Halfhill faces reckless endangerment

Justin Halfhill, 39, Yoder, Wyo., is facing a felony reckless endangerment charge for allegedly target shooting in a parking lot near the 1700 block of 12th Avenue SW in Minot on Saturday morning.

Halfhill told North Central District Court Judge Doug Mattson at his initial appearance on Monday that he wasn’t the only one shooting on Saturday.

“I thought it would be the honorable thing not to get them in trouble,” Halfhill told Mattson.

Mattson warned him not to make any admissions during a preliminary hearing.

Halfhill also told Mattson he had been employed at Mayer Electric.

According to Minot police, they received a report of gunshots in the area of Spartan Nash and Mayer Electric at about 11 a.m. Saturday. They said they found Halfhill, who had been shooting a .40-caliber handgun at a plastic PVC pipe on the south side of Mayer Electric. Police said Halfhill was shooting toward 16th Street SW and a total of 39 spent shell casings were found in the area. During the investtigation, police said they found one of the rounds had entered into a refrigeration trailer owned by Spartan Nash.

Halfhill is charged with criminal mischief, a Class A misdemeanor, and reckless endangerment, a Class C felony.

A preliminary hearing is set for 10 a.m. on March 17 before Mattson.

Andrea Johnson

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Aus found not guilty of terrorizing

A jury last week found Adam Aus, 34, Minot, not guilty of terrorizing.

Aus was accused of leaving threatening voice mail messages for a relative on Jan. 1, 2015. According to a criminal affidavit filed with the court, the dispute arose because of a custody issue involving his children.

The case went to trial last week and the jury returned its not guilty verdict on Friday.

If he had been found guilty of the Class C felony charge, Aus could have received up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Andrea Johnson

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Learn about tools to finance the farm or ranch

JAMESTOWN North Dakota Farmers Union is partnering with USDA North Dakota Farm Service Agency to host a series of informational meetings to discuss financing options for farms and ranches. The free informational meetings will explain opportunities available for loan financing, including the Bank of North Dakota’s Farm Financial Stability Loan Program.

Local meetings include:

– Tuesday, Feb. 23, from 2-4 p.m. in the Devils Lake Region State College dining room, 1801 College Drive N. in Devils Lake.

– Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 8-10 a.m. in the Minot Grand Hotel lower banquet center, 1505 N. Broadway in Minot.

Local News

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Wheat research and marketing meeting set for Minot

Best of the Best in Wheat Research and Marketing meeting will be held Feb. 12 at 9 a.m. in the Holiday Inn Riverside in Minot. The meeting is sponsored by the North Dakota Wheat Commission and North Dakota Grain Growers Association, in conjunction with North Dakota State University Extension. Presentation topics will focus primarily on spring wheat and durum.

Topics covered during the meeting will include insect and disease management, marketing, management practices for durum, seeding rates, nitrogen applications, variety performance and hands- on demonstrations.

A noon lunch will be provided. There is no participation fee, but advanced registration is requested.

To register for the meeting and for the complete agenda, visit ndwheat.com or call 328-5111.

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Ballot language approved for farming referendum

BISMARCK (AP) – Ballot language has been approved for a referendum that would block a new law that relaxes North Dakota’s Depression-era ban against corporate farming.

Secretary of State Al Jaeger announced Monday that the ballot language was drafted and approved.

The North Dakota Farmers Union is leading the campaign to overturn the Legislature’s decision last year to exempt pork and dairy operations from the state’s anti-corporate farming law.

Supporters say the legislation is intended to revitalize dairy and swine farms after years of decline, and help fuel other agriculture business such as feed and fertilizer.

Jaeger says it is the only statewide measure that will appear on the ballot in the June 14 election.

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Hearings set in Watford City on 2 pipeline projects

WATFORD CITY (AP) – North Dakota regulators are holding public hearings in Watford City on two proposed pipelines in McKenzie County.

Both Public Service Commission hearings are today at Teddy’s Residential Suites.

Local News

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Fatal crash near Alexander

One man is dead as the result of a two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 85 approximately 18 miles north of Alexander. The crash occurred shortly before 8 a.m. Friday.

According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the driver of a 2001 GMC Jimmy was southbound on U.S. Highway 85 when he lost control on an icy section of roadway. The Jimmy rotated counterclockwise and entered the northbound lanes of traffic where it was struck on its passenger side by a 2011 GMC Sierra.

The driver of the Jimmy died at the scene. He was not wearing a seatbelt. The driver of the Sierra was wearing a seatbelt and escaped injury. The names of those involved in the accident were not immediately released by the Highway Patrol.

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Who has the best chili in Minot?

That will be decided Tuesday when area restaurants will be competing in the first Chili Bowl from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 9, at the Holiday Inn Riverside in Minot.

Attendees will get to sample the chili and vote on the best chili. There will also be live music, a cash bar and a silent action.

All proceeds will benefit the operations of Independence, Inc., a resource center for independent living. The nonprofit corporation provides services to maximize the independence of individuals with disabilities.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Independence, Inc. or at the Holiday Inn Riverside. Tickets are limited.

For more information, call Independence Inc. at 839-4724.

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Refinancing will save money

The Minot Public School Board gave approval Thursday to refinance school building bonds that will give the district a better interest rate and save taxpayers money, said Business Manager Scott Moum.

Some $5.6 million in general obligation building bonds were refinanced at a bid of 1.5 percent. The winning bid was submitted by Wells Fargo Bank.

Some $3.3 million in lease revenue refunding bonds were refinanced at a rate of 1.7 percent. The winning bid went to Robert W. Baird & Co. of Milwaukee, Wis. Moum said the deal will save taxpayers some $471,999.65 over the next 10 years.

“That’s astounding,” said school board president Jim Rostad.

“Great rates,” said Moum.

Andrea Johnson

Local News

Briefly

Suspect denies flashing gun at motorist

Kevin Byron Imsland, 32, Williston, pleaded not guilty Thursday to flashing a gun at another driver to intimate him on Dec. 28.

A story in the Dec. 28, 2015, edition of the Minot Daily News mistakenly said that Imsland allegedly flashed the gun at Berthold Police Chief Alan Schmidt.

Schmidt testified Thursday that he responded to a report of a reckless driver on Dec. 28. The other driver told Schmidt that Imsland flashed a gun at him as he was trying to pass the car.

Schmidt located the car and saw that there was a gun on the dash of the car. Imsland was placed under arrest.

A pretrial conference date was set for 10 a.m. on April 13 for Imsland.

Andrea Johnson

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Project 88 offers artists opportunity

Grand Forks – Project 88, a public art program featuring pianos transformed into works of art, is coming to Grand Forks. Project 88 features three functional pianos, painted by local artists and placed in public spaces for the community to enjoy and play.

Artists are invited to submit an application to paint a piano. Artists’ visual concepts should engage the public and enliven public space. The application can be downloaded at www.novac.org. The application deadline is February 19. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Selected artists will paint their design on one of three pianos placed in publically accessible locations in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. Locations include Grand Cities Mall, River Cinema Mall, and Altru Health System Rehab Building. Artists can paint their designs on-site, encouraging public engagement through art, performance, and music.

Project 88 is organized through a partnership between the North Valley Arts Council, the Public Arts Commission, and the UND Student Group Project 88. The program is made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, and Region.

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Day care provider gets probation for biting child

BEULAH (AP) – A Beulah day care provider who admitted biting a 3-year-old boy under her supervision has been sentenced to two years of probation.

Brandy Aadnes pleaded guilty to child abuse and operating a child care facility without a license. She’ll be banned from child care services during her probationary period.

Police began investigating Aadnes after receiving a report about a child being bitten last August. The boy’s relatives told authorities they noticed an adult-size bite mark on his arm. Aadnes later told police she bit the boy to show him that biting hurts after he had bitten another child in her care.

Local News

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Sexual assault case heads to trial

A Minot man accused of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl will take his case to trial.

According to a criminal affidavit, Lorin Walter Hove, 68, was arrested in October in Minot after a man called police and reported that he had caught Hove attempting to have sex with his daughter.

Hove’s blood alcohol level was .02 when he was taken into custody, based on statements made at his initial appearance in October. Court records show that a Lorin Walter Hove has multiple convictions in Ward County for driving under the influence of alcohol dating back to at least 1984.

If he is convicted of the Class AA felony, Hove could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Hove pleaded not guilty to the offense in November. On Wednesday, his defense attorney, Ryan Sandberg, told North Central District Court Judge Stacy Louser that no plea deal has been worked out and the case will go to trial. No trial date has yet been set.

Andrea Johnson

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Javar plans to go to trial on terrorizing charge

A 29-year-old Minot man plans to go to trial on a charge that he fired a gun into the ceiling during a fight with his wife last September.

Kenny Cortel Javar is charged with terrorizing, a Class C felony, and preventing arrest, a Class C felony. He was in North Central District Court on Wednesday for a pretrial conference.

According to a criminal affidavit, police were called to the Javar residence on Grey Eagle Pass on the evening of Sept. 14, 2015, for a report of a physical domestic fight and shots fired. A man ran from police. Javar’s wife told police that Javar had been drinking and was violent when he was drunk.

The woman told police that she had a verbal fight with her husband in the garage and threatened to call police. Javar then allegedly pulled out a SK5 rifle and threatened to shoot anyone. The woman took her children to her parents’ house because she was scared. The wife returned home and found Javar in the garage, where they fought. She asked him to leave and Javar picked up the rifle and fired it twice into the ceiling, according to the affidavit.

The woman called police again about an hour and a half later and said her husband was trying to break into the house. An off duty officer told police that he had seen Javar jump over the fence and hide in the area. Javar jumped out of the bushes behind the family home and started to run away from the police officer. They ordered him to lie on the ground but he didn’t obey. Javar allegedly turned to the officer with his hands up, began to walk backwards and said “shoot me.” Another officer tackled him and placed him under arrest.

No trial date has yet been set.

Andrea Johnson

Local News

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Boarding decline forces service change at EZ Park

The operator of Minot’s off-airport parking facility announced Monday that it has reduced its hours of operation and will limit service to weekly and monthly customers.

EZ Park is now open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It had been open 4 a.m. to midnight. EZ Park’s facility at the corner of North Broadway and 36th Avenue is a secured facility with drop-off and pickup service to the airport terminal.

“Due to the severe decline in passenger travel to and from the Minot airport, we have determined that it is best to suspend daily parking at EZ Park and focus on our existing as well as new weekly and monthly customers,” said managing member Jim Marsh.

The Minot airport saw an 18 percent decline, or more than 39,000 fewer boardings, in 2015.

“Nobody anticipated that the airport would be down that many boardings,” Marsh said. “It’s affecting ancillary businesses that depend on the airport.”

Last October, EZ Park had announced free, same-day parking and shuttle service to the airport until the new terminal opens at the end of February. That service is ending, but EZ Park will continue to offer paid, extended parking with heater plug-ins, shuttle and luggage assistance during the new hours at discounted rates.

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Schultz announces for District 40 House seat

Minot attorney A.J. Schultz has announced he will seek the Democratic-NPL Party endorsement to run for the North Dakota House of Representatives from District 40.

“I’m running to make Minot safe and strong,” he said in a prepared statement. “That means all-important key priorities: education, health care, a workable property tax plan and crime prevention. We must look to our community values to prepare for our great future.”

Schultz holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Berea College in Kentucky and is a 2009 graduate of the Saint Louis University School of Law in Missouri. He lives in Minot, where he owns and operates Schultz Law Firm.

A campaign announcement and kickoff party will be held Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Grand Hotel.

“We’re going to work for this, and we’re going to earn this. We’re going to knock on doors and start conversations,” Schultz said. “We’re going to lead by example, to other districts who have schools, universities, small businesses and the people who want to drive this state forward.”

District 40 includes most of northwest and north Minot. The district party will hold its convention in conjunction with Districts 3, 5 and 38 on Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. at Verendrye Electric in Minot.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Minot State’s men’s basketball team held a five-point lead just over a minute into Sunday’s Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference game against Augustana.

That’s when the top-ranked Vikings woke up.

“They are No. 1 in the country for a reason,” MSU head coach Matt Murken said in a press release.

Led by contributions from 12 different scorers, Augustana perserved its current winning streak with a 97-65 win over the Beavers at Sioux Falls Arena. The Vikings (19-1 overall, 16-0 Northern Sun) now boast a comfortable six-game lead atop the NSIC South Division, while the Beavers (10-12, 5-11), now losers of three straight, have fallen two back of Bemidji State for sixth in the North.

After falling behind early, the Vikings eventually outscored Minot State 50-29 in the opening half en route to their 19th consecutive victory.

“They are a great basketball team,” Murken said. “You’ve got to play great to beat the top-ranked team on the road. We did that in stretches, but had too many breakdowns over the course of the game.”

Shortly after jumping in front 5-0, the Beavers later took an 8-7 lead at the 15:29 mark of the first half on a 3-pointer from senior guard Chris Davis. MSU kept it interesting after that, staying within a three-point deficit after a free-throw from senior Dominique McDonald – who is now just one point shy of 1,000 for his collegiate career – made it 17-14 with just over 10 minutes to play in the first half.

But the Vikings pulled away from there, as they finished the half on a 33-15 run.

Davis paced the Beavers with 15 points, five rebounds and two assists. Sophomore forward Tyler Rudolph finished with as many rebounds and assists, while also scoring 11 points.

With McDonald’s 1,000th point looming, the Beavers take on Concordia-St. Paul and Minnesota State-Mankato next weekend at the Minot State Dome, beginning with Friday’s encounter with the Golden Bears at 8 p.m.

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4th-quarter run falls short for MSU

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A six-point edge in the fourth quarter wasn’t nearly enough for Minot State’s women’s basketball team to overcome its slow start Sunday afternoon.

The Beavers lost their fifth consecutive Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and eighth from their last nine, an 87-70 defeat to Augustana at Sioux Falls Arena.

MSU trailed by as many as 27 points in the third quarter, but cut that deficit to as few as 11 with just over five minutes to play in the fourth.

But the Vikings didn’t stop scoring.

“We really competed today,” MSU coach Sheila Green-Gerding said in a press release. “That was our best overall effort on the offensive boards, and (senior forward) Sarah Lester had her best performance to date. We truly believe we are turning the corner and can get the train back on the winning track.”

Lester submitted an all-around performance for the Beavers, finishing three helpers shy of a triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists.

The Beavers return for a pair of home games next weekened, the first of which is scheduled against Concordia-St. Paul at 6 p.m.

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Class B tournament tickets on sale Wednesday

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Tickets for this year’s North Dakota State Class B boys basketball tournament go on sale Wednesday at noon.

The opening round of sales, which is available to the general public, are for three-day reserved tickets. Single-session reserved and single-session general admission – as well as student three day and single session – will not be available until the first day of the tournament on Thursday, March 17.

The Minot State Dome will be the competition’s venue, and will be held March 17-19 with sessions starting at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. each day, with doors opening one hour before each session.

State Class B boys basketball three-day reserved tickets are $48 per person, and there is a limit of eight tickets per individual. All sales are final and nonrefundable.

For more information ticket sales, and on the tournament, region and overall Dome seating chart, log on to www.msudome.com, or call the MSU ticket office at 858-3041.

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